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Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ June 21-27, 2018 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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Alexandria

June 21, 2018Page, 1

6

See TC Graduates, Page 23

See A Look at, Page 12

See Family, Page 8

By James Cullum

Gazette Packet

Jackson duPont, the T.C. Williams HighSchool valedictorian, asked his class-mates to consider their diplomas as callsto action at graduation on Saturday.

duPont, who heads to Yale to study global affairsthis fall, told the audience at George MasonUniversity’s EagleBank Arena that his generationhas the intellect, energy and kindness to takepower from elder generations and save the world.

“Titans, this diplomas is a re-minder of the hard fight that wehave in front of us. Consider ityour draft card into the battleof the future. Our generation iskeenly aware of the weight thatwe now hold on our shoulders,”duPont said. “It will take timeand the peaceful transition fromthem to us will be slow and frus-trating, but as we grow and fillthese positions we’ll bring ourenergy and beliefs to reject thatclimate change is a hoax, affirmgender equality, affirm thatblack lives matter and affirmthat immigrants should be cel-ebrated, not feared … Titans

class of 2018, we did it! Now let’s get to work.”Of the 793 T.C. graduates in the class of 2018

(with 25 more eligible students after summerschool), 561 are planning to attend college thisfall — a 58 percent increase over last year. It wasan eventful year for the class of 2018, with hun-dreds of Titan seniors and students participatingin the nationwide student-led walkout against gunviolence on March 24 after the deadly schoolshooting at Marjory Stoneman-Douglas High

Graduates celebrate at the T.C. Williams High School graduation at George MasonUniversity’s EagleBank Arena, June 16.

‘Now Let’s Get to Work’T.C. Williams graduates 793 seniors.

T.C. Williams High School Sajelle Avery receives herdiploma.

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By Vernon Miles

And Bianca Moorman

Gazette Packet

Every year, a small group ofinterested Alexandrianstake a walk along the wa-

terfront. For years, their city staffguide would point to derelictwarehouses and fenced-off lotsand ask attendees to envision amore walkable waterfront withnew projects filling the rundownspaces. But on this year’s walk onJune 16, that future for the Alex-andria took a little less imagina-tion.

Many of the spots along thewaterfront are still in-progress, butit’s progress. At the southernmost

point of the Waterfront Plan, theWindmill Hill Park has faced a se-ries of setbacks. Originally sched-uled to be open by last week, thepark is still ringed with metalfences and full of constructionequipment.

“We are behind schedule,” saidJack Browand, Division Chief ofAlexandria Department of Recre-ation, Parks and Cultural Activi-ties. “Yesterday was supposed tobe completion … but rain in Mayand high tides hindered progress.”

Plans to restore the park dateback to 2002, but funding issuesmeant it took over a decade forwork on the project to get under-way. The site was a bay that was

By James Cullum

Gazette Packet

William Charity, the 102-year-old former Alex-andria taxi driver with

a heavenly voice and gentle dis-position, died in his sleep at theRegency Care of Arlington on Fri-day morning, June 15. Charitydrove a cab in Alexandria for 52years, served as a deacon atEbenezer Baptist Church for de-cades and only last year stepped

down from leading the men’s cho-rus at the church.

“We are absolutely at peace.There’s no sorrow. My father pre-pared us for this, and he was aGod-fearing man. He left his housein order,” Michael Charity said ofhis father. “What did he teach me?With a name like Charity, you can’tembarrass it. You see? With an oddname like that you can’t hide. Theyknow you’re a Charity and youcarry it with you always.”

Waterfront WalkA first-hand look at how theWaterfront Plan is coming together.

William Charity DiesFamily, friends recall life of102-year-old Alexandrian.

2 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ June 21-27, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com


NewsAlexandria Gazette Editor Steven Mauren

703-778-9415 or [email protected]

By Jeanne Theismann

Gazette Packet

Four years ago, Cindy Stevens wasdiagnosed with a rare form oftriple negative breast cancer. Doc-tors at Johns Hopkins and the

Cleveland Clinic told her to get her affairsin order. But a friend recommended a spe-cialist in Alexandria — Dr. David Weintritt— and on June 12, Stevens was sharinghugs and tears with other survivors as theNational Breast Center opened its doors inAlexandria. Weintritt founded the center in2012. He recently partnered with GW Medi-cal Faculty Associates and moved the facil-ity to 227 S. Washington St. in Old Town,the site of the old Alexandria Hospital.

“I started the center and the foundationin hopes of making an impact,” saidWeintritt, who also founded the NationalBreast Center Foundation in 2014 to im-prove access to care and technology forbreast screening and treatment. “Anyonewho dies from breast cancer isunderserved.”

Weintritt, who served as a general sur-geon in the Air Force at Andrews Air ForceBase, opened his own practice in Alexan-dria in 2003. He began a program for sen-tinel node biopsy and was the first to bringpartial breast radiation to the area.

Several of Weintritt’s patients attendedthe opening and spoke of their experiencewith the center.

“When you go through this kind of or-deal, all you want is some hope,” saidDonita Sharp, a seven-year breast cancersurvivor. “Dr. Weintritt gives us hope.”

For Stevens, it was the attitude and careof Weintritt that made a difference for her.

“Through it all, day or night, he is acces-sible,” Stevens said. “He told me that weonly have today and to live my life as if thecancer will not come back. It’s easy to have

a positive attitude about life when you havea doctor like that.” In 2017, as director ofthe Inova Mount Vernon Breast Care Pro-gram, Weintritt was the first in the worldto pioneer the use of the SPY PortableHandheld Imaging System in breast cancer

treatments. Known as SPY-PHI, the deviceuses infrared fluorescence imaging to allowreal-time measurement of tissue perfusionto reduce complications during breast re-construction. “I am thrilled to be a surgeonand blessed with the opportunities that

technology provides today, particularly withgenetics,” said Weintritt. “Through the cen-ter I hope to continue to counsel and edu-cate women. No one should die from breastcancer.” For more information, visitwww.nationalbreastcenter.com.

National Breast Centeropens in Old Town.‘All You Want Is Some Hope’

Breast cancer survivor Alessia Saunders, center, cuts the ribbon toofficially open the National Breast Center June 12 in Old Town. Withher are Tanya Keys of GW Medical Faculty Associates and Dr. DavidWeintritt, founder of the center.

Surgical coordinator SherriMcClary and office supervisorChiffon Shields behind the recep-tion desk at the new NationalBreast Center in Old Town.

By Jeanne Theismann

Gazette Packet

Sports fans from around the region de-scended on Myron Mixon’s PitmasterBBQ Restaurant in Alexandria June

19 for the second annual Red, White andBBQ fundraiser to benefit the USO of Met-ropolitan Washington-Baltimore.

“I’ve done some USO tours before – toKuwait and South Korea – so it only madesense for us to host an event for the USO,”said celebrity chef Myron Mixon, a four-timebarbeque world champion.

The event was sponsored by Giant Foodahead of this weekend’s Giant NationalCapital Barbecue Battle, one of USO Metro’slargest fundraisers, and featured silent auc-tion items from Washington’s sports teams,including autographed items from theStanley Cup champion Washington Capitals.

“This is the third year for Giant to serve

as the title sponsor of the BarbequeBattle and second year to partner withthe USO,” said Giant Food representa-tive Daniel Wolk. “Our USO fundraisingcampaign began Memorial Day weekendand runs through the Barbeque Battlethis weekend. So far we have raisedmore than $500,000 in support of ourtroops.”

The Giant National Capital BarbecueBattle will take place June 23-24 inWashington, DC, and will benefit USOMetro and the Capital Area Food Bank.

“Shoppers can still support the USOby donating at the checkout line throughJune 24,” Wolk added. “Cashiers will askif you want to round up your change ordonate $1, $3 or $5 when you are pay-ing for your groceries.”

For tickets or more information on theGiant National Capital Barbecue Battle,visit www.bbqindc.

Breast cancer survivors Cindy Stevens and DonitaSharp at the opening of the National Breast Center inAlexandria.

Dr. David Weintritt, founder of the National BreastCenter, speaks at the opening of the center’s Old Townoffice June 12.

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Giant Food, Myron Mixon raise funds for USO.Red, White and BBQ

Elaine Rogers, left, president and CEO of USO Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore, joins celebrity chef Myron Mixon and Giant Food executive FelisAndrade and division president Gordon Reid June 19 at Myron Mixon’sPitmaster BBQ Restaurant in Alexandria for the 2nd annual Red, White andBBQ fundraiser to help aid American troops.

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News

By Dan Brendel

Gazette Packet

The Northern Virginia Transportation Author-ity (NVTA) adopted its $1.29 billion FY2018-2023 Six Year Program (SYP) on

Thursday, June 14. NVTA provided regional fund-ing for several of Alexandria’s transportation infra-structure projects, but axed the city’s flagship requestfor the planned West End Transitway, citing lack ofproject readiness.

Alexandria put forward six requests to NVTA to-taling $88.2 million, the lion’s share — $60.8 mil-lion — for the West End Transitway. These requestscompeted with 54 other requests from jurisdictionsaround the metropolitan re-gion. All the regional re-quests together totaled $2.47billion, which NVTA had towhittle down to the $1.29billion actually available.

Of Alexandria’s requests,four received full funding:Duke Street Transitway ($12million); DASH Transit Ser-vice Enhancements and Ex-pansion ($11.9 million); busnetwork information tech-nology systems projects($150,000); and other information technology sys-tems projects ($1.2 million). The NVTA board cut afifth project, bike and pedestrian trails and recon-struction ($2.2 million), entirely. They cut the WestEnd Transitway request by 96 percent to $2.2 mil-lion.

The planned transitway comprises an importantcomponent of the city’s economic development plansfor the West End, City Manager Mark Jinks has said.It would consist of dedicated bus lanes, ultimatelyconnecting the Van Dorn Metro station with the Pen-tagon. The city hoped to undertake the northernphase, starting at Landmark Mall, beginning in ear-nest in FY2021.

NVTA’s decision about the transitway isn’t once forall, says Mayor Allison Silberberg, Alexandria’s rep-resentative on NVTA. The city can re-apply to NVTAin a later round of funding, stretch the project overmore phases, and/or seek state or other alternativefunding.

“I certainly made a good pitch for our projects,”said Silberberg. “Budgets are super tight in general,but especially now,” since some NVTA regional fundsare being diverted for dedicated funding for WMATA.“NVTA lost about $75 million a year, and I just hopethat we can revisit that in the future.” Under suchpressures, NVTA staff “focused on projects that weremore shovel-ready.”

“The West End Transitway project is an excellentproject, just not ready yet for full funding. There willbe more opportunities for funding to be made avail-able as planning for the project continues,” saidFairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman SharonBulova, who also sits on the NVTA board.

In its recommendations issued in May, NVTA staffrecommended cutting fund-ing because they didn’t thinkthe project was far enoughalong in planning to warrantthe full ask. They based theirrecommendation on aproject status update re-ported by the city, saying,“[Alexandria is] in the pro-cess of resuming the designportion,” according to a May4 NVTA report — “resuming”implying that planning hadstalled. At the time, Yon

Lambert, the city’s transportation and environmen-tal services director, characterized NVTA’s perceptionof the project’s lack of readiness as resulting fromsome degree of miscommunication. He says the citythought it spent sufficient planning funds, includingabout $1 million for surveys, to show adequate pro-cess. Before the NVTA staff recommendations, the citywas generally optimistic about the project’s chances.

Asked this week whether NVTA subsequently re-evaluated the project, Backmon said the city’s self-reported project status hadn’t changed since May.

Asked what action, if any, the city attempted inorder to correct the record about the project’s readi-ness, Lambert said city staff and officials participatedin the NVTA committee process leading up to the theboard’s final decision. Whereas the NVTA staff doesn’tchange recommendations after the fact, city repre-sentatives let the committees know that the city ismoving forward on the project “with all deliberatespeed.”

A Swing and a MissNVTA cuts West End Transitway funding request.

“The West End Transitwayproject is an excellentproject, just not ready yetfor full funding.”— Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

Chairman Sharon Bulova,NVTA board member

Welcoming AirbnbThere was a fair amount of public skepticism going into the

Airbnb negotiations. At several public hearings, local residentsworried the home sharing app Airbnb would cause a series ofproblems throughout the city, and when the city governmentbegan to enter talks to allow Airbnb to collect taxes for the city,some at public hearings said they were worried the city had noway of ensuring the app wasn’t cheating the city out of tax rev-enue. But looking back on the first month of revenue tax rev-enue collected from the app, City Manager Mark Jinks said atthe June 13 City Council meeting that the revenue came in overwhat was budgeted. “April was the first month the tax was ineffect,” said Jinks. “We received $36,000 for the month. We bud-geted $100,000 for the entire year.”

Jinks said if April was standard for what could be expected,the app could triple the expected revenue by the end of the year.

Alexandria is the first locality in Virginia to enter an agree-ment with Airbnb to allow the app to collect taxes.

The Eisenhower Connection2019 is shaping up to be the Year of the West End. After de-

cades of decay and delays, Landmark Mall is lumbering towardsa sweeping renovation. The city, hoping to capitalize on the de-velopment to open up the West End of Alexandria as a new hubof commercial activity, is finally forced to contend with infra-structure issues that have long plagued the Landmark-Van DornCorridor. A June 13 City Council presentation on the FY 2019Long Range Planning Interdepartmental Work Program openedup new conversations about old connectivity problems.

The west end of Eisenhower Avenue has struggled with con-nectivity problems. Railroad tracks separate the underutilizedEisenhower from the overcrowded streets to the north.

“It’s been a discussion that has come up multiple times andpeople are beginning to realize that we have to relieve that in-terchange,” said Councilman Paul Smedberg. “We have to con-nect to Eisenhower.” Smedberg said plans for traffic improve-ments are positive, but that without new connections alongEisenhower Avenue to relieve the pressure on other roads, thesolutions won’t be adequately addressing the volume of traffic.

A bridge over the tracks connecting Eisenhower to the north-ern roads was recommended in the 2009 Landmark/Van DornCorridor Plan, but the bridge was complicated by questions offunding and which neighborhoods would be saddled with hav-ing a new bridge opening.

“This is the connecter road idea?” Mayor Allison Silberbergasked.

“Connections,” Smedberg answered. “That was the mistakethe first time around, there should have been multiple connec-tions.” Smedberg said the Eisenhower connections are an ideathe city has been working on for over 30 years, but can’t affordto continue to delay.

“We have to protect our neighborhoods,” said Silberberg. “Theconnector road is something that would have had a huge impacton some of the streets we’re addressing now.”

But Smedberg said the traffic congestion north of Eisenhoweris substantial. “We are protecting our neighborhoods if we givepeople options to get off our neighborhood streets and to get tothe beltway at multiple locations and stay on the main roads,”said Smedberg. “That’s the only way we’re going to address that.Protecting neighborhood streets is not addressing the main is-sue.” “This issue brewing for a number of years,” said Council-man John Chapman. “Our streets are not protected. I’ve saidthat, my neighbors have said that. This body, the council, needsto allow staff to bring forward best practices on our most trav-elled connection.” Ultimately, Silberberg didn’t disagree withSmedberg on the idea of a connection.

“I agree with you, the streets in Taylor Run are incrediblecrowded,” said Silberberg. “The Waze app has had negative im-pact … [it has] increased traffic [on streets] not meant for it.We’re a hypotenuse captured between these large freeways.”

More BAR TalkThe Board of Architectural Review (BAR) meetings happen

Council Notebook

See Council Notebook, Page 23

ROAMstock ’18The Rock Of Ages Musicschool in Del Ray heldROAMstock ’18, andfeatured 24 of its studentbands in the parking lot at114 E. Del Ray Ave. onJune 9 from noon to 8p.m. ROAM, which openedits doors to music stu-dents ages 10 and up in2011, also hosts theannual ROAMfest at theBirchmere every winter.From left: Nathan Hugeley,17; Alec Stamatopoulos,16; and Patrick Kenny, 14,of the band Big Guy.

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People

By Ashley Claire Simpson

The first time Alexandria veteri-narian Dr. Holly Gill visited Haitinearly 20 years ago, she vowedto return. Although the local

veterinarian was eager to get back to herNorthern Virginia practice, she was simul-taneously disappointed to leave the smallisland country, its hard-working people, and– perhaps most of all – the many Haitiananimals she found in critical need of medi-cal care.

“We’ve always traveled a lot of places,”said James Lebovic, Gill’s husband andtravel companion. “It was really hard forHolly to see animals in dire need, and Haitiwas always the place she wanted to locatefor volunteer work.”

Two and a half years ago, all the piecesfell into place for Gill to return to Haiti withHolly’s Hands, the non-profit organizationshe established in 2013 to help animals indeveloping countries. Through Holly’sHands, she treats animals abroad that typi-cally live on the streets instead of in thehomes of people who love them.

“This really has been my idea all along,”Gill said. “We went to Haiti in 1989, and Iimmediately liked the Haitian people. Itstruck me how industrious they were. Com-ing back to contribute in this way has beenmy dream.

Up until now, these trips have been mypersonal project, but now we are workingto make it all stronger – to improve the livesof the animals here, and also to help peoplefeel that these dogs and cats can really bepart of their families.”

Between her first trip to Haiti in 1989,and her return to the country in 2015 as avolunteer veterinarian, Gill has been quiteindustrious herself. In 1998, she establishedHollin Hall Animal Hospital in Alexandria.She has also been to multiple countrieswhere she’s performed a number of life-sav-ing procedures on local dogs and cats.

“I started Holly’s Hands – my charity – in2013 after going to Ecuador,” Gill said. “Ithought, ‘If I’m going to really help thesecommunities, I want to do it as safely as Ipossibly can.’ So, I formed a 501(c)3 non-profit and invested in anesthetic equipment– the devices that the military actuallydropped out of planes in Desert Storm formilitary doctors to use on wounded servicemembers. I try to use the same standardsof care that I employ in my practice athome.”

Holly’s Hands has evolved since its incep-tion five years ago, and today the non-profitis Gill’s vessel to the country that tugged ather heartstrings all those years ago. BothGill and Dr. Ami Krasner, another Hollin Hallveterinarian, returned recently from theirfifth Holly’s Hands trip to Haiti, where theytouched many canine, feline – and, in turn,human – lives.

“We vaccinate, deworm, and perform sur-

geries,” Gill said. “This trip, we vaccinatedabout 140 dogs and cats and performedabout 30 surgeries. We treat disease whenwe’re over there, too. There were two casesalone in the area of people recently havingcontacted rabies, so what we are doing isimportant. I’m usually the only surgeonwhile Dr. Krasner handles most of the an-esthetic procedures and vaccines.”

Despite being a practiced veterinarian,Gill too often finds herself surprised at theliving conditions of animals in countries likeEcuador and Haiti.

“We usually only stay about a week, butwe always have plenty to do because, thearea we go to in Haiti, the Sud region, sim-ply doesn’t have healthcare for animals,” shesaid. “They don’t even have a veterinarypharmacy. It’s really a novel situation. Wesee things there that we don’t see in the

U.S. There are no vaccinations. What weare trying to do is get people to realize thatwe have ways to help them take care of theiranimals, that there are ways to get themdomesticated, healthier and safer. As of now,people don’t bring them into their homesbecause they have diseases.”

While Gill works with other non-profitorganizations and a few locals for logisti-cal support, she and her small team aremostly on their own once in country. Up tothis point, Gill and Lebovic have fundedthese trips out of their own pockets. Finally,after years of performing pro bono proce-dures on animals in underserved countries,Gill is hosting a fundraiser for Holly’sHands: Howling for Holly’s Hands, a com-edy and Improv show on Sunday evening,June 24 at the historic Lyceum in Old Town,to help fund future trips to Haiti.

“While we’ve had very small fundraisershere and there, Holly’s Hands has mostlybeen self-funded,” Krasner said. “Howlingfor Holly’s Hands is our first big effort. Dr.Gill works so hard and we want to get theword out so that the community can getexcited about Holly’s Hands. We havelooked into grants, but, coordinating anevent like this has always been in the backof my mind. It was just about finding goodtiming.”

Krasner is involved in the local Improvscene, so she has lined up a talented groupof performers for the show.

A veterinarian of more than eight years,Krasner has not only been instrumental inplanning Howling for Holly’s hands. Shewas also key to bringing Holly’s Hands toHaiti.

“My cousin, Molly, lives in Haiti, workingin women’s healthcare in the Sud region.”Krasner said. “I had gone with Dr. Gill toEcuador. We had talked about wanting togo to Haiti, knowing that there would be abig need there. I’ve enjoyed doing this kindof work also and thought it would be a goodexperience for us and a good fit for the com-munity. So we were able to connect withmy cousin and work with the people in herarea to get the word out and help local ani-mals.”

They set up shop in Molly’s driveway ontheir first visit and, from there, word quicklyspread. Now, the locals anticipate Holly’sHands visits.

In just a handful of visits to Haiti, Gilland Krasner already see the impact that theyare making. Still, they are far from beingsatisfied.

“You can see how much healthier the dogswe spay and neuter are,” Gill said. “We workwith animals in different communities in theregion.

We go to the animals, and to homes whenpeople don’t have cars. We also work withone local man in Haiti who gets the wordout so that people know when we come sothat they just come and meet us, knowingwe’ll take care of them.”

Haiti has been on Gill’s mind for years,and the near-to-her-heart country isn’t go-ing anywhere. So, her small team has highhopes for Howling for Holly’s Hands thisweekend. Even with Gill and Krasner’s busyschedules – including their time in Haitiearlier this month – they’ve coordinated ashow that promises to have the audiencehowling with laughter.

“There’s a really great performer comingfrom New York, an all-female comedytroupe, and so much more,” Krasner said.“We’d love to raise $5,000, because eventhat would help so much. We want to putmore money in the charity and go back toHaiti later this year.

I want people to know about this charityand all the work that Dr. Gill and [her hus-band] Jim put into it. Going to these evolv-ing areas and supporting this mission hasbeen really special to me.”

To make a donation to attend Howlingfor Holly’s Hands, and to learn more, visithttps://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3405704.

Holly’s Hands: Treating Animals in Developing CountriesFundraiser thisSunday at the Lyceum.

Dr. Holly Gill in surgery on June 8.

Driving through the community to pick up dogs for vaccinations andsurgery.

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News

See Opportunity, Page 26

Family and Friends Recall Life of William CharityFrom Page 1

William Charity, who drove a taxiin Alexandria for 52 years, was theeldest parishioner at EbenezerBaptist Church and died on June15. Here he sings with the Barber-shop Bible Study Ministry at the AllAmerican Barbershop in Old Townat 1106 Queen St.

William Charity was born to Rozier andMaggie Charity in Upperville, Va., on March13, 1916. He had 10 brothers and sistersand moved to Alexandria when he was fouryears old. His parents died shortly after hisfirst marriage, and he raised four of hisyounger siblings with his wife, Ruth, whohad five children — Beverly, Michael, Diane,Vicki and Rozier — with Charity, but diedin 1965. Charity was also married to AdellaCharity for over 30 years until her death.

“I’ve been very fortunate here in Alexan-dria,” Charity told the Gazette Packet lastmonth. “Everybody knows me. I bet youcan’t hit three people in the head that don’tknow me. And nobody knows my first name.Everybody calls me Charity.”

He also drove taxis through segregationfor the Star Cab Company and All Ameri-can Cab.

“In that way, he came in contact with alot of predominantly black customers, thelawyers, the doctors, the preachers in thecity, and some of these lawyers and judgesand leaders now were little boys that usedto drive in his cab,” Michael Charity said.

Former Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille wasraised near Charity’s family on the northside of the city, and frequently rode with tothe grocery store, school or the doctor’s of-

fice. As mayor, Euille issued city proclama-tions honoring Charity on his 90th, 95th and100th birthdays.

“Deacon Charity was a stalwart atEbenezer Baptist Church, and very wellknown throughout the city. He will bemissed,” Euille said. “He always seemed laidback, cool, calm and collected. He alwayshad a big smile, he loved to joke and be

around people. A lot of folks respected himand he had a lost of wisdom. What wasamazing to me was that he always remem-bered people’s names and he could conductconversations with you on many topics,even after he turned 102.”

Charity was one of the eldestAlexandrians, outlived only by his neigh-bor Margaret Chisely, who turns 107 onJune 26. He was also a member of the Bar-bershop Bible Study Ministry at the AllAmerican Barbershop at 1106 Queen St.,and in a recent weekly meeting revealedhis secret to longevity.

“Mind your own business and treat peoplethe way you want to be treated,” Charitysaid.

Charity is survived by his son MichaelCharity, daughter Diane Marshall, nieceBecky Sanders and scores of grandchildren,great grandchildren and great-great grand-children.

Diane Marshall said that her father was apillar of the community, always worked pro-fessionally and was always on time.

“He always wore a white shirt and a tie,and he was never late. He always pridedhimself on that,” Marshall said. “And nowhe’s singing in the heavenly choir, becausehe loved to sing so much.”

The Rev. Dr. Albert P. Jackson, senior pas-

tor at Ebenezer Baptist Church, knew Char-ity for five years.

“A prince has fallen,” Jackson said. “Hewas a prince of the people. He waseverybody’s kind of guy. He didn’t talk downto you.

He really helped you to take you to whereyou were and accept you for who you were,and he helped me to be a better pastor…He was the songbird of the church. He hada song to sing and a story to tell.”

Deacon Ron Jewell considered Charity,who was an uncle through marriage, as oneof his best friends.

“He was a gentleman and a scholar, andhe loved the Lord. It will be strange livingin the world without him,” Jewell said.“When he walked through the door he hadso much dignity and confidence. As he gotold and feeble, I’d take good care of him.He’d come to me in his walker in churchevery Sunday, and he could sing, and he’dsing all the way to the end of the service.His signature song was ‘Jesus Keeps OnBlessing,’ and after he turned 101, he threwdown his cane and walked singing thatsong.”

Charity’s funeral is on Saturday, June 30,at 9 a.m. at Ebenezer Baptist Church, fol-lowed by a wake at 11 a.m. and burial atMount Comfort Cemetery.

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By Dan Brendel

Gazette Packet

Out of 12 that were eligible,four of Alexandria’s 38 cen-sus tracts have been identified as “opportunity zones”

under the new federal tax law. As a nation-wide incentive to increase private invest-ment in economically distressed communi-ties, capital gains reinvested in real estateand businesses in these zones will receivetax benefits.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, adopted inDecember, provides for the establishmentof opportunity zones. After consulting lo-cal jurisdictions and the public, Gov. RalphNortham (D) nominated 212 tracts through-out Virginia, including 24 in Northern Vir-ginia, which the U.S. Department of Trea-sury subsequently approved. Alexandria’szones include three in the West End — inthe vicinity of the Landmark Mall, the MarkCenter and the Beauregard Corridor — anda fourth in Arlandria.

Ryan Touhill, the Alexandria EconomicDevelopment Partnership (AEDP) chief ofstaff, said in an email: “These four tractswere deemed highest priority because they:(1) have significant economic developmentopportunities; (2) are included in approvedSmall Area Plans that contain flexible zon-ing such as Coordinated Development Dis-tricts (CDD); (3) are areas where the city ismaking significant capital investments suchas the West End Transitway; and (4) are

neighborhoods where increased investmentwould help increase the economic prosper-ity of current residents.”

“The point of opportunity zones is to de-concentrate capital from the three stateswhere most venture capital sits — which

are California, Massachusetts and New York— and redirect it through an incentive intoareas that have been overlooked by inves-tors,” Rachel Reilly of Enterprise Commu-nity Partners, an affordable housing non-profit, told the Metropolitan Washington

Council of Governments (MWCOG) lastweek. The point is also to attract “patientcapital” by tying incentives to thresholds oftime that investors must hold on to equity,according to a report from the EconomicInnovation Group (EIG), which advancedthe idea in 2015.

According to EIG, benefits include thetemporary deferral of gains; reduction inthe taxable portion by 10 percent after fiveyears and 15 percent after seven years; andcomplete elimination of capital gains tax ifthe investor holds the reinvestment for 10years. Over 8,000 zones will compete forinvestment nationwide, in hopes of encour-aging greater geographic diffusion.

Over the next 10 years, private investorscan receive these breaks by investing via“opportunity funds.” The private market isexpected to develop funds to provide inter-mediary management, akin to a mutualfund company. And/or private investors canself-certify as individual funds and maketheir own investments, akin to buying stocksdirectly.

“There’s no [further] government rolethat’s necessitated,” said Reilly in a subse-quent interview. But “[Alexandria] doesn’tneed to have a role, but it definitely could,if Alexandria wanted to set up its own [pub-licly sponsored] opportunity fund. … If Al-exandria wanted to create certain additionalincentives … they could do that, and mar-ket that to investors.”

Additionally, she says local governments

New Economic Development Tool for City?Risks and rewards of new federally tax-incentivized “opportunity zones” yet to be seen.

Source: Virginia Department of Housing

and Community Development, www.dhcd.virginia.gov.



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Opinion

See Letters, Page 11

By John Hill

Alexandria Renew Enterprises

By now, most Alexandrians are awareof the state law passed in 2017 re-quiring the city to put measures inplace to prevent the overflow of sew-

age into the Potomac River whenever it rains.Let me explain why the solution to this chal-lenge matters to all of us.

Northern Virginia is the most vibrant regionof the Commonwealth. Three of the four larg-est jurisdictions of the state are in NorthernVirginia. This region accounted for 60 percentof the state’s population growth since 2010.And a river runs through it.

Quality of life is why so many people andbusinesses are moving to Northern Virginia. As

Alexandrians, we enjoy aclose-knit community withquick access to one of theworld’s great cities and to

the natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay andthe Shenandoah Valley. Where else can youbicycle along the banks of “the Nation’s wild-est urban river” on your commute to a majormetropolitan area?

Only recently have Northern Virginia com-munities truly realized the importance of thePotomac to their quality of life. Up until the1950s, Alexandria dumped all of its raw sew-age into the Potomac. Back then, local news-papers quipped that the Potomac was “too thickto drink, but too thin to plow.” Just 10 yearsago, the Potomac Conservancy gave thePotomac a “D” grade for the health of its wa-ter.

Fortunately, public authorities have investedin improving the health of the Potomac. Pollu-tion from sewage treatment has been mark-edly curtailed. One of the most obvious mea-sures of the river’s health – its fish population– is rebounding. For the first time in decades,

shad have returned to the northern reaches ofthe Potomac. In 2017, the Potomac Conser-vancy upgraded the river’s health to a “B”grade.

But the work of cleaning up the Potomac isfar from complete. The overflow from old com-bined sewer systems, like Alexandria’s, contin-ues to threaten the health of the river. Duringrainstorms – about 40 to 60 times a year – amix of rainwater and raw sewage is dischargedinto the Potomac from four outfall locations inthe oldest part of the city. Last year, the Gen-eral Assembly mandated that Alexandria stopthese overflows by 2025 or face significantpenalties.

To address this challenge, City Council con-vened a committee of concerned citizens todevelop a solution that meets the state’s re-quirement with the least cost and disruptionto the character of our historic city. I served onthat committee. After carefully evaluating fouralternatives, the committee recommended apowerful partnership between the City of Al-exandria and the state-chartered utility respon-sible for wastewater treatment, AlexandriaRenew Enterprises (AlexRenew).

By the end of June, the city will transferownership of the four outfalls to AlexRenew.AlexRenew will serve as the manager of themulti-year program to solve the overflow prob-lem, including the construction of one of thelargest public works in the city’s history.

This involves the construction of a deep tun-nel system beneath Alexandria to store com-bined sewer overflow until it can be conveyedand thoroughly cleaned at the AlexRenewtreatment plant. The tunnel solution will re-sult in the least disruption to the city becausemost of the construction activity will occur onthe property of AlexRenew. Although the tun-nels will extend underground along the wa-terfront to North Old Town and along Hooff’sRun, the millions of cubic feet of excavated soil

will be hauled from the AlexRenew plant nearTelegraph Road to the Beltway with minimalimpact on Alexandria’s residential neighbor-hoods. And because the tunnels are deep be-neath the surface, potential noise and vibra-tion impacts will be minimized.

The citizen committee also found that thepartnership with AlexRenew would provide thesolution with the lowest utility rate impact. Asone of the nation’s most advanced wastewatertreatment facilities, AlexRenew already hasmuch of the basic infrastructure in place toprocess the combined sewer overflow effi-ciently. Like any treatment plant, AlexRenewis designed to handle peak flows that occurduring rainstorms. Currently, the plant converts35 million gallons of sewage into clean wateron an average day, but with some modifica-tions it will have the capacity to handle morethan double the design flows of the plant dur-ing large storm events. The committee deter-mined that integration of the tunnels coupledwith expansion and dual use of existing plantfacilities would help solve the combined seweroverflow problem.

The Potomac gives Alexandria its uniquecharacter. As a natural resource at our door-step, it contributes to the quality of life thatmakes our town a great place to live and amagnet for thriving businesses. The invest-ments of the past few decades have triggereda regeneration of the Potomac. Solving theproblem of combined sewer overflows is thenext step in restoring a river where we canswim and fish. The partnership between thecity and Alexandria Renew Enterprises willprovide a solution that is both cost effectiveand minimally disruptive to our neighbor-hoods.

John Hill served on the city’s Ad Hoc CSO StakeholderCommittee from November 2017 to March 2018 and ischair of the city-appointed five-member volunteer boardof directors at Alexandria Renew Enterprises.

Partnering for a Cleaner Potomac

Commentary

Strive forConsensusTo the Editor:

We are now in the Intermissionphase of what promises to be along election year.

In 2012, Justin Wilson and TimLovain succeeded in moving ourlocal council elections, which hadbeen held in springtime for de-cades, up to November of thatyear. They wanted to piggy backon the national elections, wherethey expected — and go — a hugevoter turnout for Obama’s re-elec-tion.

That worked for increasing turn-out for national elections, but thefocus on local contests was lost inthe process. And one of the unex-pected consequences of this swapin 2018 is that the Alexandria CityCouncil — for the next sevenmonths — will be operated withfour of the seven members now

lame ducks. Unlike foreign coun-tries, where the electoral winnerstake over the next day, the newpeople will not be sworn in untilearly January 2019.

This could prove a great oppor-tunity for all the current councilmembers, as they work to build upconsensus instead of confronta-tions. The failed pattern of a 6-1vote shows an inability to negoti-ate realistic, practical and work-able compromises, like rationaladults do. Stop using Congress asa role model. Stop the juvenile in-terference of not giving a col-league a second for a motion. Voteevery motion down when it getsto the floor, but don’t continue toblock debate.

Otherwise, these next sevenmonths could be a debacle wherethose incumbent members remainfrozen in place as the “Gang ofSix.” In the past, they often oper-ated only as a bloc, and not as in-dependent thinkers and problem

solvers we need, who are sensitiveto the needs of constituents wher-ever they live.

They have proven that one-partygovernment, be it at the national,state or local level, is not a formulafor successful governance that isinclusive, effective and fair.

As a college instructor, let meoffer some hints to the incumbentcouncil members and a plea tobring back the lost civility, the abil-ity to listen to others, and thesearch for common and workablegoals that residents have not ex-perienced in recent years:

❖ Put down that cell phone. Youknow who you are. People don’ttake time out to come to councilto speak, to line up baby sitters,and to alter their schedules, onlyto be ignored.

❖ Stop texting and emailing toothers on the dais. Let them fig-ure out the votes on their own in-stead of telegraphing them theanswer.

❖ Pretend every council meet-ing is a test, not a pop quiz, andcome prepared. It is annoyingwhen council members — andsome staff — are not ready to dis-cuss items on the agenda.

And let me offer some ideas tothe Alexandria Democratic Com-mittee (ADC) which oversees theguidelines for selecting candi-dates, organizing debates and cre-ating the processes:

❖ Stop the charade of the StrawPoll. This is simply the appearanceof buying votes and it is unseemlywhen people who are not ADCmembers or even Alexandria resi-dents are allowed to stuff the bal-lot boxes, for a fee.

❖ Use the model of the CitizensPolice Academy and revive theearlier ADC practice of recruitingpeople who think they may wantto run for council at some pointand do a short course. Give themsolid information on the financial

Letter to the Editor


From Page 10

Letter to the Editor

and legal aspects of running for office;building a campaign and staff; how to mar-ket your message; and the federal, state andlocal regulations and ethical guidelines theyneed to do. Stop hand-picking candidatesbehind the scenes and make the processmore transparent.

❖ Stop the Cattle Call Forum, pretending

it is a “debate.” If you have 12 candidatesfor six seats in the future, then ADC shoulddo three separate debates with four sepa-rate candidates, who all have the same ques-tions. If you can televise council meetings,do the same for debates.

❖ Consider Australia a voting model forlocal elections, since it would be easier todo this at a local rather than a national level.Make in-person absentee voting the norm,

instead of a convoluted ritual. In that coun-try, it is mandatory to vote, with jail timeand fees for those who don’t vote. One out-standing tool they use is that all ballots say“None of the above” candidates. Imagine ifwe had had that in November 2016, when90 million registered voters stayed home.

❖ We got a small handful of the 100,000registered Alexandria voters who showedup for the primary. They need to pay closer

attention to the recent Supreme Court rul-ing that upheld a lower Court ruling inOhio, which removed people from the vot-ing rolls if they missed voting. You can’tcomplain for the next three years, if youdon’t vote to change things locally when youhave the chance.

Kathleen M. BurnsAlexandria

Opinion

By Mark Jinks

City Manager

To the Alexandria Community:Since the 1970s, the City hasworked closely with residentsand businesses towards the vi-

sion of a new Potomac Yard Metro Station.After decades of hard work, we are closerthan ever to the significant transit, environ-

mental and economicbenefits the station willprovide.

While there has beenextensive communica-

tion, consultation and engagement amongstakeholders throughout this long and com-plex process, this was not the case for the

procurement phase of the project last yearand this year. On behalf of your City gov-ernment, I apologize that we did not liveup to the standards we set and our commu-nity expects.

To maintain the integrity of the competi-tive procurement process, we were requiredto curtail some of our communication withthe public while Metro reviewed confiden-tial bids from prospective construction con-tractors. City staff were permitted to par-ticipate in the process only if they adheredto Metro’s strict confidentiality rules.

The station was originally designed tohave two entrances on the west side of thetracks (one on the north end of the plat-form and one on the south end), and an-other entrance on the east side of the tracks.

When initial bids far exceeded the project’sbudget, the only practical way to keep the$320 million station financially viable wasto remove the south entrance alongPotomac Avenue. The north entrance willbe accessible about a block away.

We believed we were prohibited from in-forming the public of cost-saving designchanges. It now appears there was a criti-cal misunderstanding about what could bereleased. In hindsight, City staff and Ishould have pressed harder to clarify thebasis for keeping the design changes confi-dential. This would have allowed us to havea more informed conversation about com-municating changes to the public.

Many members of our community areunderstandably upset. We typically provide

better communication, and the communityrightfully expected better. We would havepreferred to communicate the designchanges much earlier and more directlythan we did, and we commit to more thor-oughly reviewing how confidentiality ap-plies or does not apply to future situationsand projects.

The Potomac Yard Metro Station will dra-matically improve transit options, help theenvironment by taking cars off the road,spur economic growth through new homesand jobs, and provide increased tax revenueto meet vital community needs. We are com-mitted to providing timely and accurateinformation about this project and look for-ward to a new station that will make ourentire community proud.

High Expectations for Potomac Yard Metro

Commentary


EMPOWER THE CHILD. EMPOWER THE MIND.

“You can either be a passive victim of circumstance, or you can be a successful active leader who seizes every opportunity you get. Knowing each of you, I’m sure you will all choose the latter.”

Michael Scott Laemmle, Jr., C/A Class of 2018,in his speech to classmates at graduation

COMMONWEALTH ACADEMY CONGRATULATES THE CLASS OF 2018

We wish them the best in college, career and life pursuits!

Grades 3-12

1321 LESLIE AVE., ALEXANDRIA, VA 22301703.548.6912

CA-EMPOWERS.ORG

C O M M O N W E A LT HA C A D E M Y

From Page 1

News

A Look at How the Waterfront Plan Is Coming Together

Alexandrians gather for Waterfront Walk.

perfectly positioned to trap garbage float-ing down the Potomac. The new design willrestore the natural shoreline to the site andturn the land around it into a city park. Thesite will also include a pier at the northernend and a new sidewalk. The sidewalk willopen mid-summer with the rest of theproject scheduled to open mid-fall.

Browand said most of the project is fin-ished, but part of the delay comes from giv-ing vegetation on the site room to get es-tablished before the park isopened.

“Right now, it’s literallywatching grass grow,” saidBrowand.

On the western side of S.Union Street, Browand said thepark there will be receivingsome significant overhauls tomake it more compliant withthe Americans with DisabilitiesAct (ADA). In response to lo-cal residents concerned aboutthe lack of shade and the treestaken away during some of the earlier parkrenovations, Browand said more trees willbe put back into the site.

Further north on the tour, City Archae-ologist Eleanor Breen updated visitors

on the status of the three recently discov-ered 18th century ships buried under the

waterfront.“Just as the waterfront is transforming

today, Alexandrians in the 18th centurywere changing their waterfront as well.”

Breen said over 100,000 artifacts hadbeen collected from the site, mainly discov-ered in dwellings and privies. The largest

artifacts being the three semi-intact shiphulls that were buried and built into theearly expansion into the Potomac River. Theship in the middle of the site was removedlast week, and the northernmost ship isscheduled to be removed sometime thisweek. The third ship, the largest and mostintact one at the southern end of the site, ismore of a challenge. The ship is larger thanthe others, but is still mostly buried undersoil. Breen said a containment will be setup around the ship to work on safely ex-

tracting it.All along the waterfront, the city is also

at work developing and implementing aflood mitigation plan. The plan currentlycalls for a flood wall that should mitigateflooding in all but the 100-year event(storms of such severity that they have aone percent chance of occurring each year),with pumps on the inside of the wall to sendoverflow back into the Potomac.

“This is not Richmond or New Orleanswith 20-foot walls,” said Bryan Meli, a civilengineer for the City of Alexandria. “We willhave a pumping system in place [to miti-gate floods] except in the rare occurrencewith a significant breach … then just getout of town for a little while.”

The only storms Meli said would causesubstantial problems would be those wherethe flooding is intense enough that pump-ing water back into the other side of thewall would do no good.

While the open walkability along thewaterfront will be completed whenRobinson Terminal South opens, Browandsaid the full promenade along the river’sedge is still two to three years away.

“A lot of the unsexy stuff happens beforethe promenade is established,” saidBrowand. “We need to establish the supportsystems first, so there’s a lot of tear-up with-out significant improvement.”

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See Waterfront, Page 23

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News

By Mike Salmon

Gazette Packet

At Lake Cook off Eisenhower Av-enue, there are winners on allsides of the Stormwater Management Retrofit Project currently

underway. For the city environmentalists,the project will retrofit the lake with a sedi-ment forebay to lessen the nitrogen andphosphorous that eventually end up in theChesapeake Bay, and for the recreation en-thusiasts, the new Lake Cook will havepaths, a boat pier and fish, reestablishing anoted recreation facility in the City of Alex-andria.

Even taxpayers get something – the Vir-ginia Department of Environmental Qual-ity awarded the city a $1.5 millionStormwater Local Assistance Fund grant forthis project, so city taxpayers were respon-sible for only $2.7 million of the $4.2 mil-lion price tag.

“When the water goes out, it will becleaner than when it comes in,” said JesseMaines, division chief, stormwater manage-

ment at the City of Alexandria.According to the city, the upgrade to the

lake treats stormwater runoff to help meet

Chesapeake Bay cleanup mandates and pro-tect downstream waterways. The waterfrom Lake Cook is channeled under

Eisenhower Avenue and into Cameron Run.This is in tune with the City of Alexandria’sEco-City Action Plan to clean waterways inthe city.

It is part of the city environmental actionplan 2030, which was enacted years ago toimplement the Cameron Run/Holmes Runfeasibility study to improve biotic integrityand water quality.

The “sediment forebay,” that Maines high-lighted, acts as a filter. “Sediment has phos-phorus so if you’re removing sediment,you’re removing phosphorus,” Maines said.

The lake improvements will also have animproved look for the art enthusiasts too.As part of the project, the City of Alexan-dria Public Art Program has selected art-ist David Hess to join the Lake Cook de-sign team to integrate public art into theretrofit project.

Hess, a sculptor from Baltimore, wasone of hundreds of artists that respondedto a nationwide call, and he fit the re-quirements on the city’s “request for quali-fications,” said Sara DeGroot, environ-mental specialist at the City of Alexandria.

When the project is completed this sum-mer, the shore will be landscaped with na-tive plants to discourage geese and pro-vide habitat for riparian birds and ani-mals.

Stormwater Runoff Goes Through Wringer at Lake CookProtectingChesapeake Bay.

Lake Cook Project has environmental and art implications.

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14 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ June 21-27, 2018 Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ June 21-27, 2018 ❖ 15www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com


By Marilyn Campbell

The recent high profile deaths by suicidemake it inevitable that children will askquestions and express a curiosity aboutthe topic. However, some parents might

feel a sense of uneasiness about answering thosequestions. Local mental health educators say that thesteady increase in death by suicide each year since1999 makes those conversations vital.

Parents can begin by creating a safe environmentfor an age-appropriate dialogue, says Linda Gulyn,Ph.D, professor of psychology at Marymount Univer-sity. “As always, reassure young children that you arethere for them no matter what,” she said. “Don’t feedinto the anxiety. Teens understand it 100 percent,probably more than you realize.”

“Encourage children to ask questions and answerthem honestly,” added Jerome Short, Ph.D., associ-ate professor of psychology at George Mason Uni-versity. “Parents should state that they will help theirchildren handle any bad feelings or problems thathappen.”

Suicide can be a frightening topic for children anda difficult subject for parents to explain, advisedShort. “Explain that people die in different ways andsuicide means that people hurt themselves and diedfrom it,” he said. “A more detailed explanation is thatour thoughts and feelings come from our brain, andsometimes a person’s brain is sick. People feel alone,believe they are a burden on others, and are hope-less that it will change. Some people cannot stop thehurt they feel inside by themselves, but they can gethelp.”

Parents should have a general understanding ofsuicide rates, signs and methods of preventing be-fore embarking on a conversation with their childrenabout the topic, advises Monica Band, Ed.D., assis-tant professor of counseling atMarymount University, who rec-ommends the National SuicidePrevention and the AmericanFoundation for Suicide Preventionas sources of information. “I wouldalso recommend parents challeng-ing their misconceptions and pre-conceived notions of [those who]who attempt and think of commit-ting suicide because it is an issuethat has an impact across cul-tures.”

Some children might not under-stand the difference between feel-ings of sadness and clinical depres-sion. “Explain that we all get sadand have good days and bad days,”said Gulyn. “Usually we feel bet-ter. But kids who commit suicideare so sad that they don’t know what to do to feelbetter. But the truth is there is a way to feel better,and there are very helpful adults in school and athome who are great to talk to.”

However, some children might have difficultygrasping the concept of mental illnesses like depres-sion. “Sad is normal, sad is part of life, and usuallywe feel sad when something outside of us happens,

like when a friend moves away. And we know thatwe will feel better,” said Gulyn. “Depression is whensomeone feels hopeless that he or she won’t be sadanymore. And that makes them not want to do funthings, or take care of themselves.”

An awareness of warning signs of mental illnessand the fact that depression is not a normal phase ofadolescence are two factors that Gulyn underscores.“[Depression] is a serious mental health disorder forwhich there are effective treatments,” she said. “Par-ents need to be aware of kids isolating themselvesfrom others, especially peers. Other signs [include]not taking care of your physical appearance, consis-tently performing poorly in school, substance abuse,eating disorders, excessive or inadequate rest.”

If a parent notices any of thesesymptoms or suspects that theirchild might be depressed, Gulynadvises a straightforward ap-proach. Don’t be afraid to ask yourteen directly, “Do you think youare depressed?” or “Have you beenthinking about hurting yourself?”,she suggests.

Teaching a child healthy help-seeking behaviors will give theman invaluable tool when facingmental health issues, advisedMonica P. Band, an assistant pro-fessor of counseling atMarymount University. “If par-ents raise the child to have spe-cific religious or spiritual beliefs,this could be a way to begin thediscussion of how one finds

strength, resilience, or peace in times when theyfeel like they’re not in control,” said Band. “Re-gardless of one’s religious or spiritual beliefs, it isworth it if parents have an understanding andawareness of mood shifts or changes with theirchildren and set an example and expectation withhow to address these issues when things aren’tfeeling right or normal for their child.”

Creating safeenvironment is keyto opening a discussion.

Talking to Children about Suicide

ResourcesNational Suicide Prevention

Lifelinehttps://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/American Foundation for Suicide

Preventionhttps://afsp.org/about-suicide/risk-

factors-and-warning-signs/

BOOKS:“Something Very Sad Happened: A

Toddler’s Guide toUnderstanding Death” by BonnieZucker

“Depression: A Teen’s Guide toSurvive and Thrive” by JacquelineToner and Claire Freeland

“Danny and the Blue Cloud” byJames M. Foley

“Why are You So Sad, A Child’sBook About ParentalDepression” by Beth Andrews

Photo contributed

Books like “Something Very Sad Hap-pened: A Toddler’s Guide to Understand-ing Death” by Bonnie Zucker can helpparents explain concepts of mental healthto their children.



News

By James Cullum

Gazette Packet

It’s not really a father-son thing withrestaurant partners Mike Andersonand Bill Blackburn. It’s more likethey’re brothers or best friends who

own a bunch of restaurants in Alexandria.They own five Alexandria restaurants intheir Homegrown Restaurant Group and areplanning on opening the sixth — Whiskyand Oyster at 333 John Carlyle St. — byLabor Day. Still, despite their success, thepair have no ambition to open any busi-nesses outside Alexandria.

“We’re down to earth, we’re neighbor-hood guys,” Anderson said. “We’re not inthe heart of Georgetown. We ask what theneighborhood needs and we give it to them.It’s not a complicated formula. We’re notcomplicated guys, and the whole premiseis good food, good service, priced right, aclean place and in a nice location. But thetrouble is that the execution of that is re-ally hard.”

Each have won awards and honors fromthe Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, theDel Ray Business Association and Restau-rant Association of Metropolitan Washing-ton Awards, to name a few. They employhundreds of employees and own Pork Bar-

rel BBQ, Holy Cow and The Sushi Bar onMount Vernon Ave. in Del Ray, and Tequilaand Taco and Sweet Fire Donna’s on JohnCarlyle Street near the U.S. Patent andTrademark Office.

Earlier this month, the pair celebratedanother milestone of sorts by raising$100,000 for 75 Alexandria charities withtheir seven-year-old burger joint “HolyCow” in Del Ray. The restaurant donates25 cents per burger to charity — the fundsof which are distributed by ACT for Alex-andria. That means over 400,000 quarters

have been doled out to such charities as theAnimal Welfare League of Alexandria, InovaAlexandria Hospital and Together We Bake.

“At first we thought, what’s a quarter?”Anderson said. “Those quarters are like amortgage payment every month. I neverthought they would add up so much.”

Anderson, 69, a native of Detroit, Mich.,moved to Alexandria after graduating col-lege in 1972. He opened his first restaurant,Shooter McGee’s, in 1979, followed by theoriginal Joe Theismann’s Restaurant inBailey’s Crossroads and then Mango Mike’s,which he owned for 20 years until it closedin 2013. His wife, Donna, is the driving forcebehind Sweet Fire Donna’s, and their threedaughters were raised in the industry.

“My roommate and I moved here fromMichigan for a lot of reasons,” he said. “Itwasn’t too far from the ocean, not too farfrom Michigan, it was the nation’s capitaland we heard there was seven chicks forevery guy, so I moved here and got a job ata restaurant in Old Town.”

Blackburn, 40, a native of St. Louis, Mo.,wanted a break from the real world andstarted working at Mango Mike’s aftergraduating with a business degree from TheGeorge Washington University in 2000. Heis married to Megan Blackburn and has ayoung daughter with a son due in August.

“I worked at some bars in college, and Isaid I was going to take a break from realjobs and work in restaurants for a year,”Blackburn said. “I still haven’t gotten a realjob.”

Blackburn bartended for five years atMango Mike’s until Anderson had a toughchoice to make — fire his best bartender orgive him a chance by making him a busi-ness partner.

“I took him to dinner one night, and I said,‘Bill, I have to let you go,’” Anderson re-called. “I told him to either get a real job,or if he liked the restaurant business to getmore experience in the back of the houseto get his own place. So, then I told him Iwas making him GM of Mango Mike’s. I saidif he did a good job that in a couple yearsI’d look around to see if I could find us agood brick and mortar and we’d do a bar-becue joint and I’d give him a piece of theaction.”

What’s next for Homegrown RestaurantGroup? Anderson and Blackburn haven’tmade up their minds, but they’re open.

“We like doing business in Alexandria. Wepiss and moan about the processes and thefood tax, but we both live in Alexandria,”Anderson said. “Bill lives down the street,

Anderson and Blackburn Opening Another Restaurant?… and their burger joint Holy Cow just raised $100,000 for local charities.

Photo by James Cullum/Gazette Packet

Mike Anderson (on left) and BillBlackburn, partners with theAlexandria-based HomegrownRestaurant Group, outside theirrestaurant Holy Cow on MountVernon Avenue in Del Ray.

See Opening, Page 25


Entertainment

Calendar

By Bianca Moorman

On a Sunday afternoon inMeade Memorial EpiscopalChurch, a jazz musicianplays cover songs by Luther

Vandross and Stevie Wonder.“We’ve got to let the Alexandria, Arling-

ton and D.C. public know that these awe-some artists are here,” said Janet Thomas,administrative assistant at Meade Memo-rial Episcopal Church.

For the last 11 years, the church has beenhosting concerts as a way to connect peopleto the small church. Jazz at Meade, thename of the concert series, is held on thethird Sundays of each month between Apriland December. The concerts are held be-tween 4 and 6 p.m. as way to work withpeople’s schedules as well as the musiciansin case they have another engagement.

“What better way to bring people in, thango out in the community, and we go out inthe community to spread the Gospel andalso let folks know that people who loveGod, love music and jazz as well,” said Tho-mas.

The purpose of the concerts is not to con-vert people into a religion but as a way toconnect with members of the community.

“I have not seen the emphasis in tryingto connect the people who come to jazz tochurch. I don’t see the evangelist aspect inthat pursuit,” said The Very Rev. Collins E.Asonye, Rector of Meade Memorial Episco-pal Church.

Joyce Ramsey, one of the church mem-bers who came up with the idea, thought itwould be be a good way to connect withthe community, while also to raise moneyfor the church. Ramsey said she was notsure how members of the congregationwould react to her idea.

“We needed to help the church financiallyand also as an outreach activity. We beenable to do both very well I think,” said

Ramsey.Having concerts at the church began long

before Jazz at Meade began. Ramsey saidthere was something called jazz vespers.“Vespers means an evening service, so thatwould be jazz music played along with theregular service in the evening. I think theyused to do that on Saturday night,” saidRamsey.

THE CONCERTS ALLOW the church tocontinue the tradition of having local tal-ent playing at the church. Ramsey said alot of jazz musicians began their careersplaying at Meade.

“This church has the tradition of jazzmusicians in it and I think we grew fromthat,” said Ramsey.

Ramsey is part of a committee at Meadethat plans and arranges the jazz perfor-mances at the church. Cris Abad said thatthe committee starts planning after the lastconcert in December for the following year’sjazz concert line-ups. Abad said they bringlocal talent and also local talent that hasperformed internationally.

“All the musicians that we book are localjazz musicians, artists that have interna-tional experience. They played all over theworld, so they come with great credentials,”said Abad.

Some of the people that they havebrought included the Marshall Keys Group,L’Tanya Mari’ Quartet, and Ronny Smith, ajazz guitarist.

The church finds most of their musiciansfrom word of mouth or when some of themusicians are present at other events andask about participating in one of thechurch’s shows.

“We get new artists that find out aboutus and they ask who could they contact.Some of the artists are playing with an art-ist and will say ‘I would like to bring a groupin.’ It is a good feeling,” said Gloria Ward-Lewis.

Smith has been playing at Meade for thelast three years and described the audienceas being positive and responsive to themusic being played.

Jazzy SundaysLocal church hasbeen bringing localmusicians to the city.

Members of the Jazz at Meade committee: (From top left) Joyce Ramsey,Deborah Cason Daniel, Denise Brown, Mary Ann Rudy, (from bottom left)Crispin (Cris) A. Abad, Charles Cason, and Gloria Ward Lewis.

Will Allen, a drummer playing withSmith, said he was excited to see the audi-ence so engaged with the music. At the con-certs many kinds of jazz are offered like tra-ditional, smooth, Latin and African jazz.

Paul Blumstein from Annandale said hehas been coming to concerts for eight yearsand he is never disappointed. He was firstinvited to attend by his neighbor.

Deborah Cason-Daniel said when she goesto the concerts she likes to feel surprisedbecause she never knows who is perform-ing.

“I invited a person who is from the Alex-andria area and, during the concert whenwe took a break, she said to me that this isbest keep secret in Alexandria,” Ramseysaid.

Charles Cason said since they have beenhaving these concerts, they have gainedsome members but have not lost any mem-bers. Even though the audience tends to beolder, they have seen some youth come totheir concerts.

“When a teacher comes, a number of hisstudents come and that is fun,” said Cason-Daniels.

Upcoming shows will be on July 15, Aug.19, Sept. 16, Oct. 21 and Nov. 18 from 4 to6 p.m. at Meade Memorial EpiscopalChurch, 322 N Alfred St.

“The goal is to have sell-out performancesonce a mouth,” said Thomas.

Ronny Smith, ajazz musicianfrom Mary-land, playsa song beforethe showcloses out.

Photos by

Bianca Moorman

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

ONGOING“The Nance.” Through June 23 at the

Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600Wolfe St., Alexandria. It’s 1930s NewYork, a time when it was easy to“play gay,” but dangerous to be gay.A headliner called “The Nance” wasusually played by a straight man whowould portray a campy homosexualin musical vaudeville parodies.However, in this drama, ChaunceyMiles not only plays a gay man but ishomosexual himself. “The Nance”

will take the audience into the wildworld of burlesque and tell thebackstage story of Chauncey and hisfellow performers. Admission: $19Wednesdays and Thursdays; $22Friday through Sunday. Call 703-683-0496 or visitwww.thelittletheatre.com.

China Photography Reception.Through June 24 at Barrett BranchLibrary, 717 Queen St. Presented bythe Confucius Institute at GeorgeMason University, China in My Eyesoffers a window into China today,taken by a diverse groupphotographers living in northernVirginia. Free. Call 703-746-1714 orvisit alexlibraryva.org.

Doubling Up Show. Through June 24,10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily at ThePotomac Fiber Arts Gallery, in theTorpedo Factory Art Center, Studio29, 105 North Union St., Alexandria.The theme focuses on duality, as inthe use of two or more techniques inone piece or work createdcollaboratively with another galleryartist. Themed work will be eligiblefor recognition by the jurors. Visitwww.Potomacfiberartsgallery.com orcall 703-548-0935.

Art Exhibit: “Wanderlust.” Galleryhours at Del Ray Artisans, 2704 MtVernon Ave. “Wanderlust” is an artexhibit about adventure, travel andnew experiences that celebrates the

diversity and beauty found in everycorner of this world, both near andfar. The exhibit runs through June24, 2018 at Del Ray Artisans. Exhibitdetails and workshop registration canbe found at DelRayArtisans.org/event/wanderlust.

Bethesda Painting AwardFinalists. Through June 30, galleryhours at Gallery B, 7700 WisconsinAve., Suite E, Bethesda. Eightpainters, including Kim Abraham ofAlexandria, have been selected asfinalists for the Bethesda PaintingAwards, a juried competition andexhibition produced by the BethesdaArts & Entertainment District. Nearly300 artists from Maryland, Virginia

and Washington, D.C. submittedwork to the 14th annual competitioncreated to honor regional painters.Visit www.bethesda.org.

Duende District Bookstore. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays andSundays through June 30 at TorpedoFactory Art Center’s New ProjectStudio, 105 N. Union St. DuendeDistrict Bookstore is a collaborativepop-up bookstore by and for peopleof color where all are welcome. OnSaturday, June 30, 3-4 p.m., DuendeDistrict will welcome Cinelle Barnes,author of “Monsoon Mansion,” amemoir about her rags-to-richeschildhood in the Philippines. Visitwww.duendedistrict.com.


Entertainment

Art Exhibit: “Selfie: Not forSharing.” Through July 1, daily, 10a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.at Scope Gallery, ground floor Studio19 of the Torpedo Factory Art Center,105 North Union St. In a celebrationof a satisfying selfie, ceramics go self-centered and self-involved, placingindividualism at the forefront, withthe priority of plates for eachpersonage, mugs for mavericks andclay for every character. Call 703-548-6288 or visit scopegallery.org.

WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY/JUNE 20-23Student Congratulations. 10 a.m.-6

p.m. at Top It Off, 1906 Mt. VernonAve., Alexandria. CongratulationsAlexandria students. Parents whobring a child and report card willreceive their choice of free meshsqueeze ball or squishy keychain.Contact Beth Jones at 703-519-1850.

THURSDAY/JUNE 21AHS Awards Ceremony. 5:30-9 p.m.

at River Farm, 7931 East BoulevardDrive, Alexandria. Honoring theAmerican Horticultural Society’s2018 Great American Gardeners andBook Award Honorees from acrossthe country. Outdoor receptionoverlooking the Potomac before thebanquet, then enjoy the awardsdinner in the tented garden of theEstate House. Visitwww.ahsgardening.org/awards.

THURSDAY-SUNDAY/JUNE 21-24“The Music Man, Jr.” At 2 and 7

p.m. June 21-23; and 2 p.m. only onJune 24 at Metropolitan School ofthe Arts, 5775 Barclay Drive, Suite 4,Alexandria. MetropolitanHomeschool Productions presents a

support and activities online byvisiting rowbyrowexperience.com orwww.artisticartifacts.com for localquilting.

FRIDAY/JUNE 22SummerQuest Kick-Off Party. 2

p.m. at Charles E. Beatley Jr. CentralLibrary, 5005 Duke St., Alexandria.

SummerQuest – the Library’s summerreading program for ages 0-12 – is agreat way to keep children learningover the summer months. The eventlaunches with a kick-off partyfeaturing crafts, games, snacks andprizes for children. Visitwww.alexlibraryva.org.

Opening Reception: New Works byKen Strong. 5-9 p.m. at BroadwayGallery, 5641-B General WashingtonDrive. Shipped straight from hisstudio in Australia, Ken Strong’s newworks represent a variety of subjectsfrom Australia and the United States.Exhibit runs June 22-Aug. 9. Lightrefreshments will be served. Open tothe public. Call 703-354-2905 or visitbroadwaygalleries.net.

Sunset Movie Night. 7-11 p.m. at Mt.Vernon RECenter, 2017 Belle ViewBlvd. Outdoor movies every Fridaynight in June. This week’s show is“Thor: Ragnarok.” Bring a blanket,beach chairs, picnic dinner. Movieswill start at sunset. Free. Visitwww.ZelsmanPowersGroup.com.

We Are The Champions Concert.7:30 p.m. at Del Ray UnitedMethodist Church, 100 E. WindsorAve., Alexandria. An ALL CAPScelebration with Alexandria CitizensBand. Wear your 2018 Stanley Cupshirts and sing along as they play“We Are the Champions.” Visitwww.delrayumc.org.

Mount Vernon Nights. 7:30 p.m. atGrist Mill Park, 4710 Mt. VernonMemorial Highway. This series offree, public concerts features avariety of musical performancesreflecting Fairfax County’s diversity,culture and community spirit. Bring apicnic dinner and a blanket and enjoyone of Fairfax County’s specialsummer traditions. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/mt-vernon-nights.

In celebration of National Yoga Day onThursday, June 21, The Alexandrian, oneof Alexandria, VA’s most popular hoteldestinations, will be hosting a dog yogaclass, led by a talented Yogaworksinstructor!

Yoga and Yappy HourGuests and their four-legged friends unwind in a yoga

session in the outdoor courtyard of Jackson 20, TheAlexandrian’s on-site American fare restaurant. Followingthe hour-long session, participants and their pooches arewelcome to indulge in drink specials and other treats of-fered during Jackson 20’s Yappy Hour. Proceeds go to theAnimal Welfare League of Alexandria. Guests must RSVPby June 19 and are encouraged to bring their own mats.Thursday, June 21, 6 p.m. at The Alexandrian, 480 KingSt., Alexandria. Free, donations welcome. Visitwww.eventbrite.com and search “Dog Yoga.”

family-friendly rendition of “TheMusic Man, Jr.,” featuring some ofthe most beloved songs in musicalhistory. Tickets $9.75 ages 2 and up.Visit metropolitanhomeschool.org/.

JUNE 21-OCT. 31Row by Row Junior. Local quilt shops

like Artistic Artifacts (4750

Eisenhower Ave.) are welcomingchildren participating in Row by RowJunior to their shops. It’s the juniorversion of the summertime travelevent for quilt making fans known asRow by Row Experience. Kids visitshops in person, collect a free sewingpattern, and find inspiration incolorful, creative world of sewing. Athome, families can find free tutorial

Markette Sheppard

Sally Hurme

Book FairThroughout the day,

there will be a variety offree events for toddlers,young children, teens andseniors. If store guests buyanything and mention thatthat they are there for thebookfair, a portion of thesale proceeds will go tosummer reading program.Sponsored by the Friendsof Beatley Central Library.Saturday, June 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Barnes & NoblePotomac Yard Center, 3651Jefferson Davis Highway.At 1 p.m., MarketteSheppard reads “What isLight.” At 3 p.m., legal ex-pert Sally Hurme discusses“Checklist for Family: AGuide to My History, Fi-nancial Plans and FinalWishes.” Visitstores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2867 for more.


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Entertainment

By Hope Nelson

Filipino culture, largesse, a subsequent fall fromfamily wealth — it’s all on display in CinelleBarnes’ first book, “Monsoon Mansion.” And

the food is, as well; from decadent coconut crab tothe lowly mung bean, Barnes’ roots sit close to thesurface.

“I’ve been on my book tour since April 28 and it’sbeen all sorts of events from straight-up readings to

Q&As to panels, but so far my favoritetypes of events are the types that in-volve food,” Barnes said.

Filipino food — as well as the cul-ture fueling it — will be one of the topics of discus-sion on June 30 at the Torpedo Factory, as Barnessits down with Genevieve Villamora of Bad Saint,one of the District’s hottest restaurants of late.

“I just want to talk to Genevieve about why eachof us thinks that the general audience or the gen-eral foodie is suddenly craving, in everysense of that world, Filipino foodand Filipino stories and whatis it about our flavors that’snot just ‘on trend’ but that’shopefully becoming a mainstayin not just cultural conversationsbut also cultural palates,” Barnessaid.

“Monsoon Mansion,” a memoirtaking readers on a roller-coasterjourney chronicling Barnes’ family’srise to and fall from grace, encom-passes all manner of emotions. Froma successful nuclear family to one that’sfractured and at times traumatic, thestory takes readers on a veritable tour of

life in the Philippines at aspecific point in time andplace.

“It’s really exciting to seethat Filipino stories and Fili-pino-American stories aregetting attention,” Barnessaid, adding that she is butone of several authors writ-ing from a Filipino perspec-tive who are on tour at themoment.

The June 30 event, spon-sored by Duende District Bookstore, will focus on

Filipino culture, literature and, of course, food— and the cuisine’s long reach across the world.

“I’m hoping that we can talk about how Fili-pino food has translated into mainstream cul-ture,” Barnes said.

While the event is free, RSVPs are requiredfor the event due to limited space. AndBarnes says she and Villamora are lookingforward to welcoming the attendees andcontouring their remarks for the audienceat hand.

“I think we’re both very energetic andwe’re both really lively people and Ithink it’s going to be so fun,” she said.

If You Go“Monsoon Mansion” author Cinelle Barnes talks with Bad

Saint’s Genevieve VillamoraLocation: Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St.Time: 3:30-4:30 p.m.Cost: Free, but RSVP required at www.eventbrite.com/e/

monsoon-mansion-a-conversation-on-filipino-literature-food-culture-tickets-46988630258

Filipino Food, Culture on the DocketAt Torpedo Factorybook event.

Cinelle Barnes

Hope Nelson owns and operates theKitchen Recessionista blog, located at

www.kitchenrecessionista.com. Email her any time [email protected].

Appetite

Calendar

Screening of “Black Panther.” 8:45p.m. at Market Square, 301 King St.,in front of City Hall, Alexandria. Thescreening will be shown on a three-story high movie screen. Admission isfree. Screening offered in partnershipbetween the City of Alexandria andThe Goodhart Group. Call the SpecialEvents Hotline at 703-746-5592.

SATURDAY/JUNE 23Mount Vernon Flea Market. 8 a.m.-

1 p.m. at 8717 Fort Hunt Road,Alexandria. Flea Market will takeplace every fourth Saturday of themonth through September. Vendorswill sell items such as: homemadegoods, lavender sachets, jewelry,soap, antique and vintage items;books, CD’s and DVDs, comic booksand more. Refreshments will also beon sale. Hosted by the Mount VernonMasonic Lodge No. 219. Rain orshine. Visit www.facebook.com/mountvernonfleamarket/.

Historical Marker Dedication. 9a.m. at Third Baptist Church, 917Princess St. A state historical markerissued by the Virginia Department ofHistoric Resources highlights thefounding in 1864, during the CivilWar, of Third Baptist Church by agroup of emancipated AfricanAmericans and its first minister theRev. George Washington Parker.Open to the public. Visitwww.baptistalexva.org or call 703-683-3772.

5th Annual Well Ray Festival. 9

a.m.-1 p.m. along Mount Vernon Ave.between Custis and Uhler avenues,Alexandria. Well Ray is a community-wide effort to highlight resources forliving healthily and happily. Browsehealth and lifestyle inspired tents,take free exercise classes and more.Check out wellness-inspired fashionfrom local fitness clothing designers,jewelers and boutiques. Visitwww.wellraydelray.com.

Hamilton Summer Tour: BFF andFrenemies. 10 a.m. at Gadsby’sTavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St.,Alexandria. Hamilton’s worldemerges through the rooms ofGadsby’s Tavern Museum. Hearabout Hamilton’s “BFF’s andFrenemies” who all came to thetavern – Washington, Lafayette,Jefferson, Madison, and Burr –alongside stories from enslaved menand women working at the tavern,like Candas and Moses. $12 perperson, $10 GTMS/Volunteers.Purchase tickets in advance atshop.alexandriava.gov.

Book Fair. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Barnes &Noble Potomac Yard Center, 3651Jefferson Davis Hwy., Alexandria.Sponsored by the Friends of BeatleyCentral Library. Throughout the day,there will be a variety of free eventsfor toddlers, young children, teensand seniors. At 1 p.m., MarketteSheppard reads “What is Light.” At 3p.m., legal expert Sally Hurmediscusses “Checklist for Family: AGuide to My History, Financial Plansand Final Wishes.” Visit

stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2867.

Growing Herbs. 10-11:30 a.m. atGreen Spring Gardens, 4603 GreenSpring Road, Alexandria. Learn aboutculinary herbs. Program is called“Plants & Design: Herbs-A Baker’sDozen.” In this class, Herb Society ofAmerica member and horticulturistPeggy Riccio will discuss how togrow 13 common culinary herbs. $18per person. Call 703-642-5173 orvisit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/green-spring.

Arts Fair. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at WaterfrontPark, 1 Prince Str., Alexandria. Free.More than 80 arts and crafts vendors,food, beer and childrenentertainment. Thousands ofresidents and visitors of all ages strollKing Street and the Waterfront Parkto enjoy jewelers, silversmith andbeaders, woodworkers, potterymakers, soap crafters, items for homeand garden, clothing, glass makers,painters, sculptures, fabric artists,and more. They offer beer, cider andfood and everyone will have a chanceto leave their mark on a boat withpaint. Rescheduled from an earlierdate due to weather. Visitwww.VolunteerAlexandria.org.

Sacramento Community Day. 11a.m.-4 p.m. at SacramentoNeighborhood Center, 8792Sacramento Drive, Alexandria.United Community Ministries and itsneighbors are celebrating theSacramento community with fun-filled family activities and


Entertainment

entertainment, including games, artsand crafts, yoga, a moon bounce,basketball and soccer, communityinformation, food, and more. UCM isseeking volunteers – from staffing themoon bounce, to check-in and setup– to help with every aspect of theday. Visit www.ucmagency.org.

Meet the Artist: “Peregrination.”2-4 p.m. at The Margaret W. andJoseph L Fisher Gallery on the secondfloor of the Rachel M. SchlesingerCenter on the Alexandria campus ofthe Northern Virginia CommunityCollege, 4915 E. Campus Drive (offBeauregard Street), Alexandria.Arlington-based fine artist BryanJernigan’s solo show –“Peregrination” – will run June 16-July 28. Peregrination, also known asa long, meandering journey,encapsulates the artist’s abstract takeon real and envisioned landscapes.Visit www.nvcc.edu/schlesingercenter.

Home Makeover 1850s. 2 p.m. atthe Lee-Fendall House Museum andGarden, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria.Explore the extensive renovationsthat the Cazenove family made to theLee-Fendall house and garden in theearly 1850s. Learn about thefashionable trends that shaped theirdecorative decisions and discover themodern conveniences they added tomake the home more comfortable.Cost is $8 in advance, $10 at door.Visit www.leefendallhouse.org.

SUNDAY/JUNE 24Apothecary Geek Tour: Pharmacy

Nerds. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum,105-107 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria.Spend time touring the ApothecaryMuseum with a museum volunteerwho is also a pharmacist. The tourguide will focus on the historicmedicinal ingredients that are stillused today in modern medicine whilealso touching upon the Stabler andLeadbeater family and businesshistory. $15 per person. Pre-ordertickets online atshop.alexandriava.gov or by calling703-746-3852.

Free Music Concert. 3 p.m. at TheLyceum, 201 S. Washington St.,Alexandria. The WashingtonMetropolitan PhilharmonicAssociation presents the KidderFamily playing chamber music gemsfrom the 1930s. Free. Visitwww.alexandriava.gov/Lyceum orcall 703-838-4994.

MONDAY/JUNE 25Book Signing. 5-8 p.m. at Del Rey

pizzeria DRP Belle Haven, 1401 BelleHaven Road, in Alexandria. NicolettaShane Scarnera and Chef MauroMolino will sign copies of their newbook, “Piedmont Style: A DelectableJourney Through Northern Italy.”Comprising over 144 Northern Italianrecipes, divided into three completemeals for each month of the year, thebook is certain to pique interest inlovers of all things Italian. Visitwww.delraypizzeria.com/belle-haven/.

MONDAY-TUESDAY/JUNE 25-26Girls Basketball Clinic. 3:30-5:30

p.m. at West Potomac High School,6500 Quander Road. The WestPotomac Girls Basketball Programoffers a two-day Girls BasketballClinic for rising 6th-9th graders. $40.Proceeds will go the WolverineAthletic Booster Club and will helpfund the “Wolverdome Project”which will provide a much neededrenovation to our gymnasium andgymnasium lobby(www.supportwestpotomac.com/wolverdome.html)

Registration required atwww.supportwestpotomac.com/wp-

summer-camps.html.

MONDAY-FRIDAY/JUNE 25-29Kids Camp at Fort Word. 9 a.m.-1

p.m each day at Fort Ward Museumand Historical Site, 4301 WestBraddock Road. Registration is nowopen for Fort Ward Museum’s CivilWar Kids Camp, a fun andeducational history camp for childrenages 8-12. Pre-registration isrequired. $250 per child. Call 703-746-4848 or visit www.fortward.orgto register.

TUESDAY/JUNE 26Twilight & Tipple Tuesday Tours.

6-9 p.m. at Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House, 9000 RichmondHighway. A rare opportunity toexperience Frank Lloyd Wright’sPope-Leighey House by twilight. Thistour is a chance to see one ofWright’s houses illuminated against anight sky, bring a new dimension andradiance to the typical tourexperience. Grab a drink, included inthe price of the ticket, and take aninformative and fun guided tour withplenty of time to take stunningphotos. Visitwww.woodlawnpopeleighey.org.

Serenade! Choral Festival. 7:30p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church,228 South Pitt St., Alexandria. Freewith Eventbrite Registration.Featuring the Ensemble Tyva Kyzy(Tuva Republic); Chennai Children’sChoir (India); Tiharea (Madagascar);Indonesian Children and Youth Choir– Cordana (Indonesia). Visitwww.eventbrite.com and search“Serenade St. Paul.”

JUNE 26-JULY 29Art Exhibit: Graffiti. At Potomac

Fiber Arts Gallery, Torpedo FactoryArt Center, Studio 29, 105 NorthUnion St., Alexandria. Potomac FiberArts Gallery announces the openingof its juried show, Graffiti. Graffiti’sunique form of artistic expressioninspires this show’s theme: big andbold graphics, hip hop culture, andsocial commentary. Themed workwill be eligible for recognition by thejurors. Non-themed work may also beexhibited. Visitwww.Potomacfiberartsgallery.com.

WEDNESDAY/JUNE 27

History Talk. 7:30 p.m. at GeorgeWashington Masonic NationalMemorial, 101 Callahan Drive,Alexandria. The Alexandria HistoricalSociety, the George WashingtonMasonic National Memorial, and theOffice of Historic Alexandria present“The Stupendous Works of the GreatArchitect:” Exploring the History ofthe Alexandria Museum. Tickets $5.Arrivals by 7 p.m. will be offeredaccess to the GWMNM towerobservation platform (weatherdependent) before the program. Visitwww.alexandriahistorical.org.

WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY/JUNE 27-28Girls Basketball Clinic. 3:30-5:30

p.m. at West Potomac High School,6500 Quander Road. The WestPotomac Girls Basketball Programoffers a two-day Girls BasketballClinic for rising 1st-5th graders. $40.Proceeds will go the WolverineAthletic Booster Club and will helpfund the “Wolverdome Project”which will provide a much neededrenovation to our gymnasium andgymnasium lobby(www.supportwestpotomac.com/wolverdome.html) Registrationrequired atwww.supportwestpotomac.com/wp-summer-camps.html.

FRIDAY/JUNE 29Four Mile Movies: Mary Poppins.

6:30 p.m., film begins at dusk, FourMile Conservatory Center 4109 Mt.Vernon Ave. A summer tradition inArlandria returns with a host of newand old favorites on the last Friday ofthe month this summer. Fun withfriends and family, a picnic dinner,and a blanket or chair. Free. Visitwww.fourmilemovieseries.com.

Sunset Movie Night. 7-11 p.m. at Mt.Vernon RECenter, 2017 Belle ViewBlvd. Outdoor movies every Fridaynight in June. This week’s show is“Black Panther.” Bring a blanket,beach chairs, picnic dinner. Movieswill start at sunset. Free. Visitwww.ZelsmanPowersGroup.com.

Mount Vernon Nights. 7:30 p.m. atGrist Mill Park, 4710 Mt. VernonMemorial Highway. This series offree, public concerts features avariety of musical performancesreflecting Fairfax County’s diversity,culture and community spirit. Bring apicnic dinner and a blanket and enjoyone of Fairfax County’s special

summer traditions. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/mt-vernon-nights.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY/JUNE 29-30Evening Fireworks. 6-9:45 p.m. at

George Washington’s Mount Vernon,3200 Mount Vernon Hwy, MountVernon. Enjoy an evening of familyfun and fireworks choreographed topatriotic music. This special eveningevent, which includes musicalperformances and games, takes placeJune 29-30 only. $30-$35 for adultsand $20-$25 for youth. Visitwww.mountvernon.org/fireworks.

SATURDAY/JUNE 30Drawing Flowers with Colored

Pencil & Acrylic Workshop. 9:30a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Green SpringGardens, 4603 Green Spring Road,Alexandria. Adults. Drawing fromcolorful photographs or still-lifeobjects of flora and fauna, artistDawn Flores helps participantsexplore the techniques used to takecolored pencils a step beyond theirtraditional use. $90 per person.Register online at fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes using code 290 3320801 or call 703-642-5173.

Children’s Craft Workshop. Noon-1:30 p.m. at Alexandria Black HistoryMuseum, 902 Wythe St., Alexandria.Visit the Alexandria Black HistoryMuseum before attending theopening reception for the dollhouseexhibit, “Our Alexandria” and givechildren the opportunity to portrayan important piece of history. Localartist, Shannon Beacham, will helpstudents create their own dioramaand bring to life their choice of anAfrican American historic event andsite. Cost is $2 for adults; $8 forchildren 5-plus. Visitshop.alexandriava.gov/Events.aspxfor tickets.

Author Event: Cinelle Barnes. 3-4p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundaysthrough June 30 at Torpedo FactoryArt Center’s New Project Studio, 105N. Union St. Duende District willwelcome Cinelle Barnes, author of“Monsoon Mansion,” a memoir abouther rags-to-riches childhood in thePhilippines. Duende DistrictBookstore is a collaborative pop-upbookstore by and for people of colorwhere all are welcome. Visitwww.duendedistrict.com/upcoming-events.

Serenade! Choral Festival. 5:30p.m. at Alfred Street Baptist Church,301 S. Alfred St., Alexandria. ThisPerformance will honor the 100thanniversary of the birth of SouthAfrican revolutionary, politician andphilanthropist, Nelson RolihlahlaMandela. Lineup includes NathanielDett Chorale (Canada). Free withEventbrite registration. Visitwww.eventbrite.com and search“Alfred Street Baptist.”

JUNE 30-JULY 13Del Ray Artisans Grown-Ups Art

Camp. At Del Ray Artisans Gallery,2704 Mount Vernon Ave.,Alexandria. GUAC offers a chance tocustomize your own “art camp” bytaking classes during 10 days of art-filled workshops taught by localartists. Nearly 20 classes to choosefrom include: techniques in painting,smartphone photography, polymerclay, mixed media, book-making,journaling/drawing, jewelry-making,leather-working, paper and fiber art,sculpture, and more. Visitwww.DelRayArtisans.org/event/guac-2018.

SUNDAY/JULY 1Concert. 3-5 p.m. at The Lyceum, 201

S. Washington St. The WashingtonMetropolitan PhilharmonicAssociation presents their weekly freesummer chamber concert series. Thisweek’s concert features the US ArmyString Quartet and the music ofBrahms and Caroline Shaw. Free.Donations appreciated. Call 703-799-8229 or visit www.wmpamusic.org.

WEDNESDAY/JULY 4Daytime Fireworks and Military

Reenactments. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. atGeorge Washington’s Mount Vernon,3200 Mount Vernon Highway, MountVernon. Celebrate with a display ofmade-for-daytime smoke fireworks inpatriotic colors (1 p.m.) duringMount Vernon’s annual July 4 event.Mount Vernon’s Independence Dayevent also includes a naturalizationceremony for 100 new citizens,military reenactments, a specialwreath-laying ceremony, freebirthday cake for all guests (whilesupplies last), and a visit from the“first” first couple, “General and Mrs.Washington.” Tickets purchasedonline: adults, $18; children ages 6-11, $11; and children under 5admitted free. Visitwww.mountvernon.org/july4.

FRIDAY/JULY 6Mount Vernon Nights. 7:30 p.m. at

Grist Mill Park, 4710 Mt. VernonMemorial Highway. This series offree, public concerts features avariety of musical performancesreflecting Fairfax County’s diversity,culture and community spirit. Bring apicnic dinner and a blanket and enjoyone of Fairfax County’s specialsummer traditions. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/mt-vernon-nights.

FRIDAY/JULY 13Alexandria After Work Concert

Series. 6-8 p.m. at the Lloyd House,220 North Washington St. TheFolklore Society of GreaterWashington and The Office ofHistoric Alexandria sponsor a concerton the second Friday of the monthwith locations rotating between theMurray-Dick-Fawcett House, LloydHouse, and The Lyceum, Alexandria’sHistory Museum. Concert featuresShip’s Company Chanteymen –traditional chanties and songs of thesea. $15 suggested donation for themusicians, light refreshmentsavailable, and a cash bar. Visitwww.fsgw.org.

Return to Harper’s Ferry by Ken Strong, 48x32, Oil onCanvas

New Works by Ken StrongShipped straight from his studio in Australia, Ken Strong’s new works represent a

variety of subjects from Australia and the United States. Gallery hours at BroadwayGallery, 5641-B General Washington Drive. Exhibit will run June 22-Aug. 9. An openingreception takes place Friday, June 22, 5-9 p.m. Call 703-354-2905 or visitbroadwaygalleries.net for more.

Bill Zito

Classical GuitarThe Athenaeum presents an inti-

mate evening of solo guitar musicfeaturing works by Bach, Brittenand 20th century Spanish romanticcomposers. Bill Zito has performedat venues such as the Lincoln Cen-ter and Carnegie Hall in New YorkCity and has toured all over theworld. Friday, June 22, 7 p.m. atthe Athenaeum, 201 Prince St., Al-exandria. $15, tickets available atwww.nvfaa.org/events/celebra-tion-classical-guitar-bill-zito.


News

The family of Titan Sajelle Avery shout as she approaches the stage toreceive her diploma at George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena.

The T.C. Williams High School graduation at George MasonUniversity’s EagleBank Arena, June 16, was filled with joy.

From Page 1

TC Graduates Hear Call to Action

Graduate applaud at the T.C. Williams HighSchool graduation.

T.C. Williams Princi-pal Peter Balas

Jonah Horowitz, thesalutatorian

Jackson DuPont, thevaledictorian

School in Parkland, Fla.,protesting in the March ForOur Lives in Washington,D.C. and registering to vote.

“I hope that each and ev-ery one of you has the am-bition to run the world, be-cause the world needs you,”Dr. Lois Berlin, interim su-perintendent of the Alexan-dria City Public School sys-tem during the 2018 schoolyear, told the graduates.“You’re at a landmark inyour lifelong journey andthe possibilities are only lim-ited by your imagination.”

Salutatorian JonahRaphael Horowitz, who willstudy pre-med at AmherstCollege this fall, said that TCstudents treated each otherfairly.

“We may skate past eachother through the hallswithout recognition, but we are also uncon-cerned of what divides us — race, income,

gender, for decency does nothail from any one neighbor-hood or any one way of life,”Horowitz said. “So, while weall split and proceed towardsour varied futures, pleaseremember the relativelyshort time for which ourpaths converged in that bi-zarre, tousled, yet still sortof wonderful building that isTC.”

It was Principal PeterBalas’ first year on the job,and he thanked the studentsfor their hard work. He thenasked them to look aroundand let the moment of theirgraduation sink in.

“It’s been a good five de-cades since we’ve seen thekind of activism in studentsthe way we see it in you. So,as you walk out of here to-day and face the bright fu-ture that you have created

for yourselves, no one has to tell this classhow to be themselves. So don’t let events

define you, let your response to them de-fine your life and remember: always re-spond with respect, dignity and class,” Balassaid. “Remember that you are the brightlights of the future. We’ll miss you, we loveyou. Thank you.”

Titan Mecklit Abera Znabe will attendNorthern Virginia Community College, andwas nearly breathless after receiving herdiploma.

“I feel really ecstatic, because I workedreally hard and there were a lot of ups anddowns, but I pushed myself and wouldn’thave been able to do it without my mom,”Abara said.

Sajelle Avery will attend the Fashion In-stitute of Design and Merchandising in LosAngeles, Calif.

“The idea of college is very nerve wrack-ing, but I’m ready,” Avery said. “I can’t wait.”

Pho

to

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/G

azette Packet

Council Notebook

From Page 4

once a month, and often run for lessthan an hour. But BAR, specifically theprospect of consolidating the Parker-Gray Board and the Old Town one, hasbecome one of the most recent divisiveissues between Mayor Allison Silberbergand the rest of the council. During theFY 2019 Long Range Planning Interde-partmental Work Program, Silberbergagain raised concerns that the consoli-dation is moving forward without appro-priate input from the affected commu-nity. While the idea came from withinthe Parker-Gray Board, Silberberg saidthe city should have done more outreachto the local civil rights leaders whohelped define the Parker-Gray neighbor-

hood.“[These boards] have different reasons

to exist,” said Silberberg. “In terms ofwho to contact, at the very least LillinaPatterson and Catherine Ward. I think itwould be important to have their input.[These are] people who have worked inthat community for decades and knowwhat its concerns are. Their thoughtsand ideas [are relevant], whether theyserve on the BAR or not. You don’t haveto serve on the committee to be a stake-holder.”

But Councilman John Chapman saidopportunities for the community toweigh in will be laid out in upcomingpublic hearings on the issue.

— Vernon Miles

Old Town residents in the tour grouphad mixed feelings on the new develop-ment. Bert Ely, co-founder of Friends ofthe Alexandria Waterfront, had been oneof the most vocal watch dogs concern-ing construction issues along the water-front.

“The biggest ongoing issue is construc-tion,” said Ely. “There’s lots of safety con-cerns, along with rodents and construc-tion equipment. It’s an accident waitingto happen.”

But for others, a cohesive waterfrontis a long-envisioned dream finally com-ing true.

“I know after years of hard work to de-

velop the warehouses, I am just happy tosee something happening down here,”said Nathan Macek, a member of the city’sPlanning Commission. “King Street parkis now under construction [and it’s] amore productive use of the waterfront.Many more people will living and eatingon the waterfront. It will increase the eco-nomic competitiveness of Alexandria [tomake it] competitive with other water-fronts.”

Trae Lamond, a local restaurateur, saidhe was happy that the new waterfrontplans would bring in new people to hisbusiness.

“It’s been a long time coming,” said CatyPoulin.

From Page 12

Walk along the Waterfront


The Chinquapin Wahoosstarted its 2018 swimseason by defeating theChantilly Highlands

Dolphins – Boys 150-72; Girls 191-31 – for a combined score of 341-103 on Saturday, June 16.

6&Unders: Logan Phillips andJay Fox were 1-2 in the free andLogan took 1st in the backstroke.Michaela Zuniga, Niamh Brady,

and Raquel Paredes swept the freeand the backstroke.

8&Unders: Eamonn Greiner was2nd in the free (21.65); AlexGuevara (23.07) was 1st in backwith Eamonn taking 3rd (25.78);Alex (26.50), Eamonn (28.31),and Amir Smith (30.09) swept thebreaststroke event; and Alex took2nd in the 25 fly (25.28). The girlswere dominant in sweeping the

free (Madison Schang 19.47; ElleRobb 21.24; Liya Fairfax 21.44),Elle (25.27) took 1st, Chloe Fox(26.13) 2nd and Julia Davis(28.63) just missing 3rd place inthe backstroke; Madison (26.00)and Chloe (31..16) taking 1st and3rd in the breast; and Madison(22.56), Elle (23.83), and Liya(26.31) sweeping the fly event. Inthe relays, the team of Eamonn,Amir Smith, Alex and Logan (6yrs)and the girls team of Chloe, Madi-son, Elle, and Liya both finished1st in the 100-m medley relayevent.

9-10: Jack Scheifele (36.64)and Merrill Plotkin (43.74) took1-2 in the free, Jack (44.16) andDylan Lim (47.63) took 1-2 in theback, Merrill (57.21) and Dylan(59.65) took 1st and 3rd in thebreast, and Jack (19.14), Dylan(21.00) and Avery Altenburg(26.38) swept the butterfly. New-comer Colette Duplantier (39.65)and Camila Zuniga (41.95) took1st and 2nd in the free; Eva Billups(42.08), Camila (54.85), andHalle Thomas (55.00) swept theback; Halle (55.32), Eva (55.64),and Colette (59.00) swept thebreast; and Eva (21.43) andColette (22.13) took 1-2 in the fly.The boys team of Yahia Omar,Jack, Dylan, and Avery (1:30.70)won the relay as did the girls teamof Eva, Halle, Colette, and Camila(1:25.94).

11-12: Bodie Lauinger (32.07)won a close race in the free; JolanForonda (37.69 back; 36.52breast) and Bodie (40.38 back,43.48 breast) dominated the back-stroke and breaststroke races; andJolan took 1st in the fly with a timeof 34.53. Bodie, Jolan, HenryMead, and Juan Bello (2:41.78)easily won the 200 Medley Relay.For the girls, a very close freestylerace ended with Eve McLaury(34.39) taking 2nd and AbbyAltenburg (34.98) taking 3rd in thefree; Abby (39.84), CatherineSalomons (40.37) and Eve (42.00)sweeping the back; Sally Cox(46.34) taking 2nd in the breastand Catherine (47.20) taking 3rd

ahead of teammate Lucy Thomas;and Eve (38.16) and Catherine(39.75) taking 2nd and 3rd in thefly. The girls team of Abby,Catherine, Eve, and Cate Cox(2:40.00) captured 1st in the 200mMedley Relay.

13-14: Emil LaSida (27.26), Di-ego Flores-Acosta (31.71), andJack McLaury (34.27) swept thefree; Emil (29.69) and Jack

Swimming

Wahoos Defeat Dolphins

See Wahoos, Page 25


News

(38.03) took 1-2 in the back; MikalHelms (45.33) took 2nd in thebreast; and Emil (29.20), Diego(36.44), and Jack (37.34) sweptthe 50-m butterfly. Jack, Emil, Di-ego, and Mikal easily won the re-lay with a time of 2:24.70. For thegirls, Maya Solis (30.71),Stephanie Rosario (35.06), andHaley Haukedahl (35.11) sweptthe free; Maya (34.96) and Haley(40.76) took 1-2 in the back;Stephanie (44.63) and Haley(47.10) took 1-2 in the breast; andMaya (34.63) and Stephanie(41.20) took 1-2 in the fly. Maya,Stephanie, Haley and newcomer

Isabella Babor (2:37) easily wonthe 200m Medley Relay.

15-18: For the boys, Lutfi LaSida(27.02) and Jacob Rosario (29.80)took 1st and 3rd in the free; Jacob(39.03) took 3rd in the breast; andIan Do (31.22) took 3rd in the but-terfly. Alex McElwee, Jacob, Ian,and Maderro Helms took 2nd in therelay with a time of 2:22.58. Forthe girls, Lydia Greenwood(30.47) and Claire D’Attoma(30.69) took 1-2 in the free;Athena Salomons (37.91) took 1st

in the back [Cate Cox swimmingup finished 4th with a time of41.07]; Bella Obioa (43.19) andAthena (43.84) took 1-2 in the

breast; and Lydia (32.83) andAthena (38.34) took 1-2 in the flywith a great finish for Athena tonarrowly touch out the Dolphins.Athena, Bella, Lydia and MaevaDellaria took 1st in the 200m Med-ley Relay with a time of 2:27.00.The Wahoos won both Mixed AgeFree Relays. The boys team of JackScheifele, Bodie Lauinger, EmilLaSida, and Lutfi LaSida had atime of 2:04.21 and the girls teamof Eva Billups, CatherineSalomons, Maya Solis, and LydiaGreenwood finished with a timeof 2:20.07. The Wahoos, who prac-tice at the Old Town Pool onCameron Street,had 78 new per-sonal best times.

From Page 24

Wahoos

From Page 18

Opening Another Restaurant?and I’ve lived in the same house in the West

End for over 40 years, and we’ve both gotten op-portunities to move into D.C., and probably havemade a lot more money, but I don’t think we’llever have a place outside of Alexandria.”

Blackburn said that he and Anderson have al-

ways shared an attitude of conducting a fair busi-ness.

“He’s my mentor and he’s taught me a lot,”Blackburn said. “We do the right thing, from deal-ing with customers and vendors and employees.It’s easy to get along with your business partnerif your philosophy is the same, and business atall of our joints is real strong.”


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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

Recently, I bought my wife, Dina, the “Limited Edition, Downton Abbey, The Complete Collector’s Set.” Twenty-two discs, all the episodes, bonus

content off our DVR; that should open up about half

used and accessed many times. In its prime though, we did not miss a Downton

(starting Jan. 9, 2011 and ending Jan. 3, 2016) and

since. We are two, of millions, who couldn’t get

still can’t to this day. Ergo, the purchase. Now we are in control. If

anything happens to our cable box – and it needs to

happened, suffer a potentially tragic loss of content in the exchange. Eliminating that worry alone has

we paid.

sequence, but not necessarily in chronological order

episode of season six. As a result of this decision, we

-

but not all (when it was free to do so; now, the

-oughly enjoyed the people, places and things – and

I to rethink some of our opinions of characters and story lines.

There are two primary reassessments that oddly enough, Dina and I share.

One concerns Dr. Clarkson, the local/family doctor who runs the Downton Cottage Hospital.

Titanic sank in 1912) who reappears in season two

much as we like Dr. Clarkson, and are amused by his straddling the line between himself and the aris-

the treatment for dropsy for Mr. Drake that “cousin” Isobel (an experienced nurse) had proposed; his mis-judgment of the possible psychological consequenc-es of transferring the patient with gas blindness

subsequently killed himself – presumably rather than

suffered what Dr. Clarkson described as a transec-tion of his spine when he and William were injured in battle which turned out to be a bruise.

children either. In all three instances, Dr. Clarkson

Clarkson was diagnosing my cancer, I’d ask for a second opinion.

and the story line concerning his reappearance as heir/heir pretender so many years after the family

Fellowes (writer and creator of “Downton Abbey)

before there’s any resolution. I mean, was he the

jig was up and the ruse was likely to fail? Or did he feel so betrayed and disrespected by his family (the Crawleys) that he felt his present and/or future could

Consequently, there are two questions I’d like an-

and where did Dr. Clarkson get his medical training?

Watching Some More and

Wondering No Less

News

From Page 8

Opportunityand other stakeholders should work on “fig-uring out how to best drive inclusive eco-nomic growth. Because what we’re hearingthroughout the nation right now is thatthere’s this balancing act of, how do youensure that local residents and businessesare benefiting from the investment and thatthey will not be displaced from any addi-tional investment that comes in, while atthe same time attracting this investment?… Twenty-seven percent of the residents inopportunity zones nationally pay more thathalf of the income on housing. What we’reurging folks [to do] is, how can states andmayors now begin planning and direct theirresources to ensure that all the subsidizedaffordable housing stock is preserved inthose opportunity zones? So having thatproactive strategy on the front end, know-ing that displacement is going to be a risk.”

For example, she says the state of Ne-braska intends to stand up a fund to buildworkforce housing around its major univer-sity campuses.

“At this time, AEDP and the city are stillwaiting on guidance from the federal andstate levels on program rules/parametersbefore developing specific plans forAlexandria’s four Opportunity Zones anddeciding if additional local incentives willbe needed,” said Touhill. He says furtherguidance is expected later this year.

Regarding the risk of displacement, hesaid that local efforts toward “increasingeconomic opportunity for current residents”include:

❖ “Revitalizing commercial propertieshelping to transform obsolete office parksinto mixed-use neighborhoods that attract/retain job-creating businesses;

❖ “Investing in the redevelopment of ex-isting multi-family residential units, manyof which are beyond their lifespan, to pro-vide upgraded housing options;

❖ “Enhancing transit access through theconstruction of major projects like the WestEnd Transitway;

❖ “Supporting the expedited redevelop-ment of Landmark Mall; and

❖ “Using private capital to jumpstart theredevelopment of several commercial prop-erties in Arlandria.”

Regarding preserving affordable housing,he said: “The city would maintain its com-mitment to affordable housing in each ofthese areas adhering to existing city poli-cies while seeking ways to leverage newprivate capital to ensure affordable hous-ing options remain in these neighborhoods.City staff also plans to attend training tobetter understand how the opportunityzones program will impact housing-relatedissues and investments.”

“The promise and potential is there,”though “the Devil’s in the details,” saidReilly. “What I get concerned about is whatlocalities are willing to give up in additionalincentives to attract opportunity zone in-vestments, and how they can ensure thatthey stay in the communities. Because that’swhere I see sort of a race to the bottom,when states are competing against eachother to attract investments across borders.”


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