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Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2016-17 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com online at www.connectionnewspapers.comLocal Media Connection LLC
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Huntley Meadows, in MountVernon, is home to a visitor’scenter, bird observatory, board-walk, extensive trails andwoods. Button bushes welcomebutterflies to the park.
Huntley Meadows, in MountVernon, is home to a visitor’scenter, bird observatory, board-walk, extensive trails andwoods. Button bushes welcomebutterflies to the park.
Newcomers &
Community Guide2016-2017
Newcomers &
Community Guide2016-2017
2 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2016-17 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2016-17 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Newcomers & Community Guide
See What's Ahead?, Page 15
The Gazette keeps a running listof land use projects beingplanned, under constructionand nearing completion in the
community. The list is updated quarterly.— Tim Peterson
Huntington Club condos2601 Indian DriveThe Huntington Club Condominium As-
sociation is reviewing developer bids for anew mixed-use project that would include1,200 to 1,800 housing units, 600,000 to 1million square-feet of office space and127,000 square-feet of retail space.
Towne Place Suites by MarriottConstruction is underway on a 92-room
Baywood Hotels extended stay hotel in theWoodlawn area, at the corner of RichmondHighway and Woodlawn Court, adjacent toWoodlawn Shopping Center. The hotelshould be completed by the fall.
Penn Daw area of U.S. Route 1:South Alex
The former Penn Daw Plaza shoppingcenter was rezoned as part of a 2012 Com-prehensive Plan amendment for the PennDaw area and is set to be replaced by amixed-use development. The development,now named “South Alex,” will feature 400apartments, 41 townhomes and 44,000square-feet of ground-level retail space.Work on the site plan is underway, as is
demolishing, clearing and grading. Con-struction should last from a year and a halfto two years.
Novus Property HoldingsRichmond Highway at Fairview DriveNovus, LLC (Cafritz Interests) is planning
to replace the Wendy’s Tai Kwon Do studioand Title Max loans building on a 5.3-acresite with a 340-unit multifamily dwellingbuilding. The developer has filed a rezon-ing application, however there aren’t anyhearings scheduled thus far.
North Hill area33-acres along U.S. Rt. 1 by Lockheed
Blvd.In March 2015, members of the Fairfax
County Redevelopment and Housing Au-thority voted in favor of moving forwardwith interim agreement to develop the re-
maining 33 acres of North Hill. (Fifteenacres out of a 1981 land purchase have beendeveloped as Woodley Hills Estates.) TheCommunity Housing Part- ners of Vir-ginia and Philadelphia-based developerPennrose partnershiphave proposed building278 multi-family apart-ments in six separatebuildings, up to 195townhomes andleaving some spacefor a park. A num-ber of the unitswould be desig-nated for house-holds withlower incomes.More informa-tion is available onlineat www.fairfaxcounty.gov/rha/north_hill.
New Fairfield Inn & Suites6421 U.S. Rt. 1The Hersha Group has finished with
demolition of the Fairview Motel and ob-tained construction permits to move for-ward with a new 108-room developmentrenamed Fairfield Inn & Suites. Construc-tion is ongoing.
Widening of Richmond Highway3.5 miles of U.S. Rt. 1 between Mount
Vernon Memorial Highway and TelegraphRoad
The $180 million project to widen Route1 from four to six lanes, while also accom-modating mass transit, bicycles and walk-ing, is expected to be completed in five seg-ments between late summer and early win-ter 2016.
Embark Richmond HighwayEmbark includes transportation and land
use planning for Route 1, with Bus RapidTransit and Metro Expansion. The planningteam is a collaboration of Fairfax Countystaff from various departments and agen-cies working with a 13-member citizen ad-visory group to help coordinate communityinput. Goals of Embark Richmond Highwayinclude implementing a Bus Rapid TransitSystem running along dedicated lanes onRoute 1 from Huntington Metro to FortBelvoir, and then extending the Yellow LineMetrorail to Hybla Valley.
“This has great potential for revitalizationand economic development along the high-way,” said Edythe Kelleher, executive direc-tor of the Southeast Fairfax DevelopmentCorporation, “with a lot more and betteraccess for people getting back and forthfrom home to work to shopping to what-ever. For bringing tourists down, and othervisitors, there’s great potential.”
For more information, visitw w w. f a i r f a x c o u n t y . g o v / d p z /embarkrichmondhwy/meetings.htm.
Lennar multi-family housing devel-opment “Huntington Crossing”
The project team has filed a re-zoning ap-plication for the 6.3 acres site adjacent tothe Huntington Metro and right up againstthe water. The draft plan calls for five sto-
ries and approximately 360 multi-fam-ily units. Access will be from
Metro View Park-way.
AccotinkVillage re-named
Belvoir SquareRichmond High-
way betweenFairfax County Park-
way and FortBelvoir’s Tulley Gate
Construction is un-derway on a mixed-use
development sitting on6.6 acres of historic
Accotink Village by theChesapeake Realty Partners. The project in-cludes 283 units of one and two-bedroomapartments (170 one-bedroom, 113 2-bed-room), as well as 12,000 square-feet of re-tail space. Building is anticipated to be com-pleted by January 2017.
National Museum of the U.S. ArmyFort BelvoirThe Army Historical Foundation is con-
tinuing to raise money for construction ofa brand-new National Museum of the U.S.Army to be located on a 41-acre campus atFort Belvoir. The 185,000 square-foot mainbuilding will showcase 15,000 works fromthe Army Art Collection as well as 30,000rare and never-before-seen artifacts, docu-ment and images from the service branch’s200-year history. A memorial garden, am-phitheater and parade ground are plannedfor the exterior grounds. An overview video
Commercial, residential and historicprojects reshaping the area.What’s Ahead?
Image courtesy of Southeast Fairfax
Development Corporation
Rendering of the extended stayTowne Place Suites by Marriottplanned for the Woodlawn Area.
Image courtesy of the Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation
A rendering of the new South Alex multi-use area planned for the site ofPenn Daw Plaza.
Photo courtesy of contractor Corman-Wagman, a joint venture.
Richmond Highway Widening over 3.5 miles is expected to be completedby winter 2016.
Photo courtesy of The Parker
at Huntington Metro
The Parker at Huntington Metro
luxury apartment building is open
and taking on tenants.
4 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2016-17 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2016-17 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
www.RexReiley.com1300 Lafayette Dr. #200Alexandria, VA 22308
(next to the Hollin Hall shopping center)
703-768-7730
Integrity, Experience, Results…Rex is one of Re/Max’s top producers in
Virginia and the Central Atlantic Region, and he can use his vast
experience and extensive networkingin the Mt.Vernon/Alexandria
area to help you buy or sell a home.Rex and his team are available to assist you
in your home purchase and sale.Rex’s business is built on referrals,and repeatedly his clients pay their
highest compliment by sending friendsand family to him when they are
in the market to buy or sell a home.
Mt. Vernon is Rex’s hometown. He movedhere in l960 when his father, an Air Force
pilot, was stationed at the Pentagon.Rex also became a pilot, graduating from the
Air Force Academy and flying for 20 yearswith the Air Force and Eastern Airlines..Rex returned to his roots in Mt. Vernon
where he and his wife, Doris, raisedtheir four children, and where Rex
embarked on a second careerin Real Estate.
Year afteryear, Rex
Ranks as atop localRealtor.
Rex ReileyA Leaderin Mount VernonReal Estate
RE/MAX Allegiance703-768-7730
Newcomers & Community Guide
See Welcome, Page 15
By Dan Storck
Mount Vernon
District Supervisor
Welcome to thebest District inFairfax County.
My name is Dan Storck andI am pleased to meet youand to serve as your MountVernon District Supervisor.I hope you agree thatFairfax County is one of thebest places in the country to live — full of intellec-tual energy, great schools, diversity, plenty of recre-ational activities, and vast opportunities for culturalenrichment. Additionally, Mount Vernon is comprisedof wonderful people, abundant resources and a richhistory. First and foremost, I would like to invite youto stop by my office to meet me and my staff. We’llbe happy to talk with you about our community, pro-vide information about Fairfax County and its manyopportunities, and respond to any questions you mayhave. We’re at 2511 Parkers Lane next to the FireStation and Mount Vernon Hospital and we sharethe building with the Mount Vernon Police Station.
My priorities for my first year as supervisor are tobetter fund and support our schools, accelerate Rich-mond Highway’s revitalization, increase jobs andeconomic opportunities, improve our roads and pro-vide more transit options, ensure our public safety,and continue to strengthen our quality of life.
My number one priority is always to engage deeplyand frequently with the people of Mount Vernon, andprovide timely, outstanding constituent service as wecontinue to build the ideal community to live andthrive. We are here to make a difference for eachand every resident and to get things done. My staffand I have extended office hours on Thursdays andthe second Saturday of each month at the LortonLibrary and the Mount Vernon District Office. As al-ways, I welcome your concerns and compliments.Walk-ins and appointments welcomed.
My team and I have committed to performancestandards to ensure that we are a responsive, trans-parent and informative office. We will respond toyour communications within two business days orless, advise you of your staff contact and connectyou with the county or community resources you
need.Our office staff include a transportation and hu-
man services aide, communications director, and afull-time staff specialist in community developmentand land use planning to help me engage you andbe more responsive. What makes Team Mount Vernonunique is our diversity of backgrounds and intensecommitment to serve. Come meet our whole teamat our upcoming Open House on Sept. 26, from 5:30- 7:30 p.m.
In Mount Vernon, we are fortunate to have manywonderful parks, as well as historical sites and com-munity events to enjoy. The following are some ofmy favorites.
1. George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate andGardens: One of the nation’s most visited historicsites, Mount Vernon offers an authentically inter-preted 18th century home, lush gardens and grounds,intriguing museum galleries, immersive programs,and first-rate dining and shopping. Open 365 days ayear, Mount Vernon is an incomparable national trea-sure. Visit Mount Vernon by bike. Hop on a bike andride to Mount Vernon from Washington, D.C. on theMount Vernon Trail. Nearly 18 miles long and fullypaved, the Mount Vernon Trail follows the PotomacRiver’s Virginia shoreline. Mount Vernon Estate is oneof the most notable historical sites in the country.(http://www.mountvernon.org)
2. Gunston Hall: Gunston Hall is the home builtfor George Mason IV, the author of the Bill of Rights,located on Mason Neck where we also have a statepark, a regional park, and federally protected land.The mansion stands as a testament to a single archi-tectural moment in colonial Virginia. After its comple-tion in 1759, few changes were made. As a result,Gunston Hall remains as a vital example of the Geor-gian style washed upon Virginia’s shores. A visit toGunston Hall begins with an introductory film onGeorge Mason. Visitors then can view the center’sexhibits which highlight details of George Mason’scivic career and the lasting influences of his mostfamous document, “The Virginia Declaration ofRights.” (http://www.gunstonhall.org)
3. Woodlawn and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House: The Woodlawn and Pope-LeigheyHouses are sites of the National Trust for HistoricPreservation, located on the same historic grounds.Visitors are encouraged to explore the contrasting
Welcome to Mount Vernon District
Dan Storck
Mount VernonDistrict staffinclude Theodore“Tae” Choi, com-munity develop-ment and land useaide; ChristineMorin, chief ofstaff for DanStorck; JeaneneHarris, communi-cations directorfor Dan Storck;Allison Miessler,staff aide for DanStorck; and DonnaSlaymaker, staffaide for DanStorck.
Photo
Contributed
6 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2016-17 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
3737 Seminary Rd. • Alexandriawww.vts.edu/evening
Newcomers & Community Guide
See Serving, Page 7
By Colonel Edwin C. Roessler Jr.
Chief of Police
Dear Community Members: The FairfaxCounty Police Department was establishedon July 1, 1940 and today we have an au-
thorized strength of 1,406 sworn law enforcementofficers. Our greatly engaged community exceeds 1.1million residents which continues to assist us in pre-venting and fighting crime, increasing the culture ofsafety to preserve the sanctity of life for all, and tokeep pace with rapid urbanization.
Your Police Department proactively undertook anindependent review of its use of force training, andrelated policies and procedures conducted by thePolice Executive Research Forum. A further reviewgenerating additional change recommendations hasbeen conducted by the County’s Ad Hoc Police Prac-tices Review Commission. The core theme of changeis adopting the philosophy of the sanctity of life inall we do. As I have discussed in multiple public fo-rums to include the Public Safety Committee of theFairfax County Board of Supervisors, your policedepartment embraces reengineering the law enforce-ment profession and we are proud to be nationalleaders truly engaged with creating change with anengaged community.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has en-dorsed our reengineering of the policies governingthe use of force which value the sanctity of humanlife. The Police Department has adopted policies andpractices which utilize the Critical Decision MakingModel to ensure that all actions are proportionate,lawful, accountable, necessary, and ethical. Your Po-lice Department has mandated annual in-servicetraining on use of force critical decision-making be-cause the essential knowledge and skills are consid-ered “perishable,” therefore rendering training on anannual basis a necessity.
The final report issued by the Ad Hoc Commissionincluded recommendations made by its IndependentOversight and Investigations Subcommittee. Theserecommendations, the subject of current delibera-
tion by the Public Safety Commit-tee of the Fairfax County Board ofSupervisors, propose the creationof a Police Auditor position and es-tablishment of a Civilian ReviewPanel. The Police Department wel-comes immediate implementationof both as they maximize account-ability through transparency, andwill lead to higher levels of publictrust and confidence in the PoliceDepartment.
The Police Department is com-mitted to enhancing its transpar-
ency at all levels and we have established policiesand procedures in coordination with the Board ofSupervisors to achieve maximum communicationwith the communities we serve. Throughout the re-mainder of 2016 and into 2017 we will continue toreengineer our profession in many operational andadministrative areas to achieve effective change whileincreasing community engagement.
In 2014 the Police Department began a self-assess-ment process to align its policies and procedures tocomply with 484 national standards established bythe Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforce-ment Agencies (CALEA). The required on-site assess-ment was conducted by assessors from outside Vir-ginia in early 2016, and CALEA accredited status wasawarded on July 30, 2016.
The Police Department, along with the Commu-nity Services Board, other public safety agencies, andmental health advocates partnered to implement theDiversion First program which provides a viable jaildiversion alternative for those in mental health cri-sis. Our police officers receive Crisis InterventionTeam (CIT) training to prepare them to recognizewhen persons are experiencing a mental health cri-sis and how best to de-escalate such initial encoun-ters.
Our CIT-trained officers now have the MerrifieldCrisis Response Center, as well as two Mobile CrisisUnits, enabling them to offer persons in crisis themental health services they may require.
Welcome to Fairfax County and we encourage youto engage with your Police Department as we all con-tinue to make our County a great place to live, work,play, and grow old.
To learn more about the Fairfax County Police De-partment, please visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/
Greater Transparency in PolicingFairfax County Policeembrace change,sanctity of life for all.
ColonelEdwin C.RoesslerJr., Chiefof Police.
Mount VernonAt Home
2501 Sherwood Lane. Looking for away to make a difference in the MountVernon community? Consider MountVernon At Home, a non-profit organiza-tion that relies on volunteer time andtalent to assist older adults to age inplace in their homes. Its volunteers pro-vide extra help that makes aging inplace easier for seniors in their ownneighborhoods.
Volunteers are needed for local trans-portation to medical and personalappointments, errands, and grocerystore trips; light handyman chores andhome technology to name just a few. Nominimum number of volunteer hoursare required.
Contact Mount Vernon At Home at703-303-4060, [email protected] or visitwww.mountvernonathome.org to learnmore.
Boys and Girls Clubs ofGreater WashingtonFairfax Area
5901 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church.Aims to help youth become confident,civic-minded, responsible adultsthrough programs focused on educa-tion/career development, health and lifeskills, leadership, the arts, sports andrecreation, and mentoring. Call 703-304-8631 or visit www.bgcgw.org/fairfax
Mount VernonRecreation Center
2017 Belle View Blvd. A fitness cen-ter with a 25-meter heated indoor poolwith poolside spa, a beach area withplay features, locker rooms with show-ers and sauna, Fitness Center withCybex VR2 equipment, pro shop itemsfor sale, dance room, multi-purposerooms and a year-round 200 foot by 85
foot indoor ice arena. Call 703-768-3224 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/mvrec.htm.
ChristianRelief Services
8301 Richmond Hightway, Suite 900.Incorporated in 1985, in Virginia,through partnership with 14 agencies,Christian Relief Services offers up to 24months of transitional housing, casemanagement and supportive services forhomeless people. Around the country,operates the affordable housing units.Call 703-317-9086 or visitwww.christianrelief.org.
Good Shepherd Housingand Family Services
8305-17B Richmond Highway. Thegoal of Good Shepherd, created in 1974,
Serving the Community
Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2016-17 ❖ 7www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Serving the Community
From Page 6
is to help bring an end to homelessness while pro-moting the self-sufficiency of homeless individualswith programs in counseling, grant services andhousing location assistance. Call 703-768-9494 orvisit www.goodhousing.org.
New HopeHousing
Founded in 1977, New Hope Housing is anaward-winning nonprofit agency in Northern Vir-ginia committed to finding creative and lastingsolutions to end the cycle of homelessness by of-fering homeless men, women, and children theservices they need to change their lives and suc-ceed. Each year, New Hope Housing serves morethan 1,500 people in outreach, shelter, and hous-ing programs. Call 703-799-2293 orwww.newhopehousing.org to volunteer or learnmore.
United CommunityMinistries (UCM)
7511 Fordson Road. Founded in 1969 as a
grassroots movement to assist low-income familiesand individuals living along the Route One Corri-dor, UCM provides four different housing programsas well as a Workforce Development Center to helpprepare people for moving forward with their jobs.Call 703-768-7106 or visit www.ucmagency.org.
Progreso Literacy andCitizenship Center
A program of United Community Ministries,Progreso empowers immigrants to improve thequality of their lives and of their communitiesthrough education, immigration services, and lead-ership development. Visit www.ucmagency.org/progreso-center-for-literacy—citizenship.html.
Mount VernonRotary Club
The club works to provide educational scholar-ships, educate the next generation to motivatethem to pursue world peace, and to simply careabout human needs and be willing to take steps tohelp meet them. Visit www.localrotaryclub.com/MountVernonVirginiarotaryclub.
Newcomers & Community Guide
By Sharon Bulova
Chairman, Fairfax County Board of
Supervisors
Welcome to Fairfax County, one ofthe greatest places in the nationto live, work, play and raise a
family. Fairfax County is home to a thrivingbusiness community, vibrant entertainmentand shopping destinations, a world classuniversity, beautiful parks, and a diversepopulation of engaged residents. Whetheryou are a long-time resident or are new tothe county, I hope you’ll take some time tovisit some of our most popular spots to en-joy what Fairfax County has to offer.
Tysons Corner and Fair Oaks Malls, RestonTown Center, Fairfax Corner, SpringfieldTown Center and the Mosaic District aregreat places to shop, eat and spend timewith friends. For cultural destinations,George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estateand Wolf Trap National Park for the Per-forming Arts are two of my favorites. Andfor enjoying the arts along with communitygatherings like Springfest and Brewfest, theWorkhouse Arts Center in Lorton is a must.For fresh air and exercise, I recommend ourextensive network of trails, parks andRECenters.
While there are a lot of fun things to doin Fairfax County, our community is notori-ous for our “work hard, play hard” ethic.Time Magazine has described us as the epi-center of the Washington region’s job boomand one of the great economic success sto-ries of our time. Fairfax County is home toeight Fortune 500 company headquarters,more than 8,400 technology firms, and over116.2 million square feet of office space.
Fairfax County has one of the best publicschool systems nationwide with a gradua-tion rate topping 90 percent. Our schoolsystem is the 10th largest in the countrywith nearly 187,000 students and 196schools and centers.
After high school graduation, GeorgeMason University and Northern VirginiaCommunity College are located just down
the road for af-fordable highereducation oppor-tunities in manydifferent subjectfields. Our busi-n e s s - f r i e n d l yeconomy ensurescareer opportuni-ties for both ourolder and youngerresidents.
On the local government level, the FairfaxCounty Board of Supervisors is constantlyhard at work to ensure quality public ser-vices for our residents. Our 10-memberBoard of Supervisors strives to maintainpositive community engagement, whilestrategically planning for the future withland use and infrastructure decisions. Somerecent accomplishments include updatingmany of our police policies, establishing aDiversion First program for people withmental illness who become involved withlaw enforcement, and successfully extend-ing Metrorail to Tysons and Reston, withPhase 2 of the Silver Line currently underconstruction all the way to Dulles Airportand into Loudoun County. Fairfax Countyoffers opportunity and quality services forresidents of all ages. People from all overthe globe have made Fairfax County theirhome, enriching our community with theirdiverse cultures and entrepreneurship.Please visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov orwww.fxva.com to learn more about whatFairfax County has to offer you and yourfamily.
As chairman of the Board of Supervisors,I am elected at-large by Fairfax County resi-dents.
My office is here to serve you. If you haveany questions or concerns, please email meat [email protected] or give myoffice a call at 703-324-2321. I hope youwill sign up to receive my monthly BulovaByline newsletter that will keep you up-to-date on what is happening in your commu-nity! Welcome to your new home.
Welcome to Fairfax County
Sharon Bulova
8 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2016-17 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Terry’s School of Dance & Gymnastics
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(Current Students, register for 2nd class, get 50% of Oct’s tuition)Terry’s School of Dance & Gymnastics 703-780-7878
703-780-7878
Rev. Robert L. Lewis, Pastor
Messiah Lutheran Church (ELCA)6510 Fort Hunt Road,Alexandria, VA 22307
• Service at 10:00 a.m. with children’sSunday School during the service.
703-765-5003E-mail: [email protected] • Website: messiahelca.org
• Trained Nursery Staff• Handicapped accessible
Come As You Are – God doesn’t expectyou to be perfect and neither do we
Newcomers & Community Guide
As your local, weeklynewspaper, theGazette’s mission is todeliver the local news
you need, to try to make sense ofwhat is happening in your commu-nity, to gather information aboutthe best things in and around yourcommunity, to advocate for com-munity good, to provide a forumfor dialogue on local concerns, and
to celebrate and record achieve-ments, milestones and events inthe community and people’s lives.
Here in our Newcomers andCommunity Guide, we’ve includedan updated version of our award-winning Insider’s Guide to theParks, plus details of how to votein the upcoming elections, infor-mation on local government,nonprofits and business organiza-
tions, plus tips and tidbits from thecommunity.
We invite newcomers and long-time residents alike to let us knowhow we’re doing and let us knowwhat is going on in your part ofthe community. If you have ques-tions or ideas, send us an email orcall us, contact us on Facebook orsend us a tweet. We invite you tosend letters to the editor or to sendan email with feedback about ourcoverage.
We want to know if someone in
your family or your communitypublished a book, started a busi-ness, became an Eagle Scout,raised money for a good cause,accomplished some feat like run-ning a marathon, supporting acause or having art included in anart show. We publish photos andnotes about personal milestonesand community events, includingbirths, engagements, weddings,anniversaries, awards and obitu-aries.
We are also interested in eventsat your church, mosque, syna-gogue, community center, pool,school, club, etc. Email us a noteabout the event, being sure to in-clude when and where the photowas taken and the names of all thepeople who are in a photo.
We also publish notes aboutnews and events from local busi-nesses. Notes about openings, newemployees and anniversaries arewelcome. It is especially importantto us to let people know aboutevents ahead of time in our calen-dar of events. We appreciate get-ting notice at least two weeksahead of the event, and we en-courage photos.
The Gazette is one of 15 paperspublished by the independent, lo-cally owned Local Media Connec-tion LLC, serving the suburbs of
Metropolitan Washington inNorthern Virginia and Potomac,Md.
Our flagship paper, the Alexan-dria Gazette Packet, is one of theoldest continuously publishingpapers in the country, beginningpublication in 1784.
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About the Gazette
Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2016-17 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Springfield l 6123-A Backlick Rd., 22150 • Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 11am-6pm
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MOUNT VERNON OFFICE
2616 Sherwood Hall Ln,
Suite 205
Alexandria, VA 22306
P: (571) 777-5977
Guide
Business Organizations
Mount Vernon-Lee Chamberof Commerce
6821 Richmond Highway. The cham-ber serves over 425 businesses in theMount Vernon and Lee districts. Call703-360-6925 or visit www.mtvernon-leechamber.org.
Southeast Fairfax Develop-ment Corporation (SFDC)
6677 Richmond Highway, SecondFloor. SFDC is a nonprofit organizationdedicated to promoting the redevelop-ment and revitalization of RichmondHighway/U.S. Route 1 from I-495 toFort Belvoir. In the past 32 years, SFDChas helped direct nearly $2 billion ofprivate investment to the RichmondHighway corridor. Call 703-360-5008 orvisit www.sfdc.org.
Mount Vernon Council ofCitizens Association
MVCCA is a nonpartisan, nonprofitorganization of citizens’ associations inthe Mount Vernon Magisterial District ofFairfax County which represents andpromotes the interests of its memberassociations with eight standing com-mittees including Budget and Finance,Consumer Affairs, Education, Environ-ment and Recreation, Health andHuman Services, Planning and Zoning,Public Safety and Transportation. Visitwww.mvcca.org
Northern Virginia BlackChamber of Commerce
The Alexandria-based organizationprovides resources to black-owned busi-nesses in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax,Loudoun, and Prince William counties.Visit www.northernvirginiabcc.org
10 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2016-17 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
National ParksGF Great Falls National Park
9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLeanwww.nps.gov/grfaGreat Falls Park is open daily from 7 a.m. until dark. The Visitor Center
and bookstore are open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily, springthrough fall seasons. Picnic, hike along the Potomac River.Swimming and wading in the Potomac are prohibited.
GW George Washington Memorial Parkway
www.nps.gov/gwmp703-289-2500The GW Parkway includes more than 25
sites, ranging from historic homes towildlife preserves. Join a ranger for a freeprogram or explore sites independently. Some parksites, including Turkey Run Park, TheodoreRoosevelt Island, Great Falls Park, etc., close atdark. The Parkway itself remains open 24 hoursa day to vehicle traffic.
WTWolf Trap National Park
for the Performing Arts1551 Trap Road, Viennawww.nps.gov/wotr/The only national park dedicated to
presenting the performing arts.From May through September,multiple amphitheaters in the parkpresent musicals, dance, opera, jazz,and popular and country music. Explorethe park without the crowds from October- April. The Barns at Wolf Trap offer indoorentertainment through the winter months.
State Park
pool. The park alsofeatures a deluxe miniaturegolf course, a nine-stationbatting cage, picnic shelters, anda special events pavilion.
CHCarlyle House Historic
Park121 N. Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314www.nvrpa.org/park/carlyle_house_historic_park/703-549-2997The historic Carlyle House was completed in 1753
by British merchant John Carlyle for his bride,Sarah Fairfax of Belvoir, member of one of themost prestigious families in colonial Virginia.Their home quickly became a center of socialand political life in Alexandria and gained afoothold in history when British GeneralBraddock made the mansion his headquarters in1755. On the National Register of HistoricPlaces, Carlyle House is architecturally unique inAlexandria as the only stone, 18th-centuryPalladian-style house. Daily tours of the house,programs for schoolchildren, special events,exhibits and lectures explore the life and timesof John Carlyle in pre-Revolutionary Alexandria.The site may be rented in the evenings forprivate functions and weddings.
FHFountainhead Regional Park
7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Stationwww.nvrpa.org/park/fountainhead/703-250-9124The observation deck of the Marina Building at
Fountainhead commands a spectacular view ofthe widest point of the Occoquan Reservoir.Summer activities include catfish tournaments,children’s fishing tournament, paddleboat toursand more.
HOHemlock Overlook Regional Park
13220 Yates Ford Road, Cliftonwww.nvrpa.org/park/hemlock_overlook/800-877-0954; 571-281-3556;Hemlock Overlook Regional Park offers a variety of
outdoor and environmental education. Programsat Hemlock Overlook are open to the public andgroups by reservation. Only the hiking and horse
trails maybe usedwithout priorarrangement.
MBGMeadowlark
Botanical Gardens9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court,
Viennawww.nvrpa.org/park/
meadowlark_botanical_gardens/703-255-3631This 95-acre complex of large
ornamental display gardens andunique native plant collections isopen year round and includewalking trails, lakes, more than 20varieties of cherry trees, irises, peonies, anextensive shade garden, native wildflowers,gazebos, birds, butterflies, seasonal blooms andfoliage. The Atrium’s indoor tropical gardensetting is a popular meeting, reception, weddingand workshop location. Interpretive displaysaccompany a restored 18th-century cabin.
OROccoquan Regional Park
9751 Ox Road, Lortonwww.nvrpa.org/park/occoquan/703-690-2121This park offers 400 acres of recreational space and
a touch of the past with its historic brick kilnsand the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial. Parklands, trails and associated waters are part ofthe Fairfax Cross-County Trail. Kayak rentals.One hour Tour Boat Rides on the OccoquanRiver to Belmont Bay and back. OfferedSaturdays noon-5 p.m., Sunday 1- 8 p.m., April2 through Nov. 27. $10 adults, $5 children 12and under, under age 4 are free.
PBPohick Bay
Regional Park &Pirates Cove
Waterpark6501 Pohick Bay Drive,Lortonwww.nvrpa.org/park/pohick_bay/www.piratescovepohick.com703-339-6102
Pohick Bay is located on thePotomac River, 25 miles south of the
nation’s capital. The boat launch facility isone of only three public access points to thePotomac River in northern Virginia. Pohick Bayoffers canoes, kayaks, paddle boats and jonboats for rent on the weekends, as well as familyand group camping, hiking, picnic areas and alarge play area for children. The park offers oneof the largest, outdoor freeform pools on theeast coast. Pohick Bay Regional Park, located onMason Neck Pennisula is an ecologically fragileland that shelters an abundance of wildlife,including the bald eagle. Pirates Cove Waterparkis located at Pohick Bay Regional Park. Visitorscan cool off under the 300-gallon dumpingbucket, fire the water cannons and splash downthe waterslide or search for buried treasure atBuccaneer Beach sand play area. Pirates Cove
An Insider’s Guide to
Major Parks in the AreaParks
MN Mason Neck State Park
7301 High Point Rd. Lortonwww.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/
mas.shtml#703-339-2385 or 703-339-2380 (visitor center)[email protected] park’s visitor center was expanded in 2010 to
include a new exhibit room, gift shop andmeeting room. There are several exhibits in thecenter, and with a view of Belmont Bay. Visitorcenter staff can answer questions and provideinformation on park trails, facilities and localpoints of interest. Pond study, bird watching,canoe trips, nature walks and talks, and GPSadventures are just a few of the excitingprograms offered by park rangers.
Regional ParksBR
Bull Run Marina Regional Park &Atlantis Waterpark7700 Bull Run Drive, Centrevillewww.nvrpa.org/park/bull_run/www.atlantisbullrun.com/703-631-0552Main park open all year for picnicking, hiking and
family camping. Bull Run Public ShootingCenter open all year. Group Camping open dailyJan. 7 though Nov. 11. Mini and disc golf openApril through October. Hours vary. AtlantisWaterpark features pools, a giant dumpingbucket, waterslides, and fun-filled activities forall ages. Atlantis is open from Memorial Dayweekend through Labor Day, and is a member ofthe Northern Virginia Regional Park Authorityfamily of Waterparks. Neptune Reef snack barsells food, beverages and sweets.
CRCameron Run Regional Park/Great
Waves Waterpark4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandriawww.nvrpa.org/park/cameron_run/www.greatwaveswaterpark.com/703-960-0767Cameron Run Regional Park offers a variety of
recreation facilities in an urban area, includingGreat Waves Water Park. Catch a wave in thewave pool, twist and turn down four-story waterslides, take a plunge down speed slides, playwith friends in the shallow waters of the play
Sources: National Park Service, Northern Vir-ginia Regional Park Authority, Virginia StateParks and Fairfax County Park Authority. Mapcourtesy of Fairfax County Park Authority. De-signed & compiled by Jean Card and LaurenceFoong. Photos by Renée Ruggles.
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Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2016-17 ❖ 11www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
also features picnic pavilions, a deck for sunningand playing, as well as plenty of shade.Captain’s Galley snack bar features food,beverages and sweets. Pirates Cove is open fromMemorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
PBPohick Bay Golf Course
10301 Gunston Road, Lortonwww.nvrpa.org/park/pohick_bay_golf_course703-339-8585This scenic golf course is located on the Mason
Neck Peninsula in Lorton. Pohick Bay’s practicefacility features a driving range with practiceputting and chipping greens, and lessons fromPGA pros. A full-service pro shop features anarray of name-brand golf clubs, equipment andapparel. Other services include club making,custom club fitting, regripping, reshafting andtournament coordinating.
POPotomac Overlook Regional Park &
Nature Center2845 Marcey Road, Arlington, VA 22207www.nvrpa.org/park/potomac_overlook/703-528-5406On the Potomac Palisades in north Arlington,
Potomac Overlook offers 70 acres of peacefulwoodland, trails, educational gardens, a smallpicnic area and a Nature Center. The NatureCenter features brand new exhibits called the“Energerium,” offering visitors a fun andaccessible way to learn energy basics and waysthey can help create sustainable energysolutions. The Nature Center also houses liveanimals and natural history exhibits.
SRSandy Run Regional Park
10450 Van Thompson Road, Fairfax Stationwww.nvrpa.org/park/sandy_run/703-690-4392The park is open to the public for the purpose of
education, training, practice, and racing forcompetitive and recreational sculling androwing. Only shells and other boats authorizedby the Northern Virginia Regional ParkAuthority may be launched from the docks orshoreline of Sandy Run. Sandy Run offers afacility for team training and competition forOlympic, college, high school and club canoe,kayak and crew athletes.
UHUpton Hill Regional Park & Ocean
Dunes Waterpark6060 Wilson Blvd., Arlingtonwww.nvrpa.org/park/upton_hill/www.oceanduneswaterpark.com/703-534-3437 or [email protected] Hill Regional Park offers visitors a wooded
oasis in the heart of the most densely populatedarea of Northern Virginia. A large outdoorwater-park complex is a sparkling attraction inthis wooded, urban park, which straddles theboundary line between Arlington and Fairfaxcounties. The deluxe miniature golf courseboasts one of the longest mini golf holes in theworld; the batting cages include nine baseballand softball cages. The park is open every dayfor hiking, picnicking, playing on the playgroundand enjoying the outdoors. Located withinUpton Hill Regional Park, Ocean Dunes isloaded with fun features for adults and children.
Arts CenterLAC Workhouse Arts Center
9601 Ox Road, Lortonwww.lortonarts.org703-584-2900The Workhouse Arts Center consists of seven studio
buildings, the main galleries and the recentlyopened Youth Arts Center. Visitors areencouraged to interact with artists. In additionto visual arts, the Workhouse Arts Center ishome to performing arts, including theater, filminstitute, musical and dance performances. Theeducation department supports both the visualand performing arts, offering classes andworkshops in a variety of disciplines. Futureplans for the Workhouse include an eventcenter, amphitheater, Workhouse Theatre,restaurants, apartments, music barn andgarden/horticultural area. Other buildings onsite, yet to be renovated, may provide for otheractivities such as a visitors center, a blacksmithshop, theatre scene shops and rehearsal space.
Major FairfaxCounty ParksBLP Burke Lake Park & Golf Course
7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Stationvolleyball, driving range, 18 hole, par 3, minigolf,
trails, playground, campgrounds, fishing883.4 acres, multiple resource park
CJP Clemyjontri Park
6317 Georgetown Pike, McLeanfitness, picnic areas and playgrounds18.6 acres, special purpose park
ELP Ellanor C. Lawrence Park
5040 Walney Road, Chantillybaseballl, soccer/football (unlit), basketball (unlit),
community center, nature center, amphitheater,trails
650 acres, multiple resource park
FPF Frying Pan Farm Park
2717 West Ox Road, Herndonhistoric structure, biking/equestrian/hiking trails,
open areas, playground135.3 acres, multiple resource park
GSG Green Spring Gardens
4603 Green Spring Road, AlexandriaCommunity Center, historic structure, biking/hiking
trails, open areas, gardens30.9 acres, special purpose park
HPP Hidden Pond Park
8511 Greeley Boulevard, Springfieldtennis (lit), nature center, amphitheater, hiking/
nature trails, playground, fishing25.6 acres, community park
HMP Huntley Meadows Park
3701 Lockheed Boulevard, Alexandrianature center, historic structure, biking/hiking/
nature trails, observation tower, boardwalk1444.8 acres, natural resource park
LAP Lake Accotink Park
7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfieldbasketball, volleyball, minigolf, trails, picnic448.1 acres, multiple resource park
LFP Lake Fairfax Park
1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Restonsoftball (lit), soccer/football (unlit), amphitheater,
carousel,campground, tour boat, picnic shelters479 acres, multiple resource park
FRA Lee District Park
6601 Telegraph Road, Franconiasoftball, soccer/football, tennis, basketball,
volleyball, trails, treehouse, sprayground,accessible playground
138 acres, district park
MDP Mason District Park
6621 Columbia Pike, Annandalesoftball (lit), soccer/football (unlit/lit), basketball
(lit), tennis (lit), shuffleboard, dog park,amphitheater, biking/hiking/fitness
121.2 acres, district park
NWP Nottoway Park
9537 Courthouse Road, Viennabaseball (lit), soccer/football (lit),basketball (lit),
tennis (lit), trails, picnic90.9 acres, district park
RBP Riverbend Park
8700 Potomac Hill Street, Great Fallsnature center, historic structure, biking/equestrian/
hiking trails, picnic areas, craftroom411.2 acres, multiple resource park
SRN Scotts Run Nature Preserve
7400 Georgetown Pike, McLeanhistoric structure, historic/hiking/nature trails,
fishing384.3 acres, natural resource park
SRD South Run District
7550 Reservation Drive, Springfieldbaseball, soccer/football, basketball, tennis,
recenter, equestrian, playground, swimming196 acres, district park
WFP Wakefield Park & RECenter
8100 Braddock Road, Annandalesoftball, soccer/football, basketball, tennis,
recenter, biking, fitness trail, skate park292.6 acres, multiple resource park
12 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2016-17 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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Map Number Park NameAddress, CityProperty Class
1 Lorton9518 Richmond Highway, AlexandriaNeighborhood Park
2 Springfield Forest6400 Kalmia Street, SpringfieldNeighborhood Park
3 Franconia6432 Bowie Drive, SpringfieldCommunity Park
4 Lee High6501 Deepford Street, SpringfieldCommunity Park
5 Monticello Woods6444 Northanna Drive, SpringfieldCommunity Park
6 Trailside6000 Trailside Drive, SpringfieldCommunity Park
7 Loisdale7419 Loisdale Road, SpringfieldNeighborhood Park
8 Lynbrook6005 Augusta Drive, SpringfieldNeighborhood Park
9 Hooes Road7233 Hooes Road, SpringfieldCommunity Park
16 Flag Run7620 Elgar Street, SpringfieldNeighborhood Park
17 Leewood7111 Woodland Drive, SpringfieldNeighborhood Park
18 Deerlick6821 Braddock Road, SpringfieldCommunity Park
19 Edsall6845 Edsall Road, SpringfieldCommunity Park
20 North Springfield7025 Leesville Boulevard, SpringfieldNeighborhood Park
21 Royal Ridge7417 Floyd Avenue, SpringfieldCommunity Park
22 Carrleigh Parkway8020 Carrleigh Prkwy, SpringfieldNeighborhood Park
23 Cardinal Forest6121 Roxbury Avenue, SpringfieldCommunity Park
24 Hunter Village7700 Jansen Drive, SpringfieldCommunity Park
25 Hidden Pond8511 Greeley Boulevard, SpringfieldCommunity Park
ParksA Guide to Fairfax County Parks in the
Springfield & Mount Vernon areas
Photos by Renée Ruggles
Featuring Huntley Meadows Park
Map by Lawrence Foong; Design by Jean Card
10 Springvale6508 Spring Road, SpringfieldCommunity Park
11 Lake Accotink7500 Accotink Park Road, SpringfieldMultiple Resource Park
12 Brookfield7417 Floyd Avenue, SpringfieldCommunity Park
13 Byron Avenue6500 Byron Avenue, SpringfieldCommunity Park
14 Hooes Road School Site7336 Hooes Road, SpringfieldCommunity Park
15 Kings Park8717 Trafalgar Ct., SpringfieldCommunity Park
Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2016-17 ❖ 13www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
26 West Springfield6805 Caneel Street, SpringfieldNeighborhood Park
27 West Springfield Village6910 Loudoun Lane, SpringfieldNeighborhood Park
28 Rolling Forest7019 Flax Street, SpringfieldNeighborhood Park
29 Cherry Run7001 Cottontail Court, SpringfieldNeighborhood Park
30 South Run District7550 Reservation Drive, SpringfieldDistrict Park
31 Huntsman9150 Dorothy Lane, SpringfieldCommunity Park
32 Rolling Wood School Site7511 Chancellor Way, SpringfieldCommunity Park
33 Chapel Acres7900 Giles Street, SpringfieldNeighborhood Park
34 Saratoga8121 North Umberland Rd, SpringfieldCommunity Park
35 Loftridge5549 Janelle Street, AlexandriaCommunity Park
36 Burgundy5516 Norton Road, AlexandriaNeighborhood Park
37 Heritage Hill5744 Telegraph Road, AlexandriaNeighborhood Park
38 Jefferson Manor2909 Farmington Drive, AlexandriaCommunity Park
39 Huntington2121 Fairfax Terrace, AlexandriaCommunity Park
40 Farrington Avenue2213 Farrington Avenue, AlexandriaNeighborhood Park
41 Mt. Eagle5919 North Kings Highway, AlexandriaCommunity Park
42 South Kings Forest4505 Lantern Place, AlexandriaNeighborhood Park
43 Stoneybrooke3900 Stoneybrooke Drive, AlexandriaCommunity Park
44 Groveton Heights3429 Clayborne Avenue, AlexandriaCommunity Park
45 Huntley Historic6918 Harrison Lane, AlexandriaNatural Resource Park
46 Lenclair6625 Lenclair Street, AlexandriaNeighborhood Park
47 Bucknell Manor2223 Beacon Hill Road, AlexandriaCommunity Park
48 Hybla Valley3431 Lockheed Boulevard, AlexandriaNeighborhood Park
49 Huntley Meadows3701 Lockheed Boulevard, AlexandriaNatural Resource Park
50 Hollin Meadows7603 Elba Road, AlexandriaCommunity Park
51 Martin Luther King Jr8115 Fordson Road, AlexandriaCommunity Park
52 Stephen S. FosterIntermediate School Site
2500 Parkers Lane, AlexandriaCommunity Park
53 Belle Haven6036 Grove Drive, AlexandriaCommunity Park
54 Fort Willard Circle6625 Fort Willard Circle, AlexandriaNeighborhood Park
55 Mount Vernon District2017 Belle View Boulevard, AlexandriaMultiple Resource Park
56 Westgrove6801 Fort Hunt Road, AlexandriaCommunity Park
57 White Oaks7100 Devonshire Road, AlexandriaNeighborhood Park
58 Gilbert S. McCutcheon7509 Fort Hunt Road, AlexandriaCommunity Park
59 Hollin Hall School Site1500 Shenandoah Road, AlexandriaCommunity Park60 Kirk2206 Collingwood Road, AlexandriaNeighborhood Park
61 Williamsburg Manor2213 Collingwood Road, AlexandriaCommunity Park
62 Collingwood8200 West Boulevard Drive, AlexandriaCommunity Park
63 Carl Sandburg School Site8428 Fort Hunt Road, AlexandriaCommunity Park
64 Stratford Landing2301 Stirrup Lane, AlexandriaNeighborhood Park
65 Fort Hunt8822 Linton Lane, AlexandriaCommunity Park
66 Muddy Hole Farm7941 Kidd Street, AlexandriaCommunity Park
67 Mount Vernon Woods4014 Fielding Street, AlexandriaCommunity Park
68 George Washington8426 Old Mount Vernon Road, Alexan-
driaSpecial Purpose Park
69 Walt Whitman School Site8333 Richmond Highway, AlexandriaCommunity Park
70 Mount Zephyr8601 Richmond Avenue, AlexandriaNeighborhood Park
71 Washington Mill4341 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy,
AlexandriaCommunity Park
72 Grist Mill4710 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy,
AlexandriaDistrict Park
73 Vernon Heights8225 Central Avenue, AlexandriaNeighborhood Park
74 Bush Hill5417a Waycross Drive, AlexandriaNeighborhood Park
75 Mark Twain5920 Larpin Lane, AlexandriaCommunity Park
76 Clermont School Site4100 Franconia Road, AlexandriaCommunity Park
77 Franconia Forest6013 Bitternut Road, AlexandriaNeighborhood Park
78 Ridgeview4111 Duvawn Street, AlexandriaCommunity Park
79 Wilton Woods School Site3701 Franconia Road, AlexandriaNeighborhood Park
80 Tara Village6417 Joyce Road, AlexandriaNeighborhood Park
81 Virginia Hills School Site6520 Diana Lane, AlexandriaNeighborhood Park
82 Manchester Lakes6775 Beulah Street, AlexandriaCommunity Park
83 Greendale Golf Course6700 Telegraph Road, AlexandriaSpecial Purpose Park
84 Lee District6601 Telegraph Road,FranconiaDistrict Park
85 Dowden Terrace5616 Bradley Boulevard, AlexandriaCommunity Park
86 Glasgow3935 Arcadia Road, AlexandriaNeighborhood Park
87 Parklawn6454 Lincolnia Road, AlexandriaCommunity Park
88 Glen Hills6090 Larstan Drive, AlexandriaNeighborhood Park
89 Heywood Glen6210 Larstan Drive, AlexandriaNeighborhood Park
90 Pinecrest Golf Course6600 Little River Turnpike, AlexandriaSpecial Purpose Park
91 Green Spring Gardens4603 Green Spring Road, AlexandriaSpecial Purpose Park
92 Bren Mar6324 Edsall Road, AlexandriaCommunity Park
93 Backlick Run5590 First Statesman Lane, AlexandriaCommunity Park
94 Beulah7119 Beulah Street, AlexandriaCommunity Park
95 Amberleigh7516 Beulah Street, AlexandriaCommunity Park
96 Hayfield7611 Hayfield Road, AlexandriaCommunity Park
97 Wickford7331a Wickford Drive, AlexandriaNeighborhood Park
14 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2016-17 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
August 2016SATURDAY-SUNDAY/AUG. 27-28Begonia Show and Sale. 9 a.m.-
4:30 p.m. Saturday, 12-3:30 p.m.Sunday at Green Spring Gardens,4603 Green Spring Road. The saleoffers a wide variety of begonias,including subtropical species.Free. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/events.htm.
September 2016FRIDAY-SUNDAY/SEPT. 9-11Hope Fest. Various times at Bryant
Alternative High School, 2709Popkins Lane. Find youth concertand community basketball game.Free. [email protected].
SATURDAY/SEPT. 109/11 Heroes Run. 8:30 a.m. at
Carl Sandburg Middle School,8428 Fort Hunt Road. Honor ourmilitary and first responders andremember those who died on 9/11 and in the wars since.Registration is $22.50-80. Visitwww.911heroesrun.org for more.
SEPT. 10-2134rd Annual Senior Olympics.
Various times at various locations.Participants over 50 years old willparticipate in track and field,swimming, diving, tennis, tabletennis, golf, miniature golf, tenpin bowling, Wii bowling,scrabble, duplicate bridge,cribbage, Mexican train dominoes,pickleball, racquetball, handball,volleyball, badminton, bocce,eight ball pool, cycling,horseshoes, yo-yo tricks, Americanstyle Mah Jongg, 5K run andmore. Admission varies based onevent. Visit www.nvso.us.
SUNDAY/SEPT. 11The George Washington Patriot
Run. 8 a.m. at Mount Vernon,3200 Mount Vernon MemorialHighway. Run the first USATF-certified road race to enter GeorgeWashington’s Mount Vernon.Organized by Mount Vernon andthe Alexandria GeorgeWashington Birthday CelebrationCommittee, the race will takerunners up the GeorgeWashington Memorial Parkway.Return down the Parkway to traceWashington’s footsteps throughthe historic area at Mount Vernon.Registration is $50, spectatortickets are $10. Visitwww.mountvernon.org/run.
SATURDAY/SEPT. 17Scottish Heritage Outlander
Day. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at CarlyleHouse, 121 N. Fairfax St. Eventswill include three Scottish andCeltic storytelling performancesduring the afternoon, anappearance by the GranflingSchool of Highland Dance, aconcert by the Devil’s Tailors, anda bagpiper.
Barley & Music Fest. 12-6 p.m. atJohn Carlyle Square Park. Attendthe inaugural Barley & Music Festto find over a dozen craftbreweries, music, and more.Admission to the festival is free,but drink tickets are $15 for 5,additional tastes may bepurchased for $1. Visitwww.barleymusicfest.com.
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY/ SEPT. 17-18Colonial Market And Fair. Saturday
and Sunday/ Sept. 17-189 a.m.-5 p.m. at George Washington’sMount Vernon, 3200 Mount VernonHighway. Visit the 18th century at thiscolonial celebration featuring craftingdemonstrations, puppet shows, militarydrills, and traditional food and music.Tickets are $9-17. Children age 5 andunder are free. Visitwww.mountvernon.org.
King Street Art Festival. 10 a.m.-7p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 480 KingSt. The festival features art displays, artgiveaways and sales and live music.Free. Visit www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com/artfest.
Kingstowne Area Arts Show. 11 a.m.-5p.m. Saturday, 12-5 p.m. Sunday atSnyder Center, 6450 S. Van Dorn St.Work in a variety of media will be ondisplay. Free. Visitwww.kingstowneartists.org for more.
SUNDAY/SEPT. 18Outlander Tea. 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. at
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N.Fairfax St. Celebrate Scottish Heritage atthe oldest stone house in Alexandria,home of John Carlyle. Attend the teaand fashion show and specialized tour.Tickets are $45. Visitwww.novaparks.com for more.
SEPT. 18-24ReelAbilities Film Festival. Various
times and places throughout NorthernVirginia. The 5th Annual ReelAbilitiesFilm Festival is a lineup of award-winning feature and short films and apreview of guest speakers and specialevents. ReelAbilities is the largest filmfestival of its kind in the nationdedicated to showcasing films by andabout people that experience adisability. Opening and Closing Nights:advance tickets are $18 for adults, $15for JCCNV members, seniors (65+), andfor groups of 10 or more, $10 studentswith valid student ID. All tickets are $20the day of the opening and closingevents. Other ticket prices vary. Visitwww.northernva.reelabilities.org.
SATURDAY/ SEPT. 24Mount Vernon Flea Market. 8 a.m.-
1:30 p.m. at 8717 Fort Hunt Road.The flea market features: furniture,art, china, glass, porcelain, pottery,books, photographs, lighting, tools,comic books, vinyl records, noveltiesand more. Refreshments will beavailable for purchase. Free. Visitmountvernonfleamarket.wordpress.comfor more.
St. Luke’s Annual Craft Fair. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church,8009 Fort Hunt Road, Mount Vernon.Connect with old friends andneighbors. Cold drinks and luncheonitems from the St. Luke’s grill will beavailable, along with a bake salefeaturing cakes, pies, cookies andbrownies. Also, fresh produce from anearby farm, entertainment providedby a guest guitarist and two localpianists. For children, there will be amoonbounce, face-painting andgames. Visitwww.saintlukeschurch.net or call703-765-4342 for more.
75th Annual Historic AlexandriaHomes Tour. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in OldTown Alexandria. For the 75thannual Historic Alexandria HomesTour, the public may visit six historichomes and gardens in Old TownAlexandria, all within walkingdistance of one another. Proceedsbenefit Inova Alexandria Hospital.Tickets are $35 through Sept. 25 andmay be purchased online. Thereafter,tickets are $40 and may be purchasedat The Twig’s Thrift Shop, 106 NColumbus St. Visit www.thetwig.org/homes-tour for more.
Mount Vernon Celebration! ACommunity Showcase. 11 a.m.-3p.m. at Inova Mount VernonHospital, 2501 Parkers Lane. The2016 Celebration will feature achurch choir competition. Inova willprovide health screenings and theBloodmobile will come for acommunity blood drive. Free. Visitwww.celebrationmvl.org.
Alexandria Symphony OrchestraFamily Fall Festival. 12-4 p.m. atFort Ward Park, 4301 W. BraddockRoad. Find activities for kids, livemusic, food trucks, beer, wine, andmore. Tickets are $20 for adults, freefor children 13 and under. Call 703-548-0885 or visit www.alexsym.orgfor more.
SUNDAY/SEPT. 25Run! Geek! Run! 8 a.m. at
Potomac Yard. All proceeds fromRun! Geek! Run! will go directlyto support the nonprofit CapitolPost. Capitol Post offers veteransin the Washington, DC., regionpersonalized guidance throughmentoring, business counseling,and access to key resources,programs, and leaders.Registration is $30-50. Visitwww.rungeekrun.net.
THURSDAY/SEPT. 29New Neighbors Oktoberfest.
6:30-8:30 p.m. at Port CityBrewing Company, 3950 WheelerAve. The 2016 school year marksthe 15th anniversary of TheCampagna Center’s NewNeighbors program and the manycontributions it makes to adultrefugees and immigrants inAlexandria who strive to improvetheir English skills. Celebrate witha night of beer, brats and more.Tickets are $60. Visitwww.campagnacenter.org.
October 2016SATURDAY/OCT. 1Charity 5k. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at
Cameron Run Park, 4001Eisenhower Ave. Run or walk topromote traffic safety. $20-35 perperson, depending on when youregister. Visitwww.theartofdriving.org/ART_5K!/.
Art on the Avenue. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.at Mount Vernon Avenue. Art onthe Avenue is a multicultural artsfestival celebrating thecommunity’s diversity through thearts. The event takes place alongMount Vernon Avenue in the DelRay neighborhood of Alexandria,and features over 350 artists, livemusic, free children’s crafts andentertainment, artistdemonstrations, a pie-bakingcontest, and more. Free. Visitwww.artontheavenue.org.
WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY/OCT. 7-9Wine Festival and Sunset Tour. 6-9
p.m. at George Washington’s MountVernon, 3200 Mount VernonMemorial Highway. Learn about thesuccesses and failures of GeorgeWashington’s wine endeavors, listento live music and tour whereWashington stored his wine. Friday,Oct. 7: $40; Saturday, Oct. 8: $48;Sunday, Oct. 9: $36. Visitwww.mountvernon.org/calendar.
SATURDAY/OCT. 15Family Fall Festival. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
at Armistead L. Booth Park, 520Cameron Station Blvd. A familyfavorite event featuring fall activitiessuch as scarecrow making, pumpkinand face painting, arts and crafts,exhibitors, food vendors, puppetshow, pony rides, and bandperformance. Free to attend. Call703-746-5592 for more.
SATURDAY/ OCT. 22VolunteerFest. A region-wide day of
community service helps nonprofitsaccomplish tasks they would nothave time or resources to do on theirown. Visit www.volunteerfairfax.org/individuals/volunteerfest.php.
FRIDAY-SATURDAY/OCT. 23-24Halloween Pumpkin Hunt. 5:30
p.m. on Friday and 1:30 p.m.; 3:30p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday at Lee-Fendall House Museum, 614 OronocoSt. Elementary school-aged childrenand younger may participate in thehunt and will receive a toy pumpkin.The event will also featureHalloween crafts, food and drink,ghost stories and a costume parade.Tickets are $5 for adults and $12 forchildren participating in the hunt.Visit www.leefendallhouse.org orcontact John Christiansen at 703-548-1789 [email protected].
SATURDAY-SUNDAY /OCT. 22-23Fall Harvest Family Days. 9 a.m-5
p.m. at Pioneer Farm in GeorgeWashington’s Mount Vernon, 3200Mount Vernon Memorial Highway.
Every year near the end of summer, Alexandria’s Restaurant Week offers dinersa prix fixe menu at some of the city’s best restaurants for a great price — generally,$35 per person or per couple depending on the establishment. Also look out for aWinter Restaurant Week near January. Visit www.alexandriarestaurantweek.com.
Alexandria Restaurant Week
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Menu items from previous Alexandria Restaurant Weeks
A Sampling of Annual
Community Events
Entertainment
Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2016-17 ❖ 15www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
is produced by
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call 703-778-9431 or email
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Newcomers
Newcomers & Community Guide
What’s Ahead?From Page 3
is available on the museum’s website athttps://armyhistory.org/about-the-mu-seum.
New Inova Emergency Departmentto open November 2016
Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, 2501Parkers Lane, Alexandria
An all-new 21,000-square-foot Emer-gency Department, scheduled to open theweek of Nov. 14, 2016, will feature 35 pri-vate treatment rooms, dedicated space for
Welcome to Mount Vernon DistrictFrom Page 5
architectural and historical backgrounds ofthese two unique homes. Operated as a his-toric house museum since 1949, Woodlawnrelies on local support and engagement tosucceed (http://www.woodlawnpopeleighey.org/home/).Woodlawn Estate is also home to theArcadia Center for Sustainable Food andAgriculture.
The Arcadia Center has a demonstrationgarden used to teach people how to farmand enjoy agriculture.(www.Arcadiafood.org)
4. Workhouse Arts Center: There’s alwayssomething exciting happening at the Work-house Arts Center. Whether you’re in themood for art classes and exhibits, excitingcomedy or musical performances, or even
special events, the Workhouse has exactlywhat you need to fuel your creativity andimagination.
Listed in the National Register of HistoricPlaces, this former correctional facility prop-erty has a fascinating story involving theWoman’s Suffragist movement and featuresover 150 of the region’s finest artists. Anexciting and ever-changing schedule of ex-hibitions in the Gallery Building includesthe work of national and international art-ists. Explore the artists’ studios where youare invited to ask questions, purchase theirwares, and even participate in programs inwhich you can create your own masterpiece.(www.workhousearts.org)
5. Mount Vernon has two recreation cen-ters – one located near the Belle View Shop-ping Center (Mount Vernon Recreation Cen-ter) and the other located across fromMount Vernon High School (George Wash-ington Recreation Center); two off leash dogparks, one at West Grove on Ft. Hunt Roadand one at Grist Mill Park located on Route235.
6. On Aug. 31, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., the MountVernon District will host a Pokémon GOevent at the Workhouse Arts Center. Visitour website for more details (http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/mountvernon/).Coming soon, you’ll hear more about theinaugural Tour de’ Mount Vernon, a bicycletour of the Mount Vernon District from thePotomac to the Occoquan River.
Again, I welcome you to the MountVernon community and sincerely hope youenjoy living in the finest district in FairfaxCounty. It is an honor and privilege to serveyou.
children, “Fast-Track” treatment rooms forpatients with less serious injuries and twonew rooms for resuscitation emergencies.
The new department is being fundedlargely by Jeffrey Veatch, an entrepreneurfrom the Mount Vernon area, who’s com-mitted a $2 million lead matching gift to-ward the new construction.
Photo courtesy of
Southeast Fairfax
Development
Corporation
The futureBelvoir Square,formerlyAccotink Vil-lage, will in-clude 283residentialunits and12,000 square-feet of retailspace.
Sources: District Supervisor Dan Storck (D-MountVernon) and land use aide, District Supervisor JeffMcKay (D-Lee) and land use aide, Southeast FairfaxDevelopment Corporation, the Army Historical Foun-dation and Lee Barton, Senior Project Manager forDesign and Construction with the Inova FacilitiesManagement Department.
16 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2016-17 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
See How to Vote, Page 17
Newcomers & Community Guide
FAIRFAX COUNTY:While the Presidential election will take top bill-
ing, every seat in the U.S. Congress is on the ballot,with one hotly contested race in Northern Virginia.
In Fairfax County, voters will decide whether toenact a four percent meals tax, a topic voters willhear a lot more about in coming weeks.
The Town of Herndon will have its first Novemberelection, moving from May in past elections, withthe office of Mayor and six Town Council seats onthe ballot.
Fairfax County voters will decide on three bondquestions, including $120 million in transportationbonds for Metro; $107 million in bonds for parks;and $85 million for building and renovating seniorand community centers, and homeless shelters. Moreat http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/bond/
Absentee Voting in PersonVoting begins Sept. 23, and with record turnout
possible, voting early if you qualify is a good choice.There are 19 valid reasons to vote absentee in Vir-
ginia, including working and commuting to and fromhome for 11 or more hours between 6 a.m. and 7p.m. on Election Day. Check the Virginia Departmentof Elections list to see if you are eligible. http://elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/absentee-vot-ing/index.html
There are two ways to vote absentee, in-personand by mail. To do either, you should first check yourvoter registration status to make sure it is up-to-date.Then you will need to apply for an absentee ballot.Note: If you vote absentee in-person you will fill outthe application when you arrive at the in-person ab-sentee location (see locations below). Voting absen-tee by mail? Read below for the process of applyingfor your mail-in ballot.
You can now apply for an absentee ballot onlinewith the state’s new Citizen Portal. You will need yourSocial Security Number and information on yourVirginia Driver’s License to complete the application.Information is also provided on how to apply if youdo not have a driver’s license.
Absentee Voting Begins Sept. 23Fairfax County Government Center, Conference
Room 2/3,12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, 22035Weekday Schedule:❖ Sept. 23 to Oct. 14, Monday, Tuesday, Wednes-
day and Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Thursday: 8a.m. to 7 p.m., Closed, Monday, Oct. 10, ColumbusDay.
❖ Oct. 17 to Nov. 4, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 8p.m.
Saturday Schedule: Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and No-vember 5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 5 is the last day toabsentee vote in-person.
Absentee Voting at Satellite LocationsSaturday Schedule: Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and Nov.
5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Weekday Schedule: Oct. 17 to Nov. 4, Monday -
Friday, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.Satellite Voting Locations:❖ Providence Community Center - 3001 Vaden Dr.,
Fairfax, 22031❖ Franconia Governmental Center - 6121
Franconia Rd., Alexandria, 22310❖ McLean Governmental Center - 1437 Balls Hill
Rd., Community Room, McLean, 22101❖ North County Governmental Center, 1801
Cameron Glen Dr., Community Rooms, Reston,20190
❖ West Springfield Governmental Center - 6140Rolling Rd., Springfield, 22152
❖ Mason Governmental Center - 6507 ColumbiaPike, Annandale, 22003
❖ Mount Vernon Governmental Center - 2511Parkers Lane, Alexandria, 22306
❖Sully Governmental Center - 4900 StonecroftBlvd., Chantilly, 20151
❖ Lorton Library - 9520 Richmond Hwy., Lorton,22079 SATURDAYS ONLY (Closed Weekdays)
Ballot Question,Meals Tax
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/mealstax/Fairfax County voters will vote yes or no on estab-
lishing a 4 percent meals tax. The Connection willpublish stories and letters in coming weeks on bothsides of this issue.
QUESTION:State law authorizes counties, cities, and towns to
levy a tax on prepared food and beverages, commonlycalled a “meals tax,” subject to certain restrictions.Most counties, including Fairfax County, may levy ameals tax only if the voters approve the tax by refer-endum.
The question presented in this referendum asksFairfax County voters whether the Board of Supervi-sors should be authorized to levy a meals tax, at arate not to exceed four percent of the amount chargedfor the taxable food and beverages.
70 percent of the net revenues would be dedicatedto Fairfax County Public Schools; 30 percent of thenet revenues would be dedicated to County services,capital improvements and property tax relief.
The question also states that the Board of Supervi-
How to VoteEvery year is election year in Virginia; mechanicsand details of voting require attention to detail.
Upcoming DeadlinesOn Election Day Polls are open from 6 a.m. - 7 p.m.To determine whether you are eligible and registered to
vote in this election, visit the Virginia Department of Electionswebsite at http://elections.virginia.gov/ or call Fairfax Elec-tions office at 703-222-0776.
❖ Sept. 23: In-Person Absentee Voting Begins http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/absentee.htm
❖ Oct. 17: Voter Registration Deadline - In-Person: 5 p.m.,Online www.vote.virginia.gov 11:59 p.m.
❖ Nov. 1: Last Day to Apply for an Absentee Ballot by Mail,Fax, Email or Online: 5 p.m.
❖ Nov. 5: Final Day for In-Person Absentee Voting❖ Nov. 8: Absentee Ballot Return Deadline: 7 p.m.For more information on voting in Fairfax County:Voter Registration: 703-222-0776, TTY 711Absentee Fax: 703-324-3725Email: [email protected] Officer Info: 703-324-4735, TTY 711
ON THE BALLOT in Fairfax County:❖ President and Vice President❖ U.S. House of Representatives, 8th, 10th, or 11th Dis-
trict❖ Meal Tax Referendum❖ Three Proposed County Bond Questions❖ Two Proposed Constitutional Amendments
Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2016-17 ❖ 17www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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Newcomers & Community Guide
From Page 16
sors’ reason for seeking authority to impose a mealstax is to reduce the county’s dependence on real es-tate taxes. Currently, nearly 65 percent of FairfaxCounty’s General Fund budget relies upon real es-tate taxes. State law limits what the county can taxand how it may otherwise raise revenue. Almost 90percent of Fairfax County non-property tax revenuesare capped, limited, or controlled by the state. Ameals tax would give the County a new source ofrevenue, which would help diversify the County’srevenue base. At the maximum four percent tax rate,a meals tax would generate an estimated $99 mil-lion per year, with a significant percentage paid bynon-county residents.
A number of area jurisdictions already impose ameals tax, including Arlington County, the cities ofAlexandria, Falls Church, and Fairfax, and the townsof Herndon and Vienna.
Bond Questionshttp://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/bond/TRANSPORTATION BONDS, Yes or NoShall the Board of Supervisors of Fairfax County,
Virginia, contract a debt, borrow money and issuebonds, in addition to bonds previously authorizedfor transportation improvements and facilities, in themaximum aggregate principal amount of $120 mil-lion to finance Fairfax County’s share, under theWashington Metropolitan Area Transit AuthorityCompact, of the cost of constructing, reconstructing,improving and acquiring transportation improve-ments and facilities, including capital costs of land,transit facilities, rolling stock and equipment in theWashington metropolitan area, and to finance im-provements to primary and secondary State high-
ways and ancillary related improvements and facili-ties?
PARKS AND PARK FACILITIES BONDS, Yesor No
Shall the Board of Supervisors of Fairfax County,Virginia, contract a debt, borrow money and issuebonds, in addition to bonds previously authorizedfor parks and park facilities, in the maximum aggre-gate principal amount of $107,000,000: (i)$94,700,000 principal amount to finance the FairfaxCounty Park Authority’s cost to acquire, construct,develop and equip additional parks and park facili-ties, to preserve open-space land, and to develop andimprove existing parks and park facilities; and (ii)$12,300,000 principal amount for Fairfax County’scontribution to the Northern Virginia Regional ParkAuthority to acquire, construct, develop and equipparks and park facilities?
HUMAN SERVICES/COMMUNITY DEVELOP-MENT BONDS, Yes or No
Shall the Board of Supervisors of Fairfax County,Virginia, contract a debt, borrow money and issuebonds in the maximum aggregate principal amountof $85,000,000 to provide funds to finance the costof human services facilities and community devel-opment facilities, including the construction and re-construction of community centers and shelters andthe acquisition of land and equipment or intereststherein?
❖ Replace the Sully Senior Center and a build newLorton Community Center ($37 million)
❖ Renovate, expand or replace four emergencyshelters for people who are homeless: Patrick Henry,Embry Rucker, Eleanor Kennedy, and Bailey’s ($48million)
18 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2016-17 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Celebrate the beginning of autumnwith the family at Mount Vernonwith activities including wagon rides,apple-roasting and a straw balemaze. The event is included withpurchase of admission to MountVernon; tickets are $17 for adults, $9for children, $16 for seniors and freefor children 5 years and younger.Visit www.mountvernon.org formore.
SUNDAY/OCT. 30Del Ray Halloween Parade. 2-4
p.m. at Mount Vernon Ave. All arewelcome to march in the parade.Parade ends in a party at the Mt.Vernon Recreation Center fieldsfeaturing live music, freerefreshments, games, best costumeawards, and more. Free. Visitwww.visitdelray.com/halloween formore.
SUNDAY-MONDAY/OCT. 30-31Poe in Alexandria. 8-10 p.m. at the
Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. ActorDavid Keltz returns to The Lyceum’slecture hall to re-create Poe’s visit toVirginia in 1849, shortly before hisdeath. Individual works performedeach year vary, but the programalways includes a chilling story ortwo such as “The Black Cat,” “TheCask of Amontillado,” or “The Tell-Tale Heart,” along with well-knownpoems “The Raven” and “El Dorado.”Tickets are $15. Visitshop.alexandriva.gov/events.
MONDAY/OCT. 31Halloween Trick-Or-Treating. 5-7
p.m. at Carlyle House Historic Park,121 N. Fairfax St. Free. Visitwww.novaparks.com to register.
November 2016FRIDAY/NOV. 4Art on Tap 2016. 7-10 p.m. at the Art
League Gallery, 105 N. Union St.Craft beers from local breweries havebeen artfully paired with a work ofart from an Art League instructor.Local restaurants have chosen abrew/artwork coupling to serve astheir muse to create the perfectcomplimentary appetizer. Enjoy thebrew, bite, and artwork trifectas,then vote for a winner. Tickets are$35-45 plus a service fee. Visitwww.theartleague.org for more.
TUESDAY/ NOV. 8Election Day. General election. Visit
www.sbe.virginia.gov/ andwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/upcoming.htm.
THURSDAY-SATURDAY/NOV. 10-13Alexandria Film Festival. AMC
Hoffman Center 22, 206 Swamp FoxRoad and Beatley Central Library,5005 Duke St. The 10th annualAlexandria Film Festival bringstogether short and feature lengthfilms of all genres from emerging andestablished, local and internationalfilmmakers. All ticketed events willbe held at the AMC Hoffman Theater22, with Beatley Central Libraryoffering free programs to the public.Visit www.alexandriafilm.org.
FRIDAY/ NOV. 11Mount Vernon Salutes Veterans. 9
a.m.-4 p.m. at Washington’s MountVernon, 3200 Mount VernonMemorial Highway. Honored guests(veterans) are invited to place aflower at Washington’s tomb, enjoy aconcert by the Harmony HeritageSingers and the United States AirForce String Orchestra. Free forveterans and active duty military
members, $9-17 for everyone else.See www.mountvernon.org for more.
SATURDAY/NOV. 19Virginia Cider Week Tasting
Event. 7-9:30 p.m. at The Lyceum,201 S. Washington St. In partnershipwith the Alexandria-Caen SisterCities Committee, the Lyceum offersa cider tasting as part of VirginiaCider Week. Tickets are $50-75. Visitwww.show.alexandriava.gov/eventsfor more.
THURSDAY/NOV. 24Turkey Trot. 9 a.m. at George
Washington Middle School, 1005Mount Vernon Ave. A Thanksgivingmorning tradition, this fast, flat,USATF-certified 5-mile coursethrough the heart of Del Ray.Registration is $5-25. Visitwww.alexandriaturkeytrot.com formore.
FRIDAY/ NOV. 25Tree Lighting Ceremony. 6-8 p.m. at
Market Square, 301 King St. Attendthe ceremony in which the City Treeis lit and visited by Santa, the TownCrier, and other city officials. Free.Visit www.alexandriava.gov formore.
FRIDAY/NOV. 25-SATURDAY/JAN. 6Christmas in Mount Vernon. 3200
Mount Vernon Memorial Highway,Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon decksthe halls with themed Christmas treeson the estate and festive greenery inthe Mansion. Visitwww.mountvernon.org/christmas.
December 2016Alexandria Winter Restaurant
Week. More than 60 Alexandriarestaurants offer a $35 three-coursedinner or a $35 dinner for two. Morethan two dozen restaurants are alsooffering lunch deals at $10, $15 or$20 per person in addition to thedinner specials. Visitwww.alexandriarestaurantweek.com.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY/ DEC. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday
Market. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdayand Sunday, 6-9 p.m. Friday,Colasanto Park, 2704 Mount VernonAve. The market offers handmadefine arts and fine crafts from localartists (including pottery/ceramics,photography, jewelry, cloth, papercrafts, and glass). Find differentartists each weekend. Free. Visitwww.thedelrayartisans.org.
SATURDAY/DEC. 346th Annual Campagna Center
Scottish Walk Parade. 11 a.m.Old Town Alexandria, the paradebegins at St. Asaph and WolfeStreets. More than 100 ScottishClans, pipe and drum bands, Scottishdancers, re-enactment groups, Scottiedogs, dignitaries and, of course,Santa Claus will march through thestreets of Old Town. Visitwww.campagnacenter.org/scottishwalkweekend/parade.
SATURDAY/DEC. 31First Night Alexandria. Events take
place throughout the day atnumerous venues around the City ofAlexandria. Visitwww.firstnightalexandria.org.
February 2017MID-FEBRUARYCommunity Tax Assistance Day.
Last year, the Twig, the junior auxiliary of Inova Alexandria Hospital fea-tured six homes in their annual fundraiser highlighting homes important tothe city’s history. This year, the tour will be held on Saturday, Sept. 24, 10a.m.-3 p.m. Tickets are $35 through Sept. 25 and may be purchased online.Thereafter, tickets are $40 and may be purchased at The Twig’s Thrift Shop,106 N Columbus St. Visit www.thetwig.org/homes-tour for more.
A home featured in the 2015 historic homes tour.
Twig Hosts HistoricAlexandria Home Tour
Fairfax SkillSource Center, 7611Little River Turnpike, Suite 300 West,Annandale. The IRS VolunteerIncome Tax Assistance (VITA)program offers free assistance with2015 Federal and state tax returnsfor households with a total income of$52,000 or less. Visitwww.volunteerfairfax.org/individuals/vita.php.
April 2017APRIL - JUNERelay for Life. Fundraisers participate
in all-night-long events to help thoseaffected by cancer through theAmerican Cancer Society. Visitwww.relayforlife.org for specificevents and details.
SATURDAY-SATURDAY/APRIL 22-29Historic Garden Week. This
weeklong statewide event providesvisitors an opportunity to seegardens, as well as houses with morethan 2,000 flower arrangementscreated by Garden Club of Virginiamembers. Visitwww.vagardenweek.org.
LATE APRILArt on the Rocks. 7-10 p.m. at The
Art League, 105 N. Union St.Mixologists are paired with a piece ofartwork to use as inspiration tocreate the most artistic cocktail andappetizer pairing and then competefor the title of Art on the Rockschampion. Ticket holders sample allof the delicious pairings and vote fortheir favorite at the event. A panel ofexperts will crown the winner of themost creative cocktail, appetizer, andartwork pairing. Tickets are $55-65.VIsit www.theartleague.org for more.
May 2017SATURDAY/MAY 13Alexandria Tot Rock Fest. 9 a.m.-1
p.m. at Mount Vernon RecreationCenter, 2701 Commonwealth Ave.The fun includes music, movement,and mindfulness for young children.Free. Visit www.totrockfest.com formore.
La Bella Strada. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. atMount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray.This modern street painting festivaloriginates from an ancient Italian artform, featuring the creation of large-scale chalk paintings directly on thesidewalks of Mount Vernon Avenuein Del Ray. Free. Visitwww.visitdelray.com for more.
MONDAY/MAY 23Memorial Day Jazz Concert. 1-6
p.m. at Waterfront Park, Alexandria.A variety of jazz performances takeplace throughout the concert. Food isavailable for purchase, but picniclunches are welcome. Pets should beleft at home. Admission is free. Visitwww.alexandriava.gov/Recreation.
June 2017SUNDAY/JUNE 4Taste of Del Ray. 1-3 p.m. at the
intersection of Mount Vernon andOxford avenues. Top neighborhoodrestaurants participate in thiscompetition. Visitwww.visitdelray.com.
Vine on the Waterfront Festival.Late June, 12-6 p.m. at OronocoPark, 100 Madison St. Formerlyknown as the Alexandria Food &Wine Festival, the festival willexpand to include both restaurantswithin Alexandria and other eateriesthroughout the region. The event is
free to attend, but tickets are $15 perarea (food or wine), $20 after June18. Visitwww.vineonthewaterfront.com.
July 2017SATURDAY/JULY 1Independence Fireworks. 6 p.m. at
Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount VernonMemorial Highway, Mount Vernon.Greet “General and Mrs. Washington”in the historic area before trying aturn at bocce ball and 18th-centurydancing demonstrations. Also enjoy afireworks show. Tickets are $30 foradults, $20 for youth. Visitwww.mountvernon.org for more.
TUESDAY/JULY 4An American Celebration. 8 a.m.-5
p.m. at Mount Vernon, 3200 MountVernon Memorial Highway, MountVernon. Watch made-for-daytimefireworks shoot off over the PotomacRiver. Admission is $9-20, free forchildren 0-5. Visitwww.mountvernon.org for more.
FIRST TWO WEEKS OF JULYGrown Ups Art Camp. Various times
at Del Ray Artisans, 2704 MountVernon Ave. Del Ray Artisans isoffering more than 30 workshops andsessions to choose from. Prices vary.Visit www.delrayartisans.org.
SECOND SATURDAY IN JULYUSA and Alexandria Birthday
Celebration. Oronoco Bay Park,100 Madison Street, Alexandria.Celebrate Alexandria’s 265thbirthday along the Potomacwaterfront with fireworks, cake and
live music. Visitwww.visitalexandriava.com/events/USA-Alexandria-Birthday-Celebration/6607.
August 2017Summer Restaurant Week. Mid-
August, in neighborhoods throughoutAlexandria, including Old Town, DelRay, Carlyle and West End. Menuoptions vary by location. Visitwww.AlexandriaRestaurantWeek.comor call 703-746-3301 for more.
Jane Austen Ball. Mid-August, 8-11p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum,134 N. Royal St. The evening willfeature a variety of English countrydances in the historic ballroom, livemusic, and “iced refreshments.”Period costume optional; “after-five”attire encouraged. Tickets are $45.Visit shop.AlexandriaVA.gov/Events.aspx.
Friendship Firehouse Festival. Mid-August, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at FriendshipFirehouse Museum, 107 S. Alfred St.The festival celebrates the specialrole firefighters have playedthroughout history, especially thoseof Friendship. The event will featurea collection of antique fire equipmentand, courtesy of the Alexandria FireDepartment, a display of modern firetrucks and apparatus. Free. Visitwww.friendshipfire.net.
Youth Arts Festival. Early August, 1-5 p.m. at Mount Vernon RecreationCenter, 2701 Commonwealth Ave.This festival will showcase the talentsof youth around the city and serve asa forum of expression for both visualand performing arts. Free. Call 703-549-7115 ext. 370.
File pho
to
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uise K
rafft/G
azette Packet
A Sampling of Annual
Community EventsEntertainment
Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2016-17 ❖ 19www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Community Guide
School: Mount Vernon High SchoolMascot: MajorsSchool Colors: Maroon, gray and
whiteAthletic Director: Greg MillerFootball Coach: Barry Wells (sev-
enth year)The Majors finished 2-8 in 2015 after
a promising 2-1 start and failed toqualify for postseason play.
Field Hockey Coach: JessicaEdwards
Volleyball Coach: Amy DeBokGolf Coach: Sam Hedenberg.Boys’ Basketball Coach: Lou
Golden.Girls’ Basketball Coach: India
Thomas.Boys’ Soccer Coach: Tony Garza.Softball Coach: Daniel Coast.
Rival School: West Potomac
What happened last year: MountVernon sophomore Hailey Fisher wonthe 6A state diving championship witha state-record score of 447.1 on Feb. 19at Oak Marr.
Fisher finished more than 42 pointsahead the runner-up.
— Updated by Aaron
Lundmark
Getting To Know ...Mount Vernon Sports
School: West Potomac High SchoolMascot: WolverinesSchool Colors: Royal blue and sil-
verAthletic Director: Aaron Helmick,
703-718-2560Football Coach: Jeremiah Ross
(third year)The Wolverines finished the regular
season 7-3 and defeated West Spring-field in the postseason before losing toSouth County to finish the season witha record of 8-4.
Cross Country Coach: Jenn DietzVolleyball Coach: Nancy NixonBoys’ Basketball Coach: David
Houston IIIGirls’ Basketball Coach: Lauren
Arthur
Baseball Coach: Jim SullivanSoftball Coach: Craig ManigliaBoys’ Soccer Coach: Ahmad SassoGirls’ Lacrosse Coach: Cindy
Lopez-Yusuf Rival Schools: Mount Vernon, T.C.
Williams
What happened last year: The2015-16 West Potomac boys’ basketballteam produced one of the program’sbest seasons in recent years, capturingits first conference/district title since2010 and making its first state tourna-ment appearance since 1998.
— Updated by Aaron
Lundmark
West Potomac Sports
20 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2016-17 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com