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online at www.connectionnewspapers.com Local Media Connection LLC

Newcomers &Community Guide

2019-2020

Located in the Ramsey House at 221 King St., the Alexandria Visitors Center features a selection of

brochures, maps and tickets to area attractions as well as a gift shop highlighting local products.

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2 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2019-20 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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Newcomers & Community Guide

By Justin Wilson

Mayor of Alexandria

Welcome to Alexandria! Onbehalf of my colleagues onCity Council, I’d like to ex-tend a warm welcome and

thank you for choosing this historic com-munity as your new home.

During our 270-year history, Alexandriahas been a tobacco trading post; one of the10 busiest ports in America; a part of theDistrict of Columbia; home to both thenation’s largest slave trading firm and alarge community of freed blacks; a Civil Warsupply center for Union troops; and a street-car suburb for federal workers. Today, Al-exandria is a growing, urban communitywith an unparalleled quality of life. We’re avibrant, diverse city of more than 150,000people with a small-town feel, but just min-utes from the bustle of our nation’s capital.

There is so much to see and do. Our parksand green spaces are a haven for naturelovers, walkers and bicyclists, and we’re a

transit-oriented commu-nity, offering many op-tions for getting aroundtown and beyond. We’rea destination for foodies,a haven for shoppers, anda place where the artsthrive. Alexandria is anEco-City, committed toprotecting and sustainingour natural resources.We’re a great place foryoung people and a car-ing community.

Alexandria is also a hubof innovation, home tonational, regional, andlocal businesses, tech startups, creativefirms, trade associations and nonprofits. Wehost the headquarters of the United StatesPatent and Trademark Office and the Na-tional Science Foundation, and we will soonwelcome Virginia Tech’s cutting-edge Inno-vation Campus. It is truly an exciting timeto be here!

We are a diverse city ofkindness and compassion— a thriving communityof engaged residents witha strong commitment tocommunity service andcharity. We are an accept-ing and embracing com-munity where we treateach other with humandignity and respect.People of diverse race,color, culture, nationality,gender, age, physical abil-ity, sexual orientation andgender identity live andwork together in Alexan-

dria and bring pride and prosperity to ourcommunity.

In Alexandria, we have a strong traditionof community, government, and organiza-tions working together to help shape ourfuture and support our most vulnerable resi-dents.

We hope you will consider the many op-

Wilson

Welcome Home!tions available, including serving on a boardor commission, attending City Councilmeetings, mentoring children, or taking ad-vantage of other volunteer opportunitiesthrough the City or through its many non-profit and charitable organizations. Pleasevisit alexandriava.gov/Boards oralexandriava.gov/Volunteer for more infor-mation.

Finally, as you settle into your new home,there are bound to be questions. If you needany information about Alexandria’s govern-ment or services, please contact our cus-tomer information service,Call.Click.Connect., at 703-746-HELP(4357) during normal business hours.Call.Click.Connect. may also be accessed 24hours a day, seven days a week, throughthe City’s website at alexandriava.gov.Please follow the City of Alexandria on so-cial media and subscribe for our free Alex-andria eNews service to receive email, textand voice notifications on the subjects thatinterest you, as well as important emer-gency alerts.

By Dr. Gregory C.

Hutchings, Jr.

Superintendent of Schools

It’s hard to believe that 12 months havegone by since I last wrote for the Alex-andria Gazette Packet’s Newcomers is-

sue, at a time when I was just embarkingon my journey as the Superintendent of Al-exandria City Public Schools. This has beenan exciting year and we have certainly madesome progress; however, there is still muchwork to do.

As most of us countdown to the first dayof school on Sept. 3, with students atSamuel W. Tucker Elementary School hav-ing already returned, I want to welcome allour new families and also reflect a little onwhat we stand for in ACPS. A new schoolyear is a time to reflect on both our achieve-ments and the work that still needs to bedone in the coming academic year.

There is nowhere quite like Alexandria.We are fortunate to have students from 114countries who speak 119 different lan-guages and bring so much to our commu-nity and help to create a vibrant and fasci-nating culture. We also have broad socio-economic diversity. This also brings its ownunique set of obstacles that set us apart fromneighboring school divisions.

Our incredible diversity is a life-learningtool in itself — one that fosters empathyand a sophisticated understanding of the21st century world. It is an aspect of ourschool division we continue to take full ad-vantage of. Whether a student arrives in ourclassrooms from Afghanistan unable tospeak English, or born and raised in ourgreat city, our hopes for that child are thevery same: that they will leave our schooldivision the best they can be, ready to takeany path they chose in life.

We pride ourselves on teaching the indi-vidual child. At T.C. Williams High Schoolwe offer more than 400 courses — from themost challenging academic rigors to careerand technical studies. There are few otherhigh school facilities in the U.S. that pro-vide such diverse opportunities as T.C. Wil-liams.

However, equity and inclusion are size-able ambitions and are not easy to achieve.We are not there yet but I am confident weare heading in the right direction.

This month the Virginia Department ofEducation released our Standards of Learn-ing (SOL) results which showed ACPS nowhas a higher percentage of students testingproficient in Math than in previous years.Math has been an area of intense academicfocus for the school division over the pastschool year, and the SOL results show 70%of all students testing proficient. These re-sults — which show the percentage of stu-dents testing proficient in math increasedby nine percentage points — demonstratethe improved delivery of math instruction

due to increased professional learning andenhanced curriculum resources over thepast two years.

The percentage of Black, Hispanic, En-glish Learner and Economically Disadvan-taged students proficient in math all in-creased by nine percentage points or more.Our rate of growth in math for all studentswas four percentage points higher thangrowth seen at the state level, and five per-centage points higher for Economically Dis-advantaged students also at the state level.We are anticipating similar progress in thecoming school year across all subject areasthat are now being addressed.

But our results also highlighted anachievement gap that we must do every-thing in our power to bridge.

This coming school year, ACPS will havean intentional focus on improving readingskills. Our instructional leaders have beenanalyzing the data over the past year andhave already outlined areas for improve-ment.

This kind of success doesn’t happen bychance, nor does it happen overnight. Ithappens through hard work, planning,preparation and dedication for all studentsto experience success regardless of their lifecircumstances. It is our responsibility aseducators to relentlessly advocate and re-move educational barriers that prevent anychild from reaching their highest level de-sired.

School Successes and What Still Needs to be Done

Hutchings

Superintendent Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. comforts a student experi-encing a little separation anxiety at the Early Childhood Center atJohn Adams Elementary School.

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Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2019-20 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

As your local, weekly newspaper,the Gazette Packet’s mission is todeliver the local news you need,to help make sense of what is

happening in your community, to advocatefor community good, to provide a forum fordialogue on local concerns, and to recordachievements, milestones and events in thecommunity and people’s lives.

Here in our Newcomers and CommunityGuide, we include details of how to vote inthe upcoming elections, information on lo-cal and regional fairs and festivals, plus tipsand tidbits from the community.

We invite newcomers and long-time resi-dents alike to let us know how we’re doingand let us know what is going on in yourpart of the community. If you have ques-tions or ideas, send us an email. We inviteyou to send letters to the editor or to sendan email with feedback about our coverage.

We want to know if someone in your fam-ily or your community published a book,started a business, became an Eagle Scout,raised money for a good cause, accom-plished some feat like running a marathon,supporting a cause or having art includedin an art show. We publish photos and notesabout personal milestones and communityevents, including births, engagements, wed-dings, anniversaries, awards and obituar-ies.

We are also interested in events at yourchurch, mosque, synagogue, communitycenter, pool, school, club, etc. Email us anote about the event, being sure to includewhen and where the photo was taken andthe names of all the people who are in aphoto.

We also publish notes about news andevents from local businesses. Notes aboutopenings, new employees and anniversariesare welcome. It is especially important tous to let people know about events aheadof time in our calendar of events. We appre-ciate getting notice at least two weeks aheadof the event, and we encourage photos.

Your community Connection newspaperis one of 15 papers published by the inde-pendent, locally owned Local Media Con-nection LLC, serving the suburbs of Metro-politan Washington in Northern Virginiaand Potomac, Md.

Our flagship paper, the Alexandria Ga-zette Packet, is one of the oldest continu-ously publishing papers in the country, be-ginning publication in 1784.

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(703) 739-2274 1319 King St, Alexandria,VA

GRAB THE MIC!

Happy hour daily 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM21 & over only

EVERY NIGHT IS KARAOKE NIGHT! Half-price sandwiches Mondays

Half-price burgers Tuesdays

Two dollar taco Thursdays

By Jeanne Theismann

Gazette Packet

It’s been nearly 10 years sincemoviegoers everywherewere introduced to the cityof Alexandria, portrayed as a

sleepy Southern town in the Disneyfilm “Remember the Titans.” Buttimes have changed and today thecobblestone streets and lively wa-terfront attracts more than threemillion visitors every year.

Once known primarily as thehometown of George Washingtonand Robert E. Lee, the city alsoclaims Jim Morrison, Mama CassElliot, Willard Scott, Chip Estenand House of Cards creator BeauWillimon as hometown notables.

History buffs will know that U.S.President Gerald Ford was a long-time resident and that U-2 pilotFrancis Gary Powers lived hereafter he was released from a So-viet prison in 1962. And EarlLloyd, who grew up in a segre-gated Alexandria, was the firstAfrican American to break thecolor barrier in the NBA in 1950.

At 15.4 square miles and with apopulation of just over 150,000,Alexandria hosts nationally recog-

nized events such as the ScottishWalk Weekend and Del Ray’s Arton the Avenue. But off the beatenpaths of King Street and Mount

Vernon Avenue are attractionssuch as the Tomb of the UnknownRevolutionary War Soldier and theNational Inventors Hall of Fame.

Another Alexandria landmark isthe Captain Rocky Versace Plazaand Vietnam Veterans Memorial.Located in front of the MountVernon Recreation Center, theplaza honors the 68 Alexandrianswho lost their lives in the VietnamWar.

In the West End are the FortWard Museum and Historic Siteand the Winkler Botanic Reserve,a tranquil nature sanctuary tuckedin the shadows of the BRAC cen-ter and Interstate 395.

One of the city’s most obviouslandmarks is also one of its bestkept secrets. Located on 36 acresoverlooking Old Town, the GeorgeWashington National MasonicMemorial was built in the 1920sas a memorial and museum high-

lighting the contributions of Free-masons to the United States. Thestructure also serves as a researchcenter, library, community centerand performing arts center andoffers one of the best panoramicviews of the city.

Tucked away on a side street inOld Town is the less obvious “SpiteHouse.” At just 7-feet wide, it isone of the tiniest historic homesin the nation. Built in 1830, theprivate residence was constructedby John Hollensbury using theexisting brick walls of the adjacenthomes to prevent horse-drawnwagon traffic from using the alley-way.

King Street in Old Town andMount Vernon Avenue in Del Rayserve as the shopping and dininghubs of the city. Both are linedwith locally owned boutiques andrestaurants. The free King StreetTrolley runs from the “river to the

rails,” bringing riders from thewaterfront to the King StreetMetro station seven days a week.

The many arts and entertain-ment offerings in town include theBirchmere, MetroStage and TheLittle Theatre of Alexandria. TheAlexandria Symphony Orchestra,which performs at the Rachel M.Schlesinger Concert Hall and ArtsCenter on the campus of NorthernVirginia Community College, isconsidered one of the finest in thenation.

If you’re looking to performyourself, a wide variety of classesare available for children andadults at LTA’s home on WolfeStreet, where Dermot Mulroneyand Academy Award winnerMarcia Gay Harden honed theircraft. The Alexandria Singers, apops chorus, also holds open au-ditions for new members.

It doesn’t take long for even anewcomer to realize that Alexan-dria is a city that loves its festivalsand parades, starting with thelargest George Washington birth-day celebration in the country andending the year with First NightAlexandria, a day-long celebrationthat culminates with a fireworksfinale over the Potomac River.

There are no shortage of acco-lades for Alexandria, from beingnamed a Top Holiday Town byUSA Today to being recognized ashaving the best downtown of anysmall to mid-size city in the nationby Livability.com. So spend a fewyears or stay for a lifetime — therereally is no place like Alexandriato call home.

Alexandria: From the waterfrontto the West End.


There’s No Place Like Home

Jeanne Theismann/Gazette Packet

The Captain Rocky VersacePlaza and Vietnam VeteransMemorial honors the ser-vice and sacrifice of the 68men from Alexandria whoeither died in Vietnam andthe surrounding area orremain missing in action.The plaza is located in frontof the Mount Vernon Recre-ation Center in Del Ray.

Photo by Tool Jampathom

The Alexandria Singers, a pops chorus, will hold open auditions for new members onSept. 10 and 17.

Photo by Mark Mogle/Gazette Packet

The Holiday Boat Parade is part of the Scottish WalkWeekend of events and features decorated boats fromthroughout the region.


Welcomed by FlowersButterfly at entrance to Oronoco Park.

Pho

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by Laura M

ae Sudder

Newcomers Guide



By Jeanne Theismann

Gazette Packet

Alexandrians are known for theirspirit of giving, whether it be intime, talents or resources, andthere is no shortage of opportu-

nities to get involved. But for those new tothe city, a good place to start is with Volun-teer Alexandria.

“Volunteer Alexandria is a connector ofpeople and groups interested in getting in-volved in our community and organizationswho are in need of volunteers to help themfulfill their mission,” said Marion Brunken,executive director of Volunteer Alexandria.“Often, people don’t know where to startso we will help anyone who wants to vol-unteer.”

Volunteer Alexandria will help connectindividuals six years or older with a non-profit organization or city agency that needsassistance and suits their interests.

“It’s really easy to be matched,” Brunkensaid. “Just visit VolunteerAlexandria.org,enter a keyword, zip code, or age, and thesystem populates a list of current opportu-nities. Or just call us 703-836-2176. We alsohelp businesses find ways to make a differ-ence in the community.”

Other volunteer opportunities include Se-nior Services of Alexandria, which uses vol-unteers for Meals on Wheels deliveries aswell as the Friendly Visitor Program and Gro-ceries to Go service. Carpenter’s Shelter, thecity’s homeless shelter, uses volunteers foradministrative tasks and meal services.

The American Legion provides supportand services for veterans from World WarII through the War on Terror. Members alsovolunteer in numerous community activi-ties, including Rebuilding Together Alexan-dria, which works year-round to repair andrehabilitate homes free of cost for those inneed, including the elderly, persons withdisabilities, military veterans and familieswith children.

Since 1948, the Alexandria Sportsman’sClub has been providing scholarships tohigh school athletes through fundraisingevents and monthly meetings that featurespeakers such as NFL Hall of Famer DarrellGreen.

One of the oldest organizations in the cityis the Departmental Progressive Club. Origi-nally founded in 1927 when recreationalfacilities were segregated, the DPC’s mis-sion is “the creation of wholesome recre-ation, the encouragement of good charac-ter and the fostering of fellowship amongits members.”

If you think you have no time to make adifference, think again. Head to Holy Cow,Del Ray’s Gourmet Burger Joint, where $.25for each burger sold will be donated to oneof more than 250 local charities as selected

by the patron. Since the restaurant openedin 2012, more than 400,000 quarters, or$100,000, has been donated to local chari-ties.

Dining out at Holy Cow is one small wayto give back to the community. From na-tional organizations like Rotary, Lions Cluband Fraternal Order of the Eagles to localnonprofits like Senior Services of Alexan-dria, there are seemingly endless opportu-nities to volunteer your time and talents.

“Any level of volunteering will make adifference,” Brunken added.

Get InvolvedAlexandria Rotary Clubwww.alexandriarotary.orgAlexandria West Rotary Clubwww.awrotary.org

Alexandria Central Rotary Clubwww.alexcentralrotary.orgAlexandria Sportsman’s Clubwww.alexandriavasports.orgAmerican Legion Post 24www.valegionpost24.orgAnimal Welfare League of Alexandriawww.alexandriaanimals.orgCarpenter’s Shelterwww.carpentersshelter.orgDepartmental Progressive Clubwww.DPC1927.orgFraternal Order of the Eagleswww.foe871.comKiwanis, Kiwanis of Del Raywww.alexandriakiwanis.orgLions Club of Alexandriawww.lionsclub.orgRebuilding Together Alexandriawww.rebuildingtogetheralex.orgSenior Services of Alexandriawww.seniorservicesalex.orgVolunteer Alexandriawww.volunteeralexandria.org

Dining out or volunteering, opportunitiesabound to help the community.Getting Out, Giving Back

Photo by Jeanne Theismann/Gazette Packet

The American Legion providessupport and services to veteransfrom World War II, like PhilLundeburg, through the War onTerror.

Photo by Jeanne Theismann/Gazette Packet

Holy Cow, Del Ray’s Gourmet Burger Joint, has donated more than400,000 quarters — or $100,000 — to local charities since its opening in2012. The restaurant donates $.25 for each burger sold to one of morethan 250 charities as selected by the patron.

Photo by Mark Mogle/Gazette Packet

The Kiwanis Club of Alexandria is one of many service organizationsthat serve the community.

Photo by Janet Barnett/Gazette Packet

The Departmental Progressive Club was founded in 1927 and continuestoday as a social and service organization.


By Jeanne Theismann

Gazette Packet

Living in the shadow of the nation’s capital,acronyms such as DoD, NSA and DHS area part of the daily vernacular. Alexandriahas its own set of acronyms, from AEDP to

WEBA, which represents organizations and variousbusiness associations that span every corner of the city.

Some, like the Chamber of Commerce, have beenaround for over a century, while others, like the WestEnd Business Association, represent the needs of thecity’s shifting economic demographic.Visit Alexandria

Visit Alexandria is the city’s tourism marketingagency and attracts visitors to the city through salesand marketing programs. The Visitor’s Center is lo-cated at 221 King St. with administrative offices at625 N. Washington St., Suite 400.VisitAlexandriaVA.comAlexandria Economic Development Part-nership - AEDP

Founded in 1992, the Alexandria Economic Devel-opment Partnership actively positions and promotescommercial spaces and economic opportunities inthe City of Alexandria as the city’s primary enginefor economic development. AEDP serves as the lead-ing resource for economic data, customized reports,development maps, real estate insights and informa-tion on tax and financial incentives for businessesand commercial real estate professionals. 625 N.Washington St., suite 400. 703-739-3820 orwww.AlexEcon.orgAlexandria Chamber of Commerce

Alexandria is home to one of the largest chambersin the Greater Washington region, with 850 profes-sional business members and partners employingmore than 49,000 people region-wide. Founded in1906, it serves as the voice of the business commu-nity in the City of Alexandria through aggressive lob-bying efforts at the local, state and federal levels.801 N. Fairfax St. 703-549-1000 orwww.alexchamber.comThe Del Ray Business Association - DRBA

The Del Ray Business Association is run by volun-teers who are themselves business owners. Startedalmost 45 years ago, DRBA now has over 200 mem-bers and sponsors several events in the Del Ray com-munity each year. www.visitdelray.com.Old Town Business and Professional Asso-ciation - OTBPA

Open to businesses of any type, OTBPA is the re-sult of a merger of two organizations – Old TownBusiness (OTB) and King Street Metro EnterpriseTeam (KSMET). OTBPA’s most visible project is theannual Alexandria Retail Coupon Book.www.otbpa.comAlexandria Small Business DevelopmentCenter – SBDC

The Alexandria Small Business Development Cen-ter is Alexandria’s economic development programthat focuses on small businesses, which comprise thelargest segment of Alexandria’s economy. SBDC of-fers individual and confidential assistance withoutcost to the City of Alexandria businesses and Alex-andria residents with businesses elsewhere. 625 N.Washington St., Suite 400. 703-778-1291 orwww.alexandriasbdc.orgWest End Business Association - WEBA

The West End Business Association is comprisedof West End Businesses and those that do businesson the West End of Alexandria. WEBA provides mem-bers with networking opportunities, education andgrowth opportunities and representation before thecity and economic development officials on mattersimportant to the West End of Alexandria.www.alexandriaweba.comEisenhower Partnership

The Eisenhower Partnership is a group of commer-cial and residential property owners and occupiersalong the Eisenhower Avenue Valley corridor. TheValley is anchored in the East by the Patent and Trade-mark Campus and in the West by the Victory Centerdevelopment/Van Dorn Metro Station.www.eisenhowerpartnership.orgCarlyle Council – CCC

The Carlyle Council oversees the open spaces, parksand community amenities in Carlyle. CCC serves asthe business and community development organiza-tion for Carlyle and advocates on behalf of Carlylestakeholders on matters impacting the community.www.thecarlylecommunity.comOld Town North Community Partnership –OTNCP

The Old Town North Community Partnership seeksto encourage the blend of residential and businessesuses in Old Town North, and make improvements inthe area’s quality of life through a partnership of resi-dents and businesses working together on commongoals. The community includes North of OronocoStreet to Alexandria’s northern boundary.www.oldtownnorth.org

Navigating the ABCs of Alexandria.

Getting Down to Business

Del Ray’s Arton the Av-enue, spon-sored by theDel RayBusinessAssociation,is just one ofmanycitywideevents spon-sored byAlexandria’slocal busi-nesses.

Newcomers

Photo by

John Bordner/

Gazette Packet


See Fairs & Festivals, Page 19

September 2019FRIDAY/SEPT. 6Patriot Day Golf Classic. 11:30 a.m.-

7:30 p.m. at Belle Haven CountryClub, 6023 Fort Hunt Road. 5thAnnual Patriot Day Golf Classic tobenefit two veteran and woundedwarrior organizations. Visitwww.bellehavencc.com/golf/patriotfor more.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY/SEPT. 21-22King Street Art Festival. 10 a.m.-7

p.m. on Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. onSunday at 220 King St. Featuring livemusic, and interactive art activities.Visit www.artfestival.com/festivals/alexandria-king-street-art-festival formore.

SATURDAY/SEPT. 21Jane Austen Ball. 8-11 p.m. at

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N.Royal St. The evening will feature avariety of English country dances inthe historic ballroom, live music, and“iced refreshments.” Period costumeoptional; “after-five” attireencouraged. Visitwww.visitalexandriava.com/event/jane-austen-ball/15320/ for more.

October 2019SATURDAY/OCT. 5Art on the Avenue. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on

Mount Vernon Ave. Art on theAvenue is a multicultural arts festivalin the Del Ray neighborhood inAlexandria. Visitwww.delrayartisans.org/event/art-on-the-avenue-2019/ for more.

SATURDAY/OCT. 12Portside in Old Town Fall Festival.

At Waterfront Park, 1 King St. Enjoya day of live music, maritime history,nautical demonstrations andchildren’s activities on the Old TownAlexandria waterfront. Savor localfood, beer and wine whileexperiencing boat buildingdemonstrations from AlexandriaSeaport Foundation Apprentices andknot tying from tall ship Providence.Select activities benefit theAlexandria Seaport Foundation’smission to improve the lives of youngpeople through adult mentoring,project-based learning and the craft

of wooden boat building. Freeadmission; food and drink forpurchase; fees for some activities.Visit www.visitalexandriava.com/event/portside-in-old-town-fall-festival/15351/ for more.

SATURDAY/OCT. 26VolunteerFest. A region-wide day of

community service helps nonprofitsaccomplish tasks they would not havetime or resources to do on their own.Visit www.volunteerfairfax.org/individuals/volunteerfest.php formore.

Halloween Pumpkin Hunt. 10:30a.m.; 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. atLee-Fendall House Museum, 614Oronoco St. Elementary school-agedchildren and younger may participatein the hunt and will receive a toypumpkin. The event will also featureHalloween crafts, food and drink,ghost stories and a costume parade.Tickets are $5 for adults and $15 forchildren participating in the hunt.

Visit www.leefendallhouse.org formore.

SUNDAY/OCT. 27Del Ray Halloween Parade. 2-4

p.m. at Mount Vernon Ave. All arewelcome to march in the parade.Parade ends in a party at the Mt.Vernon Recreation Center fieldsfeaturing live music, freerefreshments, games, best costumeawards, and more. Free. Visitwww.visitalexandriava.com/event/23rd-annual-del-ray-halloween-parade/11136/ for more.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY /OCT. 19-20Fall Harvest Family Days. 9 a.m-5

p.m. at Pioneer Farm in GeorgeWashington’s Mount Vernon, 3200Mount Vernon Memorial Highway.Celebrate the beginning of autumnwith the family at Mount Vernonwith activities including wagon rides,apple-roasting and a straw bale

maze. Visit www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/calendar/events/fall-harvest-family-days/ for more.

THURSDAY/OCT. 31Halloween Trick-Or-Treating. 5-7

p.m. at Carlyle House Historic Park,121 N. Fairfax St. Free. Visitwww.novaparks.com/parks/carlyle-house-historic-park/events/trick-or-treat for more.

November 2019FRIDAY/NOV. 1Art on Tap 2019. 7-10 p.m. at the Art

League Gallery, 105 N. Union St.Craft beers from local breweries havebeen artfully paired with a work ofart from an Art League instructor.Local restaurants have chosen abrew/artwork coupling to serve astheir muse to create the perfectcomplimentary appetizer. Enjoy thebrew, bite, and artwork trifectas,then vote for a winner. $35-45. Visitwww.eventbrite.com/e/art-on-tap-2019-fall-tickets-52553820893 formore.

TUESDAY/ NOV. 5Election Day. General election. Visit

www.sbe.virginia.gov/ andwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/

upcoming.htm.

WEDNESDAY/NOV. 11Mount Vernon Salutes Veterans. 9

a.m.-4 p.m. at Washington’s MountVernon, 3200 Mount VernonMemorial Highway. Free for veteransand active duty military members,$9-17 for everyone else. Visitwww.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/calendar/events/mount-vernon-salutes-veterans/ for more.

SATURDAY/NOV. 23Alexandria Cider Festival. 1-5 p.m.

on the grounds of historic LloydHouse in Old Town Alexandria.Ticket includes tastings, a souvenirglass, live music, and activities. Foodtrucks available. $45 per person andwill be available onlineshop.alexandriava.gov. $55 at thedoor. Visitwww.visitalexandriava.com/event/

alexandria-cider-festival/15421/ formore.

THURSDAY/NOV. 28Turkey Trot. 9 a.m. at George

Washington Middle School, 1005Mount Vernon Ave. A Thanksgivingmorning tradition, this fast, flat,USATF-certified 5-mile coursethrough the heart of Del Ray.Registration fees vary. Visitwww.alexandriaturkeytrot.com formore.

NOV. 29-DEC. 31Christmas in Mount Vernon. 3200

Mount Vernon Memorial Highway,Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon decksthe halls with themed Christmas treeson the estate and festive greenery inthe Mansion. Visitwww.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/tours-activities/christmas-at-mount-vernon for more.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY/DEC. 6-8,

DEC. 13-15, DEC. 20-22Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday

Market. 6-9 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-6p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Del RayArtisans Gallery, 2704 Mount VernonAve. The market offers handmadefine arts and fine crafts from localartists (including pottery/ceramics,photography, jewelry, cloth, papercrafts, and glass). Find differentartists each weekend. Free. Visitwww.delrayartisans.org/event/holiday-market-2019/ for more.

December 2019Tree Lighting Ceremony. 6 p.m. at

Market Square, 301 King St. Attendthe ceremony in which the City Treeis lit and visited by Santa, the TownCrier, and other city officials. Free.Visit www.alexandriava.gov formore.

Alexandria Winter RestaurantWeek. More than 60 Alexandriarestaurants offer a $35 three-coursedinner or a $35 dinner for two. Morethan two dozen restaurants are alsooffering lunch deals at $10, $15 or$20 per person in addition to thedinner specials. Visitwww.alexandriarestaurantweek.comfor more.

Candlelight Tour. Visitwww.leefendallhouse.org or call 703-548-1789 or [email protected].

SATURDAY/DEC. 749th Annual Campagna Center

Scottish Walk Parade. 11 a.m.Old Town Alexandria, the paradebegins at St. Asaph and Wolfe streets.More than 100 Scottish Clans, pipeand drum bands, Scottish dancers,re-enactment groups, Scottie dogs,dignitaries and, of course, SantaClaus will march through the streetsof Old Town. Visitwww.campagnacenter.org/scottishwalkweekend/parade formore.

SUNDAY/DEC. 31First Night Alexandria. Events take

place throughout the day atnumerous venues around the City ofAlexandria, with family-friendlymusic, entertainment and activities.Visit www.firstnightalexandria.orgfor more.

February 2020MONDAY/FEB. 17Celebrate Washington’s Birthday.

9 a.m.-5 p.m. at George Washington’s

Fairs & Festivals

Thousands turned out to celebrate at the 2018 Alexandria Irish Festival at WaterfrontPark.

Happy New YearThe 2018 First Night Alexandria fireworks turned the low cloud cover above the water-front a rainbow of colors as revelers ring in the New Year at the foot of King Street.

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Find out exactly what will be onyour ballot by checkingwww.elections.virginia.gov/regis-tration/view-your-info and have alook at your sample ballot atwww.alexandriava.gov/Elections

Clerk of the CourtJ. Greg Parks (D) unopposed

Virginia SenateDistrict 30Adam P. Ebbin (D), incumbent,

unopposedDistrict 35Richard L. “Dick” Saslaw (D),

incumbent, unopposedDistrict 39George L. Barker (D), incum-

bentS. W. “Dutch” Hillenburg (R)

House of DelegatesDistrict 45Mark H. Levine (D), incumbent,

unopposedDistrict 46Charniele L. Herring (D), incum-

bent, unopposed

Sample Ballots, and more infor-mation, available at

www.alexandriava.gov/Elec-tions

Voter RegistrationThe Voter Registration deadline

to participate in the Nov. 5 Gen-eral Election is Tuesday, Oct. 15.Registration applications receivedafter this deadline will be pro-cessed after the election.

To check your registration sta-tus and find your polling place,visit vote.elections.virginia.gov, orcall the Alexandria Voter Registra-tion Office at 703-746-4050.

Virginia residents who are U.S.citizens and will be 18 years oldby Nov. 5, 2019 may submit a reg-istration application for the 2019election. The fastest way to regis-ter to vote is to apply onlinethrough the Virginia Departmentof Electionsvote.elections.virginia.gov. Seealso Alexandria’s Voter Registra-tion Information and Applicationpage at www.alexandriava.gov/e l e c t i o n s / i n f o /default.aspx?id=8222

How to Vote Absentee❖ In-Person Absentee. In-person

absentee voting for the Nov. 5 Gen-eral Election begins on Friday,Sept. 20. The deadline to vote in-person absentee will be 5 p.m. on

Saturday, Nov. 2 .❖ By-Mail Absentee. If you

would like to receive an absenteeballot by mail, apply online,vote.elections.virginia.gov Thedeadline to apply for an absenteeballot by mail will be 5 p.m. onTuesday, Oct. 29.

Photo ID RequirementsVirginia voters must show photo

identification prior to voting. Formore information, including a listof acceptable IDs, please seeVirginia’s Department of Electionswebsite atwww.elections.virginia.gov/regis-tration/photo-ids-required-to-vote/index.html

If you don’t have photo ID, youcan apply for a free photo ID atAlexandria’s Elections office anytime they are open, including Elec-tion Day. 132 North Royal Street,Suite 100. Our hours are Monday- Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ThisID is valid for voting purposes only.On Election Day we are open from6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

When you get to our office (1)you will fill out a short application,(2) we will take your picture andget your signature, and (3) youwill receive your permanent voterphoto identification card in themail within two weeks. If you needto update your name or address,you may do that at the same timeyou come in for your ID.

If you come to our office within30 days of an election, we will giveyou a temporary photo ID whichyou may use for the current elec-tion.

If you get to your polling placewithout acceptable photo ID, youcan vote a provisional ballot. Youwill be given instructions on whatto do so your vote can count.

When you register to vote in Vir-ginia, you do not register to voteby party. Virginia is an Open Pri-mary state which means that anyregistered voter in Virginia canvote in either a Democratic or Re-publican primary. When both par-ties are holding a primary election,you will be asked which primaryyou want to vote in when youcheck in to vote with your photoID. Note, you may only vote in oneprimary.

VotingOn the ballot in the Cityof Alexandria, Nov. 5, 2019.

ContactCity of Alexandria Office of Voter

Registrations and Elections132 North Royal Street, Suite 100Alexandria, VA 22314703-746-4050

Fairs & Festivals

From Page 18

Fireworkslight up thesky over thePotomacRiver in thefinale of theCity ofAlexandria’s270th birth-day celebra-tion July 13,2019, atOronoco BayPark.

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Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount VernonMemorial Highway, Mount Vernon.Witness a presidential tribute and awreathlaying at the Washington’sTomb. Watch Continental soldiers ofthe Commander-in-Chief’s Guardconduct a marching drill, fire theirguns, and charge at their enemy inan exciting military demonstration onthe bowling green. After the smokeclears, listen to the Old Guard Fifeand Drum Corps play patriotic music.All day long, pose like GeorgeWashington in front of our life-sizedversion of Gilbert Stuart’s Lansdownepainting in the Education CenterLobby. Visit mountvernon.org or call703-780-2000.

April 2020Relay for Life. April-June. Fundraisers

participate in all-night-long events tohelp those affected by cancer throughthe American Cancer Society. Visitwww.relayforlife.org for specificevents and details.

Mount Vernon Flea Market. ThirdSaturdays, April-October, 8 a.m.-1p.m., at 8717 Fort Hunt Road,Alexandria. Features furniture, art,china, glass, porcelain, pottery,books, photographs, lighting, tools,etc. Refreshments will also be onsale. Admission is free. Visitmountvernonfleamarket.wordpress.comfor more info.

APRIL 18-25Historic Garden Week. This eight-

day statewide event provides visitorswith a unique opportunity to seeelaborate gardens with more than2,000 flower arrangements createdby the Garden Club of VirginiaMembers. Visitwww.va.gardenweek.org for more.

May 2020Memorial Day Jazz Concert. At

Waterfront Park, Alexandria. Avariety of jazz performances takeplace throughout the concert.Waterfront Park features lawnseating and the attendees may bringlawn chairs and blankets. Food, suchas barbeque, fried chicken, hot dogs,hamburgers, snow cones and funnelcakes are available for purchase, buteveryone is welcome to pack a picniclunch. Pets should be left at home.Admission is free. Visitwww.alexandriava.gov/Recreationfor more.

June 2020Youth Arts Festival. Early June, at

Mount Vernon Recreation Center,2701 Commonwealth Ave. Thisfestival will showcase the talents ofyouth around the city and serve as aforum of expression for both visualand performing arts. Free. Visitwww.arha.us/ or call 703-549-7115ext. 370.

Taste of Del Ray. 1-3 p.m. at theintersection of Mount Vernon andOxford avenues. Top neighborhoodrestaurants participate in thiscompetition. Visitwww.visitdelray.com.

Wine on the Waterfront Festival.At Oronoco Park, 100 Madison St.Formerly known as the AlexandriaFood & Wine Festival, the festivalexpands to include restaurants withinAlexandria and other eateriesthroughout the region. Visitwww.vineonthewaterfront.com.

Ice Cream Making. Saturdays. 10:30a.m.-12:30 p.m. at 3200 Mt. VernonHighway, Mount Vernon. Cool downwith 18th century ice cream makingdemonstrations. Visitwww.mountvernon.org/ for more.

July 2020Independence Fireworks. At George

Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200Mount Vernon Memorial Highway,Mount Vernon. Greet “General andMrs. Washington” in the historic areabefore trying a turn at bocce ball and18th-century dancingdemonstrations. Mount Vernon’scolonial artisans will reveal how18th-century ice cream was made inthe days before freezers. Enjoy aperformance by Yorktown Fife &Drum and the National ConcertBand. Also enjoy a fireworks show.Visit www.mountvernon.org formore.

Grown Up Art Camp. Various timesat Del Ray Artisans, 2704 MountVernon Ave. Del Ray Artisans isoffering more than 30 workshops andsessions to choose from. Prices vary.Visit www.delrayartisans.org formore.

WEDNESDAY/JULY 4An American Celebration. 8 a.m.-5

p.m. at Mount Vernon, 3200 MountVernon Memorial Highway, MountVernon. Watch made-for-daytimefireworks shoot off over the PotomacRiver. Admission is $9-20, free forchildren 0-5. Visitwww.mountvernon.org for more.

SECOND SATURDAY IN JULYUSA and Alexandria Birthday

Celebration. Oronoco Bay Park,100 Madison Street, Alexandria.Celebrate Alexandria’s birthday alongthe Potomac waterfront with

fireworks, cake and live music. Visitwww.visitalexandriava.com.

August 2020Summer Restaurant Week. August

in neighborhoods throughoutAlexandria, including Old Town, DelRay, Carlyle and West End. Menuoptions vary by location. Visitwww.AlexandriaRestaurantWeek.comor call 703-746-3301 for more.

Friendship Firehouse Festival. AtFriendship Firehouse Museum, 107 S.Alfred St. Held at the historicFriendship Firehouse, the festivalcelebrates the special role firefightershave played throughout history,especially those of Friendship. Theevent will feature a collection ofantique fire equipment and, courtesyof the Alexandria Fire Department, adisplay of modern fire trucks andapparatus. The Alexandria Red Crossand the Community EmergencyResponse Team will also be on hand.Other attractions include craftbooths, food vendors and freebirthday cake. Free. Visitwww.friendshipfire.net.

Ballyshaners Irish Festival. At theAlexandria Waterfront Park, 1APrince St. A celebration of Irishhistory and culture in Alexandria.Visit www.ballyshaners.org/2019-irish-festival/ for more.

Begonia Show and Sale. At GreenSpring Gardens, 4603 Green SpringRoad. Show sponsored by thePotomac branch of the AmericanBegonia Society. Free. Visitwww.fxva.com/event/33rd-annual-begonia-show/27370/ for more.

Learn about the CityThe City of Alexandria invites the community to learn more

about city government by participating in one of its six Academyprograms: City, Commonwealth Attorney, Fire, Police Senior andSheriff. These Academies are held twice a year and are designedto inform, educate, and engage the participants in local govern-ment operations, programs, and services available to the com-munity. All programs are open to those who live or work in theCity of Alexandria; some have age restrictions. A graduation cer-emony will be held at the end of each course.

These programs are offered free of charge. More informationis available at alexandriava.gov/academies or by contactingElaine Scott on 703-746-4317 or [email protected].


boathouse and supported thehigh school program throughAlexandria Crew Boosters. Ini-tially ACR directed rental feesfor single sculls to the boost-ers club. Over time, it evolvedto contribute a portion of eachACR member’s dues to theboosters club.

TODAY ACR has 350 mem-bers and offers year-round pro-gramming to Alexandria row-ers and those from neighbor-ing communities. Rowers in-clude students who rowedback in high school, collegestudents who want to row over

Post-sunrise row.

Newcomers

See Rowing, Page 12

By Carolyn Semedo

Gazette Packet

Long before the sun has crestedover the Potomac on any givenAugust morning, a cohort of un-likely rowers converges on the

Dee Campbell Rowing Center at the river’sedge in Old Town. Among them a massagetherapist, a lawyer, a local business owner,a military reservist and a retired kindergar-ten teacher. All are members of AlexandriaCommunity Rowing, which marks its 30-year anniversary this season.

Each lineup of rowers readies their oarson the dock, then pulls their boat from theracks and emerges from the boathouse dockside. By 5:15 a.m., the national competi-tive team is in the water heading north asare two sculling doubles — boats of twowhere each person rows with two smalleroars versus a single larger oar or sweep. Thelocal competitive team follows, just shy oftwo full boats of eight by one rower. A cox-swain is nestled knees-up at the rear of eachlong shell, steering and echoing calls fromthe coach to the rowers. The coaches mo-tor along nearby in pontoon boats, readingand responding to the wind and water andrunning drills when able.

“Alright, rowers. Grab some water. Longpieces. We’re getting ready for racing,”shouts Coach Jake Kennington, a graduatestudent at the George Washington Univer-sity. “Some mornings, the water is like asheet of glass — with the occasional rollingwaves left in the wake of large boats. On amorning like this, where the water ischoppy, it’s harder to run drills and teachrefinement.”

Kennington came to rowing during hisundergraduate years at High Point Univer-sity in North Carolina. With the lengthylimbs on his 6’ 3” frame, he was told hehad the build of a rower and was urged tojoin the school’s crew team. He did. Fiveyears later, he’s coaching rowers of all agesand abilities through Alexandria Commu-nity Rowing (ACR). “It’s the best part-time

job because I’m done by 7 a.m.,” he says.ARC was born out of the curiosity of par-

ents of T.C. Williams High School rowers,who peppered coaches with questions aboutwhy their kids loved to row so much. Acoach challenged the parents to show up at6:30 a.m. everyday that summer to find outwhy. They did — and, they finally under-stood. That was more than 30 years ago.

From there grew a relationship betweenthe high school rowing program, with itsnew boathouse built in the late-’80s, andthe adult rowing program, which used the

boat that races against other local clubs in-cluding the Capitol Rowing Club, RockCreek Rowing and the Prince William Row-ing Club. While all competitive teams racein regattas in places like Occoquan, Phila-delphia and Boston, the national team com-petes throughout the country. Last week-end, the national team brought home twogold medals from the Masters NationalChampionship in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

But, not every rower has to compete. Inaddition to the local and national competi-tive teams, which compete eight and 14times a season respectively, ACR runs rec-reational novice programs in the spring andsummer for those new to the sport and of-fers options for sculling as well. In all, ACRoffers 10 programs and hosts a “learn-to-row day” each spring. It runs year roundwith co-ed boats on the water from April toNovember. Over the winter, rowers work onconditioning in the upper decks of the boat-house.

Membership dues vary based on the pro-gram selected and scholarships are avail-able. The dues cover coach salaries, facili-ties usage fees and contributions to theboosters club.

Joanne Goodwin was also new to rowingwhen she joined ACR. She rememberswatching the boat races on the Charles Riverin Boston for 20 years and finally decidedto give it a go here with ACR. Today,Goodwin says she doesn’t know what shewould do if she didn’t row four or five daysa week. ”I get such a sense of accomplish-ment and learning,” said Goodwin, “and I’vemet so many people with interesting back-grounds.”

Retired kindergarten teacher turnedcoach Alan Weatherley also learned to rowwith ACR. Over the last dozen years, he’scoached both students at West PotomacHigh School and adults in ACR.

“With a group of adults who vary so widelyin fitness, ability and age, one challenge isputting together a team that works. Butwhen it works, things tend to gel,” he says.

On the boats, rowers face the backs oftheir fellow rowers. Much of the connec-

Adult rowing options for all ages and abilities.

Alexandria Community Rowing at 30

Eleanor Richards and Coach Alan Weatherley

summer break, consultants and businessowners who go from boats to business suitsand retirees who want to be on the water.They range in age from their 20s to their70s.

Social Chairperson Elenor Richards says,“There’s a place for everyone.” She aims tohelp dispel the idea that rowing is an elitesport for young people.

A novice rower when she joined ACReight years ago, Richards has served as thesocial chairperson for the past four. She’sworked her way up into a local competitive


Newcomers Guide

From Page 2

Heading in Right DirectionIt is also important to remember that stan-

dardized testing is just one measure of suc-cess. I hope you have all had a chance toread a copy of our recently published Mea-suring What Matters. You can pick up a freecopy in any library or from City Hall.

In Measuring What Matters, I write thatif we are to see success for all our students,equity simply has to be at the core of every-thing we do. The work of equity needs topermeate every aspect of our work, start-ing from the ground up, by assessing thelearning environments at our schools andproviding all students with the social andemotional support they need. We need totake a look at how our specialized programsand learning pathways are implemented sothat we eliminate all vestiges of modern-day segregation.

All of our students need to be engaged ina rigorous and challenging curriculum ifthey are to leave us fulfilled and ready forthe challenges of life.

This fall, ACPS will make a decision on amodel to deliver 21st century learning tothe next generation of high school students.Alexandria is growing and our publicschools will soon face the exciting challengeof educating up to 5,000 high school stu-dents. Since the summer of 2018, The High

School Project has been exploring ways toboth redefine the high school experienceboth in terms of programming and capac-ity needed to best fit future learning needs.

The School Board is being asked to con-sider two options: A two-high-school modelthat would mean building a second highschool; or a Connected High School Net-work based on a campus model that wouldsee all students continue to graduate fromT.C. Williams High School. In either option,9-12 grade students will learn together,eliminating the need for a ninth-grade cam-pus.

If we do this successfully, we will be notonly be redefining the high school experi-ence for ACPS, but also delivering a direc-tion for Alexandria. Our students are thefuture; their experiences and skills will ul-timately define our city. It will take a com-munity to make ACPS the best place tolearn. But once we get there, the entire com-munity will reap the rewards and the Cityof Alexandria will be a beacon in which tolive, work, learn and play.

Don’t forget to take the time to encour-age, support and listen to your child as theylearn and grow. You will be amazed at whatthey can achieve. We know this is going tobe another awesome school year.

Alexandria’s children deserve the best. Wewill not let them down.


Newcomers

From Page 10

tion between these rowers hap-pens as they learn to synchronizetheir strokes and rhythmicallyplow through the water at an evenpace. The rest happens at happy

hours, celebrations and whilecleaning up the boathouse at theend of the season.

Alice Reid has been with ACRfrom the start — her sons rowedat T.C. Williams. She’s developedsome close friendships with her

fellow rowers over the past threedecades and has also seen a lot ofchange. “The club is much bigger,of course. And, it’s become muchmore competitive over the years.Fortunately, it’s attracted moreyoung people who have a fiercedrive to win. Yet some of us whostarted the club as middle-agedT.C. parents have still managed tokeep our oars in as we’ve aged.That’s been interesting and fun,”she says.

By 6:30 a.m., the boats are head-ing back to the boathouse. Thepink and violet hues melt away asthe sun continues its ascent. Afamily of geese makes its wayacross the river while an ospreybalances atop a piling at the dockclenching in its talons the break-fast it just plucked from the river.

The rowers ease their boatsdockside. Puddles form aroundtheir feet on the dock as they dis-embark. In lockstep, they hoisttheir boats atop their shoulders,then high above their heads todrain the water before heading in.In the boathouse, they slide theboats back onto the racks and col-lect the oars from the puddles onthe dock.

By 6:45 a.m., once boats andoars are stowed, the rowers havescattered. A coach races off to getready for a second job downtown.A DC. government workersqueezes in a round of weightsbefore getting ready to head to theoffice. And, a nurse heads off toget ready for her day at a freeclinic in Arlington just as Old Towncomes to life.

Learn more about AlexandriaCommunity Rowing and the his-tory of the program at:www.rowalexandria.com.

Rowing for All Ages and Abilities

The boat-house

newcomers & community guideconnectionarchives.com/pdf/2019/082719 nc/alexandria nc.pdfthrive....

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