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Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ March 28 - April 3, 2013 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

AttentionPostmaster:

Time-sensitivematerial.

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PAIDAlexandria, VAPermit #482

Spring FunPage 14

March 28, 2013Mount Vernon’s Hometown Newspaper • A Connection Newspaper

See Name, Page 18

See Political, Page 18

Spring is a great time for a pickup basketball game at Grist Mill Park.For more spring fun, see page 14.

Nick flies a kite at Fort Hunt Park onSaturday, March 23. He made it with hisdad earlier in the day.

Alexandra Rodriguez and her dadEnrique used the sunny weather to getin some basketball practice.

The sunny day brought out 6-year-oldJeremiah and his Uncle’s dog Romi.

Enjoying aSpringWeekend

Photos by Renée Ruggles/The Gazette

By Michael Lee PopeThe Gazette

Half a million uninsuredVirginians may be eli-gible for Medicaid un-der an agreement now beingworked out in Richmond — a dealin which Republican Gov. BobMcDonnell agreed to include Med-icaid expansion as part of the bud-get if Senate Democrats supporteda transportation package. The

vote-swapping arrangement isclassic politics, but it may open thedoor to half a million poor Virgin-ians receiving health care.

“It’s like the ‘Lincoln’ movie,”said Kyle Konidk, analyst with theUniversity of Virginia Center forPolitics. “If you are trying toachieve an objective in politics, alot of time you can’t be totally pureabout it.”

Health Care forTransportation DollarsVote-swapping agreement ontransportation funding opens doorto Medicaid expansion.

By Michael Lee PopeThe Gazette

William Shakespeare’sJuliet once fa-mously asked,“What’s in a name?”Her question was based on a feudbetween warring families. But herein Mount Vernon, two warring fac-tions are divided about a differentname — the major highway thatruns from the Beltway to theOccoquan River.

One faction of people says itshould be known as Historic Route1, a road with special designationconnecting Civil War battlefieldswith George Washington’s estate.Another faction says the corridorshould be called Richmond High-way, underscoring the regional sig-nificance rather than the nationalthoroughfare connecting Maine toFlorida.

“It’s sort of a disparaging way ofreferring to this area as Route 1,”said Jim Davis, co-chairman of theMount Vernon Council of CitizensAssociations. “Prosecutors use it incourt when they want to berate theplace.”

Davis said that many people as-sociate Route 1 with crime andvice, an era when shady businesseshere were known as “no-tell mo-tels.” He says the corridor shouldbe known as Richmond Highwaybecause it speaks to the regionalsignificance of the road. Del. ScottSurovell (D-44) disagrees. Hehelped shepherd legislation in2010 that renamed the road “His-toric Route 1.”

“Route 1 has historic assetsalong the entire length of it,” saidSurovell. “I don’t think we shouldbe renaming little tiny segments

Route 1 or Richmond Highwayoffer different connotations.

What’s in a Name?

2 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ March 28 - April 3, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com


Students dressed in folkcostume depict their

cultural origins.

Hybla Valley Elementary Celebrates Vernal Equinox

Students and their families fill the gym to watch the performance of theIrish dancers on the World Stage.

Students representing Central and South American countries await theirturn to appear on stage during the evening performance.

SantiagoEstela andCarlo Castrorehearse theSalsa beforetheir perfor-mance.

Bonnie Calhoun,playing the cello,accompanies MaryWilkerson in melo-dies from aroundthe world.

Art teacher Denise Corcoran throws pots in the artroom as part of the South American exhibit.

Bagpiper Colin Agnew anddrummer Beth Morga of theNorthern Virginia FirefightersEmerald Pipes and Drums leadsthe parade of students and theirfamilies through the school atthe conclusion of the festival onThursday evening.

News Mount Vernon Gazette Editor Steven Mauren703-778-9415 or [email protected]

On the first day of spring, the HyblaValley Elementary School commu-nity celebrated with an interna-tional festival at the school. All seven con-tinents were feted. A Mariachi band, an Irishdance group along with student and familycultural performances drew crowds into thegym, the World Stage.

In the African wing, art and mudcloth andbead tradingwere dis-played. Art de-picting Austra-lia hung in thehallway by thekindergartenclasses. In the5th grade hall-way, Antarc-tica was alsofeatured in art

and could be viewed while atthe other end near Asia,henna tattoos were applied tostudents.

The South American ex-hibit featured a lotteria gamein the café, pottery-making inthe art room and more artdisplays. A labyrinth, a cul-tural theatre, a German band,bagpiper and drummer alongwith mini language lessonswere a few of the highlightsfrom the European exhibit.

The evening ended with thebagpiper Colin Agnew anddrummer Beth Morga leadingthe festival participants in aparade throughout the hall-ways and out to the front en-trance of the school on Lockheed Boulevard.

Tajikistan was on dis-play in the Asian exhibit.

Photos byLouise Krafft /

The Gazette

Students were givenpassports to havestamped as they touredexhibits and perfor-mances.


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Email announcements [email protected] is Thursday at noon.

SATURDAY/MARCH 30Collection. 1-5 p.m. at St. Aidan’s

Episcopal Church, 8531 RiversideRoad. Donate new or lightly usedbaseball and softball equipment onbehalf of the Cal Ripken, Sr.Foundation. Collected items will begiven to disadvantaged players in theBaltimore area.

WEDNESDAY/APRIL 3Grow Your Business Network. 8-10

a.m. at Belle Haven Country Club.Hosted by the Mount Vernon-LeeChamber of Commerce and theGreater Springfield Chamber ofCommerce. Enjoy a buffet breakfastand networking. $25. Reservations atwwwmtvernon-leechamber.org.

FRIDAY/APRIL 5Documentary. 7 p.m. at Mount

Vernon Unitarian Church, 1909Windmill Lane. Watch “AmericanMeat.” Free. Refreshments provided.703-721-0595.

SUNDAY/APRIL 14CROP Walk. Registration begins at 1

p.m. and the walk begins at 1:30p.m. at Heritage PresbyterianChurch, 8503 Fort Hunt Road. Enjoya 1.6 mile walk through thecommunity, sponsored by area

BulletinBoard

See Bulletin, Page 7


Teens VolunteerA group of high school friends volunteered with their parents to host the February andMarch Life Skills Dinners for client families in UCM’s transitional housing programs.The students earned community service hours for the time spent preparing and servinga meal for the families. From left are UCM case managers Caitlin Hollis and StefanieBass; mothers Marge McConnell, Tina Musleh, Monica Rodgers; Sophia Musleh andKelly McConnell, both juniors at Edison High School; Andy Rodgers, 8th grader at MarkTwain Middle School; and Orlis Perla, junior at Edison. Not pictured but contributingto the meals were: Walt Dandridge and his son Harrison, junior at Edison; MargaretRoberts and her daughter Katie, also a junior at Edison; and Norma Perla, mother ofOrlis. UCM manages two transitional housing programs that include housing, intensivecounseling, case management, and life skills classes.

Learning aboutGovernmentDel. Scott Surovell hosted the 3rd AnnualAmundson Institute earlier this year.Originally founded by former Del. KrisAmundson as the Young Leaders Program,the Amundson Institute offers high schoolstudents in the Mount Vernon and Leecommunity to learn about how the statelegislative process functions. The studentsincluded, from front row left, DarienCashku of West Potomac High School,Laraib Ilyas of West Potomac High School,Trisha Racho of West Potomac HighSchool. In the back row from left are JohnDay of St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes school,Gordon Baer of West Potomac High School,Adel Lahlon of Mount Vernon High Schooland Ben Deneault of Mount Vernon HighSchool.

Amerau, Harris EngagedCaptain Harold F. Amerau, Jr., U.S. Navy (Ret.) and

Colonel Carla M. Stucki-Amerau, U.S. Air Force (Ret.)of Alexandria are proud to announce the engage-ment of their daughter, Lieutenant Junior Grade Brit-tany Nicole Amerau, U.S. Navy, to Lieutenant JuniorGrade Christopher Paul Harris, U.S. Navy, son ofTimothy and Pamela Harris of Richmond.

The future bride is a 2006 graduate of MountVernon High School in Alexandria and graduatedfrom the U.S. Naval Academy in 2010. She is a Navypilot assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron28 in Norfolk.

The future groom is a 2005 graduate of BenedictineHigh School in Richmond and a 2006 graduate ofFork Union Military Academy. Harris is also a 2010graduate of the Naval Academy. He is assigned tothe USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) in Norfolk.

While attending the Naval Academy, Amerau wasa member of the women’s lacrosse team and Harriswas captain of the Navy basketball team. An Aprilwedding is planned in the Naval Academy Chapel inAnnapolis.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Brittany NicoleAmerau and Lieutenant Junior GradeChristopher Paul Harris are engaged.

People

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Vienna4.02%

$610,521

Fairfax3.18%

$432 00

Great Falls4.36%

$971,014

entreville3 14%

Chantilly3.80%

$405,494

McLean3.16%

$786,105

Reston4.91%

$379,812

O2

$63

Falls Churchh3 77%

Herndon5.23%

$428,013

Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust (D) saw a 2.00% gain in his property value when compared to 2011.

The county valued Foust's house at $3 048 110 l t d $3 109 050 thi$3,048,110 last year and $3,109,050 this year.

Hunter Mill Supervisor Cathy Hudgins (D) saw her assessment went up 0.94%

f $570 520 i 2012 t $575 910 i 2013from $570,520 in 2012 to $575,910 in 2013.

Springfield Supervisor Patrick Herrity (R) saw a 6.47% gain6 47% i in his property value i hi t l

when compared to 2012. mpared to 2012Last year, his home was worth $520,120 and

this year it is valued at $553,770.

Fairfax County Chairman Sharon Bulova (D) saw her home value went up 4.35% h h l t 4 35%

from $591,990 in 2012 to $617,750 in 2013.

Providence Supervisor Linda Smyth (D) saw a 11.99% increase in the value of 11 99% i i th l fher house when compared to last year.

Smyth's home was valued at $494,880 in 2012 and $554,220 in 2013.

Sully Supervisor Michael Freyy (R) saw a 5.28% increase in 5 28% i i

the value of his home over the lasst year. Frey's home was assessed aat

$214,490 in 2012 and $225,820 in 2013.

Lee Supervisor McKay (D) Jeff of 0.96% saw an increase oent in 2013. in his home assessm

orth $703,450 and Last year, his home was woat $710,220.this year it is valued a

Braddock Supervisor John Cook (R)saw a 5.26% increase in saw a 5 26% increase in

the value of his home over the last year. Cook's home was assessed at

$556,920 in 2012 and $586,220 in 2013.

$550,609 (3.13%)$337,817 (4.50%)$222,722 (5.42%)

Single Family Detached Townhouse

Condos

2013 County Average (Percent Change)

6%0%

Fairfax County REAL ESTATE2013 Assessments by Zip Code Areas

SOURCE: Fairfax County

ZIP CODE AREA 2012 MEAN 2013 MEAN PERCENT CHANGEAlexandria 367,955 380,715 2.91Annandale 366,264 380,881 3.99Burke 382,480 395,274 3.35Centreville 330,259 340,642 3.14Chantilly 390,658 405,494 3.80Clifton 609,373 619,250 1.62Fairfax 418,712 432,009 3.18Fairfax Station 587,881 601,818 2.37Falls Church 369,629 383,559 3.77Great Falls 930,477 971,014 4.36Herndon 406,751 428,013 5.23Lorton 332,476 349,150 5.02McLean 762,002 786,105 3.16Oakton 624,911 639,551 2.34Reston 362,028 379,812 4.91Springfield 361,529 373,874 3.41Vienna 586,948 610,521 4.02


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Charlotte S.Drummond

Charlotte Susan SauerDrummond died on March 8, 2013in The Villages, Fla. She was 68.She was born and raised in SilverSpring, Md. where she graduatedfrom Montgomery Blair HighSchool and attended MontgomeryCollege. She resided in Scotlandfor several years after marryingher husband, John R. Drummondof Glasgow, Scotland. They re-turned to the United States andresided in several locations inNorthern Virginia before settlingin the Alexandria section of FairfaxCounty, where they lived for nearly30 years before moving to Florida.

For over 20 years she worked forthe Senior Services of Alexandriawhere she performed a variety of

duties. She coordinated taxi ser-vice for senior residents of Alex-andria, enabling them to get re-duced cost taxi rides to grocerystores and medical appointments.She also coordinated para transittaxi service. In addition, she as-sisted low-income elderly indi-viduals in getting energy assis-tance through the WashingtonArea Fuel Fund and performed avariety of administrative func-tions. She enjoyed helping Alex-

andria seniors and developedfriendships with many of them.

Charlotte is survived by her hus-band of 45 years, John R.Drummond, her son Robin D.Drummond of Alexandria, her sis-ter, Katherine S. McGuirk of GlenBurnie, Md., and her brother, H.Arthur Sauer of Alexandria. Shewas preceded in death by herbrother, George E. Sauer ofPotomac, Md., and her parents,Nellie F. Sauer and Herman A.Sauer.

A memorial service will be heldon April 13, at 11 a.m. at theWestminster Presbyterian Church,2701 Cameron Mills Road, Alex-andria, VA 22302.

In lieu of flowers, the family re-quests that contributions be madeto the Senior Services of Alexan-dria, 700 Princess St. - MezzanineLevel, Alexandria, VA 22314.

Obituary

churches. Proceeds benefit local hunger-fighting initiatives. Visitwww.cropwalkonline.org for more.

TUESDAY/APRIL 16Genealogical Society. 1 p.m. at

Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500Shenandoah Road. “The Jones Jinx:Tracing Common Surnames.” Free.Visit www.mvgenealogy.org or 703-

866-2478.Mount Vernon Evening Lions Club.

7 p.m. at Pema’s restaurant. PrescottBarbash from Consumer Affairs willspeak on identity theft. Call AndreaCorsillo at 703-960-4973 to register.

FRIDAY/APRIL 26Application Deadline. Students can

apply for the 2013 Mount Vernon-LeeChamber of Commerce EducationPartnership scholarship. Scholarships

are awarded to high school seniors inthe Mount Vernon and Lee districtspursuing education in a businessrelated field. Visit www.mtvernon-leechamber.org or 703-360-6925 orhigh school career centers forapplications.

SATURDAY/APRIL 27Community-wide Yard Sale. 8 a.m.-

2 p.m. at Mount Zephyr communityin Mount Vernon.

From Page 4Bulletin Board


Opinion

See Letters, Page 10

Letters to the Editor

www.MountVernonGazette.com

@MtVernonGazette

An independent, locally owned weeklynewspaper delivered

to homes and businesses.Published by

Local Media Connection LLC

1606 King StreetAlexandria, Virginia 22314

Free digital edition delivered toyour email box. Go to

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NEWS DEPARTMENT:To discuss ideas and concerns,

Call: 703-778-9410e-mail:

[email protected]

Steven MaurenEditor, 703-778-9415

[email protected]

Michael Lee PopeReporter, 703-615-0960

[email protected]@MichaelLeePope

Jeanne Theismann703-778-9436

[email protected]@TheismannMedia

Jon RoetmanSports Editor, 703-224-3015

[email protected]@jonroetman

Louise KrafftPhotographer

[email protected]

ADVERTISING:For advertising information

e-mail:[email protected]

Julie FerrillDisplay Advertising, [email protected]

Helen WalutesDisplay Advertising, 703-224-3028

[email protected]

Andrea SmithClassified Advertising, [email protected]

Debbie FunkNational Sales703-778-9444

[email protected]

PublisherJerry Vernon

[email protected]

Editor & PublisherMary Kimm

[email protected]

@MaryKimm

Editor in ChiefSteven MaurenArt/Design:

Laurence Foong, John HeinlyProduction Manager:

Jean CardGeovani Flores

CIRCULATION: 703-778-9427Circulation Manager:

Ann [email protected]

A Connection Newspaper

The first paragraph of Virginia Free-dom of Information Act, passed bythe General Assembly in 1968,states that all public records “shallbe presumed open.”

It doesn’t add, “except when we don’t wantto,” although that provision does seem to beavailable in many cases. Individual gov-ernment entities have a variety of waysof making it hard for the public to ac-cess public information.

One such way is simply to require that theinformation seeker file a “FOIA request,” awritten request for information under the Free-dom of Information Act. Most public informa-tion should be readily available, handed overon request. The written query allows the en-tity, a school system for example, to parse therequest to provide as little information as pos-sible. It is a method of foot-dragging, of justhoping that the requestor will give up.

A growing obstacle involves fees. Many gov-ernment agencies respond to any request forpublic information with a bill, sometimes forthousands of dollars. The bills can cover stafftime to calculate the answers, to locate thedata. The staff time involved is already on thepublic payroll, and charging fees to provide

public information to the public when the pub-lic is already paying for the existence of theinformation is double dipping. Again, it’s amethod designed to discourage access. And itis often effective. And while many citizengroups in our area can cough up $3,000 or$6,000 or more for access to the email corre-

spondence of public officials on a deci-sion that affects the public, for ex-ample, many cannot. It is inequitableto charge this sort of fee.

The existence of email correspondence be-tween public officials is another concern, al-lowing for discussion that, while usually FOIA-able, takes place outside the public eye. Localgovernments could develop a public archivefor email correspondence that would do muchto enhance transparency and sunshine in theCommonwealth, and reduce embarrassmenton the part of emailing officials because theywould recognize in advance that their email ispublic.

The Virginia Freedom of Information Actincludes an exception that allows police towithhold, without justification, “complaints,memoranda, correspondence, case files or re-ports, witness statements and evidence.” Po-lice officials in Fairfax, Arlington and Alexan-

dria have adopted what they call a “blanket”approach to using their exemption. That meansthey have decided to withhold any documentthey can without any analysis of whether theyshould. But no public entity should be allowedblanket exemptions. Withholding public infor-mation, if it is allowed, should be on a case-by-case basis. Police departments all over thecountry routinely allow access to police reports,incident reports and many other source docu-ments without harm, documents that policehere refuse to allow the public to see.

So with many systemic roadblocks to publicaccess to public information, it is discourag-ing to say the least to see the General Assem-bly add significant new obstacles.

The Virginia Coalitions for Open Governmentreports that the General Assembly passed ex-emptions that “will limit access to some corre-spondence of legislative aides, to evacuationplans for hospitals operating under certificatesof public need, to certain flight plans filed atregional government airports, to records andmeetings of the Jamestown-Yorktown Founda-tion and to bank self-assessments. All con-cealed handgun permit applications will nowbe off-limits, too, thanks to a bill that was radi-cally amended from its original purpose andreported from committee to House floor in lessthan 24 hours,” limiting public comment.

— Mary Kimm, [email protected]

More Obstacles to TransparencyGeneral Assembly puts more information out ofpublic reach, but other factors also limit access.

Editorial

Community Clean-upMount Vernon High School stu-dents recently participated in anewly formed community serviceproject, “MVHS Community Clean-Up,” which resulted in the collec-tion of 16 bags of garbage fromthe surrounding Mount VernonHigh School neighborhood. Thosestudents were: Bridget Awantoh,Joseph Hood, and David Sopko.The purpose of this communityservice project is to show thecommunity Mount Vernon HighSchool students have pride in theirschool and community. Since therecent clean-up, the project’scoordinator has had more volun-teers sign-up and plans to haveanother clean-up during the earlypart of April.

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A Code ofSilenceTo the Editor:

The Virginia Freedom of Infor-mation (FOIA) is a state law thatgives you ready access and theright to obtain government infor-mation and public records in Vir-

ginia.It is important to note, the cus-

todian of records “may” — at hisor her discretion —release recordseven if there is a FOIA exemptionattached to it unless another partof the Code of Virginia would spe-cifically prohibit such release. Un-fortunately, most law enforcementagencies in Virginia arbitrarily and

unwisely choose not to releaserecords to the media and the pub-lic in general. This lack logic. Lawenforcement agencies must bebrought to the reality that govern-ment information in Virginia ispresumed public. The “Code ofSilence” exercised by the Virginialaw enforcement community iscontrary to that of most police or-

ganizations in our country. Hidingbehind a “wall of silence” does notpromote good police-public rela-tions. This deep-rooted non-coop-eration with the public should beeliminated sooner than later.

Efforts to correct this inequity inthe Virginia General Assembly hasbeen obstructed by the aggressiveand strong police lobby.

Out grassroots citizen advocacyorganization, the Virginia CitizensCoalition for Police Accountability,Inc. (CCPA) has consistently expe-rienced denials of our FOIA re-quests from Northern Virginia lawenforcement agencies and particu-larly the Fairfax County police.Most of our requests were relatedto allegations of excessive force orfor several highly questionableshooting deaths of unarmed citi-zens by the police. All of these re-quests were made after the policedeclared their investigations werecompleted and closed.

The public’s comments regard-ing this issue are being sought. Ifyou wish to comment, pleaseemail us at [email protected].

Nicholas R. BeltranteExecutive Director

Virginia Citizens Coalition forPolice Accountability, Inc.


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LettersFrom Page 8


Add, Add?Why Not Cut?To the Editor:

Is it Groundhog Day again? Itseems so, since this is the silly sea-son when, annually, the MVCCA’sBudget & Finance Committee trotsout its annual plea to the Board ofSupervisors to search every nookand cranny to raise the tax rate inevery possible tax category to fa-cilitate funding their expansiveview of the government’s role inour lives, regardless of the realityof the state of the economy thepast several years. One need onlycompare this year’s MVCCA countybudget resolution with those fromthe recent past to see my point.Here are quotes from this year’sresolution and those from the priorthree years:

2010: THEREFORE BE IT RE-SOLVED, the MVCCA urges theBoard of Supervisors to look at allavailable sources of revenue forproviding the additional fundingnecessary to fund the essentialprograms described herein. In ad-dition to the Real Property TaxAssessment, other forms of rev-enue that should be considered bythe Board of Supervisors shouldinclude consideration of a referen-dum on a meals tax, reinstitutionof the vehicle registration (or “carsticker”) tax, and increases in theBPOL tax rates;

2011: THEREFORE BE IT RE-SOLVED, the MVCCA urges theBoard of Supervisors to look at allavailable sources of revenue in-cluding, but not limited to a mealstax and increases in the BPOL taxrates for providing the additionalfunding necessary to fund the es-sential programs described herein;

2012: THEREFORE BE IT RE-SOLVED, the MVCCA urges theBoard of Supervisors to adopt the$1.08 tax real estate tax rate andto look at all available sources ofrevenue including, but not limitedto, a meals tax referendum andincreases in the BPOL tax rates forproviding the additional fundingnecessary to fund the essentialprograms described herein;

2013: THEREFORE BE IT RE-SOLVED, the Mount Vernon Coun-cil of Citizens’ Associations urgesthe Board of Supervisors to adoptthe $1.095 residential real estatetax rate and to look at all avail-able sources of revenue including,but not limited to, increases inproffers from real estate develop-ment, a meals tax referendum andincreases in the BPOL tax rates tobe more closely in line with sur-rounding jurisdictions for provid-ing the additional funding neces


Alexandria Old Town Historic District OfficeCongratulates These Fine Agents on an Exceptional Job in 2012

LONG & FOSTER, REALTORS®Old Town Historic District Office

400 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 703-683-0400

Master’s Club $20 Million or More

Founder’s Club $10-20 Million

Sean Satkus & Kendra Carey Martine IrmerKim Muffler

Chris White Brad Kintz

Brian Hong& Jery Beamer

Betsy Gorman& Bette Gorman

Laura BiedermanGary Ansley Anita Vida-D’Antonio

Dayna Blumel & Kerry Adams

Peter & Lee Braun/Sandi Poole

12 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ March 28 - April 3, 2013 Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ March 28 - April 3, 2013 ❖ 13www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Bob Skinner

Pat Wilson

Franki Roberts

Elfie Biankini Ben Grouby

Margaret Ruhe

Susan Batchelder

Ann Logsdon& Emily Capelli

Julia Martin

Deborah Alea

Martha Deal

Inderjeet Jumani

Ruth Guirard

Suzanne BackusSheila Kolb

Ann Kcaavaljian

Alexandria Old Town Historic District OfficeCongratulates These Fine Agents on an Exceptional Job in 2012

400 King Street703-683-0400

Chairman’s Club $5-10 Million

President’s Club $3-5 Million

Director’s Club $2-3 Million Executive’s Club $1-2 Million

Mary Taylor Jim Crowe Sheryl Lambson Margaret Keagle Renee Reymond Louise Devers

Rich Ragan John Randolph Catherine FoltzVal Klotz

Heidi Kohler & Elke Kohler Daniel Lusk & Michael McCormick

Janice Allen

Sharon Edwards

Leah Chapla Judy Pisciotta

Wendy Shelley

Peggy Baldwin Bonnie Clark

Dave Olinger

Adele DePolo Pat Garrity

Jill DiPasquale Ellen Young

Norma Gants Steve KindrickDavid Okonsky

Kristy MatthaiGinger Webre Sheryl Powers Vermont& Paula Powers

Katherine Ward Marc FosterDerick Hammond Klanci Vanderhyde Glenn Witucki Jen Collier Annelise Smith

Anne Hambley

Christine Vanderhyde

Vinh Tolentino Bob Polson Chuck HarrisNanci Sale

Mary Bourke & Shane Canny Georgia McLaughlin& Patricia Landaeta

Walid Ashoor

Janet Thomas

Margaret Miller Anya Macklin Bill PorterJon Wilbor Manfredy LopezJune SherwoodMeg Tracy

Charlene Hyneman Kira Lopez

Mindy BrubakerMichael Manuel

Susan Haughton Marcy Covarrubias Brandy BuzinskiNorma StrattonMike Lekas

Mary Lou Sage


Spring Fun

By Amber HealyThe Gazette

An annual magic convention willbring big stars of the entertain-ment world to a high school au-ditorium early next month, andeveryone’s invited.

Magi-Whirl is one of the Washington,D.C.-area’s premiere magic conferences,bringing together hobbyists with profession-als and collectors alike to share ideas andpick up some new tricks.

“This is not a local magicians show,” saidDanny Selnick, president of Ring 50 of theInternational Brotherhood of Magicians, thelocal chapter of the worldwide fraternity ofillusionists and other masters of deception.“This is Las Vegas comes to Alexandria.”

There will be some local magicians, bothtaking part in the lectures that will take upFriday night, April 5, and the early part ofthe day on Saturday, April 6.

But the real treat comes Saturday night,when the auditorium at Bishop Ireton HighSchool turns into a star-studded perfor-mance.

Featured this year isJuliana Chen, a womanborn in China who de-fected to the UnitedStates via Canada andbecame the first womannamed World Cham-pion at the World Con-gress of Magicians, earning her the title ofthe First Lady of Magic. A specialist in awide variety of tricks, including a mask thatchanges colors on its own and cards thatappear in an endless stream when she clicksher fingers, Chen has served as the artisticdirector of the Shanghai International

Las Vegas Comes to Alexandria

“Magic for me is seeingthe magic happen.”

— Eric Henning

Big name magiciansconvene to sharetricks, entertainfamilies at Magi-Whirl2013 on April 6.

Magic Festival, and the Athens Festival ofIllusion at the Gialiono Music Theater from2005 through 2007.

Also on the bill is Brad Ross, one of theyoungest illusionists to lead the Disney Live!series of performances with Mickey Mouseand other familiar characters, appearingwith the tour since 2006. He’ll be flying into give a lecture to the magicians partici-pating in the convention on Friday nightand Saturday before taking the BishopIreton stage Saturday.

Other headliners include Master Payne,who has served as the official house magi-cian of the Camlann Mediaeval Fair for more

than 30 years and isone of the best-known magicians inthe Seattle area, andJohn Carlson, aformer New YorkCity police officerwho traded in his si-

ren for the happy shrieks of children atbirthday parties across the country.

“This is a chance for the community tosee superstars,” said Michael Taggert, theshow’s organizer. “That’s the whole purposeof the show. It’s not just another dancetroupe or symphony or school play. It’s

Juliana Chen, the first woman towin the World Congress of Magic,is one of several headliners forMagi-Whirl 2013, at Bishop IretonHigh School on April 6.

something you don’t see in the Washingtonarea very often.”

Taggert and Selnick are responsible forthe event, Selnick as the Ring 50 presidentand Taggert as the show’s producer. Butthey’re quick to point to the magicians fly-ing in from across the country and aroundthe world to bring their talent to Alexan-dria for a night of fun.

“Last year, we had three internationalsuperstars come in,” Taggert said, addingthat there are a few people already contact-ing him for future conventions as far awayas 2015.

Ring 50 had a convention for many years,starting in the 1960s, but after a while theconventions fell away. But in the recent past,it was rediscovered that Ring 50’s bylawsrequire an annual convention, Taggert said.

TAGGERT ALSO WORKS with anotherbig name in magic, albeit one based morelocally. Eric Henning has made quite thename for himself, performing at least oncefor the Obama family in addition to occa-sional gigs throughout the area, includingone coming up at the Old Town Theater inAlexandria the week after the convention.

Henning describes his magic style as “veryold school but with a twist.” In magic, as in

life, everything old is new again, and he spe-cializes in up-close magic, where the illu-sion often occurs in an audience member’shand.

“I don’t ask what’s new, but what’s old,”he said. He got his start working Renais-sance fairs and other open-air perfor-mances, where people had to be convincedto stop and pay attention and maybe, if theywere impressed, drop a few coins in a hator box.

He took up studying older types of magictricks at the Library of Congress, where hewould “read all the books” he could find,including one of the first books about magic,written by a skeptic. It was a big book, butthere was “only one chapter on magic. Therest was how to prevent witches from be-ing burned. Just because someone knewhow to do a few tricks didn’t make them awitch,” Henning said of the book.

The best magic tricks are like Shakespeare— timeless and well received by nearly anyaudience at any point in history. That’s whatHenning tries to focus on in his perfor-mances, he said.

Part storyteller, part actor, his perfor-mances are theatrical and meant to bringthe audience into his world. He plays thepart of a wizard, and if he does his job well,he doesn’t need to explain that it’s all make-believe. “People understand,” he said.

“Magic for me is seeing the magic hap-pen” for people in the audience, he said.

See Magi-Whirl, Page 17

E-mail announcements to [email protected]. Photos andartwork are encouraged. Deadline isThursday at noon.

ONGOING50th Annual Needlework

Exhibition. Through Sunday,March 31. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m.Wednesday through Monday. At theHistoric Woodlawn, 9000 RichmondHighway. $10/adults; $5/studentsthrough grade 12; free/children 5and under. Visit http://woodlawn1805.org/50th-annual-needlework-exhibition/ or call 703-780-4000.

Free Admission. Through Sunday,March 31. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesdaythrough Saturday and 1-3 p.m.Sunday. No admission charge at theLee-Fendall House Museumthroughout March. Located at 614Oronoco St. Visit www.leefendallhouse.org or call 703-548-1789.

Theater Performance. ThroughSunday, March 31. “Ladies Swing theBlues,” a world premiere by ThomasW. Jones II and William Knowles atMetrostage, 1201 N. Royal St.Explore the jazz folklore, mythologiesand backstage stories of the ’40s and’50s with four legendary jazz divas asthey gather to commemorate thepassing of jazz legend Charlie Parker.

Performances are Thursdays andFridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m.and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m.and 7 p.m. Tickets $50 (students$25). For tickets call 800-494-8497or visit www.metrostage.org,Groups/Info 703-548-9044. Fullyaccessible, free parking.

Art Exhibit. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. “State ofEmergency,” Sabyna Sterrett’sexhibition of woven repurposedplastic bags and products, will befeatured in The Art League Gallery,at 105 N. Union St. Through April 1.Free. Visit www.theartleague.org orcall 703-683-1780.

Art Exhibit. See “Process:

See Calendar, Page 15

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Spring Fun

Photography” at The Athenaeum, 201Prince St. Features established andemerging talent displaying a widevariety of picture taking devicesranging from large print to electronmicroscopy. Over 15 types ofequipment are represented. ThroughApril 7. Free. Visit www.nvfaa.org.

Spring Classes. Art at the Center,2804 Sherwood Hall Lane. Childrenages 6-10 can participate. Register atwww.artatthecenter.org or 703-201-1250.

Art Exhibit. Through Tuesday, April23. Open Friday-Wednesday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Thursday 1-9 p.m.Potomac Fiber Arts Galleryannounces the opening of the juriedshow “Sculptural Elements.” Locatedlocated in Studio 18 of the TorpedoFactory Art Center at 105 NorthUnion Street. Free Admission. Visitwww.Potomacfiberartsgallery.com orcall 703-548-0935.

Art Exhibit. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondaythrough Friday. “Spotlight,” anexhibition of acrylic paintings oncanvas by Lukman Ahmad, will be ondisplay in the Margaret W. andJoseph L. Fisher Art Gallery, 3001 N.Beauregard St. through Sunday, April28. Visit www.nvcc.edu/alexandria/schlesingercenter/gallery.html.

Tavern Toddlers. Mondays, 10:30a.m.-noon. Mondays through the endof April. Designed for walkersthrough 36 months and theircaregivers. Tavern Toddlers featuresa weekly open playtime in Gadsby’shistoric ballroom. Gadsby’s TavernMuseum is located at 134 NorthRoyal St. Call 703-746-4242 or visitwww.gadsbystavern.org.

Art Exhibit. See Multiple ExposuresGallery “Dual Show” by Eric Johnsonand Susan Meyers through Sunday,

May 5. Located in the TorpedoFactory, 105 N. Union St. Free. Visitwww.multipleexposuresgallery.comor 703-683-2205.

Art Exhibit. Through May 11. Localartist Nicholaus Aman attempts toexpress the compelling nature of thePacific coast through his soloexhibition, “Pacific Pulse,” atAlexandria’s Artspace 109 Gallery,109 N. Fairfax St. The gallery hoursare: Tuesday through Friday noon-5p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m.-5 p.m., andSundays noon-5 p.m.

Occupied City: Life in Civil WarAlexandria Exhibition. At TheLyceum, Alexandria’s HistoryMuseum, 201 South WashingtonStreet. Open daily throughSeptember, this exhibit traces life inAlexandria following Virginia’sdecision to secede from the Union inMay 1861. See how Robert E. Lee’shometown was transformed literallyovernight from a prosperouscommercial port into a supply,hospital, and transportation centerfor the Union Army, and find out whyAlexandria became a destination forAfrican Americans seeking freedom.Explore the experiences ofAlexandrians and others who livedhere during this tumultuous time,through their own words, as well asin period photographs and collectionsitems. The Lyceum is open Mondaythrough Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5p.m. and Sunday, from 1-5 p.m.Suggested admission is $2. Visitwww.alexandriahistory.org or call703-746-4994.

THURSDAY/MARCH 28Story Time. 10:30 a.m. or 3 p.m. at

Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St.Children ages 3-5 can enjoy stories,activities and more. Free.

Registration required, 703-746-1702ext. 5.

Blockbuster Thursday. 6:30 p.m. atBeatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Callfor title. Free. 703-746-1702.

FRIDAY/MARCH 29Music Performance. 8 p.m. at The

Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. TheUnited States Air Force Band willperform music for soprano andclarinet. Free. Visitwww.usafband.af.mil.

SATURDAY/MARCH 30Cleve Francis. 7:30 p.m. $32.50. The

Birchmere Music Hall is located at See Calendar, Page 17

From Page 14

SATURDAY/APRIL 20Alexandria Earth Day 2013. 10

a.m. Alexandria’s 20th AnnualEarth Day celebration takes placeat Ben Brenman Park. Visitwww.alexearthday.org.

Celebrate Earth Day and ArborDay at Springfest 2013. Thisevent is free fun for family at theWorkhouse Arts Center, 9601 OxRoad, Lorton. Enjoy pony rides,games, farmers market,environmental workshops andmore. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/living/environment/earthday/ for moreEarth Day events.

MONDAY/MAY 27Community Fun Fest. 10 a.m.-3

p.m. at Fairfax Baptist Temple at6401 Missionary Lane in FairfaxStation. Visit fbtministries.org.

SATURDAY/JUNE 1Alexandria Armenian Festival.

1:30-6 p.m. at Market Square,301 King St. Vendors,entertainment, food and more.

Fairs & FestivalsFree admission. Visitalexandriaarmenianfestival.com.

SATURDAY/JULY 6USA & Alexandria Birthday

Celebration. Enjoy a concert bythe Alexandria SymphonyOrchestra, birthday cake, foodand fireworks. The eveningculminates in Tchaikovsky’s“1812 Overture.” Concert at 6p.m. and fireworks at 9:30 atOronoco Bay Park. Free.

SATURDAY, JULY 13Obon Festival. Highlighting

Japanese culture at EkojiBuddhist Temple, 6500Lakehaven Lane in FairfaxStation. Visit www.ekoji.org.

WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY/AUG. 7-11Arlington County Fair. Thomas

Jefferson Community Center,3501 Second St. South. Indoorand outdoor activities. Visitarlingtoncountyfair.us.

3701 Mount Vernon Ave. Visitwww.birchmere.com or call 703-549-7500.

Easter Egg Hunt. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. atFountains at Washington House,5100 Fillmore Ave. All ages can huntfor eggs. RSVP by March 28. 703-291-0190.

Opening Reception. 2-4 p.m. seeMultiple Exposures Gallery “DualShow” by Eric Johnson and SusanMeyers. Located in the TorpedoFactory, 105 N. Union St. Free. Visit

www.multipleexposuresgallery.comor 703-683-2205.

Book Signing. 9:30-11:30 a.m. atGreat Harvest Alexandria, 1711Centre Plaza. Rachel Brame andRoderic Brame will sign copies oftheir book “Mighty Titans.” Free.Visit www.alexandria-greatharvest.com.

Book Signing. 3-5 p.m. at St. Elmo’sCoffee Pub, 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave.

Fort Hunt Little LeagueOpening Day is April 6.

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For a free digi-tal subscriptionto one or allof the 15ConnectionNewspapers,go towww.connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe

Be the first toknow – get yourpaper before ithits the press.

Complete digitalreplica of theprint edition,including photosand ads, deliv-ered weeklyto your e-mailbox.

Questions?E-mail:[email protected]


Visit These Houses of WorshipJoin a Club, Make New Friends, or Expand Your Horizons…

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

Christ the SaviourAnglican Church

“To Love & Serve the Lord withGladness & Singleness of Heart”

www.christthesaviouranglican.org

703-953-2854

Location – Washington Mill E.S.9100 Cherrytree Drive

Worship Service – 10 a.m.Inter-generational Sunday School – after service

Good ShepherdCatholic Church

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

Loving as Christ loves, serving as Christ serves

Saturday Evening5:00 pm; 6:30 pm (en Español)

Sunday7:30; 9:00; 10:30 am; 12:00 Noon

2:00 pm (en Español)

6:30 pm Mass (from Sept. 9until mid June)

Weekdays(Mass or CommunionService) 9:00 am (followed by Rosary)

Children’s Liturgy of the WordSundays (Sept.-July) during 9:00 amMass (English)

Sign Language InterpreterSunday at 9:00 am Mass

Mass Schedule

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The Best in Family Dining

An Alexandria community fixture for more than100 years, the Royal Restaurant offers the bestin Greek, Italian and American cuisine. Enjoyburgers, steaks, prime rib, chicken, seafood,pasta and full salad bar complete with specialchildren’s menu items.

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Award-winning wine menu • Major credit cards accepted

Spring Fun

“People seeing something for the first time, theyget that look on their face.”

Taggert and Henning both have high praise for thetechnical theater students at Bishop Ireton, who doall the lighting and technicalwork for the performances. Af-ter one Magi-Whirl conventiona few years ago, Henning wastold by one of the headliners,who had a residency in Las Ve-gas, that the students were thebest technical crew he’d everhad.

Henning, from Laurel, Md., isn’t the only local per-former on the bill. Other members of Ring 50 will bewarming up the audience both inside the auditoriumand in the lobby before the show starts, and amongthe performers will be Drew Owen, based in North-ern Virginia.

“I love to perform magic,” Owen said of why hewanted to be a part of the show. “At its best, magicgives us hope by making the impossible seem pos-sible. I do a lot of kids shows involving costumingand props so I really like it when I get the chance to

perform very close up, with only a deck of cards or afew coins.”

He’ll be walking around the auditorium before thebig event, helping “get [the audience] into a magi-cal mood for the main show.”

He, like Taggert and Selnick, is eager to see whatthe other magicians can do and hope to learn a fewnew, well, tricks.

“I’m interesting in all of them,” Owen said. “I’venever seen any of them performlive but I have seen video andthey all have very different per-formance styles. The magicianswho planned this event did agreat job of putting together aperformance with tremendousvariety and really top notch ma-gicians.”

Selnick said he expects “100-plus” magicians toparticipate in the convention, whether taking in lec-tures or picking up new tricks and supplies from awide variety of magic dealers during the weekend.

Henning said the highlight of the event for him iswhat happens after the show is over, when the magi-cians get together and try to out-magic each other.

“We’re lousy with good performers in this area,”and getting a group of them together to see who cando new tricks, or old ones in new ways, so the otherscan’t figure it out is a real treat, he said.

Magi-Whirl 2013From Page 19

From Page 15

Rachel Brame and Roderic Brame willsign copies of their book “MightyTitans.” Free. Visitwww.stelmoscoffeepub.com.

Saturday Stories. 11 a.m. at BeatleyLibrary, 5005 Duke St. All ages canenjoy stories and songs. Free. 703-746-1702.

Ribbon Cutting. 10 a.m. at Del RayVariety, 203 E. Custis Ave.Refreshments, face painting andmore after ribbon cutting.

MONDAY/APRIL 1Spanish Story Time. 10 a.m. at

Duncan Library, 2501Commonwealth Ave. Children up toage 5 can enjoy stories in Spanish.Free. 703-46-1705.

Little One-Ders. 10:30 a.m. at BeatleyLibrary, 5005 Duke St. Children ages12-23 months can enjoy stories andmore. Registration required, 703-746-1702 ext. 5.

Baby Time. 11 a.m. at Duncan Library,2501 Commonwealth Ave. Childrenup to 11 months can hear stories andmore. Sign up half-hour before itbegins. Free. 703-746-1705.

Baby Rhyme Time. 11:30 a.m. atBeatley Central Library, 5005 DukeSt. Children up to 11 months withadult. Free. 703-746-1702.

Read, Sing & Play Baby. 4 p.m. atBarrett Branch Library, 717 QueenSt. Children up to 11 months canenjoy stories and more. Free. 703-746-1703.

TUESDAY/APRIL 2Chasing the Bloom in Southern

Appalachia. 7:30-8:30 p.m. atGreen Spring Gardens, 4603 GreenSpring Road. Become an armchairtourist through mountains ofVirginia, North Carolina, and

Tennessee. Don Hyatt will lead us ona tour of his favorite native azaleas,rhododendrons, and wildflowers asthey come into flower in the wild.$15. Visit www.greenspring.org orcall 703-642-5173.

Event. 6-8 p.m. at Morrison House, 116S. Alfred St. Maureen Lauran willdiscuss the medieval pilgrimageknown as “The Way,” The Camino deSantiago, and shares stories andphotos from her trek. Free. Visitwww.morrisonhouse.com or 703-838-8000.

Author Event. 7 p.m. at BeatleyLibrary, 5005 Duke St. BillSchweigart will discuss his book“Slipping the Cable.” Free. 703-746-1702.

Stories and Songs. 10 a.m. at DuncanLibrary, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.Children ages 1-4 can enjoy storiesand more. Sign up half-hour before.Free. 703-746-1705.

Mother Goose Time. 10:15 a.m. atBarrett Branch Library, 717 QueenSt. Children ages 12-24 months canenjoy games, rhymes and more. Free.703-746-1703.

Time For 2s. 10:30 a.m. at BeatleyLibrary, 5005 Duke St. Children age24-36 months can enjoy stories andmore. Free. Registration required,703-746-1702 ext. 5.

Stories to Grow On. 11 a.m. atBarrett Branch Library, 717 QueenSt. Children age 2, stories and more.Free. 703-746-1703.

Tuesday Tots. 11 a.m. at BurkeBranch Library, 4701 Seminary Road.Children ages 2-3 can enjoy storiesand more. Free. 703-746-1704.

Baby Rhyme Time. 11:30 a.m. atBeatley Library, 5005 Duke St.Children up to 11 months can enjoyrhymes and more. Free. Registrationrequired, 703-746-1702 ext. 5.

Game Night. 7 p.m. at Beatley Library,5005 Duke St. Children ages 8-12can play with their friends. Free. 703-

746-1702.

WEDNESDAY/APRIL 3Music. Carolina Chocolate Drops

performs at 7:30 p.m. in the MusicHall at the Birchmere, 3701 MountVernon Ave. $25. Visitwww.birchmere.com or 703-549-7500.

Mother Goose Time. 10:15 a.m. atBarrett Branch Library, 717 QueenSt. Children ages 12-24 months canenjoy games, rhymes and more. Free.703-746-1703.

Time For 2s. 10:30 a.m. at BeatleyLibrary, 5005 Duke St. Children age24-36 months can enjoy stories andmore. Free. Registration required,703-746-1702 ext. 5.

Stories to Grow On. 11 a.m. atBarrett Branch Library, 717 QueenSt. Children age 2 and up can enjoystories and more. Free. 703-746-1703.

Film Noir Film Series. 6:45 p.m. atDuncan Library, 2501Commonwealth Ave. Call 703-746-1705 for title. Discussion follows atSt. Elmo’s Coffee Pub. Free.

See the ShowThe show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are

available online for $15 each or $50 for afamily pack of four at www.magi-whirl.org.Tickets will be available at the door for $18each. If the first show sells out in advance,a second show might be added.


From Page 1

News

From Page 1The governor says he remains opposed

to expanding Medicaid in Virginia, a keypart of President Barack Obama’s Afford-able Care Act. But in aseries of amendmentshe submitted to theGeneral Assembly thisweek, McDonnell leftthe door open to ex-panding the programunder certain condi-tions. If the federalgovernment fails tofund 90 percent of theprogram, for example,Virginia would with-draw from the pro-gram. Other conditionsinclude creation of alockbox to retain tem-porary savings created by an initial burst offederal money as well as instituting man-aged care controls to save money and de-liver better care.

“We’re seeing a number of Republicangovernors who opposed it started lookingat the bottom line,” said Frank Shafroth,director of the Center for State and LocalLeadership. “Medicaid is such a fundamen-tal part of the state’s budget that it wouldn’tbe outside the realm of possibility that thegovernor will call a special session.”

LAST WEEK, Republican Attorney General

Ken Cuccinelli issued an opinion that ques-tioned the constitutionality of expandingMedicaid expansion in Virginia. In responseto an inquiry from Del. Bob Marshall (R-

13), Cuccinelli tookaim at powers in-vested in the Medic-aid Innovation andReform Commis-sion, whose mem-bers get to saywhether or not thegovernor’s condi-tions have been met.Cuccinelli pannedthis arrangement as“a delegation of theGeneral Assembly’slegislative author-ity.”

“It is my opinionthat the Virginia Constitution prohibits theGeneral Assembly from delegating final leg-islative authority regarding budget or otherenactments to a committee comprised of asubset of members of the General Assem-bly,” Cuccinelli wrote in the March 22 opin-ion.

The governor responded Tuesday, craft-ing new language clarifying the role of thecommission. McDonnell’s new budget lan-guage sought to clear up any ambiguityabout what was necessary to meet the con-ditions outlined in the agreement. Thatmeans that the commission will play a more

limited role, one that sidesteps subjectivejudgments in favor of objective rulings.

“That is different from giving the commis-sion as much latitude as the attorney generalwas interpreting based on the language thatwas there previously,” said state Sen. GeorgeBarker (D-39). “The governor says that hefeels comfortable that this will stand up.”

CREATED IN 1965, Medicaid is an en-titlement program to help states providemedical coverage for low-income familiesand people with disabilities. Since that time,the program has become the nation’s pri-mary source of health insurance for peoplewho live in poverty. Now the Obama ad-ministration wants to dramatically increasethe number of people who qualify for Med-icaid in Virginia. The federal governmentwould pick up 100 percent of the cost until2016, when Virginia would be on the hookto pay for 10 percent of the program.

“While I remain opposed to the Medicaidexpansion at this time due to the unsustain-able 1,600 percent growth in Medicaid inthe past 30 years, I have helped outline aplan for long-term reform to save moneyand get better patient outcomes,” the gov-ernor said in a written statement this week.“My amendments provide for greater cer-tainty as to the expectations of the GeneralAssembly related to what reform means andwhat must be done before any potentialexpansion of Medicaid.”

Some Democrats have accused the Repub-

lican attorney general with playing politicson health-care reform, which Cuccinellitried to challenge as unconstitutional. Theysay his campaign for governor clouds anyobjectivity he might have on the issue, andthat his opposition to the constitutionalityof the commission’s role is a thinly veiledpolitical maneuver designed to build sup-port among the Republican base.

“I believe the attorney general is incor-rect that these phases are subjective becausethere are clear deliverables,” said Del.Patrick Hope (D-47). “There will be whitesmoke, and we will know when these re-forms have been accomplished.”

Another provision of the Affordable CareAct is also creating deep divisions in Vir-ginia over the issue of abortion. The fed-eral health care reform calls for the creat-ing of an exchange in the commonwealthwhere uninsured people who make toomuch money to qualify for Medicare cansign up for coverage. This week, McDonnellsaid he wants to prohibit abortion cover-age through insurance plans purchasedthrough the exchanges. As legislators gatherfor their veto session next month, this pro-vision may be targeted by a number ofDemocrats who say it limits a woman’s rightto choose. “We cannot permit far right-wingideology to dictate personal medical deci-sions or to interfere with business agree-ments,” said Sen. Barbara Favola (D-31).“It is very demeaning to women, to theirphysicians, and to all Virginians.”

Political Trade: Health Care for Transportation Dollars

of it because there’s a recent history weare uncomfortable with.”

THE OFFICIAL HISTORY of FairfaxCounty, published by the Board of Supervi-sors in 1978, uses Route 1 rather than Rich-mond Highway. A check of the index showsno references to Richmond Highway, al-though it has five separate listings for Route1. The book, which is viewed by many asthe definitive history of Fairfax County, ex-plains that the history of the highway datesback to 1808, when the Washington andAlexandria Turnpike Company opened aroad from Long Bridge to Alexandria.

“This is roughly what is now called HenryStreet, runs parallel to the Potomac, andultimately was extended into the presentJefferson Davis Highway, or Route 1,” ac-cording to the official history.

Route 1 is a designation that dates backto 1918, when U.S. 1 was added to thestate’s highway system as State Route 1. Itwas briefly known as State Road 31 in the1920s and early 1930s until the New Dealcreated an Atlantic highway known as Route1. After World War II, the Interstate systemtook all the major traffic. Businesses onRoute 1 suffered, and crime proliferated.

“Open air marketing of drugs, prostituteswho openly walked up and down Route 1— it had a very negative connotation thatwe have been trying to eliminate over the

“Richmond Highway has a better senseof place,” said David Ben, communicationsdirector for the Southeast Fairfax CountyDevelopment Corporation. “It’s a little thing,but it’s one little thing that could go a longway.”

Advocates for Route 1, on the other hand,say the road needs to be identified withother parts of Virginia and the rest of theEastern Seaboard.

“I grew up on Route 1, and it will alwaysbe Route 1 to me,” said Lee District Super-visor Jeff McKay. “Richmond Highway is aterm that a lot of people use to deal withthe stigma that the Route 1 corridor hasnationwide. But if you look at a map or aGPS device, it’s Route 1.”

What’s in a Name: Route 1 or Richmond Highway?

A section of Route 1 in Dinwiddie County.

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years,” said Mount Vernon District Super-visor Gerry Hyland. “For many people, thename Route 1 is not a positive.”

ADVOCATES FOR USING RichmondHighway say the name Route 1 lumps theFairfax County stretch in with every other

corridor from Maine to Florida, adding tothe lack of identity created by the abun-dance of big-box retailers and nationalchain stores that dominate the corridor.Using a name that has Virginia roots, onthe other hand, creates a sense of brandingfor the region.

“Medicaid is such afundamental part of thestate’s budget that itwouldn’t be outside therealm of possibility thatthe governor will call aspecial session.”— Frank Shafroth, director, Center

for State and Local Leadership

“Open air marketing ofdrugs, prostitutes whoopenly walked up anddown Route 1 — it had avery negativeconnotation that we havebeen trying to eliminateover the years.”

— Mount Vernon SupervisorGerry Hyland


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LettersFrom Page 10

sary to fund essential public programs;Could there be any better proof that the

MVCCA fails to represent the mainstreamof community thought but, rather, repre-sents a small minority of taxpayers whoshare the extreme view that expansion ofgovernment to the maximum is the way togo? Has anyone in the MVCCA leadershipnoticed that the economy continues to tee-ter on the edge of recession, and that thefederal deficit has increased $7 trillion overthe past four years, necessitating belt tight-ening, not increased spending? Has anyonenoticed the “sequestration” issue and its po-tential impact on the county? Not theMVCCA. As aptly stated by Albert Einstein,insanity may be defined as “doing the samething over and over again and expecting dif-ferent results.”

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that theBoard of Supervisors react to the 2013MVCCA budget resolution as it has in prioryears — essentially ignoring it. When theMVCCA starts advocating reasonable cutsin county programs rather than increasescoupled with a search for tax increases, tocomport with current economic conditions,perhaps it will begin to be considered assomething other than a fringe organization.

H. Jay Spiegel Mount Vernon

Aerial SprayingJeopardizes BirdsTo the Editor:

On behalf of the more than 4,000 mem-bers of the Audubon Society of NorthernVirginia, we are writing to express our con-cerns about Fairfax County plans to sprayfor fall cankerworms in the Mount Vernonand Lee districts of the county.

The mission of the National AudubonSociety is to conserve and restore naturalecosystems, focusing on birds, other wild-life and their habitats for the benefit of hu-manity and the earth’s biological diversity.

According to staffers in the county’s Ur-ban Forestry Division, the Bacillusthuriengiensis (Bt) pesticide that the countywill apparently spray from helicopters, willkill all moth and butterfly caterpillars, notjust the caterpillars of the fall cankerworm.This is disturbing because caterpillars are amajor food source for many birds and havean important role in our ecosystems.

Cankerworms are native insects. Theyhatch just at the time many species of song-birds are migrating through Northern Vir-ginia, an excellent example of nature’ssynchronicity. These birds are traveling fromtheir wintering grounds in South and Cen-tral America to their breeding grounds inthe northern United States and Canada.They cannot make the journey successfullywithout stopping to refuel. Each individualbird can consume hundreds of caterpillarsas it replenishes its body fat, which will pro-vide the energy for the next stage of thejourney. Therefore, this spraying will kill offa major food source for thousands of mi-grating songbirds that will be arriving inthe area at exactly the same time as thecounty plans to spray. Birds are natural


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People

Mount Vernon CrossFit Opens on Richmond HighwayMount Vernon CrossFit @ TheD.A.M. Garage head coach anddirector of programming, SeanDunston, was working up a sweat coachingthe participants in the Saturday morningthree-part work out in January. More than29 teams of two went through an exerciseregime. Mount Vernon Chamber chairmanMichael Gailliot along with board membersarrived at the gym and set up for the offi-cial ribbon- cutting. Gailliot welcomed thenew business that had taken over the exist-ing car repair garage at 8459 RichmondHighway. The new owners are no strangersto Richmond Highway as they are HollyWoods & Vines owners Vanessa Wheeler andJohn Johnston.

Owners John Johnston and Vanessa Wheeler and headcoach/director of programming at the gym SeanDunston.

The former car repair garage behind the BestWay onRichmond Highway has been renovated as the newMount Vernon CrossFit @ The D.A.M. Garage.

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Ceremony at Mount Vernon Estate Honors New CitizensT hey came fromBelarus, Vietnam,Afghanistan, theUnited Kingdom, Bolivia,Tunisia, Brazil and Thailand,Trinidad & Tobago, Cambo-dia, Latvia, Cameroon,China, Mexico, Columbia,Canada, South Korea, Iraq,El Salvador, Pakistan, India,Sierra Leone, Honduras,Eritrea, Peru, Ghana, thePhilippines, and Ethiopia.Fifty immigrants took theOath of Citizenship on Fri-day, Feb. 22, at the MountVernon Estate in a specialnaturalization ceremonysponsored by the U.S. Citi-zenship and ImmigrationServices and the MountVernon Ladies Association.Director of the U.S. Citizen-ship and Immigration Ser-vices Alejandro Mayorkaspresented Tsehaye Teferrawith the Outstanding Ameri-can by Choice RecognitionAward. Teferra is the presi-dent and CEO of the Ethio-pian Community Develop-ment Council, Inc.

Fifty immigrants stand and recite the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.

General George Washington por-trayed by Dean Malissa speaks tothe 50 new citizens and theirfamily and friends at the conclu-sion of Friday’s naturalizationceremony at the Mount VernonEstate.

Charles Francis Keutcha of Cameroon showsGeneral Washington (Dean Malissa) his Natu-ralization Certificate.

Family and friends fill the aisles trying tocapture the ceremony on their phones, camerasand tablets.

Director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigra-tion Services Alejandro Mayorkas presentedTsehaye Teferra with the Outstanding Americanby Choice Recognition Award

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Schools

As stomp rockets flew through theair, balloons expanded, and elec-tricity set hair standing on end,children at Ft. Belvoir Elemen-tary School didn’t know which hands-onscience activity to try first.

They were participating in Operation Pa-triotic STEM, an evening of science activi-ties organized by Marymount University. Dr.Usha Rajdev, Marymount associate profes-sor of Education, has established a partner-ship with the Ft. Belvoir school to “give backto U.S. military families who sacrifice somuch for us.”

For the evening’s activities, she broughtin educational partners Rick Varner fromNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Eliza-beth Burke from Project Learning Tree, andTammy Maxey from Agriculture in theClassroom.

Marymount master of education candi-dates and undergraduates studying to be-come elementary school teachers werejoined by students in Dr. Eric Bubar’s physi-cal science course staffed the hands-on ac-tivities, which included creating lightningand static electricity with van de graaf gen-erators; viewing Jupiter and the moonthrough a telescope; papermaking; stringingearth-bead bracelets; making and launching

stomp rockets; learning about covalentbonds by using milk, food coloring and soap;playing a resource-matching game; makingseed buddies that use body heat to help seedsgerminate; and inflating balloons with bak-ing soda and carbon dioxide.

Next year, the partnership with Ft. Belvoir

Operation Patriotic STEM at Ft. Belvoir ESMarymount Universitymakes science fun.

Teaching the art of making paper rockets, from left, are NicholasTavenner, an M.Ed. in special education candidate; Edwin Hernandez’14, a BBA major in Dr. Bubar’s physical science course; NASA’s RickVarner, and Rhonda Hotop, M.Ed. candidate and student teacher at Ft.Belvoir Elementary School.

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will expand. Undergraduates in the Teach-ing Mathematics and Science course willspend Wednesdays at Ft. Belvoir. In themornings, they will learn a hands-on mathlesson, then immediately teach it to a classat the school. In the afternoon, they will dothe same with a science lesson.

Email announcements to [email protected]. Deadline is Thursday at noon. Pho-tos are welcome.

Mount Vernon High School sent 19 qualifyingstudents to the Region Science Fair, held atRobinson Secondary School. The first place win-ners will head to the state competition.

1st place: Sarah Valencia (chemistry) andCalista Skaggs (environmental analysis)

2nd place: Bailey Lustig (chemistry); MeganCantwell (environmental analysis); MeganMcKinney (environmental analysis); GabrielleOcker (microbiology); Adel Lahlou (physics/astronomy) and Megan Cole (plant science)

3rd place: Madison Pessel (biochemistry) andMimi Zhang (physics/astronomy)

Honorable Mention: Maxwell Pessel (animalscience); Helen Sudhoff (medicine/health sci-ence); Sonia Francone (medicine/healthscience); Carmina Galvez (microbiology)andCassandra Pelky (plant science).

Five Fairfax County Public Schools Health andMedical Sciences students have earned the right tocompete at the HOSA (Health Occupations Stu-dents of America) National Leadership Conferencein Nashville June 26-29 after finishing first, second,or third at the 33rd annual HOSA State LeadershipConference, held recently in Williamsburg.

At the state level in the Physical Therapy cat-egory, Nena Abernathy of Mount Vernon HighSchool won first place. Marissa Cucinotta ofWest Potomac High School won second place in theCareer Health Display event. Yona Lindenbaumof West Potomac High School won second place inthe Clinical Specialty event. These students areeligible to compete at the National LeadershipConference.

The Barbara James Service Award for Commu-nity Service was awarded to the following students:Yona Lindenbaum, gold level; and KelsieWhalen of West Potomac High School, recogni-tion award. Lindenbaum also received the VirginiaHOSA Scholarship award.

School Notes

West PotomacBaseball Starts 3-1

The West Potomac baseball team split twogames on Saturday during the Wolverines’spring break tournament.

West Potomac lost to Oakton, 5-2, andbeat Stone Bridge, 9-6, moving the Wolver-ines’ record to 3-1. Oakton was ranked No.6 in the March 18 edition of the NorthernRegion coaches poll and Stone Bridge wasranked No. 5.

According to the West Potomac HighSchool athletics Web site, West Potomacpitcher Michael Barnes earned the victoryagainst Stone Bridge, allowing three hits

while striking out six in five innings of re-lief. Barnes also drove in four runs at theplate.

West Potomac will complete the tourna-ment with a game against Hayfield at 4:30p.m. on Thursday, March 28.

West Potomac SoftballBounces Back

After a season-opening loss to MountVernon, the West Potomac softball team re-sponded with three consecutive victories.

The Wolverines defeated Woodson 11-10on March 22. The following day, WestPotomac beat Robinson (15-4) and Edison

(15-4) during the Madison spring breaktournament.

West Potomac will host Annandale at 6:30p.m. on Wednesday, April 3 and will travelto face T.C. Williams at 6:30 p.m. on Fri-day, April 5.

West Potomac Boys’Soccer Undefeated

The West Potomac boys’ soccer team isoff to a 3-0 start after beating Lee 4-2 onMarch 22.

The Wolverines opened the season witha 3-0 victory over Marshall on March 19and defeated Edison 6-5 on March 20.

West Potomac will travel to face Stuart at7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2.

West Potomac Girls’Soccer Starts 2-0-1

After playing to a 1-all tie against Marshallin its season opener on March 12, the WestPotomac girls’ soccer team won back-to-back games against Hayfield and Edison toimprove to 2-0-1.

The Wolverines beat Hayfield 1-0 onMarch 14 and defeated Edison 3-1 on March20.

West Potomac will travel to face Stuart at5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2.

Sports Briefs


Copyright 2013 RealEstate Business Intelligence. Source: MRIS as of March 15, 2013.

Address ................................ BR . FB .HB ... Postal City .... Sold Price ... Type ......... Lot AC PostalCode ...................... Subdivision9417 MACKLIN CT ......................... 5 ... 5 ... 1 ..... ALEXANDRIA .... $1,300,000 .... Detached ...... 0.34 ....... 22309 ................................. BELLE RIVE4003 BELLE RIVE TER ..................... 5 ... 5 ... 1 ..... ALEXANDRIA .... $1,100,000 .... Detached ...... 0.88 ....... 22309 ................................. BELLE RIVE7733 LEE AVE ................................ 4 ... 4 ... 1 ..... ALEXANDRIA .... $1,000,000 .... Detached ...... 0.50 ....... 22308 ............................. WELLINGTON8025 WASHINGTON RD .................. 5 ... 4 ... 1 ..... ALEXANDRIA ....... $983,000 .... Detached ...... 0.16 ....... 22308 ............................HOLLIN KNOLL3800 WASHINGTON WOODS DR ..... 5 ... 4 ... 1 ..... ALEXANDRIA ....... $925,000 .... Detached ...... 0.41 ....... 22309 ... WASHINGTON WOODS POTOMAC2215 WINDSOR RD ........................ 4 ... 3 ... 1 ..... ALEXANDRIA ....... $870,000 .... Detached ...... 0.24 ....... 22307 .............................. BELLE HAVEN8013 YORKTOWN DR ..................... 4 ... 3 ... 1 ..... ALEXANDRIA ....... $865,000 .... Detached ...... 0.15 ....... 22308 ................. HOLLIN HALL VILLAGE6211 FOXCROFT RD ....................... 3 ... 3 ... 0 ..... ALEXANDRIA ....... $820,000 .... Detached ...... 0.21 ....... 22307 .............................. BELLE HAVEN8814 FIRCREST PL ......................... 4 ... 3 ... 1 ..... ALEXANDRIA ....... $765,000 .... Detached ...... 0.25 ....... 22308 ............................. WAYNEWOOD6224 QUANDER RD ........................ 5 ... 3 ... 0 ..... ALEXANDRIA ....... $755,000 .... Detached ...... 0.43 ....... 22307 ...................... QUANDER MANOR6909 BAYLOR DR ........................... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ..... ALEXANDRIA ....... $687,500 .... Detached ...... 0.27 ....... 22307 ...............................WESTGROVE2818 BASS CT ................................ 5 ... 4 ... 0 ..... ALEXANDRIA ....... $649,000 .... Detached ...... 1.11 ....... 22306 ............................... NINE OAKES1130 CAMERON RD ....................... 4 ... 3 ... 0 ..... ALEXANDRIA ....... $645,000 .... Detached ...... 0.26 ....... 22308 ................ WELLINGTON ESTATES2012 RAMPART DR ........................ 5 ... 3 ... 0 ..... ALEXANDRIA ....... $610,500 .... Detached ...... 0.36 ....... 22308 ............. COLLINGWOOD SPRINGS7619 MIDDAY LN ........................... 5 ... 3 ... 0 ..... ALEXANDRIA ....... $610,000 .... Detached ...... 0.35 ....... 22306 .................................... KIRKSIDE9115 BUCKNER RD ........................ 4 ... 3 ... 0 ..... ALEXANDRIA ....... $575,000 .... Detached ...... 0.50 ....... 22309 .................. WOODLAWN MANOR8612 BLUEDALE ST ........................ 3 ... 3 ... 0 ..... ALEXANDRIA ....... $549,000 .... Detached ...... 0.24 ....... 22308 ................. STRATFORD LANDING8714 FALKSTONE LN ...................... 5 ... 3 ... 0 ..... ALEXANDRIA ....... $539,000 .... Detached ...... 0.37 ....... 22309 ...................MT VERNON MANOR8718 LINTON LN ............................ 4 ... 2 ... 2 ..... ALEXANDRIA ....... $530,000 .... Detached ...... 0.19 ....... 22308 ... STRATFORD ON THE POTOMAC7406 RECARD LN ........................... 3 ... 2 ... 0 ..... ALEXANDRIA ....... $520,000 .... Detached ...... 0.35 ....... 22307 ............................. HOLLIN HILLS7812 FRIARS CT ............................. 4 ... 3 ... 0 ..... ALEXANDRIA ....... $517,000 .... Detached ...... 0.24 ....... 22306 ................... SHERWOOD FOREST1220 I ST ....................................... 3 ... 2 ... 0 ..... ALEXANDRIA ....... $507,000 .... Detached ...... 0.24 ....... 22307 ...................... NEW ALEXANDRIA

In February 2013, 84 homes sold between $1,300,000-$96,000 in the Mount Vernon area.

This week’s list represents those homes sold in the $1,300,000-$355,000 range.For the complete list, visit www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Home Sales

predators of these insects. It is their “job” to keepthe caterpillars at sustainable levels.

It is our understanding that one of the county’sjustifications for spraying for fall cankerworms is thatthese cate

spring fun - ellington cmsconnection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/documents/... · 2013. 3....

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