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Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ December 18-24, 2014 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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December 18, 2014Mount Vernon’s Hometown Newspaper • A Connection Newspaper

See Improvements, Page 6

Holiday Toy DriveSanta gets a thank you from a student at the Gum Springs Head Start.

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By Tim Peterson

The Gazette

Douglas White is the “un-official mayor” ofAccotink Village, he said.

He was at the South County Cen-ter on Dec. 10 to hear project up-dates from members of the U.S.Route 1 Improvements projectteam handling the widening of themajor roadway.

“I’m here so I can tell everyonein the community what’s goingon,” he said.

Several Accotink Village build-ings are on the demolition list forthis winter and spring, accordingto Mitch Rubin, Design BuildProject Manager with the jointcontractor team Corman-Wagman,based in Lorton.

Some of the other key progressupdates Rubin presented includeputting three drainage pipesacross the road at Mason Run, in-stalling storm drains and stormdrain ponds, and “cutting and fill-ing” stretches of dirt to widen theheavily trafficked roadway.

Depending on the weather,they’re also hoping to demolish theexisting bridge and build a newone over Accotink Creek.

“If Mother Nature is good to usthis winter, it’ll be sooner,” saidRubin. “Right now she’s not coop-erating very well with us.”

Widening U.S. Route 1 to a six-lane divided highway has been onthe county’s comprehensive plansince the 1970s, according to JaneRosenbaum, a senior transporta-

Laura Mehiel (center), design manager with A. MortonThomas, explains some of the U.S. Route 1 improve-ments to citizens at the Dec. 10 update meeting.

Widening ContinuesOn U.S. Route 1Improvements projectteam holds update meeting.

Douglas White of AccotinkVillage attended the Dec.10 U.S. Route 1 Improve-ments meeting to reportback to his community.

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2 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ December 18-24, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com


NewsMount Vernon Gazette Editor Steven Mauren

703-778-9415 or [email protected]

Volunteers accompanied the Gum Springs Head Start students throughthe Penn Daw fire station.

Volunteers sorted the toys into age groups before bringing the childrenin to select a favorite.

Firefighters Host Annual Holiday Toy Drive

Antonia Williams says hello to 6-year-old Jazz with SitMeans Sit dog trainer and owner Ted Madsen at theannual toy drive.

Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Captain II Willie Bailey isjoined by ACT for Alexandria executive director JohnPorter and Mount Vernon District Supervisor GerryHyland at the Holiday Toy Drive.

Firefights and paramedics collected more than 3,000 toys as well as 80bikes.

More than 3,000 new toyswere collected and distrib-uted at the annualfirefighters holiday toydrive.

Fairfax County Fire & Safety LieutenantJeff Mongold has a visit with Santa at thefire station.

Partnering with privatecorporations and localbusinesses, FairfaxCounty firefighters and

paramedics sponsored the 17th

Annual Firefighters HolidayRescuer’s Toy Distribution. OnThursday, Dec. 11, the toys, coats,gift cards and bikes were distrib-uted at Penn Daw Fire and RescueStation 11 in Alexandria.

Department members, Progres-sive Firefighters of Fairfax County,Inc., and International Associationof Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 2068,collected new toys, games, bikes,coats, and other items for distri-bution to children throughoutFairfax County and Alexandriaduring the holiday season.

Three thousand toys, 600 coats,$3,000 in gift cards and 80 bikeswere distributed thanks to dona-tions and support from businessesand civic organizations including

Operation Warm/FirefightersCoats for Kids, Apple FederalCredit Union, Nationwide CreditCorporation, Fairfax County Fed-

eration of Teachers, Cardinal PlazaShell, Union Street Public Restau-rant, Promax Realtors, Rutherford,Medocracy Inc., ACT for Alexan-

dria, FCAC Delta Sigma Theta So-rority, Fairfax County OP3, PrimoFamily Restaurant, Five Guys,Kelly’s Irish Times Restaurant, St.

Stephen’s St. Agnes School,StayWell, Fire & Rescue Retire-ment Association and the Connec-tion Newspapers.

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$949,0001847 Potomac GreensDr. Fantastic 3 bedroom,3.5+.5 bath town housewith a 2-car garage. Over3,400 sq. ft. of luxury livingon 4 finished levels. Qualityfinishes throughout,including hardwood floorson main and lower levels,chef’s kitchen, 2-sided gasfireplace, Master suite withluxury bath and 2 walk-inclosets. Spacious top levelfamily room with access toa rooftop deck! Convenientto shops, restaurants, parkand playground.

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719B Massey Ln #B.RARE TIDEWATER MODEL!Dramatic 2-story VaultedCeilings with MultipleSkylights, Wood Floors,Attached Sun Deck forgrilling. OVER 1,500 SQFT, 2 Master Bedrooms,each with beautifulprivate full Baths.Garage. Huge Pool andLighted Tennis Courts.Close to Shops andRestaurants, 2 lights toWashington, D.C.! Lessthan 1 mile away fromBraddock Road Metro.

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6534 Brick Hearth Ct.Must see amazing townhome in greatcommunity of SouthKings Station. 2 Bed, 21/2 Bath, 3 Level Townhome, updated Eat-inKit w/granite, oakcabinets, wood-burringFP, fenced back patio, 2Master Suites w/lots ofcloset space & attachedbaths. Lower level,partially finished. W/Dlower level, and tons ofstorage. New paint &carpet throughout!

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News

Inova Mount Vernon Hospital officially dedi-cated the new Mark and Brenda Moore Pa-tient Tower building at a special ceremonyon Dec. 9.

Hospital leaders joined with major donors andmore than 125 dignitaries s representing commu-nity, business, political and Inova Health leadershipfrom across the region to celebrate the culminationof more than four years’ work and planning.

The Mark and Brenda Moore Patient Tower fea-tures all-private patient rooms, expanded facilitiesfor the Inova Joint Replacement Center and InovaRehabilitation Center, a new gymnasium, and newcognitive suites and other state-of-the-art patient

care areas.In her remarks, Deborah Addo, Inova Mount

Vernon Hospital Chief Executive Officer, remarkedthat this aesthetically pleasing, world-class facilitywill enhance privacy and promote a healing envi-ronment for patients.

The Mark and Brenda Moore Patient Tower isthe most recent tangible example of a series of in-frastructure improvements and expansion acrossthe hospital campus. In October, Inova MountVernon Hospital opened an expanded operatingroom suites area, and in spring, 2015, the hospi-tal will break ground on a great expanded emer-gency department project.

New Patient Tower Dedicated

Deborah Addo,CEO of Inova

Mount VernonHospital, with

Mark andBrenda Moore

as the newMark and

Brenda MoorePatient Towersign is lit for

the first time.

Photo

Contributed


News

From Page 1

Improvements Project Team Holds Update Meeting

Photo by Tim Peterson/The Gazette

Tim Brown (right) with theEastern Federal Lands High-way Division of the FederalHighway Administrationpoints out the five areas ofU.S. Route 1 improvements toAdam Vencill, a project teammember who lives in Mary-land.

The project team has broken the three and a half-mile stretch of U.S. Route 1 being improved into five main sec-tions.

Image courtesy of Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division

Section B of the U.S. Route 1 Improvement project, showing clearing and grading taking place, as well as thelocation of the new bridge over Accotink Creek.

Image courtesy of Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division

Sections C and D of the U.S. Route 1 Improvement project continue north from the Fairfax County Parkway.

tion planner with Fairfax County whowas at the meeting.

“We were doing incremental wid-ening, from two to four lanes, somedevelopment widening in around In-let Cove,” said Rosenbaum. “But wenever had enough money to put insuch a huge project. 3.7 miles: It’s ahuge chunk of a road building.”

But when the relocation of WalterReed Army Medical Center and otherFort Belvoir realignments promisedto add 9,000 vehicles per day on U.S.Route 1, according to Rosenbaum,the comprehensive plan needed abooster.

Del. Scott Surovell spoke afterRosenbaum and explained how U.S.Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) helped secure$180 million in grant money for theproject, collaborating with the Officeof Economic Adjustment and the De-partment of Defense.

In April 2013 the contract wasawarded to a joint venture of CormanConstruction, Inc. and G.A. & F.C.Wagman, Inc., with design work byA. Morton Thomas and Associates,Inc. Consulting Engineers. Designlasted until spring 2014, at whichpoint construction began. The projectteam anticipates a completion dateof Feb. 19, 2016.

The contractors are working underguidance from the Eastern FederalLands Highway Division and VirginiaDepartment of Transportation.

Surovell responded to generallypositive feedback from the publicaudience about the progress so far.“This project is coming in on time andunder budget, and it’s appearingthere’s money left over from it,” hesaid. “This is happening right here inour community, one of the biggestroad projects in the county. And I’vegotten virtually no complaints frommy constituents about it.”

For updates on lane closures andtraffic flow changes, visit the projectFacebook page or website atwww.rte1ftbelvoir.com.


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News

The Fraser Firs have arrived at Mount Vernon High School for the annual holiday tree sale. The saleis sponsored by the Mount Vernon Athletic Booster Club which is raising money to build a newgatehouse complete with restrooms and a snack bar at the Melvin Landes Stadium. The trees are

available daily from 5 to 8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The saleis located outside the Melvin Landes Stadium at the school.

MVHS Hosts Holiday Tree Sale

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Mount Vernon Athletic Booster PresidentPete Cutler shows a 6’ Fraser Fir to a cus-tomer at the tree sale on Saturday, Dec. 13.

The annual Mount Vernon Athletic Boost-ers holiday tree sale features Fraser Firtrees from North Carolina.


www.MountVernonGazette.com

@MtVernonGazette

An independent, locally owned weeklynewspaper delivered

to homes and businesses.Published by

Local Media Connection LLC

1606 King StreetAlexandria, Virginia 22314

Free digital edition delivered toyour email box. Go to

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NEWS DEPARTMENT:[email protected]

Steven MaurenEditor, 703-778-9415

[email protected]

Tim PetersonCommunity Reporter

[email protected]

Jeanne Theismann703-778-9436

[email protected]@TheismannMedia

Jon RoetmanSports Editor, 703-752-4013

[email protected]@jonroetman

ADVERTISING:For advertising information

[email protected]

Debbie FunkDisplay Advertising/National Sales

[email protected]

Julie FerrillDisplay Advertising, [email protected]

Helen WalutesDisplay Advertising, 703-778-9424

[email protected]

Andrea SmithClassified Advertising, [email protected]

David GriffinMarketing Assistant

[email protected]

PublisherJerry Vernon

[email protected]

Editor & PublisherMary Kimm

[email protected]@MaryKimm

Editor in ChiefSteven MaurenPhotography:

Deb Cobb, Craig SterbutzelArt/Design:

Laurence Foong, John HeinlyProduction Manager:

Geovani Flores

CIRCULATION: 703-778-9426Circulation Manager:

Ann [email protected]

A Connection Newspaper476days since a still-unnamed Fairfax Countypolice officer shot unarmed John Geerstanding in the doorway of Geer’s home inSpringfield, then let him bleed to death onAug. 29, 2013. No information has been re-leased about the incident, officers involvednot named, no explanation, no grand jury,no charges. (as of Dec. 10, 2014)

WHERE TO GIVE LOCALLYIN FAIRFAX COUNTYIn no particular order:❖ Our Daily Bread’s Holiday Program helps those

in need with food for the holidays and gifts for theirchildren. Donations are still needed, go towww.odbfairfax.com/holiday

❖ Cornerstones, 11150 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 210,Reston, serving Reston and Herndon. 571-323-9555,www.cornerstonesva.org. Programs and servicesinclude the Embry Rucker Community Shelter,Emergency Food Pantry, Hypothermia PreventionProgram and the Thanksgiving Food Drive.

❖ FACETS helps parents, their children and individualswho suffer the effects of poverty in the Fairfax area.FACETS is always in need of volunteers, and offers avariety of one-time and ongoing opportunities. 703-865-4251 or [email protected].

www.facetscares.org. 10640 Page Avenue, Suite 300,Fairfax VA 22030

❖ HealthWorks for Northern Virginia, formerly theJeanie Schmidt Free Clinic, provides medical, dentaland behavioral health care to anyone in need,regardless of age or ability to pay. Herndon location,1141 Elden St. Third Floor, Herndon, VA 20170, 703-481-8160 http://hwnova.org/

❖ Alternative House — Abused and HomelessChildren’s Refuge, 2100 Gallows Road, Vienna, VA22182, 703-506-9191. www.thealternativehouse.org

❖ SHARE of McLean seeks donations of grocery giftcards and more. Checks and gift cards can be sent to:Holiday Celebration, Share, Inc. PO Box 210, McLean,VA 22101. 703-284-2179.www.SHAREofMcLean.org

❖ Committee for Helping Others (CHO), Vienna,organized in 1969 by a group of concerned churchesand individuals in the Dunn Loring, Merrifield,

Oakton, Vienna community to providesimple, loving charity to those in need. 703-281-7614 http://www.cho-va.com❖ Fairfax City Area FISH (ForImmediate Sympathetic Help), workingwith the Office of Coordinated ServicesPlanning, Fairfax County Department ofHuman Services, FISH helps local citizenswho are in temporary need of basicnecessities such as food, clothing, andfinancial assistance for rent, mortgagepayments, utilities, and medical treatments.703-222-0880 http://fairfaxfish.org/❖ Herndon-Reston FISH (ForImmediate Sympathetic Help), 336 VictoryDrive, Herndon, 703-391-0105 Alsooperates thrift store, The Bargain Loft, 336Victory Drive, Herndon, 20170, 703-437-0600 http://herndonrestonfish.org❖ Lamb Center, www.thelambcenter.org,Day center for homeless, Fairfax 703-691-3178❖ Northern Virginia Family Service,providing gift cards and toys for 1,700 ofNorthern Virginia’s neediest families thisseason. 10455 White Granite Drive Suite100, Oakton, VA 22124 703-385-3267http://www.nvfs.org/❖ United Community Ministries,providing services to prevent homelessness,keep the utilities on, help with foodinsecurity and more. Mount Vernon, 703-768-7106, 7511 Fordson Road, Alexandria,22306 http://www.ucmagency.org/❖ Food for Others, largest distributor offree food directly to people in need inNorthern Virginia, plus provides a safety netfor people who suddenly face unforeseenemergencies such as a family illness or theloss of a job or spouse. 2938 ProsperityAve., Fairfax, VA 22031, 703-207-9173.www.foodforothers.org❖ Ecumenical Community HelpingOthers (ECHO), 703-569-9160,

[email protected] 7205 Old Keene Mill Road,Springfield. Provides food and financial assistance tothose in short-term emergencies, and provides clothingand household goods to low income families, helpingmore than 5,000 people last year. www.echo-inc.org.

❖ Lorton Community Action Center, now collectinggift cards and food baskets for Christmas, drop off onDec. 20, 2014. Also operates Lorton’s Attic, 9506Richmond Highway (U.S. Route 1), Lorton, VA 22079703-339-5161 703-339-8611 www.lortonaction.org.

❖ Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater WashingtonFairfax Area operates clubs in two of the neediestareas of the county, Culmore and the Route 1 corridor,focusing on character and academic success. http://www.bgcgw.org/fairfax/

❖ Office to End and Prevent Homelessness has astrategic road map to prevent and end homelessness,created by the Planning Committee to EndHomelessness, in partnership with the cities of Fairfaxand Falls Church, government agencies, nonprofits,faith communities and businesses. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/homeless/

❖ 12 Ways of Giving: Fairfax County Office of PublicPrivate Partnerships’ “12 Ways of Giving” campaign isan annual event that showcases many ways formeaningful, local giving during the holiday season,highlighting nonprofits in Fairfax County.www.fairfaxcountypartnerships.org

❖ Assistance League of Northern Virginia is an all-volunteer organization that clothes, feeds, educates andnurtures those in need focusing five of the neediestelementary schools. Volunteers and donors are alwaysneeded. Contact [email protected] or seewww.northernvirginia.assistanceleague.org

❖ Comfort for America’s Uniformed Services(CAUSE) — organizes programs that promoterecreation, relaxation and resiliency for members ofthe U.S. Armed Services recuperating from injuriesreceived in support of operations in Iraq andAfghanistan. 4114 Legato Road Suite B, Fairfax, VA22033, 703-591-4968, cause-usa.org

❖ National Capital Food Bank, 6833 Hill Park Drive,Lorton, serving all of Northern Virginia, 703-541-3063. www.capitalareafoodbank.org

❖ Western Fairfax Christian Ministries — foodpantry at 13981 Metrotech Drive in Chantilly (nearBackyard Grill and Bar). For more information or tosponsor a family, call 703-988-9656, ext. 105. To mailgift cards or send donations by check, add a notesaying “food basket program” and send them to:WFCM, P.O. Box 220802, Chantilly, VA 20153. 703-988-9656. http://www.wfcmva.org/

❖ Touching Heart in Herndon is a nonprofitorganization whose mission is to educate children tohave giving hearts. http://www.touchingheart.com,703-901-7355

❖ Bethany House provides emergency shelter andsupportive services to victims of domestic violencethroughout Northern Virginia. www.bhnv.org, 6121Lincolnia Road, Suite 303, Alexandria, VA 22312, 703-658-9500. See http://www.bhnv.org/getinvolved1/for a list of needed items.

Opinion

The holidays are for giving.

Christmas and Hanukkah areabout children and family, aboutsharing, about joy, about being

thankful and about faith and appreciation.Here in Northern Virginia, many of us see

few signs of families in need as we go aboutour daily lives and holiday shopping. Ourneighborhoods are largely segregated economi-cally; we mostly see the people who are mostlike ourselves economically.

But in Fairfax County, about 65,000 peoplelive below the poverty line, about 6 percent.In Arlington and Alexandria, more than 8 per-cent of the population lives in poverty, about18,000 people in Arlington and more than12,000 people in Alexandria.

To be clear, the poverty line is $19,780 for afamily of three; it’s $11,670 for a single per-son household. Imagine for a minute how far$20,000 a year would go in your family. Tolive in Northern Virginia, a family needs to earnabout twice the rate of poverty to get by. Themedian household income in Fairfax Countyand Arlington is well over $100,000.

In Fairfax County Public Schools, more than52,000 students, or more than 28 percent, arepoor enough to receive free or subsidizedmeals, a significant measure of poverty.

In Arlington more than 32 percent of the stu-dents are poor enough to receive free or subsi-dized meals; that’s 7,452 students at last count.

In Alexandria, more than 8,500 students arepoor enough to receive free or subsidized

meals. That’s 60 percent of the 14,222 studentsenrolled.

These are children who may not be sure thatthey will have a meal between the meals theyget in school. School holidays can bring un-certainty and hunger, a far cry from the cel-ebrations, gifts and plenty that we associatewith Christmas, Hanukkah and winter holidayvacations.

Many of these are children are living in fami-lies who must choose between medical bills,car repair, heat and food. Almost all are fami-lies where at least one adult is employed fulltime, but still many are one unexpected ex-pense away from disaster. Many of these fami-lies live on the brink of homelessness.

There are literally hundreds, probably thou-sands, of ways to give locally this season. Alsomark your calendar to help again in a monthor two. The needs don’t go away after the holi-days. Here are a few ideas.

— Mary Kimm,

[email protected]

In the scramble to finish Christmas shopping,remember tens of thousands of local children areshort of food as well as presents.

Holidays Are for Giving


To the EditorThis note to you is concerning the con-

tinuing discussion on the need for a citizenoversight committee of the Fairfax CountyPolice Department.

There are unchecked gunslingers in theFairfax Police Department.

As background I have lived in Mt. Vernonarea for 20 years. During this time I havewritten four letters of commendation to thecaptain of the Mt. Vernon office commend-ing different officers for their great work. Ihave not even had a parking ticket for years.I am sure that I have a “5” point rating formy driving record. I am not one who breaksthe law.

If everyone in this county went throughthe trauma that I went through when anumber of Fairfax officers attacked myhome with me in it over a year ago theywould demand some citizen involvement tohold officers accountable for severe actions.Officers with drawn guns entered my home,told me not to move and went through myhome. I was not given a copy of the searchwarrant until they left. I did not know whatthey were looking for until they were gone.They tore up one room in my house andleft it that way. At one point they threat-ened to shoot my dog. At no time did I re-

ceive any charges or was accused of anywrongdoing.

I wrote a complaint to the chief about sixmonths after this attack after I cooled downand could use acceptable language. I havenever received a reply to my letter and pic-ture of my ransacked room. I no longer feelprotected by the police but live in fear thatthis will happen again.

When I took the warrant to the personwho signed it and pointed out that my namewas misspelled in several places, my housewas not described correctly and that theydid not find anything listed on the warrantshe was very nervous and said she “justsigned what the officer gave her.” This isnot the oversight a magistrate is hired toprovide.

I think that there is a preponderance ofreally great officers in the Mt. Vernon sta-tion. What there is not is a means to holdaccountable the few officers who do notmeet the standards of serving and protect-ing. A citizens advisory group could be use-ful to give someone like me a way to ex-press my displeasure with an issue and feellike someone would correct this kind ofunjustified attack.

Phil BoughtonMt. Vernon

Letter

Oversight Needed for the Few


Opinion

By Pamela L. Michell

Executive Director

New Hope Housing

The weather has turned colderand the holidays are in fullswing, which means it’s the timeof year when people ask “what

can we do for the homeless now that it’s socold?” Or “how can we help thehomeless have a good Christ-mas?” For those of us workingwith men, women, and childrenwho are experiencing homelessness, thegreat community interest in December inthose we serve can be heartwarming — andoverwhelming. Overwhelming because weare inundated by your extraordinary gen-erosity during this time. But heartwarming,because you are thinking about the personsin our program as individuals; as peoplewith their own holiday dreams.

In my 30-plus years in homeless services,one of my pet peeves is the phrase “thehomeless.” When we use that phrase weunknowingly dehumanize the people wedescribe. We are also inaccurately lumpingtogether a diverse group of people underone label as though they are all the samewith the same needs. Nothing could be fur-ther from the truth. They are individuals,each with a unique story. They are children.They are mothers and fathers. They are vet-erans. They are people from all walks oflife. The one thing they have in common is

not having a permanent address.At New Hope Housing, we don’t help the

Homeless, we don’t house the Homeless, wedon’t serve the Homeless, we don’t workfor the Homeless, because here, we don’tbelieve the Homeless exist. We serve people.And sometimes people experiencehomelessness. We believe homelessness issomething that happens to you. Our job at

New Hope Housing — and the jobof our nonprofit partners — is toprevent that experience from hap-pening, or if it does happen, mak-

ing it as short as possible by helping getpeople back into appropriate permanenthousing.

We at New Hope Housing, and our part-ners, as well as the families and single adultsin our programs, are truly grateful for yoursupport in filling a holiday wish list, pro-viding a meal, volunteering at one of themany hypothermia sites, or donating moneyto help our agencies end the homelessnessof each person who walks through ourdoors. We will still need you on Dec. 26 andFeb. 5 and during the summer. Until eachperson is home, we’ve all got work to do.

Thank you for making this person-to-per-son connection this holiday season. Thankyou for seeing that those who seek our as-sistance are not “the homeless,” but men,women, and children with hopes anddreams, just like each of us who are blessedwith a place to call home. Because there isno place like home — anytime of the year.

Helping People without Homes

Commentary

Photo Contributed

7-Eleven on North Kings Highway is now open forbusiness. Mount Vernon Lee Chamber of Commerce

hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, Dec. 15, to welcomethis new business located at 6138 North Kings Highway. Participat-ing in the ribbon-cutting were Diane Moery, Mount Vernon LeeChamber of Commerce; Sharon Leake, Belvoir Federal Credit Union;Azad Haghighi, Moeen Omar, Kay Bradley, and Jason Horan, with 7-Eleven; owner Michael Brasseur, wife Darby, and baby Kaylynn;Supervisor Jeff McKay, Del. Mark Sickles, and Walter Clark, South-east Fairfax Development Corporation.

Now Open


By Marilyn Campbell

The Gazette

While many are knee-deep in wrappingpaper and eggnog, some students areholed up with computer keyboardsand books of quotations. In addition

to driving to the mall for holiday shopping, someparents are throwing rapid-fire questions at their chil-dren to make sure they are fast on their feet.

For students and parents who hope for slots at thearea’s top independent schoolsnext year, ’tis admissions sea-son.

“As a school we want to knowwhat the relationship will bebetween what a student bringsto the table and what we willneed to bring to the table,” saidTim Simpson, assistant head ofschool and director of admis-sion and financial aid at BullisSchool in Potomac, Md.

Interviews are opportunitiesfor admissions teams to get toknow applicants and their par-ents, and share informationabout their schools.

“We try to encourage studentsto view the interview as a con-versation,” said Julie Jameson, director of admissionsat St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Potomac. “Theyshould feel comfortable … be themselves … and feelfree to ask any questions they might have.”

In fact, the interview is really a two-way street,says Ann Richardson Miller, director of admissionand financial aid at The Madeira School in McLean.“The girl and her parents should be asking as manyquestions of me as I am asking of her,” she said. “Af-ter all, this will be her school for the next four years,and fit is critical, both for us, but also for the girland her parents.”

“Learn as much as you can about the school be-fore your visit and be prepared to ask questions,”said Scott Conklin, director of admissions, EpiscopalHigh School in Alexandria. “This is also an opportu-nity to brag about your interests, talents and accom-plishments. ... Be humble, but make sure you let usknow all about you.”

That doesn’t mean you should ignore your flaws,however. “We look for genuine conversations thatconvey the student’s real interests and passions,” saidSimpson. “We also want students and parents to beopen to talking about strengths and weaknesses.”

THE ADMISSION ESSAY is another opportunityfor students to reveal facets of their personalities thatmight not be obvious through test scores, transcriptsand even letters of recommendation, said PatriciaHarden, director of admissions and financial aid atConnelly School of the Holy Child in Potomac.

“It should be a well-writtensnapshot of how an applicantthinks and how she under-stands some aspect of herworld,” Harden said.

Some schools even requirethe admission essay to be com-pleted in person.

“We want to see a student’strue, natural writing ability, andwe are interested in assessingtheir ability to develop andpresent a cohesive, thoughtfulessay on the spot,” said MichaelCresson, director of admissions,Bishop O’Connell High Schoolin Arlington. “A polished essayprepared at home with lots ofedits really doesn’t tell us what

we want to know to best evaluate an applicant.”No matter where the essay is written however, the

same basic writing advice applies.“We are looking for students to express themselves

and give us an insight into what kind of person he orshe is,” Cresson said. “My suggestions for students… would be … to proofread their essay, allow forenough time, do some research on the school andinclude that in the essay.

“These are simple suggestions, but it is disappoint-ing as a director to read through essays and findsimple mistakes and see that it was rushed.”

Local educators offeradvice on acing schooladmission essays andinterviews.

An Essay To Remember

“When interviewing,I think it is also helpfulto learn as much asyou can about theschool before your visitand be prepared toask questions.”

— Scott Conklin,director of admissions,Episcopal High School

Students atEpiscopal

High Schoolin Alexandria

collaborateon a school

project.Essays andinterviews

help admis-sions teams

determinehow an appli-cant would fit

into theschool com-

munity.

Photo courtesy of

Audra Wrisley

14 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ December 18-24, 2014 Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ December 18-24, 2014 ❖ 15www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com


Entertainment

By Veronica Bruno

The Gazette

Little Theatre of Alexandria’s produc-tion of “A Christmas Carol” bringstime center stage.

“I really liked the concept of time,” saidAndrea D’Amato, set designer for The LittleTheatre of Alexandria’s a Christmas Carol.It’s a brand-new set design and time playsa key element throughout the play. The newmodel incorporates a familiar backdrop ofLondon behind the frame of an ornate andinteractive clock conceived especially forthis production.

“The producers liked the backdrop of Lon-don from 2012. They’ve had a clock some-where in past productions. This year theywanted it more integrated,” said D’Amato.She noticed the clock diagram while read-ing “A Christmas Carol” and was inspiredby the picture of a large clock on a scrim.She also viewed sketches from the musical“Wicked.”

“I liked what they came up with,”D’Amato said while describing the “Wicked”inspiration. She also wanted to keep withthe traditional elements in the story. “Iwanted to keep it simple. I thought maybethe clock could be dropped behind [the ac-tion]. The clock makes a nice silhouette.”

The show has certainly kept D’Amatobusy. Juggling her full-time work at theNational Gallery of Art during the day, shehas been spending her nights at Little The-atre of Alexandria. An interior design ar-chitecture graduate student from RhodeIsland School of Design, she recently movedto Old Town along with her fiancé, AlanCarniol.

She volunteered as part of the set crewfor a previous LTA production, “Boeing,Boeing” and was hooked. Andrea became amember of the organization and met oneof the “Carol” producers, Eddie Parker atan LTA meet-and-greet event.

“I’ve always been interested in exhibitiondesign.” She got her wish when Parkercalled her about the holiday show. Beingthe first play set she’s designed, D’Amatobrought a fresh perspecive to the process.

She designed a computer drawing of thescenery with a giant clock set against thebackdrop of London in AutoCAD.

“I was thinking we could do two layersso it wasn’t just a curtain,” D’Amato said.

With all the angles and dimensions in-cluded in the AutoCAD blueprint, it wastranslated into code so that it could bemilled by a CNC shopbot production toolinto seven sections. The parts were cut andassembled in about 20 hours in the shop.The finished product was brought in sevenpieces and built in the theater.

Persistence of TimeThe concept of time is reflected in LittleTheatre of Alexandria’s new set design for“A Christmas Carol.”

The full production cast of this year’s show poses in front of the newly created set.

Pho

to

by Vero

nica Bruno

/T

he G

azette

D’Amato’sconceptual

notes for the setdesign, includ-

ing the large,complicated

clock that formsthe theme for

the show.

Photos contributed by

Andrea D’Amato

The full set design in silhouette atLittle Theatre of Alexandria.

Cast members of Little Theatre’sproduction of “A Christmas Carol”await their cue during a produc-tion run-through.

Pho

to

by Vero

nica Bruno

“It’s new and interesting,” Andrea said ofher concept. “We had a short build time. Ilucked out with the volunteers who showedup.”

One of those volunteers was also herfiancée, Carniol, who worked as assistanthead carpenter throughout the process.

The clock is also a part of the action. Sev-eral of the actors move the hands through-out the play and it helps progress the story.“Time is a backdrop within the script forScrooge. It’s moving fast, it’s moving slow,it’s hard to grasp.”

Time will tell if audiences like the newdesign. D’Amato is pretty enthusiastic aboutthe concept and hopes they will. “I’m ex-cited to see how people react to it.”

Little Theatre of Alexandria rings in theholiday season with a return of the classic byCharles Dickens. The show runs through theDec. 20 with performances Thursday andthroughout the weekend at 3, 5, and 8 P.M.Tickets are $15 each. Call LTA at 703-683-0496 or visit www.thelittletheatre.com.

Andrea D’Amato, set designer andhead carpenter for the show,handling one of the clock’s pieces.


www.RoyalRestaurantVA.comExp. 12/31/14

See Entertainment, Page 20

Email announcements to [email protected]. Include date,time, location, description and contact forevent: phone, email and/or website. Pho-tos and artwork welcome. Deadline isThursday at noon, at least two weeks be-fore event.

ONGOINGMiddle School Artists. Art display by

George Washington Middle Schoolstudents, at St.Elmo’s Coffee Pub,2300 Mount Vernon Ave.,Alexandria. Working in peer groups,the students created a writtenexplanation of their intent toaccompany the display. Visitwww.stelmoscoffeepub.com.

Tavern Toddlers. Weekly openplaytime continues every Mondaythroughout holiday season. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Gadsby’s Tavern Museum,North Royal Street, Alexandria.Caregivers, toddlers (walkers through3 years) and visiting relatives arewelcome to play, read, dance andcolor in the historic ballroom. Noreservations required. Each weekcosts $7 for a group of three, whichmust include one adult, andadditional people are $3. A three-visit pass costs $18. On Monday, Feb.16 Tavern Toddlers will be closeddue to President’s Day.www.gadsbystavern.org or 703-746-4242

Broadway Christmas Carol. Runsthrough Dec. 28 at MetroStage, 1201N. Royal St. Enjoy the showWednesday-Thursday, 8 p.m.,Fridays, 8 p.m., Saturdays, 3 p.m.and 8 p.m, and Sundays, 3 p.m. and7 p.m. Tickets are $50. Visitwww.metrostage.org for more.

Art Exhibit. Through Jan. 2 at 1717King St. and 300 S. Washington St.

BB&T Bank hosts an exhibition ofportraits of African American andwomen Living Legends of Alexandriaat its Old Town branches. Monday-Thursday 9 a.m- 5 p.m. and Fridays 9a.m.-6 p.m. Visitwww.AlexandriaLegends.com. formore.

“Friend Me” Exhibit. ThroughMonday, Jan. 5. Opening receptionThursday Dec. 11, 6:30-8 p.m. TheArt League Gallery, Studio 21, 105North Union St., Alexandria. JewelerWhitney Staiger melds together herfriends’ public avatar with an aspectof their private selves on herhandmade brass cameos in a soloexhibit. www.theartleague.org 703-683-1780.

Christmas in Mount Vernon.Through Tuesday, Jan. 6, 9 a.m.-4p.m. at 3200 Mount VernonMemorial Highway, Mount Vernon.Mount Vernon decks the halls withthemed Christmas trees on the estateand festive greenery in the Mansion.Visit www.mountvernon.org/christmas for more.

Painting by John Trumbull. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. through Jan. 7. at MountVernon, 3200 Mount VernonMemorial Highway. On loan from theWinterthur Museum, this portraitwas painted by Washington’s formeraide-de-camp as a gift to MarthaWashington in 1790. Regularadmission rates: adults, $18; seniorcitizens, $16; children age 6-11,when accompanied by an adult, $9;and children under age 5, free. VisitMountVernon.org for more.

“Beyond the Board” Art Exhibit.Through Feb. 22. Prudential PenFedRealty, 4900 Seminary Road,Alexandria. Del Ray Artisans’presents “Beyond the Board.” Aportion of artists’ sales go to thePenFed Foundation, supporting

active military families, veterans andtheir families. Visitwww.thedelrayartisans.org/shows/gww/ for more.

New Exhibit. Mount Vernon invitesvisitors to explore GeorgeWashington’s design for the groundsof his estate, through a newexhibition, “Gardens & Groves:George Washington’s Landscape” atMount Vernon through Jan. 12,2016. Gardens & Groves is the firstmuseum exhibition to focus

specifically on Washington’slandmark achievements as alandscape designer combining rarely-seen original documents, artwork,and books with period garden tools,landscape photography, and a scalemodel of the Mount Vernon estate.Included in admission $18/adult;$17/senior citizen; $9/child age 6-11; children under 5 are free. Visitwww.mountvernon.org for more.

Alexandria Cars & Coffee invites carenthusiasts to meet for coffee at

Hollin Hall Shopping Center in frontof Roseina’s, 1307 Shenandoah Road.Owners of classic cars, hot rods,exotic cars, motorcycles and moremeet to share car stories and drinkcoffee. Group meets the first Sundayof every month. 8:30-11 a.m.

George Washington’s MountVernon has joined ThomasJefferson’s Monticello and JamesMadison’s Montpelier to expand the“Presidents Passport,” Virginia’spremier presidential trail. As anadded bonus to this year’s program,visitors to the Alexandria VisitorsCenter at 221 King St. showing orpurchasing a ticket to any of thethree presidential estates will, uponrequest, receive for free Alexandria’s“Key to the City” pass, which grantsaccess into nine historic sites andmuseums in Alexandria-a $26 addedvalue. Visitwww.PresPassport.Monticello.org formore.

Fifty Years of Collecting. Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundaysnoon to 5 p.m. Fort Ward Museum4301 West Braddock Road. Ananniversary exhibit of objects fromthe Fort Ward collection. Free. Visitwww.fortward.org or call 703-746-4848.

Dinner for the Washingtons. Noonat George Washington’s MountVernon, 3200 Mount VernonMemorial Highway. A walking tourthat goes behind the scenes to findout how food was prepared andserved before the era of microwavesand TV dinners. $5 in addition toestate admission. Visitwww.mountvernon.org/ for more.

Second Thursday Music.Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. 7 pm.Second Thursday of every month.

Entertainment

Food & Drink

“Reveillon de Noel” Christmas Eve Dinner. At Bastille, 1201 N. RoyalSt., Alexandria. Chefs Christophe and Michelle Poteaux will serve a four-course prix fixe feast, with wine pairings upon request. Menu highlightsinclude lobster bisque with poached oysters; pan-roasted foie gras; tartareof Skuna Bay salmon; grass-fed Angus beef filet roasted whole in saltcrust; Hudson Valley Moullard duck breast; and a chocolate hazelnut“Buche de Noel” with cranberry ice cream. $85 per person, exclusive oftaxes and gratuities. Call 703-519-3776 for more.

“Reveillon de la Saint Sylvestre” New Year’s Eve Dinner. AtBastille, 1201 N. Royal St., Alexandria. The first seating from 5-6:30 p.m.is a three-course prix fixe for $79, exclusive of taxes and gratuities, withwine pairings upon request. After the market surprise amuse bouche,guests will enjoy menu highlights including butternut squash risotto andparmesan broth; braised lobster in a curried coconut emulsion; bacon-wrapped rabbit loin; and coconut cake with caramelized pumpkin butterand curry ice cream. Taking things to the next level with the secondseating from 8-10 p.m., guests will enjoy a four-course prix fixe for $99, or$139 with wine pairings, exclusive of taxes and gratuities. After themarket surprise amuse bouche, guests may choose from dishes includingsteak tartare; seared foie gras; sautéed Wild Turbot filet; and roastedspiced pineapple marmalade almond cake. Call 703-519-3776 for more.

Old Town Farmers Market. 7 a.m.-noon, Saturdays year round. Localfarmers and artists have been selling products there since 1753. Located atMarket Square, 301 King St. Call 703-746-3200 or [email protected].

Del Ray Farmers Market. 8 a.m.-noon, Saturdays year round. Featuresfresh vegetables and fruits in season, meats, eggs, fresh pasta and sauces,Amish cheese, yogurt, bakery goods and more. Located at the corner ofEast Oxford and Mount Vernon avenues. [email protected] for more.


RING IN THE NEW YEARRING IN THE NEW YEARRING IN THE NEW YEARRING IN THE NEW YEARRING IN THE NEW YEARRING IN THE NEW YEAR

1510-A Belle View Blvd.703-660-6085 • www.dishesofindia.com

Belle View Shopping Center

Innovative Indian Cuisine

Chef’s Special Menu for New Year’s EveNew Year’s Day Dinner open 4-9 pm

Call us for details

Closed Christmas Day for the HolidayClosed New Year’s Day for Lunch

Party Trays and Gift Certificates for the HolidaysLuncheon Buffet Every Day * A La Carte Dinner Every Night

218 N. Lee Street703-683-1007

www.labergerie.com

Join La Bergerie as wecelebrate featuring aStrolling Violinist.

Christmas Eve 3-Course Dinner for $69New Year's Eve 4-Course Dinner for $99

Reserve now. Both evenings 5-10 p.m.

RSVP: New Year’s Eve Dinner119 South Royal Street, Alexandria VA 22314

703.535.8151 • www.fontainecaffe.com

Sweet andSavory Crêpes,Steak Frites,

Mussels,Boutique Winesand Craft Beers,

French MovieNight

®

203 The Strand, Alexandria, VA703-836-4442

www.chadwicksrestaurants.com

203 The Strand, Alexandria, VA703-836-4442

www.chadwicksrestaurants.com

Your FriendlyNeighborhood

Restaurant


Restaurant


Restaurant


Restaurant


Restaurant


RestaurantSpend Your Holidays with Us!Spend Your Holidays with Us!

“...casual dining at its very best”“...casual dining at its very best”“...casual dining at its very best”“...casual dining at its very best”“...casual dining at its very best”

Celebrate the New YearItalian Trattoria Style

Three-course Dinner with Champagne or House Wineincludes balloons, noisemakers, hats, etc.

Enjoy theRomance of Music

by Mike Blaneywith Bob Smith

on the Pianoand a few arias

by Franco, too!

305 S. Washington Street, Old Town • 703-548-9338 • www.trattoria-dafranco.com

Franco &his staff

wish you aJoyful 2015!

• Special Three-Course dinner menu only after 7:30 p.m. • Early seating available

5:00–7:00 p.m. featuringour regular

& specialmenu

SpecialMenuIncludes:

• Fillet of Salmon with Caviar• Linguine with Mixed Seafood• Roast Leg of Lamb with Rosemary• Veal with Cream Brandy Sauce

Live Opera…Every Month

Next Opera Night is Dec. 28• Daily Special: 3-Course

Dinner includes a Glassof Wine $29.95

• Mondays: Italian Class• Fridays: Bob Smith & Mike

Blaney Open Mic.• Saturdays: Daryl Ott

on the Piano with Franco• Daily Lunch Special $9.95


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Be the first to know – get yourpaper before it hits the press.

Complete digital replica of theprint edition, including photosand ads, delivered weekly toyour e-mail box.

Questions? E-mail:[email protected]

CELEBRATE 2015!CELEBRATE 2015!CELEBRATE 2015!CELEBRATE 2015!CELEBRATE 2015!CELEBRATE 2015!

734 North Saint Asaph Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314703-548-1616 • www.RoyalRestaurantVA.comAward-winning wine menu • Major credit cards accepted

Reservations Suggested

Happy Holidays

HOLIDAYCATERING &

EVENTLOCATIONS!

Food fit for a king on a family budget

An Alexandria community fixture for more than 100years, the Royal Restaurant of fers the best in Greek,Italian and American cuisine. Enjoy burgers, steaks,prime rib, chicken, seafood, pasta and full salad barcomplete with special children’s menu items.

The Best in Family Dining

116 South Alfred Street - Alexandria, VA703-838-8000 • thegrillealexandria.com

Seven-CoursePrix Fixe $95.00

Supplemental Sparkling Wine Pairing$40.00. Make reservations early.

New Year’s Eve

NEW AMERICAN TAVERNAdjacent to Hotel Monaco Alexandria

480 King Street • Alexandria, VA703.842.2790 • jackson20.com

Shine N SwineNew Year’s Eve PartyRing in the New Year with live bluegrassmusic, moonshine, and all things pork!

Offering our Whole Hog Menu w/$13.00 dishesin addition to our dinner menu

Tim Finch and the Eastman String Bandwill have you tapping your toes till the ball drops!

~ Advance reservations recommended ~


Mark Carlson and Associates • Alexandria, VAOffice 703-660-6212 • Mobile 703-863-1758

[email protected]

Alexandria Handyman ServicesNo Job Too Big or Too Small

Free Estimates Local References• Electrical• Gutter Repair

& Cleaning• Yard Work• Landscaping• Minor Roof

Repairs• Painting

• Plumbing• Interior

Renovation• Moving Services• Tree Trimming,

Cutting, Removal• Snow Shoveling

& Much More

More info: 703-765-8255 or www.bethany-lcms.org2501 Beacon Hill Road, Alexandria, Virginia 22306

Christmas at Bethany LutheranDecember 24Family Worship 5:30 p.m. especially forchildren • Preservice music at 7:15 p.m.Candlelight Worship 7:30 p.m.December 25Preservice music at 9:45 a.m.Festival Worship 10:00 a.m.December 31Community Watch Night Service by the AfricanImmigrant Ministry 8:00 p.m. –1:00 a.m.

From Page 17

Visit nvfaa.org to view concertcalendar and listen to upcomingSecond Thursday Music artists.

The Monday Morning Birdwalk hasbeen a weekly event at HuntleyMeadows since 1985. It takes placeevery week, rain or shine (exceptduring electrical storms, strongwinds, or icy trails), at 7 a.m. (8 a.m.November through March), is free ofcharge, requires no reservation, andis open to all. Birders meet in theparking lot at the park’s entrance at3701 Lockheed Blvd. Direct questionsto Park staff during normal businesshours at 703-768-2525.

CAMPS, CLASSES & WORKSHOPSTavern Toddlers. Every Monday

(except Federal Holidays) 10:30-11:30 a.m. Gadsby’s Tavern Museum,134 North Royal Street, Alexandria.Join other families with toddlers(walkers through 36 months) to havefun in Gadsby’s historic ballroom.Playtime features a craft table, bookcorner, toys and group dancing. $7for a group of three. Visitwww.alexandria.gov/gadsbystavernor call 703-746-4242.

Photography Workshop. 10:30 a.m.-noon at Multiple Exposures Galleryon 105 N. Union St. Photographersand enthusiasts of all skill levels areinvited to share work, ideas, andquestions at this free workshop heldon the last Sunday of each month,except December. No reservations.Call 703-683-2205.

Life Drawing. Del Ray Artisans offers arange of open life drawing sessionsfor anyone to develop life-drawingskills further. Just drop-in for thesession and bring your supplies todraw or paint our live models. Feeranges from $8-$12. All skill levelsare welcome. Del Ray Artisans islocated at 2704 Mount Vernon Ave.Visit www.TheDelRayArtisans.org.

DECEMBERTree Sale. Weekends through

December, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at St.Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 8531Riverside Road, Alexandria. Enjoymusic, warm drinks and cookies bythe fire, while surrounded by frasierfir trees. Sales benefit of communityoutreach programs and local schools.Choose to have 10 percent of the saleamount go to St. Aidan’s Day Schoolor a local, public elementary school.St Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 8531Riverside Road, Alexandria. Visitwww.staidansepiscopal.com.

Alexandria’s Holiday Market. At at300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria.Vendors will sell traditionalEuropean food, sweets and drinkscombined with art and craft vendorsto create a European holiday marketshopping experience. The event alsofeatures the Holiday Sharing - ToyDrive program to support families inneed, as well as the Hunger FreeAlexandria initiative. Visitwww.alexandriaholidaymarket.com.❖ Dec. 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 —11a.m.-8 p.m.❖ Dec. 24, Christmas Eve —11 a.m.-2 p.m.

THURSDAY/DEC.18Annual Santa’s Winter

Wonderland. 5-8 p.m. at theCharles Houston Recreation Center,901 Wythe St., Alexandria. Giftdistribution. Santa and the Grincharrive at the event on an AlexandriaFire Department fire truck. Gifts willbe distributed to ticket holders.Children ranging in age from infantto 17 years old are welcome. Fordonation information, contact IanHawkins at [email protected] or call703-549-7913.

THURSDAY/DEC. 19Carbon Leaf. 7:30 p.m. at The

Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave.Tickets $35. Visit birchmere.com orcall 703-549-7500.

SATURDAY/DEC. 20Kwanzaa Celebration. 11 a.m.-12:30

p.m. at The Alexandria Black HistoryMuseum, 902 Wythe St. Themuseum’s annual program exploresthe history and significance ofKwanzaa. Learn about the principlesof Kwanzaa, a seven-day culturalcelebration. Tickets are $5. Visitwww.alexblackhistory.org for more.

Art at the Center. 5-7 p.m. at 2804Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria.Enjoy light painting. Bring a book ortoy to donate to Rising Hope. Call703-201-1250 or visitwww.artatthecenter.org for more.

Christmas Illuminations. 5:30-9p.m. Sip hot chocolate whilewatching fireworks over thePotomac. This is a limited capacityevent. Advance ticket purchase issuggested. Tickets are $30 adults,$20 youth (6-11), children five andunder are free. VisitMountVernon.org for more.

Light the Night. 5-7 p.m., Art at theCenter, 2804 Sherwood Hall Lane,ALexandria. Light painting alongwith an opportunity to celebrate andclose out the center’s time onSherwood Hall Lane. Bring aflashlight, bring a book or toy todonate to Rising Hope and bring yourmemories of Art at the Center. Call703-201-1250 or visitwww.artatthecenter.org for more.

Vian Shamounki Borchert ArtExhibit Opening Reception, 5-8p.m. at Local Colour Old Town, LLCArt Gallery, 218 N Lee St., Suite 107,Alexandria. Gallery Hours: Monday -Saturday, 12-8 pm. Closed Sundays.Free. The exhibition will showcase 15of Vian’s latest works. Visitwww.vianborchert.com for more.

Orchestra. 7 p.m. at The GeorgeWashington Masonic MemorialTheatre, 611 King St. The SymphonyOrchestra of Northern Virginiapresents “Holidays in Paris.” Visitwww.sonovamusic.org for more.

SUNDAY/DEC. 21Skincare Treatments from Garden

and Kitchen. 1-2 p.m. Athenaeum,201 Prince Street, Alexandria.Mellenie Runion of Truly-Life EcoGifts explains how to use simpleingredients for a healthy skincareregimen. Visit www.nvfaa.org.

The T.C. Williams Choir, 8 p.m. TheT.C. Williams Choir has been selectedto participate in the annualChristmas Concert with the FirstFamily, broadcast from the NationalBuilding Museum on TNT Channel 36and Dish Channel 138.

MONDAY/DEC. 22A John Waters Christmas. 7:30 p.m.

The Birchmere, 3701 Mount VernonAve. $49.50. Visitwww.birchmere.com for more.

MONDAY-WEDNESDAY/DEC. 22-24Breakfast with Santa. 8:30 a.m.-

12:30 p.m. Union Street PublicHouse, 121 South Union St.,Alexandria. Have breakfast withSanta and Mrs. Claus before theytake off for the big night. $10 per

child (age 0-12) and $15 per person(age 13+) includes a continentalbreakfast, visit with Santa and Mrs.Claus and tax. Tickets required.Limited amount for every seating.Reservations www.unionstreetpublichouse.com/breakfast.

WEDNESDAY/DEC. 24Water-skiing Santa and his

Kneeboarding Reindeer. 1-1:30p.m. at Old Town Waterfront,between King and Oronoco streets,Alexandria. This is the 29thAnniversary of this one of a kindWashington, D.C. tradition andincludes the Flying Elves, theJetskiing Grinch, and Frosty theSnowman in a dinghy. [email protected] for more.

SATURDAY/DEC. 27Live Music. 7:30 p.m. at the

Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave.Performance by Southside Johnnyand The Asbury Jukes. $39.50. Visitwww.birchmere.com for more.

SUNDAY/DEC. 28Hank Williams Tribute Show. 7:30

p.m. at The Birchmere, 3701 MountVernon Ave. Tickets $29.50. Visitwww.birchmere.com or call 703-549-7500.

WEDNESDAY/DEC. 31First Night Alexandria. Events take

place throughout the day atnumerous venues around the City ofAlexandria. Visit www.firstnightalexandria.org for more.

Live Music. 8 p.m. at The Birchmere,3701 Mount Vernon Ave. WatchSeldom Scene, Bumper Jackson andThe Hello Strangers perform. Tickets$39.50. Visit www.birchmere.com orcall 703-549-7500.

SATURDAY/JAN. 3Hal Ketchum. 7:30 p.m. at The

Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave.Tickets $35. Visit birchmere.com orcall 703-549-7500.

SUNDAY/JAN. 4Evening of Musical Comedy. 7:30

p.m. at The Birchmere, 3701 MountVernon Ave. Tickets $49.50. Visitwww.birchmere.com or call 703-549-7500.

TUESDAY/JAN. 6“Self Portraits: How Our Artists

View Themselves.” 10 a.m.-5 p.m.Through Feb. 8 at Potomac Fiber ArtsGallery, Torpedo Factory Art Center,105 North Union St., Studio 18,Alexandria. A self portrait can bewhat our face/body looks like or itcan be what we stand for, what webelieve, what we love. Visitwww.Potomacfiberartsgallery.com.

Choral Evensong on the Feast ofthe Epiphany 7:30 p.m. at St.Paul’s Episcopal Church, 228 SouthPitt St., Alexandria. Grant Hellmers,organist and choirmaster of St. Paul’sEpiscopal Church, will direct theadult choir in a Choral Evensong onthe Feast of the Epiphany. Donationsand non-perishable foods will beaccepted for St. Paul’s LazarusMinistry. Contact Grant Hellmers at703-549-3312 [email protected].

Entertainment

Torpedo Factory Associate Artist Gallery

Studio 12. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. About 20 artists will be showing their workin two-week exhibitions through the end of 2014. This dynamic pop-upgallery provides an opportunity for many of the associates to have theirwork on view. Visit torpedofactory.org/events/ for more.

❖ Dec. 15-28: Fritz Des Roches, paintings; Barbara Muth, paintings; NormaHintze, ceramics; and Marilynn Spindler, paintings


PUBLIC NOTICEPlease be advised that a brief fireworks display will takeplace as part of a public event at George Washington’s

Mount Vernon on the following date:

December 20,between 8:45 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. (10 minutes)

The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association thanks you for your toleranceand apologizes for any disruption. To receive Mount Vernon fireworks

notifications via e-mail, write to [email protected].

Dealers

★ Mount Vernon Antique Center ★8101 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria

703-619-5100www.mtvantiques.com

Discover the secret source of many collectors, dealers,decorators and shoppers with “good eyes” and great taste.

Followus onFacebook &Twitter

People

By Ed Simmons, Jr.

The Gazette

Rising Hope United Methodist MissionChurch was a bustling, busy place inthe days preceding Thanksgiving with asign out-front proclaiming all were

welcome for a Thanksgiving meal.As the holiday approached, the Milk & Honey

Food Pantry Coordinator Melissa Lee sent out 375Thanksgiving baskets to families in need. Shewould also coordinate the Thanksgiving dinner onThursday.

A hot meal always follows Rising Hope’s Sundayservice and bringing an early Thanksgiving dinnerto the congregation on the Sunday before Thanks-giving were volunteers from Franconia UMC, St.John UMC and Trinity UMC. Ninety percent ofRising Hope’s members are very low income andtwo-thirds have been or are homeless.

On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, RisingHope’s pastor, the Rev. Keary Kincannon, preachedat a combined Thanksgiving Service at MountVernon UMC attended by members from RisingHope, Wesley UMC and Robert’s Memorial UMC.

When Thanksgiving Day arrived, 100 meals wereserved to 55 guests who, as Kincannon said, “Hadnowhere to go for Thanksgiving.” They took homethe leftovers. Forty-five volunteered to help.

Among the guests was Steve Warhol whose legswere recently amputated as a result of hard livingon the streets and in the woods along Route 1.Kincannon said that 15 years ago Rising Hopehelped get Warhol into a detox program at the VAhospital in Martinsburg, W.Va.

“Grateful for the help, when Steve returned hevolunteered in many ways at Rising Hope,” saidthe pastor. “Steve has always been grateful andwith a positive attitude even this first Thanksgivingwithout his legs.”

Volunteers serve those“with nowhere to go.”

Giving ThanksAt Rising Hope

On Thanksgiving Day 100 meals wereserved to 55 guests who took home theleftovers. There were 45 volunteers. TheRising Hope Milk & Honey Food Pantrysent out 375 Thanksgiving baskets tofamilies in need.

Mike Davis gets a Thanksgiving mealserved by members of the Word Produc-tion Church who volunteered at RisingHope.

Rising Hope Food Pantry CoordinatorMelissa Lee organized the Thanksgivingmeal. Claude (Paul) Grimes, a regularcongregation member, was one of manywho attended.

Contributed Photos

After the meal, Rising Hope members gathered at MountVernon United Methodist Church for an evening Thanks-giving service.

Seen here with PastorKeary Kincannon, SteveWarhol, a regular visitor atRising Hope over the years,lost his legs due to hardliving while homeless.


By Martin Tillett

In the past half a billion years, the dy-namic forces of our Earth created,sculpted, destroyed and recreated thelandscapes upon which our local wa-

tersheds flow today. Up until a few millen-nia ago, nature alone controlled the shapeand appearances of our landscapes and eco-systems. As humankind arose from a primi-tive past and created civilization, the influ-ence of the anthrosphere of human activ-ity, over the environment increased some-times with disastrous results.

Early civilizations abandoned areas thatwere no longer habitable andmoved to new sites. Thesepeople rejected ideas that theEarth has finite resources. As

civilizations prospered and grew, popula-tions increased and limits on resources werefinally realized but were resolved throughconquest and empire building. An empirerequires administration, commerce anddefense leading to civil engineering and thecreation of infrastructure to maintain thoserequirements.

Competition for resources among nationsled to exploration, discovery and new con-quests in distant lands. Internal conflictswithin Europe over religious, political andeconomic freedoms plus diminishing natu-ral resources, led to colonization abroad.Virginia like much of the New World wasthere for the taking to be turned into anextension of the growing British Empire.The first colonists settled along the shoresof the estuaries and rivers as water was theprimary system of transport. In our area ofthe tidewater an agricultural economy grewthat cleared away of the climax forest eco-system that once protected and helped tomaintain the ecosystems of nearby bays, riv-ers and tributaries.

The successes of the British Crown colo-nies and their eventual struggle for inde-pendence from the mother country led to afledgling nation looking to expand its wingsand create an empire of its own. The porttowns and cities grew and prospered withtrade. Growing numbers of people beganmoving to the interior regions of the na-tion as cheap land resources dwindled inthe east. Civil engineering to construct ca-nals and roads to the interior regions wereintegral to that expansion.

South of the historic seaport of Alexan-dria in between the Potomac River and Tele-graph Road, lay the hills of SoutheastFairfax County.ººThese once woodedheights overlooking Alexandria, the Districtof Columbia and parts of Maryland, are to-day neighborhoods such as Huntington,Belle Haven, Penn-Daw, Spring Bank andGroveton. Splitting the middle and wind-ing its way from Hunting Creek to the topof Beacon Hill runs historic Route 1. Thisapproximate two square mile portion ofFairfax County has remnant historical sitesthat if examined and interpreted, tell a morerecent chapter in the origins of our water-sheds. This area was once home to historicmanors and their occupants who bore wit-ness to the changes brought to the region.

Spring Bank was one such manor withsomething special about the place, as anumber of famous men called it home. Theland was fertile and held several fruit or-

chards. A creekran from GreatHunting Creekand spawnedseveral springs.Those springswere there be-cause of condi-tions createdduring the geo-logic past whenmarine clays ac-cumulated assediments nearlyone hundred mil-lion years agoand were subse-quently coveredby sand andgravel depositsmillions of yearslater when the

Potomac River meandered back and forthacross its flood plain. Even today whenthere is rainfall, water that infiltrates intothe soils, penetrates only as far down as thecompact marine clay deposits and finds itsway out from the banks above the streamfloor and flows into the creek now knownas Quander Brook. Water from the springsis clean and safe to drink as it has beentreated and filtered by nature.

At the time of the construction of theSpring Bank mansion in 1809, ads appearedin the Alexandria Gazette announcing theconstruction of a bridge crossing HuntingCreek from south Henry Street to what isnow Fort Hunt Road and the Route 1 inter-section establishing a new route to Penn-Daw, then to South Kings Highway all theway to Occoquan, Va.

The first resident at Spring Bank mansionwas Alexandria merchant Robert Pattonwho raised sheep on the property. Patton’sheirs rented Spring Bank in 1828 to JohnArmfield who was co-owner of a slave penat 1315 Duke Street and later teamed upwith his uncle Isaac Franklin to run a busi-ness that sold over 5,000 slaves from 1828-1835.

In 1844, George W. Mason, grandson ofGeorge Mason from Gunston Cove boughtSpring Bank when it was described as a 25-room mansion with a three-story brick barn,stables and outbuildings. During the CivilWar the property was occupied by Uniontroops using the mansion as their headquar-ters. As many as 5,000 troops from the 2nd

Vermont Brigade and the 63rd RegimentPennsylvania Volunteers were quarteredthere.

Their duties included building Fort Lyonand other nearby defenses. These troopslived in log constructed structures with can-vas tent roofs to keep out the weather. Thesoldiers drew their water for cooking anddrinking from the springs. George W. Ma-son died in 1870 and his son George livedthere until his death in 1888.

Fitzhugh Lee, Robert E. Lee’s nephew,lived at Spring Bank as a boarder when hewas elected as the 40th Governor of Virginiain 1885. In 1885, Johnson Downey ofFrederick, Md., bought Spring Bank andupon his demise, his widow, Rose E.Downey sold 88 acres to Charles HenryQuander. Charles was born into slavery inMaryland and was the first African Ameri-

can to settle as a free black man at SpringBank. He operated a farm that sold milkand produce to residents in Alexandria andMount Vernon. Charles willed portions ofhis land to his children when he died in1919.

Several Quander family descendants livein the Spring Bank area today. The lateWelton A. Quander born in 1925 spoke tothe Spring Bank Community Associationabout his life growing up in the area. Herecalled attending the one-room coloredschool during the Jim Crow era of Virginianear Quander Road and U.S. Route 1. Ashort distance east of the school was thestream that traveled north on its journey toHunting Creek. He conveyed an archetypalmemory of the traditional swimming hole,the rope wrapped around the overhangingbranch from which generations of adven-turers swung and splashed on hot summerdays. He described a translucent, crystalclear stream inviting one to plunge theirhands for a sip of cool water: through whoselenses they could see rocks, crayfish, tad-poles, fish; on whose surface stride as if bymagic, whirligig beetles and damsel fliesflitting over the surface.

One wonders today how it changed sodramatically in just 70 years from the boy-hood memory of Mr. Quander. An improvedhighway system south to Fort Belvoiraround the time of World War I straight-ened out U.S. Route 1 just as the automo-bile was beginning its reign as the greatdesigner of the 20th century American land-scape. The rise of the auto created succes-sive changes in how Americans lived,worked and played. After World War II,Americans left the cities for newly con-structed suburbs followed by merchantsseeking their business. U.S. Route 1 wasnow crowded with travelers, motels, res-taurants and merchants just south of Alex-andria.

The addition of new homes and busi-nesses led to an increased imperviousnessover the area and the storm event runoffdynamics changed again from when theland had a more rural character. Runoff dueto added imperviousness increased up to 30percent during rain events thus decreasingthe shallow and deep infiltration to 35 per-cent from the 50 percent infiltration whenthe area was forested. The additional run-off deeply erodes the stream banks under-cutting the trees that were holding the banktogether with their roots. The trees fall intothe stream exposing more bank to erosionduring future rain events. Quander Brooksoon began to lose its charm as more andmore of its watershed was developed.

Next WeekPart 6 will examine how development and

planning decisions led to further degrada-tion of our Mount Vernon watersheds.

The author is a Mount Vernon resident since 1981.A retired science educator from Prince George’sCounty Public Schools, he taught K-12 science at theHoward B. Owens Science Center in Greenbelt, Md.,as well as community college, university and adulteducation classes in natural history, physical geology,ecology and environmental science.

Nature

The Origin of Mount Vernon WatershedsThe impact ofdevelopment andurbanization.

Part 5


SportsMount Vernon Gazette Sports Editor Jon Roetman

703-752-4031 or [email protected]

By Jon Roetman

The Gazette

Mount Vernon girls’ bas-ketball coachCourtney Coffer calleda timeout and told his

players not to give up. The Majorswere down by nine points with fiveminutes remaining in the fourth quar-ter of their Dec. 9 road contest againstrival West Potomac.

One week earlier, Mount Vernon lostits season-opener to Centreville, 51-44. Coffer was critical of his team’sperformance, going as far as askinghis players during a timeout if theywere trying to lose on purpose.

While it would be understandableif the Majors, minutes from a 0-2 start,lacked confidence, players found a

way tor a l l ya g a i n s tW e s tPotomac.M o u n tV e r n o nf o r c e dovert imeand wenton to win,43-39.

The Ma-jors’ strongplay downthe stretchcontinuedin theirnext twogames asM o u n tV e r n o nblew outYorktown,

78-48, and beat Middleburg Academy, 69-45. Only time will tell, but Mount Vernoncould be on an early-season path similar tothe one the team traveled last season, whenthe Majors lost to Centreville by 28 in theopener, but responded by winning 14 oftheir next 16 games.

“They’re really coming together,” Coffersaid. “The key thing is they’re believing inone another. … They’re just growing. Theyounger kids are becoming more seasoned.”

A pair of young players who have steppedup early in the season are freshmenSusannah Anderson and Nori Solomon.

Anderson, a 6-foot post player, led theMajors in scoring through four games. Priorto the season, Coffer said Anderson hadpotential, but was “soft.”

“She’s really stepped up to the challenge,”Coffer said. “She’s playing so much more

aggressively. She’s battling for rebounds,she’s being a lot more physical, taking con-tact and finishing. … She’s stepping for-ward.” Against Yorktown on Dec. 12, Ander-son scored 16 points, grabbed eight re-bounds and blocked four shots. Solomonhad her first double-digit scoring perfor-mance with 13 points.

Both freshmen have cracked the startinglineup. “You see them grow every day,” Cof-fer said.

Junior forward Jasmine Collier scored acombined 32 points against Yorktown andMiddleburg Academy. Junior point guardChanise Ray knocked down 10 3-pointersthrough four games.

“The kids,” Coffer said, “are doing a goodjob of responding.”

Coffer said practices have become verycompetitive. The team’s quality depth al-

lows him to make substitutions if playersaren’t getting the job done.

“Our practices have been a lot better,”Coffer said. “We’re challenging them evenmore so than what we were before. Thecompetition level in practice has been good.… [Players are] competing for playing timein practice. It’s making us a lot better.”

Mount Vernon faced Brooke Point onTuesday, after The Gazette’s deadline. TheMajors will host Wakefield at 7:30 p.m. onFriday, Dec. 19 before participating in aholiday tournament in Washington, D.C.Dec. 27-30. The Majors will open the 2015part of their schedule with a road gameagainst perennial power Oakton on Jan. 6.

“I’m proud of them,” Coffer said. “I coachmy kids extremely hard and I demand thebest out of them. …. They’ve done a greatjob responding to my coaching style.”

Mount Vernon Girls Bounce Back From Opening LossFreshmen Anderson,Solomon are keycontributors.

“I’m proud ofthem. I coach my

kids extremelyhard and I

demand the bestout of them. ….They’ve done a

great jobresponding to my

coaching style.”— Mount Vernon girls’

basketball coachCourtney Coffer

Mount Vernon freshman Susannah Anderson (24)was the Mount Vernon girls’ basketball team’s lead-ing scorer through four games.

Mount Vernon junior Jasmine Collier is one of theMajors’ top scoring threats early in the 2014-15season.

West Potomac senior MichaelValceanu signed a letter of in-tent to swim for Marist College,

an NCAA Division I school in Poughkeepsie,N.Y.

Valceanu has been a standout on the WestPotomac swim team under head coach BobLombardi and assistant coach Sam Burgi.He was a finalist in both the 100-yard but-terfly and 200-yard freestyle events at theVirginia High School League state champi-onships, which led to his selection to the2014 VHSL All-State team.

As a junior, Valceanu was West Potomac’srunner-up for most valuable athlete in an

individual sport and earned swimming teamMVP honors both his junior and sophomoreyears. He holds the team record in both the200 free and 100 butterfly, according toLombardi.

“We have not had a male swimmer thathas dominated our team like Michael since1986,” Lombardi said. “A swimmer ofMichael’s magnitude comes along once ortwice in a coach’s lifetime. He will be sorelymissed!”

Valceanu started swimming competitivelyat age 8 for the summer-league Hollin HillsBluefish in the Northern Virginia SwimmingLeague. He’s still swimming for the Blue-

fish, and is also an assistant coach. He’s alsobeen swimming year-round since age 9 onthe Fort Belvoir Swim Team, a local USASwimming club team, where he is coachedby Burgi and head coach Mark Murray. Heholds team records in multiple age groupson both teams for butterfly, freestyle, back-stroke and individual medley, as well as onrecord-breaking relay squads.

“I’m grateful to my coaches and my par-ents for giving me the opportunity to excelin a sport,” Valceanu said. “I’m really look-ing forward to being a Marist Red Fox nextyear. Marist is really the perfect fit for me,both athletically and academically.”

West Potomac Swimmer Valceanu Signs with Marist

West Potomac senior MichaelValceanu signed a letter of intentto swim for Marist College. Pic-tured from left: (front row)Michael Valceanu, Mr. Valceanu,(back row) coach Bob Lombardi,and Aaron Helmick, DSA.

Gazette file pho

to

Pho

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by C

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azette


To Advertise Your Faith Community, call Karen at 703-917-6468

Good ShepherdCatholic Church

8710 Mount Vernon Highway, Alexandria VA, 22309Tel: 703-780-4055 Fax: 703-360-5385 www.gs-cc.org

Loving as Christ loves, serving as Christ serves

Monday6:30 pm Mass (Español)Saturday Evening5:00 pm Vigil Mass6:30 pm Vigil Mass (en Español)Sunday7:30 am; 9:00 am (with SignLanguage Interpreter &Children’s Liturgy of the Word);10:30 am; 12:00 Noon; 2:00 pm

(en Español); 6:30 pmWeekday & SaturdayMornings: 9:00 am Mass,preceded by Rosary (on FirstFriday, Mass followed byEucharistic Adoration)Thursday & FirstFriday of the Month:7:30 pm Mass (Español)preceded by 7:00 pmEucharistic Adoration

Mass Schedule

3701 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305Parking Is Free • Tickets available at

ticketmaster.com or 1-800-745-3000 or atBirchmere box office, 3701 Mt Vernon Avenue,

day of performance.Special thanks to Gazette and Connection Newspapers

Sunday, Dec 21, 2014 • 7:30 P.M.~ Box Office Opens 5 P.M. ~

Food and Beverages Also Available

Great Route 1 SpaceFor Lease

Perfect for Nonprofit Organizations,Civic Associations or Government Agencies

Up to 4,000 Square Feet AvailableCustom Smaller Space Also Considered

On Richmond Highway/Route 1, AlexandriaAcross From Beacon Mall

Includes Parking

For Information Contact

571-274-9913

HOLIDAY SAFETYFree Cab Rides. 10 p.m.-6 a.m. daily,

Friday, Dec. 12-Thursday, Jan. 1.Washington-metropolitan arearesidents celebrating with alcoholmay call the toll-free SoberRidephone number 1–800–200–TAXI andbe afforded a no-cost (up to $ 30fare), safe way home. Since 1993,WRAP’s SoberRide program hasprovided 61,002 free cab rides hometo would-be drunk drivers in theGreater Washington area. Visitwww.soberride.com.

SATURDAY/ JAN. 10Office Hours. Fairfax County School

Board Member Dan Storck will hostSaturday office hours. Members ofthe community are invited to stop byto ask questions or to discussconcerns, no appointment necessary.Contact Dan Storck [email protected] or his assistantMary Ellen Hook at

[email protected]❖ 10 a.m.-noon at Lorton Library,9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton, inthe Conference Room.❖ 12:30-2:30 p.m. at the SherwoodRegional Library, 2501 SherwoodHall Lane, Alexandria, in ConferenceRoom 3.

SUNDAY/JAN. 11School Open House. 2-4 p.m. at

Burgundy Farm Country Day School,3700 Burgundy Road, Alexandria.School serves pre-kindergarten to 8thgrade. Call 703-329-6968 to RSVP orschedule a personal tour. Visitwww.burgundyfarm.org for more.

SATURDAY/JAN. 17Winter Waterfowl Identification. 9

a.m.-noon at Mason Neck NationalWildlife Refuge and State Park. Joinan introduction to winter waterfowl

identification, in preparation for theannual ASNV Waterfowl Count. Dressfor an outdoor field trip/bird walk.Bring binoculars and a scope ifavailable; leader will have a scopeand waterfowl identification guides.Meet at the Woodmarsh Trail parkinglot on High Point Road. Directions:from Route 1 in Lorton, take GunstonRd east. Turn right on High PointRoad (toward Mason Neck StatePark) to parking lot for theWoodmarsh Trail on the left. Free;advance registration required. Visitwww.audubonva.org to register.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDThe Gum Springs Senior Center.

Spanish teacher for a beginner’s classneeded. For these and othervolunteer opportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY 711 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadultsand click on Volunteer Solutions.

Bulletin BoardEmail announcements to [email protected]. Include date,

time, location, description and contact for event: phone, email and/or website.Photos and artwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least two weeksbefore event.

News

Grand ChampionsAt the Dec. 13 Winterfest Cheer and Dance Competition at CD Hylton High School, theCarl Sandburg Middle School Dance Team, competing in the middle school category, wonfirst place trophies in Pom, Lyrical, Jazz and Hip Hop. Natalie Edwards placed first forher jazz solo. Additionally, the dance team had the highest team average thus earningthe title of Grand Champions. This competition was the start of their 14-15 dance sea-son. Throughout the winter, the dancers will compete in three more local competitions.

Photo Contributed


Zone 3 Ad Deadline:

Tuesday Noon

703-778-9411

Zone 3: • Alexandria

• Mount VernonClassifiedClassified

21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements

21 Announcements 21 Announcements

Falls Church AntiqueS

Christmas Shop Now Open!

Best Kept Secret of The Metro Area!

Falls Church Antique Co.250W. Broad St. Falls Church, Va • 703-2419642

Unique collection of antiques and collectibles,including furniture, jewelry, glassware, pottery,

sterling silver, paintings, prints and more!Fun home and gift ideas!

26 Antiques 26 Antiques

HDI COMPUTER SOLUTIONSJENNIFER SMITH ❖ Serving the Area Since 1995

➣ Speed up Slow Computers➣ Troubleshooting➣ Virus Removal➣ Computer Setup

(571) [email protected]

101 Computers 101 Computers

• Master of Arts in Music• Studied with NBC/CBS staff musician• Member of American Federation of Musicians & Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia

Guitar, Tenor Banjo, and Mandolin Instruction

William A. Banks2601 Londonderry Road

Alexandria, VA 22308(703) 989-1616

102 Instruction 102 Instruction

21 Announcements

ABC LICENSELa Tasca Inc trading as La

Tasca, 607 King St. Alexan-dria, VA 22314. The above es-tablishment is applying to the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) for a Wine

and Beer On and Off Premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Francis

McDonald,Vice PresidentNOTE: Objections to the issu-ance of this license must be

submitted to ABC no later that 30 days from the publishing

date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices.

objections should be regis-tered at www.abc.virginia.gov

or 800-552-3200.

ABC LICENSEStomping Ground, LLC trading as Stomping Ground, 2309 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301. The above establish-

ment is applying to the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF

ALCHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) for a Wine

and Beer on Premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Erik Dorn Member

NOTE: Objections to the issu-ance of this license must be

submitted to ABC no later that 30 days from the publishing

date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices.

objections should be regis-tered at www.abc.virginia.gov

or 800-552-3200.

LEGAL NOTICEPursuant to the provision of section 4-1-16 of the code of

the City of Alexandria, the Alexandria Police Department located at 3600 Wheeler Ave-nue, Alexandria, VA 22304 is

now in possession of un-claimed bicycles, mopeds, lawn equipment, money,

scooters, and other items. All persons having valid claim to

the property should file a claim to the property with reasona-ble proof of ownership or the items will be sold, destroyed, converted or donated. For a

complete listing go to http://alexandriava.gov/police/and contact the Police Proper-ty Section at (703) 746-6709.

26 Antiques

We pay top $ for antique furniture and mid-century

Danish/modernteak furniture, STERLING, MEN'S WATCHES, jewelry

and costume jewelry,paintings/art glass/clocks.

Schefer Antiques @703-241-0790.

Email:[email protected]

Sealed proposals for the City of Alexandria perspecifications will be received in the office ofthe Purchasing Division until the date and timedesignated as follows:

Title: RFP No. 00000494, Architectural DesignServices, Engineering Services and ConstructionAdministration Services for Fire Station 203RFP Closing Date and Time: January 26, 2015, 4 p.m.,prevailing local timePre-Poposal Conference: January 6, 2015

For general inquiries contact Michel F. Hauer, CPPO-CPPB, Acting Purchasing Agent at 703.746.4295.

The City of Alexandria reserves the right to reject anyand all proposals, cancel this solicitation, and towaive any informalities or irregularities in procedure.THE CITY REQUIRES ITS CONTRACTORS TO BEEQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS.

21 Announcements

21 Announcements

The biggestthings arealways the

easiest to dobecause there isno competition.

-William Van Horne

Recessed LightingCeiling FansPhone/CATVComputer Network CablingService UpgradesHot Tubs, etc…

Office 703-335-0654Mobile 703-499-0522

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GUTTER GUTTER

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PAVING PAVING

Quality Tree Service& Landscaping

Reasonable prices. Licensed & insured.

24 Hour EmergencyTree Service

25 years of experience – Free estimates 703-868-5358

Fall Cleanup...Tree removal, topping & pruning,shrubbery trimming, mulching,leaf removal, planting, hauling,gutter cleaning, retaining walls,

drainage problems, etc.

TREE SERVICE TREE SERVICE

Zone 3 Ad Deadline:

Tuesday Noon

703-778-9411

Zone 3: • Alexandria

• Mount Vernon

Home & GardenHome & GardenCONTRACTORS.comconnectionnewspapers.com

An expert is someone who knows some of the worst

mistakes that can be made in hissubject and how to avoid them.

-Werner Heisenberg


Home & GardenHome & GardenCONTRACTORS.comconnectionnewspapers.com

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HAULING

ANGEL’S HAULING

703-863-1086703-582-3709240-603-6182

Junk Trash Removal, Yard/Construction

Debris, Garage/ Base- ment Clean Out,

Furniture & Appl.

JUNK HAULINGJunk, Rubbish,Homes, Offices,

Commerical,Yard/ConstructionDebris, Lot Clearout, 24 hrs day,

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703-520-3205 N-VA

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FRENCH DRAINS

A&S LANDSCAPING 703-863-7465

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People

By Lila Weitzner

Duke Ellington School of the Arts

If motion picture actress Mary Pickford’sstatement that the theatre is an “emotional exercise” — a place where one

should “laugh, cry and then laugh again”— is true, then the cast of Mount VernonHigh School’s “The Somewhat True Tale ofRobin Hood” succeeded in fulfilling a cru-cial purpose of the theatre. Gales of laugh-ter exploded from every body in the the-atre at the antics of a forest gang armedwith wooden spoons and theludicrous actions of a group ofroyals, led by a man with abeard drawn on with a Sharpie.

“The Somewhat True Tale ofRobin Hood” by Mary Lynn Dobson is sobeloved by high school theatre groups thatit has been performed in every state of theUnited States. Its family-appropriate, butstill complex humor follows classic literaryhero Robin Hood of Sherwood Forest andhis band of Merry Men in their quest toclothe the poor and win the hand of theLady Marian in marriage.

What differentiates this telling of RobinHood from more conventional renderingsis the highly effective disregard for theatri-cal conventions. Requests for the technicaldirector to speed up time are frequent andat one point a member of stage crew visiblywalks on stage carrying a sign that tells theaudience she is not, in fact, there.

In this play, it is the actors/actresses whoinspire the most laughter that win the heartsof the audience. Actress Molly McClelland’sportrayal of the evil Prince John was hilari-ously pathetic due to her precise comic tim-ing and intentionally floppy physicality.Tyler Shore as Robin Hood and JoshuaSperling as the Sheriff of Nottingham hadcomplementing pompous energies of theirown that faltered hilariously when they metin a bowling competition. Another notewor-thy performance was the Town’s Girl, playedby Alicia Foster, whose impeccably clearvoice guided the audience through the plotwith poise and humor.

The strength in this production lay in thetwo ensembles and the full-cast scenes,where the jovial energy multiplied, result-ing in a delightfully hilarious chaos. RobinHood’s Merry Men flip-flopped betweenenthusiasm and weariness at the antics oftheir impulsive leader. The royals’ oblivious-ness to obvious moral values and thestrength of their evil convictions were de-lightfully malicious. The emanating enthu-siasm of the players was evident through-out the play.

“The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood”is not a sophisticated story of emotional upsand down. It does not reveal a deep truthabout the human condition or make oneconfront moral quandaries, but the sheerjubilance present in the theatre, provokedby slapstick humor and puns, illustratedthat one key goal of the theatre is simply toentertain.

A ‘SomewhatTrue Tale’

Cappies

Review

The following incidents were reported by theMount Vernon District Police Station.

ROBBERY, 5800 block of North Kings Highway,Dec. 12, 1:15 a.m. Two men entered a conveniencestore and displayed a handgun to an employee. Thesuspects took cash and property and fled. Therewere no injuries. The first suspect was described asblack, 30s, and about 5 feet 9 inches tall. The sec-ond suspect was described as black, 30s, and about5 feet tall.

SEARCH WARRANT SERVICE, 4300 block ofPembroke Village Drive, Dec. 12, 4:45 a.m. Detec-tives and tactical officers from the Fairfax countypolice department executed a search warrant. An18-year-old man was arrested and charged withtobbery and use of a firearm in commission of afelony. There were no injuries.

ROBBERY, 2400 block of Windbreak Drive, Dec.6, 11:43 p.m. The victim was walking and wasapproached by two males and one female. Thesuspects displayed a handgun, took property andfled on foot. The victim did not require rescue. Thefemale suspect was described as black, between 19-20 years of age and about 5 feet tall. The malesuspects were described as black, 20s, and about5 feet 8 inches tall.

BURGLARY, 7900 block of Richmond Highway,Dec. 9. A resident reported someone entered theapartment and took property.

ROBBERY, 2400 block of Fairhaven Avenue,Dec. 7, 11:11 p.m. A man entered a conveniencestore and displayed a handgun to an employee. Thesuspect took cash and property. There were no in-juries. The suspect was described as black, 25 to 35years of age, and between 5 feet 8 inches and 6 feet2 inches tall.

BURGLARY, 8600 block of Sacramento Drive,Dec. 4. A resident reported someone entered theresidence and took property.

ROBBERY, 8400 block of Richmond Highway,Dec. 2, 5 p.m. The victim was walking when he wasapproached by a man. The suspect displayed ahandgun and took property from the victim. Thevictim did not require rescue. The suspect was de-scribed as black, 18 to 20, about 6 feet to 6 feet 2inches tall and weighing around 150 pounds.

PURSUIT/HIT AND RUN, Glassell Court/SouthKings Highway, Nov. 28, 11:32 p.m. A police of-ficer on patrol attempted to stop a vehicle but thesuspect fled onto Richmond Highway. Officerspursued the vehicle and while attempting to eludepolice, the driver struck another vehicle. Officersmanaged to stop the suspect vehicle on GlassellCourt and arrested the driver and passenger. Thedriver was charged with disregarding police signalto stop, felony hit and run and possession of mari-juana. The passenger was charged with possessionof marijuana.

Crime Report

Mr. and Mrs. Paul andMadeleine Tertell ofMcLean are happy to

announce the engagement of theirdaughter, Trish Tertell, to TomHarrell, son of Mr. and Mrs. Tho-mas and Robin Harrell of Alexan-dria. A May wedding is planned.

Trish studied environmental sci-ences at the University of Virginiaand is a systems integration con-sultant for Deloitte Consulting.Tom studied psychology andaquatic entomology at VirginiaTech and is an organized retailcrimes specialist.

Tertell, HarrellEngaged

Ringing inthe SeasonRinging a bell forthe SalvationArmy, VirgilJenkins wasbraving the coldat the Fort HuntRoad Safewayrecently. Origi-nally from FrontRoyal, Va., heworked for manyyears as a barberand spent hisfree time playingguitar. He and hiswife Donnaattend RisingHope UnitedMethodist Mis-sion Church.

Photo by

Ed Simmons, Jr.

The Gazette


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News

They started arriving before noon. Dozensand dozens of Northern Virginia scoutsand their families joined active and re-tired service members and members of

the Mount Vernon and John Alexander Chapters ofthe Daughters of the American Revolution to placewreaths upon the graves at the Alexandria NationalCemetery. This is the 12th year of the annual wreathlaying at the cemetery.

VFW Post 609 Commander Bill Jones rememberedthe first year: “We raised enough money to decorate

40 graves with six volunteers.” This year more than1,700 graves were decorated and more than 300volunteers helped.

The American Heritage Girls of St. Rita TroopVA1381 raised funds to sponsor 896 wreaths for theAlexandria cemetery this year.

At the conclusion of the opening ceremony, thevolunteers moved out into the garden and placeda wreath on every third grave, the graves of thepast post commanders and all of the graves of un-known soldiers.

Wreaths Across America

Scouts fromArlington, Alexan-

dria and MountVernon volun-teered to help

with this year’swreath laying.

Waynewood Pack 1504 Cubmaster Tim Salter waits inthe garden for his scouts to return after all the wreathswere placed on Saturday afternoon.

Photos by Louise Krafft/Gazette

Mount Vernon’s Hometown Newspaper • A Connection...

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