WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM January 29, 2015 | 1

Vol. 11, No. 5 Alexandria’s only independent hometown newspaper January 29, 2015 A schoolyard brawl Schools capital budget tin Keating proposed taking hits snag with playground $100,000 from the $7 million proposal budgeted for a new middle By Susan hale thomas school to supplement the Maury Schoolyard Initiative, Alexandria City School a proposal to renovate the el- Board members wrestled their ementary school’s play field. way through the first of sev- During public comments, eral fiscal 2016 budget work playground advocate John sessions last week at George Buscher thanked the board for Washington Middle School. $115,000 allocated for Maury, In preparation for a vote on Mount Vernon and William the fiscal 2016 capital budget Ramsay elementary schools each Thursday, and at times divided for exterior playgrounds or sports over the process, they came areas. He also was grateful for closer to approving the school an additional $285,000 specifi- system’s $292.8 million ten- cally designated to help fund year infrastructure plan. the schoolyard initiative. What had been a harmoni- Buscher had asked the board to approve another $100,000 to PHOTO/Susan hale thomas ous atmosphere shifted late The Alexandria City School Board tentatively voted 5-4 to include $500,000 toward the Maury Schoolyard in the nearly five-hour meet- Initiative’s $1.4 million playground renovation. The initiative has raised $200,000 on their own and hopes to ing when board member Jus- SEE schools | 6 raise the remaining funds through public-private partnerships.

Award is bittersweet for Local author takes Drue Heinz prize Leslie Pietrzyk By susan hale thomas As a young girl, local author Leslie Pietrzyk always walked to school with her face in her book. She loved to hear her teacher read aloud. In junior high, she wrote what she described as “terrible angsty poetry with no capital letters.” She wrote for her school’s student newspaper. Now, she writes stories in the solitude of her car along the Po- tomac River, in the silence of a library or the bustle of a coffee PHOTOs/Susan hale thomas shop. She finds inspiration for Alexandria author Leslie Pietrzyk was recently awarded the prestigious Drue Heinz Literature Prize for her manuscript of short stories “This Angel on My Chest.” Despite her acclaim, she still enjoys the company of other local writers as part of a group that meets at Bittersweet on King Street. SEE author | 8 2 | January 29, 2015 ALEXANDRIA TIMES

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courtesy PHOTO TIME TO DO THE DOUGHNUTS Delegate Rob Krupicka (D-45), city officials and local ~ New Listing in Old Town ~ business leaders celebrated the grand opening of the first Alexandria location of the Richmond- based doughnut shop Sugar Shack over the weekend. Krupicka, who owns the Port City location, was inspired to bring the eatery north from the state capital after witnessing the popularity of its confectionaries in the state house.

Local scholarship fund receives pro bono support The Scholarship Fund of tegic leap” for the organization, to pay for college. Alexandria recently was while keeping its overhead “The SFA board is thrilled awarded a grant for pro bono costs — currently under 7 per- about the Compass grant,” said work from D.C.-based busi- cent of its budget — low. fund board chairwoman Cindy ness consulting firm Compass Compass employees re- Anderson in a statement. “The to the tune of $130,000. cently toured T.C. Williams, Compass team will expand our Compass provides network- which included a lunch pre- brain trust as we chart our vision ing and connections between pared by the school’s culinary for the future. We expect their local nonprofits and business arts students. And current Al- mentoring to guide our ongoing leaders to help with strategy exandria City Public Schools pursuit of excellence in support- and fundraising. Officials with employee Danielle Thorne ing the college and career goals the scholarship fund hope the — a T.C. alumna — told them of Alexandria’s youth.” firm’s help will provide a “stra- about how the fund helped her - Erich Wagner ~ 819 South Lee Street ~ Former CIA officer convicted for leaks in Alexandria Light-filled end town home with A federal grand jury in on charges related to the Es- prosecutors eventually de- large patio garden. Off-street parking, Alexandria convicted former pionage Act. The long-running cided not to call Risen to the 2 fireplaces, 3 bedrooms and 3 full & CIA officer Jeffrey Sterling case — Sterling was arrested in witness stand. this week for leaking classi- 2011 — gained notoriety thanks Sterling’s defense team one half beautifully renovated baths. fied information to a reporter. to the U.S. Justice Department’s had argued that he was not Sterling was accused of determination to force Risen to Risen’s source of informa- disclosing classified informa- testify in the case. tion, but rather it was staffers Diann Hicks Carlson tion about an attempt to delay Risen refused to name at Congressional intelligence 703-628-2440 Iran’s nuclear weapon pro- Sterling as a source for his committees. www.diannhicks.com gram to James Risen, a report- book “State of War,” and Sterling will remain free un- er at The New York Times. said he was willing to go to til his sentencing on April 24. He was convicted Monday jail before testifying. But - Erich Wagner 4 | January 29, 2015 ALEXANDRIA TIMES CRIME Severance ordered to undergo further evaluation Defendant accused in of whether he is competent to But Roush said she re- local slayings refused stand trial. quires more information to be competency screening But her ruling did not come able to make a determination until Severance twice inter- about a person’s mental com- By Erich Wagner rupted the proceedings. petency, and noted that an in- The man accused in the At the start of the hearing, competency ruling would ac- slayings of three prominent Al- he objected to the discussion of tually represent a longer delay PHOTO BY exandria residents was ordered his case. — at least six months, rather Man feeding seagulls at Boathouse Max Powell last week to undergo a more in- “I am effectively being than 45 days. The Alexandria Times January Photo Contest depth mental health evaluation denied my right to “Not to be glib, but Send us your photos of Something New, Something Blue. after he refused to speak with a a speedy trial,” he a lot of people have a #ALXPhotoTimes or send to [email protected] court-appointed psychologist. said at the begin- ‘substantial impair-

January Charles Severance, 54, is ning of the hearing. ment’ but are com- photo contest charged with multiple counts of And as defense petent to stand trial,” sponsored by: murder in connection with the attorney Christopher she said. InterestedDecember’s in sponsoring theme: the photo Photos contest? of Call the 703-739-0001 Alexandria Waterfront deaths of local music teacher Leibig first addressed After the judge or- or visit alextimes.com/monthly-photo-contest for more information! Ruthanne Lodato last February, the court, Severance dered a new mental transit guru Ronald Kirby in again interjected, re- health evaluation, November 2013 and prominent peating his attempts Charles Severance she gave Severance realtor Nancy Dunning in 2003. to fire his defense team. an opportunity to speak. Circuit Court Judge Jane “He does not represent “I would like to recant my Roush had ordered Severance me,” Severance said. waiver of the right to a speedy to undergo a mental compe- Roush admonished the de- trial,” he said, referring to what tency evaluation last month, fendant, but said she would al- is a common procedure in major CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union saved members after Severance tried to fire his low him to speak at the end of criminal cases. “I want a defense $1,014,623 in loan interest! We supported the court-appointed defense team. the hearing. team that is competent and able At a hearing last Thursday to community by donating $7,000 to Volunteer Alexandria. As prosecutors pushed for to argue that I am being denied review the results of that evalu- a more extensive evaluation my right to a speedy trial.” ation, attorneys announced that of Severance’s mental health, “Well this is probably the Severance refused to participate the defense team argued that most competent defense team in the evaluation, declining to be further review would unduly I could possibly imagine,” interviewed by court psycholo- delay the proceedings. Roush replied, but said she gist Anita Boss. “He elected not to speak would allow him to file a mo- Roush granted the prosecu- with her,” Leibig said. “[But] tion in the case. tors’ request to send the defen- there’s a substantial basis to A hearing on the results of dant to a state mental hospital believe he suffers from sub- the latest competency evalua- for a more in-depth evaluation stantial impairment.” tion is slated for March 19. POLICE BEAT The following incidents occurred between January 21 and January 28. President/CEO of CommonWealth One, Charlotte Cash (at right), presents $7,000 to Marion Brunken (left), Executive Director of Volunteer Alexandria, and Frank Fannon (middle), Drug President of Volunteer Alexandria. Thefts Assaults 43 7 Crimes 17

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bURGLARIES Aggravated Assaults Open an account online 8 4 cofcu.org • (703) 823-5211 *Editor’s note: Police reports are not considered public information in Virginia. The Alexandria Police Department is not required to supply the public at large with detailed information on criminal cases. Most local area residents can bank with us. Federally insured by NCUA Source: raidsonline.com WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM January 29, 2015 | 5 The end of the Old Town Theater? Historic venue could shuttered the venue in October opened. In October, word got out become retail space 2013, parting ways with erst- that Kaufman’s company, PMA while comedy club promoter Properties had put the venue up By Susan hale thomas Tom Kennedy. for sale and was auctioning off “We’re not getting a great sound and kitchen equipment. Einstein apocryphally said deal of support from Alexandria Kaufman said he wants to the definition of insanity is do- and the question becomes can keep the building as some form ing something over and over we? And the other question [is] of arts or entertainment venue, and expecting a different result. have we had the right program- but he has had little luck in find- And after multiple attempts to ming to entice Alexandrians to ing a qualified buyer. file Photo run a theater have failed in the the theater? It’s not one answer, “One group misrepresented Old Town Theater owner Rob Kaufman surprised many residents 102-year-old Old Town The- but maybe a little bit of both,” he itself financially and was not last fall when word got out that he had put the century-old arts ater building at 815 1/2 King said at the time. “As much as I able to do it, so I shut them venue up for sale. He said that although he remains hopeful an St., owner Rob Kaufman is don’t have a history in the the- down,” Kaufman said of one arts company will be able to buy the property, he is making prepa- ready to move on. ater business, I understand Alex- suitor for the property. rations to convert it into a retail space. “When I originally purchased andria very well. I felt the venue Kaufman acknowledges vide any details. the first floor stage and audito- the property, I had intended it to was not hitting the target.” there are people out there with “But I’m not certain if rium seating to connect the two be a retail store,” Kaufman said. Kaufman later reopened the great ideas, but he says few have these people are going to come existing floors, essentially flat- But outcry from residents theater, but the business con- the finances to support them. through,” he said. “There’s no tening the existing slope of the inspired Kaufman to restore tinued to struggle. Last July, he “I’d like to put a theater-ori- guarantee. In the event this fails, theater floor. the century-old property to its again closed the theater in search ented business in the building, I’m on the path to make it retail.” On the second floor, the per- historic glory and keep it as a of a new direction. and if someone wanted to buy In the mean time, Kaufman mit requests an expansion of the venue for the arts. “We’re just getting fall and the theater, I would try and pre- has applied for a special use second floor balcony/mezza- Although residents and winter organized,” Kaufman serve it,” he said. permit that, if approved, would nine area to create a full second Kaufman initially were happy said. “My feeling was let’s Kaufman is in the midst of allow him to increase the floor floor for retail space. There are with the transformation, the just stop and reorganize and negotiations with a party inter- area of the building for “retail, no plans to alter the exterior of honeymoon was short lived. then bring it back … the way ested in purchasing the theater. restaurant or other service ori- the building. The existing “Old The theater struggled to at- I’d like to see it.” But since the deal is still in the ented commercial business.” tract a following, so Kaufman But the theater never re- works, he said he could not pro- The request proposes to remove SEE theater | 7

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Alexandria Times_PrintAd_9p3x5p25_0129-0205.indd 1 1/28/2015 10:20:35 AM 6 | January 29, 2015 ALEXANDRIA TIMES schools board and city hard to gain sup- bunch of middle- and high- port for their $1.4 million pri- income white folks getting FROM | 1 vately commissioned design. together a lot of money and enable his group to the com- Board member William trying to jump the line,” he plete the project in one year Campbell said despite his first said. “Right? That’s where I instead of two. The Maury impressions of the project, was. … But, as I learned more Schoolyard Initiative raised funding the Maury renovation about the project, talked to $200,000 on their own, sought is a win-win for the board. more and more people, there public/private partnerships, “When I first heard about wasn’t a line to jump. and have lobbied the school it, my first thought was a “Maybe we need to estab-

file PHOTO Months after the completion of Alexandria City Public Schools’ latest major infrastructure project, Jefferson-Houston School, school board members tentatively approved a plan for a new middle school in the Eisenhower Valley.

lish one. … My kids are look- “This is a horrible pro- “I’ve made a lot ing forward to playing on the cess,” Lewis said. $1 million-plus playground at “We need to fully informed of good friends Enjoy the Carefree Jefferson-Houston. … There before we make financial deci- since moving to are no losers.” sions,” Ronnie Campbell said. the Hermitage.” But board member Marc “The board deserves to have —John Mutchler Lifestyle You Deserve Williams said the proposal this kind of information and f you’ve been thinking about moving to the Hermitage, skirts the typical process for ap- it should be coming from our now is one of the best times ever. We’re offering special proving infrastructure projects. staff and our superintendent.” I “I support quality play- Hennig went even further incentives on our beautiful featured apartments. grounds and play spaces across than her colleagues, saying And once you’ve settled in, you’ll discover why many the division,” he said. “We the city needed to take respon- people like you have made the move: the chance to experi- have not had one board meet- sibility for neighboring Beach ing [to discuss this]. The su- Park, whose storm water run- ence a new lifestyle with an array of services and ameni- perintendent has not made one off is responsible for the prob- ties. Just ask resident John Mutchler, who appreciates the presentation about the Maury lems at Maury. freedom from home maintenance and the opportunity to playground or the Mount Ver- But board member Kelly participate in clubs and social activities. Our residents also non playground. So, we are told Booz defended the decision, say- rave about our superb dining service, our courteous and as a board we need $500,000, ing parents have been working h [but] I don’t know for what.” with city staff on the proposal. helpful staff, and an overall feeling of caring and security Williams went on to say “The Maury Schoolyard Move into one that comes with living at the Hermitage. the board needed to pay atten- Initiative has spent a lot of of our featured You’ll also gain peace of mind knowing that health care tion to equity. time working with our staff apartments by “The quality of your play and also with city council and and supportive services are available right here, if you ever space shouldn’t be determined have been doing a lot of the spring and take need them. by your zip code,” he said. “If work that our facilities de- advantage of the superintendent has not pre- partment may do,” she said. special incentives, For more information, call 703-797-3814. sented, and we have not dis- “And, they’re doing that to saving you cussed, then I think this is noth- some degree on our behalf to ing more than an earmark. … make this happen. I fully sup- thousands. And, if you can round up five port moving this forward. … Call votes, you can do it. But I don’t So, if there are five members, want to do business this way.” I think we should be moving 703-797-3814 The board tentatively vot- forward with this process with for details. Alexandria, VA ed 5-4 in favor of the addition- the schoolyard.” h www.Hermitage-Nova.com al money for Maury. Joining Keating lauded the Maury Williams in dissent were Chris proposal as an innovative way Lewis, Ronnie Campbell and Patricia Hennig. SEE schools | 7 WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM January 29, 2015 | 7

theater nonprofit theater group might FROM | 5 fare better than a traditional business. Town Theater” marquee and “I have suggested to the the tile floor of the lobby will city manager that the city pur- be preserved. chase the theater,” Walker said. Old Town property owner “I think only a nonprofit will Boyd Walker, who led the work. If they could find a non- original push to encourage profit to operate it, it would be Kaufman to restore the theater, of economic benefit to the city said he was disappointed by the and the theater could really news, although he understood bring the community together. the tough business climate. “If the theater is converted, “It’s very hard to run a for- it is never going to return to be- profit arts venue in downtown,” ing a theater.” he said. “It’s not as profitable as The plan will be reviewed a multiplex cinema.” by the city planning commis- Walker fears that if the sion at a public hearing Febru- venue is converted to retail, ary 3 at 7 p.m. at City Hall. the building will never return - Erich Wagner to its original purpose. But a contributed to this report.

PHOTO/Susan hale thomas Although a proposal to revamp Maury Elementary’s schoolyard was far from the biggest proposal in Alexandria City Public Schools’ proposed capital budget, it garnered the most attention. Board members debated the $500,000 appropriation extensively, with dissenters citing a lack of analysis by staff. ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK schools explanation on how you got ard campus to address urgent FROM | 6 to that number? And, maybe capacity needs. Those plans board members can talk about include 20 additional class- to secure private funds for why they want to go above rooms, as well as an enlarged public projects. that? Is that fair to ask a ques- cafeteria and a new adminis- “[It] sets the standard for a tion of the staff?” trative area. public/private partnership that “I don’t know,” said chair- Board members agreed to we’d be shortsighted to turn woman Karen Graf. increase the budget from $50 our back on at this point,” he “Just for process for to- million to $74.4 million for said. “[In] terms of process, night … if we have five mem- a new 48-classroom middle there are lots of things we bers who agree to this add/de- school that could be located haven’t seen [before voting on lete [item], do we move on?” in the Eisenhower-west neigh- them].” Booz asked quickly. borhood. The project was But Williams said it’s im- “[Keating’s proposal] was moved forward from fiscal ~ Patiently Waiting ~ possible to judge a project’s a budget neutral [one] and we 2019-2021 to the 2016-2019 Three year-old Marley is soft as silk and worthiness without a review need five, and I’m the fifth,” fiscal years because of pro- purrs when petted. She waits each morning for by city staff. ~ Canine Health Care ~ Graf said. jected enrollment increases. a Shelter volunteer as she loves human attention. “How would we know Earlier in the evening, in With $33.6 million set Puppies require surgery sometimes. “Sarah’s Fund” they’re ready to go because his report to the board, Super- aside for modernization, providesThanks Shelter to pets a generous with needed sponsor, procedures. we have not seen a specific intendent Alvin Crawley em- Douglas MacArthur Elemen- Marley’s adoption fee has been paid, proposal from our staff?” he This puppy will soon undergo an operation to repair phasized the need to increase tary School’s improvements so she is waiting for her own personal human said. “I’m sorry, I just don’t capacity and modernize the were moved up from FY 2019 “pulmonic stenosis”, with donations from Alexandrians. to come and take her home. agree with that, Mr. Keating. district’s aging facilities. to 2017 due to the building’s Your five-dollar donation adds to Sarah’s Fund and Your description of the Maury The board unanimously ap- poor condition. Maury Ele- togetherFor Further with contributions inFo about of others, adoP tableensures cats that playground or a schematic at a proved $38 million for fiscal mentary’s modernization plans medicaloF our care city, is there Please when needed.visit board meeting is a process. … 2016 for the expansion of Pat- were pushed back until 2023 www.alexandriaanimals.org It could be the worthiest proj- rick Henry Elementary to a pre- while other elementary schools FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SARAH’S FUND, PLEASE CALL or ring 703-746-4774 ect, and I’m sure that it is, but K through eighth grade program were shelved beyond the 10- 703-746-4774 OR VISIT US AT www.ALExANDRIAANIMALS.ORg/DONATE I don’t think that’s the way we, and 20 additional classrooms. year plan. Improvements for thanK you THANk yOU as a board, should operate.” The expansion will provide re- George Mason Elementary And Lewis complained lief to overcrowding at Francis School were cut by $5.1 mil- TheThe AlexandriaAlexandria AnimalAnimal Shelter’sShelter’s PetPet of of the the that the board had only re- Hammond Middle School. lion to a new total of $15.9 mil- WeekWeek isis sponsoredsponsored byby DiannDiann Hicks,Hicks Carlson,finding ceived the proposal this week. The board also was uni- lion and moved back from FY findinghomes homes for pets for andpets humans,and humans, alike. alike. “There’s money in here fied in bringing $3.6 million 2017 to 2021. www.diannhicks.com from the superintendent,” he originally slated for fiscal The board was slated to said. “The proposal right now 2017 into the next budget year meet Tuesday after press time is to go above and beyond for the planned expansion of to continue its work on the that. Do you guys have an T.C. Williams’ Minnie How- budget. 8 | January 29, 2015 ALEXANDRIA TIMES

Author FROM | 1 her stories and characters all around her. YMCA ALEXANDRIA This year, one of the nation’s most respected awards for short Take a tour to see everything YMCA Alexandria fiction, the Drue Heinz Literature now offers you and your family! Prize, was awarded to Pietrzyk • Expanded Wellness Floor for her manuscript “This Angel • Renovated Indoor Pool on My Chest,” a collection of • Enhanced member connection area short stories from the perspective • Expanded weekday hours of young women who suffer the • Enhanced child care area sudden loss of a husband. ONE WEEK GUEST PASS Pietrzyk’s work is a reflec- PHOTO/Susan hale thomas This pass entitles you to seven (7) consecutive days of tion of her own life. Her hus- access to the YMCA Alexandria branch. Must be at least band died of a sudden heart at- 18 years old and a local resident. Guests are limited to It’s a very personal book for me one pass redemption during any one-year period. tack in 1997 at the age of 37. Although Pietrzyk already … They’re all special, but this YMCA ALEXANDRIA has two published novels, “Pears 420 East Monroe Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301 on a Willow Tree” and “A Year one means a little extra to me since it’s (703) 838-8085 www.ymcadc.org and a Day,” this award is par- about my experience of losing my first ticularly special for her. “It’s knowing how hard it is husband when he died.” to get a collection of short sto- - Leslie Pietrzyk Alexandria Times’ ries published in the publishing Award-winning local author Cause of the Month world,” she said. “It’s really ex- citing. Also, it’s a very personal about, like that bitterness … in meet at Bittersweet [Catering book for me … They’re all spe- the story “I Am the Widow.” Cafe and Bakery].” The Peter Williams cial, but this one means a little Pietrzyk said that although “The writer’s prompt group extra to me since it’s about my each story in the collection is is responsible for the spark of Memorial Scholarship experience of losing my first fiction, they all feature at least something being published,” husband when he died.” some autobiographical material. said resident Nina Sichel, who’s Pietrzyk was at a writing ~ SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY ~ “Even though the book is been with the group for a year. s colony at the Virginia Center short stories and it’s fictionalized, “A lot of characters or char- Old Town Alexandria Connections (OTAC), for the Creative Arts eating it’s not as if these things happened acter sketches started [at Bit- a premiere networkingAlexandria's resource for businesses breakfast and found herself in exactly, but there is one tiny little tersweet] often show up in my conversation with a poet, when in and around Alexandria, wishes to award nugget of total difficult truth,” she work,” Pietrzyk said. Holiday Market inspiration struck. said. “I like to think it’s kind of an Pietrzyk’s writing group at least one college scholarship of at least $500 The poet was teaching a emotional truth.” colleagues are supportive of to a Everysenior Friday,in a public Saturday or private and highSunday school class on the writing of subcul- Having grown up in Iowa, her work. in AlexandriaDecember City or Fairfax 5-21, 2014County with an tures. Pietrzyk found the genre Pietrzyk always felt like she “We’re so very proud of AlexandriaDecember address. The 22, 23scholarship & 24, 2014 is intended interesting, and with a little ex- would end up on the East Coast. Leslie,” said Nancy Carson. to honor the memory of long-standing OTAC tra time on her hands, set out “I like living in a place where “And excited for Leslie, be- to her writing studio to work. member Peter Williams who exemplified the everyone is smart,” she said. cause it’s so hard to get book of She decided to write about the “Washington is a book kind of short stories published,” Sichel virtues of responsible business practice and Stop by Volunteer Alexandria and Hunger-Free young widow support group town and there’s a very big liter- added quickly. serviceAlexandria’s to others. tents for toys and canned food donations that she had gone to. ary community here that I have a Pietrzyk remarried in 2006 Outdoor European Style Market “I knew I would write about it fabulous time hanging out with, and lives with her husband in Al- TheArt &application Craft Vendors can | Children’s be found Corner at at some point, but I didn’t know learning from, and being sup- exandria. In addition to her writ- Glühwein Hotwww.otacnetworking.com Wine | Diverse Food Selections .| Live Music when or where, but plenty of ported by, and supporting.” ing, Pietrzyk teaches fiction and 300 John Carlyle Street – Alexandria time has passed,” she said. “All The urge to surround her- novel workshops in the Masters Submissionalexandriaholidaymarket.com deadline is February 28, 2015. this stuff came out, so that was self with other writers gave in Writing program at Johns the first story that I wrote when Pietrzyk the idea to start a lo- Hopkins University and for the I started taking this seriously as cal writing group. She posted a low-residency MFA program at a project. And I thought, wow, I message on Rosemont’s neigh- Converse College in Spartan- think there’s more here to write. borhood listserv more than burg, S.C. She currently is work- “The assignment that I gave three years ago looking for ing on the first draft of a novel myself was to write about this other creative writers to meet about two college girls and the Partners experience in an open-ended monthly and write based on challenges of female friendship. & way in short stories. I knew I one-word prompts. But despite all of her ob- EVENT MANAGEMENT Please direct questions to OTAC Co-ChairSuperiorSB work with Brilliant results wasn’t going to write a novel, “The first meeting had five ligations, Pietrzyk always re- Debbie Farson, [email protected], and at the core of each story is or six [people],” Pietrzyk said. turns to the group she started at 703-360-8222. one true, hard, thing about the “People come and go, but four Bittersweet. experience, and often it’s a thing have been here all three years, “Writing can be lonely but that people won’t want to talk and a very steady core of seven prompt group is not.” WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM January 29, 2015 | 9 Keeping up with the community

PHOTO/susan hale thomas PHOTO/susan hale thomas Community activist Joyce Rawlings asks about the future of Alexandria law enforcement Local officers and deputies listened to residents’ concerns about police practices, agencies during a forum for city leaders and residents to discuss issues of police interac- which have become a hot topic in recent months after a rash of incidents across the tions with civilians last week. country where law enforcement officers have shot unarmed black suspects. Police convene with residents borhood by neighborhood. Us- leaves nothing to chance when complaints of misconduct. ing with different people they to improve relations ing what he called “predictive he encounters local officers. “When we hear criticisms, may encounter on the streets. policing,” the force allocates re- “I still get stopped,” he said. we need to effectively investi- “We need the community By Susan hale thomas sources based on data analysis “The first thing I do when I get gate and take action,” said City to feel comfortable telling us and current events. stopped is my hands go out the Attorney Jim Banks. when someone might have a Alexandria residents and “We move with the crime,” window so they can see I don’t Cook agreed, saying the po- bias,” Cook said. law enforcement officialshe said. “Crime is an ever-mov- have anything in my hands.” lice department places a priority Alexandria City School sparked renewed conversations ing thing.” City officials said they want on training officers in diversity, on how to improve interactions But LaDonna Sanders, to be proactive in dealing with ethics, mental illness and deal- SEE Police | 11 between officers and civilians at president of the Al- a community meeting last week exandria chapter of at the Durant Center. the NAACP, felt dif- Billed as an “open dialogue” ferently. Sanders said between residents and city lead- what she heard in the ers, the forum was inspired by forum was contradic- the widespread national outrage tory to actions report- following the announcements ed on the streets. that grand juries would not in- She doubted that Tradition with a Twist dict police officers in connec- anyone attending the tion with the deaths of unarmed forum had been black suspects in Ferguson, Mo. stopped by the police, Our swanky new and New York City. and the stories she Mayor Bill Euille said he is hears from residents Client Design Center committed to working with the were inconsistent with entire community to address race what she was hearing relations, interactions between from panelists. is complete! police and civilians, human and “People who live civil rights and other issues. in low-income hous- Come in today to see just how The forum, he said, was just ing are policed differ- the first of many discussions ently,” Sanders said. fabulous it is! he would have in collaboration “Even if it’s not the with nonprofits, the business officers’ intentions, Monday–Friday 10am–6pm community, neighborhood civic this is the perception.” Saturday 10am–5pm associations and faith-based Local resident Sunday 12pm–5pm organizations across the city to Keith Calhoun said encourage involvement and fos- he supports the po- 210 N. Lee Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 ter dialogue. lice but wants to see 703-299-0145 Alexandria Police Chief Earl improvements with Cook said that although the city officers’ interactions www.TchoupitoulasFurnishings.com is a diverse community, his de- with the commu- partment does not police neigh- nity. Calhoun said he 10 | January 29, 2015 ALEXANDRIA TIMES

A special advertising feature Let’s Eat of the Alexandria Times A fresh taste of India here in Alexandria

Excellent Indian cuisine has serves the dish, the naan is sliced years in a row. been found in the Port City for open and a wonderful aroma fills For residents of Alexandria decades, and now that love of all the air. Also of note are the salmon who love Indian food, this res- things from the Asian subcontinent tikka masala, the goat nehari and taurant is a must visit, while has been extended with the open- the kadai chicken or lamb and the those who have never tried the ing of London Curry House a few tandoori salmon and chicken. country’s cuisine before should months ago. It is situated a little off The fine menu is prepared by also pay a visit and experience the beaten path at 191 Somervelle the senior corporate chef, Pritam tastes like they will never have St., but is well worth seeking out for Zarapkar, who has developed his experienced before. the authentic and delectable dishes. skills over the course of 22 years Some of the most outstanding spent in India and Europe, where London Curry House is open for menu selections are the appetiz- he was the chef at a five star hotel lunch from Tuesdays to Fridays ers such as the Bombay palak chat in Geneva, Switzerland. from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and and the chicken tikka wrap, while This is the fourth Indian res- on Saturdays and Sundays from among the main course dishes, the taurant Asad Sheikh has opened noon until 3 p.m. Dinner hours one that seems most special is the in Northern Virginia. The first he are 4:30 to 10 p.m., Tuesdays to biryani. It is prepared with a choice opened was Curry Mantra in Fair- Sundays. For more information of chicken, lamb, goat, or shrimp fax City, and it has been named or to order take-out, call 703- and baked in a copper pot with a one of the top 50 restaurants in by 419-3160 or visit www.london- “lid” of naan. When the waiter Northern Virginia magazine four curryhouse.com.

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Police keep preaching our values, our increase in the upcoming fiscal ethics, and we train every year.” 2016 budget, noting that Al- FROM | 9 Sheriff Dana Lawhorne told I still exandria is just too expensive Lewis his department is always for many officers to rent or buy Board Member Chris Lewis on the lookout to prevent poor get homes inside the city limits. asked the panelists what law practices by deputies. stopped. The Sanders said she had heard a enforcement is doing to pre- “We need to actively look lot of officials’ overtures before. vent bias creep, where offi- for bias creep,” he said. “I’ve first thing I “The new, ‘We have to do it cers or officials inadvertently been told I am a micromanager, a different way, we have to find let preconceived notions enter but it’s my job to be nosey.” do when I innovative ways to reach out into interactions with residents. Worried about the legacy PHOTO/susan hale thomas to people whose voices aren’t “I’ve had good experi- law enforcement would leave Sheriff Dana Lawhorne (left) and get stopped being heard,’ is stuff that I’ve ences with Alexandria Police, behind, resident Joyce Rawlings Alexandria Police Chief Earl Cook heard all the time, and yet we but when I watch shootings said she appreciates the fact that spoke to residents at a commu- is my hands continue to do the same thing on the news, it frightens me,” she is on a first-name basis with nity forum last week. over and over and over again,” he said. “I could be that guy many city officials, but at the the speaker that he wanted two go out the she said. “What I would like to in the toy store holding a toy same time, was concerned new cups of coffee, and a girl came see happen is that these conver- and getting shot.” hires may not have that same back and said, ‘Good morning window so sations occur in non-traditional Cook said he depends on compassion for the community. Mr. Porter.’ places like the courtyards of residents to keep him informed Lawhorne agreed and said “What do we do about it? they can see low-income housing, churches on the conduct of his officers. it was a special experience to I like to hire locals. It doesn’t and barbershops. “[We depend] heavily on live and work in a town that take anything away from any- I don’t have “That’s where we want to the public to tell us what is you live and grew up in. one who didn’t grown up here see them. We see them a lot of being done to them,” he said. “I look over there and see [but] I’m always looking for anything in times when its election time, or “When you tell us something, [John] Porter, who taught me that person who grew up here when something big has hap- we do an objective evaluation when I was 13 years old at … it’s special to have them my hands.” pened, or it’s a National Night and investigation. … Either it’s Parker Gray Middle School,” work for us.” Out. We can’t forget about the retraining or it’s elimination Lawhorne said. “Last week I Only 11 percent of city - Keith Calhoun youth. We’ve got to be mindful from our force. went through the drive-thru at employees live in Alexandria. Resident of them. I’d like to see them in “We don’t have a sure fire McDonald’s with Mr. Porter Last fall, local police groups the schools. We’ve got to make method to get rid of bias, we just and he was blurting through lobbied city council for a pay this a priority.” 12 | January 29, 2015 ALEXANDRIA TIMES SCENE AROUND TOWN A most excellent film ‘A Most Violent Year’ With his trusted attorney table. She knows her stuff. provides a new spin on the Andrew Walsh (Albert Brooks Abel hates guns. Anna mob genre in one of those smallish dramat- doesn’t. Abel thinks it’s possible ic roles where he’s so good you to navigate those shark-infested By Richard Roeper can’t imagine anyone else play- waters without things getting ing the role) by his side, Abel bloody. Anna doesn’t. Even if you’ve never seen cuts a deal for an expansive wa- “A Most Violent Year” is “The Godfather: Part III” or terfront shipping terminal that filled with choice moments and you’ve seen it and you wish will give him a decided advan- cinematic rarities, including you hadn’t, there’s a good tage on the very rivals who are that relationship between Abel chance you know the most fa- already sending out hooligans and Anna. There’s a moment mous line in the movie. to beat the holy heck out of his when she walks down a long “Just when I thought I was drivers and steal his trucks. corridor, and he just watches out … they pull me back in!” ingly effective as Peter Forente, bellows Al Pacino’s anguished a Mafia prince who lives in a Michael Corleone. mansion with more security In J.C. Chandor’s striking measures than most high-end and unforgettable “A Most Vi- banks. Even when Abel reaches olent Year,” Oscar Isaac’s Abel out to him, Forente feels honor- Morales — with his dark eyes bound, in some twisted way, to and hair, and his camel hair warn Abel about doing business coat, and his coldly deliberate with people such as himself. manner of speaking — almost The invaluable Peter Gerety, seems to be channeling the who’s always so true to the part “Godfather II” version of Mi- it feels as if he actually had the chael Corleone at times. job held down by the character But Abel’s struggle isn’t he’s playing, is spot-on as the about getting out. Abel’s quest union boss urging Abel to allow is to never get sucked in. his drivers to arm and protect There was a lot of talk about themselves. “Inside Llewyn Davis” turn- Elyes Gabel gives a strong ing Oscar Isaac into a bona fide performance as Julian, the im- movie star, but it’s his work here migrant truck driver Abel tries in Chandor’s period-piece film to protect, even as Julian’s ac- noir crime drama that should PHOTOs/A24 Films tions could destroy everything solidify Isaac as the real deal. Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac star as a power couple with a Mafia pedigree in J.C. Chandor’s remark- Abel has worked for. “A Most Violent Year” is able film, “A Most Violent Year.” The couple tries to walk the straight-and-narrow of legitimate entrepre- Oscar Isaac and Jessica neurs, but run afoul of the mob and a local district attorney in David Oyelowo (top). set in the New York City of Chastain were classmates at 1981, when there were more It’s a move equal part am- her, and the lust he feels is pal- no cover artist. Whether he’s Juilliard nearly two decades than 1,800 murders; hustlers, bitious and suicidal, especially pable. It’s the type of thing we framing the ideal establishing ago. This is the first time they’ve prostitutes, pickpockets and since Abel knows he’s in the see in movies all the time — shot before segueing into tense, done a film together, and one porn ruled Times Square; crosshairs of a power-hungry but it’s almost always between shadow-filled, interior confron- can only hope it’s just the begin- brutal crimes dominated the district attorney (a stellar David a man and a woman who have tations, or staging an elaborate ning. They’re brilliant. headlines, and the mob still Oyelowo, who plays Martin Lu- yet to consummate. This is a chase scene on the 59th Street Every time I think I know ruled much of Brooklyn and ther King in “Selma”). married couple with children. Bridge, Chandor is a filmmaker my favorite scene in “A Most Queens. There was even a gar- Abel is swimming with Whatever other madness is go- with a deep palette. Violent Year,” I think of another bage collectors’ strike, render- sharks — including his own ing on in their lives, there’s still This is just his third film. scene. It was the birthday party. ing the city grimier than ever. wife, Anna (Jessica Chastain), a burning sexual hunger be- The first was “Margin Call” No, it was the moment when Amidst this seedy backdrop, who’s a femme fatale straight tween them. (2011), perhaps the smartest Anna says to Abel, “You’re not Abel is a successful but still al- out of a 1940s movie, what with Nearly every scene in “A movie about the financial crisis going to like it when I get in- most insatiably hungry owner her perfect coif, her fang-like Most Violent Year” is pitch per- of the late 2000s. Chandor fol- volved.” No, it was the scene of a home heating oil company nails, her cleavage-baring outfits fect. Chandor the writer comes lowed that with “All Is Lost,” where Abel walks in on a meet- that is growing so fast he’s draw- and her calculating moves. Anna across as a big fan of David the one-man survival-at-sea tale ing of his top competitors, and ing a lot of unwanted attention comes from a Mafia family, and Mamet’s, and Chandor the di- starring Robert Redford. To say makes an impassioned plea for from his competitors, who don’t it’s clear she wasn’t sent to her rector invokes stylistic touches he’s three-for-three so far is an them to change their ways. adhere to Abel’s very particular room when the boys talked busi- reminiscent of Sidney Lumet, understatement. No. It’s not any one scene. code of ethics and values. ness around the dining room among others, but Chandor is Alessandro Nivola is chill- It’s the movie. WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM January 29, 2015 | 13

Location: Ramsay House Visitors February 1 Center, 221 King St. Information: 703-539-2549, joeshu- WONDERS OF SCIENCE Discover [email protected] or www.washington- curious objects, from poison bottles to birthday.net/events dragon’s blood, and find out how they were used. During these hour-long tours, Project Enlightenment, McLean High February 8 School’s historical reenactment society, The Game’s Afoot 1/17 - 2/7 will conduct 18th century scientific dem- WINTER WARMER LADIES TEA onstrations to expand visitor knowledge Choose from a variety of 18th-century Also known as “Holmes for the Holidays,” this about science in the 1700s. desserts while you sip John Gadsby’s Time: 1 to 4 p.m. special blend of tea or take a cup of comedy/thriller by Ken Ludwig is murderously Calendar Location: Stabler-Leadbeater Apoth- American Heritage Chocolate. Historic funny, witty and fast-paced! It’s 1936 and ecary Museum, 105-107 S. Fairfax St. guest Martha Washington will catch you Broadway star William Gillette, admired the Information: www.shop.alexandriava.gov up on the latest Alexandria news during world over for his leading role in the play the tea. Admission costs $35 per person. Sherlock Holmes, has invited his fellow cast To have your event members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend February 5 Time: 3 to 5 p.m. Location: Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, of revelry. But when one of the guests ends considered for our up dead, the festivities in this isolated house LARRY CALVERT COOKIE 134 N. Royal St. calendar listings, Information: www.gadsbystavern.org of tricks and mirrors quickly turns dangerous. CLASS Join cookie artisan Larry Gillette takes it upon himself to assume the persona of his beloved please email Calvert as he teaches you how to make Holmes, to track down the killer before his next victim appears. and decorate beautiful hand-decorated February 9 The danger and hilarity are non-stop in this glittering whodunit. [email protected]. sugar cookies. Six different cookies per student will be supplied for making and YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST taking home. Only 12 spots are avail- Fe AID TRAINING (1 OF 2) The first of 600 Wolfe St,- Alexandria b | 703-683-0496. able, reservations required by email. . 23. 23 - Feb. 1, 1, two sessions in which young people can 2 Time: 6 to 8 p.m. an JaWWWn . THELITTLETHEATRE .0COM15 2015 learn how to give initial help to someone J Each Monday Location: The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. Information: 703-548-0035 or lcal- showing signs of a mental illness or [email protected] mental health crisis. Registration is free, TAVERN TODDLERS Join other with space limited to 20 per class. families as you and your toddler (walkers Time: 1 to 5 p.m. through 36 months) have fun in Gads- February 7 Location: 4480 King St. by’s Tavern Museum’s historic ballroom. Information: 703-746-3523, donielle. Playtime features a craft table, book VALENTINE’S HONEY FOR YOUR [email protected] or www. corner, toys, as well as group dancing. HONEY Meet George Wilson, producer alexandriava.gov/dchs Time: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. of award-winning Backyard Farm honeys Location: American Legion, 400 Cam- in Gainesville, Va. He will tell his story and eron St., check in at museum first. share his honey, which is unprocessed, February 11 restaurant week Information: 703-746-4242 or www. unpasteurized and contains naturally gadsbystavern.org occurring pollen and enzymes. YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST Time: 1 to 4 p.m. AID TRAINING (2 OF 2) The Location: Olio Tasting Room, 1223 second of two sessions in which young King St. people can learn how to give initial help Sun-Tues Information: Now to February 14 703-909-8196, info@ to someone showing signs of a mental 25% off oliotastingroom.com or www.oliotastin- llness or mental health crisis. Registration any bottle of BIRTHNIGHT BALL DANCE groom.com wine when is free, with space limited to 20 per class. CLASS In preparation for the dining in Time: Birthnight Ball on February 14, learn OLD TOWN BOUTIQUE DISTRICT 1 to 5 p.m. OVER 6O0V ERR E60S RTEASTUAURRAANTTS SW IWTH $IT35H M E$N3U5S! MENUS! 18th-century English country dancing WAREHOUSE SALE The annual Location: 4480 King St. 3 Course fixed menu from expert dance instructors. one-day shopping extravaganza featur- Information: 703-746-3523, donielle. for Lunch & Dinner Time: ing high-end boutique merchandise, [email protected] or www. Each Thursday, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Lunch menu $20 Location: Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, including clothing, shoes, jewelry, home alexandriava.gov/dchs AlexandriaRestaurantWeek.com furnishings and more up to 70 or 80 134 N. Royal St. Dinner menu $35 percent off retail prices. AlexandriaRestaurantWeek.com Information: Each Menu offers choices of Appetizer, www.shop.alexandriava.gov Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. February 14 Entree & Dessert Location: George Washington Masonic Browse Menus - Make Reservations *Reservations available online Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive GEORGE WASHINGTON’S January 31 Information: www.oldtownboutique- BIRTHNIGHT BANQUET AND 703-836-5123 ✳ district.com www.alalucia.com PREPARING FOR A BALL BALL Help re-create the famous Brows315e MMadisonenus St. - AlexandriaMake R eVAs e22314rvations Explore the tavern where famous balls celebration of George Washington’s like George Washington’s Birthnight February 7 - 28 birthday, set in the year 1799, with an Ball were held and practice the tasks 18th-century banquet, English country dine with us during involved in preparing for a ball. The DOWNTON ABBEY AT LEE- dancing, dessert collation and charac- FENDALL TOUR day includes an 18th century dance The Lee-Fendall ter re-enactors. Tickets start at $125 RestauRant Week! House will be offering special “Downton lesson and a craft to take home, with per person, reservations required. new groups starting every 45 minutes. Abbey” themed tours of the museum. Time: 5:30 to 11 p.m. - Feb. Reservations are required. The tours will compare similarities . 23 1, Location: Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, an 2015 Time: 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. between people and places within the J Location: Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, world of the television series and those 134 N. Royal St. Information: 134 N. Royal St. of the Lee-Fendall House. 703-746-4242 or www. $35 Time: 11 a.m Saturdays Information: 703-746-4739 or gadsbystavern.org 3-course3-course prix Location: Lee-Fendall House, 614 3-course fixe$35 menu [email protected] Oronoco St. 3-course$353-course3-course prix fixe3-course menu prix BLUES BABIES Musician and $35 prix fixe menu 205 E. HowEll AvEnuE Information: 703-548-1789, $35 prix$35 fixe prix menu fixe menu 703-717-9151$35 educator David B. Cole explores the www.dfixeElrA ycmenuAfE.com MAKING THE LEAP: TRACING [email protected] or www. 218 N. Lee Street | 703-683-1007 3-course prix modernization of the blues and its 218218 N. Lee N. Street Lee | 703-683-1007 Street | 703-683-1007205205 E. HowHowellEll Av AvenueEnuE YOUR ROOTS BACK TO AFRICA leefendallhouse.org www.labergerie.com fixe703-717-9151 menu influence upon jazz, gospel, rhythm and www.labergerie.com Join cultural historian Michael W. 218 N. Lee218 Street N. Lee| 703-683-1007 Streetwww.labergerie.com | 703-683-1007 www.d205703-717-9151 E. HowElrEAllyc AvAfEEnu.comE blues, rock ‘n’ roll, soul and other related 703-717-9151 Twitty for a day’s course to learn how to www.labergerie.comwww.labergerie.com www.dwww.dElrAAycycAfAEf.comE.com discover your family roots back to Africa February 8 - March 1 music genres. Admission is free. using all the tools currently available. Time: 12:30 to 2 p.m. Admission costs $15. WALKING WITH WASHINGTON Location: Alexandria Black History OVER 60 RESTAURANTS WITH $35 MENUS! Time: 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. See some of the over 140 places in Al- Museum, 902 Wythe St. Location: Alexandria Black History exandria today that are associated with Information: 703-746-4356 Museum, 902 Wythe St. George Washington. Admission is free. Information: 703-746-4356 Time: 2 to 3 p.m. SEE Calendar | 15 AlexandriaRestaurantWeek.com

Browse Menus - Make Reservations 14 | January 29, 2015 ALEXANDRIA TIMES Sports Cardinals’ numbers rise as puck drops Bishop Ireton ice hockey and size across the region. who take on adversity and re- team look ahead to Ireton play in the Northern ally stick together. I think that resurgence of program Virginia Scholastic Hockey a lot of lesser teams would League, and while results have have fallen apart by now, By Chris Teale not gone the team’s way thus far would have struggled with the this season, DiCarlo is encour- record, but I think that’s a tes- Generally, high school sports aged by what he has seen from tament who the young men and teams are coached by teachers at his team. women on the team are, I think the school. Not so for the Bishop “I think that we’ve made they’ve stuck together.” Ireton ice hockey team. huge improvements over the The league itself has a total Instead, their head coach course of the season,” he said. of 21 teams from across North- is a tax lawyer, a Smithsonian “Despite our record, I think ern Virginia, with those teams employee and teacher Anthony we’ve played better than our split into four divisions during DiCarlo, who works in the pri- talent level in almost every the regular season. In keeping vate sector. game, maybe with the excep- with the growing popularity of It is a labor of love for Di- tion of a few. the sport — aided locally by the Carlo and three other volunteer “I think we really have recent revival of the Washington coaches, who have kept the Car- played above our heads in terms Capitals in the NHL — plenty dinals on the ice and seen their of what I think we’re capable of players come into the team star rise each year as the sport of, [and] I think the team has having taken part in organized has grown in popularity and ice played well, they’ve responded hockey before high school. rinks have increased in number well. It’s a good group of kids “There’s been years where we’ve had more teams in the COURTESY PHOTO league, and there’s definitely A Cardinals player tries to get some momentum on the ice during Ireton’s game against Paul VI High School last year. been years when we’ve had less, but it’s grown pretty much right population of the city has grown, affording it just because it’s so along with the sport,” DiCarlo and people coming from the popular now it’s tough to get said. “It’s the popularity of the north down, it’s a confluence of ice time. The kids take it upon sport, the more rinks makes it a lot of events. themselves to play in additional Open more available. Twelve years “I would say about 75 per- leagues, additional training pro- ago we didn’t have these rinks cent have played organized grams, spring leagues and stuff that we have now, so there’s hockey before high school, and like that. We take the approach more rinks, there’s more kids about 25 haven’t. We give them of any ice time is good ice time, playing hockey and the Capitals as much ice time as we can pos- and we try to get as much of it Houses being more popular than they sibly get and afford, and getting Interested in an excellent academic were is definitely a plus. The [to play] is probably harder than SEE ireton | 15 environment that nurtures your child’s mind, heart, and body?

Open House Thursday, February 5th, 9:00AM Reservations encouraged Call 703.549.0155 or email [email protected] Early admissions application deadline is Feb. 6th.

Classical Christian School • Grades JK - 8th 1801 Russell Road Alexandria, VA 22301 www.ImmanuelAlexandria.org COURTESY PHOTO An Ireton player looks on during the Cardinals’ game against Paul VI High School last year. WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM January 29, 2015 | 15 ireton think that in the next three mean they could field a var- years I think that the program sity and a junior varsity team FROM | 14 will be really ready to compete with ease. They also continue as we can.” for a championship. to work with the Northern Vir- DiCarlo believes the future “We have a good group of ginia Ice Dogs, Junior Capitals is bright for his program, in incoming kids next year, and and other youth hockey clubs spite of their defeats this season then following that there’s a in the region to recruit, and in league play. With a number good group of kids that I think already have seen a number of new players coming in to if we have some recruiting suc- head for junior hockey and the join a strong returning core, cess or some success with kids college game, especially at the they are hopeful that in the next getting into the school, we’ll club level. few years they can start vying be more than competitive. If Having at one point only a for a trophy. we have some younger broth- dozen players on their roster a “It ebbs and flows,” he said. ers coming up, we feel confi- few years ago, Ireton have expe- “This year is a rebuilding year, dent that we’re ready to take rienced a great deal of growth in we’re not overly competitive the next step.” the program, and are optimistic within league play. We’re not a DiCarlo anticipates more COURTESY PHOTO about the continued growth of threat, but in years past we’ve than 25 players next year with A Cardinals player is challenged by two Paul VI opponents during hockey both in the school and been competitive. I would the Cardinals, which would their game last year. around the region.

Calendar PARADE DAY OPEN HOUSE mountvernon.org or www.mountvernon. FROM | 13 Enjoy the annual George Washington February 21 February 24 org parade and tour Carlyle House for free. Time: Noon to 4 p.m. IF YOU LIVED IN SLAVERY Partic- MUSIC AT MOUNT VERNON February 25 February 15 Location: Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St. ipants will experience the house from the CONCERT SERIES Three concerts Information:703-549-2997, carlyle@ perspective of its enslaved inhabitants, of chamber music, performed by ADULT MENTAL HEALTH FIRST members of the National Symphony AID TRAINING (2 OF 2) PARADE DAY OPEN HOUSE nvrpa.org or www.carlylehouse.org exploring the unique differences between The sec- Orchestra. Each performance is pref- ond of two sessions in which people can Tour Gadsby’s Tavern for free on the slavery in cities and on plantations. The REVOLUTIONARY WAR REEN- aced by a brief piece of Mount Vernon learn how to give initial help to someone eve of Presidents’ Day. Learn from tour will include the servant’s wing and ACTMENT Historic camp and tactical kitchen area with its service bells, which history, while afterwards guests enjoy showing signs of a mental illness or costumed guides and the museum’s demonstrations throughout the day are not regularly open to the public. champagne and gourmet chocolates mental health crisis. Registration is free, junior docents about the place George with the musicians. including a Revolutionary War skirmish Time: 2 p.m. with space limited to 20 per class. Washington dined and danced. Time: 7 p.m. at 2 p.m. between the Redcoats and the Location: Lee-Fendall House Museum Time: 1 to 5 p.m. Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location: Mount Vernon: George Continental Army. Admission is free. & Garden, 614 Oronoco St. Location: 4480 King St. Location: Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Washington’s Estate & Gardens, 3200 Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Information: 703-548-1789, Information: 703-746-3523, donielle. Location: Fort Ward Museum and His- Mount Vernon Memorial Highway 134 N. Royal St. [email protected] or www. [email protected] or www. toric Site, 4301 West Braddock Road Information: 703-780-2000, info@ Information: 703-746-4242 or gads- leefendallhouse.org alexandriava.gov/dchs [email protected] Information: 703-539-2549, joeshu- [email protected] or www.washington- Depending on how the template interprets the layout, adjustments may be necessary for your ad birthday.net February 22 MADEIRA TASTING Enjoy George size. These adjustments may involve lining up the green bar and adjusting the placement of the Washington’s favorite drink on his festive GEORGE WASHINGTON SYM- weekend. Learn about the history of February 17 logo or text. POSIUM Each year, leading scholars Madeira and its consumption by our HOMESCHOOL DAY: CELEBRAT- of the life and era of George Washington Founding Fathers while enjoying it with ING WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY are invited to the Memorial to share To change the text, double click on it and an inspector box will open. Type in your text, or cut and food pairings. In honor of George Washington’s their insights. The theme of this year’s paste from another document. Close the box after saving your changes. Time: 3 to 5 p.m. birthday on February 22, learn how the George Washington Symposium is “Lib- Location: Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, citizens of Alexandria celebrated his erty’s Alliance: Washington, Lafayette 134 N. Royal St. birthday in the late 1790s in Gadsby’s and Europeans’ Support of American WE KNOW YOU'RE BETTER THAN A GENERIC The background may be changed by double clicking on the picture. When the inspector box opens Information: 703-746-4242 or gads- Tavern. Admission is $8, adults free. Independence,” with three speakers up, select your image by clicking on it. Click "Apply" at the bottom and then click "OK" to close [email protected] Time: 1 to 2:30 p.m. scheduled: Stuart Leibiger of La Salle Location: FITNESS ROUTINE the inspector. Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, University in Philadelphia; Benjamin 134 N. Royal St. Huggins from the University of Virginia; February 16 Information: www.gadsbystavern.org and Julia Osman of Mississippi State If you put in the work, The blue line around the ad is the bleed line. The default bleed is set to .125". If your ad has a GEORGE WASHINGTON TOMB CEREMONY Colonial University. Admission is free. you should get the results. different bleed, or no bleed, change or remove the bleed as follows: BIRTHDAY PARADE The largest military and civilians honor the soldiers Time: 1 p.m. of the American Revolution. Location: George Washington Masonic parade celebrating Washington’s 1) Double click the red "Document Settings" link at the top of the page. birthday in the United States marches Time: 11 a.m. to noon Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive Limited Time Offer Information: a one-mile route through Old Town. Location: Old Presbyterian Meeting 703-683-2007 or www. With nearly 3,500 participants, this House, 323 S. Fairfax St. gwmemorial.org 2) When the inspector box opens set the bleed and trim to 0. If the ad has a different bleed amount, Information: 703-539-2549, joeshu- Complimentary Fitness community parade honors one of the [email protected] or www.washington- type it into the bleed box. Port City’s favorite sons. birthday.net/events February 23 Time: 1 to 3 p.m. Consultation PLUS $225 Location: King Street at Royal Street ADULT MENTAL HEALTH FIRST off 36 or more sessions 3) Click "Ok" and close the window. Information: 703-539-2549 or www. February 21-22 AID TRAINING (1 OF 2) The first washingtonbirthday.net of two sessions in which people can TEA WITH MARTHA WASH- New clients only. May not be combined with any other offers or discounts. These ads are on an approval loop so we can check layouts. Please allow 24 hours after finishing learn how to give initial help to someone PARADE DAY OPEN HOUSE INGTON Experience history with your ad for proof and approval. Ads submitted on Friday will be proofed and returned by end of Martha Washington as she discusses showing signs of a mental illness or Enjoy the annual George Washington day the following Monday. 18th-century tea customs as well as mental health crisis. Registration is free, parade and tour the Stabler-Leadbeater the fashion of the period. Party attire with space limited to 20 per class. Alexandria Apothecary Museum for free. requested. Admission is $25. Time: 1 to 5 p.m. 300 N Washington St, Ste 106, Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Time: 3 to 4:30 p.m. Location: 4480 King St. Alexandria, VA, 22314 Location: Stabler-Leadbeater Apoth- Location: Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Information: 703-746-3523, donielle. ecary Museum, 105-107 S. Fairfax St. 134 N. Royal St. Call Today: 7036830777 [email protected] or www. fitnesstogether.com/alexandria Information:703-746-3853 or apoth- Information: 703-746-4242 or gads- alexandriava.gov/dchs [email protected] [email protected] 18 | NOVEMBER 6, 2014 ALEXANDRIA TIMES At Home Forget the fad and embrace the classics 16 | January 29, 2015 ALEXANDRIA TIMES

BY BILL LAHAY When the “old” things Tanner is a champion of we abandon are just elec- good design in all its forms, When nearly every new tronic gadgetsAt orH lastome year’s but he is particularly fond smartphone or social media must-have fashions, the pro- of the style known as Early 18 | NOVEMBER 6, 2014 ALEXANDRIA TIMES website makes headlines, it’s cess seems18 | NOVEMBER harmless 6, 2014 enough, American Country, featured ALEXANDRIA TIMES clear that we are a fad-driven and pretty manageable. But in his book “Early Ameri- 18 | NOVEMBER 6, 2014 18Foundation | NOVEMBER 6, 2014 ALEXANDRIA TIMES ALEXANDRIA TIMES nation. For some, that means transferringAt 18 | NOVEMBER that Home 6, 2014 trend to can Country Interiors.” And ALEXANDRIA TIMES the excitement of novelty is something where plantings: the mon- while that look mightTime seem for an update At Homenever far away. But for oth- etary stakesAt are Home higher can like a narrow slice of the de- ers, the never-ending chase spell troubleForgetByAt Marty forross Homethe undisci- thetheand thencor lawnfadfad spectrum, all the way andand to Tanner insistsembraceembrace thethe classicsclassics the curb do not really take full of the new becomes a tedium plined. BY Subjecting BILLTired LAHAY formulas ourfor founhomes- advantage WhenWhenthat of the the the “old” “old” possibilities, best things things examples TannerTanner are is is a a ac- champion champion of of Forgetof theits own. Yesterday’sfad and ideas, toembrace that Forgetdation kind plantings of fi onlyckle make direc- the thea weshewe says. abandon abandontually Whenclassicsfad are areyou rooted justre-imagine just elec- elec-and in classicalgoodgood design design embrace prin- in in all all its its forms, forms, the classics Forget thethe space and fad bring the design and embrace the classics houseForget look frumpy. Forget about the fad and embrace the classics When nearly every new new tronictronic gadgets gadgets or or last last year’s year’s butbut he he is is particularly particularly fond fond BY BILL LAHAY When the “old” things Tanner is a champion of out into the garden, away from however valid and useful, be- tion-changingsmartphoneBYpointy BILL evergreens LAHAY is or social socialat foolishness the corners media media must-havemust-have Whenciples. thefashions, fashions, “old” the the things pro- pro- ofof theTanner the style style is known known a champion as as Early Early of we abandon are just elec- good design in all its BY forms, BILL LAHAY When the “old” things Tanner is a champion of websiteof the housemakes and headlines, bun-shaped it’sit’s cesswethecess facade, abandonseemsseems aharmlessharmless house are justbecomes enough,enough, elec- a AmericangoodAmerican design Country, Country, in all its featured featured forms, PHOTO/TIM AND JOHNNA TANNER/GIBBS-SMITH When nearly every come new tronicdetritus gadgets that’s or last cast year’s asidebut he isthat, particularly according fond to designerwe abandonAmong are just the elec- advantagesgood design in of all its forms, clearshrubsWhen that in wethe nearly arecenter a every fad-drivenfad-driven under new the andtronicnicerand pretty pretty place gadgets manageable.to manageable. come or last home year’s But Butto. inbutin his his he book book is particularly “Early “Early Ameri- Ameri- fond smartphone or social media must-have fashions, the pro- of the style known as EarlyWhen nearly every new tronic gadgets or last year’s but he is particularly fond in the hope of something and buildernation.smartphonewindows, For Tim and some, or give Tanner,social thatyour meansmeans mediafront- can transferringmust-haveReducingtransferring not the fashions, chasing thatsize that of trend trendthe lawnpro- design to to canofcan the Countrytrends, Country style known Interiors.” Interiors.” he as EarlyThe And And stone hearth and massive wood mantle in this bedroom create website makes headlines, it’s cess seems harmless enough, American Country, featuredsmartphone or social media must-have fashions, the pro- of the style known as Early thewebsiteyard excitementlandscape makes an headlines, of ofupgrade. novelty novelty it’s is is somethingcessandsomething adding seems variety whereharmless where to the thethe enough, mon-plant mon-- whileAmericanwhile that that Country,look look might might featured seemthe seem strongest focal point, while reclaimed beams, period furnish- clear that we are a fad-drivensmarter, and pretty faster manageable. or more But fash-in his bookinfl “Earlyict serious website Ameri- makes losses headlines, that it’s are cess seems harmless enough, American Country, featured neverclear “I thatjust far likewe away. areto get Buta fad-drivenaway for for from oth- oth- etaryandingsetary outpretty stakes stakes front manageable. areis are also higher higher better canBut canfor likeinlike his aa narrow narrow book slice “Earlyslice of of the Ameri-the de- de- nation. 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Price:Price: $699,000 $699,000 A convenient BeverleyBathrooms:Bathrooms: Hills location 2 2 with an abundance of charm. Location: 613 Tennessee Ave., Alexandria, VA 22305 Year Built: 1949 At A Glance Contact: Elizabeth Lucchesi, McEnearneyPrice: Associates, $699,000 Bathrooms: 2 Location:Location: 613 613 Tennessee Tennessee Ave., Ave., Alexandria, Alexandria, VA VA 22305 22305 YearYear Built: Built: 1949 1949 Contact:Contact: Elizabeth Elizabeth Lucchesi, Lucchesi, McEnearneyMcEnearneyADVERTORIAL Associates,Associates, Neighborhood: Beverley Hills Bedrooms: 3 Location: 613 Tennessee Ave., 703-868-5676, Alexandria, VA www.lizluke.com 22305 Year Built: 1949 Contact: Elizabeth Lucchesi, McEnearneyADVERTORIAL Associates, 703-868-5676, www.lizluke.com Neighborhood:Neighborhood: Beverley Beverley Hills Hills Bedrooms:Bedrooms: 3 3 703-868-5676, www.lizluke.com HomeHome ofof thethe WeekWeek sponsored sponsored by by European European Country Country Living Living At A Glance Price: $699,000 ADVERTORIAL Bathrooms: 2 ADVERTORIALADVERTORIAL Home of the Week sponsored by European CountryARE LivingYear YOU Built: READY 1949 FOR THANKSGIVING AND THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS…? 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25% All Dining Room Collections Follow Us On Don’t wait too long…many tables & chairs in stock and ready for delivery European Country Living y 1006 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 y Tel (703) 778-4172 y Online ShopECL.com WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM January 29, 2015 | 17 plantings a hard decision, but “a lot of times, just the act of pulling FROM | 16 them out — homeowners sud- old-fashioned planting might denly love their house again,” rely on just one species, such says Carolyn Mullet, owner of as yews or junipers, or perhaps Carex: Garden Design, in Tako- azaleas, to help nestle a house ma Park, Md., near Washington. into the landscape. Too often, “It was dark and forebod- these shrubs are planted too ing, and now it’s light and close to the house and then ig- clean and they can see out of nored until they become over- their house again,” she said. grown, obscuring the house and Good-looking foundation blocking views from inside. plantings should really start Jane Cantin, a landscape at the street, and move back architect in Norfolk, Va., sees toward the home along an at- overgrown foundation plant- tractive front walk, with per- ings all the time. “It’s those haps a small entrance court or cute little Alberta spruces,” she patio with a bench at the front says. “They look like little baby door. If the scale of the steps Christmas trees. But after a few and stoop do not suit a house, years they eat up the sidewalk. or if they are in bad condition, You can’t even get to the front “this may be the time to take door.” In frustration, homeown- out that old hardscape, put in ers try to prune them, but their things more gracious and saf- efforts frequently backfire. er, more fitting with the design “The shrubs get so whacked of the house,” Mullet says. and wonky that they don’t come “It’s an important part of giv- back, and you just have to take ing your house a facelift.” them out,” Cantin says. Well-chosen plants are part Taking out inappropriate or of the overall design, not just PHOTO/MARty ross overgrown plants can be liber- an added improvement. “I take Short sections of fence in this front yard extend the home’s architecture into the landscape, setting apart a ating, designers say. It’s often the architecture and the set- parking area paved with rustic flagstones. The foundation plantings are anything but boring: A big Japanese maple fills a courtyard, with lower plantings all around.

ting and the region into con- oak leaf hydrangea and An- sideration,” Cantin says, “and nabelle hydrangea (sometimes whether the home is contem- called smooth hydrangea), porary or traditional.” Her which both hold their flowers designs favor high-quality ma- for weeks, have an interesting terials and rely on plants that structure through the winter, do not need pampering and that and can be pruned easily. look attractive through the sea- Working with a designer is sons. Where appropriate, Can- a good way to help you develop tin likes to suggest an informal, a vision for the front of your naturalistic style, with native house, and to avoid common plants. In formal settings, she mistakes. Designers have the sticks to simple designs with advantage of years of experi- just a few sculptural plants. ence, and they work closely with Ornamental grasses have contractors who can build and earned a place out front, these repair fences, lay brick or stone designers say, especially in walls and walkways, and install combination with evergreens lighting to bring out the best in and flowering perennials. a design. Designers are good Mullet says she might com- at combining plants and know bine an evergreen shrub with which plants thrive in your local a stalwart switchgrass (Pani- conditions. cum) or Korean feather reed “There’s no cookie-cutter grass (Calamagrostis), with solution: It always depends on low perennial flowers in front the site,” Cantin says. of them for their seasonal Getting away from the pre- color and contrasting textures. dictable styles — and the usu- Hardy geraniums, coneflowers al tired plant combinations — PHOTO/MARty ross and hellebores are among her will change the way you and Boxwoods are the most prominent plant in this tiny front yard. The combination of upright species and low, trimmed plantings look very crisp, but welcoming. The porch, with plants in pots and hanging baskets, brings favorites. Mullet also likes to your neighbors and guests see the garden all the way up to the front door. use native shrubs, including your home, she says. 18 | January 29, 2015 ALEXANDRIA TIMES

Our View Schoolyard funding Opinion raises concerns Alexandria City Public Schools had a rough year in “Where the press is free and every man is able to read, all is safe.” 2011. The central office was mired in scandal: the de- - Thomas Jefferson partment overseeing capital projects for the district made unauthorized fund transfers between projects and it was found the office lacked internal oversight. The incident spurred the ouster of high-ranking officials, calls for then-Superintendent Morton Sherman’s resignation and, eventually, a complete overhaul of the department. The scandal continued to reverberate within the dis- trict until 2013, when school leaders were called before city council to explain a number of proposed changes to the system’s capital budget. “We’re just now fully staffed in the department, fol- lowing the [capital improvement projects] incident a few years back,” said school board chairwoman Karen Graf at the time. “We’re now exercising proper oversight … but it takes time to rebuild a department.” So we were surprised last week when a majority of school board members agreed to include $500,000 for the renovation of the schoolyard at Matthew Maury Ele- mentary School, a project that several members admitted they had not seen any staff presentation on or analysis of. Superintendent Alvin Crawley had proposed allocating funds to similar renovations at other schools — $115,000 each — but included an extra $285,000 for the Maury project. Since the school board has not seen an official presenta- tion on the project outside from a study privately commis- Your Views sioned by parents at the school, one would expect members to scrutinize the project. But instead, board member Justin Keating proposed throwing even more money at the esti- mated $1.4 million proposal, to the tune of $100,000. Potomac Yard Metro is a The Maury schoolyard certainly needs a revamp. As parents said when they lobbied the school board in De- cember, drainage is a constant problem and grass barely poor investment stands a chance of growing. And their funding mechanism To the editor: roughly 20 percent of the cost gender more revenue for it to — using some public funds to leverage donations from Building a new Metro sta- of a new Metro within Po- spend. Where from, you ask? the private sector — could prove an innovative way to tion in Potomac Yard is a waste tomac Yard, a new community From taxing the additional pay for infrastructure in a time of dwindling tax revenue. of money. But unless an inter- in Alexandria that is still be- structures, their occupants, But allocating money without any in-house analysis, vention occurs to break our se- ing built. businesses and their cars that and stifling debate as board member Kelly Booz did when rious spending habit, our mayor To a discerning reader, you a new Metro is expected to she cut off vice chairman Chris Lewis, is shortsighted at and his rubber-stamp council will wonder why this new com- attract to its vicinity. In other best and could serve as a dangerous precedent. will waste your money and munity deserves a Metro sta- words, it’s another bet: more What will happen if the privately commissioned pro- others’ too. They are addicted tion anyway. It already is con- density now for maybe more posal doesn’t pass muster with city officials? What if the to using Alexandria’s credit- veniently located between two dollars in the future. project ends up costing more than the parents and their worthiness to borrow until the stations: National Airport and Here’s what’s guaranteed experts anticipated? cows come home. Braddock Road. For the resi- if a new Metro station is built: Will the boosters have to come up with the difference? Thanks to insider help dents of Potomac Yard, these Your taxes will go up and up; Or will it be the school board, pot committed after this from a passel of Democrats in two Metro stations are a healthy more structures will be built; initial investment? And what needed upgrade to another Richmond, including Potomac walk for some, a short bike ride more people will occupy school will bear the brunt of that decision? Yard Metro advocate and for- for others and a pleasant bus them; more schools will be With the aforementioned oversight scandal and the mer city councilor Delegate journey for the rest. required for their offspring; handwringing that occurred as plans for the newly fin- Rob Krupicka (D-45), they So what’s the justification more cars will be on Alexan- ished Jefferson-Houston School came in over budget still are now poised to put our city to push Alexandria deeper dria’s finite number of roads fresh in the minds of many residents, now is a time to pro- further into debt. And what is into debt? Short answer: The vide more scrutiny to capital projects, not less. this new debt for? It will pay city believes a Metro will en- SEE metro | 19 WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM January 29, 2015 | 19

City leaders must support The Business Plan government employees with Bill Reagan To the editor: — the Office of Perfor- force — from commu- The employees of the mance and Accountabil- nity service positions in City of Alexandria im- ity — whose employees’ the departments of recre- Community resources for plore members of city salaries start between ation and health and hu- council to get back to ba- $64,000 and $90,000. man services just prior to Alexandria businesses are plentiful sics of government — ser- Does a city the size of being eligible for retire- When this column began in tourism. Both organizations have vice. When the city gov- Alexandria need the lo- ment, while the employ- 2013, we started with a feature that helpful staff and informative web- ernment is committed to highlighted community resources sites worth exploring. its most basic institutions that business owners need to know We also partner with the Alexan- and to the people who The most current philosophy, about. Over the past year, one of our dria Chamber of Commerce, which serve in these institutions, ‘aligning processes with goals has been to improve collabo- serves as an advocate for Alexan- ration among those organizations dria businesses and offers owners it becomes the community guiding principles,’ neither generates we all want it to be. and to make sure that businesses excellent opportunities to connect Did you know: revenue nor cuts costs. Like its federal know who to go to for different is- and network with other profession- Each year, city coun- neighbors across the Potomac, the sues and challenges. This is such als and business owners. cil stands by while the an important topic that we feel it is Alexandria’s neighborhood city spends countless em- city has waded into the bureaucratic worth revisiting this year. Here’s a business associations offer tre- ployee hours reinventing quagmire where common sense no quick list of the resources of which mendous opportunities to meet the budget process. The you should be aware. key players in your part of town, most current philosophy, longer rules the day.” Our center provides a broad solutions to common problems, “aligning processes with range of expertise on opportunities for col- guiding principles,” nei- cal equivalent to the U.S. ees working in the city the daily challenges that laborative marketing, ther generates revenue nor Government Account- manager’s office received plague business owners. and a means to avoid the cuts costs. Like its federal ability Office? hefty bonuses. We encourage entre- isolation that is charac- neighbors across the Po- To save $105,000, city In 2007, city council preneurs to contact the teristic of small busi- tomac, the city has wad- councilors allowed busi- approved a 1.5 percent center through our web- ness ownership. These ed into the bureaucratic ness to be taken away cost-of-living increase for site to pose questions or groups are very active quagmire where common from the local economy. city employees. No other problems. We also have and easy to engage. sense no longer rules the To reduce the costs of COLA or market rate ad- access to a vast network Most meet regularly and Bill Reagan day. Budgeting to accom- a medical prescription justments have been au- of business consultants always are excited to modate catchy phrases plan, city employees are thorized since then. who can provide insight on more have new members. creates administrative mandated to refill their As city councilors specific needs. We help businesses Small business organizations, busy work for employees prescriptions via an out- prepare the budget for the at any stage and can make refer- service providers and city staff who already are asked to of-state mail-order com- upcoming fiscal year, city rals and connections as needed. work to stay current with one an- Potomac Yard Metro is a do more with less. pany. Does this make employees ask that the Alexandria businesses also other so that we can all accurate- During touted budget sense? council support the peo- should be familiar with city gov- ly refer to one another’s resourc- shortfalls, city council- More than 20 part- ple who support the city. ernment staff. They provide assis- es. Our center facilitates regular poor investment ors allowed the creation time employees were - Octavia Brown tance on many aspects of business, discussions among the key small of a new city department “RIFed” — reduction in Alexandria from permits and transit matters to business players in Alexandria to taxes and public health issues. They foster understanding of other pro- are approachable and happy to help grams, to harmonize our messag- metro What’s the payoff by cally responsible repre- owners comprehend requirements, es, and to validate that links and FROM | 18 allowing our elected of- sentatives replacing the even at the earliest stages of plan- referral processes are current. ficials to make this bet borrow, spend and tax ning. If you’re not sure whom to Wherever businesses make and, to add insult to in- that increases our taxes, addicts now in place, es- contact at the city, our center will their initial contact, our aim is jury, Metro travelers will debt, density and delay? pecially the mayor. They gladly make those connections, but to ensure their issue is addressed experience a further de- I don’t know. But I do are out of control. a great place to start is the Multi- quickly and that they are seam- lay from having to stop know the ideal interven- - Jimm Roberts Agency Permit Center, located at lessly referred to the most effec- at a new station. Alexandria tion: Put into office fis- 301 King St., Suite 4200. tive resource for their needs. Our economic development Business owners not already partners — the Alexandria Eco- familiar with the Alexandria Small nomic Development Partnership Business Development Center are WHO CARES? and Visit Alexandria (formerly the encouraged to connect to the center Alexandria Convention and Visi- via its website, www.alexandrias- WE DO. tor’s Association) — also have ex- bdc.org. tensive expertise and information Email comments, rants & raves to for businesses. They can help you The writer is the executive [email protected]. find a business location or provide director of the Alexandria Small information on the latest trends in Business Development Center. 20 | January 29, 2015 ALEXANDRIA TIMES

It’s time for Alexandria to adopt council wards From the web To the editor: difficult to adequately address spe- I think we as citizens need to Having a ward or cific and targeted needs when you In response to have a serious conversation about district structure have to contend with the needs of “The missing connection in the city’s governance structure. allows local elected a wide variety of citizens, whereas Does it best serve the needs of the if one decides to run for mayor, it Oakville Triangle,” December 11: large, diverse city that Alexandria is officials the ability to be is understood that juggling diverse today? The answer to that question interests come with the territory. laser focused on specific Alex writes: leaves much to be desired. items of interest to Having a ward or district struc- My philosophy is this: Account- ture allows local elected officials their constituents and, Del Ray residents act like they are picked ability for all means accountability the ability to be laser focused on on, but the reality is that they live next to for none, and we have witnessed in turn, they become specific items of interest to their U.S. Route 1 [on one side] and Mount this from time to time in Alexan- better representatives constituents and, in turn, they be- dria. Under the current structure, come better representatives for us Vernon Avenue on the other, 5 miles from parts of the city lack any direct rep- for us all.” all. Our current structure has forced D.C., 3 miles from [Washington National resentation. To improve this, Alex- some of our leaders to make tough Airport], and have businesses all over. andria should move to a representa- A ward- or district-based gover- decisions. But to whom are they re- People will own cars no matter what, tional governance structure. nance structure puts accountability ally accountable in the next election and if they live in the new development, Representational governance back in the hands of citizens. When for those decisions? they should have a right to drive on any provides for a more democratic ap- issues or concerns arise, citizens I do not believe the spoils of our public street — and that would include proach to ensuring full and equal know exactly to whom they can go at-large-only structure are inten- Stewart Street. representation of all citizens. Un- for resolution and insight. Departure tional, but they are symptomatic of I like the response to put all traffic on der any other system, citizens lack from the at-large-only structure po- the need for some critical and stra- the ability to hold local elected tentially can benefit both the citizen tegic thinking for our city. Custis Avenue, but why is it OK to drive leaders accountable for decisions and the elected official. - Charles Sumpter on Custis Avenue but not on [Stewart contrary to those they represent. For city councilors, it becomes Alexandria Street]? Alexandria’s ‘super school’ model belies Ferdinand Day’s mantra To the editor: But T.C. Williams actually movie, “Remember the Titans.” witnessed far too many students schools in this city, not just one I am writing to set the histor- opened in the fall of 1965. It As for Mr. Day’s philoso- from a variety of backgrounds big, bloated super school. ical record straight concerning was integrated in 1965, as were phy of “Every student counts,” fall through the cracks. Too Education reform has been a your editorial on Ferdinand Day George Washington and Francis it sounded nice in theory, but it many were lost in the shuffle. controversial issue in this coun- (“Ferdinand Day represented Hammond. The media contin- had no real practical applica- Too many were marginalized. try for many years. But it is dif- the best of Alexandria,” Janu- ues to get this simple historical tion. As a 54-year-old lifelong The notion of the compre- ficult to enact change upon the ary 8). Reference was made to chronology wrong. The media Alexandrian, I have observed hensive super school that of- educational establishment. the successful integration of the needs to do their homework many different generations pass fers something for everybody The education establishment three city high schools in the and not get their history lessons through Alexandria City Public is a myth. Bigger is not better. has its own agendas. form of the newly opened T.C. from that silly and historically Schools. The average student was better - Gregory Paspatis Williams in 1971. inaccurate farce of a Disney Sadly and regrettably, I have served when we had three high Alexandria Development doesn’t solve fiscal problems, it causes them To the editor: the fiscal impact on our schools These apartments potentially special use permits. oper amenities that City Hall ac- Development critics con- from several hundred addition- will contribute numerous chil- Planning for infrastructure cepts in exchange for tearing up tend that city council only al apartments, he still voted dren whose education will cost and city services is designed the underlying zoning ordinance counts the revenues from spe- for the project and financing. more than the taxes the develop- around the underlying zon- do not cover these hidden costs cific developments but doesn’t Vice Mayor Allison Silber- ment generates. ing. Every exception to those because the city has not made factor in projects’ hidden costs. berg and City Councilor John But the development also rules adds an incremental a bona fide effort to hire high- City council approved a Chapman were the only two will spur the need to eventual- strain which shows up as add- quality, independent consultants master plan amendment, devel- who did not vote for the proj- ly build a new street. The cars ed costs which seem to ap- capable of quantifying the hidden opment special use permit and ect and unsuccessfully tried to that park in the development’s pear out of nowhere because costs of development. increased density, vacated a delay its consideration. garages will put wear and tear they are the hidden costs of Until we come to terms with public right of way and award- This project, which city coun- on the city’s existing streets. all this excess development. the real costs of dense develop- ed a $5 million loan guarantee cil approved despite stated mis- The apartments will generate Every year, there is a different ment, we will not bring our fis- for a developer to build side- givings, illustrates how develop- more sewage to be treated and excuse about why things are so cal problems under control and by-side affordable and market- ment is contributing to the city’s the need for police, fire, ambu- fiscally tight, but the underlying will continue to see pressure to rate apartment buildings. fiscal problems. A residence’s lance and other services also constant — City Hall keeps green increase taxes to subsidize City Although City Councilor taxes typically do not cover the will increase. None of this is lighting dense development Hall’s development binge. Justin Wilson had the presence costs of educating even one child accurately accounted for when counter to the underlying zoning - Dino Drudi of mind to at least ask about while in the city’s public schools. the city hands out development — never is broached. The devel- Alexandria WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM January 29, 2015 | 21 OUT OF THE ATTIC

Finding the right location for the Port City Denise Dunbar Publisher [email protected] hen the colonial Vir- ginia’s General As- Kristen Essex W sembly considered Publisher, Director of Sales & the establishment of a new Marketing port settlement north of Fred- [email protected] ericksburg in the late 1740s, Erich Wagner the choice narrowed to two ar- Managing Editor eas about a mile or two apart, [email protected] both where tobacco inspec- tion stations had already been established. With Virginia’s Patrice V. Culligan Publisher Emeritus agricultural economy largely [email protected] focused on tobacco in the 18th century, it was critical that it be weighed and inspected for EDITORIAL quality before it was exported Susan Hale Thomas overseas, and that early legacy, Staff Reporter / Photographer including visual representa- [email protected] tions of a set of scales and a ship on the open water, survive Chris Teale Calendar & Copy Editor on the official seal of the City [email protected] of Alexandria. The two areas considered for a permanent settlement in the ADVERTISING northern reaches of the colony Photo/Library of congress Kristen Essex each had their own band of sup- [email protected] porters. One area was an existing tions for navigation during low house in 1749, the settlement from atop Shuter’s Hill, then oc- cluster of rudimentary structures tide and even extended periods remained somewhat isolated, cupied by the camp of the New Patrice V. Culligan [email protected] in an area called Cameron, locat- of dry weather. except by water and the two York 44th Infantry, and looks ed along the northern shoreline Within two years, the inspec- turnpikes that rolled westward southeast across Duke Street, the Marty DeVine of Great Hunting Creek, about a tion station was moved — with to the hinterlands beyond King adjacent railroad line, as well as [email protected] mile west of the Potomac River its name unchanged — to a new and Duke streets. It was not until Union Army barracks and hospi- Margaret Stevens and near to the point where Tele- site along the Potomac, near 1809 that new roads were built tal buildings. [email protected] graph Road now crosses the Ralphs Gut, another creek that to more easily access the new In the foreground, the close Pat Booth Capital Beltway. traversed the lands once owned city of Washington to the north observer will note the many tree Office/Classified Manager At the time, the creek had by Ralph Platt, at the current end and Richmond to the south, with stumps that remain in the soil af- [email protected] a wide mouth and was quite of Oronoco Street. It was here the highway to Richmond ac- ter the scenic hillside was hastily Graphic Design deep, allowing ships to navi- that after 1732, Hugh West oper- cessed via a long bridge across denuded of trees to improve vis- Jennifer Powell gate easily inland from the ated not only the inspection sta- the Great Hunting Creek. ibility for the soldiers. The old Art Director Potomac at high tide. But soon tion and tobacco warehouse, but In this Civil War view taken community of Cameron would [email protected] after the Hunting Creek tobac- also a tavern and ferry to Mary- around 1864, the old Hunting have been just off to the right. co inspection station was built land as well. Creek bridge can be seen as a there, it was considered by Once the new town of Alex- thin line across the waterway Out of the Attic is provided Contributors many to be inconvenient and andria was selected and estab- in the upper third of the photo. by the Office of Historic Jim McElhatton, subject to challenging condi- lished south of the West ware- It appears that the photo is taken Alexandria. Justin Shilad, Laura Sikes, Jordan Wright

Weekly Poll ALEXTIMES LLC Denise Dunbar Managing Partner Last Week This Week The Ariail family Do Alexandria officials need to be Should the Alexandria City School Board approve $500,000 for William Dunbar more scrutinous of Metro? the renovation of Maury Elementary’s schoolyard? HOW TO REACH US 110 S. Pitt St. Alexandria, VA 22314 81% Yes. A. Yes. 703-739-0001 (main) B. No 703-739-0120 (fax) 19% No. www.alextimes.com 42 votes Take the poll at alextimes.com 22 | January 29, 2015 ALEXANDRIA TIMES

41 Soft palate 42 Hurricane heading, sometimes Obituaries 44 Distrustful 47 Bled in the laundry ROBERT O. BALL 49 “... yadda, yadda, yadda” of Alexandria, January 11, 2015 50 Bad-mouths 53 Swiss canton or its capital PAULINE L. BANKS 56 Mimicries 58 Knocking noise formerly of Alexandria, January 1, 2015 60 Agendum, e.g. 61 Amend, as an atlas section RICHARD F. COLEMAN 65 Actress Fabray, for short formerly of Alexandria, January 18, 2015 67 With money to burn 69 “___ your call” GRACE CUMMINGS 72 Guaranteed winner formerly of Alexandria, January 23, 2015 73 Drag race participant 75 Old Irish memorial inscription CAROLINE P. CURRIN 76 Period before a conflict 77 Ballerina’s skirts of Alexandria, January 22, 2015 80 “Steer” anagram 81 Parts of a baseball DOROTHY E. DARLING 84 Old photo tone of Alexandria, January 16, 2015 85 “___ we having fun yet?” 87 Bran type GRACE W. DUFFY 90 Affected dandy formerly of Alexandria, January 16, 2015 92 Thin plate or layer Words Weekly 96 Continental currency MARIAN W. FISCHER 97 Parodied 99 Colonizes of Alexandria, January 19, 2015 104 Main dish across 86 Vacation memento 11 Amazon zapper 106 “A Streetcar Named HARVEY N. FITTON, JR. 1 Capo’s group 88 Have a funny feeling 12 “... and make it fast!” Desire” role of Alexandria, January 22, 2015 6 Pasta, potatoes and such 89 Next life 13 Santa ___, California 108 Sweater style 11 Swimmers’ woes 91 Unwritten test 14 Sap-sucking insect genus 109 ___-cochere (carriage HAROLD M. HAMMOND 19 “Dynasty” actress Linda 93 ___ good example 15 Hotdog topper, sometimes entrance) 20 Garlicky garnish 94 Cause wonder 16 Harrison in “Star Wars” 111 Impressive degree formerly of Alexandria, January 11, 2015 21 Swallow routes 17 Breakfast item 95 Small hairpieces 112 Pesky arachnids DOLLY J. HAYNES 22 Common tablet PC feature 98 Tiniest bits 18 Sibling, in brief 114 Defeat a la Ali 24 Waterproof roof joints 100 Radiation dosage 23 Cull 115 Mumbai dress of Alexandria, January 26, 2015 25 Architectural band 101 Fold, spindle or mutilate 24 “Jaws” sighting 117 In need of a massage 26 ___ Arabia 102 Air pressure meas. 27 Two-person fight 119 Bagel kin STEVAN P. HYNSON 28 Jack and Jill’s carryall 103 Overturn or overthrow 31 Malayan island 120 Large wading bird 29 Island near Java of Alexandria, January 14, 2015 105 Gentlemen (Abbr.) 33 Ones leading the pack 121 Clifflike, flat-topped 30 Make fun of 107 “Answer, please” (Abbr.) 34 Toyota model elevation 32 Examine, as evidence BAYARD W. KENNETT II 110 Cook’s covering 35 Pelvic bones 122 ___ and downs 35 Story with bite 36 Fevers with chills 123 Her life is in order? formerly of Alexandria, January 17, 2015 38 Moisten, as a roast 112 Catcher’s need 37 Leaders of movements 124 Modern evidence 40 “If ___ told you once ...” 113 “___ as good a time as any” 38 Antacid, for short 125 Tennis court divider WARREN E. KULLBERG 43 Bro or 18-Down, e.g. 116 Owl noises 39 Having no feet 127 “Bus” or “rod” starter 45 “Long ___ ...” 118 Temporary period formerly of Alexandria, January 19, 2015 46 Temporary paper currency 122 Not aboveboard JOY L. MANSFIELD 48 Earth, air, fire or water, e.g. 126 Part of the brain 51 Rock with value 128 Tire mishap Last Week’s Solution: formerly of Alexandria, January 15, 2015 52 Bodybuilder’s exercise 129 Spine-tinglingly weird 54 ___ Bell (fast-food chain) 130 Arrival island for many DEAN F. MAY 55 Respect for others’ beliefs 131 Trouble spot for Indiana formerly of Alexandria, December 18, 2014 57 Come up again Jones 59 Opposite of apex 132 Forms an opinion GERTRUDE L. MCGEE 62 Grand ___ (vintage) 133 Corn-chip dip 63 Better suited formerly of Alexandria, January 12, 2015 64 Refuse receptacle DOWN 66 Assessor 1 “I never ___ man I didn’t WILLIAM M. MCHUGH 68 Like Scrooge McDuck like” formerly of Alexandria, January 17, 2015 70 ___ carotene 2 The Bard’s river 71 Facial flaw 3 Goat-legged deity VALERIE M. MULLINS 74 Drive-___ window 4 Demons that prey upon of Alexandria, January 21, 2015 75 Producing an effect sleepers 5 Masonry stones 78 “___ Man” (Village People JAMES J. O’BOYLE hit) 6 Desert growths 79 Fishing nets 7 Balloon’s filling of Alexandria, January 10, 2015 8 Some reddish deer 82 Civil War general MARJORIE C. SWEITZER 83 “Born in the ___” 9 Sounds from a flock (Springsteen tune) 10 Curve in and out of Alexandria, January 11, 2015 WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM January 29, 2015 | 23 Classifieds STOLEN YORKIE ABC NOTICE help wanted Local Janitorial Company in need of the following: Supervisors & Cleaners needed ASAP Please call: 571-220-8098 571-436-1479 Posiciones de trabajo para Supervi- sores de Limpiesza & Limpiadores Favor llamar: 571-220-8098 571-436-1479 REWARD: 804-720-7135 K9 SEARCH DOG IN AREA HAS SCENT OF SUZY IN ALEXANDRIA VA OFF OF OLD FRANCONIA RD SAFE RETURN NO QUESTIONS ASKED

WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT

Catherine Grace Hogan of Arlington, VA and Willow White Noonan of San Francisco, CA were recently married in Indiana, PA at St. Ber- nard of Clairvaux Church by the Reverend Don- ald Conroy. Catherine is the daughter of Donald and Claire Hogan of Indiana. Willow is the son of Adrienne White and David Serbin of Wadsworth, Ohio and James Noonan of Alexandria, VA. Catherine is employed as a teacher in writing and technology at Making Waves Charter School and will graduate in May 2015 with a Masters in reading from George Mason University. Willow graduated from Bishop Ireton High School in 2002, the University of Virginia in LEGAL NOTICE 2006 with a bachelor degree in computer sci- ence and a minor in electrical engineering and PUBLIC NOTICE the George Washington University Law School PROPOSAL TO CLEANUP in 2010. He is an intellectual property attorney

AN UNDERGROUND STORAGE with Arnold & Porter LLP in San Francisco. LEGAL NOTICE OF A TANK (UST) SITE They honeymooned in Hawaii and live in PUBLIC HEARING San Francisco. There has been a release from an under- BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS ground storage tank system at: Potomac River Generating Station (PRGS), 1400 THURSDAY, February 12, 2015 North Royal Street, Alexandria, VA. The – 7:30 PM Business Directory Virginia Department of Environmental COUNCIL CHAMBERS, City Hall Quality (VDEQ) is requiring NRG Potomac 301 King Street, Alexandria, Virginia home Services River LLC to develop a Corrective Action Information about these items may be Plan (CAP) to address cleanup of petroleum obtained from the Department of Planning hydrocarbons at the site. If you have any and Zoning,301 King Street, Room 2100, questions regarding the cleanup, please Alexandria, Virginia 22314, telephone: WE NEED YOU! contact: NRG Potomac River LLC, Burt (703) 746-4666 or on the City’s website at OUR CHILDREN NEED YOU! McCullough, 8301 Professional Place, www.alexandriava.gov/planning. WE WANT YOU AS A FOSTER PARENT! Suite 230, Landover, MD 20785. BZA Case #2014-0028 29 East Howell Avenue The CAP was be submitted to the Northern Request for special exception to construct Residential & Commercial Virginia Regional Office of the VADEQ a second story addition in the required www.premiertfc.com on December 23, 2014. Additionally, a west side yard. If the request is granted, the copy of this CAP has been provided to Board of Zoning Appeals will be granting 535A East Braddock Road the Alexandria Library - Beatley Central Li- an exception from section 12102(A) of the Alexandria, Virginia 22314 brary Branch located at 5005 Duke Street, zoning ordinance relating to the physical (571) 325-8217 Alexandria, VA 22304 for public viewing. enlargement of a noncomplying structure; 703.314.1287 • AllegroLLC.net A public meeting will be held at Alexandria zoned R25/Residential SingleFamily. Ap- CALL US TODAY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT FOSTER CARE City Hall on February 3, 2015 at 7:00pm plicant: Adam and Andrea Fernandes by 703.314.1287 to present the CAP. If you would like to Christine Kelly, architect. [This case was review or discuss the CAP with the staff deferred at the January 8, 2015 Board of AllegroLLC.net of the VADEQ, please feel free to contact Zoning Appeals hearing.] Alex Wardle at (703) 583-3822. The DEQ BZA Case #2014-0026 Northern Virginia Regional Office will 7 West Maple Street Whole-house consider written comments regarding the Request for special exception to construct CAP until February 13, 2015. Written com- a second story addition in the required Generators ments should be sent to the VADEQ at the east side yard. If the request is granted, the address listed below. The VADEQ requests Board of Zoning Appeals will be granting Panel Replacement that all written comments be sent to VDEQ an exception from section 12102(A) of the Lighting - Storage Tank Program, Northern zoning ordinance relating to the physical Virginia Regional Office, 13901 Crown enlargement of a noncomplying structure; Court, Woodbridge, Virginia 22193-1453 zoned R-5/Residential SingleFamily. Ap- reference the tracking number for this case; plicant: Pluvia Zuniga and Julien Reynaud PC # 2013-3154 by Stephanie Dimond, architect. 24 | January 29, 2015 ALEXANDRIA TIMES

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®

109 S. Pitt Street • Alexandria, VA 22314