Alexandria

31 Pages·2014·4.1 MB·English

Alexandria
Gazette Packet
25 Cents
Page 25
Serving Alexandria for over 200 years • A Connection Newspaper July 17, 2014
Missing Link
City to purchase waterfront
parking lot for $5 million.
By Michael Lee Pope Along the
Gazette Packet
C
Waterfront
ity officials are on the
verge of finalizing the ❖ 0 Prince Street: City pur-
sale of two slices of chased this property on Feb. 27,
waterfront property, a 2006 for $1,135,000 from Mark
$5 million purchase years in the and Stephen Richards.
making that will help seal a deal ❖ 200 Strand Street: City
with the Old Dominion Boat Club purchased this property on Feb.
and open up a key part of the wa- 27, 2006 for $1,690,000 from
terfront to the public. The proper- Stephen Richards et al.
ties complete a set city officials ❖ 204 Strand Street: City is
began to compile back in 2006, expected to purchase this property
when the city purchased the old for $2,439,500 from Anita Mann.
Beachcomber Restaurant and one- ❖ 208 Strand Street: City is
third of the parking lot next to it expected to purchase this property
for $3 million. for $2,439,500 from Jane Caster
“These are important parcels,” Sweeney.
said Deputy City Manager Mark
Jinks. “They are a missing link that Boat Club are expected to vote this
will help us get one step closer to weekend on finalizing a land
a multi-decade goal of having con- swap, a separate deal that’s been
tinuous public access along the years in the making. City officials
water.” will get the boat club’s property at
The purchase is taking place just the foot of King Street, which they
as members of the Old Dominion See City, Page 3
Transitway to the Future
Alexandria and Arlington
to launch region’s first
transitway with dedicated lanes.
By Michael Lee Pope leaders say the sleek blue
Gazette Packet Metroway buses represent a bold
P T step forward for Northern Virginia
h
o his week, elected leaders and the commonwealth. When the
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b and government officials Alexandria part of the transitway
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L from Alexandria and Ar- opens next month, it will have the
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u lington will turn swords into plow- first dedicated lanes in the metro-
ise shares, setting aside their previous politan region, setting the stage for
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r differences about the Crystal City the next generation of transporta-
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ff Potomac Yard transitway and tion planners to follow, the first of
t
/ wielding ceremonial shovels to which will be the Arlington por-
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az break ground. Transportation See Launching, Page 24
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www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ July 17-23, 2014 ❖ 1
2 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ July 17-23, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
Alexandria Gazette Editor Steven Mauren
Week in Alexandria 703-778-9415 or [email protected]
Locating the Metro
Federal officials are in the final stages of putting together an envi-
ronmental impact study for the Potomac Yard Metro station, a devel-
opment that will set the stage for a key decision this fall. When the
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority releases the study
this fall, city officials will begin a series of events that will culminate
in a decision about where the Metro station is located — a key deci-
sion that will have lasting consequences on growth and development
in the city for years to come.
“That will be subject to community meetings and several pubic hear-
ings in the late fall and winter,” said Deputy City Manager Mark Jinks.
“And then in early 2015 the City Council will choose a locally pre-
ferred alternative.” P
h
One site is at the northern edge of Potomac Greens. The other site is o
t
o
at the southern edge of the Potomac Yard shopping plaza. Although b
the two potential locations are in close proximity, they are far apart in y M
terms of what they might mean for the value of land to be developed ic
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and the ability of the developer to contribute to the project. For city a
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leaders, financing the construction of the Metro station will be a ma- l L
jor commitment in the coming years. After council members make a ee
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decision about the location, federal officials will issue what they call a o
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“record of decision.” e
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“Once you get to a locally preferred alternative, you can proceed to a
z
start the design process,” said Jinks. “And environmental impact state- e
t
t
ment process for a major infrastructure like this is a long process, and e
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then you have the process of building the infrastructure itself.” a
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Severance Indicted
The city already owns the old Beachcomber Restaurant and one third of this
parking lot, which were purchased by the city using open space funds in 2006.
Charles Severance has been indicted, but not for murder. Now the City Council is about to consider an ordinance that would finalize the
This week, a grand jury in Loudoun County indicted Severance on sale of the rest of the parking lot, which will cost about $5 million.
one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted,
he would face a mandatory minimum sentence of two years.
City To Purchase Waterfront Lots
Severance, who is 53, is a former Alexandria man who police say is
the focus of their investigation into three unsolved murders — Nancy
Dunning in 2003, Ron Kirby in 2013 and Ruthanne Lodato ear-
lier this year. Although Alexandria Police Chief Earl Cook says his From Page 1 Robinson Concrete. John Richards, who was the
detectives have narrowed the scope of their investigation to Sever- want to transform into a public plaza known as clerk of Robinson Concrete, transformed the
ance, whom they describe a a “prime focus” of their investigation, Fitzgerald Square. Boat Club members will get Beachcomber into a retail firearms shop. The
Severance has not been formally named a suspect. $5 million from the city and a new home at the newly created land to the south of the restaurant
“We do not normally talk about people we are looking at in an inves- foot of Prince Street in addition to a boat launch. was part of Aitcheson Fuel Company. When the
tigation,” said Cook last month. “It was only the unique circumstances “This allows us to meet the purpose of the wa- fuel company eased operations, Richards formed
around him that we are discussing him.” Severance lawyer says the terfront plan,” said Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille. a partnership with former Alexandria Mayor Frank
gun charge is a sham to hold him while police continue to investigate “This will open up the entire waterfront to acces- Mann and businessman Robert Sweeney, who ran
the Alexandria slayings. He’s been in custody since March. sibility and connectivity.” a Hickory Farms franchise at the corner of Pitt and
Cameron streets. The trio purchased the property
Following the Money THE HISTORY of the Beachcomber and the park- for $100,000, quite an investment considering its
ing lot goes back to the 1940s, a time when the value today.
Old Town resident and Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Warner has a property was underwater. A “You have to remember that this
considerable lead over Republican challenger Ed Gillespie, according 1941 Sanborn Fire Insurance was an industrial area back then,”
to figures released this week by the campaigns at the end of the sec- map shows a jagged shore- “These are said Hulfish.
ond fiscal quarter. Warner says he raised $2.7 million while Gillesie line where the Beachcomber
important parcels.
says he raised about $1.9 million. Restaurant building and THE WATERFRONT PLAN calls
But the former Republican National Committee chairman’s campaign parking lot would later be for the parking lot the city is now
They are a missing
also said it received contributions from 47 donors who had previously located with an automatic purchasing to become part of an
given to Warner, and the Republicans believe they are gaining mo- laundry and wood-storage expanded Point Lumley Park. The
link that will help
mentum. “The $4.1 million raised by the campaign to-date puts the facility across the street. A theme for the block is “the work-
campaign among the top non-incumbent Republican campaigns,” said group of investors believed us get one step ing seaport,” and leaders of the
campaign manager Chris Leavitt, “and positions it well to get Ed’s posi- they could transform the Seaport Foundation are trying to
tive message out to voters.” property from an industrial closer to a multi- gain access to a civic building that
backwater to a scenic spot on the city plans to construct here as
All Work and Some Play the river. In 1945, Thomas decade goal of part of the park. A pedestrian
Hulfish, Edward Wayne and promenade will extend along the
having continuous
It’s summertime. But the city’s government moves on. John Bethea leased the prop- water’s edge, and the new park
Just ask Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille. When asked about his sum- erty from the owners of could be a location for historical
public access along
mertime plans, Euille says he has been at City Hall conducting busi- Robinson Terminal and con- markers, monuments or public art.
ness every day so far this summer. structed the Beachcomber “Waterside activities should in-
the water.”
“I haven’t been out of town yet,” said Euille. Restaurant over the water. clude opportunities to get into the
The mayor said he is planning to take some time off next week to “There was no other land water, such as kayak, canoe, row-
— Deputy City Manager
visit family in the Tidewater and the Outer Banks. Then, in August, he available,” said Tom Hulfish, boat or small sailboat rental,” ac-
Mark Jinks
says he’ll finally take a vacation and head to San Francisco, where he whose father was one of the cording to the waterfront plan.
will visit a high school friend who is now an attorney there. restaurant’s owners. “And “Raised hardscaped areas, posi-
“My plan is to relax,” said Euille. “It’s one of my favorite cities in the they wanted to open a seafood restaurant.” tioned to mimic the historic piers, could be con-
world, and the last time I was out there was about three years ago.” Several years later, the land under the Beach- structed and designed to not only provide historic
— Michael Lee Pope comber and the land creating the parking lot next interpretation but as part of the functional flood-
to it were created by using leftover materials from wall in this area.”
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ July 17-23, 2014 ❖ 3
Old Town Old Town
$949,000 $595,000
206 N Alfred. 602 South Pitt St.
Victorian Beauty! You Sensational new
will be charmed by listing. Historic, circa
this renovated 1900 1880 with 2 bed-
brick Victorian with rooms, 1.5 baths,
10-ft ceilings, pocket fireplace & private
doors, tall windows brick patio garden.
and original moldings. Cherry cabinets in
3 large bedrooms, 2.5 kitchen w/granite
JUST LISTED baths, family room counters, stainless
Old Town $2,100,000 addition, eat-in appliances. Walk to
222 S Fairfax St. Detached home on a 4,400 sq. ft. kitchen, and brick shops & cafés.
double lot. Circa 1898, located on one of Old Town’s patio. Charming!
more prestigious blocks. Approx. 5,200 sq. ft. interior,
Mary Hurbut Diann Hicks
3 fireplaces, 2 porches and off-street parking.
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Alexandria
$972,500
1847 Potomac Greens Dr.
One of Potomac Greens’
largest models with over
3,400 sq. ft. of living area
that incl. 3 BR, 3 full & 2
half BA on 4 spacious lvls.
Chef’s kitchen with double
wall ovens, gas cooktop,
granite counters & cherry
cabinets. Owners suite
features 2 walk-in closets &
the top flr. includes a roof- NEW & OPEN SUNDAY 1–4
top deck, rough-in for a wet
Alexandria $639,900 bar, the 3rd full bath. Conv. Alexandria $719,000
5665 Governors Pond Cir. Spacious brick End-Unit town home in location just 1 light from 1109 Dalebrook Dr. Come home to Waynewood! Enjoy this
D.C. & across the street
Governors Grove featuring hardwood floors throughout, upper & lower from the proposed yard’s vegetable garden, patio & pond this summer and then a
decks, new granite & updated fixtures. Fantastic Lwr Lvl with soaring 14- Potomac Yards Metro new sun room with heated floor next winter. A well-maintained
ft ceiling, walk-out to 1 of the 2 decks & backing to woods & the 3 acre station. 4 bedroom & 3 full bath house with updates on every level.
comm. pond. Just blocks from the Huntington Metro & 6 mi. from the new Bob Bazzle Walk to a neighborhood pool & park or bike the G.W. Parkway.
Wegmans coming soon. Bob Bazzle 703-599-8964 PRICE REDUCED 703-599-8964 Greg & Joni Koons 703-209-7277
OPEN SATURDAY/SUNDAY 1-4
Alexandria $700,000 Alexandria $625,000 Alexandria/Hollin Hall Village $559,000
2406 Stirrup Ln. 5 Bedroom Colonial with New Furnace/ 2509 Ross St. Professionally remodeled and expanded four bedroom, three full 7812 Fort Hunt Rd. Lovely 3+ bedroom, 3 bath home in Hollin Hall Village;
bathroom, one level home in a well-established neighborhood. New: plumbing, totally remodeled kitchen with granite and new SS GE appliances; separate
New Hot Water Heater/New Kitchen, Extended Granite
furnace and ductwork; A/C, windows, roof; rewired and upgraded electric. DR; fresh paint throughout and gorgeous hardwoods on main level; fully
Counter, Maple Cabinets, SS Appliances/3 Renovated Full Completely remodeled kitchen and bathrooms. New Master Suite with walk-in closet finished lower level with newer GE W/D, new furnace; walkout to huge fenced
and bathroom with a huge shower. Separate Laundry room. Gorgeous hardwood back yard with patio and oversized shed; Bonus: restored 9’ Brunswick First
Bathrooms and Refurbished Harwood Floors.
floors throughout. Expansive deck across the back of the house overlooks half-acre, Ed. Anniversary Pool table conveys! Waynewood school district! Close to
Dave & Debbie Ingram 703-380-9264 very private yard. Elvira Jakovac 571-405-8058 shops and restaurants.Leslie Atkinson 703-967-1471
Alexandria Alexandria
$550,000 $550,000
6311 Chaucer Ln. 114 Meadows Ln.
Lowest Price in Bright and spacious
desirable Landmark 4 level townhome
Mews. This 3,400 sq ft end unit with 3 BR,
4 level Townhome is 31⁄ BA, eat in kitchen,
THE smart buy. Besides 2-c2ar garage, lots of
3 large Bedrooms, 3
storage space, gas
full, 2 half Bathrooms, 2
fireplace. Great
gas fireplaces, 3 walk-
community with
in closets, huge Family
Alexandria/Montebello $399,000
Room, and many pool and tot lots. 5901 Mount Eagle Dr #614. Amazing new price, lowest for the size!
storage areas, there is Fantastic location, Enjoy the “outdoors” w/treed views from the largest enclosed balcony in
the elevator – 1 of only near Metro, jogging Montebello! Feel like you’re in a house, with 1,525 SF of interior space
with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths + den. Updated kitchen, master bath & flooring;
12 in the neighborhood. trails, parks! storage & garage. All just 2 lights from Old Town, I-495, G.W. Parkway;
Nancie Williams Beth Currier gated community w/35+ wooded acres, Metro shuttle, café, indoor &
outdoor pools, tennis, bowling, etc. TOUR @ 5901mounteagledr614.com.
PRICE IMPROVEMENT 703-608-6959 703-850-6701 Cindy Baggett & Leslie Rodriguez 703-400-3010
4 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ July 17-23, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
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Photo by Louise Krafft/Gazette Packet
Anthony Ellison and Charles Wanzer soap up and spray down one of the SUVs in line at www.ackermandds.com • 703-931-0200
the car wash last Saturday. Also working on the car is Tony Carter. We speak Spanish • Farsi • Tagalog • Amharic
Car Wash for a Cause
T
here was no shortage of suds as vol-
unteers for the Unity Day Festival
washed cars in the parking lot of Ad-
vanced Auto Parts on Duke Street on Satur-
day afternoon, July 12.
The volunteers are raising money for the
upcoming Unity Day Festival to be held at the
Martin Luther King Jr. Field behind the Gum
Springs Community Center on July 26 from
noon to 7 p.m.
The family festival will include live enter-
tainment and refreshments.
Volunteers Dorothy
Bell and Harold Harris
take a short break at
the car wash.
Advanced Auto
Parts general
manager Nevin
Cuff checks on
the progress of
the volunteers
in the back lot
of the store on
Duke Street.
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ July 17-23, 2014 ❖ 5
People
Life Lessons on the Water
Amy Zang directs sailing camp.
By Shirley Ruhe
Gazette Packet
I
t was 9:45 a.m. in early July,
and Amy Zang, who lives in
Del Ray, was checking in the
141 campers sitting on the
lawn waiting for their week of sail-
ing instruction at the Washington
Sailing Marina. Zang has been at
the sailing camp for 25 years, the
last 20 years as director. This week
there are six different levels of
classes for kids and on weekends
and evenings there are adult sail-
ing courses available. “I have nine
coming tonight.”
People “Listen,” she says
At Work between the roars
of planes taking off
from the airport.
“Find a partner; meet someone
new.” The beginning sailors, who
will be learning on the Sunfish,
walk by in pairs to their 15-minute
land lesson with a sail instructor,
then slip into their orange life jack-
ets and off to rig the boats. “OK,
you put up the jib first.” The
classes move up to a Flying Scot,
then a Hobie Cat.
“We start with the bare mini-
mum — how to steer and turn the
boat, how to avoid capsizing and
how to right the boat if you do.”
Zang says.
On the second lesson they move
on to wind direction and reinforc-
ing the parts of the boat. “Once
they get a little taste, they get Photo by Shirley Ruhe/Gazette Packet
hooked and are willing to listen Amy Zang, director of the Washington Sailing
because they want to know how Marina, checks in sailing campers and sends Beginning sailors in their Sunfish have just finished tacking the
to make the boat go.” She says them off to their pre-briefing groups before boats and are headed toward the open water at the Washington
tacking up wind is probably the heading out to the water. Sailing Marina camp in July.
hardest thing to learn to do.
Zang answers her walkie-talkie The pro-
attached to her belt — a check-in on one of the sail- gram has grown since Zang began when camp was
ors. A staffer needs two more small life jackets and offered for six weeks in the summer and averaged
another reports an engine bubble. A maintenance 60 youths. Now it is 11 weeks and averages 100 a
worker stops by to drop off spare daggerboard week. Although this year looks good, she says the
handles. Then a call in for lunch orders. She says, economy has taken a toll the last couple of years as
“This goes on all day long.” attendance fell. And the older teenagers who used
Today she says she has a staff of 40 although she to use their pay as extra spending money now rely Some of the
has a database to draw on of about 60. She points to on it more as a necessity. sailing camp-
a sheaf of papers that makes scheduling a nightmare Zang is a special education teacher during the ers have
but gives more flexibility to everyone. “Heather, right school year and says the organization and manage- already
behind me, has been here 14 years and Nick, who is ment skills she learned in teaching have been invalu- skippered in
director of wind surfing, has been here 15 years. I able. “Knowing how people think is huge.” Recently their Sunfish
have all levels of staff beginning with the teenage she added, “we had a young girl who was too afraid and are the
Counselors in Training (CIT) who can move up with to go out. So I sat with her. Then a couple of days first to rig
experience. All instructors must complete a 6-hour later, she said she would like to go out with me and their boats
on-line boat safety training course, CPR and first aid, I just sailed by the dock. She loved it, got hooked and head out
and an on-water 20-hour training course with me. I and came back for another week. I work with people.” to the water
spend a lot of time training staff and make them in- She pointed out that sailing is also good thing for at the Wash-
terchangeable to the extent possible. My staff are youths with ADHD because the results are immedi- ington Sailing
the face of the camp and they know I love it and ate; the boat responds or it doesn’t, and they want Marina camp.
what I expect.” to know why.
Zang says she has a number of youths from Alex- It is 12:15 and the boats are back at the dock for
andria, but many come from all over the metropoli- an hour lunch break. Lunch is followed by a debrief-
tan area. A number of them come for more than one ing about what they learned that worked or didn’t
week and then return the next year. Many are stay- from the morning’s activities — then back out until
ing with grandma and come while they are here. “Last 3:45. And as Zang’s T-shirt declares, you can’t change
week I had two campers from Spain. Since there is a the wind but you can adjust the sails. “A life lesson,”
large diplomatic presence, we have a big variety.” she says.
6 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ July 17-23, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ July 17-23, 2014 ❖ 7
People
Advising Senior Citizens
Carla Rollandini what is going on,” she said.
Most elderly people have become handi-
assists those in their capped due to a medical condition and, con-
sequently, require assistance of some type.
“golden years.” “Being a social worker, I see that as my life
vocation. I like to see how I can help
people’s lives get
By Karen L. Bune better or I can
Gazette Packet make them more
W comfortable or
hen she is not making her even if those are
rounds and visiting sick pa- approaching
tients and their families at the death, I’ve helped
hospital, Carla Rollandini is working as a the family,”
self-employed professional and began her Rollandini said.
endeavor of “Carla Care, Inc.” in 1993. Her Mike Gill and
inspiration evolved from her daughter who his siblings en-
came home and shared stories about how gaged the services
she used to read to senior citizens at the of “Carla Care” for
Courtesy of Carla
library. After listening to her daughter’s his father who has
Rollandini
feedback, Rollandini believed she could help since died.
Carla Rollandini
people by going into their homes and lend- “She puts it all
ing a hand. together,” Gill said. With Rollandini’s pres-
Her services include evaluating a person’s ence and involvement, Gill noted his father
living situation, recommending resources was more at ease. “She’s skilled, she’s hon-
and coordination of care, arranging family est, she’s a great resource,” he said.
coordination meetings and providing pa- “Carla Rollindini is known to me profes-
tient advocacy. She provides direct services sionally and personally. Although she is a
and has served as a patient advocate for businesswoman, she treats all of her clients
many. and their family members like she would
Rollandini assists elders with decisions treat her own family — this is, perhaps, the
that include deciding whether or not to greatest gift she offers. She is the person
move to a retirement home, helping them every family needs when they are trying to
with contracts, driving them to various ap- provide a chance for their elderly loved one
pointments, and instructing them on how to ‘age in place.’ Carla genuinely loves hear-
to make their homes safer by suggesting the ing the life histories of those for whom she
installation and usage of chair lifts, and she cares and treasures the company of those
contacts the necessary personnel to make entrusted to her. What she does enriches
it happen. the lives of elders and offers family mem-
“Each person is different and has a dif- bers the peace of knowing their loved ones
ferent story. A lot of people just want you are in very capable hands,” the Rev. Patricia
to talk to them every week,” she said. Dickson, the director of pastoral care at
Rollandini has been known to take elderly Inova Alexandria Hospital, said.
people to lunch, drive them for a visit with Rollandini also writes legacy books in
a friend, and escort them to church, a con- which she tells the life story of a person.
cert, or some other event of their choosing. This allows the family to have the memory
She took one woman to her Phi Beta Kappa of their loved one in a book after their death.
meetings every month. “What makes me She wrote one about her own parents.
different from everybody is that I stay with “Dealing with the death of your parents
every person I have. I develop relation- is finding an appropriate place to put your
ships,” Rollandini said. feelings,” Rollandini said.
Though the “Golden Years” are touted as Families have engaged her to write the
ones to look forward to, people age and story about their loved ones and, so far, she
develop health conditions or illnesses re- has written six legacy books.
quiring assistance. “It’s good to have an In many cases, she has been a part of, as
advocate for decisions,” Rollandini said. she said, “the whole life stage ending.” Hav-
She points out the need for people to fo- ing studied thanatology — the study of
cus on what is important and to make plans. death and dying — Rollandini is also able
“Talk about how do you want the end of to assist families in dealing with the final
your life to look. I try to instill a dose of stages of life and the difficulties that accom-
reality all the time with people. I see my- pany it.
self as coming in and making order out of
Karen L. Bune is a freelance writer who also serves
the chaos — particularly managing the as an adjunct professor at George Mason University
medical needs. A lot of people don’t know and Marymount University.
Business Notes
Email announcements to gazette@connectionnews as chairman. Johnson’s appointment was con-
papers.com. Deadline is Thursday at noon. Photos firmed by the Alexandria City Council. Alexandria
encouraged. Renew Enterprises is the former Alexandria Sani-
tation Authority.
Alexandria resident and city official Bruce E.
Johnson has joined Alexandria Renew Enter- Matt White has joined RGS Title Alexandria as
prises’ Board of Directors. He fills the vacancy left branch counsel. White was born and raised in
by Ed Semonian, who retired from the board in
January 2014 after 44 years of service, much of it See Business, Page 15
8 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ July 17-23, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Obituary
Del Ray $194,000
Don’t miss this charming light-filled condo
in the heart of Del Ray. Located on a quiet
James Milton Higgins tree-lined street, you’re just a block from
jamin Franklin School of Accoun-
Mount Vernon Avenue’s amazing shopping
tancy.
and dining. This one bedroom, one bath
Alexandria native James Milton in-laws, Throughout his life he enjoyed home is nicely finished with a beautifully
Higgins died on July 7, 2014, af- a n d many sports activities. He found renovated bathroom, tile and hardwood
flooring throughout, newer fixtures and a
ter a hale and hearty 90 years of m a n y he even enjoyed bowling, tennis
brand new Energy Star Dishwasher. The
life. He leaves to mourn his wife l o n g - and golf. He was privileged to be-
community is pet-friendly, includes FREE
of 24 years, Cobina Christley t i m e come a referee for local prep and laundry facilities, AMPLE parking, and
Higgins of Alexandria, and his son, friends college basketball games. Baseball your own large secure storage room. Walk to great restaurants/shopping/dog park/tennis/
basketball/YMCA. Move in and just relax! 306 E Duncan Ave, B, Alexandria, VA 22301.
Jeffrey Kent Higgins of Pensacola, at Belle was probably his forte, resulting
Fla. He also leaves his brother, Ri- Haven in his induction into the Greater Proudly presented by Keira Unterzuber, Realtor®
chard Higgins, with wife Lucy, of Country Washington Fastpitch Softball Hall Long & Foster, Fairfax Office
3918 Prosperity Ave., Fairfax, VA 22031
Callao, Va., and his niece Bonnie Club. He was preceded in death of Fame. Jimmie credited The
Cell: 703-585-3014 • Office: 703-573-2600
Higgins Bailey of Alexandria. Jim by his sister Evelyn Nuckols, and Boy’s Club with nurturing his in-
[email protected]
is beloved by many more — his brother Robert Higgins. terest and abilities, and eventually
http://keiraunterzuber.lnf.com/
step-daughters Gwen (John) Jimmie excelled at track, base- he coached some youth sports
Rinehart, JP and Hillary, of Fort ball and basketball at George there.
Lauderdale, Fla. and Luanne Washington High School in Alex- Jimmie’s wish is that in lieu of
(Dean) Johnson, Perry and Wren, andria, graduating in 1941. He flowers, donations be made to the
of Marietta, Ga., and other nieces spent four years in the Army Air Alexandria Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs.
and nephews. Jim is also sorely Corps, and came home to com- The family plans a Celebration of ARLINGTON METAPHYSICAL CHAPEL
missed by his dear New England plete a master’s degree at Ben- his Life later this fall.
RAINBOW WEEKEND CELEBRATION
Bulletin Board
~ July 18, 19, and 20 ~
representative Joe Bissell at j.bissell@international- Workshops, Private Readings and Healings
Email announcements to gazette@connectionnews experience.net or 517-388-8948. Host families can review
papers.com. Include date, time, location, description and con- prospective student profiles online at iE-USA.org. Families PSYCHIC CRUISE aboard the “Cherry Blossom”
tact for event: phone, email and/or website. Photos and artwork interested must apply by Aug. 15.
welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least two weeks be- out of Alexandria Marina on the 19th
fore event.
NEW ALEXANDRIA LIBRARY APP $125 per person
The Alexandria Library introduced a new mobile app via
EXCHANGE STUDENTS NEED HOST FAMILIES Apple iOS and Google Android devices so customers can Every person receives a message, food, & beverage,
Students ages 15-18 from around the world are seeking host access the library and their accounts. Library users can music and prizes! For more info—
families in and around Alexandria for the upcoming 2014- place holds, renew library materials, browse databases and
2015 academic school year. Host families serve as mentors search online catalog content from this app. Contact Linda 703-276-8738 • www.arlingtonmeta.org
and provide a home base for students. Students would Wesson at 703-746-1727.
participate as active members of the family. Each student
goes through extensive application before being accepted in See Bulletin, Page 28
iE-USA’s program. To learn more contact IE Virginia
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ July 17-23, 2014 ❖ 9
Opinion
Alexandria
Gazette Packet
Save a Little, Help Others Prepare for School
www.AlexandriaGazette.com
@AlexGazette
An independent, locally owned weekly
newspaper delivered
Virginia’s tax holiday on school supplies is a Donate in Arlington to homes and businesses.
Published by
Local Media Connection LLC
good reminder to donate supplies and dollars Arlington Partnership for Affordable Hous-
1606 King Street
ing is holding its annual backpack drive to pro- Alexandria, Virginia 22314
for children who need help preparing for school. vide more than 250 backpacks to children in Free digital edition delivered to
your email box. Go to
low to moderate income families to help them connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe
V have a successful start to the new school year.
Donations needed include: New backpacks NEWS DEPARTMENT:
To discuss ideas and concerns, Call:
irginia’s tax holiday on school sup- Monetary donations and backpacks are being in all sizes, spiral or composition notebooks, 703-778-9410
plies and clothing is Aug. 1-3, and accepted by eight local nonprofits and through binders, loose-leaf and graph paper, sharpen- gazette@conneec-tmioaninl:ewspapers.com
it makes sense to take advantage of local Apple and Northwest Federal Credit ers, #2 pencils, blue, black and red pens, Steven Mauren
the savings, and to spread the Union Branches, as well as online at http:// pocket folders, crayons, colored pencils, mark- Editor, 703-778-9415
[email protected]
wealth around. collectforkids.org/donate/ through Sept. 2. ers, highlighters, glue sticks, school scissors,
During this three-day period, school supplies Last year the drive provided supplies for nearly whiteout and erasers. Contact Liz McElwee at ReMpoicrhtear,e 7l 0L3e-6e1 P5o-0p9e60
selling for $20 or less per item, and clothing 20,000 students. A $10 cash donation goes a [email protected] or by calling 703-851- mpope@[email protected]
and footwear selling for $100 or less per item, long way. 3635.
Jeanne Theismann
will be exempt from Virginia sales tax. Collect for Kids Program runs through Sept. 703-778-9436
There are some items that do not qualify, for 2. Monetary donations can be accepted any Donate in Alexandria jtheismann@@TcohneinsemcatinonnMneewdisapapers.com
example digital school supplies. See http:// time.
Jon Roetman
www.tax.virginia.gov/ for more details. Donate money at www.collectforkids.org. Alexandria Public Schools are asking for help Sports Editor, 703-752-4013
[email protected]
When you are buying school supplies for your Donations of backpacks are also being accepted to ensure every child in Alexandria starts the @jonroetman
family, buy extra to donate to local families at every Apple Federal Credit Union and North- first day of school with a backpack and school Steve Artley
who are not able to afford to do the same. west Federal Credit Union branch in Fairfax supplies. Donations are needed by Aug. 19. [email protected]
In Fairfax County, just under County and at any of the affiliate charitable Supplies needed include: Backpacks, spiral
50,000 students are poor organizations, including Cornerstones, West- notebooks, wide-rule filler paper, three-ring ADVERTISING:
Editorial For advertising information
enough to qualify for free or ern Fairfax Christian Ministries, Our Daily binders, two-pocket folders, subject dividers, e-mail:
reduced price meals at school. Bread, Koinonia, United Community Ministries pencil boxes/zipper pouches, scissors/glue/ [email protected]
In Fairfax County, local nonprofits, Fairfax and others. rulers, pencils, pencil sharpeners, erasers, Disply AdDveerbtibsiineg /FNuantkional Sales
County Public Schools and corporate partners For more, see the Collect for Kids website at markers, colored pencils, crayons, highlighters 703-778-9444
[email protected]
are collecting school supplies and backpacks. http://collectforkids.org. and tissues.
Julie Ferrill
Letters to the Editor Display Advertising, 703-778-9446
[email protected]
Tara Lloyd
ODBC’s Summer The club does not have absentee voting. It does Focus on Academics, Display Advertising, 703-778-9447
[email protected]
not have proxy voting. A member can only vote
Andrea Smith
Decision in person during that weekend. Not Lights Classified Advertising, 703-778-9411
[email protected]
The membership was told that it is because
To the Editor: of the city’s desire to complete the deal quickly To the Editor: Publisher
The Old Dominion Boat Club membership that the vote needed to be done in July. Uh oh. Having read new Alexandria public Jerry Vernon
[email protected]
will be voting this weekend, July 19-21, on the Never-mind that City Council is on vacation school Superintendent Crawley’s first op-ed, I
Editor & Publisher
Property Acquisition and Exchange agreement. (recess) until September. fear we’re in for another round of More Money Mary Kimm
703-778-9433
Although the club voted in March to accept Ironically, a club founded with boating and solutions to our underperforming school sys- [email protected]
the move option, this is the document that lays summer activities in mind will have its future tem. His sentiments were adroitly conveyed in @MaryKimm
out the details and must also be voted upon. decided while many are on vacation. remarks that made clear he places athletic Editor in Chief
Steven Mauren
After years of negotiations with the city, the prowess on the same plateau as academic Photography:
John Bordner, Deb Cobb,
most important decision on ODBC’s future will Dave Beck achievement. Louise Krafft, Craig Sterbutzel
be decided by a vote in the middle of summer. Alexandria I took his remarks to be a preparatory an- Art/Design:
Laurence Foong, John Heinly
nouncement for spending what should be hard- Production Manager:
Geovani Flores
to-come-by money to place night lights on the
Editor Emeritus:
T.C. Williams football field. A soon to be re- Mary Anne Weber
leased feasibility study will no doubt provide
justification, especially as it was commissioned CIRCULATION: 703-778-9426
Circulation Manager:
by the school board that hired him. Ann Oliver
[email protected]
Surely everyone remotely exposed to our
school system knows that night lights nor A Connection Newspaper
money is the answer. If money was, then the
The Alexandria Gazette Packet is distributed
third most expensive high school ever built in weekly to selected homes in the
City of Alexandria.
America , T.C. Williams, wherein all who at- Any owners or occupants of premises that
do not wish to receive the paper can notify
tend receive a free education, free transporta- the publisher by telephone at 703-917-6480
tion to school and, undoubtedly for some, free or by email to
[email protected],
meals at school would make them super achiev- and the distributor will be notified to
discontinue service.
ers who surpass expectations and ace every
test. Not.
S Certainly, athletics — like lots of other ex-
t
e tracurricular activities — are a wonderful en-
v
e
A hancement to T.C. Williams students, but I
rt emphatically disagree that scholarship and ath-
l
ey letics should be supported equally. Athletics
/
G must always be secondary. It’s extracurricular,
a
ze after all.
t
te Moreover, taxpayers are not paying for a
Pa football championship; we are paying to pre-
c
ke See Letters, Page 11
t
10 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ July 17-23, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com