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By Steve Hibbard

The Gazette

The Fairfax CountySchools Superinten-dent Dr. ScottBrabrand and three

local principals explained the in-terconnections between businessand education at the MountVernon Lee Chamber ofCommerce’s March 8 BusinessBreakfast at the Belle Haven Coun-try Club.

Following a welcome fromChamber President Sonja Caison,who runs The Cleaning Authority,she introduced some strategicpartners, including Cox BusinessVice President Kathryn Falk, andsome new chamber members. Be-sides Brabrand, the three princi-pals who spoke were Dr. TangyMillard, principal of WestPotomac; Dr. Matt Ragone, princi-pal of South County; and Dr. An-thony Terrell, principal of MountVernon high schools.

“First of all, FCPS is open forbusiness. We are here to forge newand deeper relationships with thebusiness community,” saidBrabrand, a former classroom vol-unteer, social studies teacher, andprincipal in Fairfax Countyschools. “Good schools are goodfor business. And good businessconditions are also good forschools. We need to continue toattract and develop and enhancethe business climate here in FairfaxCounty for a great quality of life,for more opportunity for our kidsas they graduate and for our wholecommunity to be successful.”

During his talk, he touched onthree “E’s” and a “J” — Excellence,Equity, Effectiveness and Joy. “Myfocus is about making FairfaxCounty Public Schools the pre-miere school system in this coun-try and a beacon school systemreally in the world,” he said.

Millard, who for seven months

has been overseeing 2,700 stu-dents at West Potomac, said she islooking forward to partnering withthe local business community. “Asbusiness owners, you know whatyou need coming out of highschool and college are studentswho can collaborate; students whocan problem-solve; high-orderthinking skills; innovation; cre-ation — so, we’re moving into thisnext layer of learning,” she said.“Starting in 2020, our high schoolsare looking to be one-to-one acrossthe board, and that means everystudent will be given a laptop thatthey will use as their tool forschool learning throughout theschool year, and our school districtwill be supporting that.”

In addressing a school-businesspartnership, she added: “We willneed the level of support from thelearning side where you guys (lo-cal businesses) bring real-worldexperiences to our students — giv-ing them opportunities to hearfrom you, coming as visitors andspeaking about what you do ev-ery day as business owners, as wellas what skills are necessary to dothe work that you do, and also giv-ing our students the opportunityto intern with you.”

Ragone, who was a former prin-

cipal at Langley High and now atSouth County since late 2014,added: “One of the projects wehave is a Military Connected YouthProcess Action Team. I’m workingwith the student services depart-ment, and our goal is to make surethe community knows and has theinformation to support military-connected youth as they transitionin and out of Fairfax County,” hesaid. “Fairfax County does a tre-mendous amount for these kidsand these families but not every-body knows about it. So, our goalis to get the word out on how towelcome kids in and help themtransition out.”

He continued: “Our big initiativealso is to become the best aca-demic institution in South County,in the state of Virginia. Our APscores are going up; our AP enroll

See Brabrand, Page 20

Chamber hosts Brabrand, three principals at Belle Haven Country Club.

Intersection of Business and Education

About 50 people attended the meeting of the MountVernon Lee Chamber of Commerce meeting on Thursday,March 8 at the Belle Haven Country Club in Alexandria.

Dr. Scott Brabrand, Super-intendent of Fairfax CountyPublic Schools.

Dr. Anthony Terrell,principal of Mount VernonHigh School.

Dr. Matt Ragone, principalof South County HighSchool.

Dr. Tangy Millard, principalof West Potomac HighSchool.

Sonja Caison, president ofthe Mount Vernon LeeChamber of Commerce.

Kathryn Falk, vice presi-dent of Cox Business.

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2 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ March 15-21, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com


News

By Mary Paden

A group of teens, who receivedcounty awards for their regulargrounds and stream cleanupsaround their Stony Brook apart-

ments and Little Hunting Creek, were fea-tured in a “walking tour and forum series”event of the Coalition for Smarter Growthlast month. The nonprofit coalition spon-sors educational events and works in themetro area to help plan for growth that isgreen and transit-centered.

In the community room of Stony BrookApartments at 3600 Buckman Road,Stewart Schwartz, executive director of thecoalition, Monica Billinger of the AudubonNaturalist Society, and others gave presen-tations on how the planned EMBARK de-velopment along Route 1 may influencestormwater management in Hybla Valley.

Schwartz saw EMBARK as an excitingchance to right some of the wrongs of de-velopment of the 1950s that paved overhuge areas for parking lots and channeledstreams to carry flood water to the river asfast as possible, gouging themselves out andremoving all life forms.

New trends in development allow runoffwater to soak back into theground through green sur-faces, holding ponds, andmeandering streams beforereaching the river. Billingerstressed the importance ofneighborhoods’ understand-ing the water cycle and act-ing to keep water cleanthrough rain capture, streamclean up, green spaces, andother environmental actions.

Five of the dozen or so teensfrom the apartments who haveparticipated in about 10 streamclean ups attended the meetingand told the community leaderswho attended why they helped out.

The teen group is led by Ryan Barton,manager of community impact strategies forCommunity Preservation and Development

Corporation, which owns the 204apartments. The apartmentssport solar panels on the roofsand rain barrels at the drain-pipes. The grounds are litterfree, thanks in part to the stu-dents suggesting trash cansnear the mailboxes.

Little Hunting Creek origi-nates on the east side of Route1 and runs behind Walmart,Costco and Audubon MobileHome Park, then turns eastruns through large residen-tial developments such as

Creekside, Sequoia, and StoneyCreek. It parallels Buckman Road and flowsback under Route 1 where it widens andflows through residential areas to enter thePotomac River at Riverside Park. Barton andBillinger stressed the importance of the in-

Teens at Stony Brook Apartments praisedin Smarter Growth presentation.Making a Difference

Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay (center) praised teens who participated in several stream clean-ups.

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Ryan Barton, manager of community impact strategies for CommunityPreservation and Development Corporation, which owns Stoney BrookApartments, surrounded by his teen volunteers shows a group of civicleaders how the creek flows through several apartment complexes.

Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay applauded the work of the group andsaid, “This is exactly the right time to be in this part of the county.”

Mount Vernon Gazette Editor Steven Mauren

703-778-9415 or [email protected]

Trash awaiting

clean up.

volvement of communities, especially youth,in protecting streams as they flow throughneighborhoods.

Various civic leaders, some from thedownstream areas of the creek, attendedthe briefing. They were joined by Lee Dis-trict Supervisor Jeff McKay on the groundsalong the creek, which is fenced off frommost apartment property.

Asked why they participated in clean ups,the teens — three girls and two boys — gavethe first reason as “he [Barton] gives usfood” — pizza to be exact. But Barton notedthat the teens kept working many hoursafter the pizza was finished.

“At first I didn’t want to touch those dirtythings,” said Stephanie Agyemang-Manu,“but now I find clean- up relaxing — sort oftherapeutic.” Racheal Appiah said she justwanted to help out her community. Carmela

Dangale said she was still getting used to itbut feels like she is helping out.

The teen group is two-time defender ofthe Fairfax County Youth Volunteer Groupof the Year Award from Volunteer Fairfax,and is nominated again — and Racheal isnominated for Youth Volunteer of the Year.

Barton, who works full-time at StonyBrook, is now also working with CPDCsother properties to expand youth volunteeropportunities in locations such as Southeast,D.C.; Reston, Va.; and Silver Spring, Md.

“People are listening to young people,these days,” McKay said. “When our com-munity was built here there were no envi-ronmental standards and most of the prob-lems we see are a result of that. As the arearedevelops with EMBARK, this is exactly theright time to be in this part of the county.We are focusing on all positive things.”


Alex/Mt. Vernon Forest $614,9009123 Cherrytree Drive

Large, Beautiful, 4BR, 3BA Split w/ a spectacular open and renovated kitchen ($75,000) – Gorgeous Refinished hard-wood floors on main level, gas fireplace, double pane replacement window- Stunning screened-in porch overlooks backyard- Separate utility and workshop rooms offer tons of storage- Throw-in updated roof, HVAC system plus a large circular driveway- Great Price!!

Alex/Potomac Valley $562,0008807 Vernon View Drive

Lovely 4BR, 2BA, 4 lvl, Split on a lg, beautiful .3 acre lot w/a fenced bkyd. Freshly painted interior & beautiful re-finished hdwds. Main lvl has a spacious & cozy Family rm w/gas FPL, 4th BR, & 2nd full bath. Upper level #1 offers an open kitchen plus Living & Dining

Rm. Upper level #2 has a full bath & 3BRs. The lower level has a lg partially finished Rec rm. Good price on a super lot & very nice home that you can add some personal touches to.

Alex/Mt. Vernon Manor $585,0004317 Granada Street

Beautifully remodeled 4BR, Split: Kitchen, Baths, DBL pane windows, 6 panel doors-Large Garage- All on a spectacular .52 acre lot. Stunning covered porch off the dining rm overlooking a magnificent landscaped/hardscaped back yd w/an unbelievable spectacular 40’x 20’ pool. Absolutely amazing, nothing like it in Mt. Vernon! LL offers 2 large BRs, plus remodeled

bath plus family rm & gas fpl. A lovely den has built-in shelves & and a newer double pane SGD which opens to a beautiful covered patio also overlooking the phenomenal yd & pool. All this for under $600K!! Your chance to buy it now before everyone can see how the spring weather will turn this beautiful yd into a wonderland!

Mt. Vernon Grove $574,9009336 Heather Glen Drive

Beautiful 4BR, 2.5BA colonial w/2 car garage on the Potomac River side of Mount Vernon. .34 Acre. Li-brary on main level. Family rm w/fireplace off the kitchen w/French doors to bkyd. Dressing room & walk-in closet adjoin the spacious Master suite. Separate Dining &

Living rms. Unfinished basement w/walk-up steps. Minutes to Ft. Belvoir (S) & 15 minutes to Old Town, Alex, (N).

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Alex/Riverside Estates $589, 900

8543 Mount Vernon Hwy

Newly remodeled 3 level colonial w/ 4 Bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, huge over-sized garage, all on a lovely .41 acre lot.

New baths and a stunning new open kitchen w/ white cabinetry, granite counters, ss appliances, recessed lighting & an island w/ breakfast bar. Large, bright Living Room w/ fireplace, separate Dining Room w/sliding glass doors to deck, and Family Rm w/ sliding glass doors to screened porch overlooking beautiful & flat bkyd. Gorgeous hardwood floors, newly refinished. New carpet-ing and paint. Lower level Rec Rm w/fireplace. One mile to GW Parkway, Potomac River and Mt. Vernon Estate. It’s a 10!

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Alex/Waynewood Around $600’s8534 Riverside Road

Lovely 4BR, 3BA Split w/DBL carport in Stratford Landing Elementary District. Numerous updates including Kitch-en, Baths, tankless HWH, DBL Pane windows, exterior siding, beautiful hdwd floors on main level and lovely laminate (like hard wood) floors throughout lower level. Fenced back yard w/a wood deck and brick patio- Short walk to Stratford elementary. This is a keeper!!

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News

See Gun Violence, Page 22

People — some of them coming from as faraway as Maryland and Arlington — filled theparish hall of St Aidan’s Episcopal Church to

capacity on Sunday, Feb. 25 to find out ways theycan take action to help prevent mass shootings andreduce the nation’s gun violence.

Members of the Northern Virginia Chapter of theBrady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence handedout a two-page flyer with five actions for aspiring

advocates, including lobbying their elected represen-tatives, making sure their children aren’t visitinghomes with unsecured guns, attending the monthlyNRA protest/vigil and participating in the March forOur Lives in Washington, D.C. on March 24.

In addition, Northern Virginia Brady Chapter Presi-dent Martina Leinz presented the Brady Campaign’slegislative focus:

Northern Virginia Brady Chapter President Martina Leinz, state Sen. Barbara Favola(D-31) and Del. Paul Krizek (D-44) address the crowd about gun violence preventionat St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church on Feb. 25.

How To Prevent Gun ViolenceAdvocates meet at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church.

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News

By Mary Paden

Every few years, West Ford, whowas once enslaved on MountVernon plantation and laterfounded the Gum Springs Com-

munity, comes back to tell his story.Local writer and actor Pearson Parker,

dressed in period costume and sitting at atable lit by an oil lamp, narrated the storyof West Ford at a dinner the-ater last month at Gum SpringsCommunity Center, sponsoredby the Gum Springs HistoricalSociety.

The audience listed to Ford,represented as in his 70s, de-scribe his concerns as the CivilWar approached. “Because ofcertain tumultuous events, Itold my family not to stray toofar from home,” he said. “I amknown here and some Quakerswill try to protect us, but I worry about whatis happening.” Following the 1831 NatTurner rebellion in Virginia, Ford had to takehis family to Alexandria to be registered (asreported in the Alexandria Gazette). The1857 Dred Scott Supreme Court decisionthreatened the freedom of even free blacks,who were often captured and sold, and the1859 Harpers Ferry raid by John Brown re-sulted in further repression of blacks.

Ford spoke from the perspective of Feb.27, 1861 when seven southern states, butnot yet Virginia, had seceded from theUnion, and the new president, AbrahamLincoln, had just arrived in Washingtonunder threat of assassination.

“I fear for millions in the South all typesof freedoms would be lost if the Southernstate secede,” Ford said.

Ford was born in 1784 or 1785 on the

Bushfield Plantation in WestmorelandCounty, Va., to Venus, a mulatto slavewoman owned by George Washington’sbrother, John Augustine Washington and hiswife, Hannah. Hannah’s will decreed that“the lad called West” was to be set free atthe age of 21 and he was. However, follow-ing the death of George Washington in1799, Ford was brought to Mount VernonPlantation by Bushrod Washington, a sonof John Augustine and Hannah. WhenBushrod died in 1829, he willed 160 acresof land adjacent to Mount Vernon to WestFord, who continued to live on the MountVernon estate.

Pearson described Ford’s lifeat Mount Vernon as a paidtradesman who was taught toread and write and who mar-ried a free black woman andhad four children, noting that“we were even given a wed-ding in 1812 at the First Pres-byterian Church of Alexan-dria.” Ford sold the land he re-ceived from Bushrod and in1833 bought 214 acres he hadlong wanted, and area called

Gum Springs on Little Hunting Creek, nownear Route 1 and Fordson Road. Whileworking at Mount Vernon, he also startedworking the land at Gum Springs and sav-ing to build a house. By the time he movedhis family there, some of his children weregrown and able to help with the work.

As he pondered the possibility of war, Fordsaid he didn’t know if the family would beable to remain in control of the property,“but I can only hope that as it is passed alongit will retain its name.”

Ford died in 1863, but as was read in anepilogue to Pearson’s performance, after thewar the community grew to include achurch (Bethlehem Baptist Church), and aschool, and has continued to grow, withseveral descendants of Ford remaining inthe area. They formed the Gum SpringsHistorical Society in 1984.

Tales from the pastat Gum Springs.

West Ford Shares HistoryPearson Parker as West Ford

Pearson Parker


Opinion

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A Connection Newspaper

By Scott Surovell

State Senator (D-36)

Last week broughtan end to theregular 2018 ses-sion of the Gen-

eral Assembly. Once again,I had some significant suc-cesses. The legislature sent 13 of my 61 billsto Governor Northam for his signature. Legis-lators continued 15 to 2019 for studies andreferred several to agencies for administrativeconsideration.

While several of my budget amendmentswere included in the Sen-ate budget, including fund-ing the first staff at brandnew Widewater State Park

in Stafford, we unfortunately adjourned with-out adopting a biennial budget due to the Sen-ate Republican Caucus’s refusal to include Med-icaid expansion into their budget. Budget dis-cussions have completely stalled out and Gov-ernor Northam will call us into special sessionat some point in the next two months.

This week, my amendment to a delegate’sbill to prohibit operating a moving motor ve-hicle while drivers have a phone in their handdied after passing the Senate 29-11. Due tofiscal impacts of amendments loaded onto thebill requiring a racial profiling study, opponentswere able to push the bill into a conferencecommittee where it died. Car accidents and

deaths are on the rise nationally and in Vir-ginia due to distracted driving and this wouldhave saved lives. I will try again next year.

I am especially proud of successful legisla-tion that I carried with a companion bill byHouse Appropriations Committee ChairmanChris Jones providing compensation to fourmen who were wrongfully convicted of rapeafter being coerced into false confessions by acorrupt Norfolk detective currently in federalprison. The four former sailors, known as “TheNorfolk Four,” spent between eight to 12 yearsin jail and another eight-plus years out of jailon the Sex Offender Registry. The legislationauthorizes the state to compensate them $3.5million if the City of Norfolk at least matchesthat amount. Convicting the innocent is badenough, but it is especially wrongful if it isachieved through intentional law enforcementmisconduct.

The legislature also approved a bill to pro-vide a $154 million dedicated funding streamfor Metro.

This money will now need to be matched byMaryland and the District of Columbia, but itis desperately needed to make up for 20 yearsof funding neglect.

Metro funding is good news, but I am verydisturbed that the Senate’s proposal to increasethe Northern Virginia hotel tax and grantor’stax (the tax on home sales) was omitted. Be-cause of this, an additional $50 million per yearwill be diverted from the Northern VirginiaTransportation Authority (NVTA). This means

that those NVTA funds may not be availablefor U.S. 1 improvements in Fairfax and PrinceWilliam counties. I will urge Governor Northamto amend the bill.

Last week, I met with several state officials.First, I met with Virginia Department of Trans-portation (VDOT) officials to address the pend-ing U.S. 1 widening between Fort Belvoir andHybla Valley. You can read an update in myonline newsletter atscottsurovell.blogspot.com. I also met withVDOT about granting them authority to regu-late large signs on our interstates to avoid thedebacle last week when some I-95 lanes wereshut down for three days by a Potomac Mills’140-foot sign that fell down.

I also met with state economic developmentofficials to discuss Virginia’s designation ofareas to be included in the federal Opportu-nity Zone Program, which would incentivizeredevelopment in low-income or high-unem-ployment areas. Prince William County hasrefused to share their submission to the statewith me and Fairfax County prioritized theAmazon site in Herndon over U.S. 1 althoughI am not aware of any low-income areas aroundthe Amazon site. I hope to provide persuasiveinformation to the state about the 36th District’sU.S. 1 Corridor, a designation that could yieldsignificant benefit to this highway’s future.

Please let me know if you have any feed-back on this session [email protected]. It is an honor toserve as your state senator.

Successes in the State Legislature

Commentary

See Letters, Page 22

SnapshotA truck struck by a tree in the Newington part of theMount Vernon district after the March 2 windstorm.

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Letters to the Editor

The CorrectThing To DoTo the Editor:

The letter to the editor writtenby Mr. H. Jay Spiegel published onMarch 14, criticized state Sen.Scott Surovell for his oppositionto homeschooled students partici-pating in interscholastic activities.Of course Mr. Spiegel did exten-sive research on Sen. Surovell’svoting record on education issuesthat I was happy to read was 100percent. In his letter Mr. Spiegelreferred to the term “elite univer-sities.” I have to admit I wonderedwhat he meant by “elite universi-ties.” I agree 100 percent with Mr.Surovell’s opposition to the issueof homeschooled students partici-pating in interscholastic activities.

In fact in consideration of hav-ing my three sons attending theFairfax County public schools fromelementary through high schoolschools and the career successesall three have experienced I haveto wonder why any parent wouldwant to have their children homeschooled. I have written severalbooks relating to WW II. If I hadthe time and the years remainingI would like to write a book on thesubject, i.e., the pros and cons of

“homeschooling.” Yes, I can under-stand that avenue due to certaincircumstances but, and that is a bigbut, the lack of the interactionbetween peers and the obviouslower level of educational rigorcannot be overemphasized. I willvote for Sen. Surovell in 2019 if,as we say on the golf course, I amstill on top of the grass. Mr. Spiegelconvinced me 100 percent it is thecorrect thing to do.

Melvin R. BielawskiAlexandria

ConvincingArgumentTo the Editor:

I was amused by Jay Spiegel’sletter to the editor in the March 8issue of the Mount Vernon Gazette.In it, he purports to uncover the“true motivation” (his words) be-hind state Sen. Scott Surovell’sopposition to legislation concern-ing home-schooled students —legislation which never made itout of committee this year in Rich-mond.

Spiegel suspects that it stemsfrom endorsements SenatorSurovell received from the Virginia


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News

Orchestra ClinicThe Mount Vernon High School Orchestra students led by Al Rodriguez participated in aclinic with author, clinician, professor, and recent winner of the Ohio Music EducatorsAssociations Collegiate Strings Teacher of the Year award Dr. Kathleen Horvath. Horvathran clinics throughout the day with the students. This was an opportunity for the stu-dents to engage in a pre-assessment clinic experience. MVHS Orchestra presentedHorvath with an honorary MVHS Orchestra Varsity Letter.

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See Adjourning, Page 21

Opinion

By Rebekah Wharton

Treasurer

Mount Vernon Crew Boosters

The fierce wind storm that sweptthe region on March 2, knock-ing down trees and disruptingpower to thousands of custom-

ers over the weekend, took its toll on a lo-cal crew team before moving out. TheMount Vernon High School rowing team lostfour racing shells to falling trees during thegale.

Two of the damaged boats, the Alpha andthe Bravo, had been purchased recently andhad not yet been officially named. Also de-stroyed were the Rocky, named after aformer coach, and the Commander, donatedto the team by the Mt. Vernon Yacht Club.While the Majors purchase their equipmentused, new shells can cost as much as$30,000 new. The team carries insurance,but the replacement cost exceeds the valueof the lost equipment.

The Mount Vernon program, which is notsupported by Mount Vernon High School orFairfax County, will have to raise money forrepairs and replacement. According to theteam treasurer, the gap between the insur-ance coverage and the cost of acquiring new(used) equipment will run as high as$15,000.

Community support has played a signifi-cant role in the growth and success of theMount Vernon crew team, which is enter-ing its 16th season of competition. The team

raises money for operating expensesthrough rower fees and fundraisers, includ-ing bake sales, car washes, and Bingo. Manycommunity members may have seen therowers going door-to-door on a soggy Sat-urday in February during the annual TagDay fundraiser when the team asks theirfriends and neighbors for support. “Therowers were trudging through the rain allday to raise money to pay competition fees,”said the team treasurer. “Now we are goingto have to find new ways to raise money”to pay for the damaged shells.

Many generous supporters of the teamhave already stepped forward with offersof assistance. According to head coachJamie Kirk, the team is particularly grate-ful to have received donations from otherrowing teams in the area. “The camarade-rie of the rowing community and specifi-cally of our teams here in Northern Virginiahas been fantastic,” said Kirk. “The fund-ing, offers of using boats, and the words ofencouragement point to the strong kinshipand cooperation of our sport.”

The team rows out of Ft. Belvoir Marina

and stores its boats there during the row-ing season. Nearly half the team membersare military dependents. The booster clubis a certified 501(c)3 charitable organiza-tion.

Donations can be made to Mount VernonCrew Boosters, P.O. Box 205, Mount Vernon,VA 22121-0205, or online at https://www.gofundme.com/mv-crew-boat-fund.

The team is also looking for an additionalassistant coach. [email protected] for more informa-tion.

Crew Team Seeks Support Following Damaging Storm

Mount Vernon High School rowing team lost four racing shells to falling trees due to the March 2 storm.

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By Adam Ebbin

State Senator (D-30)

The 2018 legisla-tive session ad-journed “sine-

die” on March 10, andas dozens of cars withmulti-colored bumperstickers and House and Senate license platesdeparted to different corners of the Com-monwealth my staff worked through theweekend, helping me send out responsesto 906 informative emails on 107 different

topics that I’ve received from constituents.As I reflect on the session, it is impossibleto ignore that we adjourned without adopt-ing a biennial budget.

Crafting a budget is one of ourprimary constitutional duties asstate legislators and leaving Rich-mond without one means that lo-calities, school divisions, and stateagencies cannot finalize their own budgets.Governor Northam, the House of Delegates,and Senate Democrats all agree on the mer-its of Medicaid expansion, with only Sen-ate Republicans standing in the way — in-

sisting on a version of the budget that ex-cludes health coverage for 400,000 Virgin-ians, strikes teacher pay raises, has fewerinvestments in renewable energy, and omitsfunding for background checks on firearm

sales. I anticipate the governorwill call us into a special sessionto adopt a budget within the nextmonth.

After touch-and-go negotiations betweenHouse and Senate Conferees, the GeneralAssembly has approved $154 million infunding for Metro (SB856) — Virginia’sportion of $500 million called for by Wash-

ington Metropolitan Area Transit Author-ity (WMATA) General Manager PaulWiedefeld to address essential capital fund-ing needs. We were able to arrive at a sus-tainable solution for our vital transit infra-structure needs, but two proposed tax in-creases in Northern Virginia (on real estatetransactions and hotel stays) that had beenincluded in the original Senate version,were eliminated from the final bill. Thischange requires existing regional transpor-tation funds from the Northern VirginiaTransportation Authority (NVTA) to be re

State Legislature Adjourns without a Budget

Commentary

Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ March 15-21, 2018 ❖ 11www.ConnectionNewspapers.com online at www.connectionnewspapers.comLocal Media Connection LLC

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HomeLifeStyleHomeLifeStyleHomeLifeStyleSpring 2018Spring 2018

The 85th Historic Garden Week in Virginiaincludes tours of homes and gardens in GreatFalls, McLean and Vienna hosted by the GardenClub of Fairfax on Tuesday, April 24, 2018. Thefeatured historic home was once the HuntingLodge for Lord Fairfax for whom Fairfax Countyis named, a privately owned home, beautifullypreserved and not often open to the public,dating to the mid 1700s. One garden is designedlike a quilt because the owner of this historichouse is a world renown [email protected] for tickets.www.vagardenweek.org

The 85th Historic Garden Week in Virginiaincludes tours of homes and gardens in GreatFalls, McLean and Vienna hosted by the GardenClub of Fairfax on Tuesday, April 24, 2018. Thefeatured historic home was once the HuntingLodge for Lord Fairfax for whom Fairfax Countyis named, a privately owned home, beautifullypreserved and not often open to the public,dating to the mid 1700s. One garden is designedlike a quilt because the owner of this historichouse is a world renown [email protected] for tickets.www.vagardenweek.org


HomeLifeStyle

See Hollin Hills House, Page 14

Mid-century modern fansdon’t have to head to PalmSprings to appreciate stun-ning examples of mid-cen-

tury modern architecture and landscape.Visitors are invited to tour the largest en-clave of mid-century modern homes in theWashington, D.C. region during the 2018Hollin Hills House & Garden Tour in Alex-andria on Saturday, April 28.The neighbor-hood even has a connection to AMC’s “MadMen,” as the show’s production designer,Dan Bishop, grew up in Hollin Hills and saysthe neighborhood inspired his design sen-sibilities.

Visitors coming for the home tour canmake a weekend of it by staying in OldTown Alexandria and also visiting FrankLloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House, a“usonian” style home in Alexandria thatrepresents Wright’s dream of creating af-fordable housing for the middle class. Endthe weekend by shopping in Old Town Al-exandria at one-of-a-kind mid-century mod-ern boutiques. Find exquisite vintage cock-tail ware and bar ware by designers likeDorothy Thorpe at The Hour then head toAcme Mid-Century + Modern for vintageand modern furniture, sculptures and art.

Located minutes from Washington, D.C.and tucked away in a quiet neighborhoodjust south of Old Town Alexandria is the

largest enclave of mid-century modernhomes in the region — the Hollin Hillsneighborhood. Hollin Hills is a modernist

enclave comprised of more than 450 glass-enclosed minor masterpieces built from thelate 1940s to the early 1970s by developer

Robert Davenport and architect CharlesGoodman. It was the first community in theWashington, D.C. metro area to be madeup entirely of contemporary homes. Everyother year visitors are invited inside thehomes for an up close look during the HollinHills House and Garden Tour. This year’sself-guided tour showcases 10 examples ofmid-century modern architecture and land-scape Saturday, April 28 from noon until 6p.m. Recognized many times in the past forits architectural and design vision, HollinHills was listed on the National Register ofHistoric Places in 2013, and is a VirginiaLandmark Historic District.

Visitors can also tour Frank Lloyd Wright’sPope-Leighey House, minutes fromAlexandria’s Hollin Hills neighborhood. This“usonian” style house was designed byWright in the 1940s and was one of the firsttypes of affordable housing for the middleclass. Tours are available beginning in AprilFriday through Monday from 11 a.m. until4 p.m. (last tour begins at 3 p.m.). Ticketsare $15 for adults; $7.50 for students; $12for seniors and active military with ID; andare free for children 5 and under. At 1,200square feet, visitors will see how Wright’scombination of high ceilings, large expansesof glass, and an open floor plan creates the

Mid-Century Modern Mecca on Tour April 28

The 2018 Hollin Hills House & Garden Tour is scheduled forSaturday, April 28.


From Page 13

Mark your calendar for Tues-day, April 24, 2018, as theGarden Club of Fairfax invites you to this year’s His-

toric Garden Week Tour in Great Falls,McLean and Vienna.

Experience 250 years of history in theonce agricultural hills of northern FairfaxCounty. Near the village of Great Falls is theWilliam Gunnell home built in 1750 as ahunting lodge for Lord Fairfax. Strollthrough a quilt garden designed by the cur-rent owner, a well-known quilter, and en-joy carefully tended fruit and vegetablegardens as well as landscaped vistas.

In the historic town of Vienna, explorean 1892 home built on the grounds of theGrange Camp and a charming cottage de-signed by a couple as a “sensible home” toretire-in- place.

A transitional executive home with a wa-terfall garden is showcased in nearbyMcLean. Tour headquarters are at Meadow-lark Botanical Gardens, 9750 MeadowlarkGardens Court, Vienna, where admissionand refreshments are included with the tourticket.

Access to William Gunnell House is onlyby shuttle bus. Pick-up and drop-off at GreatFalls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, GreatFalls. Tickets available at the Library. Ad-vance Tickets: $40 per personwww.vagardenweek.org or by mail beforeApril 17. Send a self-addressed stamped en-velope and check made out to The GardenClub of Fairfax to Marty Whipple, 11508Yates Ford Road, Fairfax Station, VA 22039.(703) 978-4130 [email protected] for questions.$50 day of tour.

As part of the Garden Club of Virginia’s85th Historic Garden Week, this tour willbe one of thirty statewide tours held April21-28, 2018 featuring nearly 200 ofVirginia’s most picturesque gardens andprivate homes. Proceeds from this cel-ebrated event fund the restoration and pres-ervation of more than 40 of Virginia’s his-toric public gardens and landscapes, a re-search fellowship program, and a new part-nership with the Virginia State Parks. Iconiclandmarks such as Mount Vernon, the Pa-vilion Gardens at the University of Virginiaand the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Li-brary have been restored to their originalsplendor due to the hard work of thousands

of volunteers, the generosity of countlesshome and garden owners, and the nearly30,000 visitors from around the world whohave enjoyed the tours.

For more information about our GreatFalls-McLean- Vienna Tour, and to buy tick-ets online, go to www.vagardenweek.org.The statewide schedule for HIstoric GardenWeek is also listed.

Tour Headquarters, Facilities and SpecialActivity: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens,9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna.Tickets, maps and restrooms available ontour day.

There will be a free King’s Park FlutesConcert 10 to noon. Tour tickets: $50 perperson available on tour day at Meadow-lark Botanical Gardens and at tour homes.

WILLIAM GUNNELL HOUSE, InnsbruckAvenue, Great Falls The original home is ahall-and-parlor structure built in 1750 on12,588 acres owned by Thomas, sixth LordFairfax, for whom the county is named.

William Gunnell III (1750-1820), firstknown resident of the home and believedto have been caretaker for Lord Fairfax,purchased it in 1791 and constructed anaddition for his large family, making it oneof the area’s grandest manor homes with a1,500-acre plantation and numerous out-buildings. One outbuilding, c.1770, survivestoday. The home was in the Gunnell familyuntil 1913. Twentieth century additions areunobtrusive and compatible with the home’s18th century Colonial and post-Revolutionstyles. In 1934 a log cabin tavern was movedhere from Ruby, Virginia, to become a din-ing room with a massive stone fireplace atone end. The now 10-acre property includesa large farm pond, Virginia’s fifth oldestmeasured hemlock, boxwood lined paths,flower, fruit, vegetable and herb gardens,and grape and rose arbors. The homeowner,a world-renowned quilter and fabric de-signer, designed the property’s quilt garden,best viewed from a large vine-covered per-gola. The star pattern quilt bedspread de-

sign in the master bedroom is repeated in aleaded glass panel in the master bath, in awrought iron railing and in the quilt gar-den. National Register of Historic Places.Accessible only by shuttle bus. Jinny andJohn Beyer, owners.

MONTVALE WAY, McLEAN Locatedwithin a 255-acre wooded community of166 homes in McLean, known as “The Re-serve,” this two-level executive style homewas built in 2001 by one of the premierebuilders in Northern Virginia. An exteriorof bisque and gray brick construction isframed by stone pillars and enhanced by apaved circular drive. Mature trees, grassesand a massing of bulbs, perennials andshrubs provide four seasons of interest. Anarmored soldier stands guard, injecting awhimsical tone. Warm tones of beige andbrown and faux-painted walls on the firstfloor act as a backdrop for the mix of oldand new in art, furniture and family trea-sures. A sunroom is the perfect spot to en-joy the backyard koi pond and extensivelandscaping designed and implemented bythe homeowners. Sandra and Robert Varney,owners

THE GRANGE CAMP, Redwood Drive,Vienna The exterior front of this Folk Victo-rian home with a Federalist front porch isessentially unchanged from its 1892 appear-ance. Alexander Wedderburn, a successfulprinter and publisher in Alexandria, pur-chased the property and built a summerhome on 42 acres previously owned by thepost-Civil War Grange movement and usedfor annual summer fairs for farmers andtheir families. Every room reflects thehomeowners’ love of family and respect forthe history of the home. Original windowsand interior doors are displayed as piecesof art and original wood molding was sal-vaged to become paneling in the powderroom. A schoolhouse chair and piano arefrom Ms. Dyer’s mother’s school in Con-necticut. Her father, a furniture maker andrefinisher, refurbished the piano, a Singersewing table and other pieces. The needle-point on a living room chair was done byMr. Smith’s grandmother. Smith and AlisonDyer, owners.

CENTER STREET NORTH, Vienna Fromdrawing board to completion, thehomeowners envisioned a “sensible” homeallowing for present-day living and enter-taining within an open floor plan, and theflexibility of converting the current den toan additional first floor bedroom and bathfor aging in place for this Custom built, 2011modern Cape Cod cottage in historicVienna. As the owner of REfind, a Viennaboutique, the homeowner mixes vintagewith fresh accessories throughout this three-level cottage. Favorite art pieces include anoriginal oil of a whimsical cow by GregOsterhaus in the kitchen/dining area, andan original landscape by a local artist in themaster bedroom. A screened porch off thedining room serves as a second living room.Carey and David Williams, owners.

HomeLifeStyle

Photo by Donna Moulton/Garden Club of Fairfax

The 85th Historic Garden Week in Virginia includes tours of homes andgardens around Virginia, as well as in Great Falls, McLean and Viennahosted by the Garden Club of Fairfax on Tuesday, April 24, 2018. Thefeatured historic home was once the Hunting Lodge for Lord Fairfax forwhom Fairfax County is named, a privately owned home, beautifullypreserved and not often open to the public, dating to the mid 1700s.This garden is designed like a quilt because the owner of this historichouse is a world renown quilter. [email protected] for tickets.www.vagardenweek.org

85th Virginia Historic Garden Week in April

illusion of a much larger home.While visiting, check out Alexandria’s

mid-century offerings at one-of-a-kindboutiques located on King Street in OldTown Alexandria, the city’s nationallydesignated historic district.

Step into The Hour and head back tothe Mad Men era with a vintage cocktail

ware and bar ware-filled boutique on his-toric King Street. Victoria Vergason took herpassions for entertaining at home and col-lecting designer vintage glassware andbarware and created The Hour in 2009.With two glittering floors “dedicated to allthings cocktail,” The Hour seeks to reinventtoday’s cocktail hour by bringing back mid-century style for home entertaining but witha decidedly modern-day twist.

Acme Mid-Century + Modern ownedby Pierre Paret is a purveyor of vintageand modern furniture, artifacts, acces-sories, sculpture, and art. Acme providesa broad selection of periods and styles,though its specialties include Danish andScandinavian Modern, designs byCharles and Ray Eames, George Nelson,and pieces in Brazilian rosewood.

Hollin Hills House & Garden Tour


News

By Ken Moore

The Gazette

Springfield Supervisor Pat Herrityclaimed the dissenting vote. “Itprobably is not going to surprisethe board that I won’t be able to

support this,” he said.By a 8-1 margin, the Board of Supervi-

sors advertised the county executive’s bud-get with the proposed two and a half centtax increase.

Braddock Supervisor John Cook sup-ported the advertisement but stated hewon’t support a budget in May if it remainsat the advertised tax rate.

“So I’ll support the advertisement becauseI think the process dictates that there besomething on the table. But if the board isinclined to pass it as is, it will have to do sowithout me,” said Cook. “If the board is in-clined to do what a couple of other peoplehave suggested this morning, which is lookfor reductions and perhaps go back to thatconcept of balancing, then I’m looking for-ward to being part of that discussion andwill keep an open mind to where we shouldend up. But two and a half cents is notwhere it’s going to be.”

Jeff McKay, chair of the budget commit-tee, said advertising a lower rate “wouldbe taking off the table an opportunity tohear from our public about whether ourpublic employees from the schools andcounty side should be getting the type ofcompensation increases to move them intomarket and to deliver the services that werely on in this county.”

In addition to community meetings sched-uled around the county, the board slottedthree days, April 10-12, for public hearingsbefore the full board.

“We have two months of community con-versation ahead of us, and some membersof this board have declared how they arevoting on the budget today or what theycan’t support,” said McKay. “Two months wehave to hear from our community aboutwhat their priorities are. And to me it wouldbe irresponsible to decide how we are go-ing to vote on the budget without hearingfrom members of our community and howthey feel about it.”

The board will officially adopt the FY2019 budget on May 1.

If the Board of Supervisors were to adoptthe full two and a half cent tax rate increase,it would amount to an additional $268 onthe average homeowner’s annual tax bill.

“When we advertise the tax rate, that willbecome the ceiling for what the tax rate canbe. It can be lower, it can be the same, butit cannot be higher than” two and a halfcents, said Chairman Sharon Bulova.

Below are excerpts from the March 6board meeting. The supervisors spoke in theorder presented below:

Pat Herrity, Springfield District“It probably is not going to surprise the

board that I won’t be able to support this. Atwo and a half cent with [an increase] inthe storm water tax, a five percent poten-tial tax increase, 26 percent over five years.

“I voted for last year’s budget because Ithought it was reasonable. We made somedifficult decisions last year.

“I think we need to go back to doing whatour residents have had to do in a time ofstagnant wages, and make difficult deci-sions. And we just frankly have not donethat. I’ve put a bunch of them on the tableand it hasn’t happened and it needs to hap-pen. ...

“If you look at wages, they’ve been stag-nant, we’re literally taxing people out ofFairfax County.

“I appreciated the county executive’s in-troductory remarks when he said we’ve gotto be more nimble and more efficient. Weneed to get to that, and I can’t put a poten-tial five percent additional burden on ourresidents. I won’t be supporting it.”

Linda Smyth, Providence“Given the unknowns still from the Gen-

eral Assembly in terms of budget or WMATAfunding, I think we need to be sure that wehave some flexibility in the tax rate and inthe discussion about our budget.

“But I will also say ... that I’m seeing in-creased assessments in some of our moreaffordable neighborhoods and it’s not thefirst year for some of these neighborhoods.This has been a multi-year cycle and that’sa concern because, again, taxes are part ofthe affordability of owning a home in FairfaxCounty. And I want to be sure that we keepthat as part of the consideration going for-ward.

“I hope, again, when we look closely atthe budget that county executive has putbefore us that we will be able to see if thereare savings that we can go back and findand apply that to help some of our residentsout.

“Residents are … seeing increases in theirhealth insurance, in fact considerable in-

creases in that, and everything they do ona daily basis.

“So it’s a balancing act, and I hope wefind that balance. But we need to have alittle flexibility here because we just don’thave all the answers at this point.”

Penny Gross, Mason“I will be supporting the motion.“I am hoping that we are able to back

down a little bit from the two and a halfcents just in looking at how we find somesavings.

“But I will say we have excellent services.We will put our services up against anyother jurisdiction. Fairfax County is knownfor its quality of life. It’s known for itsschools, we’re the safest community of oursize in the country, we have parks and li-braries and lots and lots of services, andwe invest in the community.

“And that’s what we do when we estab-lish a tax rate. Really, we’re investing in thecommunity on behalf of all of our tax pay-ers. ...

“We made a promise to our employeeswhen we adopted a compensation plan afew years ago. We have not been been ableto always keep that promise. This year, wemust. We absolutely must.”

Dan Storck, Mount Vernon“Flexibility is clearly the operative word.

There are a lot of things we still don’t knowyet including the state budget ...

“I think it is about competition. We clearlyhave competition for the best, the bestminds, the best folks, the best leaders, andwe need to pay a competitive wage to dothat. … It’s clearly about commitments.

“Finally, I think it is about investment.Investments in our kids, investments in ourteachers, investments in the folks whoclearly are the keys to our future in thiscounty and in the area. So I will be sup-porting the tax rate.”

John Cook, Braddock“I’m going to approach this issue much

as I did a couple of years ago. The boardwill recall that two years ago, the countyexecutive proposed a large tax increase andthe board eventually adopted it and de-scribed it as a booster shot ...“Here we are as Yogi Berra would say, ‘It’sdeja vu all over again,’ with another largeincrease described as a need to jump up andthen next year we will stay flat. ...

“I can not and I will not support a budget

that increases the tax rate by two and a halfcents.

“So I’ll support the advertisement becauseI think the process dictates that there besomething on the table. But if the board isinclined to pass it as is, it will have to do sowithout me. If the board is inclined to dowhat a couple of other people have sug-gested this morning, which is look for re-ductions and perhaps go back to that con-cept of balancing, then I’m looking forwardto being part of that discussion and will keepan open mind to where we should end up.But two and a half cents is not where it’sgoing to be.”

Cathy Hudgins, Hunter Mill“This advertising gives us that opportu-

nity to look at what we really need.“And I think it is difficult having a con-

versation with the citizens sometimes whenwe approach it as to what is the cost versuswhat is the return value. And I really haveto say that we have done a lot of work tomake certain that we try to be more effi-cient and more creative in the services thatwe provide.

“So I think there needs to be a balancingthat we need to have here. We provided ameaningful option [in the meals tax]. Andguess what? Our citizens didn’t support it....

“So I think it’s important that if we wantto talk about how great Fairfax County is,we need to be prepared to figure out howto have the services that that draw peoplehere and create a more balanced commu-nity in supporting what it takes to live inthis county.

“So we’ll have a chance to have that dis-cussion and maybe the opportunity to moveforward, so my vote is yes.”

Kathy Smith, Sully“I think that we are at the beginning of

the discussion with the public …“I’m not at the point of saying what I will

vote for in this budget. This budget supportsour employees, it supports the school sys-tem. We heard from a community groupthat suggested that we advertise at thisrate...

“It is a fine balance between looking atthe needs we have in this community andthe services we want to provide and howwe do that. So I’m supportive of advertis-ing this tax rate.”

The Conversation Begins: Budgeting WordsBoard of Supervisors prioritizes compensation for teachers and county employees.

See The Conversation, Page 21

Pat Herrity,SpringfieldDistrict

Linda Smyth,Providence

Penny Gross,Mason

Dan Storck,Mount Vernon

John Cook,Braddock

Cathy Hudgins,Hunter Mill

Kathy Smith,Sully

John Foust,Dranesville


Submit entertainment announcementsat www.connectionnewspapers.com/Cal-endar/. The deadline is noon on Friday.

ONGOINGPhoto-documentary Study. Through

March 25, arious times at TheatreTwo, Gunston Arts Center, 2700 S.Lang St., Arlington. Select photosfrom artist/photographer NinaTisara’s photo-documentary study ofworship in Alexandria’spredominantly African Americanchurches for Avant Bard’s productionof the “Gospel at Colonus.” Anafterchat is scheduled for Saturday,March 17, 3 p.m.

March150. Through March 25, galleryhours at Torpedo Factory Art Center’sTarget Gallery, 105 N. Union St.Target Gallery’s popular annualexhibition and art sale, March150,returns to the Torpedo Factory ArtCenter for the 8th year. This yearlyall-media exhibition features nearly200 works created by artists local toAlexandria and the greater D.C.region. The only requirement to beon view in the exhibition is thatartists needed to use the gallery-supplied 10” x 10” panel. All work inthe show is priced at $150. Visittorpedofactory.org/event/march150-8th-annual-special-exhibition-art-sale/.

Woodlawn Needlework Show andSale. Through March 31, 10 a.m.-4p.m. (closed Tuesdays) at Woodlawnand Pope-Leighey House, 9000Richmond Highway. The 55th annualNeedlework show and sale atWoodlawn Estate, the historic homeof Nelly Custis, America’s foremostneedleworker. Exhibits, vendors,workshops, house tours, and morefor the whole family. Adults $15, k-12 $6, 5 and under free. Call 703-570-6903 or visitwww.woodlawnpopeleighey.org/annualneedleworkshow/.

“Finishing Flourishes.” ThroughMarch 31, gallery hours at theTorpedo Factory Art Center’s ScopeGallery, 105 North Union Street,ground floor Studio 19. Artists have aball with “Finishing Flourishes,” asthey put forth their finest, andelevating detailing as the high-pointin design. Perfect punctuation on apot makes tops twerk or handlestwirl with grace. Edges flute andruffle and feature lacy, racy cut outs.Call Scope Gallery at 703-548-6288or visit www.scopegallery.org.

“Drone Zone.” Through March 31,gallery hours in the Art LeagueGallery, Torpedo Factory Art Center,105 North Union St., Studio 21.Drones appeared in Beverly Ryan’sartwork in 2015, inspired byquestions about their use in warfare.Ryan explores questions related tothis topic in her multi-media exhibit,“Drone Zone.” Visitwww.theartleague.org or call 703-683-1780.

THURSDAY/MARCH 15Meet the Legends Reception. 6 p.m.

at Center for Design, Media and theArts, 3301 Netherton Drive inAlexandria, on the NOVA CommunityCollege Alexandria Campus.Sponsored by Living Legends ofAlexandria, the event introduces the2018 Living Legend honorees. Visitalexandrialegends.org/.

World War I Lecture Series. 7 p.m.at The Lyceum, Alexandria’s HistoryMuseum, 201 South Washington St.Join The Lyceum for Women’sHistory Month and three lecturesabout women’s contributions to theWorld War I war effort. “‘Doing OurBit’ (While Having a Bit of Fun):American Nurses in World War I,” byMarian Moser Jones, a socialhistorian and ethicist of public healthwho explores the institutionalization

of benevolence in the United States.She will share experiences of specificnurses in World War I gleaned fromjournals and diaries, including twofrom Virginia. $10 per person.Reservations recommended. Ticketsat shop.alexandria.gov.

THURSDAY-SATURDAY/MARCH 15-17“Must Love Music” and “WXYZ.”

Thursday-Friday, 7:30-9:30 p.m.;Saturday, 2:30-4:30 p.m. at RichardKauffman Auditorium, The LeeCenter, 1108 Jefferson St. Originalmusicals starring actors with Downsyndrome and autism. In “Must LoveMusic” Love and music are the onlyway to escape the spirits on amysterious island. Then, the big citynewsroom at “WXYZ” may be toomuch for rookie reporter from thecountry. Visit www.art-stream.org/see-a-show.

FRIDAY/MARCH 16Opening Reception: Kevin

Fitzgerald. 6:30-9 p.m. at PrincipleGallery, 208 King St. PrincipleGallery will feature landscape painterKevin Fitzgerald in his Annual SoloExhibition. This year, the exhibitionhas been paired down to 20 works,allowing each of the paintings spaceto breathe, increasing the impact ofthe work. Free and open to thepublic. Visitwww.principlegallery.com.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY/MARCH 16-17“The Addams Family.” Friday-

Saturday, 7:30-10 p.m. in theGarwood Whaley Auditorium, BishopIreton High School, 201 CambridgeRoad. The Bishop Ireton DramaDepartment presents “The AddamsFamily.” From costuming tochoreography, more than 60 Iretonstudents have contributed to thisproduction. Visitwww.bishopireton.org or call 703-751-7606.

SATURDAY/MARCH 17Art of the Book - Calligraphy. 10-11

a.m. at Historic Huntley, 6918Harrison Lane. Historic Huntley isoffering three classes this winter thatdelve into different aspects of book

making. Register for any of theseries. Call 703-768-2525 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/historic-huntley.

Friendship Firehouse MuseumTour. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at FriendshipFirehouse, 107 S. Alfred St. TheFriendship Fire Company, establishedin 1774, was the first fire company inAlexandria. Join an in-depth guidedtour and learn about the FriendshipFire Company’s firefightingprocedures and equipment, as well asthe different roles the organizationplayed in serving the community. Thedocent-led tour is for ages 10 andolder. $5 for adults; $4 ages 10-17.Reservations are required, space islimited. Purchase tickets atshop.alexandriava.gov or 703-746-3891.

Family Fun: St. Paddy’s Peas andPotatoes. 1-2 p.m. at Green SpringGardens, 4603 Green Spring Road.St. Patrick’s Day is the traditional dayto plant potatoes. Learn the origins ofthis staple and its importance toIreland. Listen to tales ofleprechauns, sample spuds, and plantpeas and potatoes in our garden.Ages 5-adult, $7 per person. Registerparent and child online atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes using code 290 101 3001or call 703-642-5173.

Downton Fashion. 1-3:30 p.m. at atGreen Spring Gardens, 4603 GreenSpring Road. Artist CarolineHottenstein showcases two custom-made dresses that span the brief timeperiod – 1912 to 1925 – portrayed inthe TV show Downton Abbey. One isTitanic-era, one a 1920s Flapperdesign. For adults. Reservationsrequired, $42/person (program +tea); $18 (program only). Programsare by reservation only. Call 703-941-7987, TTY 703-324-3988.

Author Talk: Kimberly McLemore.3 p.m. at Kate Waller Barrett BranchLibrary, 717 Queen St. KimberlyMcLemore’s newest book is a memoirsharing her experience as a survivorof domestic abuse. KimberlyMcLemore is a podcast host andfounder and CEO of the Women’sSmall Business Initiative. Books willbe available for sale and signing afterthe talk. Free. [email protected] orvisit alexlibraryva.org.

Country-Western Dance. 6-9:30 p.m.

at Lincolnia Senior Center, 4710North Chambliss St. The NorthernVirginia Country-Western DanceAssociation will hold a dance.Lessons, 6-7 p.m. Open dancing, 7-9:30 p.m. A DJ provides music.Couples and singles of all ageswelcome. Admission for NVCWDAmembers $10; non-members $12;children under 18 accompanied by apaying adult $5. Smoke-free, alcohol-free. BYO refreshments. Visitwww.nvcwda.org.

SSA 2018 Golden AnniversaryGala. 6-10 p.m. at WestinAlexandria, 400 Courthouse Square.Join in what promises to be amemorable evening honoring thelegacy of those who have helpedbuild Senior Services of Alexandria,including founders, former honoreesand former Board members. Visitseniorservicesalex.org for raffle prizeinformation. Tickets are still availableat gala or call the office at 703-836-4414, ext. 110.

SUNDAY/MARCH 18Ides of Bark. 1-4 p.m. at Grist Mill

Park, 4710 Mt. Vernon MemorialHighway. Supervisor Dan Storckinvites all dogs and their companionsto join him for an afternoon of playand learning at the 3rd Ides of BarkDog Festival. The event is free andopen to the public, with games, giftbaskets, prizes, food trucks and funfor the whole family. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/mountvernon/ides-bark.

Amazing Plants for Shade. 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens,4603 Green Spring Road. Learnabout shade and about theincredible, diverse selection of plantsthat have adapted to the limitations,as well as advantages, of lower lightconditions. $10/person. Registeronline at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes using code 290 1856501 or call 703-642-5173.

Virginia Bronze March HandbellConcert. 4-5:30 p.m. at GeorgeWashington Masonic NationalMemorial, 101 Callahan Drive.Celebrate the glories of springtimeand throwback to an era of sock hopsand poodle skirts with a potpourri oftunes including Song of the Flowers,What a Wonderful World, CrocodileRock and Fly Me to the Moon. $10.

Call 888-824-2541 or visitvabronze.org/.

SUNDAY-SATURDAY/MARCH 18-31Fairfax County Parks. Egg-citing

activities are breaking out at parksthroughout Fairfax County in March.Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/park-news/2018/psa055.

On Sunday, March 18 – At HiddenPond Nature Center, children age3 to 12 can create a spring mobile offavorite pond animals from plasticeggs. All materials will be provided.$6 per child. Hidden Oaks NatureCenter is hosting a WoodlandWildlife Egg Hunt for children age 3-8. Meet costumed woodlandcharacters along a trail, collect eggswith non-candy treats and discoverhow different animals raise theiryoung. $8 per child.

Hidden Oaks Nature Center isrunning a Dinosaur Egg Hunt onMarch 25, 29, 30, 31 and April 1.Enjoy a dinosaur-themed programand outdoor egg hunt while visitingDinoland in Nature Playce. Theprogram is for children age 2-8. $8per child.

On Saturday, March 31, Burke LakePark is hosting a day of fun calledBaskets and Bunnies. There will beegg hunts, carousel and train rides,crafts and games. $12 per person inadvance; $16 the day of the event.Clemyjontri Park is offering anEaster Egg Hunt, crafts and photoops with the Easter Bunny forchildren age one to nine. $7 perchild. Add a carousel ride for $2.There’s also an Egg Hunt that day atNottoway Park. Register at thepicnic shelter for egg hunts forchildren age 1-9. Registration beginsat 9:30 a.m. Schedule: ages 1-2,10:30 a.m.; ages 3-4, 11 a.m.; ages 5-6, 11:30 a.m.; ages 7-9, 12 p.m. $10per child, registration 9:30-11:45a.m. $10 per child – cash only atregistration.

MONDAY/MARCH 19Garden Buds. 10 a.m.-11 a.m at Green

Spring Gardens, 4603 Green SpringRoad. Meet in the Children’sDiscovery Garden. Children willenjoy different sensory materials N.the garden, rain or shine. Dress forthe weather and explore. 2-3 years,$5 per child. Register online atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes using code 290 102 8621or call 703-642-5173.

Locals’ Alley Saturdays. 12:30-2:30p.m. at The Old Town Shop, 105South Union St. Meet the makers oflocal goods, featuring Van NapierFarms Jams & Jelly tastings. Call703-684-4682 or visitwww.TheOldTownShop.com.

TUESDAY/MARCH 20Creating Family History. 1-3 p.m. at

Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500Shenandoah Road. Board-certifiedgenealogist Tom Jones will provideinsights into creating a family historythat future generations will cherish.His talk is called “Creating a FamilyHistory of Lasting Value.” Free. Call703-768-4101 or visitwww.mvgenealogy.org.

Mount Vernon Pyramid ChoralConcert. 7 p.m. at Mount VernonHigh School, 8515 Old MountVernon Road. Mount Vernon HighSchool will host the Mount VernonPyramid choral concert for the 15thyear. Choristers from Fort Belvoir,Riverside, Washington Mill,Woodlawn, and Woodley Hillselementary schools will join with theWhitman Wild Cat singers and theMount Vernon Melodious Majors toperform songs celebrating peace.Admission is free. Visitmountvernonhs.fcps.edu.

Entertainment

Cherry Blossom WeekThe Torpedo Factory Artists’ Association (TFAA) is honoring the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival with their own

Cherry Blossom Week. With a schedule of events that includes artist demonstrations, private tours, and in-studio specials,cherry blossom fun blooms at the Torpedo Factory Art Center. More than 50 of the 82 working artist studios at the TorpedoFactory Art Center will have cherry blossom-inspired art on display or for sale, and interactive events will occur all week.The Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St. Complete details of the TFAA’s Cherry Blossom Week (March 23-31), in-cluding studio maps, can be found at torpedofactoryartists.com/cherry.

Free artist studio tours will begin at 1 p.m. on March 24, 25, 26, and 31. Interested visitors should meet on the first floorof the Torpedo Factory at the Information Desk. Artist demonstrations will begin at 2 p.m. on the following dates: Saturday,March 24 - Jennifer Brewer Stone, Resin & Painting, Studio 227 ❖ Sunday, March 25 - Tracie Griffith Tso, Ceramics & Chi-nese Brush, Studio 22 ❖ Monday, March 26 - Jamaliah Morais, Asian Brush Painting, Studio 25 ❖ Saturday, March 31 - AlisonSigethy, Glass, Studio 307

Photos (left to right):Sakura Cashmere Cardiganby Tamara Embrey; EnamelPendant by Nan Lopata;Cherry Blossoms byJamaliah Morais


EggstravaganzaThis annual family-friendly

event is one of the most EGGcitingspring events in the Alexandria/Arlington area. This year’s eventfeatures entertainment by theRainbow Rock Band, Groovy Nate,and Uncle Devin. The day also fea-tures plenty of food, activities, andgames for the whole family. Mul-tiple egg hunts for children under11 with a special area for those 3and under. Free. Saturday, March24, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Four MileConservatory Center, 4109 Mt.Vernon Ave. For more, visitwww.arlandriaeggstravaganza.com.

2018 Arlandria Eggstravaganza set for Saturday, March 24.

TUESDAY-SUNDAY/MARCH 20-25Spring Book Sale. At Charles E.

Beatley Central Library, 5005 DukeSt. The Friends of the Beatley CentralLibrary will kick off their Spring BookSale with a Members’ Preview onTuesday, March 20, 4-8:30 p.m. ($15memberships available at the door).The sale continues Wednesday,March 21, 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.;Thursday, March 22, 10 a.m.-8:30p.m.; Friday, March 23, 10 a.m.-5:30p.m.; Saturday, March 24, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; and Sunday, March 25, 1-4:30 p.m. $3 or less, unlessspecifically marked: hardbacks,paperbacks, children’s books andmedia items. All genres. $1 Day onSunday. Call 703-746-1702 or visitwww.beatleyfriends.org.

WEDNESDAY/MARCH 21“Livable Communities for all

Ages.” 9:30 a.m.-noon at Beth ElHebrew Congregation, 3830Seminary Road. SSA is sponsoring alistening session for Alexandria’sseniors. Representatives ofAlexandria’s Commission on Agingwill talk about the latest progress formaking Alexandria a livablecommunity for all ages. They wantto hear from seniors about what ismost important to remain active andindependent. Visitseniorservicesalex.org.

WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY/MARCH 21-24Used Book and Art Sale. Thursday,

1-5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10a.m.-3 p.m. at the Mount VernonUnitarian Church, 1909 WindmillLane. Used book and art sale fills twobuildings at the Mount VernonUnitarian Church. Gently used art,children’s books, rare/old books andindividually priced books will be inthe church building. Saturday is halfprice in the church and $5 a bag inthe mansion. Visit mvuc.org.

THURSDAY/MARCH 22Local Author Thursday. 5-7 p.m. at

The Old Town Shop, 105 SouthUnion St. Book signing by JohnAdam Wasowicz, “DaingerfieldIsland.” Light refreshments. Call 703-684-4682 or visitwww.TheOldTownShop.com.

World War I Lecture Series. 7 p.m.at The Lyceum, Alexandria’s HistoryMuseum, 201 South Washington St.Join The Lyceum for Women’sHistory Month and three lecturesabout women’s contributions to theWorld War I war effort. “Sowing theSeeds of Victory: The Women’s LandArmy of America in Virginia and

Washington DC, 1917-1920,” byAnna Kiefer. In 1917, the Women’sLand Army of America beganrecruiting women who would workthe land while America’s farmersserved in the Great War. $10 perperson. Reservations recommended.Tickets at shop.alexandria.gov.

Vegetable Gardening Part 3. 7-8:30pm, Burke Library, 4701 SeminaryRoad. Manage and Maintain YourVegetable Garden. Discover simple,earth-friendly and smart gardeningpractices, like crop rotation andintercropping, to attract pollinatorsand other beneficial insects and tocontrol common garden pests. Learnto identify diseases and how tomanage them. Also pick up tips onspace-saving techniques for smallgardens. Free. Advance registrationrequested at mgnv.org. Questions,telephone 703-228-6414 [email protected].

Lost Towns of Fairfax County -Mount Vernon Region. 7:30-9p.m. at Mount Vernon GovernmentCenter, 2511 Parkers Lane. MountVernon Regional Historical Societypresents Fairfax County historiansHeather Bollinger and Jeff Clarkspeaking about some of FairfaxCounty’s lost towns and communities— vibrant areas which featuredschools, churches, shops, and civiccenters. This talk will focus oncommunities in the Mount Vernonarea, such as Colchester, Accotink,and both the white and African-American communities of Woodlawn.Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/circuit/lost-towns-fairfax-county-mount-vernon-region.

THURSDAY-SATURDAY/MARCH 22-24“Must Love Music” and “WXYZ.”

Thursday-Friday, 7:30-9:30 p.m.;Saturday, 2:30-4:30 p.m. at RichardKauffman Auditorium, The LeeCenter, 1108 Jefferson St. Originalmusicals starring actors with Downsyndrome and autism. In “Must LoveMusic” Love and music are the onlyway to escape the spirits on amysterious island. Then, the big citynewsroom at “WXYZ” may be toomuch for rookie reporter from thecountry. Visit www.art-stream.org/see-a-show.

FRIDAY/MARCH 23Garden Talk: Vegetable & Herb

Gardens. 2-3 p.m. at Green SpringGardens, 4603 Green Spring Road.There is nothing more delectablethan a homegrown tomato or freshherbs and now is the best time.Master Gardeners demonstrate howto plan, plant and harvest a fabulousvegetable and herb garden. Adults.$10/person. Register online at

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes using code 290 182 2701or call 703-642-5173.

March150 Art Party. 7-10 p.m. at atTorpedo Factory Art Center’s TargetGallery, 105 N. Union St. TargetGallery is partnering with the FactorySociety, an independent young-patrons group that supports theTorpedo Factory, for the March150Art Party. Guests have an opportunityto mingle with other art enthusiastsand meet many of the artists whohave artwork on view in the show.All art is priced at $100 exclusivelyduring the Party. Tickets are $25 inadvance; $30 at the door. Visittorpedofactory.org/event/march150-8th-annual-special-exhibition-art-sale/.

Musical Offering: Via Crucis (TheWay of the Cross). 7:30 p.m. atBlessed Sacrament Catholic Church,1427 W. Braddock Road. The 14Stations of the Cross will be prayedin a musical setting for choir andorgan by Franz Liszt. The BlessedSacrament Adult Choir will sing withorganist Quinn Moss. [email protected] orcall 703-998-6100, ext. 103.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY/MARCH 23-31“Cherry Blossom Week.” Daily, 10

a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursdays until 9 p.m.at The Torpedo Factory Art Center,105 N. Union St. The TorpedoFactory Artists’ Association (TFAA) ishonoring the annual National CherryBlossom Festival with their ownCherry Blossom Week. With aschedule of events that includes artistdemonstrations, private tours, and in-studio specials, cherry blossom funblooms at the Torpedo Factory ArtCenter. More than 50 of the 82working artist studios at the TorpedoFactory Art Center will have cherryblossom-inspired art on display or forsale, and interactive events will occurall week. Complete details of theTFAA’s Cherry Blossom Week,including studio maps, can be foundat torpedofactoryartists.com/cherry.

SATURDAY/MARCH 24World Day of Puppetry. 9 a.m.-3

p.m. at at the Durant Arts Center,1605 Cameron St. The NationalCapital Puppetry Guild and the Officeof the Arts will present the 2ndAnnual “Celebrate the World Day ofPuppetry” with family-orientedpuppet performances, hands-onworkshops, exhibits and sales tables.Nine puppetry performances willfeature Bob Brown Puppets,Dinorock, Silly Goose and Val,Goodlife Theater, and more. $5. Visitbit.ly/2FKcqph.

Japanese Garden Design. 9:30-11

Entertainment


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703-548-1616RoyalRestaurantVA.com

a.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603Green Spring Road. Japanese gardendesign is an art form thousands ofyears in the making. Stone, gravel,water, bridges, paths and plants allhold significance. HorticulturalistBevan Shimizu will teach you theessentials in creating a Japanese stylegarden. Adults. $22/person. Registeronline at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes using code 290 2857201 or call 703-642-5173.

“Beyond the Battlefield.” 10 a.m.outside the Lee-Fendall House, 614Oronoco St. The Lee-Fendall Housewill offer “Beyond the Battlefield,” aguided walking tour of Civil War sitesin Historic Old Town. The tour willlast approximately two hours andcover a route of 1.75 miles.Participants re encouraged to wearcomfortable shoes. Advance ticketsare $15 through the museum’swebsite, or $20 the day. Space islimited. Visitwww.leefendallhouse.org, or call703-548-1789.

Arlandria Eggstravaganza. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Four Mile ConservatoryCenter, 4109 Mt. Vernon Ave. Thisannual family-friendly event is one ofthe most EGGciting spring events inthe Alexandria/Arlington area. Thisyear’s event features entertainmentby the Rainbow Rock Band, GroovyNate, and Uncle Devin. The day alsofeatures plenty of food, activities,and games for the whole family.Multiple egg hunts for children under11 with a special area for those 3 andunder. Free. Visitwww.arlandriaeggstravaganza.com.

Women’s Civil War Day. 11 a.m.-3p.m. at Fort Ward Museum, 4301 W.Braddock Road. Civil War reenactorswill interpret the dress, skills andcontributions of women during theCivil War period with on-going

displays and activities. The programfeatures a quilting demonstration,interpreters portraying the role ofwomen in camp, on the battlefieldand engaged in soldier relief efforts,and displays of period clothing andaccessories. Free. Call 703-746-4848or visit alexandriava.gov.

SUNDAY/MARCH 25Women’s History Month at Ivy Hill

Cemetery. 3 p.m. at Ivy HillCemetery, 2823 King St. Authors H.L.Brooks, and Dea Schofield conductreadings and a book signing. Theywill read from their new books, amida haunting atmosphere in the vault.This reading event is notrecommended for children under 15.Space is limited, R.S.V.P. at 301-395-9541 or 703-549- 7413 ext.1112 oremail [email protected].

Live Music: Magpie. 7 p.m. at theGeorge Washington MasonicMemorial, 101 Callahan Drive. Since1973, Terry Leonino and GregArtzner have brought their uniquesound and remarkable versatility toaudiences everywhere, featuringtraditional and vintage Americana tocontemporary and stirring originalcompositions. Tickets are $18 inadvance at www.focusmusic.org/buy-tickets and for members, $20 at thedoor.

MONDAY/MARCH 26Common Sailors and the

Braddock Expedition. 7 p.m. atThe Lyceum, 121 N. Fairfax St. Inthis lecture, Kyle Dalton will explorethe lives and experiences of commonsailors in the eighteenth centurythrough the lens of the BraddockExpedition. A little knowndetachment of 33 Royal Navy sailors

trudged through the wilderness andfought at the disastrous battle on theMonogahela. Admission is free,donations are welcome. Visitwww.novaparks.com or call 703-549-2997.

MONDAY-FRIDAY/MARCH 26-31Spring Break Camps at Huntley

Meadows Park. Elementary schoolage children can discover what lifewas like for the first people to usewhat is now Huntley Meadows Park.Program attendees will need to bringa snack, lunch and drink.

❖ The Pioneer Survival Camp is for6-12-year-olds. Camp hours are 9a.m.-4 p.m. $295 per child for countyresidents and $310 for out-of-countycampers. Register online atgo.usa.gov/xneTd.

❖ Animal Babies in Spring is for 4-6-year-olds. Camp hours are 9 a.m.-noon. $195 per child for county

residents and $210 for out-of-countycampers. Registration is atgo.usa.gov/xneTw.

Huntley Meadows Park is located at3701 Lockheed Blvd. Call the park at703-768-2525 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley-meadows-park.

WEDNESDAY/MARCH 28William Ramsay and Business in

18-Century Alexandria. 7:30 p.m.at The Lyceum, 201 S. WashingtonSt. The Alexandria Historical Societyand the Office of Historic Alexandriapresent Dr. Nancy Davis, curatoremeritus at the National Museum ofAmerican History, SmithsonianInstitution, discussing Alexandriamerchant William Ramsay and his1753-1756 ledger books. $5 for non-members, and free to members of theAlexandria Historical Society.Memberships can be purchased at the

door (open at 7 p.m.). Visitwww.alexandriahistorical.org/.

FRIDAY/MARCH 30-SUNDAY/APRIL 1Easter Egg Hunt. Friday, 3 p.m.;

Saturday, 10:30 a.m., 12:30 and 2:30p.m.; Sunday, 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. atLee-Fendall House Museum, 614Oronoco St. Activities include games,crafts, refreshments, and photos withthe Easter Bunny. Every participatingchild will receive an Easter egg. $12children, $5 adults. Call 703-548-1789 or visitwww.leefendallhouse.org.

SATURDAY/MARCH 31Locals’ Alley Saturdays. 12:30-2:30

p.m. at The Old Town Shop, 105South Union St. Meet the makers oflocal goods, featuring Dimitri OliveOil & Vinegar tastings. Call 703-684-4682 or visitwww.TheOldTownShop.com.

A Treasury of Tea. 1-3 p.m. at GreenSpring Gardens, 4603 Green SpringRoad. Discover myths and factsbehind the history of tea and themany tea types. Hear about socialimpacts of tea, changing fashions ofthe tea table, and teatime traditionsand etiquette, and learn how to brewteas to perfection. Adults.Reservations required: $32/person(program + tea), $12 (programonly). Call (703) 941-7987, TTY 703-324-3988.

Live Music: Cleve Francis. 7:30-10p.m. at The Birchmere, 3701 MountVernon Ave. An evening of eclecticmusic with Cleve Francis and hislarge band performing their ownbrand of country, folk, blues, lightrock and jazz. $35 plus fees. [email protected] or visitwww.clevefrancis.com.

Entertainment

Author Event:John Wasowicz

Introducing Elmo Katz, Esq., an attor-ney who is to Alexandria what SherlockHolmes is to London: a sharp-wittedproblem solver engrossed in solving acomplicated criminal case. Meet MoKatz in his law office at fictitious 771ADuchess Street in Old Town as he solvesa mysterious murder that occurs onDaingerfield Island, below Reagan Na-tional Airport. Author John Wasowiczwill be signing copies Thursday, March22, 4-7 p.m. at The Old Town Shop, 105South Union St.


From Page 1

ment is going up. We’re trying to close the Excel-lence Gap. We’re seeing good progress in that. We’reseeing more underprivileged and minority studentsavailing themselves in opportunities in honors andAP classes.”

Terrell, who oversees 2,100 students at MountVernon High School, added: “We are an InternationalBaccalaureate School, which means our students arejudged by an international standard and we’re veryproud of that. We are a comprehensive high school;we have something for every student who comes inour doors,” he said. “We sent two kids to Harvardlast year and everything in between that as well asgetting students ready for careers. I know that’s veryimportant to the people here.”

He added: “We partner with West Potomac HighSchool and the Academies so students leave withlicenses and certifications and real-world applica-tions that they can use right after graduation, sowe’re very proud of that.”

Brabrand Addresses Chamber

News

From left: Dr. Tangy Millard, Dr. Scott Brabrand, Judy Harbeck, Stan Koussis,Joel Bernstein, and Karen Corbett Sanders at the Mount Vernon Lee Chamber ofCommerce meeting.

Pho

to

s by Steve H

ibbard/T

he G

azette

Fairfax County Schools SuperintendentScott Brabrand with Matt Ragone, princi-pal of South County High School.

From left: Scott Stroh, chairman of the Mount Vernon Lee Chamber; Scott Brabrand,superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools; Sonja Caison, chamber president;Anthony Terrell, principal Mount Vernon High School; and Matt Ragone, principal SouthCounty High School.


News

From Page 16

The Conversation BeginsJohn Foust, Dranesville

“I too will be supporting advertisement of the taxrate. I think it is important to provide the flexibilitythat two and a half cents increase provides. Equallyimportant that we spend a lot of time over the nexttwo months looking at how we can bring that down.I know that I am absolutely committed to doing that....

“We need to address the fact that our teachers arebelow the market and we are losing them.

“We need to address the fact that over the lastseveral years we have not been consistent and havenot fulfilled the obligations and commitments thatwe have made to our own county employees.

“Those two things are driving this budget. Thosetwo priorities, and I think that regardless of whatwe do the next two months, we have to commit our-selves to funding those two things. Other than thosetwo things, everything else is on the table. I will bevery surprised if we’re not able bring that tax rateincrease down.”

Jeff McKay, Lee, Budget Chair“I appreciate everyone’s comments. Clearly, we are

going to work to generate savings but as many havespoken, you would be cutting off conversation if wedidn’t advertise this tax rate.

“The lion’s share of all new revenue goes to …employee pay and teacher pay. And there is no wayyou could come up with enough cuts in this budgetand do the type of pay increases that our employeesand teachers deserve. The numbers just don’t work.

“Every member of the board has the opportunityto bring forward a package of cuts that balances thebudget to the tax rate that they so desire. I look for-ward to having that conversation as we move for-ward. ...

“To me it would be irresponsible to decide how weare going to vote on the budget without hearing frommembers of our community and how they feel aboutit.

Sharon Bulova, Chairman“This is a budget that does address the board’s high-

est priorities, Diversion First, addressing the opioidcrisis, gang prevention, early childhood education,funding compensation for our teachers as well as ourcounty employees ...

“I did also want to just say something for peoplewho believe that people are fleeing Fairfax County toother parts of the region. Since 2015, Fairfax County’spopulation has actually increased by 26,700, whichis actually the size or a little bit more than the size orthe population of the City of Fairfax. So we’ve beengrowing.”

STAY INVOLVED: COUNTY BUDGET MEETINGS❖ Wednesday, March 14, 7 p.m., Providence Community

Budget Meeting, Providence Community Center, First FloorMultipurpose Room, 3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax

❖ Wednesday, March 14, 7:30pm, Braddock District CouncilAnnual Budget Meeting, Braddock Hall, 9002 Burke LakeRoad, Burke

❖ Thursday, March 15, 7 p.m., Mason District Budget TownMeeting, Mason District Governmental Center, MainCommunity Room, 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale

❖ Monday, March 19, 7 p.m., Mount Vernon District BudgetTown Hall, Whitman Middle School, Lecture Hall, 2500Parkers Lane, Alexandria

❖ Wednesday, March 21, 7 p.m., Lee District Budget Town HallMeeting, Franconia Governmental Center CommunityRoom, 6121 Franconia Road, Alexandria

❖ Thursday, March 22, 7 p.m., Springfield District BudgetTown Hall Meeting, Springfield Governmental Center,Community Room, 6140 Rolling Road, Springfield

❖ April 10-12, Board of Supervisors Public Hearings on FY2019 Budget and FY 2019-2023 Capital Improvement Plan.See www.fairfaxcounty.gov/bosclerk/speakers-form to signup.

More at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/budget

Adjourning without a State BudgetFrom Page 10

directed to WMATA. I expect Governor Northam willamend the bill to preserve the $154 million whileusing less funding directly from NVTA. This wouldfree up money for additional transportation projects.

Seven of my bills passed the General Assembly andawait Governor Northam’s consideration. SB920addressed the struggle experienced by the Tarantinofamily of Alexandria and will reduce the onerous10-year waiting period for them to adopt a child dueto an eight-year-old drug possession conviction —regardless of Mr. Tarantino’s record of honorableservice in the military and his wife’s years of servicewith local nonprofits. Congressman Donald Beyerbrought to my attention that predatory teachers whosexually abuse students have been recommendedaway to another school district by fellow employeesto avoid scandal and lawsuits. SB605 will prohibitpublic school employees from “passing the trash.”SB918 will repeal a provision of the Code of Vir-ginia authorizing the revocation of professional li-censes from people who fall behind on their studentloans. Student loan debt affects 44 million peoplein the United States, and I am thankful that Del-egates Eileen Filler-Corn (D-Fairfax) and SchuylerVanValkenburg (D-Henrico) led the House effort toaddress this issue.

An interim committee will be established to con-sider a large volume of legislation regarding elec-tion reform in the wake of several incidents arising

in the 2017 election and to consider the implemen-tation of no-excuse absentee voting. Five of my billswere referred to this interim committee includingSB602, which would provide for “no-excuse absen-tee voting.”

Outright hostility from Republicans toward all gunviolence prevention efforts resulted in a disappoint-ing year. Over 60 gun violence prevention measureswere put forward and defeated, including my billsto ban bump stocks (SB1), institute universal back-ground checks (SB5), and prohibit carrying firearmswhile under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs(SB2). Despite the current legislative stalemate, I aminspired by the movement taking shape in the wakeof the terrible tragedy in Parkland, Florida. Youngpeople across the country are taking action to de-mand gun sense reforms, and I urge like-mindedsupporters to join me in standing with them.

On Wednesday, April 18 we will reconvene for ourone day “veto” session, when the General Assemblyis to consider Governor Northam’s amendments andvetoes.

Now that session is over, I’m reporting to constitu-ent groups and doing my homework for 2019. If yourgroup wishes to request a legislative update, emailmy office at [email protected]. Also,please consider following me on Twitter(@AdamEbbin) and Facebook.

It is my continued honor to serve the people of the30th District.


Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative forThe Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers.

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

According to my oncologist, it’s time, waypast time in fact (not so much ‘fact,’ more likehis experiences with other cancer patients)that I make more significant changes in mycancer treatment than I have diagnosis todate. What he means, specifically – and whatwe regularly discuss – is extending the intervalof my CT Scan, which currently occurs everythree months.

Not so much to minimize the radiationexposure, more so due to my continuing sur-vival. No one’s ready to characterize me as“N.E.D.,” (no evidence of disease), but neitherdoes it appear, based on the last five years –since I was hospitalized and began my alimtainfusions, that my tumors are growing and/ormoving; at least not as indicated with anyclinical significance.

Nevertheless, the prospect of waitinglonger to find out if any tumor action hasoccurred is unsettling. Currently, given that Iam generally asymptomatic, the primary waythat I learn if there’s been “progression,” is bythe computerized tomography of mylungs/upper torso. Rarely have symptomsmanifested themselves otherwise. And whenthey have, they’ve as often indicated nothingas something – and vice versa; meaning,sometimes no symptoms still showed growth.So it’s confusing, counter intuitive and contra-indicated, and I’m stuck in the middle.

While maintaining this quarterly scanschedule, I have extended the intervalbetween infusions however: from every threeweeks originally to every six weeks now.Which means I’ve reduced the amount ofchemotherapy I receive by 50 percent perquarter. Still the scans have showed “stable.”Given that I’m starting my 10th year post diag-nosis, perhaps it’s time to scan less and livemore?

Our concern has been that if the CT Scancontinues to be the first real indica-tor/confirmation that tumor growth hasoccurred – and if so, presumably differ-ent/more aggressive/life-sustaining tacticswould need to be employed (immunotherapycomes to print, which I have not yet utilized),why wait through the fourth month to findout? Maybe that month’s-long delay in scan-ning would matter in possibly nipping mytumor growth in the bud?

My oncologist’s thinking is that so littlechange has occurred during the past five yearsthat perhaps it’s reasonable to take advantageof my amazing good fortune and extend theinterval?

Moreover, with respect to my quality oflife, reducing the weeks of stress we experi-ence leading up to the scan, and of course thestress the week after, waiting for results, wouldenhance our lives; and eliminating that stressand improving the quality of our lives hasalways been an interest/concern of myoncologist.

And I appreciate his concern for our over-all well being; and I would like to have lesscancer-related impact on my life but, yes,there’s always a ‘but.’ If I extend the scaninterval, I might worry about what’s happen-ing in my lungs during the month after I wouldhave already been scanned? What if? I mean,it’s not as if we can’t go back in time, sort of.We can always restart, re-interval, re-scan, re-everything; so I’ve been reassured. Why notre-engage more with life and rearrange lessbecause of cancer?

Maybe I’ve survived nine-plus years with aterminal form of cancer because I’m meantto? Why not leverage my many good resultsand better manage my cancer commitments?Perhaps it’s time to take control of my life andlive like I’m not dying? Heck, I’ve done alrightso far. Who’s to say I can’t do better?

If my oncologist characterizes me as histhird miracle, then maybe I should start livingmore miraculously?

“Introspections” News

From Page 5

Gun Violence

From Page 8

Letters

❖ Background checks for all commercialgun sales, including internet sales and gunshows

❖ An assault weapons and high capacitymagazine ban

❖ Extreme Risk Protective Order (ERPO)“red flag” laws to keep guns out of the handsof people intent on harming themselves orothers.

“These three policy objectives will helpkeep dangerous weapons out of the handsof people who should not have them,” Leinzsaid. “Congress must pass these laws to keepour children safe.”

Turning to state legislation, state Sen.Barbara Favola (D-31) and Del. Paul Krizek(D-44) were on hand to describe anotherdisappointing year in Richmond for support-ers of common sense gun legislation. Nev-ertheless, the two legislators were unitedin their one central message for the audi-ence:

“Stay involved,” said Krizek.“We can’t give up,” said Favola.For Father John Baker, Senior Pastor at

St Aidan’s, the struggle to enact sane, sen-sible gun laws is a moral one, and it is time— way past time — for the church to stepup and join the fight.

“We worry about being political, and weworry about whom we might offend, andwe soften our tone and seek conciliatorywords with those who see this issue fromanother angle,” he said. “And we end updoing nothing. Again.”

Education Association and the VirginiaFederation of Teachers and an award fromthe Fairfax Education Association. This is,apparently, a bad thing in Mr. Spiegel’s mindand he calls on voters to hold SenatorSurovell accountable in the next election.

Thank you for this information Mr.Spiegel. Many of Senator Surovell’s con-stituents and I are more likely to vote forhim now.

Carol CookeAlexandria

WriteThe Gazette welcomes views on any

public issue.The deadline for all material is noon

Friday. Letters must be signed. Includehome address and home and business

numbers. Letters are routinely edited forlibel, grammar, good taste and factual

errors.Send to:

Letters to the EditorThe Gazette

1606 King St.Alexandria VA 22314Call: 703-917-6444.

By e-mail:


ALEXANDRIA TOYOTA

FOR YOUR TOYOTA

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