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Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ November 18-24, 2010 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

November 18, 2010Vol. XXI, No. 46 Mount Vernon’s Hometown Newspaper • A Connection Newspaper

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Former White House Pastry ChefRoland Mesnier adds a bit morechocolate to hold the roof of themansion in place. Mesnier andMark Ramsdell and MarleneRoudebush are busy creating theMount Vernon Mansion in ginger-bread complete with marzipanitems for the kitchen table.A canopy bed was also createdout of chocolate and now standsin the General’s bedchamber onthe second floor.

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HolidayEntertainment& Gift Guide

HolidayEntertainment& Gift Guide

2 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ November 18-24, 2010 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com


Boy Scouts blanketed theMount Vernon area onSaturday, Nov. 6, distributing

plastic bags to local residences insupport of “Scouting for Food,” anannual event where the scouts

The Mount Vernon CommunityChildren’s Theatre’s produc-tion of “Willy Wonka and theChocolate Factory” runs this

weekend, Nov. 19, 20 and 21, at CarlSandburg Middle School. Show times are

Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 7:30 p.m.and closes on Sunday with a 3 p.m. mati-nee. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for stu-dents and Seniors. Advance tickets maybe purchased online at www.mvcct.orguntil 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19.

The production is staffed by Director ElenaVelasco, Music Director Cathy Manley, StageManager Lauren Miller, Set Designer SuzanneParrish, Costume Designers Kit Sibley and JeanSchlichting, and Producer Laura Marshall.

There are 48 children in the cast ranging

from ages 8-18. The children attend morethan 20 different schools in Northern Vir-ginia. Rehearsals began in September.

During the Sunday performance there willbe a silent auction to benefit MVCCT’s schol-arship and outreach programs.

Holiday Guide

Children’s theatre to perform “Willy Wonkaand the Chocolate Factory” this weekend.Sweet Entertainment

Mrs. Gloop and her son Augustus(Hunter and Austin Harlow) The cast in rehearsal for “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”

collect canned and packaged foodsto help fill the food pantry at theUnited Community Ministries.

This enables those less-fortunate tohave food during the holidays and thewinter months.

Mount Vernon Area BoyScouts Assist Food Pantry

Dustin Hanson, Payton Kubacki, Michael Smith, Andrew Campbell,Jordan Marion and Wolf Boger are “Scouting for Food.”

The RichardCarroll store’sgrand openingtook place onNov. 14 in the

Belle ViewShopping

Center.

A grand opening gala of the new Ri-chard Carroll store in the Belle ViewShopping Center was held Sunday,

Nov. 14. The store combines the offerings ofa jewelry store, home decor store, women’s

accessory store, and art gallery. Items for salerange from a leather ottoman to a 4-carat dia-mond to a distinctive man’s tie.

The gala included wine and food for thoseattending the grand opening.

New Shop Opens in Belle View

Horse sculpture Carousel

Chess setShoulderbags

Jellyfish

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See McKee, Page 21

Jan McKee, principal at Bryant Al-ternative High School, is set to re-tire in January. The former musicteacher dedicated her past 14

years to helping students at Bryant.

Why did you choose working as a princi-pal at this alternative high school?

It was an opportunity to be creative in achallenging environment. I wanted to helpstudents succeed where others and the studentsthemselves had given up. I enjoyed every day asprincipal here. I derived great satisfaction inseeing young people get job skills, do communityservice, and graduate from high school —essentially help students put themselves togetherand give them a chance to make a life forthemselves. I became a principal because Irealized that I could I impact more students thanI could have as a teacher even though I enjoyedteaching.

What was your biggest challenge asprincipal at Bryant?

My biggest challenge, which was eventuallymy most satisfying experience, was to enableBryant to become accredited (Southern Associa-tion of Colleges and Schools) so that we couldaward high school diplomas to qualifyingstudents. We had to revise our curriculum,

create a flexible block calendar, and hirequalified and highly motivated teachers willingto cope with the daily challenges at this school. Iam leaving this school with a strong team ofteachers and administrators, and an expectationlevel that is passed on to each and every studentwho is assigned here.

What is the makeup of the school?Currently we have 318 students. 32 students

are homeless; 20 students who have children inthe Bryant Early Learning Center developmentalday care center; 54 percent of our student bodyis Hispanic; 27 percent are African-American, 8percent are Asian; 8 percent are Caucasian; 3percent other. The majority of students enrolledhere were either unsuccessful or had personal oracademic issues at their base school, and wereassigned here by the School Board or through

People

McKee To Retire

Jan McKee, principal, BryantAlternative High School

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Principal leavingBryant AlternativeHigh School.


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News

See Emergency, Page 8

By Gerald A. Fill

The Gazette

State Crime Commission staff have recom-mended the adoption of state Sen. ToddyPuller’s proposal on emergency responsesafety legislation.

Almost three years ago on Feb. 12, 2008, AshleyMcIntosh, a native of Mount Vernon and a teacher’saide at Clermont Elementary School, was killed in atraffic accident when a Fairfax county police officer,responding to an emergency call, sped through a redlight on Route 1 in the Hybla Valley area and hitMcIntosh’s car. Since then court proceedings endingin a Fairfax County court ruling on Aug. 12, 2009that the police officer was grossly negligent resultedin a lawsuit by McIntosh’s parents against the countywhich was settled out of court.

Since the accident McIntosh’s mother, Cindy McIn-tosh-Colasanto has mounted a state-wide campaignto amend the Virginia statute governing emergencyresponse procedures. She has had the support ofPuller, who introduced an emergency response traf-fic safety bill. They both lobbied the General Assem-bly and the State Crime Commission seeking pas-sage of a state-wide law requiring police and otherdrivers of emergency response vehicles to use cau-tion when entering an intersection with a red light,

and to use their sirens and flashing lights at all times,with stipulated exceptions.

This past Monday, Nov. 15, McIntosh-Colasanto,in an emotionally charged presentation before a

‘Ashley’s Law’ AdvancesCrime Commission modifies Puller’s emergencyresponse safety proposal.

Cindy McIntosh-Colasanto, mother of thelate Mount Vernon teacher’s aide killedin a traffic accident in 2008, testifiesbefore the Crime Commission, urgingpassage of emergency response proce-dures to be required of all police andemergency response vehicles.

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Every yearbetween Christ-mas and NewYear’s, The MountVernon Gazetteturns its pagesover to the contri-butions of localstudents. We areseeking artwork,photography,poetry, opinions,short stories andreflections. Wewelcome contri-butions from pub-lic schools, privateschools and stu-dents who arehome schooled.

E-mail to:[email protected], ormail (.jpg and textfiles on disc only)by Dec. 1, to1606 King St.,Alexandria, VA22314. Please besure to include thestudent’s name,age, grade, schooland town of resi-dence along witheach submission.For information,call 703-778-9410.

Be a Partof

CHILDREN’S(& TEENS’)

GAZETTE


News

See Surviving, Page 7

By Michael Lee Pope

The Gazette

When deputies from theFairfax County Sheriff ’sOffice arrived at HollinHall Pastry Shop to shut

the place down, owner Mel Meadows wasn’tsurprised.

“I hadn’t filed my taxes for five years,” headmitted one recent morning while enjoy-ing a double chocolate muffin. “Whenevercash flow drops, it’s always a burden be-cause you don’t have the money to pay theother bills, so you just do what you have todo.”

In Meadows’ case, that meant leavingunpaid bills to the taxman. His pastry shopwas closed for several weeks last springwhile he made arrangements with FairfaxCounty tax collectors. The parties eventu-ally created a payment plan, and the storereopened. These days, Meadows says thatbusiness has picked up because he’s addednew clients.

Others aren’t so lucky.The Wharf, a 20-year-old restaurant in

Hollin Hall,was forced toshut its doorslate last month.Former custom-ers expressedshock at theabrupt end to aneighborhoodfavorite, whichdrew a livelycollection ofregulars from

the Fort Hunt area. Neighboring businessessay they are concerned about the emptystorefront could damage business.

“It’s not good,” said Gene Laporta, man-ager at Village Hardware. “We’d like to havea restaurant back in there.”

THE TREND is regional, according to fi-nancial records from jurisdictions acrossNorthern Virginia. Fairfax and Alexandriareported consecutive years of declining salestax revenue. In Arlington, sales tax revenueis about 6 percent lower this year compared

Hard TimesSome businesses have closed their doors;others are struggling to stay afloat.

Mel Meadows

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From Page 6

News

to last year. Experts say NorthernVirginia is reflecting a nationalslump in consumer confidence.

“Consumers have cut back ontheir spending,” said StephenFuller, director of the Center forRegional Analysis at George Ma-son University. “They are savingmore, paying down their personaldebt and getting their personal fi-nances in order.”

One bright spot, Fuller pointsout, is restaurants. Despite thesluggish economy and decliningsales tax receipts, restaurants areshowing good numbers. Busi-nesses across the county say timesare tough, and consumers are notspending the way they did beforethe global economic crisis. As theholiday season approaches, manyretailers say they hope this yearwill be better than the last twoyears.

“Times are tough, and there’s nodoubt about that,” said SamNasafi, owner of Mount VernonAntiques Center. “The saving gracefor us is that a lot of people wholive in the area are governmentemployees who still have dispos-able income.

Surviving


From Page 5

News

See ‘Ashley’s Law,’ Page 9

packed hearing room, testifiedbefore the State Crime Commis-sion urging passage of Puller’s bill(SB-847), and endorsed the staffrecommended revisions to Puller’sbill.

“My sole objective in appearingbefore you today, and it has beenmy focus for much of the pastthree years, is to prevent anythinglike this from ever happeningagain. I want police to be safe andprotected, and I want motorists tobe safe and protected,” she said.

“What is before you is not whatI initially wanted. I wanted a morerestrictive law. But I have listenedto the members of this Commis-sion … the law enforcement com-munity … and my locally electedleaders … Senator Puller and Del-egate Albo.

“It provides clear, well-defined,either or option. Let’s make nomistake here. What we are talk-ing about is police officers runningstop signs and red lights when re-sponding to calls. I think all Vir-ginians want to know before anofficer runs a stop sign or red light,often at a busy intersection, theyare thinking about safety and thatVirginia law requires them to thinkabout safety.”

“I stand before you as a lovingmother who lost her daughter ina tragedy that never should havehappened. I am asking you tothink seriously and carefully whatrole you can play … to insuring

EmergencyResponse

Crime CommissionThe Virginia State Crime Commission

is an advisory body to the General As-sembly. It is not a standing committeeof the Virginia General Assembly. Itsreports and views are published for theconsideration of the delegates and statesenators.

Sen. Toddy Puller’s bill, SB-847would, if enacted, amend Section 46.2-90 of the Code of Virginia relating toemergency vehicles proceeding paststeady or flashing red signals, trafficlights, stop signs, or other devices indi-cating moving traffic shall stop. Theproposed legislation, in modified formbased on the staff recommendations,would require a police cruiser, or otheremergency response vehicle, to stop andproceed with caution through a red lightintersection if it is required for the po-lice officer to make a silent approach; ifthe approach is to be made more quicklyand not a silent approach the police of-ficer is required to use a siren or othersounding device and flashing lights be-fore proceeding through the red light orstop sign. In the Ashley McIntosh acci-dent the police officer entered theintersection at a very high speed in rushhour on Route 1 without her siren on,and did not slow down or proceed withcaution through the red light.


From Page 8

News

this never happens again. In mydaughter’s memory, and to protectthe safety of motorists and lawenforcement in Virginia, I stronglyurge you to endorse this legisla-tion.”

During a break in the CrimeCommission proceedings Puller,who was there to support her leg-islation, said she was “satisfiedthat the language proposed by theCrime Commission staff wouldprovide clear unambiguous emer-gency response driving guidanceto police and other emergency ve-hicle drivers.”

However, she said that the Vir-ginia Sheriffs association andother police organizations have yetto comment on the revised pro-posed language. So, although shewas pleased by the revisions, shewas not willing to predict endorse-ment by the commission members.

“A majority of the Crime Com-mission must vote on Dec. 8 toendorse the language changes,”said Puller. “If it does pass theCrime Commission it will be a big

‘Ashley’sLaw’

plus. However, if it doesn’t pass Iam still committed to introducingthe legislation in January. Weshould do everything we can toprevent the tragic accident whichcaused the unnecessary and avoid-able death of Ashley McIntoshfrom ever happening again.”

State Sen. Toddy Puller (D-Mount Vernon) and CindyMcIntosh-Colasanto meetafter the conclusion of theCrime Commission hearing.Puller is chief sponsor ofSB-847 requiring emer-gency response procedures(siren and flashing lightsand coming to a stop at anintersection when the lightis red). Staff of the CrimeCommission proposedmodifications of Puller’sbill that she supported.

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A Connection Newspaper

The number of people applying forfood stamps and seeking help fromfood banks has more than doubledin the last few years in Northern

Virginia.This year, 800 families registered for the

LINK Thanksgiving food and used coatdistribution. That includes 1,774 adultsand 2,130 children, an increase from2009 of almost 400 individuals.

This incredible need is repeated in small andlarge organizations around Northern Virginia.

Food For Others served 11,900 householdsand 42,000 individuals in the last year, anddespite many donations, the organization ishaving trouble keeping food on the shelves forthe needy. A few weeks ago, Washington Irv-ing Middle School collected 3,000 pounds offood for the organization, Peter Spain, an or-ganizer at Food for Others, told reporter Julia

O’Donoghue.“But most of that food is gone now. ... We

had 132 families come in on Friday,” he said.Much of the burden of helping these fami-

lies has fallen on small organizations with nopaid staff, interfaith groups, churches, volun-

teers. Organizations like SHARE ofMcLean and LINK depend on volun-teers and contributions to try to meetthe expanding need for food and warm

clothes on a daily basis.Beyond that, organizations stretch to provide

the basics for a holiday meal for Thanksgivingand Christmas dinners and the hope of pre-sents for many children who might otherwisenot receive a single holiday gift.

There are many ways to give, with some lo-cal charities connecting the donor to a specificfamily to provide a holiday food basket andfulfill some wishes for gifts. Many organiza-

tions encourage the donation of gift cards.Every local group seeking to help the needyright now is facing extra demand and needsboth volunteer and financial help.

— Mary Kimm,

[email protected]

Give Locally Local charities report recordnumbers of Northern Virginiafamilies seeking emergency help.

Where to GiveUnited Community Ministries, Mount Vernon,

703-768-7106,7511 Fordson Road, Alexandria, 22306

National Capital Food Bank,6833 Hill Park Drive, Lorton,serving all of Northern Virginia703-541-3063, www.capitalareafoodbank.org

Good Shepherd in the Route 1 area,703-768-9404

Northern Virginia Family Service,Oakton, 703-385-3267

Editorial

By Gale Curcio

The Gazette

At the age of 103,Alice Dixon hasbeen alive five

times longer than most ofWalt Whitman’s MiddleSchool students. Yet, the studentsin Dawn Simpkins’ eight-grade civ-ics classes listened with interest asthe WWII veteran of the 6888th

Postal Division spoke about her ex-periences.

After working at the Pentagonfor a couple of years, she wasasked to type by one of the gener-als. He complimented her when hesaid that hers was the first letterin three weeks to go out withoutspelling mistakes or erased words.

Two weeks later, she was askedto go overseas. She ended up inRouen, France, where she workedeight hours a day, seven days aweek, to get 50 billion of pieces ofmail out to the servicemen in thearea.

“It took us three months — weworked hard to get that mail out,”said Dixon. “It was amazing whatpeople mailed — sardines, tunafish, fried chicken, Alabama bis-cuits, cakes and cookies.”

Sometimes, they were able toenjoy some of the food.

“We had a can of tuna — nomayonnaise, salt or pepper. It wasso good,” said Dixon.

“Back then, wives and sweet-hearts sent mail every day. It wassad when we had to send the let-ters back marked ‘deceased.’”

Dixon said that she workedhard, but met lovely people. In1945, France ended fighting andthey were told that they could gohome if they had enough points.

“I was happy to go back andhappy to tell everybody about it,”said Dixon. “I told young girls togo in the military. They had beau-tiful benefits.”

Dixon lost a leg when she felland is currently living in a Veter-ans Affairs Center in Washington,D.C.

She was one of five veterans tovisit Walt Whitman during an ini-tiative coordinated by the HistoryChannel, Cox Communicationsand the Department of VeteransAffairs. “Take a Veteran to SchoolDay” is History Channel’s premiere

public affairs outreach programthat was launched in 2007 to con-nect veterans with students andcommunities nationwide. Morethan 5,000 schools were expectedto participate this year.

One of the students asked whatDixon did in her free time and shesaid she likes to play Bingo andother games. They get couponbooks and said, “I buy a lot ofjunk.”

When asked if she would stillencourage women to join the mili-tary, she said that she would be-cause you get to travel to a lot ofplaces and get paid to go to school.

“They [military] have much tooffer,” said Dixon, rememberingher travels to Florence, Genoa,Brussels and Paris.

Dixon was asked if it was impor-tant to support the veterans, andshe said, “Yes, they gave us theirlives. Veterans need your help. Wehave one girl who is 23-years-oldand is hurt so badly that she can’tdo anything for herself.”

Asked about her familylife, Dixon said that shewas one of nine children— the third one and firstgirl in the family. Dixonsaid that she finished highschool and went toHoward University for oneyear. She quit when she re-alized how hard it was forher parents to pay for thetuition. She started work-ing at the Lincoln Theateras “the first Negro secre-tary.” Her take home paywas $15 a week. She put$3 in the bank; gave $5 to

her mother; and had $7 for clothesand food.

The final question was whetheror not the military was segregatedwhen she served. She said yes, butthey tried to be nice and gave thema special dining room. Eventuallythey changed it so that they couldall eat together.

Gale Curcio is an independentwriter and public relations consult-ant in Mount Vernon.

Take a Veteran to School Day at WhitmanSession to bepresented onthe HistoryChannel.

Trevell Johnson asks Alice Dixonwhat she likes to do with her freetime.

Alice Dixon shows a thank-youcard prepared by the students.

By G

ale C

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WriteThe Mount Vernon Gazette

welcomes views on any publicissue. The deadline for all

material is noon Friday. Send to:

Letters to the EditorThe Gazette

1606 King St.Alexandria VA 22314Call 703-778-9410.

E-mail [email protected]


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Letters

More Letters, Page 12

BureaucraticImpedimentTo the Editor:

The proposition was very simpleand at no cost. Grant users ofWestgrove Park temporary immu-nity from enforcement of theFairfax County Leash Law. This isan executive decision.

Our district supervisor, Mr.Gerald Hyland considered the re-quest favorably, saying at onepoint it was just “common sense.”He asked the Park Authority to“make it happen.” The Park Au-thority staff was apparently caughtby surprise by this issue. Its verysimplicity boggled them. Onemember of the group even gasped“but we have our policies and pro-cedures to consider,” displayingsome angst. They felt threatenedby it. So, being the master bureau-crats that they are, they decidedthat they needed to think up “im-provements” that would have tobe made, improvements that costmoney. Lots of money.

For you see, once the issue canbe shown to cost money, it be-comes a resource allocation deci-sion. Aha, now they can roll it overinto their resource allocation ma-chinery called the Master Plan andbury it. No room for executive de-cision here. Bureaucracy triumphsagain!

The Master Plan is replete withcounty park plans that have laindormant for decades. All they needis stuff to justify the next countyparks bond referendum. Certainly,county resources for parks need tobe allocated judiciously across themany competing needs. But it isegregious to avoid cost free execu-tive decisions by resorting to theMaster Plan process as cover.

Donald W. Kellerman,Captain, USN (Ret),

Tax-paying, voting resident ofMount Vernon District

for 37 years

CorrectionIn an email to the Gazette,

Elizabeth Martin, chairmanof the MVCCA’s Environmentand Recreation Committee,asked for the following cor-rection in response to JaySpiegel’s Nov. 11 letter “DogPark Long Overdue:”

“I did not express opposi-tion to the dog park to itsproponents, and neither Inor the E&R committee northe MVCCA have taken a po-sition on it.”


Letters

See Letters, Page 23

Neighbors’ConcernsTo the Editor:

I am a member of the board of directorsof River Towers Condominiums and ourproperty is adjacent to WestGrove Park andDyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve. I am verypleased with the decision by the executivecommittee of the Park Authority and theMount Vernon commissioner to not includethe Westgrove Park in the annual agendaof the Park Authority for this fiscal year.

Recent newspaper articles and letters tothe editor seemed to indicate that no resi-dents would be bothered by the establish-ment of an off leash dog area in WestgrovePark. I beg to differ with that assessment.We have over a thousand people living inour complex and, to my knowledge, no onewas asked to sign a petition to have un-leashed dogs on our doorstep. Only a fenceseparates our property from the park and Ihave personally tracked down dogs whohave slithered under the fence with theowners unable to retrieve their excited dogs.Noise travels very easily across the openland and we have heard barking dogs andyelling owners when the park became a defacto off leash park earlier this year.

As has been noted, there is no parkingwithin the park; the entrance gate is diffi-cult to access from Ft. Hunt Road and thepark floods due to a silted over storm wa-ter channel. This water floods our property

and then flows into Dyke Marsh. This willcertainly bring whatever excrement is notcollected by dog owners onto our property.

River Towers residents hope that the pro-cess Supervisor Hyland has asked the ParkAuthority to begin to master plan WestgrovePark will result in a nature park with trailsand resident use for walking leashed dogs.I also would look forward to having a com-munity meeting about the off leash dog areaso that wishes of those living closest to thepark could be heard.

Sally Kiefer

ImportanceOf AttendanceTo the Editor:

In the Nov. 4 Gazette, my letter reportedthat Mount Vernon Park Authority (FCPA)Board member Gil McCutcheon had failedto attend a single one of the 16 FCPA Boardmeetings that had occurred in 2010 to thattime. (I was being kind. In 2009, Mr.McCutcheon attended only 5 of the 21 FCPABoard meetings including none after theJune 10, 2009 meeting (27 consecutivemeetings missed over 17 months). See link:http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/boardarchives2009.htm. I did not criticizeMr. McCutcheon for his prior service, justfor his non-attendance at FCPA Board meet

(With a tip of the hat to Alexander Pope)

IThe wheeling flock of migrant birds sets

downin the greening wetland turned from brown,and songbirds sing their ardent breeding

songs,inviting us to join spring’s buoyant sing-

alongs.But all is not at ease between the two.The human partners do not always choose

to woo.Man’s exploitation has been long and harshof the Potomac wetland called Dyke Marsh.Formed by nature in the long-ago,its sword-like plants of narrow cattails growand hold the marsh wrens’real and bogus

neststo fool the predators who’ve wrongly guessedwhich woven homes clutch tasty birds in

shells.The red-wing blackbirds perch like sentinelsabove the teeming plants and crawling lifewith which this fecund nursery is rife.

IIThe first abuse by men inflicting harmwere schemes to dyke the marsh for land to

farm.(The storms and spring floods soon took care

of that.A lust for land prompts nature’s caveat.)But men then thought of profits to be madeby dredging sand and gravel ages laidin layers under other sediment.They scalped the marsh for riches roughly

rentand hauled away till half the marsh was gone.Some congressmen were energized by scornfor blatant raids on the environment.Their legislation saved the marsh remnant

An Essay On Dyke Marshand promised to restore the damage done,a pledge ignored although the principle was

won.The time has come to honor what was

pledged,restore the gouged out areas dredgedand save this tiny wetland of the pastwhen Potomac-rimming marshes were so

vast. As erosion gnaws away at what is left,marsh guardians fear that a river bereftof an environmental treasure could result.But hold! There should be reason to exult.Technology now can find the way, the how,

and whento restore at least a portion of what had been.Stewardship is now put to the test,aad “Hope springs eternal in the human

breast,”

III

The problem of misuse won’t go awayalthough the very name is clear as day:“The Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve.”Its purpose is precisely to conserve,its name and function accurately styled, reflecting concentration on the wild.The people’s role is passive. That is clear.Observe the wildlife and do not interfere.Yet sometimes there are strange proposals

made—the wildlife purpose conveniently mislaid—for expanding sports activities and the likein the area of the marshland that we call

Dyke.Now there is a new request we should dread.Zounds! Put a dogpark in Dyke’s watershed?

— Jeb Byrne(A former president of the Friends of Dyke

Marsh.)

This poem was testimony of Jeb Byrne prepared for a hearing before the Fairfax County ParkAuthority on Oct. 14.

14 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ November 18-24, 2010 Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ November 18-24, 2010 ❖ 15www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com


Arts ❖ Entertainment ❖ Leisure

Friday, Dec. 39 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Christmas Marketplace – One Day OnlyHeather and Greens Sale1 - 3 p.m. — Children’s Tea7 p.m. — Taste of Scotland Patron Pub Opens7 - 10:30 p.m. — Christmas Marketplace (Taste of Scotland guests only)8 – 11 p.m. — Taste of Scotland – Celebrating Scotlandas a Land of Food and Drink

Saturday, Dec. 48 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Heather and Greens Sale (418 S. Washington St., in

the Campagna Center parking lot)9 – 10 a.m. — Dignitaries’ Breakfast11 – 4 p.m. — Holiday Designer Tour of Homes11 a.m. — Scottish Christmas Walk Parade

A HistoryThe Campagna Center is proud to ring in Alexandria’s holiday

season with the 40th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend,presented in partnership with The Scottish Government. The city’srich Scottish heritage makes it the perfect destination for clans,pipe bands and dog groups alike to gather and participate in theScottish Christmas Walk Parade — the weekend’s largest event,sponsored in partnership with The Saint Andrew’s Society ofWashington, D.C., and The City of Alexandria.

The Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend is The Campagna Center’slargest fundraising event. All proceeds benefit The CampagnaCenter’s programs, which include Early Head Start, AlexandriaHead Start, Campagna Early Learning Center, Afternoon Adven-tures, Campagna Kids, Building Better Futures, and New Neigh-bors. Visit www.campagnacenter.org.

Consistently ranked by the Southeast Tourism Society as one ofthe top 20 events in the South, the Scottish Christmas Walk Week-end draws nearly 30,000 individuals and families to the Parade.Tourists travel from throughout the mid-Atlantic region to par-ticipate in this celebrated community event.

Activities❖ A Christmas Marketplace – One Day OnlyVendors sell unique, holiday gift wares in a boutique setting.Location: George Washington Masonic MemorialDate/Time: Friday, Dec. 3 — One Day Only 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.7 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. (Taste of Scotland guests only)

❖ Heather and Greens Sales — Try a touch of heather andgreens to enhance your holiday decorations with a Scottish flair.Purchase fresh heather, handmade wreaths, garlands, and more.Pre-order forms are available at www.campagnacenter.org.

Location: Friday, Dec. 3 – George Washington Masonic Memo-rial;

Saturday, Dec. 4 – 418 S. Washington St., in the CampagnaCenter parking lot

Date/Time: Friday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.7 p.m. – 11 p.m. (Taste of Scotland guests only)Saturday, Dec. 4 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

❖ Children’s Tea — Children can enjoy tea and snacks asthey visit with Santa and participate in fun arts and crafts.

Location: George Washington Masonic MemorialDate/Time: Friday, Dec. 3 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.Cost: $30 per adult; $10 per child

❖ Taste of Scotland – Celebrating Scotland as a Land ofFood and Drink. A tasting featuring hard-to-find Scotches directfrom Scotland distilleries. The Patron Pub features complete top-shelf tasting menu, including various rare Scotches. This com-plete Scotch selection will be available only in the Patron Pub.

The remainder of the evening will feature a limited Scotch se-lection and Scottish ales, as well as beer, wine, and unique Scot-tish fare. All Taste of Scotland guests enjoy a private shoppingexperience at the Christmas Marketplace and have the chance toperuse the fine selection of decorative greens.

Location: George Washington Masonic MemorialDate/Time: Friday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. – Patron Pub Opens;

The Scottish Christmas WalkWeekend and Parade Dec. 3-4

8 p.m. – 11 p.m. General admission welcomeCost: Patron: $150/individual, $250/couple. General admission tick-

ets $100. Advance tickets required.Go to www.campagnacenter.org or call 703-549-0111 x146 for tickets.

❖ The Dignitaries’ Breakfast — A pre-parade breakfast for digni-taries, city and state officials, Friends of the Parade, corporate championsand partners.

Location: The Campagna CenterDate/Time: Saturday, Dec. 4 from 9 – 10 a.m. (just before the parade)Cost: By Invitation

❖ The Holiday Designer Tour of Homes — Stroll through prop-erties in the historic district of Alexandria dressed up for the holidays byacclaimed interior designers and local florists. Presented by ChristineGarner, Weichert, Realtors

Location: Select properties in Old Town, AlexandriaDate/Time: Saturday, Dec. 4 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.Cost: Tickets required. To purchase tickets, call 703-549-0111 or visit

www.ScottishChristmasWalk.com. Also stop by The Campagna Center orRamsay House Visitor’s Center to purchase tickets. Advance purchase$30; day-of purchase $35. Tickets may also be purchased at the homes.

❖ The Scottish Christmas Walk Parade — Over 100 ScottishClans, pipe and drum bands, Scottish dancers, re-enactment groups, Scot-tie dog groups, dignitaries and, of course, Santa Claus will march throughthe streets of Old Town Alexandria. As the Premier Sponsor, ScottishGovernment Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead will serve as the GrandMarshal of the 40th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade.

Route: Beginning at the corner of Wilkes and South St. Asaph Streetsin Old Town and ending at Market Square

Date/Time: Saturday, Dec. 4 at 11 a.m. In the event of severe weather,contact The Campagna Center at 703-549-0111.

Visit www.campagnacenter.org or www.scottishchristmaswalk.com.

Holiday Concert SeriesThe City of Alexandria Announces

2010 Holiday Concert Series. Enjoy thefestive sounds of the season in Alexan-dria as a break between shopping, onyour way to dinner, or just to get intothe holiday spirit. Come enjoy local per-formers with their rich talent as theyentertain you during this festive timeof year Types of music featured includebarbershop, folk, Hanukah favorites,hand bell ringers and good old fash-ioned caroling.

All the performances are free andheld outdoors. Concerts will be can-celled due to inclement weather. Callthe City’s Special Events Hotline at 703-746-5592. These concerts are sched-uled at Market Square, 301 King St.

SATURDAY, NOV. 27

1 p.m. — Potomac Harmony Chorus(Women’s Barbershop);2 p.m. — Doris Justis (Acoustic Folk);

SUNDAY, NOV. 28

2 p.m. — Rich Follett (Folk);3 p.m. — Barbara Martin (Jazz);

SUNDAY, DEC. 5

2 p.m. — Shir Tze‘ir (Jewish acappella);3 p.m. — The Alexandria Singers;

SATURDAY, DEC. 11

1 p.m. — Bell’s Angels, St. John’sLutheran Church Handbell Choir(Handbells);2 p.m. — Alexandria Harmonizers(Men’s Barbershop);

SUNDAY, DEC. 12

2 p.m. — St. Matthew’s United Meth-odist Handbell Choir (Handbells);3 p.m. — Blue Book Value Ban (SwingBlues);The public is encouraged to take pub-lic transit or walk to the event. Visitorsto Old Town can take the Metrorail linesto the King Street Station, and then takethe free King Street Trolley to the event.For DASH schedule information, call703-370-DASH or visitwww.dashbus.com. For Metrobusschedule, call 202-637-7000 or visitwww.wmata.com. For a parking map,visit www.alexandriava.gov/12490.


NOW THROUGH NOV. 24Gingerbread Creation. 10 a.m. to 3

p.m. Former White House pastry chefRoland Mesnier creates a five-footgingerbread replica of GeorgeWashington’s home. Visitors can watchas he constructs the masterpiece. In theVaughan Lobby, near the Shops atMount Vernon. Cost is $15/adult; $7/child to enter the estate. VisitMountVernon.org

SATURDAY/NOV. 20Antiques Club Fund-raiser. 10 a.m. to

1 p.m. “Timely Treasures” for sale — abenefit for the senior center.Sponsored by the Alexandria/MountVernon Antiques Club. At Hollin HallSenior Center, 1500 ShenahdoahRoad, Fort Hunt, Alexandria. Call 703-360-4979.

Annual Holiday Shop. 9:30 a.m. to 4p.m. Some 50 unique artisans will beselling their wares. Also, a raffle for ahandmade quilt, an upscale/retailboutique, a jewelry shop and a warmlunch. At Mount Vernon UnitarianChurch, 1909 Windmill Lane,Alexandria. The church is south ofAlexandria off of Fort Hunt Road.Follow the signs at the intersection ofMason Hill and Fort Hunt. Call 703-765-5950.

Victorian Christmas Bazaar. 9 a.m.to 2:30 p.m. Books, baked goods,handmades, high class white elephant,toys and games, pressed flower art,candy, jewelry, novelty bird housesand more. At St. Alban’s EpiscopalChurch, 6800 Columbia Pike,Annandale. Call 703-256-2966.

Church Bazaar. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Jewelry, baked goods, crafts, booksand a cafe will be open for lunch. AtAll Saints Episcopal Church, 3421Franconia Road, Alexandria. Call 703-960-4808.

Christmas Bazaar. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Includes 60 exhibitors/vendors, Santa’sWorkshop crafts, gingerbread houses,bake sale and Christmas Café,children’s games and prizes, visit withSanta/keepsake photo, Yesterday’sBook Sale, and holiday cinema. At St.Mary’s School, 400 Green Street,Alexandria.

Gift/Craft Fair. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. If youhave a art/craft/music/gifts or anypersonal invention or service that youwould like to sell at the Gift Fair, checkout website at www.tjgiftshow.com orcontact [email protected]. Tablesare $75. At Thomas Jefferson HighSchool for Science and Technology,6560 Braddock Road, Alexandria.

FRIDAY/NOV. 26Alexandria’s Tree Lighting. 7 p.m.

Free. Entertainment features a messagefrom the Mayor, a visit from Santa, aperformance of Santa’s Frosty’s Folliesby the Metropolitan Fine Arts Center,and caroling with a community sing

along. At Market Square, 301 KingStreet, Old Town Alexandria. Call theCity’s Special Events Hotline at 703-746-5592 or visitwww.alexandriava.gov/recreation.

NOV. 26 – JAN. 6, 2011Christmas at Mount Vernon. 9 a.m.

to 4 p.m. Themed decorations(including 12 Christmas trees), agingerbread Mount Vernon, historicalchocolate-making demonstrations, and18th-century dancing will be offered.Visit Aladdin, George Washington’sChristmas Camel, take special Mansiontours, and make a Chocolate Toast toChristmas, with our 18th-century-stylechocolate drink, a Washington familyfavorite. At George Washington’sMount Vernon Estate & Gardens, 3200Mount Vernon Memorial Highway,Mount Vernon; call 703-780-2000 orvisit mountvernon.org. Admission: $15for adults, $7 for youth (6-11), andfree for children 5 and younger.

NOV. 27 TO DEC. 19Alexandria Jaycees’ Christmas Tree

Sales. The tree lot features a varietyof trees, including Canaan Firs,Douglas Firs, Fraser Firs, and ScotchPines in heights from 4-10 feet, withprices from $45-$90. Proceeds tobenefit the Holiday Shopping Tour forunderprivileged children. Operatinghours are Tuesday-Friday 6–9 p.m.;Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Sunday11 a.m. – 5 p.m. At the SafewayParking Lot, 500 South Royal Street,Alexandria. Call 703-866-7171 or go towww.alexjaycees.org or visit http://www.alexjaycees.org/trees.php.

Mount Vernon by Candlelight. 5 p.m.to 8:30 p.m. Join “Mrs. Washington”for an evening of candlelit tours,fireside Christmas caroling, and hotcider and ginger cookies. Tour the firstand second floors, hear charactersfrom Washington’s world as they guidevisitors through the home, addingambiance to a traditional Christmasevening at Mount Vernon. Admission:Adults/$20, Youth 11 and under/$14.At George Washington’s Mount VernonEstate & Gardens, 3200 Mount VernonMemorial Highway, Mount Vernon;call 703-780-2000 or visitmountvernon.org.

SATURDAY/NOV. 27Craftermath. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A

handmade exhibition and fair, whereindependent artists, designers andcrafters sell handmade alternative artsand crafts, products and curiosities.Hosted by West Potomac Academy’sPro Graphic Studio. At West PotomacHigh School, 6500 Quander Road,Alexandria. Visitwww.craftermath.moonfruit.com.

THURSDAY/DEC. 2Holiday Open House. 6 to 9 p.m. Free.

Studios and galleries are open forholiday shopping as the art center istransformed into a glittering spectacleof holiday spirit! At the TorpedoFactory Art Center, 105 N. UnionStreet, Alexandria. Call 703-838-4565or visit www.TorpedoFactory.org.

FRIDAY/DEC. 3ArtFest 2010. 6 to 9 p.m. Free. Open

House and Holiday Party featuringhandmade ceramics and jewelry forsale, live music by Rew Smith band,exhibits, art demos and more. TheCeramic Sale will take place Friday,Dec. 3, from noon to 9 p.m.; Saturday,Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday,Dec. 5 from noon to 5 p.m. TheJewelry Sale will take place Friday,Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.;Saturday, Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 6p.m. At The Art League’s MadisonAnnex, 305 Madison Street,Alexandria.

Holiday on the Avenue in Del Ray.5:45 to 9 p.m. Free. Annual Del Rayholiday tree lighting, visit with Santaand lighting of the luminaries; aholiday tradition in Alexandria. Carolsbegin at 5:45 p.m. and hot chocolate,hot cider and cookies will be provided.At 6 p.m. sing “Here Comes SantaClaus” when Santa arrives. Thousandsof luminaries will be lit from Mt.Vernon and Commonwealth down toLuray Avenue. At Del Ray Farmer’sMarket at Mt. Vernon Ave. and E.

Holiday Guide

See Holiday Guide, Page 18

SATURDAY/DEC. 4 Burke & Herbert Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. 4 p.m. Festivities; 6 p.m. Boat

Parade. Alexandria’s harbor lights up when more than 50 illuminated boats cruise thePotomac River at the historic waterfront. Festivities at the Alexandria City Marinawith Santa arriving by fireboat at 4:15 p.m. Call 703-746-3301.VisitAlexandriaVA.com

DEC. 2, 3, 4“The Alexandria Community

Nutcracker.” Dec. 2 at 5 p.m.; Dec. 3 at6:30 p.m.; Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.The Alexandria Community Nutcracker is anoriginal full-length community Nutcrackerchoreographed by local dance teachersGennifer Lisenby, Courtney Betzel, andAdrienne Magnuson and featuring the WestPotomac Dance Academy and many youngdancers from the community. Local schoolsrepresented in the production include St.Luke’s Day School, Aldersgate Preschool,Hollin Meadows Math and Science, FortHunt ES, Waynewood ES, Belle View ES,Stratford Landing ES, Washington Mill ES,Burgundy Farm Country Day School, BrowneAcademy, St. Louis, St. Mary’s, CarlSandburg MS, and West Potomac HS. AtWest Potomac High School Auditorium.Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.alexandriadance.com. Visitalexandriadance.com.


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Holiday Guide

Oxford Ave., Alexandria. Call 703-746-3301.

Taste of Scotland. 8 to 11 p.m.Exclusive Patron Pub from 7 to 11 p.m.Join in a tasting featuring rare scotchesdirect from Scotland distilleries. Part ofThe Campagna Center’s 40th AnnualScottish Christmas Walk Weekend. Atthe George Washington MasonicMemorial, 101 Callahan Drive,Alexandria. Call Carlos at 703-549-0111 x146 [email protected].

DEC. 3 TO 4Annual Christmas Celebration.

Friday, Dec. 3, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.Saturday, Dec. 4, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.At Pauline Books & Media, 1025 KingStreet, Alexandria. Bring your owncamera, costumes provided.

DEC. 3 TO 515th Holiday Market. Free. Reception is

Friday, Dec. 3 from 6-9 p.m. HoursSaturday, Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 6p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Uniquehandmade fine arts and crafts from 20exhibitors (including pottery/ceramics,photography, jewelry, cloth, papercrafts, and glass), beautiful poinsettiasfrom West Landscapes LLC, anddelicious Bake Sale items to benefit thelocal community. Del Ray ArtisansGallery, at the Nicholas A. ColasantoCenter, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue,Alexandria. Checkwww.TheDelRayArtisans.org.

DEC. 3 TO 12“A Christmas Carol.” Admission: $15.

The Little Theatre of Alexandria ringsin the holidays with a return of aclassic by Charles Dickens. EbenezerScrooge, a miserly Victorian humbug,travels with ghostly guides throughChristmas past, present, and future tofind the true meaning of the holidays.At The Little Theatre of Alexandria,

600 Wolfe Street, Alexandria; call 703-683-0496 or visitwww.thelittletheatre.com.

SATURDAY/DEC. 4Concert with Ars Choralis. 7 p.m. The

concert features a candlelightprocession, Antonio Vivaldi’s Gloria, ACarol Suite by modern Englishcomposer Karl Jenkins, favoritesincluding “O Come, O Come,Emmanuel,” and an audience sing-a-long. A reception will follow. At St.Paul’s Episcopal Church, 228 South Pit

St., corner of Pitt and Duke Streets.Christmas Boutique. 9 a.m. to noon.

Handmade Christmas décor,ornaments, hand knitted items, bakedgoods, and unique gifts. Proceedssupport Heritage PresbyterianWomen’s outreach programs forchildren and women. At HeritagePresbyterian Church, 8503 Fort HuntRoad, Alexandria. Call 703-360-9546.

Ornament Making Workshop. 1 to 4p.m. Free. Be inspired by the colorsand patterns of pottery excavated inAlexandria and make a memorable

holiday keepsake! Participants candecorate and take home doughornaments which are shaped likeartifacts from the museum’s owncollection. At the AlexandriaArchaeology Museum at the TorpedoFactory, 105 N. Union Street #327,Alexandria; Call 703-746-4399 or visitwww.alexandriaarchaeology.org.

Divas and Bards. 7 p.m. Concert by the7 Sopranos. At the Arts Center atConvergence. Guests will be invited toa party featuring a new exhibit byvisual and performing artist, EveHennessa. Guests will enjoy horsd‘oeuvres, wine and champagne from 8to 9 p.m. During the reception, guestswill enjoy marimba player AdamGarcia and appearance by performanceartist, Deborah Lash modeling one ofher “sculpture dresses.” From 9 to10:30 p.m. the evening will continuewith a D.J. and beer from DogfishHead Alehouse. Tickets are $35 at dooror $30 in advance or reserved online atwww.convergenceccf.net.

SUNDAY/DEC. 5”Ode to Joy.” 4 p.m. An All-Beethoven

Concert with The New DominionChorale, Thomas Beveridge, artisticdirector. Tickets are $30/general; $25/seniors. At the Rachel M. SchlesingerConcert Hall and Arts Center, 3001North Beauregard St., Alexandria. Visitwww.newdominion.org or call 703-442-9404.

Toys for Tots Benefit Square Dance.1 to 5 p.m. With a special 3 p.m.performance by Capital SquaresDemonstration Team. Recommendeddonation for each couple is a new,unopened toy or a $10 minimumcontribution (singles $5). At the LeeCenter Exhibit Hall, 1108 Jefferson St.,Alexandria. Call the City’s SpecialEvents Hotline at 703-746-5592 or visitwww.alexandriava.gov/recreation.

Handel’s “Judas Maccabaeus.” 3

p.m. Free. No tickets required; $10/donation. Performed by NOVACommunity Chorus, Dr. Mark A.Whitmire, Director, and WashingtonMetropolitan Philharmonic, Ulysses S.James, Music Direct/Conductor. AtBishop Ireton High School, 201Cambridge Road, Alexandria. Call 703-845-6097.

MONDAY/DEC. 6Toastmasters International Area G1

Holiday Party. 7:30 p.m. At PrimoFamily Restaurant on Belle View Blvdin Alexandria. [email protected]. Visit http://mountvernon.freetoasthost.org/

SATURDAY/DEC. 11“The Black Candle: A Kwanzaa

Celebration” Film Screening.Free. Also Kwanzaa CelebrationProgram. Educational program 11a.m.-1 p.m.; Film screening 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. At the Alexandria BlackHistory Museum 902 Wythe Street,Alexandria. Call 703-746-4356 orVisitAlexandriaVA.com.

Gunston Hall Plantation Christmasand Yuletide Dinner. PlantationChristmas: 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.; YuletideDinner: 4:30, 6 and 8 p.m. PlantationChristmas: $15 adults; $8 ages 6-18;$2 ages 2-5; Yuletide Dinner: $49.95adults and ages 11 and older; $24.95ages 6-10; $9.95 ages 2-5. Ride in ahorse-drawn carriage, sip warm ciderby the fire, and sample period recipesprepared in the hearth kitchen.Costumed characters engaged inseasonal activities greet you in thehouse and throughout the grounds. AtGunston Hall Plantation, 10709Gunston Road, Lorton; call 703-550-9220 or visit www.gunstonhall.org.

Alexandria Harmonizers HolidayConcert. 2 p.m. Free. Celebrate theholidays with this free concert of

From

DEC. 3 TO 4Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend. Free for Parade and Marketplace; $75 Taste of

Scotland; $35 Designer Tour of Homes. 40th Annual Campagna Center ScottishChristmas Walk Weekend — even the dogs wear tartans. On Saturday, Dec. 4, morethan 100 Scottish clans dressed in tartans will parade through the streets of OldTown. They’ll be joined by pipe and drum bands from around the region, as well asterriers and hounds of every description. This year’s event is sponsored by theScottish government. Other events of the weekend include A Christmas Marketplaceand A Taste of Scotland on Dec. 3, and the Campagna Center’s Holiday Designer Tourof Homes on Dec. 4. Call 703-549-0111 or visit www.ScottishChristmasWalk.com.

See Holiday Guide, Page 19


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Holiday Guide

seasonal favorites in the barbershop styleby the Alexandria Harmonizers Chorus.At Market Square, 301 King Street,Alexandria; call 703-746-5592. Visitwww.harmonizers.org

“Christmas in Camp.” Fort WardMuseum’s Christmas in Camp OpenHouse. Noon to 4 p.m. Features apatriotic Santa Claus, living historypresentations, Victorian decorations,refreshments, tours and crafts. At 4301West Braddock Road in Alexandria.Call the Museum at 703-746-4848 orvisit www.fortward.org.

Christmas Boutique. 9 a.m. to noon.Handmade Christmas décor,ornaments, hand knitted items, bakedgoods, and unique gifts. Proceedssupport Heritage PresbyterianWomen’s outreach programs forchildren and women. At HeritagePresbyterian Church, 8503 Fort HuntRoad, Alexandria. Call 703-360-9546.

DEC. 11 TO 12Historic Alexandria Candlelight

Tours. Tour times are from 6 p.m. to9 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. to 6p.m. on Sunday. At Carlyle HouseHistoric Park (121 North FairfaxStreet), Gadsby’s Tavern Museum (134North Royal Street), Lee-Fendall House(614 Oronoco Street), and TheAthenaeum (201 Prince Street). Enjoyseasonal decorations, entertainmentand light refreshments. Admission: $20adults/$15 seniors/$5 kidsReservations recommended. Call 703-746-4242 or VisitAlexandriaVA.com

DEC. 17-18Alexandria Singers Holiday Show.

“Yule School Reunion!” In threefamily-friendly performances,following a colorful and whimsicalstory line, The Alexandria Singers willtake you through their favorite musicof the holiday season both old andnew. Premium seats $20; Generaladmission $15; Discounted rate* $10(*Seniors 65+, Students, Groups of10+, Active Military); Children (6 andunder) $5. Friday, Dec. 17 at 7:30p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. and7:30 p.m.; Convergence, 1801 NorthQuaker Lane, Alexandria. Visitwww.AlexandriaSingers.com or 703-941-SING (7464).

DEC. 17-18“Yule School Reunion.” Alexandria

Singers Holiday Show. In 3 family-friendly performances, following acolorful and whimsical story line, TheAlexandria Singers will take youthrough their favorite music of theholiday season both old and new!Premium Seats $20; GeneralAdmission $15; Discounted Rate* $10(*Seniors 65+, Students, Groups of10+, Active Military); Children (6 andunder) $5. Friday, Dec. 17 at 7:30p.m.; Saturday Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. and7:30 p.m.; At Convergence, 1801North Quaker Lane, Alexandria. Visitwww.AlexandriaSingers.com(703)941-SING (7464).

SUNDAY/DEC. 19Holiday Favorites with the Colonial

Handbell Ringers. Free. 2 p.m. and4 p.m. Get into the holiday spirit asyou listen – and sing along – with theirperformance of holiday classics using along set of Whitechapel bells. At TheLyceum, 201 South Washington Street,Alexandria. Call 703-746-4994 or visitwww.alexandriahistory.org.

FRIDAY/DEC. 31First Night Alexandria. 100 live

performances start at 7 p.m. at 17venues in Old Town Alexandria; theFun Hunt; Multimedia FireworksFinale; lasers; video, music. At GeorgeWashington Masonic Memorial, 101Callahan Drive, Alexandria. Admission:$15 before Dec. 21; $20 after. Children12 and under are free. Note that theheadquarters are at Durant ArtsCenter, 1605 Cameron St., Alexandria.Call 703-746-3301 or visitwww.FirstNightAlexandria.org.


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From Page 4

People

their base school. These students may likelyhave dropped out if it were not for Bryant. Ourcurrent graduation rate is 55 percent of ourenrollees annually. That is much lower than wewould like to see; however, the vast majority ofthese students were on their way to being adrop-out statistic and we have been able to getthem motivated to the point that a majoritygraduate with a High School diploma, and somego on to college.

Why do you think you are successful withthese students whereas they wereunsuccessful or had problems at theirbase school?

We have a carefully planned intake screeningand counseling process, and frequent periodicfollow-up evaluation of each student assignedhere. That pays off in understanding the student,the family, their background, and gives usvaluable information with which to tailor theircurriculum and track their progress.

We focus on the students’ needs and structuretheir academic calendar to suit their needs. Theone size fits all education system is not effectivefor these students. For example some may needmore time and attention in Math, others

McKee

ProfileJAN MCKEEAge: 57Marital Status: Married to Edward McKee; Three

children (Emily; Mary Rose; Jonathen)Hometown: St. Louis, MissouriEducation: Bachelor’s degree, Music education;

master’s degree in music curriculum, MissouriState University; master’s degree, educationadministration, Virginia Tech

Fairfax County Public School Career: 29years; 14 years as Principal, Bryant AlternativeHigh School

Interests and hobbies: Piano, guitar, dance,quilting, crocheting, travel.

language arts, and still others may need extratime and attention in English. I believe thisstrategy could work in our traditional highschools too. Each student is unique and hasstrengths and areas in need of extra attention.

What do you plan on doing in retire-ment?

I have aging parents in St. Louis, and fourgrandchildren in various areas of the countryand my husband and I look forward to spendingmuch more time with them. Later I may returnto education in some capacity, such as serving asa mentor to students. I am also thinking aboutwriting about my experiences as Bryant princi-pal.

What others say about Bryant AlternativeHigh School and Jan McKee:

Tatiana Zaveleta, Senior, at the school. Shenow attends night school at Bryant whileworking for Ft.Belvoir as an education technicianand secretary: “Going to Bryant has been anexcellent experience. Especially the day care atBryant Early Learning Center which in past yearstook care of my daughter. Now she attendselementary school during the day while I work atFt. Belvoir in the daytime and attend nightschool at Bryant. Because of Bryant I now have avery good job, and I will soon graduate fromHigh School.”

Deborah Graham, teacher: “Jan McKee hasmade a remarkable impact on Bryant HighSchool. Through her belief in alternativeeducation, she has led the staff on a journey thathas included standards-based learning forstudents who need a second chance at a highschool diploma. Always an innovative thinker,she encourages the staff to make changes thatwill make coming to school a positive experiencefor students. She never gives up on a student,allowing them to mature and make school apriority in their lives.”

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From Page 12

Letters

ings. Gazette’s story about theissue in the Nov. 11, 2010 Gazetteclaimed I had called for Supervi-sor Hyland to “remove” Mr.McCutcheon from his position. Idid no such thing. I called uponMr. McCutcheon to resign since heis not participating in FCPA Boardmeetings. It reported that Mr.McCutcheon had earlier volun-teered to resign but SupervisorHyland had refused to accept theresignation.

The story quoted SupervisorHyland concerning Mr.McCutcheon’s past accomplish-ments while Park Authority offi-cials expressed their reverence forMr. McCutcheon. This is all welland good but nothing substitutesfor actually attending the meet-ings, engaging in debate and vot-ing on the record on the issues onthe agenda and supporting ourDistrict with votes on the record.Our District owes Mr. McCutcheona debt of gratitude for his past ac-complishments. But that is besidesthe point.

Mr. Hyland criticized those whohave raised the issue of Mr.McCutcheon’s attendance, sayingthey “don’t understand how thePark Authority operates” and thatthe lack of attendance made nodifference in the FCPA Board’s ex-

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/archives/11-03-10-pkg.pdfreveals the recommendation of theFCPA director to approve a two-year extension of an interim useof a portion of Langley Fork Parkas a school bus transfer site. If aninterim use of a park in theDranesville District can be ap-proved, the same can be done atWestgrove in our District.

The solution to the representa-tion dilemma is actually quitesimple. Supervisor Hyland shouldaccept Mr. McCutcheon’s resigna-tion and appoint a new represen-tative who can attend FCPA Boardmeetings, advocate for our inter-ests and cast votes in support ofour agenda. At the same time, Su-pervisor Hyland can appoint Mr.McCutcheon a member of his staffto advise on park issues. The rev-erence FCPA staff and Board mem-bers hold for Mr. McCutcheon willnot change and he will still belending his expertise and smooth-ing the transition. The MountVernon District will then havesomeone voting for us for the firsttime in over a year.

One final thing: Mr.McCutcheon’s current term ex-pires next month. I request thatSupervisor Hyland publicize hischoice for FCPA representative

ecutive committee’s decision tonot include the Westgrove pro-posal in this fiscal year’s annualwork plan. The chairman of theFCPA Board was quoted as ex-plaining that the Board has beenin touch with Mr. McCutcheonmultiple times on a weekly basisthis year. I respectfully disagreethat this is an appropriate way torun a Board of a public agency. Be-hind the scenes machinations arenot the way the business of ourDistrict should be conducted. Con-stituents have the right to have de-liberations conducted as much aspossible on the record at publiclynoticed meetings, not in privateconversations. Isn’t that a legalrequirement?

The article reported that afterthe executive committee’s adversevote, Supervisor Hyland calledupon the FCPA Board to “masterplan” the proposed dog park, aprocess that will delay the finaldecision for a lengthy period oftime. Why couldn’t SupervisorHyland have asked the FCPABoard to approve interim use ofWestgrove in the manner re-quested, pending the outcome ofthe master planning process? Thiswould not be an unusual request.Page 17 of the Nov. 3, 2010 FCPABoard package at the followinglink: See Letters, Page 25


SportsMount Vernon Gazette Sports Editor Jon Roetman

703-224-3015 or [email protected]

The South Lakes High football teamproved to be in prime playoff formlast Friday night when it over-

whelmed the Mount Vernon Majors, 39-0,in a first round Div. 5 Northern Regionpostseason contest in Reston.

“We are very pleased with our perfor-mance in the Mount Vernon game,” saidSouth Lakes coach Andy Hill, completinghis first season at the helm of the program.“For us to host a home playoff game was agreat step for our program and our seniors,and winning that game was almost essen-tial to continue moving in the right direc-tion.”

The win improved the Seahawks’ recordto 8-3 on the season and advanced themto a semifinals game this Friday nightagainst region power Stone Bridge (11-0),

the unbeaten defending Div. 5 regionchampion.

The run-oriented Mount Vernon offensewas held to less than 100 yards rushing bythe South Lakes’ defense. Dennis Mensahwas the Majors’ top ball carrier with 48yards.

The visitors managed just 27 yardsthrough the air as two Mount Vernon quar-terbacks combined to go 3-for-12.

“I thought our defense played extremelywell, as they have any time we put up ashutout, but they were dominant at times,”said Hill. “Mount Vernon came in with avery good running attack and a decent pass-ing game that could keep us off-balance.Our success came in our disciplined aggres-siveness.”

— Rich Sanders

Seahawks Overwhelm Majors in Playoff Opener

The South Lakes defense shut down the Majors and earned a playoffshutout.

Pho

to

s by C

raig Sterbutzel/T

he G

azette

By Jon Roetman

The Gazette

The West Potomac girlscross country team has abright future, with six ofits top seven runners re-

turning in 2011. At Saturday’s VHSLstate cross country championships,junior captain Dale Lescher provideda glimpse of what the Wolverineshave coming back.

Lescher shaved nearly a minute offher time from last year’s state meet,recording a mark of 18 minutes, 53seconds at Great Meadow. She fin-ished 16th, missing all-state honorsby one place and one second.Lescher’s finish led West Potomac toa seventh-place team finish.

“Last year, it was definitely greatwith all the seniors,” Lescher said.“This year, it was kind of little bityounger team — most of us are jun-iors. It was a different mindset thisyear. It was really nice coming outhere and knowing it was our respon-sibility this year.”

Lescher placed 40th as a sopho-more with a time of 19:51. This year,she was 58 seconds faster.

“I looked at the clock and I waslike, ‘Whoa! This is pretty fast thisyear,’” Lescher said. “It was definitely goodexperience and I definitely think last yearhelped a lot.”

Junior captain Sarah Underwood finished32nd with a time of 19:20. SophomoreSophia Passacantando was 52nd (19:36),junior Colleen Boyle finished 65th (19:47)and junior Samantha Miller was 88th(20:27).

Stafford’s Hannah Lowery won the indi-

ished sixth, the top performance from aNorthern Region team.

Benjamin Aleixo finished 40th with a timeof 16:24. Marc Lotterie was 56th (16:40),Mark Hanak was 65th (16:47) and Khoki

Junior Lescher Leads West Potomac at StatesBoys finish sixth, girls seventh at Great Meadow.

Brady Corum was the West Potomacboys’ top individual finisher (33rd) atSaturday’s VHSL state cross countrychampionships at Great Meadow.

Bernier was 69th (16:50).Annandale’s Ahmed Bile won the indi-

vidual title with a time of 15:27. Midlothianwon the team title with 46 points, 58 bet-ter than second-place Colonial Forge.

vidual state title with a time of 17:41, fol-lowed by Lake Braddock’s Sophie Chase.Midlothian won the team title with 104points, nine better than second-placeMaggie Walker. Thomas Jefferson’s fourth-place finish was tops among Northern Re-gion teams.

In boys competition, Brady Corum ledWest Potomac with a 33rd-place finish, re-cording a time of 16:17. The Wolverines fin-

West Potomacjunior DaleLescher (944)runs with thepack duringthe first mileof Saturday’sVHSL statecross countrychampion-ships at GreatMeadow.

Pho

to

s by C

raig Sterbutzel/T

he G

azette


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Fort Hunt Rugby MeetingThe first organizational meeting for Fort Hunt boys-

girls high school rugby will be held from 7-9 p.m. onDec. 7 in the meeting room at SherwoodHall Library. Additional information canbe found at www.fhyaa.org/rugby or bycalling 703-780-5859. Head coach isJohn Dacey.

MVHS 5K MovedTo Nov. 20

The Mount Vernon High School 5K Turkey Trot andWellness Walk will take place on Nov. 20 rain or shine.Registration is at 7:30 a.m. and the race starts at8:30 a.m. General registration fee is $35. Teachers

or students with a valid ID card can participate for$25. The race begins at the Rock entrance of MVHS.The race benefits the MVHS Cares Emergency Fun,to help provide education-related assistance and in-centives for MVHS students.

Running Club on SundaysThe Mount Vernon Milers running club meets at 8

a.m. on Sundays. The group usually meets along thePotomac River, but the exact location is listed in ane-mail sent every Wednesday for the coming week.Distances vary but runners can expect between fourand eight miles.

To join the Mount Vernon Milers, send Lee Brittonan e-mail at [email protected] to be put on thee-mail list.

Sports

Briefs

From Page 12

Letters to the Editor

well in advance of the ratifica-tion vote by the BOS. All too of-ten, appointees are ratified beforethe public even finds out they havebeen chosen. I plan to express my

views on Supervisor Hyland’schoice, positive or negative and inadvance of confirmation. I’m con-fident others will wish to do so aswell.

The “Leader Who Listens” needs

to listen and then lead on this is-sue. No more excuses; no moredelays. Right now.

H. Jay SpiegelMount Vernon


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Schools

Send announcements to the MountVernon Gazette, by e-mail to [email protected]. Deadline isThursday at noon for the following week’spaper. Photos are encouraged. Call SteveHibbard at 703-778-9412 with questions.

Bravo TV fashion design competitorsvisited fashion design students at WestPotomac Academy on Friday, Nov. 12,to talk about their experiences and chal-lenges as fashion designers. DesignersReco Chapple, who competed on TheFashion Show, and Jerell Scott, a com-petitor on Project Runway, tookquestions from the students, viewed stu-dent designs, and provided feedback.

Mount Vernon High School’steam has advanced in CyberPatriot, anational youth cyber defense challenge.CyberPatriot officially began Saturday,Oct. 23, with more than 400 All-Serviceteams around the nation setting out tocompetitively ward off a series of cyberattacks by defending a virtualized net-work of computers.

Each team of students was able tosuccessfully compete in the first roundand excelled. Owing to their remarkableperformance, they have received a “bye”for the second round of competition andwill advance directly to the third round,which takes place on Dec. 4. Due toexceptionally high server demand, tech-nical challenges impaired some teams’ability to compete. As a result, everyteam in the competition was advancedto the second round.

The top teams will continue to com-pete in a series of online rounds todetermine the finalists for scholarshipmoney and an all-expenses-paid trip toWashington, D.C. and the Champion-ship Round at the Gaylord NationalConvention Center in April 2011.

Students at Thomas JeffersonHigh School for Science and Tech-nology in Alexandria kicked off theQuiz Bowl season by hosting NOEXIT —the Novice Oriented EXcellent Invita-tional Tournament — on Oct. 16.Fourteen schools traveling from as far asRichmond brought a total of 28 teams ofnovice players, including six teams fromJefferson. This was the first year thatJefferson has hosted a fall novice tourna-ment. Jefferson’s novice A team,composed of Raynor Kuang (Fairfax),Sarah Eltinge (Oakton), HopeFlaxman (McLean), and JonathanLeidenheimer (McLean), was nar-rowly edged for first place by RichardMontgomery High of Rockville. The tour-nament was entirely student-run, andwas managed by tournament directorsOlivia Murton (McLean) and ThaliaAoki (McLean), as well as director-in-training Peter Town (Alexandria).

CongratulationsAward winners from the West Potomac High School fall sports banquet.

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To have a notice listed, [email protected]. CallSteve Hibbard at 703-778-9412 withquestions.

Are you a tenor or bass, in par-ticular? Audition for Zemer Chai,Washington’s premier Jewish chorale.Led by founding conductor EleanorEpstein, Zemer Chai sings the full rangeof Jewish choral repertoire, includingJewish folk music from around theworld, liturgical and classical pieces,and new works commissioned for thechoir. Joint performances have includedU.S. Soldiers Chorus, Heritage Signa-ture Chorale, and Coral Cantigas. Clipsfrom their CD and videos atwww.ZemerChai.org and on their

Bulletin Board

Facebook page. To schedule an audi-tion: [email protected].

THURSDAY/NOV. 18Health Care Reform Talk. 12:30

p.m. Howard Houghton from VICAP(Virginia Insurance and CounselingProgram) presents “Annual Part DReview, Health Care Reform andMedicare.” At Hollin Hall SeniorCenter, 1500 Shenandoah Road,Alexandria. Contact: [email protected] or 703-765-4573.TTY 711.

Visiting Chef: Gluten FreeProgram. 1 p.m. Ann Fulkerson willbe presenting Gluten-Free recipes inrecognition of “Gluten-Free DietAwareness Month,” At Hollin Hall

Senior Center, 1500 ShenandoahRoad, Alexandria. Call 703-765-4573.

SATURDAY/NOV. 20Colonial Dames Meeting. 10 a.m.

Meeting of the John Witt chapter,Colonial Dames SeventeenthCentury. At Peace Lutheran Church,6362 Lincolnia Road, [email protected].

FRIDAY/NOV. 26Black Friday. Reduced animal

adoption fees for all animals with anyblack markings at the Animal WelfareLeague of Alexandria; contact 703-746-4774.

TUESDAY/NOV. 30“Medical Identity Theft.” 10:30

a.m. Not only can medical identitytheft affect your finances, it can behazardous to your health. Getinformation on how you can detectidentity theft. At Hollin Hall SeniorCenter, 1500 Shenandoah Road,Alexandria. Call 703-765-4573.

THURSDAY/DEC. 9“Balance and Posture.” 9:30 a.m.

With Dave Reynolds, a CertifiedFitness Specialist by the AmericanCollege of Sports Medicine since1986. At Hollin Hall Senior Center,1500 Shenandoah Road,Alexandria. Call 703-765-4573,TTY711.

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