A woman reflects at the grave of Onyekachi “J.R.” Erengwa in Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery May 31.

On Hallowed Classifieds, Page 10 Classifieds, Ground News, Page 3 Democratic Primary Primer

News, Page 6

Requested in home 6-3-21 home in Requested Time sensitive material. material. sensitive Time

Arlington Parks Postmaster: Attention

permit #322 permit

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Rank #4 in Nation PAID

U.S. Postage U.S. News, Page 4 STD PRSRT Photo by Mark Mogle/The Connection Photo June 2-8, 2021 online at www.connectionnewspapers.com News Arlington Partnership For Affordable Housing Welcome Baskets for Queens Court Residents.

49 families have started moving into APAH’s newest 2community – Queens Court. Groups and individuals are asked to donate Welcome Baskets for these new neighbors. The ask is for complete baskets with items to fit into a laundry basket. Please limit your donation to the items listed below as there is not space or capacity to accept other items. For purposes of hygiene and dignity, all items must be new, un- opened, and unused. A complete basket includes: vLaundry basket large enough to fit listed items CEO-Elect Carmen Romero v Laundry Detergent (pods) thanks the construction team at v Dishwasher detergent (pods) the Terwilliger Place’s, “Topping v Kitchen Cleaning Sponges Out,” ceremony, May 2021. vAll-Purpose Cleaner vDish Soap vTissue Paper (6 pack) vHand Soap vOven mitts vPaper towels (6 pack) vOptional: Welcome to the vToilet Paper (6 pack) See Arlington, Page 9

2 v Arlington Connection v June 2-8, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News

Remembering Travis Staats in Arlington National Cemetery Since 2006, there has been an 86 percent increase in suicide rates among 18-34 year old male veterans.

By Eden Brown said his sister. “He wanted to go as of his Hummer. After feeling the The Connection high as he could.” full impact of his tours in the war SPC Staats was a combat engi- zone, struggling with depression eanna Muir sat with her neer on a bomb squad, clearing a and PTSD, he was unable to ask husband, Daniel, her road of IEDs in Nangarhar Prov- for help, either because he was arm draped around the ince in Afghanistan on November afraid to ruin his military record, Dheadstone of her brother, 26, 2011. The intelligence they or because as a man, he thought Travis Staats, the way a sister does, had was sometimes right and he should be able to handle this casually affectionate. Staats was a sometimes wrong, and as Staats himself. casualty of the Iraq and Afghan- himself said, “sometimes the IED He left behind a wife, two tod- istan wars. It was Memorial Day would be just an inch off of where dlers, his sister, his family. None 2021 in Arling- of them sus- ton National pected he Cemetery, and “Travis didn’t want to lose his job and was suicidal. the poignancy All of them of this grave of his means to support his family. He had talked a man born in to him a day CEO-Elect Carmen Romero 1987 and dead loved his job and wanted to continue in or two before thanks the construction team at before age 30 he died, even the Terwilliger Place’s, “Topping was not lost on the night he

the service. So he didn’t get the help he Photo by Eden Brown Out,” ceremony, May 2021. other visitors, died, and who looked needed. We should make sure you don’t he was up- vTissue Paper (6 pack) over and saw beat and as vOven mitts the family’s get penalized for seeking help.” always, the v Optional: Welcome to the grief, still — Deanna Muir, sister one in the See Arlington, Page 9fresh, of Staats’ family every- death in 2015. one turned He started out as a sniper in it was supposed to be.” That was to for strength and a positive atti- the U.S. Marines, serving in both the day Staats’ luck ran out. tude. “He was the least likely per- Deanna and Daniel Muir spent Memorial Day at her broth- theaters, and then joined the U.S. But Staats didn’t die in Afghan- son to do this,” said Deanna. “We er’s grave in Arlington Cemetery. Travis Alan Staats, who had Army hoping to make it to the istan. He took his own life, four had no idea.” served in Afghanistan and Iraq, died in 2015. He tells about the Green Berets. “He was always years later, after returning to the Staats tells about the day he day he was blown up in a video called “Eyewitness War, Bomb looking for the next challenge,” U.S. to recover from the bombing See Remembering, Page 5 Squad Boom.” Biden, Harris mark On Hallowed Ground Memorial Day in Arlington. By Jeanne Theismann The Connection “We owe the

resident Joe Biden hon- honored dead ... ored the nation’s fallen military during a visit to our full best ef- PArlington National Cem- etery May 31, marking Memori- forts to perfect al Day by placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. the Union for The president was joined by first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Ka- which they died.” mala Harris and second gentleman — President Joe Biden Doug Emhoff in the dedication to at Arlington National deceased service members whose Cemetery May 31 Mark Mogle/The Connection remains have not been identified. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Mark Milley, chairman of the wider. We owe the honored dead ... Joint Chiefs of Staff, were also in our full best efforts to perfect the attendance. Union for which they died.” Following the wreath laying, Due to ongoing COVID-19 pre- Biden gave his first Memorial Day cautions, the assembled crowd was address as Commander-in-Chief. sparse and restricted to invited “This nation was built on an guests. idea, the idea of liberty and oppor- “Generation after generation of tunity for all,” Biden said. “We’ve American heroes are signed up to never fully realized that aspiration be part of the fight because they Rory Mogle, 9, with sisters Norah, 7, and Sarah, 10, mark Memorial Day with a visit to Section 60 of of our founders, but every gener- understand the truth that lives in Arlington National Cemetery where their great grandfather, Captain Silas Johnson, is buried. John- ation has opened the door a little See Biden, Harris, Page 8 son served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Arlington Connection v June 2-8, 2021 v 3 News Arlington Parks Ranked Fourth in Nation New measure assesses equity From Page 3 in park access. By Shirley Ruhe Arlington Connection

ome of the nation’s best parks are right down the block in Arlington. Arlington County parks were recent- Sly ranked fourth in the nation by the Trust for Public Land’s ParkScore Index. Whether you like to picnic, take the kids to cool off in a sprayground on hot summer days, grab a pick up game of basketball, make your retriever happy with a trip to the Lyon Village spray park Hayes Park. Family bouncing on play- local dog park, walk the trails or explore the ground equipment at Hayes Park on nature exhibits, you can find it in Arlington. Memorial Day. Park also has basketball ParkScore rankings are based equally on and tennis courts, covered picnic shel- five factors including Park Access, Park Acre- ter and spray park. age, Park Investment, Park Amenities and Accessibility, and Park Equity, a new crite- ria this year to measure how equitable park dicated that Arlington is committed to ad- land was for people of color and those with vancing equity and “glad that we have new lower incomes. information as to where we can improve so This year’s criteria were expanded to mea- that all Arlingtonians have equitable access sure accessibility beyond the general popu- to great public spaces.” lation and to focus on equitable access for The Board is focused on developing sever- all. al initiatives to address the current situation in Arlington, neighborhoods of color have in Arlington where neighborhoods of color 34 percent less park space than white neigh- have 34 percent less park space than white borhoods and low-income neighborhoods neighborhoods and low-income neighbor- have 34 percent less than high-income hoods have 34 percent less than high-income neighborhoods. neighborhoods. In order to work toward the Arlington rated highly in park investment goal of advancing equity with a vision of an with $347.72 spent per resident on parks Arlington where all are valued, the county and also on park amenities where they re- staff will ask who benefits, who is burdened, ceived perfect scores for dog parks, basket- who is missing, how do we know and what Shirlington Dog Park ball hoops and per capita spending. In addi- do/did we do. tion, 11 percent of Arlington is reserved for parks, and 99 percent of Arlington residents Photos by can walk to a park in 10 minutes or less, ex- Shirley Ruhe ceeding the national average of 75 percent. The Connection County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti in-

Ft. Ethan Allen Dog Park

Gulf Branch Nature Center Louis (Louie) Fedever cautiously tries out the spurting water at the native plant garden and Hayes Park sprayground on Memorial Day. The five spraygrounds Fall Heritage Festival in Arlington opened May 28 after closure last year during the pan- demic. Louie decided it was a little too cold and played ball with his big brother Enkule instead. James Hunter Dog Park 4 v Arlington Connection v June 2-8, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Remembering Travis Staats in Route 1 Multimodal Improvements Arlington National Cemetery Feasibility Study

From Page 3 Arlington County mental health problems you are weak, or unfit. No was injured in a National Geographic Eyewitness War one wants to talk about it. And the second thing is, I episode called “Bomb Squad Boom.” His Go-Pro fol- would make sure the returning military get the coun- Virtual Public Information Meeting lows the bomb squad as he tells his story — a young, seling they need. Travis was scared of losing his se- confident, even humorous realist. “The route we were curity clearance if he sought help for his emotional Wednesday, June 16, 2021, 6:30 p.m. clearing led from our base, and had a lot of traffic issues. He didn’t want to lose his job and his means www.virginiadot.org/route1multimodalstudy from the base that was headed out to other areas; to support his family. He loved his job and wanted to our job was route clearance so everyone else using continue in the service. So he didn’t get the help he The Department of Transportation (VDOT) invites you the road stayed safe.” But it was dangerous work, and knew he needed. So we need to make sure you don’t to join a public information meeting for the Route 1 Multimodal Staats notes in the video that every time he went out get penalized for seeking help.” “I knew in my head I might not come back.” An organization called Stop Soldiers Suicide re- Improvements Study. This virtual meeting will provide an opportunity His sensitivity about his role comes through when ports over 114,000 deaths by suicide of veterans since for the public to: he also explains the Taliban in that area were there to 2001, and since 2006, there has been an 86 percent • Learn about updated concepts and analysis of the future build kill U.S. personnel. As he narrates the story, his squad increase in suicide rates among 18-34 year old male watched a Predator kill two Taliban insurgents who veterans. • conditions on Route 1 had been placing an IED on the road. Deanna and Daniel had another reason to visit the • Provide input on proposed design elements along the corridor “People say we are sick-minded, some people say cemetery on Memorial Day. They are both in the Air • Ask questions and address concerns with the study team we are crazy. But if the Predator hadn’t taken out the Force. She is an Airman First Class who just finished enemy, they would have gone on to put down another basic training and has started her training as a pho- The purpose of this feasibility study is to identify enhanced multimodal IED and kill us. You gotta tune your mind into things tojournalist at Fort Meade; her husband has been in connectivity and accommodations along Route 1 (between 12th Street like this to help you cope.” The videos in the National the Air Force about 8 years, and is a staff sergeant to 23rd Streets South) to meet the changing transportation needs of Geographic series show how young these soldiers are, with a radio engineering and SATCOM background. the Crystal City and Pentagon City communities. and how they carry on with the mission even when They were separated for the pandemic, and now that one of the hummers blows up and their squad mem- they are both vaccinated, they were able to meet up in The meeting will be held as a virtual/online meeting. bers are medevaced by helicopter. Washington for a long-awaited reunion. He coached Information for participating in the virtual meeting is available That day, Staats thought he had a few minutes be- her long distance through Basic, took care of the dogs at www.virginiadot.org/route1multimodalstudy. The study fore they got to the IED the intelligence had indicated and her car, and she got through training and went team will make a short presentation beginning at 6:30 p.m. and they would defuse, so he grabbed a meatloaf MRE to a graduation full of empty seats. He drove up from followed by a question and answer period. (meals ready to eat) thinking, “Boy, this would be a their home state of Georgia to visit on this long week- terrible last meal!” That’s when his hummer went over end. Review study information and meeting details on the an IED they didn’t know about. Staats sustained trau- The grief of an untimely death aside, they are look- webpage above or during business hours at VDOT’s matic brain injuries and was hospitalized in Germany ing forward to their careers in military service as they District Office, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, until he returned to the U.S. also cherish the memory of Travis Staats. Serving their VA 22030. Please call ahead at 703-259-2599 or “He was never the same after the war service,” said country, and honoring others who have served, is just TTY/TDD 711 to make an appointment with appropriate Deanna. But it was so subtle, no one noticed just how part of who they are. different he was. He recovered physically but mental- To hear and see Travis Staats talk about his time personnel. ly he was struggling. No one knew he was haunted by in Afghanistan, see “Eyewitness War,” streaming on Give your comments during the meeting, or online by Shirlington Dog Park what he had seen and done in the war, by living every Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Caught-Out- July 2, 2021 day on the edge. Staats was like many other war vets; side-the-Wire/dp/B00ESB2M76/ref=sr_1_1?crid- via the comment form on the study website, he just didn’t talk about it. =XPQ78XECPCY7&dchild=1&keywords=eyewit- by mail to Mr. Dan Reinhard, P.E., Virginia Department of ness+war+full+episodes&qid=1622477734&s=in- Transportation, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030 or by WHAT WOULD his sister want done differently for stant-video&sprefix=eyewitness+war+%2Cin- email to [email protected]. those returning with PTSD and mental health issues stant-video%2C156&sr=1-1 from Afghanistan and Iraq? VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all “I’d definitely want to reduce the stigma of men- To learn more about suicide among returning sol- programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of tal health issues,” she said. “People think if you have diers, see: https://stopsoldiersuicide.org/vet-stats the . If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, “Flourishing After 55” contact VDOT Civil Rights at 703-259-1775.

Office of 55+ Programs Drumming Circle, Tuesday, June 1, 10 Thursday, June 3, 11 a.m. Registra- Department of Parks a.m., Langston-Brown Community tion # 914601-01. UPC: 115882 and Recreation Center basketball court, 2121 N. Arlington’s Magnolia Bog, wetlands 3829 N. Stafford St., Culpeper Street. Registration # near the Four Mile Run watershed, Arlington, VA 22207 914300-07. hear from Natural Resources Man- 703-228-4747 55+ Live! Talk Show, up-to-date ager Alonso Abugattas, Thursday, preview of programs and activities, June 3, 10 a.m. Registration # Tuesday, June 1, noon. 914400-22. Sign up for Date: 5-26-21 Registration # 914801-13. Afternoon hangout with fellow 55+ Contact: Judy Massabny, Yarn creations group meets for infor- members, casual conversation, FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION [email protected] mal sharing of ideas and fellow- Thursday, June 3, 3 p.m. Registra- 55+ Programs are virtual. A 55+ ship, Tuesday, June 1, 1:30 p.m. tion # 914801-19. to all of our papers Membership is required to attend Registration # 914703-01. Basic drawing class, hone skills ($20 annual fee). Learn more at Book club to meet at Langston-Brown through keeping a sketchbook, parks.arlingtonva.us, search 55+ 55+ Center, 2121 N. Culpepper Friday, June 4, 1:30 p.m. Presented member. To join or register, go to St., to discuss “The Dutch House” by art instructor Ruth King. Regis- registration.arlingtonva.us or call by Ann Patchett, Wednesday, June tration # 914301-02. 703-228-4747. 2, 11 a.m. Registration # 914402- Armchair travel group to view video 01. of sheer cliffs and rock formations Virtual & Outdoor Programs Local history discussion group to focus in Bryce Canyon National Park, on Ye Olde Arlington Antique Southern Utah, Friday, June 4, 3 Virtual Fitness Challenge begins Shoppes, Wednesday, June 2, 1:30 p.m. Registration # 914402-18. Tuesday, June 1 and ends Saturday, p.m. Registration # 914402-10. Virtual tour of artworks and artifacts Nov. 6 at 3 p.m. Run, walk, hike, Open Mic talent slots, sign up for a in the Metropolitan Museum of bike. For more information and to three to five minute slot by email- Art, led by a museum guide, Friday, register, call 703-228-4747. Regis- ing [email protected]. June 4, 1:30 p.m. Registration # www.connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe tration # 914899-01. Travel Trivia, stimulating challenge, 902106-02. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Arlington Connection v June 2-8, 2021 v 5 News

Democrats On the Ballot June 8 In order as they appear on the ballot Some voters will also have a delegate race on their ballots. Photo by Michael Lee Pope/The Connection Governor

Terry McAuliffe Jennifer McClellan

Voters will be selecting Democratic nominees for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general in the June 8 primary. Democrats Decide Lee Carter Voters to determine direction of party in June 8 primary. By Michael Lee Pope More Election Coverage The Connection Lieutenant Governor http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2021/may/20/con- vention-done-primary-ahead/ he June 8 primary will http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2021/apr/15/run- determine the direction ning-second-command/ of the Democratic Party Tin Virginia at a critical la (D-51) for Lieutenant Governor, were experiencing an identity cri- time, when the commonwealth is a Democrat from Prince William sis. emerging from the pandemic and County who identifies as an- Af “I was moved to run [again] trying to recast itself as something ro-Latina-Lebanese-Irish woman. because I love this state,” Godwin other than a party in opposition to Campaign finance records show said in 1973 during a campaign former President . she’s struggled to raise as much speech in Southwest Virginia. “And Hala Ayala Sam Rasoul Andria McClellan Opposition to the former president money as Del. Sam Rasoul (D-11) I don’t want the liberal left to take helped Democrats claim the trifec- or Del. Mark Levine (D-45). over the state and lead us down ta — all three statewide offices, “Establishment Democrats clear- the path of ruin, and I don’t think the House of Delegates and the ly think that Hala Ayala is going to you do either.” state Senate. Now they’ll be facing be the better candidate in the gen- Now, almost half a century later, a Republican ticket that has racial eral election,” said Quentin Kidd, a the Virginia Democrats are facing a diversity, gender diversity and geo- political science professor at Chris- different kind of identity crisis. Do graphic diversity. topher Newport University. “But they want to return McAuliffe to “We have the momentum, en- that doesn’t mean that she would power at a time when Democrats ergy, and grassroots organization be, and that doesn’t mean that control the General Assembly, or to send good, solid Republicans to she’ll win the Democratic primary.” give the nomination to a new gen- Richmond,” said Rich Anderson, eration? Supporters of Sen. Jenni- Sean Perryman Mark Levine Xavier Warren chairman of the Republican Party AT THE TOP of the ticket is the fer McClellan (D-9) point to her of Virginia. “And we’re going to race for governor. Former Gov. Ter- long record of service in the House fight harder than ever to ensure we ry McAuliffe has an outsized lead and Senate, noting that she’s been do just that.” in the polls and the fundraising, in Virginia politics much longer Attorney General Democrats head into Election although it’s extremely rare for a than any other candidate including Day likely to nominate white males former governor to decide to seek McAuliffe. Her campaign issued a from Northern Virginia as gover- a non-consecutive term. It hasn’t fact-check after Del. Jennifer Car- nor and attorney general, while been done since 1973, when for- roll Foy (D-2), who served one full the election for lieutenant gov- mer Gov. Mills Godwin was elected term in the House before resign- ernor remains wide open. Voters to a second non-consecutive term ing to run for governor, repeated- could end up selecting a Democrat- after a four-year absence from ly called herself “one of the most ic ticket that is three white males the Executive Mansion. In his first effective legislators in Virginia his- from Northern Virginia. That’s one term, Godwin was a Democrat. tory.” of the reasons why Gov. Ralph But eight years later, he switched “Jenn McClellan is the most ex- Northam attempted to tip the parties and became a Republican perienced and effective candidate Mark Herring scales by endorsing Del. Hala Aya- during a time when both parties See Democrats, Page 9 See Ebbin, Page 9 6 v Arlington Connection v June 2-8, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Opinion Ebbin: Bennett-Parker Is Best Choice For Delegate emocratic primary voters in the 45th House of Del- Degates District (parts of Alexandria, south Arlington and Mount Vernon) will choose their nominee for Delegate on Tuesday, June 8. I am endorsing Elizabeth Bennett-Parker because I need a partner in Richmond who will be an effective and collaborative Del- egate. Elizabeth has done the hard, often thankless work that makes government work for the people. Whether it’s working with wom- en re-entering society, delivering transportation solutions as chair of the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Board, or on the City Coun- cil where she helped formulate the city’s thoughtful pandemic response, particularly regarding food insecurity, Vice Mayor Ben- nett-Parker has already delivered real results in the 45th district and earned the respect of those who work with her. Vice Mayor Bennett-Parker’s personal, impactful record of re- sults is the product of her atten- tive, forward thinking approach to leadership. You will rarely hear her take credit for these accomplish- ments because she is already on to the next pressing issue, listening to those she represents and dog- gedly fighting for their interests. This is reflected throughout her campaign, which has charted out a path to more affordable health- care, resilient local infrastructure, and stronger educational opportu- nities for every student. The elected officials who know the candidates best are joining me in supporting Elizabeth Ben- nett-Parker. She is endorsed by an array of local officials including former 45th District Delegates and Marian Van Land- ingham; Alexandria City Council Members John Taylor Chapman, Del Pepper and former Council Member Tim Lovain; former Mayor Bill Euille; Arlington County Board members Katie Cristol, Libby Gar- vey, and Matt de Ferranti; Mount Vernon Supervisor Dan Storck and other community leaders like for- mer Alexandria NAACP president Christopher Harris, former Fairfax Democratic Chair Dan Lagana and Former Virginia Deputy Education Secretary David Temple. These leaders know what it takes to be effective in Richmond and believe Elizabeth to be an outstanding choice. See Ebbin, Page 9 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Arlington Connection v June 2-8, 2021 v 7 News Biden, Harris Mark Memorial Day in Arlington

From Page 3 every American heart: that liber- ation, opportunity, justice are far more likely to come to pass in a democracy than in an autocra- cy,” Biden said. “These Americans weren’t fighting for dictators, they were fighting for democracy. They Photos by Mark Mogle/The Connection weren’t fighting to exclude or to enslave, they were fighting to build and broaden and liberate.” Following the ceremony, the Bidens made a visit to Section 12, one of the primary burial locations of service members killed over- President Joe Biden leaves Arlington National Cemetery May 31 seas and repatriated to the United following his Memorial Day address and wreath laying at the Tomb States after World War II and the of the Unknown Soldier. Korean War. More than 400,000 service members are enshrined at Arlington National Cemetery. Arlingtoncemetery.mil

A visitor places flowers at a grave in Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery to mark Memorial Day May 31.

Crowds acknowledge President Joe Biden as his limousine passes through Arlington National Cemetery May 31. A Navy Captain and SEAL salutes the grave of a fallen comrade May 31 in Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery.

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden visit Section 12 of Arling- ton National Cemetery following Biden’s Memorial Day remarks and wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier May 31. Section 12 is one of the primary burial locations of service members killed A member of the TAPS Good Grief Camp places sunflowers at overseas and repatriated to the graves in Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery May 31. United States after World War II and the Korean War.

A woman reflects at the grave of Onyekachi “J.R.” Erengwa in Men sit among the graves of fallen comrades May 31 in Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery. Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery May 31. 8 v Arlington Connection v June 2-8, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing

From Page 6 team will continue work on exteri- apartment community. “I re- neighborhood personalized or sheathing, window installation, member him saying, you know Democrats Decide note. exterior masonry, as well as me- Nina, you can’t just do that, From Page 6 To donate or pledge a com- chanical, electrical, and plumbing it’s only zoned for a few more (D-89). Herring was the town at- plete basket, please fill out the systems. units.” But the possibility stuck for governor. Full stop,” said Del. torney in Lovettsville and served following registration form Terwilliger Place will be home in Janopaul’s mind—there was (D-42). “As a delegate, on the Loudoun County Board of to learn more about drop-off to 160 units of affordable housing land, and a high-rise next door, I’ve seen the difference between Supervisors before being elected date/location and any addi- and a new ground floor condo for why couldn’t APAH find a way legislators who lead when the to the state Senate in a 2006 spe- tional instructions. American Legion Post 139. Of the to build more to meet Arling- going gets tough and those who cial election after Attorney General https://docs.google.com/ 160 units, 50% will have a veter- ton’s community need? don’t. Jenn McClellan is a leader Bob McDonnell appointed Sen. Bill forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfhEgb- ans preference, providing critical Though it had felt a little who lifts up all Virginians.” Mims (R-33) chief deputy attorney Photos by Mark Mogle/The Connection vzj7jUO-Q1eaids8gd2TRjh1jb- housing and resources to support like ‘whack-a-mole’, APAH was general. p5xCce4Kc8UD6m0oA/view- the needs of low-income veterans working its way through some THE RACE FOR lieutenant gover- Herring was elected attorney form in our community. It is expected of the big financial challenges nor is the race that will determine general in 2013, and he’s now seek- For questions, please contact to be completed in summer/ fall Janopaul faced when she ar- the missing third of the statewide ing a third term in office. During Volunteer Manager Aseel El- 2022. rived at APAH. “In those ear- Democratic ticket. Sam Rasoul his time as attorney general, he borno at [email protected] ly years, it wasn’t at all about has raised and spent more money created a new Office of Civil Rights or 571.249.2928. Reflections on APAH’s 14 Years growth or adding to APAH’s than any other candidate, a nota- as well as a new conviction integ- of Growth portfolio. We were just focused ble achievement considering he rity unit and a new worker protec- Terwilliger If Nina Janopaul’s earliest days on finding resources and solu- refuses to take money from special tion unit while also reorganizing Place’s “Topping Out” at APAH were a master class in cri- tions for five different proper- interest PACs or lobbyists. During the consumer protection section. In May, APAH joined CBG sis management, opportunities for ties in different kinds of dis- a televised debate on WJLA last He opposed Virginia’s ban on gay Building Company to cele- growth and greater service to the tress.” But as the challenges week, anchor Dave Lucas asked if marriage, fought against Trump’s brate Lucille & Bruce Terwillig- community also began to emerge began to ease, possibilities be- Rasoul believed he could represent Muslim ban, and overturend Re- er Place’s “Topping Out”, the — and the key was planning. gan to arise. Virginians of all faiths. The tele- publican gerrymandering in the milestone when a new project “For me,” Janopaul recalled, “it A few years later, it was Chris vised question caused a firestorm United States Supreme Court. completes its tallest part of the was a big discovery that long range Zimmerman, then a member of because Rasoul is Muslim, and the “I’ve transformed the job into project. The construction team planning was such a powerful the Arlington County Board, question employed anti-Muslim a progressive powerhouse,” said and APAH staff celebrated this and flexible tool that could make who urged Janopaul to con- tropes. Herring. “I have proven that I can milestone at the site on a beau- it possible for APAH to do some- nect with planning. He noted “Sadly, this isn’t what Virgin- win even the biggest fights.” tiful, sunny day, enjoying bar- thing really innovative.” Walking that Arlington was doing sector ians are wanting to hear about,” Jones was first elected in 2017, becue from neighboring Rock- APAH’s Columbia Grove property plans all the time and APAH said Rasoul. “They’re wanting to part of the first Democratic wave lands, and the views of the in 2007 with an advisor, Janopaul should participate. Over one hear about how we’re going to im- that began the transformation of Virginia Square community. speculated about how much ad- memorable conversation, Chris prove access to their health care, the House of Delegates. In the months to come, the ditional affordable housing could pointed out the proximity of about broadband issues, how we Since that time, he’s been seen Terwilliger Place construction be added to the sprawling garden See Arlington, Page 11 are going to safely get kids back in as a rising star in the party. Jones school.” says it’s time to hand the office WJLA eventually apologized, to the next generation, and as an calling the question “inappropriate African-American man he says he and disrespectful.” Meanwhile, Ra- would be able to bring his lived Same Company, Same Employees, soul picked up new endorsements experience into conversations and gained a ton of free publicity. about criminal justice reform and Same Great Value - Now Celebrating 20 Years! But he wasn’t the only candidate to equity. During a televised debate, seize on a moment from the WJLA he avoided answering questions debate. When the candidates were about a bill he introduced that TWO POOR TEACHERS asked if critical race theory should would have allowed predatory be taught in Virginia classrooms, lenders to charge 350 percent former Fairfax NAACP president interest — a point of distinction Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling Sean Perryman seized the moment that provides contrast with Her- to explain that the law-school con- ring, who worked with lawmak- cept wasn’t being taught in K-12 ers to pass the Fairness in Lending classrooms. Act. Jones never withdrew his bill “Critical race theory is not even which died in committee, although being taught in our schools,” said he ended up voting for the bill that Perryman. “It’s a Republican dog Herring supported. whistle where anything they dis- “The attorney general knows agree with is critical race theory.” that he and I supported the exact same bill,” said Jones. “I was hap- ATTORNEY GENERAL Mark Her- py to work with Delegate Bagby, ring is the only statewide incum- the chair of the Legislative Black bent seeking reelection. He’s be- Caucus, who has endorsed my ing challenged by Del. Jay Jones campaign.”

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10 v Arlington Connection v June 2-8, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Nearly Business Nicked Arlington Partnership Directory By KENNETH B. LOURIE Recently, I made the mistake of clicking on an WWW.CONNECTIONNEWSPAPERS.COM email from an unfamiliar sender. It said “Membership For Affordable Housing Renewed,” as in money had been spent by yours Call 703-549-0004 truly. But I hadn’t spent any money renewing a mem- bership that I knew of, and there is, I imagine, the From Page 9 for advertising information again. “I look back and there were so many axis on which some phishing scams are turning: By APAH’s Carlin Springs property to the area challenges,” Romero recalled, “from surviv- peeking your instinct to know where and what one’s where Harris Teeter and the Mercedes Benz ing a $2 million flood near the end of con- money is doing. Maybe I forgot something? Maybe repair shop were pursuing rezoning. “The struction, a fire at the church before dem- ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL my wife, Dina, paid for something and forgot to process had been going on for three years,” mention it? Maybe, maybe, maybe - so I clicked. The olition began, relocating and rebuilding a email looked as if it had been sent by “Geek Squad” Janopaul recalled, “but APAH jumped in the daycare center that could have been put out with whom I have a service contract so I called to final year. I was so proud. Even though we of business by the redevelopment, and get- inquire further about this ‘paid membership.’ came into the process late, we worked with ting a full-on ‘no’ from the National Capital The conversation began innocently enough. They the community and the others in the pro- Presbytery and coming back a year later to a confirmed my membership and seemed to have cess—developing at least ten iterations of standing ovation and a ‘yes’. my pertinent data as well so I continued. When I our plan until we reached agreement.” couldn’t recall this money being spent - and they And we faced all of this without ever hav- couldn’t tell me the last four numbers of the account APAH’s project was the first to be built. ing an unkind word with our partner the en- which had been debited, I grew cautious, as I had The Springs Apartments were completed in tire time. “That’s what I am the most proud been down this road once before. Nevertheless, I 2016, bringing 104 beautiful, new, afford- of—APAH’s resilience and commitment to LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING persisted. Since I had “Geeks” (or whomever, unbe- able apartments where there had been just honor their vision.” knownst to me) on the phone, I figured I’d ask if they could fix a computer problem (no volume) and asked 27, and a new first-floor office for the rapid- That power of partnership continues to if the repair was covered by my service contract. ly growing organization. fuel APAH’s growth. “I love bringing people They assured me that it was. And so, I gave them The success at The Springs was a water- to Gilliam Place and see them get excited,” access to my computer so they could address the shed. “I began to realize that you can work said Janopaul. “I remember bringing folks problem remotely. After computer fits and starts, and with your community and together create from American Legion Post 139, with whom curious delays, they confessed that they were unable a new, shared vision.” Over the years that APAH is now developing Terwilliger Place, to fix the problem. So, and here it is, the hook: since they were unable to fix my computer, they wanted to followed, APAH repeated these complicated and seeing them embrace that same spirit.” I Summer Cleanup... refund me the ‘membership’ fee. That was excruciat- entitlement journeys over and over again. think they saw what we did at Gilliam Place ingly familiar so I knew it was time to exit stage right. “When I reflect on APAH’s growth,” -Jano and said ’I want to work with a partner that What had happened to me previously is that I paul commented, “I am really proud of that. is going to be here for me, a partner that didn’t get out soon enough. I didn’t know then what It’s all about getting the right people on the is going to do the impossible to reach our I know now so I agreed to the refund and gave them team, presenting attractive building designs, vision’.” the last four of my account, and sure enough they displaying data about the dire need, sharing electronically deposited the money into my checking “That same spirit of partnership is really account (or so it appeared. I later learned that no stories about neighbors being displaced, plus with the community as well,” added Jano- actual money had ever been transferred). However, sitting in those little folding chairs with oth- paul. “The community in Arlington said they made a mistake, they said. They deposited ers in the community for hours and hours. I we’ve got this Affordable Housing Master $3,000 instead of $300. They apologized profusely think our work was really groundbreaking. Plan that says we need thousands more at their mistake and requested that I pay them back As we did it over and over again, we got re- units, and APAH said, ‘OK, let’s step up and $3,000, which I thought was odd; why not just ally good at it. Our work with the long-range withdraw the money the same way they deposited do that. And let’s not do it in a minor way. Landscape Drainage Landscape Drainage it? They said they couldn’t and I needed to pay them planning process has made affordable hous- Let’s build 200-unit apartments. How can back. When I refused to follow their directions on ing happen where there was no zoning path we work with our architects, and with fi- how to pay them back (again, since they couldn’t and no possibility before.” nancing tools to help our community meet withdraw the money/stop payment, whatever), by Partnership has been as important to AP- its ambitious goals? When we opened Ar- getting cash and then going to a Western Union AH’s growth as planning. Incoming CEO, lington Mill in 2015 we had a huge waiting office and sending it back that way, I knew I was Carmen Romero, points with pride to Gil- hooked. Then they threatened to disable my com- list with 3,000 people on it. We knew that puter unless I paid them back exactly as I had been liam Place, APAH’s collaboration with Ar- people needed affordable housing, and it instructed. Then they erased all the icons on my lington Presbyterian Church (APC). “There didn’t make sense to do it halfway.” desktop as a last attempt to coerce me to pay up. At were so many times along the way that the It was that desire to serve, to really meet this point, it had been nearly two hours since I made answer was ‘no’, or ‘this is too hard’, or ‘too the growing need for affordable housing in first contact, and I could see/feel where the conver- risky’,” Romero recalled, “but we never gave Arlington and beyond, that fueled APAH’s sation was going, so I risked it and hung up. Sure enough, my computer was wiped clean and locked. up. APC was our partner and we really be- decision in 2018 expand its work to other I couldn’t access anything. The next day, I called lieved in what they wanted to do.” jurisdictions in the DMV. “As an organiza- Best Buy and explained the problem and how it had The result is beautiful housing for 173 tion, we have really honed our approach to happened. They suggested I bring in my computer families. “But the multi-faceted project is planning and partnerships,” Janopaul noted, tower for an analysis. Within a day, they had identi- also so much more,” Romero noted. “It’s “and we want to bring those skills to other fied the problem and offered a solution. They could unlock my computer, no problem, but the computer economic development and creating new places. And we also want to keep learning would have to be reset to the way it was when I first businesses for entrepreneurs of color on and innovating. Now that APAH has projects bought it. It wasn’t a total disaster as most data was the Pike through our partnership with La in five jurisdictions, it has really widened retrievable. As “The Three Stooges” would have said: Cocina VA. It’s housing for young adults our horizons. We can see that the world is “It wasn’t a total loss.” with autism and seeing a resident who can- not all one cookie cutter. Some places have This recent caller was once again leading me not speak spell out on a video that living at a lot of public land, others have funding, but down the garden path. A path which would have Gilliam Place is like a dream. It’s having a ended at a rabbit hole into which me and money no land to spare; some places are focused on would have disappeared. The caller tried desperately place for APC’s congregation to worship and preservation, others want new construction. to keep me on the line. I said I was at work and had thrive. It’s beautiful, open, contemplative I think the expansion is helping APAH step to go. I told him I didn’t expect the call to last so space for the neighborhood. It’s having Gov- into an even better version of itself—to be long and I promised to call him back. He had access ernor Northam come to the property and more nimble and innovative.” to my computer - remotely, so I was afraid he could announce half a billion dollars in rent re- As she prepares to step up as APAH’s new cause similar computer trouble as had happened lief and then walk around the property and before under eerily similar circumstances. He con- CEO, Carmen Romero is in full agreement. firmed - so he thought, that I had his phone number touch the stone on the building that we had “For me and for APAH’s Board, geographic and so I hung up, cautiously optimistic that I hadn’t preserved and brought back from the orig- expansion has always been ‘both/and’, and I earned his wrath. I never called him back but for the inal church. I’m just so proud of what we think that’s wonderful. I think we are a bet- next four hours, he called me back several times, a achieved at Gilliam Place and how it inspires ter partner to Arlington by being regional as number from Los Angeles. I never answered, obvi- APAH and the community to imagine and re- well. It opens up how we approach things, ously. If I had I might not be pleased with myself. alize truly amazing outcomes together.” we see how other communities address Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative for Over Gilliam Place’s seven-year journey, problems, and are learning new tools and The Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers. APAH’s tenacity was tested over and over strategies.” www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Arlington Connection v June 2-8, 2021 v 11 12 v Arlington Connection v June 2-8, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com