Superintendent’s resignation sets School Board on ...connectionarchives.com/PDF/2016/092116/Mt Vernon.pdf · Schools superintendent Dr. Karen Garza has an-nounced her resignation,

Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ September 22-28, 2016 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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See Garza's, Page 10

See Supervisors Approve, Page 10

Colonial FairHot air balloons are launched on the grounds in front of Mount Vernon during lastweekend’s Colonial Market and Fair. More photos, page 3.

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By Tim Peterson

The Gazette

With a unanimous vote on Tuesday,Sept. 20, the Fairfax County Boardof Supervisors approved the creationof an independent police auditor of-

fice, following recommendations from the Ad HocPolice Practices Review Commission.

Supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock), chairman ofthe board’s Public Safety Committee, said the pro-posal for auditor was true to the essence and “basicphilosophical approach” of the commission in call-ing for an impartial civilian who would review po-lice investigations as they’re occurring and reportdirectly to the Board of Supervisors.

“The auditor would be involved in monitoring andmaking recommendations in the course of the po-lice investigations, a lot more efficient than waitinguntil the end,” Cook said. “Police would receive realtime comment back from the auditor’s office to helpstrengthen those investigations.”

Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova es-tablished the 32-member commission following pub-lic outcry over the August 2013 death of John Geer,46. Geer was unarmed and standing in the doorwayof his Springfield home when he was shot and killedby FCPD officer Adam Torres. The police and countyrefused to release information on the case for morethan a year, and then after court orders.

Torres, who was fired in July 2015 and indictedby a grand jury for murder in August 2015, was thefirst Fairfax County Police officer in the history ofthe department to be charged in such a death. Torresentered a guilty plea to involuntary manslaughter,received credit for time served for his 12-month sen-tence and was released in June.

THE AD HOC COMMISSION and its five subcom-mittees met intensively beginning in March 2015,reporting to the Board of Supervisors in October2015, with 142 recommendations, including the rec-ommendations to establish the Office of IndependentAuditor.

“This has not been easy, that is an understatement,”Bulova said. “It’s the first time we’ve established aposition such as this.”

It is the first independent, civilian oversight of theFairfax County Police.

The scope of the independent auditor’s work willinclude reviewing all cases in which police use offorce result in serious injury or death, Cook said. Theauditor would also review any citizen complaintabout police use of force even if it does not involveserious injury or death.

Cook said the auditor would issue an annual re-port, and that the auditor would also be available toengage in policy and practice analysis regarding useof force, as suggested by the Board of Supervisors,

Board Approves Police AuditorUnanimous vote follows Ad Hoc Commissionrecommendations for more transparency andoversight of Fairfax County police.

By Tim Peterson

The Gazette

Fairfax County PublicSchools superintendent Dr.Karen Garza has an-

nounced her resignation, justmonths after the FCPS board re-newed her contract through June30, 2020.

Garza informed the board in theafternoon on Sept. 19 that it wouldtake effect on or before Dec. 16this year.

The first woman superintendentof FCPS said she’s accepted theposition of president and chiefexecutive officer of Columbus,Ohio-based Battelle for Kids, a not-for-profit education organization.

“I am so grateful for the oppor-tunity to have served this worldclass school system since June2013,” Garza said in a letter to theschool system. “It has been anhonor and privilege to haveworked with the dedicated andprofessional staff who make FCPSthe finest school system in thecountry.

“I extend to you my deepestgratitude for your tremendoussupport,” Garza continued. “I amso proud to have been a part ofthis outstanding system and thisgreat community. I wish FairfaxCounty Public Schools much con-tinued success in the comingyears.”

GARZA INFORMED the fullboard in a closed session follow-ing their work session on Monday.Providence District representativeDalia Palchik said there was shock,gasping and crying among themembers.

“We feared she would be takenaway, but hoped it wouldn’t be sosoon,” Palchik said.

From parents and teachers she’stalked to and seen react on her

Facebook feed, Palchik summa-rized “people are devastated.”

“This is the best time for us tohave stability,” she continued.“Teachers are just concerned. She’sfought so much for the budget,their salaries. We want to makesure we continue on the track.”

Karen Corbett Sanders, MountVernon District representative tothe School Board, said, “I am ap-preciative of the focus that Dr.Garza has brought to the needs ofthe schools in Mt. Vernon and hercommitment to ensuring thatFCPS attracts and retains educa-tional leaders that inspire all of ourteachers to create learning envi-ronments enabling each of our stu-dents to achieve their potential. Iwish her well and am confidentshe will continue to inspire edu-cational leaders in her new role atBattelle.”

Kevin Hickerson is president ofthe Fairfax Education Association,representing teachers, custodians,bus drivers and support staff. Hesaid of the teachers he’s talkedwith and seen react on Facebook,reaction to her resignation hasbeen “overwhelming positive” and

Goodbye GarzaSuperintendent’s resignation setsSchool Board on recruiting path.

Karen Garza

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2 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ September 22-28, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com


NewsMount Vernon Gazette Editor Steven Mauren

703-778-9415 or [email protected]

The League of Women Voters ofthe Fairfax Area (LWVFA) willsponsor a Meals Tax Forum at

the auditorium of Luther Jackson MiddleSchool, 3020 Gallows Road, FallsChurch, on Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. The fo-rum will feature panelists on both sidesof the issue. The panel will also takewritten questions from the audience.Questions may also be submitted in ad-vance by writing to league@lwv-

fairfax.org.On the ballot, Fairfax County voters will

choose whether to levy a meals’ tax. Statelaw authorizes counties, cities, and townsto levy a tax on prepared food and bever-ages, commonly called a “meals tax,” sub-ject to certain restrictions. Most counties,including Fairfax County, may levy a mealstax only if the voters approve the tax byreferendum.

If approved, the revenues generated will

be dedicated to the following purposes:❖ 70 percent of the net revenues to

Fairfax County Public Schools.❖ 30 percent of the net revenues to

county services, capital improvements andproperty tax relief.

A meals tax is a tax on all ready-to-eatprepared food and beverages at restaurants,as well as grocery stores, convenience storesand delicatessens. It would not apply togroceries nor to vending machines. It does,

Forum To Chew on Meals Tax Referendumhowever, include ready-to-eat foods,such as food from the deli counter orsalad bar at a supermarket/grocerystore.

It does include alcoholic and non-al-coholic beverages served with a meal.It does apply to prepared foods servedat food trucks.

For more about what’s on the ballot,visit http://www.lwv-fairfax.org/Ballot2016.html.

Robert Olson performs card tricks using colonial props during lastweekend’s Colonial Market and Fair.Colonial-era chocolate processing is explained to visitors.

Stepping Back into a Colonial Market and Fair

Timothy Nealeigh from Ohio takes guestsstep by step through the process ofcolonial-era linen weaving.

The Boston Tea Partyis explained byGeorge Washington.

Signora Bella performsjuggling acts on a slack

line in the spirit ofcolonial-era circus acts.

Photos by

Nicholas Lindsey

The Gazette


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News

See Earning Tech, Page 22

By Tim Peterson

The Gazette

On a scorching week day in late summer,rising Fairfax County seniors KennethSmith, Amy Wong and Tasmia Dia were

taking cumulative review tests in their summercourse. This wasn’t exactly summer school, though.

They were dressed in sharp business attire, andthey weren’t at any school. The trio were among thefirst batch of 44 students to go through the GenesysWorks job training and internship placementprogram’s office in Tysons Corner.

The organization partners with businesses to offerwork opportunities to underprivileged students.Some of the partners include AT&T, Accenture, Ernst& Young, Kirkland & Ellis, Intelsat and Strayer Edu-cation.

“Being that it’s considered one of, if not the rich-est, county in the entire country, people don’t recog-nize the significant need that exists in Fairfax County,”said Mahan Tavakoli, executive director for the Na-tional Capital Region of Genesys Works.

Many of these students may not have another fam-ily member who’s gone to college, or haven’t seenthe opportunity to work in a professional environ-ment.

For the first year’s recruitment, Tavakoli said theychose from high schools with the highest percentageof students eligible for free and reduced meals.

“Our goal is to change that trajectory,” Tavakolisaid. “To show them they have the potential to ad-vance their education.”

More than 98 percent of Genesys Works studentinterns enroll in college after completing the pro-gram and internship. Ninety-four percent of programgraduates stay in college after their freshman yearand 84 percent are the first in their family to go ontocollege.

This year, the participating students came fromMount Vernon, West Potomac, Lee, Falls Church,South Lakes and JEB Stuart High Schools.

THE MAIN COMPONENTS of Genesys’ programinclude an eight-week training period, at the con-clusion of which they may be offered a one-year, part-time paid internship with a partner company, as wellas college and career coaching.

For Tasmia Dia, now a senior at South Lakes HighSchool, her parents went to college, but in their na-

tive Bangladesh.“I look forward to getting help with essays, get-

ting skills I can use anywhere and improving my-self,” she said.

The training focuses on professional skills such aspublic speaking, teamwork and networking, and In-formation Technology: computer and networktroubleshooting, hardware and software upgrades,and help desk support.

“IT ends up being place where organizations endup relying on the students,” Tavakoli said.

Dia said she never thought businesses would hireteens and trust them to do tech work.

“It breaks the idea of what teens are,” she said.“It’s kind of intimidating, and takes me out of mycomfort zone.”

Amy Wong from Mount VernonHigh School was surprised likeDia. “It shows a lot of respect,” shesaid. “I’m glad they trust us. It’s areally great experience and chanceto do this.”

Dia, Wong and current WestPotomac High School senior Ken-neth Smith all said they wantedto improve their interpersonalskills as well as develop tech fieldknowledge.

“I’ve been more shy,” Wong said,“but the public speaking is mak-ing me come out of my shell.”

“Working with adults, I alreadyhave experience, but this is build-ing a foundation to go off of,” saidSmith. “You have to communicate

Cyber SchoolStudents learn IT and job skills, earn tech internships.

Genesys Works’ program includes aneight-week training period, at the conclu-sion of which they may be offered a one-year, part-time paid internship with apartner company, as well as college andcareer coaching.

Mount Vernon High Schoolsenior Amy Wong.

West Potomac High Schoolsenior Kenneth Smith.

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Springfield l 6123-A Backlick Rd., 22150 • Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 11am-6pm

News

By Marilyn Campbell

The Gazette

When Paula Dierkes was grow-ing up in Arlington, shewould often hear family sto-ries of a grandfather who sat

on his front porch screaming at his neigh-bors and asking for his shotgun. She recallsa grandmother who shut out her family, lit-erally, by closing doors and windows whenthey came to visit.

“As a child, I thought they were justgrumpy, old people,” said Dierkes. “Butlooking back, I realize that it was probablyAlzheimer’s.”

Dierkes’ mother was diagnosed withAlzheimer’s Disease and now lives in thememory care unit of a Fairfax nursing facil-ity. “She is this woman I see, who looks likemy mom, but it’s not my mom,” saidDierkes. “It’s not the same woman who Iwould go to crafts fairs with and have cof-fee with. That’s what’s so sad about thisdisease.”

Ilissa Belanger lost both her mother andmother-in-law to Alzheimer’s. “My mother-in-law had it for 10 years before she died,”said Belanger who lives in Fairfax. “Shortlyafter, my mother was diagnosed and suf-fered with it for five years. So it was back-to-back. The experience makes you realizehow devastating it can be on your loved

ones.”Patty Schuebel of Great Falls says her fa-

ther has been living with Alzheimer’s fornearly seven years. “It’s been quite eye-opening to go through this journey withhim,” she said. “You don’t really understandhow horrible this disease is until it affectsyou directly.”

It is personal experiences like these thathave led Dierkes, Schuebel, Belanger andthousands of others to join the Alzheimer’sAssociation’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s inNorthern Virginia, an event designed toraise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’scare, support and research. Held each yearin September, World Alzheimer’s AwarenessMonth, more than 600 communities aroundthe country join the effort. This year, theNorthern Virginia event will be held onSept. 25 at the Reston Town Center in

Reston.“The walk brings the community together

to support each other and to raise aware-ness about Alzheimer’s and offer supportfor families going through it,” said Belanger.

Participants form teams to honor a lovedone affected by the disease.

Schuebel is the captain of her team, “Stepsfor Dad.” This will be Belanger’s ninth yearjoining the event with her team, “Walkersfor Miriam and Anita.”

Dierkes’ team is called the “BaldinelliBattlers.”

“We may have this disease genetically inour family,” said Dierkes. “So we’re fight-ing this together and working to get theword out and raise awareness and money.”

Each walker will also join a ceremony tohonor those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.Known as the Promise Garden Ceremony,the experience gives walkers an opportu-nity to receive a promise flower and writea personal message on it. Colored flowersused for ceremony represent the diversereasons participants join the walk.

Blue represents someone withAlzheimer’s or dementia. Purple is for some-one who has lost a loved one to the dis-ease. Yellow represents someone who iscurrently supporting or caring for someonewith Alzheimer’s. Orange is for everyonewho supports the cause and vision of aworld without Alzheimer’s.

Northern Virginia walk set for Sept. 25Walking to End Alzheimer’s2016 Walk to EndAlzheimer’s inNorthern Virginia

Sunday, Sept. 25Time: Registration at 1:30 p.m (Program at 2:30

p.m. (Walk at 3 p.m.Route Length: 1 and 2 milesLocation: (Reston Town Center(, 11900 Market

St., (Reston, VA 20190(Contact:( Sonya Amartey(, [email protected]

Participants join last year’sWalk to End Alzheimer’s inNorthern Virginia.

“I would love to be able to give my kidsthe gift of saying ‘I know an Alzheimer’ssurvivor,’ said Dierkes. “We’re looking for-ward to that day when there is a treatment,or better yet a cure, for this wicked disease.”

The 2016 Walk to End Alzheimer’s inNorthern Virginia is scheduled for Sunday,Sept. 25. For more information visit http://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2016/DC-NationalCapitalArea?fr_id=8887&pg=entryor contact( Sonya Amartey( at 703-766-9025 or [email protected].

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Opinion

By Tisha Deeghan

Executive Director

Fairfax/Falls Church Community Services

Board

Opioid use disorder and addictionto heroin is a disease that is dev-astating families across theUnited States, and Fairfax County

is not immune. Fairfax County police report thatin 2015 there were 77 heroin overdoses in thecounty, 12 of which were fatal. As of May 2016,Fairfax County’s Emergency Medical Serviceswas reporting an average of 10.17 patient con-tacts per month that were suspected overdosesof heroin or other opioids.

In recognition of Prescription Opioid andHeroin Epidemic Awareness Week, and in col-laboration with state and federal partners, theFairfax-Falls Church Community ServicesBoard (CSB) joins the community in recogniz-ing and remembering those lost due to opioiduse disorder and in encouraging strength andcourage for those who are seeking help.

The CSB is here to help; resources are avail-

able to treat opioid ad-diction, and recovery ispossible. See www.fairfaxcounty.gov/csb/heroin-opiates/opioid-treatment-options.htm

Many people, including drug users them-selves, have mistaken beliefs about drug ad-diction and recovery. These ideas stem in partfrom notions that continued drug use is vol-untary and that a person’s inability to over-come addiction stems solely from characterflaws or a lack of willpower.

Substance abuse treatment comes in a vari-ety of forms. For people who seek help foropioid addiction, treatment should start witha thorough assessment of their history of opioiduse, prior treatment history, if any, and exist-ence of any co-occurring mental illness. Thetreatment plan would be based on this assess-ment and could include medication-assistedtreatment along with other services designedto support their recovery, such as cognitivebehavioral therapy, education about addiction,engagement of family and friends, and build-ing a recovery-based support system.

If you or someone you love needs help to

overcome drug dependence, call the CSB at703-383-8500. CSB staff will help you findappropriate treatment and recovery resources.Anyone seeking help can also come to theMerrifield Center for a walk-in screening, withor without an appointment, Monday throughFriday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

You can help, too. Enroll in CSB’s REVIVE!program, a free course that teaches non-medi-cal personnel to administer the life-savingopioid-reversal medication naloxone. CSB staffhas trained more than 640 people so far thisyear and classes are scheduled throughout thefall. Participants report that the training hassaved lives. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/csb/revive

Learn more about substance use prevention atthese upcoming events, sponsored by CSB partners:

❖ Attend one of the Chris AtwoodFoundation’s presentations entitled “ Addic-tion: The Taboo Subject,” scheduled for Sept.24, 9-11 a.m. and Oct. 3, 7-9 p.m. Hear per-sonal stories of addiction and recovery andlearn how to recognize and respond to sub-stance misuse at Lord of Life Lutheran, 13421Twin Lakes Drive, Clifton, VA 20124.

❖ Parents who want to be more involved inyouth substance use prevention and educationcan attend Fairfax County’s Unified PreventionCoalition’s Sept. 26 “Taste of UPC” Fall Kick-Offevent. See www.unifiedpreventioncoalition.org.

Prescription opioid and heroin epidemicawareness week is Sept. 18-24.

Epidemic Is Here, Recovery Is Possible

Guest Editorial

Letters to the Editor

Tax Would HurtWorking FamiliesTo the Editor:

I am a resident of the Alexandria area ofFairfax County and a single working motherwith two children in Fairfax County publicschools. I care about how much funding ourschools have and how the dollars reach andaffect the quality of the classroom and its en-vironment. I also care about the communityeconomy and believe that the people who areelected to county supervisor positions are thereto act in the best interest of the taxpayers sothat they can make the most out of our taxdollars.

That’s why I’m concerned about the newmeals tax that they are proposing for thecounty. The county Board of Supervisor hasalready raised our real estate taxes this yearby $100 million. Now they are saying it is notenough and that they need another $100 mil-lion — that’s $200 million in one year. Theyare saying that 70 percent of the cost will goto schools and school budgets. According toU.S. Census data, the state of Virginia spendsnearly $10,000 per student every year. InFairfax County that number raises to $13,000.If we are spending more than the averageamount on every student per year already, itmakes me wonder if they are spending ourmoney efficiently within the school system.

Furthermore, there is no guarantee that themoney will actually go to items that increasethe quality of our schools. Nowhere does it saythis will result in more money for schools. Theboard just says it will be used as a part of theexisting school budget … not to increase thebudget.

This is a ploy to get voters to vote yes onsomething that they normally would not sup-port — yet another tax hike. And it’s a tax hikeon items that working families like mine andmany others frequently purchase —

pre-made deli items, rotisserie chickens, din-ner out on the fly on the way home from prac-tices or games — things that busy people of allsocio-economic status need to keep their fami-lies happy and fed. The

Board of Supervisors is attempting to makethat more expensive for everyone. Don’t fallfor their tricks and public relations tactics. Thistax is harmful to the working families ofFairfax.

The Board of Supervisors should do whatthey are elected to do — balance the budgetand spend our hard-earned tax dollars wisely— not just ask the taxpayers for more and moreevery year. Don’t buy the lies; vote no on themeals tax.

Jessica KhouriAlexandria

ShamefulPropagandaTo the Editor:

In last week’s Gazette, my letter was pub-lished in which I explained that the FairfaxCounty Board of Supervisors (BOS) had mailedto residents the previous week a brochure dis-cussing the Meals Tax Referendum that is onthe November ballot (which if approved wouldcreate a new 4 percent tax on meals preparedby food establishments). I pointed out that thebrochure was a one-sided propaganda piece,only setting forth the reasons why voters

should support the referendum and providingno reasons why it should be opposed. I sug-gested that Mount Vernon Supervisor DanStorck, who had pledged upon his election tobring the community together, should requestthat the BOS direct county staff to publish anew brochure in which the pros and cons ofthe meals tax are fairly represented.

The BOS met on Sept. 20 and, the day prior,I forwarded my Gazette letter to each boardmember with the request that they vote to di-rect county staff to prepare and mail the re-vised brochure. I was informed that no suchaction was taken by Supervisor Storck or anyother board member at the BOS meeting. Somuch for the notion that Supervisor Storckwishes to bring the community together. Hetook no action to ensure that his constituentsare fully informed about the pros and cons ofan important tax issue that will impact everyresident if the referendum passes. This isshameful and should be remembered by vot-ers. Like traffic lights, taxes, once enacted,never go away.

H. Jay SpiegelMount Vernon

www.MountVernonGazette.com

@MtVernonGazette

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Opinion

By Scott Surovell

State Senator (D-36)

By Paul Krizek

State Delegate (D-44)

By Dan Storck

Mount Vernon District Supervisor

Richmond Highway revitalizationis a hot topic in Fairfax andPrince William counties. One ofthe most frequent requests we

receive from constituents, after just gettingRichmond Highway widened to three lanesin each direction, is to get it modernized byupgrading public transportation, businessesand utilities. Our community’s and business’“Main Street” needs a modern 21st century“look” and transportation system.

The three of us support undergroundedutilities on Richmond Highway. It is alsosupported by the Mt. Vernon-Lee Chamberof Commerce, the Mt. Vernon Council ofCitizens Associations, and has been re-quested by the Southeast Fairfax Develop-ment Corporation.

While undergrounding utilities is expen-sive and disruptive, it significantly improvesthe desirability of the corridor, is crucial forchanging perceptions of Richmond High-way and Mount Vernon as worn and out-of-date areas and necessary to secure pri-vate modernization development invest-ments. It is also the standard for new or

modernizing areas in Fairfax, Arlington andAlexandria.

It also requires significant long-term planning.How can we get it done in Fairfax County?

The Prince William ExperiencePrince William County has

undergrounded or committed to under-ground utilities along its entire 14-mile seg-ment of Route 1, even though they have 40-percent of Fairfax County’s population, afraction of its residential and commercialproperty tax base, and a median householdincome that is $3,000 per year lower.

How are they doing it? They prioritizedit using a combination of local General Fundmonies and regional funds — all consideredlocal funds by the State and Federal Gov-ernment. Their board was convinced thatthe increased property values that camefrom revitalization created by an improvedRichmond Highway (and the commercialtax revenue increases that generates) wouldmore than pay for the financial investmentrequired.

Status in Fairfax CountyWhile the ongoing EMBARK Richmond

Highway process is laying the groundworkto implement the objectives of the Route 1Multimodal Study, there are no concreteplans for undergrounded utilities. This issomething that we are working to correct.

The Path ForwardUnderground utilities are estimated to

cost an extra $60 million from Costco toWoodlawn and about $200 million alongthe entire stretch of Richmond Highway inFairfax County. How could this be funded?

First, we should use state and regionaltransportation project funding that wouldotherwise have been spent on the overheadutilities that have to be moved to fund atleast a portion of the undergrounding utili-ties investment. Further, we need to advo-cate for additional local flexibility in the useof transportation project funds to increasethe portion invested in undergroundingutilities.

Second, we could use economic develop-ment bonds or other types of bondingmechanisms to fund these investments withthe increased tax revenues generated fromenhanced property valuations. Two hun-dred million dollars amortized over 30years’ costs about $15 million per year.

Third, the Fairfax County Board of Super-visors could appropriate the funds as aninvestment in the Richmond HighwayCorridor’s future development, helping tofurther leverage private sector developmentdollars with the large state transportationinvestments.

Just as Prince William County is finding— new development could completely fundthis investment from the higher commer-

cial property values and increased revenuegenerated, resulting in no costs to existingresidential tax payers.

At Fairfax County’s current property taxrate of $1.13, an additional $1 billion ofreal estate value would generate over $11million per year in increased tax revenue.Today, merely the commercial properties onthe three miles of the highway betweenKings Crossing and Costco are assessed atover $1 billion in value — there is evenmore value (and far greater upside devel-opment opportunities) along the nine milesof Richmond Highway to the south. Withundergrounded utilities, a bus rapid tran-sit system and, further in the future, a twostop Metro extension, there will be morethan enough commercial real estate valueto generate the revenue needed to pay forthese investments.

Our present-day mid-20th century high-way and transit systems require public andprivate investments to create the revitalized21st century “Main Street” our RichmondHighway corridor needs to become. We can-not afford not to make these investmentsand improvements. Now is the time to bringall these resources together for the Rich-mond Highway Corridor.

It is an honor to serve you. Your commentsare welcomed. Please email us [email protected], [email protected] Dan Storck at [email protected].

Plan for Upgrading Utilities on Richmond Highway Now

By Paul Krizek

State Delegate (D-44)

The Internet is a tremendous catalyst foreconomic growth and provides for easyaccess to information. It is already an es-

sential tool that we would find impossible to livewithout. As we become more dependent upon thisinterconnectivity, we are increasingly more vul-nerable. Virginia’s leaders on both sides of the aislerecognize the critical importance of a strongcybersecurity policy.

Our Commonwealth’s continued leadership inthe field of cybersecurity is an essential elementof our mission to build a new Virginia economy.That is why Gov. Terry McAuliffe has made thissector a high priority, establishing a strongcybersecurity ecosystem in Virginia.

Virginia was the first state to adopt the NationalInstitute of Standards and Technology (NIST)cybersecurity framework and the Governor signedseven related bills into law, founded the innova-tive Scholarship for Service program and launchedthe Virginia Cyber Range, establishing a patternof bipartisan support for these efforts and solidi-fying Virginia’s status as a national leader in cut-ting-edge policy.

Effective cybersecurity policy requires close co-ordination between all levels of government andprivate industry. Gov. McAuliffe’s initiative is acritical step toward building the environment forthat cooperation, developing concrete solutions

and implementing actual policies.This is a fantastic field for our students to study.

There are more than 17,000 open cybersecurityjobs in Virginia, paying an average starting salaryof $88,000. The average certified professionalsalary can start at $93,010.

Cyber attacks have been growing in frequencyand sophistication, which can cause physical andeconomic harm to existing systems. Between Janu-ary and May 2016, there were nearly 54 millionattack attempts (four per second), 354 millionspam messages blocked, 42,000 pieces of malwareblocked and 131 attack attempts that becamecybersecurity incidents.

Cybersecurity is not a temporary challenge tobusinesses, schools and government. Even citizenshere in the 44th district are at risk in this inter-connected world in which we live, work and play.The Internet allows for amazing efficiencies, es-pecially in communications and research.

However, with this connectivity and new tech-nology comes new vulnerabilities that target oursmart phones, tablets and even car computers, lis-tening aids and toys. We all have had to deletephishing emails that could infiltrate our comput-ers with embedded viruses that could steal ourvery identities. On the macro level, our nationalsecurity is at risk if we don’t find ways to defendour country in cyberspace. In Virginia,cybersecurity is our priority.

I support continued investment in cybersecurity,which is critical for a safe, digital economy.

Fairfax Raises$521,509 forMDATo the Editor:

For over 30 years, during LaborDay Weekend, the men andwomen of the Fairfax County Fireand Rescue Department, in con-junction with the Fairfax CountyProfessional FireFighters and Para-medics - IAFF Local 2068 and thepersonnel in the Department ofPublic Safety Communications,have collected for the GreaterWashington Muscular DystrophyAssociation (MDA) during the Fillthe Boot Campaign.

The 2016 campaign was specialin a number of ways, but, most no-tably the amount collected.Thanks to the generosity of thecitizens, visitors and employees ofFairfax County, we were able tocollect an astounding$521,509.05. One hundred per-cent of that money goes to theGreater Washington MDA, whouses it to fund such things as neu-romuscular research atGeorgetown University and Na-tional Institutes of Health, a loaner

closet of durable medical goodsand the annual summer camp insouthern Maryland where childrenaffected with the 43 neuromuscu-lar diseases that MDA serves canenjoy a week doing “normal” sum-mer camp activities specially tai-lored to their particular disabilityand physical need — all at no costto the families.

This year’s campaign was alsoremarkable because, after the typi-cal Labor Day Weekend street sidecampaign was complete,firefighters noted that we wereonly $3,500 away from toppingthe Dallas, Texas Fire Departmentand claiming the crown for thehighest raising Fill the Boot cam-paign in the United States andCanada for 2016. In a week-longsocial media campaign, membersof Local 2068 not only erased thatdeficit, but collected an additional$2,200 to secure Fairfax County asnumber one in North America.

Again, many thanks to the citi-zens, visitors and employees ofFairfax County.

Master Technician JoelKobersteen

Fire Station 40, Fairfax Center,B-Shift

Letters to the EditorCybersecurity: Critical Industry


News

Supervisors Approve Independent Police AuditorFrom Page 1

Recent data released by Chief Roessler, front row, right, shows that 40percent of Fairfax County Police use of force incidents involved AfricanAmericans while only 8 percent of county residents are African Ameri-can. John Cook (R) offered this as an example of broader policy issuesthat the auditor could study.

Supervisor Pat Herrity (center) expressed concern that an independentauditor position would increase the police department’s administrativeworkload. He proposed funding two additional positions in FCPD’sinternal affairs bureau immediately, but those positions will wait until2018.

County Executive or Chief of Police.For example, the auditor could study and

make recommendations concerning recentdata released by Chief Edwin Roessler aboutdemographics of police use of force, Cooksaid. There were 539 use-of-force incidentsin 2015 and data show that 40 percent ofthose incidents involved African Americanswhile only 8 percent of county residents areAfrican American.

Cook also pointed out that, unlike an or-dinance or land use case, the board maymake changes to the independent auditorposition in the future.

“If we pass this,” he said, “It would not

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Garza’s Resignation Sets School Board on Recruiting PathFrom Page 1

that she’s definitely going to be missed.“She put a lot of chips into the middle,”

Hickerson said, “with a lot of help from thecommunity and organizations like ourselveswe got it done. It will be really tough toreplace her and her leadership.”

Precious Crabtree teaches K-12 art at DeerPark Elementary School in Centreville. She’sbeen a teacher for 21 years and with FairfaxCounty for 16.

“I couldn’t wrap my brain around this wasgoing to happen,” she said, on hearing herphone ring with the news while she wasshopping for groceries.

“I’ve had several superintendents in thesystems that I’ve worked. Dr. Garza was dif-

ferent. She was an educator. You could tellfrom the moment you met her, she was verypersonable, you could tell she cared deeply.This is really a big loss for our school sys-tem.” Crabtree also said she was gratefulfor the way Garza tackled the budget withthe Board of Supervisors.

“[Former superintendent] Dr. Dale hadvery good intentions but never stood up forus when it came to the supervisors,” shesaid. “I never saw him fight for us the wayDr. Garza did. That’s courage.”

School Board chair Sandy Evans sent outa letter in reaction praising Garza as “atransformational leader who has had a tre-mendous impact on our schools, familiesand most importantly the children of Fairfax

County.” Evans highlighted Garza’s “vision,candor and grace” in successfully imple-menting later high school start times, full-day Mondays for elementary schools andreducing elementary school class sizes dur-ing her tenure.

“A tireless advocate for teachers, she navi-gated one of the most challenging budgetenvironments in recent memory, andachieved the largest investment in FCPSteacher compensation in a decade,” Evanssaid.

“Under her leadership, FCPS has em-barked on a path that will transform ourschools in positive ways that benefit all chil-dren, our employees, and our community.The School Board is committed to maintain-

ing this path as we find new leadership.”

AN INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT willbe named soon by the School Board, Evanssaid. They’ll also go over details of a searchprocess for Garza’s replacement in the nextseveral weeks. “For a county this size, it’sgoing to attract very strong candidates,”said Hickerson. “I don’t have any worriesin a sense we’ll find someone good, I justdon’t know how they’ll compare to Dr.Garza.” Palchik likened Garza to MaryPoppins. “She’s come in and moved us inthe right direction,” Palchik said. “Aroundthe table, all of us, we’re just in awe of whoshe is, how high she’s raised the bar for oursystem.”

be shocking at all that auditor could comeback and recommend we look at a few ad-justments” in the future.

Commission member and Use of Forcesubcommittee chair Phil Niedzielski-Eichnercalled the board’s action “a remarkableachievement for the commission’s work.”He acknowledged the vision of the auditorwas for a position that would be indepen-dent, but not separate, from the policework.

“This gives the public a real feeling ofcomfort,” said Randy Sayles of Oak Hill, amember of Use of Force subcommittee,looking forward to use of force investiga-tions with the auditor on board, “of the in-tegrity and transparency of the process.”

Commission member Adrian Steel ofMcLean called the unanimous vote “quiteaffirming.” He also appreciated the auditorbeing able to be involved in identifyingtrends and reviewing policy, again gettingback to the disproportionate percentage ofAfrican Americans impacted by use of forceincidents.

“The whole thought was for the auditorto become involved in picking up thesetypes of things,” he said.

Reston resident John Lovaas, an alternateon the commission for Nicholas Beltrantewith the Virginia Citizens Coalition for Po-lice Accountability, said he wasn’t happywith the way he believed the supervisorsdeviated from the commission’s version of

the position. “They eviscerated the indepen-dence of the independent auditor,” Lovaassaid, citing the auditor’s dependence on co-operation from the police.

Other commission recommendations thathave already been approved include theestablishment of the Diversion First pro-gram providing treatment rather than jailfor people in mental health crisis and moretransparency in police communications.

THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE willdiscuss the creation of a Civilian ReviewPanel, a complementary oversight entity tothe auditor as proposed by the Ad Hoc Com-mission, at its next meeting, scheduled forOct. 25 at 1 p.m. at the Fairfax County Gov-ernment Center.


*comScore, Jan.-Dec. 2015. The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although theinformation is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are notemployees of the Company. ©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRTLLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International and the Previews logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 10713MA_A6/16

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Hollindale 2011 Whiteoaks Drive, Alexandria VA 2.18 quiet countryacres. European style kitchen, 6BR, 3BA, Master Suite w/ shower &steam. Several decks overlooking mountain type views, hot tub, gunitepool. R-2 zoning allows additional building sites. $1,599,000 CharlesYork (703) 409-3377 http://bit.ly/2d3Pc07

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Open House Sunday 2-4pm Island Creek6522 Osprey Point Lane, Alexandria VA Move in Ready. New carpetthroughout house. Gleaming wood floors 1st level. Open floor plan. Granitecountertops & stainless appliances. Ground level patio, large deck offkitchen. $489,900 Stephanie Garrison (703) 518-2804 http://bit.ly/2d0Ckf3

Open House Sunday 1-4pm Overlook Terrace1905 Scroggins Road, Alexandria VA Private Oasis right in the middle ofAlexandria City. 3 BR 1 BA on a beautifully landscaped yard. Renovatedkitchen, hardwoods, lower level family room, sunroom, Metro, OpenHouse. $549,000 Cathy D’Antuono (703) 819-3077 http://bit.ly/2d3X6X2

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Open House Sunday 1-4pm Belle View6530 10th Street, Alexandria VA Rarely available 3 story townhousein Belle View. Updated kitchen/bath/fresh paint/generous masterclosets. Beautiful hardwood floors. Two blocks from GW Parkway.$329,999 Michael Bergin (703) 927-4554 http://bit.ly/2csK5oR

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COMMUNITIES OF WORSHIP

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

Good Shepherd CatholicChurch Mass Schedule

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

Saturday:5:00 pm Vigil Mass6:30 pm Vigil Mass(en Español)Sunday:7:30 am; 9:00 am(with Sign LanguageInterpreter andChildren’s Liturgy ofthe Word); 10:30 am;12:00 Noon; 2:00 pm(en Español); 6:30 pm

Monday-Saturday:9:00 am Mass(Rosary at 8:30 am)

En Español:Monday, 6:30 pm;Thursday, 7:30 pm;First Friday, 7:30 pm

Join us for the Year of Mercy

By Marilyn Campbell

The Gazette

Paula DeMarco dreads one time of day themost: weekday evenings at 5:30. It’s the timeshe has set aside for her children begin their

homework. That means no screen time, music orother distractions.

“When my son entered fifth grade last year it waslike running into a brick wall,” she said. “We were inshock by how much more homework he had thanwhen he was in the lower grades. It was stressfuland there were a lot of tears shed — both mine andhis.”

For many parents and students, homework can beanxiety inducing, especially when there’s a lot of it,when it’s intense, when there’s pressure to succeedand when it’s used as a measure of accomplishment.

In fact, a study published in the Journal of Experi-mental Education in 2014 found that students inhigh-achieving communities who spend excessiveamounts of time on homework are more prone tomore stress, physical health problems and a lack ofbalance than students who have moderate amountsof homework. Researchers found that students feltobligated to choose homework over other interests.As a result, they didn’t know how to find balance intheir lives.

Homework in a competitive environment thatdoesn’t leave time for hobbies or sports can also puta strain on family relationships.

“Homework becomes stressful because parents takeon the role of homework police,” said Ann Dolin,president, Educational Connections Tutoring inFairfax and Bethesda. “It’s a role they never envi-sioned and they don’t want, but before they know it,their relationships with their children become de-fined by academics.”

Dolin points to the “Ten-Minute Homework Rule,”guidelines approved by the National Education As-sociation, which recommend 10 minutes of home-work per grade level. A first grade student, for ex-ample, would have 10 minutes of homework eachnight, while a fourth grade student would have 40.Any more than this would be counterproductive.

“I have known first graders who’ve had an hour orand hour-and-a-half of homework,” said Dolin. “Thatis unrealistic.”

Locally, Margaret Andreadis, lower school princi-pal at Bullis School in Potomac, Md., says adminis-trators and teachers at her school have restructuredthe way they assign homework to focus on qualityover quantity.

“We’ve scaled back to emphasize our purpose forhomework: teaching students goal setting and timemanagement,” she said. “We’re not using homeworkas busy work. Our philosophy has been to create abalance between academics, life at home with fam-ily and activities like sports.”

Students at Bullis often have choices over theirhomework assignments, and their tasks are designedto foster a feeling of success, confidence and inde-pendence.

“The emphasis is on small successes. We want stu-dents to feel good about themselves,” said Andreadis.

“If a parent is having to interact with their child overhomework, it’s not an independent assignment.”

This homework structure can actually create bal-ance in the lives of students, she said. “I think thestress comes from kids wanting to get things perfectand parents wanting their children to be successful,”said Andreadis. “Kids need time that is unscheduledso that they can be creative, find new passions andbe kids.”

Researchers say unstructured play, reading, andother child-initiated activities have as many benefitsfor children as academics. “Children learn conflictmanagement skills, develop imagination and creativ-ity, self-regulation of time and interest, and indepen-dence,” said Shannon N. Davis, associate professorof sociology at George Mason University in Fairfax.“Research has shown that children who are giventime to play in an unstructured manner, read or oth-erwise determine how they spend their time are muchless likely to say, ‘I’m bored’ when they have freetime. They know how to entertain themselves ratherthan needing an adult to structure their time forthem.”

Navigating that course, deciding how much inde-pendence to give children when it comes to manag-ing free time and their homework, while at the sametime making sure they have the support they needto succeed can be challenging, parents and educa-tors agree.

“I don’t think these two areas are mutually exclu-sive. We want our kids to take ownership of theirpriorities, but they need some foundational knowl-edge in order to make these choices from an informedperspective,” said Sean Aiken, head of school at BA-SIS Independent in McLean. “We need to empowerour students to make some of these decisions earlyon and then allow them to experience the conse-quences.”

Parents’ roles should be setting students up forsuccess, recommends Andreadis: “Giving them aquiet place to study, checking in with them, asking,‘What’s your plan for homework tonight?’ Helpingthe child make the decision but letting the child ac-tually make it. Be hands off as much as possible.”

Some educators acknowledge that a relaxed ap-proach might push parents, particularly those in high-achieving communities, outside their comfort zones.“This involves some risk taking on the part of us asparents and educators, but I think the benefits areworth it,” said Aiken. “We need to pair that with alot of support and discussion about why academicachievement matters, specifically that we are learn-ing things in order to make connections and ask ques-tions about the world around us.”

Homework OverloadSome educators sayless can be more, stressbalance when it comesto homework.

Faculty and staff at the Bullis Schoolhave restructured the way they assignhomework to foster a feeling of success,confidence and independence.

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SECOND WEDNESDAYSArt Making as Meditation. 7-8:30 p.m. St.

Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 8531 Riverside Road.Art making as meditation can be an active formof contemplative practice. Each session beginswith a short reading and a brief introduction tomaterials. Silence for making and meditationlasts an hour followed by sharing images orinsights gained through the process, if desired.Children able to participate in silence arewelcome to come with a parent’s quietsupervision. RSVP not necessary for attendance,but helpful for planning purposes. Call 703-360-4220, email [email protected] or visit www.staidansepiscopal.com/Center-for-Spiritual-Deepening.

THURSDAY/SEPT. 22New Uses, Old Buildings. 8:30-10 a.m. at

Hampton Inn & Suites, 5821 RichmondHighway. Join SFDC for the latest Summit Seriesevent, “New Uses, Old Buildings: HowProfessionals Re-Purpose Old Structures forModern Uses,” with Heather Arnold, ManagingDirector, Public Sector at Streetsense, and MattHopkins, the Director of Architecture atStreetsense. The process of converting old andhistorical buildings to for modern use is referredto in development jargon as”adaptive re-use.”There are examples of it all around: From theWorkhouse Arts Center and Lorton Prison toMount Vernon Estate, and likely in the nearfuture, the old Mount Vernon High School. Visitwww.sfdc.org/ for more.

Business Networking. 4-7 p.m. at AmandaDavidson Real Estate Group, 6485 Old BeulahSt. Join Mount Vernon Lee Chamber ofCommerce for business networking. Celebratethe grand opening of this new business inHilltop Village Center with a ribbon cutting at 4p.m. followed by networking reception. Call703-360-6925 or visit www.MtVernon-LeeChamber.org for more.

SATURDAY/SEPT. 24Accordion Orchestra Concert. 12:30-1:30 p.m.

at Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 ShenandoahRoad. The Busso Festival Orchestra is comprisedof students from the Busso Music School,located in Fairfax County. It is an accordionorchestra that adds vocals and percussion topresent musical programs that excite audiencemembers of all ages and musical tastes. Theensemble is directed by Frank Busso Jr., thedirector of the Busso Music School. Free. Call703-765-4573 or visitwww.hollinhallseniorcenter.org/busso-festival-orchestra/ for more.

WEDNESDAY/SEPT. 28Mature Spirituality: Engaging with the

Mystery. 7:30-9 p.m. at St. Aidan’s EpiscopalChurch, 8531 Riverside Road. Dr. James Hollis,well-published author and renowned Jungiananalyst, is the Executive Director of the JungSociety of Washington. His books includeFinding Meaning in the Second Half of Life:How to Finally, Really Grow Up. Join him for adeep discussion on the development of a maturespiritual life woven out of our own experience.Call 703-360-4220 or visit www.stadainsepiscopal.com/Center-for-Spiritual-Deepening.

FRIDAY/OCT. 7School Open House. 9-11 a.m. at Burgundy

Farm Country Day School, 3700 Burgundy Road,Alexandria. School serves pre-kindergarten to8th grade. Childcare available. Call 703-329-6968 to RSVP or schedule a personal tour. Visitwww.burgundyfarm.org for more.

SATURDAY/OCT. 8Supervisor Dan Storck holds open office hours

at the Lorton Library (9-11:30 a.m.) and at theMount Vernon Governmental Center office(12:30-3 p.m.) on the second Saturday of eachmonth (except August). Call 703-780-7518 for a15-20 minute appointment, which could resultin a longer subsequent meeting during the workweek, if needed. He may meet with walk-ins astime permits between appointments.

Email announcements [email protected] Board



By Hope Nelson

The Gazette

Tucked away amid retail shops,barbershops, and numerousother storefronts, some of thecity’s restaurant gems are a bit

tricky to uncover. But the result is worththe search. Here are two of Alexandria’s beststrip-mall selections.

May Island, 1669 N. Quaker LaneIt’s easy to miss May Island, sitting adja-

cent as it does from a 7-11 near Fairlington.But when you’ve got a hankering for sushi,don’t drive by without stopping to see allthe restaurant has to offer.

The first surprise is the ambience. Stepthrough the doors and you’ll see that themirrored windows out front are obscuring

a wonderfully quaint sushi barwith more tables than youmight expect before setting

foot inside. Order a sake — May Island hasplenty to choose from, from higher-end se-lections to the more day-to-day options —and peruse the menu, which is extensive.

By this point, the breadth and depth —and taste — of the sushi menu shouldn’t bea surprise at all. Each roll is well done andeach platter brings artistic flair, from thearrangement of the sushi itself to the littlebirds whittled out of sweet potatoes.Whether ordering a la carte — maybe anAlaska roll filled with salmon, avocado andcream cheese or a shrimp asparagus roll —or by the platter, which offers up a range ofoptions, there’s little room for error. Andvegetarians won’t be left out of the mix, ei-ther; the vegetable-sushi selections are co-pious and interesting, deviating from thestandard avocado and/or cucumber roll

(though there are those too).While sushi is certainly May Island’s hook,

there are other alternatives as well, rang-ing from teriyaki to General Tso’s, from lomein to yaki udon. A well-rounded restau-rant deserving of an evening meal, indeed.

Thai Lemongrass, 506 C&D SouthVan Dorn St.

Tucked away in a corner of the Van DornStation shopping center, Thai Lemongrassis an unassuming storefront with a kitchenthat’s bursting with flavor. Walk into theroom and you’ll inhale the aroma of deep,rich curries and Thai spices; sit down andorder and you’ll get a taste of some of thebest Thai in town.

If you’re looking for the hottest in upscaleambience, you should probably turn awayfrom Thai Lemongrass. Its dining room mayseem a bit workaday, but its food is any-thing but bland. Start off with the springrolls or a bowl of Tom Kha Gai (coconutsoup with chicken), and then launchstraight into dinner. The panang curry is astar — whether paired with chicken, beef,seafood, or tofu, the curry is rich andcreamy, spicy yet smooth, and makes thetaste buds sing. Or give one of the lo meindishes a try — the noodles and their ac-companying vegetables and protein arefresh and flavorful, without a lot of the ad-ditional oil that can be so prevalent in Thai-for-American-palate cooking.

Thai Lemongrass also offers a “Lunch BoxSpecial” on weekdays, where diners can getmany of their favorite dishes for lunchtimeprices — a perfect reason to sneak awayfrom the office for a meal out.

2 Restaurants Hidden in Plain SightFinding these gems requires a bit of searching, but the result is worth it.

Hope Nelson operates the Kitchen Recessionistablog, located at www.kitchenrecessionista.com.Email her at [email protected].

Appetite Above: May Island offers an abundance of sushi selections, completewith artistic adornments to each platter.

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.

ONGOINGFace Off 2016. Through Sept. 23,

gallery hours at Principle Gallery,208 King St. Face Off 2016 is a livepainting demonstration andexhibition of new works by artistsCindy Procious, Mia Bergeron andElizabeth Floyd. Free. Visitwww.principlegallery.com for more.

ReelAbilities Film Festival. ThroughSept. 14, arious times and placesthroughout Northern Virginia. The5th Annual ReelAbilities FilmFestival: Northern Virginia, poweredby the Jewish Community Center ofNorthern Virginia (JCCNV), is alineup of award-winning feature andshort films and a preview of guestspeakers and special events.ReelAbilities is the largest filmfestival of its kind in the nationdedicated to showcasing films by and

about people that experience adisability. Opening and ClosingNights: advance tickets are $18 foradults, $15 for JCCNV members,seniors (65+), and for groups of 10or more, $10 students with validstudent ID. All tickets are $20 theday of the opening and closingevents. Other ticket prices vary. Visitwww.northernva.reelabilities.org formore.

Exhibit: “A Solo in Abstract.”Through Sept. 25, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.daily at Torpedo Factory Art Center,105 N. Union St. Artist Donna K.McGee works in large format abstractacrylics. Free. Visitwww.torpedofactory.org for more.

Photography Showcase. Galleryhours at Broadway Gallery Fine Artand Custom Framing, 5641-BGeneral Washington Drive.Photographic works by FredEberhart, Goeff Livingston, HanneleLahti, Joseph Romeo, and DavidSloane. Free. Visitwww.broadwaygallery.net for more.

Deadline: Call for Artists. ThroughOct. 2. Now in its third year, thePost-Graduate Residency Studio atthe Torpedo Factory Art Center isseeking applicants for the 2017

program via torpedofactory.org/PostGradCall.

Exhibit: “Impressive Expressions:Patterning in Clay.” Through Oct.2, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Scope Gallery,105 N. Union St. See clay art that canbe touched, held and brought homeas a private collection. Free. Visitwww.scopegallery.org for more.

Exhibit: “The Art of Politics.”Through Oct. 2, gallery hours at TheArt League, 105 N. Union St.Through a street art aesthetic, artistMichael Fischerkeller offers acommentary on today’s political,economic, and social issues. His starkyet elegant paintings span largecanvases, the size and weightconsistent with the gravity of theissues to which they speak. Usingacrylic spray paint, a street artist’smedium, Fischerkeller boldly andsymbolically relays his message, asthe “street” is most often and mostdeprived of social justice. Free. Visitwww.theartleague.org for more.

Exhibit: “Explorations Part II.”Through Oct. 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. atTorpedo Factory Art Center –Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery, 105 N.Union St. Artists derive inspirationfrom contemporary explorations:

Africa, the Amazon, North and SouthPoles, Mount Everest, and more.Free. Visitwww.potomacfiberartsgallery.comfor more.

Art Exhibit: “Fire and Earth.”Through Oct. 2, gallery hours at DelRay Artisans Gallery, 2704 MountVernon Ave. “Fire and Earth” exhibitcelebrates these classical elements ina hybrid show combining a Nationalceramic cup exhibit with a regional2-D show, exploring how firetransforms earth. The exhibit isjuried by Dan Finnegan, aninternationally recognized potter.Free. Visit www.delrayartisans.org/exhibits.

Blackberry Daze. Through Oct. 9,various times at MetroStage, 1201 N.Royal St. This is an adaptation fromthe novel “Blackberry Days ofSummer” by Ruth P. Watson. Ticketsare $60. Visit www.metrostage.orgfor more.

Photo Exhibit: “Never Forget.”Through Oct. 16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.daily at Multiple Exposures Gallery –Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N.Union St. The photographs in thisexhibit follow photographer AlanSislen’s 15-year photographic journey

beginning before 9/11, and continuingtoday. Free. Visitwww.multipleexposuresgallery.comfor more.

“A (Mis)Perceived Physique:Bodyscapes by Three WomenArtists.” Through Oct, 16, galleryhours at Target Gallery, 105 N.Union St. Target Gallery, thecontemporary exhibition space forthe Torpedo Factory Art Center,presents work by three women whouse the female body to explore issuesof equity, power, politics, andmemory. Free. Visitwww.torpedofactory.org for more.

Exhibit: “Garden Muse.” ThroughOct. 23, 9-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 12-4:30 p.m. Sunday atGreen Springs Garden – HorticulturalCenter, 4603 Green Spring Road. TheHorticulture Center at Green SpringGardens is featuring the award-winning photographs of Cindy Dyer,a graphic designer, photographer andUSPS Stamp Artist. Free. Visitwww.gardenmuseshow.com formore.

Exhibit: “Song of the Woods.”Through Oct. 24, gallery hours atGreen Springs Garden – HistoricalHouse, 4603 Green Spring Road.

Entertainment

Calendar


Exp. 10/31/16

Artist Mary Exline displays herabstract expressionist paintings. Free.Visit www.artis.com/maryexline formore.

Exhibit: “In All Things.” ThroughOct. 29, gallery hours at The Galleryat Convergence, 1801 N. QuakerLane. The Convergence Arts Initiativewill feature the work of artist andeducator, Glenn Howell in his latestexhibit, “In All things.” The title ofHowell’s photography and print showreflects the diversity of his imagemaking and his belief in the promiseof redemption of all things. It is ajuxtaposition of the “dystopian”elements seen in our world with avision of Heaven as evidence of God’sgrace. Free. Visitwww.ourconvergence.org for more.

“Oh The Joy.” Through Nov. 6,Gallery hours at The Athenaeum, 201S. Prince St. Artists from across theregion were asked to interpret thetheme, “Oh! The joy!” The selectedentries represent the wealth of artbeing created in D.C., Maryland, andVirginia. Free. Visit www.nvfaa.orgfor more.

THURSDAY/SEPT. 22Grand Opening: Amanda Davidson

Real Estate. 4-7 p.m. at 6485 OldBeulah St. Ribbon cutting andnetworking in celebration of the newreal estate office. Free. Visitwww.mtvernon-leechamber.org formore.

Native Plants 101: Why Go Native?7:30-9 p.m. at Ellen Coolidge BurkeBranch Library, 4701 Seminary Road.This program will benefit individualsinterested in the “why” of usingnative plants and is designed forgardeners and homeowners who areinterested in using a portion of theproperty to support biodiversity. The

program covers the inter-dependentrelationships between plants andanimals that are crucial to thestabilization and success of futuregenerations. Free. Visitwww.vnps.org/potowmack for more.

THURSDAY-SUNDAY/SEPT. 22-25Old Town Boutique District Shop

& Stroll. All day in Old Town.Browse and shop, while collectingstamps at each location to be enteredin a grand prize drawing thatincludes $1,000 worth of gift cards.Additionally, buy a stylish event bagfor more savings and goodies. FreeVisitwww.oldtownboutiquedistrict.comfor more.

THURSDAYS/SEPT. 22-OCT. 13Crybaby Art Studio. 10:30 a.m.-12

p.m. at Convergence, 1801 N. QuakerLane. CryBaby Art Studio is an artclass designed for parents withinfants (0-1) to relax and exercisetheir creativity learning watercolortechniques each week with baby bytheir side. Registration is $100 forfour-week series / $25 per class (artsupplies included). Visitwww.metamorphosisaec.com.

SEPT. 22-DEC. 8Thursday Mornings with Kathryn

Coneway. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at St.Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 8531Riverside Road. The themes in thebook, “The Artist’s Rule,” will be afoundation to share experiences withcreative practice. Each session willbegin with a quiet time andexploration of materials beforetransitioning to a discussion of thethemes and practices outlined in the

chapter. Participants should purchasea copy of “The Artist’s Rule”and readthe introduction and first chapterprior to the first meeting.Registration is $50. Visitwww.staidansepiscopal.com/Center-for-Spiritual-Deepening for more.

SEPT. 23-NOV. 13John M. Adams: “Current

Interrupted.” Gallery hours at TheRachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall

and Arts Center at Northern VirginiaCommunity College, 4915 E. CampusDrive. Free. Visitwww.thefullempty.com for more.

SEPT. 23-NOV. 14Matthew Grimes: “(In)Material”

and “Pliant.” Gallery hours at TheRachel M. Schlesinger Concert Halland Arts Center at Northern VirginiaCommunity College, 4915 E. CampusDrive. Free. Visit www.nvcc.edu/

schlesingercenter for more.

SATURDAY/SEPT. 24Mount Vernon Flea Market. 8 a.m.-

1:30 p.m. at 8717 Fort Hunt Road.The flea market features: furniture,art, china, glass, porcelain, pottery,books, photographs, lighting, tools,comic books, vinyl records, noveltiesand more. Refreshments will beavailable for purchase. Free. Visitmountvernonfleamarket.wordpress.com for more.

Native Plant Sale. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at1701 N. Quaker Lane parking lot.Largest native plant sale in D.C.metro area hosts 13 vendors fromfour states selling native perennials,shrubs, and trees for sun or shade.Free. Call 571-232-0375 or visitwww.NorthernAlexandriaNativePlantSale.org.

St. Luke’s Annual Craft Fair. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church,8009 Fort Hunt Road, Mount Vernon.Connect with old friends andneighbors. Cold drinks and luncheonitems from the St. Luke’s grill will beavailable, along with a bake salefeaturing cakes, pies, cookies andbrownies. Also fresh produce from anearby farm, entertainment providedby a guest guitarist and two localpianists. For children, there will be amoonbounce, face-painting andgames. Visitwww.saintlukeschurch.net or call703-765-4342 for more.

Historic Pohick Church AnnualCountry Fair. 10 a.m.-3 p.m at9301 Richmond Highway, Lorton.The purpose of the Pohick CountryFair is to extend a welcome tomembers of the local community andFairfax County, inviting them to visitthe historic grounds for a day of funand relaxation. The fair includesgames, booths, pony rides,

Entertainment

The 21st annual Art on the Avenue festival will take placeSaturday, Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Del Rayneighborhood of Alexandria. The event is free and opento all. Visit www.artontheavenue.org.


Mon-Thur 7AM-9PM • Fri -Sat 6AM-9PM • Sun 6AM-2PM

8166 Richmond HWYAlexandria, VA 22309

703-360-0220

Get $1 Offper Every$10 Spent

Example:Spend $100, Pay $90

Elsie’s Magic Skillet Restaurantis going German for October

FEATURING SPECIAL OCTOBERFEST MENUWiener Schnitzel, Bratwurst, Knockwurst

Starting Monday Sept. 26 - Monday Oct. 31

moonbounce, barbecue, funnel cakes,homemade apple butter, historicchurch tours, living historyreenactors, organ concerts, livemusic, a classic car show, a BoyScout camping and cooking demo, abloodmobile and more. Free. Visitwww.pohick.org for more.

75th Annual Historic AlexandriaHomes Tour. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in OldTown Alexandria. For the 75thannual Historic Alexandria HomesTour, the public may visit six historichomes and gardens in Old TownAlexandria, all within walkingdistance of one another. Proceedsbenefit Inova Alexandria Hospital.Tickets are $40 in advance and maybe purchased online. Thereafter,tickets are $45 and may be purchasedat The Twig’s Thrift Shop, 106 NColumbus St. Visit www.thetwig.org/homes-tour for more.

Garden Program: All About Figs.10 a.m. at Green Spring Gardens,4603 Green Spring Road.Smithsonian Gardens educator CindyBrown will share some history andfun facts about figs. Learn how tosuccessfully grow a delicious crop offigs and get a few recipes to try athome. Admission is $15 for countyresidents, $17 for out-of-countyresidents. Call 703-642-5173 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/.

Workshop: Autumn SeedCollecting. 10:30 a.m. at GreenSpring Gardens, 4603 Green SpringRoad. Join horticulturist Judy Zatsickto learn the basics of seed saving:when and how to collect seed,cleaning, drying and labelling seed,how to store your seeds and when toplant them for best results.Admission is $18 for countyresidents, $20 for out-of-countyresidents, plus a supply fee. Call 703-642-5173 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/.

Mount Vernon Celebration! ACommunity Showcase. 11 a.m.-3p.m. at Inova Mount VernonHospital, 2501 Parkers Lane. The2016 Celebration will feature achurch choir competition. Inova willprovide health screenings and theBloodmobile will come for acommunity blood drive. Free. Visitwww.celebrationmvl.org.

Organ Recital. 11:30 a.m. at PohickChurch, 9301 Richmond Highway,Lorton. The recital on the Noack PipeOrgan will include selections from J.S. Bach, Johann Pachelbel, DietrichBuxtehude, and Georg Berg. Free.Visit www.pohick.org. for more.

Civil War Talk. 12-1:30 p.m. atWashington Street United MethodistChurch, 109 S. Washington St.Washington Street UMC will host alunch talk on the church’s history asa hospital during the Civil War. Thespeaker will be church member MarkTooley, who has written books andarticles on the Civil War and churchhistory. Free. Call 703-836-4324 formore.

Alexandria Symphony OrchestraFamily Fall Festival. 12-4 p.m. atFort Ward Park, 4301 W. BraddockRoad. Find activities for kids, livemusic, food trucks, beer, wine, andmore. Tickets are $20 for adults, freefor children 13 and under. Call 703-548-0885 or visit www.alexsym.orgfor more.

Alexandria Seaport Day. 12-6 p.m.at Waterfront Park, 1A Prince St.Alexandria Seaport Day is an annualcommunity event celebrating themission and programs of theAlexandria Seaport Foundation andAlexandria’s maritime heritage. Enjoychildren’s activities, a wooden boatdisplay, nautical activities, boat rides,live music, local restaurantsproviding food, beer and wine, localboutiques and ASF’s annual“Anything that Floats” race. Free.Visit www.AlexandriaSeaport.org/

Events.Tea with Lady Washington. 2-3

p.m. at Mount Vernon, 3200 MountVernon Memorial Highway, MountVernon. Step back in time and join“Lady Washington” for a cozy firesidetea as she shares memories of herand the General’s life as a youngmarried couple, during theRevolutionary War, and at theirbeloved Mount Vernon. Followingthe program, guests are invited to aself-guided exploration of the estateand Mount Vernon’s beautifuldecorative arts collection. Tickets are$35. Visit www.mountvernon.org formore.

Lecture: “The Real FrankStringfellow.” 3 p.m. at Ivy HillCemetery, 2823 King St. EricBuckland, a retired Army SpecialForces Lieutenant Colonel, VicePresident of the Stuart-MosbyHistorical Society, member of theMosby Heritage Area Association,and author of five books about someof the men who rode with Mosby’sRangers, will give an account of theexploits and personality of FrankStringfellow. Buckland’s presentationwill be followed by a Q & A, and hewill have his books for sale and forsigning. $10 suggested donation. Call301-395-9541 or 703-549-7413.

Reception: “Current Interrupted.”4-6 p.m. at The Rachel M.Schlesinger Concert Hall and ArtsCenter at Northern VirginiaCommunity College, 4915 E. CampusDrive. Artist John M. Adams will bepresent to speak briefly about hiswork. Free. Visitwww.thefullempty.com for more.

The Mercy Walk. 5:30 p.m. at 221King St. Walk the same streets as theGreen family and other favoritecharacters from the PBS series,“Mercy Street.” Based on the newPBS series, Mercy Street, Alexandria’sThe Mercy Walk tour will givevisitors and locals a feel forAlexandria. Tickets are $13 foradults, $7 for children, $12 formilitary/law enforcement/seniors,and $6 for children of military/lawenforcement. Visitwww.alexcolonialtours.com or call703-519-1749.

SUNDAY/SEPT. 25Run! Geek! Run! 8 a.m. at Potomac

Yard. All proceeds from Run! Geek!Run! will go directly to support thenonprofit Capitol Post. Capitol Postoffers veterans in the Washington,DC., region personalized guidancethrough mentoring, businesscounseling, and access to keyresources, programs, and leaders.Their mission is to establish andcultivate the top community forveterans to start a business, grow abusiness or explore a new career.Registration is $30-50. Visitwww.rungeekrun.net for more.

Family Fun: Fall Flower Tea Party.1 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens,4603 Green Spring Road. Make asmall bouquet to take home andsample different flower teas.Admission is $15 for countyresidents, $17 for out-of-countyresidents. Call 703-642-5173 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/.

Simpson Gardens Open House. 1-3p.m. at 426 E. Monroe Ave. Visitorsare invited to drop by and tour thedemonstration gardens, whichinclude a Waterwise Garden, aFlagstone Garden, a Tufa Garden, aScented Garden and a ButterflyGarden. Native plants will befeatured, including host plants forbutterflies and their larvae. Lightsnacks and drinks will be served.Free. Visit www.ext.vt.edu.

John Flynn and Josh White Jr. 7p.m. at George Washington MasonicMemorial, 101 Callahan Drive. Josh

Entertainment

See Calendar, Page 28


Little Theatre of Alexandria600 Wolfe Street • 703-683-0496

www.thelittletheatre.com

SHOW DATES:Sept. 10 - Oct. 1, 2016

Poignant, sassy,and quick-witted!

Sometimes friendship isall you need. Come jointhese women as they

make their way over life’smany hurdles together.

New Musical EnhancesHistorical Mystery

By Steve Hibbard

The Gazette

MetroStage in Alexandria is stag-ing the world premiere musicalof “Blackberry Daze” now

through Oct. 9.“We are so pleased to be able to bring the

popular novel by Ruth P. Watson, BlackberryDays of Summer, to our stage,” said Pro-ducing Artistic Director Carolyn Griffin. Shesaid MetroStage regulars Thomas W. JonesII and William Knowles have written thebook, lyrics and music with Watson, aLynchburg native, that tells her compellingstory with opportunities for actors to bringgospel, blues and jazz to the story and thestage.

The musical features an all-black cast ofmany artists who are already known toMetroStage. Set in 1919, it follows spiritedcharacters living in rural Virginia with oc-casional forays into Washington, D.C., andthe heart of the blues scene in Shaw wherethe Howard Theatre thrives today.

In this historical romantic mystery, a black

MetroStage stages “Blackberry Daze.”womanizer is murdered for raping hisstepdaughter, and even though sus-pects abound, no one is trying toohard to find his killer. The charactersall have compelling stories to tell, in-terrelated lives, and face challengesthat remain current today, said Grif-fin.

“To bring this terrific story to thestage is a gift to the readers ofWatson’s series and will introduceothers to her popular novels,” saidGriffin. “On our stage, music and cho-reography add another dimension tothe storytelling that so many followin Watson’s novels.”

With much of the drama set to mu-sic, some of the songs include “Save the Sin-ner,” “Take Me Glory,” “Layin’ It Down,” and“Rhythm of the Blues,” to name a few.

Appearing in the show is Roz White asMae Lou, celebrating her 11th season atMetroStage; TC Carson as Herman Camm(“Bessie’s Blues” and TV’s “Living Single”with Queen Latifah), Ayana Reed as Car-rie, and Duyen Washington as Ginny/Annie

May. It also stars Nia Harris as Hester, DuaneRichards II as Simon/Willie, and YvetteSpears as Pearl (who portrayed SarahVaughan in “Ladies Swing the Blues.”) Onpiano is William Knowles and on guitar isDavid Cole.

Griffin said that buses carrying peoplefrom Atlanta, Lynchburg, Philadelphia andBaltimore have already come to the show.

MetroStage in Alexandria, a venue with130 seats, is staging the world premiere mu-sical of “Blackberry Daze” now through Oct.9. Show times are Wednesdays through Sat-urdays at 8 p.m.; matinees on Saturdays andSundays at 3 p.m.; and Sunday at 7 p.m.Tickets are $55 and $60. The theater is lo-cated at 1201 N Royal St., Alexandria. Fortickets, call 703-548-9044

The ensemble performs in “Blackberry Daze” at MetroStage in Alexandria.

White Jr. is a vocalist, guitarist,songwriter, actor, adult andchildren’s concert performer andrecording artist, teacher and socialactivist. John Flynn’s songs call ustogether as they speak for thewounded, the weary, and theafflicted; for the prisoner, the soldier,and all the forgotten ones who walkunseen in our midst. Tickets are $18,$15 in advance. Visitwww.focusmusic.org for more.

TUESDAY/SEPT. 27Fall Robust Walkathon. 10 a.m.-1

p.m. at Ben Brenman Park, 4800 BenBrenman Drive. Guest instructors,including the originator of RobustWalking, Dr. Dan Kulund, will leadgroups through stations showingparticipants how to use simpleexercises while walking that will helpincrease strength, agility, flexibility

and help to maintain balance. Therewill be a “Cool Down Social” afterthe walk with music by Janna Audey.Participants are encouraged to bringa picnic lunch and enjoy the park.There is a $10 registration fee.Register online atseniorservicesalex.org or call 703-836-4414, ext. 110.

Civil War Walking Tour. 1-2:30 p.m.at Begins at The Lyceum:Alexandria’s History Museum, 201 S.Washington St. See first hand howthe Civil War changed Alexandria.For those who have heard of the PBSmini-series “Mercy Street,” this is afamily-friendly introduction to theoccupied city. Tickets are $8 perchild, adults free. Visitshop.alexandriava.gov to register.

SEPT. 27-OCT. 23Exhibit: “The Fanciful in Daily

Life.” Gallery hours at TheAssociates’ Gallery at the Torpedo

Factory, 105 N. Union St. “UpsideDown: Inside Out: The Fanciful inDaily Life” features three-dimensional work by ErikaCleveland. This imaginative fiberartist explores the fanciful in dailylife with her needle-felted dolls, fromlife-sized to small, flying from atrapeze to hanging from a vine. Free.Call 703-524-5723 or [email protected] for more.

WEDNESDAY/SEPT. 28Community Supported Art Pick-Up

Party. 7 p.m. at Durant Arts Center,1605 Cameron St. Interestedconsumers/collectors can purchase a“share” consisting of six pieces oflocally produced artwork (one fromeach artist). Shares will includephotography, glass, pastels,watercolors and ceramics. Only 50shares will be available. Shares cost$250 each and will be distributed atthe Pick-Up Party. Visit

www.alexandriava.gov for more.“Making Arlandria Home.” 7:30

p.m. at The Lyceum, 201 S. Prince St.Alexandria began as a tiny port townon a wide spot in the Potomac River,founded by a small group of localfarmers, Scottish tobacco buyers, andtheir African slaves. Two and a half

centuries later, it’s a city of more than148,000 people, with nearly 30percent of those people born outsideof the United States, and more than100 native languages spoken amongits’ school children. Much of thischange occurred in the 20th century,and Professor Krystyn Moon hasstudied its impact in the Arlandrianeighborhood of Alexandria. Anassociate professor of history anddirector of American Studies at MaryWashington University, Moonpresents “Making Arlandria Home:The Changing Face(s) of anAlexandria Neighborhood, 1960’s-1980’s.” Free for members, $5 fornon-members. Visit

alexandriahistoricalsociety.wildapricot.org.Mature Spirituality: Engaging

with the Mystery. 7:30-9 p.m. atSt. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 8531Riverside Road. Dr. James Hollis,well-published author and renownedJungian analyst, is the ExecutiveDirector of the Jung Society ofWashington. Join him for adiscussion on the development of amature spiritual life woven out of ourown experience. Free. Visitwww.staidansepiscopal.com/Center-for-Spiritual-Deepening.

WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY/SEPT. 28-29Yoga and Music with Wah! 6:30-

8:30 p.m. at Ease Yoga and Cafe,3051 Mount Vernon Ave. Wah!teaches yoga and plays live music atthe end of class. Registration is $40per session. Visitwww.easeyogacafe.com for more.

Entertainment

Calendar

From Page 27


Community Partner

THURSDAY/SEPT. 29New Neighbors Oktoberfest. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at

Port City Brewing Company, 3950 Wheeler Ave.The 2016 school year marks the 15thanniversary of The Campagna Center’s NewNeighbors program and the many contributionsit makes to adult refugees and immigrants inAlexandria who strive to improve their Englishskills. Celebrate with a night of beer, brats andmore. Tickets are $60. Visitwww.campagnacenter.org for more.

Soil Evaluation and Composting. 7-8:30 p.m.at Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke St. Theprogram will cover the basics of evaluating soiland how to turn yard clippings, kitchen wasteand fall leaves into compost, a natural andenvironmentally friendly soil amendment thatwill nourish landscape plants. No more need forbagging leaves. Free. Visit mgnv.org.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY/SEPT. 30-OCT. 1Virginia Genealogical Society Conference.

10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Friday at Ruth E. LloydInformation Center (RELIC) at Bull RunRegional Library, 8051 Ashton Ave., Manassas; 9a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at Hilton Garden Inn, 2500Neabsco Common Place, Woodbridge. VirginiaGenealogical Society and the Mount VernonGenealogical Society are giving a conference. OnSaturday two tracks of lectures will beconducted. Donald L. Wilson, MLS, VirginianaLibrarian of the Ruth E. Lloyd InformationCenter for Genealogy and Local History at BullRun Regional Library in Manassas, Va., willspeak on researching at RELIC.Charles S.“Chuck” Mason, Jr., C.G. will speak ongenealogy basics and records of the WorksProjects Administration. Sharon B. Hodges willspeak on various topics. Free on Friday, $44-$55on Saturday. Visit www.mvgenealogy.org.

SEPT. 30-OCT. 82nd Annual Alexandria Live Music Week.

Various times at various locations throughoutAlexandria. The 2nd Annual Alexandria Live

Music Week, presented by Alexandria Live andOn Tap Magazine, is a citywide music eventfeaturing Alexandria’s diverse music scene andmusicians, as well the clubs, bars, restaurants,shops and venues that feature and promote livemusic in Alexandria. This year there will be over50 participating venues and over 300performances, including a full schedule of musicduring Del Ray’s Art on the Avenue. Admissionvaries by venue. Visit www.livemusicweek.com.

SATURDAY/OCT. 1Wounded Warrior Caregiver 5K. 9 a.m. at

Cameron Run Regional Park, 4001 EisenhowerAve. Operation Homefront is a nationalnonprofit organization that helps the families ofservicemembers, veterans and wounded warriorsby offering emergency and other financialassistance, caregiver support initiatives, back-to-school supplies, and programs that provideshort-term transitional housing and mortgage-free homes. The registration fee is $30 throughSept. 25 and $35 from Sept. 26 through Sept.30. Visit www.Caregivers5KAlexandria.com or e-mail [email protected].

Civil War Soldiers Fighting in Style. 10 a.m.at Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site, 431 W.Braddock Road. Civil War interpreters wearingseveral types of uniforms will conduct theprogram, discussing the evolution, symbolismand style of military clothing and accessories ofthe period. Presenters will address questionssuch as: Why was wool a preferred material foruniforms? How was color used to designatebranches of the service? How did foreignmilitary styles influence American Civil Waruniforms? Free. Visit www.fortward.org.

Art on the Avenue. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at MountVernon Avenue. Art on the Avenue is amulticultural arts festival celebrating thecommunity’s diversity through the arts. Theevent takes place along Mount Vernon Avenuein the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria, andfeatures over 350 artists, live music, freechildren’s crafts and entertainment, artistdemonstrations, a pie-baking contest, and more.Free. Visit www.artontheavenue.org for more.

Entertainment


Sports

In front a full house on Friday night,Sept. 16, the host Wolverines jumpedout to a quick 14-0 lead over the visiting Briar Woods Falcons. What

looked to be another easy victory was farfrom that as the visiting team clawed its wayback into a 14-14 tie.

After trading scores for the rest of thegame, West Potomac went in front with afield goal with 44 seconds to play. Afterthe kick off the Falcons drove down thefield and with 10 seconds to play com-pleted a pass.

With time running out, the home teamstarted to celebrate only to have to regroupas the Wolverines were called for a rough-ing the passer penalty. With the ball placedon the 5 yard line the Falcons had one lastchance for victory. The Wolverine defenseproved to be up to the task as the pass fellharmlessly to the ground and the hometeam celebrated the 38-35 home win to goto 3-0 on the season.

The Wolverines travel to Burke this Fri-day night for a game against powerhouseLake Braddock.

West Potomac Takes Down Falcons

Senior QB Mark Ellis has two long strikes to lead the home team to a 3-0start.

Senior widereceiverBrandanLisenby haulsin a 57-yardtouchdownpass in the 3rdquarter to goalong with anearlier 66-yardtouchdowncatch.

Senior runningback JustinAnnan rushedfor 2 touch-downs andgained 112yards.

Photos by Nicholas Lindsey/The Gazette

Field Hockey Victory for MVHSTayla Johnson, MVHS junior, during Mount Vernon’s field hockeygame against West Potomac on Tuesday, Sept. 20. MVHS won 2-0.

Hannelore Tahmassebi, MVHS senior

Kali Kishter, MVHS senior, runsoff the field with her team aftertheir victory.

Kelly Ventura-Blanco,MVHS junior

Photos by Richard Maple


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21 Announcements 21 Announcements

LEGAL NOTICESealed proposals for the City of Alexandria per specifications will be received in the Office of the Purchasing Division until the date and time designated as follows:

RFP No. 00000615: Design Services for the Renovation of Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library

Non-mandatory Site Visit and Pre-proposal Conference: Tuesday, October 4, 2016, 10:00 a.m, prevailing local time at 4701 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA 22304.

RFP Closing Date and Time: October 25, 2016, 4 p.m., prevailing local time.

For general inquiries contact Darryl K. Jackson, CPPB, Contract Specialist III at 703.746.4298.

The City of Alexandria reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, cancel this solicitation, and to waive any

informalities or irregularities in procedure. THE CITY REQUIRES ITS CONTRACTORS TO BE EQUAL

OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS.

Randy Burns, Purchasing Agent


Norfolk Probate and Family CourtDocket No. N015D0963DR

35 Shawmut RoadCanton, Ma 02021

(781)830-1200To the Defendant Joseph E. Morris.The Plaintiff, Elizabeth Morris has filed a complaint for Divorce requesting that the court grant a divorce for irretrievable break-down. You are hereby summoned and required to respond your answer, if any at or before 11/10/16.You are also required to file a copy of your answer in the office of the Register of this Court.Register of ProbatePatrick W. Mcdermott


21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements

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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.

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Saturday Sep 24 8am - 1pmMulti-Family Yard SaleArt-Kitchen-Tools & More

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Earning Tech InternshipsFrom Page 5

well with others, plan ahead and sepa-rate tasks equally.”

Smith said the field itself was relativelynew to him when he started with GenesysWorks, but is now considering working inIT.

“The Genesys Works highly trained in-terns provide tremendous value to theiremployers,” George Newstrom, vice presi-dent and general manager for Dell ServicesFederal Government, said in a statement.

Newstrom is also a Genesys foundingboard chair: “Our business economy isbased on highly skilled, professional em-ployees and Genesys Works is a partner thatensures a win-win for the students and theemployers.”

Fairfax County Public Schools superinten-dent Dr. Karen Garza became an advocatefor bringing Genesys Works to northern Vir-ginia after seeing its success in Houston,where the organization first began operat-ing.

“Our mission at Fairfax County PublicSchools is to help equip students with thenecessary skills for success in our rapidlychanging and interconnected world,” Garzasaid in a statement.

“Genesys Works shares this mission andour work together will grow and increaseour impact,” Garza continued. “I look for-ward to hearing the stories of our studentswho participate in these workplace intern-ships and who go on to achieve theirdreams.” Genesys has four other locationsaround the country, including Chicago, theTwin Cities in Minnesota and California’sBay area. Tavakoli said this summer inTysons Corner marked the largest startinggroup for any of the sites.

Tavakoli said by the second week of Sep-tember, all but a handful of the programgraduates from this summer had earnedinternships.

Those remaining were just waiting to con-firm assignments. For more information,visit www.genesysworks.org.

News

By Ken Moore

The Gazette

Lorton Valley III calls its developmentGiles Overlook: 52 singles familydetached dwellings on 38.37 acres

on Sanger Street in Mount Vernon.Fairfax County Planning Commission

voted Wednesday, Sept. 14, to recommendapproval of plans that will permit develop-ment less than 200 feet from the requireddistance between residential buildings andI-95 and to allow for increased height of anoise barrier to be located 15 feet from I-95 right-of-way.

Although the property will be rezonedfrom R-1 (one dwelling unit per acre) to R-5, which permits five dwelling units peracre, Lorton Valley’s proposed density willbe 1.36 dwelling units per acre, accordingto Planning Commission documents. Thedeveloper will dedicate 20 acres along GilesRun to the county and 75 percent of theland will remain open space.

“Due to the long, narrow configurationof the developable portion of the property,the proposed layout is limited to a singlestreet with dwellings on both sides,” accord-ing to planning documents.

“The property contains wetlands, flood-plains, resource protection area and evenenvironmental quality corridor areas asso-ciation with Giles Run, and the applicanthas proposed to dedicate most of this areato the county,” according to planning staff.

Access will be from an extension ofSanger Street that will be realigned andextended southward to terminate in a cul-de-sac near a county pump station.

Giles Overlook, currently vacant andwooded except for a county-operated pumpstation, is located west of I-95, north of alandfill, at the end of Sanger Street in the

Lorton area. The western property line isalong Giles Run.

“The site benefits from its proximity toInova Lorton Healthplex,” according toagent David R. Gill. of McGuire Woods. “TheHealthplex, along with the continued matu-ration of the Lorton area, will derive de-mand for additional high-quality residen-tial opportunities such as this proposedcommunity.”

Lots will range in size from 5,000 to 8,049square feet, according to Planning Commis-sion documents, and will typically include20-foot front yards, 8-foot side yards, and25-foot backyards.

Plans call for planting of evergreen anddeciduous trees in front of the sound wall,which will range in height from six to 32feet.

A tot lot is proposed on Sanger Street.“The applicant has committed to prepar-

ing an additional noise study prior to sub-division plan approval and that the soundwall will be designed to reduce noise expo-sure for the yards of the lots and the tot lotto 65 decibels or less.

This may require a higher noise wall inthis location,” according to planning staffanalysis.

Proffers specify the front facades of thedwellings will consist of 50 percent stoneor brick and raised panel shutters.

The application was initially accepted inDecember 2011 with a proposal for 40dwelling units.

The proposed application “has beenthrough many iterations since 2011,” saidMount Vernon District Commissioner EarlFlanagan, “but David Gill, the agent, keptdoggedly improving it until I am pleased toreport that the South County Federation andits land use committee unanimously recom-mended adoption.”

Giles Overlook Developing75 percent of land to remain open space.


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Documents

Superintendent’s resignation sets School Board on ...connectionarchives.com/PDF/2016/092116/Mt Vernon.pdf · Schools superintendent Dr. Karen Garza has an-nounced her resignation,