Alexandria Gazette Packet - August 29, 2013

35 Pages·2013·4.1 MB·English

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Serving Alexandria for over 200 years • A Connection Newspaper August 29, 2013
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www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ August 29 - September 4, 2013 ❖ 1
2 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ August 29 - September 4, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Newcomers & Community Guide 2013-14
Alexandria Gazette Editor Steven Mauren
703-778-9415 or [email protected]
There’s No Place Like Home
Getting the 4-1-1
from local residents.
By Jeanne Theismann
Gazette Packet
A
t first glance, Alexandria is all
about its history, and as home-
town to George Washington and
Civil War General Robert E. Lee,
there are volumes written about the city’s
celebrated past. But if you look beyond the
cobblestone streets and historic
townhouses, there is an edgier side of the
city that attracts artisans and even inspired
musician Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters fame
to write “Arlandria” in homage to his home-
town neighborhood.
“Alexandria is a world of its own,” said
resident Maria Ciarrocchi. “On one hand it’s
your quintessential small town with quirky
characters and fun traditions like parades Photos by John Bordner Academy Award winner Marcia Gay
and the Town Crier. Yet at the same time The Torpedo Factory Art Center and the city’s waterfront are popular Harden honed her acting skills at
it’s also extremely sophisticated with world destinations. The Little Theatre of Alexandria.
class restaurants, excellent shopping and a
destination for music and the arts.” arts destination to making Money you get in a larger city.”
At 15.4 square miles and with a popula- Magazine’s list of the Top 25 “Best places It doesn’t take long for a newcomer to
tion of just over 147,000, Alexandria at- for the rich and single” in America, there is realize that Alexandria is a city that loves
tracts more than three million visitors an- no shortage of accolades for the commu- its festivals and parades, starting with the
nually with nationally recognized events nity. largest George Washington birthday cel-
such as the Scottish “Old Town has all the ebration in the country followed by the
Walk and Del Ray’s Art charm that you see in nation’s first St. Patrick’s Day Parade on the
“We are a ‘front porch’
on the Avenue, European cities,” said first Saturday in March and the traditional
founded 18 years ago Douglas Goist, who re- Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot.
community. People
by resident Pat Miller. located to Alexandria For first-time visitors, the city’s most ob-
“Without a doubt, really know and talk to from Brooklyn, N.Y. vious landmark is also considered by many
it’s the people that four years ago. “It’s to be one of its best kept secrets.
make Alexandria so their neighbors.” nice to live in an area “The George Washington Masonic Memo-
special,” said Miller, a where people still sup- rial is the best kept secret in town,” Goist
30-year resident who — Del Ray resident Pat Miller port small business said. “Everybody sees it but very few go to
also founded the Del owners and where you the top. But they should because the view
Ray Farmer’s Market. “We are a ‘front porch’ can find one-of-a-kind overlooking Alexandria and into Washing-
community. People really know and talk to shops and eateries. Getting away from that ton is spectacular.” Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters
their neighbors.” chain store mentality while still keeping a Other Alexandria treasures are local art- wrote “Arlandria” to pay homage
From being named a top Christmas and historic small-town feel is not something See There's No Place, Page 20 to his hometown neighborhood.
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Maestro Kim Allen Kluge is at the helm of Alexandria’s world-class Original artwork by Todd Healy celebrates the distinctive streetscapes
orchestra. of Old Town.
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ August 29 - September 4, 2013 ❖ 3
Newcomers & Community Guide
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ith neighborhoods as diverse as Del Ray, Arlandria,
Old Town and the West End, there’s a lot of good to
be said about Alexandria. But like any community,
the city has its share of bad and ugly, whether it be
a tangible eyesore like the dilapidated Beachcomber site along the
waterfront or the intangible but ever-present pall that hangs over
the city in the ongoing litigation over the Waterfront Redevelop-
ment Plan.
Quentin Tarantino once called “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”
the best directed film of all time, with arguably the perfect propor-
tions of violence, humor and intrigue. Such as it is with Alexandria.
— Jeanne Theismann
Photo by James Bordner
THE GOOD — Following a two-year
absence, fireworks lit up the sky at
the stroke of midnight in a spec-
tacular finale to First Night Alexan-
dria. They will return again to ring
in 2014. Photo by John Bordner
Photo by Jeanne Theismann/Gazette Packet THE GOOD — Making its home at the Alexandria
THE GOOD — With almost 2,500 routes and 200 courses City Dock, the Potomac Riverboat Company’s
to choose from, Alexandria is pedestrian and bicyclist Cherry Blossom is one of only six Coast Guard
friendly, promoting both a green and healthy lifestyle. certified working sternwheelers in the country.
THE BAD — Some would call it ugly but whatever its
Photo by John Bordner Photo by John Bordner moniker, residents are weary of the city’s seemingly
THE BAD — The congestion caused THE BAD — While growth and development can be endless litigation with the “Iron Ladies” of Old Town
by the traffic, trolley and tourists good for a city, this playset left standing amidst the and the Old Dominion Boat Club over the Waterfront
at the intersection of King and construction rubble on N. Columbus Street is a re- Development Plan.
Union streets frustrates residents minder of the families that are losing their homes
and visitors alike. and being displaced.
THE UGLY —
Purchased in
2006 for
$1.135 million,
the city-owned
Beachcomber
Restaurant
continues to be
an eyesore
along the
Potomac River Photo courtesy U.S. Army
THE UGLY — The Mark Center in the city’s West End is home to the
at the foot of
Washington Headquarters Service and other Department of Defense
Prince Street.
agencies. Built amid contentious debate, acrimony still exists over its
Photo by location at the intersection of Seminary Road and Beauregard Street at
John Bordner the I-395 Interchange,
4 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ August 29 - September 4, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ August 29 - September 4, 2013 ❖ 5
Newcomers & Community Guide
Who’s in Charge: City Council
Mayor Bill Silberberg nomics and his- justin.wilson@
Euille 703-395-0006 tory. He also has a alexandriava.gov
703-751-7970 [email protected] certificate of A native of
william.euille@ A native of Dallas, Silberberg has a bachelor’s de- graduation from Chererly, Md.,
alexandriava.gov gree in international relations and history from the Sorensen In- Wilson was raised
A native of Al- American University and a master’s degree in stitute for Political in Spingfield and
exandria, Euille is playwriting from the UCLA School of Theater, Film Leadership. He moved to Alexan-
a 1968 graduate and Television. An Alexandria resident since 1989, works as a direc- dria in 2001,
of T.C. Williams Silberberg is author of the 2009 book “Visionaries tor of government though he lived in
High School. He in Our Midst.” She is a former chairwoman of the affairs for the city for two
was first elected Alexandria Economic Opportunities Commission. Affymax, a years shortly after
to City Council in Silberberg votes biopharmaceutical he was born. He
1994 and elected at the Agudas company based in has a bachelor’s
mayor in 2003. Achim precinct. Palo Alto, Calif. degree in business
Smedberg votes systems from Vir-
He was reelected
without opposi- Del Pepper at the Lyles- g i n i a
Crouch precinct. Commonwealth University and works at Amtrak as
tion in 2009, and beat independent candidate 703-751-0770
a principal system engineer. Wilson votes at the
Andrew Macdonald in the election of 2013. Euille del.pepper@
Tim Lovain Mount Vernon Center Precinct.
has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business alexandriava.gov
administration from Quinnipiac College in A native of 703-549-1441
Hamden, Conn. From 1974 to 1984, he was an Omaha, Neb., timothy.lovain@ John
appointed member of the Alexandria School Board. Pepper moved to alexandriava.gov Chapman
In 1987, he founded William D. Euille and Associ- Alexandria in A native of 571-236-4170
ates, a construction services firm that serves the 1968. She has a Bradford, Pa., john.taylor.chapman@
federal govern- bachelor’s degree Lovain moved to alexandriava.gov
ment. He also in philosophy Alexandria in A native of Al-
owns an interest from Grinnell Col- 1983. He has a e x a n d r i a ,
in two Alexandria lege and did graduate work at the University of bachelor’s degree Chapman was
restaurants, Wisconsin. She served as a social worker in Cook in political science raised in public
Mango Mike’s and County before moving to Alexandria and working from the Univer- housing. After
the Magestic Grill. as an aide to Mayor Chuck Beatley. Pepper votes sity of Chicago, a graduating from
Euille votes at the at the Patrick Henry precinct. master’s degree prom Princeton, and a juris doctor St. Stephen’s and
George Washing- degree from the University of Washington in Se- St. Agnes School
ton School Paul Smedberg attle. He works as a government relations in 1999, he re-
precinct. 703-625-3366 consultant for Denny Miller Associates. Lovain ceived a bachelor’s degree in social studies
[email protected] votes at the Blessed Sacrament precinct. education from St. Olaf College in Minnesota. He
Vice Mayor A native of Hartford, Conn., Smedberg moved to is currently an after-school specialist with Fairfax
Allison Alexandria in 1987. He graduated from Allegheny Justin Wilson County Public Schools. From 2006 to 2007, he was
College in Pennsylvania with a double major in eco- 703-338-2843 president of the Alexandria Young Democrats.
Chapman votes at the MacArthur Precinct.
Getting to Know … Inside Senior Services of Alexandria
S
enior Services of Alexandria is seniorservicesalex.org or call 703-836-
John Long, CEO tionals Major non-profit founded in 1968 by a 4414, ext. 12.
League Baseball group of residents committed to
Alexandria Chamber
team. “It helps us improving the lives of seniors in the com- Friendly Visitor Program - SSA screens
put together an or- C munity. In partnership with the City of and trains volunteers who donate their
of Commerce. o
ganization that u Alexandria, donors, faith communities time to bring companionship during
r
looks like the com- te and volunteers, SSA provides programs weekly visits to elderly people residing
s
By Jeanne Theismann munity we repre- y p and services for seniors including Meals in the City of Alexandria. The goal of
Gazette Packet sent.” ho on Wheels, DOT Para-transit Services, the program is to relieve loneliness and
W Long brings to to the Friendly Visitor Program, a monthly the feeling of isolation experienced by
Alexandria over 18 Long Speaker Series and the Senior Resource many of the city’s seniors. To volunteer
hen John Long arrived in Al-
years of chamber Center which offers information about or know of a senior who could use a
exandria in March of 2012,
management experience, having served service providers, activities and re- friendly visitor, email
he wasted no time in letting
as the president and CEO of the St. Pe- sources for seniors and their caregivers. friendvisitor@seniorservicesalex. org or
everyone know his goals as the new
tersburg, Fla., Kalamazoo, Mich. and SSA is a link between aging citizens and call 703-836-4414, ext. 20.
president and CEO of the Alexandria
Talbot County, Md. Chambers of Com- other community members with a mis-
Chamber of Commerce.
merce. Under his tutelage, the St. Pe- sion to foster independence and self-suf- DOT Transportation Services - For
“I said as soon as I arrived that I want
tersburg Chamber was honored as one ficiency, enabling seniors to age with dig- residents of Alexandria unable to use
Alexandria to set the standard as one of
of the Top 3 Metropolitan Chambers in nity. public transport, DOT Transportation
the best chambers in the country,” said
North America and Long was individu- provides safe and reliable curb-to-curb
Long in a rare free moment as head of
ally honored with the Chairman's Award SERVICES AND VOLUNTEER taxi services seven days a week in com-
the city’s most influential business or-
by the American Chamber of Commerce OPPORTUNITIES pliance with the Americans with Dis-
ganization. “I don’t want us to be an or-
Executives as the Outstanding Chamber Meals on Wheels - Meals on Wheels abilities Act. SSA’s reservationists sched-
ganization that thinks outside the box. I
Executive in the United States. allows seniors who are unable to leave ule rides which are provided in coop-
don’t want to have a box.”
“Alexandria is an exciting place to be,” their homes to shop or who have diffi- eration with Diamond Transportation
Long has been actively putting to-
said Long, who serves on the boards of culty preparing a meal to have two and White Top Cab companies and the
gether partnerships with area organiza-
the Alexandria Police Foundation, the healthy meals a day delivered to their City of Alexandria. For more informa-
tions such as the Northern Virginia Black
Alexandria Convention and Visitors As- homes. SSA provides meals 365 days a tion email transport@ senior
Chamber of Commerce, the Asian-
sociation, the Small Business Develop- year in partnership with the City of Al- servicesalex.org or call 703-836-4414,
American Chamber of Commerce, and
ment Council and the Alexandria Eco- exandria, volunteers and donors. ext 15.
the Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of
nomic Development Partnership. “There Volunteers are always needed espe- Senior Services of Alexandria
Commerce.
is great opportunity here and I’m confi- cially on weekends to deliver meals. The 700 Princess Street, Mezzanine Level
“We’re making moves to have repre-
dent that people will see the Alexandria time-commitment is about 2 hours and Alexandria, VA 22314
sentatives from these groups on our
Chamber of Commerce as an organiza- training is provided. For more informa- 703-836-4414
board,” said Long, who also established
tion to be a part of.” tion contact mealsonwheels@ www.seniorservicesalex.org
a partnership with the Washington Na-
[email protected].
6 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ August 29 - September 4, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ August 29 - September 4, 2013 ❖ 7
Newcomers & Community Guide 2013-14
Who’s in Charge: City School Board
T
he Alexandria City Public High School in 2010. the director of civic She was first elected in 2006, and was reelected in
Schools educates more than Campbell votes at the education at the Cen- 2009. She graduated from Tantasqua Regional
Durant precinct. ter for the High School and attended Worcester State College.
12,000 students in 19 schools
Stephanie Constitution at James A longtime employee of the Untied States Postal
with an operating budget of Kapsis M a d i s o n ’ s Service, Campbell is currently a sales associate. She
$215 million and a capital budget of $65 Montpellier. Booz is a former member of the School Board’s Budget
703-798-8036
votes at the Maury Advisory Committee, the board of the Virginia state
million. It has a per-pupil cost of $18,000. stephanie.kapsis@
precinct. Parent-Teacher Association and the first assistant
acps.k12.va.us
director to the Fairfax District PTA. Her home pre-
District A A native of Wash- Marc Williams cinct is John Adams Elementary School.
ington, D.C., Kapsis
was raised in McLean 703-549-3443
Chairwoman and has a bachelor’s marc.williams@ Pat Hennig
Karen Graf degree in politics acps.k12.va.us 202-969-3404
703-907-9321 from Princeton Uni- A native of pat.hennig@
karen.graf@ versity and a master’s Versailles, Ky., Will- acps.k12.va.us
acps.k12.va.us degree in teaching from Pace University. She has iams has lived in A native of Brook-
A native of San been a classroom teachers and a director at Teach Alexandria since 1992. He was first elected in an lyn, N.Y., Hennig has
Francisco, Graf has a for America. Kapsis votes at the George Washing- August 2008 special election after the resignation been a resident of the
bachelor’s degree in ton School precinct. of former School Board Chairwoman Claire West End since 1975.
Eberwein, and was reelected in 2009. Williams re- She served as a mem-
English literature
ceived his bachelor’s ber of the first elected
from California State District B
degree in political School Board from
University, Chico,
science from the Uni- 1994 to 1997. She
and a master’s degree
Vice Chairman versity of the South served on the School
in technical commu-
nications from Justin Keating and a juris doctorate Board Special Advi-
from the University sory Committee and
Northeastern Univer- 703-966-3193
of Virginia School of the Substance Abuse
sity. Currently a justin.keating@
Law. He is currently Education and Violence Prevention Advisory Com-
stay-at-home mother, she is a former technical acps.k12.va.us
part of IBM’s Govern- mittee, the Budget Advisory Committee and was a
writer and manager of writers and editors. She has A native of Buffalo,
mental Programs founding member of the Alexandria Police Youth
three children in Alexandria City Public Schools. N.Y., Keating has a
group, where he is re- Camp Foundation. She votes at the William
Graf votes at the Mount Vernon precinct. bachelor’s degree in
sponsible for IBM’s Ramsey Center.
political science from
global intellectual
Bill Campbell SUNY College at
acp7bAs0i .l3kl-1.32cn9.aav9mat-9i.vup5esb2 1ell@of FdGUroneeocidvtroeogrnersia iatWty ea.a nHsdhe i ainsf g jrcutouormrins- phGemroeomoepnreegtr aetryp y M rpSeocaclhsiiocnoyonc.lt . HEiilss- Cachp7chsr0.ri3kiss-1t3 2oL0.pv0eha-ew2.ur3.isl7es0wis@
Fairmont, W.V., rently a lawyer District A native of Alexan-
Campbell has a representing labor dria, his family has
bachelor’s degree in unions and pension funds. He has a son who at- lived in the city for
mechanical engineer- tends Alexandria City Public Schools. Keating votes C four generations. He
ing from West at the Maury precinct. has a bachelor’s de-
gree from Harvard
Virginia University Ronnie
University. He is a
ainn dp aa rmalaesgtearl’ ss dtuegdrieees Kelly Booz Campbell former state director
703-965-3344 f o r
from Georgetown 703-244-6396
ronnie.campbell@ GenerationEngage
University. He is cur- [email protected]
acps.k12.va.us and former Senate
rently a project A native of Minneapolis, Booz has a bachelor’s
A native of staffer with Senator Edward Kennedy. He is cur-
engineer for the De- degree in psychology with a minor in women’s
Brookfield, Mass., rently deputy director of the Office of Legislative
partment of Defense. studies at Carleton College in Minnesota. She also
she has lived in Alex- Affairs for the Federal Communications Commis-
He has two boys in Alexandria City Public Schools, has a master’s degree in in social foundations in
andria since 1985. sion. He votes at the Beatley Library precinct.
and a daughter who graduated from T.C. Williams education from the University of Virginia. Booz is
Patricia Washington, President and CEO,
Getting To Know ...
Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association
By Jeanne Theismann graduating from Howard University with
Gazette Packet a degree in fine arts before earning her
P juris doctor from the Howard University
atricia Washington arrived in Al- School of Law.
Patricia Wash-
exandria last November, relocat- “The travel industry has been revolu-
ington took
ing from Philadelphia without tionized by electronic marketing,” Wash-
over as Presi-
comment on whether or not she is an ington said. “At the touch of a smartphone
dent and CEO
Eagles fan. After nine months as the you can find out anything about any des-
of the Alexan-
president and CEO of the Alexandria tination, and not just from the official
dria Conven-
Convention and Visitors Association, the visitors bureau. To the destinations that
tion and
former vice president of Cultural Tour- adapt, the opportunities are huge and the
Visitors Asso-
ism for the Greater Philadelphia Tour- playing field is level. We’re remaking
ciation last
ism Marketing Corporation wasted no ACVA to take full advantage and grow
November.
time in embracing the unique culture of our tourism market share. The result for
her new hometown. every Alexandrian will be a stronger lo-
“I’m truly inspired by Alexandria,” cal economy, a stronger tax base and a
Washington said. “It has a unique his- richer quality of life.”
tory, abundance of assets, creativity, en- On Sept. 18, Washington will unveil a
ergy and vitality. And I’m inspired by ing Philadelphia as a premier arts destina- that functions on a completely livable scale, new brand initiative for the city at the
Alexandrians who are passionate about tion. “As a tourism marketer, I have to say six miles from the capital of the most pow- ACVA Annual Meeting. Until then, mum’s
the city and its future.” Alexandria is a dream product,” Washing- erful nation on earth. Our job at ACVA is the word.“Suffice it to say that the new
Prior to her move, Washington spear- ton said. “We’re a welcoming, sophisticated, simply to share Alexandria’s story with the brand is reflective of the new Alexandria
headed With Art Philadelphia, a $2.5 contemporary, authentic destination, rich in world so we’re not such a well-kept secret.” and everything that makes this place spe-
million collaborative campaign promot- history, culture and diverse neighborhoods Washington is no stranger to the region, cial.”
8 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ August 29 - September 4, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Newcomers & Community Guide
Getting Down to Business Navigating the
ABC’s of Alexandria.
By Jeanne Theismann and lighting and now a sculpture, came
Gazette Packet about with KSMET funding and lobbying.
T
www.otbpa.com
he acronyms run from ACVA to
WEBA and represent citywide Alexandria Small Business
organizations and various busi- Development Center - SBDC
ness associations from the wa- The Alexandria Small Business Develop-
terfront to the West End. Earlier this year, ment Center is Alexandria’s economic de-
the Alexandria Convention and Visitors As- velopment program that focuses on small
sociation held its annual “ABC’s of Doing businesses. Small businesses comprise the
Business in Alexandria,” a symposium that largest segment of Alexandria’s economy
showcased the resources and support avail- but their potential is often hindered by lack
able to businesses throughout the city. of information or expertise. All Alexandria
“You are our vision of what makes Alex- SBDC services are provided without cost.
andria great,” ACVA President and CEO The key message is that Alexandria SBDC
Patricia Washington told attendees. “Busi- offers individual and confidential assistance
ness people investing the time, resources without cost to City of Alexandria busi-
and hard work it takes to succeed, and in Val Hawkins, CEO, Alexandria Bill Reagan, Executive Director, nesses and Alexandria residents with busi-
the process, building a strong financial foun- Economic Development Alexandria Small Business nesses elsewhere.
Partnership (AEDP) Development Center (SBDC) 625 N. Washington St., Suite 400.
703-778-1291 or www.alexandriasbdc.
nomic Development Partnership, along with org
the other economic development organiza- The Del Ray Business Association -
tions in the City, defines and markets Alex- DRBA
andria as a creative, diverse, knowledge- The Del Ray Business Association is run
based community with a high quality of life. by volunteers who are themselves business
AEDP’s goal is to support existing and fu- owners. Started almost 40 years ago, DRBA
ture businesses, development and economic now has more than 200 members.
growth in Alexandria as to ensure that busi- The business association sponsors several
nesses are successful and that the City is events in the Del Ray community each year.
competitive. There is a monthly luncheon featuring
625 N. Washington St., suite 400. speakers of interest to the membership.
703-739-3820 or www.AlexEcon.org Members of the association are available to
mentor new businesses and advocate in
Alexandria Chamber of Commerce support of business friendly policies with
Alexandria is home to one of the largest Alexandria officials, the Planning Commis-
chambers in the Greater Washington region, sion and City Council. www.visitdelray.com.
with 850 professional business members
and partners employing more than 49,000 Old Town Business and
people region-wide. Founded in 1906, it Professional Association - OTBPA
serves as the voice of the business commu- Open to all businesses of any type, OTBPA
Mellenie Runion, Del Ray
nity in the City of Alexandria through ag- is a result of a merger of two organizations
Business Association (DRBA)
gressive lobbying efforts at the local, state - Old Town Business (OTB) and King Street
and federal levels. In addition, the cham- Metro Enterprise Team (KSMET). David Chamowitz, Eisenhower
dation for this city.”
ber offers a variety of programs and ser- OTBPA’s most visible project is the annual Public-Private Partnership
Whether you are new to the city or a long-
vices to assist members to promote and ex- Alexandria Retail Coupon Book.
time resident, following is a primer that
pand their business. As an advocate for the importance of
explains the ABC’s of Alexandria. West End Business Association -
801 N. Fairfax St. #402 keeping Alexandria beautiful, the plaza at
WEBA
703-549-1000 or www.alexchamber.com Commerce and King Streets, with benches
Alexandria Convention & Visitors As- The West End Business Association is
sociation - ACVA comprised of West End Businesses and those
The Alexandria Convention & Visitors that do business on the West End of Alex-
Association, as the City’s tourism market- andria. WEBA provides members with net-
ing agency, attracts visitors to the city working opportunities, education and
through a comprehensive sales and market- growth opportunities and representation
ing program contributing both to the qual- before the City and economic development
ity of life for Alexandria residents and to officials on matters important to the West
the economic health of Alexandria. End of Alexandria.
ACVA’s advertising campaign last year www. alexandriaweba.com
reached 100 million households, with the
website reaching 1 million visitors. The Eisenhower Partnership
ACVA organizes promotions including the The Eisenhower Partnership is a group of
twice-yearly Alexandria Restaurant Week commercial and residential property own-
and the special-offers booklet Key to the ers and occupiers along the Eisenhower
City. Avenue Valley corridor. The Eisenhower Val-
The ACVA Visitors Center is located at 221 ley is defined as the 4.5-mile east-west cor-
King St. with administrative offices at 625 ridor which parallels the City’s southern
N. Washington St., Suite 400. border along Cameron Run. The Valley is
VisitAlexandriaVA.com anchored in the East by the Patent and
Trademark Campus and in the West by the
Alexandria Economic Development Carol Supplee, Old Town Business Victory Center development/Van Dorn
Partnership - AEDP and Professional Association Peter Baldwin, West End Business Metro Station.
Founded in 1992, the Alexandria Eco- (OTBPA) Association (WEBA) www.eisenhowerpartnership.org
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ August 29 - September 4, 2013 ❖ 9
Opinion
Alexandria
Gazette Packet
About the Gazette Packet
www.AlexandriaGazette.com
@AlexGazette
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is to bring the local news you need, people know about events ahead of time in our [email protected] or call e-mail:
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cate for community good, to provide a forum we encourage photos. ConnectionNewspapers [email protected]
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and activities, information on local govern- Md. Hits the Press
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ment, nonprofits and business organizations, As our flagship paper, the Alexandria Gazette Sports Editor, 703-224-3015
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We invite newcomers and long-time residents lishing papers in the country, beginning publi- and go green.
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us know what is going on in your part of the The Connection Newspapers have won hun- to your email box every week. The electronic [email protected]
community. If you have questions or ideas, send dreds of press awards in just the past few years, version of the paper will arrive in your email
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We want to know if someone in your family photography, and much more. mail address, email address and the paper or [email protected]
or your community published a book, started We have staff and contributors here at the papers you would like to receive to Jane Hughes
a business, became an Eagle Scout, raised Connection with remarkable talent and expe- [email protected]. Display Advertising, 703-778-9448
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money for a good cause, accomplished some rience, far greater than one might expect. (We will not share your personal information.)
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feat like running a marathon, supporting a While the last few years have brought many — Mary Kimm, Display Advertising, 703-778-9447
cause or having art included in an art show. challenges to the newspaper business every- [email protected]
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We publish photos and notes about personal where, affecting us as well, we continue to Andrea Smith
milestones and community events, including publish 15 distinct papers every week that @marykimm Classified Advertising, 703-778-9411
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births, engagements, weddings, anniversaries, serve their communities in distinct ways.
Debbie Funk
Letters to the Editor National Sales
703-778-9444
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Concern
and we have the absymal test
scores to prove it. In my opinion, Publisher
For Students Jerry Vernon
we should turn the entire school
[email protected]
district over to the state and
To the Editor: Editor & Publisher
maybe we would see some return Mary Kimm
Another year and another dis-
P on our substantial investment. 703-778-9433
h appointing set of test scores. I am [email protected]
o @MaryKimm
to amazed that the only thing the Micheline Eyraud
b School Board and City Council are Editor in Chief
y L focused on with respect to the situ- Alexandria SAtervte/nD eMsaiugrne:n
a
S Laurence Foong, John Heinly
h ation with Jefferson Houston is a Continuing Production Manager:
a
w lawsuit challenging the constitu- Jean Card
n Geovani Flores
A tionality of the law that enables Improvements
ve the state to take over the school. Editor Emeritus:
r Mary Anne Weber
y-S During this entire discussion I To the Editor:
im have not heard one Alexandria The headline of the Aug. 15 ar- CIRCULATION: 703-778-9427
on official voice concern for the stu- ticle, “When It Rains, It Stinks,” Circulation Manager:
/ Ann Oliver
G dents. Instead of concern that they may grab your attention, but for [email protected]
a
ze are not successful in providing stu- many who are unaware of the cur-
t
te dents the skills necessary for suc- rent issues, it may also lead to a A Connection Newspaper
Pa cess in life, they are focused on misunderstanding of facts about The Alexandria Gazette Packet is distributed
c weekly to selected homes in the
ke their own needs (keeping control). challenges associated with manag- City of Alexandria.
Festival Preview t I think they are trying to block the ing a legacy infrastructure such as Any owners or occupants of premises that do
not wish to receive the paper can notify the
school takeover because they don’t the city’s Combined Sewer System, publisher by telephone at 703-917-6480 or
by email to
Zohal Hamidi and Lina Amini perform an Afghan want someone else to get the while maintaining full compliance [email protected],
and the distributor will be notified to
cultural dance to benefit Afghan Education for a credit if performance improves. with all regulatory and permit re- discontinue service.
Better Tomorrow on the Old Town waterfront Satur- The fact of the matter is that we quirements.
day, Aug. 24. The performance is a preview for the would not be in this situation if Here are the facts:
Afghan Arts and Culture Festival on Sept.1 on the they were doing their job to edu- ❖ The Virginia Department of
National Mall in Washington, D.C. cate the children of Alexandria.
They have not been doing their job See Letters, Page 12
10 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ August 29 - September 4, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com