Alexandria

39 Pages·2011·14.6 MB·English

by  Graphics 02

Photos by Louise Krafft/Gazette Packet
More than 150 clans, dignitaries and others walked in the 41st annual Scottish Walk parade on Saturday, Dec. 3.
Alexandria
S t y l e
Gazette Packet m e L i f e
H o
Page 18
25 Cents
Serving Alexandria for over 200 years • A Connection Newspaper December 8, 2011
Already ‘BRAC the Vote’
Will resentment in
Lining Up
West End influence
City Council election?
Democrats to hold By Michael Lee Pope
Gazette Packet
primary rather than a
W
caucus; Republicans hen Arlington School
Board member Libby
yet to decide. Garvey was running in
the hotly con-
tested Demo-
“Could we
By Michael Lee Pope cratic primary for
Gazette Packet the state Senate have done a
F over the summer,
or the first time in recent memory, one wall of her better job in
the Alexandria Democratic Commit- King Street office
tee will be conducting a citywide featured a sign making sure
primary to choose a slate of six candidates that read “BRAC
some of the
for the City Council. Traditionally, the party the vote.” It was
has used a firehouse caucus to select a slate a reference to the
details were
— meeting at a single location for a limited Base Realign-
time and making participants sign a loyalty ment and Closure ironed out?
Commission’s
See Democrats, Page 14 Ph recommendation Yes. We
o
Likely Democratic t 133 to move
o
s 6,400 employees certainly
b
Candidates y L to Mark Center.
o An August 2008 couldn’t have
u
❖ Kerry Donley, current vice mayor and is letter from
e
former mayor K Deputy City Man- opposed it.”
❖ Paul Smedberg, current councilman r
❖ Del Pepper, current councilwoman aff ager Mark Jinks — Mayor Bill Euille
❖ Tim Lovain, former councilman /t approved the site,
❖ Justin Wilson, former councilman Ga adding “no addi-
❖ David Baker, former police chief ze tional transportation studies are war-
❖ Arthur Peabody, current School Board tt
e ranted.” But when a firestorm of op-
member P
❖ Donna Fossum, current Planning Commis- a position erupted the neighboring
c
sion member ke See Will Brac, Page 7
❖ Jack Sullivan, Seminary Hill resident t
❖ Boyd Walker, co-chairman of Citizens for an
Alternative Waterfront Plan 41322 AV ,airdnaxelA
,.tS gniK 4061 :oT
Likely Republican detseuqeR ecivreS sserddA
Next
.lairetam
Candidates evitisnes-emiT
Waiting on Pitt Street, bagpipers tuning their :retsamtsoP
noitnettA
❖ Frank Fannon, current councilman pipes are ready to be called into the 41st annual
❖ Alicia Hughes, current councilwoman Scottish Walk parade on Saturday, Dec. 3. More 284# timreP
❖❖ SPchoilt tC Geoferdraotnti, ,b Roeaardlt omre wmibthe rW ofe itchhee Drtel Ray photos, pages 12-13. AeVg a,atDisroIdAPnP a.Sx.eUlA
DTS TRSRP
Citizens Association
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 8-14, 2011 ❖ 1
2 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 8-14, 2011 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Holiday Gift Guide
Alexandria Gazette Editor Steven Mauren
703-778-9415 or [email protected]
Think Small
Independent retailers
offer variety
P
of gift ideas. h
o
t
o
s
By Jeanne Theismann b
y
Gazette Packet J
S e
a
n
n
andwiched between this year’s e

shopping frenzy of Black Friday T
h
and Cyber Monday emerged the e
is
second Small Business Saturday, a m
a
promotion initiated by American Express to n
n
promote independently owned retailers /
G
during the holiday season. a
z
“Supporting local independent business et
t
owners is important to our community,” said e
PA gift certificate from locally
King Street Blues owner Lisa Capobianco. a
cowned service providers like hair
“It’s how America was built and how we k
esalons and restaurants supports
can survive these tough economic times.” t
The artwork of Artfully Gifts and Chocolate co-owner Eric Nelson is independent businesses in Alexan-
Alexandria is filled with local retailers
available in his Carlyle shop along with novelty holiday items, cards and dria. Lorraine Aprile at her salon
brimming with a variety of gift ideas as well
custom made gift baskets. 506 John Carlyle St., 703-575-8686. at 112 S. Fayette, 703-299-6100
as service providers and crafts-
men that can create custom gift Old Town art and gift items,” said art-
certificates for services like dry ist Todd Healy of his shop
cleaning, maid service, land- Gallery Lafayette.
scaping or handyman work. “What can I say? I love
“People don’t always re- this city and want to
member that hair salons share that with my cus-
and other professionals can tomers.”
be a source of holiday gift Another local artist is
ideas,” said hair salon Artfully Gifts and Choco-
owner Lorraine Aprile. late co-owner Eric Nelson,
“If you know someone who has added smaller and
who has a favorite sa- more affordable pieces to Shuman’s famous
lon, restaurant — any his translucent acrylic works Jelly Cakes are still
service they use regu- of art. available by special
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Ted Pulliam (“Historic Alexandria: An Alexandria seal.
Illustrated History”), Michael Lee Pope Looking to do some cyber-shopping this
(“Hidden History of Alexandria, D.C.”) and holiday season? For residents and relatives
Pat Troy (“I Have a Story to Tell”) are gift alike, the Office of Historic Alexandria has
ideas that focus on local history. See Gift Ideas, Page 23 David Martin specializes in creat-
ing custom pieces like these City of
Alexandria cufflinks, studs and
charms. Goldworks, 1400 King St.,
703-683-0333.
Todd Healy calendars and specialty items
celebrate historic Old Town. 320 King St.
703-548-5266.
Canine Pup Cakes from Bittersweet Books by local authors Ted Pup Pies available at Artfully Gifts
Café and Catering, 823 King St., Pulliam, Michael Lee Pope and and Chocolate, 506 John Carlyle
703-549-2708. Pat Troy make unique gifts. St., 703-575-8686.
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 8-14, 2011 ❖ 3
Alexandria/Old Town
121 N. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
703-549-8700
www.weichert.com
Visit Us at Weichert.com for a full Listing of Properties.
Alexandria
E W C E SUOP $659,000 Quaker Ridge
N RI N EN Unbelievable price $669,000
P 1/ for one of the
4 largest TH’s inside Luxury all brick end
beltway. All brick 4 townhome in the
bdrm/3/55 bath end MacArthur School
unit w/4300 plus sq. District. Fabulous
ft. Totally upgraded open floor plan with
w/hardwood floors, 3 bedrooms, 2.5
new carpet, SS baths, 3 finished
apliances, granite levels, 2 gas
counters thru out. 3
Alexandria $824,500 w/in closets, 2 fpl fireplaces and a 2
A must see! Beautifully renovated 5 bdrm, 3.5 bth Colonial which and so much more. car garage.
backs to woods, boasts an open floor plan, spacious dining room, & 6317 3510
renovated kitchen. Outside you’ll find a large yard, playground, & Chaucer Lane Goddard Way
deck off the dining room. Located on a private cul-de-sac, here Nancie Christine
you’ll be close to the shops and restaurants of Old Town and Williams Garner
Shirlington & King St Metro. MacArthur Elementary School District.
811 Albany Avenue 703-608-6959 703-587-4855
Jennifir Bobsein 703-835-1256
Old Town 4 Old Town $545,000
Eve$ry1th,1in8g 9yo,u0 c0o0uld O PED ANY 1- PRNIEW Lnlifoeewwst hyinloetme. rLeea sprtgl ureas to eapsne =On tlkdhi etTc oghwieftnn o sfo a
want and more. New U N CE many cooks can use the new gas
construction - S stove & convenient built-in
5BR/4.5BA 4-level storage/serving area. Entertain in
townhome with a freshly painted, spacious dining
additional rooftop room with new chandelier.
deck, 2 off-street Decorate for the holidays with
parking spaces, and a greenery from your back yard.
fenced yard in North Guests will appreciate 2
Old Town. Gleaming bedrooms & 1.5 baths, plus 2 off
hardwoods street parking spots & a 4 block
throughout and Viking walk to Metro. Ask about a $3,000
appliances. Lower flooring credit. Detached home so
Fairlington Towne $422,000 level is a full in-law no HOA.
This fabulous end unit townhouse is a 3 level home with a suite with 2nd 1016 Pendleton
delightful private Garden of Eden back yard. Kitchen features kitchen! Joni Koons
NEW cabinets, GRANITE, and NEW floors. All baths are 714 Wythe Street
703-209-7277
upgraded beautifully. BAY window. Lots of extra windows! Phil Cefaratti
3740 Keller Avenue Greg Koons
Julie Hall 703-786-3634 703-371-7601 703-209-7678
O NPED ANY 1-4 G RWE APTRIC E O NPED ANY 1-4
U E U
S N S
Alexandria $435,000 Alexandria $359,900 Alexandria $590,000
Stunningly updated 2 bed/2 bath luxury condo just steps to the Braddock Unique Flr Pln 1030 s.f. Largest 1 BR w/ extend. Den + 1/2 bath, Fantastic close-in location with easy access to Pentagon, BRAC, DC, Old
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bedroom. Baths all renovated and closets w/organizers. Garage Parking fee incl. ALL utilities. Home Warranty & 1 Months Condo Fee offered- basement. TOTALLY renovated & too many great features to highlight!
1200 Braddock 1211 Eads St S #1305 6211 Berlee Drive
Dawn Gurganus 571-237-6151 Lois Scheiber 571-643-2873 Kristen Mason Coreas 571-213-0617
G 4 Old Town
C O SMIO NO N $O6ld5 9T,o0w0n0 UO NPED ANY 1- NPERIW C E FFBaeabalttuiuclor$ Giun4rsga 7 rnSe9iStne ,oK 9Cviat0octueh0nd.,t eTrHs,
New listing in OLD S Architectural Glass Tile
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Metro. 3 BRS+ Espresso Cabinets.
Den. Parking. Honey Hdwd Floors,
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ceilings, large Patio/ New Fence. Blks
garden. Countryside View… from balcony of renovated, elegant unit with two Old Town Shops. Mins.
1012 Wythe Street mneaws tkeirt cbheednr owo/m m sauribteles .t iNlee fwlo ohra r&d wgroaondit efl oboarcsk tshprloausghh. oGuatr.a Cghea prmariknigng t&o DPCentagon/GW Pkwy
Diann Hicks space. Pet-friendly community w/ 35+ wooded acres & 24-hour 1202 Colonial Avenue
703-628-2440 monitored security. Great location, just 2 miles from Old Town. Philip G. Matyas
5901 Mount Eagle Drive, Unit 1109
Cindy Baggett 703-593-1418 571-332-0963
Leslie Rodriguez 703-400-3010
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CCaallll KKiimm FFaarriinnaa aatt tthhee AAlleexxaannddrriiaa//OOlldd TToowwnn OOffffiiccee..
4 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 8-14, 2011 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
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More than 40 brightly lit boats partici- The Crowe’s Nest, center, won Most Ani-
pated in the 2011 parade of Lights Dec. 3. mated with “Santa and Weiber the Whale.”
Let There
GGOOSSSSYYPPIIAA
Be Light
Holiday boats
shine in 2011
Parade of Lights.
T
he 12th Annual Holi- EElleeccttiicc CCllootthhiinngg,, JJeewweellrryy
day Boat Parade of && LLaattiinn AAmmeerriiccaann FFoollkk AArrtt
Lights lit up the
Bring a copy of this ad to get a 10% discount on jewelry until December 24th
Potomac River Dec. 3
as 40 boats cruised from the Wash- 325 Cameron Street • Old Town Alexandria
ington waterfront to Old Town to www.gossypia.com
compete in more than a dozen cat-
703.836.6969
egories in the traditional seafaring
holiday display of lights.
Dressed as the Grinch, Wakefield
High School special education
teacher Alan Glascock took Best in
Show honors aboard The Dugout
Too with a “Christmas Gone Wild”
theme. Captained by Mark Silcox,
Latitude Adjustment won Best
Sailboat with “SEAS-ons Greetings
and Tom Crowe and The Crowe’s
Nest took Most Animated honors
with “Santa and Weiber the
Whale.”
The parade was emceed by
WTOP’s Man About Town Bob
Madigan and judged by Jody
Manor of Bittersweet Café & Ca-
tering, Dee Beresford, Board of
Governors of the Old Dominion
Contact Caddie Tours at 703-938-1300
Boat Club, and Nancy Belmont of
or [email protected]
Belmont, Inc. and Co-Founder of WWW.CADDIETOURSONLINE.COM
See Boats, Page 32
Fine China, Crystal & Giftware
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
With our
Low Price Guarantee,
why shop elsewhere?
VISIT ANNSANDRA.COM
FOR ALL OF OUR EVENTS
703-354-2110
4417 JOHN MARR DRIVE
ANNANDALE, VA 22003
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 8-14, 2011 ❖ 5
News
Dominion Over School Calendars
Northern Virginia school officials ready to
fight for opening schools before Labor Day.
By Michael Lee Pope Libby Garvey, a member of the Arlington
Gazette Packet School Board. “We need flexibility to in-
F crease student achievement, and we can’t
or a quarter century, King’s Domin- do that if we’re in a vice.”
ion has exercised a strange power The hospitality industry is ready to de-
over school divisions across Virginia. fend the King’s Dominion Law, as they do
In 1986, operatives for the Doswell amuse- almost every year in Richmond. Leading the
ment park successfully charge will be the Vir-
shepherded legislation “It’s just downright ginia Hospitality and
through the General As- Travel Association, which
sembly that prevented silly to say that represents King’s Domin-
schools from opening be- ion and other amusement
fore Labor Day. School of- schools can start parks that benefit finan-
ficials can apply for waiv- cially from public schools
early if they get a
ers, but that doesn’t mean starting after Labor Day.
they’ll be given clearance. The association estimates
lot of snow but
Earlier this year, the Vir- that shortening the tour-
ginia Board of Education ism season would forgo
can’t if they want
was on the verge of reject- spending by about $274
ing an application from to help teachers.” million and decrease
the Alexandria City Pub- wages and benefits by
lic School system when it — School Superintendent about $104 million.
was withdrawn. Morton Sherman “We’ve never seen any
Now, with the General kind of difference in aca-
Assembly session ready to demic achievement in
open in January, school officials across terms of starting before Labor Day,” said
Northern Virginia are ready to renew the Katie Hellbbush, director of government
fight against the King’s Dominion Law. affairs for the association. “But studies have
“It just doesn’t make any sense,” said See Dominion Over, Page 37
F
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6 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 8-14, 2011 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
Will BRAC Shape Council Election?
From Page 1
communities about gridlock,
Garvey hoped to tie primary op-
ponent and Alexandria City Coun-
cilman Rob Krupicka to the Jinks P
h
letter. o
t
“Whenever you are talking o
b
about an emotional issue, it always y
L
sways voters,” said Kirk McPike, o
u
who managed the campaign for is
e
Del. Adam Ebbin (D-49). “Candi- K
r
dates are going to have to think a
f
f
about how they answer this ques- t
/
tion because it is going to come Th
e
up over and over again.” G
In the end Garvey and Krupicka az
e
lost to Ebbin, who won the gen- t
t
e
eral election and is now headed The Washington Headquarters Service was constructed as
to Richmond. What role if any did a result of recommendation 133 of the 2005 Base Closure
the outrage over BRAC-133 play and Realignment Commission.
in the election? Some say that
Krupicka’s loss should send a message to members als for a “build to suit” facility that could accommo-
of the City Council at the time when Jinks sent the date 6,400 employees and be ready by September
2008 letter, which include the incumbent mayor, two 2011, the statutory deadline in the federal legisla-
incumbent council members and two former incum- tion aimed at vacating leased space in Arlington.
bents seeking to make a comeback. Now that the “It’s an overreaction,” said Arlington County Board
Alexandria Democratic Committee has opted to con- Chairman Jay Fisette in a 2005 interview with Con-
duct a citywide primary, those five candidates are nection Newspapers. “The Department of Defense is
going to become the focus of some difficult ques- attempting to evacuate leased space based on secu-
tions. rity rules that no one else meets.”
“It’s a touchstone issue,” said Don Buch, a West Duke responded by offering to sell the Mark Cen-
End resident. “Anybody tied to this decision is going ter site to the United States and presented a bid that
to have to answer for it.” was $200 million lower than the Victory Center site,
which was assumed by many to be the leading con-
THE KRUPICKA CAMPAIGN outlined a strategy tender. The selection represented a windfall for Duke,
for candidates to defend themselves on the issue, especially because the federal government is exempt
but it’s unclear how persuasive that will be to vot- from density limitations and traffic-management re- Pictures
ers. He said that he had always opposed the Mark quirements. Alexandria City Council members went
Center, although opponents pointed out that there along with the idea, allowing the August 2008 letter
was no record of opposition until after the location to endorse the Mark Center site along with the Vic- with
had been selected and it was clear traffic was going tory Center site in late 2008. SSSaaannntttaaa
to be a serious problem. When asked about what “In my opinion, the city should have only endorsed
happened leading up to the Jinks letter from August one site — the Victory Center,” said Vice Mayor Kerry
2008, Euille said that deliberations were conducted Donley, who was not a member of City Council at
in secret executive session. the time and has been critical of the decision. “In-
“Could we have done a better job in making sure stead they left the door open for Mark Center, and I
some of the details were ironed out? Yes,” said Euille. have yet to hear a clear rationale for that decision.”
“We certainly couldn’t have opposed it.”
Critics say that line of defense is problematic. For NOW THAT the traffic is clogging West End streets,
starters, a development special-use permit granted new doubts are being raised about how the Army
to the previous owner specified that 16 acres should presented misleading information in its traffic man-
Saturday,
be set aside for open space. Why didn’t the city ask agement plan for Mark Center. Last week, a Depart-
the Pentagon for the same open space requirement ment of Defense Inspector General report revealed
December 17th
that had already been approved? Perhaps more criti- that the traffic counts were conducted around na-
cally, a January 2008 letter from Euille to Duke Re- tional holidays when schools were not in session,
1:00 -3:00 P.M.
alty lawyer Howard Middleton outlining his concern resulting in peak hour traffic volumes up to 35 per-
that city support for the Mark Center site “is contin- cent less than normal conditions. The report also
gent upon the city receiving significant financial com- noted that the Army failed to consult with local ju-
pensation to offset it’s multi-year loss of future real- risdiction planning officials including the Virginia
estate taxes” estimated at $60 million. When the Department of Transportation, Fairfax County and
Mark Center site was approved, no contingency was the city of Alexandria.
placed on the endorsement. “The IG’s report proves exactly why we opposed
“This was a transaction between a private busi- this relocation three years ago and have been highly
Celebrate Holiday Magic
ness and the federal government,” said Euille. “We critical of the planning process as it has proceeded,”
were not involved in the negotiations.” said U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8). “Full occupation of
with the Merchants of
this building will result in serious gridlock for some
THE STORY of how a massive Department of De- 200,000 daily commuters who must travel past the Bradlee Shopping Center
fense installation ended up at a spot without access Mark Center each day.”
to the Metro is a story of flawed assumptions and That gridlock is certain to remain a potent politi-
inaccurate information. Duke purchased the Mark cal force, particularly for the coming election cycle.
BBrraaddlleeee CCeenntteerr
Center complex in 2006, making it one of the princi- Although Donley and the two Republicans currently
pal taxpayers in the city because its land was valued on the City Council were not in office when the city
at more than $225 million. Two years later, the De- government endorsed the Mark Center site, Euille
partment of Defense released a request for propos- See Will Brac Shape, Page 37
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 8-14, 2011 ❖ 7
Business
Business Matters
Clarke and Sampson Marks 65 Years
A Political Tie
Move over, Rush Limbaugh. Forget about Jerry Garcia, Local firm partners
Alexandria City Councilman Rob Krupicka now has his own
line of neckties. with ACT to give
Yes, that’s right. Neckties. Most people in Alexandria know
Krupicka as a politician and education guru. But he’s also an back to community. Ph
o
artist who specializes in acrylic paintings. And now he has his t
o
own line of neckties, known as ALX49. The name is a mashup of By Jeanne Theismann s b
Afolremxaanlldyr ilaa uanncdh e1d7 4th9e, tehffeo ryte alars tt hwee ceiktye nwda ast ftohuen Sdceodt.c Kh rtuapsitcinkga F Gazette Packet y Jea
n
at the George Washington Masonic Memorial. or nearly a year, Bill Howard and Tim Geary ne
“It was a lot of fun putting the collection together,” said have been anticipating the 65th anniversary T
h
Krupicka. “The best part was thinking about what makes Alexan- of Clark and Sampson, an insurance and eis
dria unique.” m
real estate firm that is one of Alexandria’s a
All the designs are based on the city’s history, although some n
oldest continuously operating businesses. While most n
are more abstract than others. One is inspired by the myth of ACT Executive Director John Porter is
people assumed the company principles would plan
George Washington and the cherry tree while another evokes flanked by Clarke and Sampson represen-
a lavish celebration, the two had something else in
a statue at the Freedman’s Cemetery. Several ties have geometric tatives Bill Howard and Tim Geary at the
mind.
patters, suggesting the angular pattern of Market Square or the Chamber of Commerce Merry Membership
“Bill and I have been looking for a way to give
grid design of Old Town streets. One of the ties is inspired by the event Dec. 1 at the Carlyle Club.
back to the community that has kept us in business
tide lock that helped move commercial goods in the early 19th
for so many years,” Geary said at a Chamber of Com-
century. Each tie is $58.
merce holiday reception Dec. 1 at the Carlyle Club.
“We have a lot more ideas about future designs,” said Krupicka.
“We’ve been looking at ACT for a while and decided
“I’m hoping we can sell enough to do more designs.”
that establishing a charitable fund with them was
the perfect way to do that.”
New Shade of Yellow
Howard and Geary used the Dec. 1 event to an-
nounce the new partnership with ACT for Alexan-
Alexandria’s biggest taxicab company is about to get a bold
dria.
new look. Last week, members of the Alexandria Traffic and Park-
“Clarke and Sampson is the first commercial com-
ing Board approved a new logo for Alexandria Yellow Cab, which
pany to open a charitable fund with ACT to help with
is regulated by the city government. The new look features the
philanthropic giving,” said ACT Executive Director
George Washington Masonic Temple, a traditional checkered
John Porter. “This is a wonderful way to celebrate
pattern and a head-on view of a 1940s-era taxicab.
such a significant milestone for them and for the com- Kevin Peck of the Northern Virginia Fine
“Our old logo was outdated,” said Spencer Kimball. “We
munity.” Arts Association with Campagna Center
wanted something that could embrace the past but also have a
In lieu of a traditional party, Clarke and Sampson CEO Tammy Mann.
modern feel.”
will send out cards to its customers announcing the
In recent months, company has made a number of changes.
new fund.
Cameras have been installed in all cabs to record forward and
“We didn’t want to do a party that lasts for only
backward as well as an audio fee. Credit card readers have been
one night,” Geary said. “We will let our customers
installed in all the taxicabs for the convenience of consumers.
know that we are making a donation to ACT on the
Cellular data sticks have been installed so drivers aren’t depen-
company’s behalf to help provide much-needed ser-
dent on a radio tower. And redundant servers have been added
vices in an ongoing basis to the community we call
to the phone system and the dispatch system so the company can
home.”
continue operating if something goes wrong.
In making the announcement, Howard thanked
“We have a lot going on,” said Kimball. “And we wanted a new
several Clarke and Sampson employees in atten-
logo to reflect that.”
dance, noting that over half of the company’s 17 em-
ployees have been with the firm for more than 20
January in Helsinki
years.
“We’re very proud of the people who represent
Alexandria celebrity bartender Todd Thrasher is one of 14
Bruno Grinwis, former Chamber of Com-
Clarke and Sampson,” Howard said. “It is because
American bartenders in the running to head to chilly Finland
merce CEO Tina Leone and Chamber board
of them we have succeeded and we are looking for-
this January for the Finlandia Vodka Cup. Thrasher is a mixologist
member Caren Camp.
ward to the next 65 years.”
at the upscale speakeasy known as PX, tucked away above
Eamonn’s Dublin Chipper. If his drink, known as “Nothing Left to
Lose,” is selected to compete he could win $25,000.
Here’s the recipe: one ounce of Finlandia Vodka, half an ounce
of yellow chartreuse, three ounces of Bay Leaf Soda with roasted
lemon and four dashes of lemon bitters. Just fill a glass with
Pork Barrel BBQ
crushed ice, then add the vodka and chartreuse. Next add the
bitters and soda. Stir gently and enjoy. Opens in Del Ray
Commercial Road et A line ran through the
k
ac restaurant on Friday
The Virginia Department of Transportation and Fluor- P
e evening, Dec. 2, as
Transurban have struck a deal to build high-occupancy toll lanes t
t customers waited in
e
on Interstate 95 this week. The move opens the door to financ- z
a line for a seat in the
ing the $940 million project. G
/ newly opened Pork
t
“Through this action, we will put to work nearly $1 billion in ff Barrel BBQ Restaurant
private sector investment to address one of Virginia’s most criti- Kra in Del Ray.
cal transportation needs,” said Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell. e
s
“The project will bring congestion relief and new travel choices ui
o
to Northern Virginians.” L
y
b
— Michael Lee Pope o
t
o
h
P

8 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 8-14, 2011 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Business
Ballet Arts Ensemble of Fairfax
Presents
Nutcracker
In A Nutshell
Saturday Dec. 17th at 3:00pm & 7:30pm
Sunday Dec. 18th at 3:00pm
P
h
o
t Rachel Schlesinger Concert Hall
o
s b and Arts Center
y
J At NOVA Alexandria Campus
e
a
n
n Call for More Info: 703-273-5344
e
T www.thecenterforballetarts.com
h
e
is
m
a
n
n
/
G
a
z
e
t
t
e
P
a
c
k
e
t
Volunteers from Dominion Power joined with city employees Oct. 27 to make landscap-
ing improvements to the former substation at 3550 Commonwealth Ave. IRELAND, April 9-18,...................................................................................$2199
Includes Air, Hotels, Daily Breakfast, 7 Dinners, Daily Sightseeing
Reed Avenue Park Revitalized
NEW ORLEANS, March 18-24,......................................................................$947
Includes Motorcoach from Vienna, 6 Nights Hotel, Daily Breakfast, 4 Dinners,
Sightseeing
CRUISES FROM BALTIMORE ON ROYAL CARIBBEAN:
Dominion Power, City
Jan. 28-Feb. 6 -.....................................................................................................$390
March 19-31 -......................................................................................................$770
replace storm-damaged
SHILLELAGHS TRAVEL CLUB
trees. 100 East Street SE, Suite 202 • Vienna, Virginia 22180
703-242-2204 1-800-556-8646
By Jeanne Theismann Please visit our Web site at: www.shillelaghtravelclub.com
for a listing of all our upcoming trips and socials.
Gazette Packet
T
he torrential rains of Oct. 27 didn’t deter
more than 20 Dominion Power volunteers
from joining City of Alexandria Depart-
ment of Recreation, Parks and Cultural
Activities employees to help clear and beautify the
former power substation at 3550 Commonwealth
Ave.
“This was a mess,” said community organizer Kevin
Beekman. “The different storms over the last year
Dominion Power volunteers Neil Atwell
destroyed about 40 trees. We tried to save them but
and Marty O’Baker join city employee
couldn’t.”
Keith Beasley (on bulldozer) Oct. 27 to
The city purchased the property from Dominion
help with landscaping improvements at
Power with the intent of creating an open park space
the former substation on Commonwealth
across from the Cora Kelly Recreation Center. Neigh-
Avenue.
borhood volunteers began the transformation using
their own donated time and supplies. namental trees, mulch and top soil,” said City of Al-
“The original park created here was all through exandria Urban Planner Laura Durham. “After today,
sweat equity,” Beekman said. “The plants, the mulch, we’ll be adding benches as well.”
the upkeep - everything was donated by the com- The half-acre parcel referred to as the Reed Av-
munity.” enue Park received four maple trees, a dozen Leland
The Dominion Foundation donated $2,500 to fund Cypress and three crepe myrtles during the one-day
the replacement of shrubs and trees and expand a joint effort between the city and Dominion Power.
walking path and garden created by community vol- “Even with the rain, it’s amazing to see the trans-
unteers. The City matched the Dominion funds with formation,” Durham said. “All the credit goes to the
additional plantings. community residents who led the effort to beautify
“We enhanced the landscape with shade trees, or- the park.”
Business Notes
Send announcements to the Gazette The WMCCAI recog- his service on the Virginia Legislative
Packet, by e-mail to gazette@connection nized Moss for his Committee.
newspapers.com. Deadline is Thursday at leadership in educat-
noon for the following week’s paper. Pho- ing the community Vacation.com of Alexandria,
tos and artwork encouraged. Call Steve association industry North America’s leading travel services
Hibbard at 703-778-9412 with questions. by speaking at chap- marketing organization, announces the
ter-sponsored acquisition of Weston, Fla.-based Cruise
Jeremy R. Moss, an associate with programs, writing ar- Shoppes, the only national travel agent
MercerTrigiani law firm, was named ticles for Quorum - a consortium focused strictly on cruising.
“Educator of the Year” by the Washing- Jeremy R. magazine for commu-
ton Metropolitan Chapter of the Moss nity association McCollister’s Transportation
Community Associations Institute volunteer leaders, Group, Inc. of Alexandria, an agent
(WMCCAI) during the Association’s an- professional community association
nual awards dinner held on Nov. 12. managers and business partners, and for See Business, Page 15
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 8-14, 2011 ❖ 9
Opinion
Alexandria
Gazette Packet
More on Giving Locally Abuse, Mental Retardation and Developmental
www.AlexandriaGazette.com
Disabilities
❖ Arlington-Alexandria Coalition for the Homeless, Newspaper of Alexandria
703-525-7177, www.aachhomeless.org @AlexGazette
E ❖ Carpenter’s Shelter, 703 548-7500,
An independent, locally owned weekly
www.carpentersshelter.org, Homeless Services and newspaper delivered
very year the Alexandria Department ers delivered a record 2.7 million pounds of Programs including Education and Case to homes and businesses.
Management 1606 King Street
of Community and Human Services food to an average of 125 families a day last ❖ The Campagna Center, 703-549-0111, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
devotes hundreds of hours to make year. www.campagnacenter.org Free digital edition delivered to
the holidays special for families in In the City of Alexandria, more than 6,400 ❖ Center for Alexandria’s Children, 703-838-4381, your email box
www.centerforalexandriaschildren.org, Child Abuse Email name, mailing & email address to
Alexandria who otherwise might not be able students, 54 percent, are poor enough to [email protected].
& Neglect and Parent Support
to offer their children even a single present. qualify for free or reduced-price meals. ❖ Child and Family Network Centers, 703-836- 0214,
NEWS DEPARTMENT:
Suzanne Kratzok, who has led In Northern Virginia, thousands are unem- www.cfnc-online.org To discuss ideas and concerns,
Editorial the Holiday Sharing Program ployed and many more are underemployed. ❖ Community Lodgings, Inc, 703-549-4407, Call: 703-778-9410
www.communitylodgings.org, Transitional and e-mail:
since 1999, works to provide Among the homeless in Northern Virginia, Affordable Housing, Youth Education, Adult [email protected]
one gift and one book to chil- many are working poor, families with at least Education, Bilingual Staff Assistance Steven Mauren
❖ Computer C.O.R.E. 703-931-7346, Editor, 703-778-9415
dren in more than 800 families, as well as 150 on wage-earner who doesn’t make enough to www.computercore.org, Adult Education, Computer [email protected]
elderly citizens who may not otherwise receive pay for housing for the family. About half of Training and Career Development Michael Lee Pope
anything for the holidays. the homeless in Northern Virginia are children. ❖ Hopkins House, 703-549-8072, Reporter, 703-615-0960
www.hopkinshouse.org, Preschool academy, family [email protected]
Organizations that help needy families and Here are some suggestions about how to budgeting and literacy, family education and youth @MichaelLeePope
individuals in Northern Virginia have seen a help, but there are dozens of other opportuni- summer enrichment camp, Early Childhood Steve Hibbard
dramatic increase in requests for assistance ties. Learning Institute Associate Editor, 703-778-9412
❖ Northern Virginia Family Services, 703-385-3267, [email protected]
since the recession hit in 2008, and right now
those organizations need your help to meet the Where to Help wHewawlt.hncvafrse.o, rHgo, uEsminpglo, yMmeenntat la Hndea Jlothb, TFroasitneirn Cg,are SportsJ Eodnit oRr,o 7e0t3m-2a2n4-3015
need. and Healthy Families (home visitations to new [email protected]
Note the examples of Ecumenical Commu- ❖ ACT for Alexandria, 703-739-7778, parents) @jonroetman
www.actforalexandria.org, Nonprofit and Donor ❖ Volunteer Alexandria, 703-836-2176, http://
nity Helping Others (ECHO) and Food for Oth- Services volunteeralexandria.org, Volunteer Recruitment and ADVERTISING:
To place an advertisement, call the ad
ers. In 2010, ECHO assisted more than 1,472 ❖ Alexandria Community Services Board, Placement, Court-Referred Community Service department between 9 a.m. and
households, an increase of nearly 30 percent www.alexandriava.gov/mhmrsa, Crisis Intervention Placement, Community Awareness Events, and 5 p.m., Monday - Friday.
Services, Elderly Needs, Mental Health, Substance Volunteer Management Training
from before the recession. And Food for Oth- For more, see http://www.achsova.org. Display ads 703-778-9410
Classified ads 703-778-9411
Letters to the Editor Employment ads 703-778-9413
e-mail:
[email protected]
Avoid Being petitions, and specialized instruction. First, the City of Alexandria is blessed with Julie Ferrill
Second, the Marching Titans’ fund for new having many museums within our city, both Display Advertising, 703-778-9446
[email protected]
A Lost City
marching uniforms is growing steadily. We city and non city-owned. Non city-owned mu-
Jane Hughes
would especially like to thank Forum One Com- seums include the Lee-Fendall House, Carlyle Display Advertising, 703-778-9448
To the Editor: [email protected]
munications in Del Ray for letting us set up House, Freedom House Museum, and R.E. Lee
Compared with most American cities, Alex- for the “Marching Zombies” performance at the Camp United Confederate Veterans Museum. Tara Lloyd
andria is chockablock with history, a plethora Display Advertising, 703-778-9447
Del Ray Halloween Parade. At that same event, The City of Alexandria, through the Office of [email protected]
of architectural styles from every era of the
we were surprised and gratified to get a spon- Historic Alexandria, operates Alexandria Ar- Andrea Smith
nation’s past. It is an architectural mix that taneous $1,000 donation from the A Dog’s Best chaeology, Alexandria Black History Museum, Classified Advertising, 703-778-9411
[email protected]
reflects the major mileposts of our physical
Friend. Thank you! We would also like to thank Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site, Friend-
history. Barbara Parkinson
Brian Gendron and the Alexandria Choral So- ship Firehouse Museum, Gadsby’s Tavern Mu- Employment Advertising
If we allow the City’s plan to be accepted, 703-778-9413
ciety, which designated the Marching Titans seum, The Lyceum: Alexandria’s History Mu-
[email protected]
Alexandria will be a serial victim of “criminal
as its beneficiary for the “Annual Gift of Giv- seum, and Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary
urbicide.” We cannot allow a collective failure ing”, and to all the community donors (includ- Museum. All of these museums offer insight Photography:
to preserve our city’s cultural heritage. The Louise Krafft
ing the Gazette) that made our Nov. 13 silent into our maritime history, from Native Ameri-
preservation of our past should trump revenue. Art/Design:
auction and dinner a great success. cans to the present, through historic interpre- Geovani Flores, Laurence Foong, John
We want our past to be a part of a living city, We are also grateful for the continuing sup- tation, exhibits, lectures and special events. Heinly, John Smith
Production Manager:
not a lost city thanks to the greed and poverty
port of two Alexandria McDonalds Restaurants, Plans to commemorate the Sesquicentennial Jean Card
of imagination to preserve its past. Years down
one at 121 West Glebe Road and the other at of the Civil War include focusing on the im- Editor Emeritus:
the road, we will blame the politicians and Mary Anne Weber
1000 North Henry St.; their “Spirit Nights” portance of Alexandria as a transportation hub
developers for robbing us of our physical past.
have netted us the equivalent of three uniforms for the Union utilizing the city’s shipping and
CIRCULATION: 703-778-9427
This decision deserves collective participa- thus far. rail capabilities. The Waterfront Plan should Circulation Manager:
tion. There should not be a forced sense of Ann Oliver
The Marching Titans are thankful to be part not include a new museum, but rather encour- [email protected]
urgency. Rather, we need more data and time
of a community that supports the arts. To find age citizens and tourists to visit our many
to make an informed decision, regarding a CONNECTION NEWSPAPERS,
out more about upcoming performances and museums to learn more and explore our his- L.L.C.
permanent vision, which does not compromise
how individuals can help with a donation, go tory. We must do all that we can to invite people
Mary Kimm
our historical integrity. The decision we make
to tcwilliamsband.wordpress.com. to make use of our historic resources already Publisher/Chief Operating Officer
today will effect an image of Alexandria in the 703-778-9433
existing within the city. [email protected]
minds of many generations to come. @MaryKimm
Sharon Dooley Secondly, museums do not make a profit;
President, T.C. Williams Band Boosters they cost a great deal to operate and to main- Jerry Vernon
Dr. Tescia Ann Yonkers Publisher/Executive Vice President
tain. All museum directors spend a great deal [email protected]
Alexandria Support of time researching and writing grants and Wesley DeBrosse
constantly raising money through fundraising Controller
Appreciative Current Museums
events and solicitation. For instance, despite Debbie Funk
National Sales, 703-778-9444
Band Boosters attracting over a million visitors every year, the [email protected]
To the Editor:
yearly operating costs for Mount Vernon are
Jeanne Theismann
I am writing to comment on the proposal by supported by admission fees (only about one- Special Assistant to the Publisher
To the Editor: some for a maritime museum as part of the 703-778-9436
third of the yearly total needed), gift shop and [email protected]
The T.C. Williams Band Boosters would like
Waterfront Plan. As a former chair of the His- @TheismannMedia
restaurant sales, and donations.
to thank all those who have made our fall
toric Alexandria Resources Commission for six The care of our historic treasures requires A Connection Newspaper
fundraising efforts a huge success.
years, I fully understand the interest in cel-
continuous vigilance and resources that should The Alexandria Gazette Packet is distributed weekly
First, our annual TAG Day netted over ebrating our maritime history and the desire to selected homes in the City of Alexandria.
be directed to those sites, not a new museum. Any owners or occupants of premises that do not
$18,000. This money, which is spread out over to educate citizens and visitors about the cen- wish to receive the paper can notify the publisher
For many years the Historic Alexandria Re- by telephone at 703-917-6480 or by email to
the five ensembles at T.C., pays for scholar- tral role of the Potomac River in our history; [email protected], and the
sources Commission advocated for the main- distributor will be notified to discontinue service.
ships, concert attire, musical instruments and
however a new museum is not needed nor is it
other equipment, music, transportation to com-
in the best interests of the city. See Letters, Page 30
10 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 8-14, 2011 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com