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Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ March 7-13, 2019 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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WellbeingWellbeingPage, 14

See Fiscal Slam, Page 20

See Newspaper, 5

Slainte!The City of New York Police Department Emerald Society Pipes and Drums partici-pates for the first time in the Ballyshaners 38th annual St. Patrick’s Day ParadeMarch 2 in Alexandria. Story, more photos, page 4.

A unicyclist entertains the crowd during the St.Patrick’s Day Parade.

Grand Marshal ShawnMcLaughlin, right, withhis wife Cassie, on thereviewing stand duringthe 38th annual St.Patrick’s Day Parade.

A member of the NationalPotomac Yacht Club.

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azette Packet

By Dan Brendel

Gazette Packet

Local government leadersreiterate their belief thatVirginia Tech’s “Innova-tion Campus,” planned

for northeast Alexandria in con-nection with Amazon’s HQ2 in Ar-lington, will prove an economicboon.

“Having Virginia Tech as part ofthe Amazon project in Alexandria

was a huge win for our commu-nity,” said Stephanie Landrum ofthe Alexandria Economic Develop-ment Partnership, during a Feb. 21virtual panel. The billion-dollarcampus intends to focus on gradu-ate and post-graduate educationand industry-partnered research incomputer science and softwareengineering. At full build-out, it’doccupy about two million square

‘Fiscal SlamDunk for City’?City leaders promise significant,but unspecified, economic growthfrom new Virginia Tech campus.

By Jeanne Theismann

Gazette Packet

When Lewis Stearmanwas 14 years old, hetook a job as a substi-

tute carrier for the AlexandriaGazette newspaper. The year was1938 and the company would turn

RememberingLewis StearmanNewspaper publisher, SSA andOptimist Club founder dies at 95.

Lewis Stearman

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2 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ March 7-13, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com


NewsAlexandria Gazette Editor Steven Mauren

703-778-9415 or [email protected]

By Dan Brendel

Gazette Packet

With citizens’ chance to weighin at the city budget publichearing coming up nextMonday, here’s a quick look

at what’s gone before City Council regard-ing long-term capital investments.

SCHOOLS & CITY FACILITIES,MOUNTING COSTS

The need to overhaul and expand publicschools and city government facilities loomscenter-stage in City Manager Mark Jinks’proposed $1.6 billion 10-year Capital Im-provement Program (CIP).

The School Board’s pending request tocouncil for $479 million over 10 years in-cludes five new school builds and replace-ments to address ballooning enrollment.The division as a whole operates at 110percent of its design capacity. Five elemen-tary schools operate at 120 percent, ormore. The division forecasts enrollment willgrow by 8 percent over the next 5 years.

“A demand for labor, material costs andfuel costs seem to be going up,” said ArthurWicks, the city’s capital budget coordina-tor. Next year “you’re going to see some ofthese construction estimates going up, somesignificantly.”

Building greener and of addressing forth-coming school facility condition assess-ments and “equity audits” could also addto the bill, said Superintendent Dr. GregoryHutchings.

“It will be impossible, without some sortof strategy, to fund all these additional re-quests in the future if we’re doing thingsthe same way we’ve been doing them in thepast,” he said.

Still, he wants to instill a positive public“narrative” about the schools’ spending,saying: “The dollars we receive from the city[have] a significant impact on the achieve-ment of our students.”

DEBT SERVICE,STRUCTURAL DEFICITS

Alexandria maintains an “extraordinarilyhealthy” low amount of debt, which “mostlocal governments wouldn’t come near,”said Jinks. Still, he worries about the creep-ing costs of increased borrowing, saying:“[The public schools’] capital needs haveand will continue to put significant pres-sure on future operating and capital bud-gets. These needs will only increase in theyears to come, and will be a major driver ofsubstantially increased school debt servicein FY 2021 and beyond.”

“The added debt service … really is themajor driver of the [city’s structural] defi-cit, the gap that needs to be closed” yearafter year, he added later.

Under Jinks’ proposal, General Fundspending going toward debt service willincrease from about 9 percent in FY 2020to 12 percent in FY 2029.

“It’s a big property, it’s a pretty low den-sity today. It’s an area where we could goup, depending on the use,” said Mayor Jus-tin Wilson.

For such “a rare opportunity for us to dosomething unique,” the proposed invest-ment “doesn’t suggest to me that it’s goingto be a very ambitious plan,” said Council-man Mohamed “Mo” Seifeldein.

So far, council has also dug especially intoproposed transportation spending.

Jinks earmarked $51 million over 10years for reconstructing and resurfacingmajor roads. Overall, city streets receive acondition assessment of 58 (“fair”), on ascale of 0-100.

“The city has actually under-invested formany years in [road] resurfacing,” said YonLambert, the city’s transportation director.“Although we have been spending quite alot of money [in recent years] on thecitywide road network, we cannot make upfor those many years of deferred mainte-nance just in a short amount of time.”

Regarding the city’s $17 million SmartMobility initiative, Lambert said: “There’sa lot of new thinking in transportation thatcode — as in computer code — is ‘the newconcrete.’ Obviously with the Potomac YardMetro and the West End Transitway, we’restill … putting a lot of concrete and steelout there. But cities are increasingly realiz-ing that they can make more efficient useof [their] right-of-way” using technology.

The city’s plan includes traffic signalswired into what Lambert calls “a centralbrain in our traffic management center;”signals that can self-adapt to traffic condi-tions; and 90 traffic cameras and other sen-sors citywide.

The first of two budget public hearingswill take place on Monday, March 11, 4 p.m.at City Hall. Council will set the maximumproperty tax rate on Tuesday, March 12.

Council considers long-term investments, especially in schools and other city facilities.

‘Without Some Sort of Strategy …’

Source: City gov’t FY 2019-2028 and FY 2020-2029 CIPs

The city manager’s proposed FY 2020-2029 Capital Improvement Pro-gram budget weighs in at $1.6 billion. The public school system ac-counts for 28 percent; the next six largest categories account for 55percent (“Community Development” principally includes affordablehousing subsidies, Waterfront Park flood mitigation, fire departmentvehicles and apparatus); five remaining categories account for 18 per-cent. The big drop year-over-year in “All Else” results mainly from thecity government transferring responsibility for half-a-billion dollars ofsewer overhauls to the local water utility. But the cost didn’t go away;users will still pay for it through their bills from Alexandria RenewEnterprises. Since last year, the state also instituted dedicated fundingfor WMATA, relieving some funding pressure on local jurisdictions.

Starting next year, Jinks proposes coun-cil set a separate real estate tax rate forschool-related capital spending, as allowedunder state law. While teasing apart taxrates wouldn’t reduce the taxpayer’s bill, hethinks doing so would enhance public clar-ity and political accountability.

“When they [the School Board] preparethe CIP, they say, this is what we’d like tospend. [But] they don’t have to deal withhow it’s paid for,” said Jinks. “If a processwere put in place where the School Board,as part of their CIP, would recommend a taxrate, I think that would help in balancinghow you pay for it with the timing” ofprojects and debt issuance/retirement.

As the Gazette Packet goes to press, coun-cil and the School Board are meeting in ajoint budget work session. A recording ofthe meeting, plus associated materials, willbecome available later this week. Follow the“FY 2020 Budget Resources” link atwww.alexandriava.gov/Budget.

OTHER PUBLIC FACILITIES,INFRASTRUCTURE

Including all funding streams, the city ispoised to invest some $60 million in the so-called Witter-Wheeler Campus. The campuscomprises a mile-long stretch along Duke

Street of 15 contiguous public facilities,some of which might be combined.

Council urged city staff to think big asthey hone plans for the area.

Fourth Straight National TitleThe Bishop Ireton varsity cheerleaders won their fourth straightNational Title at the Christian Cheerleaders of America (CCA) com-petition over the weekend. They are the only team in the history ofthe CCA to win the title four years in a row, beating out more than200 other private and public school teams from North Carolina,Texas, California, and several other states. In addition to winningthe overall competition, the team took first place in the music andtumbling divisions.


News

By Jeanne Theismann

Gazette Packet

Irish eyes were smiling asthousands turned outMarch 2 for the 38th annualSt. Patrick’s Day Parade in

Old Town.Hosted by the Ballyshaners, a

local nonprofit dedicated to Irishheritage, the day kicked off withthe annual Fun Dog Show in Mar-ket Square before the paradeworked its way down King Streetin Old Town.

Longtime Alexandria residentShawn McLaughlin served as theparade’s Grand Marshal.McLaughlin, CEO of McLaughlinRyder Investments, led the parade,which for the first time includedthe New York City Police Depart-ment Emerald Society Pipes andDrums. Other participants in-cluded Irish dancers, the City ofAlexandria Pipes and Drums and

local Scout organizations.Last year’s Grand Marshal, Pat

Troy, died just days after the pa-rade that he founded 38 years ago.

“Pat passed away, leaving a largeabsence in the Ballyshaners, hisOld Town neighborhood and ourcity’s business,” said Ballyshanerschairman Kim Moore. “TheBallyshaners aim to continue ourdedication in the way that Pattaught us.”

The Ballyshaners funds the pa-rade through donations,fundraisers and the city’s summerIrish Festival. For more informa-tion, visit www.ballyshaners.org.

Ballyshaners celebrate 38th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.Slainte!

Members of the Maple School of Irish Danceperform during the St. Patrick’s Day ParadeMarch 2 in Alexandria.

Dancers from the Boyle School of Dance per-form during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade March2 in Old Town.

Performers from the Laureen O’Neill-JamesSchool of Irish Dancing participate in the St.Patrick’s Day Parade March 2 in Alexandria.

The ShamrockRs Irish Dancers Members of the NOVA Roller Derby Club

The William Ramsay Elementary School cheerleadersperform during the St. Patrick’s Day parade March 2in Alexandria.

The KenaShriners CarClub

The Colonial Newfound-land Rescue walk alongKing Street during theSt. Patrick’s Day Paradein Old Town.

Photos by Mark Mogle/

Gazette Packet


See Bulletin, Page 8

News

The Alexandria Police Departmentis investigating the robbery of aSunTrust Bank located at 2809

Mount Vernon Ave. On Monday, March 4,at 12:52 p.m., a man entered the bank anddemanded money from a bank teller. Theteller complied and the suspect fled withan undisclosed amount of cash. There wereno injuries. The suspect is described as ablack male with a medium build. He waswearing a black hooded-jacket, dark pants,and a dark knit cap.

Police ask that anyone with informationabout this incident call Detective MatthewKramarik at 703-746-6650.

Suspect Sought in Bank Robbery

Suspect in March 4 bank robbery.

The following incidents were reported by the Alex-andria Police Department.

SATURDAY, MARCH 2The Alexandria Police Department is investigat-

ing a weapon violation in the unit block of PrinceStreet. Officers responded to a shots fired call and

apprehended one suspect. There were no injuries.FRIDAY, MARCH 1The Alexandria Police Department is investigat-

ing a commercial robbery in the 3600 block of KingStreet. A woman stole items and pepper sprayed acashier before fleeing. The victim had minor inju-ries.

Crime Report

Submit civic/community announcements atConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos andartwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, atleast two weeks before event.network concepts (content repeated at each

THURSDAY, MARCH 7Alexandria Transit Vision Plan Public

Workshop. 6:30 p.m. At Nannie J. LeeRecreation Center, 1108 Jefferson St.,

Alexandria. For more information, contact SteveSindiong, [email protected],703-746-4047.

SATURDAY/MARCH 9Eco-City Summit. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the

cafeteria of Francis C. Hammond Middle School,4646 Seminary Road. Alexandria is seekingfeedback on draft recommendations for an

Bulletin Board


People

By Shirley Ruhe

Alice Jones was born in Poland with a caulover her face when her mother’s amnioticsack didn’t detach. “In Polish lore thatnewborn person is one of great psychic

ability,” Jones says. “At age four I looked up in thesky and asked ‘who am I and what is my purpose?’Even at age four I was a spiritual being.”

Jones remembers in elementary school she hadvoices in her head that helped her with her home-work. “I never questioned it; I thought it was nor-mal.” But it wasn’t until she was in her 40s in the1990s that “it was like a radio switch turned on andmessages from God came streaming through me.”She had been a real estate agent since 1973 and prac-ticing her spirituality with friends and family but gotto a crisis point and gave up real estate to pursueher spiritual self full time. “I knew I would be verysick if I didn’t; I was having back pain, earaches,blinding light.”

Jones begins today’s session: “Molly, what is yourlast name? Do I have permission to say a prayer?”Jones takes Molly’s hands. “I ask that Molly be takencleaned, centered, aligned and balanced. I ask to bea clear channel of light for Molly.”

Jones says, “I tap into your energy field. I senseyou are very much a goal setter. You have a centralplan for your life. You have a direction for your lifebut you are questioning.”

“Hmmmmm,” Molly agrees.Jones asks how she gets her information from her

guides — visions, voices? “I’m looking at your vision

right now. This is a good place for you. This store isfilled with spiritual things. It is revealing itself toyou, very slowly so you can handle it.”

“O.K.” A slight smile crosses Molly’s face.“Trust what you get.” Jones moves her hand across

the table. “Doubt it, and you move back,” as her handmoves backwards and rocks forward and back toshow what happens with doubts. “Your guide willgive you information; act on your information. Whenyou started on this journey, you probably thought,‘I’m supposed to do what?’ You are going to go onyour journey faster because you came here. It’s likeyou’ve answered the call of the spirit.”

Jones asks, “Molly, do you have a question?”Molly pauses, “I know my life’s purpose but I don’t

know how to get there. I’ve had so many mysticalexperiences but would have questioned being here.I wonder when I’m supposed to leave the countryfor Asia.”

Jones says, “I’m not sure I see that. You might gothere for enrichment but not to live there. I see youmore in the churches of southern France wheremiracles were performed or in the energy of the pyra-mids. Another thing I see in your future is the ElCamino 500-mile journey. Maybe just part of it. Thereyou’re actually walking between dimensions.”

Molly says, “All the time I’m gone. I travel placesI’ve never been before. I recognize everything —definitely feel like I’ve been there before.”

Jones says when you step out of the third dimen-sion; all lives are being lived at the same time. Thereare no past lives. Everything is familiar.

“It’s just a perception,” Molly says. “Lately every-thing is so easy to penetrate.”

Copies of Jones’ book,”Own Your Power Dayby Day” sit on the table. She says it includes365 meditations for clearing blockages. Jonesis a spiritual counselor, psychic and intuitivehealer who works primarily from her home aswell as Wednesday at Sacred Circle on KingStreet. “I follow guides that come from me, areconnected to me and connected to God. Anymessage through me is always encouragement,love.”

She remembers her Corgi barking and bark-ing at the front door. She looked out and saw aCivil War encampment living in her front yard.She saw four foggy shadows, ghosts of Civil Warsoldiers. “I turned them around until they couldsee their light so they could move there and bereleased from replaying the same battle overand over.”

Fay Slotnick MemorialA memorial gathering for FaySlotnick, who died Feb. 21 at theage of 71, will be held March 9from 7 to 9 p.m. at the TorpedoFactory Art Center. In lieu offlowers, donations may be madeto the ACLU of Virginia,www.acluva.org, or ALIVE!,www.alive-inc.org.

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Named Firm’s PresidentTheresa del Ninno AIA, LEED BD+C,has been appointed president ofMaginniss + del Ninno Architects.She joined the firm in 2000, becom-ing a principal in 2006. She hasserved on the Architectural ReviewBoard in Alexandria and is pastpresident of the AIA NOVA Chapter.M+dN Architects is a woman-ownedbusiness with 40-plus years of expe-rience in delivering award-winning architecture planningand design to a diversity of institutional, government,commercial and residential clients.

Lisa Henty, assistant director,Alexandria’s Office of Manage-ment and Budget, was the guestspeaker at the CommonwealthRepublican Women’s Club(CRWC) February meeting.Henty used a PowerPoint pre-sentation to summarize thehighlights of the proposed CityFiscal Year 2020 Budget cur-rently being shared with thecommunity for comments inadvance of being finalized inMay. CRWC members had sub-mitted written questions in ad-vance.

CRWC President EileenBrackens also reported that theclub’s efforts to raise funds forthe scholarship and internshipprograms of Pathfinder, Inc. hadreached over $2,200. The fundswere raised by members of

CRWC and the Alexandria Re-publican City Committee(ARCC) to honor the memoryof Loree Gunn, who had beenactive in Alexandria’s Republi-can circles. Brackens presentedthe funds collected to JodyRushton, president of the Na-tional Federation of RepublicanWomen (NFRW), sponsor of thenon-profit Pathfinder, Inc.

ARCC (at www.alexgop.org )is the local branch of the nationalRepublican Party. CRWC (www.alexandriacrwc.org ) is theAlexandria chapter of the Na-tional Federation of RepublicanWomen (www.nfrw.org ). Menman join CRWC as associatemembers. Information on thePathfinder Inc. scholarships andinternships is located at http://www.nfrw.org/pathfinder.

GOP Women DiscussCity Budget Proposals

From left:Linda App,CRWC 1stvice presi-dent, andEileen Brack-ens, CRWCpresident,present JodiRushton,NFRW presi-dent, withover $2,200

A Spiritual Being from BirthPsychic Alice Jones begins a session with Molly Birch.

Alice Jones recalls herjourney as a spiritualbeing from her birth toher life today.

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Alice Jones’ psychic session begins with aprayer to the intermediary guides.

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in member donations for the Pathfinder, Inc. schol-arship and internship programs for conservativecollege students in memory of CRWC memberLoree Gunn.


See Joining National, Page 21

People

T.C. Williams High School held its annual in-duction ceremony on Feb. 7 of the school’schapter of the National English Honor Soci-

ety (NEHS). Twenty-three students, two faculty mem-bers, and the keynote speaker were honored in theceremony, which was attended by family and friendsof the inductees as well as teachers and staff mem-bers.

The NEHS is open to high school students whohave demonstrated exceptional ability in such areasas literary analysis, media studies, composition, lin-guistic study, and creative writing, and who have

earned a cumulative 3.75 in their high school En-glish courses, with a 3.75 overall grade point aver-age.

The ceremony featured a keynote address bySolveig Eggerz, journalist and author of award-win-ning novel “Seal Woman” and “Sigga of Reykjavik,”her forthcoming book to be released in March. Inher speech, Eggerz provided writing exercises thatallow for honing of writing skills, as well as reach-ing a further understanding and enhancing of one-self. She strongly encouraged journal writing that

Newest inductees of TC’s chapter of the National English Honor Society.

Joining National English Honor Society


See Bulletin, Page 21

People

Scholastic Bowl State ChampionsThe T.C. Williams High School Scholastic Bowl team, which also competes on It’s Aca-demic, recently won the Scholastic Bowl state championship for the first time in TChistory. Sophomore Emnet Arefe-Aine, junior Kelly Jones, senior Mark Bailey and juniorTownson Cocke, coached by Matthew Zahn, finished with a perfect 3-0 in the VirginiaHigh School League competition at the College of William and Mary.

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From Page 5

Bulletin Board

update of the Environmental ActionPlan, the City’s road map for creatinga thriving, sustainable community.Alexandria is seeking feedback ondraft recommendations for an updateof the Environmental Action Plan, theCity’s road map for creating athriving, sustainable community.

Community members will be able togive feedback on therecommendations for all 10 topics ofthe EAP. There will be an optionaltour of Hammond’s compostingfacility after the event.

❖ Open House: 9:30-10:30 a.m. and11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

❖ Keynote speaker: 10:30-11:30 a.m. “7

Secrets to Living Your MostSustainable Life” with DianeMacEachern, founder and CEO of BigGreen Purse

Call 703-746-4065 or visitalexandriava.gov/Eco-City for more.Contact Jennifer Zettl [email protected] to


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Jeanne [email protected]

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Gazette PacketAlexandria

By Adam Ebbin

State Senator (D-30)

My final vote of thesession was thepassage of thebudget. This year

the General Assembly voted to in-vest a tremendous amount of theState’s excess revenue in educa-tion. The final budget included a5 percent increase in teacher sala-ries, $12 million in funding for school mentalhealth counselors, and nearly $25 million tosupport the education of students living at thelowest income levels (known as the at-risk addon). We also voted to fund early education pro-grams for lower-income youth and incentivizeinstitutions of higher learning to freeze tuition

rates. Because of this deci-sion, Virginia Tech is con-sidering freezing tuition forthe first time in decades.

Additionally, the budget sent to the Governorfor final approval invests in the tech-talentpipeline with nearly $17 million to expandcomputer science degrees and $15.5 millionto support need-based financial aid. As North-ern Virginia continues to grow into one of themost popular tech destinations on the eastcoast, we need to create opportunity for ourown students to be the beneficiaries of new,high-paying jobs in this field. We can do thisby bolstering early education and increasingaccess to cutting-edge programs from a youngage for all students.

Our final budget also grows investment inaffordable housing and increases TemporaryAssistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefitsby 5 percent. I believe the focus of this budgeton working class Virginians will provides astrong framework for future, bolder budgetsthat will build on this structure.

I am thankful for the hard workof Alexandria’s elected officialsand staff which resulted in thebudget including $25 million instate funding for the city’s com-bined sewer overflow systemremediation. This will go a longway in relieving the pressure onratepayers and city taxpayers ofpaying for this project, which willcost an estimated $375 to $555million to complete.

With the budget complete, my team and Ireturned to Northern Virginia after seven longweeks in Richmond. We are having a hard timeadjusting to “normal” life. The transition fromthe all-consuming task of legislating to con-stituent service and meeting with communitygroups is abrupt. While our daily responsibili-ties have changed, there’s still more thanenough work to go around.

I have begun reviewing my legislation fromthis year that failed to advance. It’s tempting todecide that with a Democratic majority most ofmy bills would have made it through the Gen-eral Assembly easily, and to focus all my effortson this year’s political races. But hoping for apositive political outcome won’t necessarily getresults. To pass meaningful legislation it’s criti-cal to do the hard work of self-assessing, find-ing faults in legislation, and trying again.

Towards session’s end we held a meeting ofthe General Assembly Gun Violence Preven-tion Caucus, which I co-chair with Del.Kathleen Murphy (D-McLean). Our caucus isdedicated to passing tenable and innovativesolutions to ending the ever-present threat ofgun violence that hangs heavy over our state.We have already begun to strategize for nextyear’s session.

I will continue working with advocates andstakeholders involved in supporting victims ofdomestic violence to find a legislative fix for

how our state defines family and householdabuse. Our current law does not include thosein dating relationships in the domestic violencestatute, leaving many victims without appro-priate recourse or protection if they are abused.A bill I carried this year to add those in datingrelationships to our current definition surpris-ingly died in committee. This was, in part, dueto the overly complex and muddled way Vir-ginia law handles family and domestic abuse,custody, and protective orders. I will be plan-ning meetings with lawyers, advocates, andpolice representatives in order to successfullyaddress this issue next year.

During the interim I also represent the Sen-ate on several committees and commissionsthat recommend policy to the General Assem-bly and oversee current state programs. Theseinclude the Northern Virginia TransportationCommission, which promotes and allocatesfunding for regional transportation; the SchoolReadiness Committee, which oversees the pro-fessional development and credentialing ofearly education professionals; and the Com-mission on Economic Opportunity for Virgin-ians in Aspiring and Diverse Communities.

Additionally, I have begun researching andmeeting with stakeholders to vet new legisla-tive ideas for next year. I recommend that con-stituents reach out to my office in the springand early summer with legislation to consideror issues to address so that my staff and I havetime to do the research and drafting of bills ontheir behalf.

Despite the upheaval from painful distrac-tions during the legislative session, we wereable to adopt a fiscally sound budget and passcompromise legislation on several major issues.As we continue to wrestle with the issuesbrought to light during this session, and headinto the contentious campaign season, we mustalways remember that our job is to representthe best interests of Virginia.

State Adds Funds for Education

Commentary

Here are some ubiquitous phrases likely to pepperthe public dialogue surrounding the city budget. Factor fiction? Meaningful or ill-defined?

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See Letters, Page 12

Budget forCity LibrariesTo the Editor:

Alexandria is already a smartcity, in the old-fashioned sense ofthat word — intellectually acute— but with Amazon coming totown, we’ll really be called uponto put our best brain forward. SoI’m sure that our mayor and coun-cil members will be vying witheach other to best fund our librar-ies, which already shelter hun-dreds of intense students bent overtheir books, notebooks, andlaptops.

These numbers can only growwith the increased demand for awell-educated workforce and withthe various educational institu-tions that are coming online tomeet it. The very best and latestbooks and other resources will beneeded. Moreover, many of these

new students will want to get toknow others, for learning purposesand also to make new friends: alot of them will be newcomers toAlexandria. For this the librariesoffer attractive and comfortableconcourses and even outdoorspaces like gardens; these need tobe well maintained.

And for sociability as well asknowledge, nothing can beat themany activities provided by all ourlibraries, aimed at refreshing andexercising mind and body alike.I’m sure I speak for allAlexandrians when I urge our rep-resentatives to let their fingershover over the “add” button whenthey budget for the essential ser-vices of our libraries, and let thegood times roll for our brains!

Elisabeth VodolaAlexandria

Letters to the Editor


By Mary Lee Anderson

Executive Director

Senior Services of

Alexandria

Are you afraid thatyou don’t haveenough money todo the things that

you like when you retire? Areyou retired, but find it hard tomake ends meet? Do you knowabout all the senior discounts available toolder adults within the City of Alexandriaand beyond? If these are some questionsthat you ask yourself, you might want tocome and get the answers at SSA’s SpeakerSeries on “Managing your Money in Retire-ment.”

“Being proactive in effectively managingyour finances in retirement can lead to amore content, fulfilled life during the goldenyears,” said Sally Hurme, author of AARP’s“Getting the Most out of Retirement,” andworkshop presenter.

SSA’s “Managing your Money in Retire-ment,” workshop will take place on Wednes-day, March 13 from 9:30 a.m. – noon at the

Beatley Central Library, 5005Duke St. in Alexandria. It willfeature a group of dynamicspeakers each with a differentmessage about effectively man-aging your money.

Sally Hurme will discussways to “simplify” your fi-nances including organizingbank accounts, paperwork, etc.

The Virginia Cooperative Ex-tension will discuss “Living on

a Fixed Income,” with helpful hints on howto make your retirement go further.

Tom West with Signature Estate and In-vestment Advisers will address how to makefinancial decisions to help live with purpose.

There will be an interactive Q&A sessionand time to talk with the presenters afterthe formal presentations. Copies of “Get theMost out of Retirement” will be raffled offcourtesy of AARP Northern Virginia.

It is a free event with light refreshments,but we ask that you register either online atseniorservicesalex.org or call 703-836-4414,ext. 110. SSA staff will be on hand to escortyou into the meeting room since the librarydoesn’t open to the public until 10 a.m.

Focus of Senior Services March 13Speaker Series.

Managing Money in Retirement

Opinion


Letters


Expedite PeakTraffic FlowTo the Editor:

Central to the city’s transporta-tion policy are the CompleteStreets and VisionZero nationalmovements. Bicycling activistsfounded both programs in the U.S.In Alexandria, movement advo-cates have grossly exaggeratedsafety risks to promote road rede-sign projects that often slow mo-tor vehicle traffic to a crawl andincrease traffic congestion at peaktimes. Just ask the commuters onnorth Van Dorn Street or thosetraveling to and from T.C. Williamson King Street.

Do we really have a serious roadsafety problem in this city? Fed-eral statistics from 2017 show thatthe rate of traffic deaths in Virginiais 20 percent lower than the na-tional average. State governmentstatistics show that Alexandria’srate was 80 percent lower thanVirginia as a whole. So, if

Alexandria’s rate was (there-fore) 84 percent lower than thenational average, is there any rea-son to believe that we have a seri-ous safety issue on our streets?

Movement advocates will pointto Alexandria’s five traffic deaths

in 2018 as evidence that we havea road safety crisis. However, twoof those who died had lost controlof their motorcycles, one at 2:30a.m. Two others died in a one-caraccident driving at an excessivespeed down an exit ramp off thebeltway after midnight. The fifthdied in an accident he caused onthe inner loop of the Beltway, alsoafter midnight.

None of these accidents shouldjustify the next road narrowingproject on another of our majorarterials, Seminary Road. Thisdoes not mean that there are notunsafe intersections and cross-walks. Let’s identify those andmake them safer. But let’s not leta small group of activists continueto drive an agenda that createsmore congestion for the purposeof completing a citywide networkof lightly used bike lanes.

The majority of residents stillprefer, and generally need, theirautomobiles to get to work, runtheir errands and transport theirkids to school and activities. Per-haps our city government shouldfocus less on meeting the guide-lines of trendy programs and moreon expediting peak traffic flow.That would solve a real problem,allowing many of us to reclaim ourresidential streets from carelesscut-through drivers.

Bill RosselloAlexandria

Same ConcernsEnvironmentallyTo the Editor:

Some may have forgotten, but avery similar development scenariowas proposed in the late 1980s forthe site of today’s proposedPotomac Yard Metro Station(PYMS) Alternative B, which wassoundly defeated by a united con-sensus who were greatly con-cerned that the adverse, irrevers-ible impacts to the freshwater tidalwetlands, scenic and historicGeorge Washington MemorialParkway, critical wildlife habitat,and quality of life would far out-weigh any benefits. Opponents ofthis earlier development proposalincluded the Commonwealth ofVirginia, NPS, USFWS, NationalCapital Planning Commission, Al-exandria Mayor and Council, andmany others.

Councilor Del Pepper, in 1990,captured these concerns well:“The [DOI Final EnvironmentalStatement – GWMP/PotomacGreens] does not explain the sig-nificance of the parkway beingplaced on the National Register ofHistoric Places or explain the leg-islative intent of the 1929 agree-ment between the federal govern


From Page 12

Letters


ment and the city to uphold the memo-rial character of the parkway… we felt thatit should have had a greater context to spellout just how critical it is that this land bepreserved… we hope that you will protectour natural and national treasure.”

Nothing has changed environmentallywith the site between then and now, exceptAlexandria officials want to fast-track a new,poorly sited development project for thesame property. So much so that in the 13th-hour they hired a new consultant to draft anew Joint Permit Application (JPA), thoughfashioned upon the inadequate and flawedEnvironmental Impact Statement (EIS) andJPA of previous submissions. This rushedeffort has the new firm quixotically conduct-ing critical vegetation surveys in December2018 during plant dormancy, and comingup short as to quantifying and presenting agreat number of critical analyses and regu-latory safeguards intended to protectAlexandria’s and the nation’s natural re-sources.

All of this, of course, is evidence that sig-nificant portions of the EIS and new JPA todate have not been sufficiently assessed andanalyzed, particularly the Least Environ-mentally Damaging Practicable Alternative(LEDPA).

This whole impasse could be easily solvedif the city were to again adopt AlternativeA as the preferred alternative, instead of theenvironmentally destructive Alternative B.

C. Dara and Jimm RobertsAlexandria

School CustodiansDeserve RespectTo the Editor:

As Alexandria prepares to plunge head-first into the “gig economy,” the recent ac-tion by the School Board signaled to ourlowest paid workers that our community’sprosperity will not include them.

Specifically, by a 6-3 vote, six membersof the School Board voted to accept thesuperintendent’s proposed budget, whichincludes a plan to accelerate the furtheroutsourcing of school custodians to privatecontractors. To be clear, this move is notbeing done to improve the quality, reliabil-ity or stability of the custodial workforce –it is being done solely for budgetary rea-sons. Essentially, the School Board believesthat our compassionate community finds itacceptable to balance its budget on thebacks of its lowest paid workers. I cannotstate with sufficient alacrity that such abelief is patently false.

While it may be that in the short-run it ischeaper to outsource the custodians, theminuscule price to the taxpayers of absorb-ing this cost pales in comparison to theneedless pain inflicted on the custodians.Moreover, these are our citizens, neighbors,parents, and responsible adult figureheadswho daily interact with our children. Weall benefit when people who work in ourcommunity can afford to live in our com-munity.


Wellbeing

By Marilyn Campbell

Julia Wires purchased an iPhone for her 12-year-old daughter in part she says, becausemany of the girls at her Potomac, Md. schoolhave smartphones that they bring to cam-

pus daily. Wires and her husband were initially hesi-tant to make the purchase because their daughterwas diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/HyperactivityDisorder (ADHD) and Anxiety Disorder at the endof 2018.

“First , there’s the social pressureshe feels because all of her friendshave iPhones. Then there’s the is-sue of her dad and I being able tokeep in touch with her now thatshe has more freedom to go placeson her own,” said Wires. “Both ofthose [factors] are juxtaposedagainst the fact that she hastrouble staying focused and calm-ing down when she needs to. Thatmade the decision tough for us.”

Too much time spent on gaming,smartphones and watching televi-sion could exacerbate symptoms inchildren who’ve been diagnosedwith ADHD, according to a new study by research-ers at San Diego State University and the Universityof Georgia. The report showed that even after onehour of screen time, children and teens may beginto have lower self-control, less emotional stabilityand a greater inability to finish tasks.

“Kids with ADHD have trouble keeping track oftime, so they could spend hours on their tablet with-out realizing it. Screen time can make bedtime rou-

tines more difficult and parents might have an addi-tional struggle getting their kids to fall asleep,” saidchild psychologist Adele Schwartz, Ph.D, of McLean,who was not involved in the study. “Kids with ADHDalso might be more likely to ignore parental guide-lines and I would worry more about them engagingin risky behavior online.”

Helping a child with ADHD transition from playinga video game to doing their homework could requirespecial handling, advises Sarah Bryant, LCSW. “Insteadof telling your child that they have to stop watchingtelevision at six o’clock or that they have five moreminutes on a video game, try telling them that theyhave to stop at the next commercial break or at thenend of the round in a video game,” she said.

Working collaboratively with one’s child will re-duce the chance of a power struggle, says Bryant.“You and your child can work together to list all of

the things that need to get done,like homework, time spent outside,doing sports, chores and other ac-tivities and come up with a sched-ule,” she said. “Figure out howmuch time is left for things likevideo games and television. Hangthe schedule somewhere that’s vis-ible to both of you. Your child willsee how little time is left for play-ing video games and since theywere part of the process, they’ll feellike they’re part of a team ratherthan a subordinate with no controlover their life.”

“Parents of kids with ADHDshould definitely make use of parental controls ontablets, smart phones and television, especially dur-ing school hours or when kids should be doing theirhomework,” added Schwartz. “It’s also important thatchildren, especially those with ADHD not use elec-tronics at least an hour before bedtime. And it al-most goes without saying that parents should modelthe behavior that they want their children to haveby limiting their own screen time.”

Working collaborativelywith one’s child candecrease the struggle.

Managing Screen Time

A new study shows that even after one hour spent on electronic devices each day,children and teens may begin to have less emotional stability and a greater inabilityto finish tasks.

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“... parents shouldmodel the behaviorthat they want theirchildren to have bylimiting their ownscreen time.”

— Adele Schwartz, childpsychologist


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News

From Page 1

Newspaper Publisher, SSA and Optimist Club Founder Dies

Lewis and Mildred Stearmancelebrating their 50th weddinganniversary.

Lewis Stearman died March 4 at theage of 95.

Lewis and MildredStearman in an undatedphoto. The couple weremarried for 68 years at thetime of Lewis’s death onMarch 4.

“Dad was a solid guywho came out of theDepression andappreciated everything.When his life was sparedas an 8-year-old, hededicated his life toserving and helpingother people.”

— Joseph Stearman on his fatherLewis Stearman

out to be the only one he would everwork for, spending 43 years in posi-tions ranging from accountant to edi-tor, publisher, general manager andvice president. On March 4, the life-long Alexandrian died at the age of95.

“Dad was always reliable andsteady,” said Joseph Stearman. “Hehad one wife, one job at the paperand he stayed in same house for 60-some years. We definitely had a solidupbringing – almost like Leave it toBeaver – and we may be last genera-tion to say that.”

Stearman was born Feb. 8, 1924,in Washington, D.C., one of six sonsborn to Joseph and Esther Rose

Stearman. His family moved to DelRay when he was 6 years old and heattended public schools when hishealth allowed.

“Dad had rheumatic fever when hewas a child so he was tutored a lotwhen he was young,” JosephStearman said. “He even recalledoverhearing a doctor tell his parentsthat he only had six months to live.He was about 8 or 10 at the time. Itwasn’t until he was in his 20s that he

really got over it.”Stearman’s grandparents were owners of

a pawnshop and dry goods store across fromthe Alexandria Gazette newspaper, whichled to his lifelong interest in journalism.

“Dad saw the value of a community news-paper and used the paper as a platform forserving others,” added Joseph Stearman.“He always had a sense of service and spenthis life serving his brothers and sisters inthe community.”

Stearman was one of 39 founding mem-bers of the Optimist Club of Alexandria in1946. At the time of his death, he was thelast surviving founder of the club. Stearmanbecame an Optimist life member in 1952and was chosen Optimist of the Year in2007-2008.

In 1952, Stearman was elected to theboard of directors of the Salvation Army inAlexandria. He served as chairman of theboard in 1962-63 and again in 1986-87. Hewas honored as the Man of the Year in 1965and 1967 and was presented the prestigiousWilliam Booth Award in 1968. In 1991, hewas given a certificate for life board mem-bership.

Stearman was elected to the board of di-

rectors of the Alexandria Boys Club in 1958.He remained an active board member formore than 30 years and assisted with themerger of the Alexandria Boys Club and theOlympic Boys Club.

In 1968, Stearman was asked to help es-tablish the Alexandria Senior Citizens Em-ployment and Services organization, nowSenior Services of Alexandria. He becameone of 16 founders and served on the boardof directors as president in 1970-71.

“Mr. Stearman was one of the foundersof Senior Services of Alexandria and washonored for his important efforts by theorganization at the Founders Ball in May2008,” said former SSA executive directorJanet Barnett. “He remained interested inimproving the lives of seniors and was afaithful donor.”

Stearman was a member of the board andtrustee of the Maurice D. Rosenberg Lodgeof B’nai B’rith International in Alexandria.In 1953 and 1968 he received awards forOutstanding Merit in Journalism for pro-moting better community relations throughjournalism.

“Lewis retired as general manager of theold daily Alexandria Gazette shortly after I

began working as a rookie salesperson,”said Gazette Packet publisher Jerry Vernon.“He was a gentle, kind and scholarly soulwho loved to recount the history of the cityas told through the Gazette lens since1784.”

Stearman was named a Living Legend ofAlexandria in 2013. He and his wife Mildredwere married for 68 years at the time of hisdeath. The couple had three sons: David,the oldest died in 1999; Douglas and Jo-seph. In addition to his wife and two sons,survivors include 10 grandchildren and onegreat-grandson.

Funeral services will be held Thursday,March 7, at 11 a.m. at Beth El Hebrew Con-gregation, 3830 Seminary Road. In lieu offlowers, donations may be made to the Sal-vation Army of Alexandria or the Alexan-dria-Olympic Boys & Girls Club.

“Dad had good character and was a good,moral man,” Joseph Stearman said. “Therewas no hidden secret. He was a solid guywho came out of the Depression and ap-preciated everything. When his life wasspared as an 8-year-old, he dedicated hislife to serving and helping other people.”

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Entertainment

St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School will present “Shrek” on March 8 and 9.

ShrekSt. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School Stage One Players presents, Shrek, a musical for the whole family based on the story and characters from the DreamWorks Animation film. It turns the world of fairytales

upside down. It is the story of a large green ogre and his loyal steed Donkey as they set off on a quest to rescue the beautiful Princess Fiona from her tower, guarded by a fire breathing love-sick dragon. Friday-Saturday, March 8-9, 7:30 p.m. at St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School, 1000 St. Stephen’s Road, Alexandria. Tickets are $5. Call the reservation line at 703-212-2777.

Calendar

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

ONGOING“Opposites Attract.” Through March

10, at Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery,Torpedo Factory Art Center, Studio29, 105 North Union St., Alexandria.Show featuring everything Quiet andLoud, Large and Small, Smooth andRough, Bright and Dull, Stiff andFlowing, Smiles and Frowns – the listgoes on and the artists had a greattime incorporating this theme intotheir work. Visitwww.Potomacfiberartsgallery.com.

Beginner Square Dance Lessons.Through March 27, 7:30-9 p.m. atthe Lincolnia Senior Center, 4710 N.Chambliss St. Keep up with NewYear’s resolutions and enjoy bothmental and physical exercise withSquare Dance Lessons. $30 for eachfour-week session. Open to couples,singles and groups. [email protected] or call571-210-5480.

Art Exhibition: High SchoolStudents. Through March 30, atThe Gallery at Convergence, 1801 N.Quaker Lane, Alexandria. TheAlexandria All City High School ArtExhibition hosted by theConvergence Arts Initiative returnsfor its fourth year. This year’sexperience features more than 90Alexandria high school studentsrepresenting six high schoolsincluding public, private, andindependent. Returning for 2019’scollaborative event are students fromBishop Ireton, Episcopal High School,T.C. Williams, St. Stephen’s and St.Agnes School, CommonwealthAcademy, and The Howard GardnerSchool. Visit ourconvergence.org.

Art Exhibit: For The Artist. ThroughMarch 31, at Del Ray Artisansgallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. The“For The Artist” exhibit featuresartworks that Del Ray Artisans

members have always dreamed ofcreating. The diversity of expressionand creativity in this exhibit isinspiring to artists and artappreciators alike. Two and three-dimensional works, paintings, mixedmedia, and photography are onexhibit. Visit DelRayArtisans.org/exhibits for more.

Still Life Alive. Through April 2, 9-5p.m. at River Farm, 7931 EastBoulevard Drive, Alexandria. PatriciaUchello One Woman Art Show,featuring 100 original oil paintings offlowers, fruit, landscapes andseascapes. Uchello’s work has beencollected by IBM, the InternationalMonetary Fund and more. [email protected] or visitwww.patriciauchello.com for more.

CLASSES & WORKSHOPSCommunity Dance. 7:30-9:30 p.m.

every third Friday at Hollin HallSenior Center, 1500 ShenandoahRoad. Live music. $4. Call 703-765-4573.

Life Drawing. Del Ray Artisans offers arange of open life drawing sessionsfor anyone to develop life-drawingskills further. Drop-in for the sessionand bring supplies to draw or paintlive models. Fee ranges from $8-$12.All skill levels are welcome. Del RayArtisans is located at 2704 MountVernon Ave. Visitwww.TheDelRayArtisans.org.

The Harmony Heritage Singers(Mount Vernon Chapter ofBarbershop Harmony Society), adaytime, a cappella, Chorus,rehearses on the 2nd and 4th

Tuesdays, monthly, at Sherwood HallRegional Library, 2501 SherwoodHall Lane, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Newcomerswelcome for fun or to book for aperformance. Visit HHSingers.org, orcall Bruce at 703-352-5271.

WEDNESDAY/MARCH 6Philadelphia Flower Show,

Philadelphia, Pa. 8 a.m.-8 p.m.,leaving from Green Spring Gardens,4603 Green Spring Road. The 2019PHS Philadelphia Flower Show,Flower Power, ties in to the 50thanniversary of Woodstock. This year’sshow will also be hosting the FloristsTransworld Delivery World Cup, afloral design competition. Bring alunch or enjoy the atmosphere andfood of the Reading Terminal locatedacross the street. $142, includesmotor coach and admission. Registeronline at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/ using codeA19.B220 or call Green SpringGardens at 703-642-5173.

THURSDAY/MARCH 7Yacht Haven Garden Club

Meeting. 10 a.m. At Mount VernonYacht Club, 4817 Tarpon Lane,Alexandria. The program, PeriodGardens and Landscapes of HistoricProperties, will be presented byAshley Brown, chief architect of theNational Trust for HistoricPreservation. New members arewelcome. Email [email protected].

MARCH 7-23“Beep Beep” at Arts on the

Horizon. At the Lab atConvergence, 1819 N. Quaker Lane,Alexandria. Arts on the Horizon, aninteractive theatre for children ages0-6, will present “Beep Beep,” writtenand directed by Solas Nua ArtisticDirector and frequent AOTHcollaborator, Rex Daugherty. It wascreated specifically for an audience ofchildren ages 2-5 and their families.Show times are March 7, 8, 13,14,15, 19, 20, 21, 22, at 10:30 a.m.;and March 9, 16, 23, at 10 a.m. and11:30 a.m. $10 atartsonthehorizon.org or at the door.

MARCH 7-30“Daddy Long Legs.” At the Ainslie

Arts Center, 3900 West BraddockRoad, Alexandria. The play tells thestory of Jerusha Abbott, hermysterious young benefactor and theaffection that grows between them byway of handwritten letters. JohnCaird’s Drama Desk Award-winningbook for this stage musical combinesthe love story derived from the 1912novel by Jean Webster withcontemporary music and lyrics byPaul Gordon. Monumental TheatreCompany will be partnering with theEnglish Department at EpiscopalHigh School in Alexandria to givestudents a “behind-the-scenes” lookat “Daddy Long Legs.” Tickets can bepurchased online atwww.monumentaltheatre.org/daddy-long-legs.html.

FRIDAY/MARCH 8Celebrate International Women’s

Day. At Pizzeria Paradiso, 124 KingSt., Alexandria. United States ofPizza menu sales from all fivePizzeria Paradiso locations willbenefit She Should Run. She ShouldRun is a nonpartisan, nonprofitorganization promoting leadershipand encouraging women from allwalks of life to run for office. TheU.S. of Pizza special honors U.S.Reps. Elaine Luria, AbigailSpanberger and Jennifer Wexton.The pizza features Virginia CountryHam, cheddar cheese, cherrytomatoes, creamed corn, black eyedpeas, collard greens and onions. Visitwww.eatyourpizza.com.

Garden Talk-Attracting Wildlife.1:30-2:30 p.m. At Green SpringGardens, 4603 Green Spring Road,Alexandria. Native critters can have apositive impact on our gardens.Extension Master Gardeners sharetips and recommendations on thebest plants you can use to invitepollinators, birds, and other speciesinto your landscape. $10/person.Register online atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/

parktakes/ using code 1C2.36EE orcall Green Spring Gardens at 703-642-5173.

Lydia Martin Performs. 6-8 p.m. AtLloyd House, 220 North WashingtonSt., Alexandria. From old-timecountry and bluegrass to the subjectof her book Robert Johnson forBanjo, from Irish folk tunes to jazz,Lydia Martin takes the banjo to oldhaunts and new frontiers. No ticketrequired. Beer and wine for sale;light refreshments available as well.Sponsored by The Folklore Society ofGreater Washington and The Officeof Historic Alexandria.

SIPS for Saints. 7-10 p.m. At theAtrium Building, 277 S. WashingtonStreet, Old Town Alexandria.Sponsored by the Rotary Club ofAlexandria Central. A celebration ofIrish Spirit. Guests will enjoy farefrom local gourmet restaurants andsip Irish spirits while enjoyingfavorite Irish music and livelyentertainment. Proceeds will benefitlocal charities. Buy tickets atwww.bit.ly/sips4saints

Women’s Leadership Forum. 7:30-10:30 a.m. At the Westin Hotel, 400Courthouse Square, Alexandria. Theforum will bring together women atall stages of their careers for amorning-long program designed toprovide interactive discussion,inspiration and professionaldevelopment, centered around thisyear’s theme of what it means to bethe whole woman. Moderated byHeidi Przybyla, NBC News. Visitwww.visitalexandriava.com/event/2019-womens-leadership-forum-presented-by-the-lizluke-team/14649/.

SATURDAY/MARCH 9Wintertime Woody Plant Pruning.

10 a.m.-noon at AmericanHorticultural Society River Farm,7931 E. Boulevard Drive, Alexandria.Ever wonder when to prune roses orboxwood? Come for hands-on


SHOW DATES:

FEB. 23 - MAR.16, 2019

Little Theatre of Alexandria600 Wolfe Street • 703-683-0496

www.thelittletheatre.com

Entertainment

By Hope Nelson

Ensconced in the Madison Collective at 727 N.Henry St., Kimberly Sickmen has a lot to begrateful for indeed. At the top of her list? Her

months-old eatery, Grateful Kitchen, which aims tobring fresh, healthy food to the city.

“Our whole mission is to educate people on whyeating organic is so vital and so important,” Sickmen

said. “There’s a direct relationship be-tween what you put in your body andhow you feel.”

The Grateful Kitchen concept is anexpansion of Sickmen’s juice company, Grateful Juice.Originally a way for her to give healthy nutrients tothe students at her hot yoga studio, Zweet Sport, “Itwas more popular than I thought it was going to be,”she said. Her on-the-side juice making led to a moreconcerted effort in a commercial kitchen, which led,in a fashion, to GratefulKitchen several years later.

As the owner of ZweetSport Hot Yoga, GratefulJuice and Zweet Sport To-tal Fitness, Sickmen hadplenty on her plate. But abuilding in the newlyformed Madison Collec-tive came up for rent andSickmen “moved Total Fit-ness and siphoned off a piece for Grateful Kitchen,”she said.

“At that point I had also met the guy who’s nowmy chef (Stephen Hardy) and we had started to talkabout food, and I knew that I wanted to add a foodelement to (the company). So this is basically the

next phase,” she said. “We make all the juice here –we still bottle and make it all here – but we alsohave a full breakfast and what we call our savorymenu.”

Grateful Kitchen opened its doors on Oct. 14, 2018and, Sickmen says, the reception from the neighbor-hood has been promising.

“The overall consensus from the community is thatit was really needed, and I agree; as somebody whowants to eat organic and healthy, there’s really noth-ing in Old Town,” she said.

But don’t dare equate “healthy” with “bland.”Grateful Kitchen’s menu runs the gamut and bringsa lot of zest along with its meals.

“Right now we have something that’s amazing; it’scalled our forbidden black rice bowl,” Sickmen said.“Basically it’s black rice and it’s cooked down for acouple of hours; it’s got ginger in it, and cilantro,and shallot, and then our chef takes steamed kale,

puts the rice on top ofthe steamed kale, andadds a perfectly soft-boiled egg.”

As a local small busi-nesswoman herself,Sickmen places an em-phasis on supportingother local businessesas well. Bread comesfrom Bread and Water

in Belle Haven; salmon comes from Manolo and Son.“We want to support as many local purveyors as

possible,” she said.

Hope Nelson owns and operates the Kitchen Recessionistablog, located at www.kitchenrecessionista.com. Email her anytime at [email protected].

Appetite

Grateful Kitchen FeedsGrateful Neighborhood

If You GoGRATEFUL KITCHEN, 727 N. Henry

Hours: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday-Friday; 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; closed Tuesday.

Fun fact: “Everything in our space is all compostable,” saysowner Kimberly Sickmen. “All of our utensils, all of our cups,all of our to-go boxes will break down in a landfill in 180days.”

Calendar

KaNikki Jakarta

Write Like a WomanFacilitated by poet and author

KaNikki Jakarta, this workshop wel-comes amateur to professional womenwriters ages 18-100. Each workshopcenters on uplifting and inspiringthrough writing, and allows participantsto enhance their own writing styles.Cookies and tea will be offered. Satur-day, March 9, 1 p.m. at The Athenaeum,201 Prince St., Alexandria. Free. Spaceis limited, RSVP to [email protected]

training on the how, when, and why toprune hedges, multi-stem shrubs,small trees, and large branches. Theresults will be healthier and bushiergrowth, more (or less) flowers andfruit, and attractive landscaping.Bring tools, and remember to dressfor the weather. Entire class is heldoutdoors. This class is offered byExtension Master Gardeners. Free.Advance registration at mgnv.org.Call 703-228-6414 or [email protected].

The General’s Tour. 10-11:30 a.m. AtLee-Fendall House Museum &Garden, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria.Featuring a guided walking tour ofRobert E. Lee sites in Historic OldTown Alexandria. Cost is $10 inadvance, $15 door. Visitwww.leefendallhouse.org.

Specialty Tour: The Feminine Sideof the Tavern. 10-11 a.m. atGadsby’s Tavern Museum,134 N.Royal St., Alexandria. Discover themany roles women played in tavernlife. This tour challenges assumptionsabout a woman’s role in the 18thcentury and how women interactedwith the tavern, a place commonlyassumed to be just for men. Visitwww.alexandriava.gov.

Festival of Owls. 12-2 p.m. at HuntleyMeadows Park, 3701 Lockheed Blvd.,Alexandria. Ever wonder what aresome of the more mysteriousresidents of Huntley Meadows? Comemeet live owls up close. Soar into thenight time world of Great HornedOwls, Barred Owls, and Eastern

Screech Owls. Touch real owlfeathers and bones and make an owlcraft. Option to purchase an owlpellet for dissection with the aid of anaturalist. Cost is $15 per person.Call 703-768-2525 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley-meadows-park/.

Locals’ Alley Saturdays. 12:30-2:30p.m. at The Old Town Shop, 105 S.Union St. at King Street. Meet themakers of local goods, featuring:Luxe Sugar Mama bath productsampling. Call 703-684-4682 or visitwww.TheOldTownShop.com.

Write Like A Woman NetworkingWorkshop. 1 p.m. At TheAthenaeum, 201 Prince Street,Alexandria. Facilitated by poet andauthor KaNikki Jakarta, thisworkshop welcomes amateur toprofessional women writers ages 18-100. Each workshop centers onuplifting and inspiring throughwriting, and allows participants toenhance their own writing styles.Free. Space is limited; RSVP [email protected].

Making History In Stitches:Martha Washington’s ShellCushions. 4 p.m. At Woodlawn &Pope-Leighey House, 9000 RichmondHighway, Alexandria. A talk withMount Vernon curator Amanda Issac,where she will discuss the making,use, and later history of the MarthaWashington shell cushions, some ofthe best preserved examples of Mrs.Washington’s needlework. Woodlawnhas recently acquired one of these


Entertainment

Artwork by Kathryn Coneway created with mulberrypaper collage and photo transfer. Winter skies and theforms of bare branches are a favorite theme in Coneway’swork.

Huntley Meadows Park Art ExhibitSlip into a gauzy world of collage and photography at Huntley Meadows Park.

The park will host the work of Alexandria-based artist Kathryn Coneway throughMay 31, in the Norma Hoffman Visitor Center. A reception is planned for Sunday,March 10, 2-4 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park Visitors Center, 3701 Lockheed Blvd.,Alexandria. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/park-news/2019/psa057 for more.

cushions, which will be on display at thisyear’s Needlework Show. Visitwww.woodlawnpopeleighey.org.

Discover Romance in theMeadows. 5:45 p.m. at 3701Lockheed Boulevard, Alexandria.Love is in the air – and on the ground– at Huntley Meadows Park as malewoodcocks perform their amazingcourtship dance. Try to spot thesefeathered romantics on an “EveningWoodcock Walk.” Listen for the callof the male woodcock and hopefullysee his elaborate courtship dance andflight. Prime courtship time is earlyevening, so bring a flashlight along.Cost is $8 per person. Call 703-768-2525 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley-meadows.

St. Patrick’s Benefit Concert. 7:30-9:30 p.m. At St. Luke’s EpiscopalChurch, 8009 Fort Hunt Road,Alexandria. Celebrate St. Patrick’sDay with The MollyHawks, a localtrio performing traditional Irish andceltic maritime music. All proceedswill benefit UCM, Rising Hope, GoodShepherd Housing and other localcharities. Cost is $15/adults; $10/students; Kids 10 and under free.Visit the website:www.saintlukeschurch.net/calendar/2019/3/9/the-mollyhawks-in-concert.

SUNDAY/MARCH 10Wintertime Woody Plant Pruning.

1-3 p.m. at 21 West Walnut St.,Alexandria. Ever wonder when toprune your roses or boxwood? Comefor hands-on training on the how,when, and why to prune hedges,multi-stem shrubs, small trees, andlarge branches. The results will behealthier and bushier growth, more(or less) flowers and fruit, andattractive landscaping. Bring tools,and remember to dress for theweather. Entire class is heldoutdoors. This class is offered byExtension Master Gardeners. Free.Advance registration at mgnv.org.Call 703-228-6414 or [email protected].

Mad Science. 1-4 p.m. at Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105South Fairfax St., Alexandria. Whatdo superheroes, bubbling beakers,and explosions all have in common?A mad scientist probably made them.Explore where real science and madscience collide. This 45-minute tourstarts every 30 minutes and featureshistoric medicines with surprisingside effects. Upstairs, meet theMuseum’s very own mad scientistwhile she brings to life some crazyconcoctions and explores the sciencebehind them. Admission is $6 perperson. Call 703-746-3852, or visitwww.apothecarymuseum.org.

Lens on History. 1-3 p.m. at GreenSpring Gardens, 4603 Green SpringRoad. From daguerreotypes to digitalimages, explore photography’sevolution, its impact on society, andwhat it reveals about historic events.View momentous photographs inworld history, famous firstphotographs, and some fascinatingimages that shed light on GreenSpring’s past. Adults. $32 (program+ tea); $12 (program only).Programs are by reservation only.Call 703-941-7987, TTY 703-324-3988.

Facetime with History. 1-4 p.m. atGadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N.Royal St., Alexandria. Whilejourneying through the museum,engage in conversations with peoplefrom the past and hear stories thatwill deepen your understanding ofthe past and how it connects totoday. Listen as Hanna FairfaxWashington and her sister-in-law,Jane Fairfax, reminisce about theirlives in early Alexandria.

Huntley Meadows Park Art ExhibitReception. 2-4 p.m. at HuntleyMeadows Park Visitors Center, 3701Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria. Slip into

a gauzy world of collage andphotography at Huntley MeadowsPark. The park will host the work ofAlexandria-based artist KathrynConeway through May 31, in theNorma Hoffman Visitor Center. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/park-news/2019/psa057.

Painting with Wool – NeedleFelting Workshop. 3:30 p.m. AtWoodlawn & Pope-Leighey House,9000 Richmond Highway,Alexandria. An introduction to needlefelting, where you learn to “paint” adesign from wool. Instructor DaniIves is a fiber artist who has taughthundreds of students in workshopsacross the United States andinternationally. Ives uses wool fibersand a felting needle to create theeffects of layering color, creatingtexture and depth to a piece of work.Learn a number of two-dimensionalneedle felting techniques and applyto personal tastes and styles. Visitwww.woodlawnpopeleighey.org.

MONDAY/MARCH 11Author Talk and Book Signing.

6:30 p.m. at Hooray for Books, 1555King St., Alexandria. Author Talk andBook Signing of “Welcome toWashington, Fina Mendoza.” Veteranpublic radio reporter Kitty Feldeturned her years of covering CapitolHill into this mystery that goesbehind the scenes in Congress. Free.Call 703-548-4092 [email protected].

MARCH 12-APRIL 14Good Luck Charms. At Potomac Fiber

Arts Gallery, 105 N. Union Street,Studio 29, Alexandria. A very specialfound object, a four leaf clover, arainbow, a wishbone, a charm on abracelet - these objects all serve asinspiration to gallery members whencreating pieces for this show. Themedwork will be eligible for recognitionby the jurors. Non-themed work may

also be exhibited. Visitwww.potomacfiberartsgallery.com.

TUESDAY/MARCH 12Native Plants for Shade Gardens.

7-8:30 p.m. At Barrett BranchLibrary, 717 Queen St., Alexandria.Do you fret about planting in a shadyspot, worried that without sun theplants won’t make it? Come learnhow to select native plants that thrivein partial or deep shade and are bestsuited for your soil conditions.Discuss how to layer in natives withthe plants, shrubs, and trees alreadyin a shady yard and best practices formaintenance. This class is offered byExtension Master Gardeners. Free.Advance registration requested atmgnv.org. Call 703-228-6414 oremail [email protected].

Lecture: Ordinary Equality - TheDaughters of AmericanRevolution from 1890-1920.7:30 p.m. at Alexandria HistoryMuseum at The Lyceum, 201 S.Washington St., Alexandria. AsAmerica prepares to celebrate the100th anniversary of the 19thAmendment in 2020, come hear howmembers of the Daughters of theAmerican Revolution worked forsocial reform and helped make thedream of women’s voting rights areality. Visit www.alexandriava.gov/Lyceum for more.

THURSDAY/MARCH 14The Athenaeum’s Civil War

Authors Series: WilliamConnery. 7 p.m. at The Atheneum,201 Prince St. In Mosby’s Raids inCivil War Northern Virginia, WilliamConnery chronicles the successes ofCommander John Mosby. Also knowas the Gray Ghost, he is celebratedmost for his raids that capturedUnion General Edwin Stoughton inFairfax and Colonel Daniel FrenchDulany in Rose Hill. $15 per lectureor attend all three events for $30.


Entertainment

Mad ScienceWhat do superheroes, bubbling beakers, and explosions all have in common? A

mad scientist probably made them. Explore where real science and mad sciencecollide. This 45-minute tour starts every 30 minutes and features historic medicineswith surprising side effects. Upstairs, meet the Museum’s very own mad scientistwhile she brings to life some crazy concoctions and explores the science behindthem. Sunday, March 10, 1-4 p.m. at Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105South Fairfax St., Alexandria. Admission is $6 per person. Call 703-746-3852, orvisit www.apothecarymuseum.org.

NVFAA Members can attend all threeevents for $15. Visit www.nvfaa.orgor call 703-548-0035.

SATURDAY/MARCH 16Archaeology Symposium. 9 a.m.-4

p.m. At Gunston Hall, 10709Gunston Road, Mason Neck.Symposium – Exposing A BuriedHistory: The Archaeology of SlaveLife. In commemoration of the 400thanniversary of forced migration ofthe first enslaved Africans toVirginia’s shores, the program shedslight on the history of peopleenslaved in Virginia from the 17ththrough the 19th centuries. Advancetickets are available until 5 p.m. onMarch 15 and may be purchasedonline at www.gunstonhall.org, andover the phone at 703-550-9220.Tickets will be available at the doorthe day of the symposium and are$55 full price ($45 for members ofGunston Hall and Friends of FairfaxCounty Archaeology).Visit thewebsite: www.gunstonhall.org.

Plants & Design-Starting CoolWeather Edibles. 9:30-11 a.m. AtGreen Spring Gardens, 4603 GreenSpring Road, Alexandria. Ediblegardener and horticulturalist NancyOlney introduces you someinteresting and tasty cool seasonplants to grow in your springvegetable garden. Work with Olneyto start some seeds in take-homecontainers to start planting out inyour edible garden this spring. $22/person. Register online atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/ using code 1FA.5BAB orcall Green Spring Gardens at 703-642-5173.

Watercolor Workshop: WonkyWatercolors. 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.At Green Spring Gardens, 4603Green Spring Road, Alexandria. (16-Adult) Embrace imperfection as youexperiment with watercolortechniques and textures. InstructorMarni Maree demonstrates drawingand painting techniques using only afew colors. Try your hand at thesedemonstrated techniques andenhance your skill set andappreciation of what you can do withthis medium. Supply list emailed atregistration. Cost is $93/person. Toregister, go towww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes and use code FB7.8985 orcall Green Spring Gardens at 703-642-5173.

The Century of Immigration:1820-1934. 10 a.m.-noon atAlexandria History Museum at TheLyceum, 201 S. Washington St.,Alexandria. The film chronicles the

period when 40 million immigrantsentered the U.S., makingimmigration a major and definingaspect of American life. Open andfree to all members of thecommunity, but pre-registration isrequested at Alexandriava.gov/Shop.

Puppet Shows. 10 and 11:30 a.m. AtThe Durant Arts Center, 1605Cameron Street, Alexandria.Featuring Joe Pipik’s BackpackPuppets 5 Senses Dinosaur Show.Tickets are $6 per person. Topurchase your ticket, visitwww.alexandriava.gov/Arts and clickon Durant Arts Center. For furtherinformation about the NationalCapital Puppetry Guild, contact JeffBragg at 703.424.5553 or [email protected].

Locals’ Alley Saturdays. 12:30-2:30p.m. at The Old Town Shop, 105 S.Union St. at King Street. Meet themakers of local goods, featuring: VanNapier Farms Hams and Jellytastings. Call 703-684-4682 or visitwww.TheOldTownShop.com.

Family Fun-Go Native! 1:30-3 p.m.At Green Spring Gardens, 4603Green Spring Road, Alexandria.Discover the importance of nativeplants to the survival of Virginia’sanimals. Learn what makes a plantinvasive and why it should beremoved. Instructors will be from theVirginia Native Plant Society (VNPS)and Green Spring Gardens. $8/person. Register online atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/ using code D2C.E32F orcall 703-642-5173.

Family Fun-Sensational Seeds. 3-4p.m. At Green Spring Gardens, 4603Green Spring Road, Alexandria.Thinking about your spring garden?Come explore the world ofseeds.Plant some seeds to grow athome. Transplant them outside inyour garden in spring. Children mustbe accompanied by an adultregistered in the program. $8/person.Register online atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/ using code E8F.A210 orcall Green Spring Gardens at 703-642-5173.

Country-Western Dance. AtLincolnia Senior Center, 4710 NorthChambliss St., Alexandria. TheNorthern Virginia Country-WesternDance Association will hold a dance.Lessons, 6-7 p.m. Open dancing, 7-9:30 p.m. A DJ provides music.Couples and singles of all ageswelcome. Admission for NVCWDAmembers $10; non-members $12;children under 18 accompanied by apaying adult $5. Smoke-free, alcohol-free. BYO refreshments. Visitwww.nvcwda.org.

SSA Annual Gala. 6-10 p.m. At WestinAlexandria, 400 Courthouse Square,Alexandria. Dinner, dancing, a silentauction and more. This year’s galawill pay tribute to individuals whohave helped make Alexandria acaring and compassionate communityfor everyone, and will continue itshistory of honoring a family who haspassed down a tradition ofcommunity service. This year’shonorees are: U.S. Rep. Don Beyerand his daughter Stephanie BeyerKirby; Lynnwood Campbell and JenWalker. McEnearney Associates, Inc.Realtors is the presenting sponsor.The evening will feature live musicby Bruthers Plus One and wine Bingopresented by UnWined. A silentauction will feature travel getaways,sporting tickets, and restaurantpackages. For tickets, go towww.seniorservicesalex.org or callCassie Chesson, SSA’s developmentdirector, at 703-836-4414, ext. 114.

Best Bib and Tucker Zelda Ball. 7-11 p.m. At Gadsby’s Tavern Museum,134 N. Royal St., Alexandria.Honoring the Year of the Women’sRight to Vote. The Gadsby’s TavernMuseum Society’s annual fundraisingball will feature live music andentertainment by Doc Scantin’sPalmettos. Chou Chou will be the DJfor late night disco. Tickets: allevening $150 per person; discotickets $75 per person. Visitwww.gadsbystavernmuseum.us orcall 703-615-1659.

Cedar Knoll Party. 7-11 p.m. At 9030Lucia Lane, Alexandria. Wear greento Cedar Knoll when it’s time to partywith your friends from The Old TownBoutique District and The ScoutGuide Alexandria. Set to a backdropof entertaining tunes from JustinTrawick and the Common Good, theGuinness and Irish Whiskey will flowand the Irish-inspired food willdelight. Admission includes heavyhors d’oeuvres served throughout thenight and two drink tickets worth acocktail or wine apiece. Tickets are$44 each and includes all taxes, feesand service [email protected]

The Valleys Wild. 7:30 p.m. at GeorgeWashington Masonic Memorial, 101Callahan Drive, Alexandria.Alexandria Choral Society presentsThe Valleys Wild, a nature-centricconcert. Following the reception, ACSwill hold its annual gala receptionand silent auction fundraiser. $20/adults, $15/senior/student/military,13 and under free. Visitwww.alexandriachoralsociety.org.

TUESDAY-SUNDAY/MARCH 19-24Spring Book Sale. At Charles E.

Beatley Central Library, 5005 DukeSt., Alexandria. The Friends of theBeatley Central Library will holdtheir spring book sale. Members’Preview on Tuesday, March 19, 4-8:30 p.m. ($15 membershipsavailable at the door); Wednesday,March 20, 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.,Thursday, March 21, 10 a.m.-8:30p.m.; Friday, March 22, 10 a.m.-5:30p.m.; Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sunday, March 24, 1-4:30p.m. Cost is $3 or less, unlessspecifically marked: hardbacks,paperbacks, children’s books andmedia items. All genres. DiscountDay on Sunday, March 24. Call 703-746-1702; www.beatleyfriends.org.

TUESDAY/MARCH 19Writing Family History. 1-3 p.m. at

Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500Shenandoah Road, Alexandria. “TellYour Ancestor’s Story by Writing,Documenting, and Sharing.”Genealogist Angela Packer McGhiewill speak about writing biographicalsketches of your ancestors. Free,open to public. Presented by theMount Vernon Genealogical Society.Visit www.mvgenealogy.org.


News

Fiscal Slam Dunk?From Page 1

feet of mixed-use space inAlexandria’s Oakville Triangle area— adjacent to Route 1 andPotomac Yard.

While opposition groups raisemyriad concerns — traffic, hous-ing affordability, increasing taxassessments — proponents say theInnovation Campus would spurneeded economic growth.

“Universities play a really impor-tant part of innovation ecosys-tems,” said Brandy Salmon, theInnovation Campus’ chief admin-istrator. In “places like Silicon Val-ley or Boston with a really highconcentration of universities,that’s a big part of the recipe thatthey have for such vibrant econo-mies.”

About a third of the Innovationcampus would go to academics,according to Virginia Tech’s pub-lished project vision. Roughly athird would go to corporate andstartup tenants, and another thirdto housing and retail. VirginiaTech, tax-exempt by law, wouldown the academic space, costingthe city about $1 million in fore-gone taxes. But “the rest of theInnovation Campus will be devel-oped in partnership with a privatedeveloper and will all remain tax-able,” said Landrum.

Tenants could include corpora-tions partnered directly in researchor that want “just to be part of that‘halo effect,’” said Landrum.

She reiterated that Alexandriagave “no incentives” in direct cashto Virginia Tech or Amazon.Though not-now doesn’t necessar-ily mean not-ever. According toNovember’s memorandum of un-derstanding between the city andVirginia Tech: “City financial sup-port/incentives … may come inthe form of, including but not lim-ited to, foregoing real estate taxesfor parcels/buildings owned byVirginia Tech, facilitating tax-ex-empt bond financing, one timegrant payments and forgiveness ofrequired developer contributionsassociated with site(s).”

The city may “consider direct fi-nancial contributions after a finalsite in Alexandria is secured andplanned, and after the fiscal andfinancial details of the project areanalyzed,” according to NorthernVirginia’s HQ2 proposal web site.

The Innovation Campus com-prises “the catalyst and the anchorthat is encouraging developmentto happen at quicker pace, frankly,than the market would have en-couraged,” said Landrum. “Sixtypercent of the city’s budget is paidfor by real estate taxes, and realestate taxes are generated throughnew development and the in-

creased assessment of existing de-velopment. … The impact of all ofthe development that will follow[the Innovation Campus] … cre-ates enough positive real estate taxrevenue alone to make this a slamdunk deal. You pile on top of thatbusiness taxes, personal propertytaxes, for other businesses that willbe moving in, meals tax, hotel tax,people living in houses, etc. … Fis-cally this was a slam dunk for thecity.”

The Amazon/Virginia Tech dealwould also bring in big statemoney for transit, housing andeducation.

Asked for ballpark estimates ofthe city’s future potential financialsupport and net new city revenues,Landrum and Salmon didn’t re-spond by the press deadline. Theyalso didn’t respond when askedwhat effect, if any, Amazon’s pull-ing out of New York might haveon Amazon’s plans in Crystal City— specifically, whether Amazonmight double down in Virginia andwhether local governments heremight feel added impetus to ne-gotiate concessions with citizengroups who aren’t happy with theproposal.

“We very much are still figur-ing out the logistics of how andwhere the campus will build out,the timeline, etc.,” Landrum said.The same goes for a much-publi-cized partnership withAlexandria’s public schools to en-hance the region’s so-called tech-talent pipeline: “We don’t have aplan that we can deliver to thecommunity yet.”

The city government plans tohold its initial community engage-ment meeting development onApril 1, tentatively. That’ll kick offan “intensive community out-reach,” providing “plenty of oppor-tunities for dialogue,” said KarlMoritz, the city’s planning andzoning director.

Salmon anticipates about a yearof planning, building constructionover roughly five years, and fullprogram implementation overroughly 10 years. For more, visitw w w. a l e x a n d r i a v a . g o v /N a t i o n a l L a n d i n g ,w w w . h q n o v a . c o m ,w w w. a l e x a n d r i a v a . g o v /PotomacYard.

Bulletin Board

SOBER-RIDE FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAYFree Sober Rides. Sunday, March 17,

4 p.m. through Monday, March 18, 4a.m. Area residents, 21 and older,may download Lyft to their phones,then enter a code in the app’s“Promo” section to receive a no cost(up to $15) safe ride home. WRAP’sSt. Patrick’s Day SoberRide promocode will be posted at 3 p.m. onMarch 17 on www.SoberRide.com.


People

From Page 7

Joining National English Honor Societyfocuses on analysis of self that will bring some reso-lution, change, or arrival at an “emotional truth” inone’s life. She additionally recommended an exer-cise titled “Then and Now” which has the writer fo-cus on an event in the past. With distance achievedthrough time, she said one is to ask themselves howthey felt about the event then and how they feelabout it now to glean a further understanding ofthemselves.

Her final recommendation was encouragement toapply skills used in analyzing others’ writing to one’sown life. Her final message was for students to bethe author and hero of their own story.

The ceremony was led by the officers of the NEHSand the group’s advisor,

Kirsten von Topel. The officers for 2018-2019 are:President Elspeth Collard, Vice-President ZariyahCope, Attendance Secretary Aiman Hamid, and Re-cording Secretary Leah Nicklesburg.

The following are the T. C. Williams NEHS induct-ees: Bridgette Adu-Wadier, Mackenzie Allen,Maryama Arale, Alison Bingham, Riley Casagrande,Emmett Cocke, Towson Cocke, Camila Cohen Suárez,Emile Cohen Suárez, Reesey du Pont, Reagan Feld,Sadie Finn, Alexandria Gibbs, Zoe Glasser, SusanGonzalez Guevera, Matthew Kiernan, MichaelaMcCormack, Sophia Parker, Lillian Sacher, AshleySanchez, Paul Schiefelbein, Meriam Zegeye, PengZhang, International Academy 8 Principal Maria Faz,International Academy 7 Principal Kristen McInerney,and keynote speaker Solveig Eggerz.

From Page 8

Bulletin Board

volunteer at the event.

MONDAY/MARCH 11Budget Public Hearing Meeting. 4

p.m. in the Council Chambers at CityHall, 301 King St. The AlexandriaCity Council will hold a BudgetPublic Hearing Meeting. Sign up tospeak at the hearing with the link onthe docket or by contacting the CityClerk’s Office at 703-746-4550. Thedocket for the meeting may bereviewed at legistar.granicus.com/alexandria/meetings/2019/3/2011_A_City_Council_Special_Meeting_19-03-11_Docket.pdf.

TUESDAY/MARCH 12City Council Legislative Meeting. 6

p.m. at City Hall, Council Chamber,301 King St. Contact City Clerk’sOffice,[email protected], 703-746-4550.

WEDNESDAY/MARCH 13Budget Work Session #4. 7 p.m. at

City Hall, Sister Cities Room 1101,301 King St.

ARHA Board of CommissionersMeeting. 7 p.m. at AlexandriaRedevelopment & Housing Authority.Contact Cynthia Dickerson, 703-549-7115.

Spring and Summer RecreationPrograms. Registration for springand summer classes and activitiesoffered by the City of Alexandria’sDepartment of Recreation, Parks andCultural Activities will begin at 9a.m. on Wednesday, March 13, forCity residents and Friday, March 15,for nonresidents. Spring andsummer registration applies toclasses, leagues, and activitiesoccurring April through August2019. Visit alexandriava.gov/Recreation.


From Page 13

Letters

There is only one advantage that the custo-dians may gain should they be outsourced;that is, the ability to form a union that canlegally strike. Though I commend the ef-forts of the Education Association of Alex-andria, as public employees in Virginia thecustodians currently are not legally allowedto strike. Does this single advantage out-weigh the lost pensions, job stability, andbenefits? In any case, as a seasoned union-side labor lawyer, I have seen a lot of laborunrest and most were easily preventable —not by throwing money at the workers, butby showing workers that they are appreci-ated and respected, regardless of the pres-tige or power of their positions.

Please let your elected School Boardmembers know that our custodians are valu-able members of our community and de-serve to be treated with the same level ofrespect as any other class of employees inour school system.

Matt Harris, Esq.Alexandria

Parking FiascoTo the Editor:

On Feb. 19, Philadelphia Phillies generalmanager Matt Klentak told reporters that“sometimes you have to walk away” from abad deal, in this instance the deal one ofbaseball’s all-around-best-players, MannyMachado, was seeking. And on Feb. 27-28,President Trump said something similar,“Sometimes you have to walk [away froma bad deal], and this was one ...” regardingNorth Korea’s demand for sanctions reliefwithout a commitment to fully denuclear-ize. By contrast, Alexandria’s past city coun-cils never met a deal from which they werewilling to walk away, which is why todayOld Town has a parking problem. Every timea business came in for a parking reduction,past city councils rubber stamped it. Staffwould devise some sort of study showingthere was enough parking because parkinggarages many Old Town visitors will reflex-ively avoid weren’t full. City Council con-sequently approved a new formula for re-ducing the parking requirement over oneof former mayor Allison Silberberg’s legend-ary lonely dissents. Somehow, her MFA inplaywriting prepared her better for count-ing cars than the graduate courses in urbanplanning city hall planning and zoning staff-ers are expected to have taken. Today’s uni-versity urban planning departments havedevolved into degree mills for rubber stamp-ing whatever developers want.

Because past city councils couldn’t mus-ter the will to ever say “no” to a parkingreduction, proverbially packing 10 poundsof stuff into a five-pound sack Alexandria-style, today’s largely new City Council con-fronts the consequences of past city coun-cils’ incontinence and finds it must extendto however many adjacent blocks poco-a-poco petition for pay-to-park.

We can hope that this parking fiasco is anobject lesson to the new City Council that ithas to learn that sometimes it has to walk awayfrom a bad deal, lest the cumulative conse-quences of many bad deals overwhelm it.

Dino Drudi/AlexandriaKenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative for

The Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers.

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

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No Spring inMy Future Step


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