Wellbeing Page 14
Mount Vernon’s Hometown Newspaper • A Connection Newspaper July 8, 2021 Beloved Martha, Mary Wiseman, Looks Back with Joy Mount Vernon’s Martha Washington is hanging up the bonnet and dress after 20 years.
By Mike Salmon er and the two got mar- The Connection ried in early 1759 and she moved into Mount or Mary Wise- Vernon. man, historically There were illnesses portraying Lady and deaths in the family, FWashington for and a new grandchild of nearly 20 years at the Martha’s was born, and Mount Vernon planta- then she traveled up to tion has branched out Valley Forge in the win- in ways she never could ter of 1777 to be with imagine back in the be- George. ginning. She’s become Photo by Mike Salmon/The Gazette In 1783, the Revolu- an originator of “char- tionary War was over, acter interpretation,” an George returned home, expert on the life and and became the first times of the real Mar- president in 1789.” tha, a history teacher of George Washington sorts, and a character died in 1799 and Martha around the Mount Ver- died on May 22, 1802. non community where “After he died, she real- she’s lived for the past ly didn’t want to go on,” 15 years. Now she’s Wiseman said. “They passing the bonnet to a were really partners.” younger Martha char- As Martha, Wiseman acter interpreter, and has gotten to ride down looks back with joy at Pennsylvania Avenue Mount Vernon character interpreter Mary Wiseman as Martha Washington. her opportunities. in the Memorial Day “I didn’t intend to be- parades, rode in a GW come the nation’s grandmother, Birthday parade in Old Town, par- but I kind of did,” Wiseman said, ticipated in July 4th celebrations, “it’s been a joy for me.” candlelight Christmas events, and For years, she’d wake up in her met another famous Martha, Mar- Belle View apartment, put on the tha Stewart. authentic-looking bonnet and “I had the delight of giving Mar- puffy dress and drive the short dis- Photos Contributed tha Stewart a recommendation,” tance to the plantation where she’d she said. smile, teach history and bring au- Other people she’s met were thenticity for the thousands that Lady Gird Johnson, Kathleen Mat- walked through the gate. The thews, Jane Pauley, Katie Couric, visitors would feel like they were and attended Sen. John Warner’s talking to the real Martha. “I’m birthday. In 1982, there was a very proud of that,” she said. George Washington mini series Wiseman and Martha shared Mount Vernon character interpreter Mary starring Jacquelyn Smith and, “I many traits in real life, only coin- Wiseman as Martha Washington poses with her was their consultant,” Wiseman cidence, but it added to the por- grandson Zach, 15, who was her grandson in the said. trayal. They were both of Welsh Martha world when he was a baby. Over the last few years, she’s and English descent, both doting trained Elizabeth Keaney to be the grandmothers, and both came new Martha, and Keaney will be from the same part of Virginia be- coming in to portray Martha, and tween Richmond and Fredericks- also living in Belle View. Keaney burg. That’s where Wiseman lives an opening in Mount Vernon, so move to an area riddled with the From Mary to Martha started playing Martha’s grand- now in New Kent County. “I live she jumped on it, commuting for congestion and traffic. The com- It took some studying at first daughter years ago, and now “she about 10 miles as the crow flies a while. In 2004, she moved to munity of Belle View embraced though. sounds exactly like me,” Wiseman from where Martha her though, and at “In studying her character, I was said. was born,” she said. “I Primo’s Restaurant, impressed with how much she ac- Wiseman’s bonnet and puffy didn’t plan any of it.” “I didn’t intend to become the they know her or- complished,” said Wiseman. dress will still be in use though for It all started in Wil- der and the special Martha Washington was born an occasional appearance for a his- liamsburg back in the nation’s grandmother, but I kind salad she gets. “I Martha Dandridge, the oldest of tory class or guest appearance in 1970s where she was became a fixture in eight children, in New Kent Coun- New Kent County. perfecting the skill of of did. it’s been a joy for me.” that area,” she said. ty, Virginia. While in Mount Vernon this character interpreta- — Mary Wiseman as Martha Washington Many times, she She married Daniel Parke Custis summer, Wiseman is filming a doc- tion on a variety of would leave on the in 1750 and gave birth to Daniel umentary of sorts on her life, and characters in Colonial bonnet and dress Parke Custis the son, in 1751, and was surprised with a medal — a Williamsburg. Martha Washing- Belle View and took on the role, — and smile. “People could come then Francis Parke Custis in 1753. purple heart from her father who ton was one of the characters she even though her contacts in Wil- and sit down with me and talk,” Her husband died in 1757, and she was killed in World War II right be- studied, and years later, there was liamsburg couldn’t believe she’d she said. met George Washington a year lat- fore she was born. McEnearney Associates has always had one motto in mind... not to be the biggest, but the best. For more than 40 years, our Associates have lived in and supported Alexandria, helping to build our town into the thriving community it is today. To learn more about our Associates and our firm, visitwww.WeAreAlexandria.com #WeAreAlexandria
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New Alexandria | $625,000 Bucknell Heights | $400,000 Rosemont | $649,900 Come see this charming 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath cape cod Come and imagine yourself relaxing on the large front Picture perfect and move-in ready, this charmer is home on The Meadow minutes from Old Town. Updated porch, or gathered with friends around the fire pit. less than 1 mile to the King Street Metro and centrally cabinets and granite countertops, main floor office and This nice home enjoyed a top to bottom remodel in located between the amenities of Old Town and Del private landscaped yard perfect for gathering friends. 2013/2014 which updated the whole house and added Ray. Light and bright with windows on three sides, this Too wonderful to miss! 6404 14th St W. a wonderful 160 square foot front porch. end-unit townhome has been thoughtfully renovated. Rebecca McCullough 571.384.0941 Charles Hulfish 703.314.2575 Lauren Bishop 202.361.5079 www.RebeccaMcCullough.com www.HulfishHomes.com www.LaurenBishopHomes.com
Serving the Washington, DC Metro Area since 1980. 703.549.9292 | 109 S. Pitt Street | Alexandria, VA 22314 | McEnearney.com 2 v Mount Vernon Gazette v July 8-14, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com McEnearney Associates has always had one motto in mind... not to be the biggest, but the best. For more than 40 years, our Associates have lived in and supported Alexandria, News helping to build our town into the thriving community it is today. To learn more about our Associates and our firm, visitwww.WeAreAlexandria.com #WeAreAlexandria Marijuana Is Now Legal The long strange trip from a failed war on drugs to social equity licenses.
By Michael Lee Pope could also end up getting prefer- GAZETTE PACKET ential treatment, although all the specifics of how those social equity moke ‘em if you’ve got ‘em licenses will work have yet to be because pot is now legal in approved by the General Assembly. the commonwealth of Vir- Some are opposed to that ap- Sginia. For advocates who proach. have been working in the trenches “You cannot provide preferential for years, the new law that goes treatment lifting up one class or Old Town | $1,985,000 Hollindale | $799,000 into effect July 1 is the culmina- group of citizens without diminish- Built in 1789, this distinguished 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath brick townhouse embodies the historic beauty of yesteryear with Sited on a private 3/4 acre lot is this iconic one-of- tion of years of determination in ing the rights of another,” said Sen. today’s modern conveniences including generously proportioned rooms, original hardwood floors, 12 over 12 windows, a-kind, mid-century modern home. Glorious floor-to- the face of seemingly impossible Bill DeSteph (R-8), previewing the tall ceilings, exquisite built-ins, and a well-equipped kitchen with adjoining family room. Entertaining is effortless in the ceiling windows throughout, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, odds. The tide began to turn after coming debate over the issue in spacious library and stately dining room where two Presidents have dined. The second level features a spectacular whole house generator. Picturesque pool, patios, 2-car Democrats seized control of the 2022. parlor, primary bedroom with original millwork, guest suite and updated baths. One car off-street parking space. garage and carport. General Assembly and lawmak- ers started taking a new look at THE CREATION OF A new indus- Babs Beckwith 703.627.5421 Robin Arnold 703.966.5457 Drug Enforcement Administration police brutality after the murder www.BabsBeckwith.com www.RobinArnoldSells.com try also allows Virginia to create of George Floyd. Now that law is new worker protections for em- signed, sealed, delivered and ready ployees in the marijuana business, to light up. OPEN SUN 7/11, 2-4PM including prohibiting worker mis- “Virginians have long been call- classification and union busting. ing for the end of prohibition,” said Gov. Ralph Northam and House Jenn Michelle Pedini, the executive Democrats want to prevent license director of Virginia NORML who holders from taking sides in union led the fight for legalization. “In organizing efforts and require 2021, their voices are finally being them to pay a prevailing wage. heard.” That’s a proposal that’s likely to re- Although marijuana is now le- ceive opposition from Republicans gal in small amounts for adults, and conservative Democrats who possession of more than an ounce As of July 1, possession of less than an ounce of marijuana is legal in Virginia. support Virginia’s right-to-work can result in a civil penalty of $25 law. and possession of more than one gal, although you can smoke it in ed everything from expunging old try will work and how licenses are “These are state licensees, just Del Ray | $729,000 Marina Towers | $329,000 Stratford on the Potomac | $749,900 pound is a felony. This mirrors the privacy of your home or any- convictions in the failed war on granted. Located in the heart of Del Ray. Gleaming hardwood Large, sunny 840 square foot, renovated one bedroom, Lots of natural light and hardwood floors greet you as like a contractor or a doctor or a the way other states have eased where on your property. In many drugs to the creation of a new Can- “It is quite rare for a new in- lawyer or your plumber,” said Ste- floors upstairs, new carpet on the lower level, 3 one bath condo is ready for you to move in! Parking you enter this delightful home on over a quarter-acre lot. into legalization, allowing small ways, the new rules around pot nabis Control Authority. The effort dustry to just show up somewhat phen Haner, a senior fellow at the bedrooms, 2 baths, off-street parking. Updated kitchen and utilities included in the condo fee! Steps to Large kitchen walks out to the large deck overlooking amounts before gradually increas- mirror all the existing ones around almost fell apart in the Senate, suddenly, but Virginia has had the Thomas Jefferson Institute. “There’s with granite countertops, new cabinets, dishwasher, restaurants, grocers, cleaners, sport and health gym the fenced, lush backyard. Four bedrooms, three ing how much of the drug they alcohol. Having an open container where some conservative Demo- opportunity to watch and learn no other state licensee where the li- refrigerator & microwave 2021.101 E Oxford Ave. and more. One traffic light to Washington, DC. baths, recessed lights, large family room and more! can have on them at a given time. of marijuana in a vehicle is not al- crats opposed legalization. from other jurisdictions,” said Paul censing requirements are tied into Sally Z Harper 703.517.2849 Cherie Wilderotter 703.371.3345 Chris Hayes 703.944.7737 Many advocates “People smoke Seaborn, a professor at the McIn- basically what I consider a very pro- www.SallyZHarper.com www.CherieWilderotter.com Gordon Wood 703.447.6138 applaud the new marijuana to get tire School of Commerce at the union interpretation.” law legalizing pot “The prohibition on marijuana has high,” said Sen. University of Virginia. “The goals Labor leaders see this as an op- in small amounts, Chap Petersen (D- as they’ve been stated in Virginia portunity to protect workers be- OPEN SAT 7/10 & SUN 7/11, 2-4PM but they say keep- failed both in this commonwealth 34). “The purpose is to make this new industry more fore they are hired in an industry ing the penalties of smoking it is to equitable than most or maybe all that won’t even begin until 2024. for larger amounts and in this country.” create an altered of our other industries.” As is the case with the social equi- is problematic. — Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-30) mental state, and When the Cannabis Control Au- ty licenses, the rules about worker “This is one step that may be fine on thority starts granting licenses, misclassification and union busting to eliminate the your own time but some applicants are likely to have can be targeted to work against racist policing around simple pos- lowed, and driving under the influ- once you legalize something peo- priority over others. For example, some of the damage created by the session,” said Chelsea Higgs Wise, ence remains illegal. ple have the ability to pretty much people who have been convicted failed war on drugs. But that will executive director of Marijuana “The prohibition on marijuana use it anytime they want.” of possession of marijuana might only happen if lawmakers are able Justice Virginia. “People are still has failed both in this common- end up receiving preferential treat- to get the legislation out of both incarcerated for larger amounts wealth and in this country,” said THE DEBATE OVER chambers, which could than one ounce, and Virginia Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-30), who in- LEGALIZATION culmi- be tricky. New Alexandria | $625,000 Bucknell Heights | $400,000 Rosemont | $649,900 is making a way to profit off of troduced the bill legalizing mari- nated in a moment of “This is one step to eliminate “This is an industry Come see this charming 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath cape cod Come and imagine yourself relaxing on the large front Picture perfect and move-in ready, this charmer is pounds of marijuana while really juana. “Cannabis does not have to high drama in the Sen- that was specifically home on The Meadow minutes from Old Town. Updated porch, or gathered with friends around the fire pit. less than 1 mile to the King Street Metro and centrally ignoring and neglecting a lot of be the boogeyman that some are ate, which was meeting the racist policing around designed to combat cabinets and granite countertops, main floor office and This nice home enjoyed a top to bottom remodel in located between the amenities of Old Town and Del folks who have lost their lives and making it out to be.” at the Science Museum some of the problems their families to the enforcement The journey from prohibition to of Virginia to allow for simple possession.” private landscaped yard perfect for gathering friends. 2013/2014 which updated the whole house and added Ray. Light and bright with windows on three sides, this and failures that were of marijuana [prohibition] that has legalization began after Democrats social distancing. Sen- — Chelsea Higgs Wise, caused by the war on Too wonderful to miss! 6404 14th St W. a wonderful 160 square foot front porch. end-unit townhome has been thoughtfully renovated. been disproportionately on Black won control of the House and Sen- ators were tied 20 to drugs, and specifically Rebecca McCullough 571.384.0941 Charles Hulfish 703.314.2575 Lauren Bishop 202.361.5079 executive director of Marijuana Justice Virginia Virginians.” ate in 2019. The following year, 20, and Lt. Gov. Justin the impact on certain www.RebeccaMcCullough.com www.HulfishHomes.com www.LaurenBishopHomes.com they decriminalized marijuana and Fairfax broke the vote in communities especial- THE NEW LAW ALLOWS each began setting the groundwork for favor of legalization. As part of a ment. Family members of people ly Black communities and brown household to have four plants, legalization. The bill legalizing compromise that secured the deal, who have been convicted of pos- communities,” said Michael Wil- Serving the Washington, DC Metro Area since 1980. although commercial sales won’t marijuana was a heavy lift for a lawmakers agreed to circle back session could also get priority. Res- son, vice president at United Food begin until New Year’s Day 2024. General Assembly that was meet- around next year and work out the idents of neighborhoods that have 703.549.9292 | 109 S. Pitt Street | Alexandria, VA 22314 | McEnearney.com and Commercial Workers Local Smoking weed in public is not le- ing mostly virtually, and it includ- specifics about how the new indus- been disproportionately policed 400. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette v July 8-14, 2021 v 3 News
Screen shots, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Public Safety Committee Meeting
Dr. Michael R. Smith, University Dr. Rob Tillyer, University of Dr. Robin S. Engel, University of Mount Vernon Supervisor Hunter Mill Supervisor of Texas at San Antonio. Texas at San Antonio Cincinnati Daniel Storck Walter Alcorn
Braddock Supervisor Springfield Supervisor Public Safety Chairman Deputy County Executive David Rohrer with Fairfax County Police James Walkinshaw Pat Herrity Rodney Lusk (Lee Supervisor) Chief Kevin Davis Police Weapons Point At Black People
down by race and ethnicity, the Long awaited report on Use Fairfax County Police Department See the presentation deck: used force against 576 Black per- https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/boardofsupervisors/sites/boardofsu- of Force includes dozens of sons (42 percent), 519 white per- pervisors/files/assets/meeting-materials/2021/june29-public-safety-po- sons (38 percent), 218 Hispanic lice-department-use-of-force-presentation.pdf recommendations to guide persons (16 percent), and 45 Asian persons (three percent) that took See the full study the path forward. place between Jan. 1, 2016 and https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/boardofsupervisors/sites/ Dec. 31, 2018. Average force lev- boardofsupervisors/files/assets/meeting-materials/2021/june29- By Ken Moore told the Fairfax County Board of els were slightly higher for Blacks public-safety-use-of-force-research-project-report-utsa.pdf The Connection Supervisors during a Public Safety (2.4 on a 4.0 scale) than for other Committee meeting on Tuesday, racial groups (2.1 for Whites, 2.2 trict stations “revealed some dif- For example, according to this, it n independent study of June 29, 2021. of Hispanics, 2.0 for Asians), while ferences from the countywide find- would not make sense to note the Fairfax County Police The previous Board of Supervi- resistance levels were essentially ings,” according to Smith, Tillyer disparity of Black people making Department use of force sors directed the study to better equal across the racial and ethnic and Engel. “For example, in Mount up 42 percent of Fairfax police use Aconfirmed that Black understand the influence of civil- groups.” Vernon, the rates of force used of force while being just 10 percent people are overrepresented in use- ian race and ethnicity and other against Black civilians exceeded all of the population. Or that white of-force incidents by Fairfax police. factors that impact use of force, THE RESEARCH TEAM con- benchmarks, and force was used people make up 50 percent of the African-American people were said Rodney Lusk, chairman of the densed the 275-page report down disproportionately against Blacks population but just 38 percent of also 1.8 times more likely to have Board’s Public Safety Committee. to a 40-minute presentation. relative to whites in four of the six police use of force. a weapon pointed at them, and are Smith and his colleagues Dr. Rob Some key findings verbatim, in- benchmarks examined. Blacks also During the question and answer more at risk of force being used Tillyer, from the University of Tex- cluded: experienced force at rates that con- portion of the committee meeting, against them during arrests, ac- as at San Antonio, and Dr. Robin S. “Force used against Blacks ex- sistently exceeded the benchmark Springfield District Supervisor Pat cording to the report. Engel from the University of Cin- ceeded all benchmarks and was comparisons in Franconia, Mc- Herrity (R) said he hoped the “What’s really concerning is cinnati, examined data from 1,360 disproportionate compared to Lean, and West Springfield.” Board would make note of the re- when you have a consistent mes- encounters with civilians when whites in Mount Vernon. Blacks “In the end, data does matter. It search team’s opinion. sage or consistent story that the force was used by Fairfax officers also experienced consistently does help us to see things as they “We regularly publish that,” said data tell you. And so, for Afri- during 2016-2018. higher rates of force compared to are, maybe not as we wish they Herrity. “I’ve been asking for a ca- can-Americans, you saw they were “As we heard from advocates benchmarks in Franconia, McLean were, or even as we perceive they veat to that.” overrepresented across four of the within our community and from and West Springfield. are,” said Mount Vernon Supervi- But Hunter Mill District Super- six benchmarks, you saw they were our citizens at large across the “Hispanics were overrepresent- sor Daniel Storck. visor Walter Alcorn disagreed. “I overrepresented in four of the six county, there exists a sense that ed as subjects of force in Sully & “Obviously, Mount Vernon’s Dis- realize that you’re saying social multivariate severity models, and force is disproportionately ap- Mason (3 of 6 benchmarks). trict Station’s results are very con- scientists don’t measure looking at you saw they were overrepresent- plied against members of the Afri- “Rates of force used against cerning, deeply concerning to me. population. I do,” he said. ed in the arrest model,” said Dr. can-American community and the Asians exceeded benchmarks We are actually served by three “I think it’s very important for Michael R. Smith, of the Universi- Hispanic communities here in Fair- in Mount Vernon, Reston, West stations and all three of them have all our public services, particularly ty of Texas at San Antonio, who is fax County,” said Lusk. “I believe Springfield and Fair Oaks. issues of overuse,” he said. those related to law enforcement, the co-author of the research proj- the data that this report lays out “Force used against minority ci- that we do watch that. We have to. ect, “An Investigation of the Use of is a solid first step in understand- vilians exceeded that of whites in DEMOGRAPHICS were not con- That’s speaking as an elected offi- Force by the Fairfax County Police ing the underlying reasons for that Sully (Hispanics), Mount Vernon sidered by the scientists because cial, not as a social scientist,” said Department.” Smith is also a for- sentiment and will act as a com- (Blacks & Asians), McLean (Blacks they “are a very poor indicator of Alcorn. mer Fairfax County police officer. pass and guide us forward as we & Asians), Mason (Hispanics), Res- risk of a particular group having The Connection reported that “That’s the kind of consistent work to address inequities in our ton (Asians), Franconia (Blacks), force used against them. It’s com- Black people made up 38.54 per- story that I think is ripe for conver- public safety and criminal justice West Springfield (Blacks & Asians), mon in the media and other out- cent of the arrests in 2019, accord- sation and particularly for directed infrastructure.” and Fair Oaks (Asians).” lets but it’s not appropriate from a ing to statistics provided by the mechanisms to address,” Smith According to the report, “Broken Breaking down the data by dis- scientific perspective,” said Tillyer. See Police Weapons, Page 5 4 v Mount Vernon Gazette v July 8-14, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Rex Reiley RE/MAX Allegiance 703-768-7730 Police Weapons [email protected] Alex/ Riverside Estates $800,000s From Page 4 disparities in treatment by the tion.” said Herrity, the Board’s lone 8515 Mount Vernon Highway Possibly the most stunning curb appeal in all of popular Riverside police in 2020. Black people were FCPD, force escalation or de-esca- Republican. COMINGSOON Estates. It adequately sets the scene for this spectacular renovated targets of police use of force 45.63 lation, and to improve training and Braddock Supervisor James & expanded 4BR, 3BA Contemporary. Inside you will find beautiful hardwood floors, recessed lights, crown molding, energy percent of the time in the county. accountability Walkinshaw countered: “I don’t efficient double pane windows, six panel doors, & 2 gas FPLs. A Black people make up approxi- Other recommendations includ- think the Police Executive Research magnificent & expanded kitchen opens to the dining room & living room, boasting of granite counters, SS appliances, gorgeous cabinets & lovely ceramic tile flooring. mately 10 percent of the popula- ed more extensive deescalation Forum would view pointing a fire- The baths are updated including a whirlpool tub, travertine tile & heated floors. The dining room & Master tion. Black people are arrested and training; rotating officers from arm as a deescalation technique. bedroom each have beautiful decks which look out over a beautifully landscaped & fenced back yard. The higher crime areas; improving the Necessary, effective maybe in some lower level offers a 4th BR, 3rd BA, office, exercise room & utility room. Finally, a large detached 2 car the subject of police force dispro- garage w/water & electric which includes room for a workshop PLUS stairs to a floored upper-level w/tons of portionately more. ability to “capture” medical and in- instances, but not deescalation,” storage space. Walk to MVHS & Riverside Elementary. 7 mins (S) to Ft. Belvoir, 15 mins (N) to Old Town & jury data for civilians and officers. he said. Huntington Metro, 25-27 mins (N) to Pentagon, National Airport & D.C. This will go Fast – List price $800s THE 275-PAGE REPORT included “I do have a frustration with that Vienna/Acadia Condo $394,900 POLICE CHIEF Kevin Davis said slide in that it’s not reflected in the 9480 Virginia Center Blvd. Unit 120 12 pages of recommendations the Beautiful 2BR, 2BA Condo located in South Vienna. Good Sized Board will discuss at its next Public “at least a third” of the examined report. I searched for reestima- Bedrooms each with their own walk-in closet and bath. Kitchen Safety Committee meeting in Sep- uses of force involved the pointing tion and you kind of didn’t show is open to the eating area and family room & has beautiful corian countertops. Attractive laminated flooring through the tember. of a firearm by a police officer. your work on that slide,” he said. kitchen, family room and hallways. Don’t miss the office station One recommendation included “That’s loud and clear to us,” “I think the public would benefit and the lovely balcony off the family room. 2 convenient garage spaces below are reserved for this unit. Tremendous community amenities highlighted by a wonderful swimming pool, gym, recreational capturing all instances of force Davis told the Board. “Why is that more from hearing how you came room and office room. Finally, a perfect location with quick and easy access to Rt. 66, 495 and Rt. 50. If and resistance sequentially during happening and what can we do to to the conclusions that were on you want to leave your car behind, a quick 2 block walk will put you at the Vienna Metro Station. This wonderful property can be yours to enjoy!! each encounter involving the use reduce that number?” that slide.” of force. Eyebrows raised when Smith Alex/Mt. Vernon $414,900 4125 Buckman Road-22309 “Capturing the uses of force and said analysis was conducted again THE PUBLIC will have that op- Contractors/Investors, come take a look at this beautiful potential resistance sequentially, so what “after some preliminary discus- portunity, said Lusk. work of art. A traditional Cape Cod: 4BRs, 2BAs & a full sized, sions with senior leadership of the “We will hold a public input unfinished basement that is waiting for you to work your magic happened first, then what - hap on. What will also get you excited is the gorgeous .49A lot! It pened, then what happened next, police department.” meeting which will include the adds so much charm & has just the right number of trees & open In that reanalysis, pointing a researchers … as well as others spaces. Many years ago, the owners had a nice firepit adjacent to a volleyball court & hosted many parties is sort of state of the art,” said there-- it is perfect for entertaining both friends & family. There is constant bird activity around the feeders & Smith. “It’s where the field is going weapon at a person was reclassi- in the community which includes just the other day, while sitting on the deck w/the owners, we watched a beautiful Doe graze in the backyard. fied from use-of-force level three advocates to have the same oppor- Great location: 5-minute drive to Ft. Belvoir (S), 15 minutes to Huntington Metro & Old Town (N), 27 minutes and where the police department’s to National Airport (N), & 30-35 minutes to Pentagon/D.C. (N). Finally, adjacent to the house is an oversized 1 data collection ought to go. (on a scale of 1-4) to a use-of-force tunity that we’ve had here today,” car garage w/room for both your car & a workshop. This house & lot has so much potential & is waiting for the “That will provide us the abili- level one, the same level as soft- said Lusk. right person to come along & to restore it to its beautiful former life. Selling “As Is” @ $414,900 & looking for a cash buyer. Come by & take a look. See the presentation deck: ty to have a much more nuanced hand control. In addition, Lusk said that he, https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/boardofsupervisors/sites/boardofsu-and greater understanding of “What’s important to understand along with Chairman Jeff McKay pervisors/files/assets/meeting-materials/2021/june29-public-safety-po-how these events transpire. How is that the disparity in force versus and Davis, would form a commu- lice-department-use-of-force-presentation.pdf do some escalate quickly, how do African Americans in particular is nity group made up of advocates, some not escalate quickly, or how largely located in the pointing of a community members, police staff do they escalate. That’s the kind of weapon at someone,” said Smith. and others who will review the data you need to answer such im- The new “softer” analysis largely study in detail and report back to portant questions.” obscured the disparities. the public safety committee with Other recommendations: “The firearms our officers carry feedback on findings and recom- v Substantially increase the are loaded, yes? We’re basically mendations, including a timeline For example, according to this, itamount of training hours provid- talking about pointing a loaded for implementation. would not make sense to note theed annually for de-escalation skills firearm at somebody,” said Alcorn. All of the recommendations made disparity of Black people makingand tactics. “Soft-hand control does not in- by this study will be added to the up 42 percent of Fairfax police use v Adopt a single, clear standard volve the potential of deadly force. Public Safety Committee’s Commu- of force while being just 10 percentfor the use of deadly force – Dead- I frankly would discount the analy- nity Input Matrix. of the population. Or that whitely force is permissible only if the sis of putting that in L-1 [the least This extensive list of police reform people make up 50 percent of the suspect poses an imminent risk of severe use of force category],” he ideas and suggestions was compiled population but just 38 percent ofdeath or serious injury to the offi- said. from input from public safety pro- police use of force. cer or others. Herrity, on the other hand, said fessionals, community members During the question and answer v Consider limiting canine bites he’s been on ride-alongs with nar- and advocacy organizations. portion of the committee meeting,only to certain types of crimes or cotics units where pointing a weap- https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ Springfield District Supervisor Patother narrowly-defined conditions on “changes the equation quickly.” topics/sites/topics/files/assets/ Herrity (R) said he hoped the v Utilize body-worn camera “They use the pointing of weap- documents/police-reform/po- Board would make note of the re-footage to evaluate racial/ethnic ons to actually deescalate a situa- lice-reform-suggestions.pdf search team’s opinion. “We regularly publish that,” said Bulletin Board Herrity. “I’ve been asking for a ca- veat to that.” Submit civic/community announce- New upcoming events. ments at ConnectionNewspapers.com/ Member class. Website: https://www. But Hunter Mill District Super- Calendar. Photos and artwork wel- jlnv.org/july-15th-jlnv-virtual-meet- VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES visor Walter Alcorn disagreed. “Icome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, and-greet/ The Washington Library at Mount realize that you’re saying socialat least two weeks before event. Vernon is seeking additional vol- scientists don’t measure looking at TUESDAY/JULY 20 unteers to staff its front desk. No population. I do,” he said. THURSDAY/JULY 15 DNA Genealogy Tools. 1-3 p.m. Via library experience required. Duties JLNV Membership Event. 7 p.m. Zoom. Former police detective include greeting and directing “I think it’s very important for David Vasquez discusses how to Library guests and assisting with all our public services, particularly Virtual Event. Zoom call to learn more about membership in the use DNA tools such as GEDMatch general Library and building oper- those related to law enforcement, Junior League of Northern Virginia. in his July 20 presentation at the ations. Available shifts are 9 a.m. that we do watch that. We have to. Go to https://members.jlnv. Mount Vernon Genealogical Soci- – 1 p.m. and 1 – 5 p.m. Monday That’s speaking as an elected offi- org/?nd=vms_public_form&form_ ety’s monthly meeting. Register no – Friday. Benefits include access to later than July 12 to this free Zoom the estate and behind-the-scenes cial, not as a social scientist,” said id=341 to RSVP. Members will share their experiences event at Library happenings, discounted Alcorn. and opportunities they’ve explored https://mvgenealogy.org/cpage. estate admission for friends and The Connection reported thatthrough the Junior League, and an- php?pt=111 OR by emailing your family, as well as food and retail Black people made up 38.54 per- swer any questions you may have name and discounts. Qualifications include about address to contact-us@mvgenealogy. basic computer skills including MS cent of the arrests in 2019, accord- org. Visit www.mvgenealogy.org Office, familiarity with office phone ing to statistics provided by the becoming a member. Applications are still open for the Summer 2021 and link to the Events Page for See Bulletin, Page 13 See Police Weapons, Page 5 more information on this and other www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette v July 8-14, 2021 v 5 Opinion
www.MountVernonGazette.com
@MtVernonGazette
Eviction Prevention Is Not Housing Investment An independent, locally owned weekly newspaper delivered By Michelle Krocker to homes and businesses. serving low-income households ners and continued rental assis- cial recovery from the pandemic, Published by and one-third for middle-income tance will be needed to stave off housing advocates should be bold Local Media Connection LLC merica has a housing cri- households. The regional goal an eviction catastrophe. in their recommendations for how sis - an affordability cri- 1606 King Street translates into 25,000 net new Eviction Prevention Does Not Virginia allocates the $4.3 billion Alexandria, Virginia 22314 sis, as well as a housing housing units per year, so clearly Equal Housing Investment. It is im- in federal funds. Having secured supply crisis. Recently, we need to build more housing. perative that this relief assistance historic gains for the state Housing Free digital edition delivered to A your email box. Go to the National Association of Real- The eviction crisis created by the not be construed as solving our Trust Fund, permanent support- connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe tors released a report showing that pandemic is unlike anything we pre-pandemic housing crisis. Evic- ive housing, and the new Virginia over the last 20 years new housing have experienced in our lifetimes. tion prevention does not solve the Opportunity Tax Credit, it’s time NEWS DEPARTMENT: starts fell 5.5 million units short of Through multiple assistance pro- historic under-investment in hous- to build a housing trust fund that [email protected] long-term historical levels. “The grams, the federal government has ing production and preservation. closes the gap of only four afford- scale of the problem is so large,” Jeanne Theismann responded with substantial tranch- We must have investments to end able units for every 10 households [email protected] said David Bank, senior vice pres- es of funding to provide financial homelessness, provide permanent eligible for housing that’s afford- @TheismannMedia ident of Rosen Consulting Group resources to prevent evictions by supportive housing for persons able. and one of the report’s authors. Marcia Hobson paying back rent, advancing rent with disabilities, create housing It is also the time for Northern Community Reporter “We need affordable, we need mar- for those impacted by COVID, and that’s affordable for low and mod- Virginia advocates to press lo- [email protected] ket-rate, we need single-family, we helping landlords remain solvent. erate income households, young cal governments for the funding need multifamily.” Mike Salmon However, the administrative pro- families wanting to buy their first needed to meet their share of the Contributing Writer Our region is also experiencing cess of getting that much money home, and seniors on fixed in- region’s housing goals as defined [email protected] a housing crisis. To address our out the door has been daunting comes who want to remain in their by the COG pledge. This is hous- Ken Moore unmet housing needs, elected of- for state and local governments, communities. ing’s moment to imagine a region Contributing Writer ficials from the District, Maryland resulting in bottlenecks to deliver Over the coming months, the and a Commonwealth that is fair, [email protected] and Virginia unanimously adopted relief assistance. With the end to Virginia General Assembly and lo- equitable, inclusive and provides the Council of Governments’ re- the CDC moratorium on July 31 calities throughout the Common- housing for all. Let’s not squander ADVERTISING: gional goal of producing 375,000 — with little hope for further ex- wealth will make consequential this unique opportunity. For advertising information net new housing units between [email protected] tension — strategies for mutually decisions on how to spend the Michelle Krocker is the Execu- 703-778-9431 2015 and 2030. Housing should beneficial agreements between largess from the American Rescue tive Director of the Northern Vir- be located in activity centers near landlords and tenants, with the Plan funds. With accounts of Vir- ginia Affordable Housing Alliance Debbie Funk transit, with one-third of the units Display Advertising/National Sales help of trusted community part- ginia’s better-than-expected finan- https://nvaha.org/ 703-778-9444 [email protected] Encore Theatre Innovates Drive Through Theatre Helen Walutes Display Advertising, 703-778-9410 [email protected] oyager’s Compass returns presentation guides cars along the Lubber Run performance at 11:00 core’s “Theatre For All” fund which for two performances on path to explore the seven skies and a.m. The production was written provides scholarships and outreach David Griffin programs. In addition, bring along Marketing Assistant VSaturday, July 10 at St. find their way home. by local teenage writer Xander Ti- 703-778-9431 Thomas More Cathedral School Audience members will remain lock. Encore Theatre is an Arling- a can of tuna, tomatoes or soup or [email protected] parking lot and Sunday, July 11 at masked and in their vehicles for ton-based company “by kids for a box of low-sugar cereal to be do- Classified & Employment Lubber Run Amphitheater. Meet a the duration of the show. The kids.” nated to Arlington Food Assistance Advertising new exotic creature at each stop July 10 performances are sched- Proceeds from the $10 per vehi- Center. 703-778-9431 as the Encore Stage and Studio uled for 9:30-12:00 p.m. and the cle tickets will be donated to En- — Shirley Ruhe
Publisher Jerry Vernon Plant Clinic Needed in Climate Crisis 703-549-0004 [email protected] When I completed my Master could provide horticultural advice This year, City Hall has decided scorching summers, and the deci- Editor & Publisher Gardener training in 1981, several and diagnostic services to home- that free horticultural advice is no mation of our valuable tree canopy Mary Kimm of my classmates and I wanted to owners. But we needed a free spot longer needed, and the Plant to make way for things like snack [email protected] set up a plant clin- at the market to set up. Needless Clinic can no longer have a seat bars at the high school athletic @MaryKimm Letters ic at the Alexandria to say, it took a lot of effort to get at the market. I’m wondering who field. Art/Design: Farmers’ Market. It that spot, but eventually the plant is making this determination, es- Laurence Foong, John Heinly, would be a free service to the city clinic becme a valuable service to pecially considering the environ- Paula Coupe Ali Khaligh Production Manager: and staffed by volunteers, who the community for 30+ years. mental impact of invasive plants, Alexandria Geovani Flores
Beacon Hill Site Meets All Criteria CIRCULATION Let Us Know Your View Circulation Manager: Connection Newspapers welcomes views on any public issue. To the editor: and health services; walkable; Ann Oliver Letters must be signed. Include home address and home and business numbers; [email protected] Thank you for “County Eyes space for supportive housing, we will only print your name and town name. Spot for New Fire Station and Af- parking; not isolated; properly Letters are routinely edited for length, libel, grammar, A Connection Newspaper fordable Housing” in the July 1 distanced from schools; already good taste, civility and factual errors. Gazette. We would like to make owned; free of Send letters further points. hazards. Online www.connectionnewspapers.com/contact/letter/ By email: [email protected] The site will include a modern A caption incorrectly implied replacement for the Kennedy Shel- that supporters do not live nearby. By mail to: Letters to the Editor The Connection ter, providing housing and ser- A main opposition organizer lives 1606 King St., Alexandria VA 22314 vices. The current Kennedy Shelter more than a mile away. Supporters You can comment on our Facebook page or find us on Twitter on Fort Belvoir suffers from many from closer neighborhoods were www.facebook.com/connectionnewspapers inadequacies, cannot be rebuilt, present. All of Mount Vernon has https://twitter.com/alexgazette https://twitter.com/mtvernongazette and is in a poor location. a stake. The site decision should https://twitter.com/followfairfax The Beacon Hill site meets all be on criteria that best serve the the criteria to serve our unhoused needs of our unhoused neighbors. Never miss an issue, get a free digital subscription, fellow citizens: access to sufficient Most neighbors are not opposed, http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe/ transportation; near employment See Beacon Hill , Page 7 6 v Mount Vernon Gazette v July 8-14, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Same Company, Same Employees, Same Great Value - Now Celebrating 20 Years! www.MountVernonGazette.com Michael Pope, Gazette Packet @MtVernonGazette Win Multiple SPJ Dateline Awards TWO POOR TEACHERS An independent, locally owned weekly newspaper delivered he Washington, D.C., Pro faced this year in selecting the best to homes and businesses. Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling Published by chapter of the Society of of the best,” said Randy Showstack, Local Media Connection LLC TProfessional Journalists president of the Washington, D.C. announced the recipients of its Chapter of the Society of Profes- 1606 King Street Alexandria, Virginia 22314 2021 Dateline Awards for journal- sional Journalists. “This has been ism excellence June 15 in a virtual a year when extraordinary events Free digital edition delivered to presentation. Alexandria Gazette reared their heads, merged, and your email box. Go to connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe Packet took home five first place sometimes collided – a pandemic, and finalist awards in the weekly urgent calls for social justice re- NEWS DEPARTMENT: newspaper division, by Michael form, a presidential election and [email protected] Pope. ... an increasing concern about cli- Pope’s “Interrogating Inequal- mate change. So, it is not surpris- Jeanne Theismann [email protected] ity” in the Gazette Packet won ing that our contest would receive @TheismannMedia the Non-Breaking News category. a record number of entries, with His “Crashing Economy,” won the so many of the entries displaying Marcia Hobson Community Reporter Business category. the highest caliber of journalistic [email protected] His reporting for the Gazette excellence.” Packet made him a finalist in three The Alexandria Gazette Packet Mike Salmon • Electrical (ELE) Contributing Writer additional categories: “Alexandria’s and its sister Connection Newspa- Fully Insured & Class A Licensed [email protected] Failed Experiment with Wards,” pers are lucky to have a reporter of • Gas Fitting (GFC) Since 1999 10% down Michael Pope’s quality as a regular Ken Moore was a finalist in Features; Pope’s • Heating Ventilation and Air nothing until the job Contributing Writer Criminal Justice Reform reporting contributor, said Mary Kimm, edi- [email protected] Conditioning (HVA) is complete for the was a finalist for Beat Reporting; tor and publisher of the newspaper past 17 years “Disproportionate Policing” entry group. • Plumbing (PLB) ADVERTISING: was a finalist in Investigative Jour- Awards were presented for ex- • Residential Building (RBC) For advertising information nalism. cellence in TV, radio, newspaper, [email protected] 703-778-9431 Pope also won three first-place magazine, newsletter/trade pub- Free Estimates 703-999-2928 awards for his radio broadcast lication, and online journalism, Check if your contractor is licensed at the state level Debbie Funk work with Virginia Public Radio: encompassing breaking news, Display Advertising/National Sales http://www.DPOR.virginia.gov 703-778-9444 He was winner of Non-Breaking business writing, commentary, [email protected] News for Reporting on the Incar- photography, and more. Visit our website: www.twopoorteachers.com cerated; winner for Beat Reporting Helen Walutes Display Advertising, 703-778-9410 for Virginia General Assembly cov- [email protected] erage; and winner for Business for “Unemployment in Virginia.” David Griffin Marketing Assistant “What a challenge the judges 703-778-9431 [email protected]
Classified & Employment Advertising Beacon Hill 703-778-9431 From Page 6 but have specific concerns address- Publisher Jerry Vernon able by facts. Police at the meet- 703-549-0004 ing made clear that worries about [email protected] crime in the community are not
Editor & Publisher borne out by calls from or about Mary Kimm the Kennedy Shelter. 911 emergen- [email protected] cy calls are mostly health related; @MaryKimm the rest are general disputes con- Art/Design: tained within the shelter, usually Laurence Foong, John Heinly, between shelter guests. Ali Khaligh Focus on sex offenders exagger- Production Manager: Geovani Flores ates imagined harm from a hand- ful of homeless people, while in CIRCULATION surrounding neighborhoods, four Circulation Manager: dozen sex offenders already live in Ann Oliver homes and apartments. [email protected] There is no evidence that prop-
A Connection Newspaper erty values decrease with a shelter. This neighborhood is up 9% this year per Zillow. Completion of EM- BARK will further increase values. Neighbors’ fears dissipate after a shelter is built. Neighbors can vol- unteer, support shelter residents, and invest in success. Beacon Hill remains the best site for co-locat- ing the fire station, shelter, and supportive housing.
Kristin Rosenthal William Collins For Kennedy Shelter Allies www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette v July 8-14, 2021 v 7 News
Going for the Gold Noah Lyles headed to Tokyo Olympics.
By Jeanne Theismann ADD and experiences with bully- Gazette Packet ing. “It wasn’t an easy path,” said nly a few short years Lyles, who proudly held up his ago, Noah Lyles could own graduation cap adorned with be seen warming up the Olympic rings. “But I didn’t Oto the strains of James want to be another child who just Brown’s “I Feel Good” as he trained goes through the motions. I want- on the track of Parker-Gray Memo- ed to create my own destiny and rial Field at what was then T.C. facing those adversities is what got Williams High School. Next month, me here today.” the world becomes his stage as Brothers Noah and Josephus Lyles rest between The charismatic Lyles is being Lyles heads to Tokyo as part of the heats at the U.S. Olympic Track & Field trials in compared to track great Usain Bolt
U.S. Olympic Track & Field team. Photos contributed Eugene, Ore. Noah Lyles will represent the U.S. at and is already running faster than “I don’t think anybody could pre- the Tokyo Olympics. Josephus Lyles did not make Bolt did at the same age. pare you for the lion that you have the team. “Yes, it’s nice to be fast, but what to slay at the Olympic Trials,” said could take you over the top?” he Lyles during a press conference U.S. Olympian and 2016 is quoted as saying in his Olym- following his victory in the 200 T.C. Williams graduate pic profile. “Usain Bolt, household meters in Eugene, Ore. on Sunday, Noah Lyles holds up his name. June 27. “It’s not World Champion- graduation cap during an Transcended the sport. Michael ships, it’s not U.S. Championships, address to the T.C. Wil- Phelps, swimmer, transcended the Alexandria native Noah Lyles celebrates after this is the hardest team to make liams Class of 2020 during sport. What is going to take you taking home the gold medal in the 200 meters and everybody here shows it.” last year’s virtual gradua- from being just popular in track during the U.S. Olympic Track & Field trials June Lyles, the reigning world cham- tion ceremony. to being popular in the world? By 27 in Eugene, Ore. Lyles finished in 19.74 seconds pion, ran the 200 meters in 19.74 being different or by being you. — the fastest time in the world this year — and seconds – the fastest in the world You can’t get to that point by being will compete this July at the Tokyo Olympics. this year – making him the gold somebody else.” medal favorite as he heads to To- The Tokyo Olympic Games be- kyo. He had disappointing sev- ing the Olympic team. home, set his sights on the Olympics ered during last year’s virtual grad- gin July 23 and run through Aug. enth-place finish in the 100-meter With his victory and the expec- when he was in the eighth grade. uation ceremony for T.C. 8. Track & Field events begin July race. tation that he will run on the U.S. He fell one place short in his bid to “I was born with severe asthma,” 29 and culminate Aug. 7. The son of Keisha Caine Bishop 4x100 relay team, two gold medals compete in the 2016 Rio Olympic said Lyles, who turned pro directly Arlington swimmer Torri Huske and Kevin Lyles, both Track and are within the grasp of the 2016 Games as a high school senior. out of high school. “Can you imag- broke her own American record in Field athletes at Seton Hall Uni- T.C. Williams graduate. Lyles joins He shared some of the adver- ine a track athlete with asthma? the 100m butterfly at the Olympic versity, Lyles, 23, was joined at the boxer Troy Isley as the second Alex- sities he faced in his quest to be- But I persevered. I wanted to make trials on June 14, and will also trials by his younger brother Jose- andrian headed to Tokyo. come a professional athlete during a whole new path for myself.” compete at the Tokyo Olympics. phus Lyles, who fell short of mak- Lyles, who now calls Florida a commencement address he deliv- Lyles also spoke of his dyslexia, www.olympics.com/tokyo
Safety protocols in place On the Road Again as trolley service resumes.
fter a more than a Street. year-long pause in All riders are required to Aoperations due to wear face masks while on the COVID-19 pandemic, board and all trolleys are Alexandria’s King Street equipped with driver bar- Trolley resumed service riers. Smoking, eating and July 5. drinking are prohibited on The free service will the trolley and passengers again shuttle riders along with strollers must close King Street with a few strollers before entering. changes in service. The The trolley stops at des-
trolley will run from King ignated stops or at a safe Photo by R. Kennedy/Visit Alexandria Street Metro Station to City location by request. Passen- Hall’s Market Square, every gers must pull the cord to 15 minutes from 11 a.m. to signal a stop. 11 p.m., seven days a week, The King Street Trolley is including holidays. equipped with wheelchair A new stop at the south- ramps and bike racks as east corner of Market well as automated stop an- Square on North Fairfax nouncements. Street will serve passengers To contact DASH (the accessing the Potomac Riv- trolley operator) about lost er waterfront. The stops at items or other inquiries, Union Street and Lee Street call (703) 746-3274 or visit will no longer be served, www.dashbus.com/trolley due to the street closure on the 100 block of King – Jeanne Theismann The free King Street Trolley is back in service as of July 5.
8 v Mount Vernon Gazette v July 8-14, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News
ADD and experiences with bully- ing. “It wasn’t an easy path,” said Lyles, who proudly held up his own graduation cap adorned with the Olympic rings. “But I didn’t want to be another child who just goes through the motions. I want- ed to create my own destiny and facing those adversities is what got me here today.” The charismatic Lyles is being compared to track great Usain Bolt and is already running faster than Bolt did at the same age. “Yes, it’s nice to be fast, but what could take you over the top?” he is quoted as saying in his Olym- pic profile. “Usain Bolt, household name. Photo by Mercia Hobson/The Connection Transcended the sport. Michael Coolers full of 7-day meal kits, planned by registered dietitian nutritionists and pre- Hutchinson Principal Sarah Aiello takes a meal kit from an FCPS employee during the Phelps, swimmer, transcended thepared daily by trained food service professionals pack a Fairfax County Public School first day of the Bus Route Meal Distribution. sport. What is going to take youbus for its Bus Route Meal Service, Summer 2021. from being just popular in track to being popular in the world? By being different or by being you. You can’t get to that point by beingSchool Buses and Sites Provide somebody else.” The Tokyo Olympic Games be- gin July 23 and run through Aug. 8. Track & Field events begin JulyFree Grab and Go 7-day Meal Kits 29 and culminate Aug. 7. Arlington swimmer Torri Huske broke her own American record in County children under18 and all FCPS students eligible. the 100m butterfly at the Olympic trials on June 14, and will also By Mercia Hobson The U.S. Department of Agriculture an- meals before that.” compete at the Tokyo Olympics. The Connection nounced that school districts could continue According to Sarah Aiello, Principal at www.olympics.com/tokyo serving free meals to all children regardless Hutchinson, she texted the community mul- en Fairfax County Public Schools of family income and allow the meals served tiple times the night before “to prep them (FCPS) buses began rolling Mon- in a drive-thru or walk-up setting, offered as because it’s something new.” She stood in day, June 28, on a mission to de- “grab-and-go” meals through June 2022 un- the school parking lot as the bus arrived and Tliver their precious cargo, coolers der its Summer Food Service Program. called out to people, “Once a week, every full of nutritious breakfast and lunch items The program is vital, particularly for com- Tuesday, 11:37.” packed in seven-day, bulk meal kits, grab- munities hardest hit by COVID. According Parents, caretakers, and students exited and-go style. It is a lifeline for some children to FCPS, all county children under eighteen their cars to receive the meal kits off-loaded living in the county’s 406 square miles, who years of age, and all FCPS students, regard- from the bus’s rear. “I need it for three kids,” depend on USDA’s child nutrition programs less of age, are eligible to receive the no-cost, one woman said. “Dos ninos,” said a man. for the nourishment they need to grow and weekly Meal Kits, which can be provided to Seeing small children in some vehicles, thrive. parents or caretakers without the presence Aiello and other school staff hurried toward According to FCPS, nearly one-third of its of a child. them with meal kits and loaded them into students qualified for free and reduced-price FCPS made the free meal kits available the trunks. Aiello later reported 80 meal kits meals in the fall of 2019. Families who earn in two ways. Parents, guardians, and stu- distributed. A list of the Monday Meal Kit sites open less than 130 percent of the poverty level dents can access the kits at the weekly Bus Registered dietitian nutritionists plan the for pick up. are eligible for free meals, and those with in- Route Meal Service distributing throughout meals and trained food service professionals comes between 130 and 185 percent of pov- the county through Thursday, Aug. 5. The prepare them daily using fresh high-quali- erty level qualify for reduced-price meals. second option is to visit one of the Meal Kit ty ingredients. The grab-and-go meals “are THE MONDAY MORNING FCPS Summer Fairfax County Summer Meal Program runs Sites (every Monday) through Aug. 2. tasty, well-balanced, and contain protein, Meal Program Meal Kit Sites are open 8:30 under the USDA Summer Food Service Pro- whole grains, fruits and/or vegetables, and - 10:30 a.m., for the remaining weeks in the gram and enters its second week on July 5. PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS can let the low-fat or fat-free milk,” according to the season -July 12 through Aug. 2. Like the “The distribution of the meal kits fulfills FCPS employees know how many children Fairfax County Office of Food and Nutrition bus routes, meal kits containing seven days an essential service to our community. The need a meal kit. No other questions are Services. of breakfast and lunch items are packed in meals provide much-needed support to our asked, nor is identification required. Stu- Ten FCPS buses run designated Monday, bulk. Adults may purchase kits for them- most vulnerable students and families. Upon dents may also pick up the meal kits. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday routes selves and other adults for $28 each at the pickup, parents are not asked for any infor- On Tuesday, June 29, Delmay Sandoval to schools and other locations, once a week Monday sites. Meal kits are not available off mation other than the number of meals they of Herndon was first in line at Hutchinson with scheduled arrival and departure times the buses for purchase by adults. require,” said Dr. Ricardy Anderson, Fairfax Elementary school parking lot for that Bus for the Summer Meal Bus Routes. The Monday morning FCPS Summer County School Board Chair. “It is important Route Meal Service location. She sat in her The routes stay the same for the 6-week Meal Program Meal Kit Sites are Centreville to continue to spread the word that the dis- car with the windows rolled down with her program. The last day of the Summer Meal HS, Edison HS, Falls Church HS, Hayfield tribution of meals is still available at FCPS two children and baby in the back seat. The Bus Routes is Thursday, Aug. 5. Search Bus SS, Marshall HS, Mount Vernon HS, South schools and bus routes because the fami- temperature registered 95 degrees, and the Route Meal Service- Summer 2021| Fair- County HS, South Lakes HS, West Spring- lies who have the greatest need may not be sun was blazing. “I received this message fax County Public Schools for a list of the field HS, Westfield HS, and Woodson HS. aware the service is continuing throughout last night from the school. It’s in Spanish,” Monday through Thursday routes for the ten Search Meal Kit Sites (Every Monday) June the summer months.” Sandoval said. “I didn’t know about the buses. 28 through August 2 for more information. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette v July 8-14, 2021 v 9 News Balloon Releases Could Bring Fines New law bans the intentional outdoor release of balloons, which can harm wildlife, environment.
By Glenda C. Booth Mount Vernon Gazette
balloon with a mind of its own follows a young boy Aaround the streets of Paris amusing all, in the classic French children’s movie, “The Red Bal- loon.” But when balloons come down, they are not so amusing. People have released balloons Sign up for into the sky for years, to cheer up parties, jamborees, games, gradu- FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION ations and celebrations, but with to all of our papers enactment of a new Virginia law, intentionally releasing balloons outdoors can bring a $25 fine for each balloon. These balloons were snagged in trees in the Mount Vernon area. On June 29, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam signed into law a bill that bans the intentional out- door release of nonbiodegradable balloons. Prior to this new law, people could release up to 50 balloons at one time. Virginia Beach Del. Nan- www.connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe cy Guy, the bill’s sponsor, was mo- tivated in part by Virginia Aquari- um officials in Virginia Beach who have found balloons and balloon remnants in the stomachs of tur- tles and marine mammals like dol- phins and whales. While some legislators trivial- ized the bill as it languished in the General Assembly for a decade, These balloons came down in the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve. Guy said during the legislators’ debate that intentionally releasing org/) certifies compostable prod- balloons is “a legalized form of lit- Alternatives ucts. tering.” Balloons have chemical com- Latex balloons, foil balloons and to Balloons ponents, plasticizers and artificial To make events festive, there plastic ribbons are a top source of dyes which can have adverse envi- are alternatives to balloons, but debris found on Virginia’s remote ronmental impacts. everything has an impact of some beaches according to Clean Virgin- Seabirds, wading birds, raptors kind. Several online party suppli- ia Waterways of Longwood Uni- and other birds can get entangled ers claim their products are “bio- versity. The Virginia Marine Debris in balloons, especially in their degradable” or “compostable.” Reduction Plan identified balloons strings or ribbons. This can impair Non-balloon options include bub- and their attachments as one of the the birds’ mobility, feeding and bles, paper balls and pompoms, top five most harmful types of ma- other behavior. tissue paper balls, biodegradable rine debris. Foil balloons can cause power confetti, flags and streamers. Col- outages when entangled on pow- orful real leaves and flowers read- Why Balloons Are a Problem er lines. Mylar balloons’ metallic ily decompose, and could be the Aquatic animals mistake bal- coating can conduct electricity. best choice. loons for food because some bal- Ed Clark, president of the Wild- loons look like jellyfish. When eat- life Center of Virginia, summa- en, balloons can cause intestinal plastic as food which then kills rized: “The bottom line is, these blockage and be lethal. “Balloons them once ingested,” Krizek said. things get out there and there’re and plastic ribbons are among the While some manufacturers may no good consequences.” deadliest types of ocean trash to all claim their balloons are biodegrad- One balloon can travel thou- kinds of wildlife including sea tur- able, most balloons biodegrade sands of miles, reports a Univer- tles and birds,” said Christina Tra- very slowly. According to Wildlife sity of Michigan study. A balloon pani, a Longwood researcher. Center of Virginia officials, bal- released in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Mount Vernon Delegate Paul loons can take months to years to was found five days later in Pine Krizek voted for the bill. “As much fully break down. As they break Knob, Kentucky, 430 miles away. as we all love balloons filled with down, wildlife can mistake small Balloons, balloon ribbons and helium, it makes sense to legally latex and plastic pieces for food fragments can come down in the forbid the purposeful release into and choke on them or die from forests, streams, fields, backyards, the environment, especially as ma- eating them. anywhere. rine wildlife like turtles and birds The Biodegradable Products What goes up, always comes see the deflated, floating balloon Institute (https://www.bpiworld. down, somewhere. 10 v Mount Vernon Gazette v July 8-14, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Calendar
WEDNESDAY/JULY 7 July 24 – Los Texmaniacs (Conjunto FAIRFAX STATION RAILROAD U.S Army Blues Band. 7:30 p.m. At band) MUSEUM REOPENS Balloon Releases Could Bring Fines Lee District Park, 660 Telegraph July 31 – Robin and Linda Williams The Fairfax Station Railroad Museum Road, Franconia. This popular (Folk) is reopening on Sunday, July 11, group began in 1942 as the U.S. August 7 – The Pietasters (Ska) 2021, with a “Welcome Back” Army Dance Band, created to August 14 – Crys Matthews (Jazz, event from noon - 3 p.m. with free entertain soldiers and civilians in Blues, Funk) admission, tours and refreshments. the battle zone during World War August 21 – Dom Flemons (Acoustic Docents will provide tours featur- II. Since then, it has evolved into Blues) ing new exhibits. Young visitors the premier jazz ensemble of the August 28 – The U.S. Army Field can enjoy puzzles and other United States Army. Call 703-324- Band, Six String Soldiers (Ameri- attractions. Museum members will SHOW (7469) before leaving home cana, Folk, Bluegrass, Irish) discuss volunteer opportunities for inclement weather updates. for those interested. For more MONDAY/JULY 12 information on volunteer opportu- SATURDAY/JULY 10 Funday Monday- Story Time. 10:30- nities, visit volunteers@fairfax-sta- Cultural Heritage Nights are coming to 11:30 a.m. At Old Town Hall, 3999 tion.org or 703-425-9225. For Ossian Hall Park for free perfor- University Dr., Fairfax. Funday questions about the Museum, visit mances from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday is open to children of all [email protected]. on Saturdays in July and August. ages; however, those who haven’t The Museum is located at 11200 These performances are part of yet started school are particularly Fairfax Station Road in Fairfax the Spotlight by Starlight Summer encouraged to attend. There will Station. Visit www.fairfax-station. Entertainment Series at Ossian Hall be music, movement, storytelling, org; 703-425-9225. Park that promotes awareness and performances, crafts, and more. appreciation of Fairfax County’s Visit the website: Thursday/July 8 JULY 1-17 cultural diversity. We’ve seen the https://www.fairfaxva.gov/govern- Outdoor Jazz Concert. 5:30 and 7 p.m. At The Rectory on Princess J.W. Hiller Retrospective Exhibit. At makeup of our county change dra- ment/parks-recreation/cultur- Street, 711 Princess St., Alexandria. Retro, smooth, and timeless. Del Ray Artisans gallery, in the al-arts matically in the last decade, and Vocalist and front-woman, Ariana Harbin leads jazz quartet Sweet Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount this helps put out the welcome mat Something in favorite jazz tunes in tribute to such legendary per- Vernon Ave., Alexandria: The John for neighbors and shared cultures. SATURDAY/JULY 17 W. Hiller Retrospective Photogra- On July 10, 2021, enjoy Peru Cultural
org/) certifies compostable prod- ucts. Balloons have chemical com- ponents, plasticizers and artificial dyes which can have adverse envi- ronmental impacts. Seabirds, wading birds, raptors and other birds can get entangled in balloons, especially in their strings or ribbons. This can impair the birds’ mobility, feeding and other behavior. Foil balloons can cause power outages when entangled on pow- er lines. Mylar balloons’ metallic coating can conduct electricity. Ed Clark, president of the Wild- life Center of Virginia, summa- rized: “The bottom line is, these things get out there and there’re no good consequences.” One balloon can travel thou- sands of miles, reports a Univer- sity of Michigan study. A balloon released in Ann Arbor, Michigan, was found five days later in Pine Knob, Kentucky, 430 miles away. Balloons, balloon ribbons and fragments can come down in the forests, streams, fields, backyards, anywhere. What goes up, always comes down, somewhere. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette v July 8-14, 2021 v 11 News Calendar From Page 11 by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra ending with a Grand Finale fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. To limit crowds Mount Vernon Yacht Club and prevent the spread of COVID-19, this year’s fireworks display has been repositioned to be visible from multiple vantage points along the Potomac River Celebrates July 4th and a New Pool waterfront from Canal Center Plaza to Jones Point Park. To further reduce crowds, the event will not include the ommodore Dan distribution of birthday cake or cannon O’Keefe cut the support from the 3d United States ribbon at the Infantry Regiment. Mount Vernon Program Schedule: C 8:45 p.m.–Opening and Welcome Yacht Club’s annual cele- Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison St.) bration of Independence 9 p.m.–Performance by Alexandria Sym- Day which coincided this phony Orchestra year with the grand open- Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison St.) ing of the newly construct- 9:30 p.m.–Grand Finale fireworks display Vantage points: ed swimming pool. The Canal Center Plaza (Center Canal Plaza) annual softball game, pa- Rivergate Park (2 Montgomery St.) rade of children, and sing- Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison St.) ing of the national anthem Founders Park (351 North Union St.) Waterfront Park (1A Prince St.) preceded the opening and Windmill Hill Park (501 South Union St.) were enjoyed by all and fol- Fords Landing boardwalk (99 Franklin St.) lowed by a barbecue buffet. Jones Point Park (Jones Point Dr.)
Photos contributed George Washington Masonic Temple (101 Callahan Dr.) Visit alexandriava.gov/Recreation for more information, or call the Special Events Part of the new Hotline at 703-746-5592. pool has lane markings for SATURDAY/JULY 10 swim team use. Savory Soiree: “Liberté chérie: A Bastille Day Celebration.” 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. At The Secret Garden of the Rectory, 711 Princess Street, Alexandria. Celebrate Bastille Day with fine food and a delec- table musical program of French songs and opera arias by Jules Massenet, Georges Bizet, Pauline Viardot, Nadia Boulanger and more. Visit the website: https://www.classicalmovements.com/ secretgardenconcerts/
SATURDAY/JULY 10 Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. At the parking lot of 1900 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Hosted monthly by Del Ray residents and businesswomen, Lauren Fisher, PsyD, and Amy Eggers, the market is held on the second Saturday of each month. The goal of the market is to give community members a chance to participate in a grass-roots event, either as shoppers or vendors, with vintage/antique/flea market items they are hoping to sell or acquire. Items for sale range from vintage and like-new clothing to house- wares, sports memorabilia, child and baby items, artwork and more. Visit delrayvintageflea.com. Commodore Dan O’Keefe cuts the ribbon at the Mount Vernon Yacht Club’s annual SATURDAY/JULY 10 The swimmers get ready to test out the new pool. celebration of Independence Day. Eco-Gardening Ideas: Evening Stroll at Green Spring. 5:30-7 p.m. At Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. (16-Adult) Take an evening stroll through the gar- dens at Green Spring with curatorial horticulturist Brenda Skarphol to see eco-friendly and sustainable garden ideas. Learn how to incorporate native Patriotic Pride plants that will attract more pollinators U.S. flags are displayed at the and wildlife to your garden, and ways
Janet Barnett/Gazette Packet to improve your soil to enhance water intersection of Rosemont and retention and manage runoff. $18 per Commonwealth Avenues in person. Register online at www.fairfax- Rosemont in celebration of county.gov/parks/parktakes (code NQN. the Fourth of July holiday. The P4JZ) or call Green Spring Gardens at 703-642-5173. Rosemont area of the city is a designated Virginia Historic TUESDAY/JULY 13 Landmark by the Virginia Board Summer Concert. 6-8 p.m. At Green Spring of Historic Resources. Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alex- andria. Featuring music by Black Moon Tonic. Bring the whole family, a picnic, lawn chairs and a blanket to spread. Alcohol is not permitted. Call 703-642- 5173 in the event of inclement weather.
12 v Mount Vernon Gazette v July 8-14, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Bulletin Classified WWW.CONNECTIONNEWSPAPERS.COM From Page 5 To Advertise in This Paper, Call by Monday 11:00 am 703-778-9411 systems, and friendly and welcom- ing demeanor. Email FWSLibrary@ mountvernon.org to learn more.
ONGOING Local, farm-fresh produce – including strawberries and asparagus –and more will be featured at the now- opened McCutcheon/Mt. Vernon Farmers Market. From 8 a.m. to noon every Wednesday (through December 22), 16 local farmers and food producers will sell fresh, locally grown vegetables and fruits; meats; Chesapeake Bay seafood; breads and pastries; honey, jams and jellies; milk, cheese and eggs; herbs and plants; and more. The market is located at the Sherwood Hall Regional Library, 2501 Sher- wood Hall Lane. All of the items sold at the market are grown or produced by the vendors and come from within a radius of 125 miles. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) EBT cards can be used. As a bonus, the market will match up to $20 per market visit in SNAP dollars for fruits and vegetables. This year’s vendors are: Arnest Seafood – crab cakes, scallops, shrimp, rockfish, oysters and more Grace’s Pastries - cakes, pastries and breads, with a Caribbean touch Great Harvest Bread - breads and pastries Honey Brook Farms - meats and veg- etables raised with no chemicals, gluten-free baked goods House of Empanadas –variety of empanadas King Mushrooms –variety of locally grown mushrooms Locust Grove Farm - vegetables and herbs Misty Meadow Farm Creamery - milk, ice cream, cheese and eggs No. 1 Sons– pickles, kimchi, sauer- kraut and kombucha teas Ochoa Produce - vegetables, herbs and flowers Traveling Shepherd Coffee Co. – vari- ety of freshly roasted coffee Twin Springs Orchard - fruits, vegeta- bles, cheese and more Valentine’s Bakery & Meats - meats and baked goods.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Assistance League of Northern Virginia is an all-volunteer non-profit or- ganization that feeds, clothes and provides reading assistance and books to children in need. Assis- tance League’s programs touch the lives of hundreds of children in Fairfax and Prince William Coun- ties and the City of Alexandria. There are many volunteer oppor- tunities for community members to contribute to helping those in need. To learn more, email info@ alnv.org, or visit www.alnv.org. United Community (formerly UCM), 7511 Fordson Road, Alexandria, seeks volunteers for Food Pantry assistance, Early Learning Center teacher aides, basic needs coun- selors, youth tutors and mentors, office administration/data entry, and community outreach. Flexible hours and schedules. Opportunities for all ages to serve, including com- munity service hours. More info at ucmagency.org/volunteer-op- portunities or email volunteer@ ucmagency.org. Operation Paws for Homes, a Virginia based 501(c)(3) organization seeks volunteers, especially to foster dogs. See www.ophrescue.org for information and all volunteer opportunities. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette v July 8-14, 2021 v 13 I’m the Wellbeing Big Winner Business By KENNETH B. LOURIE Directory (Not a cancer column.) For the past six months Back to Work or so, I have been the email-recipient of $50 gift WWW.CONNECTIONNEWSPAPERS.COM cards to numerous to count/tally. They have run demic. Many have seen that they can lead the gamut from Ace Hardware to Zappos.com and Call 703-549-0004 Angst, readjustment fulfilling lives with less,” said Arlington psy- everything in between like CVS, Kohls, Walmart; for advertising information chologist Kerry Anderson, Ph.D. who tran- you name it. I have rarely clicked on any of these as employees sitioned her practice to video conferencing “give-aways” because the one time I did, the an- swers required on the site - to claim my winnings, during the pandemic. “They may find that seemed a bit intrusive, as in what they were asking ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL return to the office. what they have is good enough and adding was none of their business. If they truly want to more may tip the scales back to stress and incentivize me to spend money at their store/site, By Marilyn Campbell excess. Now more than before it’s important they need to leave my personal business out of The Connection to reassess your current values as your life their equation. You don’t need to know my moth- stands today. What do you want the next er’s maiden name or the name of the city where I was born, to give me money, and you definitely ore than one year after the three to five years to look like? What have are not getting my credit card number into which emergence of COVID-19 and you learned over the course of this year that you’ll make “the transfer.” I’ve been down that the subsequent, work-from- you would like to maintain? What are you rabbit hole before, and it’s not good. home mandates, many em- ready to let go of that has not served you For a time, I was naively open and curious M ployees are heading back to the office. After well? about these presumptive money/data grabs. I adjusting to that new normal created by the Retuning without giving up all of the au- figured that in a pandemic world where millions LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING of potential buyers are quarantining at home, pandemic and experiencing the benefits that tonomy could be a solution, says Hansen. and brick and mortar businesses are left fending came with it, the reemergence of rush hour “I think that employees who want to re- for themselves, finding an alternate route to my traffic, office politics, and a loss of freedom tain some of their freedom and flexibility wallet/credit cards while many of us were less is leading to dread and angst among some in their schedule can have open and honest inclined to go out and mix with the masses, a workers. conversations with their supervisor about gift card teaser seemed prudent and reasonable. “Most of the clients I’m currently working maintaining at least one or more work-from- Moreover, given the very extenuating circum- stances we’ve all endured these last 18 months, with are anxious about returning to work be- home days.” it was safe even; given our collective evolution Summer Cleanup... cause of potential exposure to COVID, they’re While some employees might be able to in terms of purchasing goods and services online worried about losing flexibility and control negotiate an arrangement that allows them over the last decade to buy remotely. Throw in the over their workday and quality of life,” said to maintain at least part of the change in same day service available with some vendors and David Hansen, Licensed Professional Coun- workstyle that resulted from the pandemic, there really is very little need to leave your house. But after being nearly hooked and gutted by selor and Certified Career Counselor in Fair- others may not have that luxury. a phishing expedition once before, I’ve become fax. “My clients are afraid of losing that, and “Workers should lower their self- ex- extremely cautious about taking any bait/ tipping right now there’s a lot of anxiety because pectations accordingly,” said psychologist my toe in the figurative computer water, especially it’s unclear to Steven Thies- when the offers seem to be pulling at my heart’s them what the “I think that employees who sen, Ph.D. strings: free/easy money. Certainly I am mindful expectations whose office of the advisory: “If it sounds too good to be true, will be when is in Rockville. ...” yelled from the highest mountain tops in the want to retain some of their past decade. However, the fraudulent pursuit of they’re back in “They should our almighty dollars are not being sent by idiots/ the office.” expect to feel Landscape Drainage Landscape Drainage freedom and flexibility in innocent target marketers. Hardly. These callers, Just as em- some level with whom you eventually have to make verbal ployees and of discom- or online contact are quite proficient at answering their schedule can have open employers had fort, and they your questions and/or allaying any fears that the about-to-be-extremely-unlucky mark is exhibiting. to make signif- and honest conversations should not ex- And once the caller/responder to your query has icant modifica- pect to handle control of your computer - which you provided (it tions abruptly, with their supervisor about it perfectly. seemed like the logical thing to do to close/final- urgently and They should ize the deal), the gift card party is officially over. without prec- expect that The “free” money you had anticipated receiving maintaining at least one or edent, some of they will need is now going to cost you real money, as opposed to the offer you initially received which, as it the same kinds more work-from-home days.” a period of ad- happens, wasn’t real/free at all. of adjustments justment.” Still, even with my previous near-death will need to be — David Hansen, career counselor Creating a financial wipeout, I did click on a CVS offer. made during plan can help The site had all the CVS bells and whistles and the transition back to working in person. reduce stress and anxiety, particularly for colors which I’ve come to recognize and the offer “Last March, it took people a while to ad- those who don’t have the power to ask for seemed genuine: three choices to click on a box to win a $50 gift card. And of course, it was the just and figure out how to make working flexibility. “I think one of the most import- third and final red box on which I clicked that from home function properly, but over time, ant things employees can do right now as offered up my $50. That was easy. Too easy. and even though it was hard, many working they’re thinking about going back to work As it soon became apparent, claiming the mon- people and their families got into a steady is identify, very specifically, what positive ey was the problem. Once I answered a bunch of groove, and even found that they could changes they’ve made since COVID that they questions about my name, rank and serial number want to hold onto,” said Anderson. “Find- of where I live and so forth, I realized I was lead- build in more quality time to take care of ing the caller down the garden path to my identity themselves and their families,” said Hansen. ing creative ways to maintain activities like and all sorts of harrowing misadventures which Losing those benefits has led to a reevalu- exercising or spending time with family can I’d prefer not to experience first hand. Before it ation of goals and values. give you something to look forward to and got too late/too personal on the sight, I politely “The success and power-driven environ- can reduce some of the anxiety over return- backed out before any damage was done. As a ment that we live in was shaken by the pan- ing to work.” result of this near calamity, I am no longer clicking on anything that seems the least bit enticing with unsolicited offers of direct payments/gift cards to me. If however, there are solicitations to me for “The success and power-driven environment gift cards to be mailed to my home without any preconditions or questions answered, I’d be happy that we live in was shaken by the pandemic. to receive them. Otherwise, I won’t bother. I’ve been shamed once, I can’t afford, literally, to be shamed twice, then it is my fault (a fool and his Many have seen that they can lead fulfilling money ...) . lives with less.” Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative for — Arlington psychologist The Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers. Kerry Anderson, Ph.D. 14 v Mount Vernon Gazette v July 8-14, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette v July 8-14, 2021 v 15 16 v Mount Vernon Gazette v July 8-14, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com