25 Cents Vol. XX, No. 39 Mount Vernon’s Hometown Newspaper • A Connection Paper October 1, 2009 What’s Ahead for Mount Vernon? By Gerald A. Fill This section of the road runs The Gazette through Ft. Belvoir and will be designed to handle the increased esidents of Mount traffic created by the construction Vernon will see a of a new comprehensive health R number of issues facility in which is shape their commu- scheduled to be fully operational nity in the near future. Here is an in 2011. overview: FORT BELVOIR COMMUNITY ROUTE 1 EXPANSION HOSPITAL The Board of Supervisors has Military personnel and veterans allocated $3 million to in the area will soon be design a Route 1 expan- Newcomers’ able to receive total sion from four lanes to six Guide medical care at Fort Fife and drums at the Mt. Vernon Estate. Photos by Louise Krafft/Gazette lanes, anticipated to be Belvoir’s new 1.3 million completed by 2014-15. square foot, $807 million Newcomers’ & Community The work includes expanding a 2- state of the art medical facility. The mile section of the highway begin- Fort Belvoir Community Hospital Guide 2009-10 ning at Route 235 south to the Fairfax County Parkway along with See Some of the Forces, a median and turn around lane. Page 8 Hardison Leads West Potomac High ing he considered teaching since Education veteran his youth. After a stint with the is new Wolverine Marine Officer Training program, Hardison began his career as a principal. multi-subject eighth grade teacher at Godwin Middle School. Thirty-two years later, Hardison By Ansley LaBarre finds himself a veteran of the edu- The Gazette cation system. He relocated more than once, obtaining his graduate liff Hardison lounges in degree in counseling from Chis office as the bell Commonwealth University and drones over the loud- moving on to Virginia Tech for a speaker and ends West Potomac doctorate in the leadership pro- High School’s Friday classes — sig- gram. Christmas at Woodlawn Plantation Good Shepherd’s International Festival naling his second week as the new “I’ve liked every aspect of my principal is officially over. He is journey,” Hardison said. chief of the 2,100 teenagers in his Although Hardison created his student body. foundation through teaching, he The West Springfield graduate is

no stranger to Fairfax County, say- See New Principal, Page 26

10/2/09

Requested in home in Requested

material.

Time-sensitive

Postmaster:

Attention

Permit #482 Permit

Alexandria, VA Alexandria,

PAID

West Potomac Madrigals sing at the Mount Vernon Estate. Postage U.S. PRSRT STD PRSRT www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ October 1-7, 2009 ❖ 1 2 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ October 1-7, 2009 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette Editor Steven Mauren Newcomers’ & Community Guide 703-778-9415 or [email protected]

Slave Memorial Commemoration Photos by LaShawn Avery/The Gazette

Guests gather around a monument located on the slave burial ground to pay Nikki Giovanni Youth Writers: Drew Darden, Matt tribute at the 26th Anniver- Convoe, Calvin Williams, Shakira Kemp and Deonna The St. Andrew’s Legion Pipes and Drums with Tim sary Slave Memorial Com- Dobson handed out pamphlets to guests arriving at the Batten, Pipe Major, play music for guests attending the memoration held at the Mt. memorial commemoration on Saturday, Sept. 26. commemoration. Vernon Estate. Colonists Drive Out Tribes, Make Their Homes

Compiled by Gerald A. Fill sailed up the and began to Kings Charles II was exiled to Europe tural area where tobacco was farmed by map the areas along the riverbank. When he during the English Civil War in 1649, Dur- slaves. Plantations were built along the he Mount Vernon District in arrived in 1608 the Moyumpse or Dogue tribe ing his exile, King Charles granted all of the Potomac, the most notable of them, Mt. cludes, Mount Vernon, Fort predominated. Tauxemont, their main vil- land between the Potomac and Vernon which was acquired by George TBelvoir, Lorton, Mason Neck lage, was located in Mason Neck where they Rappahannock Rivers to seven of his loyal Washington in 1735. By the time Washing- and parts of southeast Spring- lived in long houses and raised corn, beans, supporters. By 1690 all of this land was ton died in 1799, Mt. Vernon had grown to field, representing a population of approxi- squash and tobacco. The Potomac River pro- controlled by Lord Fairfax. Thomas, sixth 8,000 acres, and was farmed by over 300 mately 117,000 within 60 square miles. It vided an ample supply of fish and shellfish. Lord Fairfax, arrived in Virginia in 1737, slaves. George Mason, another of America’s is one of eight magisterial districts in Fairfax During the Susquehannock War in 1675, installed his cousin William as his land founding fathers who fought to add the Bill County. Bordered by the The Moyumpse sided with the agent, and by 1745 his proprietary extended of Rights to the Constitution and authored History Potomac River on the east, the Susquehannocks in a losing cause against to 5,282,000 acres. the Virginia Declaration of Rights, lived district contains some of the the colonists. When the war ended they left south of Mt. Vernon in Gunston Hall over- county’s wetlands and parks, the area along with the Susquehannocks built the Belvoir man- looking Gunston Cove in Mason Neck. His the majority the county’s historic sites, as who were driven out of their villages on the sion in 1741 on the Potomac River which is home is preserved as a historic site today. well as a number of venues for biking, hik- Maryland side of the Potomac. The colonists now the site of the present day Ft. Belvoir. In 1790, the first census lists Fairfax ing, and boating and fishing. took over these villages and farmlands In 1742 he cut a portion of the proprietary County with a combined white and black Fairfax County and the Mount Vernon dis- where they continued to grow the same away from Prince William County and population of 12,000. Earlier in 1782, 41 trict were home to the native Americans for crops and fished and hunted just as they named it after his cousin, Lord Fairfax. over 1,500 years before Captain John Smith had learned from the Indians. Fairfax County was primarily an agricul- See From Farmland, Page 9

Viewpoints

What do you like or dislike about living in Mount Vernon?

Photos by Gerald A. Fill/ Mary Peters, 15 years in the Hollin Uffe Mikkelsen, 17-year resident of The Gazette Hall community, travel agent. Anne Heising, librarian at Stratford landing community, owns “Yes, I like living here because of its and operates local gourmet food David Tomblin with daughter Sherwood Hall Regional Library, has diversity, convenience, friendly carryout store. Evelyn, five years in the Wellington lived on the immediate neighborhood people, and it is a safe place to live.” “Yes, the Mount Vernon community community. for many years. is a hidden jewel. It is a small, friendly “Yes, I like living here. It has a “Yes, I like living here because of its community in spite of its geographic secluded feeling, away from the hustle multicultural aspects, an area that location in a suburb of the nation’s and bustle. I also like the extensive accepts new Americans. I have capital. I know many of my customers bike paths.” established roots here and am involved in my church and active in on a first name basis and feel fortu- personal artistic pursuits.” nate to be living and working here.” www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ October 1-7, 2009 ❖ 3 Newcomers’ & Community Guide Places To Go, People To Meet …

Compiled by Senitra McCombs tage with activities, performances and Scottish Heritage Fair at Fort demonstrations. Call 703-838-4994. Ward Park at 4301 West Braddock Road www.virginia.org in Alexandria. Sunday, Oct. 5 from 10 October 2009 a.m. to 5 p.m. A family celebration fea- Fall Harvest Family Days at turing music, Scottish dancing Scottish December 2009 ’s Gristmill, on State clans, blackfoot sheep, Clydesdale horses, the swords of chivalry and more. Holidays at Mount Vernon. Nov.

Route 235, near Route 1. October 17- Photo by 28- Jan. 6 The Washington family’s sea- 18, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Create cornhusk dolls, Admission is free. For more information sonal entertaining is interpreted daily, learn about candle-making and see how call the City’s Special Events Hotline including Christmas Day and New Year’s the gristmill works. An on-site bake sale 703-883-4686. Day; themed Christmas Trees, ginger- will offer fresh-baked goods, sand- Craft Sale at Hollin Hall Senior Cen- Louise KrafftLouise bread demonstation, historic chocolate wiches and beverages. Free. Call ter on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 9 a.m.-2 demonstration. George Washington’s 703-780-2000 or visit p.m. at Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens. 9 a.m.- www.mountvernon.org. Shenandoah Road. Over 30 crafters, si- 4 p.m. Call 703-780-2000. Mount Vernon Estate’s Wine lent auction, bake ale, lunch and more Plantation Christmas & Yule- Festival and Sunset Tour. Features will be featured. Free. 703-765-4573. tide Christmas Dinner. Celebrate live entertainment, re-enactments, and /Gazette the season with a tour of the candle-lit tours of seldom open wine cellar vaults. house, cider by the glowing fire, open- This evening event celebrates the his- November 2009 hearth cooking demonstrations, and tory of wine making by the founding Veteran’s Day at George carriage rides. Buffet of Yuletide fare fathers. Set for Oct. 2- Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & also available. Gunston Hall Plantation, 4 from 6-9 p.m. Gardens, Nov. 11 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. In 10709 Gunston Road, Lorton. 7-10 p.m. Advance tickets sug- honor of our nation’s veterans, Mount Planning Gunston Hall candlelit tours in December. Dec. 11 6:30 p.m. 7 Dec. 12 4:30p.m. , gested. $30. Call Vernon admits free all active duty or 6:00 p.m., & 8:00 p.m. Ahead 703-780-2000 or visit retired military. Visitors are invited to www.gunstonhall.org. Call 703-550- www.mountvernon.org. place a flower at Washington’s Tomb 14-16. Noon-8 p.m. Fri; 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. acters and tour the home by candlelight, 9220.º Art on the Av- and join the Sons of the American Revo- Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. Call 703-549- including the rarely seen third floor. Campagna Center’s 37th An- enue. Multicultural arts festival lution and the Daughters of the 5811 or visit www.funside.com. George Washington’s Mount Vernon nual Scottish Christmas Walk celebrating diversity through the arts in American Revolution at a 2 p.m. wreath- City Of Alexandria Holiday Tree Estate & Gardens. Nov. 28-30, Dec. 4-6 Weekend. Parade honors Alexandria’s the Potomac West community. Artists laying ceremony in honor of our nation’s Lighting. Musical entertainment with and Dec. 11-13 from 5-8 p.m. Adults: Scottish heritage with more than 100 and artisans of all kinds discuss and veterans. Call 703-780-2000 or visit greetings from the Mayor and Santa $18, children 11 and under: $12. Call Scottish clans dressed in tartans and demonstrate their work. Also features www.mountvernon.org. Claus in Market Square, 301 King St. 703-780-2000. www.mountvernon.org playing bagpipes, living history reenact- tastings from restaurants and musical Historic Alexandria Antiques Nov. 23 from 7-9 p.m. Free. Call 703- Annual Scottish Preview at the ment units, dog clubs and antique cars, performances. Mount Vernon and Del Show & Sale. Features dealers from 838-4844 or visit www.funside.com. Lyceum, 201 S Washington St., on Nov. Thursday Dec. 4, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. & Dec. Ray Avenues. Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 around the country as well as preview Mount Vernon by Candlelight. 29 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Featuring Scot- a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Call 703-683-3100 or party, appraisals, lecture and tea. Holi- Learn about the Washington family’s tish culture in Alexandria. This annual visit www.artontheavenue.org. day Inn & Suites, 625 First St. Nov. Christmas traditions, meet historic char- event honors Alexandria’s Scottish heri- See And Things, Page 5

4 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ October 1-7, 2009 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Newcomers’ & Community Guide Rex Reiley …And Things To Do A Leader From Page 4 in Mount Vernon 5, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Other Christmas Walk activities include a Taste of Scot- Real Estate land, sale of greens, musical Photos by performances, children’s events, Christ- mas Marketplace. Parade is free. Call 703-549-0111. www.scottishchristmaswalk.com RE/MAX Allegiance

Louise Krafft Louise Annual Holiday Parade of Boats. Alexandria’s harbor lights up 703-768-7730 when brightly lit sailing and power lei- sure boats cruise along the Potomac River at the City’s historic waterfront. Saturday, Dec. 5 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Free. Call 703-838-5005 or visit /Gazette www.visitalexandriava.com. Holidays on the Avenue. The Del Ray neighborhood kicks off the holiday Year after season with its annual holiday tree light- ing at the Mount Vernon Recreation George Washington Parkway Classic year, Rex Center on Thursday Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. Its luminaria display, with entertainment, Town. Dec. 31 from 7 p.m.- midnight. celebrating the accomplishments and Ranks as a stretches from Commonwealth to Mon- Call 703-838-5005. contributions of African-American roe avenues along Mount Vernon Ornament Decorating Work- Alexandrians. Alexandria Black History top local Avenue. 6-9 p.m. Free. Call 703-838- shop. Dec. 5 from 1-4 p.m. at the Resource Center, 638 N Alfred St. Call 4825 or visit www.visitdelray.com.º Archaeology Museum, 3rd floor Torpedo 703-838-4356. Realtor. Campagna Center’s 35th An- Factory, 105 N. Union St. Decorate an Swordsmen’s Rendezvous. Feb. nual Holiday Designer Tour of artifact-shaped, take-home dough orna- 9 from 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Gadsby’s Homes. Features six charming, archi- ment. Free. Reservations suggested. Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. See tecturally interesting homes decorated Visit 703/838-4399. re-enactments and learn how to handle for the holidays. Old Town Alexandria. Soldier’s Christmas. Dec. 1 from a sword. Entry fee. Visit 703-549-0111. noon-4 p.m. at Carlyle House Historic www.gadsbystavern.org or 703-838- Kwanzaa Craft & Game Work- Park, 121 N. Fairfax St. Features re-en- 4242. shop. Learn the background of actors, activities and more. Entrance fee. Walking with Washington. See Integrity, Experience, Results… Kwanzaa and how to construct small Visit www.nvrpa.org 703/352-5900. the sites associated with George Wash- Rex is one of Re/Max’s top producers in gifts (zawadi) that can easily be made at ington on this two-hour walking tour. home. Alexandria Black History Re- 301 King St., Market Square. Sundays in Virginia and the Central Atlantic source Center, 902 Wythe Street Dec. 12 January 2010 February, 1:30 p.m. Free. Call 703-838- at 11 a.m. Free. Call 703-838-4356 or 4399 or visit Region, and he can use his vast visit www.alexblackhistory.org. Lee Birthday Celebration. The Lee Birthday Celebration honors Revo- www.washingtonbirthday.net.º experience and extensive networking Historic Alexandria Candlelight George Washington Sympo- Tours. Enjoy the warmth and beauty of lutionary War Colonel “Light Horse Harry” Lee and his son, Confederate sium. The life of George Washington in the Mt.Vernon/Alexandria the holiday season at festively decorated after the start of the Revolutionary War. historic sites in Old Town Alexandria. General Robert E. Lee, with a tour of the area to help you buy or sell a home. house with guides in period costume. February 21. George Washington Ma- Tours are self-guided and highlight the sonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Rex and his team are available to assist you social, musical and sentimental aspects Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco St. Call 703-548-1789 or visit Drive. From 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call of the holidays in 18th- and 19th-cen- 703-991-4474 or visit in your home purchase and sale. tury Alexandria. Light refreshments www.leefendallhouse.org. Martin Luther King, Jr. Poster www.washingtonbirthday.net.º Rex’s business is built on referrals, served; trolley available between sites. George Washington Birthday Dec. 13, tours are from 5-9 p.m. $20 for Contest Exhibition and Awards. A juried exhibition featuring the artwork Celebration weekend Feb. 13-15. A and repeatedly his clients pay their adults, $15 for seniors, and $5 for chil- city-wide celebration for Alexandria’s dren ages 6-17. Call 703-838-4242 or of Alexandria elementary school stu- highest compliment by sending friends dents (grades 1-5). Students’ artwork favorite son. Call 703-991-4474 or visit visit www.historicalexandria.org. www.washingtonbirthday.net. Christmas in Camp Open illustrates the ideals of Dr. Martin and family to him when they are Luther King Jr.’s nonviolent movement. George Washington Classic 10K House. Learn how the holiday was ob- Race. Feb. 14 at Eisenhower Avenue in the market to buy or sell a home. served during the Civil War with living The exhibition is on display at City Hall through February. The program is pre- east of the Holiday Inn.ºRain or shine. history interpreters, period music and Call 703-991-4474 or visit light refreshments. Victor4301 W sented by the Society for the Preservation of Black Heritage, Inc. and www.washingtonbirthday.net. Mt. Vernon is Rex’s hometown. He moved Braddock Road Dec. 12 from noon-4 Birthnight Banquet & Ball. Feb. p.m. Call 703-838-4848 or visit the Alexandria Black History Museum. Free. Call 703-838-4356. 14, 5:30 p.m. Tavern fare, toasts to here in l960 when his father, an Air Force www.fortward.org. George Washington and 18th-century pilot, was stationed at the Pentagon. First Night Alexandria. Family- dancing. Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 oriented, alcohol-free New Year’s February 2009 N Royal St. Advance reservations re- Rex also became a pilot, graduating from the celebration with music, performing arts quired. $100 ticket includes banquet and fireworks at midnight. King and Black History Month In Alexan- and ball, $50 ticket for ball entrance Air Force Academy and flying for 20 years Washington streets and throughout Old dria. A month-long series of events only. Call 703-838-4242 or visit with the Air Force and Eastern Airlines. www.washingtonbirthday.net. Breakfast With George Wash- . ington. Feb. 14 and 15. Join Gen. Washington for a sample of his favorite Rex returned to his roots in Mt. Vernon breakfast, “hoecakes swimming in but- where he and his wife, Doris, raised ter and honey,” while supplies last. George Washington’s Mount Vernon their four children, and where Rex Estate & Gardens. Cost is $15 for adults and $8 for children. Call 703-780-2000 embarked on a second career or visit www.mountvernon.org. in Real Estate. Revolutionary War Encamp- ment. Ongoing living history presentations and Civil War skirmish reenactment. Fort Ward Park, 4301 W Braddock Rd. Free. Call 703-838-4848. Birthday Celebration at Mount www.RexReiley.com Vernon. Feb. 16. Admission is free to George Washington’s home with a 1300 Lafayette Dr. #200 wreath-laying ceremony followed by musical performances. George Alexandria, VA 22308 Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & (next to the Hollin Hall shopping center) Gardens. Call 703-780-2000 or visit 703-768-7730 Waynewood at Christmas See Planning, Page 18 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ October 1-7, 2009 ❖ 5 Newcomers’ Guide

We warmly invite you to worship with us! St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 6744 S. King’s Hwy., Alexandria, VA 22306 Children’s Chapel and Sunday School Sunday services at 8 and 10 a.m. at 10 a.m. during the school year. Adult education at 9 a.m. Nursery care provided during the 10 a.m. service. E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 703/765-3949

www.stmarksalex.org Photo by

Push your body. Louise Krafft Find your beat.

$50 /Gazette for the rest of 2009 with January EFT sign-up plus joining fee. Offer valid for New Students Only! Not valid with any West Potomac High School other offer. One offer per customer. Expires Oct. 31, 2009.

Mt Vernon/Alexandria Public Schools Serving Mount Vernon 703-765-0142 Old Town/Alexandria Compiled by Gerald A. Fill Sandy Campanaro - Grades: K-6 703-491-6583 [email protected], 2310 Nordok Place he elementary schools 703-329-3600 Alexandria, VA 22306 in the Mount Vernon Student Services 703-718-8300 TDistrict are part of Elsie Scimecca - Principal: Jon Gates Cluster 4 and are di- [email protected], [email protected] vided into three pyramids. The 571-423-426 Hybla Valley ES schools from each pyramid feed Special Education (located at Grades: FECEP, K-63415 into one middle school and one Dunn Loring Center) Lockheed Blvd. high school . The following list Marilyn Lovett - Alexandria, VA 22306 shows schools within each Mt. [email protected], 703-718-7000 Vernon District high school pyra- 703-329-2530 Principal: Lauren Sheehy, Ed.D mid. Residents can enter their [email protected] street address at the boundary in- Stratford Landing ES formation page on the Fairfax West Potomac Grades: Preschool, K-6 8484 County School Web site at http:// Pyramid Riverside Rd commweb.fcps.edu/directory/to Alexandria, VA 22308 determine which schools student Belle View ES 703-619-3600 should attend. This site also con- Grades: FECEP, K-6 Principal: Maura Caulfield tains school rankings, maps, 6701 Fort Hunt Road [email protected] school profiles, and can answer Alexandria, VA 22307 Waynewood ES most questions about the school 703-660-8300 Grades: K-61205 Waynewood system or a particular school. Principal: Tom Kuntz Blvd [email protected] Alexandria, VA 22308 Bucknell ES 703-704-7100 Cluster Staff Grades: Preschool, FECEP, K-6 Principal: James Meier Scott Brabrand 6925 University Drive [email protected] Assistant Superintendent Alexandria, VA 22307 Sandburg MS Deborah Tyler 703-660-2900 Grades: 7-8 8428 Fort Hunt Director Principal: Sheila Eller Road Jennifer Ruff [email protected] Alexandria, VA 22308 Executive Administrative Assis- Fort Hunt ES 703-799-6100 tant Grades: K-6 Principal: Wendy Eaton 8115 Gatehouse Rd. 8832 Linton Lane Wendy.Eaton @fcps.edu Falls Church, VA 22042 Alexandria, VA 22308 Bryant Alternative High Phone: 571-423-1140 703-619-2600 School Fax: 571-423-1147 Principal: Barbara Leibbrandt 2709 Popkins Lane [email protected] [email protected] Alexandria, VA 22306 Groveton ES 703-660-2000 Support Team Grades: K-6900 Harrison Lane Principal: Jan McKee Alexandria, VA 22306 [email protected] The department contacts below 703-718-8000 Landmark Career Academy help this cluster. Principal: Richard Pollio Transportation (located at [email protected] See Public Schools, Virginia Hills) Hollin Meadows ES Page 16

6 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ October 1-7, 2009 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Newcomers’ Guide Mount Vernon

❖ Celebrate Fairfax 703-324-3247 711 Paint Company ❖ 703-222-9784 Court Services 703-691-7320 711 Important Numbers ❖ Probation Services, Juvenile 703-246- ❖ Circuit Court and Records 703-691- (703) 768-1975 7320 711 3367 703-273-3713 ❖ EMERGENCY ❖ Civil Service Commission 703-324- Residential Services 703-246-3416 Police, Fire, Ambulance: 9-1-1, TTY 911 2930 711 703-324-2936 703-273-3713 ❖ Non-emergency ❖ Clerk to the Board 703-324-3151 Library 703-324-3100 703-324-8365 ❖ Management and Budget 703-324- 703-360-8400, TTY 703-204-2264 Photo by 703-324-3926 ❖ Commonwealth’s Attorney 703-246- 2391 711 ❖ Fairfax County Government Emergency 2776 711 Northern Virginia Soil and Information Line ❖ Community and Recreation Services WaterConservation District 703-324- 703-817-7771, TTY 711 703-324-4386 711 703-222-9792 1460, 703-324-1460

Louise Krafft ❖ ❖ Community Services Board 703-324- Office for Women & Domestic and Fairfax County Public Schools 7000, 703-802-3015 Sexual Violence Services 703-324- Emergency Information Line ❖ Board of Supervisors 703-324-3151 5730 703-324-5706 703-324-3959 ❖ 1-800-839-FCPS (3277), TTY 711 711, 703-324-3926 Office to Prevent and End ❖ Communications and Consumer Homelessness 703-324-9492 711 ❖ Poison Control Protection 703-222-8435 711 Park Authority 703-324-8702 711 ❖ Partnerships 703-324-5171 711, 1-800-222-1222, TTY 711 /Gazette ❖ Celebrate Fairfax 703-324-3247 711, 703-222-9784 703-222-9198 ❖ ❖ Circuit Court and Records 703-691- Planning and Zoning 703-222-1082 GENERAL INFORMATION 7320 711 711 ❖ ❖ Supervisor Gerry Hyland: 703-780- ❖ Civil Service Commission 703-324- Planning Commission 703-324-2865, 7518 A break during Emergency 2930 711, 703-324-2936 703-324-7951, 703-324-3948 ❖ ❖ County information: 703-FAIRFAX Preparedness exercises at ❖ Clerk to the Board 703-324-3151, Public Affairs 703-324-3187 711, (703-324-7329), TTY 711 703-324-3926 703-324-2010 South County Government ❖ ❖ Court information: 703-691-7320, ❖ Commonwealth’s Attorney 703-246- Public Safety Communications 703- TTY 711 Center. 2776 711 280-0527 711 ❖ ❖ School information: 703-876-5230, ❖ Finance 703-324-3120 711, 703-324- Public Works and Environmental TTY 711 Gas 4767 Services 703-324-5033 711 ❖ ❖ Tax information: 703-222-8234, TTY ❖ Washington Gas 703-750-1000 ❖ General District Court 703-691-7320 Purchasing and Supply Management 711 Telephone 711 703-324-3201 711, 703-324-3228 ❖ ❖ Mt. Vernon Fire Department: 703-780- ❖ Comcast of Virginia 703-841-7700 ❖ Health 703-246-2411 Retirement Administration 703-279- $4.00 OFF 0150 ❖ Cox Communications 703-378-8422 ❖ Housing and Community 8200 711, 703-273-3185 ❖ ❖ Verizon Virginia 888-553-1555 Development 703-246-5100 Risk Management Division 703-324- Per gallon of any Cable ❖ Human Resources 703-222-5872 711, 3120 711, 703-324-4767 ❖ DRIVER’S LICENSES ❖ Cox Communications 703-378-8422 703-324-3945 Sheriff 703-246-3227 711, 703-691- Regal Product Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Water ❖ Human Rights Commission 703-324- 9513 ❖ Must be presented at time of purchase. 866 (DMVLINE) or866—535-5137 ❖ Fairfax County Water Authority 703- 2953, 703-324-3570 Systems Management for Human 698-5600 ❖ Information Technology 703-324- Services 703-324-5638, 703-803- 3380 711 7914 ❖ FREE UTILITIES ❖ Internal Audit 703-324-4200 711 Tax Administration 703-222-8234, Electricity GOVERNMENT ❖ Juvenile and Domestic Relations 703-222-7594 Drop Cloth and ❖ ❖ Dominion Virginia Power 888-667- ❖ Board of Supervisors 703-324-3151, District Court 703-246-3367, 703- Transportation 703-877-5600 711, 3000 703-324-3926 273-3713 703-877-5723 Sanding Sponge ❖ Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative ❖ Cable Communications and Consumer ❖ Clerk of the Court 703-246-3367, — Compiled by Gerald A. Fill 6229 Richmond Hwy 703-698-5800 Protection 703-222-8435 711 703-273-3713 Must be presented at time of purchase.

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State Farm Home Office Bloomington, IL State Farm.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ October 1-7, 2009 ❖ 7 Newcomers’ & Community Guide Some of the Forces Shaping Mount Vernon

From Page 1 gateway to Mt.Vernon District with Visitors Center will provide world class medicine and re- Vote: 26 yes; 0 no; 1 abstention place the current 51-year- old 46-bed ❖ Kings Crossing/Penn Daw Community DeWitt Hospital with a 120-bed facility with Business Center a staff of approximately 3,000. The com- Proposal: Mixed-use town center with no plex will also include the Fort Belvoir “big box” type retail store such as Walmart, Wounded Warriors in Transition Unit, a $21 which has expressed an interest in the site. million project that will provide up to 276 Vote: 26 yes; 0 no; 1 abstention units to help wounded service members ❖ Mt. Vernon Governmental Center Cam-

Photo by transition from combat roles back into ci- pus vilian life. Proposal: To consolidate all the public facilities; expand such public facilities

SEASONAL FLU VS. SWINE FLU Louise Krafft where appropriate, but promote a campus- The swine flu virus is a mutation of the like setting which maximizes green space. seasonal flu virus and primarily infects the This includes the Inova Mount Vernon Hos- young (6 months – 18 years), rather than pital; Whitman Middle School; Sherwood the old. The seasonal flu vaccine will not Library; Mt. Vernon Governmental Center protect against Swine flu. The Center for /Gazette which houses the Supervisor’s offices and Disease Control (CDC) recommends that the Police Station; the Fire and Rescue Sta- swine flue vaccine should be given to the tion; and the Justice Snowden Farm on following: high risk groups: Parkers Lane. ❖ Pregnant women Mount Vernon Supervisor Gerry Hyland. Vote: 22 yes; 1 no; 5 abstentions ❖ Those who have direct contact with ❖ Justice Snowden Farm, on Parkers Lane children younger than 6 months tion of county and school programs. This citizens’ association in the Mount Vernon Proposal: To allow the construction of two ❖ Emergency and health care personnel forecast does not take into account any Magisterial District is eligible for member- additional single family homes; and to re- who have direct patient contact growth in county agencies or in the school ship provided the association is organized, vise the zoning to be consistent with the ❖ Children aged 6 months – 4 years transfer. The deficit includes no employee operated for nonpartisan civic activity, and existing covenants. ❖ Children 5 – 18 years with chronic compensation adjustments for FY 2011. is not engaged in the promotion of a com- ❖ Smitty’s Lumbertaria, Route 1 medicals conditions. Those with asthma The FY 2010 Adopted Budget Plan has mercial enterprise. A member association Proposal: To create a village town center have the highest risk. been posted on the County web site at must represent at least 10 housing units. with residential, office, and retail space; The swine flu vaccine comes as nasal www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dmb. The presidents of the member organiza- essentially to increase density for this 23 spray and traditional shots. They will be tions, or their authorized representative, acre site. available in mid-October and administered BUSINESS COUNSELING constitute the MVCCA General Council. The Vote: 23 yes; 0 no; 4 abstentions in several locations which will be an- By appointment, a Fairfax County Eco- General Council elects the MVCCA officers ❖ The former Mt. Vernon High School, nounced in the media, though the schools, nomic Development Authority staffer is and must approve the committee chair ap- presently leased by the Islamic Saudi Acad- and online. available to provide free and confidential pointments. Positions on issues and other emy, which is scheduled to move to another Seniors and others under 65 with illnesses one-on-one counseling at the Mount Vernon matters of interest to member associations part of the county after the lease is up. that compromise their immune systems are District office to anyone interested in join- are proposed by the committees, usually in Proposal: Use the existing main building higher risk for the seasonal flu and should ing the Fairfax County business community, the form of a resolution, reviewed by the for educational purposes; utilize part of the be vaccinated. The seasonal flu vaccine is expanding an existing business in Fairfax Board of Directors, and submitted to the outbuildings space to house non-profit or- available now in many locations which can County, or learning about other business General Council for approval. The General ganizations. be found online. services. Contact Ivy Richards of the FCEDA Council usually meets on the fourth Vote: 22 yes; 1 no; 4 abstentions at 703-790-0600 or [email protected]. Wednesday of every month except August, ❖ Treatment Plant URBAN FOREST CONFERENCE in the Jack Knowles Lecture Hall of Proposal: Preserve as open space those Trees Virginia and the Virginia Depart- MOUNT VERNON COUNCIL OF Whitman Middle School. When school is not areas not in use by the county. ment of Forestry are sponsoring a confer- CITIZENS’ ASSOCIATIONS in session, other meeting locations are used. Vote: 22 yes; 0 no; 4 abstentions ence for those who wish to better under- Commonly referred to as MVCCA, the Committees usually meet during the first ❖ Little Hunting Creek Treatment Plant stand how the benefits of the urban forest council is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organi- week of each month. All meetings are open Proposal: Develop a nature pathway and can be quantified, valued, and used to in- zation of citizens’ associations located in the to the public; however, the presiding chair boardwalk if and when the present use of fluence public policy. The conference also Mount Vernon Magisterial District of Fairfax may limit comments to the voting members. the pumping station is no longer being uti- hopes to foster a dialogue on the role cul- County. The purpose of the Mount Vernon The proceedings of the General Council and lized by the county. tural differences play in managing commu- Council is to represent and promote the committees, as well as the schedule of up- Vote: 19 yes; 6 no; 2 abstentions. nity forests. Advance registration is $60 interests of its member associations and to coming meetings, are published in the ❖ Hybla Valley/Gum Springs Community person or $75 on-site . The conference will further the common good and general wel- Mount Vernon Council’s Record, which is Business Center be held Friday, Nov. 13, at 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 fare of the residents of the Mount Vernon available by subscription, on the Council’s Proposal: Ensure that whatever is devel- p.m. at the Algonkian Conference Center Magisterial District. The council takes po- web page at http://mvcca.org, and in the oped in this region is consistent with the at Algonkian Regional Park, 47001 Fairway sitions on issues of concern to its members, Sherwood Regional Library. Little Hunting Creek Watershed Manage- Drive, Sterling. which it presents to Mount Vernon’s elected The MVCCA recently voted on proposed ment Plan; to utilize low impact develop- representatives and government entities changes to the county’s Comprehensive ment practices which will better control PUBLIC INPUT FOR BUDGET including the Fairfax County Board of Su- Plan. The results will be sent to the county storm water runoff. Fairfax County and Public School System pervisors, School Board, and Planning Com- planning and zoning office for review and Vote: 22 yes; 2 no; 0 abstentions staff will conduct a community dialogue to mission, as well as the Virginia General As- analysis, and then sent to the Planning Com- ❖ Beacon/Groveton Business Center share input on the Fairfax County Budget sembly and the Virginia Department of mission for its consideration. The Planning Proposal: Any increased density in the on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at the South County Transportation. Leadership and administra- Commission will hold a public hearing next area should be consistent with storm water High School Cafeteria from 7 - 9 p.m. tion is vested in three co-chairs and the year on the nominations prior to forward- runoff recommendations. To date there is a projected deficit for FY Board of Directors. ing its recommended changes to the Board Vote: 22 yes; 0 no; 0 abstentions 2011 of approximately $316 million as a To be eligible for membership the entity of Supervisors. The results of the Council’s result of continuing declines in the residen- must be: a civic association, a community votes follows: SENIORS SUPPORT ORGANIZATION tial and commercial real estate market, association, a property owners association, ❖ North Gateway Community Business After two years of planning and fund-rais which will require further elimination, a homeowners association (HOA), or a con- Center modification, reorganization and/or reduc- dominium unit owners association. Every Proposal: Multi-functional large scale See What’s Ahead, Page 26

8 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ October 1-7, 2009 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Newcomers’ Guide From Farmland to Suburbia From Page 3

percent of the population con- sisted of slaves. The Virginia Gen- eral Assembly ceded a portion of

Photo by Fairfax County to the District of Columbia in 1791. A portion of this land was later returned in

1847. This area became Arlington KrafftLouise County and a part of the City of Alexandria. Tobacco farming depleted the soil and the county seat was moved from Alexandria to Fairfax /Gazette City in 1800. Farming and the #1 Individual Long & Foster Agent by economy began to decline. Over Volume in 2008 for VA/WV Region! 4,000 slaves were sold to planta- tion owners in the deep South. The Colonial reenactment at George Washington’s Grist Mill. #1 Agent by Volume in Long & Foster 1840s brought the beginning of an Old Town Office 2000 – 2008 economic recovery when northern battles or skirmishes. to climb its way out of another farmers known as “Yankees of poor economy. This new bedroom Top 1% of Realtors Nationwide Fairfax” began buying cheap farm- AFTER THE CIVIL WAR many community began to prosper once land which they largely farmed freed slaves and soldiers who again. The population ballooned with white labor or slaves, using fought in the war decided to re- from 40,000 in 1940 to over Planning to buy or sell in 2009? such new farming methods as fer- main and make this area their 1,000,000 people today. Fairfax tilizer and crop rotation. The fields home. The economy began to re- County has become one of the came back, but the recovery was cover and Fairfax began to pros- nation’s wealthiest, largest, and snuffed out by the Civil War which per, particularly in the area of best educated counties sitting just destroyed much of northern Vir- dairy farming at the edge of the nation’s capital. ginia — Bull Run, Ox Hill, St. The 1930s brought the Depres- For more information on the Mary’s Church, Frying Pan Meet- sion, the New Deal and the begin- Mount Vernon District go to http:/ inghouse, Fairfax Courthouse — ning of electrification. Roads were /www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ all are famous sites of bloody built and the county slowly began mountvernon/

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ October 1-7, 2009 ❖ 9 Opinion

www.MountVernonGazette.com

Newspaper of Mount Vernon An independent, locally owned weekly Farmers Markets Still Open newspaper delivered to homes and businesses. 1606 King Street But many farmers markets report a drop in Alexandria, Virginia 22314 One more way to customers after Labor Day. Buying from local markets promotes local, NEWS DEPARTMENT: support local businesses To discuss ideas and concerns, sustainable and organic agriculture, and the Call: 703--778-9410 local economy. Buying food grown close to e-mail: and the economy. [email protected] home helps the environment and helps reduce global warming by saving the energy used to Steven Mauren Editor, 703-778-9415 here might be a chill in the air, but transport the produce. [email protected] local farmers markets will be open Taking children to the farmers market to help Michael Lee Pope well through October, with many pick out their fruits and vegetables can help Reporter, 703-778-9437 T [email protected] open well into November expand their horizons on healthy foods. and beyond, with markets in Alexan- Editorial Steve Hibbard dria and Leesburg open year round. In Alexandria, see http://alexandriava.gov/ Associate Editor, 703-778-9412 SAMPLER OF LOCAL FARMERS MARKETS FarmersMarket [email protected] Farmers markets are a wonderful In Fairfax County, see http:// The Old Town Farmers Market in Alexandria is open source of locally grown and produced items, www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farm-mkt.htm year round, Saturdays, 5 - 10:30 a.m, at Market Julia O’Donoghue Education & Politics, 703-778-9436 including fruits and vegetables of many kinds, Mount Vernon Farmers Market, Tuesdays, 8 a.m. – Square, 301 King Street, with free parking in the [email protected] greens, apples, pumpkins, chrysanthemums, noon, through Nov. 24, Sherwood Regional Library, Market Square garage during the hours of the 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane Farmers’ Market. Ken Moore meat, dairy products, flowers, eggs, honey, Kingstowne Farmers Market, Fridays, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m, Del Ray Farmers’ Market, Corner of East Oxford & Courts & Projects, 703-917-6417 baked goods, and more. The markets are col- through Oct. 30, Kingstowne Town Center near the Mount Vernon Avenues, Saturdays, 8 a.m. - noon, [email protected] Sunoco Gas Station. through the first Saturday in December orful and friendly, and often also offer live Burke Farmers Market, Fridays, 8 a.m. – noon, through Upper King Street Fresh Farmers’ Market, King Street Jon Roetman music. Many markets include experts on gar- Oct. 31, in the Virginia Railway Express Parking Lot Gardens Park, 1806 King Street, every Wednesday Sports Editor, 703-224-3015 [email protected] dening, landscaping and cooking. Recipes and at 5671 Roberts Parkway from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., through Oct. 29 Lorton Farmers Market, Sundays, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m, West End Farmers’ Market, Ben Brenman Park, 4800 tips for cooking with local produce are avail- through Oct. 25, Lorton VRE Station Parking Lot, Brenman Park Drive, Sundays, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. ADVERTISING: able. 8990 Lorton Station Boulevard, Lorton. through October. To place an advertisement, call the ad department between 9 a.m. and Letters to the Editor 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. Display ads 703-778-9410 Classified ads 703-778-9411 Leave Campaign sign stealing is not uncommon our insurance companies are not forcement would go a long way. Employment ads 703-778-9413 during an election — 2006 was serving all of our interests. Health She stated it is illegal to post po- Julie Ferrill especially bad. But what kind of care, I feel, is a right, not a privi- litical signs in road medians. She Display Advertising, 703-778-9446 Signs Alone [email protected] message does it send our kids, lege; it should not be available to also chastised candidates for plant- To the Editor: when our candidate’s signs are sto- the highest bidder. Our rights to ing campaign signs in public right- Ginger Krup Should we teach high school stu- Display Advertising, 703-778-9447 len during a back-to-school night. life, liberty, and the pursuit of hap- of-ways. [email protected] dents to engage with candidates I have mentored the Young piness cannot be met easily if we’re Ms. Kimm needs to participate and political issues, or to steal Andrea Smith Democrats at West Potomac since not in good health. Reforming the in another fall tradition and go Classified Advertising, 703-778-9411 signs? my son attended in 2005. I started way health care is paid for is nec- back to school. For with some re- [email protected] Something happened at and continue to do it to promote essary to pay for a good system, search she would learn that last Barbara Parkinson Tuesday’s back-to-school night at an interest in politics and involve- which many realize we don’t have, year Virginia’s Attorney General Employment Advertising West Potomac High School that set 703-778-9413 ment in their community. It despite the high price we’re pay- Robert F. McDonnell issued an [email protected] a bad example for our kids. teaches them the importance of ing. Mandating coverage seems opinion that posting political signs Scott Surovell, a member of evaluating the issues, forming a more like corporate welfare than in state rights-of-ways is not pro- Publisher Jerry Vernon West Potomac’s Class of 1989, was position, and working hard for the helping the uninsured. We need to hibited. He also wrote that politi- there as the Democratic candidate candidates they want to represent think about this and stop whining cal signs are political speech. The Editor & Publisher Mary Kimm for the House of Delegates to greet them in state and federal govern- about “government run health .” First Amendment, penned by students and parents. If elected, he ment. If people are bankrupt, un- Mount Vernon’s George Mason, Editor in Chief would be the first West Potomac Steven Mauren During this election, I hope all healthy and thus unproductive, affords political speech the high- Photography: graduate in the state legislature candidates’ supporters will behave they have strokes and other com- est form of protection under our Louise Krafft, Robbie Hammer and a great role model. Art/Design: in a way that they would be proud plications of poor maintenance of Constitution. Geovani Flores, Laurence Foong, I am the Democratic precinct to model to the students of West chronic illness: the government Ms. Kimm would also learn that John Heinly, Wayne Shipp, captain of the Belle Haven Pre- John Smith Potomac High School. I hope all will pay the price in the end. So because of Mr. Mason’s First Production Manager: cinct, which votes at West will engage with the candidates let’s look at a public option to com- Amendment we have newspapers Jean Card Potomac. I had placed about 40 and issues and let the signs speak pete with the insurance compa- and she has a job. Editor Emeritus: Surovell signs (with “West for themselves. Leave the signs nies, and involve more healtchare Instead of incorrectly blaming Mary Anne Weber Potomac HS, Class of ’89" stickers alone! providers in the real reform that’s candidates and enthusiastic sup- attached) along Quander Road CIRCULATION: 703-778-9427 needed to keep this country porters, she can point her pen to- Circulation Manager: leading to the school from both Michael Arnold healthy and great. ward Bob McDonnell, our former Ann Oliver directions. We display our candi- Alexandria Attorney General whose own signs dates’ signs on back- to- school CONNECTION NEWSPAPERS, Patricia Adams, MSN can be found in medians. L.L.C. nights every year. Adult Nurse Practitioner While Ms. Kimm views political Peter Labovitz President/CEO After handing out our literature Public Option Fort Hunt Road signs in roadways as screaming il- for an hour, I went to remove the Alexandria lustrations of flush campaign fi- Mary Kimm signs and found that all 40 signs Is Needed Publisher/Chief Operating Officer nances, I see demonstrations of 703-778-9433 — $50 worth of signs — had been To the Editor: our right to freedom of speech and [email protected] stolen. They even stole the As a nurse practitioner in south- Signs as celebrate them. Jerry Vernon Surovell sign from the yard of an ern Fairfax County, I see people Publisher/Executive Vice President Freedom Of [email protected] 87-year-old neighbor on Quander from all walks of life, both overin- Deborah Matthews Road, and his sign had been up for sured and underinsured; under Mount Vernon Wesley DeBrosse Speech Controller over a week. Medicare and Medicaid; active Alexandria I have been precinct captain for duty service people and those re- To the Editor: Debbie Funk five years and have represented ceiving veterans’ benefits. This week in reference to the National Sales, 703-778-9444 [email protected] our candidates at back-to-school We need some sort of reform, season’s bumper crop of campaign nights for six years. Unfortunately, and I think many would agree that signs Editor and Publisher Mary More Letters, Page 11 A Connection Newspaper Kimm wrote that a little local en- 10 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ October 1-7, 2009 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Letters Council Reviews Land Use Advancing the costs, a situation unknown in any other in- dustrialized country. Today, an estimated Hyland reports on mond Highway Mass Transit Study Environment 14,000 people lose their coverage every ❖ Urged that the Board of Supervisors day; and an estimated 18,000 die prema- county actions. include in the Comprehensive Plan the To the Editor: turely because they can’t get access to ap- current future concept of a widened Rich- Environmental concerns were at the heart propriate care, unable to afford health in- mond Highway. of my interest and involvement in the re- surance. His statement that “80 percent to By Gerald A. Fill cent nominations to amend the Fairfax 85 percent of Americans don’t want the The Gazette METRORAIL County Comprehensive Plan that the Mt. government to takeover health care” may Metrorail Extension Resolution to Sup- Vernon Council of Citizens Associations or may not be true. But we are not even ount Vernon Council of port House Bill: H.R. 1635, the North- (MVCCA) approved on Sept. 10. With ev- talking about a government takeover health Citizens Associations ern Virginia Metrorail Extension Act. ery nomination, we wanted to strengthen care in this debate. That was never anything (MVCCA) addressed the Vote: 25 – 0 – 0: Resolution supports protections of our natural resources and M like that suggested by the President or Con- following issues at its the passage of HR 1635. implement overdue storm water manage- gress which could lead to that conclusion Sept. 23 meeting. U.S. Rep. Gerald Connolly is the spon- ment plans to improve our streams, the … nothing. The “public option” is provided sor of HR 1635. The bill calls for the ex- Potomac, and the Chesapeake Bay. as one choice for Americans, who are free LAUREL HILL ADAPTIVE tension of Metrorail in northern Virginia. I am gratified that six of the 13 nomina- to keep their own insurance. Indeed, a re- REUSE AREA This includes extension of the blue, or- tions would strengthen the environmental cently released New York Times/CBS poll Resolution to Oppose the Alexander ange, and yellow lines and Metrorail ca- provisions of the Comprehensive Plan. Sev- (Sept. 19-23) shows that 65 percent of re- Company Draft Master Plan for the Lau- pacity expansion. The MVCCA resolution eral would improve stormwater controls spondents would favor a “government ad- rel Hill Adaptive Reuse Area (Former supports the bill with the understanding and reduce runoff in the Richmond High- ministered health insurance plan-something Lorton Reformatory Site, and former that a priority be placed on the Yellow way Corridor. Two others would protect like the Medicare coverage …” It is not a Workhouse site) Line extension component along Rich- environmentally sensitive areas from devel- lot different than our sons and daughters Vote: 22 – 0 – 0: Opposed the proposed mond Highway extending south to opment, including the Little Hunting Creek who have the choice of going to a public or master plan for the former Lorton Refor- Woodbridge. pumping station site. This 9.6-acre parcel a private college. Is Mr. Medico opposed to matory site. is owned by Fairfax County. In these days the Veterans Administration and their ser- The MVCCA opposed the proposed HYLAND REPORT of tight budgets, the County could be vices that the government alone and com- master plan for the following reasons: Mount Vernon Supervisor Gerald tempted to sell off land that it owns. The pletely provides to our valiant warriors, and ❖ Questioned the financial viability Hyland briefed MVCCA attendees on the current language in the County’s Compre- veterans like Mr. Medico? Would he rather and sustainability of the proposed mas- following Board of Supervisors matters hensive Plan allows for the building of three have private insurance companies manage ter plan submitted to the Board of Supervisors for houses per acre on the pumping station site. their health care? Even our members of ❖ Opposed the substitution of publicly their support on Aug. 3: Up to 29 houses could be built. Congress rush to Bethesda naval hospital subsidized low income housing for the ❖ Fairchild Property: Part of the his- Given the environmental sensitivity of to get the first class treatment they receive magnet/workforce housing toric Spring Bank estate, the Fairchild Little Hunting Creek, I was delighted that, there. ❖ Opposed the proposed scope and family is offering a deed of gift of the with this nomination, we moved one step Every day in the news we hear about mix of new housing units land to the county. This will help to re- closer to preserving these acres as open people denied coverage, life-saving drugs The MVCCA resolution in opposing the store and preserve Quander Brook. space. The nominations await review by priced out of sight, insurance company ex- master plan called on the county govern- Hyland requested that the board accept County staff, as well as public testimony and ecutives receiving bonuses for denying ment to conduct an independent finan- the deed of gift of approximately 8.31 hearings before the Planning Commission claims. The U.S. is the only advanced coun- cial and economic analysis of this and acres of land. and the Board of Supervisors. I am optimis- try in the world that does not consider any future master plan proposal for these ❖ Requested the supervisors’ Legisla- tic that these nine acres will remain unde- health care to be a right, but a privilege. sites to ensure that the project is both tive Committee support a change to the veloped and a refuge for wildlife for many The outcomes in most of the industrialized viable and sustainable for the long term Virginia Department of Transportation years to come. nations are also better and cost less as stud- (VDOT) Section 527 review process and ies by the Commonwealth Fund, the World MONOPOLE fee schedule (VDOT Traffic Impact Analy- Eleanor F. Quigley Health Organization, and the CIA World Resolution to Support the Installation sis Regulation). The present process, ac- Tree Commissioner for Mt. Vernon Fact Book (which ranks the average U.S. life of a Cingular Wireless Monopole (85 ft. cording to the MVCCA and others, is that District & expectancy 50th out of 224 countries) dem- Antenna Tower) at 8717 Fort Hunt Road it is costly and cumbersome, and discour- Member of the Strategic Planning onstrate year after year. Where universal on the Masonic Lodge property ages submissions by individuals and non- Committee of the MVCCA care is not granted, the rich get the best Vote: 22 – 3 – 1: Does not oppose the profit organizations who wish to partici- care and the poor get the worst. Countries construction of the wireless antenna pate in the development of the Compre- Seniors Stake like Switzerland and the Netherlands even tower at the Masonic Lodge. hensive Plan in land use changes and combine a robust private as well as public Since this MVCCA vote, the Fairfax delays revitalization projects. In Health Reform program which covers all their citizens. County Planning Commission voted to ❖ Asked the Board of Supervisors to To the Editor: Benefits are in no way being cut through support the special exception application direct the staff to review the MVCCA rec- I’ve read enough. Frank Medico’s inap- the pending legislation. In fact, in the cur- to install the monopole; however, the ommendations for licensing or certifica- propriate attacks on government, especially rent bills the “doughnut hole” (Medicare’s commission directed that the antenna tion of tree cutters. ❖ Medicare, Social Security, and Medicaid are Part D prescription drug program) will even- tower erected shall be in the form of a Asked the Board of Supervisors to at best horribly misleading, and at worst tually be closed, preventive services will not 85 ft. artificial tree to minimize the vi- adopt a Memorandum of Understanding unconscionable. Mr. Medico’s gross distor- have co-pays, premiums will be lower, the sual impact of the antenna tower for the between Fairfax County and the City of tions need to be answered. Tom Fina does Medicare Trust Fund will be extended, and surrounding neighborhood. Harbin, China, of the Peoples Republic not stand alone. For starters, although So- insurance companies will not be able to of China. The agreement was delayed cial Security, Medicare, and Medicaid have deny care for pre-existing conditions, or RICHMOND HIGHWAY until the agreement could be written in long term financial issues which need to be raise premiums if their insured gets sick. Resolution on the Improvement of both Chinese and English. The agree- addressed, they are not going bankrupt. Every poll shows that the great majority Traffic Flow and Provision for Mass Tran- ment essentially begins the process of They will survive if only because they have of Americans believe our health care sys- sit on Richmond Highway economic and cultural exchanges be- served this country so well. These great pro- tem is broken, including many Republicans. Vote: 24 – 0 - 0: Support of the resolu- tween the two jurisdictions. ❖ grams have saved the lives of thousands of Seniors have a major stake in the success tion as proposed. Ms. Virginia Senior America, 2009, Americans. Before Social Security, half of of health care reform. The rate of growth Support of this resolution included the Mrs. Maureen Ribble. Requested that the all seniors were below the poverty level; of overall health care must be slowed and following detailed proposed actions: Board of Supervisors invite Mrs. Ribble ❖ before Medicare, most seniors could not come closer to the growth of the rest of the Urged the Commonwealth Transpor- to come before the Board to recognize afford the high premiums demanded by economy as a whole. Seniors need to know tation Board, VDOT, FCDOT, and the her outstanding achievement in being private insurance because their age. Oth- that if the rise in health care costs in the Board of Supervisors to secure funding named the Ms. Virginia Senior America ers were not accepted because of pre-exist- country cannot be curbed through broad to complete the widening of Richmond winner. ing conditions. Many, without insurance, based health care reform, then Medicare Highway to six lanes from Buckman road On Sept. 14, Hyland requested the simply got sick and died before their time. (north) to Prince William County. ❖ See Council, Page 24 Today, the highest rates of personal bank- Urged that VDOT undertake a Rich- See Letters, Page 23 ruptcies in America are due to health care www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ October 1-7, 2009 ❖ 11 12 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ October 1-7, 2009 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ October 1-7, 2009 ❖ 13 14 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ October 1-7, 2009 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ October 1-7, 2009 ❖ 15 Newcomers’ Guide Rex Reiley RE/MAX Allegiance Public Schools Serving Mount Vernon 703-768-7730 From Page 6 Mount Vernon land Lane [email protected] Pyramid Alexandria, VA 22309 703-619-4800 SUN.OPEN 1-4 Alex/Riverwood upper $700s 3801 Riverwood Road (part of Bryant AHS) Fort Belvoir ES Principal: Stephanie Bisson Spectacular 4BR, 2.55 Bath Colonial in prestigious water- Grades: K-6 front community of Riverwood. 3000 sq. ft. of finished 5801 Duke St. [email protected] NEW living space & plenty of storage plus a workshop in the 5970 Meeres Road basement. Meticulously maintained home offers 3 FPLS, Suite D-216 Woodley Hills ES LISTING freshly painted interior, refin hdwd floors, updated Alexandria, VA 22304 Fort Belvoir, VA 22060 Grades: K-6 kitchen & baths w/beautiful corian counter tops. Cedar 703-781-2700 shake roof & spacious 2 car garage. 5 minutes to 703-658-6451 8718 Old Mt Vernon Road Ft.Belvoir, 35 minutes to Pentagon or D.C. Priced to sell! Principal: Jan McKee Principal: Jane Wilson Alexandria, VA 22309 Alex/Mt. Vernon $949,900 [email protected] [email protected] 703-799-2000 9428 Mount Vernon Circle Mount Vernon Woods ES Spectacular all brick Colonial on a quiet cul-de-sac in prestig- Pulley Career Center Principal: Sharon Aldredge ious water front community Mt. Vernon on the Potomac. Main (Part of West Potomac High Grades: Preschool, K-6 [email protected] Level: Den/Study, LR, DR, totally renovated Kitchen (granite, 4015 Fielding St. top of line appliances, ceramic tile flr), Breakfast rm & sun rm. School) Whitman MS 4 spacious bedrooms & large unfin basement w/side entrance. Alexandria, VA 22309 Beautiful in-ground pool w/separate heated Jacuzzi. Superb 6500 Quander Road Grades: 7-8 landscaping. Access to dock & private slip-boaters haven! 5 Alexandria, VA 22307 703-619-2800 2500 Parkers Lane min to Ft. Belvoir, 15 min to Old Town, 25 min to Ntl Airport. 703-718-2700 Principal: Marie Lemmon Alexandria, VA 22306 Alex/Woodlawn Terrace $239,900 Assistant Principal: Dr. Diane [email protected] 703-660-2400 8214 Ackley Street Riverside ES Charming Cape Cod on a large, fenced .25 Norris Principal: Otha Davis acre lot. Beautifully updated kitchen and [email protected] Grades: FECEP, K-6 [email protected] baths. Nice addition with family room and 8410 Old Mt Vernon Road workshop. Shows very well. Sold as is. 3 Quander Road School Mount Vernon HS minutes to Ft. Belvoir, 15 minutes to Metro 6400 Quander Road Alexandria, VA 22309 Grades: 9-12 8515 Old Mt and Old Town, Alex. Short Sale, subject to 703-799-6000 third party approval. Alexandria, VA 22307 Vernon Road 703-718-2400 Principal: Lori Morton Alexandria, VA 22309 Alex/Stratford $559,900 [email protected] 8716 Linton Lane Principal: William Files 703-619-3100 MOTIVATED SELLER - Lovely 4BR, 2.5 BA Colonial [email protected] Washington Mill ES Principal: Nardos E. King w/brick front & carport. Very competitively priced in Grades: K-69100 Cherrytree Dr. OPEN mid 500s. This is not a short sale or bank owned. West Potomac HS [email protected] Family room w/fireplace off the kitchen. Hardwood Alexandria, VA 22309 SUN. 1-4 floors on the main & upper levels w/partial, unfinished Grades: 9-12 Mount Vernon Center basement which can be finished off or left as a work- 6500 Quander Road 703-619-2500 8515 Old Mt Vernon Road shop/storage area. Just down the street from Ft. Hunt Principal: Tish Howard Elem. Minutes to Ft. Belvoir & Huntington Metro. Alexandria, VA 22307 Alexandria, VA 22309 [email protected] For more information: www.RexReiley.com 703-718-2500 703-619-3300 Principal: Cliff Hardison Woodlawn ES Principal: Debi Keefe Each Office Independently Owned and Operated [email protected] Grades: FECEP, K-6 8505 High- [email protected]

16 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ October 1-7, 2009 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Elect Gail “for Rail” Parker Virginia House of Delegates, Snakehead Sites Revisited November 3, 2009 Contact us to become a

Invasive species Photo by Precinct Captain. appear to 703-960-5602 have gone. Michael K. Bohn [email protected] Build Rail Now! By Michael K. Bohn More Trains, The Gazette Less Traffic

n the last episode, ferocious /The Gazette Paid for by Gail for Rail Parker HOD Campaign Fund snakehead fish had taken Iover a pond at Mount Vernon Country Club. A pair of the invasive species had pro- duced thousands of fry, which HOPKINS HOUSE boiled the surface as they learned Snakehead expert John Odenkirk, with a backpack fish to breathe. Uncertain golfers shocker, and his assistant, Mike Isel, search for the 70th Anniversary Gala shrank from the water’s edge, invasive fish at Mount Vernon Country Club. Camera- Saturday, October 24, 2009 • 6:00 pm trusty sand wedges at the ready. man Doug Gritzmacher and sound technician Rob Shire, The Westin Alexandria Hotel Well, the snakeheads appear to record the survey. Luxury silent auction, reception, dinner, be gone. retrospective video, dance, and gift bags. On Sept. 22, with a documen- stun fish, he instead found a Potomac.” Odenkirk, everyone’s tary film crew in tow, Virginia state healthy population of other spe- go-to expert on snakeheads, theo- TICKETS ON SALE NOW! $100pp. fisheries expert John Odenkirk cies, including a sweet four-pound rizes that the fish may seek Sponsorship and Advertising available searched the ponds and creeks of largemouth bass. deeper water in the fall as they www.HopkinsHouse.org the golf course for the northern “I’m not ready to say that the prepare for winter. Four inches of or call (571) 480-4086 snakehead, Channa argus. During snakeheads are permanently rain fell in one day at Mount multiple visits last year and this gone,” Odenkirk said afterward. Vernon in late August, so the pond Featuring R&B recording Artist spring, Odenkirk had found sev- “Although our data is sketchy, and a nearby creek became one eral adults and lots of small fry, they may have simply migrated for a few hours. That might have but this time he found none. Us- down stream to a small bay where Linda Clifford ing mild electric current to briefly Dogue Creek empties into the See Snakeheads, Page 24

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Planning Ahead evening also features live entertain- ment, reenactments and tours of the rarely open cellar vaults. George From Page 5 School, Flippin Field House, 3901 W Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Braddock Road. Call 703-548-7469. Gardens. Call 703-780-2000 or visit www.mountvernon.org. St. Patrick’s Day Celebration & www.mountvernon.org. Ceremony Honoring The Unknown Parade. March 1. Join the festivities, Soldier of the Revolution. This cer- including the Fun Dog Show, Classic Car emony, held at the Old Presbyterian Competition and the 23rd Annual Alex- June 2009 andria St. Patrick’s Parade. Old Town th

Meeting House, will honor the unknown 28 Annual Alexandria Red Photo by Louise Krafft/Gazette soldier of the Revolutionary War. Mon- Alexandria. Free. Call 703-237-2199 or Cross Waterfront Festival. Jazz, day, Feb. 16 at 11 a.m. Free. 321 S visit www.ballyshaners.org. rock n’ roll and oldies, visiting tall ships, Fairfax St. Free. Call 703-991-4474. Swordsmen’s Rendezvous. living history exhibits, children’s events, www.washingtonbirthday.net March 20 from 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at arts & crafts and concession stands. George Washington Birthday Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Oronoco Bay Park, Union and Madison Parade. The largest parade honoring St. See re-enactments and learn how to streets. Call 703-549-8300 or the first president and Alexandria’s handle a sword. Entry fee. Visitor call www.waterfrontfestival.org. hometown hero features marching 703-838-4242. Juneteenth Commemoration. bands, floats, military and reenactment Juneteenth celebrates the joyous day in units, Masonic groups, equestrian en- African-American history when slaves in tries, antique cars and, of course, April 2010 Texas first learned of their emancipa- George and Martha Washington, Annual Historic Garden Tour of tion. Family-oriented celebration throughout Old Town Alexandria. Mon- Alexandria. This tour features a mix of includes music, reading of the Emanci- day, Feb. 16 from 1-3 p.m. Free. Call private and public properties. Saturday, pation Proclamation, entertainment and 703-991-4474 or visit March 27 Call 703-838-5005 or visit food. 900 block Wythe St. Free. Call Last year’s performance by Aldersgate Children’s Theatre www.washingtonbirthday.net. www.VAGardenweek.org.º 703-838-4356. Great Rum Punch. April 14 from 7- Annual Alexandria Guitar Festi- National Concert Band of America, an Free. Call 703-883-4686 or visit 9:30 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, val. Master classes and concerts by 18th-century style celebration and free www.alexsym.org. March 2009 134 N. Royal St. Enjoy different concoc- internationally acclaimed artists, such as birthday cake for all. George Carlyle Housewarming. Music, Annual Needlework Exhibition. tions while taking part in an auction. Nathan Fischer, Risa Carlson, Nicholas Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & refreshments and costumed interpreters March 1-31. The largest and most pres- $50/person. Reservations required. Visit Goluses and others. Performances at the Gardens. Call 703-780-2000 or visit bring Carlyle House alive, recalling tigious needlework exhibit in the www.gadsbystavern.org or 703-838- Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 321 S www.mountvernon.org. when John Carlyle and his bride Sarah country. View amateur and professional 4242. Fairfax St. Visit U.S. and Alexandria Birthday Fairfax moved into their newly-built stitchery at the plantation George Wash- www.alexandriaguitarfestival.com. Celebration. Observe the 256th birth- mansion in 1753. Carlyle House Mu- ington gave to his granddaughter, day of Alexandria and the 229th seum and Historic Park, 121 N Fairfax Eleanor “Nelly” Custis Lewis. Woodlawn May 2010 birthday of the country with a concert St. Free. Call 703-549-2997 or visit Plantation, 9000 Richmond Highway, Mount Vernon’s Spring Wine July 2010 by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, www.carlylehouse.org. Mount Vernon. Call 703-220-2082 or Festival & Sunset Tour. May 15 – An American Celebration at birthday cake, food and fireworks. visit www.woodlawn1805.org. 17. This elegant evening celebrates the Mount Vernon — An Independence Evening culminates in Tchaikovsky’s Annual Antiques in Alexandria. history of wine and highlights the suc- Day celebration held on July 4th. An all- “1812 Overture” with the firing of can- August 2010 Features 60 dealers from around the cesses and failures of our Founding day celebration at the home of George non. Grand finale fireworks. Oronoco Ethnic Festivals in August. Each country. March 11-14, at Episcopal High Fathers’ wine-making endeavors. The Washington, with wreath-laying, the Bay Park, Union and Madison Streets. festival shares the culture of its people through entertainment, food and arts & crafts. Festivals are coordinated with co- sponsoring organizations and occur rain or shine. Irish Festival, Cambodian Com- munity Day, American Indian Festival. Visit These Houses of Worship Call 703-883-4686. Tavern Day At Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. A day of tavern life with dis- Join A Club, Make New Friends, or Expand Your Horizons... plays, activities and programs. Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N Royal St. Free. CHURCHES-UNITED METHODIST Call 703-838-4242 or visit The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music! ALDERSGATE UNITED METHODIST...703-765-6555 www.gadsbystavern.org. Christ the Saviour Historical figure and Kennedy Center performer, BEVERLY HILLS COMMUNITY UNITED METHODIST...703-836-2406 Annual Friendship Firehouse Anglican Church http://www.elisabethvontrapp.com/ DEL RAY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH...703-549-2088 Festival. Aug. 7 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. See “To Love & Serve the Lord with Elisabeth von Trapp in Concert FAIRLINGTON UNITED METHODIST antique fire-fighting equipment, crafts, Gladness & Singleness of Heart” CHURCH....703-671-8557 displays and live music with special 7:30pm, Friday 9 Oct at ROBERTS MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST treats for children. Food and beverages Location - Washington Mill ES Wesley United Methodist Church CHURCH...703-836-7332 ST. ANDREWS UNITED METHODIST available. 107 S. Alfred St. Free. Call 9100 Cherrytree Drive Free but Limited Seating! Call 703-780-5019 for your tickets today! CHURCH…..703-751-4666 703-838-4994. 8412 Richmond Ave, Alexandria, VA 22309 TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH…703-549-5500 Worship Service - 10am (just off Richmond Hwy near Ft. Belvoir & Mount Vernon) WASHINGTON FARM UNITED Inter-generational Sunday School - after service Come see us Sunday too! 10am Sunday worship service METHODEST...703-780-4696 Vicar, The Rev. Huey J Sevier WASHINGTON STREET UNITED September 2010 Sunday School classes (child to adult) and youth group (7th to 12th grade) METHODIST CHURCH…703-836-4324 Alexandria Festival of the Arts. www.christthesaviouranglican.org 9am-12 Mon-Fri Pre-School • www.wesleyva.org CHURCHES- UNITARIAN MT. VERNON UNITARIAN...703-765-5950 A weekend-long outdoor festival featur- 703-953-2854 ing fine art produced by more than 150 PLYMOUTH HAVEN BAPTIST...703-360-4370 ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH... 703-780-3081 CHURCHES- UNITY of the nation’s top award-winning art- ST. LUKE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH...703-765-4342 UNITY IN ALEXANDRIA…703-931-8507 CHURCHES-BRETHREN ST. MARK EPISCOPAL CHURCH...703-765-3949 ists. Fine art for sale including GRACE BRETHREN CHURCH…703-548-1808 SYNAGOGUES sculptures, paintings, photography, Good Shepherd ALEXANDRIA CHURCH OF GOD...703-548-5084 CHURCHES- CHURCH OF GOD AGUDAS ACHIM fused glass, jewelry and more. Free. Call CONGREGATION…703-998-6460 703-838-4200 or visit BUDDHISM CHURCHES-LUTHERAN Catholic Church www.artfestival.com.º THE VAJRAYOGINI BUDDHIST CENTER...202-331-2122 EPIPHANY LUTHERAN SYNAGOGUES-ORTHODOX Mass Schedule CHURCH-ELCA….703-780-5077 CHABAD LUVAVITCH OF 18th-Century Fair At Mount Saturday Evening Weekdays CHURCHES- ROMAN CATHOLIC EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH….703-765-5003 ALEXANDRIA-ARLINGTON…703-370-2774 Vernon. More than 70 juried artisans 5:00 pm; 6:30 pm (en Español) (Mass or Communion Service) GOOD SHEPHERD GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN demonstrate their crafts and sell their 9:00 am (followed by Rosary) CATHOLIC CHURCH…703-780-4055 CHURCH-ELCA….703-548-8608 Sunday SYNAGOGUES- REFORM wares, with Colonial music, entertain- Children’s Liturgy of the Word ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH…703-836-3725 IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH-MISSOURI, BETH EL HEBREW 7:30; 9:00; 10:30 am; 12:00 Noon Sundays (Sept.-July) during 9:00 am ST. LOUIS CATHOLIC CHURCH…703-765-4421 SYNOD…703-549-0155 CONGREGATION…703-370-9400 ment, including fire-eaters and grave 2:00 pm (en Español) Mass (English) ST. MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH…703-836-4100 MESSIAH EVENGELICAL LUTHERAN Sign Language Interpreter robbers, and hearty food. George 6:30 pm Mass (Starts Sept. 13) CHURCH, ELCA...703-765-5003 Sunday at 9:00 am Mass THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & 8710 Mount Vernon Highway, Alexandria VA, 22309 CHURCHES-CHRISTIAN NATIVITY LUTHERAN OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Gardens. Sept. 19–20. Call 703-780- Tel: 703-780-4055 Fax: 703-360-5385 www.gs-cc.org HIS KINGDOM MINISTRIES... 703-313-5029 CHURCH-ELCA….703-768-1112 ALEXANDRIA I WARD...703-683-7577 FIRST CHRISTIAN OF ALEXANDRIA 2000 or visit www.mountvernon.org.º Loving as Christ loves, serving as Christ serves ALEXANDRIA II WARD...703-549-9891 CHURCH... 703-549-3911 ORTHODOX COLONIAL II SINGLES WARD...703-313-6249 Annual Tour of Historic Alexan- SAINT APHRAIM SYRIAC…201-312-7678 OLD TOWN SPANISH WARD...703-519-9545 dria Homes. Tour some of the city’s UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST CHURCHES- BAPTIST CHURCHES-CHRISTIAN SCIENCE ALL SAINTS OF AMERICA...703-417-9665 BELLE HAVEN WARD 703-780-4789 most beautifully restored and decorated FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST SCIENTIST HOPE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST...703-960-8772 ALFRED STREET BAPTIST CHURCH…703-683-2222 KINGSTOWNE WARD...703-313-6140 homes. Old Town. Call 703-683-5544 BAPTIST TEMPLE CHURCH…703-548-8000 ALEXANDRIA...703-549-7973 CHURCHES- PRESBYTERIAN FRANCONIA WARD...703-313-6147 CHURCHES- AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL-ZION DEL RAY BAPTIST CHURCH…703-549-8116 CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH CALVARY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH...703.768.8510 MT. VERNON WARD...703-780-9577 for information, 703-461-9492 for ALLEYNE AME ZION CHURCH…703-548-3888 DOWNTOWN BAPTIST CHURCH…703-549-5544 MT. VERNON...703-768-2494 ALEXANDRIA PRESBYTERIAN SALVATION ARMY ALEXANDRIA ticekts or visit www.thetwig.org. CHURCH…703-683-3348 CITADEL ....703-836-2427 CHURCHES-ANGLICAN FIRST AGAPE BAPTIST COMMUNITY OF FAITH…703-519- Seaport Day 2009. Celebrate the 9100 CHURCH OF CHRIST OLD PRESBYTERIAN CHRIST THE SAVIOR... 703-953-2854 ALEXANDRIA CHURCH OF CHRIST…703-836-3083 MEETING HOUSE…703-549-6670 city’s seaport heritage with model-boat ST. ANDREW & ST. MARGARET FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF ALEXANDRIA…703-684-3720 HERITAGE PRESBYTERIAN…703-360-9546 To Advertise Your building, boat rides, food and exhibits. OF SCOTLAND… 703-683-3343 PROVIDENCE- ST. JOHN BAPTIST CHURCH…703-683-2565 SHILOH BAPTIST…703-683-4573 CHURCHES- EPISCOPAL MT. VERNON PRESBYTERIAN…703-765-6118 Faith Community Waterfront Park at the foot of Prince St. CHURCHES- APOSTOLIC MT. PLEASANT BAPTIST CHURCH...703-256-1239 EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH...703-683-0798 WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN call Karen at: (703) 917-6468 Free. Call 703-549-7078 or visit LOVE OF CHRIST CHURCH…703-518-4404 VICTORY TEMPLE…703-370-2233 ST. AIDAN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH...703-360-4220 CHURCH…703-549-4766 www.alexandriaseaport.org.

18 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ October 1-7, 2009 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Wonderful Art to be Found

Arts ❖ Entertainment ❖ Leisure “Headlines” original clay sculp- ture by Christine Moerenhout- Hubloue of McLean. SATURDAY/OCT. 24 NOW THROUGH OCT. 25 Art Exhibition and Sale. 12-5 p.m. Free. Work Repetition in Clay: Disciplined Creativity. in a variety of media will be displayed, By the Kiln Club at the Torpedo Factory Art including: acrylics, oils, watercolor, mixed OCT. 7-NOV. 1 Center. At the Torpedo Factor Art Center’s Scope media, pastels, photography, pen and ink, Gallery West Presents: Brush, Spirit, Fire. Gallery. The October show is juried by digital media, etc. Presented by the Kingstowne Artists Kimberley Bush, Genevieve Lynn, and functional potter and sculptor Amanda Delgado. Area Artists Association. At the Snyder Center, Gail Saour display their talents in raku ceramic, Hours are Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. 6450 South Van Dorn Street, Alexandria. Chinese brush painting, and abstract color/ to 6 p.m., with Thursdays open until 9 p.m. The Contact Ginny Sywyj at [email protected] pattern painting. Meet the artists and enjoy gallery is located at 101 North Union Street, or Nancy Hannans at refreshments at the opening reception on Oct. Studio 19, Alexandria. Call 703-548-6288 or [email protected]. visit www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/scope. 10 from 5 to 8 p.m. The Alexandria Second Thursday Art Walk reception is on Oct. 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. At 1213 King Street, Old Town Alexandria. Call 703-549-6006 or visit NOW THROUGH JAN. 4, 2010 www.gallery-west.com (Image on right) Eyes on Nature. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A Botanical Art Exhibit at River Farm. 15 NOW THROUGH OCT. 4 area artists will be displaying their works: orchids, peonies, arrays of spring bulbs and other Gallery West Presents: Petals and Leaves, flowers will be on display. These will be Blossoms and Greens. New Paintings by portrayed in watercolor, graphite, colored pencil Kathy Guzman or gouache. At River Farm, 7931 East Boulevard The solo show at Gallery West, 1213 King Street, Dr., Alexandria. Contact Dan Scott at 703-768- Alexandria, is called “Petals and Leaves, 5700 ext. 114 or [email protected]. Blossoms and Greens.” The exhibition features NOW THROUGH OCT. 5 an exploration of lines, shapes and colors of flowers and greens in different settings and (Image on right): Brenda Barthell’s Solo environments by Kathy Guzman. Show at The Art League. “The Special Member work will also be on display at the gallery. Relationship” describes the historic, diplomatic, Located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, and political connection between the UK and Gallery West is celebrating its 30th anniversary in U.S. These paintings, however, represent a 2009. The gallery is opened 11 – 6 p.m. personal bond and one that may be familiar to Wednesday through Sunday. Images of member others who have divided roots. work are on view at the gallery’s web site: Gallery Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sundays, 12 www.gallery-west.com. noon-6 p.m. Exhibitions and events are free.

OCT. 2–25 Del Ray Artisans members will present an exhibition of their artwork at the Del Ray Artisans gallery, in the Nicholas A. Colasanto Center at 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria. The opening reception will be at the gallery on Friday, Oct. 2 from 7–9:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. “The Arts Build Communities” is a statewide theme established by Virginians for the Arts Foundation. The message is the same, regardless of the medium: The arts strengthen our communities, lift our spirits and build a better quality of life for all. In this, the third all member show for 2009, Del Ray Artisans reflect on the positive impact of art through a variety of media. You are invited to come visit the gallery and enjoy the experience! Go to NOV. 4-DEC. 31 www.TheDelRayArtisans.org. Gallery West Presents: The 30th Anniversary Celebration/Small Works NOW THROUGH OCT. 18 Show. Opening Reception: Saturday, Nov. 7 Hidden Treasure from 5 – 8 p.m. “From There 2 Here.” At the Target Gallery. 2nd Thursday Reception: Nov. 12, 6 – 9 p.m. Exhibition features artwork from three regional Join the members of Gallery West in a month-long art centers that were inspired by the Torpedo OCT. 1-29 celebration of the gallery’s 30th year. The Factory’s groundbreaking concept. The Reflections of the Feminine Divine. This birthday bash, which is open to the public, will participating art centers are Liberty Town Arts exhibition explores the power of symbols to be held at the gallery on Nov. 7th from 5 - 8 p.m. Workshop (Fredericksburg), GoggleWorks evoke feelings and give form to the Refreshments, including birthday cake, will be Center for the Arts (Reading, PA) and the unexplainable. For artist Vera Vandendries, this offered, as well as gift give-aways and other Prizery (South Boston, VA). archetype holds deep universal meaning NOW THROUGH OCT. 12 surprises. The gallery is located at 1213 King associated with the underlying power in nature, Artist Elisabeth G. Hudgins Common Street in Old Town Alexandria’s Boutique and the beauty, harmony, and order in this Threads, mixed media paintings. The District, between Payne and Fayette. Shopping NOW THROUGH OCT. 30 world. Presented by Empowered Women Gallery Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday and fine dining are nearby. Andrew Macdonald: Celebrating Authentic International and Convergence Gallery. through Friday. At the Rachel M. Schlesinger The gallery is open from 11 – 6 p.m. Wednesday Places and Cultures. At the AHM Fine Art Opening reception and artist talk is Sunday, Oct. 18 Center, 3001 North Beauregard Street, through Sunday. Images of work by the Gallery, 215 South Union St., Old Town from 3-5 p.m. at Convergence Gallery, 1801 N. Alexandria. members are on view at the gallery’s website: Alexandria. Call 603-512-9379 or 571-970- Quaker Lane, Alexandria. Convergence Gallery www.gallery-west.com. Call 703-549-6006. 1466 or visit [email protected]. Open Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ October 1-7, 2009 ❖ 19 Entertainment Old Town Paint & Plaster LOCALRELIABLE PROFESSIONAL PROMPT Interior/Exterior Quality Painting Art on the Ave. Is Oct. 3 Plaster/Drywall Install & Repair Carpentry/Trim Crown Moldings The 14th annual Art on the Av- Pressure Washing Deck Maintenance enue festival will take place Satur- Whole Home Makeovers Budget Remodels day, Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Del Ray neighborhood of Al- Enhancing The Value of Real Estate exandria. The event is free and open Call Today! to all. Held each fall on Mount Vernon Avenue between Hume and 703-683-0044 Bellefonte Avenues, Art on the Av- Or Email [email protected] enue celebrates the diversity of the Potomac West community. Now in its 14th year, the event is entirely volunteer-run, with support from the local business community. Art on the Avenue strives to re- I’m Phillip Norris - Your Alex Neighbor flect the vibrant mix of the Del Ray for probably as long as you’ve community through the artists and lived in Alex. My wife and I grew their work. Last year’s event drew up here. I’m a finish carpenter more than 45,000 people from w/28 yrs. experience. throughout the metropolitan Wash- ington area. My work is meticulous, and I The multicultural arts and music take great pride in completing festival features over 325 area art- jobs on time, and on budget. Let ists and craftspeople selling their me give you a quote on that original works, international food, project or repair you’re thinking about. My prices are reflective of the times. and three stages of live music. Free children’s craft activities and enter- Finish Carpentry & Trim Works tainment, artists’ demonstrations Licensed • Bonded • Insured. and a pie-baking contest complete References Upon Request. the day’s program. Cell: 703.403.2994 Ofc: 703.684.5215 Free DASH transportation will be [email protected] provided from the Braddock Road Metro Station. Call 703-683-3100, or visit www.artontheavenue.org. The Local Theater NOW THROUGH OCT. 11 NOW THROUGH OCT. 18 “Glorious!” Story by Peter Quilter. Royal Restaurant Musical of Musicals (“The The joyful Florence Foster Jenkins Musical!”) At MetroStage. The had a passion for singing, but a voice (now smoke free) play is a funny parody of five of disastrous proportions that left Broadway composers, Rodgers and audiences crying with laughter. Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, Spinning from her bizarre recording Kander and Ebb, Jerry Herman and “What’s for Dinner?!” sessions, unbelievable recitals and an Andrew Lloyd Webber, with the ultimate triumph at New York’s You don’t have to think too hard, let us solve this classic question. music by Eric Rockwell, lyrics by Carnegie Hall – this is a true, heart- Joanne Bogart, and book by Rockwell In addition to our award winning menu, we have added warming story about a group of and Bogart. Performances are now eccentric friends who lived their some popular specials that add variety for everybody taste. through Oct. 18, Thursdays and dreams. Dominion Stage. Theatre Fridays at 8, Saturdays at 5 and 8:30, One at Gunston, 2700 S. Lang Street Real food, for real people at reasonable prices. Sundays at 3 and 7. Tickets are $45- in Arlington. 703-683-0502 http:// 50. At MetroStage, 1201 North www.dominionstage.org Monday - Kids Night Royal St. Alexandria. Fully accessible, Burger Night (Kids eat 1/2 price) Each child must be accompanied by adult having entree. free parking, great dining. Call 800- NOW THROUGH OCT. 3 494-8497 or go online to wwwboxofficetickets.com. Call 703- Tuesday - Greek Night “Bye Bye Birdie.” The play is a satire 548-9044. Lamb Marinated and Roasted for 3 hours, done with the fondest affection that Athenian Roast Chicken, Moussaka! tells the story of a rock and roll singer who is about to be inducted into the army. Memorable songs Wednesday - All American Night include An English Teacher, What Did “The Quality of Life.” 8 p.m. At through Oct. 11, with performances Meatloaf, Chicken Fried Chicken. Va. Ham I Ever See in Him? Put On a Happy Arena Stage in Crystal City. The play on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Face, One Boy, A Lot of Livin’ to Do, is newly rewritten by Emmy Award- and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. All Thursday - Italian Night Kids, Rosie and Spanish Rose. The winning Jane Anderson (TV’s Mad performances will be held at the Lasagna, Chicken Alfredo, Calamari Arlington Players. Thomas Jefferson Men and Normal) and directed by Gunston Arts Center — Theater One, Theatre. 703-549-1063 http:// Lisa Peterson (Arena’s The located at 2700 S. Lang Street in www.thearlingtonplayers.org Rainmaker). Tickets are $22–$66. Arlington. Seating is General Friday - Fish Night Showtimes are Tuesday, Wednesday Admission; Tickets are available Crab Cakes, Shrimp & Scallops over penne pasta with white sauce and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. (6 p.m. online for pre-purchase at NOW THROUGH OCT. 10 curtain on 9/27); Thursday, Friday www.DominionStage.org. Group Saturday -Steak and Chop Night “A Piece of My Heart”. Six women and Saturday at 8 p.m. Saturday and Discounts available. Reservations Prime Rib, Lamb, Surf and Turf, Pork Chops, and Moussaka relive harrowing and life-altering Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. (no can be made online or by calling 703- experiences in Vietnam. At Theater matinee 9/12); Weekday matinees at 683-0502. Sunday II, Gunston Arts Center, 2700 South noon on Oct. 7 and 13. Tickets are In 2009/10, Dominion Stage, formerly Lang Street, Arlington. Performances $25-$66 plus applicable fees. Go to The Failington Players, celebrates 60 Brunch served 7am - 2pm most weeks are Thursday through www.arenastage.org, by phone at seasons of entertaining audiences in Dine in or call ahead and your dinner will be ready for pick up. Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., with 202-488-3300 or at the Arena Stage the Northern Virginia/DC Dinner hours 2:30-9:30pm weekend matinees at 2:30 p.m. on Sales Office at 1800 S. Bell Street, Metropolitan area. Their three show Oct. 3, 4, and 10. Tickets and Arlington. anniversary season also includes 730 North Saint Asaph Street information are available at “Reefer Madness, The Musical” (Jan Alexandria, VA 22314 www.AmericanCentury.org or by 2010), and “Love! Valour! NOW THROUGH OCT. 11 (703) 548-1616 calling the theater at 703-998-4555. Compassion!” (May 2010). Dominion Dominion Stage kicks off its 60th Stage is an all-volunteer, not-for- Ample Free Parking anniversary season with “Glorious!,” profit community theater NOW THROUGH OCT. 18 which runs weekends from now organization.

20 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ October 1-7, 2009 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Calendar Oktoberfest

E-mail announcements to the Ga- 703-838-4565 or go to zette, gazette@connection www.torpedofactory.org. Specials newspapers.com. Photos and artwork SATURDAY/OCT. 17 are encouraged. Deadline is Thursday 2009 at noon for the following week’s paper. Fall Festival. 3-6 p.m. Free. Call Steve Hibbard at 703-778-9412 Enjoy Kids Games & Crafts, German Food, Bake Sale, Book Wiener Schnitzel...... $12.95 with questions. Sauerkraut & Hot German Potato Salad Sale, also seasonal flu shots and blood pressure checks. At Nativity Bratwurst or Knockwurst...... $10.95 THURSDAY/OCT. 1 Lutheran Church, 1300 Sauerkraut & Hot German Potato Salad Collingwood Road, Alexandria. Call KUKU. 7-9 p.m. Free. KUKU Thursday, Oct. 1 through Saturday, Oct. 31 performs uniquely soulful and Lynne Rizzo at 703-678-9324 UpBeat OffBeat Auction. captivating music inspired by his 7-10 African heritage. Often singing in p.m. Del Ray Artisans’ classic Elsie's Magic Skillet Restaurant his native Yoruba tongue, this whacky artful fund-raiser, featuring self-taught musician has a live auction of home furnishings 703-360-0220 enchanted audiences throughout FRIDAY/OCT. 9 “extremely made over” by local the Washington, DC area. At the artists. At the Durant Center, 1605 M-Sat 6AM-10PM 8166 Richmond HWY Jazz Percussionist Robert Jospe. 7:30 p.m. Cameron Street, Alexandria. Torpedo Factory Art Center, part Robert Jospé and Inner Rhythm, featuring Sun 6AM-2PM Alexandria • VA • 22309 of the Thursday Nite Local Details and tickets ($15 in advance guest guitarist Royce Campbell, Pendleton Hall / $20 at the door) at Spotlight series. At 105 N. Union at Episcopal High School, 3900 W. Braddock St., Alexandria. Call 703-838- www.theDelRayArtisans.org. Road. Free. Call 703-933-4135 or email Wine Party. 7-10 p.m. “La Fête 4565 or go to [email protected]. www.torpedofactory.org. de Lafayette” wine party in honor Exceptional Schools for GIANT YARD SALE at Washington of the Marquis de Lafayette, the Bach, woven into a vesper liturgy in hero of the American Revolution. Farm UMC, 3921 Old Mill Road, the tradition of ancient worship. At Exceptional Students School Fair Alexandria, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. - rain or After-five attire is requested, and Westminster Presbyterian Church, reservations are required. Tickets are shine. Proceeds used to further church 2701 Cameron Mills Road, Alexandria. Showcasing the many wonderful programs. Admission Free. $50 a piece for Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Society members and $65 school choices available to families OCT. 4-31 each for non-members. At Gadsbys Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal of children with learning differences. OCT. 2, 3, 4 th 16 Annual Pumpkin Sale. 10 a.m. to Street, Alexandria. Tickets may be Find out individualized programs Mount Vernon’s Fall Wine Festival 8 p.m. At Immanuel Church-on-the- & Sunset Tour. 6-9 p.m. Wines from purchased online at Hill, 3606 Seminary Road, Alexandria www.gadsbystavern.org or by calling that will help your child thrive both 17 Virginia wineries and live blues (Corner of Seminary Road and Quaker music. Tickets are $30/person. Fruit 703-838-4242. academically and socialy. Lane). All proceeds go directly to Outdoor Craft Fair. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and cheese boxes are available by charity (ALIVE, Carpenter’s Shelter, advance purchase ($24 each; serves Vendors will feature handcrafted Network Preschool, New Mexico items, including jewelry, fabric arts, Saturday October 18, 2009 • 2:00-5:00 pm two). For details, go to Navajo Indians and many more). www.MountVernon.org. knitting, oil & watercolor paintings, Katzen Art Center, American University @ Ward Circle Contact Susan D. Dawson at 703-931- and more. At the Lee-Fendall House 4349 or [email protected]. Museum, 514 Oronco St., Alexandria. Massachusetts Ave. and Nebraska Ave. NW DC SATURDAY/OCT. 3 For more information please contact: Bekah Atkinson at Oktoberfest. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. At THURSDAY/OCT. 8 OCT. 17-18 301-592-0567, x12 • [email protected] FireFlies Restaurant & Bar and parking Second Thursday Art Night: Dig It! Mount Vernon’s Fall Harvest or Lois McCabe at 301-299-4602 • [email protected] lot, in the Del Ray Neighborhood, 1501 6-9 p.m. Free. History Scavenger Hunt, Family Days. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Call 703- open studios and kids’ activities. At the 548-7200 or visit entire family will enjoy autumn Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. activities including horse-drawn www.firefliesdelray.com. Union St., Alexandria. Go to Blessing of the Animals. 11 a.m. At wagon rides, wheat treading in the www.torpedofactory.org; call 703-838- 16-sided barn, a straw bale maze, Aldersgate Church on the front lawn. 4565 Bring along a pet of any kind (leashed early-American games, music and or caged) to be blessed. At 1301 demonstrations. $15 adults; $14 Collingwood Road in the Mt. Vernon FRIDAY/OCT. 9 seniors; $7 children 6-11; free for area of Alexandria. Call 703-765-6555 children under 5. At George Ballroom Dancing for Couples. Washington’s Farm, Mount Vernon. or visit www.aldersgate.net. Private non-profit dancing club Solo Piano with Robin Spielberg. 8 holds dances from 8:30 p.m. to p.m. Seats are $16. At The Lyceum, 11:30 p.m. on the second Friday 201 S. Washington Street, Alexandria. of each month; waltz, rumba, Call 1-800-836-0833, ext. 5. fox trot, cha cha, swing, tango, Apothecary Open House. At the and more to live music on large Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary wooden dance floor, Mt Vernon Museum. 1-5 p.m. Free admission, area; $15 per person. tours and hands-on activities. Visitors Reservations required. Go to will learn about the curative properties www.fridaynightersdancingclub.com of plants in their own backyard, while discovering the important role the apothecary played in early Alexandria. SATURDAY/OCT. 10 At 105-107 South Fairfax Street in Alexandria Arts Safari Alexandria. Call 703-838-3852 or visit Festival. Noon to 4 p.m. www.apothecarymuseum.org Children will enjoy the Clay SUNDAY/OCT. 18 American Balalaika Symphony Experience, Arts Safari Painting, Performs. 7:30 p.m. Under the Fabric Collage, Treasure Box Concert. 7 p.m. Miche Fambro, and Brad artistic direction of Peter Trofimenko, Making, Giant Papier Mache Yoder with Jason Rafalak. $18 general, $15 the ABS presents “Bitten by the Beat,” Animal, and more. Free members or in advance. Contact: Kay at the first concert of the 2009-10 season, admission. At the Torpedo [email protected], 703-501-6061, or log At the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Factory Art Center, 105 N. onto FocusMusic.org. At Church of the Hall, 3001 North Beauregard Street, Union St., Alexandria. Call 703- Resurrection, 2280 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria. Tickets are $20/advance, 838-4565, Alexandria. $25 at door. Charge online at www.torpedofactory.org. www.ABSorchestra.org or call 703- Community Fall Festival. Noon to 5 351-1331. Go to Visit.MountVernon.org for p.m. Free. Offers job training, more information. computer clean-up clinic, employment SUNDAY/OCT. 4 and career development information, THURSDAY/OCT. 22 as well as free shredding to dispose of Big Lebowski Bash. “Recession-Proof Wine” Tasting. 3-5 9 p.m. $12 documents safely. At the Alexandria donation. Costume party and p.m. $25/person. Taste six highly- Campus of Northern Virginia ranked but reasonably-priced (under screening of the Coen Brothers’ Community College (NOVA), 3001 N. movie, “The Big Lebowski,” $20 a bottle) wines and learn from the Beauregard Street, Alexandria. Contact experts. At the Lee-Fendall House benefitting Community Family Life Kathy M. Clement at 703-933-5081 or Services. At the Old Town Theater, Museum, 614 Oronco Street, [email protected]. Alexandria. Call 703-548-1789. 815 King Street, Alexandria. Call Organ Recital and Choral 703-684-6000. Lynn Hollyfield and Grace Griffith. Evensong. 4:40 p.m. With Colin THURSDAY/OCT. 15 Lynch, organist. Music by Herbert 7-9 p.m. Free. Lynn Hollyfield and Jim Stephanson and John Previti. 7- Grace Griffith perform traditional Murrill, Henry Ley, William, Smith and 9 p.m. Free. Guitarist Jim Stephanson Samuel S. Wesley. At Christ Church, and contemporary folk music. At the and bassist John Previti will treat Torpedo Factory Art Center, part of 118 North Washington Street, visitors to an evening of blues, swing, Alexandria. Call 703-549-1450 or the Thursday Nite Local Spotlight and jazz inspired tunes. At the Torpedo series. At 105 N. Union St., email Jason Abel, Director of Music. Factory Art Center, part of the Bach Vespers. 6 p.m. With Paul Alexandria. Call 703-838-4565 or go Thursday Nite Local Spotlight series. to www.torpedofactory.org. Stetsenko, organist, music by J. S. At 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Call www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ October 1-7, 2009 ❖ 21 Mount Vernon Gazette Sports Editor Jon Roetman Sports 703-224-3015 or [email protected] For Schirf, Motivating with Positive Attitude

ers stand on a tarp while folding and un- Wolverine field folding it, relying on each other for balance. hockey players “It’s never a dull moment with her,” midfielder Kelsey Donovan said. “We’re al- speak highly of ways having fun. I’ve never left here with- out laughing or smiling, which is completely first-year coach. different from last year.” Midfielder Toni O’Boyle said the environ- By Jon Roetman ment around the team allows her to play The Gazette free and loose. “I’m more motivated because I know I irst-year West Potomac field won’t be criticized if I make a mistake,” she hockey coach Mary Caye Schirf said. “It will be constructive.” found out she had breast cancer It’s not always about fun, though. The tarp F exercise was preceded by a team conversa- four years ago. One year later, she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. tion about Friday’s 4-0 loss to South County. Schirf is a practical joker, played field Schirf, who missed the game due to illness, hockey at Slippery Rock University, used to was told the team appeared to lack com- be a competitive figure skater and insists petitive fire. she knows when someone is lying to her. The coach also has hurt feelings. Rather than give in to a common right-of-passage She also loves to talk. Photo by Louise Krafft/The Gazette It doesn’t take long after entering a con- theme by naming a senior captain, Schirf West Potomac field hockey players take part in a teamwork exercise versation with Schirf to notice her fun-lov- elected who she felt was the most deserv- while first-year head coach Mary Caye Schirf observes during Tuesday’s ing attitude — or in some cases, hear about ing. That player was Donovan, a junior. practice at West Potomac High School. her life experiences — and her positive Players voted on the other two captains and point of view. Schirf used her positive ap- the girls have really felt that and appreci- parents are all working and it’s really busy, chose Reynolds and O’Boyle — both jun- proach and a personal touch to win over ated it.” so just to have somebody that listens to what iors. the West Potomac field hockey team dur- Schirf, who coached at South Lakes in you have to say [is important]. … I know Schirf said the team can continue its on- ing her first season as head coach. 2007 but did not return because she was the kind of coach that I don’t want to be, field success, which has been helped by The Wolverines are 6-4 and travel to take taking care of her ill grandmother, remem- because I had those coaches. That’s just leading goal scorer Rachel Browning and on Wakefield today. But while the team has bers how she was coached during her high somebody that comes out and gives the time goalkeeper Livvy Mickevicius, if they believe a winning record on the field, its Schirf’s school and college days and wanted to take — I want a coach that gives me time, to let in themselves. Schirf’s coaching style could approach to coaching which has them en- a different approach. Too many times it me show you what I can do for you. If I’m have a lot to do with whether the team can joying the season. seemed like coaches were only interested having a hard day, I’m going to be able to keep its confidence up. “She’s very dedicated. She really does a in what happened on the field. Schirf wants go to that coach and say, ‘Listen, coach, this For now, it appears to be working. lot for us. She comes out here every day her players to know she has their best in- is the deal.’ “She loves to talk,” Donovan said of her with our best interest at heart,” midfielder terest at heart, which involves getting to “I’m trying to learn about these kids. I’m coach while laughing. “It’s not a problem. Laura Reynolds said. “I think she puts us know the players and how to help each suc- trying to do it differently than the way I Last year [coaches were] like, ‘Go run. Go first, which is really important and really ceed. was coached.” stretch. Maybe do some corners. Let’s do different for us as a team. We’ve had coaches And keeping things positive. Schirf, who teaches elementary physical some of that, what do you call it, scrim- in the past who just kind of [coached as if] “I spend half my time listening because education and outdoor education, uses mage?’ And now it’s like, ‘Guys, let’s talk it’s what they do in their free time. For her, that’s what they need,” Schirf said. “I think team-bonding techniques the players find about the game, let’s do some team bond- it’s what she does. It’s about love. I think now in today’s time, it’s kind of like the amusing. On Tuesday, the coach had play- ing on a tarp.’” Sports Briefs West Potomac Starting quarterback Colin us by Chantilly (35-7 loss) and the Photo by Mathewson was hurt Sept. 17 kids are unsure of themselves,” Richard Maple Football Battling against Chantilly and didn’t play Henderson said when asked about West against West Springfield. the team’s struggles. “Now it’s just Potomac’s Injuries Henderson said Mathewson is day a function of tightening down the Daryl to day. discipline, make sure they do ev- West Potomac head football Copeland, West Potomac has been without erything that they’re supposed to coach Eric Henderson addressed left, caught standout receiver Will Rosenkranz do and hopefully through effort his team before its season opener three passes all season. Henderson also said left and pride, the kids will respond. against Mount Vernon and told the for 56 yards tackle Matt Cunningham, right If they don’t, then we just keep Wolverines they had a chance to during tackle Samlullah Ahmady are grinding.” be something special. With Friday’s loss banged up. playmakers on both sides of the to West “I’ve never seen anything like ball, Henderson went as far as to Springfield. this,” Henderson said. Mount Vernon say the talent at some positions Nik Dimitrijevic took over for Centreville on Friday. School. was the best he’d coached at West Scores Season- Mathewson at quarterback. Against County basketball clinics and Potomac. West Springfield, Dimitrijevic com- tryouts are posted at FHYAA.org. The Wolverines blasted Mount High Point Total Fort Hunt pleted 14 of 29 passes for 235 yards If the child is 10 as of Oct. 1, 2009, Vernon, 42-3, in the opener, but The Mount Vernon football team and three touchdowns. He was in- he is eligible to try out for the have since run into problems. West lost to Stuart, 19-17, on Friday. Hoop Tryouts tercepted once. county travel team. The child must Potomac has lost its last three The 17 points were a season-high West Potomac (1-3 overall, 0-1 attend at least one tryout to be games by a combined score of 108- for the Majors, who had been Approaching Patriot District) hosts South County considered to the county team. 49. The Wolverines lost their Pa- outscored 100-3 in their first three Tryouts for the county 10-year- (3-1, 0-1) at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Contact Catherine Gorham at triot District opener to West games. old traveling basketball team will “Injuries hurt, we kind of lost [email protected] with ques- Springfield, 38-28, on Friday. Mount Vernon (0-4 overall, 0-2 be held from 5:45-7:15 p.m. Oct. our focus with Westfield (35-14 tions. Injuries have been one problem. National District) travels to face 5 and 14, and from 7:15-8:45 p.m. loss), we got our heads handed to Oct. 7 at Fort Hunt Elementary 22 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ October 1-7, 2009 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Letters

From Page 11 in writing in advance of the August meet- Newington Civic Association, objected to premiums, out-of-pocket costs, prescrip- More Than ing of the Committee at Mount Vernon High the development even though the result tion drugs prices, which are directly linked Majority Rule School to afford those property owners the would have been the opportunity for the to these trends, will continue to rise. They ability to participate. He agreed this was a community (the majority) to gain the ben- will eventually become unsustainable for To the Editor: good idea and later informed me that he efit of 15 pages worth of proffers concern- both seniors and the government. This is a Bill Davis of Alexandria responded to my had done so. ing all manner of issues including transpor- virtual certainty. The health care system in earlier published letter concerning the However, concerning the Pumping Sta- tation, schools, stormwater, tree cover, etc. America has to be fixed and fixed soon. We Mount Vernon Council’s (MVCCA) approval tion nomination, no one on the MVCCA for- The MVCCA supported the adjacent have a once in a lifetime opportunity. We of a nomination to the Comprehensive Plan mally informed the Stratford Landing Citi- community’s opposition and opposed the cannot let the Medicos and their irrational, directed to the Little Hunting Creek Pump- zens’ Association (SLCA) of the impending development, despite its obvious benefits anti-government; misleading rhetoric lead ing Station. In reply, Mr. Davis is both mis- nomination to afford our community the to the community at large (the majority). us down the path of no return. We must informed and uninformed. Let’s take mis- ability to participate. Although we don’t (See MVCCA Resolution at this link: http:/ seize the time now; later is not an option. informed first. An earlier version of the pro- own the property, we are the community /www.mvcca.org/Resolutions/ posed nomination included a provision con- most affected and should have been for- Leatherland%203%2008%20MVCCA1- John Glaser cerning “public access” into the Pumping mally informed by the MVCCA, particularly resolution.pdf). The Newington Civic Hollinwood Drive Station lands. That provision was removed since the SLCA is a member of the MVCCA Association’s opposition was supported by Alexandria from the proposed nomination prior to the (and a charter member at that). While this Supervisor Hyland when he led the opposi- vote by the MVCCA Council and is not in- may fit Mr. Davis’ definition of democratic tion to the proposal and it was defeated by cluded in the nomination that was filed and procedure, it doesn’t fit mine. the Board of Supervisors. During the BRAC Help Future will be considered by the APR Taskforce, One further point concerning Mr. Davis’s APR cycle that concluded earlier this year, Generations Planning Commission and Board of Super- comments. Supervisor Hyland has gone on concerning one nomination identified as visors. Thus Mr. Davis is misinformed when record as stating that there will be no BRAC APR Item No. 08-IV-9S, Supervisor To the Editor: he states that the Pumping Station nomi- changes in the character of use of the Pump- Hyland permitted the Comprehensive Plan There are so many arguments about nation provides a nature pathway and ing Station lands unless a consensus of the Amendment that was enacted to include a health care reform that the opportunities boardwalk. It does not. Stratford Landing community favors such provision requiring approval of aspects of are in danger of being lost. But our country On the uninformed front, apparently, Mr. changes. Thus, regardless of whether the a development proposal by the adjacent has a great opportunity to fix at least two Davis is not aware that the nomination was MVCCA wishes to impose its agenda on our community. See the link: http:// serious problems. The first is we need to proposed without any prior notice to the community, any proposed changes in the www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpz/apr/brac/ make sure that every woman can get ma- community most affected by its ramifica- character of use of the Pumping Station 2007-16.pdf and pages 14-16 of the section ternity coverage. For example, if pregnancy tions, namely, the Stratford Landing com- lands will be dead on arrival without agree- concerning the Franconia-Springfield area. is defined as pre-existing, then a woman munity. Stratford Landing provided no in- ment by a consensus of the Stratford Land- The Stratford Landing community will might not be able to afford needed mater- put during the process of crafting and pro- ing community. request nothing less from our supervisor nity care. A second reason to improve the posing the nomination. The MVCCA lead- According respect to an affected neigh- than that which he has pledged he will do current system is to make sure that children ership begs to differ, stating that their pro- borhood, even in the face of the contrary — that is, protect us against any possible who are born with a birth defect or serious cess was a public one, and that Stratford will of the so-called majority, is not an un- changes in the use of the Pumping Station condition, including disabilities caused by Landing and its residents had every oppor- usual arrangement, even for the MVCCA. lands absent approval by a consensus of the being born preterm, can get the quality, af- tunity to participate in the process. After Last year, a property owner proposed re- Stratford Landing community. Majority fordable and comprehensive medical care the first “charette,” conducted by the zoning their land to increase potential den- doesn’t always rule. they need to survive and thrive. This is not MVCCA’s Strategic Planning Committee in sity (the Leatherland property). The adja- H. Jay Spiegel about special interests; it’s about our fami- July, its Chairman, Kahan Dhillon, invited cent community, represented by the lies. As a March of Dimes volunteer, the me to meet with him to discuss the Com- health of women, newborns, and children mittee process and make suggestions as to matters to me. I hope that our leaders in how that process could be improved. The The Gazette welcomes views on any public issue. Washington remember this and don’t lose first question I posed of Mr. Dhillon was Write The deadline for all material is noon Friday. Letters must be signed. sight of what this generation should be do- whether property owners affected by pro- Include home address and home and business numbers. Letters are ing to ensure healthy future generations. posed nominations had been notified of routinely edited for libel, grammar, good taste and factual errors. Send to: Letters to the Editor, The Gazette, 1606 King St. proposed nominations so that they could Alexandria VA 22314 Susan Brandt attend meetings and participate in the pro- Call: 703-778-9410. Tower Hill Circle, Alexandria cess. He answered in the negative, and I By e-mail: [email protected] suggested that such notification be given

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Michael K. Bohn Our summer workers have returned to COMPANIONS & school. Ideal for students/others. Flex CNA’s NEEDED Schedules. Sales/svc. PT/FT. Conditions Photo by Photo apply. All ages 18+. Call Mon. – Fri. 9-5 Enable seniors to live independently in their own A film crew interviews Odenkirk about snakehead fish at Mount Vernon homes with our non-medical companionship and home 703-359-7600 care services. Rewarding P/T days, evenings, weekends, Country Club. Left to right, cameraman Gritzmacher, producer Erika live-ins, medical benefits offered. Trott, and soundman Shire. Home Instead Senior Care. Call Today: 703-750-6665 Internships Available Unusual opportunity to learn many Web Developers, deg'd, sought by Boat Snakeheads Revisited America Corp. (Boat U.S.), Alexandria, VA aspects of the newspaper business. to dsgn & dvlp s/ware web applics to resolve Internships available in reporting, From Page 17 “But we still got great footage of John and bus. & tech'l issues using ASP.NET, photography, research, graphics. VB.NET, SQL, ASP, VB, IIS, HTML, the environment.” Crystal Reports, C#, XML, etc. Resume to Opportunities for students, and for provided an escape route for the fish in Citing contractual agreements, Trott de- [email protected] adults considering change of career. the pond to head south. clined to identify her client but said that “The water temperatures have dropped the program will appear on a major cable Unpaid. Email internship@connec 12 to 15 degrees since July, and the days TV channel in 2010. Hoff produced a 2007 tionnewspapers.com are shorter,” said Odenkirk. “We noticed special titled “Fishzilla, Snakehead Inva- CRUISE TRAVEL CONSULTANT such a migration before with one tagged sion,” also featuring Odenkirk, for the Na- Full time cruise travel consultant with fish, but it’s too early to draw any conclu- tional Geographic Channel. solid experience selling cruise-tours (es- sions. We’ll see next spring.” Pete Van Pelt, Mount Vernon’s general pecially Alaska). Can earn large income Slightly disquieted by the absence of manager, said the club is happy to help fur- (salary + comm) with benefits. No cold snakeheads was Erika Trott, who led the ther the understanding of snakeheads. “We calls. We provide quality leads for up- Employers: film crew for Hoff Productions, a leading want to do our part,” he said, “and John’s scale Holland America products. 40 years in business, located on the river in Are your recruiting ads not TV documentary producer. “We have been surveys don’t inhibit play. Also, it’s great to Old Town Alexandria. Fax resume to working in other papers? commissioned to produce a television spe- know that our fish population is healthy and 703-684-7060. cial on invasive fish — snakeheads, balanced. The snakeheads haven’t disrupted Try a better way to fill your Humboldt squid, and Asian carp,” she said. anything here.” employment openings RECEPTIONIST/CLERICAL North Law office in Old Town, Alexandria Potomac Rockville needs Part-Time Receptionist/Clerical Lansdowne 5 Ashburn Cascades Council Reviews Land Use Sterling help. Must have professional appear- Potomac Chevy ance and demeanor, intelligence and Great Bethesda Chase From Page 11 the hydrilla is growing faster than has been 1 Herndon Falls Reston good communication skills (oral and Dulles Airport seen in the recent past. Asked the board to South McLean written). Job responsibilities include Riding Vienna Board of Supervisors to consider his re- direct the staff to discuss this matter with Oakton 6 greeting clients, answering phones, Arlington quests on the following matters: the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Chantilly 4 Washington, scheduling appointments, filing, copy- Centreville D.C. ❖ Verizon Dig on Lookout Court. This is- Council of Governments, who in the past Fairfax ing, some data entry and ordering sup- North Clifton sue was brought up in response to a con- partnered with Virginia and Maryland, and plies. Hours flexible but must be consis- Historic Burke Clifton Fairfax Springfield 3 stituent complaint that Verizon and the the District of Columbia to control the tent: 3-5 hours a day, 3-4 days a week. Station 2 Pays $10 an hour. Send resume, hours county did not coordinate their construc- growth of hydrilla. Laurel Hill tion responsibilities resulting in the defac- available and work references to: [email protected]. ing of the road which recently was replaced. OTHER ISSUES • Target your best job candidates Verizon spray painted the newly patched Gretchen Walzl, president, Hollin Hall where they live. road in preparation of fiber optic cable in- Civic Association, announced that her or- stallation. Thus, the road will require cut- ganization will host a Candidates Night ADMIN / BOOK-KEEPER • Reach readers in addition ting and patching the road once again. Debate on Oct. 15, 7-9 p.m., at the Hollin Full-time, excellent salary depending on to those who are currently Hyland requested that the Board direct the Hall Community Center, Shenandoah experience for a Cruise-Tour Company looking for a job. Department of Transportation staff to dis- Road. The debate is between the two can- with a 40 year history located on the riv- • Proven readership. cuss with VDOT ways to improve coordina- didates seeking the open 44th State Del- er in Old Town Alexandria. Must be en- • Proven results. tion. egate seat: Scott Surovell, the Democratic ergetic and detail oriented with excellent ❖ Hydrilla in Little Hunting Creek and nominee, and Jay McConville, the Repub- phone and computer skills overseeing other bays, coves, and creeks in the Potomac lican nominee. Questions are being solic- payables, billing, banking, data entry river area. This is in response to the ited from the community in advance. The and assisting in other office duties. Wessynton community’s concerns. Re- debate will be conducted by members of Knowledge of MS Word & Excel a plus. 703-917-6464 • Fax 703-917-0992 quested the board to ask the staff to study the West Potomac High School debate E-mail: [email protected] ways to control the hydrilla. Budget con- team. The debate rules include that on the Immediate opening. If you are experi- straints have recently ended the control ef- night of the debate the audience will not enced, fax resume to 703-684-7060. Great Papers • Great Readers • Great Results! forts by the Commonwealth of Virginia and be allowed to pose questions.

24 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ October 1-7, 2009 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com HomeHome && GardenGarden 703-917-6400 Zone 3: • Alexandria Zone 3 Ad Deadline: • Mount Vernon connectionnewspapers.com CONTRACTORS.com Tuesday Noon

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ANGEL’S CHARLES Licensed, Bonded, Insured LAWN MOWING •Trimming •Edging TREE SERVICE 10% off with ad 703-266-1233 •Mulching •Yard Cleaning Tree Service, Mulching, Hand and Hand •Hauling •Tree Work Edging LAWN SERVICE LAWN SERVICE Seasoned Firewood Handyman 703-863-1086 delivered New# 571-312-7227 Lic. & Ins! 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EASY COMPUTER SOLUTIONS FOR 2 bed/4 bath Townhome Loving attentive care for in Alexandria with one car your cat(s) & other indoor INDIVIDUALS & SMALL BUSINESSES HDI garage; 2 large bedrooms pets while you are away. says he began searching JENNIFER O. SMITH • COMPUTER CONSULTANT with attached full baths and Able to administer insulin for for ways to advance his ca- Ansley LaBarre walk-in closets; kitchen with diabetic cats & comfortable ➣ TRAINING ➣ INSTALLATION ➣ TROUBLE-SHOOTING hardwood floors; den with with administering some reer while contributing to ➣ LET US TAME THAT BEAST FOR YOU fireplaceClose to bus stop; meds. am., pm. & weekend Serving the Area Since 1995 one mile from metro; close visits. Will also bring in mail change in the school sys- to shopping, movie theater, & water plants if needed. tem. He decided to become (703) 765-2222 restaurants. Community For rates please call [email protected] pool and playground. $2100 703-868-3038 or e-mail a principal, working as an per month; one month free [email protected] rent. Please call (703) 608- administrative principal at

/The Gazette 21 Announcements 21 Announcements 2143 or (703) 362-6230 Hayfield Secondary and as 201 Import Auto an assistant principal at Alex./Porto Vecchio Safe, Reliable Car Thomas Jefferson High fr $2350 for Young Driver Two spacious 1 BR/DEN Only 125,000 original miles on School for Science and Residence available. this third owner, classic six cyl- Technology. Superb river/garden inder 1989 Mercedes sedan view. South exposure; with roomy interior and Now at West Potomac, one w/ fireplace. 20+mpg. Offers great protec- Pat Tierney, L & F tion and reliability for young Hardison perfers to be 703-850-5630 driver, second family vehicle mobile in the halls among Cliff Hardison is the new principal at West or hobbyist. Amazing condi- tion, low mileage and mechan- students rather than sit of- Potomac High School. ALEXANDRIA SOUTH ical reliability for 20 year old OFF BELLE VIEW BLVD car. Usual Mercedes luxury ficially behind his desk. Nice SFH, 3 BR 1 BA, plus new ignition switch, up- The former cross-country and track and technology are instilled in every student. CAC, W/D, nice hrdwd flrs, dated AC system and Sony Gas heat, fenced bk yd, stereo/cd/mp3 player. Engine, field coach focuses on seizing opportunities “Without confidence in those three areas, off-street pkng. Nr Metro, transmission, power locks and schools, shops, rec center. all electrical (except power an- and teaching problem-solving. Hardison ex- you’re going to be relegated to second-class 21 Announcements 21 Announcements N/S, small dogs considered. tennae) operate smoothly. Va presses optimism for his own future and that citizenship in the world,” said Hardison. $1345/mnth. 703-360- state emissions valid through 5885(owner/agent) Sept, 2010. Minor paint, interi- of the high school, citing consistency as the “And we don’t want any of our kids being Please be advised that the or blemishes and barely visible key to success. second-class citizens before they even start.” Low Income Housing Waiting List for rust bubble on left rear panel. 10 Storage Have too many cars for two But Hardison knows there will be ob- A parent himself, Hardison also expresses Creekside Village Apts drivers. $2900/offer. Garage/storage space for Details, 703-862-7240 stacles along the way. With the upcoming his concern with student safety and ac- In Alexandria, VA rent in heart of old town...12 year projected to have the worst economic knowledges the school’s primary function wide by 22 deep...$275.00 exceeds two years and will be closing as of 10/1/09. per month...703-549-1010. 28 Yard Sales repercussions on budgets in the aftermath is to serve as a secure learning environment. No applications will be accepted after 10/1/09. of the recession, Hardison says his faculty He arms himself with that basic principle 26 Antiques Huge Neighborhood will be expected to do more with fewer re- as he looks ahead to upcoming year. Another announcement will be made if the Low Income Yard Sale. Collingwood Housing Waiting List reopens. on The Potomac Oct.3, sources as class sizes continue to increase. “Our goal is to make sure the school is We consign/pay top $ for 9am -noon.Many families antique/semi antique furn. W/antiques, baby Hardison also knows the varying skill sets consistent in the product it produces,” said 21 Announcements 21 Announcements including mid century & supplies,electronics, and among his teachers will present a challenge. Hardison. “The product being all kids are danish modern Teak much more! GW Parkway furniture, sterling, mens South to Collingwood Rd. He says he will work with staff to ensure here to learn and are pushed to achieve their watches, painting/art glass, Follow signs clocks, jewelry, costume the fundamentals of literacy, numeracy and best.” jewelry, etc. Call Schefer Antiques @ 703-241-0790. Yard sale 10/3, 8-12, 9007 Greylock St, Alex. good quality h/h items and furn/lamps 28 Yard Sales What’s Ahead for Mount Vernon? Giant yard sale, Washington YARD SALE. Sat, October 3, Farm UM church, 3921 Old 8:30-2:30. Multiple items. Mill Rd. Alex. Sat. 10/3, 8-2 132 Hilton Street, Alex 22314 From Page 8 ❖ Information about reliable home health care, respite care, rehabilitation services, ing, Mount Vernon At Home (MVAH) is hospice care, etc. ready to open its doors and begin helping Home and Administrative Advice: senior citizens who wish to maintain their ❖ Referrals for reliable home repair, main- independence and continue to live at home tenance, and safety contractors and within the Mount Vernon community. ❖ Advice on paying bills and preparing When fully operational (projected October, tax submissions 2009) the MVAH will partner with existing ❖ Legal advice. governmental and private resources to pro- ❖ An easily accessible and regularly up- vide its paying members with volunteer as- dated calendar of activities, and a phone sistance, supportive services, and a variety and email contact person to request help, E-mail: [email protected] of cultural and educational events targeted counseling, etc., on any matter of concern to their needs and desires. to the member. 21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements Now! Complete MVAH services are expected to include the Contact information: Visit Print Editions following: www.mountvernonathome.org, email: Online! Transportation: [email protected], or The full print editions of all 18 ❖ Rides to medical appointments mail to MVAH, Connection Newspapers are now available on our Web Site in PDF format, ❖ Rides to shop for food and other needs P. O. Box 7493, Alexandria, VA 22307, or page by page, identical to our weekly newsprint editions, including print ❖ Carpools to recreation activities call 703-768-6590. advertising. Go to www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Educational & Cultural: MVAH Service Area by Zip Codes includes and click on “Print Editions.” ❖ Lectures and discussion groups on cur- 22306, 22307, 22308 and 22309. Its Ser- rent events and special interests to seniors vice Area is located within a 14-square-mile ❖ Group visits to museums, musical and area in eastern Fairfax County. It is bounded theater performances on the north by the Alexandria city bound- Social Activities: ary line; on the south by Mt. Vernon and ❖ Dances Dogue Creek; on the east by the Potomac ❖ ITIONS Organize support groups as needed river; on the west by U.S. Route 1 (Rich- PRINPRINTT EDITIONSED M ❖ Restaurant outings mond Highway). The Montebello apart- Health Services: ment complex on Mt. Eagle drive west of ❖ Advice about medical visits U.S. Route 1 is also included in the service ❖ Advice about health insurance claims area.

26 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ October 1-7, 2009 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ October 1-7, 2009 ❖ 27 ♦ Real Estate ♦ Mortgage ♦ Closing Services ♦ Insurance 703-360-7400 www.weichert.com 8301 Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA 22309

9119 CONTINENTAL DRIVE $574,950 Just move in, 4/5 bedroom, 3 bath Colonial Style Split Foyer with stunning 20x20 1st floor family room, two-car garage, lower level den with brick hearth fireplace. Dir.: From Mt Vernon Mansion take 235 W , L on Cherrytree Dr, R Continental Dr to 9119 on left. [email protected]

CALL JOYCE CLEVENGER 703-851-6929 or 703-780-4012 View listing on www.homesdatabase.com/joyceclevenger

ALEXANDRIA SO $539,900 BIGGER THAN IT APPEARS Brick all around with two level addition on back. Hardwood floors thru main rooms. Dream master suite with huge bedroom, fireplace, luxury bath, walk- in closet and private balcony overlooking large rear lawn with in-ground pool.

CALL JOSE FLORES 703-509-4778 | HEIDI KABLER 703-850-2558

ALEXANDRIA SO $609,900 FORMER MODEL LOADED WITH UPGRADES Gourmet kitchen w/granite counters, cherry cabinets & HW floors. Exercise rm w/sauna &shower. MSTR BR w/2 walk-in closets, cathedral ceiling, wet bar, sitting rm w/gas fireplace. OPEN1-5 SUN PM MSTR BA w/soaking tub, sep shower,double sink & ceramic tile. Plus much much more. Directions: I95S to exit 166A Newington/FXCo Pky S to US Route 1 (RIc- hmond Hwy( R, 1/2 to R Inlet Cove, immed R to Regional Inlet Cove to 7023

CALL LINDA SWEENEY 703-203-1005

Alexandria $555,000! Just Listed Welcome home to this stunning 3/4 bdrm, 3.5 ba townhome in fabulous Kingstowne. All the “must haves” including h/w floors, exotic granite, designer paint, and backs to trees. OPEN2-4 SUN PM From I495, take exit 173-Van Dorn, toward and across Franconia Rd., L on Greendale, R on Horgan, L on Sutcliffe to home on L.

CALL LYNNE HOUDE 703-517-5716 or 703-360-7400

FOR RENT

Alexandria So, 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Huntington Metro area, 5 Bedrooms, Woodbridge, 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths - new kitchen, nice yard, $1750 3 Baths, many updates, $2,200 Everything brand new - $1500

Call for information about licensing.

28 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ October 1-7, 2009 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com