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Alexandria Gazette Packet 25 Cents Vol. CCXXVI, No. 17 Serving Alexandria for over 200 years • A Connection Newspaper April 29, 2010 Last-Minute Changes City Council members suggest additions and deletes in final round of budget negotiations. Celebrating Earth Day By Michael Lee Pope Gazette Packet T axpayers can expect a higher tax bill and a C o new tax to pay for u r stormwater-manage- te s ment. Once again, commercial- y o property owners have dodged a f t bullet on the possibility they might he have to pay a higher tax rate than C it residential property taxpayers. y o Drivers can expect higher fees for f A parking. And homeowners are l e x about to get the option of using a n tte larger recycling bins. These are dr ze some of the issues where members ia a G of the Alexandria City Council Fixing stormwater problems such as this one are likely / ft have come to an agreement. to be funded by a dedicated part of the tax rate rather f ra But it ain’t over yet. than a user fee that would be based on the amount of K e Many key issues remain unre- impervious surface on a particular property. s ui solved, including what is perhaps o L the most important action the City entered the final frenzied days of of items to add or delete from City by Council will take all year — set- negotiation. The horse-trading cul- Manager Jim Hartmann’s pro- os ting a tax rate. With this year’s minated in a four-hour session posed budget. It ended with a t o budget season only days from Monday night, when council mem- h P completion, council members have bers arrived at City Hall with a list See Last-Minute, Page 34 Montie Kust ceremoniously plants a Bald Cypress tree on the hillside at Ben Brenman Park during the Arlandria Daze Police Department cracks city’s Earth Day activities last Saturday. Kust is the down on individuals who recipient of the second annual Ellen Pickering Envi- ronmental Excellence Award. She was selected by the are drunk in public. City of Alexandria’s Environmental Policy Commis- By Michael Lee Pope sion and the Alexandria Sanitation Authority. Gazette Packet T he streets of Arlandria are of crime, and so the crackdown Arlandria’s leading Hispanic advo- known for many things — was intended to prevent crime by cacy group. “It’s telling because it a rich and vibrant His- taking the drunks off the street. shows how the city responds dif- panic community, restaurants spe- Meanwhile, budget cuts have re- ferentially to problems that affect cializing in Central American cui- duced the substance-abuse treat- different parts of the community, sine and the annual summertime ment options and expanded and I would argue that they might Chirilagua festival. But this neigh- waitlists, prompting an expansion have found a different alternative borhood near the Arlington bor- of last-resort services at the jail. if higher concentrations of arrests der has a dark side. According to “This speaks to a broader trend were made in other parts of the the Alexandria Police Department, that tends to criminalize people of city.” it’s become the central focus of an color,” said Lucero Beebe-Giudice ongoing effort to crack down on of Tenants and Workers United, See Cracking, Page 22 people charged with being drunk in public. In the first three months of 41322 AV ,airdnaxelA 2010, police officials conducted ,.tS gniK 4061 :oT Jane Yeingst of the Buddy Ford Nature Center detseuqeR ecivreS sserddA what they call a “suppression de- brought a few of the nature center residents to the .lairetam tail” in Arlandria, cracking down Earth Day festival on Saturday, April 24. Here Yeingst evitisnes-emiT on public intoxication and increas- :retsamtsoP is showing a young female American snapping turtle ing arrests for drunk in public 300 noitnettA to a group of children. When fully grown, the turtle percent. Police say Arlandria resi- 284# timreP will weigh-in at 75 pounds. The Buddy Ford Nature AV ,airdnaxelA dents who are drunk in public are DIAP Center, is located at 5750 Sanger Avenue. egatsoP .S.U more likely to become the victims DTS TRSRP www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ April 29 - May 5, 2010 ❖ 1 2 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ April 29 - May 5, 2010 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Council Notebook Bypassing Old Town Runners who participate in the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon Race will take the path of least resistance. According to a unanimous vote of the Alexandria City Council, that means bypassing a proposed route through the streets of Old Town. In- stead, council members approved a plan Tuesday night that will route runners coming south from Fairfax County directly from Washington Street to the bridge and into Maryland. Race organizer Endurance Enterprises president Steve Nearman hoped to persuade the elected leaders to route 4,000 runners through several south Old Town streets before hopping on the bridge and heading toward National Harbor. But he hit the wall Tuesday night at City Hall. Although Councilwoman Ali- cia Hughes trotted out a motion to approve the Old Town route, none of her colleagues were willing to follow her lead. “I don’t really see the benefit to the city,” said Councilman Paul Smedberg. “It’s not starting here, and it’s not ending here.” Smedberg said he was particularly disappointed that the race organizer failed to reach out to individual council members in an effort to explain the request. And City Manager Jim Hartmann said he was concerned that high-end grocer Balducci’s might lose business. As the finish line approached, it was clear that council members were more concerned about inconveniencing Old Town Welcome drivers than offering a route for thousands of runners. “We want to participate,” said Councilwoman Del Pepper. “But The parking lot behind we need to do it in a way that’s the least intrusive.” the Tenants Workers United on Mount Vernon Rejecting Advice Avenue overflowed with residents waiting for the Few advisory bodies have the clout of the Budget and Fiscal arrival of Gaby, Luis, Affairs Advisory Committee — a body that’s probably better known Felipe and Carlos and the by its meaty acronym BFAAC (pronounced BEEF-ack). But that delegation of the “Trail doesn’t mean that elected leaders who appoint its members al- of Dreams” on Monday ways take their advice. evening, April 26. Take this year, for example. The advisory body suggested that council members support an “add-on tax” that would create a commercial tax rate three cents higher than the residential tax rate. In their annual report, committee members explained they Photos by Louise Krafft/ felt this would fund needed transportation projects and reduce Gazette Gaby, Luis, Felipe and Carlos — undocumented students the burden on residential taxpayers. But council members are — introduce themselves to the crowd and describe certain to ignore that advice, according to the council’s prelimi- their trip walking from Florida and their hopes for nary add/delete session Monday night. immigration reform. Then there’s the matter of paying for stormwater projects. Mem- bers of the advisory committee supported a plan that would raise money through a user-fee approach designed to reflect the rela- Railroad construction project tive proportion of impervious surface area located on the prop- Whistle Stop erty. But City Council members indicated this week that they are prompts train whistle. more likely to dedicate a portion of the tax rate for this purpose. Yet again, score one against BFAAC. “Well,” shrugged vice chairman Jim Butler. “Them’s the By Michael Lee Pope tracks. That means a whole lot of Day.” breaks.” Gazette Packet whistling is going on in Alexan- The expanded capacity is A dria. needed to facilitate more frequent Back to the Future lexandria has become a “The neighborhood is really up- and reliable service for Amtrak whistle stop town — in set about it,” said Mindy Lyle, and Virginia Railway Express. Rail- Just when you thought it was safe to celebrate Confederate more ways than one. president of the Cameron Civic road workers are working to re- History Month, Alexandria officials are plotting their strategy for Trains have been a regular feature Association. “During the day it’s place an existing one-track bridge commemorating the Civil War. Or is that the War Between the of city life here since before the fine, but people who live near the built in 1904 with a new double- States? Perhaps it’s the War of Northern Aggression. Civil War. But lately they’ve been train tracks are losing sleep over track bridge constructed with two Yes, the South is rising again. making a ruckus. All over Alexan- this.” million pounds of steel and 12,000 But at the old Union artillery fort along Braddock Road, an- dria, the sound of train whistles The project is part of a larger bolts. The new bridge is being as- other story is just beginning to be unearthed. The gravesites of has been heard at all hours of the effort to construct a third “main- sembled on the construction site long-forgotten African-Americans, long desecrated by a mainte- night and day. line” railroad track between adjacent to the existing bridge, nance yard where city vehicles parked, have now been cleared. The reason for the noise is Fredericksburg and Washington, and it will be rolled into place Archeological investigation has identified at least 38 potential simple — construction. D.C. The Alexandria railroad when assembly is complete. burials, and more could be discovered as the project moves for- For months, CSX workers have bridge replacement is the link be- “The whistling doesn’t bother ward. By the time, the sesquesentiallial begins next year, Fort been constructing a new bridge tween seven miles of new “main- me so much,” said Dak Hardwik, Ward could have a counter-narrative for the story of Johnny over the Norfolk Southern line line” beginning at the Franconia- who lives near the construction Reb and Billy Yank. Meanwhile, Office of Historic Alexandria near Cameron Run Regional Park. Springfield VRE station in Fairfax site. “What keeps me up at night director Lance Mallamo has cordoned potential gravesites with The construction project involved County and continuing to is all the noise coming from Nor- old fence posts from his former home in New York. workers on site, which means that Alexandria’s Union Station. folk Southern’s ethanol “It’s a completely green solution,” he told City Council mem- people are around when the trains “They’re about a month behind transloading operation.” bers Tuesday night. “And it didn’t cost the city a penny.” barrel though the area. According schedule because of the snow- The whistling will stop soon. But to federal regulation, engineers storm,” said city spokesman Tony the ethanol operation — and all — Michael Lee Pope are required to blow the whistle Castrilli. “The goal is to have the the related noise — is expected to when they see people near the new bridge in place by Memorial continue indefinitely. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ April 29 - May 5, 2010 ❖ 3 News Bagpiper Marsha Bell leads off the 2008 Walkathon. She will be at the head of the line again this year. Walkathon This Sunday Achievement Recognized The Alexandria Detention Center hosted a GED graduation cer- emony on April 22. Fundraiser benefits Blankenship, director of ALIVE! CDC, the Center’s mission is to provide high-qual- Photos by LaShawn Avery/The Gazette ALIVE! Child ity, affordable early education and care to the children of Alexandria’s working fami- Development Center. lies. “Our program has just three classrooms and a maximum enrollment of 38 children,” By Sandy Levitz Lunner Blankenship said. “Because of our small Gazette Packet size, staff, children, parents, and volunteers I get to know each other and appreciate each t’s time for Alexandrians to put on other’s gifts.” their walking shoes for the 29th an- Walkers will gather at the First Christian nual Step ALIVE! Walkathon this Sun- Church, 2723 King Street, at 1:30 p.m. for day, May 2. ALIVE! (ALexandrians the 5-mile walk through Old Town. The InVolved Ecumenically), is a nonprofit or- event includes entertainment on the Mar- ganization of volunteers from more than 40 ket Square Plaza during the walk and a pic- religious congregations and the community nic immediately following the walk back at working together to help those in need in First Christian Church. Alexandria. Registration fees are $10 for adults, $5 Step ALIVE! Walkathon benefits the for seniors and youth and no fee for chil- ALIVE! Child Development Center (CDC) dren under 12. Walkers are encouraged to which was recently awarded a four-star raise additional funds through pledges of Guest speaker Police Chief Earl rating from Virginia’s new early childhood support from friends, family and associates. Cook talks to the inmates before education rating program — the highest For more information call 703-837-9321, or the GED certificates are pre- Melvin Parks receives his GED rating awarded to date. According to Pam visit the website at www.alive-inc.org. sented. certificate. Krista Sofonia, adult education coordinator, stands with the in- mates before the GED ceremony begins at the Alexandria Detention New Mode Grass, a bluegrass band that played in the rain at Market Center on Thursday, April 22. Square during last year’s Walkathon, will be featured again at this year’s event. 4 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ April 29 - May 5, 2010 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ April 29 - May 5, 2010 ❖ 5 Alexandria/Old Town 121 N. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 703-549-8700 www.weichert.com THINKING OF A REAL ESTATE CAREER? Call Kim Farina at the Alexandria/Old Town Office. SE MIRINDAGREY W AVIRLWLIACGKE Alexandria $2,385,000 Warwick Village Alex./Del Ray $869,000 Expansive custom home w/5 bedrooms, 6.5 baths, a fabulous Delightful 3 level, 3 bedroom, 2 bath TH w/updated baths and ALL NEW Three finished levels w/4 bedrooms, & 2 baths. Renovated from guest & pool house. Surrounded by .75 acres of perennial gardens kitchen & yard. New HVAC & new windows. The best street in Warwick as it top to bottom! Situated on a triple lot w/a tiered deck & detached & mature trees! Convenient to Old Town, D.C. & Arlington. is across from the single family homes. Everything is done, so move right in! garage! Blocks to Metro, shops & restaurants on “The Avenue.” 3601 Tupelo Place 2913 Mosby Street 402 E. Luray Avenue Christine Garner 703-587-4855 Julie Hall 703-786-3634 Christine Garner 703-586-4855 K BRAHDEIDGOHCTS PRNICEWE NP ERIWC E TPAraylre kth$exirs.5-/ Go8Orna2 lyfdo, D5r Tis0siotg0rhiwcst!n BleevaeAul$ twli3ef/u39xl bga9aen,rd9adrgo9reo9i ma3-s, home w/3 bedrooms wood floors, kitchen & 2.5+.5 baths built 2007. Close to 2 w/island & eating Metros, so leave the space. Large deck car! Features include backs to tree line. high ceilings, wood Family room flrs, amazing kitchen w/SS, granite & w/fireplace. Low cabinets galore! condo fees. Guest Private fenced patio parking. Easy access Alexandria $849,000 for evening enjoyment to all major highways. Expanded 3 bedroom, 3 bath home on quiet dead-end lane less & BBQs. than a mile to METRO! Family rm/breakfast rm addition plus 2 upper 219 A West Street 387 Picket Street level bedroom suites! Detached garage, screened porch & fireplace. Sandy #54 206 Locust Lane McConville Mary Smith Christine Garner 703-586-4855 703-402-1567 703-626-9207 O UP NE ND A Y ThreAe$ lb4ee2xdar9on,o9md3,r 27i abath G RBE UA YT TOMTAOLDLEYLED! S TH w/beautiful cul-de- E sac location on hill R overlooking trees. Updated kitchen w/pass-thru to Living Room. Sliding glass doors from walk-out LL. Minutes to Del Ray & Old Town. 3009 Hickory Street Leslie Alexandria $450,000 Alexandria $690,000 Rodriguez Tucked away in a cul-de-sac, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath single Over 3,200 SF w/6 bedrooms & 3 full baths, fully finished LL family home has a partially finished LL & 2-car garage. Easy opening to brick patio & beautiful yard. Guest/in-law suite, 703-400-3010 access to major highways in Valley View Estates. office & family room. Easy access to all main roads. Cindy Baggett 6005 John Roccato Court 1316 Ivanhoe Street 703-593-1416 Kendra Whitaker•Jason Shine 703-350-4731 Mary Smith 703-626-9207 CASMTEARTIOONN SlouandA-$eflid3lel ew6xda/5 c2n,u-0ldse0tvroe0imal TH HISTHOORIM EC features, interior design & incredible upgrades. Bordered by parkland, this 2 bedroom end unit has fenced brick patio, 1-car garage & large covered balcony off the master bedroom Alexandria $1,090,000 Alexandria $1,695,000 w/sitting area. Totally renovated & expanded! Three levels, 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths, 3 Classic renovated circa 1800’s home. Fine finished thru-out, 5080 English wood-burning fireplaces, landscaped yard w/slate patio & full outside elegant crown moldings & chair rails, decorative plasterwork, 10-ft Terrace #483 kitchen. LL w/ huge in-law suite or private office, family rm & exercise rm. ceilings & high-end kitchen. Screen porch, huge patio, wine cellar Melanie Trainer 6212 Tally Ho Lane & 1-car garage. 213 S. Columbus Street 703-447-5860 Gary Chute 703-371-9926 Mary Hurlbut 703-548-4741 VViissiitt UUss aatt WWeeiicchheerrtt..ccoomm ffoorr aa ffuullll LLiissttiinngg ooff NNeeww PPrrooppeerrttiieess 6 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ April 29 - May 5, 2010 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News In Response to Your Requests… ALEXANDRIA LIGHTING & SUPPLY ... is making some changes! Starting WEDNESDAY APRIL 7th, Photos by Sandy Levitz Lunner/Gazette Packet The cast of “Chicago” performs “All That Jazz.” Senior Madeline Bryan as Velma Kelly we are Open Every Wednesday! (center). 7:30AM - 7:00PM T.C. Ready To Razzle Dazzle ALEXANDRIA LIGHTING & SUPPLY Drama department added that she and her colleague, Executive Producer 701 No. Henry St., Alexandria, VA Hope E. Bachman-Miller are proud of their Drama presents musical “Chicago” Department students. 703-548-2320 “They are young, talented, and eager to learn and www.alexandrialighting.com this weekend and next. grow as actors and actresses that can also sing and Ample Free Parking dance. They are what we call a ‘Triple Threat’ in the theatre business. I can’t wait to challenge these ac- By Sandy Levitz Lunner tors to bigger and better things in future T.C. Will- Gazette Packet iams Productions,” Jones said. S The cast includes: Seniors Madeline Bryan as Velma ix-time Tony Award-winning Broadway mu- Kelly and Kyle Travers, Student Director; Juniors sical, “Chicago” is a tale of fame, fortune, Zachary Frank as Billy Flynn, Dafna Bliss, Student and “all that jazz.” And Alexandrians have Stage Manager; Sophomores Kirby Porterfield as an opportunity to hear the show-stopping Roxie Hart, Brielle Welch as Matron Mama Morton, songs and see amazing dancing in their own back- and Samuel Jones as Amos. yard when the musical opens this Friday at T.C. Wil- “Chicago” opens this Friday, April 30 with shows liams High School. on Saturday, May 1, Friday, May 7, and Saturday, Executive Director for “Chicago” and T.C. Williams May 8 which is the performance that will be judged drama teacher Leslie A. Jones says she is excited for The Cappies, a high school critics and awards about directing her second dance musical at T.C. program involving more than 50 schools in the Vir- Williams. Her dance musical directing debut was ginia, Maryland and D.C. areas. “Little Shop of Horrors.” All shows start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults “The students have been great to work with and I and $6 for ACPS employees, students, and senior know they are enjoying themselves,” said Jones. She citizens. T.C. Williams students perform “He Had It Coming” from the musical, “Chicago.” www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ April 29 - May 5, 2010 ❖ 7 People Surviving Against All Odds Metro crash victim tells her story. was OK, she replied yes but pointed to the ground and said, ‘I don’t think she is.’ I moved around By Gale Curcio vilian employee I work with the debris, and heard someone Gazette Packet named Marty Griffith,” said yelling at me that the line was still A Oglesby. “We boarded the Red Line ‘hot’ [referring to the power rail manda Breeding re- coming out of Silver Springs, Md., for the train] and to ‘stay the f*** members flying after a site visit of a location where away from it.’ I assured him that I through the air. She we are holding a function for our was OK and needed to get to the does not remember upcoming PR Conference in Au- girl on the ground. He told me to landing. Breeding also doesn’t re- gust. We loaded the Metro in ‘be careful.’ member the first seven operations Takoma and were headed for con- “Once I got around the debris I she had following the Metro crash necting lines at Union Station. saw a young woman, mid 20’s ly- on June 22, 2009. There were six cars and we en- ing flat on her back. Obvious Living in Maryland at the time, tered the fifth car at the station, wounds were evisceration of the Breeding had originally planned to initially standing, we both decided upper portion of her right leg with visit her parents, Jim and Dorothy that it would be better to sit. We minimal bleeding. A large avulsion Breeding, that day. Her parents stopped a couple of times and the wound over her left breast (but no live in Del Ray and own Breeding conductor announced that we had sign of puncture), and her left arm Construction, Inc. to wait for some maintenance was cut in a spiral from her wrist However, her father was recov- problems but would be moving to her elbow. She was losing a lot ering from surgery for kidney shortly. After a third stop the con- of blood, possibly arterial from this stones and her mother suggested ductor didn’t say anything and as wound. I talked with her and con- that she come another day. She we were slowly starting to move tinued my assessment while apply- decided to visit a friend in Virginia, forward we were plowed from ing pressure to her arm to keep it and boarded the Red Line in Mary- behind by another Metro [car]. pressed against her stomach. land. The train was unusually “We were knocked around in our “Marty returned with two shirts crowded that day, so instead of seats along with everyone else and that he got from other passengers. boarding one of the middle cars, after getting to our feet I asked I used one to loosely bandage her she headed up to the first train. Marty if he was OK; he nodded leg and the other to apply pres- She chose a seat near the front of and I said ‘let’s go help.’ We made sure on the arm. Her name was the train, but gave it up when an our way through the connecting Amanda. She was alert, responsive older woman and her husband doors asking and moving people but complaining of difficulty boarded. Breeding later claimed along and directing them to the breathing. I moved between the the seat right behind the train con- front of the train. Upon arriving victims several times to check on ductor. to the end of the last car there was everyone but knew I had to focus “I was sitting there. The train one gentleman dazed and wander- my attention to the girl Amanda. came to a complete stop and I re- ing around. He had blood on him Upon returning she asked me not member flying through the air,” and I asked if he was OK, he said to leave again. I noticed that she Courtesy photo Breeding said. “I went through the it wasn’t his blood. We all looked was starting to close her eyes more This was what was left of the first rail car of the second Plexiglas and hit the ground.” up and noticed that blood was and seemed to be having increas- train lifted upward. The next thing she remembers dripping through the top of the car. ing difficulty breathing.” is lying on the ground next to the I told the man to get to the front Breeding said that she wasn’t to help me try and get Amanda prepare the site for putting her on train. “I heard a bunch of people of the train and get out. I looked panicking at this point. “When I bandaged up a bit better. I put a a backboard and to give room at screaming and crying. I heard out the north side of the car doors tried to move [and couldn’t] — roll of gauze at the joint of her el- her head to facilitate putting on somebody yelling, ‘My mom’s foot and didn’t see anyone then looked that’s when I panicked.” bow in order to help slow the the neck brace.” is stuck.’ I knew that the trains had out the south side, where I noticed Oglesby tended to Breeding, but bleeding. I also applied bandages crashed and I could just smell several bodies on the ground that also kept triaging and assessing to her leg and while doing so de- “I REMEMBER being put on the burning around me.” were yelling and crying. I tried to the other people. He remembers bris was falling on my back from helicopter and people talking to She remembers two men and a pry open the doors and Marty lo- Breeding saying, “Don’t leave me.” the Fire Department trying to get me, but I don’t remember the he- girl talking to her as she lay on the cated and activated the emergency He estimates that emergency victims off the roof of the rail car licopter ride or getting to the hos- ground. One of those men was door locks.” personnel arrived on the scene next to us. Someone was yelling pital,” said Breeding. Dennis Oglesby, who had been about 24 minutes after the crash. for them to stop when a large pipe With the help of a couple of riding on the car that was struck TRAINED AS A MEDIC while in Oglesby and the injured passen- fell at some point and hit me and firefighters and some of the pas- by the train that Breeding was Special Ops, Oglesby immediately gers were in a tight area between Amanda. sengers, they got Breeding on the traveling in. He and Marty Griffith went into action and started a wire fence and the Metro car. A “Chris arrived with oxygen and board and passed through to were headed back to the Pentagon triaging and assessing the injured. firefighter named Chris ap- a mask which we put on Amanda, emergency personnel. Oglesby from a site visit. It was the first All the while, Griffith was there proached Oglesby and asked who who was becoming increasingly and Griffith continued to assist time he had ever taken the Red helping him, as were other passen- he was. more unresponsive and was going other passengers. After about two Line. gers. A young couple was sitting “I told him my name was Den- in and out of consciousnesses. and a half hours, they headed As soon as he felt the impact, he near the fence with some injuries nis, and he said, ‘No who are you, Chris was still searching for a neck through the fence that had been knew that something had hap- and he attended to them. He saw what do you do?’ I told him I was brace and backboard. I informed cut to get the victims out, walked pened. He was seated in the sec- a girl named Molly and asked if in the Army, Special Forces, and him that Amanda was becoming to the Fort Totten station, jumped ond train and was jostled around. she was OK. She said she was PK, Chris said, ‘You’re doing a good increasingly more unresponsive on the subway and headed back Both he and Griffith immediately but said that there was another girl job, stay with her and tell me what and we needed to move her to an to work. headed towards the back of the who really needed help. you need.’ I told him I needed O2, ambulance ASAP. I said that we Being trained as a medic, he had train, but the door had jammed. “I looked up to see a young bandages, neck brace and a needed to get her a neck brace and no trepidations about boarding the They directed people to the front woman across from some more backboard. He handed me a pack get her on a backboard. While we Metro. “As a paratrooper, we of the train where they were able debris that had come from the and said, ‘There are gloves in the were waiting for the other medi- learned that if you have a prob- to activate an emergency switch. train. She had blood and dirt all top if you need them.’ While Chris cal gear I asked a few people to lem with your parachute, you grab over her face; she was staring at was locating the other medical help me move some of the debris “I WAS TRAVELLING with a ci- me. I stood up and asked her if she gear I asked one of the passengers from around Amanda in order to See Surviving, Page 9 8 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ April 29 - May 5, 2010 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com People Surviving [Breeding] would make it through been traveling on it that day. and we told her not to come. We ing pumped in and her wounds the night. We felt that we had to Baker said that they needed to had no idea that she was on the were still untreated. take a shot.” come with him right away; the Metro. “She was so swollen; you They drove over to Del Ray doctors were concerned that “My heart sank when the detec- couldn’t tell it was her,” said Dor- From Page 8 where Dorothy and Jim Breeding Amanda wouldn’t make it. Dor- tive came to the door and started othy Breeding. “She looked like live with Amanda’s sister and othy Breeding and her other asking questions — ‘Are you Dor- the ‘Michelin Man.’ She had some another one, and head back up brother. Dorothy Breeding remem- daughter rode with Baker, while othy? Is your daughter Amanda? injuries to her head and a gash at in the air for another jump. bers getting a knock on their door Amanda’s father followed in the Are you aware of the [Metro] ac- the back of her head. My husband “I wasn’t sure where we were,” at 3 a.m. Baker asked if they were car. cident?” said Dorothy Breeding. and I were in disbelief.” said Oglesby, who had never been Amanda’s parents and if they knew “Amanda was supposed to come When they got to the hospital, to that part of the city. “We were about the Metro crash. They had to the house that day to get some WHEN THEY ARRIVED at the nurse explained what was go- covered with blood [from the vic- heard about the crash, but had no of her things,” said Dorothy Breed- Amanda’s hospital bed, they saw ing on. They learned that Amanda tims] and as we were walking, reason to be concerned; they ing, “But her father was recover- that her body was incredibly swol- everybody kept asking us if we didn’t realize that Amanda had ing from surgery for kidney stones len from the liquids that were be- See Surviving, Page 16 were OK.” In the meantime, Breeding was flown to Washington Hospital Cen- ter. She doesn’t remember being in the helicopter or arriving at the hospital. Her first memory after being moved from the crash scene was the next day when she woke up to see her parents and younger sister next to her hospital bed. Because Breeding’s backpack was separated from her, it took the investigators almost 12 hours to determine her identify and notify her family. At first, they thought that her name was Lucy, but then realized that was the other girl who was traveling in the same car. DETECTIVE Brian Baker arrived on the scene at 5:20 p.m. He is with the Criminal Investigation Division of the Metro Transit Po- lice Department. “My job was to find out how many people were seriously in- jured,” said Baker, who was told that there were at least five to six people who were seriously injured. He also heard from a girl named Molly about the girl named Amanda who was really badly hurt — she was ejected from the train and had cuts and bruises all over and was covered with dirt. Baker’s next job was to identify Amanda and notify her parents. They found a passport, but weren’t sure if that was Amanda. Since passports don’t contain addresses, Baker checked the FBI database, hoping that she would have worked for the government at some point, but that came up empty. Baker went to the hospital and waited until Breeding came out of surgery, hoping that he could talk to her. Once he found out that Breeding was still unconscious and placed in intensive care, he and Detective Brandon Twentymon went back to the scene, sifting through people’s property, hoping that they would find something else to identify Breeding. He went back to the hospital and held up the passport photo next to Breed- ing. She was so swollen that it was hard to tell, but they felt like there was some resemblance. It was getting late and Baker said, “They didn’t think that she www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ April 29 - May 5, 2010 ❖ 9 Opinion Alexandria Gazette Packet Outstanding Sales Professional of the Year www.AlexandriaGazette.com Newspaper of Alexandria K An independent, locally owned weekly newspaper delivered enneth B. Lourie, award-winning ability to find a Boston Red Sox fan anywhere reader exemplifies the effect his writing has to homes and businesses. 1606 King Street columnist and sales representative he goes. And he’s an award-winning colum- had: Alexandria, Virginia 22314 with the Connection Newspapers nist who isn’t afraid to write about his need “While we have not met, I want to let you and Potomac Almanac, was named for new underwear.” know how much your newspaper columns re- NEWS DEPARTMENT: To discuss ideas and concerns, Virginia Outstanding Sales Professional of the For more than 12 years, Lourie has been our lated to your cancer mean to me; I have saved Call: 703-778-9410 Year, receiving his award on Saturday, April 24, most organized and creative sales professional. them all. I can relate to many of the feelings e-mail: [email protected] at the annual advertising conference of the Disciplined, committed and tenacious, he has you write about from experience. … It is im- Virginia Press Association in Portsmouth. always been among the top performers in our pressive to see how you approach your situa- Steven Mauren Editor, 703-778-9415 It’s a bit unusual to use editorial sales staff. His medical condition is rel- tion with grace and honesty; that is the best [email protected] space to tout sales awards, but this is Editorial evant only as to the timing of this one can ask of oneself. You are doing a lot by Michael Lee Pope an unusual case. award and the recognition it provides your writing to help other people learn and go Reporter, 703-778-9437 Many of our readers are familiar with and as proof of his unbelievable tenac- through this experience with you. None of us [email protected] Lourie’s longstanding weekly humor column, ity, commitment and good humor. really knows what is ahead of one in life, and Steve Hibbard The Daze of my Life, which runs in many of Lourie’s column, The Daze of my Life, has you provide a good example of the value of Associate Editor, 703-778-9412 [email protected] our papers and on our web site. developed a loyal following and addresses approaching each day with love and hope. In the past year, Lourie has tackled the more some of the quirks and milestones of every day You can read Lourie’s columns by going to Jon Roetman Sports Editor, 703-224-3015 serious topic of his diagnosis and treatment life, but also tackling more serious topics. An www.ConnectionNewspapers.com and typing [email protected] for stage IV lung cancer in his columns, but excerpt from a recent letter he received from a “Lourie” into the search field. with the same pointed humor of his previous ADVERTISING: To place an advertisement, call the ad columns. Meanwhile, despite these challenges, Call for Mother’s Day Photos (Father’s Day Too ...) department between 9 a.m. and he remains one of our top sales performers. 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. Lourie’s award was presented by Carol Tay- Every year at this time, the Gazette puts out We prefer digital photos in .jpg format; email Display ads 703-778-9410 Classified ads 703-778-9411 lor, chairman of VPA’s Advertising Committee the call for photographs of moms and their them to Gazette@ConnectionNewspapers Employment ads 703-778-9413 and a sales executive with Richmond Times children, grandmothers and their children and .com, and write Mother’s Day Photos in the Julie Ferrill Dispatch. “This year’s Outstanding Sales Pro- grandchildren. Most years, we’re lucky subject line. Or you can mail a CD with your Display Advertising, 703-778-9446 fessional of the Year award honors the kind of enough to receive a photo or two that includes photos on it in .jpg format. [email protected] sales professional who is a role model, some- four generations, great-grandma and all the We will also accept prints, and we will do Jane Hughes one whose qualities have led to great success rest. our best to return photos that include a self- Display Advertising, 703-778-9448 [email protected] in the newspaper advertising profession,” Tay- Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 9, and once addressed-stamped envelope for that purpose, lor said in giving the award. again the Gazette will publish a gallery of but please do not send us any photos that can- Tara Lloyd Display Advertising, 703-778-9447 Taylor continued: “Among other important Mother’s Day photos, celebrating the mothers not be replaced. [email protected] attributes, this award recognizes leadership who make so many things possible in families, Send photos to Gazette@ Andrea Smith and tenacity. … It celebrates extraordinary communities, schools and other institutions in ConnectionNewspapers.com, or mail to Ga- Classified Advertising, 703-778-9411 customer service and an attitude that embraces local neighborhoods. zette, Mother’s Day Photo Gallery, 1610 King [email protected] the unprecedented change we’re seeing inside Send in photos as soon as possible, includ- Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Barbara Parkinson and outside of our industry. … Our recipient is ing information about who is in the picture, And remember, a few weeks from now it will Employment Advertising 703-778-9413 well known for his cold calling prowess and the date the picture was taken, the ages of the be time to send photos of Dads and children, [email protected] his reliance on old-school technology, like note children and sentence or two about what is grandfathers and children and grandchildren. cards. His customers rave about his flexibility, happening and the location (who, what, where, Or feel free to send your Mother’s and Father’s Publisher Jerry Vernon his patience, his attention to detail and his when, why). Day photos at the same time. Editor & Publisher Letters to the Editor Mary Kimm Editor in Chief Making Tough A lot of City contracts and consultants are Steven Mauren Snapshot required by law, e.g. for external audits, and Photography: Louise Krafft, Robbie Hammer Budget Decisions they often involve using consultants with tech- Art/Design: nical expertise City employees don’t have. Us- Geovani Flores, Laurence Foong, To the Editor: John Heinly, Wayne Shipp, ing outside consultants also allows the City to John Smith Councilwoman Hughes’ proposal to cut $7.5 temporarily “surge” resources when necessary Production Manager: million from the City budget just by cutting Jean Card without adding to the City’s payroll. contract and consulting fees is another example Editor Emeritus: Make no mistake, cutting $7.5 million in Mary Anne Weber of shortcut, “look-Ma-no-hands” budgeting that contract and consulting services means cutting avoids making tough budget decisions. City services and programs by that amount. CIRCULATION: 703-778-9427 In their book, “Governing by Network,” Circulation Manager: te And it would cripple the City’s ability to uti- Ann Oliver t Stephen Goldsmith and William Eggers de- e lize private sector and non-profit partners on z Ga scribe how governments have increasingly projects where they could implement City CONNECTION NEWSPAPERS, / come to rely “less on public employees in tra- L.L.C. afft ditional roles and more on a web of partner- poIlti’csy t memopreti nefgf icfoiern etllye.cted officials to find a PPerteesrid Leantb/oCvEiOtz Kr ships, contracts, and alliances to do the public’s deus ex machina to cut spending so they don’t Mary Kimm se work,” overseen by public sector managers. have to get their hands dirty, but the respon- Publisher/Chief Operating Officer oui Governments are finding that private sector sible thing to do is to go over the City budget [email protected] Lo by agnovde nrnomn-epnrto fpito lpiaciretns emrso rcea ne fofficteienn itmlyp alenmd eenft- line-by-line and make the hard choices. Publisher/JEexrercyu tViveer nVoicne President ot fectively than doing things in-house. Tim Lovain [email protected] h P Contracting-out is no panacea. A few years Former Member of City Council Wesley DeBrosse ago, in the same budget year, the Alexandria Controller Del Ray Farmer’s Market is brimming with new spring arriv- City Manager proposed to contract out recy- Shame on City Council NationaDl Seablbesi,e 7 F0u3n-7k78-9444 als. Bedding plants, herbs, cling services while taking mosquito eradica- [email protected] spring onions, greens, Amish tion services back in-house. I was the chair of To the Editor: A Connection Newspaper cheeses and much more fill the the City’s Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory I read in the Alexandria Gazette in the April The Alexandria Gazette Packet is distributed weekly vendor stalls at Oxford and Committee at the time and, after close exami- 22, 2010 edition, in a blurb entitled “Skyscrap- Antyo o swelneecrtes do rh oomcceusp iann ttsh eo fC pitrye mofi sAelse txhaantd drioa .not Mount Vernon Avenues every nation, we decided that both proposals were ers Approved,” how once again our city coun wibsyh tteol erpehceoinvee atht e7 p0a3p-9er1 7ca-6n4 n8o0t iofyr bthye e pmuabilli sthoer Saturday morning. sound. Every situation is different. But con- dciirsctruilbautitoonr @wiclol nbnee nctoitoinfinedew tosp daipsecrosn.ctionmu,e asnerdv itchee. tracting-out is often a good option. See Letters, Page 11 10 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ April 29 - May 5, 2010 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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were still untreated. “She was so swollen; you couldn't tell it . And it would cripple the City's ability to uti- lize private sector and non-profit partners on.
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