Alexandria Gazette Packet 25 Cents Page 25 Serving Alexandria for over 200 years • A Connection Newspaper July 17, 2014 Missing Link City to purchase waterfront parking lot for $5 million. By Michael Lee Pope Along the Gazette Packet C Waterfront ity officials are on the verge of finalizing the ❖ 0 Prince Street: City pur- sale of two slices of chased this property on Feb. 27, waterfront property, a 2006 for $1,135,000 from Mark $5 million purchase years in the and Stephen Richards. making that will help seal a deal ❖ 200 Strand Street: City with the Old Dominion Boat Club purchased this property on Feb. and open up a key part of the wa- 27, 2006 for $1,690,000 from terfront to the public. The proper- Stephen Richards et al. ties complete a set city officials ❖ 204 Strand Street: City is began to compile back in 2006, expected to purchase this property when the city purchased the old for $2,439,500 from Anita Mann. Beachcomber Restaurant and one- ❖ 208 Strand Street: City is third of the parking lot next to it expected to purchase this property for $3 million. for $2,439,500 from Jane Caster “These are important parcels,” Sweeney. said Deputy City Manager Mark Jinks. “They are a missing link that Boat Club are expected to vote this will help us get one step closer to weekend on finalizing a land a multi-decade goal of having con- swap, a separate deal that’s been tinuous public access along the years in the making. City officials water.” will get the boat club’s property at The purchase is taking place just the foot of King Street, which they as members of the Old Dominion See City, Page 3 Transitway to the Future Alexandria and Arlington to launch region’s first transitway with dedicated lanes. By Michael Lee Pope leaders say the sleek blue Gazette Packet Metroway buses represent a bold P T step forward for Northern Virginia h o his week, elected leaders and the commonwealth. When the t o b and government officials Alexandria part of the transitway y L from Alexandria and Ar- opens next month, it will have the o u lington will turn swords into plow- first dedicated lanes in the metro- ise shares, setting aside their previous politan region, setting the stage for K r differences about the Crystal City the next generation of transporta- a ff Potomac Yard transitway and tion planners to follow, the first of t / wielding ceremonial shovels to which will be the Arlington por- G az break ground. Transportation See Launching, Page 24 e t t e Pa 41322 AV ,airdnaxelA c ,.tS gniK 4061 :oT k e detseuqeR ecivreS sserddA t .lairetam Alexandria Celebrates Its 265th evitisnes-emiT :retsamtsoP noitnettA Thousands of residents and guests watch the firework display from Oronoco Bay Park at the conclusion of last Saturday evening’s annual Alexandria Birthday 284# timreP AV ,airdnaxelA Celebration. More photos, page 26. DIAP egatsoP .S.U DTS TRSRP www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ July 17-23, 2014 ❖ 1 2 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ July 17-23, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Alexandria Gazette Editor Steven Mauren Week in Alexandria 703-778-9415 or [email protected] Locating the Metro Federal officials are in the final stages of putting together an envi- ronmental impact study for the Potomac Yard Metro station, a devel- opment that will set the stage for a key decision this fall. When the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority releases the study this fall, city officials will begin a series of events that will culminate in a decision about where the Metro station is located — a key deci- sion that will have lasting consequences on growth and development in the city for years to come. “That will be subject to community meetings and several pubic hear- ings in the late fall and winter,” said Deputy City Manager Mark Jinks. “And then in early 2015 the City Council will choose a locally pre- ferred alternative.” P h One site is at the northern edge of Potomac Greens. The other site is o t o at the southern edge of the Potomac Yard shopping plaza. Although b the two potential locations are in close proximity, they are far apart in y M terms of what they might mean for the value of land to be developed ic h and the ability of the developer to contribute to the project. For city a e leaders, financing the construction of the Metro station will be a ma- l L jor commitment in the coming years. After council members make a ee P decision about the location, federal officials will issue what they call a o p “record of decision.” e / G “Once you get to a locally preferred alternative, you can proceed to a z start the design process,” said Jinks. “And environmental impact state- e t t ment process for a major infrastructure like this is a long process, and e P then you have the process of building the infrastructure itself.” a c k e t Severance Indicted The city already owns the old Beachcomber Restaurant and one third of this parking lot, which were purchased by the city using open space funds in 2006. Charles Severance has been indicted, but not for murder. Now the City Council is about to consider an ordinance that would finalize the This week, a grand jury in Loudoun County indicted Severance on sale of the rest of the parking lot, which will cost about $5 million. one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, he would face a mandatory minimum sentence of two years. City To Purchase Waterfront Lots Severance, who is 53, is a former Alexandria man who police say is the focus of their investigation into three unsolved murders — Nancy Dunning in 2003, Ron Kirby in 2013 and Ruthanne Lodato ear- lier this year. Although Alexandria Police Chief Earl Cook says his From Page 1 Robinson Concrete. John Richards, who was the detectives have narrowed the scope of their investigation to Sever- want to transform into a public plaza known as clerk of Robinson Concrete, transformed the ance, whom they describe a a “prime focus” of their investigation, Fitzgerald Square. Boat Club members will get Beachcomber into a retail firearms shop. The Severance has not been formally named a suspect. $5 million from the city and a new home at the newly created land to the south of the restaurant “We do not normally talk about people we are looking at in an inves- foot of Prince Street in addition to a boat launch. was part of Aitcheson Fuel Company. When the tigation,” said Cook last month. “It was only the unique circumstances “This allows us to meet the purpose of the wa- fuel company eased operations, Richards formed around him that we are discussing him.” Severance lawyer says the terfront plan,” said Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille. a partnership with former Alexandria Mayor Frank gun charge is a sham to hold him while police continue to investigate “This will open up the entire waterfront to acces- Mann and businessman Robert Sweeney, who ran the Alexandria slayings. He’s been in custody since March. sibility and connectivity.” a Hickory Farms franchise at the corner of Pitt and Cameron streets. The trio purchased the property Following the Money THE HISTORY of the Beachcomber and the park- for $100,000, quite an investment considering its ing lot goes back to the 1940s, a time when the value today. Old Town resident and Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Warner has a property was underwater. A “You have to remember that this considerable lead over Republican challenger Ed Gillespie, according 1941 Sanborn Fire Insurance was an industrial area back then,” to figures released this week by the campaigns at the end of the sec- map shows a jagged shore- “These are said Hulfish. ond fiscal quarter. Warner says he raised $2.7 million while Gillesie line where the Beachcomber important parcels. says he raised about $1.9 million. Restaurant building and THE WATERFRONT PLAN calls But the former Republican National Committee chairman’s campaign parking lot would later be for the parking lot the city is now They are a missing also said it received contributions from 47 donors who had previously located with an automatic purchasing to become part of an given to Warner, and the Republicans believe they are gaining mo- laundry and wood-storage expanded Point Lumley Park. The link that will help mentum. “The $4.1 million raised by the campaign to-date puts the facility across the street. A theme for the block is “the work- campaign among the top non-incumbent Republican campaigns,” said group of investors believed us get one step ing seaport,” and leaders of the campaign manager Chris Leavitt, “and positions it well to get Ed’s posi- they could transform the Seaport Foundation are trying to tive message out to voters.” property from an industrial closer to a multi- gain access to a civic building that backwater to a scenic spot on the city plans to construct here as All Work and Some Play the river. In 1945, Thomas decade goal of part of the park. A pedestrian Hulfish, Edward Wayne and promenade will extend along the having continuous It’s summertime. But the city’s government moves on. John Bethea leased the prop- water’s edge, and the new park Just ask Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille. When asked about his sum- erty from the owners of could be a location for historical public access along mertime plans, Euille says he has been at City Hall conducting busi- Robinson Terminal and con- markers, monuments or public art. ness every day so far this summer. structed the Beachcomber “Waterside activities should in- the water.” “I haven’t been out of town yet,” said Euille. Restaurant over the water. clude opportunities to get into the The mayor said he is planning to take some time off next week to “There was no other land water, such as kayak, canoe, row- — Deputy City Manager visit family in the Tidewater and the Outer Banks. Then, in August, he available,” said Tom Hulfish, boat or small sailboat rental,” ac- Mark Jinks says he’ll finally take a vacation and head to San Francisco, where he whose father was one of the cording to the waterfront plan. will visit a high school friend who is now an attorney there. restaurant’s owners. “And “Raised hardscaped areas, posi- “My plan is to relax,” said Euille. “It’s one of my favorite cities in the they wanted to open a seafood restaurant.” tioned to mimic the historic piers, could be con- world, and the last time I was out there was about three years ago.” Several years later, the land under the Beach- structed and designed to not only provide historic — Michael Lee Pope comber and the land creating the parking lot next interpretation but as part of the functional flood- to it were created by using leftover materials from wall in this area.” www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ July 17-23, 2014 ❖ 3 Old Town Old Town $949,000 $595,000 206 N Alfred. 602 South Pitt St. Victorian Beauty! You Sensational new will be charmed by listing. Historic, circa this renovated 1900 1880 with 2 bed- brick Victorian with rooms, 1.5 baths, 10-ft ceilings, pocket fireplace & private doors, tall windows brick patio garden. and original moldings. Cherry cabinets in 3 large bedrooms, 2.5 kitchen w/granite JUST LISTED baths, family room counters, stainless Old Town $2,100,000 addition, eat-in appliances. Walk to 222 S Fairfax St. Detached home on a 4,400 sq. ft. kitchen, and brick shops & cafés. double lot. Circa 1898, located on one of Old Town’s patio. Charming! more prestigious blocks. Approx. 5,200 sq. ft. interior, Mary Hurbut Diann Hicks 3 fireplaces, 2 porches and off-street parking. Christine Garner 703-587-4855 OPEN SUNDAY 1-4 703-980-9595 JUST LISTED 703-628-2440 Alexandria $972,500 1847 Potomac Greens Dr. One of Potomac Greens’ largest models with over 3,400 sq. ft. of living area that incl. 3 BR, 3 full & 2 half BA on 4 spacious lvls. Chef’s kitchen with double wall ovens, gas cooktop, granite counters & cherry cabinets. Owners suite features 2 walk-in closets & the top flr. includes a roof- NEW & OPEN SUNDAY 1–4 top deck, rough-in for a wet Alexandria $639,900 bar, the 3rd full bath. Conv. Alexandria $719,000 5665 Governors Pond Cir. Spacious brick End-Unit town home in location just 1 light from 1109 Dalebrook Dr. Come home to Waynewood! Enjoy this D.C. & across the street Governors Grove featuring hardwood floors throughout, upper & lower from the proposed yard’s vegetable garden, patio & pond this summer and then a decks, new granite & updated fixtures. Fantastic Lwr Lvl with soaring 14- Potomac Yards Metro new sun room with heated floor next winter. A well-maintained ft ceiling, walk-out to 1 of the 2 decks & backing to woods & the 3 acre station. 4 bedroom & 3 full bath house with updates on every level. comm. pond. Just blocks from the Huntington Metro & 6 mi. from the new Bob Bazzle Walk to a neighborhood pool & park or bike the G.W. Parkway. Wegmans coming soon. Bob Bazzle 703-599-8964 PRICE REDUCED 703-599-8964 Greg & Joni Koons 703-209-7277 OPEN SATURDAY/SUNDAY 1-4 Alexandria $700,000 Alexandria $625,000 Alexandria/Hollin Hall Village $559,000 2406 Stirrup Ln. 5 Bedroom Colonial with New Furnace/ 2509 Ross St. Professionally remodeled and expanded four bedroom, three full 7812 Fort Hunt Rd. Lovely 3+ bedroom, 3 bath home in Hollin Hall Village; bathroom, one level home in a well-established neighborhood. New: plumbing, totally remodeled kitchen with granite and new SS GE appliances; separate New Hot Water Heater/New Kitchen, Extended Granite furnace and ductwork; A/C, windows, roof; rewired and upgraded electric. DR; fresh paint throughout and gorgeous hardwoods on main level; fully Counter, Maple Cabinets, SS Appliances/3 Renovated Full Completely remodeled kitchen and bathrooms. New Master Suite with walk-in closet finished lower level with newer GE W/D, new furnace; walkout to huge fenced and bathroom with a huge shower. Separate Laundry room. Gorgeous hardwood back yard with patio and oversized shed; Bonus: restored 9’ Brunswick First Bathrooms and Refurbished Harwood Floors. floors throughout. Expansive deck across the back of the house overlooks half-acre, Ed. Anniversary Pool table conveys! Waynewood school district! Close to Dave & Debbie Ingram 703-380-9264 very private yard. Elvira Jakovac 571-405-8058 shops and restaurants.Leslie Atkinson 703-967-1471 Alexandria Alexandria $550,000 $550,000 6311 Chaucer Ln. 114 Meadows Ln. Lowest Price in Bright and spacious desirable Landmark 4 level townhome Mews. This 3,400 sq ft end unit with 3 BR, 4 level Townhome is 31⁄ BA, eat in kitchen, THE smart buy. Besides 2-c2ar garage, lots of 3 large Bedrooms, 3 storage space, gas full, 2 half Bathrooms, 2 fireplace. Great gas fireplaces, 3 walk- community with in closets, huge Family Alexandria/Montebello $399,000 Room, and many pool and tot lots. 5901 Mount Eagle Dr #614. Amazing new price, lowest for the size! storage areas, there is Fantastic location, Enjoy the “outdoors” w/treed views from the largest enclosed balcony in the elevator – 1 of only near Metro, jogging Montebello! Feel like you’re in a house, with 1,525 SF of interior space with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths + den. Updated kitchen, master bath & flooring; 12 in the neighborhood. trails, parks! storage & garage. All just 2 lights from Old Town, I-495, G.W. Parkway; Nancie Williams Beth Currier gated community w/35+ wooded acres, Metro shuttle, café, indoor & outdoor pools, tennis, bowling, etc. TOUR @ 5901mounteagledr614.com. PRICE IMPROVEMENT 703-608-6959 703-850-6701 Cindy Baggett & Leslie Rodriguez 703-400-3010 4 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ July 17-23, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News The Perfect Smile W e are excited to announce that we are now OFFERING AN IMPLANT SPECIAL! Any crown inserted on any implant Dr. Ackerman placed will be eligible for a $400 credit at the time of insert. Call us today at 703-931-0200. Most PPO’s are accepted. This offer is valid for new patients only. Tomorrow’s Dentistry Today~ •Intraoral cameras let you see what the dentist sees •Digital radiography provides unmatched diagnostic and treatment accuracy, 90% $400 Credit less radiation this month. Dr. Ackerman & Associates offer~ New patients •Most current knowledge in dental care today only. •Variety of treatment services, including hygiene, complex adult cases, cosmetic dentistry, 25 years dental implant experience, Invisalign orthodontics, and all family dental needs. 5055 Seminary Road, Suite 105, Alexandria, VA 22311 Photo by Louise Krafft/Gazette Packet Anthony Ellison and Charles Wanzer soap up and spray down one of the SUVs in line at www.ackermandds.com • 703-931-0200 the car wash last Saturday. Also working on the car is Tony Carter. We speak Spanish • Farsi • Tagalog • Amharic Car Wash for a Cause T here was no shortage of suds as vol- unteers for the Unity Day Festival washed cars in the parking lot of Ad- vanced Auto Parts on Duke Street on Satur- day afternoon, July 12. The volunteers are raising money for the upcoming Unity Day Festival to be held at the Martin Luther King Jr. Field behind the Gum Springs Community Center on July 26 from noon to 7 p.m. The family festival will include live enter- tainment and refreshments. Volunteers Dorothy Bell and Harold Harris take a short break at the car wash. Advanced Auto Parts general manager Nevin Cuff checks on the progress of the volunteers in the back lot of the store on Duke Street. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ July 17-23, 2014 ❖ 5 People Life Lessons on the Water Amy Zang directs sailing camp. By Shirley Ruhe Gazette Packet I t was 9:45 a.m. in early July, and Amy Zang, who lives in Del Ray, was checking in the 141 campers sitting on the lawn waiting for their week of sail- ing instruction at the Washington Sailing Marina. Zang has been at the sailing camp for 25 years, the last 20 years as director. This week there are six different levels of classes for kids and on weekends and evenings there are adult sail- ing courses available. “I have nine coming tonight.” People “Listen,” she says At Work between the roars of planes taking off from the airport. “Find a partner; meet someone new.” The beginning sailors, who will be learning on the Sunfish, walk by in pairs to their 15-minute land lesson with a sail instructor, then slip into their orange life jack- ets and off to rig the boats. “OK, you put up the jib first.” The classes move up to a Flying Scot, then a Hobie Cat. “We start with the bare mini- mum — how to steer and turn the boat, how to avoid capsizing and how to right the boat if you do.” Zang says. On the second lesson they move on to wind direction and reinforc- ing the parts of the boat. “Once they get a little taste, they get Photo by Shirley Ruhe/Gazette Packet hooked and are willing to listen Amy Zang, director of the Washington Sailing because they want to know how Marina, checks in sailing campers and sends Beginning sailors in their Sunfish have just finished tacking the to make the boat go.” She says them off to their pre-briefing groups before boats and are headed toward the open water at the Washington tacking up wind is probably the heading out to the water. Sailing Marina camp in July. hardest thing to learn to do. Zang answers her walkie-talkie The pro- attached to her belt — a check-in on one of the sail- gram has grown since Zang began when camp was ors. A staffer needs two more small life jackets and offered for six weeks in the summer and averaged another reports an engine bubble. A maintenance 60 youths. Now it is 11 weeks and averages 100 a worker stops by to drop off spare daggerboard week. Although this year looks good, she says the handles. Then a call in for lunch orders. She says, economy has taken a toll the last couple of years as “This goes on all day long.” attendance fell. And the older teenagers who used Today she says she has a staff of 40 although she to use their pay as extra spending money now rely Some of the has a database to draw on of about 60. She points to on it more as a necessity. sailing camp- a sheaf of papers that makes scheduling a nightmare Zang is a special education teacher during the ers have but gives more flexibility to everyone. “Heather, right school year and says the organization and manage- already behind me, has been here 14 years and Nick, who is ment skills she learned in teaching have been invalu- skippered in director of wind surfing, has been here 15 years. I able. “Knowing how people think is huge.” Recently their Sunfish have all levels of staff beginning with the teenage she added, “we had a young girl who was too afraid and are the Counselors in Training (CIT) who can move up with to go out. So I sat with her. Then a couple of days first to rig experience. All instructors must complete a 6-hour later, she said she would like to go out with me and their boats on-line boat safety training course, CPR and first aid, I just sailed by the dock. She loved it, got hooked and head out and an on-water 20-hour training course with me. I and came back for another week. I work with people.” to the water spend a lot of time training staff and make them in- She pointed out that sailing is also good thing for at the Wash- terchangeable to the extent possible. My staff are youths with ADHD because the results are immedi- ington Sailing the face of the camp and they know I love it and ate; the boat responds or it doesn’t, and they want Marina camp. what I expect.” to know why. Zang says she has a number of youths from Alex- It is 12:15 and the boats are back at the dock for andria, but many come from all over the metropoli- an hour lunch break. Lunch is followed by a debrief- tan area. A number of them come for more than one ing about what they learned that worked or didn’t week and then return the next year. Many are stay- from the morning’s activities — then back out until ing with grandma and come while they are here. “Last 3:45. And as Zang’s T-shirt declares, you can’t change week I had two campers from Spain. Since there is a the wind but you can adjust the sails. “A life lesson,” large diplomatic presence, we have a big variety.” she says. 6 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ July 17-23, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ July 17-23, 2014 ❖ 7 People Advising Senior Citizens Carla Rollandini what is going on,” she said. Most elderly people have become handi- assists those in their capped due to a medical condition and, con- sequently, require assistance of some type. “golden years.” “Being a social worker, I see that as my life vocation. I like to see how I can help people’s lives get By Karen L. Bune better or I can Gazette Packet make them more W comfortable or hen she is not making her even if those are rounds and visiting sick pa- approaching tients and their families at the death, I’ve helped hospital, Carla Rollandini is working as a the family,” self-employed professional and began her Rollandini said. endeavor of “Carla Care, Inc.” in 1993. Her Mike Gill and inspiration evolved from her daughter who his siblings en- came home and shared stories about how gaged the services she used to read to senior citizens at the of “Carla Care” for Courtesy of Carla library. After listening to her daughter’s his father who has Rollandini feedback, Rollandini believed she could help since died. Carla Rollandini people by going into their homes and lend- “She puts it all ing a hand. together,” Gill said. With Rollandini’s pres- Her services include evaluating a person’s ence and involvement, Gill noted his father living situation, recommending resources was more at ease. “She’s skilled, she’s hon- and coordination of care, arranging family est, she’s a great resource,” he said. coordination meetings and providing pa- “Carla Rollindini is known to me profes- tient advocacy. She provides direct services sionally and personally. Although she is a and has served as a patient advocate for businesswoman, she treats all of her clients many. and their family members like she would Rollandini assists elders with decisions treat her own family — this is, perhaps, the that include deciding whether or not to greatest gift she offers. She is the person move to a retirement home, helping them every family needs when they are trying to with contracts, driving them to various ap- provide a chance for their elderly loved one pointments, and instructing them on how to ‘age in place.’ Carla genuinely loves hear- to make their homes safer by suggesting the ing the life histories of those for whom she installation and usage of chair lifts, and she cares and treasures the company of those contacts the necessary personnel to make entrusted to her. What she does enriches it happen. the lives of elders and offers family mem- “Each person is different and has a dif- bers the peace of knowing their loved ones ferent story. A lot of people just want you are in very capable hands,” the Rev. Patricia to talk to them every week,” she said. Dickson, the director of pastoral care at Rollandini has been known to take elderly Inova Alexandria Hospital, said. people to lunch, drive them for a visit with Rollandini also writes legacy books in a friend, and escort them to church, a con- which she tells the life story of a person. cert, or some other event of their choosing. This allows the family to have the memory She took one woman to her Phi Beta Kappa of their loved one in a book after their death. meetings every month. “What makes me She wrote one about her own parents. different from everybody is that I stay with “Dealing with the death of your parents every person I have. I develop relation- is finding an appropriate place to put your ships,” Rollandini said. feelings,” Rollandini said. Though the “Golden Years” are touted as Families have engaged her to write the ones to look forward to, people age and story about their loved ones and, so far, she develop health conditions or illnesses re- has written six legacy books. quiring assistance. “It’s good to have an In many cases, she has been a part of, as advocate for decisions,” Rollandini said. she said, “the whole life stage ending.” Hav- She points out the need for people to fo- ing studied thanatology — the study of cus on what is important and to make plans. death and dying — Rollandini is also able “Talk about how do you want the end of to assist families in dealing with the final your life to look. I try to instill a dose of stages of life and the difficulties that accom- reality all the time with people. I see my- pany it. self as coming in and making order out of Karen L. Bune is a freelance writer who also serves the chaos — particularly managing the as an adjunct professor at George Mason University medical needs. A lot of people don’t know and Marymount University. Business Notes Email announcements to gazette@connectionnews as chairman. Johnson’s appointment was con- papers.com. Deadline is Thursday at noon. Photos firmed by the Alexandria City Council. Alexandria encouraged. Renew Enterprises is the former Alexandria Sani- tation Authority. Alexandria resident and city official Bruce E. Johnson has joined Alexandria Renew Enter- Matt White has joined RGS Title Alexandria as prises’ Board of Directors. He fills the vacancy left branch counsel. White was born and raised in by Ed Semonian, who retired from the board in January 2014 after 44 years of service, much of it See Business, Page 15 8 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ July 17-23, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Obituary Del Ray $194,000 Don’t miss this charming light-filled condo in the heart of Del Ray. Located on a quiet James Milton Higgins tree-lined street, you’re just a block from jamin Franklin School of Accoun- Mount Vernon Avenue’s amazing shopping tancy. and dining. This one bedroom, one bath Alexandria native James Milton in-laws, Throughout his life he enjoyed home is nicely finished with a beautifully Higgins died on July 7, 2014, af- a n d many sports activities. He found renovated bathroom, tile and hardwood flooring throughout, newer fixtures and a ter a hale and hearty 90 years of m a n y he even enjoyed bowling, tennis brand new Energy Star Dishwasher. The life. He leaves to mourn his wife l o n g - and golf. He was privileged to be- community is pet-friendly, includes FREE of 24 years, Cobina Christley t i m e come a referee for local prep and laundry facilities, AMPLE parking, and Higgins of Alexandria, and his son, friends college basketball games. Baseball your own large secure storage room. Walk to great restaurants/shopping/dog park/tennis/ basketball/YMCA. Move in and just relax! 306 E Duncan Ave, B, Alexandria, VA 22301. Jeffrey Kent Higgins of Pensacola, at Belle was probably his forte, resulting Fla. He also leaves his brother, Ri- Haven in his induction into the Greater Proudly presented by Keira Unterzuber, Realtor® chard Higgins, with wife Lucy, of Country Washington Fastpitch Softball Hall Long & Foster, Fairfax Office 3918 Prosperity Ave., Fairfax, VA 22031 Callao, Va., and his niece Bonnie Club. He was preceded in death of Fame. Jimmie credited The Cell: 703-585-3014 • Office: 703-573-2600 Higgins Bailey of Alexandria. Jim by his sister Evelyn Nuckols, and Boy’s Club with nurturing his in- [email protected] is beloved by many more — his brother Robert Higgins. terest and abilities, and eventually http://keiraunterzuber.lnf.com/ step-daughters Gwen (John) Jimmie excelled at track, base- he coached some youth sports Rinehart, JP and Hillary, of Fort ball and basketball at George there. Lauderdale, Fla. and Luanne Washington High School in Alex- Jimmie’s wish is that in lieu of (Dean) Johnson, Perry and Wren, andria, graduating in 1941. He flowers, donations be made to the of Marietta, Ga., and other nieces spent four years in the Army Air Alexandria Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs. and nephews. Jim is also sorely Corps, and came home to com- The family plans a Celebration of ARLINGTON METAPHYSICAL CHAPEL missed by his dear New England plete a master’s degree at Ben- his Life later this fall. RAINBOW WEEKEND CELEBRATION Bulletin Board ~ July 18, 19, and 20 ~ representative Joe Bissell at j.bissell@international- Workshops, Private Readings and Healings Email announcements to gazette@connectionnews experience.net or 517-388-8948. Host families can review papers.com. Include date, time, location, description and con- prospective student profiles online at iE-USA.org. Families PSYCHIC CRUISE aboard the “Cherry Blossom” tact for event: phone, email and/or website. Photos and artwork interested must apply by Aug. 15. welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least two weeks be- out of Alexandria Marina on the 19th fore event. NEW ALEXANDRIA LIBRARY APP $125 per person The Alexandria Library introduced a new mobile app via EXCHANGE STUDENTS NEED HOST FAMILIES Apple iOS and Google Android devices so customers can Every person receives a message, food, & beverage, Students ages 15-18 from around the world are seeking host access the library and their accounts. Library users can music and prizes! For more info— families in and around Alexandria for the upcoming 2014- place holds, renew library materials, browse databases and 2015 academic school year. Host families serve as mentors search online catalog content from this app. Contact Linda 703-276-8738 • www.arlingtonmeta.org and provide a home base for students. Students would Wesson at 703-746-1727. participate as active members of the family. Each student goes through extensive application before being accepted in See Bulletin, Page 28 iE-USA’s program. To learn more contact IE Virginia www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ July 17-23, 2014 ❖ 9 Opinion Alexandria Gazette Packet Save a Little, Help Others Prepare for School www.AlexandriaGazette.com @AlexGazette An independent, locally owned weekly newspaper delivered Virginia’s tax holiday on school supplies is a Donate in Arlington to homes and businesses. Published by Local Media Connection LLC good reminder to donate supplies and dollars Arlington Partnership for Affordable Hous- 1606 King Street ing is holding its annual backpack drive to pro- Alexandria, Virginia 22314 for children who need help preparing for school. vide more than 250 backpacks to children in Free digital edition delivered to your email box. Go to low to moderate income families to help them connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe V have a successful start to the new school year. Donations needed include: New backpacks NEWS DEPARTMENT: To discuss ideas and concerns, Call: irginia’s tax holiday on school sup- Monetary donations and backpacks are being in all sizes, spiral or composition notebooks, 703-778-9410 plies and clothing is Aug. 1-3, and accepted by eight local nonprofits and through binders, loose-leaf and graph paper, sharpen- gazette@conneec-tmioaninl:ewspapers.com it makes sense to take advantage of local Apple and Northwest Federal Credit ers, #2 pencils, blue, black and red pens, Steven Mauren the savings, and to spread the Union Branches, as well as online at http:// pocket folders, crayons, colored pencils, mark- Editor, 703-778-9415 [email protected] wealth around. collectforkids.org/donate/ through Sept. 2. ers, highlighters, glue sticks, school scissors, During this three-day period, school supplies Last year the drive provided supplies for nearly whiteout and erasers. Contact Liz McElwee at ReMpoicrhtear,e 7l 0L3e-6e1 P5o-0p9e60 selling for $20 or less per item, and clothing 20,000 students. A $10 cash donation goes a [email protected] or by calling 703-851- mpope@[email protected] and footwear selling for $100 or less per item, long way. 3635. Jeanne Theismann will be exempt from Virginia sales tax. Collect for Kids Program runs through Sept. 703-778-9436 There are some items that do not qualify, for 2. Monetary donations can be accepted any Donate in Alexandria jtheismann@@TcohneinsemcatinonnMneewdisapapers.com example digital school supplies. See http:// time. Jon Roetman www.tax.virginia.gov/ for more details. Donate money at www.collectforkids.org. Alexandria Public Schools are asking for help Sports Editor, 703-752-4013 [email protected] When you are buying school supplies for your Donations of backpacks are also being accepted to ensure every child in Alexandria starts the @jonroetman family, buy extra to donate to local families at every Apple Federal Credit Union and North- first day of school with a backpack and school Steve Artley who are not able to afford to do the same. west Federal Credit Union branch in Fairfax supplies. Donations are needed by Aug. 19. [email protected] In Fairfax County, just under County and at any of the affiliate charitable Supplies needed include: Backpacks, spiral 50,000 students are poor organizations, including Cornerstones, West- notebooks, wide-rule filler paper, three-ring ADVERTISING: Editorial For advertising information enough to qualify for free or ern Fairfax Christian Ministries, Our Daily binders, two-pocket folders, subject dividers, e-mail: reduced price meals at school. Bread, Koinonia, United Community Ministries pencil boxes/zipper pouches, scissors/glue/ [email protected] In Fairfax County, local nonprofits, Fairfax and others. rulers, pencils, pencil sharpeners, erasers, Disply AdDveerbtibsiineg /FNuantkional Sales County Public Schools and corporate partners For more, see the Collect for Kids website at markers, colored pencils, crayons, highlighters 703-778-9444 [email protected] are collecting school supplies and backpacks. http://collectforkids.org. and tissues. Julie Ferrill Letters to the Editor Display Advertising, 703-778-9446 [email protected] Tara Lloyd ODBC’s Summer The club does not have absentee voting. It does Focus on Academics, Display Advertising, 703-778-9447 [email protected] not have proxy voting. A member can only vote Andrea Smith Decision in person during that weekend. Not Lights Classified Advertising, 703-778-9411 [email protected] The membership was told that it is because To the Editor: of the city’s desire to complete the deal quickly To the Editor: Publisher The Old Dominion Boat Club membership that the vote needed to be done in July. Uh oh. Having read new Alexandria public Jerry Vernon [email protected] will be voting this weekend, July 19-21, on the Never-mind that City Council is on vacation school Superintendent Crawley’s first op-ed, I Editor & Publisher Property Acquisition and Exchange agreement. (recess) until September. fear we’re in for another round of More Money Mary Kimm 703-778-9433 Although the club voted in March to accept Ironically, a club founded with boating and solutions to our underperforming school sys- [email protected] the move option, this is the document that lays summer activities in mind will have its future tem. His sentiments were adroitly conveyed in @MaryKimm out the details and must also be voted upon. decided while many are on vacation. remarks that made clear he places athletic Editor in Chief Steven Mauren After years of negotiations with the city, the prowess on the same plateau as academic Photography: John Bordner, Deb Cobb, most important decision on ODBC’s future will Dave Beck achievement. Louise Krafft, Craig Sterbutzel be decided by a vote in the middle of summer. Alexandria I took his remarks to be a preparatory an- Art/Design: Laurence Foong, John Heinly nouncement for spending what should be hard- Production Manager: Geovani Flores to-come-by money to place night lights on the Editor Emeritus: T.C. Williams football field. A soon to be re- Mary Anne Weber leased feasibility study will no doubt provide justification, especially as it was commissioned CIRCULATION: 703-778-9426 Circulation Manager: by the school board that hired him. Ann Oliver [email protected] Surely everyone remotely exposed to our school system knows that night lights nor A Connection Newspaper money is the answer. If money was, then the The Alexandria Gazette Packet is distributed third most expensive high school ever built in weekly to selected homes in the City of Alexandria. America , T.C. Williams, wherein all who at- Any owners or occupants of premises that do not wish to receive the paper can notify tend receive a free education, free transporta- the publisher by telephone at 703-917-6480 tion to school and, undoubtedly for some, free or by email to [email protected], meals at school would make them super achiev- and the distributor will be notified to discontinue service. ers who surpass expectations and ace every test. Not. S Certainly, athletics — like lots of other ex- t e tracurricular activities — are a wonderful en- v e A hancement to T.C. Williams students, but I rt emphatically disagree that scholarship and ath- l ey letics should be supported equally. Athletics / G must always be secondary. It’s extracurricular, a ze after all. t te Moreover, taxpayers are not paying for a Pa football championship; we are paying to pre- c ke See Letters, Page 11 t 10 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ July 17-23, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com