WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM MARCH 6, 2014 | 1 Vol. 10, No. 10 Alexandria’s only independent hometown newspaper MARCH 6, 2014 Familiar face tapped as ACPS superintendent Alvin Crawley can drop a search for the district’s new interim from his title top adminstrator. Crawley previously served BY ERICH WAGNER as interim superintendent in Prince George’s County, where The Alexandria City School he actively sought to perma- Board revealed last week that nently secure the top job. But he interim Superintendent Alvin bowed out of the running — and Crawley will helm the public resigned — after a shakeup of school district on a permanent that school district’s structure. basis. He also was deputy chief of the Crawley began oversee- District’s special education de- ing Alexandria City Public FILE PHOTO partment and held various ad- Schools in October, just a few After serving as interim super- ministrative roles within Arling- months after the abrupt retire- intendent for five months, Alvin ton County Public Schools. ment of Morton Sherman, who Crawley is the school board’s ACPS spokeswoman Kelly stepped down only a few days top choice to succeed Morton Alexander said Crawley was Sherman. before classes started. The ill Tuesday and unavailable for board, which received more meeting Thursday. comment before press time. than 50 applications for the po- ACPS spent $22,500 on Despite repeated requests for a sition, is expected to formally the services of consulting firm vote on his appointment at its BWP & Associates to conduct SEE SUPERINTENDENT | 6 Rethinking cat licensing Rarely enforced enforced ordinance regulating According to city code, cat ordinance comes feline companions. owners in the Port City must into question “We’ve actually gotten a buy a one-year license for $10 couple of emails from people or a three-year license for $25. BY ERICH WAGNER interested in cat licensing,” Joe Seskey, deputy director of Wilson said. the Animal Welfare League of Most local jurisdictions Alexandria, said the penalty PHOTOS/LAURA SIKES Once the cat got out of the IRELAND’S OWN City Councilor Paul Smedberg (top) waves bag that City Councilor Justin have laws requiring that dog for owning an unlicensed cat is to the crowd lining Old Town’s streets for the annual St. Patrick’s Wilson was combing Alexan- owners get licenses for their a $50 fine. Day Parade on Saturday. Hundreds of revelers descended upon dria’s codes for outdated or un- canines. But of area local gov- Seskey said the shelter rou- Alexandria for the traditional celebration of all things Irish. Among necessary laws, residents start- ernments, only Montgomery tinely issues cat licenses to the participants were members of The O’Neill-James School of ed coming to him with ideas. and Prince George’s counties pet owners and new adopters. Irish Dancing (bottom), who were all smiles as they flitted through the Port City. MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 8. And more than one had join Alexandria in requiring stumbled across a largely un- cats to be licensed as well. SEE CATS | 6 PORT CITY PLAYHOUSE WOWS WITH ‘NEXT FALL’ - PAGE 12 2 | MARCH 6, 2014 ALEXANDRIA TIMES Christine Roland Garner I Sell More Because I Do More! Celebrating 25 Years Since 1988 The Time To Sell Is Now. Let Me Put My +25 years Experience To Work For You! OLD TOWN VAUXCLEUSE DEL RAY/MT IDA $1,369,000 $1,350,000 $989,000 - Coming Soon One of Old Town’s most signifi- Beautifully cant 18th century reproductions renovated and which boasts 4/5 bedrooms, expanded 4 bed- 4.5 baths and 4 fireplaces. Lo- room, 3 bath co- cated in the desirable Southeast lonial convenient Quadrant with an elegant court- to shops and res- yard entry. Generous room sizes taurants on “The with high ceilings, exquisite Avenue”. 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Living room with fireplace, spa- room with fireplace and dining room with large picture bedroom, 2 bath end townhouse with 3 finished levels. cious Great Room with dining area, adjacent kitchen and windows. Newly updated kitchen with granite counters, Light filled living room and dining room that is open to fireplace. Recently renovated studio as well as a nearly SS appliances and cherry cabinets. Fabulous yard with ir- the kitchen. French doors step out to a tiered deck and completed enclosed garage that would be ideal for a new rigation system, large shed, patio, fireplace and Koi pond. large fenced yard with patio and alley access. Hardwood kitchen. Two main level bedrooms with 2 full baths and Replacement windows, new roof and extra storage in the floors on 2 levels, crown mouldings and double pane re- large lower level with bedroom, fireplace and lots of attic with Pds. Convenient to Fairlington, Old Town and placement windows throughout. storage space. Del Ray. My Priorities Are Simple...They’re Yours! For additional information & Photos, Go To: www.ChristineGarner.com WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM MARCH 6, 2014 | 3 THE WEEKLY BRIEFING Roll over your credit card balances for a lower rate! United Way gives local groups big cash infusion Alexandria’s stable of non- careers; and help children and al operating support, by linking profits got a big boost from the adults to be healthy and active,” businesses with nonprofits for Special United Way of the National she said. funding and volunteer opportu- Capital Area last week: 22 The beneficiaries include a nities, and by providing grants % grants totaling $246,581. few of Alexandria’s best-known through the community impact 2.99APR* Rosie Allen-Herring, the organizations, like Carpenter’s fund for specific projects such Visa® Balance Transfer for 12 Months chapter’s president and CEO, Shelter and The Campagna as support of New Hope Hous- presented Mayor Bill Euille and Center. Among those quick to ing case management services No Balance Transfer Fees! representatives of the recipient thank United Way NCA for at the Alexandria Community nonprofits with the money last the needed dollars were Pam Shelter,” Michell said. Apply online at cofcu.org week, saying her organization Michell, executive director of In all, United Way NCA’s or call (703) 823-5211 was happy to help local groups New Hope Housing, and Re- campaign raised about $1.7 tackle difficult problems. becca Hill, chief development million, which was doled out Most local area residents can bank with us. Federally Insured By NCUA *APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Balance transfers are considered cash advances and interest is charged from the date of the transfer. The amount of the transfer cannot exceed your available credit line. Please continue to make payments on other accounts until the balance transfer is “United Way NCA’s com- officer of St. Coletta of Greater to nonprofits across the region. confirmed. If you want to close other accounts, contact the issuer directly. Balance transfers may not be applied to other CommonWealth One loan balances. This offer is non-transferable. 2.99% promotional rate for 12 months on all transfers made January 15, 2014 through April 15, 2014. munity impact grants will help Washington. The smallest grant was $10,000 After that the APR for the unpaid balance and any new balance transfers will be at your current rate. Promotional offer ends April 15, 2014. children have greater access to “United Way acts as a part- while the largest awarded was quality education programs; ner in the nonprofit community $25,000. adults to get the job training and in many ways by linking donors professional support they need with specific nonprofit agencies - Derrick Perkins to find and maintain lifelong to provide much needed gener- Beyer wins local Democratic committee straw poll Former Lt. Gov. Don Bey- “This is a wonderful way end. In the June 10 primary, er won the Mount Vernon Dis- to kick off the 100 days count- Beyer will face off against a SEE trict Democratic Committee’s down tomorrow,” Beyer said slew of other congressional GREAT straw poll for the eighth con- in a statement.