Photos by “Mango” Mike Anderson Some of the participants in Saturday evening’s Burke and Herbert Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. See story, more photos on Page 3 Alexandria Gazette Packet 25 Cents Vol. CCXXVI, No. 49 Serving Alexandria for over 200 years • A Connection Newspaper December 9, 2010 Reimagining The Waterfront New King Street pier will anchor city planners’ vision for the future.

By Michael Lee Pope and casinos. Perhaps the most fa- Gazette Packet mous ark of ill repute was the “Dream,” a houseboat serving four loating brothels were clients operated by the legendary once popular on Madame Rose. F Alexandria’s waterfront, These days, Madam Rose is long a lawless region where gone. And the industrial charac- skipping out on the common- ter she would recognize is a thing wealth involved little more than of the past. The concrete plant has floating out a few feet off the bulk- been turned into a park, and much head. Maryland and the District of of the waterfront has been trans- Columbia weren’t going to patrol formed into open space. City plan these waters, which became a criminal menagerie of speakeasies See Waterfront, Page 37 Riding into Tomorrow Union Cab looks forward to thriving under city’s new regulations.

By Michael Lee Pope company. The owner-operated co- Gazette Packet operative — one of the few in the country — began in 2007 and has ow that the city has fi- been trying to eke out a place for Nnally adopted a long- itself on the crowded taxicab land- awaited regulatory scape since then, as the economy framework to oversee the city’s headed south and plunged into a

/Gazette Packet taxicabs, Union Cab is looking for- global financial meltdown. ward to a bright future unencum- bered by the storm-clouds that See New Regulations,

have long plagued the startup Page 30 Al exandria, VA 22314 VA exandria, Al

Jeanne Theismann To: 1604 King St., King 1604 To:

ted Address Service Reques Service Address

material.

Time-sensitive Photo by Photo Postmaster:

David Ricklis, Drum Major for the MacMillan-Birtles Memorial Pipe Attention

Permit #482 Permit

This Way Band, has been participating in the Scottish Walk parade since he VA Alexandria,

PAID

was a high school student in 1965. More photos, Page 12-13 Postage U.S. PRSRT STD PRSRT www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 ❖ 1 2 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Editor Steven Mauren 703-778-9415 or [email protected] Week in Alexandria News Chairman Moran Just as U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) is losing his position as chairman of an appropriations committee on Capitol Hill, his Love on the Docks younger brother is assuming the chairmanship of a different kind of organization. This week, former Del. Brian Moran (D-46) Patriot Dreams wins was elected chairman of the Virginia Democratic Party. The younger Moran represented Alexandria in the House of Delegates Best in Show honors. for more than a decade before resigning in an unsuccessful bid for the Democratic nomination to run against current Republi- By Jeanne Theismann can Gov. Bob McDonnell. Gazette Packet After the crushing third-place loss, the former delegate took a position as a Washington lobbyist for the Career College Associa- t was a labor of love for Jay Gaston, as he and tion. Several months ago, he launched a behind-the-scenes cam- his wife Ginger spent the better part of three paign among party regulars to build support for a bid to lead the Idays decorating their boat for this year’s Burke Democratic Party of Virginia. This week, that effort paid off and and Herbert Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. party members voted Moran chairman. “We’re both retired Army and have spent our share “Virginia Democrats have always been the leading voice for of Christmases away from home,” said Gaston at the Photos by good jobs, good schools and equal opportunity for every family,” Captain’s reception at the Old Dominion Boat Club Moran wrote in a letter to supporters Tuesday afternoon. “But following the parade Dec. 4. “It was important for us to do something to recognize those who are away

now those gains are under attack by Republicans who put their Jeanne Theismann political agendas ahead of middle-class families.” from their families serving our country.” Moran is not the first Alexandrian to take the helm of the Demo- Gaston’s 42-foot Sea Ray Patriot Dreams won Best cratic Party of Virginia. Vice Mayor Kerry Donley served as in Show honors for their display called “Our Lady of state party chairman from 2003 to 2005. That was a time when Sea Ray,” a church-theme complete with stained glass the party elected a Democratic governor and took control of the windows and a steeple. Senate. Moran’s task will be to keep the state blue for President “A boat like this is a bit of a challenge,” Gaston Barack Obama, hold Democratic Sen. Jim Webb’s seat and said as he pointed to the stained glass display. “But /Gazette Packet find a way to take control of the Republican-held House of Del- my wife painstakingly cut out each piece of cello- egates. “Democrats are kind of at a low point right now,” said phane to make the windows and we began assem- Isaac Wood, director of communications at the Virginia Center bling everything when we pulled into dock Thurs- for Politics. “So there’s pretty much nowhere to go but up.” day.” Other winners included Larry Chandler’s Hi C’s as Best Powerboat for the display of a giant polar bear. The Final Cut Best Theme went to National Potomac Yacht Club Jay and Ginger Gaston aboard the Best in Advocates for mental health in Northern Virginia are closely See A Winning Labor of Love, Page 31 Show entry Patriot Dreams. watching an effort in Richmond to save $22 million by closing the Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute in Falls Church, the only public psychiatric hospital in the region. Although North- ern Virginia has a handful of private psychiatric hospitals, those facilities are often unwilling to admit people with more difficult psychiatric symptoms, particularly those who are violent or ag- gressive.

“The closure would have a devastating impact on persons with Photo by “ mental illness in our region,” wrote Community Services Board executive director Michael Gilmore in an e-mail alerting city leaders to the proposal. “Local governments are not in a position at this time to backfill state reductions.” Gilmore and others say Mango” Mike Anders closing the Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute would harm those in Alexandria in need of mental-health services, breaking what they call a “continuum of services” for people who cannot be safely served in the community. The Falls Church facility serves the entire Northern Virginia region, admitting 985 people last year with a 98 percent occupancy in October 2010.

“We’ve seen waves of this in the past, and sometimes we’ve Deborah Estebon and Fran on seen that the savings get passed along to the localities to fill the Orr celebrate at the void although I don’t think that’s covered in the current proposal,” Captain’s party at the Old Decorated boats line the city docks after the Holiday said Vice Mayor Kerry Donley. “We are going to have to find a Dominion Boat Club. Boat Parade Dec. 4. way to do it.” Roaming Enforcement Last Saturday night, the Alexandria Police Department set up a

sting operating designed to nab drunk drivers. The roaming en- Photo by “ forcement effort stopped 81 drivers and busted five drivers for driving while intoxicated. The dragnet also uncovered a handful of unrelated infractions, and officers issued 37 summonses for miscellaneous traffic offenses and 44 traffic violation warnings. Mango” Mike Anders One Alexandria sheriff’s deputy and 10 Alexandria cops partici- pated in what public-safety officials called a “mobile enforcement effort.” In a press released issued before the crackdown, Police Chief Earl Cook reminded drivers that the maximum penalty in Virginia for the first conviction of driving under the influence is 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine and a 12-month suspension of

driving privileges. Additional penalties include mandatory jail sen- on tences associated with higher blood-alcohol content of the driver. — Michael Lee Pope Robin Roane and Dennis Patriot Dreams, a 42-foot Sea Ray, won Best in Show for LaRue. Jay and Ginger Gaston. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 ❖ 3 People Taste of Scotland undreds of guests at- called being posted to Washington tended the Campagna with the Scottish Government

H Photos by Center’s prelude to the three years ago before Christmas Scottish Walk by attending and and was asked to participate in the imbibing in their annual Taste of 2007 parade. Scotland on Friday, Dec. 3. Guest He said that — to his amazement of honor, Robin Naysmith, the — “a wonderful antique white car” Louise Krafft Scottish Government Counsellor with his name on a placard was in North America with the British already in place. After experienc- Embassy, and the premiere spon- ing the festivities he decided then

sor of this year’s Walk was on hand that the event was worthy of sav- /Gazette Packet to meet and greet. Naysmith re- ing.

Members of the Alexandria Choral Society take a brief respite from greeting guests of the patron’s reception with song.

Sean and Erin Dunston enjoy the Dozens of single malt whiskeys were available for tasting Kristin Rumburger, Skip Miller, Eric King evening festivities with Travis and at the patron’s reception. and Mason Butler. Catherine Boone.

4 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 ❖ 5 News

Photos by

La Shawn Avery-Simons

/Gazette Packet

Festival of Lights Vice Mayor Kerry Donley speaks during the Chanukah Festival out- side the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Dec. 5.

Rabbi Mordechai Newman of Chabad Lubavitch of Alexan- dria-Arlington lights the menorah. Following the kin- dling ceremony, hot potato pancakes and doughnuts, the traditional foods of Chanukah, were distributed free.

6 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Centuries of Beautiful & Interesting Things in wide choice of prices starting at $15.00

Photos by

Sandy Levitz Lunner Open DAILY except Mondays Noon – 5:30

/Gazette Packet through Dec 24

The 16 filmmakers from this year’s iMovie Mentor program get ready to board their Hummer stretch limo en route to Tuesday’s premiere. From left: Jonathan Alvarenga, Herson Zelaya, Elvis Gomez, Zerik Brooks, William Alvarez, Bernat Rivas, Julio Rivas, Michael Seegars, Anthony Hernandez, Roberto Bonilla, Marvin Moreno, Jose Mejia, Benjamin Velis, Gustavo Jimenez, William Salgado, David Gonzalez. 703 836 5363 SilvermanGalleries.com Lights, Camera, Compassion! [email protected] One Block East of Washington Street iMovie Mentors Film 110 North Saint Asaph, Old Town Alexandria Festival features shorts by Alexandria youth.

By Sandy Levitz Lunner Gazette Packet Pictures ld Town went a little Hollywood Tuesday with Onight, Dec. 7, complete with limousine, red carpet and even paparazzi for the premiere of the 2010 iMovie Mentors Film Festival at the Old Town Theater on King Street. Santa At about 6 pm, a motorcade of three police motor- cycles with their lights flashing escorted a white Mentor Mark Jones with David Gonzalez. stretch Hummer limousine up King Street in Old Town and stopped in front of the Old Town Theater. EIGHT YEARS AGO Odell started “Space Of Her One-by-one, each of 16 6th grade boys from George Own,” the SOHO mentoring program for girls. She Washington Middle School emerged from the limo matches women mentors with girls and they make and strutted down the red carpet while family, art together. At the end of the program, they then Saturday, friends, and teachers flashed cameras and called out use the art to redecorate their bedrooms. their names. When Odell wanted to start a similar program for December 18th And while the evening was really all about the boys, the boys, she knew art and decorating wouldn’t cut it was clear the mentors were fully invested in the it. A survey of all the boys at George Washington 1:00 -3:00 P.M. program and proud of their boys’ accomplishments. Middle School showed that 47 per cent were inter- “This is a real positive program. I really enjoyed it, ested in making movies. and the kids have as well,” said Bruce Slawter of The beauty of iMovie Mentors is that no movie- West Springfield Village just outside of Alexandria. making skills are required of the boys or their men- Slawter, a retired Air Force officer, has been tors to participate. mentoring William Alverez. “We teach all that, from start to finish,” Odell said. “Not only was it fun for me to work with Will, I The challenge in the past has been finding men- was pleased to see him mature and come along and tors. This year was the largest program to date with Celebrate Holiday Magic move forward.” 16 boys and 16 mentors. Odell says she is always “I liked a lot hanging out with Bruce,” William said. interested in talking with prospective mentors. with the Merchants of “And we had so much fun.” Another challenge, as with many programs, is fund- Bradlee Shopping Center Linda Odell, director of Alternative Programs with ing. The cost to run iMovie Mentors is $20,000 an- the Alexandria Court Service Unit, is the force and nually. This is the last year of a 4-year Byrne Memo- energy behind the iMovie Mentors program. She rial Justice Assistance Grant. Odell says she’ll be con- pointed out that the children in the program are not centrating on raising money for iMovie Mentors af- court involved. ter the holidays. “The idea behind our mentor programs is to pre- Bradlee Center vent the kids from court involvement,” she said. See Lights, Camera, Page 32 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 ❖ 7 News Business Matters Members of the Commission for Tiki Ball Women volun- The long-awaited theme for the upcoming Alexandria Cham- teer at the ber of Commerce ball has finally been revealed, casting a decid- Holiday Art edly Caribbean theme to warm the dead of winter. Incoming Chair- Show Dec. 5. man “Mango” Mike Anderson has decided the theme of his From left: Mary installation ceremony will be “Tiki Ball,” combining the informal Catherine Gibbs, nature of a Hawaiian shirt with the traditional handoff of author- Liz Johnson, ity among the captains of industry. Jenny Wade, “We are going to be bringing a bit of the Caribbean to the Hilton Tarina Keene, Mark Center,” said Alexandria Chamber of Commerce President Laura Martin Tina Leone. “You’ll want to put a heavy winter coat over your and Diane sundresses.” Crawford-Batt. Incoming chairman are typically installed in a gala, but Ander- Photos by son nixed the idea of being at the center of an event called a Jeanne Theismann/ “gala.” Ball is still a formal concept, although Anderson wants to Gazette Packet dress it down a bit by going tiki. So dig into your closet for floral prints and images of parrots playing poker. And don’t worry about wearing summertime attire in early February. “The Mark Center has promised to give us a tropical climate in 13th Annual Women’s Holiday Art Show the ballroom,” said Leone. ore than 30 arti 1791 Watermark sans showcased their crafts at the Among the ghosts haunting the waterfront, one has given night- M 13th Annual mares to generations of land-use lawyers, developers and urban Women’s Holiday Art Show Dec. planners. It’s the 1791 high-water line, a line in the mud drawn 5 at the Charles Houston Recre- at a time when the original District of Columbia created. Two ation Center. centuries later, the federal government claimed everything east Sponsored by the Alexandria of the 1791 watermark and initiated a “quiet title” suit against Commission for Women and the city of Alexandria and various private waterfront owners in Friends of the Commission for 1973. Women, holiday shoppers enjoyed A series of 1981 settlement agreements ended most of the refreshments as they browsed a clouded titles, restricting how the land can be used. But settle- selection of pottery, clothing, jew- ment agreements never materialized for the Old Dominion Boat elry and crafts in support of the Club and several properties along the Strand. Earlier this year, city’s Domestic and Sexual Vio- the U.S. Department of Justice appellate lawyers recently filed lence Services. the latest appeal in the case, which could pose a problem for the “We appreciate everyone coming waterfront planning process. City planners want to move the boat out to support us,” said Lisa Baker, club’s parking to a new building at the western edge of Water- director of the Office for Women. front Park even though boat club members seem lukewarm to the “It’s a fun afternoon and a great Del. Charniele Herring (D-46), right, browses jewelry idea. way to get some holiday shopping from Shanta Smith of Traci Lynn designs at the Women’s “While it would be preferable not to have a parking lot at this done and support a vital commu- Holiday Art Show Dec. 5. location,” the concept plan notes, “that is not likely to occur.” nity need at the same time.” Companion Fur Is Dead Watch out, black-market purveyors of illegal dog and cat fur. Encouraging Financial Education U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) is coming after you. This week, Moran’s “Truth in Fur Labeling Act” passed the Sen- ennifer B. Murphy, a 2010 ate, and it’s now on the way to the President’s desk. The bill passed graduate of the Parent the House in a unanimous vote in July, and the Senate waited J Leadership Training Insti- until the lame-duck session to approve the measure. Moran said tute (PLTI) of Alexandria, intro- the legislation is designed to close a loophole in current law, which duced national leaders of educa- does not require type of fur be labeled for products valued at less tion and finance as they came to- than $150. gether last month at T.C. William “This loophole has been exploited by exporters pawning off High School to sign a collabora- dog and cat fur as an artificial fiber,” said Moran in written state- tion agreement aimed at promot- ment after the Senate vote Tuesday night. “The public would be ing and providing financial edu- outraged to learn their favorite hat or pair of gloves was lined cation and savings programs for with the fur of their favorite companion animal.”

students and their families. Courtesy photo Murphy was chosen to introduce Aw, Shucks the national leaders of education Everybody knows Jack Taylor. His name is everywhere, in- and finance because she instituted cluding daily television commercials for his Toyota dealership and a financial literacy course for stu- a steady stream of philanthropic events for hospice care and col- dents at the Minnie Howard Cam- pus of T.C. Williams High School. lege scholarships for those in need. It’s that balance that prompted Jennifer Murphy, PLTI graduate; Fay Slotnik, executive Murphy’s program, “Money Smart” the Virginia Automobile Association to name Taylor the dealer of director of PLTI, and Joyce Woodson, founder of the PLTI, was launched as her community the year for 2010. But don’t ask him to gloat. with the signed agreement. “Those kinds of things have always embarrassed me,” said Tay- project for PLTI. All students are lor. “There are a lot of great car dealers out there.” required by PLTI to create and implement a community project. 20-week leadership skills building program teaches — Michael Lee Pope The “Money Smart” course was so successful that community building, public policy, budgeting, how two sessions were added to the class at the request a city and state operate, public speaking, and other of the students who wanted to learn more. skills necessary for effective democracy action. It is The Parent Leadership Training Institute, PLTI, a now in its fifth year in Alexandria.

8 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News

Photos by

Karyn Moran

Jennifer Kaplan, deputy director of the White House Council on Women Girls from Jefferson-Houston, Douglas MacArthur and George Mason and Girls (in white visor), is joined by colleagues Anne Brewer, Elspeth elementary schools participated in this year’s Girls on the Run Rein- Rollert, Maude Baggetto, Kathrin Murtha and Sadena Thevarajah at the deer Romp 5k Dec. 4. finish line of this year’s race. Reindeer Romp ore than 7,000 run- M ners, including teams from Jefferson-Hous- ton, George Mason and Douglas MacArthur elementary schools, participated in the Dec. 4 Girls on the Run Reindeer Romp 5k, the second-largest 5k race in the area behind the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. “It was an amazing day,” said Karyn Moran, director of Advocacy and Community Outreach for Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia. “More than 3,000 people turned out to cheer on the accomplish- ments of these incredible girls.” Established in 2001, GOTR NOVA is an after-school mentoring program that uses running as the foundation for its curriculum. A chapter of Girls on the Run Inter- national, GOTR NOVA serves more than 3,400 girls ages 8-13 at 150 sites throughout the region. “I know first-hand what this or- ganization can do for young girls,” said Moran, whose own daughter McClain participated in GOTR at MacArthur and was a volunteer at this year’s race. “It’s inspiring to see the confidence and sense of achievement the girls experience through this program.” Led by female coaches, partici- pants in the 10-week program train with “buddy runners” — par- ents, teachers and community vol- unteers — for the annual Reindeer Romp, held this year at the Reston Town Center. “It’s less about the run and more about setting a goal, working for the goal and achieving the goal,” added Catherine Keightley, execu- tive director of GOTR NOVA. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 ❖ 9 Alexandria Opinion Gazette Packet

www.AlexandriaGazette.com

Newspaper of Alexandria State and local coffers will continue An independent, locally owned weekly newspaper delivered to homes and businesses. to shrink in 2011; transportation 1606 King Street Tough Road Ahead improvements unlikely. Alexandria, Virginia 22314 NEWS DEPARTMENT: To discuss ideas and concerns, Call: 703-778-9410 he Northern Virginia Transportation Instead, McDonnell has spent the last months is a major concern. e-mail: Alliance quotes Gov. Bob talking up a liquor privatization proposal as a ❖ The Fairfax County budget gets less than [email protected] McDonnell’s remarks to the Dulles solution to transportation. In fact, that proposal 20 cents back from Richmond of every tax dol- Steven Mauren T Editor, 703-778-9415 Area Transportation Asso- would possibly pay for one intersection lar it sends to the state. [email protected] ciation earlier this week. “I can’t or overpass improvement project in ❖ There are 30,000 unemployed people in Editorials Michael Lee Pope emphasize how important it is to get Northern Virginia before moving on to Fairfax County, with the current unemploy- Reporter, 703-615-0960 started now,” McDonnell said, to take cost state funding for education, public ment rate approximately 4.9 percent, or close [email protected] advantage of favorable infrastructure pricing safety and social services tens of millions of to half the national rate. Still, 30,000 people Steve Hibbard [due to the recession] by starting to invest dollars a year by turning over the revenues for is a huge number of unemployed. Associate Editor, 703-778-9412 more in transportation. private companies’ profit. [email protected] But the Alliance, which advocates for spend- Meanwhile, localities in Northern Virginia Jon Roetman Sports Editor, 703-224-3015 ing on roads and highways, points out that received essentially zero dollars from the state [email protected] McDonnell “provided few details as to new for transportation improvements in past year. Share Your New funding sources, but promised that specifics More on the outlook ahead for public ser- ADVERTISING: Year’s Resolutions To place an advertisement, call the ad would surface in the weeks ahead.” vices from Deputy County Executive Ed Long department between 9 a.m. and Last January was the “now” to get started to as he prepared the budget forecast for the com- It’s early and much of the holiday eating sea- 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. son is still in front of us. take advantage of “favorable infrastructure ing year: Display ads 703-778-9410 pricing.” ❖ While home values are up for the first time But most of us will engage in some soul Classified ads 703-778-9411 Employment ads 703-778-9413 McDonnell has been in office a year now, and in five years, the county still faces a multimil- searching and resolution making around the New Year. In the first issue of 2011, the Ga- Julie Ferrill won in Northern Virginia largely because of lion dollar shortfall and the future of the local Display Advertising, 703-778-9446 his vigorous campaigning on transportation economy is uncertain. zette will share the New Year’s resolutions of [email protected] ❖ individuals and offices. Send us your resolu- issues. But he allowed the first year of his ten- Government contracts are a major com- Jane Hughes ure, including the first year’s session of the ponent of the Northern Virginia economy. In tions, plus your tips on keeping resolutions. Display Advertising, 703-778-9448 General Assembly, to pass without a serious Fairfax County alone in 2008, federal procure- Feel free to offer resolutions for local officials [email protected] proposal on how to fund transportation im- ment contracts totaled $17 billion. Since this as well. Send to smauren@connection Tara Lloyd newspapers.com. Display Advertising, 703-778-9447 provements in Northern Virginia or elsewhere is such a large component of the local economy, [email protected] in the state. the discussion of cutbacks in federal contracts Please include a photo with your resolutions. Andrea Smith Classified Advertising, 703-778-9411 Letters to the Editor [email protected] Barbara Parkinson cause of the training we provided Employment Advertising Value to ACPS teachers through an inter- 703-778-9413 Consultants nationally-recognized consultant. [email protected] And, we have begun the state- Publisher To the Editor: mandated TC Williams transfor- Jerry Vernon On behalf of the Alexandria mation implementation, putting Editor & Publisher School Board, I would like to re- Alexandria ahead of other school Mary Kimm spond to three recent articles divisions in this situation who con- Editor in Chief about Superintendent Morton Steven Mauren tinue to plan. Our work is avoid- Photography: Sherman’s use of consultants ing significant costs to Alexandria Louise Krafft within Alexandria City Public Art/Design: taxpayers. Geovani Flores, Schools. Transforming ACPS requires us Laurence Foong, John Heinly, Wayne The School Board supports Dr. Shipp, to change the way we’ve done John Smith Sherman’s hiring of consultants. business in the past. In the last two Production Manager: He is acting within the scope of years under Dr. Sherman’s leader- Jean Card his authority as set forth by the ship, we have realigned nearly 15 Editor Emeritus: Mary Anne Weber Board, and he has followed all percent of our budget and are put- Photo by proper procedures in engaging our ting more money into classrooms. CIRCULATION: 703-778-9427 consultants. We have eliminated or reassigned Circulation Manager: Ann Oliver All consultants are vetted hundreds of jobs.

Jeanne Theismann through our business office, and Dr. Sherman is doing what we CONNECTION NEWSPAPERS, each consultant has signed a con- hired him to do: institute change L.L.C. tract with the school division. All Peter Labovitz to assure that every student President/CEO expenditures have been within the achieves his or her potential. Be- Mary Kimm Board’s budget guidance. cause of the work of this School Publisher/Chief Operating Officer Consultants are bringing to Board, Superintendent Sherman, 703-778-9433 ACPS the expertise we need to [email protected]

/Gazette Packet staff, and consultants, achieve- transform TC Williams High Jerry Vernon ment is up and per pupil costs are Publisher/Executive Vice President School and the entire school divi- down. [email protected] sion. Dr. Sherman is bringing in We’re doing this even in the face Wesley DeBrosse valuable, national-level expertise of significant enrollment increases Controller without adding to the overhead of which are putting many of our el- Debbie Funk permanent staff. National Sales, 703-778-9444 ementary schools over capacity [email protected] The consultants hired have al- and with city allocations down Snapshot ready proven their worth. For ex- A Connection Newspaper over three years. The Alexandria Gazette Packet is distributed weekly Four-year-old-twins Mac and Ginny Coulby flank ample, results on state-mandated to selected homes in the City of Alexandria. We ask for the public’s contin- Any owners or occupants of premises that do not little sister Lily, 2, on Santa’s lap at the City Dock tests have increased for all stu- wish to receive the paper can notify the publisher ued support for our work and the by telephone at 703-917-6480 or by email to prior to the Boat Parade of Lights Dec. 4. dents in ACPS in all subjects. Writ- [email protected], and the ing scores are up, specifically be- See Letters, Page 11 distributor will be notified to discontinue service. 10 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Opinion Finish Carpentry & Trim Works 29 years of quality projects Specializing in: Mentors of the Month • Crown Moldings • Wainscoting & Chair Railings ax and Karen McAllister work with Tylee M(Max) and Johira (Karen) Jenkins, broth • Accent Trims ers who attend Cora Kelly School for • Door & Window Trims Math, Science, and Technology. Max and Karen are • Door & Hardware Installation Tutor/Mentors with Wright to Read, a program which • Drywall Repairs promotes literacy through the tutoring and mentoring of elementary school students and out- • Other Carpentry projects reach to the Alexandria community. Wright to Read Licensed • Bonded • Insured • References Upon Request. takes referrals of new students in grades 1-5 from Ofc: 703.684.5215 Cell: 703.403.2994 classroom teachers in Alexandria City Public Schools. [email protected] Tutor/Mentors often work with their student(s) for several years, sometimes following the student(s) into middle and/or high school. To learn more about Wright to Read, see www.WrightToRead.org.

TYLEE (2nd grade): “Each week, Max and I go to the library to read and work on the computer. We years, since 3rd grade. Some special things that I read mostly fiction books about people. I have enjoy doing with her are cooking, playing Wii, and Order Now worked with my Tutor/Mentor, Max, for a year. Some playing reading games together. I have learned from For the Holidays things that I enjoy doing with him are reading and her that I can skip words I do not know when read- talking about books. I have learned from Max how ing and come back to them later. I can reread parts Prime Rib✓ Beef Tenderloin Roast✓ to sound out words when I read and how to use pic- of the book to refresh my memory when answering Ham✓ Pork Crown Roast✓ tures as clues for figuring out words. Max deserves questions. Karen deserves a Mentor of the Month ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ an award because he helps me read books that I don’t award because she never gets angry and she is super Turducken Turkey Duck Goose like at first but then I like once I begin reading. He nice. She is like a best friend, but she is a grown up. always tells me funny jokes that make me laugh.” Karen and her husband Max make a good couple.” We Now Carry Fresh Eggs, Milk, Amish Butter, The Alexandria Mentoring Partnership is currently recruiting JOHIRA (5th grade): “Each week, Karen and I read Gourmet Rubs & Spices books, go to reading websites at the public library, volunteers to mentor the children of Alexandria. To learn more about mentoring opportunities in the city, contact Loralei Coyle 703-836-6328 • www.letsmeatontheavenue.com and talk about books. We read a lot of chapter books. at 703-746-4506 or through the website at 2403 Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray Action books and historical fiction are my favorite. I www.alexandriava.gov/mentoring. Mentor a child, change two have worked with my Tutor/Mentor, Karen, for two lives. Letters to the Editor

From Page 10 can tell that some are foolishly prematurely disap- work of Dr. Sherman as we transform ACPS for pointed with the future. To you all I can say is ... the benefit of all our students. there is no greater community asset than a strong education system. Nothing increases real estate val- Yvonne Folkerts, ues, attracts new business investment and creates Chairman, Alexandria School Board jobs more effectively in a community than a success- ful public education program. Our Alexandria City Public Schools deserve more than being a dart board Trunk Show Help in the for the disapproval of those who apparently have no faults. Thursday, Dec. 9 2-6 P.M. Transformation Since to the rest of us we realize that education • To the Editor: reform is an evolution, not a revolution ... the story Place: eye2eye Optometry Corner Almost everyone has read or been read Aesop, so of the success of the transformation is not just in the we’ve come to believe him as a source. So, as Aesop numbers (and the numbers get stronger and stron- once said, “Every truth has two sides; it is as well to ger and stronger), but the success is felt in the day look at both, before we commit ourselves to either.” to day achievements of our students and their in- Great holiday gifts! In response to the suspiciously cyclic sound of a classroom experiences. few cynical critics of the ACPS’s tireless Superinten- We all can remember we had a day in school where dent Dr. Mort Sherman (whose batteries just keep someone was chosen as “principal for the day.” Few Fashion forward clothing and eye wear going and going and going) I offer a few observa- of us have a clue what it would be like to be princi- hosted by Lauri Ploch from an L.A. tions for the community to consider. pal for a day or superintendent for day. Why, because 1. Who doesn’t want to see our public school sys- it is hard to comprehend the scope and scale of the fashion line, and Nancy from a popular tem succeed? For all of the sharp criticisms of Dr. responsibility that comes with being a leader in the Danish company called Pro Design Sherman by the suspiciously same voices ... where ACPS. Just step back and imagine what it would be are your ideas, recommendations or perspectives on like to being the leader of an organization where a solution? I for one agree with the view that criti- your customers are four to 18 years of age and rep- All vendor eyeglasses will be 40% off. cism is an indirect form of self-boasting. I think Steve resent the most diverse student population in North- Martin once said, “Before you criticize a man, walk ern Virginia. They come from 128 different coun- Use Flex Spending dollars or a mile in his shoes. That way, when you do criticize tries, speaking 75 different languages; one-quarter him, you’ll be a mile away and have his shoes.” For have the need to be regularly assisted to learn, speak insurance benefits before those of you who have used the power of your pen and comprehend English; half come from a low-in- the end of the year to condemn and carp, I personally invite you to lunch come or single-parent household where likely the with Dr. Sherman to offer your solutions, ideas and parent or parents work tirelessly trying to make ends experiences to contribute to Dr. Sherman’s transfor- meet (and aren’t home) and that child eats two meals mation strategy. It takes a community to build a com- a day in school. And as the organization’s leader, you www.myeye2eye.com munity and our community would be invaluably send your professional team into that environment 1502 Mount Vernon Ave. blessed to have your input. on a day to day basis to deploy their deep skills, in 2. Transformation is a journey, not a destination. I See Letters, Page 14 703-548-0122 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 ❖ 11 The Scottish Walk

Photos by

Louise Krafft

/Gazette Packet

Alexandria Police Motor A piper gets a little tuning before Squad Officers Fowler and the start of the parade on St. Alexandria Fire Chief Adam Thiel Gaylord Hotel’s Grinch gets a hug McClish prepare to lead the Asaph Street. and his daughter Sophie. from Charlotte Hall. parade.

Photo by Plaid Tidings Jeanne Theismann Campagna Center’s Scottish Jeanne Theism Walk celebrates 40 years.

/Gazette Packet

agpipes and tartans filled rade, which included over 100 ann the streets of Old Town Scottish clans, local dignitaries B /Gazette Packet during the 40th annual and costumed canines. Scottish Walk Parade Dec. 5, the “This is an amazing event,” said centerpiece of a weekend of holi- Robin Naysmith, head of the Scot- day events that included a Heather tish Affairs Office at the British Betty and Shelby Youles and Greens sale, Children’s Tea Embassy. “The warmth and affec- enjoy the parade outside Party, Designer Tour of Homes and tion for Scotland is overwhelming the Queen Street home of Taste of Scotland cocktail recep- and it is wonderful to be here to- Seaport Foundation apprentice Oscar, left, walks in Roger Fleming. tion. day.” the parade with Kathy Seifert, Mary Ellis Fannon, “After the weather last year, this Sponsored by the Campagna Howell Crim, apprentice Saul, Tom Tuttle and ap- year was wonderful,” said drum Center, the St. Andrew’s Society of prentice Steffan. major David Ricklis, who has been Washington, D.C. and the Scottish participating in the Scottish Walk Affairs Office, proceeds from the since he was in high school in weekend events go directly to sup- 1965. port the center’s programs for More than 20,000 people lined Alexandria’s children. the streets to watch this year’s pa- — Jeanne Theismann

Photos by

Louise Krafft

/Gazette Packet

Former Sen. John Warner and his wife Jeanne discuss The flagbearers of the St. Andrews Society issues on the reviewing stand with Robin Naysmith, head of Washington lead off behind the Alexan- Highland dancers warm up with the St. of Scottish Affairs at the British Embassy. dria Police Motor Squad. Andrew’s Society Pipes and Drums. 12 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com The Scottish Walk Need health insurance?

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Bagpipes were the instrument of choice during the pa- Jennifer Miller rade. performs during the Mass Band concert at the Photo by Young conclusion of Latane the Scottish Montague is joined

Walk parade. Louise Krafft by friends in the Photos by rumble Jeanne Theismann seat of his Gazette Packet grandfa-

/Gazette Packet ther, Bob’s, classic automo- bile. Season’s Greetings From the Shops of Foxchase

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Duke Street, just west of Jordan Street in Alexandria www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 ❖ 13 Opinion

Photos by

Mary Calvert

Turkey Bowl at Lee Street Park Dozens of neighbors and friends dropped by Lee Street Park on Thanksgiving for the annual cheering on and playing of the Turkey Bowl. The Bowl is in its Back row: Walter Hall, Rick Hohlt, Mark Swartz, David Calvert, Jordan Yarboro. 20-something year and draws current neighbors and Middle row: Jim Fleming, Robert Brandt, Bennett Habilston, Skipper Calvert, old friends alike to the park to cheer and play before Taylor Manning, Jack Kurtz, Chidozie Ugwumba, Jamie Nemeroff. Children in front: dinner. Above: Chidozie Ugwumba, David Calvert, Blake Kurtz, Luke Hohlt, William Brandt, Brooke Kurtz, Matthew Brandt, and John Taylor Manning and Jordan Yarboro. Fleming.

Letters to the Editor invest in their future through professional Have Fairfax That means that the city could save roughly From Page 11 development know the benefit of being sup- $5,000 per student or $67.5 million per ported in your personal growth. Of course Run City Schools year. Even after giving Fairfax County a rea- tuitions, experience and passion with that we have all also felt the feeling or had the sonable fee to absorb our system into theirs “customer base,” having to overcome the thought, “why today? ... I have so much to To the Editor: we will be way ahead monetarily. Not only out of classroom issues that each student accomplish.” I guess the adage, “no pain no Here we go again! Another budget sea- will we make money on the deal but our brings with them into the classroom. Nev- gain” is also applicable to professional de- son is upon us. Property assessments are youngsters will receive a first rate educa- ertheless, every day that is what occurs. Our velopment. For teachers and parents it is unexpectedly going to be higher thereby tion. teachers, the true heroes of our community no different. Teachers want to be in the resulting in a revenue windfall of some $20 (together with our school bus drivers) al- classroom ... that is where they not only million. Our Council members are already Townsend A. “Van” Van Fleet ways come to work everyday with one ob- perform their job, it’s where they perform recommending that we give half of it to the Alexandria jective ... inspire their students regardless their magic. They also want to grow, learn schools as a revenue sharing program. You of their circumstances to continue on their new strategies and new knowledge. Parents couldn’t make this up! I say that’s just more daily journey to find their unique potential feel the same. It’s hard for both to when money down a “sink hole.” Wouldn’t a novel Parades and and to grow as a person. Every day should your son or daughter’s teacher is out attend- approach be to return the funds to the tax- Budgets be teacher appreciation day! ing one of the growth development sessions paying residents? 3. We invest in our teachers because they or workshops that ACPS is hosting. We feel Every year when you open the budget To the Editor: are our most important asset and we all our children’s “pain” in not having their request from ACPS you can be guaranteed The Scottish Walk is a great Alexandria know, school districts who invest resources teacher be in class ... but we also know that that they will ask for an additional $10 mil- tradition, even if running it this year re- in continuing education and professional when they return from their workshop or lion over what was appropriated the previ- quired a large cash donation from the Scot- development for their teachers outperform seminar, their new knowledge will benefit ous year. It’s like clock work. We just keep tish government. While I am thankful for school districts who don’t. The return on our children. throwing money at the schools but to no their support, as I’m sure all Alexandrians investment of bringing expert advisors into Personally speaking, I would rationalize avail. It’s about time we did something posi- are, I’m embarrassed too. our teachers’ lives is incalculable. my children’s teachers being absent by say- tive and dynamic. The walk is a great, albeit quirky, com- Continuing professional development is ing, “that makes sense.” But the failure of Several years ago I suggested that we turn munity event: one that attracts both resi- an essential and vital ingredient to the every school where I have sent my children over the entire Alexandria public school dents and visitors, who in turn support Old growth of our teachers. As we invest in our is not hearing from the school (in advance) system to Fairfax County. I thought it was a Town’s small business community. It’s a education professionals, we hope to retain telling me where the teacher was going, good idea then and I think it is an even bet- mistake to look at only the actual cost of the excellent core of teachers we now have what they learned and how they were go- ter idea now. After reading all of the recent the event, or retail sales for the day, and and to recruit the very best in the years ing to apply that new knowledge to my rhetoric concerning the mismanagement of not its year around marketing value when ahead. This investment in our teachers is child’s growth. We in Alexandria can the Alexandria School System, I am con- deciding whether or not the City should in part achieved by ACPS engaging a num- achieve a huge breakthrough in communi- vinced that the only solution is to do away support it financially. The same thing can ber of outside experts. These are profession- cations by being one of the first in America with the defunct and clueless School Board be said about the George Washington Birth- als who have nationally-recognized content to adopt this new communications objec- and its ineffective school superintendent. day parade, which went down Washington knowledge in education, teacher growth tive. As a result our young students would be Street when I was kid, and the St. Patrick’s and classroom strategy improvements. They Eleanor Roosevelt had many great the real beneficiaries. Day parade, which until recently started have not only the expertise, but they bring thoughts, perhaps one of my favorites was, Fairfax County Public Schools System is west of Route 1. Yet all three have seen their th knowledge that transcends the resources “great minds discuss ideas; average minds the 12 largest in the country. Ninety-two support, in-kind or otherwise, slashed to ACPS currently has. They bring fresh, in- discuss events; small minds discuss people.” percent of its graduates continue on to balance the budget. novative and inspirational different perspec- It is time for the shooting to end and the postsecondary education. Their SAT aver- We are not talking millions here, but a tives that offer new approaches to educa- dialogue to be the focus of our passions. ages exceed both the state and national $100,000 maybe to offset the cost of the tion solutions and, perhaps most impor- Public education (which reflects all of life’s averages. In addition, Fairfax with its cur- three parades — funds that could perhaps tantly, these experts bring their access to challenges) is our highest local priority. rent enrollment of 166,000 students could be raised through a slight increase in the new ideas and concepts from other school Contributing ideas, contributing insights easily absorb our small school system, which room tax on hotels. Their cost should be districts. Simply stated, these are expert and contributing experience should be our is projected to rise to about 13,500 students, part of the city’s marketing budget. It’s sus- teachers whose knowledge is invaluable to single most important civic responsibility without a ripple. Fairfax City is also a self- tainable tourism, with minor impacts really our teachers and school community. They (outside of voting). Our students, parents incorporated city just like Alexandria. They to the residents who live here. OK, I’m not enable our teachers, principals and staff to and teachers should expect and deserve pay Fairfax County to run their schools. A saying we can’t do more to deal with the develop the level of “next practice” (vs. best nothing less. precedent has already been set so let’s make parking problems, which we must solve practice) thinking that will fuel our educa- a deal. anyway for a myriad of reasons. tion transformation. Alan Hilburg The cost per pupil in Fairfax County is Instead of cutting funding for these pa Anyone who has ever had an employer Alexandria $12,898 compared to Alexandria’s $18,003. See Letters, Page 15 14 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Letters

From Page 14 contributions to our local welfare guished for its separation and bal- rades, which bring a unique at- as well as that of our state, nation ance of powers, a doctrine Mason mosphere to our town, plus new and the world. adopted after careful study of con- business, we should focus more at- When the British closed the port temporary thinking and the best tention at what is really causing at Boston, he immediately realized features of all governments until the budget to grow, or not to ben- that the American colonies must his time. Mason was the genius efit fully from this growth. But unite to resist the British tyranny. who set the framework for our what do we do: we cut funding for He initiated assistance by word Constitution, and his tenacity in parades, or eliminate a key staff and deed by writing the Fairfax insisting that a Bill of Rights be person at the Black History Mu- Resolves, adopted in Gadsby’s Tav- included ensured that a citizen’s seum. We pay for this kind of bud- ern on July 18, 1774. He also set rights are protected at all levels of get cutting with our quality of life. an example for others by sending government. foodstuffs overland to the Mason recognized the moral and Andrew Macdonald Bostonians at his own expense and practical obligation of the nation inviting others to join him in do- to ensure freedom for all people ing so. and end slavery at the earliest op- Appreciating Mason’s Virginia Declaration of portunity. He advocated the edu- Rights was adopted by our Gen- cation and gradual emancipation George Mason eral Assembly on June 12, 1776. of the slaves. Because the Consti- To the Editor: Jefferson’s most famous lines in tution put off starting to free the The Bill of Rights, one of the the Declaration of Independence slaves for 20 years and lacked a most important bulwarks of our closely paraphrase that document. Bill of Rights, although he wanted freedoms, was the product of the It also served as the basis for our a stronger central government, he wisdom and determination of Constitution’s Bill of Rights, the voted against its adoption, incur- George Mason IV of Gunston Hall. French Declaration of the Rights ring the life-long enmity of his best This forceful statement was of Man and Citizen adopted in friend and closest neighbor, adopted on Dec. 15, 1791, when 1789, and the United Nations’ George Washington. the Virginia legislature provided Universal Declaration of Human Although Mason did not have a the decisive vote. Although it is the Rights of 1948. college education, he recognized best-known section of our Consti- Mason wrote the first constitu- the importance of continuing edu- tution, many founding fathers, in- tion for the State of Virginia, which cation by reading and thinking cluding George Washington, op- served us for almost 200 years. It deeply throughout his life, for the posed its inclusion. George Mason, was an important model for the benefit of his family, city, state and a proud citizen of Alexandria and United States Constitution, the nation. It is very appropriate that Fairfax County for his entire life- oldest written constitution still in time, deserves our honor and active use in the world, distin- See Letters, Page 14 thanks for his many important Making the Holidays Happy for over 50 Years...

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16 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Letters Old Town Alexandria $849,000 403 N. Fairfax St. Lovely 3 br, 3.5 bath townhome. From Page 15 OPEN In Princess Street S.D. which has we have an elementary school SUN. 1-4 its own private pool and tennis court. in Alexandria and a university and Kitchen and baths have been regional library in Fairfax which renovated. Hardwood floors were named for him. In his per- refinished. Exquisite moldings. sonal affairs he set an example of Walk to shops, restaurants, and river. practicality, order and honor. He was a faithful and active Christian, Barbara Grant a loving husband to his childhood sweetheart and father to his nine 703-220-6400 children, and a warm friend and host. Let’s celebrate Bill of Rights Day on Dec. 15 and his birthday on ® Dec. 11, (1725). Alexandria should declare and celebrate George Mason Week to honor this exemplary citizen. Ellen Latane Tabb Alexandria True Patriots To the Editor: Patriotic, civic-minded rich Americans don’t want their tax cuts extended, at the expense of the middle class struggling to keep families fed and housed. They know that no nation prospers without a thriving middle class. The rich who proclaim them- selves patriots, but want only their 3652 King Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22302 neighbors to sacrifice, are the ones (703) 379-6010 clamoring for extension of their www.bcjewelers.net tax cuts ... more for them, less for America, and less for other Ameri- cans. They will only use more money to buy more elections — by deceiving with slogans – the American majority, too overbur- dened to follow issues in depth. Fellow Americans, please open your eyes. From your non-partisan neighbor, an independent voter for over 40 years. Angela B. Saunders Silverman Alexandria People Notes

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18 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 ❖ 19 20 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 ❖ 21 The Scottish Walk RICHARD CARROLL A NEW STORE Laura Why, Niswander unpacks Why, wreathes for the Heather and Greens Sale at the Campagna Why Center. Pay more For Diamonds? Engagement Rings Anniversary Rings Certified Diamonds Ryan and Custom Jewelry Hadley CHECK OUR PRICES Stinson Art Glass & Wall Hangings purchase Pashmina Shawls & Men’s wreaths Distinctive Theme Ties from the Driftwood Coffee Tables to Heather Handmade Wooden Boxes and Greens Sale. Located in Belle View Shopping Center Minutes from Old Town off the G.W. Parkway Photos by Jeanne Theismann 1600 Belle View Blvd. Gazette Packet Campagna Center Executive Director Karen Hughes, front right, 703-412-6066 is joined by volunteers following the Scottish Walk Dec. 5.

22 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria and Dundee: “Linking Arms” for an ever-stronger Sister-City relationship.

half-century ago, Alexandria twinned with Dundee, Scot- Aland, as part of the Sister Cit- ies International movement. Among countless exchanges between the two seaports since then was the visit to Dundee some five years ago by Alexandria’s mayor, Bill Euille. Treated to, and thrilled by, an evening of entertainment at Mains Castle featuring the Dundee Schools Music Theatre group, the mayor invited the Arts ❖ Entertainment ❖ Leisure group’s founder and producer, Lina Waghorn, to bring her students to Alexan- dria that year during the December Scot- tish Walk, which she did. This past week, Holiday Concert Series Ms. Waghorn returned to the city with her husband Iain; her staff, Director Kenny The City of Alexandria Announces 2010 Christie and Musical Director Paul Clancy; Holiday Concert Series. Enjoy the festive and a selection of Dundee Schools musical sounds of the season in Alexandria as a and theatrical stars. break between shopping, on your way to The compelling story of the group’s be- Photo by Louise Krafft/The Gazette dinner, or just to get into the holiday spirit. ginning and trajectory merits recounting. Students and staff of the Dundee Schools Music and Theatre group of Come enjoy local performers with their rich A dozen years ago, Ms. Waghorn — who Scotland joined the Alexandria Sister Cities Committee and sang their talent as they entertain you during this fes- had been a teacher in the Dundee school way through the parade route on Saturday morning. tive time of year Types of music featured system and later advanced to a system-wide include barbershop, folk, Hanukah favor- administrative position — noticed that Scottish Walk on Dec. 4 — a visit sponsored chanted Christmas shoppers in their tracks. ites, hand bell ringers and good old fash- many of the students lacked the self-confi- by Alexandria’s Sister Cities Committee. The group capped its week by leading the ioned caroling. dence needed to assure their academic and Several families in the city graciously hosted Alexandria-Dundee Sister Cities contingent All the performances are free and held social success. A musical production, she the students, while the adults settled in at in the Scottish Walk, singing selections of outdoors. Concerts will be cancelled due to thought, would bring out their natural abili- the Monaco Hotel on King Street. The Scottish songs to the general and enthusi- inclement weather. For up to date informa- ties, imbue them with a stronger sense of group’s program consisted of tours of Old astic delight of spectators bracketing the tion, call the City’s Special Events Hotline self, and possibly even set them on a surer Town, Fort Ward, and select Washington parade along Old Town’s sidewalks. When at 703-746-5592. The following concerts path to life-long accomplishment. That first monuments, engagingly led by the Direc- the Scottish delegation passed the review- are scheduled at Market Square, 301 King show (which had been modestly conceived St., Alexandria. tor of the Office of Historic Alexandria, ing stand, Mayor Euille jumped from his as a one-time-only undertaking) proved a Lance Mallamo, as well as of the U.S. Capi- official perch there to give each and every huge success, and the city encouraged Ms. tol and various national museums. Two days one of them a grateful embrace. SATURDAY, DEC. 11 Waghorn to continue. Over the ensuing were set aside to interact with young people In helping to assure a wonderful week 1 p.m. — Bell’s Angels, St. John’s Lutheran Church years the group has trained hundreds of sharing similar artistic interests at T.C. Wil- with our visitors from Dundee, the Alexan- Handbell Choir (Handbells); students; currently, some 150 young liams High School and St. Stephens and St. dria Sister Cities Committee would like to 2 p.m. — Alexandria Harmonizers (Men’s Dundonians — from age 4 to late teens — Barbershop); Agnes Upper School. Mid-week Mayor recognize the time and generosity of the take weekend music and theatre classes and Euille hosted a reception for the group at Office of the Mayor, the Office of Historic perform throughout the city, the country, City Hall. Alexandria and especially the Lyceum, the SUNDAY, DEC. 12 and beyond. Validating Ms. Waghorn’s con- In return, the Dundonians treated Alex- faculty of T.C. Williams High School and of 2 p.m. — St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church Handbell Choir (Handbells); viction that “If we link arms, together we’ll andria to a series of unforgettable perfor- St. Stephens and St. Agnes Upper School, 3 p.m. — Blue Book Value Ban (Swing Blues); be stronger,” many of them have gone on, mances. In addition to several impromptu the Office of U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, the The public is encouraged to take public transit or and are going on, to pursue performing-arts public bursts of song and dance, the group Office of Citizen Assistance, Hard Times walk to the event. Visitors to Old Town can take careers and other advanced degrees at uni- entertained a standing-room-only crowd at Cafe, Union Street Public House, the Metrorail lines to the King Street Station, versity. the Lyceum on Dec. 1 with gospel songs, O’Connell’s Restaurant, and Whole Foods and then take the free King Street Trolley to the On Saturday, Nov. 27, a selection of eight renditions of Gershwin and Sondheim, Market, as well as former Committee mem- event. For DASH schedule information, call 703- 370-DASH or visit www.dashbus.com. For of the older students and four adults of the other Broadway hits, and soulfully rendered bers Chris Beatley and Willie Dixon — all Metrobus schedule information, call 202-637- Dundee Schools Music and Theatre group Scottish ballads. The next night they en- of whom helped sponsor activities in which 7000 or visit www.wmata.com. For a parking arrived in Alexandria to participate in a cored at the Torpedo Factory with more in- the Dundee group participated. We would map, visit www.alexandriava.gov/12490. week of cultural exchange leading up to the formal presentations that stopped en- most especially like to express our heart- felt gratitude to the Bracken, Crabill, Rush, and Schonberger families for offering their homes to the young delegation from Scot- Alexandria Black History Museum Hosts Day of Kwanzaa Events land: they proved to be hosts who, in short order, genuinely became the troupers’ Al- On Saturday, Dec. 11, the Alexandria Black take part in a Children’s Kwanzaa Craft Work- out of the Black Power Movement in the exandria “families.” History Museum will host three Kwanzaa shop. Jessica Smith, founder of Culture Kingdom 1960s to its present-day reality as a global, The visit this year of the Music and The- events — an informative program, a craft Kids, and Kwanzaa educator Pier Penic will di- pan-African holiday embraced by over 40 workshop for children, and a film screening. rect children (ages 4-12) and their parents in million celebrants. This viewing is part of atre group is but the latest, albeit undoubt- The day kicks off with the free Pre- making Kwanzaa crafts. This event will be lo- “Movies with a Mission,” a series of films edly the most fun, in a series of exchanges Kwanzaa Program from 11 a.m. to 12:30 cated in the Museum’s Watson Reading Room. about the African Diaspora that seek to in- between Dundee and our city — exchanges p.m. This annual event explores the history Advance reservations are requested and a $5 fee form and inspire dialogue. and significance of Kwanzaa. Participants covers craft supplies. The Kwanzaa celebration was created in which redound to the collateral benefit of will learn about the principles of Kwanzaa, a Finally, at 4:30 p.m., attend a free screening 1966 by Dr. Karenga who designed the cel- the cities themselves, their young people, seven-day cultural celebration that begins of “The Black Candle: A Kwanzaa Celebration.” ebration as a way for African Americans to and all those who realize the critical im- Dec. 26 and ends Jan. 1, and find out how to This vibrant documentary from M.K. Asante uses reaffirm their heritage and culture and their portance, in today’s ever-more global real- incorporate it into your holiday season. Brian Kwanzaa as a vehicle to explore and celebrate bonds to one another as a community. Sales, who studied with Kwanzaa founder Dr. the African-American experience. Filmed across The Alexandria Black History Museum is lo- ity, of Lina Waghorn’s counsel that “together Maulana Karenga, will instruct participants the United States, Africa, Europe and the Carib- cated at 902 Wythe Street in the heart of we’ll be stronger.” in the basic history of Kwanzaa, provide ad- bean, “The Black Candle” is a timely illumination Alexandria’s historic Parker-Gray District, and vice on celebrating Kwanzaa at home, and on why the seven principles of Kwanzaa are so is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 — Judy Navarro perform a traditional libation ceremony. important to African Americans today. Narrated a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 703- Then from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., families can by Maya Angelou, it traces the holiday’s growth 746-4356 or visit www.alexblackhistory.org. Secretary Alexandria Sister Cities Committee

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 ❖ 23 Talk of the Town is a new Alexandria Gazette Packet feature. Questions, comments, or suggestions can be e-mailed to [email protected].

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24 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Theater 60-75% OFF POTS Area’s Largest Selection switches from Young Scrooge in one scene to the Ghost of Christ- Benches,Benches, Trees,Trees, mas Future in the next. 25%25% Larry Grey is poor Bob Cratchit Fountains,Fountains, ShrubsShrubs && and he establishes and retains a Perennials generosity of spirit. Suzanne Mar- BirdBird BathsBaths OFFOFF PerennialsPerennials tin gives voice to an other view as Mrs. Cratchit, who has reserva- Poinsettias tions about toasting Scrooge at the All Colors ~ New Varieties Off-Season Christmas Eve table. Brittany Mor- gan provides a warm moment as Fraser Fir 4’-11’ Pricing their eldest daughter Martha, and Cut Premium Quality Christmas Trees Benjamin Leese delivers the final Spring in the Greenhouse FREE Landscape & line, “God bless us, every one” with Citrus, Cyclamen and Amaryllis Hardscape conviction. Estimates With all that seasonal sentiment, Boxwoods 25-50% Off you might think the theater would Landscape Design shy away from a second show from Japanese Maples 6” To 12' the same source for their “late 30-50% Off Services Available night” alternative, but the tone Over 100 Varieties and content of the other version Maria Simpkins (The Ghost of Christmas Past), Steve of the tale of Scrooge’s night of Shredded Hardwood Mulch Patios, Walls, Izant (Ebenezer Scrooge), Kathleen Lovain (Cratchit Child ghostly visits is the polar opposite $3.39 3 cu. ft. Walkways 1), Aimee Meher-Homji (Gladys Cratchit), Julian Worth of Ferragut’s adaptation. It is “Mrs. (Cratchit Child 2) (Front) James Senavitis (Bob Cratchit) Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Bonsai & Orchids Paver Driveways & and Peter Johnson (Tiny Tim). Binge” an adaptation by Christo- 25% Off So Much More pher During that turns Dickens’ New Bonsai Dishes No Sub-Contracting story on its head. My colleague Two Takes on “A Christopher Rawson of the Pitts- 9023 Arlington Blvd., burgh Post Gazette correctly ob- Fairfax, Virginia served that the play “is a rollick- 2 miles west of I-495 on Rt. 50. ing parody that caters to our de- 1 mile from I-66 (Vienna Metro) Christmas Carol” sire to have our traditional holi- 703-573-5025 day and mock it, too.” www.cravensnursery.com By Brad Hathaway This unorthodox comic piece is Holiday Hours: Mon–Thurs & Sun 8:30–5:30 • Fri & Sat 8:30–7 The Gazette performed on Friday and Saturday evenings starting at 9:30 p.m., which means few parents will bring ifferent playwrights can make very differ- younger children. That is a good thing as few chil- ent plays out of the same basic story. Take, dren with early bed times are likely to get most of D the humor of the Durang version which focuses on for example, two different versions of the tale Charles Dickens told in “A Christmas Carol.” the long-suffering wife of Scrooge’s clerk. As Durang That’s what the Little Theatre of Alexandria did for sees it, she’s had it with poverty, with her husband’s its pair of shows for the holiday season. Two differ- kowtowing to his skinflint employer, and with the ent playwrights make different use of the story of ever-growing brood of mouths expecting to be fed. Scrooge, the ghosts of Christmas, Bob Cratchit and All she wants to do is head off to the bar, down a few his entire family including Tiny Tim. tankards of gin and then jump off of London Bridge One, a version crafted for the theater by Donna to end it all. Her plans, however, are interrupted by Ferragut, tells Dickens‘ story straight out with touches a less-than-competent ghost bringing Scrooge to see of color and sentiment direct from the original text. what’s going on. It is being presented as an early evening or mid-af- The evening is sparked by a delightfully daffy set ternoon matinee show through the rest of this week, of performances. Maria Simpkins is the bumbling with 22 adults and children who break into Christ- ghost who’s powers just are not working quite the mas carols from time to time. It is a very traditional way Dickens had written in his version. Steve Izant family holiday effort and provides a warm touch of is a Scrooge whose “Bah Humbug” is a symptom of nostalgia that runs just over an hour. his “19th century Tourette Syndrome.” Most impor- Ferragut’s adaptation is under the direction of Jenni- tantly, Aimee Meher-Homji is fun to watch as the fer Lyman who lets things start out a bit slowly but fed up Gladys Cratchit. These three head a cast of 15 accelerates the pace as the play progresses so there’s a including Geoff Baskir and Kevin Harr who team up sense of release when Scrooge finally sees the light on as “George Bailey” and “Clarence the Angel” who Christmas morning. Her Scrooge is Philip Baedecker, drop in from “Its A Wonderful Life.” Peter Johnson who brings an imposing presence to is, among other things, a less-than- the role, seemingly more comfort- tiny Tiny Tim who doesn’t want to able with the grumpy moneylender Where & When use his crutch, hoping that people won’t notice he’s a cripple despite than with the giddy convert to the “A Christmas Carol” plays “falling 24 times a day.” joy of the season. Wednesday to Friday at 7:30 Both shows use a bit of music. The quartet of ghosts are played p.m. and Saturday and Sun- The caroling in the Ferragut ver- by performers who also play other day at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. sion is delivered without much roles. Cal Whitehurst makes the through Dec. 12 while “Mrs. enthusiasm but generally on first visit as Marley, Scrooge’s late Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas pitch. The four inconsequential partner rattling the chains he Binge” plays Friday and Sat- songs in the Durang version, on forged in life. Melissa Ledesma- urday at 9:30 p.m. through the other hand, are sung with Leese is the Ghost of Christmas Dec. 18 at The Little Theatre great energy but often sharp, flat Past. Shawn Perry, who has earlier of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe or simply wavering. Neither put just a bit of light-hearted fizz Street. Tickets are $15. Call show depends on the songs how- into Fizziwig switches into a red 703 683-0496 or log on to ever, so the damage is generally suit for the Ghost of Christmas www.thelittletheatre.com. Present and then Dru Hodges slight. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 ❖ 25 Music A Tribute to Hazel Dickens Friday/Dec. 10 at 8 p.m. Ten Bluegrass Acts with headliners Bill Emerson (and Sweet Dixie), Dudley Connell and Dede Wyland will honor Blue- Dede Wyland grass legend Hazel Dickens, 75, who will also grace the stage. The U-Liners Photo by Kenneth M. Wyner show’s lineup also includes Randy Barrett, Bumpkin Pie (with Coup de Love, Akira Otsuka and the U-Liners. Also a benefit for Hungry for Grass), Karen Collins and the Backroads Trio, Dead Men’s Hollow, Sally Music. At the Lee Center’s Richard Kauffman Auditorium, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria. Tickets are $20/general, available at www.hungryformusic.org or by calling 240-582-6193.

Photo by Tom Pich Bumpkin Pie (Michael Hazel Dickens Dunkley and Suzanne Ives Dunkley) are based in the Karen Collins and the Bucknell area of Alexandria. Backroads Trio Bill Emerson

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26 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Fine Arts SALE NOW THROUGH JAN. 3 WE HAVE RETURNED “Small Works.” Fifteen members from Quality French Antiques and Art the Multiple Exposures Gallery are exhibiting “Small Works.” Noting larger than 12x12-inches in film, Micheline’s Antiques digital, color and B&W will all be • European Paintings represented. Juror Lenny Campello is an artist, art critic and writer. At • Lithographs Posters Multiple Exposures Gallery, 105 N. • Furniture, Chandeliers Union St., #312, Alexandria. • Barbotines, Lamps, etc. NOW THROUGH DEC. 24 OUR NEW LOCATION Holiday Small Works and Silent Auction. Gallery West fills the walls 110 South West Street with an eclectic show of small works Alexandria, VA 22314 just in time for holiday gift giving. The display will feature original paintings, (703) 838-3699 • (703) 256-0950 sculptures, ceramics, photographs, digital art and jewelry. Artist’s www.micheline.com Reception is Saturday, Dec. 11 from 5 to 8 p.m. At Gallery West, 1213 King Street in Old Town, Alexandria. Visit www.gallery-west.com or call 703-549- 6006. NOW THROUGH MAY 1, 2011 Holiday Spa Package Exhibition of Commemorative Wares. Features ceramic wares that reflect the Alexandria community’s Spa Manicure TUESDAY/DEC. 14 keen interest in current and historic Spa Pedicure events. At the Lyceum, 201 South Artist Horace Day. 6 to 8 p.m. Reception to celebrate the current exhibition, “Style Washington Street, Old Town and Identity: Black Alexandria in the 1970s, Portraits by Horace Day.” The exhibition European Facial Alexandria. Open Monday through of more than 30 paintings by Horace Day (1909-1984) features Alexandria street Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and scenes and portraits of African American Alexandrians from the early 1970s. The One Hour Massage Sunday, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. $2 exhibition will be open through Friday, May 7. The reception is free but reservations Complimentary Lunch admission. Call 703-746-4994 or visit are requested and can be made by calling 703-746-4356. At The Alexandria Black www.alexandriahistory.org. History Museum, 902 Wythe Street in the heart of Alexandria’s historic Parker-Gray District. Visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703-746-4356. $230.00 NOW THROUGH DEC. 19 Andrew Zimmerman’s Colorado BUY YOUR GIFT CERTIFICATE TODAY Winter. Featuring Andrew Zimmerman’s silver-gelatin Call and schedule an appointment. photographic prints. At the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center, Empowered Women International’s 12 Glebe Road, Arlington. The Gallery 605 FRANKLIN ST., ALEXANDRIA•703.549.2662•landlsalon.com Margaret W. and Joseph L. Fisher Art graduates from the 2010 Entrepreneur hours are Monday through Thursday, Gallery, NVCC, 3001 North Beauregard Training for Success program. The 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday and Street, Alexandria. Gallery hours are event program starts at 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Contact 10 a.m.— 4 p.m. Monday-Friday and includes a keynote address from Judy Bass, the Barry Gallery curator, at during performances. Jimena Ryan of Raffa, P.C.; a live jazz 703-284-1561. performance by Tacha Coleman Parr NOW THROUGH JAN. 2 (vocals) and Scott Giambusso (electric NOW THROUGH DEC. 23 CELEBRATE THE SEASON Ceramic Guild Show. Santa is coming guitar); a book presentation and Artist Jan. E. Moffatt. Featuring the to town and the Torpedo Factory Art signing by novelist Jameela Alter; and 2010 Blue Door Collection and more. Center’s Scope Gallery has clay a reception and holiday shopping At Art in the Garden at the Historic WITH creations and stocking stuffers to jingle extravaganza with wine and Manor House, Green Spring Gardens everyone’s bells. Shopping is Monday appetizers. At Convergence, 1801 N. Park, 4603 Green Spring Road, through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 Quaker Lane, Alexandria. RSVP Alexandria. Hours: Wednesday to p.m., with Thursdays open until 9 p.m. required at [email protected]. Sunday, 12 noon-4:30 p.m. Call 703- At Scope Gallery, 101 North Union 941-7987, 703-642-5173, Street, Studio 19, Alexandria. 703-548- NOW THROUGH JAN. 2, 2011 www.GreenSpring.org. 6288 or visit www.torpedofactory.org/ Molded from Complicated galleries/scope. Mixtures. Drawing inspiration from NOW THROUGH DEC. 31 the quirky characters and funky forms Greg Viggiano Photo Exhibit. The NOW THROUGH JAN. 7 produced in plastic toys, Megan exhibit will showcase local digital The Springfield Art Guild Art Show. Marlatt renders in a classic style photography, the Pentagon Memorial, Old Town’s most authentic Country 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Featuring: 40 works of paintings that depict the many and other selected images. At Firehook art are displayed in this exhibition and meanings behind toys. At the Coffee Shop on Union Street in Old French restaurant since 1983 sale. These works include oil, Athenaeum, 201 Prince Street, Town Alexandria. watercolor, photography, and mixed Alexandria. Call 703-548-0035. media. At Godwin House, 4800 JAN. 5 THROUGH JAN. 30 Fillmore Ave., Alexandria. Call NOW THROUGH DEC. 12 Gallery West Presents WOW! Works Donnalynne Lefever 703-644-6677. Faculty Exhibition. Marymount in wax, oil, and wire by new member Open Christmas Eve University’s Barry Gallery will artists Susan Stayer, Caty Forden, NOW THROUGH JAN. 2 showcase the work of 11 Marymount Margret Lindsey, and Sue Lindsey. 3 Seatings with a 3-Course Meal Metalwork 2010. Free. Metalwork faculty artists in the upcoming Fine Art Meet the artists at their reception on 2010 is the Washington Guild of and Graphic Design Faculty Exhibition. Saturday, Jan. 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. Goldsmiths (WGG) biennial show and Marymount’s Barry Gallery is located Refreshments will be included. At New Year’s Eve sale to exhibit their members’ work. in the Reinsch Library on the Gallery West, 1213 King Street, in Reception to meet the artists on University’s Main Campus, 2807 North Alexandria’s Boutique District. Visit Thursday, Dec. 9 from 6-9 p.m. At the 3 Seatings with a 5-Course Meal Target Gallery, Torpedo Factory Art Center, Old Town Alexandria. Visit www.torpedofactory.org or call 703- UCM Provides Holiday Gifts to Kids 838-4565. Each year, UCM helps families in church, business or civic organiza- Please make THURSDAY/DEC. 9 need to have a happy holiday season tion Second Thursday Art Night. 6 to 9 by providing thousands of toys and ❖ Donating holiday food items holiday p.m. Free. Browse open studios, other gifts for children through the such as turkeys, hams, stuffing, etc. interact with artists, enjoy live music Share the Joy program — and your For more information about reservations and refreshments. Meet the artists at help is what makes this program helping out with the Share the Joy early Metalwork ’10 in Target Gallery. At the possible! program, contact Christine Fiske at Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Consider supporting the Share the 703-768-7106 ext 328 or Union Street, Alexandria. Visit Joy program by: [email protected]. www.torpedofactory.org; 703-838- ❖ Donating new, unwrapped toys Volunteers will be needed from 127 N. Washington St., Old Town • 703-548-4661 4565. for children aged infant to 15 years Dec. 6-17 to sort and set up the SATURDAY/DEC. 11 — gift cards are also welcome Holiday Room, where UCM clients Smoke-Free Restaurant ❖ Women of Courage. 4 to 7 p.m. Free. Volunteering in the Holiday come to pick out gifts for their chil- www.lerefugealexandria.com The Art and Stories of Entrepreneur Shop at UCM, where parents browse dren. Additional volunteers will be Artists and Change Makers. A and pick out gifts for their children needed on Dec. 18-20 for gift distri- multicultural celebration of art, music ❖ Hosting a gift drive at your bution. and entrepreneurship. Meet www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 ❖ 27 Entertainment

E-mail announcements to the Gazette, [email protected]. Photos and art- NOW THROUGH DEC. 12 work are encouraged. Deadline is Thursday at noon for “A Christmas Carol.” Admission: $15. The Little the following week’s paper. Call Steve Hibbard at 703- Theatre of Alexandria rings in the holidays with a 778-9412 with questions. return of a classic by Charles Dickens. Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly Victorian humbug, travels with NOW THROUGH JAN. 6, 2011 ghostly guides through Christmas past, present, Christmas at Mount Vernon. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and future to find the true meaning of the Themed decorations (including 12 Christmas holidays. At The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 trees), a gingerbread Mount Vernon, historical Wolfe Street, Alexandria; call 703-683-0496 or chocolate-making demonstrations, and 18th- visit www.thelittletheatre.com. century dancing will be offered. Visit Aladdin, THURSDAY/DEC. 9 George Washington’s Christmas Camel, take special Mansion tours, and make a Chocolate Second Thursday Art Night. 6 to 9 p.m. Free. Toast to Christmas, with our 18th-century-style Studios and galleries will be open until 9 p.m. for chocolate drink, a Washington family favorite. At holiday shopping and indulgent treats will make George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & for a decadent evening. Visit Target Gallery from Gardens, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, 6-8 p.m. for the reception for the Washington Mount Vernon; call 703-780-2000 or visit Guild of Goldsmiths show, featuring work by mountvernon.org. Admission: $15 for adults, $7 jewelry, metal, and enamel artists. From 6:30-8 for youth (6-11), and free for children 5 and p.m., The Art League Gallery hosts the reception younger. for the All-Media Membership Show and Greetings From..., a show of 4x6" work depicting real or NOW THROUGH DEC. 19 imagined places the artists have visited or would Alexandria Jaycees’ Christmas Tree Sales. The like to visit. At the Torpedo Factory Art Center, tree lot features a variety of trees, including 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria. Call 703-838- Canaan Firs, Douglas Firs, Fraser Firs, and Scotch 4565 or visit www.TorpedoFactory.org. Pines in heights from 4-10 feet, with prices from Latin American Book Discussion Group. 7 to $45-$90. Proceeds to benefit the Holiday Shopping 8:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. At Beatley Tour for underprivileged children. Operating hours Library, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria. Call 703- DEC. 17-18 are Tuesday-Friday 6–9 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 746-1702. Alexandria Singers Holiday Show. “Yule School Reunion!” In three family-friendly performances, p.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. At the Safeway Jon Carroll Performs. 7 p.m. Tickets are $10. Jon following a colorful and whimsical story line, The Alexandria Singers will take you through their favorite Parking Lot, 500 South Royal Street, Alexandria. Carroll is the Grammy winning songwriter- music of the holiday season both old and new. Premium seats $20; General admission $15; Discounted rate* Call 703-866-7171 or go to www.alexjaycees.org performer from the Mary Chapin Carpenter Band $10 (*Seniors 65+, Students, Groups of 10+, Active Military); Children (6 and under) $5. Friday, Dec. 17 at or visit http://www.alexjaycees.org/trees.php. and Starland Vocal Band. At the Athenaeum, 201 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Convergence, 1801 North Quaker Lane, Alexandria. Mount Vernon by Candlelight. Dec. 11-12; Dec. Prince Street, Alexandria. Call 703-548-0035 or Visit www.AlexandriaSingers.com or 703-941-SING (7464). 18-19. From 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Join “Mrs. visit www.joncarroll.org. Washington” for an evening of candlelit tours, Ghosts Along the Waterfront. 7 p.m. Author fireside Christmas caroling, and hot cider and Michael Lee Pope will share stories from his book, Mount Vernon Road, Alexandria. For details, go to de Grass), Karen Collins and the Backroads Trio, ginger cookies. Tour the first and second floors, “Ghosts of Alexandria,” and discuss the waterfront [email protected] or 703-619-3259. Group Dead Men’s Hollow, Sally Love, Akira Otsuka and hear characters from Washington’s world as they planning process. At the Crowne Plaza Hotel, sales contact Jeanette Kraynak at 703-619-9069. the U-Liners. Also a benefit for Hungry for Music. guide visitors through the home, adding ambiance Madison Room, 901 N. Fairfax Street, Alexandria. At the Lee Center’s Richard Kauffman Auditorium, FRIDAY/DEC. 10 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria. Tickets are $20/ to a traditional Christmas evening at Mount DEC. 9-11 Vernon. Admission: Adults/$20, Youth 11 and Tribute to Hazel Dickens. 8 p.m. Ten Bluegrass general, available at www.hungryformusic.org or under/$14. At George Washington’s Mount “A Christmas Carol.” Admission is $10/adults; Acts with headliners Bill Emerson (and Sweet by calling 240-582-6193. Vernon Estate & Gardens, 3200 Mount Vernon $7/students or seniors. Family rates of $30 for 4 or Dixie), Dudley Connell and Dede Wyland will Fair Trade — Fair Play Drum Circle. 8 to 10 Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon; call 703-780- more. Presented by the Mount Vernon High School honor Bluegrass legend Hazel Dickens, 75, who p.m. Bring your drums, other musical 2000 or visit mountvernon.org. drama department. Dec. 9, 10 and 11. At the Little will also grace the stage. The show’s lineup also See Entertainment, Page 29 Theater, Mount Vernon High School, 8515 Old includes Randy Barrett, Bumpkin Pie (with Coup The Royal Restaurant (now smoke free) “What’s for Dinner?!” You don’t have to think too hard, let us solve this classic question. In addition to our award winning menu, we have added some popular specials that add variety for everybody taste. Real food, for real people at reasonable prices. Monday - Kids Night Burger Night (Kids eat 1/2 price) Each child must be accompanied by adult having entree. Tuesday - Greek Night Lamb Marinated and Roasted for 3 hours, Athenian Roast Chicken, Moussaka! Wednesday - All American Night Meatloaf, Chicken Fried Chicken. Va. Ham Thursday - Italian Night Lasagna, Chicken Alfredo, Calamari Friday - Fish Night Crab Cakes, Shrimp & Scallops over penne pasta with white sauce Saturday -Steak and Chop Night Prime Rib, Lamb, Surf and Turf, Pork Chops, and Moussaka Sunday Brunch served 7am - 2pm Dine in or call ahead and your dinner will be ready for pick up. Dinner hours 2:30-9:30pm 730 North Saint Asaph Street Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 548-1616 Ample Free Parking

28 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Entertainment

From Page 28 instruments, or just your feet and dance! Join a community of Barnes & Noble. Volunteers will be providing free gift like-minded activists drumming for fair trade. Learn more wrapping for purchases. Plus, if you “Just say Maury” when about the fair trade movement and enjoy fair trade treats. you make your purchase of books, games, DVDs or cafe Sponsored by the D.C. Fair Trade Network treats, a percentage of the sale will go to fund literacy (dcfairtradenetwork.org). At Mindful Hands, 211 King Street. programs. Contact Kelly Smith at [email protected] or Visit www.mindfulhands.com or call 703-683-2074. 703-739-0983. Christmas Candlelight Service. 6 p.m. Doors open t 5:40 DEC. 10-12 p.m. for instrumental prelude. Entitled “Sing Noel,” this “The Lamplighter.” Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. Christmas celebration will feature readers, the APC Adult 10 and Saturday, Dec. 11; and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 12. A and Children’s choirs, instrumentalists, and congregational musical ghost story adaptation of Charles Dickens’ tale, “A carol singing by candlelight. Childcare will be provided, Christmas Carol,” presented by Bishop O’Connell Theater. including special activities for kids through age six. A Tickets are $5/students and seniors, $10/general admission, Christmas reception will follow immediately after the and can be purchased at the door or by calling the box office service. Alexandria Presbyterian Church is at 2405 Russell at 703-237-1448. Bishop O’Connell High School at 6600 Little Road in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria. Contact: Falls Road in Arlington. Find out more at 703-683-3348, www.alexandriapres.org. www.bishopoconnell.org/theatre. Interactive Nativity Pageant. 2 to 4 p.m. The pageant will feature live animals, including sheep and a donkey. SATURDAY/DEC. 11 Christmas cookies and hot chocolate will be served in the “The Black Candle: A Kwanzaa Celebration” Film church’s community room. Opportunities for worship, Bible Screening. Free. Kwanzaa Celebration Program. From 1 to 3 study, youth activities, grief counseling and healing are p.m., families can take part in a Children’s Kwanzaa Craft offered throughout the week. At St. Andrew & St. Margaret Workshop ($5 for supplies). Educational program 11 a.m.-1 of Scotland Anglican Catholic Church, 402 E. Monroe Ave., p.m.; Film screening 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. At the Alexandria in the Del Ray area of Alexandria. Visit Black History Museum 902 Wythe Street, Alexandria. Call www.standrewandstmargaret.org or call 703-683-3343. 703-746-4356 or visit www.alexblackhistory.org Alternative Christmas Giving Bazaar. A fund-raiser for Pancake Breakfast Friendraiser. 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Free. local charity. After the 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. services. In Hosted by Jefferson-Houston K-8 School. Come to relax, have the Fellowship Hall of Westminster Presbyterian Church, fun. Donations are greatly appreciated. At 1501 Cameron St., 2701 Cameron Mills Road, Alexandria. Visit www.wpc- Alexandria. alex.org. Bike Collection. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wheels to Africa Bike Air Force Brass Quintet. 3 p.m. Free. Performs with the Collection taking place at T.C. Williams High School. A Seika Girls High School Wind Orchestra. At Bishop Ireton suggested donation of $10 will help ship a bike to Africa. High School, 201 Cambridge Road, Alexandria. Call 202- Wheels to Africa was started by an 11-year-old Arlington boy, 767-5658 or visit our homepage: www.usafband.af.mil Winston Duncan, who decided he had to help people in Africa Children’s Holiday Concert. 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $25, who need transportation to obtain food, water and medicine. includes post-concert candy reception. “The Nutcracker Since 2005, Wheels to Africa has shipped over 2700 bikes to Suite” with conductor Kim Allen Kluge and the Alexandria Africa. Wheels to Africa, requests a $10 donation with each Symphony Orchestra. At St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 228 bike to help cover the costs of shipping bikes. Visit South Pitt Street, Alexandria. Call 703-548-0885 or visit www.wheels-to-africa.org. http://www.alexsym.org. Beading and Jewelry Making. 2 p.m. Free. Beginner’s class. Space is limited. Call Renee at 703-746-1784 or email DEC. 12-14 [email protected]. At the Alexandria Library, Journey to Bethlehem. Free. 6 to 8 p.m. Guided tours Duncan Branch, 2501 Commonwealth Ave., Alexandria. through the “City of Bethlehem” on the front lawn of Gunston Hall Plantation Christmas and Yuletide Aldersgate Church, 1301 Collingwood Road, at the corner Dinner. Plantation Christmas: 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.; Yuletide of Collingwood and Fort Hunt roads in the Mt. Vernon area Dinner: 4:30, 6 and 8 p.m. Plantation Christmas: $15 adults; of Alexandria. Call 703-765-6555 or visit $8 ages 6-18; $2 ages 2-5; Yuletide Dinner: $49.95 adults and www.aldersgate.net. ages 11 and older; $24.95 ages 6-10; $9.95 ages 2-5. Ride in a horse-drawn carriage, sip warm cider by the fire, and sample TUESDAY/DEC. 14 period recipes prepared in the hearth kitchen. Costumed UCM Fundraiser. All Day. Mamma’s Kitchen will donate 10 characters engaged in seasonal activities greet you in the percent of the sale from your meal to the United house and throughout the grounds. At Gunston Hall Community Ministries. At Mamma’s Kitchen, 7601 Fordson Plantation, 10709 Gunston Road, Lorton; call 703-550-9220 Road, Alexandria. Call 571-312-6690. or visit www.gunstonhall.org. Alexandria Harmonizers Holiday Concert. 2 p.m. Free. WEDNESDAY/DEC. 15 Celebrate the holidays with this free concert of seasonal Swing Dancing. 9 to 11 p.m. Admission is $10. With the favorites in the barbershop style by the Alexandria Smokin’ Polecats with Marianna Preveti. At Nick’s Harmonizers Chorus. At Market Square, 301 King Street, Nightclub, 642 South Pickett St., Alexandria. Alexandria; call 703-746-5592. Visit www.harmonizers.org Toastmasters Meeting. 7:30 p.m. Mount Vernon Chapter, “Christmas in Camp.” Noon to 4 p.m. This family holiday Toastmasters International. Meets on the first and third event interprets how Christmas was observed during the Civil Monday of each month at the Fairfax County South County War. Features a patriotic Santa Claus, living history Government Center, 8350 Richmond Highway, Alexandria. presentations, Victorian decorations, refreshments, tours and Visit http://mountvernon.freetoasthost.org/ or Email: crafts. At Fort Ward Museum, 4301 West Braddock Road in [email protected]. Alexandria. Call the Museum at 703-746-4848 or visit Author Talk by Thomas Kaufman. 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Free. www.fortward.org. Will introduce his Washington, D.C., detective novel, Drink Ice Skating Show. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Free. Watch local the Tea. At the Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave., ice skaters show off their moves at Mt. Vernon RECenter’s Alexandria. Call 703-746-1705. Holiday Ice Show. Features the RECenter’s most experienced skaters, as well as beginners of all ages. At Mt. Vernon THURSDAY/DEC. 16 RECenter, 2017 Belle View Boulevard, Alexandria. Contact A Winter Concert. 7:30 p.m. Cost is $5. Featuring seasonal Skating Director Carl Kirtley 703-768-3224, or via e-mail at selections and Vivaldi’s “Gloria in D.” Guest soloists will be [email protected]. Jennifer Wintle, soprano; Melanie Bales, soprano; Kathryn Christmas Boutique. 9 a.m. to noon. Handmade Christmas Morrison, mezzo soprano, and Jihanna Davis, mezzo décor, ornaments, hand knitted items, baked goods, and soprano. Sponsored by the West Potomac High School unique gifts. Proceeds support Heritage Presbyterian Women’s Choirs. outreach programs for children and women. At Heritage Model Railroad Club Train Display. 10 a.m. Enjoy a Presbyterian Church, 8503 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Call holiday tradition with the Model Train Club. A display in 703-360-9546. the front lobby as well as a working train set-up in Room 213 will be featured. The Club will also discuss the history DEC. 11 TO 12 of subways in America. At Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tours. Tour times are Shenandoah Road, Alexandria. Call 703-765-4573 to make from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on reservations. Sunday. At Carlyle House Historic Park (121 North Fairfax Street), Gadsby’s Tavern Museum (134 North Royal Street), FRIDAY/DEC. 17 Lee-Fendall House (614 Oronoco Street), and The Athenaeum Evening of Music for Brass Quintet. 8 p.m. Free. The (201 Prince Street). Enjoy seasonal decorations, U.S. Air Force Band Chamber Players Series will perform. entertainment and light refreshments. Admission: $20 adults/ At George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 $15 seniors/$5 kids Reservations recommended. Call 703- Callahan Drive, Alexandria. Call 202-767-5658 or visit 746-4242 or VisitAlexandriaVA.com www.usafband.af.mil. SUNDAY/DEC. 12 DEC. 17-18 Christmas at Mount Vernon Concert. 7 p.m. The event will “Yule School Reunion.” Alexandria Singers Holiday Show. feature the Bells at Mount Vernon hand-bell choir, along with In 3 family-friendly performances, following a colorful and choirs and instrumental performances. Sponsored by The whimsical story line, The Alexandria Singers will take you Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. At the Mount through their favorite music of the holiday season both old Vernon Virginia Stake Center, 6219 Villa Street, Alexandria and new! Premium Seats $20; General Admission $15; (S. Van Dorn and Franconia Road). Contact Craig Steinburg Discounted Rate* $10 (*Seniors 65+, Students, Groups of at (703) 550-7307 or [email protected] or Jared Whitley 10+, Active Military); Children (6 and under) $5. Friday, Dec. at (801) 518-0826 or [email protected]. 17 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; At Book Fair Fundraiser. Maury Elementary School PTA is Convergence, 1801 North Quaker Lane, Alexandria. Visit hosting its book fair fundraiser. At the Potomac Yards www.AlexandriaSingers.com (703)941-SING (7464). www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 ❖ 29 News Looking Forward To Thriving Under New Regulations

From Page 1 would still be held to a that Union Cab will now be able to com- requirement to main- pete for contracts with Senior Services of “I have to applaud your courage in start- tain a certain average Alexandria and the Virginia Department of ing a company in these touch economic of dispatch calls each Transportation. Within the next two years, times,” said Vice Mayor Kerry Donley dur- day for each driver, the Woodson predicted, the dispatch require- ing a speech at company’s annual meeting punishment was no ment will no longer be a problem for Union this week. “We want you to thrive, and we’ll longer annihilating the Cab. work with you if you work with us.” business. Instead, un- “We’re now in calmer waters,” said The relationship between Union Cab and der the new rules, the Woodson, who was presented with a plaque the city hasn’t always been so clear-cut. For penalty for failing to Photo by recognizing her support of Union Cab. “This years, it was clouded by the specter of the meet the dispatch re- is the time when small business should start harshest sanction available to city regula- quirements is now pre- thinking about planning for the future.” tors. Under rules adopted back in 2005, venting the non-com- Michael Lee Pope when the City Council adopted an ordi- pliant company from ONE POTENTIAL stumbling block in nance that allowed Alexandria officials to accepting transfer driv- Union’s future could be the number of au- shut down any taxicab company that did ers from other compa- thorizations granted to the driver-owned not log an average of two calls for each nies. cooperative. Last month, the Traffic and driver every day. Many argued that the rules “It’s a win-win,” said Parking Board voted in favor of a recom-

were excessively harsh, especially for a Yellow Cab Company /Gazette Packet mendation to take 40 authorizations away startup company trying to compete with owner Jim Yates after from Union Cab. Under the board’s recom- industry leader Yellow Cab. the October vote. “The mendation, 20 would be given to a new “They were utterly unrealistic expecta- consumer will win by taxicab company known as “Go Green” and tions,” said former City Councilwoman maintaining dispatch the other 20 would be split between Yellow Joyce Woodson, also addressing the annual service, and the compa- Cab and King Cab for models that were ei- meeting of the owner-operated company. nies that don’t meet the ther hybrid or accessible to customers with Vice Mayor Kerry Donley presents a plaque of “But now probation is not going to be a requirement will be disabilities. City officials say they disagree appreciation from Union Cab to former City Coun- problem hanging over year head, unfairly able to survive.” with the parking board’s recommendation. cilwoman Joyce Woodson. in my opinion.” Union Cab employ- “Our concern is that we don’t want to cre- ees and their support- ate a significant burden for Union drivers,” BACK IN OCTOBER, members of the Al- ers aren’t so sure the new rules are a win- Catching up to that would be a difficult said Abi Lerner, deputy director of Trans- exandria City Council approved a new regu- win. They say Yellow Cab has a decades- challenge for any startup business, espe- portation and Environmental Services. latory model that reshuffled the deck for long head-start and a name many people cially during an economic downturn. But “They would be responsible for buying very taxicab companies in the city. Although they feel is synonymous with taxicab service. Woodson expressed confidence this week expensive new vehicles.”

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30 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Legal Notices

ABC LICENSE City of Alexandria trading as Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL for a Wine and Beer off premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Liz Williams President

LEGAL NOTICE Pursuant to the provision of section 4-1-16 of the code of the City of Alexandria, the Alexandria Police Department located at 2003 Mill Road, Alexandria, VA 22314 is now in possession of unclaimed bicycles, mopeds, lawn equipment, money, scooters, and other items. All persons having valid claim to the property should file a claim to the property with reasonable proof of ownership or the items will be sold, destroyed, converted or donated. For a complete listing go to http://alexandriava.gov/police/ and contact the Police Property Unit at (703) 838-4709.

OBITUARY Roger C. Thornton, 82, of Clearwater, Florida, passed away November 30, 2010. His final days were spent surrounded by family and love. Roger is survived by Ruby, his loving wife for 46 years, his two children, Gina V. Lam, V. Tyrone Lorraine Lloyd, right, presents Melyssa Moller with the Lam and his wife Kristin, his granddaughter, Elizabeth Lam and his sister Jacqueline Craw- “Hardiest Souls” award for Steve Brown’s boat Endless ley. Roger was born January 4, 1928 in Peoria, Summer. Moller danced aboard the boat in a hula skirt Kent and Pam Kitchens celebrate the Best in Show win Illinois. He moved to Clearwater Florida in 1992, from Alexandria, Virginia, where he sold and bikini top despite the freezing temperatures. with Jay and Ginger Gaston. Industrial Commercial Real Estate most of his career. He was an active boater, loved helping others and had a laugh that would fill any room. www.mossfeasterdunedin.com

A Winning Labor of Love Obituary Betty Hine was born July 14, 1932 in Miami, Florida. She died on December 4th from relent- From Page 3 sweet Café, Isabel Alvarez of Kimpton Hotels and less pain due to fractures caused by osteoporo- sis. She lived for several years in Leesburg, for an 11-boat sequential presentation of a Na- Dee Bereford of the Old Dominion Boat Club. Florida, New York City, and Alexandria, “Judging is a challenge,” Landrum said of the Virginia. She held executive positions at the tivity scene that included wise men, camels and Waldorf Astoria, Sheraton Corporation, and the the star of Bethlehem. 51 boats that took part in this year’s parade. “But Marriott Corporation. Her favorite roles, howev- er, were wife, mother, grandmother, and great- “This is an exciting event to be a part of,” said we were all in awe of that stained glass display.” grandmother. She is survived by her husband Garrett O’Shea of Red Peg Marketing, a national For the Gaston’s, the boat parade is just one of 58 years, Ken Hine, a daughter, Debby Frye; two granddaughters, Kristen Vreeland (Chris) marketing company based in Alexandria and pro- more way for them to honor our troops. and Katie McIlvenny (Declan); and 5 great- grandchildren, Sydney Frye, Ciara McIlvenny, moter of this year’s events at the City Dock. “Next “We will be participating in Wreaths Across Paige Vreeland, Chloe Vreeland, and year we hope to make it even bigger and better America next week at Arlington Cemetery,” Sean McIlvenny as well as a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Diane and Pete Esthus. In lieu and perhaps have big screens on the dock with a Gaston said. of flowers, donations may be made to Church of “At this time of year it’s especially important the Trinity, 7225 North Lockwood Ridge, Sara- live feed of the boat parade.” sota, FL 34243 or to Philanthropy Judges for this year’s boat parade were to remember those who are away from home Department, Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Bou- levard, Sarasota, FL 34238. A memorial service Stephanie Landrum of the Alexandria Economic protecting our freedoms and also those who have will be held on the 29th of December at 3 p.m. died for our country.” at The Glenridge on Palmer Ranch, 7333 Scot- Development Partnership, Jody Manor of Bitter- land Way, Sarasota, FL 34238. Fred Parker took a break from serving chili at 2010 Boat Parade the Captain’s party to play the spoons with Now! Complete Winners Jeff Carmella of J.C. and the Headcats. Best in Show - Patriot Dreams - Jay Print Editions Gaston: Church of “Our Lady of Sea Ray” complete with stained glassed win- dows and a steeple. Online! Best Powerboat - Hi C’s - Larry Chandler: Giant polar bear in lights. The full print editions of all 18 Most Spirited - Inappropriate - Connection Newspapers are now Brian Rochford: Twister - light-up available on our Web Site in PDF format, Twister board plus people playing Twister on the bow. page by page, identical to our weekly Thinking Outside the Christmas newsprint editions, including print Box - Tuesday - Joe Landa: Save the advertising. Go to Tatas - pink ribbon theme for Breast www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Cancer Awareness Most Animated - Becky Lynn - and click on “Print Editions.” Brandon Bowers: Blinkey-Flashy Spin- ney Stars. Best Sailboat - L’Attitude Adjust- ment - Mark Silcox: Cruzan Christmas - Karen and Rob Kaufmann, Jim Hartmann 55-foot Christmas tree with presents underneath. Donna and “Mango” Mike Anderson and and Sandy and Charlie Collum aboard the Best Spirit of America - Crowes Charlotte Hall. Cherry Blossom. Nest - Tom Crowe: The Grinch cartoon movie projected on sail - a classic Ameri- can Christmas movie Hardiest Souls - Endless Summer - Steve Brown: Hula girl - touch of the tropics with a Hawaiian-style Christmas. Best Try - Kayla Jane - Mike Cusamono: Spirit of Christmas - Disney Photos by Jeanne Theismann theme on the bow and Frosty with rein- PRINT EDITIONS deer on the stern. Gazette Packet Best Theme - National Potomac M Yacht Club: Nativity scene on 11 boats including wise men, camels and star. Best Holiday Cheer - Act of Grace - Walter Weiss. Potomac Riverboat Com- Honorable Mention - All Hands on Andrew Palmieri and Beck - Dave Beck: Smokin’ Red Hot pany owner Willem Polak Christmas with swinging red lights. and his wife Cathie. Nancy Appleby. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 ❖ 31 News 703-917-6464 Zone 3: • Alexandria Employment Zone 3 Ad Deadline: Lights, Camera, Compassion! • Mount Vernon Tuesday 4 p.m. From Page 7 P/T ORGANIST/MUSIC GIS Programmer THE PROGRAM STARTS while the boys DIRECTOR are still in the fifth grade. One day a week, Requires BS (or AS) degree in comp– Clifton Presbyterian Church~Fx Cty uter science, information sytems or they have life skills classes with Odell and engineering + 2 YR exp (4 YR exp w/ her assistant Kelly Robinson. Evenings they Immediate Opening. Send resume to: [email protected] by 1/10/11 AS degree). Job in Alexandria, VA. each have dinner with one of the mentors Resumes to Avineon, Inc., and take the movie-making class with an- [email protected] other. A highlight of the program is an over- night trip to Camp Kekoka (built by Alex- Gymboree Play & Music, Hiring andria Police officers), after which each ◆ PT Play and Art Teachers ◆ COLLEGE STUDENTS mentor is paired with one of the boys for Bruce Slawter and William Alvarez. Train now to begin Jan. 3rd. Chantilly, the remainder of the program. Burke, Alexandria. Weekday a.m. & HS SENIORS That’s when the real movie-making and and/or afternoons. Art, Child Dev., or SEMESTER BREAK WORK relationship-building begins. preschool ed. or experience preferred. Tuesday’s festival was the culmination of Call 703-836-2277 for interview details, $17.00 Base-Appt. or read detailed ad on craigslist. months of hard work and fun. The festival 1-5 week work program. Can continue in Spring. kicked off inside the near capacity theater Customer sales/service, flex schedules. All ages with a humorous exchange between two of BILLING ADMINISTRATOR 18+, conditions apply, all majors welcome. the boys in the program, Roberto Bonilla F/T position for a billing administrator for a 703-359-7600 and William Salgado who shared highlights home medical equipment company. Position of the iMovie Mentors experience. to include: processing of medical claims and Each boy, along with his mentor, intro- organizing of patient files. Must have at least duced his movie. They talked about their 2 yrs exp with office operations. Must have Educational Internships favorite parts of the program and what they good personal skills and phone mannerism. learned during the process of making their Salary based on exp. Hours: 10am-6:30pm. Unusual opportunity to learn Please call 703-370-5790 movies. many aspects of the newspa- Anthony Hernandez made a movie about George Washington Middle School litter. “The main reason is where I live student Bernat Rivas and mentor EDUCATION TRAINING per business. Internships people litter,” he said. “We have trashcans Doug Peterson. available in reporting, pho- everywhere but people still litter. I hate lit- tering because it looks ugly and I don’t like ODELL SAYS that even though the men- tography, research, graphics. playing soccer in a dirty place.” tors don’t meet formally with the boys af- GET HIRED! Opportunities for students, Dental, Medical & Pharmacy Staff Zerik Brooks said it was fun being in the ter December, they stay in contact for at and for adults considering iMovie program because he played new least several months, but hopefully much Trainees sports like soccer and ultimate Frisbee. “I longer. Needed now!! change of career. Unpaid. have tried new things like artichoke dip and “We’re not there to replace their parents,” No Experience Necessary. E-mail internship@connec hummus, and been new places, like Camp Slawter said. “Just someone else in their Medical, Dental Facilities & Pharmacies tionnewspapers.com Kekoka.” lives they can rely on.” He added that he NOW HIRING. Will Alvarez and Bruce Slawter intro- enjoyed getting to know Will’s parents who Local Job Placement & Training duced Will’s movie “Let’s Get Soaked.” Will were very supportive of the program. Available always wanted to do water sports. “Slides “The idea is for these kids to know there and stuff like that,” he said. While doing is another caring, trusting adult they can 1-(800)-381-1734 CTO SCHEV research for his movie, Will realized he had go to one day for help with college applica- concerns about swimming because he tions, finding a job, even dating advice.” Employers: hadn’t really spent time around pools. And for at least one night, they all get to Are your recruiting ads not “So, while making the movie,” Slawter shine. working in other papers? said, “we learned about things such as wa- “The boys say their favorite part of the HOW TO SUBMIT ADS TO ter hazards, basic rules for water safety, and program is the camp trip,” Odell said. “But Try a better way to fill your how to get swimming lessons in Alexan- they always say the best day of their life is employment openings Newspapers & Online dria.” the film festival.” North Potomac CLASSIFIED Rockville DEADLINES 5 Zones 1, 5, 6...... Mon @ noon Potomac Bulletin Board Chevy Great Bethesda Zones 2, 3, 4...... Tues @ noon Falls Chase Herndon

E-mail ad with zone choices to: Dulles Reston Airport 1 McLean [email protected] Vienna To have a notice listed, e-mail gazette@ Oakton 6 believes this is a great time to add a feline to the or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411 Arlington connectionnewspapers.com. Call Steve Hibbard at family. Help offer a cat or kitten “It’s a Chantilly 4 Washington, EMPLOYMENT Centreville D.C. 703-778-9412 with questions. Wonderful (2nd) Life” opportunity and take Fairfax DEADLINES North Clifton advantage of special incentives throughout Zones 5, 6...... Tues @ 11:00 Historic Burke Clifton Fairfax Springfield 3 December. Felines from 1-3 years of age now Zones 1, 3...... Tues @ 4:00 Station ONGOING have their adoption fees reduced by 50 percent Zone 2...... Wed @ 11:00 2 Laurel Join The Full Cup, Becky’s Fund (a domestic and those 3 years of age or older will be free. Zone 4...... Wed @ 1:00 Hill violence organization) and other partners by All standard application/adoptions processes, E-mail ad with zone choices to: participating in the Bra Call Holiday Drive. From rules and procedures apply. Visit www. [email protected] • Target your best job candidates or call Barbara @ 703-778-9413 Dec. 6-31, they will be collecting gently used or alexandriaanimals.org or call 703-746-4774. where they live. new bras that will be donated to women living ZONES • Reach readers in addition in low income housing or shelters. Look for the Zone 1: The Reston Connection The Oak Hill/Herndon Connection to those who are currently red box at these businesses: THURSDAY/DEC. 9 ❖ Zone 2: The Springfield Connection looking for a job. The Full Cup, 218 N Lee St # 206; Great American Energy Debate Workshop. 8 The Burke Connection ❖ Appleseed, 115 S. Columbus Street; a.m. to 2:30 p.m. To promote energy education The Fairfax Connection • Proven readership. ❖ Bellacara, 1000 King Street; and awareness. 13 schools from the area will The Fairfax Station/Clifton/ • Proven results. ❖ Bloomers, 924 King Street; attend this student-led training workshop. At Lorton Connection ❖ Diva Consignment Boutique, 116 S. Pitt Street. Commonwealth Academy. Zone 3: The Alexandria Gazette Packet Alexandria School Board. 7:30 p.m. meeting. The Mount Vernon Gazette Christmas Tree Sale. The Annual Christmas Zone 4: Centre View North Tree Sale to benefit the Alexandria Police Youth At the School Administration Offices, Winkler Centre View South Camp is in progress. The sale will be ongoing, Building Board Room, 2000 North Beauregard Zone 5: The Potomac Almanac 703-917-6464 weeknights from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and every Street. Call Rosemary Webb at 703-824-6614. Zone 6: The Arlington Connection weekend from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., until they are Alexandria Transit Company. 5:30 p.m. Board The Vienna/Oakton Connection [email protected] sold out. The sale is held by the Amtrak Station of Directors meeting. At Sister Cities Conference The McLean Connection Great Papers • Great Readers • Great Results! at 110 Callahan Dr., Alexandria. Room 1101, City Hall, 301 King Street. Contact The Great Falls Connection The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria Marlene Jones at 703-746-5637. 32 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com 703-917-6400 703-917-6400 Zone 3: • Alexandria Home & Garden Zone 3 Ad Deadline: Zone 3: • Alexandria Classified Zone 3 Ad Deadline: • Mount Vernon connectionnewspapers.com CONTRACTORS.com Tuesday Noon • Mount Vernon Tuesday Noon

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By Senitra McCombs with after reading El Dorado Spring. Do you have a favorite movie or musical Gazette Packet the book? artist? That this can happen In what ways are you either My favorite movie is “Secondhand Loins.” I to anyone. Also if you similar or different from your saw a doctor when I was going urrent Alexandria resident and have a gut feeling about book’s main character Julie through this and her assign- author Kathie Truitt’s real life someone or something, Patterson? ment to me was to see the experience with false victimiza listen to that and act on Julie is taller, more attractive and movie “Secondhand Loins.” C it. a former Miss Mississippi while I’m tion provides the subject mat- a former Mrs. Missouri America. Where or from whom do ter for her first book “False Victim.” She Where can people Other than that Julie and I are one you draw your inspiration spoke about the challenges of writing, her purchase the book in the same. in general? hobbies and what she’s working on next. from? I draw all inspiration from God, Kathie Truitt They can go to any lo- Do you have any favorite my family and my children. When cal bookstore, food(s)? I was going through this ordeal, Being that it was a true story, was it chal- amazon.com, Borders Bookstore. They can also go My favorite thing is to eat is there was a time when my fate was lenging to write “False Victim”? to my publisher’s website: www.tate Italian food. I love Floriana in no one’s hands but his. My lawyer, Yes, besides having to relive those events. It was publishing.com. Restaurant. The food is to die my daddy and my husband couldn’t also a challenge to get the time line right and con- for. My son-in-law brought protect me. dense it so that it would be interesting and How has this experience changed you for the restaurant from his entertaining. It didn’t end there because once you better or/and worse? mother. Are you working on anything find a publisher, you have an editor that wants to There was a Kathie before and a Kathie after. I right now? change things. Then, I had to prove that I’m the was a very caring and mushy person. I’ve gone from Do you have a favorite Yes, I’m currently working on my next victim and that this actually happened. emotion full to emotion less. I don’t pursue friend- author? book titled “The Hillbilly Debutante Café,” ships anymore. Every day is a struggle to trust and Rita Mae Brown. I love her. She writes a series a fictitious café in my hometown and the In the book, you mentioned “false vic- trying to get back to who I was before. I would of books about Virginia hunt country. quirky characters that hang out there. timization.” What is it? really like to be able to “feel” again. False victimization is when an individual at- How long was the writing process? When Do you have any hobbies? tempts to convince others that he or she is being Do you have or come from a large fam- was the book released? I’ve been an avid horsewoman since I was a stalked by invented claims made to gain attention. ily? It took me about 10 months. The book was re- child. Anything that has to do with being outdoors. No. It’s just my mom and dad and a brother. I’m leased Aug. 3 and I’ve been on the road promoting I also enjoy hanging out with my family. What do you hope readers come away the oldest. I come from a very small town Missouri: it. Neighborhood Recreation

8,000-square foot space will ac- The alarm that some of the Old Town commodate a total of 350 diners Factory’s artists have had over pos- Music Fills Lee Center WHAT HAPPENED OR inside and out. Still annother sibly losing their role in the man- By McKenya to benefit WHAT’S HAPPENING? eaterie in the heart of Old Town. agement of this destination may Dilworth-Abdalla for Hungry ‘Towners, I tried to get away from Bad or good? We report, you de- have been soothed by some cre- Acting Center Director for Music. the office for about 10 minutes or cide. ative legislating by Councilman Nannie J. Lee Memorial Tickets are so as Fall approached, but it didn’t In case you haven’t yet noticed, Ron Krupicka in concert with Fac- Recreation Center $20 general work! downtown meter parking costs tory icon Marian Van Landingham admission, I did sneak out for awhile last have had a wild ride over recent by agreeing to a new board he Department of Rec available at month, only to return and find all months — spiking this summer 75 makeup of 13, with seven being reation, Parks and Cul www.hungryfor sorts of things happening in my T percent. The outcry by merchants, artists. tural Activities’ ACCT music.org or by calling 240- Old Town — some OK and some, shoppers and others was immedi- The Torpedo Factory still may (Alexandria City Community 582-6193. This show is to well, judge for yourself. ate and loud. Council, obviously end up in the hands of the bean- Theatre) had its last perfor- honor Hazel Dickens, 75, the We told you months ago that a fearing an uprising and possibly counters who see it as a cash cow mance of the season, Celebra- legendary bluegrass and old- plan was afoot to make Market being sued by shoppers who suf- that should be milked by the city tions Around The Globe, Satur- time musician, who also will Square a sort of rolling food cart fered hernias from hauling around as a revenue-raiser first and an arts day, Dec. 4, at the Richard grace the stage. ACCT en- — or food carts. Eight are planned bags of quarters to feed meters, in center second. Kauffman Auditorium at the Lee semble members are perform- in a pilot program set for next its eternal wisdom agreed recently Finally, as I wrote this column Center. The show is the only ing as a part of the program to spring. The jewel that is Market to lower the rates to $1 an hour the other day my latest Gazette annual event of the ACCT sea- inaugurate the partnership be- Square may never be the same. — at least until next spring. The Packet arrived with the news that son and features celebrations of tween ACCT and Hungry for I’ve written before that the idea of roller-coast ride over parking costs the heavy-duty retailers, cultures of the world. Within Music. Hungry for Music sup- food carts running amok on Mar- in Old Town probably didn’t have Artcrafters, centrally located at the our neighborhood recreation plies the musical instruments ket Square terrifies me. Am I alone to happen. Bad or good? We re- corner of King Street and S. Lee centers, we have a number of for the musical programming of in fearing our wonderful Square port. You decide. Street, is closing it doors at the end countries represented and they the arts initiative entitled might be made into something like of the year. The company will op- were on display this past Sat- MUSE (Music Unites Students a fast-food restaurant in front of AND THEN CAME recently the erate exclusively out of a location urday. The countries and Is- Everywhere). our elegant and historic City Hall? arrival of the Glass Stache. “Wel- at National Harbor across the river. lands were Angola, Sierra Dunlo Art is an arts class for Bad or good? We report, you de- come to Old Town’s newest smoke The owners told the Gazette Leone, India, Ethiopia, St. seniors that meets at Nannie J. cide. shop,” wrote Michael Lee Pope of Packet that it was increasingly dif- Croix, Jamaica Denmark, Lee every Tuesday from 10 We also told you some time back this newspaper. Glass Stache is a ficult to operate in the current Al- Senegal, El Salvador, Peru, Hon- a.m.-2 p.m. under the tutelage that the former Olsson’s Bookstore new business establishment that exandria business climate, an un- duras, Egypt, Ghana, Jamaica of Rhoda Seligmann. Their on S. Union Street soon will morph quietly opened last month at the friendly City Hall, taxes and other and, last but not least, the Winter Art Exhibit opened Dec. into a full-fledged restaurant with corner of N. Lee and Queen and expenses and National Harbor is United States of America. The 2 at the gallery space in Nannie both indoor and outdoor dining — sells a variety of glass pipes and a place which is far less expensive children presented themselves J. Lee. The exhibit is scheduled the latter to be built out over Wales other paraphernalia that its own- to run a business. and their countries to an en- to be up until March 1, 2011. Alley, which would be bricked ers insist are for smoking tobacco. This view seems to be heard couraging crowd of parents and The artists that are featured over. Plans are moving right along The new establishment joins a sex more and more in Old Town — community supporters with the are: Rhoda Seligmann, Barbara on this project, described by one shop a few blocks away called Le merchants complaining about song, “We Are The World,” play- Stickell, Griffin, Frankie B., Nu of its owners as “a gastro tavern.” Tache. When asked about the new dealing with City Hall and its strin- ing in the background. Mokharti, Valerie Ziegler- Quite a change from the old days shop recently, our Mayor said, “I gent rules and regulations. Bill Emerson, Dudley Connell Grande and Parvanch Limbert. at Olsson’s. don’t mind, if it’s legal.” Wow! But I’ll be writing more about this and Dede Wyland headline 10 For more info about happen- The developers, highly-re- I must remember that, good or issue in the new year. But for to- bluegrass acts in “A Tribute to ings in the recreation centers spected locals who already oper- bad, we report. You decide. day, good or bad, we report. You Hazel Dickens” at 8 p.m. Friday, and/or about ACCT future per- ate the Majestic Restaurant, The future of the iconic Torpedo decide. Dec. 10, at the Kauffman audi- formances call me at 703-746- Eamon’s, PX and the award-win- Factory also continued to be de- torium Lee Center in Alexandria 5533. ning Restaurant Eve, say the bated as the summer wore down. — Bob Feldkamp 34 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet Sports Editor Jon Roetman Sports 703-224-3015 or [email protected] Titans Show Promise in Season-Opening Victory TC, Wakefield represent historically black schools with throwback jerseys. By Jon Roetman Gazette Packet

he T.C. Williams boys basketball team entered Saturday’s season Topener against Wakefield eager to make a name for itself. The Titans wanted to disprove any notion of dependence on the success of past TC teams for notoriety. When the game was over, the scoreboard said this new group of Titans can play. Wakefield head coach Tony Bentley, how-

Photos by ever, said the Titans intimidated the War- riors like TC teams of the past. TC defeated Wakefield 63-40 on Oct. 4

during the Parker-Gray game at T.C. Will- Louise Krafft iams High School. The teams wore throw- back jerseys with names of former players on the back to honor historically black schools in Alexandria and Arlington. TC represented the Parker-Gray Bulldogs with /Gazette Packet uniforms similar to those worn by the New York Nets of the 1970s. Wakefield repre- sented the Hoffman-Boston Trojans with a jersey style similar to the Atlanta Hawks of the early 1970s. Bentley helped design the jerseys. T.C. Williams junior Jordan Byrd scored seven points “It was a good experience to wear their during the Titans’ win over Wakefield on Oct. 4. jerseys,” said TC senior Tyrell Sitton, who represented Parker-Gray graduate Earl trap. They played Lloyd, the first African-American to play in scared tonight and you It was the “first time I the NBA. “It was special.” can’t coach a scared T.C. Williams senior Tyrell Sitton, wearing a Parker- Each school offered VIP seating in the team — no x’s and o’s ever came in at halftime Gray throwback jersey representing Earl Lloyd, lower sections of the bleachers and several are going to help kids scored 10 points against Wakefield on Oct. 4. former coaches were recognized. that are scared.” and didn’t have “The atmosphere was wonderful,” Bentley TC pulled away an anything to yell about.” said. 11-0 run in the third we’ve had [and] we year, the Titans failed to reach the regional While the atmosphere was exciting, the quarter. T.J. Huggins — T.C. Williams head boys basket- had some explosive tournament, losing in the first round of the outcome was encouraging for the Titans. capped the run with a ball coach Julian King athletes. This group Patriot District tournament. The season was TC scored the game’s first 11 points, hold- putback, giving the Ti- is new and you kind marred by ineligible players and forfeits. ing Wakefield scoreless for the first 4 min- tans a 52-19 lead. Huggins led TC with 15 of get that you’re riding off the coat tails of King said the Titans have put last season’s utes, 32 seconds of the opening quarter. The points. Sitton scored 10 points for the Ti- another team. Those guys came out and mishaps behind them and are ready for suc- Titans led 20-8 after the first and 39-16 at tans, and Jordan Byrd, Rick Mathews and made a statement that they’re going to play cess during the 2010-11 campaign. halftime. Donte Adams each had seven. hard and just as intense as the other teams They’re off to a good start. “My kids played very scared tonight,” It was the “first time I ever came in at that we’ve had.” “We’re not playing any games this year,” Bentley said. “I think it went back to the halftime,” TC head coach Julian King said, TC won three consecutive Northern Re- Kerman said. “We’re all about business.” old T.C. Williams, where kids were afraid “and didn’t have anything to yell about. … gion championships from 2007-09 and cap- TC travels to face West Springfield at 7:45 to play against TC and my kids fell into that Everybody’s thinking about the past success tured the AAA state crown in 2008. Last p.m. on Dec. 10. Sports Briefs Whitmire wanted to make a decision soon. have time to make visits. UVa was the best Senior Whitmire On Nov. 28, he chose somewhere closer to choice for me. [Head] coach [Mike] Lon- Ireton Girls Beat Commits to UVa home. don and the whole staff [were a factor in SSSAS in Whitmire committed to play football at the decision] and it’s close to home and it’s Three weeks ago, T.C. Williams senior the University of Virginia. The family sent a great university.” Tourney Final Jay Whitmire, a three-sport athlete and an e-mail announcement on Dec. 1. The Whitmire said Virginia is interested in him The Bishop Ireton girls basketball team one of the state’s top offensive tackles, senior, who sat out of Saturday’s win over as an offensive tackle, though there was talk defeated St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes 58- took a recruiting visit to Notre Dame. Wakefield with a leg injury but is expected of him possibly playing defensive tackle or 47 on Dec. 4 in the championship game Shortly after, he canceled a visit to the to play Friday against West Springfield, said tight end. Whitmire said he will likely of the SSSAS tipoff tournament. The University of North Carolina because it being close to home was more of a bonus redshirt in the fall. Cardinals improved to 2-0, including a coincided with a basketball scrimmage. than a primary factor in the decision. Virginia finished 4-8 in 2010, closing the Busy juggling school and basketball “I wanted to get it over with before bas- season with four straight losses after up- with trying to decide his football future, ketball started,” he said. “I knew I wouldn’t setting Miami on Oct. 30. See Sports Briefs, Page 36 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 ❖ 35 Sports

T.C. Williams lineman Jay Whitmire, right, commit- ted to play Another Community Partnership football at the University of Virginia.

Photo by Louise Krafft/ Gazette Packet Sports Briefs

From Page 35 son opener to Stone Ridge on Dec. 3, 47-44, but bounced back with victories over South Lakes and 92-11 win over Montrose Christian the day be- Hayfield to start 2-1. The Lady Titans defeated South fore. Lakes 56-47 on Dec. 4 and Hayfield 60-49 on Dec. 7. Junior guard Reeme Lghzaoui earned tournament T.C. Williams will play its first home game at 7:45 MVP honors. Laura Hart was also named to the all- p.m. on Dec. 10 against West Springfield. tournament team, along with SSSAS athletes Catherine Doulis and Lauren Mizzell. Ireton will travel to face Coolidge on Dec. 10. Episcopal Boys 3-0 SSSAS will travel to face Flint Hill on Dec. 9. The Episcopal boys basketball team is off to a 3-0 start with wins over Pennsylvania schools Haverford SAME OLD RESOLUTION. SAME OLD GYM. and Germantown Academy and fellow Alexandria TC Girls Start 2-1 school Bishop Ireton. The Maroon will take part in EXPECTING NEW RESULTS? The T.C. Williams girls basketball team lost its sea- the Life & Breath Foundation Tip Off Classic at Wakefield School on Dec. 10-11. Definition of Insanity. School Notes

Send announcements to the Alexandria Trinity Wilson of Alexandria, a jun- the ceremony, nearly 600 bachelor’s and NO GIMMICKS. Gazette Packet, by e-mail to ior at the University of North Carolina, master’s candidates were awarded de- [email protected]. has been selected to serve as a Federal grees including Brenna Reilly of JUST RESULTS. Deadline is Thursday at noon for the fol- Service Student Ambassador for the Alexandria graduated with a degree in lowing week’s paper. Photos are 2010-11 academic year. The Ambassa- political science. encouraged. Call Steve Hibbard at 703- dors program enlists students to 778-9412 with questions. promote public service on college and Caitlin Patricia Crowe of Alexan- university campuses, nation-wide. dria graduated with a psychology Several Alexandria students par- Forty-seven students representing 40 degree from Mary Baldwin College on ticipated in this year’s Healthy Kids Fun schools were selected from more than May 23. She is the daughter of Mr. and Run event at the Pentagon on Oct. 30. 150 applicants. Mrs. William Crowe of Alexandria. George Mason was among five local As an Ambassador, Wilson will serve schools to receive the Healthy School as an on-campus resource for federal job Abigail Wolk Grenadier of Alex- * New Clients Only. Restrictions Award which awards a donation for P.E. and internship information, providing andria was named to the dean’s list at may apply. Expires 12/24/10. equipment to the schools with the most “insider” tips on where to find and how the University of Mississippi for the student participation. The event pro- to land coveted federal jobs. Responsi- Spring 2010 semester. vides young people with the opportunity bilities range from conducting to participate in healthy activity by run- presentations and workshops to collabo- Patrick Higgins of Alexandria is ning in the one-mile fun run with other rating with campus career services one of the semifinalists eligible to com- students in our area. Fun Runners are representatives. pete in the 2010 Virginia Geographic also able to visit tents and stations pro- To be eligible for the program, stu- Bee, sponsored by Google and Plum moting healthy living and fitness dents had to complete a federal Creek. Patrick is the son of Bill and Sa- activities. What a great way to motivate government internship. This year’s Am- rah Higgins of Alexandria and attends students to stay in shape while also hav- bassadors had internships at agencies Browne Academy. ing fun! ranging from the Peace Corps to the CIA to Department of the Treasury. W Wesley Pasfield of Alexandria The Department of Recreation, has graduated from Boston College with Parks and Cultural Activities is hosting Annela Levitov of Alexandria a Bachelor of Science degree from the an Invitational Cheerleading Competi- graduated magna cum laude from University’s Wallace E. Carroll School of 703.683.0777 Gift Certificates tion on Saturday, Dec. 11 at 11 a.m., at Gettysburg College with a bachelor’s Management with majors in finance and FitnessTogether.com/alexandria Available T.C. Williams High School, 3330 King degree on May 16, 2010. Erin marketing. St., Alexandria. The competition fea- Cushing of Alexandria graduated cum tures cheerleading teams from Charles laude from Gettysburg College with a Caitlin Jane Rattigan of Alexan- Fitness Together Alexandria Barrett, Charles Houston, Cora Kelly, bachelor’s degree on May 16, 2010. dria earned a Bachelor of Arts from 300 North Washington Street Mount Vernon, Nannie J. Lee, Patrick Mercer University’s College of Liberal Henry and William Ramsay Recreation Emmanuel College of Alexandria Arts on May 15 during the commence- Suite 106 1 Client 1 Trainer 1 Goal Centers, as well as teams from around recently held its 88th Commencement ment for the University’s Macon Alexandria, VA 22314 the metro DC area. exercises on Saturday, May 8. During campus.

36 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Alexandria Department of Pl Reimagining the Waterfront

From Page 1 newer version of the plan clusters the ac- A new 200-foot pier at

tivities together so they are not all jumbled the foot of King anning and Zoning ners have a vision for what’s left, and they together.” Street will be the are about to unveil a draft master plan that centerpiece of the could serve as a model for a generation or AT THE FOOT of King Street, according vision city plan- more. At the center of the small-area plan to the vision outlined in the plan, is a new ners will unveil is a 200-foot pier that will anchor the city’s open-air market and pavilion. Planners en- next week. central business district with a new public vision a time when the promenade could pavilion replacing the parking lot of the Old be rented for weddings, parties or meetings, opment of the waterfront,” ac- Dominion Boat Club. potentially creating a new source of revenue cording to a 1978 waterfront plan “The King Street pier is the soul of the for city coffers. The drawing shows the new tucked away in the city’s archives. “The plan,” said Alexandria Planning Director public-activities building at a spot currently suit brought by the federal government Town Civic Association President John Gos- Faroll Hamer. “This is intended to be a great occupied by a fenced-in parking lot owned against the private landowners and the city ling. “Having a plan creates a degree of cer- public space.” was filed at the request of conservation- tainty, and some would argue that it might A watercolor painting explains the con- ists. They have argued that the area even trigger investment.” cept in broad strokes, although Hamer “Right now, it’s hard to find should be turned into a national park.” warns that the marina configuration That never happened, although the Na- THE TWIN Robinson Terminal sites are shown in the image will be rearranged the center of the waterfront. tional Park Service does have flanking part of the canvas that city planners have in the document unveiled next week. sites at the northern edge and southern used to paint a vision of the future in which After hearing concerns from the commu- We’re hoping that the plan tip of the city. Instead, the waterfront pedestrians have continuous access along nity about the jumbled nature of plea- we present next week will remains a disjointed collection of vari- the waterfront. That’s been a central theme sure boats and commercial vessels, city ous land uses. Part of it remains indus- of waterfront planning documents for de- planners went back to the drawing board change that.” trial, with twin Robinson Terminal oper- cades, but Hamer says the time has finally to cluster uses together. Hamer says the — Planning Director Faroll Hamer ating deepwater ports at historic wharf arrived for Alexandria to enter the post-in- draft small-area plan she will present at locations north and south. The draft plan dustrial era by finding a new use for these the community meeting at the United is expected to identify both Robinson Ter- sites. The concept plan released earlier this Way’s waterfront headquarters Monday will by the Old Dominion Boat Club, a slice of minal sites as prime candidates for rede- year calls for “land uses that are active and create a cleaner distinction between the two land that’s at the center of a longstanding velopment, a development that is expected welcoming to the public, such as a hotel.” realms. legal dispute between the city of Alexan- to take place in the near future. Former Vice Mayor Andrew Macdonald has “The earlier version of the plan was too dria and the federal government. “There’s going to be redevelopment at mixed up,” Hamer said. “You’ll see the “The title dispute deals with the redevel- these sites with or without a plan,” said Old See New King Street Pier, Page 38

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From Page 37 argued that this would be a mistake. “Adding hotels and restaurants essentially privatizes the waterfront,” said Macdonald. “I think Robinson North could be a mari- time museum and Robinson South become open space.” Another potential stumbling block is an area known as Waterfront Park, just south of the Old Dominion Boat Club’s parking lot. Hamer says the plan released next week will have several options for this site, in- cluding the one outlined in the concept plan that will encroach into the western edge of the park with new development. The new building would serve as a parking lot for the Boat Club and could include one or more restaurants with a view of Waterfront Park and the river. “I’m appalled,” said Pat Troy, who has long argued that the park be named in honor of Alexandria founding father John Fitzgerald. “They are using the dispute with the Old Dominion Boat Club as a ploy to take the Graphic by Laurence Foong/ park away, and I think that’s a terrible idea.” Gazette Packet Source: Alexandria Department of Waterfront Consultants WATERFRONT PLANNING is nothing Planning and Zoning ❖ $280,000 to AECOM (previously EDAW) to new. Efforts to shape and reshape the provide design expertise and graphics for public space flood mitigation. city’s shoreline date back to the found- dominated by lumber yards, oil depots and ❖ $102,000 to Moffatt and Nichol Engineers ing of the city in 1749. In the early days, “Adding hotels and fertilizer manufacturing. for marina and shoreline condition assessment, Alexandria’s port was one of the most “Today, the original function of Alexan- marina-related concept design, engineering, restaurants essentially permitting and cost estimates and a marina active in North America for tobacco. By dria — a transfer point between land and marketing assessment. 1770, wheat bound for the tropics be- water transportation — is a very small fac- ❖ $72,000 to Economics Research Associates came the major shipping commodity. By privatizes the waterfront.” tor in the city’s economic life,” according (now AECOM Technology Corporation) for market analysis of retail and restaurant demand the dawn of the 19th century, mills be- — Andrew Macdonald to a 1970s-era waterfront planning docu- and recommendations on financing and phasing gan grinding flour and bakeries produced ment. “The waterfront is no longer a focal implementation. ❖ bread and crackers for sailors along the population, and the War of 1812 brought point it was in times past, either economi- $24,000 to AECOM-Transportation for a traffic analysis at key intersections and waterfront. Scottish merchants represented an embargo on shipping and the British cally or socially.” mitigation recommendations for general large firms in London and Glasgow. But then plundered the city. Then Alexandria became circulation. the waterfront began a long and slow de- a major center for slave trading in the 1830s BUT MUCH HAS changed in the last three Total: $478,000 SOURCE: Department of Planning and Zoning cline. and 1840s, which created a chilling effect decades. An old Ford plant was transformed “What was once a busy port, a trading for population growth. Baltimore took over into high-end townhouses. And many of the current assemblage into a continuous pub- post to the world, has, like Rip Van Winkle, Alexandria’s wheat trade, and the flour mills old industrial uses have been supplanted lic realm of pedestrian connectivity. let time and events pass it by,” wrote city shut their doors. After the Civil War, the by parks, marinas, shopping and art cen- “Right now, it’s hard to find the center of planners in a 1950s-era waterfront planning city’s port remained relatively insignificant ters. It’s the last remaining pieces of the the waterfront,” said Hamer. “We’re hoping document. while other cities in the New South pros- puzzle that the waterfront plan released that the plan we present next week will Yellow fever epidemics diminished the pered while Alexandria’s waterfront became next week will take aim at, reshaping the change that.”

Alexandria Department of Planning and Zoning A planning document from 1978 shows some areas have changed while others have not.

38 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Nancy Dunning was my friend. Thirty years ago, she envisioned Del Ray as a community full of active citizens, thriving businesses and excellent schools. Not only did she work tirelessly over the years to help create this community, but she inspired many of us to join in her effort. For those of you who did not know Nancy, read this beautiful tribute written by her daughter, Elizabeth. For those of you who did, join me in remembering her contribution to Del Ray and Alexandria. —Jack Taylor, Alexandria Toyota

Nancy Dunning

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

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

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 ❖ 39 40 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 9-15, 2010 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com