Print Edition - Alexandria Times

32 Pages·2014·19.99 MB·English

WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM DECEMBER 4, 2014 | 1
Vol. 10, No. 49 Alexandria’s only independent hometown newspaper DECEMBER 4, 2014
The
S
cience of
A
lTruiSm
Wendy taylor Works
behind the scenes
in the fight against
ebola
Photos and story
by Susan Hale Thomas, page 6
T.C. TraCk STar refleCTS on momenTouS year - page 18
2 | DECEMBER 4, 2014 ALEXANDRIA TIMES
Now appearing in
Alexandria, Virginia.
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WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM DECEMBER 4, 2014 | 3
THe Weekly BrIefIng
COURTESY PHOTO
THE SEASON FOR GIVING Hadeed Carpet and Rug Owner Joe Hadeed poses with Wayne
Hardman of the Virginia chapter of Childhelp during their annual tradition of donating a collection
of toys for the Childhelp Alice C. Tyler Village in Lignum, Va. The nonprofit helps children recover-
ing from abuse and neglect across the country.
City encourages participation in
Eisenhower West development plan
While residents remain Eisenhower West Steering new online civic engagement
fixated on development along Committee as a way to begin platform, AlexEngage. There
areas of the Port City like the the planning process for the are also continuing opportuni-
waterfront and Potomac Yard, area, but want more residents ties to participate in person.”
city planners want to make to get involved and share their The committee will host a
sure people don’t forget about vision for future “centers of community meeting December
other important planning proj- activity” and connection hubs 8 at Beatley Central Library at
ects in the works. early in the process. 5005 Duke St. Staff will hold
Specifically, staff wants to “Even though meetings an open house beginning at
direct attention to the Eisen- have begun and the planning 6:30 p.m., with a presentation
hower West neighborhood — process is underway, now is and workshop at 7 p.m.
west of Holmes Run and south a great time to get involved,” For more information, of-
of Pickett Street — which, de- said Mindy Lyle, chairwoman ficials encourage residents
spite infrastructure like the Van of the steering committee, in to visit the project website at At Balducci’s, we stand by our belief
Dorn Street Metrorail station, a statement. “Stay tuned for www.alexandriava.gov/eisen-
remains largely unconnected to announcements about how howerwest. that Taste Comes First
the rest of Alexandria. to participate in the planning
Nowhere is this more evident than in our
The city has formed the process through the City’s - Erich Wagner
chef-inspired holiday creations. Every order
our in-store chefs prepare is done with the
Port City soap company to help D.C. shelter utmost of care and with the finest ingredients.
Alexandria-based SoapBox of soap to D.C. Thrive, a shel- Box Soaps pledges that with Saturday, December 6th
Soaps plans to continue its ter with programs to feed local every purchase, it will donate WINE & FOOD
tradition of giving back to the homeless people, connect them a bar of soap, clean water and
EVENT
community this week, with a with local support services and other supplies to people in
dshoenlatetiro.n to a D.C. homeless pjorbo-vtirdaein inogth.er programs like pteorvnearttiyo nbaolltyh. locally and in- FWooinde T Taasstitninggss, ,1 22 -- 55ppmm MIX & MATCH 12 BOTTLES OR MORE
Today, the company will The donation effort is not
600 Franklin Street • Alexandria, VA 22314 • 703. 549. 6611
deliver more than 1,000 bars new to the company. Soap- - Erich Wagner
4 | DECEMBER 4, 2014 ALEXANDRIA TIMES
CrIme
In Your
Times
Inmates honored for educational achievements
Alexandria Sheriff Dana
Lawhorne and deputies con-
gratulated inmates at the city
The Alexandria Times Photo Contest
jail last week for their success-
Winning phoTo ful completion of a variety of
educational programs at the
William G. Truesdale Adult
Detention Center.
Six inmates became the first
to complete the new Thinking
for a Change program, designed
to prepare inmates for reentry
into the community upon their
release.
The program stresses con-
COURTESY PHOTO
cepts like cognitive restructur- Inmates at the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center prepare to
ing, improving social skills receive certificates marking their completion of a variety of education-
and learning problem-solving al programs last week, from the new Thinking for a Change program,
aimed at preparing inmates for reentry into the community, to GED
techniques. Among those who
and food-services certifications..
completed the program were
Eric Buckner, Richard Butler, the ServSafe Food Protection Inmate Joseph Medina also
Robert Jones, Rasheed Tate, Manager Certification program, was awarded a certificate mark-
Ryan Wright and an inmate intended to prepare inmates for ing the successful completion
who asked not to be identified. strong candidates for restaurant of his GED exam.
Jail officials also honored and food service jobs upon their
five inmates who completed release. - Erich Wagner
Police see record decline in holiday traffic deaths
Virginia State Police reported period in 2013, with none occur- increased police visibility on
Congratulations to Mark Blackden
Monday that the state saw the ring in Alexandria, officials said. the roads.
for winning November’s Photo Contest!
lowest number of traffic-related The last time only five traf- Officials said that over the
deaths during the Thanksgiv- fic fatalities occurred over the course of the holiday weekend,
December’s Theme: Your favorite ing weekend in more than two Thanksgiving holiday in Vir- troopers stopped nearly 10,000
decades. ginia was in 1992. drivers for speeding, as well as
photo of the Alexandria Waterfront.
From Wednesday of last Troopers credited the de- more than 2,300 reckless driv-
week through Sunday night, cline in part to its participation ers. Police charged 90 drivers
Send us your photo to win only five people were killed in the nationwide Operation with driving under the influence.
a 2015 Season Pass for on commonwealth roads, a de- Combined Accident Reduction
crease from 12 over the same Effort program, which stresses - Erich Wagner
the Potomac Riverboat Company!
polICe BeaT
Sponsored By:
The following incidents occurred between November 24 and December 3.
36 9 15 6
drug vehICle
thefts AssAults
CrImes thefts
Show us how you connect to
1 0 16 2
the Alexandria waterfront!
rObbery seXuAl AggrAvAted burglArIes
OffeNses AssAults
*Editor’s note: Police reports are not considered public information in Virginia. The Alexandria Police
Department is not required to supply the public at large with detailed information on criminal cases.
For more information visit: alextimes.com/monthly-photo-contest
Source: raidsonline.com
WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM DECEMBER 4, 2014 | 5
Building a better hazmat suit
By SuSan Hale THomaS

A s a child, Alexandrian place,” she reminisced.
Wendy Taylor spent her Taylor is director of the Cen-
summers counting bees in the ter for Accelerating Innovation
Kansas heat and cross-pollinat- and Impact at USAID, where
ing flowers in the mountains of she spearheads the Grand Chal-
Colorado. lenges for Development, a
Now she is searching program seeking innova-
the globe for solutions to tions to solve global de-
better fight Ebola. velopment issues. The
“My parents were current Ebola outbreak,
both in the sciences, so unprecedented in scope,
I grew up in a house- is the program’s latest
hold where science was challenge.
all around us and we were To date, more than
constantly learning,” Tay- 16,000 cases of Ebola
lor said. Her father was have been reported and
the world’s leading expert nearly 7,000 people have
on killer bees. succumbed to the disease, ac-
In school, Taylor also had cording to the World Health
a strong desire to make a posi- Organization. In September,
tive contribution to society President Obama announced the
and focused on domestic pov- program to the United Nations.
COURTESY PHOTO
erty issues. “If ever there were a public
Wendy Taylor works on a new personal protective equipment suit design for health care workers fighting
“My father always infused the ongoing Ebola outbreak at a workshop hosted by USAID’s Grand Challenge for Development initiative in
in us to make the world a better SEE eBola | 6 Crystal City.
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6 | DECEMBER 4, 2014 ALEXANDRIA TIMES
eBola program sought ideas through — were commenting on each
IDEO, an open innovation plat- other’s ideas,” Taylor said.
FROM | 5
form, and a grant competition. Teams of experts now are
health emergency deserving an Taylor says the global response sifting through those ideas to
urgent, strong and coordinated “blew the roof off.” Some 1,250 find the best proposals. Improv-
international response, this is ideas were submitted. ing personal protective equip-
it,” he said. “A range of people who ment — PPE — is a priority.
Taylor’s task with Grand regularly follow contributors “The current situation is not
Challenges is to find that bet- — NASA engineers and CDC, optimal,” she added. “PPEs are
ter way forward. To do that, the people from all over the world the most effective medical re-
COURTESY PHOTO
Wendy Taylor’s son, Jackson, pitches ideas to improve protective
suits for medical workers fighting Ebola to a 3M engineer at a USAID
workshop last month.
sponse to Ebola.” sooner.”
The suits currently used There are moments when
are mostly hazmat suits, typi- images of individuals or ar-
cally used for chemical spills, ticles she’s read flood in. She
which are extremely uncom- keeps the very real human side
fortable in tropical environ- of her work close to her heart.
ments like West Africa. Like Taylor’s parents, she
“The Hermitage is Enjoy the Carefree PPE fabric is impermeable, has instilled a deep curiosity for
where I’ve finally preventing harmful agents from the world in her son, Jackson,
found my family.” coming in, but also prevent- through example and opportu-
Lifestyle You Deserve ing air from escaping, meaning nity. In October, Taylor brought
—Helena Scott
workers are drenched in sweat Jackson along for a two-day
after just a few minutes. Health workshop in Crystal City.
Discover why many people like you have come to call the
Hermitage home—the chance to experience a new lifestyle with
What I’m seeing is government at its
an array of services and amenities.
best. What we’re doing is bringing new
The residents at the Hermitage stay busy. Just ask Helena Scott, who
solutions that can have a big impact
was confined to wheelchair for 30 years because of Multiple Sclerosis
on this crisis. We have no other option but to
and with regular physical therapy at the Hermitage, can now walk a
mile a day when the weather permits. In her spare time, Helena knits completely stop this disease from spreading
scarves for fellow residents, volunteers in the beauty salon, sits on the and to eliminate it.”
Health Center Committee and delivers mail. Our residents also rave - Wendy Taylor
about our superb dining service, our courteous and helpful staff, Director, USAID Center for Accelerating
and an overall feeling of caring and security that comes with living at Innovation and Impact
the Hermitage.
You’ll also gain peace of mind knowing that health care and supportive care workers are limited to a The workshop was hosted by
services are available right here, if you ever need them. maximum of 45 minutes wear- Grand Challenges and the White
ing the suits due to the risk of House Office of Science and
For more information, call 703-797-3814.
h heat stress. Technology Policy. The idea was
The goal is to redesign the to bring a diversity of experience
Call suits, enabling health care work- and technical skills to the room,
703-797-3814 ers work more safely and ef- and challenge them to come up
to schedule a tour fectively while spending more with solutions. Experts from PPE
time with patients. But there manufacturers, the sportswear
of our beautifully
are times when Taylor says she community, engineers, makers (a
appointed Alexandria, VA feels like she can’t possibly new technology-based commu-
apartments. www.Hermitage-Nova.com move fast enough. nity of do-it-yourselfers) spent
h
“There’s a timeline and I’ve the weekend brainstorming and
got to compress it,” she said.
“That’s too long. We need it
SEE eBola | 11
WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM DECEMBER 4, 2014 | 7
Severance attorneys say
detectives lied in warrant
YMCA ALEXANDRIA
Man accused in three in broad daylight and in the vic- detective, Robra repeatedly re-
Take a tour to see everything YMCA Alexandria
local slayings seeks tims’ homes. But the relatively buffed suggestions that she had
now offers you and your family!
dismissal of charges short timeframe between Kirby bought two .22-caliber hand- • Expanded Wellness Floor
and Lodato’s deaths, as well guns for Severance and denied • Renovated Indoor Pool
as the close proximity of their that she saw him take the weap- • Enhanced member connection area
By erICH Wagner
• Expanded weekday hours
neighborhoods, had residents ons when he fled their Ashburn

• Enhanced child care area
Attorneys for a former worried for their own safety. home for West Virginia.
fringe Alexandria mayoral can- But in a series of motions “During more than two hours ONE WEEK GUEST PASS
didate accused in three high- filed last week in Alexandria of interrogation, Ms. Robra stat- This pass entitles you to seven (7) consecutive days of
access to the YMCA Alexandria branch. Must be at least
profile killings have asked a Circuit Court, the ed on several occasions
18 years old and a local resident. Guests are limited to
judge to throw out the charges trio of prominent that she did not buy the one pass redemption during any one-year period.
against him. defense attorneys guns for Mr. Severance,
YMCA ALEXANDRIA
Charles Severance, 54, representing Sev- despite increasing pres-
420 East Monroe Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301
stands accused of fatally shoot- erance — Christo- sure to say otherwise,” [phone] www.ymcadc.org
ing Ruthanne Lodato earlier pher Leibig, Megan the attorneys wrote.
this year, Ronald Kirby in No- Thomas and Joseph Although she even-
vember 2013 and Nancy Dun- King — argued the tually acquiesced to
ning more than a decade ago. case must be thrown detectives’ theory that
The shooting deaths capti- out because the Charles Severance Severance manipu-
vated and terrorized residents for Loudoun County detective who lated her into buying the fire- Massage
months. Dunning was known for filed the original gun charge arms, the defense team argued
her efforts to improve Del Ray; misrepresented the statements the Loudoun County charge
Kirby was a respected expert on of Severance’s girlfriend, Laura was based on “materially false
local transportation policy and Robra. statements and omitted material S O L S T I C E
Lodato was a music teacher and The crux of their argument facts,” because the detective did
loved by many. is that during questioning by in-
All three killings occurred vestigators, led by an Alexandria SEE SeveranCe | 8
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FilE PHOTO
For the family of Nancy Dunning, the indictment of Charles Severance in connection with her murder in
September was a long time coming. But defense attorneys representing the suspect filed a motion to Hours: M-Sat 9am- 8pm
dismiss those charges last week.
8 | DECEMBER 4, 2014 ALEXANDRIA TIMES
SeveranCe warrant for Severance, claimed gun charge was “bogus,” ginned arm,” they wrote. “The warrant larity are not idiosyncratic enough
Robra said she saw Severance up to take him into custody until served merely as a placeholder to establish they were committed
FROM | 7
take the guns with him when local detectives could complete for this case. by the same person,” they wrote.
not mention Robra’s denials. If he left their home on March 10. their murder investigations. “[It] goes without saying “Indeed, .22-caliber handguns
the detective’s reflection of her But she repeatedly denied that “The current prosecution that the [prosecution] should and rifles [are] among the most,
statement is untrue, they said, in interviews with detectives. and incarceration are the de not be permitted to manufac- if not the most, common firearms
there was no probable cause to Echoing Severance’s previ- facto continuation of the pros- ture a reason to arrest an indi- owned in America.”
arrest Severance. ous attorneys both in West Vir- ecution commenced in March vidual for purposes of detain- Commonwealth’s Attorney
And the attorneys said detec- ginia and Loudoun County, the 2014, with the warrant for a ing them while it investigates Bryan Porter was not available
tives, in their attempt to secure a defense team said the original felon in possession of a fire- other offenses.” for comment, but in the past has
Also among last week’s declined to comment on cases
slew of requests from the de- prior to trial, citing state ethics
Borrow More, Get More fense team was a motion to rules for lawyers.
separate the charges related to The motions are slated for
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Lodato and Kirby’s deaths were Roush on December 11. Roush
close enough in time frame to was specially appointed, be-
connect, there was nothing dis- cause all Alexandria circuit
tinctive enough about the slay- judges recused themselves due
ings to fold a decade-old case to their relationship to Lodato’s
into the same trial. brother, retired district court
“Crimes with a general simi- judge Robert Giammittorio.
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WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM DECEMBER 4, 2014 | 9
WorD on THe STreeT
The Lamplighter
New Night Lights
By aBIgaIl Jurk “Susie,” named after Sang’s wife pricier bottles of wine are off
and made with vodka, St. Ger- limits from the deal, there
Alexandria has a lot to of- main, lemon juice and muddled are still around 70 bottles to Lithophanes date
from the 1820s, an
fer in terms of social life. With blackberries. If you’re looking to choose from. If you are look-
art form of carving
so many choices, sometimes it get out and try something new, ing for a nice night out, but
different layers of
can be hard to figure out what Mackie’s is the perfect spot. are also trying to make your porcelain. The glow
to do for fun. If you are in need What’s the Deal: money count, Mondays at T.J. makes a wonderful
of ideas, here are a few: Sometimes we all need to con- Stone’s are a must. night light.
What’s NeW: Everyone duct our social life on a bud- What’s happeNiNg:
is buzzing about Mackie’s Bar get. If that’s the case, swing by If you’re looking for some-
and Grill. Located at 907 King T.J. Stone’s (608 Montgomery thing fun to do but feeling a
St., Mackie’s is a newcomer St.) on a Monday night. Every little bored with the restaurant-
to the Old Town scene. Owner Monday they feature half-price and-bar scene, check out The
Sang Lee, who is a familiar face bottles of wine and burgers. Little Theatre of Alexandria, 1207 King Street
Alexandria, VA
to many in the neighborhood, This special is available located at 600 Wolfe St. They 703-549-4040
said he hopes to “create the both in the bar area and the will perform a musical rendi- www.lamplighterlamps.com
preeminent classic steak/chop dining room. If you’re in the tion of Charles Dickens’ clas-
house in Alexandria.” mood to watch the game hang sic “A Christmas Carol,”
With classic cuts of beef on out in the bar, as 15 TVs adorn from December 5 to 20.
the menu, the dining room cre- the walls. If you want a cozier Performances are given
ates an intimate, upscale atmo- feel, try the dining room near Thursday through Sunday
sphere, while the bar is both the fireplace. With 13 differ- evenings, with matinees on
energetic and friendly. The bar ent burgers on offer, including Saturdays and Sundays. Tick-
has a great “neighborhood” feel: salmon and vegetarian options, ets are only $15 and can be
a modern jukebox that you can there are plenty of choices. Su- purchased online or at the box
command from your phone, san the general manager says office. This is a fun idea for a
Congratulates
TVs on the walls with sports the Cuban is her favorite. date, a night out with friends, or
and news and fun drinks like the Although a few of the a family activity. The Campagna Center's 44th Annual

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10 | DECEMBER 4, 2014 ALEXANDRIA TIMES
peT maTTerS
corralling a cadre of
wayward kittens
I was out walking my for the lure. Within minutes tio daily. The mother can’t be
dogs late in the evening a of setting it up at my place, re-homed so making sure she
few weeks ago and noticed a however, we had the mother. has access to food and water
young couple with flashlights She must have been very hun- is all I can do to help her.
exploring the area in front gry, the result of nursing four We looked for the other
of my building. They were growing kittens. kittens every day, growing
speaking excitedly, pointing We grabbed her and took her concerned that they were gone
at something and searching in to get spayed. While we hated forever. Meanwhile, we took
the bushes. to leave them behind, the kit- Tucker to the Animal Welfare
I asked them tens would have League of Alexandria so that
what they were up to fend for them- he could prepare to live the
to and learned that a selves for a night life of a pet. The shelter took
family had recently or two. We didn’t him in and assured us they
moved in: a mother want any more would take excellent care of
cat and her litter of litters showing up him. It was hard to let that lit-
four. I immediately in the neighbor- tle sweetheart go, but the mis-
was concerned. Our hood. Pet popula- sion was to get him there, and
complex had been tions already are we felt accomplished.
treated for rodents out of control. Days passed and there
By Isabel Alvarez
that very week. The That same still was no sign of the kit-
kittens were living underneath night, I set up another trap and, tens. Then, just as I was out
a patio, next to a black box just before 11 p.m., caught a to walk my dogs one morning,
full of rat poison. tiny gray kitten. We named I spotted a kitten propped up
The kittens were nowhere “him” Tucker. Little Tucker on the now infamous patio.
to be found that night, hid- spent a few days in Beth’s The sassy tuxedo kitten was
den deep within the hollows bathroom. He ate, stayed unfazed by the two enormous
of the patio, but their mother warm and learned to socialize hound dogs by my side. How
Compassionate pet cremations
was out and about. I had seen with humans. Beth loved this brave, I thought, impressed.
her many times and thought part of the mission, especially My neighbors were, once
serving Northern Virginia,
she was a neighbor’s outdoor when she heard Tucker purr again, in a tizzy.
cat. My focus remained on the for the first time. I walked my mutts and set
DC and Maryland areas. kittens; we had to get them to The mother was back in up our spare trap. I had a very
a safe place and, eventually, the neighborhood within two vocal tabby inside in no time
into a happy home. days. We hadn’t seen the kit- at all. Beth was on her way to
My kitty rescue mission tens and suspected they either help.
Cremation Services Offerings Include: began with a call to my friend had been moved or were hid- The third kitten — the tux-
and business partner, Beth. ing under the patio and re- edo that had eyed me earlier
• Individual pet cremations • After hours drop-off
She had been searching for fused to come out until their that morning — was the hard-
• Diverse Urn selections service available
her cat Simon in the weeks mother gave the okay. est to trap, so Beth got wise
• Garden stones and markers • Same day receiving your
prior. Simon still was missing We took a break from our and suggested we place the
• Optional pick-up services pet’s cremated remains
• Viewing • Reasonable pricing and she welcomed a positive expedition and allowed her to tabby on the other side of the
distraction. rest off the surgery. She had empty trap. He’d walk towards
Our plan was to lure the been vaccinated, ear-tipped her trap and would find himself
kittens into a humane trap with so that she can be identified as in his. Her suggestion worked
Open 7 days a week 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
stinky canned food and even having been trapped, spayed like a charm. Beth soon had
Including holidays for your convenience
stinkier canned tuna. Beth and released, and certainly two kittens moving into her
had purchased two traps in the needed a few days to regain bathroom. We took them to
Call Sunset Pet Services today at [phone] hopes of catching her own cat her strength. I bought more
but Simon had not yet fallen cat food and left it near the pa- SEE peTS | 11
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