Alexandria SSpprriinngg FFuunn Gazette Packet Pages 3, 20-27 25 Cents Serving Alexandria for over 200 years • A Connection Newspaper March 27, 2014 Blizzard of Spending Polar vortex sends P h o t o financial chill through b y M local governments. ic h a e l By Michael Lee Pope L e T Gazette Packet e P o p e he unusually hard winter has created a / T blizzard of spending for local govern- h e ments across Northern Virginia — burst- C o ing through budgeted amounts for snow n n removal and treating roads, leaving a lasting legacy ec Ph of potholes that will be plaguing roads this spring. tio o n to Officials at the Virginia Department of Transporta- Potholes on North Pitt Street in Old by tion say they spent $175 million on snow removal Town Alexandria. V this winter, more than twice as much than they were e ro planning to spend. And that’s just for starters. cost will become much greater,” said Frank Shafroth, nic “This is going to be a much worse pothole season director of the Center for State and Local Govern- a B than in years past,” said Jennifer McCord, spokes- ment Leadership. “Waiting longer means they have ru woman for VDOT. “We’ve been filling them, basically, to dig up the road bed, which is way more expensive n o since the winter started.” than filling a pothole.” / G Alexandria spent $1.6 million on snow control. a ze That’s more than twice the amount city officials set POTHOLES FORM when roads experience mois- t t aside in the budget, which was $836,000. And Ar- ture and then a rapid freeze and thaw. Moisture gets e P lington officials say they’ve already spent more than into cracks in the road, which undermines the road a ck $2 million even though they had budgeted only $1.1 surface. Then traffic pummels the already under- e t million. Local governments across the region will be mined road surface over and over until the cracks Spring like a Ninja forced to dip into their contingency funds to deal become larger and larger. Over time the cracks start with the record amounts of snow dumped on North- to peel away as pieces of asphalt fly away. When that Bella Herbert, from Alexandria, jumps off of one of ern Virginia this year. happens over and over, the cracks start to grow larger the urban vaults during an afternoon group exercise “If they don’t deal with these potholes quickly, the See Polar Vortex, Page 30 at Urban Evolution in Alexandria. More photos, page 26. Boat Club Votes To Move Suspended Animation Under city’s threat of using eminent domain, Old Dominion Boat Club to move one block south. New superintendent hopes to cut By Michael Lee Pope Boat Club owned the property, and “I think a lot of the members of the numbers of suspensions in half. Gazette Packet many members wanted to keep it. the club, myself included, thought W Even after city officials openly that after 90 years we’d like to stay By Michael Lee Pope themselves caught up in the disci- hen city leaders un- threatened to take it using the there,” said Richard Banchoff, Gazette Packet plinary system. veiled their grand power of eminent domain, many president of the Boat Club. “But I L “A lot of our suspensions are plans for revitalizing members wanted to stay. But when think everybody realizes that we ess than a month into of multiple suspensions of the same the waterfront at the end of 2010, more than 400 members cast a wouldn’t be making this move if fice, new Alexandria City students,” said Crawley. “So the members of the Old Dominion ballot over the weekend, a solid the city didn’t want to put a park Public Schools Superinten- question becomes how do we dis- Boat Club were surprised to see a majority voted to take the city’s where our parking lot is.” dent Alvin Crawley is taking on the rupt that to make sure that stu- public plaza where their parking offer to move to the site of the old Lawyers will still need to ham- challenge of reducing the number dents are engaged in school and lot and boat launch is currently Beachcomber Restaurant at the mer out a final contract. And Boat of suspensions by half. Crawley learning and they are not out of located. Drawings included with foot of Prince Street. See Boat Club, Page 17 identified the issue as one of his school.” the draft version of the waterfront goals the night School Board mem- In the next six months, School plan included a plaza known as 41322 AV ,airdnaxelA bers hired him to lead the division. Board members plan to lay out a Fitzgerald Square, complete with ,.tS gniK 4061 :oT detseuqeR ecivreS sserddA Now, a month into office, the city’s plan for how the division will ad- a large water feature that could be .lairetam new superintendent is already dress the issue as part of their stra- used for ice skating in the winter. evitisnes-emiT putting together a strategy to re- tegic plan. Chairwoman Karen There was only one problem. :retsamtsoP noitnettA duce the overall number of sus- Graf says she wants to align pro- The city did not own this par- pensions and find a way to address grams and efforts aimed at reduc- ticular piece of property, located 284# timreP AV ,airdnaxelA the disproportionate number of ing suspensions with the goal of at a prominent spot at the foot of DIAP egatsoP .S.U black male students who find See Crawley, Page 30 King Street. The Old Dominion DTS TRSRP www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ March 27 - April 2, 2014 ❖ 1 2 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ March 27 - April 2, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Spring Fun Alexandria Gazette Editor Steven Mauren 703-778-9415 or [email protected] State of the Art Organizations make 2014 a year to celebrate. By Jeanne Theismann Gazette Packet I t was 100 years ago this summer, be- fore the first stone was put in place for the Lincoln Memorial and World War I P h was still on the horizon, that two en- o t trepreneurial entertainers named B. o s Hammil Reed and R. A. Steele opened the c o doors to The Richmond Theatre, a facility n t r intended to provide “movie pictures, bowl- ibThe Old Town Theatre will cel- u ing allies and billiards” to residents of Al- teebrate its 100th anniversary in d exandria. The Torpedo Factory Art Center first opened 40 years ago. 2014. Now known as The Old Town Theatre, the historic venue on King Street leads a list of more than 16 arts organizations cel- ebrating milestone anniversaries in 2014. “I started working on my masters in arts Ph o administration back in 2009,” said Robin t o Parker, a member of the Alexandria Arts b y Forum. “Throughout the course of my stud- K ies, Alexandria was often a topic of conver- ia W sation and an example of what a rich arts a r environment means to a community. Alex- n e andria is an example of how the arts can r Maestro Kim Allen Kluge leads the benefit a society on every level, from en- Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, riching culture to increasing economic de- The Art League will celebrate 60 which is celebrating its 70th sea- Alexandria’s Washington Balalaika velopment.” years in 2014. son. Society turns 25. In 1934, a group of residents formed The Little Theatre of Alexandria, now consid- dria Arts Forum,” Parker said. “I was aston- ered the oldest continuously operating the- ished to learn about the vast array of arts credible choral groups like The Alexandria ater in the Washington, D.C. area. LTA organizations that Alexandria has to offer. Singers and the Alexandria Choral Society alumni include Academy Award winner From classical music like the Alexandria and even a Russian Balalaika orchestra, Marcia Gay Harden and Dermot Mulroney. Symphony Orchestra, the Washington Met- there is something for everyone here.” “It was through my volunteer work with ropolitan Philharmonic Association, Eclipse Other arts organizations celebrating mile- LTA that I first began attending the Alexan- Chamber Orchestra and QuinTango to in- stones in 2014 include the Alexandria Sym- phony Orchestra, which debuted 70 years ago, The Art League, which is turning 60, The Little and the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Asso- Theatre of ciation, which celebrates its Golden anni- Alexandria has versary later this year. been entertain- “It’s exciting to see how the arts in Alex- The Athenaeum is home to the 50- ing audiences andria is available for all ages to partici- year-old Northern Virginia Fine for 80 years. pate,” said Parker, who applauded Arts on Arts Association. the Horizon for young children, Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theater for teens, and LTA, Port City Playhouse and More MetroStage for award-winning regional the- Spring Fun, ater. Pages 20-24 Rounding out the list of organizations celebrating milestone anniversaries are the Torpedo Factory Art Center (40 years), MetroStage (30 years), Alexandria Commis- sion for the Arts (30 years), Washington Balalaika Society (25 years), First Night Alexandria (20 years), Choreographers Col- laboration Project (15 years), Durant Arts Center (10 years), Arts in City Hall (10 years), the Performing Arts Center at Epis- P hcopal High School (10 years), Art on the o toHorizon (5 years) and the Youth Arts Festi- byval (5 years). Ph Jea “Alexandria even has its own hand bell oto nchoir — the Virginia Bronze,” Parker added. b n y e T“Add to that the absolutely amazing visual Jo harts at The Torpedo Factory Arts Center, Del h e n ismRay Artisans and The Art League. The list B a o nis astounding. We are so lucky to have such r nincredible arts in our own backyard.” dn Carolyn Griffin, shown with Broad- e r The Choreographers Collaboration way legend Maurice Hines, For a complete list of Alexandria Arts cel- First Night Alexandria first wel- Project celebrates its 15th anniver- founded MetroStage Theatre 30 ebrations taking place in 2014, visit comed in the New Year 20 years sary in 2014. years ago. www.visitalexandriava.com. ago. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ March 27 - April 2, 2014 ❖ 3 OPEN SUNDAY, APRIL 6 • 1-4 Old Town $448,800 Springfield $458,000 Alexandria $218,800 1200 Braddock Place #411. Sleek urban retreat with TWO garage 9439 Park Hunt Court. Beautiful, large, fully renovated all 6019 D Curtier Drive. BARGAIN PRICE. This is completely parking spaces at well-managed Braddock Place. One block to brick 3 bedroom, 4 bathroom town house in close-in, renovated and updated…PLUS…it is at a bargain price. Seller’s Braddock Metro – couldn’t be easier! Renovated 2 bedroom home convenient Orange Hunt Square – Just off the Fairfax County with 1.5 baths includes high-end details in stylish owner’s bath. Parkway. New Kitchen, baths, paint, tiles and refinished loss is your gain. NEW kitchen including cabinets, granite and Curvilinear windows in owner’s suite add sunbathed drama to room. hardwood floors. Near South Run Park, shopping center and appls. NEW heat and AC system. New bath. New floors. AND only Balcony for spring entertaining and dining, and gas grills are OK! minutes to Springfield Metro. 1 mile to Springfield Metro. No steps to front door. 2 BR, 1 BA. Barbara Rosen 703-407-6481 Mike Downie 703-360-3189 Julie Hall 703-786-3634 Old Town$765,000 926 South Saint Asaph Street. Sunny stone cottage with sensational Garden Room addition. 2 BRS, 2 Baths, fireplace, COMING SOON wood floors, 3 finished Alexandria $619,900 Alexandria levels. Parking 6510 Cygnet Drive. PARADISE. This home not only has 7007 Grove Road. Fabulous Cape Cod with large fenced yard and easement. perennial gardens. Welcomed by a stone path, this 3 bedroom updates, gleaming floors and tons of space, but it also 2 bath home has a beautiful renovated kitchen with granite and SS Diann Hicks has a luscious yard and on a cul-de-sac. 4 bedrooms, appliances. Freshly painted, new roof, replacement windows, refinished 703-628-2440 wood floors and new carpet on upper level! Lots of interior storage as 3 baths and off-street parking. Lots to brag about! well as a custom exterior workshop/ shed. Large driveway for off-street Julie Hall 703-786-3634 parking. Christine Garner 703-587-4855 COMING APRIL 2014 Alexandria Old Town Greens Alexandria $579,000 $437,000 $560,000 499 Cameron Station 1601 B Potomac 610 South Pitt Blvd. Gorgeous 2-lvl Greens Dr. New Listing! Street. Simply town house-style One Light to D.C.! OVER charming cottage condo in lovely 1,700 SQ. FEET. 3 walkable to shops Cameron Station Bedrooms, 2.5 full provides loads of baths, vaulted ceilings, & cafés. Private, beautiful wood floors. modern updates. professionally 2 BR/2.5 BA w/bamboo Many upgrades, huge master bath with landscaped patio floors, renovated baths, Jacuzzi tub. Private sun garden. No condo updated kitchen, new deck and patio off of fee, simply Old tile, carpeting & much kitchen, attached Town. more! Garage + garage, swimming pool assigned parking. and lighted tennis Diann Hicks Shuttle to Metro. courts. 703-628-2440 Erika Carroll Gary Chute COMING APRIL 2014 703-568-7376 UNDER CONTRACT 703-371-9926 Alexandria $279,000 6543 Grange Lane #202. All the amenities of Kings- towne. First floor – No Steps! Generous Master w/WI closet, sep tub/shower. 2nd BR for office or guests. Cozy fireplace. Delightful patio! W/D in unit. EZ parking. Granite Kitchen ample cupboards and counters. OPEN SUNDAY 1–4 RENTAL LISTING Resort Style Living! Quiet area near lake & jogging Alexandria $1,350,000 South of Old Town $3,300/month path. Perfect location near 4201 Ormond Ave. Stately custom built 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath brick colonial with 8403 Morey Lane. Tastefully renovated brick Fort Hunt home. pools, rec facilities, shops, approximately 6,000 sq. ft. of well designed living space. Three finished levels Gourmet kitchen with breakfast bar. 4 bedrooms, 2 updated restaurants, theater, and with 3 fireplaces. NEW Gourmet kitchen, NEW Master bath and attached 2-car boragthasn.i zCeorsz/ya blivuinndga rnoto smto friaregpel.a Wcei,t hw wooadrm fleoro wrse.a Cthloesr,e etnjoy major roads and Metro. garage. Expansive fenced yard with manicured lawns, mature landscaping, patio, large flat back yard with deck and slate patio. Near G.W. Sue Feinthel hot tub and large shed. Blocks to Alexandria Hospital and St. Stephens St. Agnes Parkway/bike path. Rent includes grass/leaf removal. UNDER CONTRACT 703-819-1964 Upper School. Christine Garner 703-587-4855 Greg & Joni Koons 703-209-7678 4 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ March 27 - April 2, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Obituary Elsie Taylor Jordan Dies at 87 www.partnersinrealestate.com Licensed Brokers in DC, VA and MD David W. Spires Marjorie J. Spires Robert B. Burroughs 703-765-3500 703-765-3500 703-765-3500 Family, friends tinue. Cell: 703-850-4256 Cell: 703-472-7713 Cell: 703-856-2426 “She was not afraid to Visit Our Homes just South of Old Town this Sunday mourn community speak truth to power and South on G.W. Parkway from Old Town, Right on Tulane, follow PARTNERS signs she worked tirelessly in the activist and leader. community,” said Jenkins. 4 7209 By Sydney Kashiwagi joIinn etdh e t1h9e7 0As leMxsa. nEdlrsiiae O P ED ANY 1- Re$g8e3n5t, 0D0r0ive N Gazette Packet Sheriff’s Department where U •Incredible Curb S E she started working as a Appeal & Landscape •Exterior Irrigation lsie Taylor Jordan (Ms. Elsie) died peacefully matron and then as an ad- System •Extensive at the age of 87 surrounded by her family at ministrative deputy sheriff. Elsie Taylor Hardscape and the Birmingham Green long-term care facil- Ms. Elsie played a crucial Jordan at her Custom Plantings ity in Manassas on Feb. 7, 2014. role in making sure the niece Adrianne •Master Suite Addition includes A native Alexandrian, she is remembered the most workforce at the Alexandria Jewell’s 50th Sitting/Dressing Area, for her active role in bringing the Alexandria com- Sheriff’s Department repre- birthday celebra- Walk-In Closet and Expanded Bath •Formal Living and Dining Rooms – Foyer Entry munity together and being a firm believer in the city’s sented the demographics of tion in 1997. and Interior Vestibule •Lovely Paneled Family Room adjacent to Open Remodeled youth. She was a lifelong member of the Ebenezer the city. And Ms. Elsie also Kitchen •Extensive Hardwoods on Both Levels •Three Masonry Fireplaces Baptist Church where she co-founded a group called helped to stop a prison break during her time at the 1318 4 tahne a Gvoids pcehluierrcsh t hsiantg merin hisetresreeldf. tMhrso. uEglshie s ohneglp, eadn do rwgaas- ShCehriifeff’ sD Deeppuatryt mofe ntht.e Alexandria Sheriff’s Depart- GaDterwivoeod O P ED ANY 1- N nize the Youth Church, which gave Ebenezer Baptist ment Clarke Stearns remembers when Ms. Elsie first $869,000 U S Church youth prominent positions within the orga- hired him over 31 years ago. Stearns says that Ms. •Unique, Pristine nization such as junior deacons, youth ministers and Elsie was his mentor and hired most of the Offering in Popular Villamay •Elevated youth pastors. department’s current staff, which has made the Al- Lot w/Terrific Curb “My mother was a community activist and was in- exandria Sheriff’s Department what it is today. Appeal •Bright, Open strumental in helping the youth of the city, said Min- In the 1980s Ms. Elsie fought against drug addi- Formal Rooms ister Becky Jenkins. “She made sure the city reflected tion in Alexandria and helped established the city’s w/Bamboo Floors •Spacious Kitchen the demographics of the city.” first Methadone program at the Alexandria Health w/Loads of Counters and Breakfast Bay •The Ultimate Family Room featuring Ms. Elsie’s career in community service began in Department. She was a witness to the effects of crack Coffered Ceiling and Unique Raised-Hearth Corner Fireplace •Three Magnificently the late 1960s when she joined the Hopkins House in her community, and worked with Republican state Remodeled Full Baths •Four Generous Bedrooms •Two Masonry Fireplaces Association where she worked as a social worker and Sen. Wiley Mitchell to petition for more drug reha- •Extensive Exterior Hardscape w/Slate Patio All in Mint, Move-in Condition! helped to give food, shelter and healthcare to the bilitation programs as an alternative solution to jail. 4 6910 pcieaotipolne sohfe Acrleexaatendd trhiae. CArtu nthche BHuonpckhi nPsr oHgroaumse, wAhssicoh- Iante 1 S9p8e9c,i aMl sC. oEmlsmiei ttteeseti ofine dA ignin fgro anbto ouft tthhee Uef.fSe.c Stse nof- O P ED ANY 1- ParkD rTievrerace N helped to care for Alexandria’s senior citizens. Crunch the city’s crack endemic on senior citizens who were U $719,000 S Bunch took the elderly grocery shopping, to doctor being forced to care for their crack born grandchil- •Unique Rambler in appointments and provided them with lunch and dren. Popular Westgrove •Beautiful, Treed activities. Ms. Elsie’s Crunch Bunch Program contin- If any violence stuck the city, the Alexandria Po- Lot looks to ues today. lice Department did not hesitate to call on Ms. Elsie. Potomac River Lucretia Martin, a long-time friend and Hopkins She worked with the police department to co-found •Generous Formal House Association colleague of Ms. Elsie, says that the Community Action Team — CAT. The CAT pro- Rooms •Main Level Ms. Elsie was like a second mother to the people in gram worked alongside the police department to ease Hardwood Floors •Freshly Painted, Eat-in Kitchen w/Breakfast Area •Unique Raised-Hearth Stone Fireplace in Family Room •Three Masonry Fireplaces the Alexandria community and at the Hopkins House violence in the city, and helped to keep the youth and Three Remodeled Full Baths •Four generous Bedrooms •Whole House Association. out of trouble and off the streets. Generator •Extensive Exterior Landscape/Plantings with Deck •Main Level “She was just amazing, she was there for the people Ms. Elsie received numerous community awards Garage for One-Level Living! and dedicated to the people,” said Martin. “She took for her work in Alexandria such as the Medal of Valor 7120 4 efovoedry aonnde ucnlodtehri nhge,r sahrem w aansd jumsat dae rseumrea rpkeaobpllee pheard- fCrhoumr cthhe T Aerlerexlal nAdwriaar dPo flriocem D tehpea Nrtamtieonnta al nAds stohcei aMtiaorny ParkD rTievrerace O P ED ANY 1- son.” of Blacks in Criminal Justice. On Ms. Elsie’s 60th $850,000 U N S Ms. Elsie’s devotion to the Alexandria community birthday, the City of Alexandria did a proclamation •Elevated Corner spanned outside of work. Ms. Elsie’s children and declaring that day as the Elsie Jordan Taylor Day. Lot on Almost One-Half Acre former colleagues remember her as one of the most Ms. Elsie was a devoted mother, grandmother, •Expansive, Open outspoken people in Alexandria who could help settle spouse, aunt and sister who leaves behind one son, Kitchen with any dispute. Geoffrey C. Thomas and five daughters, Minister Adjacent Family When the riots from the assassination of Dr. Mar- Becky Mays Jenkins, Liz Dixon, Kim Smith Roberson, Room •Glass tin Luther King in the 1960s spilled into Alexandria, Polly L. Green and Sandy Taylor Hawkins; 21 grand- Sunroom/Breakfast Room at Rear Elevation •New Hardwood Floors in Formal Living and Dining Rooms •Light-filled Recreation Room with the city police had a difficult time to keep people at children, 30 great grandchildren and two great-great Raised Hearth Fireplace •Four Spacious Bedrooms – Three Full Baths ease. Jenkins’s recalls the police giving her mother a grandchildren; one brother, Deacon William Char- •Brick and Block Construction – Full Masonry Fireplaces •Beautiful bullhorn that she used to get the rioters’ attention ity; one sister, Marjorie Burts; and was predeceased in-ground Pool – Manicured Grounds and sent them home before more rioting could con- by her oldest daughter Vernie Wanzer. 4 N 1- 128 Gretna Green Court P E 6, $825,000 O L RI •Three-Level Town House with Two Master P Police Arrest Man in Malicious Wounding A Suites •Updated Granite and Stainless Eat- in Kitchen •Step-Down Formal Living Room with Fireplace and French Doors to The Alexandria Police Department is investigat- threatening injuries. Investigation revealed the vic- Beautiful Custom Deck •Hardwood Floors ing a malicious wounding that occurred in the 2500 tim knew the suspect. A 44-year-old Alexandria on Main and Upper Levels •Lower Level block of N. Van Dorn Street on Wednesday, March man was charged with malicious wounding. He is Includes Family Room with Fireplace, 19. Police responded to a report of a stabbing at being held without bond. Custom Built-ins, Wet Bar, Third Bedroom, approximately 5 a.m. Upon arrival, officers located The Alexandria Police Department asks that and Full Bath Dir.: I-395 to Duke St. an adult male victim suffering from stab wounds. anyone with information about this incident call East, Right on Pickett, Right on Valley He was transported to a local hospital with life- Det. Irv Ellman at 703-746-6830. Forge, Left on Gretna Green Court www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ March 27 - April 2, 2014 ❖ 5 People Creating a Bridge to Employment ServiceSource assists We will be closing on our new Capitol Area Disability Resource Center (DRC) in people with a range Oakton sometime in April,” Guzik said. “We will be breaking ground in June or July and of disabilities. operational in December 2014. It will al- low ServiceSource to support even more By Ashley Claire Simpson people in a customized new facility that also Gazette Packet serves as a community resource for indi- W viduals with disabilities and their families, hen Harry Louque looks out community businesses and partner organi- the window of his Old zations.” Town, Alexandria home, he can see the Masonic Temple THE SERVICESOURCE MISSION is to in clear view. The U.S. Marine Corps and empower people with setbacks, no matter Army veteran has come a long way from how impossible everyday life may seem his Fayetteville, N.C. house, which just a few when they first become involved with the years ago he often was scared to leave. Porganization. h Louque suffered from post-traumatic stress o “At ServiceSource, we are committed to t disorder and other injuries after being oexceptional service and support for indi- C Medevac’d out of Iraq in 2007. oviduals with disabilities and, to me, part of n He said he has transformed his life since tthat is challenging employees to strive for r returning stateside in 2007. He attributes ibexcellence while instilling a ‘Can-Do’ atti- u his turnaround to ServiceSource, a non- tetude,” Marquez said. d profit organization that provides a range of Veteran Harry Louque of Alexandria credits ServiceSource with turning It worked for Louque. A separate non- support and opportunities for people with his life around though its Warrior Bridge Program. profit, SourceAmerica, awarded him with a broad spectrum of disabilities, including their 2013 Regional Evelyne Villnes Award, a program for wounded veterans. through some things, that he could excel find meaningful jobs. It was then called which recognized him for transitioning from ServiceSource programs provide rehabilita- and that the sky was the limit,” said Fairfax Opportunities Unlimited and grew work on an AbilityOne contract to his cur- tion, housing, training, employment and Marquez, contract closeout manager at the into an AbilityOne authorized provider, giv- rent full time employment with the National other support services for the disabled. ServiceSource North Carolina Regional Of- ing it federal access to federal contracts. Industries for the Blind. Louque was part of ServiceSource’s War- fice. Finally, in 2001, the organization merged Louque said he is still close to rior Bridge Program, which provides em- Louque said he was in a dark place be- with ServiceSource, a non-profit organiza- ServiceSource, and hopes to have the same ployment opportunities to wounded veter- fore he began contract work with tion in Fayetteville, N.C. impact on other veterans that his mentor ans as they readjust to civilian life. He be- ServiceSource. He spent four years in the Guzik said the organization has contin- and colleagues did on him. He is now a came involved in 2011, when a Wounded Marine Corps and six years in the Army, ued to grow over the past 10 years, playing mentor for the Warrior Bridge program, Warrior Program advocate introduced him from which he was medically retired in a major role in employing wounded veter- which he said saved his life. to the non-profit organization. 2009. ans and people with other disabilities “Other situations, I would have easily “I had an advocate, who helped veterans “I was medevac’d in early August 2007, around the Washington D.C. metropolitan been terminated,” Louque said. “They never reintegrate into the workforce,” Louque and over of the period of the next couple of area. really gave up on me and I came out a much said. “He partnered me up with years, I started to have some pretty obvi- “ServiceSource provides a range of cus- different person on the back side of it. It ServiceSource down in North Carolina in a ous emotional issues, physical and emo- tomized programs for individuals with dis- was really the key for me to turning my government contract closeout position. I tional,” Louque said. “Really, for two years abilities and their families, employers and entire life around. It was the difference be- was responsible for making sure everything there, I almost didn’t leave my house. It was corporate partners,” Guzik said. “Since tween suicide and a productive life.” was closed out on hundreds of government a really tough time.” 2008, ServiceSource has helped to facilitate Once someone who was intermittently contracts.” He said everyone he worked with, includ- a 36 percent increase in the number of housebound, Louque found himself moving Louque said he benefitted from the War- ing his mentor, had a keen understanding people with disabilities employed and a 15 hundreds of miles away from Fayetteville, rior Bridge program and the staff’s under- of his journey because they were all veter- percent increase in the number of people to a place where he had no existing friends standing and patience with him during this ans. Being able to relate to everyone around served.” or family. transition. him made all the difference to Louque, who She added that the organization is in the “I was really nervous about coming up “I had a horrible attendance the first six served in combat tours in both Kuwait and process of building a Disability Resource here,” Louque said. “I did not know a single months that I was there,” Louque said. “I Iraq. Center in the Washington D.C. area. soul, so it was a really big deal for me.” would show up for work for a day or so “Working with other veterans was the and then they wouldn’t hear from me for a key,” Louque said. “We were able to relate couple of days because I was in my house to each other and talk to each other in a Charles ‘Tony’ Gee Joins LLA Board hiding out, afraid to leave. Luckily, with the way most would not understand. Working W kind of program it was, it was especially only with veterans was huge. I didn’t trust hen Charles “Tony” Gee’s ap- couraging other local tailored to help guys in my situation.” anyone else to begin with.” pointment to the Living Leg- businesses to get started It was a rough first six months, but in less ends of Alexandria board of and to grow. While at his than two years he improved so much that SERVICESOURCE has regional offices and directors was announced, LLA President King Street location, he he was presented with a job offer he programs in eight states, including Virginia, Pam St. Clair told the board, “When Tony helped organize 84 Alex- couldn’t resist. Last summer, he was hired and the District of Columbia. Every year, was called to say he had been selected as andria business owners by National Industries for the Blind in Al- more than 15,700 people with disabilities a 2014 Living Legend he said ‘Thank you’ and became the founding Gee exandria, the company that managed the benefit from ServiceSource. in his first breath and ‘How can I help?’ president of the Old contract he worked on through “ServiceSource directly employs more in the second.” Town Business Association. Throughout ServiceSource. than 1,500 individuals on government and Gee was a pioneering African Ameri- his years as an Alexandria businessman, Louque’s boss, Chris Marquez, at commercial affirmative employment con- can business leader during a period of Gee found time to pursue the study of ServiceSource never doubted his ability to tracts, making us one of the largest employ- profound social change in Alexandria and religion. He became a Baptist minister succeed. ers of people with disabilities nationwide,” played a critical role in the development and served three congregations for more “Harry had some challenges adjusting to said Teresa Guzik of ServiceSource. of lower King Street. At the same time than 30 years, including four years as civilian employment at first but I also knew ServiceSource began in 1971, when a that he was building his own business, pastor of the Third Baptist Church in Al- that he was very capable and highly intelli- group of parents formed an organization to the Snack Bar Restaurant, Gee was en- exandria. gent and that if I could help him work help their adult children with disabilities 6 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ March 27 - April 2, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ March 27 - April 2, 2014 ❖ 7 News Council Notebook Shutdown Spectre The federal government has a long and storied history of shut- ting down. Just last year, for example, members of Congress could not agree on a budget. That led to a partial government shut- Gov. Terry down during the heat of a campaign for governor, timing that McAuliffe, Republicans say harmed their candidate. Now another shutdown ANHSI Board is looming. This time in the commonwealth. Chair Keith “My guess is that the Democrats will blink first,” said Stephen Hearle, and Farnsworth, political science professor at the University of Mary ANHSI Medi- Washington. “If Republicans in the House of Delegates today in- cal Director dividually come to some kind of agreement with the governor, Basim Khan they will be primaried and they will likely be defeated in just listen to about every district that a Republican now holds.” patients’ Here in Alexandria, city leaders are concerned about what stories at a might happen if the two sides are unable to come to an agree- Medicaid ment and state money is unavailable for schools or mental-health expansion services. Democrats campaigned on expanding Medicaid to roundtable in 400,000 Virginians as part of President Barack Obama’s Afford- Arlington. able Care Act. But Republicans are dead set against it, leading to a seemingly intractable impasse. During Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille said if the Alexandria gov- Photo by ernment can compromise with the Old Dominion Boat Club, any- Janelle Germanos The Connection thing is possible. “Hopefully, they’ll come together like we’ve done over the wa- terfront,” said Euille. “I’m sure it won’t take them 40 years to do it.” Sequestration Lingers McAuliffe Talks Medicaid Expansion Speaking of government shutdowns, budget officials are still trying to figure out all the consequences from last year. Earlier Patients share stories at much. this month, City Manager Rashad Young explained the full im- Woynicz said he is also unable to make it to the pact of sequestration has yet to be determined. Medicaid expansion University of Virginia Medical center to receive spe- “The city has set aside $1 million in fund balance to compen- cialized treatment. sate for potential short-term revenue reductions related to se- roundtable. “I really put off what could be an oncological is- questration,” Young wrote in his monthly financial report. “If sue for about a year,” Woynicz said. revenues continue to fall short of estimates, it may be necessary Lori Piper worked as a business executive until five to make up any additional shortfalls with expenditure reduc- By Janelle Germanos years ago when she was diagnosed with several auto- tions.” The Connection immune diseases. After she went through chemo- J therapy and her conditioned worsened, she had to Feeling Blue ust a few days before the Virginia General As- quit her job. sembly convened in a special session in Rich- “Chemotherapy made me much worse. I lost my Don’t adjust your television set. Your tube is not on the fritz. mond to decide on the budget and the possi- job and I was not able to work after that. I became Council members were, in fact, looking a little more blue than bility of Medicaid expansion, Gov. Terry McAuliffe homeless and my mother died while I was home- normal when they met this week. It was on purpose. met with patients of Alexandria Neighborhood Health less,” Piper said. The mayor initially joked that the dark clothing would ward Services in Arlington, as they shared with him how Piper needs to see an oncologist at UVA, but can’t off the evil spirit of bad weather. Medicaid expansion would change their lives for the afford to go. But then he explained that the monochromatic hijinks were in better. “There are days when I don’t have enough money honor of Wear Blue Day on April 9 during National Child Abuse “The idea that we could not cover the 400,000 Vir- to eat,” she said. “ANSHI clinic is my only care. Thank Prevention Month. ginians and provide quality care to me is morally God for them, or I wouldn’t have any medical care.” This week’s council meeting was the last before the April 9 unacceptable,” McAuliffe said. “I take this very seri- McAuliffe said that if Medicaid expansion doesn’t event, so the elected officials decided that they would take a ously.” go through, medical centers at the University of Vir- preemptive strike at the fashion statement. At the roundtable, McAuliffe said he hopes to get ginia and Virginia Commonwealth University will “This is all across Virginia,” said Vice Mayor Allison Silberberg. the special session of the General Assembly over face cutbacks. “It’s to raise awareness about child abuse and prevention of child quickly. The governor announced Monday that he “That’s why I’m so passionate about this topic,” abuse — that it does take place and sometimes we just don’t see has proposed a two-year pilot program for Medicaid McAuliffe said. it.” that has been approved by the federal government. Virginia House Republicans are opposed to Med- After the meeting, council members posed for a formal por- McAuliffe told patients and administrators of Al- icaid expansion. At the discussion on Thursday, trait of members wearing all blue. Other participants are encour- exandria Neighborhood Health Services, Inc. that McAuliffe said he wishes Republicans would sit down aged to take photos and share them on SCAN’s Facebook Page or Medicaid expansion will happen this year. and listen to patients’ stories. tweet them with the hashtag #wearbluedayva. Patients of the Alexandria clinic feel that Medicaid “Every day we wait, it’s another $5.2 million that expansion cannot come soon enough. we are giving up,” McAuliffe said. Underground Alexandria Ted Woynicz, a veteran with PTSD, told McAuliffe McAuliffe has spent the last two weeks before the that due to his health problems, he is unable to work. reconvening of the General Assembly to tour Virginia The $7.4 million effort to construct a pedestrian tunnel con- He also cannot afford the treatment that would make and talk to patients who would be impacted by Med- necting the King Street Metro station to Union Station is barrel- him better. icaid expansion. ing down the tracks at full steam ahead. Councilman Paul Because they cannot afford primary care, many “Hearing your stories brings, I think, tears to Smedberg announced Tuesday that an agreement has been struck Virginians such as Woynicz use the emergency room everyone’s eyes in this room,” McAuliffe said. between the Virginia Railway Express and Amtrak. for health care. Now, Woynicz is afraid to go due to Attendees of the roundtable discussion also in- “It’s a big step forward,” said Smedberg. the high costs. cluded some members of the Virginia General As- The tunnel is intended to improve pedestrian access, handi- “It’s a really scary thing when you’re afraid now sembly, including Sen. George Barker (D-39) and capped accessibility and upgrade the eastern VRE Amtrak plat- even to take yourself to the emergency room,” Delegates Bob Brink (D-48) and Charniele Herring form. Construction is expected to be completed next year. Woynicz said. (D-46). According to McAuliffe, Medicaid expansion will “I’m lucky. I have health insurance. But it shouldn’t — Michael Lee Pope allow more people to receive primary care and pre- be a matter of luck. It should be a matter of our state’s vent people from going to the emergency room as priorities,” said Herring. 8 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ March 27 - April 2, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Bulletin Board Email announcements to gazette@ “Why Right-Sized Parking Matters: connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is National and Regional Best Practices, Thursday by noon. Photos welcome. Local Level Implementation, Impacts & Community Benefits.” to launch the City’s Parking Standards for New BOOK COLLECTION SITES Development Projects Study. Visit The Titan Expo Used Book Sale www.alexandriava.gov/Planning. needs books (all ages, fiction, non- fiction, hard- and paperback, no TUESDAY/APRIL 1 textbooks), CDs, DVDs and audiobooks as well as board games Application Deadline. Apply for the and puzzles. Collection boxes are Westminster Community Grant located at: program, which helps Northern ❖ T.C. Williams main campus main Virginia area charitable office at 3330 King St. organizations. Certified tax exempt ❖ T.C. Williams Minnie Howard Campus charitable organizations in Northern main office at 3801 W. Braddock Virginia are eligible to apply. For Road application information, go to ❖ YMCA at 420 E. Monroe St. www.wpc-alex.org/local/ ❖ Chinquapin Recreation Center at 3210 community_grant.htm or contact King St. Priscilla Goodwin at ❖ Fairlington Community Center, 3308 [email protected]. S. Stafford St. WEDNESDAY/APRIL 2 THROUGH FRIDAY/JUNE 20 Combat Financial Fraud. 9:30 a.m. Adult Sports Activities. 8 a.m.-2 at Ernst Cultural Center, NOVA p.m., Monday through Friday at Community College, Annandale Witter Recreational Fields and Ben Campus, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Brenman Soccer Field, and 3-7 p.m., Annandale. The Lifetime Learning at Eugene Simpson Soccer Fields. Institute of Northern Virginia The City of Alexandria Department of Speaker’s Forum presents Nora Dowd Recreation, Parks and Cultural Eisenhower who will discuss the Activities offers a variety of ways for complicated financial decisions about adults ages 18 and older to get active retirement, home equity, long-term this spring. Visit, alexandriava.gov/ care, and financial care taking RecreationCenters, alexandriava.gov/ responsibilities for seniors. Free. Recreation, email Garage parking is $2 per hour. Call [email protected] or call 703-503-0600. 703-746-5402. Meeting. 6 p.m. at City Hall, 301 King St., Room 2000, Alexandria. The Royal Street Bus Garage Ad hoc FRIDAY/MARCH 28 Advisory Committee will hold its Women’s Leadership Forum. 8:30- third meeting. The Committee will 11:30 a.m. at The Athenaeum, 210 review draft design principles related Prince St. Hear stories from women to street level character, open space leaders. There will be a panel and connections and building scale and sponsors. $55/member; $75/ transitions. Call 703-746-3813 or nonmember. Visit email jessica.mcvary@ lyris.newtarget.com/t/17411/56884/ alexandriava.gov. 2320/58/ to register. WEDNESDAY/APRIL 2 SATURDAY/MARCH 29 Presentation. 7 p.m. at Beatley FOAA Annual Meeting. 10 a.m. at Central Library, 5005 Duke St. Dr. the Alexandria Archaeology Hassan Yemer, Professor, Strayer Museum, 105 N. Union Street, University will discuss his insights in #327. The FOAA Annual Meeting & “Leading Strategically: New Thinking Election of the Friends of Alexandria for Entrepreneurs, Organizations, Archaeology Board of Directors and Your Personal Life.” Visit followed by the first board meeting www.alexandria.lib.va.us or call 703- at which time the officers will be 746-1751. selected. The Annual Meeting and Election is open to the general public. THURSDAY/APRIL 3 Any FOAA member in good standing is eligible to vote, but must be City Manager’s Public Budget present to do so. Call 703-746-4399. Presentation. 6:30 p.m., at the Housing Expo. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Lee Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke High School, 6540 Franconia Road, Street, Alexandria. City Manager Springfield. Anyone looking for an Rashad M. Young will host a public affordable place to live in Northern presentation of his proposed Fiscal Virginia should plan to visit the 2014 Year 2015 Budget. Free. Visit Northern Virginia Housing Expo alexandriava.gov/Budget. which will feature workshop and exhibits designed to educate MONDAY/APRIL 7 attendees about location options, being prepared for buying or renting, Town Hall. 7:30 p.m.at St. Elmo’s understanding and improving credit Coffee Pub. Del. Rob Krupicka will scores, improving energy efficiency hold a post-session legislative wrap- and more. Visit up. Free. E-mail www.NoVaHousingExpo.org. [email protected] or call 571-357-4762 with any questions. MONDAY/MARCH 31 Annual Salute to Women Awards. TUESDAY/APRIL 8 6 .m. at U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, 600 Dulany St. Each year, the Retirement Planning. 7 p.m., located Alexandria Commission for Women in the large meeting room at the celebrates Alexandria’s outstanding Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke women, men, and youth who have Street, Alexandria. Bryan Riley, a made a significant impact on women financial advisor for Ameriprise, and girls in Alexandria. This year’s presents, “Plan for Retirement: networking reception and awards Challenge Your Concerns and Take ceremony will be celebrating both the Control.” Call, 703-746-1751. 40th anniversary of the Alexandria Commission for Women and the WEDNESDAY/APRIL 9 legacy of Vola Lawson. $65, proceeds benefit Alexandria’s Sexual Assault Online Fundraiser. ACT for Program and other women’s Alexandria is hosting Spring2ACTion, initiatives. Visit a 24-hour online giving competition www.alexwomen.com for more. to raise money for local nonprofits. Expert Panel Session. 7 p.m. at the See Bulletin, Page 25 Lyceum, 201 S Washington Street. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ March 27 - April 2, 2014 ❖ 9 Opinion Alexandria Gazette Packet Local Government should be www.AlexandriaGazette.com Challenging Budgets @AlexGazette able to access income taxes An independent, locally owned weekly newspaper delivered to give relief on real estate taxes. to homes and businesses. N Published by Local Media Connection LLC orthern Virginia governments are erty values have increased this year, and local percentage of money that returns to Northern 1606 King Street facing shortfalls in the classic governments are also considering increases in Virginia is debated, but it is definitely small. Alexandria, Virginia 22314 budget sense: projected revenues the property tax rate, meaning homeowners Localities should have the ability to add a pig- Free digital edition delivered to your email box. Go to are less than last year’s expendi- will pay more in taxes. gyback tax to the state income tax in order to connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe tures plus increases in costs. Fairfax County Real Estate Assessments in- provide needed and expected services while Alexandria City Manager Rashad Young creased 5.8 percent for single family homes, giving relief to homeowners. NEWS DEPARTMENT: To discuss ideas and concerns, Young: “This is the seventh straight year of 8.4 percent for townhouses and 10.5 percent Anyone familiar with the political process in Call: 703-778-9410 budgetary challenges, where the cost of cur- for condos. In Arlington, property values grew Virginia knows that this is a pipe dream with e-mail: [email protected] rent services and previous commitments ex- about 5.8 percent this year. That includes essentially zero chance. It would have to pass Steven Mauren ceeds our revenue growth.” His proposed bud- single-family houses and townhouses, which the Virginia General Assembly. Nevertheless, Editor, 703-778-9415 get includes $190.6 million for Alex- went up 6.2 percent, as well as condo- it makes no sense for Northern Virginia to pay [email protected] andria City Public Schools, a 2.62 per- miniums, which went up 5.9 percent. income taxes to the state without being able Michael Lee Pope Editorial Reporter, 703-615-0960 cent increase over FY2014 but $2.5 In Alexandria, residential assessments to benefit. [email protected] million less than requested by the Al- increased 4.8 percent. Meanwhile, Arlington FY 2015 tax rate pub- @MichaelLeePope exandria School Board. But just because a home is worth more this lic hearing is March 27 at 7 p.m. More on Jeanne Theismann 703-778-9436 Fairfax County Chairman of the Board of year than last year doesn’t actually put any Arlington’s budget: http:// [email protected] Supervisors Sharon Bulova: “This will be a very more money in anyone’s pocket. The increases countyboard.arlingtonva.us/budget/ @TheismannMedia challenging budget.” Fairfax County Public are mostly modest and necessary in an area Fairfax County’s public hearings, all in the Jon Roetman Sports Editor, 703-224-3015 Schools Superintendent Karen Garza proposed that prides itself on providing an exceptional board auditorium at the government center: [email protected] an increase of 5.7 percent, $98 million more quality of life and thriving business environ- Effective Tax Rate Hearing 3 p.m., April 8, @jonroetman than the schools requested last year, but su- ment. Employment and jobs are also strong in 2014; Budget Public Hearing 6 p.m., April 8; Steve Artley Cartoonist pervisors have said to expect an increase of 2 Northern Virginia, with unemployment at 3.7 3 p.m., April 9; 3 p.m., April 10. More on [email protected] percent. percent in Fairfax, 4.1 percent in Alexandria Fairfax County Budget, http:// Fairfax County, along with Arlington and and 3.2 percent in Arlington. Northern Virginia www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dmb/ ADVERTISING: For advertising information Alexandria, is wrestling with how to fund in- is the economic engine of Virginia. The over- For more on Alexandria’s budget https:// e-mail: creasing financial requests from schools, in- all unemployment rate in Virginia is 5 percent, www.alexandriava.gov/budget/info/ [email protected] creasing needs for human services and provid- with these statistics from the Bureau of Labor default.aspx?id=75641. Julie Ferrill Display Advertising, 703-778-9446 ing a safety net, and many other areas of local Statistics. These rates are far below the na- A favorite guideline on testimony at budget [email protected] budgets. tional rate. hearings comes in Arlington: “Repetitious tes- Tara Lloyd In Virginia, localities are allowed few areas But state income tax, paid disproportionately timony is discouraged.” Good luck with that. Display Advertising, 703-778-9447 of revenue, and local budgets are funded pri- by workers in Northern Virginia, are collected — Mary Kimm [email protected] marily through real estate property taxes. Prop- by the state for the state budget. The exact [email protected] Kristin Janeiro Display Advertising, 703-778-9448 [email protected] Letters to the Editor Andrea Smith Classified Advertising, 703-778-9411 Beware Becoming Old Town must be a walkable city, something preted as anything but placing pedestrian [email protected] it seemed to emphasize a few years ago but safety, and pedestrian access, second to bicycle Debbie Funk National Sales Pedestrian Unfriendly now has taken a back seat to other interests. It traffic? 703-778-9444 is evident that Old Town residents have com- Clearly Old Town must come to grips over [email protected] To the Editor: plained about bicyclists not stopping at stop bicycle traffic, both because it is a fact of life Publisher The subject of managing bicycle traffic in Old signs and not yielding to pedestrians, and in the city and because City Council has deter- Jerry Vernon [email protected] Town is a complex one, but a key element is added to this peril is the recent declaration by mined we should be a “bicycle friendly” city. the effect of such traffic on the quality of life City Council that bicycles may travel on the The concern to us is that in accomplishing this Editor & Publisher Mary Kimm for residents. city sidewalks. How can all of this be inter- Old Town will become a city unfriendly and 703-778-9433 [email protected] unsafe for pedestrians. @MaryKimm A year ago Alexandria had proposed mak- Editor in Chief ing Union Street a bicycle corridor. This made Steven Mauren sense as the Mount Vernon trail leads onto Photography: John Bordner, Deb Cobb, Union Street at both ends of Old Town. Now Craig Sterbutzel there is talk of a “Bicycle Boulevard” along Art/Design: Laurence Foong, John Heinly Royal Street. Why has this changed? Production Manager: Royal is a particularly bad choice for such a Geovani Flores boulevard. A bicycle boulevard is intended to Editor Emeritus: Mary Anne Weber offer bicyclists a route less traveled by auto- mobiles and trucks to reduce the riders’ expo- CIRCULATION: 703-778-9426 sure to exhaust fumes and to avoid competing Circulation Manager: Ann Oliver with the motorized vehicles as well as not com- [email protected] pete with pedestrian traffic. Such a boulevard should feature minimal amounts of vehicles A Connection Newspaper St and cross traffic. Royal Street, by contrast, car- The Alexandria Gazette Packet is distributed e weekly to selected homes in the ve ries a significant traffic load during the morn- City of Alexandria. n G ing rush with the St. Mary’s school cars, the Annoyt owwisnhe rtso orre coecicvue ptahne tps aopf eprr ceamni sneos ttihfya tt hdeo . A private and public school buses, Dash buses publisher by telebpyh oemnea ailt t7o03-917-6480 or rt and the cars stopping at Safeway, collectively [email protected], l and the distributor will be notified to ey making challenges for pedestrians. Commuter discontinue service. /G car traffic crosses Royal at several points as a z does pedestrian traffic in the form of school e tt children walking to the schools in the area: e P Lyles-Crouch, St. Mary’s and St. Paul’s. The a c k e See Letters, Page 11 t 10 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ March 27 - April 2, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com