Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 06-12, 2020 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Attention

Postmaster:

Time-sensitive

material.

Requested in home

2/7/20

PRSRT STD

U.S. Postage

PAID

Alexandria, VA

Permit #482

February 6, 2020Mount Vernon’s Hometown Newspaper • A Connection Newspaper

WellbeingPage, 13

By Mike Salmon

The Gazette

In the Mount Vernon District,there are a number of devel-opments on the planningboard that will improve the

district and make life a little bet-ter for the residents. Thoseprojects and a whole lot morewere featured at the MountVernon Town Meeting on February1 at Mount Vernon High School.

“The Mount Vernon district isrenowned for its scenic beauty,civic activism, hospitality, historyand diversity; and we are balanc-ing these assets with 21st centuryopportunities,” said SupervisorDan Storck (D-Mount Vernon).

This was Mount Vernon’s 33rd

annual town meeting and a goodopportunity for the residents ofMount Vernon to find out what’sgoing on. Greeting the visitors inthe lobby were six poster boardsof things that were in the works,with descriptions, schedules andprice tags for all to see. There is anew $11.9 million Woodlawn Fireand Rescue Station in the works,and it is scheduled to open in2024, read the one of the posters.Other district projects include thefuture South County Police Stationand animal shelter; the LortonVolunteer Fire Department Sta-tion; the Lorton Community Li-

brary redevelopment; and the oldMount Vernon High School rede-velopment. In addition, the UnitedStates Army’s National Museum isopening at Fort Belvoir on June 4,possibly attracting an estimated700,000 visitors a year, the Armysaid.

County ServicesThe cafeteria at Mount Vernon

was full of county service repre-sentatives handing out informa-tion and answering questions. TheFairfax County Sheriff’s office, theRichmond Highway Bus RapidTransit, Mount Vernon Lion’s Club,bicycle representatives, animalcontrol and others lined the room.Smoke detectors were on theagenda for the Fairfax County Fireand Rescue. “Last year we didthousands of alarm replacements,”said representatives Wyleng Liew.“We recommend monthly testing,”she said.

At the animal table, coyoteswere a topic of discussion, andanimal control expert KatherineEdwards knows about coyotes,who have been sighted in theNorthern Virginia area over thelast 10 years. People often confusecoyotes with foxes since they looksimilar. “We’re getting more andmore sightings, this time of theyear is mating season,” she said.

New District Amenities and Suffragist Re-EnactorsHighlight the Mount Vernon Town Hall Meeting

Mount Vernon Frye Road Improvements CompleteSeveral enhancements aimed at

improving driver and pedestriansafety are complete on Frye Roadjust north of Route 1 (RichmondHighway), according to the Vir-ginia Department of Transporta-tion.

The improvements, located be-tween Route 1 and Madge Lane,include rectangular rapid-flashingbeacons (RRFBs) with push but-

Enhancements include new rectangular rapid flashing beacons, high-visibility crosswalk.tons and audible indications forthe visually impaired. RRFBs pro-vide a strobe-like flashing to driv-ers after a pedestrian pushes thebutton before crossing.

The other improvements in-clude:

❖ A high-visibility crosswalk❖ Americans with Disabilities

Act (ADA)-compliant curb ramps

Signage along Frye Road.

Pho

to

by th

e Virgin

ia D

epartm

en

t o

f Tran

spo

rtatio

n

See Frye Road, Page 4

See Town Hall, Page 3

Lyn McKinney is the librarian at the LortonLibrary, and it is closing temporarily inApril for remodeling.

The new Army Museum is scheduled toopen June 4, 2020.

The Lorton Library is gettingready to close in mid-April forrenovations and will be closed for21 months, said Lyn McKinney thelibrarian. It is being remodeled

and expanded by 6,000 squarefeet.

In addition to the county facili-ties at the event, there were a fewpolitical tables as well. The Fairfax

Democrats set up right by the door,and promoted their candidate inseveral races, and Republican can-didate Mark Ellmore was set up a

Pho

to

s by M

ike Salm

on

/T

he G

azette

2 v Mount Vernon Gazette v February 6-12, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

McEnearney Associates has always had one motto in mind... not to be the biggest, but the best. This year marks our 40th year in Alexandria, and we are celebrating our investment in helping to build our town into the thriving community it is today. To learn more about our Associates and our firm, visit www.WeAreAlexandria.com

#WeAreAlexandria

Serving the Washington, DC Metro Area since 1980. 703.549.9292 | 109 S. Pitt Street | Alexandria, VA 22314 | McEnearney.com

Alexandria City | $675,000Renovated 3-level, 3-bedroom, 2-bath Cape Cod. Features main level with eat-in kitchen and gorgeous hardwood floors. Finished walkout lower level with family room, full bath and bonus room. Large fenced yard. 3025 King StreetWendy Santanonio 703.625.8802 www.WendySantantonio.com

OPEN SUN 2/9, 2-4

Old Town $1,195,000Sleek contemporary 2-bedroom, Den, 2-bath Bottling House condo offers an open floor plan with light filled rooms, hardwood floors, high ceilings, and balcony. Stylish chef’s kitchen with Quartz countertops, waterfall edge island, and Bosch appliances.

Babs Beckwith 703.627.5421www.BabsBeckwith.com

Braddock Heights | $800,000This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home offers original charm with updates! Kitchen updated with honey cabinets and granite. Upstairs bath completely redone, glass wall shower. Pergola and wisteria over brick patio. 2608 Davis AvenueLaurel Conger 703.577.6899 www.LaurelConger.com

OPEN SAT 2/8 & SUN 2/9, 2-4

Rosemont Park | $1,450,000Prominent Alexandria artist designed and renovated this sweet house. Sun-splashed kitchen with vaulted ceilings and breakfast area, 5 bedrooms and 4 baths. Expansive private garden, hardscape patio and cool shed/studio. www.HayesWoodHomes.comGordon Wood 703.447.6138 Chris Hayes 703.944.7737

Alexandria City $449,9002-bedroom, 1-bath condo in sought after Old Town. Open, bright floor plan with wood burning fireplace and built-ins in the living room and dining room. Private entrance from street. Assigned parking - walk to shops, dining and entertainment. 1415 Oronoco Street

Jen Walker 703.675.1566www.JenWalker.com

OPEN SAT 2/8 & SUN 2/9, 2-4

Rosemont | $1,325,000Gracious Rosemont home featuring 7 bedrooms and 4 full baths in an ideal location. Just a few blocks to King Street or Braddock Metro stops. Spacious private rear yard professionally landscaped. Fully finished basement with full kitchen, and outside entrance.Sarah King 703.864.5050 www.SarahEKing.com

Monticello Park | $1,585,000This 5-bedroom, 4-bath home is beautiful from top to bottom with custom finishes, built-ins and trimwork. Open and airy floor plan with large bedrooms, gorgeous hardwood floors, gas fireplace, screened in porch. 303 Monticello Boulevard.Jen Walker 703.675.1566www.JenWalker.com

OPEN SAT 2/8 & SUN 2/9, 2-4

Old Town$2,195,000Located in the desirable Southeast Quadrant of Old Town, this property makes large scale entertaining a breeze. The oversized two car garage and private elevator to all four levels of this home provide convenience and comfort not commonly found in Old Town.

Sissy Zimmerman 703.989.9779 www.BBZGroup.com

Fort Hunt | $710,000The practical layout, location and luxury finishes make this 5-bedroom stunner a home run. Everything in this home sparkles and shines. The main level expands with an amazing three season porch and trex deck. Sandy McMaster 571.259.2673 www.McMasterRealEstate.com

Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 06-12, 2020 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

By Michael Lee Pope

The Gazette

The statue of Harry Byrdstands in a prominentspot in Capitol Square,watching lawmakers as

they scurry from their offices tocommittee meetings and closed-door caucus meetings. It waserected in 1976, a time whenmemories of the segregationistgovernor and U.S. senator werestill fresh among the Democraticmajority. Now times havechanged, and many people wouldlike to see it removed and tuckedaway in a museum with a noteexplaining his plan to close publicschools rather than integratethem.

Enter Wendell Walker. That’s thefreshman Republican delegatefrom Lynchburg, a Republican op-erative turned elected official. Afew days before the General As-sembly session began, he intro-duced House Bill 1305, a bill todirect the Department of GeneralServices to remove the statue ofByrd from Capitol Square. Walkersays he had no intention of actu-ally supporting the bill or evenremoving the statue. It was, essen-tially, an effort to troll Gov. RalphNortham.

“When the governor came outand was talking about removingsome of the historic statues around

here — referencing to Robert E.Lee — that was just unacceptableto me,” said Walker in an inter-view. “I wanted to get the gover-nor to come around and say weare not removing any statues.”

The effort failed spectacularly.Northam did not back down, anda spokeswoman for the governorconfirmed that he still supports abill to remove the Lee statue fromthe U.S. Capitol and another billthat would give local governmentsthe ability to remove Confederatestatues. Those bills are still work-ing their way through the commit-tee process. Meanwhile, Walkerhas decided to withdraw his bill.But only if the Democrats let him.During a contentious Rules Com-mittee meeting last week, Major-ity Leader Charniele Herringpulled Walker’s bill out of a blockof bills lawmakers wanted tostrike.

“I would like to hear from thedelegate about why he wants tostrike the bill,” explained Herring.

“We’ve had several people strikebills, and I don’t think, candidlythis session, I haven’t heard any-one ask someone why they werestriking their bill,” protestedformer Republican Speaker KirkCox, now a member of the minor-ity leadership team. “I’m a littledisturbed by the inconsistency ofthat.”

When Republicans were inpower, they would frequentlybring bills to the floor to kill themin public — making a public spec-tacle of their opposition andmaybe even scoring a fewsoundbites in the process. Lastyear, for example, Republicansmade sure a bill by Del. Lee Carter(D-50) to overturn Virginia’s anti-

labor “right-to-work” law was de-bated on the floor. Even thoughthe bill had zero Republican sup-port, they worked the system tomake sure it got to the floor sothey could orchestrate an election-year spectacle.

It was a strategy that ultimatelyfailed because Carter was re-elected, and Republicans lost themajority.

“When it comes to the HarryByrd statue,” says Carter, whenasked about Walker’s bill. “Hell, ripthat one out too.”

Walker may have wanted to trollthe governor but he ended upsparking a debate about the legacyof Harry Byrd and the politics ofstatues. The freshman delegatefrom Lynchburg doesn’t support

cal machine that ran Virginia poli-tics for half a century. Born into ablue-blood family that traced itshistory back to colonial days, Byrdmade a name for himself as a statesenator opposing an effort to takeon debt to improve Virginia’sroads. By the time he campaignedfor governor in 1925, he was push-ing a program called “pay as yougo.”

“That approach has endured,”says Frank Shafroth, director ofthe Center for State and LocalLeadership at George Mason Uni-versity. “Virginia excels in its bondrating and has held its AAA bondrating since 1938, longer than anyother state.”

Byrd may have made a name forhimself with “pay as you go.” Buthis legacy will forever be tarnishedby another line on his resume, theone that declares “massive resis-tance.”

That was the name of his 1956plan to resist integration by clos-ing public schools. Like WendellWalker’s bill, it was a spectacularfailure. Virginia’s schools inte-grated, and now Byrd is remem-bered as a racist U.S. senator whoran a political machine that em-braced the Lost Cause of segrega-tion.

“The Democratic majorities thatHarry Byrd built long ago are nomore, as almost none of the Demo-cratic lawmakers in the currentmajorities represent the rural dis-tricts that powered the Byrd orga-nization,” says StephenFarnsworth, political science pro-fessor at the University of MaryWashington. “The days of Byrd’sghost hunting Virginia politics andof his statue gracing CapitolSquare are numbered.”

Ghost of Harry Byrd Haunts AssemblyEffort to removestatue promptssoul-searchingat the Capitol.

his bill, but a number of Democratssay they’d love a chance to vote infavor of it. One of those is Del.Mark Levine (D-45), who saysBryd was a racist and his statuteshould be removed from CapitolSquare.

“There are some Republicanswho think that Democrats love allDemocrats, no matter how racistor awful they are. They’re wrong,”said Levine, when asked about thestatue. “The Democratic Party to-day is nothing like the DemocraticParty of Harry Byrd. We have com-pletely changed, and I would ar-gue that the Republican Party isnothing like the party of AbrahamLincoln anymore.”

Harry Byrd was not just a Demo-crat. He was the head of a politi-

The legacy of Harry Byrd has become a flashpoint inRichmond this year as lawmakers debate removing hisstatue from Capitol Square.

Library o

f C

on

gress

From Page 1

Mount Vernon Town Hall Meetingfew tables down. He is a can-didate this spring against Rep-resentative Don Beyer (D-8th)in the 8th District with several“red” points on his platformlike securing the nation’s bor-ders, low taxes and secondamendment rights. “There’s novoice for moderation,” Ellmoresaid.

Holly Dougherty repre-sented the Mount Vernon-LeeChamber of Commerce andwas concentrating on activitiesin Richmond that could impactthe chamber. “A lot of anti-business legislation in the Gen-

eral Assembly,” she said.

ElectedOfficials Speak

In the auditorium, Storck wasjoined by suffragist re-enactorsand special guest speaker Con-gressman Gerry Connolly, whoopened this portion of the eventwith formal remarks. Connollywas followed by other local lead-ers, including new Board Chair-man Jeffrey C. McKay and newEDA President and CEO VictorHoskins, who spoke about theState of Mount Vernon, economic

revitalization of the RichmondHighway Corridor, updates on Dis-trict schools and community en-gagement at Fort Belvoir.

Storck declared 2020 the Year ofthe Woman and recognizedVirginia’s appointment of the firstfemale leader of the House of Del-egates and the passage of the ERA,as well as the recent opening of theLucy Burns Museum and the open-ing of the Turning Point SuffragistMemorial in August. “It is an honorand a privilege to be your MountVernon District Supervisor,” Storcksaid. “Together we have accom-plished much, and I know we willaccomplish far more in the future.” Mark Ellmore is running for congress in the 8th District.

Pho

to

by M

ike Salm

on

/T

he G

azette

4 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 06-12, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

lostdogandcatrescue.org

lost (adj): 1. unable to findthe way. 2. not appreciatedor understood. 3. no longer

owned or known

AdoptDonate

VolunteerVolunteers needed for

adoption events,fostering,

transportation,adoption center

caretaking and more.

Mount Vernon Frye RoadImprovements Complete

News

From Page 1

❖ Pedestrian warning and otherroad signage

❖ Pavement markings❖ Concrete medianFrye Road averages 5,400 ve-

hicles a day in the area of the im-provements.

Frye Road pavement markings.A high-visibility crosswalk is part of theproject.

A curb ramp thatis ADA-compliant.

Photos by the Virginia

Department of Transportation

Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 06-12, 2020 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Alex/Mt. Zephyr $489,9008541 Mt. Zephyr Dr.

Great price for this lovely two level solid all-brick home with garage on 1/3 acre in Mt. Vernon community. 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths. Renovated eat-in kitchen, spacious and open, with sliding glass doors to private backyard. Charming front living

room with ample windows, and wood burning fireplace with white, colonial style mantel. Spacious lower level has finished family room w/ 2nd fireplace and a bonus workroom. Conveniently located near Ft. Belvoir (10 mins), GW Parkway and Potomac River, Old Town Alexandria, Pentagon, and D.C.

Alex/Pembrook Village $220,0004395 Pembrook Village Drive

Feast your eyes on this beautifully remodeled 3BR, 2BA Condo–Kitchen has granite counters, ceramic tile floors, SS appliances, all open to a large living rm, w/wood burning FPL,& a balcony overlooking the community. HDWD floors on main & upper level–Updated BAs w/ceramic tile & granite counters–1 bath on each level-cozy sitting/TV room between MBR & 2nd BR–-3rd BR & 2nd BA conveniently on the main level–Reserved

parking–5 minutes to Ft. Belvoir & 15 mins to Old Town–25 minutes to Ntl Airport – Great Location & Value.

Thinking of Buying or Selling your home in 2020!!Give Rex Reiley a call – 703-409-4784

Mt. Vernon/Wessynton $764,9003102 Cunningham Drive

Gorgeous, newly renovated 4 Bedroom, 3 BA contem-porary home in sought after waterfront community of Wessynton, 1 car garage, new deck, .34 acre lot. Large, spectacular new kitchen w/all the bells & whistles. Beautiful new bathrooms. Separate dining room. Living room w/fireplace. Large picture windows on back wall

overlook private wooded setting. Family Room w/nice wood paneled ceiling. Wessynton amen-ities include tennis courts, swimming pool, walking paths, & boat ramp on Little Hunting Creek which flows to the Potomac River. Located just a half mile from Mount Vernon Estate & the GW Parkway, it is a mere 10 minutes to Ft. Belvoir, 20 mins to Old Town, & 30 mins to D.C.

Alex/Riverside Estates $2,8008506 Wagon Wheel Road

Beautifully remodeled 4BR, 3BA Split – Kitchen w/granite, SS & ceramic tile floor opens to the living & dining rooms– hardwood floors on main level, 6 panel doors – replacement double pane windows-lower level w/large family

room & wood burning fireplace w/large 3rd & 4th bedrooms & 3rd full bath- walkout to large fenced bkyd – deck overlooks bkyd- Carport w/large storage shed--Close to Ft. Belvoir- Walk to elementary, high school & Mt. Vernon Estate – Great commute along GW Pkwy to Old Town, - Owner is Realtor.

Alex/Engleside $1,300,0008734 Lukens Lane

4.128 acres zones R-2 for sale. There are 2 lots: 4/0 acres w/house (Tax Map 1101 01 0043) and .128 acre vacant land (1101 01 0043A). House on Property sold “AS IS” and NO ACCESS given or allowed. Land Value only. Water, sewer, gas, electricity available. This

land is adjacent to the houses on Halley Farm Ct. which were built in the 2010-2011 time frame.

UNDER

CONTR

ACT

OPEN

SUNDAY

1-4

FOR R

ENT

Alex/ Randall Estates $659,9002215 Shiver Dr.

Charming 2 level Rambler w/finished, walkout lower level, backing to a huge yard that reaches out to a rustic, lovely creek & woodland oasis. Nature is at your doorstep! Main level living w/3 bedrooms, 2 updated baths, stunning hdwd floors, 6 panel doors &

custom wood blinds compliment the living & dining rooms. An updated kitchen w/granite & SS appliances. Stand at your kitchen sink & soak in the beauty of your views of the bkyd, creek and woods. Downstairs offers a huge family rm, 3rd full bath, a den, huge storage & workshop area. Plenty of room for a 4th bedroom if needed. Minutes to Old town, Alexandria along the scenic GW Pkwy, 15 minutes south to Ft. Belvoir. You won’t find a quality home like this – It’s a bargain!

SOLD

Opinion

Del. Paul Krizek

We are beginningyet anotherbusy week

down in Richmond. Lastweek was filled with amarathon of bill presenta-tions in subcommittees andcommittees, some lastinglong into the night to getthrough large dockets oflegislation. A lot of important work was accom-plished, including the passage of several landmarklabor, gun safety, and long-awaited equality bills inthe House. It starts all over again this week as weprepare for “crossover” on February 11th. That is theday when every bill originating in the House mustmake its way over to the Senate, and vice-versa.

Here is an update on my bills heard for the firsttime before subcommittees this week:

HB 333 seeks to eliminate the exclusion in the Vir-ginia Minimum Wage Act “for persons whose earn-ing capacity is impaired by physical deficiency, men-tal illness, or intellectual disability.” This languagein the code is discriminatory.

No one should be paid subminimum wages. A bigthank you to my constituent, Larysa Kautz, for herimportant advocacy on this issue, and for travelingto Richmond and waiting late into the night to tes-tify in favor of this bill. Her testimony was critical toits passage in a unanimous subcommittee vote andthen through the full committee of Labor and Com-merce on a vote of 21-1. It goes to the House floorlater this week.

An important bill for many of us in the 44th dis-trict is HB 334 which provides that if the termina-tion of a rental agreement is due to the sale of amobile home park to a buyer that is going to rede-velop the park, the landlord shall provide to eachmobile home owner in the park $3,500 in relocationexpenses (in our planning district 8) within the 180-day notice period for the purpose of removing themobile home from the park. This bill was reportedout of the Housing/Consumer Protection subcom-mittee 7-0.

HB 500 directs the Department of Elections to pro-vide lists of registered voters to the courts of theCommonwealth and the United States for jury selec-tion purposes at no charge. Currently, the Depart-ment charges a fee to provide this information tothe Clerks. Calling people for jury duty is an essen-tial function of the Clerk’s office, and it makes sensefor the state to provide this list free of charge. Thisbill reported out of the full Privileges and ElectionsCommittee unanimously and is headed to the Housefloor.

HB 501 makes a small edit, and yet it makes a bigdifference. It essentially corrects a punctuation er-ror in a bill passed last year which added a numberof participants, or their designee, to required annualreviews of written school safety plans, but not forschool boards. My bill would simply extend the abil-ity to name a designee to school boards too. It willbe on second reading on the House floor on Mon-day.

HB 1044, 1047, and 1048 are bills that I intro-duced in the Courts of Justice Committee. HB 1044addresses a problem I have written about before with

the unauthorized use of tracking devices. This billwill raise the penalty from a Class 3 to a Class 1misdemeanor to install, place, or use an electronictracking device through intentionally deceptivemeans and without consent.

Victims of domestic violence are often tracked bytheir abusers. The current punishment for such anoffense is up to a $500 fine and no jail time, which ison par with the offense of unintentional propertydamage.

Making it a Class 1 misdemeanor elevates unau-thorized tracking to the same level as stalking, forexample. HB 1047 and 1048 will give police thepower to take fingerprints and photographs of per-sons who plead guilty or are found guilty for drivingwhile intoxicated, or persons found in contempt orin violation of the terms or conditions of a suspendedsentence or probation for a felony offense, respec-tively. All three of these important bills that keepVirginians safer reported from subcommittee and theCourts committee unanimously.

My bill HB 1046, which prohibits food vendorsfrom using single use polystyrene (styrofoam) con-tainers as a means to give customers food, was rolledinto Delegate Carr’s HB 533. Carr’s bill includes a 5-year phase-in period. Certain institutions, such ascorrectional facilities and public schools, will be ex-empt, and localities may also grant consecutive one-year exemptions to individual food vendors on thebasis of undue economic hardship. It is my hope thatthis bill will help to curb pollution and reduce theamount of styrofoam waste that ends up in the wa-terways of the Commonwealth, damaging the envi-ronment and wildlife.

I am happy to announce that the bill inspired bymy constituents in Stratford Landing , HB 173, waspassed through the House and will be heading tothe Senate side for consideration. This bill will pro-hibit the issuance of duck blind permits in areasaround Little Hunting Creek where hunting is notallowed.

Notable bills are finding passage much easier thisyear, including Delegate Jeion Ward’s HB 395, whichwould raise the state minimum wage to $9.00 perhour this July, passed through the Labor and Com-merce subcommittee.

Delegate Elizabeth Guzman’s bill HB 582 passedthrough the Labor and Commerce Committee, andthen I voted for it when it came before the Appro-priations Committee which I sit on.

I am proud to be a co-patron of this bill, as it pro-vides the right to collective bargaining for public em-ployees. I was especially pleased to see a favoriteteacher of mine, Mr. Robert Wood, from GrovetonHigh School, testify in support of this important leg-islation.

The new House Majority is also acting to makevoting easier with HB1’s no excuse absentee voting.It is past time to let Virginians vote early withouthaving to come up with an excuse.

And a lighter moment was had when Mike Rizzo,the General Manager of the Nationals, brought theWorld Series trophy to the Capitol when we passedHJ 165, commending the World Champion Wash-ington Nationals!

It is always a privilege to serve you in Richmond.Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office atany time at DelPKrizek@house.virginia.gov to shareyour thoughts, concerns, or legislative opinions.

Fourth Week Wrap-UpAnd Crossover

6 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 06-12, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

www.MountVernonGazette.com

@MtVernonGazette

An independent, locally owned weeklynewspaper delivered

to homes and businesses.Published by

Local Media Connection LLC

1606 King StreetAlexandria, Virginia 22314

Free digital edition delivered toyour email box. Go to

connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe

NEWS DEPARTMENT:gazette@connectionnewspapers.com

Jean CardProduction Editor

jcard@connectionnewspapers.com

Andrea WorkerContributing Writer

aworker@connectionnewspapers.com

Jeanne Theismannjtheismann@connectionnewspapers.com

@TheismannMedia

ADVERTISING:For advertising information

sales@connectionnewspapers.com703-778-9431

Debbie FunkDisplay Advertising/National Sales

703-778-9444debfunk@connectionnewspapers.com

Julie FerrillReal Estate, 703-927-1364

jferrill@connectionnewspapers.com

Helen WalutesDisplay Advertising, 703-778-9410

hwalutes@connectionnewspapers.com

David GriffinMarketing Assistant

703-778-9431dgriffin@connectionnewspapers.com

Classified & EmploymentAdvertising703-778-9431

PublisherJerry Vernon

703-549-0004jvernon@connectionnewspapers.com

Editor & PublisherMary Kimm

mkimm@connectionnewspapers.com@MaryKimm

Art/Design:Laurence Foong, John Heinly,

Ali KhalighProduction Manager:

Geovani Flores

CIRCULATIONCirculation Manager:

Ann Olivercirculation@connectionnewspapers.com

A Connection Newspaper

Opinion

To the Editor:In previous letters, I have talked

about the need to revise sectionsof the Virginia Code covering re-moval of elected officials for cause.Summarizing, until 2018, theselaws were construed based uponthe 1989 opinion of Virginia At-

torney General MarySue Terry to refrainfrom requiring voterssigning the petition for

removal to sign it under penaltyof perjury. Only the people whoprepared the petition and submit-ted it to a Court were required tosign under penalty of perjury toverify as true the facts allegedagainst the elected official.

In 2018, the Virginia SupremeCourt overturned the AttorneyGeneral opinion and required, go-ing forward, that all the voterssigning the petition (10 percent ofthe number of voters who votedfor the office in question duringthe most recent election) mustsign it under penalty of perjury.This change essentially madeelected officials invulnerable toremoval because it would be next

to impossible to obtain the signa-tures of enough voters if they wererequired to verify the allegationsin the petition where they did notpersonally conduct the investiga-tion.

Thus, a simple legislative fix isnecessary, merely amending theselaws to state that registered vot-ers signing the petition are notrequired to sign under penalty ofperjury.

I approached our local delegate,Paul Krizek (D-44th), and askedhim to propose a bill on this sub-ject. I commend him for doing soand, at his request, I traveled toRichmond on Jan. 23 to testify infavor of passage of his House Bill842.

We have all heard about the dys-function of our General Assemblycaused by their extremely shortlegislative season.

I experienced that dysfunctionfirst-hand. As I sat in the hearingroom of the Campaign FinanceSubcommittee of the House Privi-leges and Elections Committee, Iobserved members of the Subcom-mittee coming and going because

they had simultaneous hearings indifferent committees and subcom-mittees. Thus, although the sub-committee has six members andone ex officio member, when thetime came for the vote on the bill,only four of them were present.

The vote was 2-2 with DelegateKrizek and Subcommittee Chair-man David Reid voting in favor.Later, the vote was corrected toshow three in opposition and itwas later explained to me that thethird vote against had been pre-cast by one of the members of thesubcommittee before even hearingthe testimony. They left the hear-ing to travel to another hearing.

What is the penalty for this dys-function? The penalty is that thebill died in subcommittee and can-not be resurrected until 2021.This is a heavy price to pay for thedysfunction of our General Assem-bly and I wrote this letter so thatcitizens and voters are apprised ofthis issue and hopefully will maketheir feelings known so that some-thing can be done about it. Per-haps, the salaries of General As-sembly members ought to be

raised and the legislative sessionbe extended by several weeks sothat members of the various com-mittees can attend each hearingwithout having to leave to attendanother hearing.

The issues facing citizens of theCommonwealth are too importantto be given short shrift by our leg-islators.

Given the high bar for obtain-ing signatures of voters under pen-alty of perjury on a petition seek-ing removal of a politician whoviolates their oath of office or com-mits a crime, these elected officialsare now essentially invulnerableuntil at least a year from now. Thisscenario is grossly disreputableand serious reform ought to be onthe table.

Once more, I thank DelegateKrizek for carrying the water onan important issue that shouldhave received fair consideration inthe subcommittee but, frankly,didn’t. Fair consideration wouldhave likely met with success.

H. Jay SpiegelMount Vernon

Dysfunction in Richmond

Letter

On Monday, Feb. 17, George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate is all about celebratingGeorge Washington. Here is the schedule for the day. For more details, go to www.mountvernon.org.9:00 am - 5:00 pm Mount Vernon Food Truck on Site 12-Acre Field10:00 am Official Presidential Wreathlaying Ceremony Washington’s Tomb10:30 am Military Tactical Demonstration Bowling Green11:00 am - 2:00 pm Syrup Tastings Vaughan Lobby11:00 am - 4:00 pm Book Signing with Author Jeff Finegan Vaughan Lobby11:15 am Military demonstrations Bowling Green12:00 pm A Tribute to George Washington Bowling Green1:00 pm The Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps Bowling Green1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Book Signing with Author Patrick K. O’Donnell Vaughan Lobby1:00 pm - 3:00 pm General Washington, We Honor You Upper Garden3:00 pm Wreathlaying Ceremony Washington’s Tomb

George Washington’s Birthday EventsGeorge Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate will host festivities Feb. 17 celebrating George Washington.

Pho

to

by M

ike Salm

on

/T

he G

azette

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette v February 6-12, 2020 v 7

The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2018 DBA. All Rights Reserved. DBA fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

COLDWELLBANKERHOMES.COM

YOU DESERVETHE BEST.

Alexandria 310 King St. | Alexandria, VA 22314 | 703.518.8300

Alexandria | Commercial | $229,000COMMERCIAL- 6092 Franconia RoadDonnan C. Wintermute, Realtor 703.608.6868https://bit.ly/37Vb89d

Alexandria | 3 BR /1.5 BA | Residential/Commercial | $885,000UNDER CONTRACT 1409 King StreetDonnan C. Wintermute, Realtor 703.608.6868https://bit.ly/2YnBaxX

Alexandria | 3 BR | 2 BA | $475,000SOLD IN 6 DAYS! 7902 Penn PlaceLeslie Atkinson, Realtor 703.967.1471https://bit.ly/2v3lsgY

Lorton | 4 BR | 3 FB | $1,635,000PRICE REDUCED 6061 River DriveSusan Gray, Realtor 703.203.9900https://bit.ly/2RWRVP0

Alexandria | 5 BR /6 BA | $1,775,000OPEN SUNDAY! NEW YEAR, NEW HOME! 9421 Ferry Landing Ct.Jennifer Molden, Realtor 703.727.6189https://bit.ly/2vMzp36

Woodbridge | 2 BR / 2.5 BA | $295,000JUST LISTED! 820 Belmont Bay DR, unit 102Robert and Nicole Hamilton, Realtors 703.966.8532https://bit.ly/2uWwlRF

The Alexandria Offi ce is proud to announce that the following exceptional agents have joined

our offi ce.

!

JOHN NEUSAENGER407.242.2474

John.Neusaenger@cbmove.com

EMILY VONGXAY703.987.7576

Emily.Vongxay@cbmove.com

AUDREY GRAZIANO 703.200.7315

Audrey.Graziano@cbmove.com

PRINCE RAASSI202.520.0221

Prince.Raassi@cbmove.com

8 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 06-12, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

By Char McCargo Bah

Special to the Gazette

Clifton D. Wanzer graduatedfrom Parker-Gray School in1948. In those days, therewere not many employment

opportunities for African Americans. Aftergraduation, Wanzer worked as a porter andlater as a receiving clerk at a topnotch men-clothing store, Cohen’s Quality Shop but hewas longing for something else. He decidedto enlist in the military.

In 1952, he enlisted in the United StatesAir Force. While in the military, he receivedtraining in Biloxi, Miss., as an Air TrafficController. He was the only African Ameri-can in his class but he completed his ser-vice in 1956. When Wanzer returned home,he obtained a job with the State Depart-ment where he processed passports. Hestayed at the State Department for a shorttime until his aunt heard on the radio aboutthe government recruiting Air Traffic Con-trollers. She encouraged him to apply forthe job and after several months, he wasinterviewed and hired as an Air Traffic Con-troller at the journeyman level for the Fed-eral Aviation Administration.

His job as an Air Traffic Controller was todetermine an aircraft’s identity, altitude andother data through alphanumeric codes ona radar screen. This monitoring was usedto keep planes apart from one another inthe air. Today computers have replaced thetype of monitoring he performed.

His job sent him to Youngstown-WarrenRegional Airport in Ohio, then to Allegh-eny Airport in Pittsburg. After sometime in

Pittsburg, Wanzer decided to get a job closerto Virginia. There was a job opening at Na-tional Airport in Washington, D.C.; he ap-plied for it and got it. He was promotedand then received a higher grade.

Wanzer returned to the District of Colum-bia area in 1960. Thereafter, he and his fam-ily began looking for a house to buy onQuander Road in the Alexandria section ofFairfax County. They found one but couldnot buy it because of housing discrimina-tion during that period. They experiencedthis not once but many times while search-ing for housing. They went to Maryland tolook at a new development in Glenarden,where he finally purchased a new home.

Wanzer worked for the FAA at Washing-ton National Airport from 1960 to 1989.

During his career at the airport, he was pro-moted to an Air Traffic Area Supervisor andthen to Manager. In 1984, he received, “ASpecial Award,” for his service from thehead of the FAA, Donald J. Engen. In 1989,with over 30 years of service at a GS-15grade and at the age of 58, Wanzer retired.He was one of the first African Americansin Alexandria to become an Air Traffic Con-troller.

Wanzer was born on Jan. 15, 1931, toDaniel Wanzer and Viola Williams in theSeminary area. He has two living siblings,Janet and Gerald Wanzer. Wanzer is mar-ried to Irene Lee. They had two children: adeceased daughter named Leslie, and a son,Kurt that lives in Maryland.

Wanzer is a lucky man to have served in

The Other Alexandria Clifton D. Wanzer: The View fromthe Air Traffic Controllers’ Tower.

the USAF. His training in the Air Force en-abled him to have a civilian career as anAir Traffic Controller during the last decadesof segregation. He was indeed in the rightplace at the right time to have the opportu-nity to be in the Air Traffic Controller’sTower.

Wanzer still lives in Glendaren in thehouse he purchased in 1964. He still thinksabout the opportunity he missed to buy aproperty on Quander Road. His family his-tory in Virginia spans over 150 years.

Char McCargo Bah is a published author,freelance writer, independent historian, ge-nealogist and a Living Legend of Alexandria.She maintains two blogs, http://www.theotheralexandria.com and http://www.findingthingsforu.com.

By Melinda Kernc

The Alexandria Sym-phony Orchestra, un-der the direction of

Maestro James Ross, continuesthe 2019-2020 Season on Sat-urday, Feb. 15, and Sunday, Feb.16, presenting music bySchubert, Mozart, Castelnuovo-Tedesco and Florence Price.Maestro Ross has nearly com-pleted two full seasons with theASO as its new Music Director.

Bringing the voices of womenand composers from diversebackgrounds to the ASO stagehas been a common threadthroughout this season and oneof Maestro Ross’s programminginitiatives. “Our seasons in-clude familiar music ofBeethoven, Mozart andSchubert as well as unfamiliarand re-emerging composerslike Florence Price and MarioCastelnuovo-Tedesco,” says

Ross.Opening and closing the Febru-

ary performances are works bytwo masters: Mozart’s Serenatanotturna and Schubert’s Sym-phony No. 5. Mozart’s serenadefeatures a solo string quartet ac-companied by string orchestra.Schubert, who admired and emu-lated Mozart, presents a light andlyrical Fifth Symphony with el-egant melodies.

Headlining the program is cel-ebrated classical guitarist BertaRojas performing MarioCastelnuovo-Tedesco’s ConcertoNo. 1, considered one the premierconcertos in the guitar repertoire.Ms. Rojas is renowned as one ofthe most influential women in theHispanic world and named a Fel-low of the Americas by theKennedy Center and Paraguay’sIllustrious Ambassador of MusicalArt.

The program also incorporatesMaestro Ross’s own arrangement,

an expansion of the AndanteModerato movement from Flo-rence Price’s String Quartet in Gmajor. “Florence Price’s time hasfinally come!” exclaims Ross. “Hercompositions are re-emerging withrenewed popularity and recogni-tion of her genius.” Price was thefirst African American woman topremiere her work with a majororchestra (Chicago Symphony,

1933). A new festival called PriceFest highlights her compositions,held on the campus of the Univer-sity of Maryland each year.

All patrons attending Saturday’sperformance are encouraged toarrive early for a pre-concert chatwith Maestro Ross and Berta Rojasat 7 p.m. Ms. Rojas will also offerher recordings for sale in the lobby

Clifton D. Wanzer withhis 1952 Air Force Class.

Clifton D. Wanzer receiving1984 Special Award from FAA.

Pho

to

s co

ntributed

ASO Presents: Schubert, Mozart and Classical Guitarduring intermission.

The Alexandria Symphony isa fully-professional orchestradrawing from the Washington,D.C. metropolitan region’swealth of musical talent. Manymusicians perform with otherorchestras and top militarybands.

The ASO performs Saturdayevenings (8 p.m.) at the RachelM. Schlesinger Concert Halland Arts Center and Sundaymatinees (3 p.m.) at theGeorge Washington MasonicMemorial. Single tickets are$20-$85 for adults, $5 foryouth (18 and under), and $10for students (with ID). TheASO also offers senior andgroup rates and a special dis-count for military employeesand veterans for this perfor-mance. For tickets and moreinformation, visitwww.alexsym.org or call (703)548-0885.

Classical guitarist Berta Rojas will perform Feb. 15 and16 with the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra.

Pho

to

by G

uillerm

o Fridm

an

Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 06-12, 2020 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Entertainment

By Hope Nelson

Move over, St. Asaph– Yagut St. is tak-ing over the realestate, at least for

a portion of the northern 600block. Yagut St. – the kid siblingto its next-door neighbor, Sundayin Saigon – has opened its doorswith a different twist than the sa-vory Vietnamese fare served a din-ing room away. The newcomer’s

stock in trade isthe sweeter sideof life, with

gelato, pastries and plenty ofcaffeinated beverages ready forthe choosing. “We’re just happythat we can provide a good atmo-sphere and a good product forpeople to enjoy; that’s our biggestthing,” said managing partnerDustin Ngo.

The café’s origins come fromseveral directions at once: The firstbeing an opening in the market-place with the nearby Starbucks’closure last year.

“With Sunday in Saigon, when-ever we did desserts, we were sortof confined to Vietnamese des-

Yagut St. Paves the Way for Coffee, Treats

a cream cheese foam,” Ngo said.“We make this foam similar to howyou would froth milk; we frothcream cheese along with some seasalt. It adds this amazing decadentrich salty profile to the strong andsweet coffee, so it’s kind of like anumami burst in a coffee cup.”

And these offerings are only thetip of the iceberg: Ngo says theshop will continue to expand andrefine its menu over the comingweeks and months. But early resultsare good, he added. “For the mostpart, what we had out, people havebeen flocking towards, which hasbeen great,” he said.

Hope Nelson is the author of“Classic Restaurants of Alexan-dria” and owns the KitchenRecessionista blog, located atwww.kitchenrecessionista.com.Email her any time athope@kitchenrecessionista.com.

serts” lest it come across as inau-thentic, Ngo said. “As soon asStarbucks closed … we figuredthat now was the best time to jumpon for our cause.”

But Yagut St.’s name comes froman origin much deeper in meaning.Owner Mimi Huynh grew up onYagut St. in Dalat, Vietnam, whichis also the country’s coffee region.With the café serving as a crossroadsbetween Vietnamese cuisine andcoffee and sweets, the name fit thetheme perfectly.

And the products, so far, are popu-lar. From bubble teas to gelato toall manner of caffeinated concoc-tions, the menu is small but mighty– and growing mightier all the time.One of the shop’s signature drinksis a coffee drink that packs a deca-dent punch. “Our house special isthe Vietnamese version of bullet-proof coffee,” Ngo said. Made withbutter and keto-friendly, “It has anamazing flavor profile that peoplewon’t find in most places.”

Looking to take your beveragecompletely over the top? Yagut St.has you covered there, too: Get thebulletproof coffee with a creamcheese foam. “We do what we call

IF YOU GOYagut St., 682 N. St. Asaph St.Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.Try this: Managing partner Dustin

Ngo’s favorite treat. “We have a fantas-tic strawberry mascarpone matchacroissant. It’s absolutely fantastic; it’sflying off the shelves,” he said.

APPETITE

The warm interior of Yagut St.’s cafe takes the ambianceof next-door Sunday in Saigon to a new level of chic.

Pho

to

by H

ope N

elso

n/G

azette Packet

10 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 06-12, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Entertainment

See Calendar, Page 11

Submit entertainment announce-ments atwww.connectionnewspapers.com/Cal-endar/. The deadline is noon on Friday.Photos/artwork encouraged.

ONGOING“The King’s Shadow.” Now thru April

19. 8 p.m. At The Lab atConvergence, 1819 N. Quaker Lane,Alexandria. In this season,Shakespeare’s Histories: “The King’sShadow” runs January 2nd - April19th, 2020; “Richard the Second”runs January 2 - April 18, 2020;“Henry the Fourth, Part 1” runsJanuary 30 - April 18, 2020; “Henrythe Fourth, Part 2” runs February 13- April 19, 2020; and “Henry theFifth” runs March 12 - April 19,2020. These plays follow the troubledpassing of the English crown fromthe philosopher King Richard II, tothe conqueror King Henry IV, to hisrogue son, Prince Hal. With hisfather’s deeds looming over him, Halindulges in a reckless adolescencethat tarnishes his reputation. Butwhen the time comes to rule, Halmust take control of how history willremember him, unite his country,and become the legendary KingHenry V. Tickets are $35. Contactboxoffice@bravespiritstheatre.com orwww.bravespiritstheatre.com.

Life Drawing Sessions. Now thruDec. 9. At Del Ray Artisans, 2704Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria.Looking for a chance to hone yourfigure drawing skills? Del RayArtisans offers a range of open lifedrawing sessions for just thispurpose. Just drop in for the sessionand bring your supplies to draw orpaint the live models. Fee rangesfrom $8-$12. All skill levels arewelcome. Visit DelRayArtisans.org/life-drawing

THURSDAY/FEB. 6Decluttering Workshop. 1-3 p.m. At

Charles Beatley Library, 5005 DukeStreet, Alexandria. At Home inAlexandria is sponsoring aDecluttering and DownsizingWorkshop featuring experts who willguide you on getting started orgetting help in this process. Pre-registration is required. Free. Visitthe websitewww.athomeinalexandria.org

FRIDAY/FEB. 7(His) Story. 7-9 p.m. At The

Athenaeum, 201 Prince Street,Alexandria.

Presented and hosted by C.Thomas. Joinin (His) Story, an all-black manshowcase sharing stories throughpoetry. These stories are acelebration and testament to thestrength black men have gained overyears through wisdom, pain andstruggle. Featuring: 13 of Nazareth,Rodrick Minor, Khalil Houston andMicah Powell.

Opening Reception. 7-9 p.m. At DelRay Artisans Gallery in the ColasantoCenter, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue,Alexandria. Opening reception forthe “Kondo vs. Chaos” art exhibit(Feb. 7 – March 1), which exploresways artists visualize the world andtheir preference for order, disarray,or a balance of both. Meet the artists.Gallery hours are: Thursdays 12-6p.m., Fridays 12-9 p.m., Saturdays12-9 p.m., and Sundays 12-6 p.m.The gallery is free, open to thepublic, and accessible. Visitwww.delrayartisans.org/event/kondo-vs-chaos/

MARCH 6-29Tell Me a Story Art Exhibit.

Opening reception Friday, March 6from 7-9 p.m. At Del Ray ArtisansGallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave.,

Alexandria. Have you ever looked ata piece of art and your imaginationimmediately starts to wander?Narrative art tells a story, either as amoment in an ongoing story or as asequence of events unfolding overtime. A picture is worth a thousandwords; Tell Me a Story will take youon an imaginative journey. Galleryhours are: Thursdays 12-6 p.m.,Fridays 12-9 p.m., Saturdays 12-9p.m., and Sundays 12-6 p.m. Thegallery is free, open to the public,and accessible. Visitwww.DelRayArtisans.org/exhibits.

FEB. 7 TO MARCH 28Student Art Exhibit. At the Gallery

at Convergence, 1801 N. QuakerLane, Alexandria. The Alexandria AllCity High School Art Exhibitionhosted by the Convergence ArtsInitiative returns Feb. 7 – March 28for its fifth year. 2020’s experiencewill feature 90 Alexandria highschool students representing six highschools including public, private, andindependent spanning over 10different mediums of art. Returningfor 2020’s collaborative event arestudents from Bishop Ireton,Episcopal High School, T.C. Williams,St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School,

Commonwealth Academy, and TheHoward Gardner School. ArtistsReception: Friday, Feb. 21 from 7 – 9p.m.

SATURDAY/FEB. 8Alexandria Boutique Warehouse

Sale. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. At WestinAlexandria Old Town, Alexandria.Deemed in the region as the “SuperBowl of Shopping Event,” the winterdeals event will take place at theWestin Hotel located in the CarlyleDistrict of Old Town Alexandria. Thefun, yet casual, free to enter eventwill include a variety of newboutiques and retailers not onlylocated in Alexandria, but throughoutthe Metro region. Deal seekers willfind the very best from Alexandria’sand the regions finest retailers andindie brands with various brands ofclothing, shoes, jewelry, homefurnishings and more up to 80% offretail prices.

Speaker Joan Mullholland. 10:30a.m. At Sherwood Regional Library2501 Sherwood Hall Lane,Alexandria. Joan Mullholland,American Civil Rights activist and aFreedom Rider, with videodocumentary. Sponsored by theMount Vernon AAUW. Contact Patsy

Quick, Mt. Vernon AAUW President,at pnquick@cox.net.

Art Show Reception. 1-3 p.m. AtGreen Spring Gardens, 4603 GreenSpring Road, Alexandria./DawnFlores, mixed media (at theHorticulture Center) and KatherineKo, oil paintings (at the HistoricHouse). Horticulture Center Hours:Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.,Sunday noon-4:30 p.m. HistoricHouse Hours: Wednesday-Sundaynoon-4:30 p.m. Free admission. Theart show runs 02/04 through 03/29.

SUNDAY/FEB. 9Materials Exploration Day. 10 a.m.

to 12 p.m. At Upcycle Creative ReuseCenter, 1605 Cameron Street,Alexandria. Children ages 2-6 andtheir families are invited to join in aspecial Exploration Day at the DurantCenter to celebrate Arts on theHorizon’s touring production,“Drumming with Dishes.” Join in amorning filled with tactile andsensory-based activities, creativeplay, and visual art. Visit theCreation Station to build your own

skyscraper or flower, make yourrhythm shakers at our Craft Station,and stop by our Creative Play Stationto cook up a three-course meal. Theyare also be offering three mini-workshops with songs, stories, andcreative movement at 10:30 a.m., 11a.m., and 11:30 a.m. Cost is $5. Visitthe website https://www.upcyclecrc.org/kids-workshops.html

U.S. Navy Band Chamber PlayersConcert. 1 p.m. At The Athenaeum,201 Prince Street, Alexandria. Join inthis special performance by TheUnited States Navy Band ChamberGroup from Washington, D.C. Thechamber music recital will feature adiverse array of traditional andcontemporary music. This event isfree and open to the public.

Green Spring Tea. 1-3 p.m. At GreenSpring Gardens, 4603 Green SpringRoad, Alexandria. Green SpringGardens turns 50, and to helpcelebrate its golden anniversary, thepark is hosting “A Half Century ofHeadlines: Lecture and Tea.” Revisit50 years of world headlines, from the

The Tell Me a Story Art Exhibit runs from March 6-29 atDel Ray Artisans Gallery in Alexandria.

Tell Me a StoryMarch 6-29, Tell Me a Story Art Exhibit. Opening reception Friday, March

6 from 7-9 p.m. At Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria.Have you ever looked at a piece of art and your imagination immediately starts towander? Narrative art tells a story, either as a moment in an ongoing story or as asequence of events unfolding over time. A picture is worth a thousand words; TellMe a Story will take you on an imaginative journey. Gallery hours are: Thursdays12-6pm, Fridays 12-9pm, Saturdays 12-9pm, and Sundays 12-6pm. The gallery isfree, open to the public, and accessible. For more information, please visitwww.DelRayArtisans.org/exhibits or contact the curator Lesley Hall(lesley.ruthless@gmail.com) or Director of Curating Brittany Gabel(Curating@DelRayArtisans.org).

The George Washington Birthday Parade will be held;Monday, Feb. 17 in Old Town Alexandria.

George Washington Birthday ParadeMonday/Feb. 17, 1-3 p.m. In Old Town Alexandria. The nation’s largest George

Washington Birthday Parade marches a one-mile route through the streets of OldTown Alexandria. The parade grand marshal is RADM Robert Shumaker (ret.) whohad a distinguished career in the United States Navy. As a fighter pilot during theVietnam War, he was shot down on a mission and spent the next eight years as aPOW. At the Pentagon, as a Rear Admiral, he was responsible for coordinating theresearch efforts of the Navy’s air, surface, electronics and space activities and wasa finalist in the Apollo astronaut selection. This year’s parade is dedicated toKathleen Kelly (1944-2019), a volunteer for Historic Alexandria for more than 30years. Visit www.WashingtonBirthday.com or call 703-829-6640.

The Rape of RecyTaylor

Feb. 8, 11 a.m. at Alexandria’s HistoryMuseum at the Lyceum, Alexandria. TheAlexandria Black History Museum willbe hosting a screening of the award-win-ning documentary film The Rape ofRecy Taylor followed by a discussionand audience Q&A at Alexandria’s His-tory Museum at the Lyceum. Cost is$10, reservations required atalexandriava.gov/shop. Recy Taylor, a24-year-old Black mother and share-cropper, was gang raped by six whiteboys in 1944 Alabama. Sexual violencelike this happened commonly in the JimCrow South and few women spoke up infear for their lives. Not Recy Taylor: Shebravely identified her rapists. TheNAACP sent its rape investigator RosaParks to Alabama, who rallied supportand triggered an unprecedented outcryfor justice. Visit:therapeofrecytaylor.com.

The film, The Rape of RecyTaylor will be shown on Feb.8 at the Alexandria’s HistoryMuseum at the Lyceum.

Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 06-12, 2020 ❖ 11www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Entertainment

From Page 10

See Calendar, Page 12

The house of Alexandria town founder Col. John Carlyle,who is turning 300.

Happy 300th Birthday John CarlyleSaturday/Feb. 8, 12-4 p.m. At Carlyle House Historic Park, Alexandria. Help wish

a happy 300th birthday to Alexandria town founder, Col. John Carlyle. Festivitieswill include 18th-century dancing, live music, and a birthday treat! Admission isfree, but donations are welcome.

transformative to the trivial, and hearabout some headlines made at GreenSpring. Take home a specialanniversary memento after enjoyinga traditional English tea. Cost is $38for the program and tea; $18 for theprogram only. Call 703-941-7987 orvisit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/green-spring.

George Washington’s AlexandriaTour. 2-3:30 p.m. At 101 N. UnionStreet, Alexandria. Explore historicOld Town Alexandria as GeorgeWashington knew it! This 90-minuteguided walking tour will explore sitesassociated with Washington and hisclosest colleagues, including JohnFitzgerald’s warehouse, Captain’sRow, Gentry Row, the Apothecaryshop, Ramsay House, Market Square,the Carlyle House, Wise’s Tavern,Duvall Tavern, Gadsby’s Tavern, andWashington’s townhouse. The tourbegins behind the Torpedo Factory’ssouth entrance, in front of Vola’sDockside Grill. Free No reservationsrequired. Offered by the Office ofHistoric Alexandria. Contact 703-599-4010 or suej020924@gmail.com.

Black History Performance. 3-5p.m. At Mount Vernon UnitarianChurch, 1909 Windmill Lane,Alexandria. The poetry and worksLangston Hughes, one of the mostimportant writers and thinkers of theHarlem Renaissance movement,performed by Charles Williams,celebrated vocalist, through song andverse. Cost is $25. Visit the website:www.mvuc.org

Super Moon Hike. 7:45-9:15 p.m. AtHuntley Meadows Park, 3701Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria.Experience the bright super moonrising in the sky as you take anevening boardwalk stroll at Huntley

Meadows Park. On the night of asuper moon, the moon will be at itsclosest approach to Earth and the fullmoon often appears to be larger thanusual. This program is designed forparticipants age 6 to adult, and thecost is $8 per person. Call 703-768-2525 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley-meadows.

TUESDAY/FEB. 11Local Authors Lecture. 7-8:30 p.m.

At Alexandria History Museum at the

Lyceum, 201 S. Washington,Alexandria. Cost is $10 per person.The series begins with a lecturefeaturing Donald Wilson, author ofthe historical novel Cluverius v. TheCommonwealth. Drawing on truehistorical events, Donald Wilsonbrings to life the men and womenwho found themselves at the centerof a murder trial that grippedVirginia in the late 19th century. Agraduate of the College of Williamand Mary, Mr. Wilson has lived or

worked in Alexandria, VA his entirelife.

FEB. 12-26Life Drawing Session. 6:30-9:30

p.m. At Del Ray Artisans Gallery inthe Colasanto Center, 2704 MountVernon Ave., Alexandria. Two OpenLife Drawing sessions in February -the 12th and the 26th. Open LifeDrawing sessions — long pose. Nudemodels. 3-hour sessions. Visitwww.DelRayArtisans.org.

THURSDAY/FEB. 13How to Build Inexpensive Grow

Lights. 7 – 8:30 p.m. At the BurkeLibrary, 4701 Seminary Road,Alexandria. Give your plants ahealthy start with grow lights toensure your seedlings get great lightindoors, even when it’s freezingoutside. Grow unusual and hard-to-find varieties of vegetables notoffered at local garden centers, or

The Alexandria All City High School Art Exhibition hosted bythe Convergence Arts Initiative returns Feb. 7 – March 28.

Student Art ExhibitFeb. 7 to March 28, At the Gallery at Convergence, 1801 N. Quaker Lane, Alex-

andria. The Alexandria All City High School Art Exhibition hosted by theConvergence Arts Initiative returns Feb. 7 – March 28 for its fifth year. 2020’s ex-perience will feature over 90 Alexandria high school students representing six highschools including public, private, and independent spanning over 10 differentmediums of art. Returning for 2020’s collaborative event are students from BishopIreton, Episcopal High School, T.C. Williams, St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School,Commonwealth Academy, and The Howard Gardner School. Artists Reception:Friday, February 21st 2020. 7 – 9 p.m.

12 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 06-12, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Learn About Adver� sing in the Connec� on

and Digital Op� ons!Adver� sing in the Connec� onAdver� sing in the Connec� on

and upcoming special sec� ons: and upcoming special sec� ons:

connectionnewspapers.com/advertisingconnectionnewspapers.com/advertising

or call 703.778.9431

Entertainment

The Yale Whiffepoofs will perform on Friday, Feb. 7 at theGeorge Washington Masonic National Memorial.

Yale Wiffenpoofs PerformFriday/Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m. At George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101

Callahan Drive, Alexandria. The Alexandria Harmonizers present the YaleWhiffenpoofs. The group, now with women, is the world’s oldest collegiate acappella ensemble and celebrated for its excellence. The award-winning Harmo-nizer chorus, now in its 72nd year, will also perform. Cost is $30. Visit the website:www.harmonizers.org

From Page 11

Brave Spirits Theatre at the Lab at Convergence presents“The King’s Shadow” now through April 19.

“The King’s Shadow”Now thru April 19, 8 p.m. At The Lab at Convergence, 1819 N. Quaker Lane,

Alexandria. In this season, Shakespeare’s Histories: “The King’s Shadow” runs Janu-ary 2nd - April 19th, 2020; “Richard the Second” runs January 2 - April 18, 2020;“Henry the Fourth, Part 1” runs January 30 - April 18, 2020; “Henry the Fourth,Part 2” runs February 13 - April 19, 2020; and “Henry the Fifth” runs March 12 -April 19, 2020. These plays follow the troubled passing of the English crown fromthe philosopher King Richard II, to the conqueror King Henry IV, to his rogue son,Prince Hal. With his father’s deeds looming over him, Hal indulges in a recklessadolescence that tarnishes his reputation. But when the time comes to rule, Halmust take control of how history will remember him, unite his country, and becomethe legendary King Henry V. Tickets are $35. Contactboxoffice@bravespiritstheatre.com or www.bravespiritstheatre.com.

farm nutritious microgreens indoors.Learn the pros and cons of lightsystems and options for creating yourown. Instructions and material listsprovided are to help you jumpstartyour garden. This class is offered byExtension Master Gardeners. Free.Advance registration requested atmgnv.org. Call 703-228-6414 oremail mgarlalex@gmail.com.

FEB. 13 TO MARCH 15Architecture in Fiber. At Potomac

Fiber Arts Gallery, Torpedo Factory,Studio 29, 105 North Union Street,Alexandria. Here, in Alexandria, weare surrounded by beautiful andexciting buildings, bridges, parks,and monuments. Both our local andworldwide architecture serve asinspiration for the pieces in this show.Themed work will be eligible forrecognition by the jurors. Non-themedwork will also be exhibited. Hours:10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily andweekends, and 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.on the second Thursday of eachmonth.

FRIDAY/FEB. 14My Queer Valentine Reception. 7-

10 p.m. At the Torpedo Factory ArtCenter, 105 N. Union Street,Alexandria. My Queer Valentineexplores love and relationships throughnon-heteronormative and non-binaryartists’ perspectives. The themes andsubjects of artwork in this exhibitionexplore relationships through theartists’ view on love. To celebrate thisexhibition, Target Gallery will behosting a special reception and event inpartnership with local LGBTQ+organizations on Valentine’s Day. Thejuror for this exhibition was AndyJohnson, independent curator andgallery director of Gallery 102 at theCorcoran School of the Arts & Designand George Washington University. Theexhibition runs from Saturday, January25 thru Sunday, March 8, 2020.

SATURDAY, FEB. 15Eco-Savvy Symposium: Four

Season Garden. 8:30 a.m.-12:30p.m. At Green Spring Gardens, 4603Green Spring Road, Alexandria./(Adults) Discover ways to expand thebeauty in your garden at the 16thannual EcoSavvy Symposium: TheFour Season Garden—SensationalOrnamentals and Edibles All YearLong.

Author and garden columnist MarianneWillburn and Smithsonian GardensHorticulture Collections ManagerCindy Brown share insights intoselecting plants for all-season color,architectural interest, and extendedharvests from your edible garden. $58per person. Register online atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes (code 986.13C6) or callGreen Spring Gardens at 703-642-5173.

Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 06-12, 2020 ❖ 13www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Wellbeing

By Marilyn Campbell

The Gazette

Heralded by body aches, chills and fe-ver, flu season is in full-swing, At aminimum it can be an inconvenienceand at its worst it can be deadly. Influ-

enza activity is considered to be widespread by inthe Washington region, according to the Virginia De-partment of Health.

Influenza B/Victoria is the most common form ofthe virus that is circulating in our area, says BarbaraDownes, Communicable Disease Epidemiology Man-ager with Fairfax County HealthDepartment.

“Unlike a typical flu seasonwhen we tend to see influenzaB in the spring at the end of theflu season, we are seeing influ-enza B predominantly circulat-ing now,” she said. “Eventhough it can cause milder ill-ness in adults and those whoare otherwise healthy, it can bemore severe in children.”

Knowing the causes and prac-ticing preventative habits arekeys to keeping the flu at bay.The Centers for Disease Controland Prevention reports that theflu virus spreads from one per-son to another primarily bytouching or inhaling viral droplets that are madewhen a person with the flu coughs, sneezes or talks.

“One of the things that happens is that someone

Photo by Marilyn Campbell

Washing your hands with soap and water is one of the way to avoidcatching the flu.

coughs or sneezes into their hand and then touchesa door knob and then someone comes behind themand touches the same door knob,” said Mary Ander-son of the Montgomery Department of Health andHuman Services. “That’s a really common way for avirus to spread. Cough or sneeze into your sleeve orelbow and make sure your nose and mouth are cov-ered.”

Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to pre-vent the flu, advises Kurt Larrick, Assistant Directorof the Arlington County Department of Human Ser-vices. “It’s still not too late,” he said. “Peak flu sea-son runs through February, and outbreaks can hap-pen through late May.”

Practicing good hygiene is a simple and effective,but often overlooked preventative measure “Washyour, hands wash, your hands, wash your hands,”said Anderson “Wash your hands with plain old soapand water for 20 seconds. The soap doesn’t have tobe fancy. If you don’t have access to soap and water,

use an alcohol based hand sani-tizer.”

“Every day communicabledisease prevention tips are re-ally important this time of year,”added Downes. “Disposing ofyour tissues properly…andstaying home when you aresick.”

While Coronavirus is a con-cern, Anderson says that the fluis a much greater threat to thosein the Washington region. “It’simportant to learn about the vi-rus from China, but we’re notat high risk of it unless you’vetraveled to that part of China,”said Anderson. “The flu is muchmore of a threat. Each year the

flu kills thousands and thousands of people. It’s veryimportant to pay attention to it and do simple thingsto prevent it.”

Simple steps to help youstay healthy during theflu season.

Preventing the Flu

“Each year the flu killsthousands andthousands of people.It’s very important topay attention to it anddo simple things toprevent it.”

— Mary Anderson,Montgomery Department of Health

and Human Services

14 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 06-12, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

From cancer to toilet paper. Is that ‘off’ enough? My reason for writing this column might be because I need a diversion (see last week’s column), and because, as is so happened recently, I needed to replenish our toilet paper supply. (It had nothing to do with a winter advisory in the forecast.) As the consumer in the house, I am keen and motivated to spend our money wisely. I look for sales, I use paper coupons, I use digital coupons and of course, I peruse the advertising circulars, in print and online (if necessary) regularly. In addition, I have a number of plastic bonus cards hanging on my keychain. In short, I am prepared and ready for any retail or wholesale opportunity that might present itself.

With respect to toilet paper, I believe us regular users have been victimized by the

-cally to the increase in the size of the actual roll itself; from single to double to triple to jumbo to mega and now super mega. Since the manufacturers can’t exactly increase de-mand, they’ve devised a strategy to increase supply - in our homes. And though using myself as an example is hardly empirical evidence, I will nonetheless continue to do so in an effort to justify my accusation.

If you’re like me, you probably like to have an ample supply of toilet paper in the house, just in case (it happened once in college; not good). And to that end, the toilet paper manufacturers have offered up multipacks equivalent to as high as 96 rolls, if I’m not mistaken, to address this potential shortage. However, my beef is not with the number of rolls in these multipacks, my beef, as I’ve said, is with the size of the rolls. In these cases, size does matter.

For years, we’ve been buying 4-, 6-, 9-, 12-, 24-, 36- and even 48-roll multipacks, some single and some double to stock the bathroom linen closets, so we’re used to

inventory. Now the rolls are double or even triple the size we had grown accustomed to having as back-ups. But we’re still, in spite

super mega rolls, wanting to have the same number of rolls in the closet as we’ve always had (I do, anyway). Sort of a comfort level, you might say. The problem is that having the same number of super mega rolls in inventory as previously one had as single or double rolls gives one way more toilet paper in the house than you ever had. In effect, we have over-purchased. The toilet paper manufacturers have used our predispositions against us in order to take a greater share of our household budget previously allocated for toilet paper.

I don’t need six super mega rolls in our bathroom. But I do want to see at least six rolls in reserve (aid and comfort you might say). If the six rolls in reserve were single or doubles, their size would be irrelevant. The number of rolls was more important - in my head. And now, because of the toilet paper manufacturer’s insistence that size matters, I am forced to buy these spare-tire, donut-sized rolls that I can’t possibly use no matter what “snowmageddon” might hit us. But I can’t stock my shelves with reason-ably-sized rolls because their unit cost is prohibitive compared to the big roll multi-packs. As the consumer I am, I am loathe to overpay for such household necessities. So I buy in bulk, stuff my shelves with ply and go about my business. I just wish I had more than a hand in their decision-making.

Off Topic,Way Off

Submit civic/community announcements atConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos andartwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon,at least two weeks before event.

TUESDAY/FEB. 11Kaufax Koffee. 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. At Grounded

Coffee, 6919 Telegraph Road, Alexandria. WithLee District School Board Member TamaraDerenak Kaufax. Join this meeting for coffee andcasual conversation. Bring your thoughts,concerns and questions.

SUPERVISOR STORCK HOURSSupervisor Dan Storck 2nd Saturday Office Hours for

Feb. 8, 2020:Lorton Library 9520 Richmond Hwy, Lorton, VA

22079; hours 9-11:30 a.m.;Mount Vernon District office 2511 Parkers Lane,

Mount Vernon, VA; 12:30 p.m.-3 p.m.

FRYE ROAD IMPROVEMENTS COMPLETESeveral enhancements aimed at improving driver

and pedestrian safety are complete on Frye Roadjust north of Route 1 (Richmond Highway),according to the Virginia Department ofTransportation. The improvements, locatedbetween Route 1 and Madge Lane, includerectangular rapid-flashing beacons (RRFBs) withpush buttons and audible indications for thevisually impaired. RRFBs provide a strobe-likeflashing to drivers after a pedestrian pushes thebutton before crossing.

The other improvements include:❖ A high-visibility crosswalk;❖ Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant

curb ramps;❖ Pedestrian warning and other road signage;❖ Pavement markings;❖ Concrete median;Frye Road averages 5,400 vehicles a day in the area

of the improvements.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDHelp the Alexandria Domestic Violence

Program (DVP) and Sexual Assault Center(SAC) make a positive impact for those in needand increase awareness of domestic violence andsexual assault in our community by becoming avolunteer. Volunteers benefit from the uniqueexperience of interacting personally with victimsof domestic violence and sexual assault. Thereare opportunities in DVP for special eventsvolunteers, court advocates and sheltersupervisors. Call 703-746-4911 or visitalexandriava.gov/DomesticViolence. To becomea SAC volunteer, which includes opportunitiesfor Volunteer Hotline Advocates, call Lydia at703-746-3127 or visit alexandriava.gov/SexualViolence.

Assistance League of Northern Virginia, avolunteer nonprofit, invites community membersto join the organization to participate in itsReading Express program. Volunteers provideone-on-one tutoring to first grade studentsduring the school year. To learn more contactVP Membership Mary Gronlund atgronbiz@aol.com or Program Coordinator LynnBarron at lynnieb517@verizon.net.

United Community (formerly UCM), with mainoffice located at 7511 Fordson Road,Alexandria, seeks volunteers for Food Pantryassistance, Early Learning Center teacher aides,basic needs counselors, youth tutors andmentors, office administration/data entry, andcommunity outreach. Flexible hours andschedules. Opportunities for all ages to serve,including community service hours. More info atucmagency.org/volunteer-opportunities oremail volunteer@ucmagency.org.

Operation Paws for Homes, a Virginia based501(c)(3) organization seeks volunteers,especially to foster dogs. Seewww.ophrescue.org for information and allvolunteer opportunities.

RSVP, a volunteer network for seniors seekingservice opportunities in and around FairfaxCounty, Arlington County and the City ofAlexandria, offers a wide array of opportunitiesfor volunteers 55 and older. RSVP volunteersenjoy flexible schedules, free accident andliability insurance while serving, optionalmileage and meal reimbursement and areinvited to volunteer group projects and socialgatherings. To sign up for an upcomingorientation, email Carly Hubicki atchubicki@volunteerfairfax.org or call RSVP at703-403- 5360. To learn more about RSVP, visitwww.rsvpnova.org.

Bulletin Board

Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 06-12, 2020 ❖ 15www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

ALEXANDRIA TOYOTA

FOR YOUR TOYOTA

WELCOME TO ALEXANDRIA TOYOTA’SPERSONALIZED CAR CARE EXPERIENCE

SPECIAL SAVINGS

2/29//20.

2/29/20.

2/29/20.

2/29/20.

2/29/20.

2/29/20.

2/29/20.2/29/20.

2/29/20.

2/29/20.

16 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ February 06-12, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com