Mount Vernon’s Hometown Newspaper • A Connection...
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September 19, 2013 Mount Vernon’s Hometown Newspaper • A Connection Newspaper Attention Postmaster: Time-sensitive material. Requested in home 9/20/13 PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Alexandria, VA Permit #482 Page 26 See Local Elected, Page 18 By Steve Hibbard The Gazette G erald Read, 58, of Mount Vernon was one of the victims in the Navy Yard on Monday, Sept. 16, where 12 people died at the hands of shooter Aaron Alexis. Reed was working at his civil- ian job at Building 197 where he managed security risks as an in- formation assurance specialist for the Navy Sea Systems Command. He had served for more than 25 years in both active duty and re- serves for the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel. “He was rock solid, steady — all those military traits,” said wife Cathy of the Riverside Estates community. She works for the State Department and said she was bombarded by phone calls from the media on Tuesday. On Monday morning, she sent him an email or text around 10 a.m. and didn’t hear back, which she says wasn’t unusual. “Some days we didn’t email or text all day long,” she said. “He had his meet- ings and I was always busy at work. It was only about 8 o’clock that we started being concerned.” At around 9:30 or 10 p.m., she said government officials arrived to give the news that her husband had been killed. Married for 35 years, the couple traveled a lot in their early mar- riage but were homebodies in later life. For a time, the couple had lived in Germany. Gerald Read also lived in London, Germany, toured Ko- rea and traveled to Egypt with the Reserves. He loved to walk his dog, a black Labrador retriever named Roderick. The couple helped res- cue labs, and had three labs plus an English Setter and two cats. He was passionate about read- ing, especially about the Civil War. He also enjoyed tinkering in the yard and planting flowers. A sports fan, he followed the Washington Redskins and Pittsburgh Pirates, and also loved going to the Nats games occasionally. The couple has one daughter, Jessica, 32, and three grandchil- dren. Cathy Read said that a memo- rial service is in the early planning stages. “We’re going to do a me- morial service, but I don’t know when yet,” she said. “I think the community can be involved but we’re not quite there yet.” Gerald Read is survived wife Cathy, daughter Jessica, three grandchildren, his father, a brother and sister-in-law, and two neph- ews. Gerald Read, 58, Dies in Navy Yard Shootings Resident of Riverside Estates in Mount Vernon was “rock solid.” By Michael Lee Pope The Gazette R epublican Gov. Bob McDonnell is in hot wat- ter for taking gifts with- out disclosing them, and legisla- tors are talking about increasing disclosure requirements for fam- ily members. But here in North- ern Virginia, personal financial disclosure forms are often incom- plete and inconsistent. Some elected officials choose to disclose a great deal of informa- tion while others dis- close very little. Fairfax County officials have decided to redact infor- mation that’s supposed to be part of the public record. And nobody is reviewing the forms to make sure they are ac- curate. “During campaigns, the State Board of Elections re- views our campaign finance forms but the same thing does not hap- pen when we file our annual forms of financial interest,” said Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova. “You would think that someone was taking a look, but that’s not hap- pening. And it probably should be happening.” A look at the personal financial disclosure forms across Northern Virginia reveals a hodgepodge of disclosure, some meticulous and others lacking. One of the biggest disparities is in the disclosure of gifts. Bulova’s form includes three pages of gift disclosures, every- thing from symphony tickets to Chamber of Commerce dinners. Some elected officials are meticulous in docu- menting events they have attended and not- ing the value while oth- ers simply leave the form blank. “There’s a lot of things we end up re- porting that aren’t gifts at all — things like when you are obliged to go to some dinner,” said Arlington County Board member Chris Zimmerman. “So technically, that’s a gift. But would these people be going to these events if they didn’t have to? On the other hand, a Rolex watch is a gift.” THE FORMS are supposed to in- clude information about every Market Fair The annual Mount Vernon Colonial Market and Fair was held Sept. 14-15 at the estate. Tents filled with handmade items were for sale from artisans in period costumes. More photos, page 8. Helen Davis talks to Gary W. Robinson of Jack Moun- tain Crafters, about his handmade brooms and brushes. The craftsman has been coming to the Market Fair for 15 years and was delighted to find his tent on the cover of this year’s program. Laurel Dabs carves decoys and folk art birds for display. She’s been carving for 25 years and learned from a family of multi-generational carv- ers who wanted her to continue the tradition. Photos by Renée Ruggl es/Mount Vernon Full Disclosure? Forms plagued by a lack of information, absence of oversight; redacted documents. “Virginia’s disclosure laws are basically a big joke.” — Kyle Kondik, analyst with the University of Virginia Center for Politics
Transcript of Mount Vernon’s Hometown Newspaper • A Connection...
Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ September 19-25, 2013 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
September 19, 2013Mount Vernon’s Hometown Newspaper • A Connection Newspaper
Attention
Postmaster:
Time-sensitive
material.
Requested in home
9/20/13
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Alexandria, VA
Permit #482
Page 26
See Local Elected, Page 18
By Steve Hibbard
The Gazette
Gerald Read, 58, of MountVernon was one of thevictims in the Navy Yard
on Monday, Sept. 16, where 12people died at the hands of shooterAaron Alexis.
Reed was working at his civil-ian job at Building 197 where hemanaged security risks as an in-formation assurance specialist forthe Navy Sea Systems Command.He had served for more than 25years in both active duty and re-serves for the U.S. Army, rising tothe rank of lieutenant colonel.
“He was rock solid, steady — all
those military traits,” said wifeCathy of the Riverside Estatescommunity. She works for theState Department and said she wasbombarded by phone calls fromthe media on Tuesday.
On Monday morning, she senthim an email or text around 10a.m. and didn’t hear back, whichshe says wasn’t unusual. “Somedays we didn’t email or text all daylong,” she said. “He had his meet-ings and I was always busy atwork. It was only about 8 o’clockthat we started being concerned.”
At around 9:30 or 10 p.m., shesaid government officials arrivedto give the news that her husbandhad been killed.
Married for 35 years, the coupletraveled a lot in their early mar-riage but were homebodies in laterlife.
For a time, the couple had livedin Germany. Gerald Read also livedin London, Germany, toured Ko-rea and traveled to Egypt with theReserves.
He loved to walk his dog, a blackLabrador retriever namedRoderick. The couple helped res-cue labs, and had three labs plusan English Setter and two cats.
He was passionate about read-ing, especially about the Civil War.He also enjoyed tinkering in theyard and planting flowers. A sportsfan, he followed the Washington
Redskins and Pittsburgh Pirates,and also loved going to the Natsgames occasionally.
The couple has one daughter,Jessica, 32, and three grandchil-dren.
Cathy Read said that a memo-rial service is in the early planningstages. “We’re going to do a me-
morial service, but I don’t knowwhen yet,” she said. “I think thecommunity can be involved butwe’re not quite there yet.”
Gerald Read is survived wifeCathy, daughter Jessica, threegrandchildren, his father, a brotherand sister-in-law, and two neph-ews.
Gerald Read, 58, Dies in Navy Yard ShootingsResident of Riverside Estates in Mount Vernon was “rock solid.”
By Michael Lee Pope
The Gazette
Republican Gov. BobMcDonnell is in hot wat-ter for taking gifts with-
out disclosing them, and legisla-tors are talking about increasingdisclosure requirements for fam-ily members. But here in North-ern Virginia, personalfinancial disclosureforms are often incom-plete and inconsistent.Some elected officialschoose to disclose agreat deal of informa-tion while others dis-close very little. FairfaxCounty officials havedecided to redact infor-mation that’s supposedto be part of the publicrecord. And nobody isreviewing the forms tomake sure they are ac-curate.
“During campaigns,the State Board of Elections re-views our campaign finance formsbut the same thing does not hap-pen when we file our annual formsof financial interest,” said FairfaxCounty Board of SupervisorsChairman Sharon Bulova. “Youwould think that someone wastaking a look, but that’s not hap-
pening. And it probably should behappening.”
A look at the personal financialdisclosure forms across NorthernVirginia reveals a hodgepodge ofdisclosure, some meticulous andothers lacking. One of the biggestdisparities is in the disclosure ofgifts. Bulova’s form includes threepages of gift disclosures, every-
thing from symphonytickets to Chamber ofCommerce dinners.Some elected officialsare meticulous in docu-menting events theyhave attended and not-ing the value while oth-ers simply leave theform blank.
“There’s a lot ofthings we end up re-porting that aren’t giftsat all — things likewhen you are obligedto go to some dinner,”said Arlington CountyBoard member Chris
Zimmerman. “So technically, that’sa gift. But would these people begoing to these events if they didn’thave to? On the other hand, aRolex watch is a gift.”
THE FORMS are supposed to in-clude information about every
Market FairThe annual Mount Vernon Colonial Market and Fair was held Sept. 14-15 at theestate. Tents filled with handmade items were for sale from artisans in periodcostumes. More photos, page 8.
Helen Davis talks to Gary W. Robinson of Jack Moun-tain Crafters, about his handmade brooms andbrushes. The craftsman has been coming to the MarketFair for 15 years and was delighted to find his tent onthe cover of this year’s program.
Laurel Dabs carvesdecoys and folk art birdsfor display. She’s beencarving for 25 years andlearned from a family ofmulti-generational carv-ers who wanted her tocontinue the tradition.
Pho
to
s by R
en
ée R
uggles/M
oun
t V
erno
n
Full Disclosure?Forms plagued by a lack ofinformation, absence of oversight;redacted documents.
“Virginia’sdisclosurelaws arebasically abig joke.”
— Kyle Kondik,analyst with the
University ofVirginia Center
for Politics
2 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ September 19-25, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ September 19-25, 2013 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Mount Vernon Gazette Editor Steven Mauren
703-778-9415 or [email protected]
See Striving for Unity, Page 17
By Naomi Smoot
The Gazette
Community groups arehopeful that limits willbe placed on a proposal
to permit the development ofsmall, affordable apartments inFairfax County.
“The (Fairfax County Federationof Citizen Associations) realizesthat allowing studio units providesmore flexibility and choices in thehousing market; however, the Fed-eration has reservations about thecurrently proposed amendment,”the organization indicated in aproposed resolution that was re-viewed recently by the MountVernon Council of Citizen’s Asso-ciations’ (MVCCA) Planning andZoning Committee.
The proposed amendment to theFairfax County Zoning Ordinancewould permit builders to construct500 square-foot apartments thatwould then be marketed to low-income residents. Known as Resi-dential Studio Units or RSUs, theapartments are seen by propo-nents as a way to address thecounty’s affordable housing needs.Others, however, question wherethe units might be located, andwonder what effect they mighthave on existing neighborhoods.
The Federation’s resolutionseeks to limit the areas in whichthe proposed studio units could bebuilt. Specifically, the group seeksto ensure that the units are builtonly in areas zoned for commer-cial and multi-family-residentialdevelopment. The resolution alsorequests that the studio units beplaced a minimum of 500 feetfrom any other studio unit, andthat the new construction does notinterfere with the character of ex-isting neighborhoods, amongother things.
During the MVCCA’s Planningand Zoning Committee meeting onSept. 9, members discussed draft-ing a resolution of their own onthe topic. As part of their discus-sions, they questioned what im-pact the units might have on theRoute 1 corridor if they are ap-proved, and why the proposedzoning amendment was beingbrought forward.
Tim Sargeant, at-large memberof the Fairfax County Planning
Commission, told group membersthat the zoning amendment datesback several years, and has itsroots in the county’s comprehen-sive plan to end homelessness.
The plan, which was approvedby the Board of Supervisor’s in2005, aimed to eradicatehomelessness in the area within 10years of its passage. The proposedstudio apartments would be a steptowards that goal, and could beoccupied only by individuals whoearn 60 percent or less of the area’smedian income.
According to Earl Flanagan, whorepresents Mount Vernon on theFairfax County Planning Commis-sion, the proposed studio unitswould not be unlike efficiencyapartments that are already per-mitted under the county’s zoningordinance.
“We’ve already allowed it,” hesaid.
Sargeant, however, appeared tohave reservations about the pro-posal, stating that if the amend-ment was approved, “I will bemoving to Culpeper.”
Even if the zoning change getsthe green light though, develop-ers may have to go through a com-petitive process before they couldobtain the funding necessary tobuild such units.
“You can’t limit it to that incomelevel and get the rents you need. Idon’t see how you’d build thiswithout subsidies,” said RickEdson, of AHP Virginia.
Edson’s company has alreadyundertaken development of sev-eral low-income housing commu-nities in Fairfax County. He saidthat such projects are only eco-nomically viable if they receive taxcredits and other government sub-sidies. The studio units would alsolikely require government financ-ing, which doesn’t come easily, hesaid.
“It could happen, but they’regoing to have to go through thesame competitive process we do,”Edson said.
Members of the MVCAA indi-cated that they plan to submit aresolution expressing their viewson the proposed ordinancechange.
The Fairfax County PlanningCommission plans to hold its firstwork session on the issue on Sept.25, with an official public hearingon the matter scheduled for Nov.20 at 8:15 p.m. The hearing willtake place in the Board Audito-rium, located at 12000 Govern-ment Center Parkway, Fairfax.
Citizens Weigh InOn Housing ProposalConcerns ariseover impact inRoute 1 corridor.
By Steve Hibbard
The Gazette
In its “Major Pride” program, Mount VernonHigh School is making major strides to improvestudent behavior and emphasize the positiveapproach to things. Even though it has many
components —including conflict resolution and peermediation — its goal is simple: prevention and in-struction.
“It’s really a different approach to discipline,” saidMelinda Bloomquist, who heads the Student Gov-ernment Association and The Em Vee Hi SchoolNewspaper. “Instead of focusing on consequences andpunishments after the fact, PBIS initiatives [PositiveBehavior Intervention and Support] and the MajorPride initiatives focus on prevention and instructionbefore a negative behavior occurs.”
To that end, leadership students created seven vid-eos that focus on the Major Pride matrix — mockingnegative behaviors and demonstrating positive ones.For example, they created a video that shows how to“walk with a purpose” and find the most direct routeto class for students who linger too long in the hall-ways.
Another video demonstrates respectful cafeteriabehavior by showing how leaving lunchroom gar-bage impacts the next group. The videos are airedon the morning news and Major Time, which ishomeroom.
“The leadership students showed the wrong thing.Then they showed the table nice and clean,” saidBloomquist. “It’s much more effective when the stu-dents teach the students.”
Special ed teacher Sam Hedenberg, who co-advisesthe newspaper and is on the PBIS Committee, saidthe program was sort of abstract when it started threeyears ago. “We had difficulty in getting traction,” hesaid. “But as the years progressed, people started tobelieve in it.”
He says the Major Bucks program that rewardspositive behaviors is now very effective and doingwell. It works like this: When students come to classon time, or give correct answers or have their mate-rials ready, MVHS staff rewards them with MajorBucks — coupons that can be redeemed for T-shirts,a Nook, or pens and folders. Prices range from 2 to100 for Major Bucks.
To help steer Major Pride, some 30 students in theMVHS leadership class plan school activities fromtop to bottom. They are elected SGA officers, SGAExecutive Board members, and class officers (seniors,juniors, sophomores and freshmen); the others needto get approval from teachers and counselors to beadmitted to the class.
“To me, they’re the best of the best,” saidBloomquist. “They’re hard-working and highly mo-tivated; they are all dedicated to Mount Vernon inserving the student body.”
Each class has its own fund-raiser that they orga-nize: freshmen do a Breakfast with Santa; sopho-mores create a Talent Show; juniors do a Miss Per-sonality; and seniors run Mr. Mount Vernon. Thereare mulch sales, car washes, bake sales, poinsettiasales, and Valentine’s Grams.
Their goal is to help build “school identity” throughthe Marching Majors program. They plan Homecom-ing Week, Oct. 7-12, with a pep rally, homecomingparade, and Powderpuff football game. On the firstFriday of the month, students wear Mount VernonMajors spirit wear, school colors and sports jerseys.
“It encourages students to have pride in their schoolcolors; helping them to feel they are part of it andthat they belong,” said Bloomquist.
Unfortunately, for some teens, being involved, get-ting good grades and doing well is not a cool thingculturally. To combat that problem, MVHS has en-listed these highly-motivated students to switch thefocus by working with them on a peer-to-peer level.
“Our goal is to get those students in the middlewho don’t know which way to go — the cool or theuncool side — to show those students which side togo to,” said Bloomquist.
Sunshine Chair Alexis Sarner, 16, helps planmonthly birthdays with cake, ice cream and balloons.
Mount Vernon High student leaders La’Ciera Edwards, Anwar Muhammad, LaNayaButler, Asante Foster and Dannah Pritchard in front of the new school mural.
MVHS Strives To Build UnityMajor Pride and MajorBucks programs focuson positive behavior.
Pho
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ibbard/T
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azette
4 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ September 19-25, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Jefferson Park $1,100,000514 Fontaine Street. Spacious 4/5 bedroom, 3.5+.5 bath brick Colonialwith 4 fireplaces and a fabulous heated pool with automatic cover andoutdoor entertaining area. Spacious Great Room, 4 upper level bedroomsincluding a large Master Suite with balcony and fireplace. Fully finishedlower level with access to the yard, inviting side porch and off-streetparking. Christine Garner 703-587-4855
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Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ September 19-25, 2013 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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OPEN
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News
The Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theatre held auditions for “Disney’s HighSchool Musical” on Sept. 9 and 11 at Bryant Alternative High School. Board membersKyle Roberts and Karen Kelly collected paperwork and signed in everyone who wasauditioning.
Youths Audition for Children’s Theatre
After everyone goes inside, the waiting begins for parents and younger siblings.
After Austin Fodrie gets the young actors to line up, Producer Laura Webster gives themdirections about the audition.
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6 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ September 19-25, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
See New Principal, Page 9
News
By Steve Hibbard
The Gazette
On July 1, Brad Bennink, 39, wasnamed new principal of Washing-ton Mill Elementary in Mount
Vernon.At the start of school, Washington Mill
had 665 students, of which 86 percent are
in the general education program. It has astaff of 100, including 59 teachers and spe-cialists, with three administrators. Theschool ethnicity includes: Asian 8 percent;Black 30 percent; Hispanic 35 percent;White 21 percent and Other 5 percent. Morethan half of the students are on free or re-duced lunches.
For academic goals, Bennink says his pri-
ority is to close achievement gaps. “I wantto increase some of the opportunities thatare available to students,” he said.
For starters, he’s implementing a two-waySpanish immersion program that begins inKindergarten, where two of its four classesare devoted to half days in Spanish. Themath, science and language arts are all inSpanish; social studies and language arts
are in English. The local Level 4 program,which provides advanced academics forgrades 3-6, has also expanded.
At Washington Mill, about 31 percent ofits students are in the ESOL program, whichhas three ESOL teachers who work withother teachers at various grade levels.
The school is also a cluster autism site,
Brad Bennink Leads Washington Mill ESNew principal not afraid to take risks, sings Justin Bieber tunes.
Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ September 19-25, 2013 ❖ 7www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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News
At the Invincible Spirit Festival on Sept. 11 atFort Belvoir, Gary Sinise stopped to talk to theaudience about Stephen Siller and the Tunnel toTowers Foundation. He encouraged people to getinvolved in the upcoming Tunnel to Towers Run.
Mari Anne Jayme,of the Lt. DanBand, stepped outand did a rendi-tion of MariahCarey’s “Hero.”
Dan Myers delightedaudiences with his fiddlingskills during a perfor-mance of Charlie Daniel’s“The Devil Went Down toGeorgia.”
Chef Robert Irvine spent some one-on-one timewith a big fan, 14-year-old Daniel Ruggles,asking him questions, smiling for pictures, andassuring him that he went on to better thingsafter being eliminated from the Next Iron Chefcompetition. Irvine took off his Gary Sinise’sfoundation wristband and put it on Daniel,telling him it was important.
Pam Horton, USO MetroWarrior and Family Centermanager, thanked the GarySinise Foundation, ChefRobert Irvine, and CiscoSystems for the event theybrought to Fort Belvoir. Theaudience was given atimeline for the activities,including the Lt. Dan Bandconcert, later in the evening.
The cooks helping prepare food for the event were members of different branches ofthe military.
InvincibleSpirit Festival
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8 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ September 19-25, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
People
Historical interpreters and performerswalked among the visitors at the annualMount Vernon Colonial Market Fair onSept. 14-15 at the estate.
Shoppers paused at the Fairthorne Potterytent to watch Richard Nippert as hepainted details on a large bowl. Insidetheir tent were pieces for sale thatshowed his 38 years of experience as apotter.
Families filled the entertainment tent to watchthe Punch and Judy Puppet Show.
The Butteridge Forge tent was popular with visitors whostopped to watch Richard Clay at work. He has been ablacksmith for about 38 years, studying his craft under anumber of Master Blacksmiths including Peter Rosso ofWilliamsburg.
Jonathan Stealey of CameraObscura specializes in 17th& 18th Century Cameras.He built an exact replica ofcamera obscura, which hetalked about with inter-ested shoppers. Behind himwas the tent-sized GrandCamera that he demon-strated during tours.
A Revolutionary War Camp was set up near the back of the Colonial Market Fair. Therehistorical interpreters shared canons and rifles with interested visitors.
Shoppers were treated to period music played by RobMouland of 18th Century Musick.
The annual Mount Vernon Colonial Market & Fair washeld Sept. 14-15 at the estate. Tents filled with hand-made items were for sale from artisans in period cos-tumes.
At Market Fair
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Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ September 19-25, 2013 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Jefferson Funeral Chapel
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Visit These Houses of WorshipJoin a Club, Make New Friends, or Expand Your Horizons…
To Advertise Your Faith Community, call Karen at 703-917-6468
Good ShepherdCatholic Church
8710 Mount Vernon Highway, Alexandria VA, 22309Tel: 703-780-4055 Fax: 703-360-5385 www.gs-cc.org
Loving as Christ loves, serving as Christ serves
Saturday Evening5:00 pm Vigil Mass6:30 pm Vigil Mass (en Español)Sunday7:30 am; 9:00 am (with SignLanguage Interpreter &Children’s Liturgy of the Word);10:30 am; 12:00 Noon; 2:00 pm(en Español); 6:30 pm
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ALLEYNE AME ZION CHURCH…703-548-3888ANGLICAN
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ST. ANDREW & ST. MARGARETOF SCOTLAND…703-683-3343
CHRIST THE KINGANGLICAN CHURCH
…703-535-6815APOSTOLIC
LOVE OF CHRIST CHURCH…703-518-4404
BAPTISTALFRED STREET BAPTIST CHURCH
…703-683-2222COMMONWEALTH BAPTIST
CHURCH…703-548-8000CONVERGENCE CREATIVECOMMUNITY OF FAITH...
703-998-6260DEL RAY BAPTIST CHURCH
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COMMUNITY OF FAITH…703-519-9100
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCHOF ALEXANDRIA…703-684-3720
PROVIDENCE- ST. JOHNBAPTIST CHURCH…703-683-2565SHILOH BAPTIST…703-683-4573
MT. PLEASANT BAPTIST CHURCH...703-256-1239
VICTORY TEMPLE…703-370-2233
PLYMOUTH HAVEN BAPTIST...703-360-4370BRETHREN
GRACE BRETHREN CHURCH…703-548-1808
ALEXANDRIA CHURCHOF GOD...703-548-5084
BUDDHISMTHE VAJRAYOGINI BUDDHIST
CENTER...202-331-2122ROMAN CATHOLIC
GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLICCHURCH…703-780-4055
ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH…703-836-3725
ST. LOUIS CATHOLIC CHURCH…703-765-4421
ST. MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH…703-836-4100CHRISTIAN
HIS KINGDOM MINISTRIES...703-313-5029
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCHOF ALEXANDRIA...703-549-3911
CHRISTIAN SCIENCEFIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST,SCIENTIST, ALEXANDRIA...
703-549-7973CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH
MT. VERNON...703-768-2494CHURCH OF CHRIST
ALEXANDRIA CHURCH OFCHRIST…703-836-3083
EPISCOPALEMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH
...703-683-0798
ST. AIDAN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH...703-360-4220
ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH...703-780-3081
ST. LUKE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH...703-765-4342
ST. MARK EPISCOPAL CHURCH...703-765-3949
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News
From Page 6
New Principal at Washington Mill
Brad Bennink is the new principal of Washington MillElementary School.
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which means that students travelthere from other schools for au-tism services. The school has au-tism specialists as well as instruc-tional assistants with special skills.
Bennink’s challenge is not to dotoo much too quickly, “becauseyou’ll fail if you try to do it all atonce simultaneously,” he said. “Soyou have to understand many dif-ferent viewpoints and perspec-tives, and you have to systemati-cally roll out supports so there arestructures in place to meet thosegoals.”
He can be seen greeting studentsand parents with a smile out frontfor arrivals and dismissals, as wellas lunch duty every day. “I makesure I’m in classrooms, that I’mproviding feedback to the teach-ers,” he said. He personally works on three grade-level teams that monitor instruction and providesupport.
Bennink is also working to strengthen the PTA soit better reflects the diversity of the student body. “Iwant to be sure that the PTA reflects those demo-graphics,” he said. To broaden communication, hestarted Ustream live video streaming at PTA meet-ings so that parents can watch from their laptops.All of the correspondence with parents goes homein both English and Spanish. And whenever parentsattend meetings or assemblies, there are Spanishheadsets.
Because historic Mount Vernon is so close, theschool takes field trips there as well as the KennedyCenter, Smithsonian Museum and monuments in theDistrict.
Tim Kasik, principal of Crestwood Elementary, said:“His energy is unmatched and he will do great thingsfor that community.” He calls Bennink, who he’sknown for 11 years, a courageous risk-taker who’snot afraid to do the right thing. “He’s a visionarythat will take Washington Mill on the path to aca-demic success.”
Kirsten Habib, a third-grade teacher, calls Benninkvery down-to-earth with a personality that fits themoment. “When we’re having fun with the kids, he’swilling to get himself taped to a wall for a gift-wrapfundraiser. But he’s also very serious and committedto our school and staff,” she adds.
For a Boost-a-Thon fundraiser next week, Bennink
will sing a song by Justin Bieber over the announce-ments if students collect pledges from all 50 states.“He’s got a great singing voice, too,” Habib said.
Forrest Chilton, a sixth-grade teacher at the school,says Bennink is known for thinking of each individualchild. “He also cares for the teachers, parents, andgrandparents. We had grandparents at the PTA meet-ing last night.”
The school has active business partners, includ-ing: Roy Rogers, Geraniao’s Ristorante, DobsonBuilding and Remodeling, City Finance Corp., OldCountry Buffet, Hilltop Golf Club, the Benevolent andProtective Order of the Elks. Occasionally Cake alsocontributes goodies.
Bennink grew up in York County near HamptonRoads, Va. He graduated in 1997 from LongwoodCollege in Farmville with a history major. He receiveda master’s degree in 2007 from GMU in educationleadership. His first job was student-teaching first-and fifth-grade in Virginia Beach for two years. In1999, he transferred to Forestville Elementary inGreat Falls where he taught first grade. He left teach-ing for a while to work in financial services and sales.In 2005, he took a job at Brookfield Elementary teach-ing first grade. He transferred to Washington Mill in2009 as an instructional coach, then assistant prin-cipal from 2010-13. On July 1, he was named itsprincipal. He is married to wife Maria, a teacher atCunningham Park Elementary. The couple resides inVienna and has twin daughters: Sofia and Zoe, age7.
10 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ September 19-25, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Opinion
The strength of Virginia’s economy,especially Northern Virginia’seconomy, comes significantly fromfederal spending.
So while the governor and other elected of-ficials claim that Virginia’s success isbecause Virginia is a low-tax state withfewer regulations, it’s worth consider-ing that the sequester and continuinggridlock in Congress threaten Virginia’s mostimportant resource, federal spending.
Virginia receives more federal money percapita than any other state except Alaska. Vir-ginia received $136 billion in federal funds in
2010, more than $17,000 from the feds percapita, and paid $2,807 per capita in federalincome taxes. (Data from Consolidated Fed-eral Funds Report for Fiscal Year 2010 by stateand county from the Census Bureau.)
Two examples: $1.3 billion in fed-eral transportation money came to Vir-ginia. Virginia was on the receiving endof more than $5,000 per capita in de-
fense spending.Current Virginia elected officials have barri-
caded the doors against expansion of an in-dustry that would add more than 30,000 qual-ity jobs in Virginia at no cost to taxpayers. The
expansion of Medicaid, which would providehealthcare to as many as 400,000 Virginianswho currently cannot afford health insurance,would give Virginia’s economy a significantboost, and create more than 30,000 jobs. Vir-ginia taxpayers will still pay the taxes that willfund the expansion of Medicaid in other stateswithout reaping the benefits of a healthierpopulation and economic stimulus.
Private sector growth in Virginia depends onits educated and sophisticated workforce, ontop school systems and universities. It dependson reliable transportation systems and accessto high-speed Internet. And it depends on con-tinuing to attract federal contracting dollars.
Virginia’s U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and MarkWarner both work in the best interests of thecommonwealth when they work to promote aculture of moderation and compromise in Con-gress.
Ending gridlock in Congress and supportinghealth care reform would be huge steps insupporting economic recovery in Virginia.
Addressing Virginia’s Economy
Editorial
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Generous CommunityTo the Editor:
The following open letter is addressed to all area residents.You blew us away with your enthusiastic support on Tag Day
last Saturday. We simply cannot thank you enough.Our kids knocked on your doors, and you responded with
incredible generosity.Fairfax County Public Schools doesn’t fully fund the arts, but
because of your donations, our programs will have the instru-ments, props, equipment, costumes, travel budgets and otherthings that allow us to provide a top-notch learning experience.
We truly hope that you will tape that “tag” up on your refrig-erator, and come see as many of our performances as you can.The students in band, chorus, drama, orchestra and guitar areeager to show you what they’re learning in the Fine Arts De-partment at West Potomac.
The Directors of the West PotomacFine Arts Department
Letter to the Editor
More than 200 West Potomac students canvassed the areaon Sept. 14 seeking support for the school’s Fine ArtsDepartment. The students delivered a “tag” inviting resi-dents to their band, drama, chorus, orchestra, and guitarevents for the year.
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Email announcements to [email protected]. Deadline isThursday at noon.
TUESDAY/SEPT. 24Hearing Loss Program. 10 a.m. at
Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500Shenandoah Road. Northern VirginiaResource Center for Deaf and Hard ofHearing presents a three-partprogram titled “I Can’t Hear You.”Free. Registration required, 703-765-4573 TTY: 711.
WEDNESDAYS/SEPT. 18-OCT. 23Free Seminar Series. 1-3 p.m. at the
Sherwood Regional Library, 2501Sherwood Hall Lane. Join FairfaxCounty’s Independent Living Project,a free seminar series along withexercise classes for strength andbalance that help older adults remainindependent. The program also offersprofessional home safety reviews.Register at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/independent.htm, call 703-324-7210,TTY 711 or [email protected].
THURSDAY/SEPT. 19
Kickoff Dinner. 6:30 p.m. at Pema’sRestaurant, 8430 RichmondHighway. Mt. Vernon Branch AAUWwill discuss their activities for theyear. $27/dinner. RSVP by Sept. 15at 703-768-8996.
Discussion and Film. 10 a.m. atHollin Hall Senior Center, 1500Shenandoah Road. Model RailroadClub presents “Railway Journeys ofthe World.” 703-765-4573.
Home Fit. 12:30 p.m. at Hollin HallSenior Center, 1500 ShenandoahRoad. Learn how to stay independentand injury free at home. Free.Reservations required, 703-765-4573.
SATURDAY/SEPT. 21Celebrate the Groveton
Community. 4-6 p.m. at HistoricHuntley, 6918 Harrison Lane. Meetneighbors, share memories and meetCharlotte Brown, author of“Groveton.” Free. Visitwww.historichuntley.org or 703-768-2525.
Art and Craft Fair. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. atSt. James’ Episcopal Church of MountVernon, 5614 Old Mill Road. Localartists will sell a variety ofhandcrafted items including musicalinstruments, jewelry, paintings and
more. Lunch and baked goods will besold.
SUNDAY/SEPT. 22NAACP Freedom Fund Meeting. 2-5
p.m. at Waterford Springfield, 6715Commerce Street. Tickets are $65.Visit www.fairfaxnaacp.org or call703-591-4488.
National Falls PreventionAwareness Day. Free fall riskassessments will be conducted byphysical therapists and physicaltherapy assistants from 11 a.m.-3p.m. at Kingstowne Center for ActiveAdults, 6488 Landsdowne Center. Noregistration required. 703-339-7676TTY 711.
MONDAY/SEPT. 23Alzheimer’s Association
Presentation. 12:30 p.m. at HollinHall Senior Center, 1500Shenandoah Road. Learn about the10 warning signs. Free. Reservationsrequired, 703-765-4573.
MONDAY-SUNDAY/SEPT. 23-29Rabies Awareness Week.
Throughout the week, the VirginiaVeterinary Medical Association and
the Virginia Department of Healthwill promote guidelines to preventfamilies and pets from being exposedto rabies, offer educationalopportunities to learn more about thedestructive virus, and encourageveterinarians to communicate thedangers of rabies with patientfamilies and others in the veterinarymedicine community. Dr. JuliaMurphy, State Public HealthVeterinarian with the VirginiaDepartment of Health, recentlyrecorded a podcast discussing rabiesawareness and prevention. She alsoexplains that rabies is mostcommonly found in Virginia’swildlife; however, it is important toremember that any mammal can getrabies. In Virginia, approximately 10percent of animals diagnosed withrabies annually are domestic animalssuch as dogs and cats. For tips onpreventing this disease and to hearadditional information from Dr.Murphy, download the podcast atwww.mmipublicrelations.com/podcasts/entry/virginia-veterinary-medical-association-recognizes-rabies-awareness-week/. Visitwww.vdh.virginia.gov.
Bulletin Board
Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ September 19-25, 2013 ❖ 11www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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News
Vibrant StreetsSummit Planned
The Southeast Fairfax Develop-ment Corporation is hosting abusiness forum at Hampton Inn onRoute 1 on Sept. 25, 8-10 a.m.
Executive Director EdytheKelleher, in announcing the Vi-brant Streets Summit, said, “ThisSummit makes the communityaware of current trends in real es-tate development and allows thedistrict to stay in touch with what’sgoing on.” Speakers invited areSteve Bannister, Capital Invest-ment Advisers; Heather Arnold,Streetsense, and John Tschiderer,Federal Realty Investment Trust.
The guest speakers will discusspublic-private partnerships, mixeduse development, land use issues,design and construction manage-ment, real estate trends and op-portunities in the Route 1 Corri-dor, among other subjects.
Coffee and a continental break-fast will be provided. Suggesteddonation: $10 at the door.
Southeast Fairfax DevelopmentCorporation is a non-profit corpo-ration that promotes the revital-ization of Richmond Highway.
See www.SFDC.org. Call: 703-360-5008
— Gerald A. Fill
12 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ September 19-25, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ September 19-25, 2013 ❖ 13www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
14 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ September 19-25, 2013 Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ September 19-25, 2013 ❖ 15www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
16 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ September 19-25, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Fall Festival at Messiah Lutheran ChurchSept. 21st from 9 am to 3 pmFlea Market - Silent Auction
Games for the Children – MusiciansChili and BBQ made by certified Chili and BBQ judgesHot Dogs for the kids – Miniature Railroad displayBalloon animals and Face-painting by Rainbow Rose, the PrincessClown – Demonstrations by Music Together
Go to Festival.MessiahELCA.org for more information.Corner of Fort Hunt Rd and Belle View Blvd. in Alexandria, VA
6510 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria, VA 22307
From Page 10
Bulletin
Board
WEDNESDAY/SEPT. 25Vibrant Streets Summit. 8-10 a.m.
at Hampton Inn & Suites, 5821Richmond Highway. Learn about thebenefits and challenges of thisconcept. Hosted by Southeast FairfaxDevelopment Corporation. $10donation suggested. Visit ww.sfdc.orgfor more.
Medicare and Social SecurityMeeting. 10:30 a.m. at MarthaWashington Library, 6614 Fort HuntRoad. Free lecture presented byAARP. RSVP to 703-303-4060.
THURSDAY/SEPT. 26Talk. 9:30 a.m. at Hollin Hall Senior
Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road.Learn about aging in the home andcommunity. Free. RSVP to 703-303-4060.
SATURDAY/SEPT. 28Education Summit. 8 a.m.-noon at
Edison High School, 5801 FranconiaRoad. Parents, students, andcommunity members are invited toattend the fourth annual EducationSummit. This free event will focus ona Portrait of a 21st Century Graduateand School System. Fairfax CountyPublic Schools Superintendent KarenGarza will be the keynote speaker.Following the keynote presentation,10 breakout sessions will focus onskills parents can use to help studentssucceed. Interpreters will beavailable. For information and toregister for the Education Summitvisit www.fcps.edu.
SUNDAY/SEPT. 29Barbeque Fundraiser. Noon-3 p.m.
at Lee District Park Shelter adjacentto the Spray Park, 6601 TelegraphRoad. Colonial Republican Women’sannual fundraiser with Republicanleaders and candidates. $35/individual; $50/couple; $60/family.E-mail [email protected] formore.
MONDAY/OCT. 7Fall Vegetable Gardening. 7-8 p.m.
at Burke Library, 4701 SeminaryRoad. Learn how to extend thegardening season by plantingbroccoli, beets and spinach. Free, butregistration requested. 703-228-6414. Visit mgnv.org for information.
TUESDAY/OCT. 8Meet and Greet. 7-9 p.m. at
Franconia Governmental Center,6121 Franconia Road. Meet thecandidates for sheriff and statedelegates for districts 39, 43 and 44.Co-sponsored by the League ofWomen Voters of the Fairfax Areaand the Lee District Association ofCivic Organizations. Contact PeggyKnight at 703-532-4417 [email protected].
WEDNESDAY/OCT. 9Candidate Meet and Greet. 7 p.m.
at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501Sherwood Hall Lane. Hosted by Thelocal League of Women Voters andAmerican Association of UniversityWomen. Learn the candidates’positions on various topics. Free.
SATURDAY/OCT. 12Fall Rummage Sale. 9 a.m.-noon at
Fort Hunt Preschool, 1909 WindmillLane. Browse items for infants,children and maternity such asclothing, toys, games and furniture.All sales benefit the preschool.
Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ September 19-25, 2013 ❖ 17www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
Striving for UnityFrom Page 3
She invites as many as 100-200students a month into room G-100to celebrate by singing “HappyBirthday” and dancing.
And with MVHS’s diverse mix-ture of black, white and Hispanicleaders, Bloomquist says this year’sSGA is a reflection of the MountVernon student body. “I encouragethem when they are planningthese events, to take that into con-sideration.”
Pep rallies always include RitmoLatino, a dance group for Hispan-ics. “It’s very popular,” she added.“We are embracing that part of thestudents’ culture.”
The student newspaper has apage written in Spanish. SusiCalles Revelo is its editor-in-chiefas well as the section editor forExpresion Latino, a page in Span-ish. Her translated stories aboutscoliosis, Google Apps, and tech-nology for Hispanic readers werejust published.
SGA President LaNaya Butler,16, of Mount Vernon wants to getmore students involved and con-nected. She’s a peer mentor and
mediator, certified mental healthaide, and a member of the morn-ing news crew with a 3.5 GPA. “I’mjust trying to have more unity inthe school,” said Butler, whoseparents are mixed black and white.“Kids sometimes don’t want toparticipate, and that’s the only waywe’re going to make the schoolbetter.”
Angelina Benedetti-Flores, 17, isthe executive historian on the Ex-ecutive Board who plays softballand maintains a 3.45 GPA. Shehelps publicize events using Twit-ter, posters, banners, chalk writ-ing, and school announcements. “Ilike it because it allows me to ex-perience something that I’ve neverexperienced before,” she said. “Iwant to do communications, andit’s preparing me for college.”
The PTA also provides financialsupport for the Poetry Expo wherestudents and teachers read origi-nal poems and showcase their cre-ative writing. “That’s really anevent just for fun,” saidBloomquist. An end-of-year carni-val offers water rides, bungee cordruns and a flag football tourna-ment.
18 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ September 19-25, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
From Page 1
Local Elected Officials’ Disclosure Forms Lack OversightElected Confidential
❖ Fairfax County Board of Supervi-sors: John Foust lists the largest number ofsecurities at $1.7 million; Jeff McKay lists thelowest number of securities at $70,000.Three members list no securities: John Cook,Michael Frey and Peggy Gross.
❖ Fairfax County School Board: JaneStrauss lists the largest number of securitiesat $2.1 million; Pat Hunes lists the lowestnumber of securities at $10,000; Two mem-bers list no securities: Ryan McElveen andElizabeth Schultz.
❖ Arlington County Board: LibbyGarvey lists the largest number of securitiesat $500,000; Jay Fisette lists the lowest num-ber of securities at $80,000. One member,Mary Hynes, list no securities.
❖ Arlington County School Board:Abigail Raphael lists the largest number ofsecurities at $1.2 million; Noah Simon liststhe lowest number of securities at $400,000.Three members list no securities: Sally Baird,James Lander and Emma Violand-Sanchez.
❖ Alexandria City Council: PaulSmedberg lists the largest amount of securi-ties at $590,000; Allison Silberberg lists thelowest number of securities at $20,000; Onemember, John Chapman, listed no securities.
❖ Alexandria School Board: MarcWilliams lists the largest amount of securi-ties at $1.3 million; Kelly Carmichael Boozlists the lowest amount of securities at$10,000; five members list no securities: BillCampbell, Ronnie Campbell, Pat Hennig,Justin Keating and Christopher Lewis.
An exampleof a redacteddisclosureform fromthe FairfaxCounty PublicSchools.
thing from real estate and business inter-ests to gifts and liabilities. That includesemployers of elected officials and their fam-ily members. But a request for the publicdisclosure forms from the Fairfax CountySchool Board was returned with a stack ofredacted documents. The employer of onemember was concealed, and several tele-phone numbers and addresses were blackedout of others. The names of immediate fam-ily members — required information to bedisclosed to the public — was redacted fromof all the documents.
“Personal information is exempt from dis-closure obligations,” wrote BrandynnReaves, public information specialist withFairfax County Public Schools, in an emailresponse to questions about the redactions.
Unless the Fairfax Countycommonwealth’s attorney is willing to pros-ecute the school system for failing to dis-closed required information, that informa-tion will not be available to the public. Andbecause the law merely requires the SchoolBoard clerk to receive the documents with-out scrutinizing them, any mistakes or miss-ing information will not be identified orfixed. That leaves the pubic in the darkabout information that could explain con-flicts of interest among their elected lead-ers.
“Virginia’s disclosure laws are basically abig joke,” said Kyle Kondik, analyst with theUniversity of Virginia’s Center for Politics.“It doesn’t seem like there’s any penalty atall for bad reporting.”
THE ONGOING political scandal involv-ing a Virginia businessman showering thegovernor and attorney general with gifts —ºmany of which were initially unreported—ºhas brought a spotlight to the issue ofethics reform that is expected to dominate
the upcoming session of the General Assem-bly. Del. Rob Krupicka (D-45) is preparinglegislation that would move the repositoryfunction from the local clerk to the StateBoard of Election in an effort to create onepublicly available statewide database. Thatwould allow elected officials to file theirdocuments electronically, a change thatwould remove some of the inconsistency interms of how individuals choose to fill outthe documents.
“I think there are going to be folks un-comfortable with this level of disclosure andthis level of accessibility to their data,” saidKrupicka. “We’ve made the migration to usetechnology with campaign finance, and Ithink we need to make the migration to usetechnology with our ethics and conflictsdisclosure forms.”
Last month, Republican Lt. Gov. BillBolling outlined a series of ethics reformmeasures he would like to see the next Gen-eral Assembly take up. One of his recom-mendations would expand the gift disclo-sure requirements to spouses and depen-dent family members. Another one of hisrecommendations would lower the thresh-old of reporting sources of income from$10,000 to $1,000. A third recommenda-tion would require elected officials discloseall memberships on boards or other com-mittees of public or private companies that
are held by themselves, their spouses ortheir dependent family members.
“Over the past few months, a series ofunfortunate events have revealed to us sev-eral deficiencies in Virginia’s current ethicslaws,” Bolling said in a written statementoutlining his proposal. “As a result, the con-fidence of the people of Virginia in theirstate government has been eroded. In or-der to begin the process of restoring thisconfidence, we need to take immediate ac-tion to strengthen Virginia’s ethics laws andthe proposals I am releasing today are de-signed to do just that.”
DESPITE THEIR FLAWS, the forms re-veal the broad financial outlines of electedofficials in Northern Virginia and some oftheir economic interests. In ArlingtonCounty, for example, the forms show thatnone of the members of the ArlingtonCounty Board have full-time jobs. Two ofthe members listed the employment ofspouses. And although County Board mem-ber Jay Fisette once disclosed informationabout his partner, he has since decided thathe will no longer provide that informationuntil Virginia ends the constitutional pro-hibition against gay marriage.
“The symbolism of it was just not worthit,” said Fisette. “It was so hard because hemakes a lot more money than I do and he
had a lot of things to report. It was too muchwork, so I don’t do that anymore.”
Alexandria City Councilman PaulSmedberg, on the other hand, includes eco-nomic disclosure information for his part-ner. In an interview, he said he is probablynot required to do so but he feels that it’sbest to err on the side of disclosing too muchrather than not enough.
“It is a little unclear as to what you shouldput there,” said Smedberg. “But I’ve alwaysmade the habit of including Mike on there.”
Email announcements [email protected] is Thursday at noon. Photoswelcome.
New Hope Housing has re-ceived a $5,000 grant from the TDCharitable Foundation to support itsHousing First Apartments Program.This program provides long term af-fordable housing with ongoingsupport services for previouslyhomeless single adults. New HopeHousing is committed to finding cre-ative and lasting solutions to endthe cycle of homelessness by offer-ing homeless men, women andchildren the services they need tochange their lives and succeed. Visitwww.newhopehousing.org.
The newest Zinga Frozen Yo-gurt store is located in the BeaconShopping Center, 6676 RichmondHighway in Alexandria. The newstore is the first Northern Virginiastore to be opened by Zinga franchi-see Ashley Langland, an Arlingtonresident. Langland indicated thatthe new store would be involvedwith local charities and civic organi-zations, high school groups andlocal sports programs. To celebratethe opening, there will be a free Fro-
zen Yogurt GrandOpening blast to anyonewho “likes” the newstore on Facebookatwww.facebook.com/ZingaBeaconCenter.Store hours are Sundaythrough Thursday from11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fridayand Saturday from 11a.m.-11 p.m. Call 703-341-6797.
Art at the Center wel-comes three newmembers of the teaching staff:
Lori Kelly is a first year student atGeorge Washington University’s gradu-ate art therapy program. She graduatedfrom Murray State University with abachelor’s degree in English literature in2008. She has lived abroad and hasspent the last four years teaching En-glish as a Second Language. Kelly will beworking with classes Wednesdays andFriday afternoons.
Maureen Dixson is currently fin-ishing her bachelor’s degree in pre-arttherapy at Marymount University. Shespent two years working toward a de-gree in graphic design and museumstudies at Towson University beforetransferring to Marymount to pursue arttherapy. She will be teaching on Tues-
days and Fridays.Sarah J. Coffin,
a native of the D.C.metro area, servesthe communitythrough her ArtsCommission involve-ment in the City ofFairfax, her own ce-ramic and mixedmedia work, as wellas hosting alternativearts ventures likeThe Empty House
Studio. Her work is augmented byapprenticeships, travel, and fouryears as a K-8 art teacher. She is cur-rently pursuing a masters in artsmanagement at George Mason Uni-versity. Coffin is working with Art atthe Center in two capacities: teach-ing drawing as well as working withKathryn on a special project. She willbe helping Art at the Center connectwith local makers and artists, growinto offering teen and adult classes,and create a sustainable organiza-tional structure and marketing planfor Art at the Center’s continuation.
Art at the Center is located at 2804Sherwood Hall Lane. Visitartatthecenter.org or call 703-201-1250.
Business Notes
Robberies May Be LinkedPolice from Mount Vernon and Franconia districts are investi-
gating a series of robberies that have taken place over recentweeks. The most recent robbery took place on Wednesday, Sept.11 at around 1 p.m. Two men entered the convenience store at6550 Edsall Road, approached the clerk with items as if to pay,assaulted the cashier, took money and fled. In three of the otherrobberies, two men entered a 7-Eleven store, displayed a hand-gun, took money and fled. In another case, suspects attemptedto rob a 22-year-old woman while she walked in the 6300 blockof Backlick Road in Springfield at around 1:45 p.m.
The robberies occurred at the following locations:❖ Aug, 12 – 7-Eleven – 8146 Old Mount Vernon Road, Alexan-
dria.❖ Aug. 21 – 7-Eleven – 2305 Huntington Ave., Alexandria.❖ Aug. 22, 2013 – (Attempt strong arm robbery of citizen) –
6300 Backlick Road, Springfield.❖ Aug. 24 – 7-Eleven – 7225 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield.Both suspects should be considered armed and dangerous. Both
are black, between 20-26 years old, and around 150-180 pounds.One suspect was seen in all black clothing and he was between 5feet 6 and 5 feet 8 inches tall with medium build. The othersuspect was around 5 feet 11 to 6 feet 1 inches tall and worehooded sweatshirt and black pants. If seen, do not approach andcall 911 immediately.
Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ September 19-25, 2013 ❖ 19www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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HOW TO SUBMIT ADS TO
Schools
By Steve Hibbard
The Gazette
After 20 years in education, AnneStokowski was named the new prin-cipal of Clermont Elementary on
July 1. A collaborator and people-person,she said: “I want to bring the belief amongstaff, among the community, that togetherwe can make a difference, that we are herefor all children, and that every child can besuccessful.”
She’s already met her staff of 74, includ-ing 35 teachers, and calls them “amazinglydedicated and welcoming.” She said: “Theirenergy and their heart is in the right place.… That was so nice to feel that you werepart of the team right away.”
At the start of school, Clermont has 527students whose ethnicity includes: White 54percent, Hispanic 22 percent, Asian 10 per-cent, Black 6 percent, and Other 5 percent.About 20 percent receive free or reducedlunches.
In addition to being a general educationcenter for 94 percent of its students,Clermont is a local Level 4 school with anadvanced academic program, which meansevery child can be serviced there or go toSpringfield Estates to get Level 4 services.It also has a Chinese FLES program withtwo weekly, half hour lessons in Chinese forgrades 1-6. The school has an ESOL andSpecial Education Program that also serveschildren who have autism.
Stokowski’s challenge is to make sure thatall of the children are receiving the indi-vidualized instruction that they need toreach their potential. “That we are cogni-zant of all children in making sure that weare not letting anyone fall through thecracks,” she added.
She enjoys greeting students and parentsin front of the school during arrival anddeparture times. “It’s a nice way to interactwith the children; often if parents have aquestion, it’s a nice time to build those re-lationships in the community.”
“Her greatest strengths are in her deepthoughtfulness in the actions she takes andthe recognition she gives to people in all ofthe efforts she puts in,” said ElizabethObester, principal of Rose Hill Elementary.“She also has this uncanny ability to relateto everybody.”
According to Sari Kaye, assistant princi-pal at Rose Hill, who worked withStokowski for six years, “She gets peopleincluded so that everybody has their say.She looks at the big picture as well as thedetails so she sees it from both angles.”
When they worked as testing coordina-tors together, she says Stokowski alwaysmade sure that records were accurate, ev-erything was in on time. She added: “Evenin tough situations, she remains very calm.”
Jennifer Boyle, the lead special educationteacher at Rose Hill, added: “She is very stu-
dent-centered; she makes sure all of her de-cisions are based out of the goodness ofwhat would benefit the students.”
With her special-ed background, Boylesays Stokowski was helpful in offering sug-gestions in scheduling and how to supportstudents who needed a little extra atten-tion.
“If you had an issue, she always madeherself available to talk to and help prob-lem-solve situations.”
Clermont is currently undergoing a $13.6million renovation project that includes anew library, stage, wing of classrooms andadministrative offices. Stokowski is focusedon making sure the renovation runssmoothly and communicating its progresswith families as the work is completed byFebruary of 2015.
Two weeks ago Friday, the PTSA spon-sored a picnic at Twain Middle that had atremendous turnout. “It shows how closethis community is and how closely they havebuilt relationships,” she said. The PTSAparents do volunteer work and help planactivities. They created a “wish list” that’stied into what teachers need to support thestudents — so parents can make smart do-nations or buy materials to support a class-room.
Stokowski grew up in Dighton, Mass., andgraduated from the University of Massachu-setts at Dartmouth with a psychology ma-jor and elementary education minor. Sheearned a master’s in special ed at GMU andan educational endorsement from GMU’sLeadership in Education.
Stokowski started in the Title One pro-gram as an ESOL teacher. Since moving toFairfax County in 1997, she’s worked atCrossfield Elementary and Hunt Valley as aspecial education teacher, then departmentchair for special education and assistantprincipal both at Frost Middle School, andRose Hill Elementary as assistant principal.
Prior to her education career, Stokowskiwas in a military family that moved often.She has four grown children: Alyson, 31,Adam, 28, Lauren, 25, and Scott, 23.
Stokowski Leads Clermont ESPeople-person andcollaborator focuseson children.
Anne Stokowski is the newprincipal of Clermont Elemen-tary School.
Pho
to
by Steve H
ibbard/T
he G
azette
20 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ September 19-25, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements
Richard (Rick) Preston Swigart, 69, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 9, 2013, after a long and courageous battle with complications from a liver transplant performed in June 2012. He was surrounded by family and friends. Loving husband of Laurel A. Bedig; beloved by father-in-law Robert G. Bedig; sister-in-law Cynthia (Rich) Meyersand their children Audrey and Robbie; sister-in-law Marcia (Ira)Bernstein and their children Rebecca and David; brother-in-lawRonald (Alexander) Bedig; cousins Debbie Burke, and herchildren Tim and Bryan and, Brian (Betty)Tracy, and theirchildren Megan and Michael. He will also be greatly missed bycountless friends, Beverley Hills' neighbors and colleagues.
Born in DC, Rick attended the Oakwood Friends School in Poughkeepsie, NY and went on to receive a B.A. from Earlham College. He studied Mandarin Chinese at Stanford, Taiwan Normal University and Nan Yang University, Singapore and was Director of International Marketing for China Consultants, International. From 1967-69 he was a refugee relief officer un-der USAID in Vietnam and Laos. Dean of Students at Oak-wood from 1970-72, he served on Oakwood's board for many years culminating in receipt of a Distinguished Alumni Award. From 1975-1982, he was the Manager of the Washington Of-fice for American Can Company. Thereafter, he worked in vari-ous senior capacities for the National Grocers Association, Na-tional Center on Occupational Readjustment, and the Grocery Manufacturers of America. He was Vice President of Public Relations at Seagram Company for several years. More re-cently he was part of a team that started the Transportation Security Administration and was a State Coordinator at the De-partment of Homeland Security. He retired on June 30, 2013.
Rick loved his country deeply and was a proud member of the Thailand-Laos-Cambodia Brotherhood. He loved nature and animals, especially his beloved dog Pal. Rick was kind, thoughtful and a loyal and wonderful friend with a great sense of humor. He was one of a kind and his passing is an enor-mous loss. Memorial services will be held on September 28, 2013 at 3 PM. For details and donation options please visit Ev-erlyWheatleyFuneralHome.com.
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OBITUARYRicky Mann Moon, 56, passed away in his sleep on Thursday September 12, while working in Columbus, Ga.
He was born December 7, 1956, and is the beloved son of Marion Moon of Alexandria, VA and Norman Moon and step-mother Joan of Manassas, VA. He is preceded in death by his brother Craig Moon and is survived by his Grandmother Myrtie Lebkicker of Leesburg and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and devoted friends.Rick was a native of Alexandria and graduated from Fairfax High School. He was a natural entrepreneur, and started his first company at age 17. He went on to be the founder of World Express that became Convention and Tradeshow Freight Specialists, where he served as Vice President until his death.Rick loved the Freight and Tradeshow Industry, he enjoyed country music, boating, and being on the water. He had a big heart for people in need, especially children, and his generos-ity touched the lives of many.Those who knew him will remember his wonderful sense of humor, his smile, laughter, and the authentic way in which he lived his life.Friends may call at the Demaine Funeral Home, 520 S. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 where the family will be present on Friday, September 20, 2013 from 6-8:00pm and where the memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 21st at 11:00am.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alexandria Police Youth Camp, PO Box 25273 Alexandria, VA 22313.
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Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ September 19-25, 2013 ❖ 21www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
By Jeanne Theismann
The Gazette
It’s officially known as Boykin, Ala.,with a population of 275. But theformer slave plantation on the banksof the Alabama River gained promi-
nence as Gee’s Bend, an isolated AfricanAmerican community known for the roleits folk art quilts played in the struggle forCivil Rights.
Making its Washington area debut atMetroStage is the powerful “Gee’s Bend,”Elizabeth Gregory Wilder’s story of thequilters of Gee’s Bend and their determi-nation to overcome crippling poverty and
racism.Commissioned by the Alabama
Shakespeare Festival in 2006, the story be-gins in 1939, when the families of Gee’sBend become landowners, and follows thecentral character of Sadie Pettway throughthe trials of marriage and racial indignities.Together with her mother Alice and sisterNella, Sadie perseveres, inspired by a visitfrom Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1965 andthe discovery of her quilts by a local minis-ter.
“Dr. King gave the sermon of a lifetime inGee’s Bend,” said Arlie Schardt, a TimeMagazine reporter who traveled through-out the south with King and attended the
E-mail announcements to [email protected]. Photos andartwork are encouraged. Deadline isThursday at noon.
ONGOINGArt Exhibit. Through Sunday, Sept. 29,
see “In the Flesh 4” at the TargetGallery in the Torpedo Factory ArtCenter, 105 N. Union St. The exhibitexamines contemporary figurativeart. Free. Visitwww.torpedofactory.org/target formore.
Art Exhibit. Through Sunday, Oct. 6,see “Voyage in Tangible Space” byMei Mei Chang at the SchlesingerCenter Margaret W. & Joseph L.Fisher Gallery, 3001 N. BeauregardSt. It is a mixed media exhibit. Free.Visit www.nvcc.edu/schlesingercenter/gallery.html formore information.
Art Exhibit. See “Collaborations”
through Oct. 20 at Potomac FiberArts Gallery in Studio 18 of theTorpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N.Union St. Artists share inspirations tocreate pieces combining the input oftwo or more artists. It is open from10 a.m.-6 p.m. everyday except onThursdays when it is open from 10a.m.-9 p.m. Visitwww.potomacfiberartsgallery.comfor more.
Art Exhibit. See “Deep, Full, and NotQuite Real” at The AthenaeumGallery, 201 Prince St., through Oct.20. Features four artists exploringconcepts of depth and three-dimensionality. Visit http://www.nvfaa.org/ for more.
Distillery Open. George Washington’sDistillery and Gristmill open throughOct. 1. $17/adult, $8/child, 5 andunder are free.
Life Drawing. Del Ray Artisans offers arange of open life drawing sessions tohone figure drawing skills. Drop-in
with your supplies to draw our livemodels. Fee: $8-12. View thecalendar atwww.TheDelRayArtisans.org.
The West End Farmers Market willrun Sundays from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.through November. Located at BenBrenman Park, browse food, craftsand more. Visitwww.westendfarmersmarket.org.
The Marshall House IncidentExhibition. Through 2013 at FortWard Museum, 4301 West BraddockRoad . The museum is open Tuesdaythrough Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.,and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Visitwww.fortwaRoad.org or call 703-746-4848.
Photography Workshop. 10:30 a.m.-noon at Multiple Exposures Galleryon 105 N. Union Street.Photographers and enthusiasts of allskill levels are invited to share work,ideas, and questions at this freeworkshop held on the last Sunday of
each month, except December. Noreservations. Call 703-683-2205.
Mobile Market. Thursdays throughOctober, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in theLandmark Mall parking lot on theDuke Street side. The Arcadia Centerfor Sustainable Food and AgricultureMobile Market is a refurbished schoolbus offering produce, meat, eggs andmore from small farmers and foodartisans within 100 miles of the area.EBT cards and WIC and Senior FMNPvouchers accepted. Visitarcadiafood.org.
Theater Performance. ThroughSunday, Nov. 3, see the premiere of“Gee’s Bend” at MetroStage, 1201 N.Royal St. Watch as the true story ofthe Pettway family unfolds duringthe Civil Rights Movement and theybecome famous for their iconic quilts.Performances for Gee’s Bend will beThursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m.,Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.,Sundays at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. For
ticket reservations call 800-494-8497or visit www.metrostage.org. Forinformation and group sales call 703-548-9044.
Encore Chorale. Mondays 10:30 a.m.-noon at the George WashingtonMasonic National Memorial, 101Callahan Dr. Register now for EncoreChorale’s fall season. The group ofsingers, ages 55 and up, practiceclassical and holiday songs to preparefor December performances. $150tuition. Visit encorecreativity.org orcall 301-261-5747.
African American ActivistsExhibition. Through Saturday, Jan.4, 2014, Living Legends ofAlexandria is an ongoing photo-documentary project created in 2006by artist-photographer Nina Tisara toidentify, honor and chronicle peoplemaking current history in Alexandria.This free exhibit is at the AlexandriaBlack History Museum, 601 WytheSt. The museum is open Tuesday
Calendar
Entertainment
A Stitch in TimePowerful “Gee’s Bend” debuts at MetroStage.
Sept. 15 performance at MetroStage. “It wasa horribly stormy night and with the roadswashed out, he knew the Klan was waitingfor him. But he went anyway and infusedeveryone with courage, dignity and hopein what was the most inspiring talk we everheard him give.”
Also in attendance was Peggy Treadwell,cousin of Francis X. Walter, the Episcopa-lian priest who founded the quilting co-opto help foster economic independence forthe women of Gee’s Bend.
“Francis was the rector of a black churchnear Gee’s Bend and saw these incrediblequilts hanging on a line,” Treadwell said.“But when he approached the house to askabout them, everyone scattered into thewoods because they were so afraid of awhite man. But Francis sat there andwaited, literally for hours, he was so intenton learning more about the quilts.”
Walters’ discovery of thequilts transformed the livesof the women of Gee’s Bend,as adeptly chronicled inWilder’s script, directed atMetroStage by Thomas Jonesand starring Roz White asSadie, Margo Moorer asNella, and Duyen Washing-ton in the dual role of Sadie’smother Alice and later asSadie’s daughter Asia.Rounding out the cast is An-thony Manough as Macon,Sadie’s husband.
Betsy Muller’s rustic set-ting reflects the artistry of thequilts and costumes byJanine Sunday define theages of the characters overthe years. But it’s the haunt-ingly beautiful score of gos-pel melodies under the direc-tion of William Hubbard andWilliam Knowles that makesthis production soar.
As Sadie, White anchorsthe incomparable cast andtransitions beautifully fromyoung naïf to long-sufferingwife to bloodied participantin the March on Selma.
Moorer is sassy as sister Nella, reprising herdynamic performance from the original pro-duction. Washington and Manough com-plete the tour de force ensemble that payshomage to the resilience of the AfricanAmerican spirit in times of struggle.
“This is a magnificent play,” Schardt said.“It captured a rare moment in the CivilRights movement that got little coverage atthe time. It was a thrill to see it.”
Today, the quilts crafted in Gee’s Bendcommand high prices and line the walls ofmuseums. They can also be seen in theMetroStage production that brilliantlystitches together a powerful story of tri-umph.
“Gee’s Bend” plays through Nov. 3 atMetroStage, 1201 N. Royal St., Alexandria.For tickets or more information, call 703-548-9044 or visit www.metrostage.org.
Anthony Manough as Macon and Roz White as Sadie in the MetroStageproduction of “Gee’s Bend.”
Roz White (Sadie), Margo Moorer (Nella) andDuyen Washington (Alice).
Pho
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s by C
hris Banks
22 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ September 19-25, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Come Taste the DifferenceTwo Convenient Alexandria Locations
Open 7 days a weekBradlee Belle View
3690J King Street 1600A Belle View Blvd.703.820.8600 571.384.6880
www.unwinedva.com
Put Us toThe Test❦ Selection❦ Service❦ Price
through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Visitwww.alexblackhistory.org or call703-746-4356.
Occupied City: Life in Civil WarAlexandria Exhibition. At TheLyceum, 201 South Washington St.,through Sunday, March 23, 2014.This exhibit traces life in Alexandriafollowing Virginia’s decision tosecede from the Union in May 1861.The Lyceum is open Monday throughSaturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. andSunday, 1-5 p.m. Suggestedadmission is $2. Visitwww.alexandriahistory.org or call703-746-4994.
Metro Club After-School Program.From Sept. 9-June 2014, theMetropolitan School of Arts presentsan after-school program for grades 1-6. The program is located at both theLorton studio at Workhouse ArtsCenter, 9517 Workhouse Way and inAlexandria at 5775 Barclay Drive.Programs will focus on the arts,including music, dance, theatre, yogaand academics, as well as designatedhomework time. The program willrun Mondays, 1-6 p.m., and Tuesday-Friday, 3-6 p.m. Tuition runs from$130-150. Call 703-339-0444 or visitwww.metropolitanarts.org.
Art Exhibit. See the second FrontPorch Installation by Ned Egan. “Lecin’est pas une Magrite” is on displayat 18 W. Linden St.
CLASSES & WORKSHOPSFall Theater Classes. Children ages
6-7 can enjoy a theater class andpretend to be all sorts of characterson Mondays, starting Sept. 16, 4:30-5:30 p.m. at The Little Theatre ofAlexandria. $135 for the 8-weekclass. Register atwww.thelittletheatre.com or 703-683-5778 ext. 2. Classes available forall ages and days.
Learn How to Make Pasta.Saturday, Sept. 21 at 11 a.m. atOsteria Marzano, 6361 Walker Lane.Learn how to make the dishes withChef Carmine Marzano and then dineon the food you’ve made. $85/person. RSVP with name, number ofparticipants, and contact info [email protected].
Learn How to Make Sicilian Food.Saturday, Oct. 12 at 11 a.m. atOsteria Marzano, 6361 Walker Lane.Learn how to make the dishes withChef Carmine Marzano and then dineon the food you’ve made. $85/person. RSVP with name, number ofparticipants, and contact info [email protected].
Art Classes. Tuesdays from 7-8:30p.m. at Art at the Center, 2804Sherwood Hall Lane. For childrenages 12 and up. Begin with drawingfigures and lines and work up todrawing in detail and on larger scale.Visit www.artatthecenter.org/registration.htm to register.
Art Classes. Wednesdays from 7-8:30p.m. for children ages 9 and up.Focuses on clay work in the studio.Begins Sept.11 at Art at the Center,2804 Sherwood Hall Lane. Visitwww.artatthecenter.org/registration.htm to register.
Registration Still Open. The ArtLeague School has openings in morethan 200 classes and 50 workshops,from painting, jewelry, photographyand more. Visitwww.theartleague.org to register.
THURSDAY/SEPT. 19Yappy Hour. 5:30 p.m. Artfully
Chocolate, 506 John Carlye Street.Artfully Chocolate has teamed upwith pet care company Paw’k Ave tocreate happy hours with a twist. Call703-575-8686 or visit www.pawk-ave.com.
Martha’s Poetry Discussion. 7 p.m.at Martha Washington Library, 6614Fort Hunt Road. Discuss the poetry ofDorothy Parker. Free. 703-768-6700.
Book Discussion. 7:15 p.m. at John
Marshall Library, 6209 Rose HillDrive. Call for title. Free. 703-971-0010.
Brewing History: Beer Tasting &Dinner Menu. Enjoy dinner and aprivate Mansion tour at MountVernon Estate. There will be fourcourses paired with beer. $95/person. Tickets available atmountvernon.org.
Film. 7:30 p.m. at Lloyd House, 220 N.Washington St. Watch anindependent film about Captain JohnSingleton Mosby’s combat operationsin Fairfax County. Free. Call 703-746-4554 or visitwww.historicalexandria.org.
FRIDAY/SEPT. 20Wee Got the Beat. 10:30 a.m. or
11:30 a.m. at Kingstowne Library,6500 Landsdowne Centre. Childrenages 6 months to 5 years can enjoysinging, movement and instrumentplay. Free. Reservations required,703-339-4610.
Friday Affair Market. Noon-4 p.m. athistoric Hollin Hall, 1909 WindmillLane. Purchase baked goods, treats,flowers and crafts from local vendors.Held the first and third Fridays ofevery month through December. Call202-256-5332.
Alexandria Poetry Slam. 7 p.m. atThe Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. At 7p.m., Tony Greenberg will performwith poetry at 8 p.m. with ShellyBell. Free. Visit www.nvfaa.org or703-548-0035.
Music Performance. 7:30 p.m. atBirchmere Music Hall, 3701 MountVernon Ave. Joe Sample & TheCreole Joe Band will perform. Visitwww.birchmere.com for tickets.
Theater Performance. 8 p.m. at PortCity Playhouse, 1819 N. QuakerLane. See “The Children’s Hour” byLillian Hellman. Visitwww.portcityplayhouse.org/ fortickets.
Community Dance and Music.7:30-9:30 p.m. at Hollin Hall SeniorCenter, 1500 Shenandoah Road.Enjoy live music, dancing andrefreshments. $4/door. 703-765-4573.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY/SEPT. 20-22Old Town Boutique District
Scavenger Hunt. Visit all of theOld Town Boutique District storesand get your passport stamped toreceive a swag bag and chance to winbig prizes. Return the fully stampedcard to Periwinkle. Visitoldtownboutiquedistrict.com todownload the passport.
SATURDAY/SEPT. 21Beatley Open House. All day at
Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Enjoymusic, face painting, book swaps andmore. Free. 703-746-1702.
Lil’ Pals Pet Photography. 10 a.m.at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St.$10/sitting fee will benefit theFriends of Beatley Library. Portraitsession will take place in a climatecontrolled studio. 703-746-1702.
Art and Craft Fair. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. atSt. James’ Episcopal Church of MountVernon, 5614 Old Mill Road. Localartists will sell a variety ofhandcrafted items including musicalinstruments, jewelry, paintings andmore. Lunch and baked goods will besold.
Wag A Tale. 10:30-11:30 a.m. atKingstowne Library, 6500Landsdowne Centre. Children ages 5-12 can register to read aloud to areading therapy dog. Registrationrequired, 703-339-4610.
Preschool Story Time. 10:30 a.m. atSherwood Library, 2501 SherwoodHall Lane. Children ages 3-5 canenjoy stories, songs and fingerplays.Free. Registration required, 703-765-3645.
Carlyle House Fashion Show. 10:30
a.m.-noon at Carlyle House HistoricPark, 121 N. Fairfax St. A living-history interpreter will describe thevarious styles and types of clothing ofthe 18th and 19th centuries as theycome down the runway. Enjoy a tourof the house after the show. $10/adult; $5/child age 5-12.Reservations recommended. Visitwww.carlylehouse.org or 703-549-2297.
Opening Day Ceremony. 1 p.m. atKelley Cares Miracle Field at LeeCenter, 1108 Jefferson St. Theceremony will honor the MiracleBaseball League players andvolunteers. Registration is open forchildren and adults who want to playa less intense game and want to learnnew skills and have fun. Visitwww.miracleleagueofalexandria.comor 703-746-5402.
Theater Performance. 2 p.m. at OldeTowne Theatre, 815 King St. See aperformance of “The Big Meow,”adapted from the book by ElizabethSpires. $10-$20/person. Visitwww.oldtowntheater1914.com or703-544-5315.
Sketching Skills Series. 2-3:30 p.m.at Huntley Meadows Park, 3701Lockheed Blvd. Participants age 15and older can learn how to addsketches to their nature journal. $6/person. Register online awww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes and search for keywordSketches.
Theater Performance. 2 p.m. and 8p.m. at Port City Playhouse, 1819 N.Quaker Lane. See “The Children’sHour” by Lillian Hellman. Visitwww.portcityplayhouse.org/ fortickets.
Princess Story Time Tea. 2-4 p.m. atThe Grill at Morrison House, 116 S.Alfred St. Children can play dress upand enjoy an activity. Children canenjoy a pot of hot chocolate,sandwiches and more. There is anadult menu available, which includesscones, tea, smoked salmon andmore. Reservations are required. $38for adults and $28 for children. Tobook, guests can call 703-838-8000or [email protected].
Civil War 150th AnniversaryConcert. 3 p.m. at Fort Ward Park,4301 W. Braddock Road. There willbe music by Federal City Brass Band,who will perform in period dress andplay instruments of the period. Free.703-746-4848.
Celebrate the GrovetonCommunity. 4-6 p.m. at HistoricHuntley, 6918 Harrison Lane. Meetneighbors, share memories and meetCharlotte Brown, author of“Groveton.” Free. Visitwww.historichuntley.org or 703-768-2525.
Music Performance. 7 p.m. atEmpire, 6355 Rolling Road. FuseBox, an Alexandria band willperform. All ages. $10/advance; $15/door. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/217029268462845/ for more.
SATURDAY-SUNDAY/SEPT. 21-22Concert. 7:30 p.m. at the Birchmere
Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave.Richard Thompson performs. $39.50.Call 703-549-7500 or visitwww.birchmere.com.
SUNDAY/SEPT. 22Beatley Open House. All day at
Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Enjoymusic, face painting, book swaps andmore. Free. 703-746-1702.
American Doll Tea. 11 a.m. or 3 p.m.at Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St.Bring doll and enjoy a tour of themuseum and then food and tea. Forthe young and the young at heart.$15/person. Reservations required,703-549-2997.
See Calendar, Page 24
Entertainment
Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ September 19-25, 2013 ❖ 23www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
RESTON TOWN CENTER | SEPTEMBER 29 | 6:00 PM
Special Thanks to
Entertainment
“The Children’sHour” at Port CityPlayhouse.
Mean Girls
By Jeanne Theismann
The Gazette
In 1809, a girls’ boarding school openedin Edinburgh, Scotland, closing a fewmonths later amid rumors involving
two of its teachers. The decades-long law-suit that followed was the inspiration forplaywright Lillian Hellman, who more thana century later penned the critically ac-claimed “The Children’s Hour,” now play-ing at Port City Playhouse.
Making its Broadway debut in 1934,Hellman’s play takes place in then presentday Massachusetts, where two women,Karen Wright and Martha Dobie, run aboarding school for girls. Their lives areshattered and the school shuttered when atroublesome student, Mary Tilford, starts arumor about the headmistresses as a wayto avoid being disciplined.
Michelle McBeth as Karen and ChelseyMagli as Martha anchor a cast filled withsome of the finest young high school thes-pians in the region. With a riveting emo-
tional intensity, the two skillfully navigatea script that highlights the extreme ho-mophobia that was rampant in the early 20th
century.As Karen, McBeth is the more thoughtful
of the two, with a poignant tenderness di-rected toward Martha and Joe, her fiancé.Magli is the determined but conflictedMartha, who ultimately confronts her ownfeelings for Karen with a bittersweet for-bidden confession of love. Together, theyare superb in their performance as friendsfacing unfounded and unrepentant harass-
ment.Carole Steele as Mrs. Amelia Tilford,
Mary’s grandmother; Robin Ann Carter asMrs. Lily Mortar, Martha’s aunt; and RicAndersen as Karen’s fiancé Joe round outthe capable and commanding adult cast.
But it’s the students that take center stagein this production, led by Hayfield HighSchool junior Katelyn Wattendorf as thevillainous Mary. Wattendorf is brilliant inher portrayal of the young student who willstop at nothing in her quest to manipulateeveryone around her, including blackmail-
ing fellow classmate Rosalie, played byJenni Patton.
Other area students appearing onstageinclude Burgundy Farm Country Day Schooleighth grader Cassie Cope as Helen,Robinson Secondary School freshman CateDavis as Catherine, West Potomac HighSchool freshman Paige Edwards as Leslie,Robert E. Lee High School sophomore EllieMilewski as Evelyn, Washington-Lee juniorBrandi Moore as Lois, West Potomac seniorCynthia Mullins as Peggy, and T.C. Williams’Morgan Vaughn as Janet.
“This is an incredibly talented group ofhigh schoolers,” said director MarkMcCarver. “They absorb so much and haveso much energy. And they are happy to cometo work each day. They really are great towork with.”
With producer Carol Strachan at his side,McCarver has assembled an award-winningtechnical crew, including costume design byKit Sibley and Jean Schlichting, sets byRaedum de Alba, lighting by Nancy Owensand sound by David Correia.
Superlatives are not enough: anyone for-tunate enough to see the spellbinding PortCity Playhouse production of “TheChildren’s Hour” will not easily forget thehaunting performances of such a stellarcast.
“The Children’s Hour” plays through Sept.28 at Port City Playhouse, 1819 N. QuakerLane, Alexandria. For tickets or more infor-mation, visit www.PortCityPlayhouse.org.
Classmates gather to confront Katelyn Wattendorf as Mary (center) inthe Port City Playhouse production of “The Children’s Hour.”
Pho
to
by M
ichael deBlo
is
24 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ September 19-25, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
The Best in Family Dining
An Alexandria community fixture for more than100 years, the Royal Restaurant offers the bestin Greek, Italian and American cuisine. Enjoyburgers, steaks, prime rib, chicken, seafood,pasta and full salad bar complete with specialchildren’s menu items.
Foodfit for a king
on a family budget
734 North Saint Asaph Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314703-548-1616 • www.theroyalrestaurant.com
Award-winning wine menu • Major credit cards accepted
Fairfax COUNTYChamber OF COMMERCE
Preventing and Ending
Fairfax-Falls Church Community Partnershipwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/homeless
3rd Annual Jeans Day:Putting the ZIP on Homelessness
Friday, October 18, 2013Help endhomelessnessin ourcommunity.Get involved!Register and allow youremployees or membersto wear jeans to workon Friday, October 18,in exchange for a $5employee contributionto the Fairfax-FallsChurch CommunityPartnership to Prevent& End Homelessness!
jeansday2013-eorg.eventbrite.com
From Page 22
Children Arts Workshop. 1-3 p.m. atThe Athaneum, 201 Prince St.Children age 6 and up can learnabout 3-D drawing. Free. Visitwww.nvfaa.org or 703-548-0035.
Sketching Skills Series. 2-3:30 p.m.at Huntley Meadows Park, 3701Lockheed Blvd. Children ages 9-13can learn how to add sketches totheir nature journal. $6/person.Register online atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes and search for keywordSketches.
Rhythms and Roots W. AfricanFestival. 2-5 p.m. at Mount VernonUnitarian Church, 1909 WindmillLane. Enjoy dancing, food, storiesand more. $15. 202-695-6651.
“Cherry Blossom” Party andCruise. 5-8 p.m. Hosted by OldTown Civic Association. Board atPotomac Riverboat Company Dockbehind the Torpedo Factory, 105 N.Union St. $30/member; $35/non-member, includes food and drink.Visit www.oldtowncivic.org or 703-489-4088.
Music Performance. 6:30 p.m. atIreland’s Own, 111 N. Pitt St. SeamusKennedy will perform. $15. 703-549-453.
MONDAY/SEPT. 23Banned Book Read-Out. 4:30 p.m. at
The Athaneum, 201 Prince St.Choose a passage from your favoritebanned book and read aloud. Free.Visit www.nvfaa.org or 703-548-0035.
Terrific Twos and Threes. 10:30a.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500Landsdowne Centre. Children ages 2-3 can enjoy stories, songs andfingerplays. Free. Registrationrequired, 703-339-4610.
Baby Lap Sits. 10:30 a.m. or 2:30p.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209Rose Hill Drive. Literacy programs forparents and babies. Ages birththrough 12 months. Registrationrequired. Call 703-971-0010.
TUESDAY/SEPT. 24Martha’s Mystery Book
Discussion. 7 p.m. at MarthaWashington Library, 6614 Fort HuntRoad. Adults can discuss “Of All SadWords” by Bill Crider. Free. 703-768-6700.
Author Event. 7 p.m. at SherwoodLibrary, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane.Meet author E. Ethelbert Miller. Free.703-765-3645.
Music Performance. 7:30 p.m. at TheBirchmere Music Hall, 3701 MountVernon Ave. Alejandro Escovedoperforms. Visit www.birchmere.comor call 703-549-7500 for tickets.
Theater Performance. 8 p.m. at PortCity Playhouse, 1819 N. QuakerLane. See “The Children’s Hour” byLillian Hellman. Visitwww.portcityplayhouse.org/ fortickets.
DJ Swing Dance. 9-10:30 p.m. atCarlyle Club, 411 John Carlyle St.Free. Visit www.gottaswing.com.
WEDNESDAY/SEPT. 25Toddler Time. 10:30 a.m. at John
Marshall Library, 6209 Rose HillDrive. Stories and activities forchildren ages 13-23 months.Registration required. Call 703-971-0010.
Concert. 7:30 p.m. at the BirchmereMusic Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave.Aoife O’Donovan opens for SarahJarosz. $20. Visitwww.birchmere.com or call 703-549-7500.
DJ Swing Dance. 9-11 p.m. at Nick’sNightclub, 642 S. Pickett St. $6. Visitwww.gottaswing.com
THURSDAY/SEPT. 26Yoga. Enjoy free outdoor yoga classes at
1900 Mt. Vernon Ave., from 6-7 p.m.Taught by Maureen Clyne of PrasadaYoga, Harvest Moon Yoga classes aresuitable for all levels. ContactMaureen at [email protected] 703-967-8884.
Music Performance. Tower of Powerplays at the Birchmere, 3701 MountVernon Ave. Visitwww.birchmere.com or call 703-549-7500.
Evening Storytime. 7 p.m. atSherwood Library, 2501 SherwoodHall Lane. Children of all ages canwear pajamas and enjoy stories andactivities about bedtime. Free.Registration required, 703-765-3645.
Martha’s Family Movie. 7 p.m. atMartha Washington Library, 6614Fort Hunt Road. All ages can watch afilm based on a children’s classicbook. Free. Registration required.703-768-6700.
FRIDAY/SEPT. 27Event. 7:30 p.m. at the Birchmere,
3701 Mount Vernon Ave. See “TheOfficial Blues Brothers Revue.” $35.Visit www.birchmere.com for tickets.
Theater Performance. 8 p.m. at PortCity Playhouse, 1819 N. QuakerLane. See “The Children’s Hour” byLillian Hellman. Visitwww.portcityplayhouse.org/ fortickets.
Costume Symposium. At Gadsby’sTavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St.This year’s symposium, “The Road toRegency Fashion,” will explore theevolution of clothing from 1770 to1820, culminating in a ball. Enjoylectures, workshops, and vendorsthrough two days of costumescholarship. Visit http://alexandriava.gov/GadsbysTavern todownload the brochure and toregister.
SATURDAY/SEPT. 28Native Plant Sale in Parkfairfax. 9
a.m.-2 p.m. Largest native plant salein DC Metro Area hosts 15 vendorsfrom four states selling nativeperennials, shrubs, and trees for sunor shade in historic Parkfairfax, 3601Valley Drive parking lot. 571-232-0375 orwww.ParkfairfaxNativePlantSale.org.
Historic Alexandria Homes Tour.10 a.m.-3 p.m. throughout Old Town.Browse homes and gardens. Proceedsbenefit the Inova Alexandria TWIGSurgical Center. Admission is to bedetermined.Visitwww.visitalexandriava.com/events/Historic-Alexandria-Homes-Tour/4930/ or 703-703-5337.
Wag A Tale. 10:30-11:30 a.m. atKingstowne Library, 6500Landsdowne Centre. Children ages 5-12 can register to read aloud toChester, a reading therapy dog.Registration required, 703-339-4610.
No Sand in the House. 10:30 a.m. atJohn Marshall Library, 6209 RoseHill Drive. Children ages 4-8 canenjoy stories and activities withauthor Jennifer L. Crawford. Free.703-971-0010.
Theater Performance. 2 p.m. and 8p.m. at Port City Playhouse, 1819 N.Quaker Lane. See “The Children’sHour” by Lillian Hellman. Visitwww.portcityplayhouse.org/ fortickets.
Live Music. 7:30 p.m. at the BirchmereMusic Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave.See The Wailin’ Jennys perform.$39.50. Visitwww.thewailinjennys.com/.
Re-Enactment of Rose Hill Raid.11 a.m. at Rose Hill ElementarySchool, 6301 Rose Hill Drive. SeeConfederate raider Major JohnSingleton capture Colonel DanielDulany, an aide to the Unionappointed governor of the Restored
State of Virginia. Listen as passageswill be recited, see the Signal Corpsuse flags to communicate withdistant units, browse artifacts andinformation provided. Refreshmentswill be for sale, along with otheritems. After the event, re-enactorswill be available to answer questions,pose for photos. 703-309-2182.
Ideas and Inspiration. 3-5 p.m. atBroadway Gallery, 5641 B GeneralWashington Drive. Vickie Williamsonwill discuss the signs, symptoms andremedies for “Model HomeSyndrome.” She will also showcasedesigner fabrics. RSVP [email protected] 703-354-2905.
Costume Symposium. At Gadsby’sTavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St.This year’s symposium, “The Road toRegency Fashion,” will explore theevolution of clothing from 1770 to1820, culminating in a ball. Enjoylectures, workshops, and vendorsthrough two days of costumescholarship. Visit http://alexandriava.gov/GadsbysTavern todownload the brochure and toregister.
SUNDAY/SEPT. 29Art Talk. Kreshnik “Nick” Xhiku will
discuss his work at 2 p.m. at The ArtLeague Gallery in the TorpedoGallery, 105 N. Union St. His exhibit“Structural Elements” explores thebounds between figurative andabstract sculpture. Visitwww.theartleague.org or 703-683-1780.
Fort Hunt Park Community Day. 1-5 p.m. at the park on GW MemorialParkway. Celebrate the park’scontribution to the community withvolunteer clean-up activities, a parkwalk, music by the Mount VernonDixieland Band, special guests andmore. Free. 703-360-1265.
Music Performance. 3 p.m. at Mt.Vernon Nursing & Rehab Center,8111 Tiswell Drive. The AlexandriaHarmonizers will perform. Free.
Nativity Preview Party. 6:30-8:30p.m. at Ten Thousand Villages, 915King St. Enjoy a sneak peek of thenew nativities and buy one beforethey are taken off the shelves untilthe end of October. Visit www.alexandria.tenthousandvillages.comor 703-684-1435.
MONDAY/SEPT. 30Rainbow Readers. 10:30 a.m. at
Kingstowne Library, 6500Landsdowne Centre. Children ages 3-5 can enjoy stories and songs. Free.Reservations required, 703-339-4610.
Rock, Paper, Cocktails Fundraiser.6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Hotel Monacoin Old Town, 480 King St. Shoppingbenefit supports the Foundation forWomen’s Cancer’s National Race toEnd Women’s Cancer. The eventincludes a raffle and small auctionwith items from Alexandria boutiquesand salons. Fifteen percent of allrevenues go to the Foundation forWomen’s Cancer. To attend theevent, visitwww.rockpapercocktails2013.eventbrite.com.To register for the race or donatevisit www.endwomenscancer.org.
Golf Tournament. The Dulles AirportInternational Rotary Club hosts 17th
Annual Opportunities Open GolfTournament in Leesburg at theRaspberry Falls Golf and Hunt Club.Since its inception, the annual eventhas raised over $500,000 for localcharities. This year the Dulles Rotaryhas chosen to support local disabilityresource nonprofit, ServiceSource, aswell as three other charitiesdedicated to helping make a positivedifference in the lives of people withdisabilities. For more informationcontact Teresa Guzik, 703-970-3642
Entertainment
Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ September 19-25, 2013 ❖ 25www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
SportsMount Vernon Gazette Sports Editor Jon Roetman
703-224-3015 or [email protected]
West PotomacFootball to FaceWoodson
The West Potomac football team willtravel to Woodson on Friday, Sept. 20 insearch of its first victory.
The Wolverines are off to an 0-2 start,losing to Centreville (51-7) and Fairfax (39-25). West Potomac had a bye last week andwill now face a 0-2 Woodson team that is
averaging just 5 points pergame.
According to stats from theWashington Post’sallmetsports.com, DeMornay
Pierson-El, who moved from running backto quarterback, leads the Wolverines with230 yards and four touchdowns on theground, and 196 yards and a score throughthe air. R. Marquis Saldona leads WestPotomac with 91 receiving yards and atouchdown.
Mount VernonFootballTo Host Robinson
The Mount Vernon football team earnedits first win of the season against Herndonon Sept. 6 and will be back in action onFriday, Sept. 20 for its home opener against
Robinson. Mount Vernon opened the sea-son with a 56-7 loss to South County onAug. 30 but bounced back to beat Herndon,19-17, the following week. The Majors willnow face a 1-1 Robinson team that lost toLake Braddock and beat Woodson. Kickoffis scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Mount VernonHigh School.
West Potomac FieldHockey to HostHayfield
The West Potomac field hockey team willhost Hayfield at 5:45 p.m. on Friday, Sept.20.
The Wolverines fell to 2-5 with a 1-0 lossto South Lakes on Sept. 17. West Potomacpicked up its second win of the season onSept. 11, beating Wakefield 6-0. The Wol-verines’ first win came against Yorktown (1-0) during the Herndon Invitational on Aug.31.
Bishop IretonHosts Episcopal
The Bishop Ireton football team will hostEpiscopal at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21.
Bishop Ireton is 2-1 after beating St.Stephen’s & St. Agnes 18-15 on Sept. 14.Episcopal won its season opener, 48-28,over Flint Hill on Sept. 13.
James Harkless and the West Potomac football team will travel to faceWoodson on Friday, Sept. 20.
Sports
Briefs
Pho
to
by R
ichard M
aple
Guests from around the world ar-rived at the Belle Haven CountryClub in the summer for the first
Sochi fundraising event for international icedancers Emme and Bruce Porter, Jr.
The gala kicked off at 4 p.m. with anacoustic set led by local country musicsinger Sara Gray.
There were ice skaters and diplomats,parents and students that came together forWashington, D.C. native, Emme Porter, andher husband Bruce Porter, Jr. After compet-ing internationally for Azerbaijan last yearthe two have their sites set on Sochi. To getthere they plan to train at an Olympic train-ing camp in Italy in the weeks leading upto the Olympic qualifying event. To skate
at this level requires the support of the com-munity and the skaters have built a networkof friends, clients, and family.
“We believe, that with the support of ourfamily and friends, hard work and dedica-tion, we can achieve our goal of skating inthe Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia thisFebruary,” said Bruce Porter, Jr.
“For me, it was an emotional day seeingthe support of so many who came out toencourage us and believe in our skating,”said Emme Porter. “I always joke that theMount Vernon Recreation Center is thebuilding that raised me. I am a native Wash-ingtonian and grew up skating at MountVernon in their county-run, group lesson,learn-to-skate program.”
Skaters Build Network of Support for Olympic DreamAmbassador of
Azerbaijan to theU.S. Elin Suleymanovand his wife Lala join
international icedancers Emme andBruce Porter Jr. at
the Belle HavenCountry Club for the
first Sochifundraising event forthe international ice
dancers.
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Mount Vernon Athletic Club’s Blue ChipSports Management will now run the ten-nis programs at Burke Racquet and SwimClub through its Blue Chip Tennis Academy.
This expansion exemplifies parent com-pany Van Metre Companies’ desire to con-tinually innovate while providing best-in-class products and services.
Blue Chip Tennis Academy director andtwo-time USTA Teaching Professional of theYear Tim Bainton is a USTA High Perfor-mance coach, director of a USTA Competi-tion Training Center, Regional Trainingcoach for the USTA, as well as a USPTA P1
and USPTR Professional. Bainton has beenzonal, intersectional, national and NikeJunior Tour coach for the Mid-Atlantic andalso coached with the USTA HPCE at theDavis Cup and the US Open. He joins forceswith Burke Site Director Spencer Kooshian,former ATP ranked tour professional in bothsingles and doubles, and USPTA P1 rated.Spencer, a former national grass courtchampion, was the 2010 and 2011 Mid-At-lantic hard court singles champion. He hasbeen a director or head tennis pro for over23 years.
Blue Chip Tennis Academy now manages
over 14 locations in Northern Virginia.Both the Mount Vernon and Burke loca-
tions have private and group lessons, clin-ics for all levels and ages, as well as the TopPerformance juniors program. [email protected] or 703-272-2712.
The Mount Vernon Athletic Club, at 7950Audubon Ave., has been a community fix-ture for more than 40 years. Providing ten-nis programs through Blue Chip TennisAcademy, the facility is also a health cluboffering a full fitness facility, exerciseclasses, expert personal training and anonsite Wellness Spa. Visit www.mtvac.net.
Club’s Tennis Academy To Manage Burke Racquet Tennis Programs
Tim Bainton and Spencer Kooshian
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The gala attended by the Ambassador ofAzerbaijan to the United States ElinSuleymanov, his wife Lala, and his mother
and daughter. Syleymanov extended hissupport offering words of encouragementto the Azerbaijan ice dance team.
26 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ September 19-25, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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By Marilyn Campbell
The Gazette
If you walk into Art at the Center inMount Vernon on a Tuesday morning,you might find a group of preschoolstudents and their parents or caretak-
ers squishing potting clay with their fingers.In the same room, several other tots couldbe brushing an array of paint colors acrossart paper, making a mess but having fun.The children are part of the Center’s Art Ex-plorers class, designed for children rangingfrom 18 months to 5 years old.
“Parents say it is their happy place wherethey can explore with their child withoutworrying about a mess,” said Kathryn HornConeway, director of Art at the Center. “Itbrings both parent and child into the presentmoment.”
In addition to having fun, art educatorssay that art can help children develop amyriad of skills and abilities that range fromself-expression to self-confidence.
“Creating art can help them work throughtheir emotions,” said Gioia Chilton, an arttherapist who teaches art at MarymountUniversity in Arlington. “It gives them aplace where they can be confident, andwhere they can feel powerful and in con-
trol over something.”Creating art teaches patience, said
Coneway. “When children are working withclay, for example, there is little instant grati-fication. You make a piece, it has to be firedand then glazed. It is a process. But at theend, they can tell the story of how theymade it.”
Chris Haggerty, a professor of fine andapplied arts at Marymount University, says
research shows that art develops the rightside of the brain, which affects perceptionrather than logic. “Creating art teachesproblem-solving skills,” she said. “They getto try things out, see if they work, changetheir minds and start over.”
Coneway, who is also an art therapist, saidshe has seen first-hand how art can helpchildren share feelings that are difficult toverbalize. “Making things is a wonderful
way for kids to connect ideas, express emo-tions and share what is going on with them,”she said. “Additionally, art is noncompeti-tive. Children progress at their own rate.”
Art also helps establish a sense of com-munity, she added. “Sometimes connectionshappen when children share their art,” shesaid. “It is neat when kids ask questions ofeach other. The sharing of what they makeis as important as what they make.”
Carolyn Webber, an art teacher at St.Andrew’s Episcopal School in Potomac, Md.,said, “Art is a universal language. Art edu-cation enables students to make creativeconnections with art and the world aroundthem. [It] provides life-long learning in ar-eas of visual arts, art history, interdiscipli-nary connections, multiculturalism and jobopportunities.”
Haggerty said, “The most successfulpeople are creative thinkers, people whodon’t just think linearly, but who think out-side of the box.”
Coneway hopes that both her classes andothers establish a life-long appreciation forart. “One of the things that I hope is hap-pening is that parents and children are leav-ing my classes, going home and asking, ‘Canwe set up a corner our basement and havean art studio at home?’”
Art Matters Local experts say art classes help children develop new skills.
Creating art projects, such as these, which were made by students at Artat the Center in Mount Vernon helps strengthen artistic behaviors suchas observation, persistence and reflection.
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Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ September 19-25, 2013 ❖ 27www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
(1) DUE AT SIGNING INCLUDES DOWN PAYMENT (COROLLA: $2,199, CAMRY: $2,699, RAV4: $2,999), FIRST MONTH’S PAYMENT, $499 PROCESSING FEE AND NO SECURITY DEPOSIT. NOT ALL CUSTOMERS WILL QUALIFY. TAX, REGISTRATION ANDINSURANCES ARE EXTRA. CUSTOMER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR EXCESSIVE WEAR AND EXCESS MILEAGE CHARGES OF $0.15 PER MILE IN EXCESS OF AGREEMENT’S MILES (COROLLA/RAV4: 36,000 MILES; CAMRY: 24,000 MILES). OFFER AVAILABLE ONAPPROVED CREDIT TO QUALIFIED CUSTOMERS FROM TOYOTA FINANCIAL SERVICES. (2) 0% APR FINANCING AVAILABLE FOR UP TO 60 MONTHS ON SELECT MODELS. OFFERS FOR WELL-QUALIFIED BUYERS WITH APPROVED TIER1+ CREDIT THROUGH TFS.60 MONTHLY PAYMENTS OF $16.67 PER $1,000 BORROWED. (3) PURCHASERS CAN RECEIVE UP TO $2,750 CASH BACK FROM TOYOTA OR CAN APPLY CASH BACK TO DOWN PAYMENT. AMOUNT VARIES PER MODEL. (4) BASED ON BLACK BOOK TRADEVALUE MINUS EXCESS MILEAGE AND RECONDITIONING. (5) COVERS NORMAL FACTORY SCHEDULED SERVICE FOR 2 YEARS OR 25K MILES, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST. THE NEW VEHICLE CANNOT BE PART OF A RENTAL OR COMMERCIAL FLEET. SEEPARTICIPATING DEALER FOR COMPLETE PLAN DETAILS. VALID ONLY IN THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES AND ALASKA. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE DOES NOT INCLUDE PARTS AND FLUIDS. (6) COLLEGE GRAD AND MILITARY REBATE AVAILABLE ONTOYOTAS WITH APPROVED CREDIT THRU TFS. ELIGIBLE CUSTOMERS MUST BE IN ACTIVE DUTY STATUS IN U.S. MILITARY TO RECEIVE REBATE. (7) 2012 OR 2013 EPA-ESTIMATED MILEAGE. ACTUAL MILEAGE MAY VARY. (8) CUSTOMERS CAN RECEIVE A$500 INCENTIVE FROM TOYOTA UPON LEASING A NEW 2013 RAV4 AND TRADING IN A TOYOTA VEHICLE. (†) WHICHEVER COMES FIRST FROM DATE OF TCUV PURCHASE. (††) FROM DATE OF TCUV PURCHASE. (†††) 1.9% APR FINANCING ON ALL CPOVEHICLES FOR UP TO 60 MONTHS WITH APPROVED CREDIT ON SELECT MODELS THROUGH TFS. 60 MONTHLY PAYMENTS OF $17.05 PER $1,000 BORROWED. ONE INCENTIVE PER TRANSACTION. ALL OFFERS EXPIRE 9/30/13.
28 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ September 19-25, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
