Alexandria

32 Pages·2016·4.38 MB·English

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Alexandria
Gazette Packet
Page 13
25 Cents
Serving Alexandria for over 200 years • A Connection Newspaper November 17, 2016
Deepening
Boundaries
Community expresses concerns
about lack of diversity
in proposed redistricting.
By Vernon Miles Even with redistricting, the Long
Gazette Packet Range Educational Facilities Plan
A says the schools’ ideal target range
lexandria City Public is between 90 and 110 percent ca-
Schools (ACPS) need to pacity. But among parents, teach-
redistrict. The lines sepa- ers, and students at the Nov. 14
rating the school districts have public forum on redistricting held
been in place for 17 years, and the at George Washington Middle
P
h demographics of the city have School, there were deep concerns
o
t shifted dramatically in that time. See Residents, Page 28
o
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ik
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er BID moves forward with mixed
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reception from business owners.
Visit from Spanish Galleon
El Galeon docks along the Alexandria waterfront Nov. 13 under a night sky illumi- By Vernon Miles The idea behind a BID is a
nated by a Super Moon that won’t be seen again until 2034. The full size replica of The Connection shared risk and shared reward.The
a 16th century Spanish galleon visited the city from Nov. 9-14 as part of an East D BID provides public space and
Coast journey to educate visitors about early European sailing techniques and epending on whom you events management, advocacy for
technology. See story, more photos, on page 14. ask, by early 2017, local businesses, and streetscape
Alexandria’s businesses improvements beyond what is pro-
along King Street could see the vided by the city. The BID would
Salute to Veterans Chamber honors
beginning of a revitalization of Old serve as a point of contact for dis-
Town retail or the burden of an- seminating information on new
veterans in business.
other unnecessary tax. A proposed policies and proposals that affect
By Jeanne Theismann or have demonstrated leadership in hiring veterans Business Improvement District businesses within its district.
Gazette Packet and transitioning service members. Also honored (BID), discussed in the city for “We can do something more co-
C were @home real estate, the Animal Welfare League over 10 years, is finally making ordinated and beautiful with
harlie Euripides, a Korean War veteran and of Alexandria, Mr. Handyman of Northern Virginia - progress towards City Council con- streetscapes,” said Stephanie
longtime owner of the Royal Restaurant, Arlington to Haymarket, and Sonoma Cellar. sideration in the fall and potential Landrum, president and CEO of
received a standing ovation as he was pre- Keynote remarks were provided by Barbara Carson, implementation in early 2017. See Business, Page 30
sented with the 2016 Distinguished Patriot Award at associate administrator, Office of Veterans Business
the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce Salute to Vet- Development of the U.S. Small Business Administra- 41322 AV ,airdnaxelA
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erans reception Nov. 10 at George Washington’s tion.
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Mount Vernon Estate. “Veteran entrepreneurs are a driving force in our
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“I am deeply humbled and grateful for this honor,” economy,” said Carson. “Nearly one in every 10 evitisnes-emiT
said Euripides as he accepted the award from Cham- American businesses today is owned by a veteran :retsamtsoP
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ber board chairman Robert Shea. “This means so and veteran-owned businesses collectively employ
much to me and my family.” more than 5 million workers and generate receipts 284# timreP
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In addition to Euripides, the Chamber of Commerce in excess of $1.2 trillion. The SBA is proud to join DIAP
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recognized four businesses that are veteran owned See Salute to Veterans, Page 6 DTS TRSRP
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ November 17-23, 2016 ❖ 1
2 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ November 17-23, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
Alexandria Gazette Editor Steven Mauren
703-778-9415 or [email protected]
Remembering the Fallen
Ceremony honors local veterans.
By Jeanne Theismann
Gazette Packet
T
he service and sacrifice of local
veterans was honored during a
Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 11
at the Mount Vernon Recreation
Center. Hosted by the Friends of Rocky
Versace, the ceremony included a reading
of the 67 names of Alexandrians who were
killed or reported missing in action during
the Vietnam War. James Spengler, director
of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities,
recited the name of his brother, Army Capt.
Henry Spengler, a 1959 graduate of the U.S.
Military Academy at West Point and class- P
h
mate of Humbert “Rocky” Versace. o
t
o
Participating in the ceremony were St. s
b
Rita Cub Scout Pack 522, St. Rita Ameri- y
J
can Heritage Girls Troop 1381, and mem- o
h
bers of the Anna Marie Fitzhugh Chapter James Spengler, director of Recre- n
B
of the National Society of the Daughters of ation, Parks and Cultural Activities, o
r
the American Revolution. recites the name of his brother, d
n
Special tribute was paid to Versace, a Capt. Henry Spengler, a West Point er
posthumous Medal of Honor recipient, by graduate and classmate of Rocky Members of the West Point class of 1959 prepare to place a wreath in
his West Point classmates, who placed a Versace who was killed in action in honor of Humbert “Rocky” Versace and all Alexandria veterans at the
wreath honoring all those who have served. Vietnam in 1972. Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 11 at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center.
Paul Berman of Buglers Across Members of the Historical Trumpets and Flutes of the U.S. Army Old St. Rita American Heritage Girls
America prepares to play Taps to Guard Fife and Drum Corps perform patriotic music to open the Veter- Troop 1381 leads the audience in
close the ceremony. ans Day ceremony Nov. 11 at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center. the Pledge of Allegiance.
Gracias, Dhonnobad, Shukran, Amesegenalehu
Alexandria’s uninsured
fair. Translation: “Thanks and blessings to all of the
generous people who helped to make this program a
express thanks for
reality. The Hispanic community is grateful.” By
Another woman wrote on her exit interview: St
free health fair. e
“Gracias por ayudar con informacion y servica para ph
a
montenemos saludables.” “Thank you for helping n
By GEadzeentt Be rPoacwknet with information and services so we can keep ie C
healthy.” a
T ff
“Those two quotes for me represent the sum total ar
he expressions of gratitude for the free health e
of why we do these fairs,” said Richard Merritt, a l
fair, organized by the Alliance for Richard Merritt, Councilman Tim Lovain, Dan Hawkins,
founding member of the Alliance for Alexandria’s
Alexandria’s Uninsured, moved many of and Dr. John Klousia at the health fair. Merritt said,
Uninsured and an organizer of the Fair.
those who volunteered at the fair. “Gracias “Without Tim Lovain’s budget amendment, the Alliance
The health fair on Nov. 4 was financed without
Bendiciones a todo generosas que aludan a ser wouldn’t have had the money to expand primary care in
any city funding and totally through the contribu-
realidad este programa. La Comunidad hispana the city and would never have even attempted to orga-
agradecida,” said a Spanish-speaking woman at the See Uninsured's Gratitud, Page 8 nize another fair.”
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ November 17-23, 2016 ❖ 3
News
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At the Oct. 28 groundbreaking for the National Industries for the
Blind headquarters building at Potomac Yard are, from left, NIB
board chair Jeanne Morin; NIB president and CEO Kevin Lynch;
Mayor Allison Silberberg; and NIB board vice chair William Carty.
Vision for the Future
National Industries
for the Blind
breaks ground
in Potomac Yard.
By Jeanne Theismann
Gazette Packet
T
he Alexandria-based National In-
Alexandria Deputy Sheriff Todd
dustries for the Blind held a
Stubblefield, right, with Keith
groundbreaking ceremony Oct. 28
Tyson of Blind Industries and
to formally begin construction on a new
Services of Maryland, who sang the
100,000-square foot headquarters building
National Anthem.
at The Exchange at Potomac Yard.
“This is an exciting day for us,” said NIB space will be located on the ground floor.
president and CEO Kevin Lynch. “This new Expected to open in mid-2018, the build-
building will ensure that we can continue ing will incorporate universal design ele-
to perform our mission well into the future.” ments and provide an expanded training
Founded 78 years ago, NIB is a nonprofit facility utilizing advanced accessibility tech-
organization and the nation’s largest em- nologies.
ployment resource for people who are blind. “This is a historic milestone for NIB, our
Currently located at Braddock Metro, the employees and the associated nonprofit
company has been in Alexandria since 1994. agencies we support,” Lynch said. “Our in-
“The mission of NIB cannot be over- vestment and commitment to creating new
stated,” said Mayor Allison Silberberg. employment opportunities for people who
“With the unemployment rate of working are blind is truly coming to fruition with
age blind Americans at 70 percent, this is a the start of construction.”
noble mission and it is an honor to have The NIB building will be located directly
you here in the City of Alexandria.” across from the Potomac Yard Metro Sta-
The new headquarters building will stand tion, scheduled to open in 2020, and next
seven stories tall with NIB occupying 53,000 door to the future site of the Institute for
square feet of office space. An additional Defense Analyses.
40,000 square feet of office space will be Partnering with NIB in the construction
available and 7,000 square feet of retail of the new headquarters are MRP Realty
and The JBG Companies, who are co-de-
veloping The Exchange at Potomac Yard.
Correction
The Exchange at Potomac Yard is an ap-
proximately two million square foot devel-
The Nov. 10 edition of the Gazette
opment that includes more than 500 units
Packet incorrectly identified Jan and
of residential apartments and a 65,000-
Jay Test as owners of 117-123 S.
square foot Giant grocery store.
Union Street. The buildings are
“Today represents the culmination of
owned by Vicki Warren under the 121
many years of planning,” said NIB board
South Union Street LLC. The Test fam-
chair Jeanne Morin. “But now we are posi-
ily operates Union Street Public House
tioned for many years of success. For NIB,
Restaurant as tenants of the building.
the best is yet to come.”
For more information, visit NIB.org.
4 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ November 17-23, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
ACPS remains silent on boy’s basketball coach dismissal.
Coach Addresses School Board TC. Hill also said he had not received proper building character,” said Edwin Buckner,
notice from the schools about his termina- former athletic director at Ballou High
tion. School in D.C. “Coach Hill [has built char-
By Vernon Miles to $200. Dolan said whether the local school
According to Virginia Code and School acter] for young black men in this area. We
Gazette Packet district pursues disciplinary action is up to
Board Policy, teacher contracts regarding talk about the importance of setting a good
I their discretion.
termination do not apply to coaching posi- role model. That’s what Coach Hill does.
t’s been two weeks since Coach Bryan At a School Board meeting on Nov. 10,
tions. Loss of supplemental pay requires He is a person that raises young men to be
Hill was dismissed as head coach of the Hill asked to have the ban on coaching and
reasonable notice to be given, but the defi- productive citizens.”
T.C. Williams boy’s basketball team. Hill his do-not-contact order with team mem-
nition of reasonable notice in this scenario Hill and other parents on the team have
was allegedly removed from his position for bers removed; the room was full of support-
is not specified in the statute. accused School Board member Bill
driving a student home from practice in a ers. Hill said he recognized that the policy
Parents of basketball students and other Campbell of using is influence as a School
personal vehicle and for holding practices had been violated, but said there were ex-
athletic representatives from around the Board member to pressure the schools into
on Sunday, both of which are prohibited by ceptions and alternatives that the school
region attended the meeting and spoke in letting go of Hill. Alexandria City Public
the Virginia High School League (VHSL). system had never explored. Parents said that
support of Hill. Schools and Campbell have maintained si-
According to Tom Dolan from the VHSL, il- some students from the team are taking al-
“It’s not about wins and losses, it’s about lence on the issue.
legal practices could come with a fine of up gebra, a subject Hill teaches and tutors at
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ November 17-23, 2016 ❖ 5
People
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Salute to Veterans to
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From Page 1 which was sponsored by Cotton & e
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the Alexandria Chamber of Com- Company. h
e
merce in honoring these local vet- “The Alexandria Chamber is ism
eran-owned businesses, just as we deeply proud to honor these busi- an
n
are proud to celebrate the success nesses and distinguished patriot /
G
of veterans, reservists, members of and thank them for their service az
the National Guard and service- both on and off the battlefield,” et
t
disabled veterans as they start and said Chamber of Commerce presi- e P
grow their small businesses.” dent and CEO Joe Haggerty. “Their ac
k
U.S. Sen. Mark Warner provided commitment to our country and et
each recipient with a personalized Alexandria should never be forgot- Distinguished Patriot recipient Charlie Euripides, third from right, with fellow mem-
congratulatory letter and flag and ten and we greatly appreciate their bers of American Legion Post 24. Pictured are Post 24 commander Doug Gurka, Henry
former Gov. Jim Gilmore, an Army continued service to strengthening Dorton, Jim Glassman, Charlie Euripides, 2015 Distinguished Patriot recipient Warden
veteran, attended the celebration and enhancing our community.” Foley and John Bordner.
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Charlie Euripides, a Korean War veteran and owner of Former Virginia governor ac
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the Royal Restaurant, is applauded by Chamber of and Army veteran Jim e
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Commerce board chair Robert Shea as he accepts the Gilmore, left, with Ameri- Air Force veteran John Bordner, left, with Lawson
2016 Distinguished Patriot Award at the Salute to can Legion Post 24 com- Moore and award winner Elizabeth Myllenbeck of
Veterans ceremony Nov. 10 at Mount Vernon Estate. mander Doug Gurka. Sonoma Cellar.
Shining Stars
SSA honors program volunteers.
S
enior Services of Alexan-
dria honored individuals
who have made a signifi-
cant contribution to various
SSA programs at its annual Vol-
unteer Appreciation luncheon
Nov. 3 at the Durant Arts Cen-
ter.
Volunteers of the Year for
each program include: Meals
on Wheels – Bobbie and Patrick
O’Brien; Friendly Visitor –
Alexandra Johnson; Groceries
P
to Go – Carolyn Cain; and Edu- h
o
cation and Outreach – Steve t
o
Cordle. Meals On Wheels vol- s C
unteer coordinator Dolores o
n
Viehman was presented with t
r
the Superstar award from Di- ibu
t
rector of Community Outreach e
d
MaryAnne Beatty. Meals On Wheels volunteer
Mayor Allison Silberberg and coordinator Dolores
Sheriff Dana Lawhorne were on Viehman, left, is presented
hand to congratulate the hon- the Superstar award from
orees and lunch was provided Director of Community
by Jeffery’s Catering with des- Outreach MaryAnne Beatty Volunteers and staff of Senior Services of Alexandria gather with city officials at the
serts from Giant Food on Duke at the SSA Volunteer Appre- SSA Volunteer Appreciation luncheon Nov. 3 at the Durant Arts Center. From left:
Street. ciation luncheon. Sheriff Dana Lawhorne; Friendly Visitor of the Year Alexandra Johnson; Education
For more information about Volunteer of the Year Steve Cordle; Meals on Wheels Volunteers of the Year Bobbie
SSA services and programs, call www.seniorservicesalex.org. and Patrick O’Brien; Groceries to Go Volunteer Carolyn Caine; SSA Executive Director
703- 836-4414 or visit — Jeanne Theismann Mary Lee; Mayor Allison Silberberg; and SSA Board Chair Lynwood Campbell.
6 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ November 17-23, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Business
VARIETY
STORE
The Ultimate Barber Opens at Potomac Yards
Est. 1958
T
he man behind the
shears is John Hall,
42; he has just
opened The Ultimate Barber
at 2712 Jefferson Davis
Highway.
On the walls, Hall has
yearly awards to his credit:
for best barber, for best
Experience
barbershop, for best men’s
haircut and even a business
the Nostalgia
hall of fame.
Reliability and consistency
of an old-time
is his mantra. That means
being on time and giving the Five & Dime Store
look his clients want. It
means being aware of
“If we don’t have it,
culture and hairstyles,
military requirements and you don’t need it.”
trends, a classic look or
design worn by athletes.
Hollin Hall
The Ultimate Barber is
equipped with Wi-Fi and Shopping Center
other amenities. “Everyday [at The Ultimate Barber] is a
7902 Fort Hunt Rd.,
See www.theultimate grand opening,” says employee Patrice
barber.com. Wright. From left are Monikk Miller, recep- Alexandria, VA 22308
tionist; Patrice Wright, manager; and
— Rikki George Melanie Thomas, barber. Women are a Photos Courtesy of The Ultimate Barber 703-765-4110
growing influence in the field of barbers, John Hall with customer Jokera McNeil.
according to John Hall, owner of The Women are finding barbers an alternative [email protected]
Ultimate Barber. to salons for price reasons.
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ November 17-23, 2016 ❖ 7
News
Home of the $6,850 Bathroom Remodel
From Now to WOW in 5 Days Guarantee
Uninsured’s Gratitude
TWO POOR TEACHERS Select your
1100%% ddoowwnn
products from
nniisoso ttcchhooiinnmmggpp uulleenntttteeiill ftftoohhrere t t jhjhooeebb Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling our Mobile From Page 3 Results
tions of several generous donors
ppaasstt 1177 yyeeaarrss Showroom
in the community. It was staffed Preliminary fair data, according to
and Design
by more than 100 volunteers from fair organizers:
Center ❖ Dental screens offered by the
the community. Most were re-
Northern Virginia Dental Clinic and as-
Fully Insured & cruited with the help of Volunteer sisted by the Northern Virginia
Class A Licensed
Alexandria. Community College Dental Hygiene
Since 1999
Susan Nolan, a health insurance Clinic (175 screens);
❖ Hearing and Vision screens offered
navigator at Enroll-Virginia! said
by the Alexandria Host Lions Club (120
Free Estimates their screeners counseled approxi- screens);
mately 164 people at the fair. Ap- ❖ Glucose and Cholesterol tests pro-
703-999-2928
Visit our website: www.twopoorteachers.com proximately 40 percent were re- vided via the Kaiser Permanente Mobile
Health Van (137 screens);
ferred to Neighborhood Health, 35 ❖ Kidney Health Screens provided by
percent to Enroll-Virginia for ACA the National Kidney Foundation (102
assistance. Enroll-Virginia saw ap- screens);
proximately 25 people; 15 of those ❖ Flu vaccinations were provided for
free by Walgreens (127 flu shots);
did applications for eligibility and ❖ More than 50 people came to the
nine of those selected a health in- Breast and Colon Cancer Awareness
surance plan. Two parties did not Table;
❖ Nineteen women have been sched-
select a plan because they thought
uled to have their mammogram done;
it was too expensive. Because the ❖ More than 40 people came to the
application process can be lengthy, Ryan White / HIV Counseling Table and
the others took a flyer to review were referred to Nova Salud (per Nova
Salud, 30 people were tested);
the health plans in greater detail
❖ More than 100 people stopped at
on their own. the Neighborhood Health Eligibility and
DoctorsTelemed, a telemedicine Enrollment table, 86 assisted 51 Eligibil-
solution managed by the Medical ity Appointments scheduled, 25 of those
schedule for a Medical Dental exam;
Society of Northern Virginia Foun- ❖ The Kathy Wilson Foundation
dation (MSNVAF), whose mission screened 13 children;
is to expand access to healthcare ❖ More than 180 people came to
to patients at the time of need, was Neighborhood Health and a total of 105
appointments for either Eligibility or
at the fair. In June 2016, CareFirst
Medical/Dental were provided.
awarded the MSNVAF a grant to
provide free telemedicine consults
for low-income, uninsured pa- very happy that there ware test-
tients who live and/or work in ing/labs offered on site; she got
Northern Virginia. According to her blood work done and is expect-
Claudia Tellez, MSNVA executive ing the results soon. She had an-
director, the organization regis- other test done and was informed
tered 25 patients to use that she had an infection and
DoctorsTelemed at the health fair. needed treatment. She was over-
They also agreed to meet with the joyed to get a new toothbrush and
Global Health College to offer free a flu shot. She said, “I would en-
telemedicine services to the stu- courage many people to go to the
dent body, many of whom are next health fair: I was able to make
minimum wage working adults. sure I was healthy and get re-
Of the 102 people The Kidney sources. I felt good when I left the
Foundation screened, 24 had an fair knowing that I’ll be able to be
abnormal result. According to the a healthy mother.”
foundation, this doesn’t confirm Olenia “Kay” Haley was effusive
these people have chronic kidney in her appreciation: “I’m an older
disease, but the 24 participants women that has faced many ob-
were recommended for follow up stacles in life,” she said, “and I’ve
because these people need to be recently been struggling to secure
further tested, primarily by Neigh- steady employment with good pay.
borhood Health since most of Without a job or money I have very
them had neither health insurance few resources to utilize for health
nor a primary care physician so services. I’ve been worried about
they could get the tests to diag- a number of different things and
nose chronic kidney disease I’m on waitlists but can’t afford to
(CKD). One participant was taken see a doctor outside of a clinic. The
to an urgent care center based on fair was very informative and gave
a consistently high blood pressure. me the opportunity to make sure
Laura Jessick, of Friends of I’m healthy. it was like a quick free
Guest House, said she talked to physical exam.”
two women who attended the Merritt, asked if the fair would
health fair when they came to a be repeated next year, replied, “If
class that evening. One, Kristen you had asked me that before the
Sedlar, a 19 year old who is preg- election, I would have said I’m not
nant, was motivated to go to the sure. But now, I feel we will need
fair because she had not been to more expressions of community
see a doctor in a while and wanted concern and compassion, like the
to make sure she was healthy: up health fair, for our most vulnerable
until now, the care she has re- residents, not less.”
ceived was for the baby. She was See www.accessalexandria.org.
8 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ November 17-23, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ November 17-23, 2016 ❖ 9
Opinion
Alexandria
Gazette Packet
Holidays Are for Giving
www.AlexandriaGazette.com
@AlexGazette
An independent, locally owned weekly
newspaper delivered
to homes and businesses.
Give thanks and share locally; tens of thousands ❖ The Campagna Center, 703-549- Local MPeduibal iCshoendn ebcytion LLC
0111,www.campagnacenter.org
Center for Alexandria’s Children, 703-838-4381, 1606 King Street
of families around us are in need. www.centerforalexandriaschildren.org, Child abuse Alexandria, Virginia 22314
T
& neglect and parent support.
Free digital edition delivered to
❖ Child and Family Network Centers, 703-836- your email box. Go to
he holidays are about giving, and sands, of ways to give locally this season. Here 0214, www.cfnc-online.org connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe
giving thanks. The holidays are are a few ideas. We will rerun this list again ❖ Community Lodgings, Inc., 703-549-4407
Transitional and affordable housing, youth
about children and family. The holi after Thanksgiving, so please let us know what NEWS DEPARTMENT:
education, adult education, bilingual staff [email protected]
days are about sharing, about joy. we have missed. assistance.
The holidays are about being thankful and — Mary Kimm, ❖ Computer C.O.R.E. 703-931-7346, Steven Mauren
about faith and appreciation. The holidays are [email protected] www.computercore.org, Adult education, computer smaurenE@dcitoonrn, e7c0t3io-7n7n8e-w9s4p1a5pers.com
training and career development.
about alleviating suffering for others. ❖ Hopkins House, 703-549-8072, Mike Salmon
Northern Virginia is among the wealthiest Alexandria: Where to Give Locally www.hopkinshouse.org, Preschool academy, family Assistant Editor
areas in the country. Many if not most of us go ❖ ALIVE! 703-837-9300 www.alive-inc.org, budgeting and literacy, family education and youth [email protected]
through our daily and seasonal routines with- Easmsiesrtgaenncecy, sfhoeoldte ars, syiestaarn-rcoeu, nedm perrgesecnhcoyo fli,n faunrcniiatlure sLuemarmnienrg e Innrsitcihtumtee.nt camp, Early Childhood RepoVreterrn, o75n7 M-4i7l2e-s3435
out encountering evidence of and housewares. ❖ Bethany House, 6121 Lincolnia Road #303, [email protected]
Editorial the needy families among us. ❖ Literacy Council of Northern Virginia, 703- Alexandria, VA 22312, 703-658-9500, Jeanne Theismann
In Alexandria, 8,618 students 2sk3i7ll-s0 o8f6 r6e,awdwinwg.,l cwnrvi.toinrgg,, Tspeeaackhiensg a adnudlts the basic wshwelwte.rb hannvd. osurgp.p Boertthivaen sye Hrvoicuesse tpor ovvicitdiemss e omfergency jtheismann@@TcohneinsemcatinonnMneewdisapapers.com
are poor enough to receive free understanding English. Offers one-to-one tutoring domestic violence throughout Northern Virginia and
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Nearly 8 percent Alexandria residents live www.seniorservicesalex.org, Support services for handsonconnect.volunteeralexandria.org.
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female-headed households with children live advocacy, and education for immigrant women and services for mental illness, substance use disorders,
below the poverty line in Alexandria. girls. and developmental disabilities from the city’s Debbie Funk
These are children living in families who may ❖ A7n4i6m-4a7l7 W4, ewlfwawre.a lLeexaangdureia oanf iAmlaelxs.aonrgd, rPieat, 703- DSeenpda rdtmoneantti oonf sC toom Fmrieunnditsy oafn tdh eH Aulmexaann Sderriav iMceesn.tal deDbifsupnlky@ Acdov7ne0nr3tei-sc7it7nio8gn-/9nN4ea4wt4isopnaapl eSras.lceosm
be on the brink of homelessness, families who adoptions, spay and neuter assistance, education Health Center, 720 North Saint Asaph Street,
must choose between medical bills, car repair, and community service and outreach. Alexandria, VA, 22314. Donations can be made Julie Ferrill
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may not be sure that they will have a meal education, public education-re: child abuse and transforms the lives of lower-income families in Tara Lloyd
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and plenty that we associate with Thanksgiv- elderly, disabled and families with children. all-volunteer nonprofit organization that feeds, [email protected]
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ing and Christmas. www.actforalexandria.org, Nonprofit and donor League’s philanthropic programs touch the lives of MaDrakevtiidn gG Arsisfifsitnant
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public schools, and their needs are greater. ❖ Arlington-Alexandria Coalition for the Northern Virginia, serving children most in need at [email protected]
Homeless, 703-525-7177, www.aachhomeless.org. selected schools in Fairfax and Prince William
Many nonprofits in the county need your ❖ Carpenter’s Shelter, 703 548-7500, counties and the City of Alexandria. To learn more Publisher
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management. www.northernvirginia.assistanceleague.org [email protected]
There are literally hundreds, probably thou-
Letters to the Editor Editor & Publisher
Mary Kimm
[email protected]
Bikeshare Isn’t @MaryKimm
Editor in Chief
Steven Mauren
Mass Transit Art/Design:
Laurence Foong, John Heinly,
Ali Khaligh
To the Editor: Production Manager:
Geovani Flores
In last week’s edition of this newspaper there
was an article featuring Capital Bikeshare and Editor Emeritus:
Mary Anne Weber
it’s expansion issues. As part of this examina-
tion a lengthy comparison was made to public
CIRCULATION: 703-778-9427
transportation and its financial dynamics, es- Circulation Manager:
Ann Oliver
pecially the role of public subsidies. [email protected]
This was a knowing and deliberate distor-
tion of a Federal letter from the IRS released A Connection Newspaper
on Sept. 27, 2013. This letter’s purpose was The Alexandria Gazette Packet is distributed
stated as: “This is in reply to your letter dated weekly to selected homes in the
City of Alexandria.
June 21, 2013, requesting that the Internal Any owners or occupants of premises that
do not wish to receive the paper can notify
Revenue Service ‘adopt bike share as a quali- the publisher by telephone at 703-778-9426
fier for the Transportation (Commuting) Ben- or by email to
[email protected],
efits program under the Fringe Benefit Exclu- and the distributor will be notified to
discontinue service.
sion Rules for transit.’” This Federal opinion of
the status of bike share programs as a category
of transit types is as follows: “… transporta-
tion on mass transit facilities whether or not
publicly owned. A bike share program is not a
mass transit facility.”
Note: mass transit is defined as public trans-
portation in an urban area, i.e. bus and rail
Steve Artley/Gazette Packet See Letters, Page 12
10 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ November 17-23, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com