Mt. Vernon High School

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25 Cents Attention Postmaster: Time-sensitive material. Requested in home 2/6/09 Vol. XX, No. 5 Mount Vernon’s Hometown Newspaper • A Connection Paper February 5, 2009 Bulova Weighing Impact of Fiscal Crisis Declares Hyland’s Annual Town Meeting emphasizes money crunch. By Chuck Hagee Gazette Victory he nation’s eco- Tnomic picture was put in local Herrity concedes, perspective last Satur- day, Jan. 31, by Mount down by 1,217 votes. Vernon District Supervi- sor Gerald Hyland and By Julia O’Donoghue Fairfax County Execu- The Gazette tive Tony Griffin during Hyland’s 22nd Annual upervisor Sharon Bulova (D- Town Meeting in

Photo by Braddock) won the special elec- Mount Vernon High S tion for Fairfax County Board of School’s Little Theater. Supervisors chairman Feb. 3 by a Both warned of a nega- narrow margin of less than two percent. tive change in the Louise Krafft In a countywide race where 107,713 votes lifestyles of county resi- were cast, Bulova beat Supervisor Patrick dents. Herrity (R-Springfield) by 1,217 votes, ac- “I have not experi- cording to unofficial results reported by enced anything like the Fairfax County. present fiscal crisis we /Gazette Bulova will be sworn in as the county are now facing during chairman Feb. 6. She follows U.S. Rep. my 22 years on the Gerry Connolly (D-11), who resigned from Board of Supervisors. the position in early January to join the U.S. This is the first time we have ever opened The Mount Vernon town meeting Congress. the budget to citizen review and input,” gets under way in the audito- As chairman, Bulova, a 21-year board Hyland told attendees. rium at Mt. Vernon High School. veteran, has her work cut out for her in “Life as we know it in Fairfax County 2009. is going to have to change because of the “We have one of the best public safety Fairfax County must close a projected $650 million shortfall in the projected operations in the world. Our Fire and $650 million budget hole in next year’s budget. We can either cut services or Rescue Department has one of only a budget and the supervisors would have to raise taxes — or maybe both. I want to couple of teams authorized by the U.S. raise the property tax rate 14 to 15 cents know what you want us to do,” he said State Department to travel worldwide to just to keep most residents’ property taxes in opening the revamped format of his help in disaster situations,” Griffin said. approximately the same. annual constituent gathering. The demand for social services is up “This is going to be a tough time and I Photo by over 40 percent as a result of this am going to need you to be understanding,” THIS YEAR’S PROGRAM was modi- economy. And, we have taken a hit as said Bulova to the crowd during her vic- fied to allow for a debate between far as our six year plan is concerned,” he tory speech. Braddock District Supervisor Sharon Chuck Hagee said. Bulova (D) and Springfield District Su- “We have made adjustments in staff. THE BULOVA-HERRITY race is the clos- pervisor Pat S. Herrity (R) in their quest And, for the first time in my tenure we est high-profile county-wide contest be- for Fairfax County Board of Supervisors have had to make adjustments in the tween a Democrat and Republican in sev- chairmanship. That position was vacated existing budget to correct for a budget eral years. With the exception of U.S. Sen. when Gerald Connolly won the 11th /Gazette shortfall,” Griffin said. John Warner’s last race, Democrats have Congressional District race to replace “The projected $650 million shortfall typically dominated top-of-the-ballot elec- retiring Thomas M. Davis III. assumes doing business as usual. This tions in Fairfax for the past eight years. Instead of the usual line up of county won’t happen. We are required by law to Mark Warner and Tim Kaine won their officials giving individual presentations Fairfax County Executive Tony adopt a balanced budget. We can’t just respective races for Virginia governor in on various aspects of local government, Griffin gives his appraisal of the print money. And, I will deliver a bal- 2001 and 2005 with 54 percent and 58 per- only Griffin spoke. He presented an over- county’s upcoming budget. anced budget to the Board of Supervi- cent of the vote in Fairfax County. Demo- all assessment of the county’s fiscal real- sors on Feb. 23,” he said. crat U.S. Sen. Jim Webb (D) beat incum- ity. Griffin began his report by assuring the “We are challenged primarily because bent U.S. Sen. George Allen (R) with 58 per- “We’ve got to continue to make Mount audience that the fundamentals of Fairfax of the decline in the real estate market. cent of Fairfax’s vote in 2006. Both Demo- Vernon District the best we can. And, that County are strong. “Three rating agencies Revenues are down eight percent,” Grif- cratic presidential candidates — John Kerry will depend on citizen input,” Hyland from New York City came here recently to fin said. and Barack Obama — also won Fairfax said seated at a podium due to a hip in- analyzed us. They continued our AAA rat- Referring to the last county belt tight County, with 52 percent of the vote in 2004 jury he suffered in an automobile acci- ing with a stable outlook. That’s the best dent near the end of last year. you can get,” he said. See Hyland, Page 6 See Close Election, Page 5 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 5-11, 2009 ❖ 1 2 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 5-11, 2009 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette Editor Steven Mauren News 703-917-6431 or [email protected] Chamber Hears Good, Bad And Ugly

est corporate profits in American history. Five new Board But, 96 percent of the profit went to the members elected top four percent in the country,” he said. “However, consumer spending from 2002 at annual meeting. to 2008 was equal to what people borrowed in home equity loans. That’s the investment By Chuck Hagee bankers. And, when housing valued Gazette dropped the tail spin started,” Moran said. “Next year over one ocally the message was of a half of home owners bright future. Nationally it in this country will be was gloom and doom all the L technically bankrupt. way. Those contrasting ver- They bought homes bal portraits were delivered by U.S. they never could af- Rep. James P. Moran (D-8) to mem- ford not realizing that bers of the Mount Vernon-Lee Cham- when the first low in- ber of Commerce last Thursday night, terest payments were Jan. 29, during their 55th Annual over, the payments U.S. Rep. Meeting at the Mount Vernon Coun- would skyrocket. In James P. Moran try Club where some cases payments (D-8) gives his they also elected are more than their assessment of “We must five new mem- total income,” Moran the national bers to their Newly elected members of the Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce, said. He cited a case economic inject $800 board of direc- from left to right, Karen Jupiter, Good Shepherd Housing; James Dunn, in Northern Virginia crisis. tors. Knights of Columbus; Ashley McNeff, U.S. Homeland Investigations; billion into where 200 homes in “No place in the Douglas Jones, Rent-All Center; and John Herrity, Alexandria Chevy, pose one development were sold on margin with nation today has for a group photo after the results of the Chamber’s Annual Elections the economy an escalating interest rate. All 200 home as much of a were announced during the organization’s 55th Annual Meeting. owners have now been evicted due to fore- bright economic or it will shut closure. Answering an audience question, future as south- total of 30,000 new jobs on the way,” Moran down,” he said. Moran said that only 38 percent of the down.” eastern Fairfax said. “Northern Virginia will lay off 1,250 pub- money appropriated in the stimulus bill will County. And, no “We know that most of those people will lic employees this year. Real estate values — U.S. Rep. James be living to the south and most of traffic will probably drop another 10 percent to be spent in the next two years. place is about to P. Moran (D-8) will be coming from the south. I was able 14 percent. There will be thousands of po- get so many new, to get money to fix the roads in the area lice officers laid off across the country,” FOLLOWING MORAN’S SPEECH, high paying jobs into the Stimulus Bill. But, then I came up Moran said. Chamber President Katy Fike announced as here,” Moran said. against the problem of Military Defense “This new stimulus package is a very dif- the winners of the recent board of director “This will have an enormous impact Roads. Only a few roads can be designated ficult bill. I’m not really happy with it but elections. They were: Karen Jupiter, Good on this area — not all positive. Traffic Military Defense Roads,” he said. we were told we had to pass it,” he said. Shepherd Housing; James Dunn, Knights of will get even more horrendous,” he “The first thing we did with the first Columbus; Ashley McNeff, U.S.Homeland said in referring to the increase in WHEN IT CAME to the overall economy stimulus bill was throw money at invest- Investigations; Douglas Jones, Rent-All Cen- personnel coming to the area as a re- and the work of the House of Representa- ment banks with little or no controls. On ters; and John Herrity, Alexandria Chevy. sult of the 2005 Base Realignment and tive in dealing with it through the so-called the other hand the commercial banks have New officers, as well as new and existing Closure Report (BRAC). “Stimulus Bill,” Moran had a very different done nothing wrong. They have followed board members, will be officially installed “The ratio of private contractors to assessment. “Every economist we have prudent guidelines. A prime example is at the chamber’s Installation Extravaganza military/civilian personnel coming talked with has said we must inject $800 Burke and Herbert,” Moran said. Feb. 26. The location of that event is yet to here as a result of BRAC will probably billion into the economy or it will shut “The last eight years have seen the high- be determined. be two to one. There are probably a

Student Inaugural Ball Richard Fox, Patricia Fox, Assistant Principal Jennifer Photos by Celine Peebles Jacobs, Principal Janet Molan and Gale Malone comprise Clermont Elementary School 6th Grade students gather around for photographs the receiving line for Clermont Elementary School’s 6th with a cut-out of President Barack Obama. The event included lessons on how to Grade Students’ Inaugural Ball on Jan. 16. tie a tie, making corsages and learning to Waltz.

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 5-11, 2009 ❖ 3 Special Election Herrity Concedes Chairman Race THE COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE support your local business Republican chairman candidate came close to a win.

Photo by

By Mike DiCicco

The Gazette KrafftLouise

wo hours after the polls closed last night, the shoulder-to-shoulder

T /Gazette crowd at J.R.’s Stock- yards Inn in McLean was tense but upbeat. Supporters of Supervisor Pat Herrity’s (R-Springfield) run for the county chairmanship ate, Julia and Spike Williams show that they’re Republicans drank, chatted excitedly and below the surface. crowded around a screen where poll results were projected from a ing was that the numbers could made his second appearance be- computer. easily turn around. fore the crowd around 10 p.m., A campaign staffer continually In the end, Springfield came faces had become stonier. With refreshed the Web page, but the through for Herrity, with the sec- almost all of the results in, he was numbers hadn’t changed for half ond-highest voter turnout in the down by about 1,200 votes. an hour. Still, the gathering county — 18.9 percent — favor- “We ran a very, very great cam- around the screen watched and ing the Republican by more than paign. We ran it against all odds,” waited. Supervisor Sharon Bulova 3 to 2. The only district with Herrity told his supporters. “We (D-Braddock) was leading Herrity higher turnout was Bulova’s were underdogs from the start.” by about 2,400 out of 65,000 votes Braddock District, where her lead Former U.S. Rep. Tom Davis stood counted, but many of the Spring- was smaller than Herrity’s margin at his side during the speech, and field polling places had not yet in Springfield. reported their results, and the feel- However, by the time Herrity See Close Race, Page 24

Photos by

Chuck Hagee

/Gazette

William C. Kincannon, Ann Jones, Mt.Vernon Linda Rivero, Mt. Vernon Mt.Vernon District resident, District resident, voting at District resident, voting at voting at Stratford Landing Whitman Middle School. Whitman Middle School. Elementary School. Local Polls Witness Light Turnout

oter turnout in Mount Vernon and the south Republican candidate Springfield District Supervi- Veastern portion of Lee districts was extremely sor Pat Herrity. “I think Sharon Bulova will serve us light by early Tuesday afternoon. In three well as Gerry Connolly did,” said Ann Jones of Mount precincts with a total of nearly 12,000 eligible reg- Vernon District leaving Walt Whitman Middle istered voters only 799 had exercised their franchise School. by 2 p.m. Even with the low turnout, William Kincannon said, The highest turn out, as usual, was at the Stratford “There is actually more activity than I thought there Landing Elementary School precinct with 421 voted. would be,” as he left the Stratford Landing school. That was followed by Whitman Middle School vot- Linda Rivero, another Walt Whitman voter, said, “I ers at 228. The lowest number was recorded at Lee feel it’s very important to vote in any election. And, District’s Hybla Valley Elementary School polling my preference in this election is Sharon Bulova.” place with only 150 voters by that hour. At Lee District’s Hybla Valley Elementary School However, in each of those voting locations at that Walter and Tammy Washington each cast a vote for time. voters seemed to prefer Democrat candidate Bulova. “I feel very good about voting for Bulova. I Braddock District Supervisor Sharon Bulova over believe she’ll do a good job,” said Walter Washington.

4 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 5-11, 2009 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Special Election Rex Reiley RE/MAX Allegiance 703-768-7730 x123

Alex/Mt. Vernon $775,000 9301 Old Mansion

/Gazette Stunning Southern Colonial on quiet wooded cul-de-sac backing to historical Mt. Vernon Estate! Coveted waterfront community, Riverwood is bordered by Mt. Vernon Estate, Potomac River & prestigious Washington Woods. Meticulous, single family Robbie Hammer home offers 4 BRs, 2.5BAs, family rm w/FPL off lg eat-in kitchen, spacious 2 car garage & lg bsmt. You won’t find a better lot & location. Easy commutes to Ft. Belvoir, Reagan National Airport, D.C. & the Pentagon.

Photo by Photo Supporters of Supervisor Sharon Bulova (D-Braddock) watch election results as they Alex/ Belle View $209,850 are released during a watch party for chairman of the Fairfax County of Supervisors 6603 East Wakefield Drive #A2 seat that Bulova won last night. Bulova replaces U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11) who Sunny 1st floor unit with washer/dryer in the building. won a seat in Congress in November. Immaculate condition. Great Price! Only 2.5 blocks to shopping center. Also walk to recreation center (indoor pool and ice Close Election in Chairman Race rink). Superb community amenities including outdoor pool, tennis, basketball, volleyball, tot lots and picnic areas. GW Pkwy and bike path down the street. 4 minutes to Old Town From Page 1 years during the 1970s and 1980s. and 20 minutes to Ft. Belvoir. Perfect location & price!

and 59 percent of the vote in 2008. VOTER TURNOUT countywide was low, 16.1 per- Alex/Riverside Ests. $484,900 The last two Fairfax County chairmen, Connolly cent, but higher than several polling place officials 8426 Cherry Valley Lane Large, lovely, 5BR, 3BA Split in and Democrat Kate Hanley, also won Fairfax County said they expected for a special election, particularly popular Riverside Estates. chairman’s race by a larger margin than Bulova. given the light snowfall in the morning. Riverside’s largest split w/ 2-car Hanley beat former Supervisor Elaine McConnell Some residents who do not normally participate garage. Spacious FR w/FPL & (R-Springfield) in a 1995 special election with 52 in “off year” elections said they felt compelled to show beautiful sun rm addition. Neutral carpets over hdwd floors percent of the vote and approximately 3,500 ballots. up because of the county’s fiscal crisis. on main lvl & upgraded berber on lower lvl. Kit remodeled During her 1999 re-election campaign, she faced “I do not usually vote in special elections but it in late 90s. Professional landscaping. Great location – walk to minimal competition from other candidates. seems like we have some financial issues in the Elem and High schools. Commute in minutes –Ft. Belvior (5), In 2004, Connolly won his first chairman’s race by county that we need to deal with,” said Clifton resi- Hunting Metro & Alex (12), National Airport (25) Pentagon and D.C. (32). nine points and approximately 17,000 ballots. dent Duane Freer, who supported Herrity. Connolly then beat Republican candidate Gary Baise Others said they had come out because one of the Alex/Mt.Vernon $599,900 by over 20 points and 45,000 votes in 2007. political parties had contacted them and reminded 9326 Craig Avenue them the election was taking place that day. Large brick 5BR, 3BA split with 2 car garage on .4 acre lot in lovely IN THIS WEEK’S election, Bulova also lost two “This is my first time voting in a special election. I Mt. Vernon area with lots of magisterial districts, Mount Vernon and Dranesville, am a member of the Democratic Women of Clifton trees. 2 fireplaces, energy-effi- which Hanley and Connolly had won in the four most and I got an email from them this morning that said cient replacement windows, beau- recent county chairman elections. we needed to come out and vote,” said Dana Jones, tiful refinished hdwd floors on main level, new carpeting, landscaped fenced rear lot with “Herrity was competitive in more magisterial dis- a 22 year-old who brought her mother and sister to huge deck off sunroom addition, freshly painted interior and tricts than I thought he would be. … I think the Re- the polling station with her. exterior. Superbly priced so renovate kitchen/baths to your publicans are very motivated and the Democrats are Residents who lived in either Bulova or Herrity’s desire. Great commute in minutes to Ft. Belvoir, Alex, Old Town, D.C./Pentagon. feeling content,” said Scott Surovell, head of the home magisterial districts were also motivated to turn Fairfax County Democratic Committee. out for the special election. Of the county’s nine mag- Alex/ Pinewood Lake $292,500 According to Bulova, Democratic voters may also isterial districts, Braddock — which Bulova has rep- 4332 Birchlake Court have been distracted by the winter holidays and his- resented for over 20 years — had the highest voter Beautifuly updated 3/4 bedroom town toric presidential inauguration during short turnout of 22 percent. Springfield — which Herrity house with 2.5 baths. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac with wonderful views chairman’s campaign. and his father have both represented — had the sec- of the lake. Shows like a model – Connolly added that Bulova also had to overcome ond highest, with 18.9 percent. newer carpeting and light fixtures. Herrity’s name recognition. Though Bulova has With 11.9 percent, Sully was the magisterial dis- Meticulously maintained & great loca- served on the county board two decades longer than trict with the lowest turnout in the special election. tion, by the lake. Commuting min- her Republican opponent , Herrity’s father, Jack, was It is also the only district besides Herrity’s Spring- utes: Ft. Belvoir (5), Old Town & Huntington Metro (12), Ntl Airport a well-known Fairfax County board chairman for 12 field that is represented by a Republican, Michael (27) Pentagon & D.C. (32). Frey, on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Alex/Riverside Park $609,000 Fairfax County Chairman SUNOPEN 1-4 SUPPORTERS expect Bulova will bring a new style 2204 Londonderry Road to the county chairman’s position . Spacious & spectacular 3 lvl split Special Election Results NEW Nearly of all of Fairfax County’s recent chairman that shows like a model – Fairfax County provided these unofficial returns for LISTING — Connolly, Hanley , Tom Davis, Audrey Moore and Beautiful paint on exterior & inte- the Fairfax County chairman special election Feb. 3. rior – large, bright, updated Jack Herrity — had “larger than life” personalities. kitchen & eating area w/corian District Voter Bulova Herrity But Bulova has a quiet, more measured leadership Turnout (%) counter tops. Refinished hdwd flrs on main &up lvl. Braddock 22.7 8,750 5,849 style, said Florence Naeve, who worked as Bulova’s Updated baths – large private, fenced back yard w/patio& Hunter Mill 15.5 6,655 5,129 chief of staff for 20 years. 12x12 shed matching house’s façade. Perfect location – Dranesville 17.1 5,810 6,252 “Each chairman was right for their time and Sharon Close to Ft. Belvoir, Old Town, Reagan Ntl Airport & the Lee 13.3 4,665 3,489 Pentagon – all along scenic GW Parkway. Mason 15.7 4,510 3,519 is right for the time we face now. … People feel com- Mount Vernon 14.7 5,066 5,256 fortable with her and both sides of the aisle trust Providence 14.7 5,148 4,356 her. She is a calm leader. This is going to be a diffi- For more information Springfield 18.9 5,758 9,155 cult budget cycle and Sharon is the right person to www.RexReiley.com Sully 11.9 3,437 5,023 Each Office Independently Owned and Operated lead the county now,” said Naeve. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 5-11, 2009 ❖ 5 News

Photos by Louise Krafft/Gazette

U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly speaks at the opening John Byers, retired planning commissioner for School Board chairman Dan Storck talks with of the town meeting. Mt Vernon, and Ginger Krup. Gale Curcio. Hyland Town Meeting Emphasizes Money Crunch

From Page 1

ening, he said, “We learned a lot from the drop in income in the early 1990s. The total budget will be re- duced by 10 percent. No agency will be exempt.” The only entity of county government not scheduled for reduction is the office of BOS audit, according to Grif- fin. It is composed of only two people. “I have not experienced Gloria Haher of the League anything like the of Women Voters hands out present fiscal crisis literature to residents. during my 22 year on the Board of Supervisors.” Mount Vernon Red Cross volunteer Jeanne Howlett talks with firefighter — Mt. Vernon District Mike Boub and Bryant Wiggins. With Howlett are Hyun Soo Choi and Anna Caldwell. Supervisor Gerald Hyland

“Every District has high expectations. We have to use a scalpel on the budget to preserve Fairfax County’s quality of life,” Griffin said.

Photo by

FOLLOWING HIS PRESENTATION Hyland introduced Kathryn Falk, vice president, Public and Government Af- Chuck Hagee fairs, Cox Communications, who served as the moderator for the 90- Former Commander of the Mount minute debate between Bulova and Vernon Police Station J. L. Moser. Herrity. Following the formal answer and rebuttal portion, the candidates /Gazette fielded questions from the audience. The Town Meeting concluded with Hyland taking the crowd on his usual virtual bus tour of the Route 1 corri- Ft. Belvoir Installation Commander Col. dor highlighting various elements of Jerry L. Blixt (center) talks with Col. the revitalization program. Prior to Mark Moffatt (left), deputy installation opening the Town Meeting, attendees commander for BRAC, Ft. Belvoir, and had an hour and 15 minutes to visit Donald Carr, Ft. Belvoir’s director of with a variety of exhibitors staffing in- Mount Vernon Democratic public information, in the exhibit area of formation displays in the school caf- Mount Vernon District Supervisor Committee Chair Janet Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerald eteria. Gerald Hyland. Nyhre. Hyland’s 22nd Annual Town Meeting. 6 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 5-11, 2009 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Bulletin Board Mount Vernon

To have a notice listed in the Bulletin Green Spring Road. Learn about the Paint Company Board, e-mail next steps and more. Free. 703-642- [email protected]. Call 5173. Rebecca Halik at 703-917-6407 with (703) 768-1975 questions. MONDAY/FEB. 16 Trial Class. Yoga in Daily Life, 2402 OPPORTUNITY Mt. Vernon Ave., can drop in for free The Fairfax County Police Depart- trial classes. Meditation and ment is now seeking residents to attend lunchtime yoga also offered. Visit www.yogaindailylifeus.org or 703- Bad Cupid! the upcoming Spring Citizens Police 299-8946 for schedule. Academy, held Thursday evenings March 12 through May 16. Free. For more information or an application TUESDAY/FEB. 17 form, e-mail [email protected] or Meeting. 1 p.m. at Hollin Hall Senior B&C Jewelers call 703-280-0713. Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road. The 3652 King Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22302 Mount Vernon Genealogical Society Phone 703-379-6010 • Fax 703-379-8136 SATURDAY/FEB. 7 will discuss “Understanding and www.bcjewelers.net Using the Personal Papers Collections Tax Assistance. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at at the Library of Virginia.” Free. Visit Bryant Alternative High School, 2709 www.mvgenealogy.org or 703-360- Popkins Lane. Households that have 0920. a total income of $40,000 or less can get free assistance with federal and state tax returns. Childcare available. WEDNESDAY/FEB. 18 703-660-2000. Joint Replacement Advancement. Blood Drive. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Dr. Kevin Fricka, will be discussing Washington Street UMC, 115 S. the latest advancements in joint Washington St. Donate blood. E-mail replacements and osteoarthritis at Rachel at [email protected] or Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, at 7 703-836-4324 to schedule an p.m., 2501 Parker’s Lane. Call Inova appointment. HealthSource at 703-750-8800 to $4.00 OFF register for this free lecture. WEDNESDAY/FEB. 11 Per gallon of any Shoulder Pain. Dr. Sameer Nagda, THURSDAY/FEB. 19 Regal Product will be discussing new ways to treat Neck Pain. Dr. Corey Wallach is shoulder problems at Inova Mount holding a lecture to discuss neck pain Must be presented at time of purchase. Vernon Hospital, at 7 p.m., 2501 at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, at 7 Parker’s Lane. Call Inova p.m., 2501 Parker’s Lane. To attend HealthSource at 703-750-8800 to this free lecture, contact Inova FREE register for this free lecture. HealthSource at 703-750-8800. Drop Cloth and Free Financial Class. 7:15 p.m. at THURSDAY/FEB. 12 South County Government Building, Sanding Sponge 8350 Richmond Highway. Learn Invasive Plant Management. 7:30 about budgets, saving and more. 6229 Richmond Hwy Must be presented at time of purchase. p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 RSVP to 703-273-8829.

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 5-11, 2009 ❖ 7 People

Kate Klim, who recently moved to Old Town Alexan- Photos by Michael K. Bohn dria, won the Pop division Mount Vernon resident John Langan, left, and Chuck in the song-writing contest Smith of Ashburn won the grand prize in the 2008 Middle sponsored by the Atlantic Song Contest. Their original song, “A Thing or Songwriters Association of Two” also won the country song-writing category. Washington. Local Songwriters Win Awards are people who know great songwriting and their Recognition recognition of our craft motivates us to keep reach- reinforces their dreams. ing for the ring.” Listen to Langan and Smith songs at By Michael K. Bohn www.riderpublishing.com. Langan plays in a local For the Gazette dance band “Who’s Ya Daddie,” (http:// whosyadaddie.com/index.html), and Davis in a coun- “ t’s not the Grammys,” said Alexandria try group (www.brandystills.com). songwriter John Langan. “But it’s a great step Iup the ladder.” Langan, an Alexandria ac- KATE KLIM, who recently moved to Old Town Al- counting executive, and his collaborator, exandria from Philadelphia, won third place in the Ashburn resident Chuck Smith, won the grand prize overall judging, as well as the top prize in the Pop Fort Hunt Animal Hospital in the 25th annual Middle Atlantic Song Contest. category. She wowed the audience at Jammin’ Java Complete Medical, Surgical, Laser and Dental Services More than 900 songwriters submitted original with her song “Ripple.” works for judging in nine categories from Acoustic “I love performing, but singing my own songs is Dogs Cats Birds Exotics & Folk to Vocal Jazz & Blues. The Jammin’ Java mu- the best,” she said backstage. Klim, 26, teaches pi- sic club in Vienna hosted the awards ceremony on ano and sings in clubs. (See www.kateklim.com.) Jan. 11. The Songwriters Association of Washington Second place in Pop went to Fairfax resident Sophia (SAW) sponsored the competition, one of the long- Bass, a freshman at Eckerd College in Florida. She est running in the country. also won the Young Artist Award, Langan and Davis also won the but could not perform her song, top prize in the country music cat- “These are people “Some Little Girl,” because she just egory in addition to overall hon- had her tonsils removed. “It’s a ors. Their winning song, “A Thing who know great great honor to win the award,” she or Two,” tells how good values are said hoarsely the next day. “Be- as important as a fancy education. songwriting and sides singing, I want to write mu- In-house diagnostics including radiology, ultrasound, And I know something ‘bout sic for movies and eventually get endoscopy and laboratories Honor and courage and doing to their recognition of into music production.” She re- others As they would do. Yeah I cently began working with Boyd During the months of January, February and March we our craft motivates are offering 10% off of all Dental Cleanings and related may not be as smart as you, But I Tinsely, a member of the Dave services. Schedule an appointment today! know a thing or two. us to keep reaching Mathews Band, who has taken an “I had that phrase — ‘a thing or interest in Sophia’s music. (See two’ — stuck in my head for a for the ring.” www.sophiabass.com.) while,” Langan said, “so we — John Langan “We use national artists as shaped a story around it. It’s about judges,” contest director Siobhan a college-educated son who real- Quinn said. “We send them CDs izes that his father, a simple farmer, knows “a thing with all the songs without identifying the songwriter. or two” about life.” Contests help aspiring songwriters get attention and Davis, also an accountant, said they enjoy com- experience.” Pointing at the overflowing Jammin’ bining stories and music. “Writing and performing is Java crowd, Quinn added, “They also get a chance Boarding for pets of all sizes and types great fun, especially when we find a song from the to perform.” Geriatrics and those with special needs welcome heart. But we are also glad when we can entertain Quinn, an Alexandria resident, teaches voice, and others at the same time.” performs, both alone and with husband Michael Bow- Appointments available Monday - Saturday Langan and Smith were runner-ups in the 2008 ers. (See http://dreamersloversandoutlaws.com.) For more information on SAW, visit www.saw.org. Fort Hunt Animal Hospital is located in Fort Hunt Centre Country Music Television song contest, and write a dozen new songs a year. They enter several contests For winning the grand prize, Langan and Smith 1900 Elkin Street (off Fort Hunt Road) split $1,000, won a free video recording session, and Alexandria, VA 22308 annually and view the SAW competition as good exposure. “Chuck and I are thrilled to have our work a year’s free membership in Taxi, the music industry’s 703-360-6100 / [email protected] recognized by SAW in such a public and powerful biggest independent artist and repertoire (A&R) com- www.forthuntanimalhospital.com way,” Langan said after the award ceremony. “These pany. 8 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 5-11, 2009 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Schools

West Potomac High School is holding a Teens for Jeans Drive through Feb. 20 with a drop-off at the high school, 6500 Quander Road. The jeans will be distributed to local shelters. Visit DoSomething.org for more information.

Students entering grades nine through 12 are invited to spend a day with a student host at St. Stephen’s & Good Cupid! St. Agnes School, Upper School campus, 1000 St. Stephen’s Road, Alexandria. Call for reservations: 703-212-2706. Visiting day is Feb. 9. B&C Jewelers West Potomac Academy Fashion 3652 King Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22302 Design and graphics students teamed up Phone 703-379-6010 • Fax 703-379-8136 with several local sponsors, to host Fash- www.bcjewelers.net ion Night at ZooLights, an evening at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Zoo to explore the intersection of fashion and wildlife.

The West Potomac High School Or- chestra musicians have been selected to participate in the District X Honors Or- chestra event at T. C. Williams High School. They are senior violinists: Emily Rapavi, Sarah Chaney, AJ Jones, Marisa Lewis, Allegra Chilstrom, Sara Slichter, Becky Campbell, Ethan Chaney, Yoon Ji Ha, Julia Pei; senior violists: Kevin Prescott (first chair), Ned Klein (2nd chair), Alexander Snider, Michal Harmata; junior violinists: Russell Bradley, Sarah Jane Underwood, Nicole Campbell, Sarah Wood- ward; junior cellist: Andrew Kahn.

Christina Wendel, a 2001 graduate of Mount Vernon High School and a 2005 graduate of Susquehanna Univer- sity in Pennsylvania, has just received a master of science degree in biology, with highest distinction, from Texas A & M University, Corpus Christi. Wendel’s area of concentration was marine biology. She has moved back to Mount Vernon and will be starting work at the EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs in Crystal City in January.

Will Kreger, a senior at West Potomac High, has been named FCPS Mentor of the Month by the FCPS De- partment of Communications and Community Outreach. Kreger is in his second year as a mentor for a student at Bucknell Elementary, where he helps the younger student work on homework and provides support for other activities.

West Potomac High students Wes Beale and Leighton Good recently video-recorded an interview in Wash- ington, D.C., pertaining to the recent presidential election. Their interview with Mike Gillis, Ohio’s political communications specialist for the AFL-CIO, will be used for a national spot on how Presi- dent-elect Barack Obama won the votes of blue collar workers during the election.

A team of students from Bishop Ireton High School of Alexandria competed with teams from Stonewall Jackson High School of Manassas and Walt Whitman High School of Bethesda on It’s Academic, the high school quiz program. The competition was spirited, and Walt Whitman won the match. The program will air Saturday, Feb. 7, at 10:30 a.m. on NBC4, Channel 4. The Bishop Ireton team consists of Captain Ben Dahljelm, Emily Conron, and David Bernier. Their faculty coach is Ron Umbeck.

Lawrence R. Leggett, son of Lawrence and Jeanne Leggett of Mount Vernon, and a 2008 graduate of St Stephens & St Agnes School, was named to the dean’s list at Bucknell University.

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 5-11, 2009 ❖ 9 10 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 5-11, 2009 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 5-11, 2009 ❖ 11 Opinion www.MountVernonGazette.com Newspaper of Mount Vernon An independent, locally owned weekly newspaper delivered to homes and businesses. Importance of College Options 1604 King Street Alexandria, Virginia 22314

While NVCC (or NOVA as nursing and health care, “green” technologies. NEWS DEPARTMENT: Northern Virginia Editorial To discuss ideas and concerns, it is more commonly With even many affluent families feeling the Call: 703--917-6431 known), along with local effects of the economic crisis, many students Fax: 703-917-0991 Community College e-mail: school districts, has taken its share of budget in Northern Virginia will need to find alterna- [email protected] cuts, the General Assembly should not take will have a critical role tives to paying full freight for four years of Steven Mauren steps to cap its tuition. Northern Virginia Com- college education. Editor, 703-917-6431 in coming decade. munity College offers access to high quality NOVA accepts IB and AP credits, so an ad- [email protected] college classes and degree programs at a very vanced student from Fairfax County could ar- Chuck Hagee Reporter, 703-549-1216 affordable price (well under $3,000 annual rive at NOVA with a year’s worth of college [email protected] ere in Northern Virginia, resi- tuition for a full-time student) and also offers credit, get an associates degree in one year at Michael Lee Pope dents, businesses and gov- support to students with financial need in a an affordable rate, and then transfer to a four- Reporter, 703-615-0960 ernment all recognize the impor- variety of ways. The school must have some year college, finishing in three years and po- [email protected] H Rebecca Halik tance of quality public schools. flexibility to manage its revenues to continue tentially cutting their college costs in half. Editorial Asst., 703-917-6407 Great schools benefit everyone, not just fami- to meet growing demand. Students who graduate from NOVA with an [email protected] lies with children in school. NOVA is one of the most internationally di- associate’s degree and a minimum grade point Julia O’Donoghue In Fairfax County, the public schools absorb verse colleges in the United States, with stu- average are guaranteed admission to other Education & Politics, 703-917-6433 more than half the county funds available. In dents from more than 180 countries; interna- Virginia colleges and universities, including [email protected] tional students make up about 20 percent of Ken Moore Loudoun, the percentage is much higher. George Mason University, the University of Vir- Courts & Projects, 703-917-6417 Spending per student in Arlington and Alex- student population. ginia, and the College of William and Mary. [email protected] andria demonstrate those localities’ commit- The community college conducts significant NOVA has campuses in Alexandria, Mark Giannotto ment to their public schools as well. outreach to the many students in Northern Vir- Annandale, Loudoun, Manassas, Springfield Sports Editor, 703-917-6409 [email protected] Another critical component of the quality of ginia high schools who could be the first in and Woodbridge along with educational cen- life, education and the economy here is the their family to go to college, many of them im- ters in Reston and Arlington. NOVA offers more ADVERTISING: Northern Virginia Community College. While migrants. This is a critical link to the Ameri- than 160 certificate programs and degrees at To place an advertisement, call the ad department between 9 a.m. and it’s hard to overstate the importance of NOVA, can dream. the associate’s level, along with distance learn- 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. the second largest community college in the NOVA provides an affordable path to a four- ing programs. Display ads 703-838-0302 nation with more than 60,000 students, will year college degree, plus provides certificates — Mary Kimm, Classified ads 703-917-6400 play an even bigger role in the decade to come. and training in careers high in demand like [email protected] Employment ads 703-917-6464 Julie Ferrill Display Advertising, 703-927-1364 [email protected] Ginger Krup Trying To Make Seatbelt Use Mandatory Display Advertising, 703-702-1372 [email protected] Andrea Smith By Kristin Amundson invitation to attend a reception at the Classified Advertising, 703-917-6401 ing bills three floors away. That was the way [email protected] Delegate (D-44) Governor’s Mansion. the day continued — making priority decisions Barbara Parkinson on the fly about where I was really needed and Employment Advertising ne of the most enjoyable activities BEING IN TWO PLACES AT ONCE where I could arrive a little late. 703-917-6418 [email protected] Oin my office each year is the annual In the elevator this week, Del. Terry Kilgore Since every member is in the same boat, Young Leaders program. This week, (R-Scott County), my neighbor on 7 West, we’re pretty willing to make adjustments. Publisher six talented young leaders from Mt. Vernon and joked that he had tried to enlist his identical Things eventually get done. But for the people Jerry Vernon West Potomac High Schools came to Richmond twin Gerry to sit in some of who stop by the office hoping to say hello, Editor & Publisher to learn about how state government works. his meetings while he was in sometimes the best I can offer is a brief word Mary Kimm Although their trip was somewhat curtailed others. We all laughed, but Editor in Chief Richmond as I head to yet another meeting. Steven Mauren due to bad weather at home, we still managed Report we also understood the feel- Photography: to give the students a full dose of Richmond ing. This was the week when SEAT BELTS Louise Krafft, Robbie Hammer Art/Design: life. They met the Governor, observed subcom- cloning seemed like the only This week, I presented my HB 2339, which Zohra Aslami, Geovani Flores, mittees, committees, and the House of Del- way we could get everywhere we need to be. would make not wearing a seat belt a “primary Laurence Foong, John Heinly, egates. They talked with the head of Legisla- John Smith, Stu Moll, Wayne Shipp On Thursday, I was presenting a bill in a sub- offense.” That would mean that police could Production Manager: tive Services and the Secretary of Technology. committee that started at 7:30. At the same stop a motorist just for not wearing a seat belt. Jean Card A special honor was the Governor’s personal time, I was part of a small subcommittee hear- See Seat Belts, Page 26 Editor Emeritus: Letters to the Editor Mary Anne Weber CIRCULATION: 703-917-6481 to mobilize to meet every such at- In the current General Assembly, waterfowl hunting include adequate Circulation Manager: Attack tack. These attempts have failed Puller has introduced a bill criteria or guidelines for protecting Ann Oliver largely due to their (SJ322), and Englin and public safety, including whether On Hunters CONNECTION NEWSPAPERS, supporters’ºcontinued inability to Amundson have introduced com- there are or should be standards for L.L.C. Peter Labovitz present any evidence of personal panion bills (HJ703 and HJ721, distances from homes, yards, parks, President/CEO To the Editor: injury or damage to the environ- respectively) that would establish public lands, and human activities;” Over the past 20 years, a small Mary Kimm ment to back up their claimed a six-member committee of legis- The fact is that these matters are Publisher/Chief Operating Officer number of anti-hunting zealots fears of waterfowling activity. Fail- lators “to study waterfowl hunting addressed in current regulations, 703-917-6416 [email protected] located chiefly in Fairfax County ing that, they fall back on their in urban and suburban areas”. which are reviewed at least annu- have attempted to ban or severely Jerry Vernon threadbare claim that such activ- Sound innocuous? Google “Senate ally by the Department of Game Publisher/Executive Vice President limit waterfowl hunting in the ity is “inappropriate.” Now, with Joint Resolution No. 322” and and Inland Fisheries. The study 703-917-6404 [email protected] Commonwealth. These efforts the help of state Sen. Linda T. read it. While the bill’s provisions would duplicate this activity. have been very costly to Virginia “Toddy” Puller and Delegates are too lengthy to replicate here, “3. Determine the appropriate- Wesley DeBrosse taxpayers, causing the expendi- Controller David L. Englin and Kristen J. examination of only three of them ness of materials used for blinds and Debbie Funk ture of at least hundreds of thou- Amundson, they are trying a new will illustrate the breadth and du- their impact on water quality;” National Sales, 703-518-4631 sands of dollars of our tax money tack which is more devious and plicative nature of the studies that Only an elitist environmentalist [email protected] at the county, state and federal probably much more expensive to would have to be undertaken: John Lovaas Special Assistant for Operations level. They have also caused great the taxpayers than any single one “2. Evaluate whether current inconvenience and expense to of their past failed assaults. rules and regulations governing See Letters Page 26 A Connection Newspaper Virginia’s hunters, who have had 12 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 5-11, 2009 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com The County Line More at www.ConnectionNewspapers.com County Notebook Fire Stations Collect Food Fairfax County firefighters and staff are conducting a food drive for county homeless shelters. All 37 fire and rescue stations in Rate of Admission the county will serve as drop-off points for non-perishable food until Feb. 11. Virginia colleges and How Virginia Colleges Compare Here is how Virginia compares to other top rated public Fairfax Schools Anticipate universities have fewer universities and colleges in terms of percent of in-state freshman attending in 2008-2009. When available, the 2009 Stimulus Money slots for in-state students. U.S. News and World Report “best public schools” ranking is listed next to a school’s name in parentheses. Fairfax County Public Schools could receive some additional money from the federal government this year through the na- By Julia O’Donoghue State University % of in-state freshman tional economic stimulus package. The U.S. House of Represen- Gazette UC-Berkeley (1) 85.0% tatives has passed a bill that includes funding for the local school system and the U.S. Senate is expected to take up the matter this University of Virginia (2) 68.5% hen it comes to the University of Vir- week. ginia (UVa.,) Vienna resident Joe UC- Los Angeles (3) 89.6% Under the bill passed by the House, the school system would Sampson is guilty of brainwashing his receive approximately $7.5 million to assist schools that serve “at W University of Michigan (4) 66.0% daughter. risk” students, $19.5 million to help students with disabilities and The Madison High School freshman has worn Vir- UNC – Chapel Hill (5) 80.0% $17.3 million for school construction. Some of the federal stimu- ginia sweatshirts and been going to football games lus money could come with restrictions so only a portion of it College of William & Mary (6) 65.0% in Charlottesville at Sampson’s alma mater since she may plug the projected budget gap for next year, which could was four or five years-old. She attends science camp Georgia Institute of Technology (7) 60.0% range from $56 million to approximately $200 million. there every summer and is thrilled when she gets to The federal government has not yet placed any limitations on University of Wisconsin – Madison (7) 60.0% stay in the dorms, he said. the school construction money the school system might receive. “She has always wanted to go to Virginia,” said UC – San Diego (7) 93.0% But Del. Dave Albo (R-42) has introduced a bill at the state gov- Sampson. ernment level that would restrict the use of federal stimulus money University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (10) 87.0% Like many other Northern Virginia families, the to the renovation of existing schools only. Sampsons are well aware of how competitive it has Virginia Tech (30) 73.5% The school system’s chief operating officer Dean Tistadt said become to get into the University of Virginia. Even he is irritated with Albo’s bill. Fairfax schools anticipate a large James Madison University 70.3% though she has excellent grades, Sampson’s daugh- increase in the countywide school population and Tistadt has said ter suggested she transfer to a high school near their the school system may have to put school renovation projects on vacation house in Louisa County for her senior year slots were available for their children. hold in order to build additions or new schools that can accom- of high school, in part to better her chances of being “My daughter goes to college out-of-state. If UVA modate the new students. - Julia O’Donoghue admitted to the school of her choice. were to increase their tuition dramatically, I would “We are not there yet but I want her to be able to wager that it would still be a lot less than what I pay go where she wants,” said Sampson. now. There is a lot of room between in-state tuition School Board Weighs “I have had constituents tell me that they were and what we are having to pay to go out-of-state forced to send their kids to out-of-state schools, even now,” said Andrew Robinson, a McLean resident. Teacher Pay though their children had 4.0s,” said Del. Tim Hugo Some other parents, including School Board mem- The Fairfax County School Board is considering freezing teacher (R-40). “We see it daily up in Northern Virginia. We ber Liz Bradsher, said they would be concerned about pay next year to help close a projected gap that ranges from $56 see kids with good SATs and 4.0 [grade point aver- an in-state tuition increase, especially during finan- million to approximately $200 million in next year’s school bud- ages] getting rejected from our top schools.” cially hard times. get. Superintendent Jack Dale has not included a cost-of-living Hugo has introduced legislation that would cap Hugo, a graduate of William & Mary, proposed rais- adjustment or a salary step increase for teachers in his 2010 bud- the percentage of out-of-state residents enrolled in ing tuition for out-of-state students to compensate get proposal. The school board will vote on its overall budget, most of the state’s undergraduate programs at 25 for revenue lost by increasing the number of in-state including teacher pay, at its Feb. 5 meeting. percent, leaving 75 percent of the slots open for Vir- students. Dale said approximately one third of the school districts in Vir- ginia residents. Several state colleges, including UVA and William ginia are planning to cut teacher pay, not just hold it steady as Four of Virginia’s most competitive schools — UVA, & Mary, have recently been rated among “best col- Fairfax is considering. Montgomery County Public Schools in William and Mary, Virginia Tech and JMU – currently lege bargains” because of their relatively low out-of- Maryland, often seen as Faifax’s largest competitor in the region, enroll between 27 percent and 35 percent of their state tuition rates, leading Hugo to believe that the have already decided to forego a cost-of-living adjustment and students from outside the state. According to uni- universities could raise college fees for non-Virginia automatic step pay increase for their teachers, he added. versity officials, the General Assembly forces the residents considerably, he said. — Julia O’Donoghue schools to admit higher numbers of out-of-state stu- Del. Dave Albo (R-42) wanted to cap the number dents — who pay significantly higher tuition — be- of college credit hours on which an individual stu- cause the state provides so little funding to subsi- dent could pay Virginia’s in-state tuition rate. The Electronic Training for dize the relatively low in-state tuition rates. delegate hoped to free up more spots at Virginia col- “[The larger percentage of out-of-state students] leges by clearing out students who were wasting time Concealed Handgun? allows us to keep our in-state tuition low. Our in- and taking several extra semesters to graduate with- The Virginia Senate Committee for Courts of Justice moved state tuition is middle of the road when compared out a good reason, he said. forward a bill that allows an applicant for a concealed handgun to other schools nationwide,” said Daniel Abramson, Del. David Poisson (D-32) also proposed raising permit to demonstrate competency with the weapon by taking a member of UVA’s Board of Visitors, the school’s tuition rates on out-of-state students, in part because an online, video or electronic course as long as it is taught by a governing body. out-of-state tuition at Virginia state schools is rela- state-certified or National Rifle Association-certified instructor. Virginia provides so little money to its public uni- tively cheap, he said. Poisson hoped to use the dif- In order to get a concealed handgun permit, Virginia residents versities that state funding covers only about eight ference between what out-of-state students pay now are currently required to complete a hunting course or a firearms percent of UVA’s budget, he added. Should UVA and and what they would pay in the future to financially training and safety course with a National Rifle Association or other universities be forced increase the percentages assist in-state Virginia students, who might not oth- criminal justice-trained instructor. of Virginia students they enroll, in-state tuition would erwise be able to go to college, he said. The bill, introduced by Fairfax County Sen. Ken Cuccinelli (R- probably also have to rise to help the institutions No matter how it is done, many parents would 37), received bipartisan support among committee members. meet their operating expenses. like to see Virginia state schools accept more Vir- Democratic Majority Leader Dick Saslaw (D-35), and Democratic “You are basically robbing Peter to pay Paul. Cap- ginia residents into their undergraduate programs. gubernatorial hopeful Sen. Creigh Deeds (D-25) both voted to ping the number of out-of-state students forces col- “Too many of our best and brightest are not get- support the bill. Fairfax County senators Janet Howell (D-32) and leges to raise tuition on in-state students,” said Del. ting into Virginia schools because we are giving away Toddy Puller (D-36) voted against the bill. David Bulova (D-37), who sits on the House of Del- seats to out-of-state students,” said Megan — Julia O’Donoghue egates’ high education subcommittee. McLaughlin, co-founder of FAIRGRADE, which Some parents said they would be willing to en- fought to have Fairfax County’s grading system al- dure higher in-state tuition rates if it meant that more tered this year. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 5-11, 2009 ❖ 13 14 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 5-11, 2009 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 5-11, 2009 ❖ 15 16 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 5-11, 2009 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 5-11, 2009 ❖ 17 Alexandria Old Town Congratulates These Fine Agents

Master’s Club $20 Million or More

Chris White

Founder’s Club $10-20 Million

Sean Satkus & Kendra Carey Kim Muffler Renee Reymond Shane Canny & Mary Bourke Gary Ansley

Mary Lou Sage Martine Irmer John Randolph Brian Hong & Jery Beamer Franki Roberts Patricia Landaeta & Georgia McLaughlin Chairman’s Club $5-10 Million

Mary Ellen Walker Pat Tierney Ruth Guirard Catherine Foltz Pat Wilson Norma Gants George Myers

Leah Chapla Mike Lekas Louise Devers Ann Logsdon Betty Quirk Suzanne Backus

18 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 5-11, 2009 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Historic District Office on an Outstanding Job in 2008

President’s Club $3-5 Million

Philip Matyas Anya Macklin Mike Manuel Ginger Webre Pat Richards Ellen Young Anne Hambley

Margaret Keagle Margaret Ruhe Julia Martin Annelise Smith Barbara Rollins Francena Alvarez Director’s Club $2-3 Million

Martha Deal Inderjeet Jumani Sobia Saghir Brandy Buzinski Brenda Jourdan Katherine Ward

Kim Lillywhite Jill DiPasquale Klanci Vanderhyde Mary Taylor Sheila Kolb Executive’s Club $1-2 Million

Peggy Rose Mary Ann Ben Suzanne Briar Anne Delaine Rich Sara Baldwin Cousins Kavaljian Grouby & Bob Wood Simmons Campbell Webber Rothwell LONG & FOSTER, REALTORS® Old Town Historic District Office 400 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 703-683-0400 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 5-11, 2009 ❖ 19 Fine Arts Thirty Five Years of Plowshares from Swords Traveling exhibit receptionion and guest artists show culminate for anniversary.versary. By Chuck Hagee Gazette

hirty five years ago it was just an ugly building filled with old TWorld War II files and excess federal government furniture. Many in Alexandria saw it as not only an eye sore but also an obstruction to their vision of waterfront open space. Then there was Marian Van Landingham. To her it was an opportunity to create an art center like no other in the nation. It could be a place were artists worked in full view. Individual studios would be open to visitors where art lovers and creators could intertwine their shared love of art. This place had been a factory for the manufacture of weapons of war. Now it could be a multi-dimensional, thriving example of the old prophesy of “swords into Photo by plowshares.” It could offer the opportunity for a shared

experience by resident and visitor, adult and Chuck Hagee child, artist and patron, admirer and detrac- tor. As a result of that vision, the former torpedo factory — which came into existence at the end of World War I and supplied tor- /Gazette pedoes to the U.S. Navy during World War II through the efforts of 5,000 to 6,000 munitions workers — morphed into the Torpedo Factory Art Center, on July 13, Marian Van Landingham, the guiding light behind the founding of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, sits in her 1974, Alexandria’s 225th birthday. It offi- river view studio with one of her pet dachshunds, Spike, as she related stories of the early days of the now cially opened to the public Sept. 15, 1974. nationally famous working artists center in Old Town. Today it is home to 165 artists working in 82 studios on three levels in all medi- “We hope to make this a real celebration. “However, there were massive protests Center on a three-year experimental basis. ums. It is also home to six galleries, the Art On Sept. 10 we are planning a show in the against the concept of the art center being The Torpedo Factory Artists Association “has League School, the Alexandria Archaeology Art Center’s Target Gallery for artists from located here. Many residents viewed it as a turnkey operation with the City,” accord- Museum, and a major attraction to more the cities visited by the exhibition,” said preventing their vision of having continu- ing to Van Landingham. The City purchased than 500,000 visitors per year. Mary Cook, director, Target gallery. ous river open space because of a few self- the original four building sites from the fed- In September 2008 the Art Center initi- “On Friday night, Sept. 11, the Ath- ish artists, as they viewed us,” she said. eral government in 1969. ated its first traveling art exhibition featur- enaeum is planning a free reception for all That opposition is spelled out in Van During a February 1974 meeting, City ing the works of 24 Torpedo Factory artists the artists whose works were part of travel- Landingham’s book “On Target” commemo- Council agreed to appropriate $140,000 to that will be on display in various cities ing exhibit and the public,” she said. rating the Art Center’s 25th Anniversary. As do basic repairs and renovations to the throughout the nation. It will return to Al- one speaker at a City Council meeting on building. They also rezoned it for “this use exandria in September 2009 with a closing BUT, THE BIRTH of the Torpedo Factory the art center proposal put it, “Destroy that only,” according to Van Landingham. exhibition at the Athenaeum to celebrate Art Center was not thing and get if off the landscape. If you the Center’s 35th Anniversary. an easy one. want to subsidize THE ARTISTS did a great deal of the “I was president the arts, do it in sprucing up and removal of old federal gov- of the Art League at “I was afraid we were another building,” ernment “junk” being stored there. Some the time and our Van Landingham of that “junk” supplied City Hall and the lease was up on our about to be priced out of recalled in her artists with furniture, including the legs to location on book. the conference table in City Council’s work- Cameron Street. I Old Town.” The artists, led room. was afraid we were — Marian Van Landingham, founder, by Van Most of the initial artists were from the about to be priced Torpedo Factory Art Center Landingham, Art League. “I collected the first month’s out of Old Town,” mounted a counter rent and put the checks on a bulletin board said Van offensive to build for council members to see. I think many Landingham seated in her river view stu- support for the center. She felt that better thought that a bunch of artists were irre- dio with her two dachshund pet dogs. communications would turn most oppo- sponsible when it came to fiscal responsi- “This building was in terrible shape with nents into supporters — but not all. That bility,” she said. vines growing over it and the dock area was became apparent when Van Landingham “I didn’t want this to house just a group actually crumbling. But, it was the perfect reached out to one ardent opponent and of itinerant galleries so we established strict place for open, working studios. And, Alex- was told, “Thank you, but I can spend my rules right from the beginning. Original andria Mayor Charles “Chuck” Beatley was time better collecting petitions against you,” work had to be done here. And, each artist very much in favor of the concept and she noted in her book. was required to be in their studio a certain brought a lot of imagination to the table,” To pacify some of that opposition it was Arts ❖ Entertainment ❖ Leisure See Torpedo, Page 21 Van Landingham said. decided to place the Torpedo Factory Art 20 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 5-11, 2009 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Fine Arts

Open Artist Attraction nd i a n r g

From Page 20 ! Promotions and Events G number of hours each week,” Van Landingham said. For 35th Anniversary The Art Center is open seven days a week from 10 A 35th Anniversary Coupon encourages visitors to add an original piece of Torpedo factory artwork to their col- a.m. to 6 p.m. year around. On the second Thursday lections with a special offer. Fifty-three participating artists of each month it is open until 9 p.m. with a special will honor $35 off a $200 purchase or $350 off a purchase event each month. It is closed on Christmas, New of $2000 or more. Coupons may be printed at Eat on the Run or Dine In Years Day, Easter and a couple of other holidays. www.torpedofactory.org or picked up in the building at 105 N. Union St. “We all have individual business licenses with the Each month’s Second Thursday Art Night will feature an city. We all pay rent for our studios. To become a anniversary event. Feb. 12 will take a look at the Center’s working artist here you have to be accepted through history. March 12 will reveal the role of Torpedo factor a tight juried process. And, we have a waiting list,” artists in the community. April 9 will get the public involved in an environmentally “green” installation of art. Additional Van Landingham said. information on the Torpedo Factory Art Center and the “We are not sales people. We are working artists 35th Anniversary can be found on the Web site. and we welcome interacting with visitors. For the Bring this most part, they are also very respectful of us and Try our usually don’t try to talk to us when we are working tioning since that initial opening 35 years ago. • Brick Oven Pizza, ad in and get unless we open up the conversation,” she said. The Torpedo Factory Art Center has served as a “But, there are funny experiences. I’ve had many national and international prototype for a working • Authentic Gyros, 10% OFF come in a say ‘you have a great office’ and spend art center, according to Van Landingham and is a • Fresh Cut Fries and Homemade Pastas your meal their entire time admiring the view of the river with- must stop for Alexandria tourist. Through a series of out ever looking at a painting,” Van Landingham said. financial negotiations and a secured long-term lease, Tel: 571-312-6690 “This concept of artists working in public view also Art Center artists now have the “opportunity to keep 7601 Fordson Road helps the public to understand how we work and their dream growing.” broadens their knowledge of art and artists. As one As Torpedo Factory artist Carol Bruce stated at the (in the new Huntley Meadows Plaza across fr Mt Vernon Plaza) off Rte 1 woman was heard telling her small son one day as conclusion of Van Landingham’s 25th Anniversary Hours of Operation: they toured the Center, ‘see Johnny not all artists book: Monday thru Thursday 11am-9:30pm are dead and famous.’” “Artists are a funny breed Friday- Saturday 11am- 10pm Every year the artists volunteer to paint all of the They shun the comforts other need Sunday 12-8pm hallways throughout the Art Center. They also paint Give them a bit of space somewhere the walls of their individual studios annually. The With light aglow and dreams to dare ... building has been upgraded with heat and air condi- Give them a bit of space somewhere With light aglow and dreams to share.” Calendar

E-mail calendar announcements to the www.alexblackhistory.org or 703- Cletus Kennelly and Lori Kelley will Mount Vernon Gazette, 838-4356. perform at 7 p.m. at Church of the [email protected]. Propagation Series. 9:30 a.m. at Resurrection, 2280 N. Beauregard St. Photos and artwork are encouraged. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green $15/adult; $12/member or in Deadline is Thursday at noon for the fol- Spring Road. Learn how to grow advance. Visit www.focusmusic.org lowing week’s paper. Call Rebecca Halik flowers, vegetables and herbs from or 703-501-6061. Gallery Talk. at 703-917-6407 with questions. seeds. $20. Visit 4 p.m. Deborah Ellis and www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gsgp. Barbara Southworth will have 703-642-5173 to register. artwork on display at the Athenaeum FRIDAY/FEB. 6 Saturday Stories. 10:30 a.m. at Gallery, 201 Prince St., through March 8. “Painter and Photographer: Music Performance. 5 p.m. at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke ST. All th ages. Registration required, 703-519- Two Processes” is the topic. Free. Carlyle House. Hear 18 -century 703-548-0035. music and enjoy a candle-lit tour. 5900. Saturday Stories. 2 p.m. at Burke Music Performance. 2 p.m. at Bishop 703-549-2997 for tickets. Ireton High School. Hear music by Music Performance. 7:30 p.m. at Library, 4701 Seminary Road. All ages. Free. 703-519-5900. The Duquesne University Bishop Ireton, 201 Cambridge Road. Tamburitzan. Tickets required, 1- The concert band performs free. Visit 877-826-6437. www.usafband.af.mil or 202-767- SUNDAY/FEB. 8 5658. Time for 2s. 10 a.m. at Beatley Music Performance. David Roth, See Calendadr, Page 23 Library, 5005 Duke St. Children ages 24-36 months. Free. Registration required, 703-519-5900. SATURDAY/FEB. 7 La Petite Hairstylists Boutique District Warehouse Sale. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. Browse items from local stores and more. Free. Beautiful Color & Perm Oral History Lecture. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Alexandria Black History Japanese Thermal Museum, 902 Wythe St. Char McCargo Bah will give a lecture about Freedmen’s Cemetery. Free. Straightening 703-838-4356. Awards Reception. 4-8 p.m. Gallery Pedicure & Manicure West, 1213 King St., presents the “National Juried Exhibition” from Feb. 4 through March 1. See works Waxing picked by Joey Manlapaz. Free. Lecture. “Their Voices Can Be Heard, 1703 Belle View Blvd, Alex. Part II: The Genealogist’s Way of Doing Oral History” 11 a.m.-1:30 703-765-4744 p.m. at Black History Museum, 902 Ample free parking Wythe St. Free. Visit www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 5-11, 2009 ❖ 21 Music Where & When The ASO and tenor Ta’u Pupu’a will perform two concerts over Valentine’s Day Weekend with music of Ravel & Puccini, Saturday, Feb. 14 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 15 at 3 p.m. at Rachel M. Musings by the Maestro Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center, 3001 N. Beauregard St. $5 youth tickets (8-18) available for the Sunday mati- By Kim Allen Kluge, ing career as an opera singer. nee. Adult tickets: $20-$70. Visit Music Director Pupu’a’s golden tenor voice is www.alexsym.org or call 703-548-0885 Alexandria Symphony for tickets or more information. For an perfectly suited to the ASO’s up- interview with tenor Ta’u Pupu’a, visit Orchestra coming Valentine’s Day Concerts. www.alexsym.org and click on the link He will be joined by soprano Julie to the ASO’s blog. a’u Pupu’a, former Bal- Rowling in two of the most be- timore Raven pro foot- loved operatic love scenes — the “In order to be a Tball player and current love music from “La bohème” and acclaimed lyric tenor, from “Madama Butterfly.” will demonstrate his NFL-trained “See the stars! Ah, lovely night! really good singer, operatic singing apparatus on the Thy perfect calm is breathing you have to be an upcoming Valentine’s Day Con- love near and far!” certs of the Alexandria Symphony — Madama Butterfly athlete. The way Orchestra, entitled “O’Lovers’ These two Puccini operas span Voice.” different continents and cultures one breathes, the I have had the privilege of work- but share the composer’s unsur- ing with world-class singers and passed ability to write ravishingly positions of am awed by them. I am awed by beautiful vocal and orchestral the power of their voices and their music that comes directly from the standing, how the ability to project them into vast heart. Photo contributed spaces — and to do this without The first half of the concert is in air flows in and out Ta’u Pupu’a amplification. I am awed by the collaboration with the Opera The- of the body. When absolute command over their vo- atre of Northern Virginia and will cal and breathing apparatus and be conducted by John Edward you sing, you have the arduous physical training that Niles. Pupu’a and Rowling will be soaring sentiment of the Puccini is necessary to achieve such super- joined by mezzo Leslie Mutchler love scenes will take an alternately to sing with your WE TRANSPOR T human things. So the training that and tenor Peter Burroughts in a humorous and moving look at love Ta’u Pupu’a received as a pro foot- historic regional premiere of and romance. body.” KARATE MASTERS ball player has undoubtedly pre- Ravel’s “L’heure espagnole (The I hope you have a Happy — Ta’u Pupu’a, former 1514 Belle View Blvd pared him well for the physical rig- Spanish Hour).” This masterful Valentine’s Day! See you at one of 703-765-5309 Baltimore Raven ors and demands of his burgeon- romantic comedy, paired with the the concerts! www.Taekwondomasters.com pro football player

The Royal Restaurant (now smoke free) “What’s for Dinner?!” You don’t have to think too hard, let us solve this classic question. In addition to our award winning menu, we have added some popular specials that add variety for everybody taste. Real food, for real people at reasonable prices. Monday - Kids Night Burger Night (Kids eat 1/2 price) Each child must be accompanied by adult having entree. Tuesday - Greek Night Lamb Marinated and Roasted for 3 hours, Athenian Roast Chicken, Moussaka! Wednesday - All American Night Meatloaf, Chicken Fried Chicken. Va. Ham Thursday - Italian Night Lasagna, Chicken Alfredo, Calamari Friday - Fish Night Crab Cakes, Shrimp & Scallops over penne pasta with white sauce Saturday -Steak and Chop Night Prime Rib, Lamb, Surf and Turf, Pork Chops, and Moussaka Sunday Brunch served 7am - 2pm Dine in or call ahead and your dinner will be ready for pick up. Dinner hours 2:30-9:30pm 730 North Saint Asaph Street Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 548-1616 Ample Free Parking

22 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 5-11, 2009 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Calendar

From Page 21 519-5900. Mother Goose Time. 9:30 a.m. at Barrett Valentine’s Cabaret. 3 p.m. at The Lyceum, 201 Library, 717 Queen St. Children ages 12-24 S. Washington St. Enjoy music, cabaret, theater months. Free. 703-838-4555. and more. $35/adult; $25/student. Visit Stories to Grow On. 11 a.m. at Barrett Library, 717 www.belcantanti.com or 301-266-7546. Queen St. Children ages 2 and up. Free. 703- Benefit Concert. 3 p.m. at Trinity United 838-4555. Methodist Church, 2911 Cameron Mills Road. Listen to “Broadway Then and Now.” Free, donations go to the Alliance for Autosomal WEDNESDAY/FEB. 11 Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease and Animals, Animals, Animals. 3:30 p.m. at Congenital Hepatic Fibrosis. Visit Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. www.trinityalexandria.org or 703-549-5500 ext. Elementary school students only. Free. 703-838- 103. Past, Present and Future of the 4566. Pajama Party. 7 p.m. at Burke Library, 4701 Smithsonian’s Ripley Garden. 1:30 p.m. at Seminary Road. Children ages 3-6. Free. 703- Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. 519-5900. Learn about this public garden. $10. 703-642- Book Discussion. 7 p.m. at Barrett Library, 717 5173 to register. Queen St. Discuss “The Geography of Bliss” by Eric Weiner. Free. 703-838-4555. MONDAY/FEB. 9 Mother Goose Time. 9:30 a.m. at Barrett Library, 717 Queen St. Children ages 12-24 Black Saga Competition. 6 p.m. at Francis C. months. Free. 703-838-4555. Hammond Middle School, 4646 Seminary Road. Stories to Grow On. 11 a.m. at Barrett Library, Students answer African-American history 717 Queen St. Children ages 2 and up. Free. questions. Free. Visit www.blacksaga.org or 703- 703-838-4555. 461-4100. Little One-Ders. 10 a.m. or 10:45 a.m. at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Children ages 12-23 THURSDAY/FEB. 12 months. Registration required, 703-519-5900. Opening Reception. Family Tale Nite. 7 p.m. at Beatley Library, 5005 6-8 p.m. Target Gallery Duke St. All ages. Free. 703-519-5900. presents “BookEnds: The Book as Art” in their Baby Time. 10 a.m. at Duncan Library, 2501 gallery at Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. Commonwealth Ave. Children ages 0-11 months. from Jan. 22 through Feb. 22. Free. Visit Free. 703-838-4566. www.torpedofactory.org or 703-838-4565. Art Reception. 6-9 p.m. Gallery West, 1213 King St., presents the “National Juried Exhibition” TUESDAY/FEB. 10 from Feb. 4 through March 1. See works picked Books to Film Discussion. 7 p.m. at Beatley by Joey Manlapaz. Free. Music Performance. Library, 5005 Duke St. Discuss “Love Story.” 7 p.m. at the Athenaeum, Free. 703-931-3559. 201 Prince St. Hear music by Jon Carroll. $10/ Time for 2s. 10 a.m. at Beatley Library, 5005 person. Visit www.nvfaa.org or 703-548-0035. Performance. Duke St. Children ages 24-36 months. Free. 7 p.m. at Black History Museum, Registration required, 703-519-5900. 902 Wythe St. Hear performances, music and Stories and Songs. 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. at Duncan more. $10/person. Visit Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. Children www.alexblackhistory.org or 703-838-4356. Latin American Book Discussion. ages 0-4 years. Free. 703-838-4566. 7 p.m. at Tuesday Tots. 11 a.m. at Burke Library, 4701 Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Stories by Latin Seminary Road. Children ages 2-3. Free. 703- American authors. Free. 703-519-3498.

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Visit our website at AshfordMayo.com or call 866-965-MAYO (6296) www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 5-11, 2009 ❖ 23 Special Election Close Race for Chairmanship From Page 4 Republican supervisor coming within a percentage point of chairing a county that has only one other U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10) was also on hand. Republican supervisor, were significant. “There’s a large percentage of the population that are frustrated WHILE THE PRELIMINARY results showed him with the direction of the county,” he said. “There are behind, about 3,000 votes had not yet been counted a lot of statements being made tonight.” Come Taste the Difference on election night and Herrity chose not to concede Had he been elected chairman, Herrity said, he until the following afternoon, Feb. 4. would have governed based on his platform of set- Bradlee Shopping Center Herrity said he was not surprised by the 16 per- ting spending priorities with taxpayers in mind, di- 3690J King Street cent countywide voter turnout, noting that it was recting school funds more toward teacher salaries Alexandria, VA 22302 comparable to the turnout in the last special elec- than administration and advancing “common-sense” tion for the county chairmanship, the 1995 race be- transportation solutions, such as the environmental 703.820.8600 tween Democrat Kate Hanley and Republican Elaine impact study he has promoted for improving the In- www.unwinedva.com McConnell. But he said he was pleased with his terstate 66 corridor. Open 7 Days a Week hometown turnout, noting, “I won Springfield big. He added, “There still could be another Republi- Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. [Bulova] didn’t win Braddock so big.” can on board,” he said, referring to the seat Bulova Sunday 12-5 p.m. Herrity said the election results, with a first-year would vacate.

CHOCOLATE, CHEESE Washington’s Month at His Estate eginning this weekend chil- February at the Hands-On History the General’s life. & WINE TASTING Bdren, of all ages, can enter room in the Donald W. Reynolds These sessions are recom- the world of fantasy and Education Center. “George mended for children ages three to Thursday February 12, 6-8pm fables at Mount Vernon Estate and Washington’s Childhood” is the eight and parental supervision is Indulge with us for a festive selection Gardens. That’s when costumed theme for this month’s storytelling required. interpreters weave together three sessions. “Once Upon a Time at Mount of artisan products sure to make your tales during Mount Vernon’s During the 20-minute sessions, Vernon” is included in the regular Valentine’s shopping easy and delicious! storytelling session, “Once Upon a children learn Aesop’s fables, in- Estate admission price of adults, Time at Mount Vernon.” cluding one fable Washington $15; seniors $14; youth ages 6 to Sessions are held every Saturday learned as a child. 11 $7; and children five and un- and Sunday at 2 p.m. throughout They also listen to stories about der free.

Visit These Houses of Worship Join A Club, Make New Friends, or Expand Your Horizons... Good Shepherd Christ the Saviour Anglican Church Catholic Church “To Love & Serve the Lord with Mass Schedule Gladness & Singleness of Heart” Saturday Evening Weekdays 5:00 pm; 6:30 pm (en Español) (Mass or Communion Service) Location - Washington Mill ES 9:00 am (followed by Rosary) 9100 Cherrytree Drive Sunday Children’s Liturgy of the Word 7:30; 9:00; 10:30 am; 12:00 Noon Sundays (Sept.-July) during 9:00 am Worship Service - 10am 2:00 pm (en Español) Mass (English) 6:30 pm Mass (Starts Sept. 7) Sign Language Interpreter Inter-generational Sunday School - after service Sunday at 9:00 am Mass Vicar, The Rev. Huey J Sevier 8710 Mount Vernon Highway, Alexandria VA, 22309 www.christthesaviouranglican.org Tel: 703-780-4055 Fax: 703-360-5385 www.gs-cc.org Loving as Christ loves, serving as Christ serves 703-953-2854 IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH-MISSOURI, WASHINGTON STREET UNITED METHODIST SYNOD…703-549-0155 CHURCH…703-836-4324 MESSIAH EVENGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCHES- UNITARIAN UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST CHURCHES- ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, ELCA...703-765-5003 MT. VERNON UNITARIAN...703-765-5950 HOPE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST...703-960-8772 GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC CHURCH…703-780-4055 NATIVITY LUTHERAN CHURCH-ELCA….703-768-1112 ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH…703-836-3725 CHURCHES- UNITY CHURCHES- AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL-ZION ST. MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH…703-836-4100 ORTHODOX UNITY IN ALEXANDRIA…703-931-8507 ALLEYNE AME ZION CHURCH…703-548-3888 SAINT APHRAIM SYRIAC…201-312-7678 ALL SAINTS OF AMERICA...703-417-9665 SYNAGOGUES CHURCHES-ANGLICAN CHURCHES-CHRISTIAN CHRIST THE SAVIOR... 703-953-2854 HIS KINGDOM MINISTRIES... 703-313-5029 AGUDAS ACHIM ST. ANDREW & ST. MARGARET FIRST CHRISTIAN OF ALEXANDRIA CHURCHES- PRESBYTERIAN CONGREGATION…703-998-6460 OF SCOTLAND… 703-683-3343 CHURCH... 703-549-3911 CALVARY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH...703.768.8510 ALEXANDRIA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH…703-683-3348 SYNAGOGUES-ORTHODOX CHURCHES- APOSTOLIC CHURCHES-CHRISTIAN SCIENCE OLD PRESBYTERIAN MEETING HOUSE…703-549-6670 CHABAD LUVAVITCH OF LOVE OF CHRIST CHURCH…703-518-4404 FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST SCIENTIST HERITAGE PRESBYTERIAN…703-360-9546 ALEXANDRIA-ARLINGTON…703-370-2774 ALEXANDRIA...703-549-7973 MT. VERNON PRESBYTERIAN…703-765-6118 CHURCHES- BAPTIST CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH…703-549-4766 SYNAGOGUES- REFORM ALFRED STREET BAPTIST CHURCH…703-683-2222 MT. VERNON...703-768-2494 BETH EL HEBREW BAPTIST TEMPLE CHURCH…703-548-8000 CHURCHES-UNITED METHODIST CONGREGATION…703-370-9400 DEL RAY BAPTIST CHURCH…703-549-8116 DOWNTOWN BAPTIST CHURCH…703-549-5544 CHURCH OF CHRIST ALDERSGATE UNITED METHODIST...703-765-6555 FIRST AGAPE BAPTIST COMMUNITY OF FAITH…703-519-9100 ALEXANDRIA CHURCH OF CHRIST…703-836-3083 BEVERLY HILLS COMMUNITY UNITED THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF ALEXANDRIA…703-684-3720 METHODIST...703-836-2406 OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS PROVIDENCE- ST. JOHN BAPTIST CHURCH…703-683-2565 CHURCHES- EPISCOPAL DEL RAY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH...703-549-2088 ALEXANDRIA I WARD...703-683-7577 SHILOH BAPTIST…703-683-4573 EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH...703-683-0798 FAIRLINGTON UNITED METHODIST ALEXANDRIA II WARD...703-549-9891 MT. PLEASANT BAPTIST CHURCH...703-256-1239 ST. AIDAN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH...703-360-4220 CHURCH....703-671-8557 COLONIAL II SINGLES WARD...703-313-6249 VICTORY TEMPLE…703-370-2233 ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH... 703-780-3081 ROBERTS MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST OLD TOWN SPANISH WARD...703-519-9545 PLYMOUTH HAVEN BAPTIST...703-360-4370 ST. LUKE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH...703-765-4342 CHURCH...703-836-7332 BELLE HAVEN WARD 703-780-4789 ST. MARK EPISCOPAL CHURCH...703-765-3949 ST. ANDREWS UNITED METHODIST KINGSTOWNE WARD...703-313-6140 CHURCHES-BRETHREN CHURCHES- CHURCH OF GOD CHURCH…..703-751-4666 FRANCONIA WARD...703-313-6147 GRACE BRETHREN CHURCH…703-548-1808 TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH…703-549-5500 ALEXANDRIA CHURCH OF GOD...703-548-5084 MT. VERNON WARD...703-780-9577 CHURCHES-LUTHERAN WASHINGTON FARM UNITED SALVATION ARMY ALEXANDRIA BUDDHISM EPIPHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH-ELCA….703-780-5077 METHODEST...703-780-4696 CITADEL ....703-836-2427 THE VAJRAYOGINI BUDDHIST CENTER...202-331-2122 EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH….703-765-5003 GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN To Advertise Your Faith Community CHURCH-ELCA….703-548-8608 call Karen at: (703) 917-6468

24 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 5-11, 2009 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 5-11, 2009 ❖ 25 Opinion Seatbelt Bill Would Save Lives From Page 12 The legislative session will run Our telephone number at the through Feb. 28. During that time, Capitol is 804-698-1044, and our Currently, the failure to wear a my legislative assistants Andrea address is House of Delegates, P.O. belt is a “secondary offense,” Tetreault and Janet Oleszek, are Box 406, Richmond, VA 23218. meaning that it is not something always available to track legisla- Email is that warrants a stop. tion, check bill status, or gather [email protected]/ The testimony at the subcom- other information you need. If you . Our office is located on the 7th mittee was compelling. Witnesses call and I am not available, Andrea floor, room 703, of the General ranging from the State Police to or Janet will assist you with any Assembly Building on Capitol the insurance companies to AAA questions you have or will get a Square. We welcome your visit any all told the members of the sub- message to me as soon as possible. time during the session. committee the facts about seat belt usage. Nearly one in four Virgin- Letters ians fail to regularly wear their seat belts when driving or riding From Page 12 mare, almost limitless in scope. in a vehicle. However, people who What will this cost?ºThe bill pro- could come up with a demand are not wearing seat belts account vides that “the direct costs of this like this. But it happens that the for 60 percent of the traffic fatali- study shall not exceed $6,000 with- writer of this letter has actually ties in Virginia. out approval . . . of the chairman seen such studies, which are usu- Primary seat belt laws increase of the joint subcommittee and the ally done by universities, cost in a state’s seat belt usage rate by an respective Clerk.”º The devil in the the five-figure range, and have average of 10 percentage points. details here is the word “direct,” inconclusive results. Thus, this legislation would save because the bill also provides that: “5. Analyze how state hunting lives. Unfortunately, the subcom- “Administrative staff support shall laws and regulations relate to local mittee, made up of downstate leg- be provided by the Office of the Clerk laws and ordinances, and federal islators, did not support the legis- of the Senate. Legal, research, policy laws and regulations in the case of lation. It has been reported out of analysis, and other services as re- federal properties, that address a Senate committee, however, so quested by the joint subcommittee hunting, the discharge of firearms, the issue is still before the Assem- shall be provided by the Division of recreation, protection of parks and bly. Legislative Services. Technical assis- public lands, and noise;” You can watch some of the com- tance shall be provided by the De- No. 5 is a contract researcher’s mittee proceedings on my blog, 7 partment of Game and Inland Fish- dream or a staff researcher’s night- West (www.7-west.org). eries. All agencies of the Common- wealth shall provide assistance to the joint subcommittee for this study, upon request.” Start adding up the projectable hours of staff time of just the vari- Funeral & Cremation ous agencies and offices specifi- cally mentioned here necessary to Services carry out the multiple studies in- corporated in the bill, and the salary expenditures alone are going to run into the thousands, not to mention materials, travel expenditures, etc. No time is a good time to waste tax money on this kind of foolish- ness, but it is especially reckless in times like these. I hope that readers will do two things: Jefferson Funeral Chapel First, contact the Chairmen of 5755 Castlewellan Drive, Alexandria, VA 22315 the Senate and House Rules Com- mittees and other more respon- sible senators and delegates and 703-971-7400 urge them to kill these bills. Second, remember, at election • Local Family OwnedOperated. time, how these three politicians • Convenient to Neighborhoods. were willing to squander our tax • New Facility/ Full Service Funeral Home money. with Traditional Chapel and Large J. Griffin Crump Visitation Rooms. Mount Vernon • Substantial Savings without Sacrificing the Quality of Caring Service. Write • Courtliest and Professional Caring Staff. The Gazette welcomes views on any public issue. The deadline for all material is Please call for your free brochure noon Friday. Send to:

at no obligation to you. Call: 703-917-6431. By e-mail: [email protected]

26 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 5-11, 2009 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette Sports Editor Mark Giannotto Sports 703-917-6409 or [email protected] Melee Mars Mount Vernon Win Wakefield coach Tony Bentley, add- Fight involving fans ing that he was certain no fans went and players puts after players and no players went into the stands. “I’ve seen coaches get damper on Majors ejected, I’ve seen fans get ejected, I’ve seen players get ejected, but I’ve never title-clinching victory. seen a whole gym cleared.”

By Mark Giannotto THE FRACAS put a damper on what The Gazette should have been a joyous night for the Majors, who played their best first he Mount Vernon boy’s basket- half of the season, according to their ball team clinched a share of the coach. They remain the lone unde- National District regular-season feated team within the National Dis- T trict. title with a 78-69 win over Wakefield Tuesday night, but the accom- What made mat- plishment was overshadowed by a fight that ters worse is the “You never spilled into the stands late in the fourth game had reached its quarter. most entertaining foresee a What was a high paced, hotly contested, and exciting point and emotionally charged basketball game when play was situation between the Majors and Warriors turned stopped. The War- ugly in the final moments as an altercation riors were in the pro- like this between two players escalated into a full- cess of wiping out a happening.” fledged melee among fans. 14-point third-quarter deficit, but Mount After two free throws by Mount Vernon Photo by Mark Giannotto/The Gazette — Mount Vernon Vernon (15-4 overall, junior Skylar Jones gave the Majors a 66- Mount Vernon coach Alfonso Smith (right) listens in as Wakefield coach coach Alfonso 10-0 district) held 60 lead with just under four minutes re- Tony Bentley talks with referees after a fight broke out between players Smith strong, hitting some maining, a Mount Vernon and a Wakefield and fans from both teams, forcing officials to clear the gym in order to clutch free throws player became tangled underneath the bas- continue the game. once play resumed. ket. Jones led all scorers with 30 points Shoves were exchanged, but things got spokesperson, one 18-year-old Wakefield piece together what happened” and that and 10 rebounds, while Mount out of control when the benches cleared and student was arrested for trespassing after further disciplinary measures will be made Vernon senior Robert Coleman several adult fans from both teams became refusing to vacate the premises. Several if necessary. chipped in 14 points. Seniors involved. Play was stopped for more than additional police officers were called in to “You never foresee a situation like this Johnathan Ford (20 points, 11 re- 30 minutes while police and school officials monitor any potential disagreements in the happening … but you had two teams that bounds) and Romeo Goffney (12 restored order. parking lot. There were no reported injuries. want to win, that are competing at the very points, five rebounds, and five assists) Officials decided the best course of ac- highest level that they can,” said Mount led Wakefield (13-6, 5-4). tion was to clear the gym in order to finish BOTH PLAYERS who started the fighting Vernon coach Alfonso Smith. “If different The Majors have now reeled off 13 the game. With the help of administration were ejected and are therefore automati- things happen during the game, it’s unfor- consecutive victories after starting the on hand from both schools, each set of fans cally suspended from their team’s next tunate people took things personal and both season losing four of their first six departed in a separate, orderly fashion to game, according to Virginia High School teams lost touch of things. … Just in trying games. Their last loss came Dec. 13, avoid any further incidents. Only players, League rules. to keep them both disciplined, we both fell a two-point defeat to Hylton. Mount coaches, game officials, and the Mount Vernon Paul Regnier, a spokesperson for Fairfax short tonight.” Vernon can clinch the outright district JV basketball team were allowed to stay. County Public Schools, said Wednesday “I’ve been coaching 18 years and I’ve title with a win Friday night over According to an Arlington County police morning the school system is still “trying to never seen anything like this,” said Stuart. Grapplers Wrestle with Tournament Anxiety For area wrestlers, a season’s work can culminate in pure joy or absolute heartbreak. West By Mark Giannotto “I choked at districts last year,” said Rice Potomac The Gazette during a break at a recent practice. “That’s senior Sam really been in my belly for awhile.” Agyemang lmost a year after it happened, West Fellow senior Sam Agyemang echoes a (145 Potomac senior John Rice still hasn’t similar sentiment after losing by a mere pounds) A works a gotten over how his wrestling sea- three points in a match that would have

/The Gazette son ended a season guaranteed him a spot in pinning ago. In one of the more “You don’t want to the Virginia state tour- combina- frustrating moments of nament. Then there’s se- tion during his life, Rice lost to a end it on a bad note.” nior Artis Rutledge, who practice on wrestler he had pinned still has regrets about teammate in under a minute dur- — West Potomac being just an alternate Artis

Mark Giannotto ing the regular season. senior Artis Rutledge for last year’s regional Rutledge. A win would have ad- tournament. vanced him to the Northern Region Wres- But with the 2008-09 wrestling regular tling Championships. See Grappling, Page 30 by Photo www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 5-11, 2009 ❖ 27 News 703-917-6464 Zone 3: • Alexandria Employment Zone 3 Ad Deadline: Man Robbed • Mount Vernon Tuesday 4 p.m.

NOW HIRING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY At Gun Point Internships Available Pool Cleaners Keedo Children’s Boutique in Supervisors Alexandria for sale. A 42-year-old local man was robbed Unusual opportunity to learn Construction Helpers Interested individuals please Wednesday, Jan. 28, at approximately 11:45 many aspects of the newspaper Call: 703-321-7040 call: 703-768-9100 a.m. as he parked his car in the 5900 block www.continentalpools.com of Richmond Highway. As he opened the business. Internships available car door, two men approached with a hand- in reporting, photography, COMPANIONS & MYSTERY SHOPPERS gun, took a bank bag from the dashboard, research, graphics. Earn up to $150/day. Undercover shoppers CNA’s NEEDED needed to judge retail and dining establish- removed the cash from inside and fled on Opportunities for students, foot, according to Fairfax County Police. The Enable seniors to live independently in their own ments. Exp. not req’d. Call: 877-737-7506 homes with our non-medical companionship and home Fee with credit card required. victim was not injured. and for adults considering care services. Rewarding P/T days, evenings, weekends, One suspect was described as black, in live-ins, medical benefits offered. change of career. Unpaid. Call Home Instead Senior Care. his 20’s, approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall, John Lovaas, 703-917-6405 or Call Today: 703-750-6665 Need an Extra $500 - $1000 and weighing an estimated 210 pounds. He per mo. to pay Bills ?? email internship@connec was wearing a black, hooded sweatshirt, LEAD TEACHERS Call Sue @ 703-451-5864 black jeans and a black skull cap. tionnewspapers.com Now recruiting Lead Teachers for Sept. 2009. The second suspect was described as ei- Email: [email protected] Seeking degreed individuals with an AA or BS www.youravon.com/sanderson5864 ther white or hispanic, in his 20’s, approxi- & early childhood education exp. for our mately 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing an NAEYC accredited early education center. F/T estimated 190 pounds. He was wearing a position with competitive salaries & benefits. F/T ADMIN ASSIST Contact director @ 703-836-9123 or email black, hooded sweatshirt and black jeans. resume [email protected] or Experience w/Microsoft Word, Outlook Anyone with information is asked to con- Employers: fax 703-836-1426 & Databasing. Fax resume and salary tact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411- Are your recruiting ads not requirements: 703-360-5439 or email: TIPS(8477) or call Fairfax County Police at working in other papers? [email protected] 703-691-2131. OFFICE MANAGER Try a better way to fill your Supervise and deliver administrative employment openings services for a small office located in MARKETING REPS Gum Springs Alexandria, of a large non-profit human FT/PT needed ASAP. Great pay, North Potomac services agency. Excellent organization- flexible hours, email resume to Rockville Lansdowne 5 al, leadership and computer skills, as [email protected] Ashburn Cascades Sterling Potomac well as undergraduate degree preferred. or call 703-383-0400 To Reactivate Chevy Great Bethesda Chase 1 Herndon Falls Competitive salary and excellent bene- to schedule an interview. Reston Dulles Airport fits. Apply online: www.umfs.org EOE South McLean Riding Vienna Oakton 6 Neighborhood Arlington Chantilly 4 Washington, Centreville D.C. BEST CHILDCARE JOBS! Fairfax North SENIOR EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Clifton F/T, P/T, On-Call, Top Salaries Historic Burke Program Clifton Fairfax Springfield 3 Fast growing international group is Station No Fees, Must be 21, Legal & Drive 2 seeking an individual to provide execu- Laurel Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerald Hill tive, administrative and communications References Req’d Hyland has requested that the county De- support to Senior Officers in its Alexan- 703-838-2100 partment of Housing and Community De- • Target your best job candidates dria office. The applicant should have a where they live. White House Nannies, Inc velopment “work with the New Gum degree in business or 3 – 5 years of ad- Reach readers in addition ministrative experience supporting Ex- Springs Civic Association to reactivate their • to those who are currently ecutive Management. The applicant Conservation Plan” and Neighborhood Im- looking for a job. should be highly numerate and IT liter- provement Program, first adopted in April ate. They should have excellent inter- 2009 EXPANSION • Proven readership. 1979 and which remained in effect for 25 personal and communications skills, • Proven results. $17.00 Base-Appt. years. both verbal and written. This position will “In the intervening years, the neighbor- offer a highly competitive compensation Immediate Openings. Ideal for package, depending on experience. We hood improvements at Gum Springs have offer excellent benefits including health students/others. Customer long since been completed and bond money and dental insurance, 11 paid holidays, Sales/Svc. Flex Schedules. All raised decades ago spent. However, lan- 703-917-6464 • Fax 703-917-0992 and a Simple IRA plan. Please email E-mail: [email protected] ages 18+. Conditions apply. guage in the Comprehensive Plan still re- your resume with salary history and re- fers to the Gum Springs Conservation Plan,” Great Papers • Great Readers • Great Results! quirements to [email protected] Call 703-359-7600 Hyland said during Monday’s Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting. CARRER TRAINING CARRER TRAINING TELEPHONE “In order to dispel any confusion about A great opportunity to WORK AT HOME! the development of parcels in Gum Springs NATIONAL CHILDRENS CENTER and to plan for the orderly development and No sell! Salary + Bonus + Benefits! 301-333-1900 redevelopment of land, their association felt ☎☎ Weekdays 9-4 ☎☎ it prudent to reactivate the plan,” he said. Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads is a premier To accomplish that, the association has TELEPHONE CCRC located in Falls Church, VA. We cur- A great opportunity to agreed to form a committee to draft the rently have the following CNA openings: WORK AT HOME! necessary language and work with county NATIONAL CHILDRENS CENTER staff, according to Hyland. Certified Nursing Assistant No sell! Salary + Bonus + Benefits! — Chuck Hagee Full Time 7-3 and 3-11 shifts 301-333-1900 ☎☎ Weekdays 9-4 ☎☎ Full Time Split Shift 7-3/3-11 Health Notes Requirements: VA CNA license I'am a Hollin Halls Senior Center, 1500 1 year skilled care experience Shenandoah Road is holding free workshops start- slow walker, ing Feb. 13 through May 8 at 3:30 p.m. All ages can We offer generous FT benefits including tuition use dance, art and more for exercise. Register by assistance, PTO, 401(k), and more. but I never visiting www.fairfaxcounty.com/rec or 703-324- Apply online at walk back. 4386. www.goodwinhouse.org EOE Free blood pressure screenings every Fri- -Abraham Lincoln day from 9 a.m. to noon at The Hermitage, 5000 Fairbanks Road. Call 703-797-3815. 28 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 5-11, 2009 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com 703-917-6400 Zone 3: • Alexandria Classified Zone 3 Ad Deadline: Home & Garden • Mount Vernon Tuesday Noon connectionnewspapers.com CONTRACTORS.com

21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements 29 Misc. for Sale 3 RE for Rent 26 Antiques 116 Childcare Avail. CLEANING

Antique Mahogany Buffet 1 BR w/Bath A CLEANING completely refinished, perfect Judy’s Prof N/S, We consign/pay top $ for Family Childcare SERVICE condition $600, Antique Wal- antique/semi antique furn. nut Ladies Rocker with inlay access to kitchen, Childcare with price rate Since 1985/Ins & Bonded detail and cane seat & back laundry room, house. including mid century & fixed. Special needs Quality Service completely refinished $125, New house, Internet danish modern Teak welcome 30 yrs exp. at a Fair Price Antique Wicker Baby Buggy access, Manchester furniture, sterling, mens State lic. 16 yrs. Satisfaction Guaranteed late 1800's perfect condition, Curriculum based, Comm/Res. MD VA DC Estates, 7 minutes from watches, painting/art glass, Low turnover/low ratio completely refinished, has new Old Town. $800/mo + acleaningserviceinc.com lining excellent shape $250, clocks, jewelry, costume 2 teachers w/degrees $500 deposit. Refs. req. 703-892-8648 Antique Maple Child's Bed jewelry, etc. Call Schefer Age appr activties English late 1800's, all legs 301-899-7066 ages 1-4 and guard rails are turned, Antiques @ 703-241-0790. 703-802-1632 very unique piece, completely FIREWOOD refinished and perfect condi- 4 RE for Sale tion $1500. Please call or 21 Announcements 21 Announcements FIREWOOD email me for photos & info INVESTOR SPECIAL! 703-868-1461 or Thosands below market value Mixed Seasoned Hardwood [email protected] 703-439-7144 $120 half cord Writers Instructional Workshops $210 full cord 4 RE for Sale 4 RE for Sale Old Town AlexandrIa, February 2 - March 1 Call Joe at Herndon, February 12-16 (Presidents Day Weekend) 301-856-4436 Leesburg, February 19-22 301-602-9528 Cell

116 Childcare Avail. 116 Childcare Avail. 116 Childcare Avail. Instructional-motivational sessions, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Receive GUTTER personalized writing directives and publishing help from pro- fessionals in a positive, supportive, small-group setting. PINNACLE SERVICES, Leesburg, March 5-8 (Christian Writers Workshop) •GUTTER CLEANING For information: www.itsyourlifebethere.com Or call: •SMALL REPAIRS (540) 454-4495 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. •SCREENING •POWER WASHING 703-802-0483 21 Announcements 21 Announcements GROUP RATES AVAILABLE FREE EST

HAULING ANGEL’S TRASH HAULING Construction Debris, Residential, Office & Tree Removal 21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements 703-863-1086 New#- 571-312-7227 AL’S HAULING Junk & Rubbish Concrete, furn.,office, yard, construction debris Low Rates NOVA 703-360-4364

RICK’S HAULING POWERWASHING PAINTING Yard Debris Decks Interior-Exterior Furniture Sidewalks Deck Staining Appliances Houses Gutter Cleaning Concrete etc Mobile Homes etc Gutter Guards FREE ESTIMATES 703-360-5252 E-mail: [email protected] RicksHauling1@ aol.com IMPROVEMENTS 21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements 101 Computers HDI The EASY COMPUTER SOLUTIONS HANDYMAN FOR INDIVIDUALS A DIVISION OF NURSE CONSTRUCTION & SMALL BUSINESSES JENNIFER O. SMITH HOME INSPECTION LIST COMPUTER CONSULTANT REPAIRS, CERAMIC TILE, ➣ TRAINING ➣ INSTALLATION PAINTING, DRYWALL, ➣ TROUBLE- CARPENTRY, CUSTOM SHOOTING WOOD REPAIR, LT. PLUMBING & ➣ LET US TAME THAT BEAST FOR YOU ELECTRICAL, POWER WASHING Serving Area Since 1995 Since 1964 (703) 765-2222 We Accept VISA/MC [email protected] 703-441-8811 PERSONAL Now! Complete COMPUTER Print Editions SERVICES Online! The full print editions of all 18 for Individuals & Connection Newspapers are now Small Businesses available on our Web Site in PDF format, ✓ page by page, identical to our weekly Advice on Equipment newsprint editions, including print ✓ Set Up and Configuration advertising. Go to ✓ www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Installation and click on “Print Editions.” ✓ Troubleshooting ✓ Tutorials and Instruction ✓ General Help ComputerMan 703-535-3254 [email protected]

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www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 5-11, 2009 ❖ 29 Sports Home & Garden 703-917-6400 Zone 3: • Alexandria Zone 3 Ad Deadline: • Mount Vernon connectionnewspapers.com CONTRACTORS.com Tuesday Noon

LANDSCAPING ROOFING HANDYMAN HANDYMAN TheDrainageMan Roofing & Siding (All Types) RCL HOME REPAIRS • Specialize land drainage issues Soffit & Fascia Wrapping Handyman Services • 18 Yrs. water management New Gutters Springfld • Burke • Kingstowne • Design, construction, plants, care Chimney Crowns • Free estimates Leaks Repaired Light Electrical • Plumbing • No job too small Bathroom Renovation • Ceramic Tile • 703.329.1908 703-975-2375 Drywall Repair LandiScapes Inc. - Lic./Bonded/Ins. 703-922-4190 ANGEL’S TREE SERVICE LIC. www.rclhomerepairs.com INS. TREE & HEAVY ANGEL’S TRASH HAULING TREE & HEAVY •Mulch TRASH HAULING IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS •Clean-up Grounds •Mulch •Leaf Removal •Clean-up Grounds •Leaf Removal STRONG PACE CONSTRUCTION West Potomac seniors John Rice (left), Sam Agyemang (middle), and 703-863-1086 703-863-1086 15 Yrs Class A VA Lic. New#- 571-312-7227 Artis Rutledge (right) are looking to build off a successful 9-4 dual-meet New#- 571-312-7227 • Additions •Kitchens record during the individual tournament season that begins this weekend. DRYWALL DRYWALL • Basements •Comm Offices •Decks •Painting •Drywall Andy’s Drywall Service •Windows & Wood Repairs Grappling with Tournament Anxiety 703-644-5206 • 703-750-0749 Homes, Additions, Painting From Page 27 with an impressive 18-3 record this season, Carpentry, Plastering has the best shot of any Wolverine wrestler M. C. Lynch season now complete, the time of re- to place at the district and regional tourna- Commercial Work Home Improvement ments to make it all the way to the state 703-534-5505/703-862-7640 Family Owned & Opererated demption for area grapplers has finally ar- Rotten Wood, Wind Damage, Trims, rived. This Saturday, West Potomac will tournament. compete in the Patriot District Wrestling He’s also optimistic about senior 130- ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL Windows, Doors, Deck, Stairs, Vanity, Basement Framing, Garbage Disposal, tournament at Annandale High School, pounder Michael Tse (17-7 record) Painting, Power Wash, Siding Repairs. while their counterparts down the road at Rutledge (18-6), 152-pounder Rice (11-6), Licensed, Bonded, Insured Mount Vernon take part in the National Dis- and 189-pounder Stephen Howell (19-4). 703-266-1233 trict tournament at Stuart High School. Over at Mount Vernon, coach Anthony “This is what keeps me going in practice,” McDuffie has been trying to cope with the said Rutledge, who will compete in the 135- possibility of a late-season malaise by tak- pound weight class. “We ing to the outdoors, flip- just know this is our last “When you go out ping a 300-pound tire a year and you don’t want few times a week, running to end it on a bad note.” on the mat, you’re sprints on the bleachers, The three seniors have and in general adopting an GUTTER GUTTER been a part of a successful wrestling for you.” “MMA training” philoso- West Potomac wrestling — West Potomac coach phy. Metro Gutter team, which is sporting a Casey Grubbs “We needed a change of PAINTING PAINTING solid 9-4 dual meet record scenery to stay motivated,” Clean/Install/Repair heading into the postseason. The Wolver- said McDuffie. • Wood Replace & Wrapping • Pressure Washing ines have recovered nicely after losing most Last year Mount Vernon led by 23 team • Chimney Sweeping & Repair FALL SPECIAL of the eight wrestlers that made it to points heading into the final portion of the 20 YEARS EXP. 10% to 20% OFF All Services regionals a year ago. National District tournament, with eight 703-354-4333 wrestlers in championship bouts, only to metrogutter.com Nuance Painting Inc. Family Owned and Operated BUT THE WORST KEPT secret in North- succumb to Edison after just three wrestlers Serving Northern Virginia for Over a Decade ern Virginia wrestling is that the dual meet won individual titles. PINNACLE SERVICES, Winner of American Painting Contractors season doesn’t have all that much signifi- This time around, Mount Vernon has Inc. Residential Top Job Award • LEAF REMOVAL Residential and Commercial Services cance, other than helping to prepare wres- seven wrestlers that should be top seeds in • Interior and Exterior Painting tlers for these upcoming season-ending their respective weight class, including se- • GUTTER • Faux Finishing • Drywall Hanging, Finishing and Repairs tournaments. nior 103-pounder Chad Eason (25-6), se- CLEANING • Interior Moldings Crown-Chair Rail-Shadow Boxing With no dual-meet playoff format to re- nior 130-pounder Trevor Meadows (24-15), • Exterior Trim Repair/Replacement ward teams, wrestlers fend for themselves and junior 145-pounder Joey Moreno (25- 703-802-0483 • Decks cleaned and Sealed GROUP RATES AVAILABLE • General Contractor Services on the mat. Seeding for the district, region, 2). FREE EST • For Evaluation and Consultation Call and state tournaments is decided by a com- The top four finishers in each weight class 703-437-3037 bination of individual win-loss record and from the district tournament move onto to Licensed Insured the manner in which those wins came by the regional tournament on Feb. 14 at On the web at www.nuancepainting.com (pin, winning by eight or more points, or Fairfax High School. The top four at regions We Accept winning by less than eight points). move onto the state tournament, scheduled “It’s an individual sport with a team con- to be held Feb. 21 at Oscar Smith High PLUMBING PLUMBING cept,” said West Potomac coach Casey School in Chesapeake, Va. Grubbs. “When you go out on the mat, But after last season’s near misses and this ROGER ROOTER you’re wrestling for you. If you do your year’s grueling regular season, it’s safe to thing, the team will fall in line.” assume nobody is counting their lucky stars PLUMBING Grubbs thinks Agyemang, a 145-pounder just yet. MENTION THIS AD FOR 20% OFF No Job too Small Free Tax Assistance for Low Income Residents Senior & Govt. Discounts Visa, MC Accepted Deloitte LLP will sponsor its second Com- with 2008 Federal and Virginia state tax E-mail: [email protected] munity Tax Assistance Day on Saturday, Feb. returns for households with a total income 703-299-4999 7, 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. at Bryant Alternative high of $42,000 or less. For more information, School This program offers free assistance visit www.nvacash.org. 30 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 5-11, 2009 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 5-11, 2009 ❖ 31 Real Estate ♦ Mortgage ♦ Closing Services ♦ Insurance 703-360-7400 8301 Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA 22309 www.weichert.com

OPEN SUN OPEN1-4 SUN PM OPEN SUN 12-4 PM 12-4 PM

ALEXANDRIA/MOUNT VERNON $520,000 MOUNT VERNON FOREST $579,000 YACHT HAVEN $749,900 OUTSTANDING VALUE Spacious, featuring 4 BR & 3 full BA. Walk-out lower level with sepa- PICTURE PERFECT Quality upgraded, move in ready. Acres of Fairfax County woods and rate suite, 2nd kitchen, sunroom & deck, two fireplaces, two-car car- Stunning custom built home on secluded .5 ac lot. Attractive foyer with circular stairs; large rooms & hardwoods throughout, master suite with covered wetlands abut this property. Gourmet kitchen with gas Jenn-Aire cook port, circular drive, fenced back yard, new roof. Dir: From deck overlooking enchanting garden. Numerous updates including top & Jenn-Aire double convection ovens. Granite countertops. Four Mount Vernon Mansion, take 235 w, L on Cherrytree Drive, R Continental Drive to 9115. kitchen. Finished walk-up lower level. 2-car garage. Dir: From Mt bedrooms, 3 full baths, family room w/gas fireplace. Dir: South on GW Vernon, Rt 235 W, L Forest Haven, R Tarpon, R, Coral, R Reef Ct. Parkway to Mount Vernon Mansion, Sharp right turn on #235 at Stop CALL JOYCE CLEVENGER 703-780-4012 CALL HEIDI KABLER Sign, right on Battersea to 3031 on right. View listing on www.homesdatabase.com/joyceclevenger 703-850-2558 or 703-360-7400

OPEN SUN 12-4 PM

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ALEX S/MT. VERNON $494,900 ALEXANDRIA $189,000 ALEXANDRIA SOUTH $225,000 WONDERFUL HOME MOVE-IN CONDITION GREAT STARTER HOME 4 BR/2.5 BA, extremely well kept home, many upgrades, gourmet kitchen, Brick rambler w/gar. Freshly painted, gleaming hdwd flrs, & large fenced yd. Owner Gleaming HW floors, updated BA, freshly painted, immaculate, nice will consider closing cost assistance or rent w/option to buy. Call Linda near everything; quiet cul-de-sac. Make offer; owner ready to view of trees. Public trans. avail. Amenities: Pool, tennis, picnic Sweeney 703-203-1005 DIR: From Old Town GW Pkwy So, R Belleview sell. Dir: Old Town, S on GW Pky, R Collingwood, L Apple Hill Rd grove, garden plots. Dir.: G.W. Pkwy. So., right Belle View Blvd., left Blvd/Beacon Hill Rd, L Route 1, L Memorial St. Or from Beltway: at top of hill, go to end to Chancery Ct on R. Wakefield Dr. to bldg. 6641, Unit #307. Route 1 So just past Beacon Mall, L Memorial St to 2812. CALL LINDA SWEENEY CALL DAVID WILLIAMS 703-937-7547 703-203-1005 OR 703-360-8470

32 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 5-11, 2009 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com