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Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 29 - February 4, 2015 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

January 29, 2015Mount Vernon’s Hometown Newspaper • A Connection Newspaper

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See What, Page 9

See Army, Page 4

By Tim Peterson

The Gazette

Members of the Fort Belvoir com-munity — civilians, active duty,retirees of each military branch —gathered Jan. 23 to learn about

the future of the garrison. The listening sessiontitled “Army Force Structure and Stationing” wasone stop on a 30-installation tour to gather com-munity input for the Army senior leadership as itprepares to further reduce the size of the force.

Col. Karl Konzelman of the Department of theArmy headquarters gave context for the draw-down, beginning with the Army’s 2013 announce-ment it would reduce its Active Component (AC)of troops from 570,000 to 490,000 as a result ofthe Budget Control Act of 2011 and 2012 DefenseGuidance. That reduc-tion also includedbringing BrigadeCombat Teams downfrom 45 to 32.

With the Army andDepartment of De-fense facing a $95 bil-lion shortfall over thenext 10 years,Konzelman explained,the force will continueto have to shrink.

The presentationreferenced the 2014Quadrennial DefenseReview, forecastingthe AC continuing tofall to 440- to 450,000by FY2017. Thatdrawdown would re-

quire “end strength reductions and structure ad-justments” across the Army.

“We’re not doing high fives in the Pentagon,”said Konzelman. “That’s not where we think weshould be.”

The listening tour is part of a SupplementalProgrammatic Environmental Assessment aimedat helping Army leadership make strategic deci-sions about how it will move forward in latespring, early summer.

“We can’t predict the future, our potential ad-versaries, overall strength of the army,” saidBuchanan. “But we know your concerns are im-portant to us.”

“This is one of the most difficult military dropdowns of our time,” said Deputy Secretary of Vet-erans and Defense Affairs of Virginia JaimeAreizaga-Soto, in his portion of the presentation.“It’s appropriate that we should guide the Army’sdecisions in its ultimate mission to fight and winour nation’s wars.”

During the presentations, Fort Belvoir GarrisonCommander Col. Michelle Mitchell began by not-ing a reduction in garrison staff over the last fiveyears that’s resulted in a staff to customer ratiojump from 1/18 to 1/35.

She also highlighted how the base has “doubledin strength” over thesame period, andlisted plans for struc-tural growth at thegarrison, including: acommissary expan-sion opening tenta-tively in April 2016, a141-room StaybridgeSuites hotel acrossfrom the BelvoirCommunity Hospitalto be completed inearly summer 2015and construction be-ginning on FortBelvoir ElementarySchool to bring stu-dents back on postand give back capac-

By Tim Peterson

The Gazette

A look at land use changesand proposals targetingthe Mount Vernon area:

❖ Penn Daw area of U.S.Route 1: The formerPenn Daw Plaza shop-ping center was re-zoned as part of a 2012Comprehensive Planamendment for thePenn Daw area and is set to bedemolished to make way for amixed-use development calledOne Kings. According to theSoutheast Fairfax DevelopmentCorporation (SFDC), One Kingswill feature 400apartments, be-tween 30 and 50townhouses, andground-level re-tail. The project isin the site planphase, accordingto Supervisor JeffMcKay’s (D-Lee)office.

“We’ve beentrying to get theH u n t i n g t o nMetro station re-development hap-pening at thesame pace we seeredevelopmenth a p p e n i n garound othertransit stations,”said McKay. “Sowhat’s happeningin that Penn Dawarea is big. That one’s been passedup for the longest time.”

❖ Opening of Wegmans atHill Top Village: Though thenew destination grocery-restau-

rant was previously slated for alate spring opening, McKay nowsays to expect an opening in theMay-June timeframe — amongother reasons, due to the substan-tial training employees must gothrough. The 350,000 square-footfacility will be an anchor at Hill-top Village Center (the corner ofTelegraph Road and BeulahStreet), which will also feature agym and other retail.

“One thing we’ve experienced atthe Springfield Town Center is its

popularity is unbeliev-able,” said McKay. “Theappetite, especially forrestaurants, literally, isso big in that area, that

the more we can build and pro-vide services to people closer towhere they live, the better.”

❖ North Hill area: Redevel-opment proposals are coming infor mixed-income and affordable

housing, as wellas park space, forthis 33-acrepiece of landalong U.S. Route1 and byLockheed Boule-vard. The pro-posals are beingreviewed by theFairfax CountyRedevelopmentand Housing Au-thority (FCRHA)but no findingshave been re-leased yet, ac-cording to Super-visor GerryHyland (D-Mount Vernon).

❖ Bus RapidTransit Cen-ter: As buses be-come more of aforce providing

mass transit on U.S. Route 1,county staff are looking for a tran-sit center site that would facilitate

Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan speaks atFort Belvoir Jan. 23 about the impor-tance of hearing feedback from thecommunity regarding an Army forcedrawdown.

Photos by Tim Peterson/The Gazette

Monica Cayanong of Mount Vernonasked about the effect of the Army forcedrawdown on mental health services atthe Jan. 23 listening session at FortBelvoir.

Army Force Reduction ComingThe Fort Belvoircommunity voicesconcerns at a listeningsession Jan. 23.

From left: Fort Belvoir Garrison Com-mander Col. Michelle Mitchell, Fort BelvoirDirector of Public Affairs Joe Richard andFairfax County Planning CommissionChairman Pete Murphy gather followingthe listening session at Fort Belvoir onJan. 23.

The Changing FaceOf Mount VernonLand use(re)developmenthighlights.

Neighborhood

Outlook

“The appetite,especially forrestaurants,literally, is so bigin that area, thatthe more we canbuild and provideservices to peoplecloser to wherethey live, thebetter.”

— SupervisorJeff McKay (D-Lee)

2 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 29 - February 4, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com


NewsMount Vernon Gazette Editor Steven Mauren

703-778-9415 or [email protected]

There are all kinds of flash mobs.Instead of a marriage proposalor elaborate dance routine,more than 200 Mount Vernon

High School students and members of thecommunity descended on the school’s caf-eteria on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to as-semble care packages for deployed soldiers.

“We decided we wanted to do something

on the national day of service,” said MountVernon High School principal Nardos King,”so we emailed our community, sent outtweets and used our Facebook page.”

The community responded by showing upwith enough toiletries, snacks, socks andother comforts of home to fill about 200boxes.

“People think the military has this supply

line, a Post Exchange everywhere, but theydon’t,” said Mary Keeser, founder ofAmerica’s Adopt A Soldier, who helped or-ganize the event.

King and Keeser both said the most valu-able items in the packages are hand-writtennotes from the volunteers. “It adds a specialtouch from the community,” said Keeser.

With postage paid for by donations to

America’s Adopt A Soldier, these boxes willgo to soldiers who signed up at the group’swebsite, located in Liberia, Kuwait, Afghani-stan and Turkey.

For more information on getting in-volved with a care packing, visitwww.americasadoptasoldier.org.

— Tim Peterson

MVHS Hosts ‘Care Packing’ for Deployed Soldiers

More than 200 Mount Vernon High School students and members of thecommunity came out Jan. 19 to fill care packages for deployed soldierswith America’s Adopt A Soldier.

Mount Vernon principal Nardos King (center) and members of DeltaSigma Theta Sorority and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. helped fill carepackages for deployed soldiers on Jan. 19.

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By Senitra T. McCombs

The Gazette

At this year’s Sugarloaf Craft Fes-tival, Alexandria artist MichaelHeilman will showcase his natu-

rally dyed tapestries and rugs.The Sugarloaf Crafts Festival will be

from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1 at the Dulles ExpoCenter in Chantilly.

Although this is not his first time atthe festival, Heilman was excited to havehis work featured in this year’s festival.

“It is always nice to have other peopletell you that you do good work,” he said.

While working in Morocco, Heilman’sinterest in rug making and weaving waspiqued after visiting a rug-making co-op-erative where they created a rug fromone of his designs.

Fifteen years later, he was at an an-tique shop on the Eastern Shore, Md.,when he came across a rug-making toolcalled a shuttle hook, which re-ignitedhis interest in weaving and rug making.

After investigating the shuttle hook’shistory and purpose, his next goal wasto create his own rug using the tool.

“So I went out to a hardware store andgot some burlap for a backing and thenwent to a craft store and got some yarnand made my first ugly rug,” he said.

His success with making hooked rugsled him to look into learning how to

weave rugs. Soon after taking a weavingclass, Heilman built a loom and begin mak-ing his own woven rugs.

Since there are few weavers in the U.S.and the tools needed are mostly dated, hehad to teach himself the craft. He is cur-rently working on four or five projects inhis home studio.

Heilman will be displaying both his wo-ven rugs and hooked rugs at the festival.His hooked rugs are created with naturallydyed wool yarn. They start off with a cot-ton or linen backing on which he draws adesign with magic marker and then pokesa needle through the backing with a shuttlehook to make a loop.

“Certain colors are just easier to makenaturally. I use black walnut shells to makebrown, onion skins and indigo for greendye, indigo for blue and I also use a smallbeetle that lives in cactus in Mexico for the

color red,” he said.Heilman finds inspiration for his designs

from everyday things such as graffiti or fab-ric. Most of his recent patterns have cen-tered on an animal theme.

“I’m really open to designs coming fromeverywhere. Once I was in a high rise build-ing and I looked down at the parking lotand I realized that the markings would bereally interesting for a rug. I did one pat-tern based on a computer circuit board,”he said.

It usually takes him from up to 14 monthsto create a larger tapestry or woven rug andseven or eight months to create a hookedrug.

“Setting up the loom for the woven rugsand setting up the frame and fabric for thehooked rug is very time consuming. You’relucky if you can start and work consistentlybecause usually you’ll find there is some-thing you need to change such as an issuewith the design or maybe you can play withthe colors in a different way,” he said.

Unlike creating a hooked rug, making awoven rug or tapestry requires the artist towork slowly from the bottom up. This causesthe artist to have to fight against the gridpattern that forms from weaving the yarnin the loom if they want to do any sort ofcurve. Therefore, the artist has to plan aheadmore. In addition, it is also more challeng-ing to go back an “unweave” a mistake.

“You have to be more discipline whendoing a weaving and it is much slowerthan doing a hooked rug. And you don’treally know how it is going to turn out,”he said.

His favorite piece is a 5-by-8 foot col-orful abstract rug that he made four yearsago and decided that he never wantedto part with it. “It was sort of a personalchallenge to see if I could incorporate allsorts of geometric and curved shapes intoone rug. I hope that one of my daugh-ters will want to have it when I’m gone,”he said.

Although he grew up in Wisconsin, hehas been in the Northern Virginia areafor over 30 years after living overseas.Currently, he lives just south of Alexan-dria. He enjoys visiting the Torpedo Fac-tory in Old Town and walking his dogalong the Dyke Marsh.

Prior to becoming an artist, Heilmangraduated from University of Wisconsinwith a degree in law. After graduating,he worked for the U.S. State Departmentin Morocco, Greece and Lebanon. Whenhe returned to D.C., he was an attorneywith the Department of Justice workingon refugee and asylum issues. He retiredmore than 15 years ago and has sincebeen dedicated to his craftwork. Heteaches a hooked rug-making class at theArt League of Alexandria.

Local artist Michael Heilman to participatein Sugarloaf Craft Festival.Creating Tapestries

Michael Heilman


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Be Part of The Pet Connection in February

Be sure to include your name, address and phone number, and identify all peopleand pets in photos. Submission deadline is February 18.

News

Army ForceReduction ComingFrom Page 1

ity to Woodlawn ElementarySchool.

In addition, Mitchell addressedthe garrison’s new automated en-try system that will be goingthrough testing inFebruary.

Following thepresentations inthe question andanswer session,members of thec o m m u n i t yvoiced concernsover the scope ofthe force draw-down, includingthe impact on ci-vilian workers. Over half the work-ers on the garrison are civilians.

In a worst-case scenario,Buchanan and Konzelman said,the worldwide force of over260,000 Army civilians could seecuts of up to 26,000. But, they re-iterated, a number of factors in-cluding community input on struc-turing, future Sequester cuts and

Army strategy decisions will con-tinue to play out before any majordecisions come to pass.

“There’s a lot of angst,” saidMitchell, following the listeningsession. “I think that’s always the

case whenthere’s not a lotof informationand peopledon’t knowwhat’s next. ButI also felt a lotof communityin the room. Alot of individu-als shared theimportance ofFort Belvoir and

I would just say from Belvoir’s per-spective, it’s very mutual, becausewe depend very heavily on thecommunity.

“What we do know is the reduc-tion is coming,” Mitchell contin-ued. “But we’re just at a point ofuncertainty. Fort Belvoir is goingto do what we need to do to be incompliance.”

Viewpoints

What are your major concernsin coming out this morning?

Sasha Cinthia Figueroa of Woodbridge.I work on the garrison, in the Directorateof Human Resources (DHR) staff actionoffice. I’m concerned over the possiblechanges, the reduction in personnel. Theinformation they gave was more abouthigh headquarters, so I’m good today butstill have concerns. If Fort Belvoir is stillgrowing, how can you reduce personnel?

Gerald Musarra (left), retired Army, ofMount Vernon and Sean McCarthy, retiredMarine Corps, of Woodbridge.Musarra: I’m concerned about our nationaldefense, the security of our country. This isabout drawing down our force and that’snot good. Why are we reducing when noone else is? How are we going to protectthe United States, knowing the numbersare against us?McCarthy: I came to find out the impact ofthe new structure and stationing, and howthat affects the retiree community, dis-abled veterans especially. My questionswere answered.

Photos by Tim Peterson/The Gazette

“What we do knowis the reduction iscoming. But we’rejust at a point ofuncertainty.”

— Col. Michelle Mitchell


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Supervisor Gerry Hylandinvites you to attend his

28th Annual Mount Vernon Town Meeting

Gerald W. “Gerry” HylandBoard of Supervisors, Mount Vernon District2511 Parkers LaneAlexandria, VA 22306-3273

703-780-7518(fax) 703-780-1491

[email protected]/mountvernon

Saturday, January 31, 20157:45 AM-1:00 PM

Mount Vernon High School “Little Theatre”8515 Old Mount Vernon Road

7:45 - 9:15 Coffee, Doughnuts and Exhibits

9:15 - 9:45 Welcome, Introductions & Presentations

9:45 - 10:00 County PrioritiesSharon Bulova, Chairman, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

10:00 – 10:15 Fairfax County Issues and BudgetEd Long, Fairfax County Executive

10:15 – 10:45 Q/A Session

10:45 - 11:15 Mount Vernon School Current Issues and ChallengesDan Storck, School Board Representative, Mount Vernon District

11:15 – 12:30 Virtual Bus TourGerry Hyland, Supervisor, Mount Vernon District

12:00 – 12:15 Fort Belvoir Update (during Bus Tour)Colonel Michelle D. Mitchell, Garrison Commander, Fort Belvoir

12:30 - 1:00 Final Question and Answer Session & Conclusion

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Email announcements to [email protected]. Include date,time, location, description and contact forevent: phone, email and/or website. Pho-tos and artwork welcome. Deadline isThursday at noon, at least two weeks be-fore event.

SATURDAYS/THROUGH FEB. 15Affordable Care Act Registration.

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SATURDAY/JAN. 31Garden Design Workshops at

Green Spring Gardens, 9:30a.m.-3 p.m. at 4603 Green SpringRoad, Alexandria. Participants willlearn do-it yourself garden design.This three-session workshop includesmorning lectures on landscape designbasics, followed by an afternoon ofindividualized help on planning andputting ideas on paper. $185 forFairfax County residents, $200 forout-of-county. The two-hour morninglectures are available separately for$36/$38, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Call 703-642-5173 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring.

SUNDAY/FEB. 1Ensuring Self-Determination at

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Bulletin

See Bulletin Board, Page 9


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NEWS DEPARTMENT:[email protected]

Steven MaurenEditor, 703-778-9415

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Tim PetersonCommunity Reporter

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A Connection Newspaper

SnapshotMarilyn Bruno, 6, wholives in Mount Vernon,

took this photo ofseagulls along the

Potomac River in OldTown Alexandria as her

brother Thomas, 12,was feeding them.

Photo by Marilyn Bruno

By Scott A. Surovell

State Delegate (D-44)

44th District

The first 10 days of the GeneralAssembly session are usuallyslow, but were full of surprises

this year.First, while on my way to Gov. Terry

McAuliffe’s State of the Commonwealth Ad-dress, I learned that Sen. Toddy Puller hadannounced her retirement. After digesting theshock and speaking to Toddy, I walked into theHouse of Delegates chamber to hear thegovernor’s address.

Most of the first week was focused on orga-nizing committees, passing non-controversialbills developed over the summer and puttingthe finishing touches on our own bills.

I introduced several bills that I did not coverin my prior columns. First, I introduced legis-

lation prohibiting a Virginia employerwith more than 15 employees from ei-ther discriminating against or firing awoman because she is pregnant. Thisissue, as it is addressed in federal law,is currently pending before the U.S. Su-

preme Court. However, Maryland adoptedsimilar legislation last year and nothing pro-hibits Virginia from strengthening its own laws.

Second, I introduced a bill to bring some“sunlight” to the State Corporation Commis-sion (SCC), a state agency with broad regula-tory power over many industries. Recently, theSCC issued comments criticizing PresidentBarack Obama’s proposed carbon dioxide,greenhouse gas regulations. The SCC is notsubject to the Freedom of Information Act(FOIA) so no one can learn from the publicrecord the information, people and other in-

fluences that led to the SCC’s conclusions. Iintroduced legislation requiring the SCC toprovide complete disclosure of records andcommunications any time they issue agencycomments on public policy matters.

Third, a fellow attorney told me about hisclient who had been involuntarily committedfor mental health treatment. The client ownedlarge stockpiles of ammunition. State law pro-hibits people who have been ordered into men-tal health treatment from possessing a firearm,but they are still allowed to possess unlimitedamounts of ammunition. My bill would pro-hibit that.

I also introduced a study resolution request-ing Virginia’s non-partisan government audi-tor to conduct a study addressing methods tostabilize and improve our transportation rev-enue sources. We actually collect less in gastaxes today than we did in 2007 due to moreenergy-efficient, higher-mileage cars, shortercommutes, fewer drivers and less travel. Gastax revenue is declining. Virginia is still at least$100 billion short in transportation funds overthe next 20 years and projects like the YellowLine Metro extension will not be cheap. Mybill was tabled mainly because committeemembers said we were not ready for moretransportation funding discussions.

I also presented three constitutional amend-ments. One would repeal the ban on marriageequality. The second amendment would allowa two-term governor — that is only commonsense.

The third amendment would remove therequirement that voters provide a social se-curity number when registering to vote. TheGeneral Assembly could still require the num-ber or the last four digits by statute, but thisrequirement does not belong in the Constitu-

See Pregnancy, Page 18

Pregnancy Discrimination and Firearms SafetyCommentary

Opinion

Long awaited, the opening of the Sil-ver Line promises to bring transformation to Tysons and around thecurrent station in Reston, with an-

other Reston station and Herndon to come.The opening of Springfield Town Center has

been greeted by enthusiastic shoppers, show-ing plenty of demand for retailand restaurants.

Housing prices are up, al-though so is the number of

houses on the market, while the number ofhouses sold is down from last year.

But from local government, current eco-nomic conditions overall look more like this:

Job growth has slowed, and the jobs that arebeing created are lower paying. There is a de-cline in federal and business services employ-ment, while the job growth that the region isexperiencing is dominated by gains in hospi-tality and retail sectors. Slowing job growthand lower wages mean lower demand for homepurchases and retail spending, while declinesin federal jobs and government contractorsmean lower demand for office space. The re-gion is growing, but it is growing at a slower

rate than projected one or two years ago.Lower demand for office space translates into

19 million square feet of vacant office space inFairfax County alone. Just for some sense ofscale, that is like having eight malls the sizeTysons Corner Center (2.4 million square feet)completely empty. Arlington County has anoffice vacancy rate of more than 20 percent;in Rosslyn, the rate is approaching 30 percent(27.7). Overall, Northern Virginia has an of-fice vacancy rate of more than 17 percent.

Not only are companies moving their officesfrom older office space to newer space, moretransit-oriented space, but as they do so, theyare downsizing the amount of space, leavingmore less modern space vacant in the process.

The result will be a very difficult budget yearin Northern Virginia. It’s also a call to do thingsdifferently.

Critical to a successful economy will be tocreate housing that service and hospitalityworkers can afford. We have a massive short-age of affordable housing, and the opportu-nity transform some of the massive quantitiesof vacant office space into thoughtful, well-designed housing.

Outlook Many bright spots will be overshadowed inthe coming budget season.

Be Part of Pet GazetteThe Pet Gazette, a bi-annual themed edition,

will publish Feb. 25, 2015.We invite you to send us stories about your

pets, photos of you and/or your family withyour cats, dogs, hamsters, snakes, lizards,frogs, rabbits, or whatever other creaturesshare your home or yard with you.

Tell us the story of a special bond between achild and a dog, the story of how you came toadopt your pet, or examples of amazing featsof your creatures. Can your dog catch a Frisbee10 feet in the air, or devour an entire pizzawhen you turn your back for less than aminute?

Send photos and identify everyone in thephoto including the pets (great preference forphotos of pets and people), tell us what is hap-pening in the photo, and include your address(we will only print the town name).

Submissions should arrive by Feb. 18.Email [email protected],

or submit photos and stories directly on ourwebsite atwww.connectionnewspapers.com/contact/letter

Editorial


Enjoy Island Creek Elementary School, KingstowneFor Sale By Owner • $299,000

3 BR, 1.5 Bath, Wood Floors, Granite Counters, Custom UpgradesThis upgraded 3-level town house is move-in ready with space

and plumbed for second full bath. Wonderful starter or retirementhome. The spacious eat-in kitchen features custom cabinets, granitecountertops, recessed lighting, and a bay window. Dining room,living room and all bedrooms have gleaming hardwood floors. Bothbathrooms are light and bright; upstairs bathroom features an extra-deep soaker tub. The basement has a finished, extra-large rec/mediaroom with custom built-ins and is wired for surround sound. Livingroom opens to fenced backyard backing to trees and a stone patioperfect for outdoor dining and/or garden. Low yard maintenance.Home has two assigned parking spots, and community amenitiesinclude playground, pool, and club house. Recently updated roofand HVAC. Ideal access to I-95, Fairfax County Parkway and biketrails, Springfield Metro and Town Center, Fort Belvoir, Kingstowneshopping, and the new Wegman’s grocery store.

Search zillow.com, 8311 Stationhouse Court, 22079for more details and photographs, and/or

call Michael 239-565-1456

People

At 100, longtime Yacht Haven resi-dent Barbara “Bobbie” Birra stilllives independently, enjoys gar-dening, playing bridge, being

part of her church community and exercis-ing.

Birra is also a charter member of the YachtHaven Garden Club, formed in 1963. Mem-bers of the club threw a ladies’ tea to cel-ebrate her centennial at the Mount VernonYacht Club Jan. 8. Her actual birthday wason Jan. 19.

The floral and landscape designer is de-scribed by garden club members as a “hu-man encyclopedia of horticulture” and a“generous, warm-hearted individual” witha “zest for life.”

In addition to gardening, Birra has spenttime volunteering at the White House, FortBelvoir, Woodlawn Plantation, GunstonHall, Mount Vernon and River Farm.

She’s lent her horticultural expertise tothe community as a landscape designer andsupervisor of garden plantings at the Pope-

Barbara Birra,charter member ofYacht Haven GardenClub, turns 100.

Celebrating a Century

Photo courtesy of Wanda Ragland

Barbara Birra of Mount Vernoncelebrates her 100th birthday Jan.8 at the Mount Vernon Yacht Club.

Leighey House, Good Shepherd CatholicChurch, Memory Gardens at Paul SpringCommunity Senior Center, Friendship Gar-den at Woodley Hills Elementary School,Fort Belvoir, the Yacht Haven Recreationarea and the front entrance of the WestgateCommunity.

Birra is the widow of U.S. Army Lieuten-ant Colonel Alfred Birra and mother of twochildren living in Belgium and Virginia’sHunt Country.

— Tim Peterson


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876

Photos by Veronica Bruno/The Gazette

Address .............................. BR FB HB ... Postal City .. Sold Price .... Type ....... Lot AC . PostalCode ....... Subdivision ......... Date Sold

1 7979 BOULEVARD DR E ........ 6 .. 6 . 0 ..... ALEXANDRIA $18,600,000.... Detached .... 16.50 ....... 22308 . ARCTURUS ON THE POTOMAC . 03/10/14

2 833 HERBERT SPRINGS RD ... 7 .. 6 . 2 ..... ALEXANDRIA .. $2,970,000 .... Detached ..... 1.31 ........ 22308 ............ WELLINGTON ........... 07/01/14

3 9326 OLD MANSION RD ........ 5 .. 5 . 1 ..... ALEXANDRIA .. $2,315,000 .... Detached ..... 0.85 ........ 22309 ............. RIVERWOOD ............ 07/29/14

4 7723 SOUTHDOWN RD ........ 6 .. 4 . 1 ..... ALEXANDRIA .. $2,300,000 .... Detached ..... 0.74 ........ 22308 ............ WELLINGTON ........... 10/29/14

5 6215 BERKELEY ROAD .......... 6 .. 6 . 1 ..... ALEXANDRIA .. $2,050,000 .... Detached ..... 0.23 ........ 22307 ............ BELLE HAVEN ........... 06/30/14

6 2204 FORESTHILL RD ........... 6 .. 6 . 1 ..... ALEXANDRIA .. $1,890,000 .... Detached ..... 0.23 ........ 22307 ............ BELLE HAVEN ........... 11/20/14

7 6236 RADCLIFF RD ............... 4 .. 5 . 1 ..... ALEXANDRIA .. $1,785,000 .... Detached ..... 0.30 ........ 22307 ............ BELLE HAVEN ........... 01/30/14

8 2106 WAKEFIELD CT ............. 6 .. 3 . 2 ..... ALEXANDRIA .. $1,725,000 .... Detached ..... 0.15 ........ 22307 ............ BELLE HAVEN ........... 05/15/14

9 7608 SOUTHDOWN RD ........ 3 .. 4 . 1 ..... ALEXANDRIA .. $1,675,000 .... Detached ..... 0.42 ........ 22308 . ARCTURUS ON THE POTOMAC . 06/30/14

10 1806 EDGEHILL DR............... 4 .. 3 . 1 ..... ALEXANDRIA .. $1,599,000 .... Detached ..... 0.39 ........ 22307 ............ BELLE HAVEN ........... 08/27/14

Copyright 2014 RealEstate Business Intelligence. Source: MRIS as of December 14, 2014.

Mount Vernon REAL ESTATE2014 Top Sales

1 7979 Boulevard Drive East — $18,600,000

7 6236 Radcliff Road — $2,050,000 8 2106 Wakefield Court — $1,725,000 10 1806 Edgehill Drive — $1,599,000

3 9326 Old Mansion Road — $2,315,000 4 7723 Southdown Road — $2,300,000

2 833 Herbert Springs Road — $2,970,000


The Summit 704 Kings Court, Alexandria, VAStately & sophisticated 4BR + 3 1⁄2 BA brick Georgiancenter-hall colonial with gracious room sizes, high ceilings,fine moldings & 2 FPs. Only a short stroll to the King St.Metro. $1,200,000Donnan C. Wintermute CBmove.com/AX8540924

SE Quadrant–OT 600 South Lee Street, Alexandria, VAAmazing $100,000 price reduction; a great value for an endtownhome with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, views of the Riveron 3 levels, gourmet kitchen, hardwoods and more.Welcome Home! $1,199,000Bonnie Rivkin CBmove.com/AX8496964

Del Ray 313 E. Monroe Ave., Alexandria, VACharming multi-family 4 unit building in the heart of DelRay. Many recent upgrades, walk to restaurants & shops.Ample off street parking in rear. Fully leased grossing$80k+. $1,175,000Charles York CBmove.com/AX8507567

Wilson Woods 5900 Ashby Manor Place, Alexandria, VAThis charming 5BR + 5 1/2BA New England cape cod isperfect for gracious entertaining & comfortable family liv-ing. Spacious kitchen w/adjoining FR, exercise room + 2car garage! $1,095,000Donnan C. Wintermute CBmove.com/FX8534851

Villamay 1211 Tatum Dr., Alexandria, VACustom-built house on a 1.6 acre hillside lot covered withtrees. A most private setting. Skylights, exposed ceilingbeams, brick walls, hot tub next to master suite. $899,000Bob Hamilton CBmove.com/FX8537770

The Prescott 1115 Cameron Station#115, Alexandria, VANew price! Boutique condo building with rare street-levelentrance 1 block from King Street! 2 bed/2 bath, hard-woods, granite, stainless, 2 garage parking spaces, stor-age bin. $579,000Lyssa Seward CBmove.com/AX8496334

Overlook 5439 Summer Leaf Lane, Alexandria, VAInside Beltway – great opportunity to own 3 BR, 3.5 bathtownhome w/1-car garage facing parkland, 3 levels, nearI-395, I-495, I-95, all major commuter routes, open floorplan. $519,900Bonnie Rivkin CBmove.com/FX8539652

Templeton 250 Reynolds St. #1411, Alexandria, VAStunning views from 14th floor balcony. Spacious, reno-vated 1 bed, 1.5 bath condo under 200k. SS Appliances,tile backsplash, tile flooring. Security Door. Garage park-ing. $198,000Fred Marcellus CBmove.com/AX8486778

Outlook

From Page 1

What To Expectchange of direction for the increased fleet.One area currently under consideration isa site just off the highway, south of BuckmanRoad.

❖ New Fairfield Inn & Suites at6421 Richmond Highway: The HershaGroup is finished with demolition of theFairview Motel and has construction per-mits to move forward with a new 108-roomFairfield Inn & Suites.

❖ Ross Dress for Less at MountVernon Crossroads: The discount cloth-ing retailer is expected to move in this year,and is going through a building permitphase.

❖ Buffalo Wild Wings: The popularchicken wings, beer and sports restaurantis expected to open a corporate restaurantthis year in Mount Vernon Plaza, in thebuilding that formerly housed Chevys FreshMex restaurant (7732 Richmond Highway).

❖ Habitat for Humanity’s ReStoreclosed: Gold’s Gym is planning to expand

the space at 7770 Richmond Highway.❖ Widening of Richmond Highway

Still Underway: The $180 million projectto widen 3.5 miles of U.S. Route 1 from fourto six lanes and also accommodate masstransit, bicycles and walking is expected tobe completed in 2016.

❖ The Parker at Huntington Sta-tion: The decades-old VSE office buildingsituated by the Huntington Metro was torndown and is set to be replaced a 390-unit,four-to-six-story residential development, aswell as a 15-story, 260,000 square foot of-fice-retail building and a 150-room hotel.Rezoning and a site plan were approved in2012, and apartments and a parking garageare under construction.

❖ Starbucks: 7511 Richmond Highway,formerly a Checkers restaurant, is the siteof a new Starbucks Coffee (complete withdrive-through service) set to open soon.

Sources: Supervisor Gerry Hyland (D-MountVernon) and land use aide, Supervisor Jeff McKay(D-Lee) and land use aide, and Southeast FairfaxDevelopment Corporation.

From Page 5

Fireplace Room, Hollin Hall, Mt. VernonUnitarian Church, 1909 Windmill Lane,Alexandria. Participate in an honest talk aboutthe choices peole face with difficult end-of-lifedecisions. A presenter from Compassion &Choices of the National Capital Area will lead a

Bulletin Board

discussion about rights and how communicatingend-of-life preferences and goals using legaldocuments and ongoing conversation withfamily. Supporting materials will help eachperson think about his or her own values andgoals. This program is designed for people of allages. Visit mvuc.org/ for more.


Submarket Name Acreage Total Sq Ft Office Residential Hotel Retail Where it is in development processChantilly Dulles Discovery 123 acres 2.3 million sq ft 2.3 million sq ft Three buildings delivered totaling 1.18 million s.f. of office.

There is an additional 1.15 million in the pipelineChantilly Preserve at Westfields 50 acres 1.2 million sq ft 280k sq ft 925k sq ft 15k sq ft This plan is submitted and awaiting approvalChantilly Executive Plaza 20 acres 390,000 390k sq ft This plan is submitted and awaiting approval

at WestfieldsHerndon Arrowbrook Center 40 acres 2.2 million sq ft 800k sq ft 1M s.f. 240k sq ft 187k sq ft Recreational facilities that were proffered to the county are complete.Herndon Dulles Station 37 acres 2.7 million sq ft 1.5 million sq ft 1,506 units 180k sq ft 73k sq ft Phase one completed: 710k s.f Office, 933k s.f. residential and 34k s.f. retail planned.Herndon Innovation Center/ 11.65 acres 1.6 million sq ft 500k sq ft 1,005 multi 90k sq ft 104k sq ft site approved

Dulles Rocks (14.68 Including County Site) family unitsMt.Vernon/Lee Liberty View 11 acres 875k sq ft 750k sq ft 125k sq ft Site plan approved, waiting on tenant. Will break ground 4-5 months after lease signedMt.Vernon/Lee Patriot Ridge 15 acres 978k sq ft 978k sq ft The first building is complete delivering 244,000 s.f. of space. There are 3 more office

buildings planned on this siteMt.Vernon/Lee Loisdale Business Center 12 acres 144k sq ft 144k sq ft 2 buildings planned. Waiting on tenant to break groundReston Reston Spectrum 24 acres 1.5 million sq ft 521k sq ft 1,422 units 2 250+ 246k sq ft site approved

room hotelsReston Reston Station 12.47 acres 1.3 million sq ft 550k sq ft 500k sq ft 125k sq ft 120k sq ft 390k s.f. Office Building (16 stories),

21-story BLVD apartments (6 Stories in place so far) current under constructionReston 1760 Reston Parkway 2.4 acres 401k sq ft 390k sq ft 11k sq ft plan approved, waiting on lead tenant to break groundSpringfield Springfield Town Center 78.89 acres 5.7 million sq ft 1 million sq ft 2.4m sq ft 360k sq ft 1.95m sq ft Existing: 1.78 million sq ft retail, mall delivered in october 2014Springfield Springfield Metro Center 16 acres 1.1 million sq ft Phase I - 543k sq ft, PCA approved, site and building permit approved

Phase II - 517k sq ftSpringfield Springfield Center 25 acres 550k sq ft 550k sq ft waiting on market conditions to determine constructionTysons Corner Scotts Run 44 acres 8.5 million sq ft 5 million sq ft 3.1m sq ft 218k sq ft 169k sq ft 15 Story 425 Unit Residential tower by JLB. Expected to be completed 2016.Tysons Corner Capital One 26 acres 4.97 million sq ft 3.16 million sq ft 1.23m sq ft 407k sq ft 123k sq ft 940k sq ft HQ under constructionTysons Corner Tysons Corner Center 78.65 acres 4.7 million sq ft 1.6 million sq ft 2.4m sq ft 267k sq ft 408k sq ft Tysons Tower delivered 525k s.f. of office space,

Hotel and Residential delivery expected first quarter 2015

Compiled by Fairfax County Economic Development Authority

County Development

Outlook

By Reena Singh

The Gazette

Five more school buildingsand renovations for sev-eral existing ones may beapproved by 2020. The

Fairfax County School Board ap-proved the $856 million CapitalImprovement Program (CIP) atthe Jan. 22 meeting to set priorityon the projects the school systemwants done in the next five years.

“We’re developing a long view,because we have significant capi-tal concerns,” said SuperintendentKaren Garza.

During the meeting, she and sev-eral board members said theprojects will have to have separatepublic hearings and votes. The CIPwas approved unanimously.

THE PLAN calls for the additionof five elementary schools and onehigh school. Both South LakesHigh School and Westbriar El-ementary School will have addi-tions with construction expectedin 2021. Additionally, capacityenhancements at Langley, WestSpringfield, Herndon and Oaktonhigh schools are proposed.

“Construction funds for renova-tions at nine elementary schoolsand one middle school, a renova-tion at one high school, and plan-ning funds for renovations at eightelementary, one middle, and twohigh schools are also included andwere part of the 2013 bond refer-endum,” according to a press re-lease.

The majority of the projects inthe plan are expected to be com-pleted between 2016 and 2020.The only renovation planned inthe CIP that will begin after are atNorth West County Elementary,Fairfax-Oakton area elementary,Silverbrook Elementary, HughesMiddle, Cooper Middle, FrostMiddle, Oakton High School andFalls Church High School. Lightrenovations at 10 unidentified el-ementary schools will also beginconstruction after 2021.

The plan, which is reviewed an-nually, is preparing the school sys-tem for nearly 198,000 enrolledstudents projected in the next fiveyears.

$220 million of the projects arefunded through previous schoolbonds. Another bond referendumwill take place in the fall.

The county Board of Supervisorsalso recently approved to provideFCPS an additional $16.1 millionto offset infrastructure replace-ment so bigger projects can begintaking priority. Typically, the fund-ing is limited to $155 million.

The Department of Defense isfunding 80 percent of the buildcost of a new elementary schoolon Fort Belvoir - with the rest ofthe balance funded by the county.

“This is a plan,” said SpringfieldSchool Board member ElizabethSchultz. “What’s being executednow, how it will be done - that wedon’t know. We do have to havesome very real conversations, es-pecially with our peers at theBoard of Supervisors, because they

don’t manage 2.6 million squarefeet. It’s something quite less thanthat.”

She said that during her visit toa local school that morning, shewas concerned that parents werestill having trouble getting into theparking lot to drop off their chil-dren six minutes after the bell hadrung - a reason she said these capi-tal improvement plans are impor-tant.

“How do you materialize visu-ally or understanding 2.6 millionsquare feet?” she asked. “TheNASA Assembly building inFlorida is one of the largest build-ings that I looked up. That’s eightof them. If you’ve ever been to the

Schools to Expand by $856 MillionCapital Improvement Plan approved, risingenrollment causes concerns about classroom space.

Fairfax County Schools Superintendent Karen Garzaanswers questions from the School Board about theCapital Improvement Program.

Address ..................................... BR FB HB ......... Postal City .......... Sold Price ........... Type .................. Lot AC .... PostalCode8228 WEST BOULEVARD DR ............... 5 ... 5 ... 1 ........... ALEXANDRIA .......... $2,495,000 ............. Detached ................. 1.28 ................. 223088704 PLYMOUTH RD .......................... 5 ... 4 ... 1 ........... ALEXANDRIA .......... $1,744,464 ............. Detached ................. 0.54 ................. 223082203 FORESTHILL RD ......................... 5 ... 4 ... 1 ........... ALEXANDRIA .......... $1,125,000 ............. Detached ................. 0.17 ................. 223071907 BELFIELD RD ............................. 4 ... 3 ... 1 ........... ALEXANDRIA ............ $975,000 .............. Detached ................. 0.17 ................. 223078046 WASHINGTON RD ...................... 6 ... 5 ... 0 ........... ALEXANDRIA ............ $950,000 .............. Detached ................. 0.30 ................. 223089308 LUDGATE DR ............................. 4 ... 4 ... 1 ........... ALEXANDRIA ............ $935,000 .............. Detached ................. 0.47 ................. 223096023 WOODMONT RD ....................... 3 ... 3 ... 1 ........... ALEXANDRIA ............ $905,000 .............. Detached ................. 0.14 ................. 223074713 DOLPHIN LN ...............................4 ... 4 ... 0 ........... ALEXANDRIA ............ $900,000 .............. Detached ................. 0.51 ................. 223091502 RIVER FARM DR ......................... 6 ... 5 ... 0 ........... ALEXANDRIA ............ $870,000 .............. Detached ................. 0.74 ................. 223081014 POTOMAC LN ............................ 5 ... 3 ... 0 ........... ALEXANDRIA ............ $790,000 .............. Detached ................. 0.34 ................. 223083716 CARRIAGE HOUSE CT ................. 6 ... 3 ... 1 ........... ALEXANDRIA ............ $775,000 .............. Detached ................. 0.51 ................. 223092411 BRENTWOOD PL .........................4 ... 2 ... 1 ........... ALEXANDRIA ............ $725,000 .............. Detached ................. 0.38 ................. 223069024 BEATTY DR ................................ 5 ... 3 ... 0 ........... ALEXANDRIA ............ $725,000 .............. Detached ................. 0.50 ................. 223082104 WINDSOR RD ............................ 4 ... 2 ... 0 ........... ALEXANDRIA ............ $715,000 .............. Detached ................. 0.19 ................. 22307918 DARTON DR ................................ 4 ... 3 ... 0 ........... ALEXANDRIA ............ $715,000 .............. Detached ................. 0.30 ................. 223081801 OLD STAGE RD............................3 ... 3 ... 0 ........... ALEXANDRIA ............ $712,800 .............. Detached ................. 0.24 ................. 223088109 WINGFIELD PL ............................4 ... 3 ... 1 ........... ALEXANDRIA ............ $705,600 .............. Detached ................. 0.24 ................. 223083618 SOUTH PL #10 .......................... 5 ... 3 ... 0 ........... ALEXANDRIA ............ $704,000 .............. Detached ........................................... 223097411 REBECCA DR ............................. 4 ... 3 ... 0 ........... ALEXANDRIA ............ $701,000 .............. Detached ................. 0.58 ................. 223076407 13TH ST .................................... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ........... ALEXANDRIA ............ $690,000 .............. Detached ................. 0.24 ................. 223079000 BEATTY DR ................................ 4 ... 3 ... 1 ........... ALEXANDRIA ............ $690,000 .............. Detached ................. 0.51 ................. 223081214 BELLE VISTA DR ......................... 5 ... 3 ... 0 ........... ALEXANDRIA ............ $655,000 .............. Detached ................. 0.35 ................. 223072006 RAMPART DR ............................. 4 ... 3 ... 0 ........... ALEXANDRIA ............ $650,000 .............. Detached ................. 0.28 ................. 223089227 CRAIG AVE N ............................. 5 ... 4 ... 1 ........... ALEXANDRIA ............ $630,000 .............. Detached ................. 0.34 ................. 223092434 HUNTINGTON PARK DR .............. 4 ... 3 ... 1 ........... ALEXANDRIA ............ $622,500 .............. Townhouse .............. 0.04 ................. 22303

In December 2014, 114 homes sold between $2,495,000-$79,000 in the Mount Vernon area.

This week’s list represents those homes sold in the $2,495,000-$157,000 range.For the complete list, visit www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Home Sales

Copyright 2014 RealEstate Business Intelligence. Source: MRIS as of December 15, 2015.

By R

eena Singh

/ T

he G

azette

Louvre, it’s four Louvre museums.”

MEMBER AT LARGE RyanMcElveen said board members arenot the only one’s excited aboutthe CIP. “This is the first year I haveever had someone come up to me

on the streets of Washington, D.C.and ask me about the CIP just ran-domly,” he said. “We always ques-tion as a board whether the com-munity reads these documents,and I think it’s become quite clearthis year that they do.”


Winter Fun

Email announcements to [email protected]. Include date,time, location, description and contact forevent: phone, email and/or website. Pho-tos and artwork welcome. Deadline isThursday at noon, at least two weeks be-fore event.

ONGOINGGirls in SOHO Outreach Program

Exhibit Their Photography.Through Feb. 2 at The Art LeagueGallery, 105 North Union St., Studio21, Torpedo Factory Art Center,Alexandria. Each of the 12 girls inthe 2014-2015 Space of Her Own(SOHO) class was given a filmcamera and the opportunity to createa series of narrative-basedphotographs. At the completion ofthe program, the teams remodel eachof the girls’ bedrooms, incorporatingall of their artwork, to truly give eachgirl a “space of her own.” Visitwww.theartleague.org or call 703-683-1780.

“The Space Between.” Through Feb.2 at the Multiple Exposures Gallery,The Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105N Union St., Studio 312.Photographer Janet Matthewspresents a portfolio of new work inthis solo exhibit at the MultipleExposures Gallery, looking beyondthe literal representation of objects toexplore their edges and the spacethat surrounds them. Visitwww.multipleexposuresgallery.comor call 703-683-2205 for more.

Signature Tour. 2 p.m. or variousother availability. Through Thursday,Feb. 12 at Mount Vernon Mansion,3200 Mount Vernon Highway, MountVernon. During a guided exploration

tour of the Mansion, visit areas notnormally open to guests, includingthe basement and the third floorwhere Martha Washington retiredafter the death of her husband in1799. $5/per person in addition togeneral admission. Hours vary. Visitmountvernon.org for more.

Exhibition “Unearthed |Unleashed.” Through Sunday, Feb.22 in the Athenaeum Gallery 201Prince St., Alexandria. An exhibitionof the works of Michael Gessner andJoanne Kent. Gessner’s mixed mediasculptures reference a variety ofnatural forms. Kent’s minimal workswith thickly applied paint and waxappear to be a reflection on organicelements and artifacts. Free. Visitwww.nvfaa.org.

“Beyond the Board” Art Exhibit.Through Feb. 22. Prudential PenFedRealty, 4900 Seminary Road,Alexandria. Del Ray Artisans’presents “Beyond the Board.” Aportion of artists’ sales go to thePenFed Foundation, supportingactive military families, veterans andtheir families. Visitwww.thedelrayartisans.org/shows/gww/ for more.

“Front and Back.” Feb.11- March 15,10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; 10 a.m.- 9 p.m.second Thursday of the month atPotomac Fiber Arts Gallery in Studio18 of the Torpedo Factory Art Centerat 105 North Union Street,Alexandria. Artists’ imagination playswith Items that are different front vsback; right vs left; top vs bottom;inside vs outside; right side up vs upside down; positive space vs negativespace. Anything that has two or moresides can be used to show twodifferent visuals. Free admission. See

www.potomacfiberartsgallery.com.Alexandria Cars & Coffee invites car

enthusiasts to meet for coffee atHollin Hall Shopping Center in frontof Roseina’s, 1307 Shenandoah Road.Owners of classic cars, hot rods,exotic cars, motorcycles and moremeet to share car stories and drinkcoffee. Group meets the first Sundayof every month. 8:30-11 a.m.

Fifty Years of Collecting. Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundaysnoon to 5 p.m. Fort Ward Museum4301 West Braddock Road. Ananniversary exhibit of objects fromthe Fort Ward collection. Free. Visitwww.fortward.org or call 703-746-4848.

Dinner for the Washingtons. Noonat George Washington’s MountVernon, 3200 Mount VernonMemorial Highway. A walking tourthat goes behind the scenes to findout how food was prepared andserved before the era of microwavesand TV dinners. $5 in addition toestate admission. Visitwww.mountvernon.org/ for more.

Second Thursday Music.Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. 7 pm.Second Thursday of every month.Visit nvfaa.org to view concertcalendar and listen to upcomingSecond Thursday Music artists.

The Monday Morning Birdwalk hasbeen a weekly event at HuntleyMeadows since 1985. It takes placeevery week, rain or shine (exceptduring electrical storms, strongwinds, or icy trails), at 7 a.m. (8 a.m.November through March), is free ofcharge, requires no reservation, andis open to all. Birders meet in theparking lot at the park’s entrance at3701 Lockheed Blvd. Direct questions

to Park staff during normal businesshours at 703-768-2525.

THURSDAY/JAN. 29Bob Hume and Martha Capone. 7-9

p.m. at John Strongbow’s Tavern,710 King St., Alexandria. Visitwww.johnstrongbows.com or call703-329-3075.

FRIDAY/JAN. 30“Smellin’ Up the Den.” At Port City

Playhouse, 1819 Quaker Lane,Alexandria. The classiest potty humorin the DMV. Audiences will betreated to an hour–long whirlwind ofhysterical vignettes. $18-$24. Visitwww.redknightproductions.com orwww.portcityplayhouse.com.

SATURDAY/JAN. 31Tea with Martha Washington, 2-3

p.m. at Mount Vernon, 3200 MountVernon Highway, Mount Vernon.Listen to Martha Washington’s storiesabout life at Mount Vernon whileenjoying a selection of lite fareprepared by the Mount Vernon Inn.Following tea, enjoy a self-guidedexploration of the estate anddecorative arts found in the DonaldW. Reynolds Museum and EducationCenter. $30 for adults, $20 for youth(12 and under), includes tea, litefare, and general estate admission.Visit www.mountvernon.org.

FRIDAY/JAN. 31-SATURDAY/FEB. 1The Taste & Style of George

Washington. 2 p.m. MountVernon’s first fine arts tour offers

guests the chance to appreciate alesser known quality of GeorgeWashington – his keen eye. This tour,which includes the mansion as wellas the museum, exploresWashington’s tastes and his selectionof decorative fine arts for his home.This tour is included in admission,visitors must register for a tour ticketonline or at the ticket window.Limited capacity. Visitwww.mountvernon.org for more.

SUNDAY/FEB. 1Wonders of Science. 1-4 p.m. at The

Stabler-Leadbeater ApothecaryMuseum, 105-107 South Fairfax St.,Old Town, Alexandria. TheApothecary Museum hosts a day of18th-century natural and medicalscience exploration anddemonstrations. Discover curiousobjects, from poison bottles todragon’s blood, and find out howthey were used – and if they worked.This hour-long program includes atour of the museum, with new groupsbeginning every 30 minutes.Recommended for 3rd grade andolder. $6, children and adults.Reservations recommended, space islimited. Visitwww.apothecarymuseum.org or call703-746-3852.

Walk with Washington Tour. 2p.m., at Alexandria Convention andVisitors Bureau, 221 King Street,Alexandria. The walk focuses onimportant Old Towne sites associatedwith George Washington. 60-90minutes. Free. Call 703-746-3301.

Philharmonic Performance. 3 p.m.at The George Washington MasonicMemorial, 101 Callahan Drive,

Calendar

By Carolyn Griffin

MetroStage

Producing Artistic Director

Bessie’s Blues” is probably thebiggest show we have everdone — certainly the biggestset. And with eight on stage

(seven actors and one dancer) and fivemusicians — probablythe biggest cast. Anddid I mention the pro-jections and the eight

foot tall letters that spell BLUES? With LEDlights and video projected on the surface ofthe letters. Don’t want to give it all awaybefore you see it, but honestly it’s going tobe amazing.

Not to mention the incredible cast.Bernardine Mitchell returns after a trium-phant fall production of “Three Sistahs,”along with Roz White (always the middlesistah), both of whom were in the originalproduction of “Bessie’s Blues” at StudioTheatre 20 years ago. Lori Williams (thestunning Ella in “Ladies Swing the Blues”— her performance recognized with a HelenHayes Nomination), and the incredible TCCarson (remember that sexy lover in “Two

Queens One Castle” at MetroStage a fewyears ago? and of course he can still be seenon television as Kyle in reruns of “LivingSingle”) — both return to MetroStage. Ac-tors debuting on our stage in this produc-tion are LC Harden Jr, Djob Lyons, andStephawn Stephens all triple treats as ac-tors, singers and dancers. Dancer Nia Har-ris joins the cast as well.

“Bessie’s Blues” is written, directed andchoreographed by Thomas W. Jones II, whohas been associated with MetroStage (inspite of living in Atlanta) for the past 14years. Speaking of a triple treat (maybequadruple since he is also an actor), hebrings a unique, original voice to all of hisscripts, characters, themes and music. His“Three Sistahs” last fall touched the heartsand souls and had audiences rushing hometo call their sisters. His direction of “Gee’sBend” garnered a Helen Hayes Nominationfor outstanding direction among otherthings, bringing the lives and music of thewomen quilters of Gee’s Bend into the livesof our audiences. Witness musicians “chas-ing the music” in “Ladies Swing the Blues”or in the words of Cool Papa “keeptraveling…inventing…sweating…stealingseconds from destiny…tracing new foot-

steps…” from “Cool Papa’s Party.”Tom Jones writes about themes, values

and circumstances that all can relate to be-cause they are timeless and universal. Spe-cific stories, yet universal, timeless themes.MetroStage is proud to present this body ofwork that touches our audiences, leaving amemorable impression well into the future.It is what theatre is meant to be and whatwe at MetroStage intend to keep doing for

‘Bessie’s Blues’At MetroStage

“Bessie’s Blues” writer, director and and choreographer Thomas W.Jones II with MetroStage Producing Artistic Directer Carolyn Griffin.

Notes from

The Producer

the next 30 years.Happy anniversary MetroStage and here’s

to the future.

Performances, through March 15, areWednesday-Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 3 and8 p.m.; and Sunday, 3 and 7 p.m.

MetroStage is located at 1201 North RoyalSt., Alexandria. Tickets $55-60. Visitwww.metrostage.org or call 800-494-8497.

“


2ND ANNUAL

Friday, March 6, 2015The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner

The Boys & Girls Clubs of GreaterWashington/Fairfax Region helphundreds of at-risk youth every dayright here in Fairfax County.

We invite your organization to consider sponsorshipopportunities for our 2nd Annual Boys and Girls Clubsof Greater Washington, Fairfax Region Casino Night.

Casino Night is a fun-filled evening featuring:• Full complement of staffed gaming tables including Texas Hold ’em, Black Jack and Craps, Roulette• Fabulous dinner buffet * open bar * amazing raffles, live and silent auction• Celebrity Emcee with music and dancing.

The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner1700 Tysons Boulevard, McLean, Virginia 22102 • On the Silver Line

Friday, March 6, 20156:30-11:30pm

Tickets: $95.00 per person,$175.00 per couple

Special Overnight Guest Room Rateat the Ritz-Carlton for

Friday March 6, 2015 -- $119.00

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington/Fairfax Region help boysand girls of all backgrounds build confidence, develop character, and acquireskills fundamental to becoming productive, civic-minded, responsible adults.

BGCGW provides a safe and positive environment for our youth.

Tickets: www.bgcgw.org/fairfax/casino-night/

Boys & Girls Club Fairfax Casino Night

OF GREATER WASHINGTONFAIRFAX COUNTY REGION

TCHOUPITOULASFine Furnishings and Interior Design

Tradition with a Twist

Our ClientDesignCenter canmake all ofyour designdreamscome true!

Come intoday andget started!

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Winter Fun

Alexandria. The WashingtonMetropolitan Philharmonic welcomespianist Thomas Pandolfi along withtrombonist Brian Bourne as featuredmusicians for their Februaryperformances of Franz Liszt’s LesPreludes, Brahms’ Piano Concertoand the world premiere of SparklingDialogue for trombone and strings.Adults, $20; 18 and younger, free.Visit www.wmpamusic.org or call703-799-8229.

MONDAY/FEB. 2History Lecture. 7 p.m. at the

Athanaeum, 201 Prince St.,Alexandria. As Saint Valentine’s Dayapproaches come learn about love,lust, and magic in the ancient worldfrom Egyptian love poems to theorigins of our Valentine’s Day in theRoman Empire. Adult content: notappropriate for children. Free. Visitnvfaa.org or call 703-548-0035.

WEDNESDAY/FEB. 4Bob Hume and Martha Capone. 7-9

p.m. at John Strongbow’s Tavern,710 King St., Alexandria. Visitwww.johnstrongbows.com or call703-329-3075.

THURSDAY/FEB. 5Larry Calvert Cookie Class. 6-8 p.m.

at the Athanaeum, 201 Prince St.,Alexandria. Join cookie artisan LarryCalvert as he makes hand-decoratedsugar cookies. Six different cookiesper student will be supplied forcreating and taking home. This classis hands-on training with all suppliesincluded. $45. Visit nvfaa.org or call703-548-0035.

City of Alexandria Pipes & Drums.

The Game’s AfootWith inflated egos, boundless bitchiness and great camaraderie, The Little The-

atre of Alexandria presents “The Game’s Afoot.” Starring Simon Bright (Joe Quinn),Aggie Wheeler (Maureen R. Goldman), William Gillette (John Henderson), FelixGeisel (Chuck Leonard), and Madge Geisel (Pam Kasenetz), the Ken Ludwig farceturns an Agatha Christie-–like murder mystery into melodramatic mayhem and afun piece of whodunit nonsense. Playing through Feb. 7 at The Little Theatre ofAlexandria, 600 Wolfe St. For tickets or more information, call 703–-683–-0496or visit www.thelittletheatre.com.

Pho

to

by M

att Liptak

See Winter Fun, Page 15


Exp. 2/28/15

Winter Fun

By Kim Allen Kluge

Music Director,

Alexandria Symphony Orchestra

I am very excited about the AlexandriaSymphony Orchestra’s upcomingValentine’s weekend concerts. They will

take place on Saturday, Feb. 14, 8 p.m., atthe Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall &Arts Center, and on Feb. 15, 3:30 p.m., at

the George Washington Ma-sonic Memorial. The Feb. 15performance will be the sec-ond concert in our new Sun-

day matinée series at the Memorial. TheGeorge Washington Masonic Memorial pro-vides a wonderful concert venue in an iconicAlexandria setting at the vortex of OldTown, Rosemont and Del Ray, making theASO concerts Metro- accessible.

“Dare to...Follow Your Heart” is the titleof this fun and romance-filled concert—thethird in our 2014-2015 “Dare to...” Season.I am looking forward to sharing the musicfrom three light classic romances. Thesedelightful and whimsical stories all involvemultiple love interests, often fraught withmisadventure. Happily, all end with exuber-ant and joyful unions and celebrations.

These are truly Valentine’s weekend con-certs.

The music from these enchanting love sto-ries represents some of the freshest sound-ing music ever written—as if they werewritten in a blaze of inspiration. And in-deed they were.

I still vividly remember the very first timeI heard Mozart’s “The Magic Flute,” it wasrevelatory and had a profound influence onme. As a child I was far too young to fullyappreciate the romances, and certainly toounsophisticated to completely fathom themore serious undertones of the storyline. Isimply was mesmerized by the sheer magicand whimsy of it all. Such is the power ofmasterpieces such as “The Magic Flute”—they speak to audiences on so many differ-ent levels.

Guest vocalist Elizabeth Overmann willdisplay astonishing versatility in two Queenof the Night arias from “The Magic Flute,”music that shows off almost superhumanvocal fireworks. Ms. Overmann will alsosing “Weep You No More, Sad Fountains.”This languid melody was penned by PatrickDoyle for his film score to Jane Austen’s“Sense and Sensibility” (1995). It’s deli-ciously full of sensuality and longing.

These Valentine’s weekend concerts willalso feature the beautifully lyrical and be-guiling melodies of the cello symphony byVilla Lobos, “Bachianas Brasilieras #1.”

The concerts will conclude with FelixMendelssohn’s delightfully evocative inci-dental music to Shakespeare’s “A Midsum-mer Night’s Dream.” It contains one of themost often played pieces of music ever writ-ten—the rousing Wedding March that isplayed at the endof practically ev-ery wedding cer-emony. I nevercease to marvel athow Mendelssohnis able to tellS h a k e s p e a r e ’ sstory in music. Allof the drama is in the music itself, containedin its very notes.

I can’t wait to make music again in theincredibly unique and intimate setting atthe George Washington Masonic Memorial.The very special feeling that is created be-tween the orchestra and audience in thatremarkable hall is palpable. The semi in-the-round setting allows the audience towrap around the orchestra, as if embracing

“The course of true lovenever did run smooth...”— Lysander from “A Midsummer Night’s

Dream” by William Shakespeare

Maestro’s

Musings

‘Dare to...Follow Your Heart’ for Valentine’s Daythe musicians...and the music itself. It’s abeautiful thing to experience, and especiallyappropriate for these intimate Valentine’sDay stories and music.

During these concerts we will unveil theASO’s 2015-16 Season—a program that Isincerely believe will be the most enthusi-astically talked-about season of my long ca-reer with the Alexandria Symphony Orches-tra.

I am truly look-ing forward tothese Valentine’sweekend concerts.Presenting the mu-sic to these fantas-tic and enchantingromances shouldmake for a really

fun concert for the orchestra, audience andme.

See the Alexandria Symphony OrchestraSaturday, Feb. 14, 8 p.m. at Schlesinger Con-cert Hall and Arts Center, 3001 N. BeauregardSt. and Sunday, Feb. 15, 3:30 p.m. at theGeorge Washington Masonic Memorial, 101Callahan Drive. Visit www.alexsym.org or call703-548-0885.


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

Good ShepherdCatholic Church

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

Loving as Christ loves, serving as Christ serves

Monday6:30 pm Mass (Español)Saturday Evening5:00 pm Vigil Mass6:30 pm Vigil Mass (en Español)Sunday7:30 am; 9:00 am (with SignLanguage Interpreter &Children’s Liturgy of the Word);10:30 am; 12:00 Noon; 2:00 pm

(en Español); 6:30 pmWeekday & SaturdayMornings: 9:00 am Mass,preceded by Rosary (on FirstFriday, Mass followed byEucharistic Adoration)Thursday & FirstFriday of the Month:7:30 pm Mass (Español)preceded by 7:00 pmEucharistic Adoration

Mass Schedule

Winter Fun

9:30-10:30 p.m., at John Strongbow’sTavern, 710 King St., Alexandria.Visit www.johnstrongbows.com orcall 703-329-3075.

FRIDAY/FEB. 6“Elements” Art Exhibit Opening

Reception. 7-9 p.m. at Del RayArtisans Gallery, 2704 Mount VernonAve., Alexandria. John Bordner,Kathryn Brown, Michele Reday Cook,Linda Elliff, Kim S. Joy, Marlin Lordand Tamara Wilkerson presentartworks which incorporate elementsof earth, water, air and fire inmaterials, media and subject matter.Gallery hours are Thursdays 12-6p.m.; Fridays-Saturdays 12-9 p.m.;Sundays 12-6 p.m. Visitwww.TheDelRayArtisans.org.

SATURDAY/FEB. 7Coin Show. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at at the

Springfield American Legion Post176, 6520 Amherst Ave., Springfield.The coin show features 50 tableswith a variety of coins, currency andnumismatic collectables. Prizes to thefirst 500 visitors. An instructionperiod is included for those new tocollecting. Additionally, there is araffle for Gold & Silver coins. Visitwww.alexandriacoinclub.com oremail [email protected].

Carlyle’s Birthday Celebration.noon-4 p.m. at 121 N. Fairfax Streetin Old Town Alexandria. Step back intime to the 1770’s at one ofAlexandria’s finest and oldest housesto commemorate the 295th birthdayof Alexandria town founder, Col.John Carlyle. Call 703-549-2997 orvisit www.novaparks.com.

Tea with Martha Washington, 2-3p.m. at Mount Vernon, 3200 MountVernon Highway, Mount Vernon.Listen to Martha Washington’s storiesabout life at Mount Vernon whileenjoying a selection of lite fareprepared by the Mount Vernon Inn.$30 for adults, $20 for youth (12 andunder), includes tea, lite fare, andgeneral estate admission. Visitwww.mountvernon.org.

The Beverly Hillbillies. 7:30 p.m. atMVCCT, Heritage PresbyterianChurch, 8503 Fort Hunt Road,Alexandria. After accidentallystriking it rich with oil, watch thewhole Clampett family find their wayin this new land inhabited by moviestars and the fabulously wealthy.$12. Purchase tickets atwww.mvcct.org.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY/FEB. 7-8The Taste & Style of George

Washington. 2 p.m. MountVernon’s first fine arts tour offersguests the chance to appreciate alesser known quality of George

Washington – his keen eye. This tour,which includes the mansion as wellas the museum, exploresWashington’s tastes and his selectionof decorative fine arts for his home.This tour is included in admission,visitors must register for a tour ticketonline or at the ticket window.Limited capacity. Visitwww.mountvernon.org for more.

Alice’s Restaurant 50thAnniversary Tour. 7:30 p.m at theBirchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave.Arlo Guthrie celebrates the event thatinspired the song “Alice’s RestaurantMassacree.” Call 703-549-7500 orvisit www.Birchmere.com for more.

SUNDAY/FEB. 8The Navy Concert Band. 2 p.m. at

the Athanaeum, 201 Prince St.,Alexandria. The Navy Band ChamberMusic Series features musicians fromthe U.S. Navy Band. This chambermusic recital will feature traditionaland modern music for woodwindsand brass. Free. Visit nvfaa.org formore.

Walk with Washington Tour. 2p.m., at Alexandria Convention andVisitors Bureau, 221 King St.,Alexandria. The walk focuses onimportant Old Towne sites associatedwith George Washington. 60-90minutes. Free. Call 703-746-3301.

The Beverly Hillbillies. 3 p.m. atMVCCT, Heritage PresbyterianChurch, 8503 Fort Hunt Road,Alexandria. $12. Purchase tickets atwww.mvcct.org.

Winter Warmer Tea with MarthaWashington. 3-4:30 p.m. atGadsby’s Tavern Restaurant, 138North Royal St., Alexandria. Sip aspecial blend of tea from Gadsby’sTavern Museum, “take” a cup ofAmerican Heritage Chocolate, andeat period-inspired delicacies, bothsweet and savory, with your 21st-century friends. A historic guest whowill be visit during each tea. $35 perperson all inclusive. Reservations arerequired. To make reservations andpurchase tickets, call 703-746-4242or visit shop.alexandriava.gov. Ticketalso includes a tour at 2:15 or 2:45prior to the tea.

Philharmonic Performance. 3 p.m.at The Church of the Epiphany, 1317G. St. NW, Washington, D.C. TheWashington MetropolitanPhilharmonic welcomes pianistThomas Pandolfi along withtrombonist Brian Bourne as featuredmusicians for their Februaryperformances of Franz Liszt’s LesPreludes, Brahms’ Piano Concertoand the world premiere of SparklingDialogue for trombone and strings.Adults, $20; 18 and younger, free.Visit www.wmpamusic.org or call703-799-8229.

MONDAYS/FEB. 9 & 23

The Art of Ballroom Dance. 7-7:45and 7:45-8:30 p.m. at theAthanaeum, 201 Prince St.,Alexandria. Learn the Fox Trot,Waltz, Tango, Swing, Salsa,Meringue, Rumba, Cha-Cha, andSamba, taught by Gary Stephans.Come with or without a partner.Beginning and advanced dancerswelcome. Both classes are invited topractice from 8:30-9 p.m. $15. Visitnvfaa.org for more or [email protected] or call 703-505-5998.

THURSDAY/FEB.12Second Thursday Live. 7 p.m. at the

Athanaeum, 201 Prince St.,Alexandria. “The Course of True LoveNe’er Did Run Smooth” —Shakespeare’s unhappy love scenes.Just in time for St. Valentine’s Day: Areminder that dysfunctional love iseternal. DC-area theatre actors willread scenes of love and discord.Dessert reception follows thereading. $15. Visit nvfaa.org or call703-548-0035.

Andrew O’Day. 8-11 p.m., at JohnStrongbow’s Tavern, 710 King St.,Alexandria. Visitwww.johnstrongbows.com or call703-329-3075.

FRIDAY/FEB. 13Eric Benet. 7:30 p.m. at The

Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave.Tickets $59.50. Visit birchmere.comor call 703-549-7500.

The Beverly Hillbillies. 7:30 p.m. atMVCCT, Heritage PresbyterianChurch, 8503 Fort Hunt Road,Alexandria. $12. Purchase tickets atwww.mvcct.org.

SATURDAY/FEB. 14“Blues Babies.” 12:30-2 p.m. at

Alexandria Black History Museum,902 Wythe Street, Alexandria. Enjoyan afternoon of live musicinterwoven with multi-media andstorytelling, exploring themodernization of the Blues and itsinfluence upon Jazz, Gospel, Rhythm& Blues, Rock & Roll, Soul, SoulBlues, and other related music genre.Free. Call 703-746-4356.

Burlesque-A-Pades in Loveland. 6p.m. doors, 7:30 p.m. show, at TheBirchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave.In this Valentine’s Day production,Burlesque-A-Pades is serving up anevening jam packed withentertainment, including amongothers, award winning BurlesqueQueen Angie Pontani. Full dinnerand cocktail service is offered at theshow. Visit www.birchmere.com.

The Beverly Hillbillies. 7:30 p.m. atMVCCT, Heritage PresbyterianChurch, 8503 Fort Hunt Road,Alexandria. $12. Purchase tickets atwww.mvcct.org.

Take the Cherry ChallengeThe George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee in Alexandria

presents the seventh annual Cherry Challenge. In the spirit of the old cherrytree tale, celebrate with the restaurants participating in this culinary con-test through Feb. 10. Vote for favorite drinks, starters, entrees and dessertswhich include cherries. Each patron who orders a cherry item will have theopportunity to rate the item on taste, creativity, and presentation. At theend, the ballots will be collected, and tallied. Visitwww.washingtonbirthday.net/cherry-challenge. Restaurants include:❖ Bilbo Baggins — 208 Queen St., www.bilbobaggins.net❖ Café Pizzaiolo — 1623 Fern St., www.cafepizzaiolo.com/❖ Casa Rosada Gelato — 111 South Payne St., www.crgelato.com/❖ Chadwick’s — 203 Strand St., www.chadwicksrestaurants.com/❖ Chart House — 1 Cameron St., www.chart-house.com❖ Del Ray Café — 205 E. Howell Ave., www.delraycafe.com/❖ Dishes of India — 1510 Belle View Blvd., www.dishesofindia.com/❖ Fire Flies — 1501 Mt Vernon Ave., www.firefliesdelray.com/❖ Gadsby’s Tavern — 138 North Royal St.,

www.gadsbystavernrestaurant.com❖ The Grille at Morrison House — 116 South Alfred St.,

www.morrisonhouse.com/alexandria-restaurant/the-grille.html❖ Haute Dogs — 610 Montgomery St., www.hautedogsandfries.com/❖ Indigo Landing — One Marina Drive, www.indigolanding.com/❖ John Strongbow — 710 King St., johnstrongbows.com/❖ Killer E.S.P. — 1012 King St., killeresp.com/❖ King Street Blues — 112 North Saint Asaph St.,

www.kingstreetblues.com/❖ La Bergerie — 218 North Lee St., www.labergerie.com/❖ Laporta’s — 1600 Duke St., www.laportas.net/❖ Le Refuge — 127 North Washington St.,

www.lerefugealexandria.com/❖ Mackie’s Bar and Grill — 907 King St.,

www.mackiesbarandgrill.com❖ Mount Vernon Inn — 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway,

www.mountvernon.org/inn❖ Murphy’s — 713 King St., murphyspub.com/murphys/alexandria/❖ Daniel O’Connell’s Bar & Restaurant — 112 King St.,

www.danieloconnells.com/❖ Olea — 703 King St., olearestaurantinc.com/❖ Pizza Paradiso — 124 King St., www.eatyourpizza.com/tag/

pizzeria-old-town/❖ RedRocks — 904 King St., www.redrocksdc.com/old-town/❖ Tempo — 4231 Duke St., www.temporestaurant.com/❖ TJ Stone’s — 608 Montgomery St., tjstones.com/❖ Trademark — 2080 Jamieson Ave., trademarkdrinkandeat.com/❖ Vaso’s — 1118 King St., www.vasosonking.com/❖ Waterfront Market and Café — 7 King St.,

www.thewaterfrontmarket.com

Alexandria Winter Restaurant Week, Jan. 23-Feb. 1. FIrst-timeparticipants include BRABO Tasting Room, with its casual Belgian fare,alongside Alexandria newcomers City Kitchen and Mackie’s Bar & Grill, aswell as Old Town favorite Taverna Cretekou. Restaurants inneighborhoods throughout Alexandria, including Old Town, Del Ray andthe West End offer a $35 three-course dinner or $35 dinner for two; selectlocations offering lunch from $10-20 per person. Visitwww.AlexandriaRestaurantWeek.com for a menu flip-book orreservations.

Port City celebrates it’s fourth anniversary with a week of events startingwith Port City Brewing Company’s Colossal Fourth Anniversary Party onFriday, Jan. 30; Colossal Four Saturday at Port City Brewing Company anda pub crawl in Dupont on Saturday, Jan. 31; Colossal Sunday in theTasting Room, Feb. 1; Colossal Joggers & Lagers with Pacers Running,Monday, Feb. 2; Colossal Tap Takeover & BeerYoga, Tuesday, Feb. 3; BeerScience with Doctor Lange and Fourth Anniversary on the Fourth atJackson 20, Wednesday, Feb. 4; DC101 FeBREWary Live on ColossalThursday and Colossal Port City Pizza Night at RedRocks Old Town,Thursday, Feb. 5; and Firkin Friday: Colossal Edition, Feb. 6. Visitwww.portcitybrewing.com for a complete list of events.

Food & DrinkFrom


By Eden Brown

The Gazette

Planet Fitness, the health club fran-chise known for its “judgementfree zone” opened its second clubin in December. Located at 5960

Richmond Highway, the club celebratedwith a ribbon-cutting party on Jan. 14. Spe-cial guest, “The Biggest Loser” finalist,David Brown, was available to talk aboutfitness tips, and his own fitness philosophy.

Brown was an inspiration for at least oneof the attendees at the opening; MadonnaMcGovern, an Alexandrian resident who justjoined the Planet Fitness gym, said she lovesit. She is also a member at another gym inthe area, but they aren’t open 24 hours aday like Planet FItness. She also likes thatthe trainers are free of charge and they area lot more focused on her. “The customerfocus at Planet Fitness is amazing”, she said.“They really seem like they care.”

McGovern, who had been in an accidentthat left one side weaker than the other, saidshe got “routine” training advice from theother gym, and the trainer seemed bored.At Planet Fitness, “the trainer was much

more aware of my situation; he told me Ihad a weak side and that he would be de-veloping a regimen for me that helped meget that side stronger.” The “no judgementzone” philosophy is important forMcGovern. Success stories like Brown’s arealso important.

Brown weighed 409 lbs when he startedhis fitness effort; he put on the weight car-ing for his brain cancer-stricken wife andchildren for 10 years. When she died, Brownlooked at himself and realized he was allhis children had left; he applied to the Big-gest Loser program but as he told them: “I’mgoing to do this, with or without a TV pro-gram.” Brown has five “keystone habits” inhis daily routine: working out, praying,

serving in some way, connecting with fam-ily, and reading/writing. He dropped 222lbs on the show. Although he doesn’t workout 7-8 hours a day the way he did on “TheBiggest Loser,” he puts in 2-3 hours.

Mario Ballestros, the general manager atthe new gym, said one of the things he doesat Planet Fitness is “walk-arounds” every 15minutes. He is looking for cleanliness (“justbecause it looks clean doesn’t mean it isclean”) and he asks clients when he doesthe walkaround: “What do you like? Whatdon’t you like?” He wants his clients happy.He doesn’t want to see anyone waiting inline, and with 81 fitness machines, thatshouldn’t be a problem. Ballestros wasplucked by owner Kevin Fagan from his job

at another gym to take over the new loca-tion because of his belief in Planet Fitnessas a concept. One of the features that lookedparticularly helpful is the QR code on themachines: hold a phone up to it and it willsay what seat position to use. Another fea-ture, for Black Card holders, is the Hydromassage bed: 92 degrees of water goes upand down your spine for five minutes, andyou can tell the machine where it hurts themost.

The gym also offers the 30 minute work-out: Thirty minutes, 20 stations.

The more than 15,000-square-foot gymoffers state of the art cardio machines andstrength equipment, fully equipped lockerrooms with day lockers and showers, flatscreen televisions, HydroMassage beds,massage chairs, tanning beds, and TotalBody Enhancement booths. The club willbe open and staffed 24 hours a day, sevendays a week. The other Planet Fitness inAlexandria, which opened in 2010, locatedat 4620 Kenmore Ave., is also open andstaffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“We’re thrilled to be opening our secondclub in Alexandria,” said Planet Fitness fran-chisee Kevin Fagan. “We look forward toproviding even more Alexandria residentswith a high quality, judgement free fitnessexperience at an extremely affordable cost.”For more information or to join online, visitwww.planetfitness.com.

“Biggest Loser” finalistattends ribbon-cutting.

New Health Club Offers ‘Judgment Free Zone’

Photos by Eden Brown/The Gazette

Trainer Manny Danso works with aclient at Planet Fitness.

“Biggest Loser” David Browngreets new Planet Fitness memberMadonna McGovern.

Winter Fun

Visit your library. Storyteller, Gary Lloyd, pre-sents a pictorial history of the Martha Washing-ton Library, for its recent 75th Anniversary.Both Martha Washington and Sherwood Librarybranches have many events coming up, includ-ing Read to the Dog, Book Discussion Groups,Small Wonders, and Family Movie.

Visit our many local parks. Bethany Ruyle’sfamily came out to enjoy the sunshine at HuntleyMeadows Park. Young John Elliot enjoys playingwith the leaves and branches, around him.

Take a class about nature. Meagan Keefe,program manager for Huntley Meadows,teaches a class on the Night Sky to a group ofVirginia master naturalists. Huntley Meadowsoffers classes, to the public, for all ages. They,also, offer merit badge opportunities.

Go ice skating. Instructors Liz Conley (right) and Madeline Stallworth(left) demonstrate a new position for their Basic 1 Skating Class. MountVernon Rec Center has an ice rink that offers free skate time, ice hockey,and lessons for all ages.

Some Ideas for Fun Things To Do

Learn to make music. Michael Page teaches “Let’s Make Music” at theMount Vernon Rec Center. Fairfax County Parks Department offers musiclearning opportunities for children of all ages.

Photos by Renée Ruggles/The Gazette


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• Mount VernonClassifiedClassified

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REQUEST FOR INFORMATION NUMBER 15-01-03The Alexandria City School Board dba Alexandria City PublicSchools is seeking information on a web based IndividualizedEducation Program System.Sealed Proposals with the notation RFI # 15-01-03 Individual-ized Education Program, will be received in the Central Pro-curement Office, 1340 Braddock Place, Suite 620,Alexandria, Virginia 22314, on or before 3:00 pm, February 18,2015. The time of receipt shall be determined by the time clockstamp in the Procurement office. Proposals appropriately re-ceived will be opened and the names of the firms respondingwill be read aloud. RFI documents may be obtained at theabove Procurement Office or by calling 703- 619-8162, or bydownloading the RFI from the ACPS website atwww.acps.k12.va.us, Administration, Financial Services, Pro-curement and General Services – Current Bids and Requestfor Information.All questions must be submitted before 1:00 p.m., February 11,2015. If necessary, an addendum will be issued and posted tothe ACPS web site. No proposals may be withdrawn for a peri-od of ninety (90) days after the opening of proposals except asmay be set forth in the RFI. ACPS reserves the right to cancelthis RFI and/or reject any or all proposals and to waiveany informalities in any proposal.Gerald W. Amacker (Jerry)Senior Buyer

21 Announcements 21 Announcements

LEGAL NOTICEWe are pleased to announce that

Mount Vernon Cardiology Associates, Ltd.has joined Inova Medical Group Cardiology.

To make an appointment orTo request medical records please contact:

Mount Vernon Office:703.780.9014

8101 Hinson Farm Rd, Suite 408Alexandria, VA 22306

Springfield Office:703.780.9014

6355 Walker Ln, Suite 406Alexandria, VA 22310

Lorton Office:703.780.9014

8988 Lorton Station Blvd, Suite 200Lorton, VA 22079

Woodbridge Office:703.780.9014

14605 Potomac Branch Dr, Suite 210Woodbridge, VA 22191

To move your records to a providerOutside our network, customary fees apply.


21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements


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HOW TO SUBMIT ADS TO Plenty of BlameTo Go AroundTo the Editor:

It is ironic this week’s Gazette is for theweek including Feb. 2, because it feels like“Ground Hog Day” to me. In the famouswords of the sage Yogi Berra, “it’s deja vuall over again.” Over the years since thedemise of the King’s Crossing town centerproject, Martin Tillett has repeatedly deniedthat he, David Dale and his Spring Bankcommunity had anything to do with thedemise of the project. Spring Bank and itsleaders weren’t solely responsible, but theyplayed a role. It is understandable whysomeone would not want to be known aspartially personally responsible for the de-mise of what would have been the jewel ofour community. As vice president of theSpring Bank Community Association(SBCA), Mr. Tillett was personally involved.

In his letter, Mr. Tillett claims the Com-prehensive Plan for the property calls for“a mixed use development with a ratio of60 percent residential and 40 percent re-tail/office combined.” In fact, this is what

the Comprehensive Plan says: “The level ofnon-residential development should notexceed two-thirds of the total gross floorarea for the entire mixed-use development.”Each iteration of the proposed project fullycomported with this requirement. Each oneproposed over 2/3 residential. When theproject was killed, here’s what the devel-oper said was one reason for its demise: “Inorder to appease Spring Bank’s oppositionto the overall unit count, JPI was forced toinclude large townhouses in place of multi-family. The site plan suffered greatly as theproject became too heavily reliant upon thehigh end for-sale market.”

The developer explained several thingsthat must be done to bring the project “backto life.” Among them were the following:

“Phasing: If a plan is to move forward,the County must allow the project to bephased based upon market and tenant de-mands and not on the preference of a fewneighborhood activists and the SFDC.”

“Community: Fairfax County must take aleadership role with the local citizen groupsand reduce their direct influence on the fi-nal design of the project. Planning and Zon-ing comments must be given a greater

weight in the process in order to preventKing’s Crossing from being held hostage byindividual citizens and minority groups.”

I realize proffers are necessary whereBoard of Supervisors approval of a projectis necessary. Those demanded by the adja-cent neighborhood were well in excess ofwhat should have been necessary to satisfythe Board of Supervisors. The developer hadperformed the necessary financial calcula-tions to determine what was financially fea-sible. I don’t recall Mr. Tillett performingfinancial calculations to explain how theproject would be financially feasible withthe concessions the SBCA demanded.

The developer offered a relocation fee of$30,000 for each trailer in the Penn Dawtrailer park. Supervisor Hyland insistedupon $50,000 but never explained how hearrived at that figure.

There is plenty of blame to spread aroundas to why the King’s Crossing project died.SBCA and its leaders Martin Tillett andDavid Dale share in that blame.

H. Jay Spiegel Mount Vernon

Letters to the Editor

From Page 6

tion. The entire social security number isno longer necessary and having a databaseof six million social security numbers at theState Board of Elections presents an excel-lent computer hacker target. All three of myamendments were taken under advisementuntil all amendments are heard.

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the gunrights lobby came to Richmond along withfirearm safety advocates. I gave a floor

speech that pointed out that signs on sticks,vuvuzellas, sirens, and even helium balloonsare prohibited inside the General AssemblyBuilding, while Bushmaster Assault Rifles,AK-47’s and semi-automatic pistols are al-lowed — even in the balcony of the Houseof Delegates chamber if you have a con-cealed weapon permit. You can watch myspeech on my You Tube channel. This needsto change.

Finally, I wrote about Senator Puller’s re-tirement last week. She has been my men-

tor and partner for six sessions. MountVernon, Lee and Virginia’s veterans couldnot ask for a more ardent advocate. Aftertalking with my family and business part-ners, I announced last week that I will berunning to replace her in the State Senate.I hope I can count on the community’s sup-port as I embark on a new challenge.

In the meantime, please make sure yougo online and complete my constituent sur-vey at www.scottsurovell.org/survey.

Thank you for the honor of serving you.

Pregnancy Discrimination and Firearms Safety

Opinion

By Adam Ebbin

State Senator (D-30)

Last week, my fellowDemocratic Senatorsand I unveiled our 2015legislative priorities, an

“Opportunity Agenda,” which fo-cuses on six core principles. They are Eco-nomic Security; Voter Access and Participa-tion; Equality; Education for a Brighter Fu-ture; Restoration of Faith in Government;and Leading Healthier and Safer Lives.When I spoke at our news conference, I in-vited our Republican colleagues to partnerwith us in support of these core Virginiavalues.

An integral part of building a strongereconomy is making sure that hardworkingVirginians receive an honest day’s pay foran honest day’s work. In 2013, 113,000Virginian’s earned the minimum wage ofjust $7.25 per hour. If the minimum wagewas indexed to inflation, it would be morethan $10.50 per hour today. That is why Ico-sponsored Sen. David Marsden’s bill togive hardworking Virginians a raise. Unfor-tunately, the bill failed on a party line vote

in the Commerce and Labor com-mittee.

Much of the focus this session sofar has been on the budget. Onebudget amendment I submitted isfor smart investments in support of

Community Health Centers (CHC’s), non-profit organizations that provide primarymedical care in addition to dental and be-havioral services to those in need. Neigh-borhood Health is one CHC with branchesin Alexandria, Arlington, and Mount Vernonthat provide services to low-income resi-dents who would otherwise go withouthealthcare. My proposal would providestate grants to match private, foundation,and federal funding. Supporting great or-ganizations like Neighborhood Health willbring down medical costs by increasing ac-cess to preventative care.

I introduced multiple pieces of legislationto address tax disparities that would bringin more revenue. One would to be levy anexcise tax on e-cigarettes at a lower amountthan tobacco cigarettes. The second wouldreduce the tax preference for yachts valued

at over $100,000.I have also introduced a bill to outlaw the

import and sale of ivory and rhinoceroshorns. While it is illegal under federal lawto transport ivory and rhinoceros hornsacross state lines, there is a loophole regard-ing trade within states. The ivory blackmarket is a global security issue, as manyof poaching proceeds fund terrorist net-works like al-Shabaab. My bill aims to closethe loophole and expand the penalties fordealing with those who break the law.

Please join my colleagues and me for alegislative town hall meeting this winter.

* Mt. Vernon: Saturday, Feb. 14, 10:30a.m. – noon, at the Mount Vernon Govern-ment Center (2511 Parkers Lane) with Sen.Toddy Puller and Del.Scott Surovell.

* Alexandria: Saturday, Feb. 14, 2:30 – 4p.m., at the Charles Houston RecreationCenter (905 Wythe Street) with Del. RobKrupicka.

Take my online survey atwww.AdamEbbin.com/Survey. You can alsoemail me at [email protected] am active on Twitter @AdamEbbin andFacebook at www.facebook.com/EbbinCampaign.

Economy and Budgeting Top Opportunity AgendaCommentary


SportsMount Vernon Gazette Sports Editor Jon Roetman

703-752-4031 or [email protected]

The West Potomac gymnasticsteam competed in a pair ofmeets last week, placing thirdduring a six-team home meet

on Jan. 22, and finishing ninth during the13-team Barbara Reinwald Invitational onJan. 24 at Washington-Lee High School.

At the home meet, the Wolverines posteda score of 112.225, finishing behind T.C.Williams (134.475) and Westfield (124.7).West Potomac had two top-four finishes onvault — Annie Hunger (second, 8.8) and

Claudia Berman (fourth, 8.7).Berman finished seventh in the all-around

with a score of 30.65.Hunger placed ninth ( 29.025), Olivia

Manous was 13th (20.625) and JulianneJoyce finished 14th (19.6).

“Claudia, the freshman, is coming on, andAnnie Hunger is a senior — those are thetop two all-arounds,” West Potomac headcoach Pete Novgrod said. “Annie has beenimproving. She’s adding a few new skillshere and there. I’m impressed and pleased

with that.”At the W-L invitational, the Wolverines

posted a team score of 85.275 with a top-three format.

Berman finished 13th (30.625) in the all-around, Hunger was 22nd (27) and Joycefinished 24th (26.125).

Mount Vernon also competed at the W-Lmeet, placing eighth with a score of 88.775.Kyla Watson finished 12th in the all-aroundfor the Majors with a total of 31.025.Talayna Reed was 14th (30.5) and Jada

West Potomac senior Annie Hunger competes onfloor during the Barbara Reinwald Invitationalon Jan. 24 at Washington-Lee High School.

The West Potomac gymnastics team finishedninth at the Barbara Reinwald Invitational onJan. 24 at Washington-Lee High School.

The Mount Vernon gymnastics team placedeighth at the Barbara Reinwald Invitationalon Jan. 24 at Washington-Lee High School.

WPHS, MVHS Gymnastics Approach Conference MeetsBates finished 21st (27.2).

Vault was the Majors’ best event, with twogymnasts placing in the top eight. Reed tiedfor sixth (8.6) and Watson tied for eighth(8.575).

Watson placed eighth on floor (8.45).Mount Vernon will compete in the Con-

ference 13 championship meet onMonday,Feb. 2 at Marshall High School.

West Potomac will compete in the Con-ference 7 meet on Wednesday, Feb. 4 at LakeBraddock.

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BasketballSkills Camp

Jump Ball Basketball is running a basket-ball skills camp for boys and girls in grades3-8 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 16at Patrick Henry College in Purcellville. Visitwww.catoctinbasketball.com to register [email protected] more information.

West PotomacSoftball Clinic

West Potomac will host a winter softballclinic in the main gym at West Potomac HighSchool.

A session for grades 7 and up will be heldfrom 6-8:45 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31 andFeb. 7.

The clinic is designed to prepare softballplayers for upcoming seasons, with an em-phasis on fielding, hitting, base-running,pitching and catching.

Cost is $100 in advance or $125 at thedoor. Single sessions can be attended for$40. Each camper receives a clinic T-shirt.

Contact West Potomac head coach CraigManiglia at 703-360-3545 or 703-283-7608, or assistant coach Lee Harrington at703-765-2080 for more information.

Youth Field HockeyRegistration Open

Registration is now open for PotomacField Hockey’s spring youth league for ages5-18 (U8, U10, U12, and U14). No experi-ence necessary. Once-weekly team practiceswith games on Saturdays. Season runsMarch 23-June 13. For more information

or to register, visitwww.potomacfieldhockey.org or [email protected].

Adult FieldHockey

Registration is now open for PotomacField Hockey’s spring game-only league foradults aged 18 and up. All games on Sun-days at Loudoun Soccer Park on sport turf.Season runs April 12-June 7. For more in-formation or to register, visitwww.potomacfieldhockey.org or [email protected].

Field HockeyOpen House

Potomac Field Hockey is running an open

house, which is free and open to the pub-lic. This drop-in style clinic will run at DullesSportsplex on Tuesday, March 10 from 5-7p.m. Equipment is provided. Try your handat field hockey before registering for the springseason. For more information or to RSVP forthis event, visit www.potomacfieldhockey.orgor email [email protected].

High SchoolField Hockey

Registration is now open for PotomacField Hockey’s spring High School 5s game-only league for 9-12th graders. Players willbe grouped by school. No experience nec-essary. Season runs Thursdays from 6-9pmat the Dulles Sportsplex, April 9-May 14.For more information or to register, visitwww.potomacfieldhockey.org or [email protected].

Sports Briefs


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