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Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ October 3-9, 2019 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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October 3, 2019Mount Vernon’s Hometown Newspaper • A Connection Newspaper

WellbeingPage 6

Statement from FCPD ChiefEd Roessler:

On Saturday, Sept. 21,2019, at 2:46 p.m., a FCPD officerwas handling a traffic accident atHarrison Lane at South KingsHighway in the [Groveton] Alex-andria section of the county.

The officer found that one driverdid not have a Virginia Operator’slicense and obtained the driver’sinformation to conduct a check toverify the DMV record. During thequery of the driver’s information,the officer received notificationfrom the Immigration and Cus-toms Enforcement Agency (ICE),that the driver was wanted by ICEfor an administrative violationwarrant on file for the failure toappear for a deportation hearing.

The officer then confirmed theinformation through the FairfaxCounty Department of PublicSafety Communication’s TeletypeSection, which is responsible forverification of all warrants withthe originating agencies.

The officer then contacted theICE agent that was listed as thepoint of contact on the confirma-tion of the warrant. The ICE agentadvised the officer that they wereclose by and responding to the lo-cation of the traffic crash.

The FCPD officer then issued auniformed summons to the driverfor not having an operator’s li-cense. The driver signed the sum-mons. However, the officer thendecided to detain the driverthrough a custodial detention andturned over custody to the ICEagent.

Since 2007, the FCPD GeneralOrder 601-Arrest procedures (VIIIc. 5. e.) is very clear on this mat-ter:

If the response reads “OUT-STANDING ADMINISTRATIVEWARRANT OF REMOVAL” and theindividual is not in custody or be-ing taken into custody for anyother violation of law, officers shallnot confirm the hit through LESCand shall not take the individual

into custody based solely upon theIVF hit. The majority of such ad-ministrative warrants representcivil violations of immigration law.

In addition, training at ourAcademy, as clearly outlined inlesson plans, as well as in-servicetraining reinforces to our person-nel that we do not enforce nordetain for administrative warrantsand we have no authority to en-force federal law. We have alsobeen working closely with commu-nity members and advocates toreview our General Orders in thisregard As a matter of full trans-parency to our community – ourpolice officer violated ourlongstanding policy and depriveda person of their freedom, whichis unacceptable. We have been in-formed by ICE that the driver wasreleased after three hours and is-sued an ankle monitor. When Ilearned of this event, I directed animmediate internal investigationto look at all factors in this matterto ensure that all are held account-

able for this violation. Our countyis one of the most diverse coun-ties in the nation and no oneshould have the perception thatFCPD is acting as a civil immigra-tion agent for ICE. This matterdamages our reputation and thelongstanding policy that I havestated many times that our offic-ers shall not act as immigrationagents. The officer involved in thisevent has been relieved of all lawenforcement duties pending theoutcome of this investigation. It ismy role as the leader of this po-lice force to enforce our FCPD –and Fairfax County – policies andhold all accountable for their ac-tions.

Violation of Policy in Turning Resident over to ICE

By Mike Salmon

The Connection

The Top Golf facility inKingstowne may be goingaway soon, as the landlordlooks for other options for the

land, which may include new housing inthe Top Golf space on South Van Dorn Streetand Kingstowne Village Parkway, right be-hind Edison High School.

It’s not that simple though, said Supervi-sor Jeff McKay (D-Lee), who would like tosee Top Golf stay but realizes it’s not acounty decision. It’s the case of a privatelandowner lease to a private tenant, he said.“I’d be perfectly content if they stayed thereforever,” McKay said. “We have no controlover it, the by-right plan is not desirable,”he said. By-right development means thelandowner has the right to develop the landas they wish providing it is within currentzoning parameters.

The Top Golf facility in Kingstowne is re-portedly the first Top Golf facility in thisarea, as is stated on the sign above the ProShop door. It has been at this location foryears, and has a sports bar and miniaturegolf as part of the facility. But Top Golf is anationwide company and the blueprint fornew Top Golf facilities that are currentlybeing built are bigger than the property in

Kingstowne.McKay pointed out

the new Top Golf atNational Harbor,which is much bigger,has a grandiose en-trance that looksmore like a profes-sional sports venue,and can handle morepeople. There are sev-eral eating and drink-ing areas, some withcomputer games andpool tables. When theNational Harborvenue opened, “theyknew ultimately thatplace [Kingstowne]would cease to exist,”McKay said.

If the 275 resi-dences are built, asthe Fairfax CountyBoard of Supervisorsmeeting announce-ment sign says, thatwill bring about 500 additional cars to analready crowded corridor there on SouthVan Dorn Street. The light at Van DornStreet and Franconia Road is a few hun-dred yards from the Top Golf, and traffic

backs up there ona daily basis. Thereis talk of redoingthat intersection,with Van Dorn go-ing under

Franconia, but that is years away, and thetraffic maintenance involved with a projectlike that is a thing that brings nightmaresto the local commuting scene.

McKay and his staff have looked at the

potential traffic among otherthings when they came up withan alternate plan, but the firstplan was shot down in the plan-ning meeting. It’s back to thedrawing board to think of somenew planning language beforepresenting it again.

“Everything is on hold,”McKay said, including the issuecoming before the Board of Su-pervisors on Oct. 29. McKaythinks it will get rescheduledand nothing will happen until atleast next winter. “The countyplays no role in the lease,”McKay said.

Golf as a SportFor golfers in this part of

Fairfax County, this is the sec-ond closing of a golf facility in recent years.The Hillside Golf Course on Telegraph Roadwas closed a few years ago to make way fora residential complex of condominiums andtownhouses aimed at the 55+ crowd. Thatgolf course had nine holes that were builtatop a recycled trash dump, and each holehad an alternate set of tees so it could playlike an 18-hole course. The course was open

Photos by Mike Salmon/The Connection

Golfers can hit a bucket of ballswhile enjoying a beverage, or thereis a computerized golfing gamethey can play at the range as well.

Signs first came out atthe course in late Sep-tember but the issuemay not be resolveduntil next year.

Uncertain Future for Popular Golf Spot

See Golf, Page 4

“Our policeofficer violatedour longstandingpolicy anddeprived a personof their freedom,which isunacceptable.”

2 v Mount Vernon Gazette v October 3-9, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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News

By David Siegel

The Connection

Northern Virginia’s book lover’sdream, the annual “Fall forthe Book” returns for its 21st

time. “Fall for the Book” is amajor stop on literary tours for the best ofAmerica’s authors and local authors alike.It is Northern Virginia’s oldest and largestfestival of literature and arts.

About 150 authors will take part in read-ings, discussions, and performances at the2019 Book event along with the thousandsof guests anticipated.

“Fall for the Book” is alsohosting the award ceremonyfor a book prize for immigrantwriters who illuminate the hu-man experience as told by im-migrants. The Institute for Im-migration Research NewAmerican Voices Award willannounce the award.

A wide range of local North-ern Virginia writers will be atthe Festival.

Mia Garcia was born in SanJuan, Puerto Rico and residesin Fairfax Station. She will bea on a panel titled “DivergingRoads: Teenagers Face Choicesand Consequences.” Garcia will chat abouther book “The Resolutions.” It is about fourbest friends trying to help each other meetthe challenges of growing up in a complex,bumpy world. In an interview, Garcia indi-cated her aim includes reaching out to

LatinX teenagers who may notsee themselves depicted in litera-ture and the arts.

Angela Hattery, GMU Profes-sor and Director of the Women& Gender Studies Program andEarl Smith Emeritus Professor ofSociology and the Rubin Distin-guished Professor of AmericanEthnic Studies at Wake ForestUniversity will lead a sessiontitled “Gender, Power & Violencein the #MeToo Era.” The sessionwill examine institutions andwhy violence happens withinthem. The institutions could be

college campuses, Hollywood, prisons orthe military as examples. Hattery andSmith will discuss issues such as “institu-tional betrayal … in these pillar institu-tions” and why people may not want totalk about them in public. Yet, as Hattery

The full force of heightened emotionsand stupendous music is what is instore for audiences when Virginia

Opera brings its production of GiacomoPuccini’s “Tosca” to the Center for the Arts.

Puccini’s “Tosca” features some of hismost acclaimed, best-known lyrical arias.“Tosca” is set in Rome on the brink of mili-tary invasion with a trio of tragic figures—a heroic painter, Cavaradossi; his jealouslover, Tosca; and a sadistic Police Chief,Scarpia, who sets the plot in motion.

“’Tosca’ defines a sensibility that is as tor-rid and tension-filled as opera comes. Itcontains an energy that has helped definethe greats who have sung the roles of Tosca,Cavaradossi, and Scarpia,” said Lillian

Groag, director.“The themes of ‘Tosca’ – abuse of power,

loyalty, betrayal – will undoubtedly reso-nate to anyone with open eyes. This is ofcourse a timeless story, but one decidedlyfor now,” said Adam Turner, artistic direc-tor and conductor. “These timeless storiesand great works of art remind us of the ever-evolving nature of the human experienceand our roles within it.

“‘Tosca”’ is a highly dramatic story full ofpassion and tension, a rollercoaster ride ofemotions from the first bombastic notes ofthe opening curtain to the final measuresof the tragic climax,” added Turner. “It willleave audiences gasping in utter delight,blissfully transported by this rapturous score

and the masterful singing on display.ÓVirginia Opera’s production features de-

buts by soprano Ewa PBonka as Floria Toscaand bass-baritone Kyle Albertson as Scarpiawith the return of tenor, Matthew Vickersas Cavaradossi. “There are not too manyoperas which grab your attention from be-ginning to the end. It allows the audienceto witness very fast dramatic action, almostwithout interruption, as it is in the filmgenre,” said Plonka

“I would like people to lose the fallaciousidea that opera is some sort of ‘elitist’ formof entertainment designed only for the ‘ini-tiated’ and to realize they’ve had a rowdygood time. ‘Tosca’ moves like a house onfire,”ºadded Groag.

Virginia Opera President and CEO, RussellP. Allen said: “We are absolutely thrilled tolaunch our 2019–2020 Season with ‘Tosca’and to do so with the incomparable LillianGroag as its director. It’s exciting to haveher revisit the title that was her very firstproduction at Virginia Opera. ‘Tosca’ prom-ises audiences a truly memorable tour deforce season debut.”

Virginia Opera’s ‘Tosca’ arriving at Center for the Arts.

High Voltage Drama, Passionate Voices and MusicWhere and When

Virginia Opera presents “Tosca” at Center forthe Arts, George Mason University, 4400University Drive, Fairfax. PerformancesSaturday, Oct.12 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 13at 2 p.m. Tickets: $110, $70, $40. Call 888-945-2468, or visit www.cfa.gmu.edu. Notes: Sung inItalian with English supertitles. A pre-perfor-mance discussion begins 45 minutes prior to theperformance, located on Monson Grand Tier.Seating is limited and opens 15 minutes beforethe pre-performance discussion.

‘Fall for the Book’ includes book prizefor immigrant writers who illuminatethe human experience.

Love and Celebration of Books

Photo courtesy of John Mason

John Mason, author and presenter at 2019 Fall for the Book (center atfront) riding the rails on duty in Vietnam, 1965.

noted, “turn on the news each day, it isthere.”

John Mason (Fairfax), a retired careerArmy Officer will share his personal storywith his book “Riding the Rails in Viet-nam1965” as a starting point for the “Viet-nam in Words” session. Mason served hisinitial Vietnam tour with the US Military

Assistance Command as an advisor to aVietnamese railway security battalion.Mason will discuss the “cross cultural chal-lenges” and “need for patience and under-standing” when working in an environ-ment unlike the United States; the require-ment to be “receptive to another culture”to be successful.

Where and When“Fall for the Book” events are at George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus, 4400 Univer-

sity Drive, Fairfax, and at other locations throughout Northern Virginia. “Fall for the Book”runs Oct. 10 to Oct. 13, 2019. Events are free and open to the public. For details aboutsessions including author bios go to https://fallforthebook.org/ or call 703-993-3986.Notes: “Fall for the Book” venues are wheelchair accessible. The “Fall for the Book” ispartnering with the City of Fairfax’s Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019.

Earl Smith, au-thor and pre-senter at 2019Fall for the Book.

Angela Hattery,author and pre-senter at 2019Fall for the Book.

Photo courtesy of

Angela Hattery

Photo courtesy of

Earl Smith

Mia Garcia,author and pre-senter at 2019Fall for the Book.

Photo courtesy of

Mia Garcia

4 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ October 3-9, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

From Page 1

News

a few years and originally there were plans for abigger course, with golf course homes, but this wasscaled back.

This situation with land development and golfcourses is a nationwide challenge, said Jay Karen,the CEO of the National Golf Course Owners As-sociation. The amount of land it takes isn’t eco-nomically feasible, especially given that the up andcoming generation hasn’t adopted golf like previ-ous generations.

The NGCOA number have shrunk about 10 per-cent in the last 15 years, and the “association mir-rors it’s market,” Karen said. In 2005-2006, golf hitits highwater mark, which was right around whenHilltop opened, but it went down from there. “Moredemand could solve a lot of problems,” he said.

The new homes now at the site near Jeff ToddWay are called The Crest at Alexandria, and it con-sists of single-family homes, elevator townhomesand condominiums “from the low $400’s,” thewebsite states. The condominiums are a “55+ Ac-tive Adult Lifestyle community.”

Uncertain Future for Popular Golf Spot


6 2019

The Blessing of the Animals Messiah Lutheran Church

Sunday Oct. 6, 2019, 10:00 am

Alex/Oxford $1,149,9004201 Kimbrelee Court

Spectacular all-brick colonial home w/2 car garage on a cul-de-sac in exclusive Mt. Vernon waterfront com-munity of Oxford. Partial water views and a beautiful multi-tiered deck. Five bed-rooms & 4.5 baths. Grand 2 story foyer entryway. Large eat-in kitchen w/numerous upgrades & double butler pantry. Formal living & dining rooms. Family room

off kitchen w/brick fireplace. Library on main level w/built-in bookcases. 4 bedrooms & 3 baths on upper level, huge master suite w/large luxurious bath. Fully finished lower level w/5th bedroom & full bath, exercise, tv, & game rooms. Newly refinished hardwood floors. Recent updates include new roof (2019), new windows (2019), new deck (2018) High-end kitchen appliances (Wolf double oven; Subzero refrigerator). Main & lower level HVAC replace 2016. Backyard fence ('16). It’s a wonderful home!

Alex/Wessynton $549,900 3102 Cunningham Drive

Investors or Homeowners who want to build sweat equity: here it is! Solid bones but needs a total make over. Popular model (The Meadow) in sought after water oriented Wessynton community of contemporary homes. 4 bedrooms, 3 Baths, large kitchen, separate dining

room, living room with fireplace. Master suite. Family Room w/fireplace. Lots of storage and workspace in basement. Amenities include tennis courts, community swimming pool, walking paths, and boat ramp on Little Hunting Creek which flows to the Potomac River. A half mile to Mount Vernon Estate and the George Washington Parkway.

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Alex/Engleside $1,300,0008734 Lukens Lane

4.128 acres zones R-2 for sale. There are 2 lots: 4/0 acres w/house (Tax Map 1101 01 0043) and .128 acre vacant land (1101 01 0043A). House on Property sold “AS IS” and NO AC-CESS given or allowed. Land Value only. Water, sewer, gas, electricity

available. This land is adjacent to the houses on Halley Farm Ct. which were built in the 2010-2011 time frame.

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Fort Hunt/Hollin Hall $570,0007923 Jackson Road

Gorgeous home offers 1 lvl living w/contemporary open floor plan in sought after Ft. Hunt community zoned for Waynewood Ele. This beautiful home has been completely remodeled & has stunning architec-tural features including an addition which has a Great rm w/high vaulted ceiling, a stone FPL, 2 skylights w/

remote controlled shades, & a 2nd full bath, master bedrm, & enclosed washer/dryer area. Kitchen has SS appliances & silestone counters & shaker style maple cabinetry. Both baths renovated. New French doors off of Great rm open to beautiful 2 year old deck made w/low maintenance composite material, overlooks private, fenced bkyd. This home is a GEM and is in a great location!

SOLD

Alex/Mt. Zephyr $487,500 8541 Mt. Zephyr Dr.

Great price for this lovely two level solid all-brick home with garage on 1/3 acre in Mt. Vernon community. 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths. Renovated eat-in kitchen, spacious and open, with sliding glass doors to private backyard. Charming front living room with ample

windows, and wood burning fireplace with white, colonial style mantel. Spacious lower level has finished family room w/ 2nd fireplace and a bonus workroom. Conveniently located near Ft. Belvoir (10 mins), GW Parkway and Potomac River, Old Town Alexandria, Pentagon, and D.C.

Alex/Riverside Estates $599,9008508 Cherry Valley Lane

Prestigious Riverside Estate’s Large & Popular Concord Model – 5BRs, 3BAs – 2 Car Garage w/many upgrades: Brand new double pane windows in 2019, New HVAC & HWH in 2018, beautiful upgraded kitchen in 2007. Refinished hdwd

floors, bright sky lights in both the kitchen & hall bath. 20 year old roof w/30 year shingles. A beautiful & sturdy deck looks over a lovely land-scaped & fenced-in backyard. This is a gem, priced well & will sell fast. Call Rex for info and questions.

COM

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SOON

See Police, Page 7

News

Following a 2018 pilot program and rigorousacademic study, the Board of Supervisors today approved full implementation of body

worn cameras (BWC), which is expected to begin inMay 2020 and take three years to phase incountywide.The Reston, Mason and Mount Vernon district sta-tions, which participated in the 2018 pilot, will bethe first three stations implementing the program. Afully implemented BWC program will consist of 1,210cameras issued to all district stations and other keyoperational staff. One-time funding is included in theFiscal Year (FY) 2020 budget and baseline fundingwill be included in the FY 2021 budget and in futureyears, as required.

BWCs have many potential benefits and have beenadopted by numerous other police departments andlocalities.

Most importantly, BWCs are a tool intended to buildand sustain trust between the community and po-lice and enhance police legitimacy. Trust is the foun-dation of effective policing and has served the de-partment and the county well in creating a safe com-munity through co-production of public safety andengagement.

An investment in BWCs is intended to provide atool designed to enhance transparency and account-ability and help bridge any lack of trust and confi-dence in our department.

At the July 9, 2019 Board of Supervisors’ PublicSafety Committee meeting, Chief Edwin C. Roessler

Jr. and representatives of an American Universityresearch team presented a study of FCPD’s body worncamera (BWC) pilot project, which took place March3 to Sept. 1, 2018. The pilot included 203 body worncameras distributed to trained officers at three dis-trict stations: Mason, Mount Vernon and Reston, aswell as a sampling of Motor Squad officers and Ani-mal Protection officers.

The American University research team surveyedcommunity members and police officers to determinewhat effect the cameras had on police activity andperceptions of police legitimacy in the community.In addition, they analyzed data regarding the num-ber and nature of complaints against officers fromthis time period.

Key findings of the study include:❖ There was overwhelming support among com-

munity members for the widespread adoption of bodyworn cameras.

❖ The majority of community members who in-teracted with police officers during the pilot programreported feeling positive not only about the personalexperience but also about FCPD as a whole.

❖ There was no evidence that the presence or ab-sence of a body worn camera during a police inter-action had an impact on community member’s satis-faction with FCPD.

❖ There was consensus among the officers involvedin the pilot that body worn cameras will increase thegathering of evidence and help settle complaints

Police Body Worn Cameras ApprovedFull implementation to take three years.


Wellbeing

By Marilyn Campbell

The Connection

When Florence Murrian was diag-nosed with stage two breast can-cer last December, the treatmentrecommended by her oncologist

was a lumpectomy and radiation. In an attempt tohelp, Murrian’s sister urged her to seek multiplemedical opinions and insisted she ask for a moreaggressive treatment. Murrian, 54, felt over-whelmed by the barrage of advice.

“It was the friends who just listenedto me as I sometimes rambled on andon that gave me comfort,” she said.“There were times when I didn’t wantto talk about it or cry about it. I neededto feel normal and sometimes was indenial. What I didn’t want is someoneasking me why I wasn’t acting a cer-tain way.”

When a close friend of loved one isdiagnosed with breast cancer, the reac-tion can range from aggressive advicegiving as in Murrian’s case to excessivequestioning to learning every detail.During October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month,some survivors and mental health professionals shareinsight on offering support.

“Sometimes I had conversations with friends thatmade me feel worse that I already felt,” said Murrianwho lives in Arlington. “I was so overwhelmed that Ididn’t want advice and I didn’t want to have to cheerup my friends.”

Conversations designed to convey concern can goawry. “I recommend avoiding invalidating comments

like, ‘Everything happens for a reason.’ or forecast-ing comments such as ‘Everything will be fine,’” saidJoanne Bagshaw, PhD, Professor of Psychology atMontgomery College.

Though it is natural to be concerned and want spe-cific details about a loved one’s condition, sometimesthe best words are no words at all, says Professor ofPsychology at George Mason University. “There maybe times to mostly listen and other times to jokearound,” said Short. “Plan to continue enjoyable ac-tivities together, but confirm whether your loved onewants to get together.”

Avoid non-specific offers to help, says Short. “I rec-ommend taking the perspective of your friend andloved one and imagining what she might like to hear,”he said. “You should express empathy and support… prepare small meals or snacks to share. Offer to

help with household tasks, errands, orcaring for family members or pets.”

For those who are unsure, consider-ing your loved the best source of in-formation about her needs is more ef-fective than making assumptions, sug-gests Bagshaw. “I do recommend ask-ing how you can be of support,” saidshe said. “One can simply say, ‘Just letme know how I can help.’”

“It is good to be encouraging, butrealistic,” added Short. “Follow cuesfrom your friend or loved one on howto interact.”

Listening, validating and inquiringabout her overall wellbeing can be more comfortingthan offering opinions or sharing stories about otherwomen who’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer.“Everyone’s situation and diagnosis is different,” saidBagshaw.

“Avoid advice and assumptions unless you areasked for your opinion,” added Short. “Some ex-amples [of things] to say are, ‘I am sorry that thishappened to you. I want you to know that I careabout you. How are you doing? I want to help’”

Choosing words andactions that don’t causeadditional pain or anxiety.

Supporting Friends and LovedOnes with Breast Cancer

Breast cancer survivors Florence Murriangets together with friends to volunteer fora supplies drive.

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month,survivors like Florence Murrian and men-tal health professionals share insight onoffering support.

Photos courtesy of Florence Murrian

“ Everyone’ssituation anddiagnosis isdifferent.”

— Joanne Bagshaw,PhD, Professor of

Psychology at Mont-gomery College


From Page 5

News

Policeagainst officers.

❖ Most officers believed thattheir behavior and that of commu-nity members did not change be-cause of body worn cameras.

“As the Chief of Police, I fullysupport being transparent and ac-countable to our community,” saidRoessler in July. “We already haverobust accountability tools with in-car video, the Civilian ReviewPanel and the Police Auditor. Weinvestigate every use of force bymatter of policy. The use of bodyworn cameras will benefit both thecommunity and our officers toensure that our high level of pub-lic trust is maintained.”

Officers will be expected to ac-tivate the body worn camera dur-ing any law enforcement-publicencounter related to a call for ser-vice, law enforcement action, sub-ject stop, traffic stop, search orpolice service. The officer shouldstart recording at their arrival/re-sponse, or as soon as it is practicaland safe to do so, and leave it onfor the duration of the incident.That includes transporting an in-dividual to any detention facility.No law prohibits officers from re-cording citizens in public, as indi-viduals in a public area have noexpectation of privacy. The record-ing of any police contact with in-dividuals in a private residence isalso allowed, as long as the offic-ers have legal authority to be inthat location. If officers are in anarea where individuals have a rea-sonable expectation of privacy,such as their home, individualsmay decline to be recorded unlessthe recording is being made pur-suant to an in-progress criminalinvestigation, arrest, or search ofthe location.

There are several circumstancesand locations where officers willnot record, including when incourthouses and medical facilities.In both of those instances, thecamera should only be turned onif use of force is anticipated or ini-tiated. Officers will also not recordif community members are report-ing a crime and request anonym-ity, or if they are giving a state-ment in an alleged rape or sexualassault.

The policy for the body worncamera pilot program was draftedwith community stakeholders, in-cluding leaders of special interest,civic, and business organizations.There are several intricacies con-tained within the policy that ad-dress the personal privacy rightsand constitutional safeguards ofindividuals while ultimately seek-ing to promote transparency andaccountability in police-commu-nity member encounters. The body

worn camera policy is postedonline here:

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/sites/police/files/assets/images/chief/generalorders/sop18_056.pdf

All requests for body worn cam-era footage should be referred tothe Media Relations Bureau’s Vir-ginia Freedom of Information(FOIA) Compliance Section([email protected])for proper processing. Costs asso-ciated with the review and redac-tion of all Body Worn Camera andIn Car Video footage will becharged to the requestor pursuantto Virginia Code Section 2.2-3704(F).

Adoption of body worn camerasfor officers comes following the AdHoc Police Practices Review Com-mission Final Report recommen-dations to outfit officers with bodyworn cameras.

The pilot body worn camera pro-gram was designed to provide theDepartment with the opportunityto review police-community mem-ber encounters as they occur, aswell as provide an additional de-gree of safety for our officers asthey patrol the streets.


Entertainment

By Shirley Ruhe

It is mid afternoon on Friday and sev-eral men play pool in the corner whilea couple of others drink a beer at anearby table. Ethiopian music rever-

berates through the dining room. In thekitchen vegetable samosas sit in the deepfryer while a large pot of ground beef hasbeen cooking since 10 a.m. and keie, mildlamb stew, simmers on the front burner.

Abiy Bisrat, chef and owner of Enat Ethio-pian restaurant with his wife, is preparingan order of kitfo to order.

“This is the most popular dish here andmy favorite. It is a European steak tartar.”Bisrat pulls out 11 ounces of ground topround and puts it into a pan to heat a little.

He hand mixes the ground meat with 1ounce of clarified but-ter with herbs and 1heaping tsp. ofmitmita (a spicy chili

powder.) Bisrat says the meat has no fat,no gristle. It is combined with clarified but-ter mixed with ground green and white tea,coriander and a green leafy herb that lookssimilar to oregano but isn’t.

“Smell it.” It has a little longer leaf andhas a bit of a smoky aroma. “I don’t knowhow to tell you the name. I get it from Ethio-pia; it would be a lot cheaper if it wasoregano.” He has made the clarified butterby melting the butter and skimming thefroth from the top. “You cook it withoutburning it. No rush.”

“This tartar was ordered medium but tra-ditionally it is served very rare.” Bisratdoesn’t cook the meat but puts it over theburner briefly to raise the temperature.Bisrat places the meat in a large bowl toserve. He puts a large portion of homemadefarmer’s cheese mixed with mimita “to giveit the red color” on the top of the meatalongside a portion of collard greens withmitmita and herb butter. Mitmita in every-thing?

“Well, almost but not everything.”Mitmita is made of ground African bird’s

eye chili peppers, cardamom seed, cloves,and sometimes other spices like cinnamon,cumin, and ginger.

On another burner he is preparing col-lard greens, which have been roughly

chopped, rinsed and drained. He turns thetemperature under the pan to high.

“They will cook for half an hour but on

high just for now.” The next step is to adda handful of sliced white onions, two largescoops of chopped garlic, a sprinkle of

ground cardamom and salt.Bisrat turns the temperature down to

medium and adds about a cup of water. “Iwill add the beef and mitmita in 5 minutesand cover it up to let the collard greens cookthrough. It cooks for a while.”

When it is ready to serve, Bisrat places a24" piece of injera (Ethiopian bread) in alarge bowl, spoons the collard greens intothe center and partly folds in the sides ofthe bread. He says, “Our rule is one pieceof injera, but they like it so much, we overdoit.” Traditionally Ethiopian food is eatenwith the bread instead of a fork. “But wedo have forks if someone requests it.”

He says he uses about 50-60 pieces of thisEthiopian bread a day. “It is just water mixedwith an indigenous Ethiopian grain, tef. Andthe herbs are sun dried. We try to be asauthentic as possible.”

Meanwhile he mixes sautéed tomatoes,onions, garlic, red chili pepper, and corian-der with pieces of broken injera and servesit in a large bowl. “On Wednesdays and Fri-days and during Lent he offers meatlessdishes for those who practice in the Ortho-dox Church. “We make these meatlesschoices bigger.”

Bisrat has been the owner and chef atEnat on Chambliss Street for ten years buthas lived in this area for 32 years. His fa-ther owned a hotel in Addis Ababa whenhe was a kid and he used to help there,mostly hanging around. Now he has threekids to feed and a passion for cooking.

Bisrat says people are getting more carbconscious but no Ethiopian dish is servedwithout bread. What to do? He says, “Well,maybe you could try lamb stew with aspoon.”

In the Kitchen with Chef Abiy Bisrat at Enat

In the Kitchen

Bread is served with every dish and used traditionally instead of afork at Enat.

Chef Bisrat mixes ground topround for kitfo at Enat.

Collard greens steamed with onion,cardamom and ground beef at Enat.

Collard greens served in 24-inchinjera Ethiopian bread at Enat.

See Calendar, Page 9

Submit entertainment announce-ments atwww.connectionnewspapers.com/Cal-endar/. The deadline is noon on Friday.Photos/artwork encouraged.

ONGOINGArt Exhibit: Silo City. Through Oct.

13 at Multiple Exposures Gallery,Torpedo Factory Art Center, Studio312, 105 N. Union St. An exhibitionof photographs by Eric Johnson madein a complex of historic grainelevators and processing facilities inBuffalo, New York. Visitwww.multipleexposuresgallery.comfor more.

Art Exhibit: “Emotional Support:Animals.” Through Oct. 27, daily,

10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Thursdays until 9p.m. at Scope Gallery, ground floorStudio 19 of the Torpedo Factory ArtCenter, 105 North Union St. KilnClub artists wax poetic on “EmotionalSupport: Animals” in thewholehearted exhibition of the exoticand domestic. Visitwww.scopegallery.org or call 703-548-6288.

Art Exhibit: Day of the Dead.Through Nov. 3, at Potomac FiberArts Gallery, Torpedo Factory ArtCenter, Studio 29, 105 North UnionSt. The Potomac Fiber Arts Gallerypresents its juried show, Day of theDead. Neighbors in Mexico andCentral America celebrate Day of theDead. It is a joyful time that helpspeople remember the deceased and

celebrate their memory. The colorsand vibrancy of this holiday inspireartists of the Potomac Fiber ArtsGallery. Themed work will beeligible for recognition by the jurors.Non-themed work will also beexhibited. Visitwww.Potomacfiberartsgallery.comfor more.

“Board | out of our minds!”Through Nov. 10, gallery hours at theThe Athenaeum, 201 Prince St.“Board | out of our minds!” relates tothe games we play. The includedworks exhibit the creative means inwhich people developed board gamesto reflect their thoughts andreflections on the role of chance inlife. While some are actual games,some refer to the role of games in

life. Visit www.nfaa.org or call 703-548-0035.

Mount Vernon Farmers Market.Wednesdays (through Dec. 18), 8a.m.-noon at Sherwood Hall RegionalLibrary, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane.The McCutcheon/Mount VernonFarmers Market opened May 1 withan array of farm-fresh produce andlocal foods, plus some new features(fresh brewed coffee!). 17 localfarmers and producers will sell fresh,locally grown vegetables and fruits;meats; Chesapeake Bay seafood;breads and pastries; honey, jams andjellies; milk, cheese and eggs; herbsand plants; and more. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farmersmarkets.

Band Members Needed. Join the

Mount Vernon Community Band, agroup of players who enjoy playingmany styles of band music in arelaxed atmosphere. Rehearsals areTuesdays 7:30-9:30 p.m. in theMount Vernon High School BandRoom, 8515 Old Mount VernonRoad. No auditions. All instrumentsneeded. Contact Eric Leighty directly703-768-4172 or visitwww.mvbands.com/join-us/.

FRIDAY/OCT. 4Family Art Night. 6-9 p.m. At the

Durant Center, 1605 Cameron Street,Alexandria. Are you looking for amemorable and inspiring evening foryour family and you? With the

Calendar


From Page 8

Entertainment


Photograph courtesy of Dawn Wyse Hurto

Participants in Partners in Art meet to share their goalsand get feedback on their artwork.

Partners in ArtJoin a collegial group of artists to share goals and get feedback on artwork.

Monthly meetings include discussions on exhibit opportunities, the creative pro-cess and the local art scene. Artist can bring 1-3 works – complete or in progress –for feedback. All skill levels and media welcome. Donations ($1-3) appreciated.Monthly on the second Monday, 2-4 p.m. and fourth Tuesday, 7-9 p.m. at Del RayArtisans gallery, 2704 Mt Vernon Ave. Visit DelRayArtisans.org/partners-in-art

holidays right around the corner,plan to create the perfect gift byattending the First Friday: “FamilyArt Night.” A “meet and greet” beginsat 6 p.m. Pizza, soda and water willbe on hand, complements of theOffice of the Arts. Art activities beginat 6:30 p.m. No experiencenecessary. Reservation includes oneart experience, art supplies, pizzaand soda. You have three artexperiences to choose from: Paintwith Teresa Brunson; Create Mosaicswith Maria Illingworth; or, Create aclay sculpture with SharmilaKaramchandan. Tickets are $9 perperson. Children 5 years old are free.Visit: alexandriava.gov/webtrac.

OCT. 4-27Art Exhibit:Twilight Zone. Gallery

hours at Del Ray Artisans Gallery,2704 Mount Vernon Ave. “ArtInspired by The Twilight Zone” is acollection of work inspired by theclassic television series. An openingreception is planned for Friday, Oct.4, 7-9 p.m. Fee admission. Visitwww.DelRayArtisans.org/exhibits.

SATURDAY/OCT. 5“Le Tour d’Alexandria” Bicycle

Tour. 10 a.m. Start and end atBeatley Central Library, 5005 DukeSt. Alexandria Library invites thecommunity to participate in Le Tourd’Alexandria Library, the Library’sannual bicycle tour of all librarylocations. In recognition of theLibrary’s 225th Anniversary, thisyear’s tour will highlight some of theLibrary’s history dating back to 1794.Space is limited, registration isrequired. Riders must be over the ageof 13 to participate. Children andteens under the age of 18 must beaccompanied by a parent orguardian. Visit alexlibraryva.org/alexandria-bike-tour to register.

Used Book Sale. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. atSherwood Regional Library, 2501Sherwood Hall Lane. Selection ofover 20,000 gently used books,including children’s books, fiction,history, biography, home and garden,cooking, crafts, sports, religion,travel, CDs, DVDs, and more. Unlessspecially priced, $1 for hard backs,50 cents for large paperbacks, and 25cents for mass market paperbacks.Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/friends-of-sherwood-regional.

Civil War Artillery Day. 10 a.m.-4p.m. at Fort Ward Museum, 4301 W.Braddock Road. Learn about the roleand equipment of Civil Warartillerymen in the Defenses ofWashington. This living historyprogram will appeal to Civil Warenthusiasts of all ages. The event isweather dependent. Free. Call 703-746-4848.

24th Annual Art on the Avenue. 10a.m.-6 p.m. on Mount Vernon Avenuein Del Ray. Art on the Avenue is amulticultural arts festival celebratingAlexandria’s diversity held the firstSaturday in October, rain or shine.Discover more than 300 artists, fromjewelers to glass makers to painters,while enjoying a variety of musiciansand food vendors. Activities forchildren include scarecrow-stuffing,pumpkin-painting and more. Freeadmission. Visit artontheavenue.org/for more.

Mirror Mirror: David Shulmanwith Sarah Marie Hughes. 8 p.m.at Waterfront Park, 1 King St. TheCity of Alexandria commissioned aseries of original site-specificperformances for the sound-responsive, interactive installationMirror Mirror. Composer andviolinist David Schulman and OrangeGrove Dance will perform on selectdates between July and October. Allperformances are free and featurelawn seating. Lawn chairs andblankets are encouraged. Leave petsat home. Visit alexandriava.gov/publicart for details.

Performance: AlexandriaSymphony Orchestra. 8 p.m. atRachel M. Schlesinger Concert Halland Arts Center, 4915 East CampusDrive. The ASO’s season opens withmusic by Wagner, Beethoven and

more under the direction of MaestroJames Ross featuring soloists RitaSloan, Nicholas Tavani and AlanRichardson. $20-$85 adults, $5youth, $10 students. Visitwww.alexsym.org or call 703-548-0885. ASO musician Gene Pohl’sfather, Lionel Semiatin, composedTidbit #1 while fighting on thebattlefield at Normandy. $20-$85adults, $5 youth, $10 students. Visitwww.alexsym.org or call 703-548-0885.

SUNDAY/OCT. 6Breast Cancer Walk. 8 a.m.-11 a.m.

at Fort Hunt Park, GeorgeWashington Parkway. Support theNational Breast Center Foundation’s3rd annual Walk to Bust Cancer toincrease awareness and celebratesurvivorship. 7:30 a.m. check-in, 9a.m. 1.2 mile walk. Entertainmentand activities before and after thewalk. Register ahead for planning.$35. Visit www.walktobustcancer.orgor call 202-309-4026.

Blessing of the Animals. 11:30 a.m.to 12:30 p.m. At St. Luke’s EpiscopalChurch, 8009 Fort Hunt Road,Alexandria. Bring your pets to St.Luke’s for a blessing after the 8 a.m.and 10 a.m. services. Dogs, cats, andany other critters are welcome to


Aldersgate Church Community Theater proudly presents

September 27to

October 132019Directed by

Jennifer Lyman

Produced by

Marg Soroos &

Leslie Teitel

Tix/Info:acctonline.org

By Jeanne Theismann

Gazette Packet

John Mitchell. Fawn Hall. AldrichAmes. Robert Hanssen. FromWatergate to President Bill Clinton’s

affair with White House intern MonicaLewinsky, Plato Cacheris’ name was at-tached to some of the most prominent le-gal cases in the country. On Sept. 26, theAlexandria resident and one of the nation’sforemost defense lawyers died of pneumo-nia. He was 90.

“Plato was a superb trial lawyer,” saidretired Alexandria Circuit Court JudgeAlfred Swersky, a longtime friend ofCacheris. “He was awesome in court – asgood as anybody I have ever seen.”

Born May 22, 1929, in Pittsburgh,Cacheris was the middle son of Greek im-migrants Chris John Cacheris and PhaedraEconomou Cacheris. The family moved toWashington when Cacheris was in the sev-

from Georgetown University’s School ofForeign Service in 1951. He served as anofficer in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1951to 1953 and used the G.I. Bill to attendGeorgetown Law School, where he gradu-ated in 1956.

In 1955, he married Ethel Dominick andtogether they raised two children — adaughter Lisa and son Byron.

Cacheris began his legal career at the U.S.Department of Justice as a prosecutor be-fore moving to the U.S. Attorney’s Officefor the Eastern District of Virginia.

“Plato was one of the first people I metwhen I came to Alexandria,” said Swersky.“He and his wife Ethel invited me to dinnerback in 1969 or 1970 and we remainedfriends ever since.”

Cacheris entered private practice as acriminal defense attorney and went on torepresent some of the most high-profile cli-ents of his era, including Attorney GeneralJohn Mitchell during Watergate, Represen-tative Michael Myers during Abscam, FawnHall during Iran-contra, Monica Lewinskyduring the Clinton affair, and Aldrich Amesand Robert Hanssen in espionage cases.Most recently he represented National Se-curity Agency contractor Edward Snowden.

The New York Times reported on hisdeath saying: “Plato Cacheris, the Washing-ton lawyer of choice for accused spies, way-ward sheikhs and notorious figures in scan-dals, from the Watergate affair to the sexualpeccadilloes of President Bill Clinton, diedon Thursday at a rehabilitation center inAlexandria, Va. He was 90.”

YET DESPITE his newsworthy clients,Cacheris was unpretentious and shunnedthe spotlight for himself.

“One of the great things about Plato wasthat he never let any of this go to his head,”

Swersky said. “He had no ego whatsoever.He was a fun person – one of the funniesthuman beings on the planet.”

Swersky was one of a handful of lawyerswho would meet regularly at the Cacherisresidence to play tennis, a favorite pastimeof Cacheris.

“We had a rotating group,” Swersky re-called. “Plato, his brother Jim, Albert BryanJr., Wiley Wright, Jake Stein. We jokinglycalled it the John Mitchell Memorial Courtsince Plato said his fees from representingMitchell paid for the court. We did a lot oftrash talking and had a great time. I don’tbelieve Plato was ever trained in tennis buthe got pretty good.”

In addition to tennis, Cacheris loved trav-eling, reading, watching NFL games andspending time with his family at a secondhome in Bethany Beach.

Cacheris is survived by his wife of 64years, Ethel D. Cacheris; daughter, LisaCacheris Burnett (Tracy); son, Byron;brother and federal judge James Cacheris(Sally); granddaughter, Nora Burnett; sis-ter-in-law, Helen Cacheris, and a host ofnieces and nephews. His older brother, JohnCacheris, predeceased him.

Reflecting on his career in an interviewwith The Washington Lawyer several yearsago, Cacheris said he had no regrets.

“I’m glad I became a lawyer,” Cacherissaid. “I’ve been lucky. As I look back on mycareer, I can’t think of anything that I wouldhave done differently. I’ll retire when thephone stops ringing. As long as clients keepcalling, I’ll keep going.”

According to his wishes, a privategraveside service is planned. A public gath-ering to celebrate the life of Cacheris willbe held Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 6 p.m. at theWashington Golf and Country Club, 3017N. Glebe Road, in Arlington.

Plato Cacheris Famed defense lawyer dies at 90.

Renowned defense attorney PlatoCacheris died Sept. 26 at the ageof 90.

enth grade. His father ran a chain of waffleand hamburger shops where Cacheris andhis brothers often worked.

Cacheris graduated from the former West-ern High School, now the Duke EllingtonSchool for the Performing Arts, in 1947, and

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Entertainment


Mount Vernon Farmers MarketThe McCutcheon/Mount Vernon Farmers Market opened May 1 with an array of farm-fresh produce and local foods, plus

some new features (fresh brewed coffee!). 17 local farmers and producers will sell fresh, locally grown vegetables and fruits;meats; Chesapeake Bay seafood; breads and pastries; honey, jams and jellies; milk, cheese and eggs; herbs and plants; andmore. Wednesdays (through Dec. 18), 8 a.m.-noon at Sherwood Hall Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farmersmarkets.

receive a blessing. PawfectlyDelicious dog treats will be given outto furry friends who visit. Visit thewebsite: saintlukeschurch.net

Downton Abbey Tours. 2-3 p.m. atLee-Fendall House Museum &Garden, 614 Oronoco St. Explore thesurprising connections betweenpeople and places of the world ofDownton Abbey and those of the Lee-Fendall House through special“Downton Abbey” themed tours ofthe museum this fall. $10. Visitwww.leefendallhouse.org or call 703-548-1789.

Performance: AlexandriaSymphony Orchestra. 3 p.m. atGeorge Washington MasonicMemorial, 101 Callahan Drive. TheASO’s season opens with music byWagner, Beethoven and more underthe direction of Maestro James Rossfeaturing soloists Rita Sloan,Nicholas Tavani and AlanRichardson. $20-$85 adults, $5youth, $10 students. Visitwww.alexsym.org or call 703-548-0885. ASO musician Gene Pohl’sfather, Lionel Semiatin, composedTidbit #1 while fighting on thebattlefield at Normandy. $20-$85adults, $5 youth, $10 students. Visitwww.alexsym.org or call 703-548-0885.

Mirror Mirror: David Shulmanwith Bonnie Lander. 8 p.m. atWaterfront Park, 1 King St. The Cityof Alexandria commissioned a series

of original site-specific performancesfor the sound-responsive, interactiveinstallation Mirror Mirror. Composerand violinist David Schulman andOrange Grove Dance will perform onselect dates between July andOctober. All performances are freeand feature lawn seating. Lawnchairs and blankets are encouraged.Leave pets at home. Visitalexandriava.gov/publicart for

details.

MONDAY/OCT. 7Innovation Forum. 6-9:30 p.m. U.S.

Patent and Trademark Office, ClaraBarton Auditorium, 600 DulaneyStreet, Alexandria. The City ofAlexandria is hosting an InnovationForum for the Alexandria MobilityPlan, an update to the 2008Transportation Master Plan that will

establish transportation priorities andintroduce new technologies that canenhance the way we get around.Learn more at alexandriava.gov/MobilityPlan.

Landscaping Techniques for WetSites. 7-8:30 p.m. At Burke Library,4701 Seminary Road, Alexandria.Has the latest storm swept all yourwell-placed mulch into yourneighbor’s yard and left you with

more bog than garden? Come learnabout landscaping techniques,appropriate native plants, and localresources to help you address theeffects of soggy conditions in youryard. This event is offered byExtension Master Gardeners. Free.Advance registration requested atmgnv.org. Call 703-228-6414 oremail [email protected].

Meet the Candidates. 7 p.m. At GumSprings Community Center, 8100Fordson Road, Alexandria. The NewGum Springs Civic Association will behosting an informal Meet theCandidates Event. Candidates will beavailable for one-on-one or smallgroup discussions. Come have aninteractive discussion and/or shareyour views and concerns with aconfirmed Democratic and/orRepublican candidate seeking officefor: Commonwealth Attorney; FairfaxCounty Sheriff; Chairman, FairfaxCounty Board of Supervisors; MountVernon Supervisor; Lee DistrictSupervisor; Mount Vernon SchoolBoard Member; Lee District SchoolBoard Member; Fairfax CountySchool Members At-Large; 30thDistrict Senator; 36th DistrictSenator; 39th District Senator; 43rdDistrict Delegate; 44th DistrictDelegate; and Soil & WaterConservation Director NorthernVirginia. Visit the websitewww.ngsca.org

Duke Street Black History. 7:15


Entertainment

By Hope Nelson

The Gazette

Capitals Home OpenerWatch Party at Hops nShine, Oct. 5

The Washington Capitals takeon the Carolina Hurricanes in thestoried hockey team’s homeopener, and Hops n Shine is readyfor the season. The bar and eaterywill offer up game day specials

along with mul-tiple TVs. Withmore than 50

draft lines, guests won’t ever beparched as the game proceeds.Game day food and drink specialswill be on tap to toast the occa-sion. 3410 Mount Vernon Ave. 7p.m.-midnight.

Female Stranger BeerDinner at Gadsby’s Tavern,Oct. 14

The spookiest month of the yearbrings with it a celebration of oneof Alexandria’s most haunting sto-ries – the mysterious FemaleStranger who is said to still inhabitRoom No. 8 in Gadsby’s Tavern.Port City Brewing is teaming upwith the tavern to put together afour-course beer dinner featuring

the brewery’s Long Black Veil blackIPA, concocted in homage to theStranger herself. Convene at thetavern on the anniversary of theFemale Stranger’s death – Oct. 14,1816 – to toast her legacy. 134 N.Royal St. 7-10:30 p.m. $85.

Diya’s First AnniversaryCelebration, Oct. 18

What a difference a year makes!

Diya, the Indian restaurant thattook up residence on North LeeStreet in 2018, turns a year old thismonth, and the restaurant is host-ing a party to celebrate. The first300 customers will each receive a$10 gift card to the restaurant; allattendees can feast on Diya’s din-ner buffet while listening to liveentertainment. 218 N. Lee St. 5-9:30 p.m. Buffett $14.99 for adults,

$6.99 for children under 10.

OysterFest XII at Hank’sOld Town, Oct. 19

Hank’s Oyster Bar has long beena go-to spot for the salty mollusks,and its annual OysterFest celebratesthe best of everything Hank’s has tooffer. The $95 ticket price earnsguests the opportunity for all-you-can-eat oysters in all the classic fash-

4 Dates to Circle in October

Construction continues inside the old Misha’s location at 102 S. Patrick St. as coffee makes way for ice cream.Jeni’s Ice Creams continues to prepare for its new digs in the heart of Old Town as the shop transformation takesplace. An opening date has yet to be named.

ions – on the half shell, fried, grilledand shooters. Round out the menuwith Old Bay fries, onion rings andpopcorn calamari, and wash it alldown with all-you-can-drink craftbeers, wine and punch. 1026 KingSt. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $95.

Hope Nelson owns and operates theKitchen Recessionista blog, located at

www.kitchenrecessionista.com.Email her any time at

[email protected].

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Photo courtesy of National Park Service

Jones Point Lighthouse

Jones Point MeetupJoin a national park ranger to explore the long history of this little piece of land

and see the last remaining inland lighthouse on the Potomac River, once a beaconto boat captains and commerce on the river. Tuesdays through Sept. 24, 11 a.m.-noon at Jones Point Park, Jones Point Drive. Free. Call 703-235-1530 or visitwww.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/jonespoint.htm for more.

p.m. At Kate Waller Barrett BranchLibrary, 717 Queen Street,Alexandria. Free. The ManumissionTour Company brings the knowledgefrom their newest walking tour, theDuke Street Corridor, for an eveningfocused on the early history ofAfrican-American Alexandrians. Visitthe website: alexlibraryva.org/event/3053739

TUESDAY, OCT. 8Simpson Gardens Stroll. 10-11 a.m.

At Simpson Park Gardens, 420 E.Monroe Street, Alexandria. Strollthrough Simpson Gardens withExtension Master Gardeners as theydescribe the gardens’ variety ofdemonstration beds that combinesustainable gardening practices withappealing aesthetics: waterwisegardening, scented plants, plants thatattract pollinators, plants that prefershade, and plants that haveappealing structure and texture. Free.Call 703-228-6414 or [email protected].

THURSDAY/OCT. 10Luncheon: “Fashion in Bloom.” 10

a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Mount VernonCountry Club, 5111 Old Mill Road.Enjoy a fashion show, luncheon,silent auction and raffle. Yacht HavenGarden Club works to furthereducation in horticulture, floraldesign and conservation among itsmembers and the surroundingcommunity. $40. Reservationdeadline, Sept. 27. [email protected].

FRIDAY/OCT. 11Highland Echoes Show. 7:30-9:30

p.m. at Rachel M. SchlesingerConcert Hall and Arts Center, 4915East Campus Drive. Highland Echoes

is a vocal, musical, and dancejourney through Scottish history andculture from the Highlands toAmerica. Featuring “Celtic Album ofthe Year” recipient Jennifer Licko -the show combines traditional andoriginal music and dance. $10-$45.Visithighlandechoesalexandria.eventbrite.comfor tickets.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY/OCT. 11-13Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival

& Sunset Tour. 6-9 p.m. at GeorgeWashington’s Mount Vernon, 3200Mount Vernon Memorial Highway.Celebrate the history of wine inVirginia at the home of GeorgeWashington. Bring a blanket, relaxon the east lawn overlooking thescenic Potomac River and enjoy livemusic while sampling wine fromVirginia’s wineries.Admission: Friday,$48; Saturday, $52; Sunday, $42.Call 703-780-2000 or visitmountvernon.org.

SATURDAY/OCT. 12Portside In Old Town Fall Festival.

At Waterfront Park, 1 King St. Enjoya day of live music, maritime history,nautical demonstrations andchildren’s activities on the Old TownAlexandria waterfront. Savor localfood, beer and wine whileexperiencing boat buildingdemonstrations from AlexandriaSeaport Foundation Apprentices andknot tying from tall ship Providence.Select activities benefit theAlexandria Seaport Foundation’smission to improve the lives of youngpeople through adult mentoring,project-based learning and the craftof wooden boat building. Freeadmission; food and drink forpurchase; fees for some activities.Visit www.visitalexandriava.com/event/portside-in-old-town-fall-festival/15351/ for more.

Celebration of Service. 6-9 p.m. atFt. Belvoir Officers Club. Pastor Floyd

C. Hawkins Sr. of Shiloh Church ofGod in Christ is preparing tocelebrate 31 years of leadership andservice to his church and communityby highlighting those giving back toFairfax County. The inaugural FloydC. Hawkins, Sr. Outstanding Leadersin Community Service Award will bepresented to: Dr. Nardos King, BobDiegelman, Velvet Abram, andVictoria Williams. Open to the public.To attend, visithawkins31yearsofservice.eventbrite.com.

Celebrating Lady Liberty’sBirthday. 6-8 p.m. at The Garden byBuilding Momentum, 5380Eisenhower Avenue, #Suite C,Alexandria.

A night of music, cocktails, horsd’oeuvres, silent auctions and more.Party hosted by local non-profit JustNeighbors to support legal servicesfor low-income immigrants andrefugees.Childcare will be availableat Scramble next door to the venue.More at Just Neighborswww.justneighbors.org

SUNDAY/OCT. 13Downton Abbey Tours. 2-3 p.m. at

Lee-Fendall House Museum &Garden, 614 Oronoco St. Explore thesurprising connections betweenpeople and places of the world ofDownton Abbey and those of the Lee-Fendall House through special“Downton Abbey” themed tours ofthe museum this fall. $10. Visitwww.leefendallhouse.org or call 703-548-1789.

Free Concert. 3-5 p.m. At CarlSandburg Middle School, 8428 FortHunt Road, Alexandria. The NationalConcert Band of America will kick-offits 45th anniversary season with afree concert entitled “AmericanIcons: A Showcase of AmericanMusic.” It will feature music byGeorge Gershwin, John Philip Sousaand Aaron Copland. Free. Visit the

website:www,nationalconcertband.org

MONDAY/OCT. 14Female Stranger Beer Dinner. At

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum,Alexandria. Join Port City Breweryand Gadsby’s Tavern Museum as theyhonor the anniversary of the FemaleStranger’s death with her specialtybeer and a Beer Dinner. Enjoy a four-course meal alongside four great PortCity beers including the Long BlackVeil. This special craft beer wasinspired by the famous tale of theFemale Stranger, who died at thetavern on October 14, 1816. Ticketsare $85 inclusive per person andreservations are required. Avegetarian entrée option is availablewith advance notice. Call 703-746-4242 or visitwww.gadsbystavern.org.

TUESDAY/OCT. 15Digital Genealogy Photography. 1-

3 p.m. At Hollin Hall Senior Center,1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria.Photographer and genealogicalresearcher Gary Petranek, Co-Director of the Washington D.C.Family History Center, will speakabout the digital photography aspectsof genealogy and about theRootsMagic software. Free, open topublic. Visit www.mvgenealogy.org.

WEDNESDAY/OCT. 16Alexandria Beautification Awards.

7:30 p.m. At the Lyceum, 201 S.Washington Street, Alexandria. The2019 Beautification AwardsCeremony will recognize andcelebrate residents, businesses,organizations and communities fortheir outstanding efforts incontributing to the beautification ofthe City of Alexandria. Visit thewebsite www.alexandriava.gov/Beautification


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A Connection Newspaper

Opinion

By Del. Paul Krizek

I have been busy at work thissummer serving you as yourDelegate, here at home inthe 44th District, and in

Richmond. If you follow me onFacebook, Twitter, or read my col-umn here in the Mount VernonGazette and my weekly newslet-ter, you know that I always try tokeep you updated on important issues concern-ing the Commonwealth and apprised of mydaily, year-round work on your behalf.

As you know, the Virginia General Assemblyis a part-time legislature. I am one of the manylegislators that has a full-time job in additionto my responsibilities as an elected official.Although we are only in our legislative sessionfor 45 days during odd-numbered years likethis one, and for 60 days during even-num-bered years, I travel often to Richmond out ofsession in my official Delegate capacity.

As a brief recap, this summer was filled withnumerous trips to Richmond for meetings as amember of the Appropriations Committee, theBroadband Advisory Council, the OffenderPopulation Forecasting Policy Committee, theJuly Special Session on gun violence preven-tion legislation, as well as the follow-up CrimeCommission meetings held in August, and I

must not forget the several Demo-cratic Caucus meetings I attended.I will also be heading down toRichmond at least twice this Oc-tober for both the Crime Commis-sion and another Appropriationsmeeting. After the Nov. 5 election,the gun violence prevention Spe-cial Session is scheduled to recon-vene on Nov. 18, with more Ap-propriations meetings in Norfolkon the 19th and 20th.

One of my most important duties, whetherwe are in session or not, is my service to con-stituents. I receive many inquiries from 44thdistrict residents requesting my assistance ona wide range of issues. Recently, I have assistedconstituents with letters of support for numer-ous issues like educational grant applications,VDOT matters, a child support concern, trafficlights, applying for the new REAL ID (the dead-line is this time next year), among others.

Another key part of my responsibility as Del-egate is participating in and hosting commu-nity events in and around the 44th district, inaddition to the many political ones. Over thelast month, I attended and spoke at the an-nual NoVA Labor Day Picnic at Fort Hunt Park,spoke to electric vehicle enthusiasts and be-fore faith leaders at a meeting on the climatechange crisis, and hosted a screening of the

Ruth Bader Ginsburg biopic “On the Basis ofSex” with VAratifyERA, just to name a few. Thisweek, I will be joining our Mount VernonSchool Board Chair, Karen Corbett Sanders inspeaking to the Mount Vernon High SchoolPTSA about education issues, meeting with atenants group at the Audubon community.

I will also be attending the 29th annual SlaveMemorial wreath-laying ceremony at MountVernon on Saturday at 11am, which I highlyrecommend and hope you can attend.

Most importantly, during the last severalweeks, I have been busy preparing legislationfor next year’s General Assembly session thatbegins in January. Bill planning, in addition tothe upcoming election, is a key focus for methis fall season. I am meeting with constitu-ents, community leaders, and other subjectmatter experts and stakeholders to assist indrafting new potential legislation important tomy constituents here in the 44th district. I wantto continue hearing from my constituents dur-ing this important process. If there is any issuethat you care about and would like to improvein our community or the Commonwealth,please reach out to my office to share thesethoughts by emailing me [email protected]. Your ideacould become a bill that gets signed by theGovernor into law next year as did seven billsI introduced last session.

Busy Summer, Fall, Session Coming

Annual Meeting,Fort Hunt YouthAthletic Assn.

The Annual Meeting of the FortHunt Youth Athletic Association(FHYAA) will take place on Tues-day, Oct. 15, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.in the cafeteria of Carl SandburgMiddle School. All members of theAssociation are invited to attend.Members of the Association in-clude all coaches, administrators,officials and parents or guardiansof children that are registered par-ticipants in any sport sponsored byFHYAA during the current year.During the annual meeting, BoardOfficers will report on the statusand activities of the Association,the financial status of the Associa-tion, and elect (or re-elect) boarddirectors to fill up to six expiringterms. Currently there are 2 va-cant seats on the FHYAA Board ofDirectors. If you are interested inserving on the Board, please con-tact Paul J. Dean, president, [email protected].

One of Northern Virginia’s favorite fallevents, the Clifton Day Festival, willtake place on Sunday, Oct. 13 from 9

a.m. to 5 p.m. in the scenic town of Clifton.Under the theme “Small-town charm, big-time

fun,” the 2019 festival will feature a market-place with around 150 artisans, antique dealers,vintage sellers and other vendors. Live music,children’s activities, pony rides, a beer & winegarden and other delicious food and beveragechoices will add to the fun.

Clifton Day is the only day of the year whenthe train stops in the town. The Virginia RailwayExpress (VRE) will provide roundtrip trainservice to Clifton from all stops betweenManassas and Rolling Road. The train ride toClifton is free and the return trip costs $5 perperson (children under age two ride free).

The Clifton Day Festival, hosted by the CliftonBetterment Association (CBA), arose from a1960s revitalization effort for the historic townof Clifton, which had fallen into a state ofdisrepair since its incorporation in 1902.Residents decided to hold a festival in 1967 as away to attract the public to the charming placethey called home. The annual festival, now in its52nd year, has been going strong ever since onthe Sunday before Columbus Day.

Each year, Clifton Day raises funds for the Girland Boy Scouts, Clifton Lions Club, AcaciaLodge, the Clifton Presbyterian Church andother nonprofit groups.

Sponsors for 2019 include Carrie and Co. RealEstate Group at RE/MAX Allegiance; CliftonBaptist Church, F.H. Furr Plumbing, Heating, AirConditioning & Electrical; Norfolk Southern;Ourisman Fairfax Toyota; Peterson Companies;Professional Tutoring; Tru Orthodontics; UnitedBank; Villagio Hospitality Group; and VRE.

Admission is free. Parking starts at five dollarsper car. For more information about Clifton Day,visit www.cliftonday.com or the festival’sFacebook page.

Clifton Day Celebrates 52nd Year2019 festival slated forSunday, Oct. 13.

2019 Clifton DayPerformance ScheduleMAIN STAGE11 a.m. Pomegranates on Fire – Genre-bending indie rock12 noon StewBone – Steller musicians performing the

Grateful Dead catalog1:30 p.m. Jumpin’ Jupiter – Rockabilly legends3 p.m. Cris Jacobs with Colin Thompson – American

soul/blues rock4:30 p.m. The Woodshedders – Original roots alchemy

AYRE SQUARE ACOUSTIC STAGE10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Plank Stompers – Space grass11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Jay Elliott – A local favorite

Check the festival’s Facebook page for any updates.

Write The Connection welcomesviews on any public issue.

Send to:Letters to the Editor

The Gazette1606 King St., Alexandria VA 22314

By email:[email protected]


News

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors ap-proved the Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 carryoverpackage Tuesday, Sept. 24. Carryover is the

process by which certain unspent or unencumberedfunds for commitments to pay for goods and servicesat the end of one fiscal year are reappropriated tothe next fiscal year. FY 2019 ended on June 30, 2019.

The FY 2019 carryover balance, after funding prioryear obligations and associated reserves, is $54.56million, which was just under 1% of the county’s totalGeneral Fund budget. The carryover package in-cludes:

❖ $21.82 million, or 40% of the balance, in linewith county policy, to the county’s new EconomicOpportunity Reserve Fund, which will replace theexisting Economic Development Support Fund.

❖ $10.91 million, or 20% of the balance, in linewith county policy, to capital projects.

❖ $4.5 million for the second-year investment inthe Fairfax County Operational Energy Strategy, toinclude lighting and building HVAC automation sys-tems.

❖ $1.54 million for technology infrastructureprojects.

The approved package also includes $2.23 millionfor projects that support the effort to co-locate ser-vices to help achieve efficiencies and reduce costs,including:

❖ $1.7 million to support the addition of a feder-ally qualified health center operation at the SullyCommunity Center.

❖ $1.53 million to enable the construction of theLorton Library and the Lorton Community Center tomove forward concurrently.

Department of Management and Budget DirectorChristina Jackson told the board at a recent Budget

Committee meeting that the concurrent constructionprocess in Lorton will allow the county to keep theLorton Library project off the 2020 bond referendum.

Other spending adjustments include a little over$1 million for a new apparatus for Fire Station 44,Scotts Run, scheduled to open in FY 2021; $0.63million to allow the Park Authority to take over main-tenance of 44 additional Fairfax County PublicSchools synthetic turf fields, which will help achieveefficiencies of scale and provide for consistency inmaintenance; and the modification of two softballfields for Title IX compliance.

A total of 248 new positions were approved as partof the FY 2019 carryover package. Jackson said thenumber is higher than typically seen in a carryoverpackage but includes 235 positions as candidates forpossible conversion from non-merit, benefits-eligiblestatus to merit status, based on the task performedby each position and the hours worked by incum-bents.

Jackson explained that the intent is to ensure par-ity in cases where non-merit employees are perform-ing the same tasks and the same number of hours asmerit employees. She noted that DMB staff workedclosely with county agencies to identify those posi-tions.

Two consideration items—$750,000 for the devel-opment of Phases I and II of the CommunitywideEnergy and Climate Action Plan and $100,000 toprovide for a tourism and marketing strategy on be-half of the Mount Vernon Tourism Task Force, werealso approved.

In addition, the approved package reflects adjust-ments necessary to implement the police Body-WornCamera Program, per a motion approved by theBoard of Supervisors earlier in their meeting.

Carryover Package Priorities

See Bulletin, Page 14

Submit civic/community announce-ments at ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos and artwork welcome.Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least twoweeks before event.

SATURDAY/OCT. 5Mental Health and Wellness

Conference. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. atFairfax High School. The morningwill focus on social and emotionallearning, with a keynote addressgiven by Dr. Marc Brackett, foundingdirector of the Yale Center forEmotional Intelligence. A specialsession for high school students, theOur Minds Matter Teen Summit, willtake place in the morning as well.Attendees are encouraged to stay forInova’s Act on Addiction Summit,which will be held from 12:30-4 p.m.Breakout sessions, exhibit tables, andresources will be available to allattendees throughout the day. Lunchwill be provided. Visitwww.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/mental-health-and-resiliency/mental-health-and-wellness to register.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDAssistance League of Northern

Virginia, a volunteer nonprofit,invites community members to jointhe organization to participate in itsReading Express program. Volunteersprovide one-on-one tutoring to firstgrade students during the schoolyear. To learn more contact VPMembership Mary Gronlund [email protected] or ProgramCoordinator Lynn Barron [email protected].

United Community (formerly UCM),with main office located at 7511

Fordson Road, Alexandria, seeksvolunteers for Food Pantryassistance, Early Learning Centerteacher aides, basic needs counselors,youth tutors and mentors, officeadministration/data entry, andcommunity outreach. Flexible hoursand schedules. Opportunities for allages to serve, including communityservice hours. More info atucmagency.org/volunteer-opportunities or [email protected].

Operation Paws for Homes, aVirginia based 501(c)(3)organization seeks volunteers,especially to foster dogs. Seewww.ophrescue.org for informationand all volunteer opportunities.

RSVP, a volunteer network for seniorsseeking service opportunities in andaround Fairfax County, ArlingtonCounty and the City of Alexandria,offers a wide array of opportunitiesfor volunteers 55 and older. RSVPvolunteers enjoy flexible schedules,free accident and liability insurancewhile serving, optional mileage andmeal reimbursement and are invitedto volunteer group projects and socialgatherings. To sign up for anupcoming orientation, email CarlyHubicki [email protected] or callRSVP at 703-403- 5360. To learnmore about RSVP, visitwww.rsvpnova.org.

Line Dance Instructor needed forthe Gum Springs Senior Programonce a week on either Tuesday,Wednesday or Thursday. VolunteerSolutions, call 703-324-5406, TTY711.

Volunteer Fairfax makes it easy forindividuals and families, youth andseniors, corporate groups and civicclubs to volunteer. Fulfill hours, give

back, or pay it forward through avariety service options. Visitwww.volunteerfairfax.org or call703-246-3460.

STEM VOLUNTEERS. The AmericanAssociation for the Advancement ofScience (AAAS) needs scientists,engineers, mathematicians, andphysicians to assist K-12 STEM(Science, Technology, Engineering,Mathematics) teachers in theNorthern Virginia Area, during the2016-17 school year. In the 2015-16school year, the numbers of STEMvolunteers in Northern Virginia were:Fairfax County - 40, Arlington - 20,and Alexandria - one. Details of thecollaboration are worked outbetween the teacher and thevolunteer, and may involve givingdemonstrations, assisting in labexperiments, lecturing on specialtopics, assisting with homework, etc.The hours are flexible, andvolunteers attend a one-day trainingin September before being assignedto schools. To see how volunteers areassisting their teachers, view thevideo clips atwww.seniorscientist.org. Tovolunteer, [email protected].

Fairfax County’s CommunityServices Board is seekingvolunteer office assistants. Volunteersare needed to assist CSB staff withgreeting guests, making reminderphone calls, data entry, filing,shredding, stocking shelves, andother duties as needed. Hours areflexible, but would be during normalbusiness hours. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/csb/viva/volunteers.htm for more.

Yoga Teachers are needed. Helpimprove a person’s well-being by

Bulletin Board


Bulletin Board

From Page 13

teaching yoga classes to adults who are stayingin a residential facility. The day/time is flexible,but would be during the week. Prior yogainstruction is required. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/csb/viva/volunteers.htmfor more.

The Northern Virginia Long Term CareOmbudsman Program needs volunteeradvocates for residents in nursing homes andassisted living facilities. Contact Lisa Callahan at703-324-5861, TTY 711 or [email protected].

Respite Care volunteers give family caregiversof a frail older adult a break so they can goshopping, attend a doctor’s appointment or justhave coffee with a friend. Volunteers visit andoversee the safety of the older adult for a fewhours each month. Support and training areprovided. Contact Kristin Martin at 703-324-7577, TTY 711, [email protected].

Fairfax County needs volunteers to drive olderadults to medical appointments and wellnessprograms. For these and other volunteeropportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY 711 orvisit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults andclick on Volunteer Solutions.

The Gum Springs Senior Program inAlexandria is looking for a Line DanceInstructor. For these and other volunteeropportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY 711 orvisit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults andclick on Volunteer Solutions.

The Kingstowne Center for Active Adults inAlexandria needs Instructors for the followingclasses: Country-Western Line Dance, Hula Hoopand African Style Dance. For these and othervolunteer opportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY711 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadultsand click on Volunteer Solutions.

The Hollin Hall Senior Center in Alexandrianeeds instructors for the following classes: BasicWoodworking, Italian and Ballroom Dance. Forthese and other volunteer opportunities, call703-324-5406, TTY 711 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and click onVolunteer Solutions.

The Mount Vernon Adult Day Health CareCenter in Alexandria needs front deskvolunteers and patient Card Players. For theseand other volunteer opportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY 711 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and click on Volunteer Solutions.

The Advisory Board of the Joe and FredonaGartlan Center for mental health is lookingfor volunteers. The board meets the secondTuesday of the month from 9-11 a.m. at GartlanCenter 8119 Holland Road.

Mount Vernon At Home is a non-profitorganization that relies on volunteers to assistolder adults aging in place in their homes.Volunteers are needed for local transportation tomedical and personal appointments, errands,and grocery store trips; light handyman chores,home technology and more. No minimumnumber of volunteer hours required. Call MountVernon At Home 703-303-4060 or [email protected] or visitwww.mountvernonathome.org for more.

Volunteer Advocates for Nursing Home &Assisted Living Residents neededthroughout Northern Virginia. Contact theNorthern Virginia Long-Term Care OmbudsmanProgram at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/ltcombudsman/, or [email protected] or call 703-324-5861, TTY 711.

Hollin Hall Senior Center is looking for a DJballroom and dance instructor. The Hollin HallSenior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road.

The Mount Vernon Adult Day Health CareCenter is looking for social companions forparticipants on Fridays from 3-5 p.m. and frontdesk volunteers on Tuesdays and Wednesdaysfrom 11 a.m.-noon and 3:30-4:30 p.m. Locatedat 8350 Richmond Highway. For these and othervolunteer opportunities call 703-324-5406 orvisit www.fairfacounty.gov/olderadults.

ONGOINGMobile DMV. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Sherwood Hall

Library. Two programs, DMV Connect and DMV2 GO, will provide full DMV service to the Route1 area. At the Sherwood Hall service centers,customers can apply or renew their ID cards,drivers licenses, take road and knowledge tests,apply for special ID cards, get copies of theirdriving records, obtain vehicle titles, licenseplates, decals and transcripts, order disabledparking placards or plates, purchase an EZ-Passtransponder and more. A full list of services isavailable at www.dmv.virginia.gov.

Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative forThe Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers.

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

Dealing with a cancer diagnosis is one thing, and certainly a big thing, but I’m much better dealing with it when the 50 million other things we all have to deal with are not having to be dealt with (ending a sentence with a preposition notwithstanding) at the same time. And not that I’m the least bit unique in having all these other tasks and concerns or even the most bit interest-ing in that I have them. Hardly. They are simply the elements that sometimes make living more of a job and less of an adventure. That being said, when I am uncluttered by these mundane re-sponsibilities and am able to focus on the things I want to do rather than the things I have to do, I am so much more able to fend off the inevitable demons that haunt any of us diagnosed with a serious/in my case “terminal,” disease.

The last month was, and still is, such a month. It all started with my application for a reverse

up, I met another, local company who so far has exhibited the wherewithal to get the application approved. However, the structural integrity prob-lem you regular readers know about has impeded the progress I was hoping to have made by now. Not knowing yet the estimate to right this wrong, I am twisting in a bit of an ill wind, and I assure you, it is not improving my demeanor.

Yes, “Medicare is in The House,” but as of September 27, it’s sort of a house divided. Because even though its effective date was September 1st, I’ve not received an invoice. And since I haven’t paid for any new coverage, am I still supposed to cancel my old, in-force “Obama Care?” Moreover, if I don’t know exactly what I have, am I supposed to buy a Medicare Supple-ment for coverage I don’t know for sure even exists? I mean, it’s not as if my medical welfare/

more worried, and obviously confused.If the unresolved reverse mortgage and health

to stress over, consider my concern for the “Di-abetic Duo,” our two cats with diabetes. Other than the real possibility that either, if not both, of these cats will die on our watch, the expense of sustaining their lives is past adding up. Items include insulin, syringes, prescription wet food, prescription dry food, two sizes of pee pads (because the liter box has less interest to them or they can’t quite see it) and since they’re eating and drinking constantly, we’re buying more liter than ever before, and vet bills: diabetic boarding when we’ve been away for a weekend or two and glucose monitoring every week to 10 days to check their sugar level, all times two. Can you say credit card?

Two other extremely mundane tasks have also fallen on me during this time line. Both involving the M.V.A., never an easy process: emissions inspection and a driver’s license renewal. Again, not Herculean tasks, but in the middle of all this other stuff. The issue? More money and possibly more hassle to resolve their respective ‘issues:’ possibly replacing a catalytic converter in the 29 year-old Honda Accord, which has happened previously under identical circumstances, and re-newing one’s driver’s license, which now comes

requirements which if I don’t have/can’t prove, present another slew of potential entanglements. And of course, the eye test. I don’t wear glasses. What if I fail the test and they tell me I need glasses. Then I have to see my way through that morass, and delay resolving another task.

And just to complicate matters, I am waiting for results from my bi-monthly CT scan and my wife, Dina, is waiting for results from a scan she recently completed. Though neither one of us is the least bit symptomatic, we are hardly dealing in absolutes here. Absolutely though, I will say, I

check the rest, I’ll be back to abnormal and then I can plan for the future rather than plod through the present.

WhenCompounding

isn’t a Good Thing


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