UCM Receives $20000 Cafritz Foundation Grant

Vol. 15 No. 2
Serving Mount Vernon, Lee, and Alexandria
January 13, 2016 50 Cents
Garza Draws the Line on Budget Cuts
By STEVE HUNT
Staff Writer
Fairfax County Public Schools Supt. Karen
Garza came to West Potomac High School
Thursday to announce her proposed budget
— and she did not mince words.
After nine straight years of budget cuts, totaling about $500 million, Garza called on
the community to support a nearly 5 percent
budget increase.
“Today, I ask the community to reverse the
trend of underfunding the growing school
system,” she said a press conference in the
school library.
As a result of the consecutive years of
budget cuts since 2008, Garza said FCPS
has lost its competitive edge with neighboring jurisdictions regarding teacher salaries and this year the school system began
the school year with 200 open positions in
the classroom.
Budget cutting year after year “is a trend
we must not continue,” she said, adding
“We must invest in our students for the future of our community.”
According to FCPS’ FY17 proposed budStaff photo/Steve Hunt
get presentation document, FCPS arrived FCPS Superintendent Karen Garza presented her proposed FY 2017 operating
in this situation because revenues have not budget calling for nearly a 5 percent increase over last year’s budget at a wellkept pace with expenditures, resulting in attended press conference at West Potomac High School on Feb. 7.
the annual budget cuts and, due to limited
resources, annual compensation increases
have been restricted resulting in lagging
salaries.
“Without sustainable revenue increases to
meet expenditure needs and requirements,
the FCPS community will continue to be
faced with the possibility of reductions to
programs and services,” the proposed budget document states.
The proposed budget includes no reductions to instructional programs or services
to students and schools and looks ahead and
begins the slow process of rebuilding from
the hundreds of cuts FCPS has sustained in
the past several years.
In addition, the proposed budget adds funding for FCPS’ most pressing needs which
are employee salary increases and class size
reductions in elementary schools.
Most of the 4.8 percent increase in the $2.7
billion operating budget for FY 2017 over
the FY 2016 approved budget is for “a modest investment in our employees” for the
school system which is projected to have
more than 188,000 students.
Regarding class size, class size has risen
three times in the past decade, and investing
See Garza Page 7
Lt. Governor Promotes Birth Control Grant
By MARY PADEN
Contributing Writer
Modeled on a Colorado program that reduced teen births by 40 percent and teen
abortions by 42 percent, a two-year pilot
program funded by $9 million in federal grant funds is included in Gov. Terry
McAuliffe’s 2016-17 budget, which goes
before the state legislature this session.
Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, a pediatric neurosurgeon and strong advocate of women’s reproductive rights, said the program
would involve offering long-acting reversible contraceptive devices— IUDs and under-the-skin implants—along with a suite
of other birth control options to women
with little or no access to health care.
Funds would cover the devices, an outreach
campaign, clinician training, and an assessment of the program’s impact. The service
would be available through state health department clinics, including the three Fairfax
Community Health Care Clinics.
“Education and access to family planning
services help women and families live
healthy and prosperous lives in Virginia,”
Northam said in announcing the effort to
a small group of health advocates and officials at the Northern Virginia Community
College Friday.
“When pregnancies are planned, it is
easier for Virginians to achieve life goals
like getting a college education or starting
a business.”
Stephen Haering, director of the Alexandria Health Department, said that the number of women choosing IUDs or implants
increased from 15 in 2013 to 77 in 2015
under a privately funded pilot program
there. He said the devices are often chosen by young women who know they don’t
want to start a family for several years.
Virginia’s 2013 teen pregnancy rate was
28 per 1,000 females aged 15-19 (5,281
live births), down from 45 per 1,000 teens
in 2009, but with room for improvement
according to Northam’s office. A spokesperson said the program would help thousands of women in Virginia.
Northam anticipated possible opposition
Photo/Mary Paden
from Republican legislators.
Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam discusses his proposed increased access to
See Northam Page 10 reproductive health services with Dr. Serina Floyd.
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2
January 13, 2016
Discounts for longterm contracts are
available.
Webb Declares Candidacy in 8th District
Republican Mike Webb has announced his candidacy for the
U.S. Representative seat in the 8th
Congressional District challenging
incumbent Democrat Don Beyer.
Webb is a retired field grade U.S.
Army officer who began his career as an enlisted person in the
infantry on the outbreak of Desert
Shield and later served in the elite
Ranger Regiment.
Webb says he knows the sacrifice of soldiers and their families
and the harshness of military life,
and, despite recognizing the interests of the nation and the importance of the principles for which
it stands, will never support any
measure to unnecessarily overburden this vital resource.
Webb is an African American
whose grandfather was shot by
members of the Ku Klux Klan for
appearing in the vicinity of a polling place on election day in segregated North Carolina, as well as the
great grandson of a German Jew
who fled persecution in Germany,
only to face equal oppression in
segregated South Carolina when he
chose a “negress” as his wife.
Courtesy photo
Mike Webb
Webb says he has zero tolerance
for any intolerance of any person
on the basis of race, gender, heritage, creed, color, ethnicity, country
of origin, sex, sexual orientation, or
any other discriminating factor.
Webb said he boasts “a proud
conservative tradition” dating
back to his first reading of “Conscience of a Conservative” in the
fourth grade, and promotes a progressive approach to resolving the
problems facing the nation, and,
like his father and generations before him is a member of the Party
of Lincoln.
Webb attended Washington and
Lee University and has worked in
the provide sector in money center banks and prominent law firms
and in the private sector with federal agencies.
Webb pointed out that he interned on Capitol Hill for one of
the most liberal Democrats “that
ever graced the halls of Congress,” while never attempting to
hide his own political and ideological affiliation.
In addition, Webb has worked
with impoverished families, delivering food and clothing from
his father’s church as well as
providing assistance and support
to homeless veterans through his
board memberships and volunteer
activities.
Webb has also advocated diversity and is soon to be designated
as a member of two county commissions dealing with human
rights and access for persons with
disabilities.
— Staff report
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County Executive Supports Approval
of Funding for BRT Design on Route 1
At its Tuesday meeting, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
was scheduled to seek approval
of project agreement between the
Virginia Department of Rail and
Public Transportation and Fairfax
County for funding the Route 1
Bus Rapid Transit Design.
Approval is necessary for the
the director of the Department
of Transportation to sign a project agreement with the DRPT to
enable the county to receive the
BRT design funds in FY 2016.
The grant amount, i.e. the state’s
share of the project is $3,840,000,
or 96 percent of the cost, with the
local expense being $160,000.
The DRPT, in partnership with
Fairfax and Prince William counties, the Virginia Department of
Transportation and the Office
of Intermodal Planning and Investment completed the Route 1
Multimodal Alternatives Analysis
leading to recommendations including BRT for the corridor.
The BRT would run in the center
median from Huntington to Route
123 in Woodbridge.
The plan also calls for a 3-mile
Metrorail Yellow Line extension
from Huntington to Hybla Valley
as expeditiously as possible.
Other recommendations are to
widen the roadway from four
SUBSCRIBE TO THE
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MOUNT VERNON
VOICE is the only newspaper published on the
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both the Mount Vernon
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1514 Belle View Blvd.
Route 1 in Hybla Valley is usually congested.
lanes to six lanes where necessary
to create a consistent, six-lane
cross section along the corridor
as well as creating a continuous
facility for pedestrians and bicyclists along the 15-mile corridor.
The configuration will vary depending upon urban design, rightof-way availability and other local considerations.
Last June, the Commonwealth
Transportation Board allocated
funding for the project.
County Executive Ed Long recommended the board authorize the director of the DOT to sign the agreement between DRPT and the county
and that it be done Tuesday so that
the DRPT can release FY 2016 tran-
Adress:___________
__________________
__________________
File photo
sit funding for the project.
Through stakeholder participation and technical analysis, the
multimodal study recommended
a program of transportation improvements for adoption by Fairfax and Prince William counties.
The study ultimately recommended that a BRT system be
constructed in three phases in the
short term. The first two phases
of the BRT between Huntington
and Fort Belvoir are being implemented by the Fairfax County.
Funding for the study was previously approved by the board and
is provided on a reimbursement
basis.
— Staff report
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January 13, 2016
3
COMMUNITY NOTES
Westgrove Pack
to Meet Wednesday
The Westgrove Pack will meet
this Wednesday, Feb. 13, at 7 p.m.
in the Sherwood Hall Library.
The agenda includes a guest
speaker, Ami Krasner, DVM, of
the Hollin Hall Animal Hospital,
discussions on park projects (past
and future), the 2016 budget and
review of the 2015 year. Please
come and bring your ideas, concerns, and questions.
Mt. Vernon-Lee Chamber
Breakfast Thursday
Ring in the new year Thursday
at the January Business Breakfast
of the Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce featuring a
special presentation on Cyber Insurance for your Business. Plus,
meet the candidates running for
the Chamber Board of Directors.
early in 2015, and a delayed return from Alaska in October,
Ryan Johnson, a professional
clock repairman, is scheduled to
speak on how to properly take
care of your clocks, especially
old clocks. He is prepared to
answer some questions so feel
free to bring your clocks to the
meeting on Jan. 20, 9:30-11 a.m.
at the Hollin Hall Senior Center,
The Hollin Hall Senior Cen- 1500 Shenandoah Rd. Free. Pubter, 1500 Shenandoah Rd., will lic invited.
host its Third Friday Community
Dance with the Mount Vernon Volunteers Sought
Swing Band on Friday night from for Gartlan Center
7:30- 9:30 p.m. with live music
conducted by Owen Hammett. The Advisory Board of the Joe
Light refreshments served. $4 at and Fredona Gartlan Center for
the door. Open to the public. 703- mental health is looking for vol765 -4573 TTY:711.
unteers. The Board meets the
second Tuesday of the month
Antiques Club
from 9 – 11 a.m. at Gartlan CenMeeting Jan. 20
ter 8119 Holland Rd. Community
members are invited to attend the
In spite of a snow cancellation meetings.
Reservations are $25 for members and their guests; $35 for nonchamber members.
The event is from 8 to 9:30 a.m.
at Walker’s Grille, 6909 Metro
Park Drive, Alexandria. Info@
mtvernon-leechamber.org.
Sr. Center Dance
This Friday Night
CRIME LOG
The following incidents were reported by the Mount Vernon District Station of the Fairfax County
Police Department for the period
Jan. 5 — 11
BURGLARY
*Woodlawn Green 5800 block
— Jan. 6, 3:59 p.m. A resident reported someone entered the residence and took property.
LARCENIES
*6800 block of Richmond Highway, wallet from residence
*7600 block of Richmond Highway, merchandise from business
*7500 block of Snowpea Court,
property from residence
*6300 block of South Kings
Highway, liquor from business*
*2500 block of Parkers Lane,
property from residence
*7900 block of Fort Hunt Road,
liquor from business
*7400 block of Mount Vernon
Square Center, liquor from business
*6300 block of Richmond Highway, clothing from business
*6700 block of Richmond Highway, merchandise from business
*7900 block of Richmond Highway, merchandise from business
The following incidents were re-
4
ported by the Franconia District phone. As the transaction was unStation of the FCPD.
der way, a man approached the
group, displayed a handgun and
COMMERCIAL ARMED
took cell phones, wallets and cash
ROBBERY
from all three victims. There were
no injuries. The suspect fled on foot
*Brookefield Plaza 7100 block toward Hagel Circle and was seen
— Jan. 6, 7:48 p.m. An unknown entering what was believed to be a
man entered the Shri Krishna gro- black Nissan Altima. The suspect
cery store, displayed a handgun was described as black, 19-21 years
and demanded money. No cash old, approximately 5 feet, 10 inches
was handed over, however, the tall and around 145 pounds. He was
suspect took other property from wearing all black clothing.
the store and fled. There were *Ridgeway Drive Jan. 9, 2 a.m.
no injuries. The suspect was de- Two 19-year-old men were enterscribed as black, 25 to 30 years ing their vehicle when they were
old. He was approximately 6 feet approached by two other men;
tall and about 185 pounds. He both of whom displayed guns
was wearing a gray jacket and and demanded money. The vicblue jeans.
tims handed over clothing and a
cell phone and were not injured.
BURGLARIES
The suspects fled in a dark colored SUV. The suspects were de*Riefton Court 6500 block — scribed as black, in their late teens
Jan. 6, 10:15 a.m. A resident re- to early 20s. They were 5 feet, 8
ported someone entered the resi- to 5 feet, 10 inches tall, skinny
dence and took property.
and wearing dark clothing.
*Essex Avenue 7500 block —
Jan. 8, 9:37 p.m. A resident re- LARCENIES
ported that someone entered the
residence and took property.
*6000 block of Chicory Plaza,
phone from residence
ROBBERIES
*6300 block of Springfield Plaza, jewelry from residence
*Samuel Wallis Street 8000 block *7700 block of Gunston Plaza,
— Jan. 8, 4:59 p.m. Three men ar- beer from business
ranged to meet a fourth through *7600 block of Oakridge Woods
Craig’s List, to purchase a cell Court, phone from residence
January 13, 2016
SENATOR REPORT
Surovell’s 2016 Agenda
By Sen. SCOTT SUROVELL
(D-36th)
On Jan. 13, 2016, I take my
oath of office as your state senator. I am planning on introducing approximately 40 bills and
about a dozen budget amendments in our 60 day session. Predatory Lending: Predatory
lending is a major problem in
the U.S. 1 Corridor. Car title
lenders have been abusing this
loophole by charging rates over
200% by recharacterizing car title loans as separately regulated
car title loans. To reign in car title lender bait and switch tactics,
I am proposing to limit interest
rates on consumer finance loans
at 36%. I have also introduced
legislation to prohibit car title
lenders from using subsidiaries
from using the open end credit
loophole to also evade consumer
protections.
Transportation: High occupancy
toll lanes or “HOT Lanes” have
brought some much needed relief
and predictability to commuters
on I-495, I-95 and I-395 – but at
a price. However, the collection
of unpaid tolls through the courts
has highlighted problems in the
current system. I have introduced legislation
to confirm a one-year statute of
limitations on unpaid toll collections and to only allow a toll collector to collect stepped up fines
after an actual conviction of a
prior offense. This will prevent
HOT lanes operators from suing
commuters for over $2,000 for
four offenses involving less than
$20 of unpaid tolls, and provides
some notice and fairness to the
collection process.
I have also introduced legislation directing the Virginia
Department of Transportation
(VDOT) to study restructuring
Virginia’s tolls to give some
credit to in-state residents for
the existing taxpayer investment
in road projects. Other states,
including Maryland, provide instate residents discounts on toll
roads. We should do the same.
I have also re-introduced a
bill to restructure voting on the
Board that decides how transportation money is spent based
on current population instead
of 1930’s congressional district
boundaries. Sunshine: I am carrying several bills to increase government
transparency. The first reverses
the Supreme Court of Virginia’s
opinion in my case versus Department of Corrections interpreting the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The Court held
that if one sentence in a government record is exempt from
FOIA, the government can withhold an entire document. I called
See Surovell Page 10
DELEGATE REPORT
Krizek Announces Agenda
By Del. PAUL KRIZEK
(D-44th)
The 2016 legislative session
is underway and it’s already a
whirlwind. Endless meetings —
and meetings about meetings —
I’ve hardly had a chance to find
my office.
I have submitted about a dozen
bills so far and am co-patroning
even more — the full list of
which is available on the Legislative Information Systems website. I would like to highlight a
few of these bills for readers.
HB45 & HB391 limit predatory title lenders from operating within 20 miles of a casino
and within 10 miles of a military
base. This would effectively
cease all new predatory title
lending operations in Mount
Vernon and Lee.
During the 2015 campaign,
I joined Sen. Scott Surovell in
opposing these high-interest
lenders preying upon our community. I am confident these unscrupulous businesses received
our message that they are unwelcome in the 44th District.
Also this year, I am patroning
HB 627, which would tax e-cigarettes and related nicotine vapor products at 15% of the sale
price. All previous measures
to levy an e-cigarette tax have
failed in the General Assembly, but they each designated a
specific dollar amount. It is my
hope in creating a percentage tax
See Krizek Page 10
Here We Go Again
I forget who originally said, “There is nothing new under
the sun,” but it remains as true as when I first heard my
parents utter it many years ago.
The other morning we attended Fairfax County Public
Schools Superintendent Karen Garza’s announcement at
West Potomac High School that there was absolutely no
room to cut anything from the school budget.
Impressive student and teacher representatives made their
own arguments and pleas for full funding.
All of which were moving and valid.
But what a sense of deja vu.
Admittedly being back at West Potomac, which both of
my children attended and graduated from, was a somewhat
jarring experience when I noted all of the security that is
now required.
But the speeches brought back those of over 20 years ago
when my son, as student government president, made an
impassioned plea for full funding of the school budget at
Mount Vernon Supervisor Gerry Hyland’s Town Meeting.
The arguments were then — and are now — very powerful and compelling ones.
No one is opposed to smaller class sizes, better and more
competitive salaries for our teachers, robust sports, music
and theatre programs for our children.
The problem stems from the fact that after all these years,
we are still looking to the same sources to fund these.
The board of supervisors is asked to provide the money
needed and they look to raising the taxes of the homeowners because the state has still not come through with our
fair share after all these years and the county has been unable to come up with any alternative source of income,
such as a meals tax.
In fact the board could not even agree to put the meals tax
to a vote by county residents.
How much longer can we bury our heads in the sand and
repeat the same complaints and pleas? How much longer
can we dump the burden on county homeowners?
Unfortunately we have been doing so for many decades.
Let’s stop talking and act.
OPINION
What We Think
By Mary Paden
What would you most like to see happen in
Mt. Vernon and Lee Districts in 2016?
Publishers: Marlene Miller, Steve Hunt
Editor: Marlene Miller
Writer, Photographer: Steve Hunt
7946 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria, VA 22308
Phone: (703) 360-0080
[email protected]
Anne Ese
Woodlawn
“I would like to see them improve Rte. 1.
There is so much traffic between 8 a.m.
and 10 a.m., it’s crazy.”
Charlette Kissi
Hybla Valley
“I would like to see them fix Rte. 1. I take it every
day to Woodbridge. One day I was 20 minutes late
to work because I got in the wrong lane.”
Richard LaVallee
Lorton
“Restore the pony farm on Rte. 1
that was illegally destroyed.”
Cindy Simpson
Williamsburg Manor
“Reduce the crime rate, which has been climbing
up a bit with some car break-ins. Also extend the
yellow line subway down Rte. 1 so we can have
another transportation option and reduce traffic.”
Mary Shaffar
Hollin Hills
“I was born in Alexandria and lived here since
1957, so I have seen lots of changes – all good.
Things are good here now.”
Wilfredo Lazo
Pinewood
“I would like to have more Christian books in
Spanish in this (Sherwood Hall) library.”
Contributors
Michael Castleberry
Mary Paden
Paginator
Jo Deckert
Visit our web site at
mountvernonvoice.com
January 13, 2016
5
DEATHS
Mt. Vernon Loses a Familiar Face
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6
January 13, 2016
By STEVE HUNT
Staff Writer
Mount Vernon has lost a beloved
longtime resident.
Ruth Ann Harvey, who passed
away away on Friday, Jan. 8,
just short of her 93rd birthday,
was well-known as the long-time
owner of Hollin Hall Gulf, now
Hollin Hall Automotive, located
on the corner of Fort Hunt and
Shenandoah roads, which is now
owned by her son, Tom.
For years she greeted patrons
with a smile and friendly chatter
at the station’s cash register.
A large crowd attended a Mass
of Christian Burial Tuesday
morning at Good Shepherd Catholic Church where Pastor Rev.
Thomas Ferguson used several to
describe Harvey including “goodness, admiration, kind, patient,
generous, loving, intelligent, courageous, dedicated” and faith.
He pointed out that through her
decades of owning and operating
the service station, she employed
many young people as well as recent immigrants and those who
faced challenges in their lives giving them hope for a bright future.
In fact, he said, she instilled
hope in others who didn’t have it
for themselves.
“It was a love she shared with
others,” he said, adding, “The
best way to honor her is by imitating her.”
Harvey’s granddaughter and
Tom’s daughter, Jennifer Harvey, said she was pleased that so
many had come to not only share
See Harvey Page 8
Staff photos/Steve Hunt
Ruth Ann Harvey was remembered at Good Shepherd Catholic
Church Tuesday.
Son Tom Harvey greets attendees at his mother’s funeral
service. Many turned out to say goodbye.
Former Supervisor McConnell Dies
Former Springfield District Supervisor Elaine McConnell passed
away early Sunday morning.
She served the residents of the
Springfield District for 24 years
and impacted many lives both inside and outside of public service.
McConnell was 88.
Springfield Supervisor Pat Herrity said her loss is one that will reverberate around the whole community.
“My thoughts and prayers are
with her family,” said Herrity. “I
hope they know that the community will be forever grateful for
her tireless work to make Fairfax
County and the region a great
Courtesy photo
place to live. She had the true
Former Springfield Supervisor Elaine McConnell was instrumental
heart of a servant.”
See McConnell Page 8 in building the operations center that was named after her.
Garza: I Cannot Support ANY FCPS Budget Cuts
Garza from Page 1
more than $10 million to address
elementary class size guidelines
and ensure all classes are below 30
students where classroom space is
available.
“This is not all that is needed to
reduce class size — but it is a step
in the right direction,” the document states.
Regarding teacher salaries, FCPS
teacher’s salary is about $8,500
below the market average and
about $20,000 below an Arlington
County teacher’s salary.
For FY 2017, $40 million is budgeted as an initial investment to
improve teacher salaries.
The FY 2017 operating expenditures proposed increase of 4.8
percent represents a $121 million
increase over last year’s approved
budget, however due to slowing
growth, there is no requirement to
add additional funding for enrollment in FY 2017.
At the press conference, FCPS
West Potomac principal Alex Case addressed the media at the press conference announcing
2015 teacher of the year KimFCPS Supt. Karen Garza’s proposed FY 2017 budget.
berly Scott, an English teacher at
Franklin Middle School, said that
teaching is noble work by individuals who are trusted to shape
the future of students.
She said that FCPS has stretched
every dollar and dedicated teachesr
are often in their classrooms “way
past dark” preparing for the next
day’s lessons.
“We commit fully because of the
love of learning and the call we
feel,” she said, calling on elected officials to “fully fund this budget.”
Marshall High student Sami Ahmad said that if FCPS is forced
to continue to divest in education
“the effect will be devastating”
and adding that he wants younger
Kimberly Scott, a teacher at Franklin
students to have the same opportu- School board chairman Pat Hynes (Hunter Marshall High student Sami Ahmad said
Middle School and FCPS teacher of the
nities he did as a FCPS elementary Mill) said she stands with Garza in seeking the effects of not fully funding Garza’s
an increase in funding for FCPS.
budget would be devastating.
year, said FCPS teachers are dedicated
and middle school student.
to their students.
Robin Hylton, PTSA president at
Annandale High, called upon the
community to mobilize to seek the
budget increase Garza is seeking.
“Now it is up to us,” she said.
School board chairman Pat Hynes
(Hunter Mill) said she stands with
Garza in seeking the budget increase from the school system’s
funding partners,
saying that
spending $1,000 less per student is
“unsustainable.”
Garza concluded the event saying this budget increase is just “a
first step” in sending a message to
students and teachers that “you are
valued” and that she will no longer
Karen Corbett Sanders, Mount
accept budget cuts year after year.
Vernon representative on the
She not only asked, but urged, citschool board, attended the
izens to advocate for more funding
press conference along with
for the school system this year.
Staff photos/Steve Hunt several other school board
“Your voice must be heard,” she
members.
Heavy security was in place outside the school prior to the press conference.
said.
January 13, 2016
7
DEATHS
Ruth Ann Harvey Dies
Harvey from Page 6
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8
January 13, 2016
in their sorrow, but also in the joy
that was her life.
While Harvey’s life was filled
with joy, there was also tragedy
in the death of her husband, Leon,
after 20 years of marriage, when
she was only 41, leaving her to
raise seven sons on her own as
well as taking over the operation
of the service station.
“She never thought about it,”
Jennifer said. “She just did it.”
Her son Michael Harvey, (#4 as
he was known), spoke on behalf
of his brothers saying he could
talk for a week about all the stories they have of their mother,
and he heard many more earlier
in the week from those who visited the funeral home to pay their
respects.
Everybody called her ‘mom Harvey,” he said. “She thrived on it.”
In addition to Tom (Judy) and
Michael (Dianna), she is survived by three more sons Steve,
Bob (Lisa) and Jim (Colleen), 12
grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, her brother Clarence
(Sally) along with numerous
nieces and nephews.
In addition to her late husband,
she is preceded in death by two
sons Cleveland (Butch) Harvey
and Leon Harvey Jr..
She was born March 11, 1923
in a farmhouse in Custar, Ohio,
File photo
Ruth Ann Harvey holds a
plaque from the Mount VernonLee Chamber of Commerce at
the 50th anniversary of Hollin
Hall Automotive.
and after graduating from Tiffin University in 1941 came to
Washington, DC to work in the
War Department. She was among
the first group to move into the
newly-built Pentagon where she
continued to work throughout the
during of World War II.
The family requests that donations be made in her memory
to Good Shepherd Housing &
Family Services, 8305 Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA
22309.
Elaine McConnell Dies
McConnell from Page 6
Herrity described McConnell as
a “pillar in Fairfax County and
the region” noting that during her
24 years on the board she advocated for many causes.
In particular, she took a special interest in public safety issues and was instrumental in the
building of the McConnell Public
Safety and Transportation Operations Center.
She was also a staunch advocate
for transportation solutions and
served as chairman of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission and other regional transportation boards.
She was also the founder and
“mother” of Virginia Railway
Express, and most recently she
served on the Metropolitan
Washington Airports Authority
Board as an appointee of former
Gov. Bob McDonnell.
McConnell reportedly died at
her home in West Springfield of
congestive heart failure. She had
retired from the board in 2007.
In her private life, she was CEO
and owner of the Accotink Academy, which she founded in 1964.
The academy continues to serve
children throughout the region
and was the first in the region to
serve children with learning disabilities. Her work in the field,
and her study of handwriting and
math disorders has gained national attention.
Visitation is Friday, Jan. 15, between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at
Accotink Academy, 8519 Tuttle
Road in Springfield. The funeral
will be held on Saturday, Jan.
16, at Messiah United Methodist
Church, 6215 Rolling Road, West
Springfield with a time to be determined.
— Staff report
ENTERTAINMENT
Only Raves for ‘The Revenant’
By MICHAEL CASTLEBERRY
Contributing Writer
What do you get when you have
one of the world’s best film directors, one of its classiest stars, and
a mesmerizing story of triumph
over adversity??? Sometimes, nothing— it just fizzles out (remember Jeremiah
Johnson with the young Robert
Redford, a film he really, really
wanted to make — and it put you
to sleep). Sometimes it just goes through
the roof (uh, Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolfe, anyone?) You just
never know, which is one of the
reasons film is such a great medium!
But you’re pretty safe with The
Revenant. Directed by last year’s
Oscar-winner (for Birdman)
Alejandro Inarritu, the prolific
Mexican director of Amores Perros (2000), 21 Grams (2003),
Babel (2006), and a bunch more,
it has a story that will challenge
and inspire you, a fascinating performance by actor Leo DiCaprio,
and some of the most beautiful
scenery of western American
ever captured on film by cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki. The story begins simply enough
— a trading party leaves for the
west to make their fortunes and
one of their party has a bad encounter with a bear. Certain that
he will die no matter what they
do, and unwilling to turn back
after having just gotten started,
they leave him behind. Not an
easy decision but it is what they
did. And that’s where the film
gets going.
How much do you need to know
to figure out that a genuine film
experience awaits? MOVIE TALK
How often have you gone wrong
with Hollywood’s greatest unrewarded (by awards) male film
star? While he captured a Golden
Globe for this film, he’s been
passed over for awards since
the beginning of his career. Few
boys/men ever had the early film
chops of Leo DiCaprio, e.g. from
early television guest shots on
Rosanne, Growing Pains, etc., to
early horror films (Critters, 1991)
to legitimate film stardom (a Supporting Actor Oscar nod for his
fantastic performance as Arnie
in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,
the best portrayal of a functioning dysfunctional family ever
filmed), to stardom as Romeo, J.
Edgar Hoover, Jay Gatsby, Howard Hughes, King Louie XIV, you
name it, DiCaprio’s played it!
And he’s good. As in very, very
good. He always was. He legitimately deserved that Oscar nomination at 16 (and probably should
have won the Oscar) and he was
up to the challenge of sharing the
screen with a mean and menacing
Robert De Niro in This Boy’s Life
in 1993. He obtained heartthrob status as
Jack in Titanic (1997) and was
utterly convincing as the young
Rimbaud in Total Eclipse in
1995. He’s so good he is easy to
overlook for the big awards!
Still, maybe his time has finally
come. He is as powerful in The Revenant
as he’s ever been on screen. Coping with fear, pain, loss, and the
challenges of his injury in the
wildest of settings, DiCaprio is
mesmerizing. Watching his eyes
is alone worth the price of admission. And the whole story is played
out on America’s greatest panorama, the west, more beautifully
captured onscreen than this veteran film-goer has ever seen. His
entire story is played out in front
of scenes only captured by Moran
and Bierstadt in oil. You may have to get worked
up to see a film about one man’s
journey back from Hell but, if
you can make it to the theater, be
rest assured that you’ll stay for
the entire film. It’s rare to see an
actor in his prime given the opportunity to show what he can really do. DiCaprio has been given
this opportunity in many films
and his five Oscar nominations
attest to the wide recognition of
his talents. He has never captured film’s
greatest award. Is this his year???
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January 13, 2016
9
Northam Visits N. VA
Northam from Page 1
“A group of legislators should
not be able to tell women what
to do with their bodies,” he
said. “Let women decide what
to do.”
There is a demand for IUDs
at Fairfax Community Health
Care Clinic at the South County
Center on Richmond Highway,
according to Robin Mullet, assistant program director.
“We would be glad to take advantage of this program. Right
now we are able to get a few
IUDs for fully enrolled clients
but we have to charge a fee to
implant them. Many women
want them,” she said.
Mullet said a free walk-in
clinic on Tuesday afternoons
can provide a limited number
of condoms, birth control pills,
and Depo contraceptive shots.
She said 4,000 county residents are fully enrolled in the
Community Health Care Clinic
at the South County Center,
which requires proof of income
and residence, and that a total
of 16,268 residents are enrolled
countywide. She noted that
these clients would likely be
covered by an expanded Medicaid program, which the state
legislature has failed to approve for the past two years.
UCM Receives a $20,000
Cafritz Foundation Grant
United Community Ministries
has been awarded a $20,000 competitive grant from The Morris and
Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation.
“We are grateful to the Cafritz
Foundation for this generous
grant,” says Nichelle A. Mitchem,
UCM Executive Director.
“We applaud the Foundation’s
commitment to improving the
health and wellbeing of our community.
“These funds will be used to
boost UCM’s critical infrastructure and will allow us to maintain our ability to help vulnerable people overcome crises and
gain self-sufficiency. At UCM,
we define success by the positive
changes made by our clients at
the individual level.”
UCM client Fatima (name
changed to protect client privacy)
is an example of a recent success.
She was ill-prepared for job
interviews and could only land
temporary assignments despite
having a Bachelor’s degree.
With the tools and techniques
she learned at the UCM Work
Center, Fatima became a better
job candidate.
UCM’s employment counselors
provided her with the coaching
she needed to secure permanent
employment.
Not only does Fatima have a
new permanent position, she is
now working to become a Certified Public Accountant. Towards
that goal, Fatima enrolled in online classes that she learned about
through a UCM-hosted job fair.
UCM Work Center clients receive one-on-one coaching, personalizing the curriculum to each
client, giving each client the time
needed during counseling and
training, and helping clients learn
how to get and keep the job that’s
just right for them.
In Fiscal Year 2015, 150 job
seekers obtained employment
due to services received at the
UCM Work Center.
ADVERTISE IN THE VOICE
It’s the Voice of Your Community
Reach over 12,000 readers on both sides
of the Richmond Highway corridor.
For information about rates,
call 703-360-0080
or e-mail [email protected].
Discounts for long-term contracts are available.
10
January 13, 2016
SENATOR REPORT
Surovell Sums Up Sponsored Bills
Surovell from Page 4
that the “poison pill” rule and my
bill requires the government to redact information instead of withholding entire documents. The Court also held that a Court
reviewing FOIA response is required to give “great deference”
to the government’s decision that
information should not be disclosed. That decision runs completely against the purpose of
FOIA which is to allow citizens
to ensure their government is being run transparently.
I am also introducing legislation that would prohibit law
enforcement from withholding
police reports from families involving deaths or suicides as is
the present practice. I have also
introduced legislation prohibit-
ing local governments from using executive session to discuss
salary raises for elected officials
as occurred last year here in
Northern Virginia.
Consumer Protection: Thanks
to Congressman Beyer’s amendment to federal transportation
legislation, I have introduced legislation confirming that Virginia’s
localities have the authority regulate predatory towing. Also, I am
carrying a bill to create a cause of
action against corporations that
fail to include mandatory language in consumer contracts and
limit consumer’s remedies.
Environmental Protection: Plastic bags are the second largest
pollutant in our area creeks. I will
introduce legislation that would
authorize localities in Northern
Virginia to charge a $0.05 per bag
tax on plastic bags.
Finally, I will introduce legislation requiring investor owned
utilities to remove and store coal
ash in modern landfills. There
is a 70-year old leaking coal
ash dump less than 1,000 yards
from the Potomac River in Dumfries, VA. Similar legislation was
passed in North Carolina’s Republican legislature last year.
Constituent Survey: You should
be receiving my 2016 Constituent
Survey in the mail this week. If
you would like to save a stamp,
you can fill it out online at www.
scottsurovell.org/survey. It will be a very busy year and I
will write about a few more of my
bills next week. Please continue
to send me your input at scott@
scottsurovell.org. It is an honor to
serve as your State Senator.
DELEGATE REPORT
Krizek Describes 2016 Priorities
Krizek from Page 4
similar to the tax on cigarettes,
that we will finally get an e-cigarette tax in the code.
The tax on cigarettes is 10% of
the sales price, which puts it at
one of the lowest cigarette taxes
in the country. It will inevitably be
raised. I settled on the higher-butstill-too-low 15% figure for my
e-cigarette tax because it is harder
to get legislation initially into the
code than it is to alter existing legislation.
I have many years experience
working with American Indians,
and the Commonwealth’s relationship with its Native tribes is
very important to me. I have patroned HB 135, which grants all
members of a Virginia recognized
tribe in-state tuition. I also patroned HB 144, which designates
Native Americans Day to be observed on the second Monday in
October to honor the great Native
American leaders who contributed to the history of the Commonwealth.
Finally, I join my predecessor
Sen. Scott Surovell in his push to
enact legislation allowing Community Solar Net Metering. HB
Staff photo/Steve Hunt
Del.-elect Paul Krizek, second from left, who is to be officially
sworn-in when the General Assembly meets for the 2016
session on Jan. 13, hosted a party at his home earlier this
month with his wife Tracey Navratil to raise money to publish a
constituent newsletter. With Krizek, from left are David Temple,
Sylvia Cikins and Ron Fitzsimmons.
618 will allow tens-of-thousands
of Virginia residents living in
apartments and condominiums an
opportunity to receive their power
from clean, renewable solar energy.
I invite all constituents to attend
my official swearing-in ceremony
at the Capitol Building on Saturday, Jan. 16, at 1:30 p.m.— simply email my Legislative Aide at
Thomas@paulkrizek to RSVP.
Please come visit me in Richmond to share your positions on
issues the General Assembly is
considering this session.
mountver non v o i c e . c o m
So Far, Brisk but Bearable
... for biking
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Call for price on removal of
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by Alexandria Security Patrol.
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Call 703-765-0407
Monday was seasonably
cool but that didn’t
prevent people from
heading out on the Mount
Vernon Trail along the
George Washington
Memorial Parkway to ride
bikes or go for a brisk
walk. Tuesday morning,
local weather forecasters
were calling for wind
chills below freezing and
the possibility of snow
in the evening. Hard to
believe after the springlike December weather
we recently experienced
that had spring bulbs
sprouting early and short
sleeves replacing winter
coats.
... and
walking
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Mount Vernon Voice
classifieds
Deadline: Noon, the Friday before the
upcoming Wednesday issue.
$19/column inch.
Call today to place your order: 703-360-0080
Business Directory
Staff photos/Steve Hunt
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Casual weddings, reunions, events,
Christmas cards, pets, and more.
Affordable prices to fit any budget.
Attention Sports Fans,
Coaches and Parents
The Voice welcomes photos and write-ups of all
high school sports events.
Please make sure to include captions for all photos (and a
contact phone and email which will not be published).
Email the information and photos to: [email protected]
Call 571-239-5960
Advertise
in the
Mount Vernon Voice
Business Directory
2 inches by 2 columns
(approximately a business card size) at a
very reasonable price.
Ad must run for 8 weeks for $320
($40 each printing).
Call today to place your order: 703-360-0080
January 13, 2016 11
See Inside: Democratic Primary Election Guide
Vol. 14 No. 35
Happy Rosh Hashanah Mount Vernon, Lee, and Alexandria
September 9, 2015 50 Cents
Vol. 14 No. 31
Serving Mount Vernon, Lee, and Alexandria
New CEO, New Vision for Future
Marking Voting Rights Act’s
50th with Special Ceremony
Workhouse Arts Center on Cusp of Change
Slow Down,
Schools Open
Staff photo/Steve Hunt
By STEVE HUNT
Staff Writer
It’s the start of a new era for the
Workhouse Arts Center and Lorton Arts Foundation board chairman Tim Rizer envisions a bold
new future for the former prison
site turned arts center.
It begins with Ava Spece who
will assume the mantel of LAF
President and CEO effective
Monday.
In an exclusive interview with
the Voice last week, Rizer presented the board’s vision for the
Workhouse, and introduced Spece
who will be leading the way.
First of all, Rizer pointed that
the Spece will be the fourth LAF
CEO, but the first to have been
selected through an extensive, nationwide selection process which
began in April.
Since the Workhouse opened in
Staff photo/Steve Hunt
2008, the former District of Co- Tim Rizer, chair of the Workhouse Arts Foundation, with newlylumbia Department of Correc- named President & CEO Ava Spece. Spece, from Richmond,
See Workhouse Page 10 officially takes the helm of the Workhouse on Sept. 14.
By STEVE HUNT
Staff Writer
Cliff Brooks has been married to
the same woman for 20 years and
has two children.
He is also a convicted felon.
“I never hurt anyone,” he told
a packed house at Bethlehem
Baptist Church in Gum Springs
last Wednesday night. “I never
harmed anyone.”
This is what he did do — years
ago, he accepted a suit and tie
from someone, and was convicted of a felony charge of receiving
stolen property.
He never even had to go to prison, but that mistake cost him his
right to vote in Virginia.
That all changed last week at the
ceremony at the church celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the
Voting Rights Act attended by
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Levar Stoney, Del. Scott Surovell,
and hosted by Bethlehem Baptist
pastor Rev. Darrell White.
Brooks, of Prince William County, was the guest of honor.
“I’ve been waiting 15 years for
Friends and Family Fondly Remember Two MVHS Students
By STEVE HUNT
Staff Writer
Mount Vernon High students Alana Malufau and Vladimir Antonio Perez Flores, who both tragically lost their lives in separate
incidents last week, were remembered at an event in the school’s
Little Theater Wednesday by family members and friends.
Principal Nardos King told the
crowd of well-wishers in the
theater that she knew that starting the new school year this way
would be tough on everyone.
“We’re all hurting in our own
way,” she said, particularly those
who loved Malufau and Flores
dearly.
King then asked Flores’ brother, Juan Gomez, if he wanted to
speak and he came down to the
stage by her side.
Flores, 16, died Aug. 26 in
the Potomac River near Little
See Memorial Page 6
Staff photo/Steve Hunt
Secretary of the Commonwealth Levar Stoney, right, presented
Cliff Brooks with a certificate restoring his voting rights at a
meeting Wednesday night at Bethlehem Baptist Church.
this,” Brooks told the crowd af- “for our brothers and sisters who
ter receiving the certificate from are incarcerated” and offered a
Stoney.
prayer for them and their families
White began the program ex- and asked for assistance in helppressing passion and concern
See Voting Page 10
Apparent Homicide in Huntington
Staff photo/Steve Hunt
Celebrating National Night Out
Left, MVHS principal Nardos King with Juan Gomez, brother
of Vladimir Antonio Perez Flores who drowned Aug. 26.
Above, Jason Malufau, brother of Alana Malufau who passed
away on Aug. 27. A remembrance ceremony was held at the
Staff photos/Steve Hunt high school on Wednesday, Sept. 2 for both students.
Hollin Hall Village participated for the first time
this year in the National Night Out celebration on
Tuesday, Aug. 4, by holding at event at the Hollin
Hall Senior Center. Residents were invited to bring
chairs and blankets and enjoy a picnic dinner
while listening to live music and meeting with local
Fairfax County police officers. In photo above,
Sam and Anna Starr with McGruff the Crime Dog.
See more photos, pages 6 and 8.
Vol. 14 No. 40
August 12, 2015 50 Cents
Fairfax County police are investigating the apparent homicide of a 42-year-old homeless
man whose body was found in
Huntington Park on Aug. 5.
Police have identified the victim as Khalid Aboumalik of no
fixed address.
Police were called by residents
walking in the area around 7:12
a.m. that day. Detectives responded to the scene, near Liberty Drive
and Arlington Terrace, and determined Aboumalik had suffered
apparent wounds and significant
trauma to the upper body.
Police reported Thursday that
an autopsy is underway and that
the Office of the State Medical
FCPD Examiner will determine cause
and manner of death.
A body was found last Wednesday in Huntington Park and
is being investigated as an apparent homicide.
See Body Page 4
Vol. 14 No. 22
Serving Mount Vernon, Lee, and Alexandria
Serving Mount Vernon, Lee, and Alexandria
Last Lobsterfest
June 3, 2015 50 Cents
Finally: Inching Forward on North Hill Development
By STEVE HUNT
Staff Writer
Generally speaking, Mount Vernon Supervisor Gerry Hyland has been mum on
issues facing the community until he has
heard from his constituents, worked to
reach consensus, and then made his final
decision.
But North Hill is a different animal.
Since 1981, when the Fairfax County
Redevelopment Housing Authority purchased 33 unimproved acres using federal
Community Development Block Grant
funds, what to do with the property located
on east side Richmond Highway just north
of Dart Drive has been a big question.
The property has come to be known as
“North Hill” and laws require it to be used
for affordable housing, however for decades citizens have debated the best use of
the heavily-wooded tract — figuring out a
way to preserve it as parkland, or how to
Staff photo/Steve Hunt
create an affordable-housing community The attendees broke into smaller groups to offer suggestions on the proposals.
along the corridor where some say there
is already too much low income housing.
It’s a question that has dogged Hyland
since assuming office in 1988.
On Tuesday, May 28, a community information meeting was held at the Mount
Vernon Governmental Center drawing
dozens of residents who wanted to hear
the latest plans for the land and provide
input.
Before that though, Hyland, who is not
seeking reelection this November and
will be leaving office in January, told the
crowd that he supports a concept for redevelopment of the property to be presented
that evening.
Community Housing Partners and Pennrose are proposing to develop the Residences at North Hill Park on the site.
CHP is a not-for-profit corporation that
provides housing opportunities including the development, construction, pres-
See North Hill Page 10
Five Dems Visit Mount Vernon to Seek Votes in the 45th
By STEVE HUNT
Staff Writer
The House of Delegates 45th District
includes the Belle View and Grosvenor
precincts in the northernmost region of the
Mount Vernon District, and voters in those
two precincts will have five delegates candidates to choose from in the June 9 Democratic primary.
The Belle View precinct includes the
Belle View and New Alexandria communities, with the polling place at Belle
View Elementary School, 6701 Fort Hunt
Road.
The Grosvenor precinct includes the
Huntington area between Richmond Highway and Telegraph Road, north of Huntington Avenue, with the polling place at
the Huntington Community Center, 5751
Liberty Drive.
Sunday afternoon, the five Democratic
candidates Larry Altenburg II, Craig Fifer,
Julie Jakopic, Mark Levine and Clarence
Tong, participated in the Mount Vernon
District Democratic Committee Candi-
dates Forum at Midtown Alexandria Station on Midtown Avenue attended by dozens of 45th District voters.
The forum began with opening statements by the candidates in an order drawn
by lot.
Jakopic, who has worked to strengthen
job training, energy assistance and early
education programs, said she has worked
for many years with Rob Krupika, the district’s current delegate who has endorsed
her campaign, to help develop affordable
housing for people with disabilities in Alexandria.
She also noted that she helped to develop
the Hopkins House preschool on Richmond Highway at Forest Place and has
helped to write legislation.
Levine, a citizen activist and legislative
counsel to former U.S. Congressman Barney Frank, spoke of getting involved in
Staff photo/Steve Hunt
the legislative process after his sister was Mount Vernon resident Matt Bell, third from right, moderated the Mount Vernon
murdered by her husband, and since then District Democratic Committee Candidates Forum for the 45th District House
working to write and get legislation passed of Delegates seat on Sunday afternoon in Huntington. From left are Craig Fifer,
See 45th District Page 10 Clarence Tong, Larry Altenburg, Mark Levine, and Julie Jakopic.
October 14, 2015 50 Cents
Chamber Hears Candidates
Staff photo/Steve Hunt
Mount Vernon Supervisor Gerry Hyland was presented with
a Route 1 sign signed by dozens of Fairfax County first
responders who serve on the corridor at his Lobsterfest
Saturday. See more photos, page 6.
Child with Measles Exposed
Others in Several Area Sites
A child with a confirmed case to notify anyone who may have
of measles was in several loca- been exposed while the child was
tions in Fairfax County from infectious to prevent any further
Wednesday,Sept. 30 through spread of measles.
See Measles Page 10
Monday, Oct. 5, including at the
Costco Wholesale Club on Richmond Highway in Hybla Valley.
The sex and age of the child were
not released. The child was treated at Inova Fairfax Medical Campus and is no longer contagious as
of Oct. 8, according to the Fairfax
County Health Department.
The health department stated the
child was age-appropriately vaccinated with one dose of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
vaccine; however, it takes two
doses of the MMR vaccine to
provide full protection against
measles.
Courtesy photo
As of Oct. 8 there were no other
documented cases of measles in
John Mason, right, retiring CEO
the area.
The health department, noting of the Workhouse, receives an
that the child was at several lo- award for his leadership of the
Workhouse since 2011 from
cations during the time period
board chair Tim Rizer. See
and could have exposed others to more on page 11.
the measles virus, is attempting
Workhouse Gala
By STEVE HUNT
Staff Writer
Candidates for the state senate and the House of Delegates
spelled out their distinct differences at the Mount Vernon-Lee
Chamber of Commerce Candidates Forum on Oct. 8 at the Belle
Haven Country Club.
Each candidate made an opening
statement and then was asked two
questions posed by the chamber
and asked by moderator Gavin
Carter and one question submitted by the audience.
Dumfries Mayor Jerry Foreman,
the Republican candidate for the
36th District state senate seat,
said transportation will be his primary focus and although he lives
in Dumfries he is well aware of
the need for road improvements
in Fairfax County.
Foreman said he would work
with the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, the Commonwealth Transportation Board
and the Virginia Department of
Transportation to develop a plan
for Richmond Highway.
As mayor of Dumfries, Foreman
said he understands the importance of revenue diversification
such as a meals tax, while at the
same time making tax rates and
fee schedules reasonable for businesses.
Foreman promised that he would
work closely with Lee Supervisor
Jeff McKay and Fairfax County
Board of Supervisors Chairman
Sharon Bulova “every step of the
way,” adding that he would be
a cheerleader for the district in
Richmond.
“I’m there to work with you,” he
said.
Del. Scott Surovell (D-44th) noted that he is a local businessman
as a founding partner in a Fairfaxlaw firm with 21 lawyers and 40
employees and since first being
elected to the House of Delegates
in 2009, his number one priority
has been Richmond HIghway. He
noted that on being sworn in in
2010, the first thing he did schedule a meeting with the northern
Virginia VDOT district director
Staff photos/Steve Hunt
Del. Scott Surovell (D-44th), right, and Republican Dumfries
Mayor Jerry Foreman, opponents in the 36th senate district.
Del. Mark Sickles (D-43rd) and GOP challenger Anna Urman.
State Sen. George Barker (D-39th), left, and Republican
challenger Joe Murray at the chamber debate last Thursday.
to take a ride on Richmond Highway which took 2.5 hours to go
from Huntington to Lorton.
Surovell said he was told that
before any improvements could
be made to the highway a study
would have to be conducted addressing transit and Surovell said
he and Sen. Toddy Puller (D36th), who Surovell is hoping to
succeed, worked to secure $2.5
million for the recently completed multi-modal study calling for
Metro to Hybla Valley and a dedi-
cated lane for bus rapid transit.
He added that $16 million has
been allocated for preliminary engineering.
Surovell also listed education,
reigning in predatory lenders
and expanding Medicaid in Virginia as being his priorities in the
House which he would continue
to focus on in the senate.
On a question regarding transportation spending, Foreman said that
more dollars need to come to high
See Debate Page 7
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Mount Vernon Voice
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Alexandria, VA 22309
See Our Year in Review 2014 for Mt. Vernon & Lee Beginning on Page 5.
Vol. 14 No. 44
Honor Our Vets Mount Vernon, Lee, and Alexandria
Vol. 14 No. 14
November 11, 2015 50 Cents
Don’t Miss
This Weekend
FCPS Citizen Task Force
Suggests Many Fee Raises
$200 per Sport Fee Among Options
Photo/Richard Maple
Wolverines Win Crosstown Clash
West Potomac players celebrate their victory over their traditional
crosstown rival Mount Vernon by singing the Wolverine fight song.
See pages 6 and 7.
By STEVE HUNT
Staff Writer
Earlier this year, Fairfax County Public
Schools Supt. Karen Garza created a citizen task force to address the system’s projected budget deficit for FY 2017.
Monday, the task force presented its
recommendations prioritizing the list by
considering the percentage of agreement
among task force members on individual
suggestions.
The task force met several times over the
summer and fall to provide community input to Garza with two scenarios of budget
cuts; $50 million and $75 million.
Top recommendations under the $50 million scenario which were supported by
more than 90 percent of task force members include increasing community facility use fees by approximately 40 percent;
increasing student parking fees from $200
to $300; charging an application fee of
$300 per student for any student attending
a school other than his or her base school;
and charging a fee of $200 per sport per
student.
More than 83 percent support requiring
students to pay Advance Placement/International Baccalaureate Test fees and more
77 percent support eliminating language
immersion programs and summer school
intervention at elementary and middle
schools.
More than 70 percent support increasing
the elementary school staffing formula
minimum from 17 students per teacher to
19 students per teacher.
Other recommendations supported by a
majority of task force members include reducing the daily rate of pay for substitute
teachers to the average of the surrounding
Virginia school divisions, reducing needsbased staffing for high schools and middle
schools, and eliminating high school freshman athletic teams.
Under the $75 million scenario, 100 percent of the task force members agreed to
increase the student parking fee from $200
to $300; and more than 90 percent agreed
with charging a pupil placement fee of
$300 per student for any student attending
a school other than his or her base school,
reducing the daily rate for substitute teachSee Report Page 10
Photo courtesy Diane Hill
12
Capitol Steps Show Raises
Thousands for UCM
Road Rage Result: Car Hits Motel
The Capitol Steps concluded their annual fundraiser for United
Community Ministries with a nod to the nonprofit in the finale. The
annual show was changed to November and moved to the PTO for
the first time this year. See more on page 12.
Shortly before 11 a.m. last Friday, one of two vehicles, allegedly involved in a
road rage incident, ended up striking the Travelers Motel at 5916 Richmond
Hwy. Minor injuries were reported. Elmer King, 50, of Alexandria, was
charged with aggressive driving.
FCPD photo
January 13, 2016
Vol. 14 No. 47
Happy Chanukah Mount Vernon, Lee, and Alexandria
Let the Pipes Play!
Scottish Walk Weekend Is Here
For many in the Alexandria area
the Christmas season doesn’t
begin until the first weekend in
December when The Campagna
Center hosts its Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend.
For 45 years, The Campagna
Center has been presenting the
Scottish Walk Weekend & Parade, which will be held Dec.
4 – 6, including the parade on
Saturday, Dec. 5, from 11 a.m.
to 1 p.m. through the streets of
Old Town, culminating with a
massed band concert by bagpipers at Market Square.
The parade includes marching
units filled with the tartans of numerous Scottish Clans, the stirring sounds of Scottish bagpipes
and drums, Scottish dancers, reenactment groups, Scottie dogs,
elected officials, classic cars —
and, of course, Santa Claus.
The parade begins at St. Asaph
and Wilkes streets and concludes at Market Square — rain
or shine.
While for most the parade is the
highlight of the weekend, there
is much more to The Campagna
Center’s Scottish Christmas
Walk Weekend.
The weekend events begin at 9
a.m. Friday with the opening of
the Heather and Greens Sales at
The Campagna Center, located
December 2, 2015 50 Cents
Finally — Action on Title Lenders
Fairfax County supervisors have
approved new zoning rules restricting where car title and payday lenders can set up shop.
In the past few years, a number
of these businesses have opened
in several locations along the
Richmond Highway corridor
from Huntington to Fort Belvoir
drawing the attention of Mount
Vernon Supervisor Gerry Hyland,
Lee Supervisor Jeff McKay, as
well as state legislators including
Del. Scott Surovell (D-44th).
In October 2013, McKay and
Hyland presented a joint board
matter to their colleagues regard-
ing the proliferation of car title
lenders sprouting up on both sides
of the corridor.
They noted at the time that “this
is a difficult situation in that the
county’s zoning ordinance permits these businesses to open
by-right in most commercial, office and retail districts, as well as
industrial.
“However, such leeway makes
it very easy for these types of
businesses to set up shop,” they
stated.
Following their request to have
county staff look into what restrictions they might be able to
impose, the board on Nov. 17
unanimously approved new rules
restricting where these businesses
can locate.
Officials have long believed
that these lenders are inappropriate for the county’s revitalization
districts — which includes Richmond Highway — where almost
two-thirds of them can be found.
Since 2013, the number of these
companies have doubled from
about 16 to an estimated 31 today.
About 19 of these businesses are
located in revitalization districts,
according to the county.
See Restrictions Page 3
Serving Mount Vernon, Lee, and Alexandria
By STEVE HUNT
Staff Writer
Mount Vernon and Lee residents
demonstrated their commitment
to seeing improvements coming
to the Richmond Highway corridor by showing up in force to
advocate for dollars at a Northern
Virginia Transportation Authority meeting last week.
The NVTA is weighing how to
use funding currently being considered for its FY 2015-2016 program and residents and elected
officials were on hand to lobby
for the widening of the highway
from Napper Road in Hybla Valley to the Mount Vernon Memorial Highway in Woodlawn.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova
welcomed the crowd and explained at the outset that projects
are rated on a regional transportation plan to reduce congestion.
Staff photo/Steve Hunt
Mount Vernon Supervisor Gerry
Mount Vernon Supervisor Gerry Hyland and state Sen. Toddy Puller (D-36th) on the front row
Hyland waited until the end of the of a huge crowd that packed a conference room at the South County Center for a meeting on
meeting to deliver his remarks funding for the widening of Richmond Highway.
commenting that “We, as elected
officials, have been vexed by the a new opportunity to fix many of Richmond Highway has become perience the daily frustration of
problem of insufficient funding our regional and local transporta- “the gateway to Fort Belvoir, a long commute that negatively
for transportation improvements tion and transit challenges with Fairfax County’s largest em- contributes to our environment
the infusion of $351 million in ployer as well as the employer their overall quality of life.
for many years.”
to a large number of residents
“More than 70,000 cars enter
Today, Hyland noted that your Two Year Program.”
Hyland also pointed out that throughout the region who ex- and exit Fort Belvoir’s gates evthrough the NVTA “we now have
File photo
at 418. S. Washington St., where
there is the opportunity to purchase a variety of wreaths, garlands, fresh heather bundles and
more to add festive flair to any
home or office during the holiday season. The sales run until 5
p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4
p.m. on Saturday.
The Campagna Centers’ “Taste
See SCWW Page 10
Courtesy photo
Officer Corey Clark goes for the shot.
eryday,” he added. “The garrison
foresees continued growth into
the future.”
Lee Supervisor Jeff McKay
could not attend the event but his
statement was distributed noting
that Fort Belvoir now employs
51,000 people, nearly twice the
size of the Pentagon.
“The Route 1 project before
you today will eliminate a choke
point between Fort Bevloir and
the Beltway and provide a consistent six travel lanes for Route
1 between Lorton and Beltway,
improving the movement of employees and goods into the Fort
and the recently completed hospital,” he said. “The NVTA stated
benefits of this project highlight
just that.”
McKay also noted that the project will reserve space in the median of the roadway necessary
to implement the recommendations of the Virginia Department
of Rail and Public Transportation’s recently completed multimodal student: a Bus Rapid
Transit system from Huntington
to Woodbridge in the short term
and a long-term extension of the
Metro’s Yellow Line.
“These projects are major game
See Route 1 Page 10
Surovell Dems’ Nominee; Brown,
Krizek on Ballot for June 9 Primary
Sports Unite
Cops & Kids
Fairfax County police patrol officer Corey
Clark of the Mount Vernon District Station had a
thought — would shooting hoops with kids participating in the county’s afterschool program
not only be a positive influence in the community but also possibly enhance police/community
relations?
Clark presented his idea to Mount Vernon
station commander Capt. Shawn Martin who
whole-heartedly supported Clark’s proposal of
having day and evening shift officers be permitted to spend an hour of their shift participating
the the afterschool programs at Whitman Middle
School, located just across Parker’s Lane from
See Together Page 11
April 8, 2015 50 Cents
Area Residents Push for Route 1 Funding
Photo courtesy Jack Eyler
Snakeheads Invade Huntley Meadows
Mount Vernon professional fisherman Steve Chaconas
with a large snakehead. See story, photos pages 6 and 7.
By STEVE HUNT
Staff Writer
Del. Scott Surovell (44th) has
been named as the Fairfax County Democratic Committee nominee to succeed state Sen. Toddy
Puller (D-36th), the committee
announced recently.
Surovell had been facing a potential primary opponent, Mark
Cannady, a former Mount Vernon
District Democratic Committee
chairman.
Surovell will face Republican
Dumfries Mayor Jerry Foreman
in the Nov. 3 general election.
Voters in the 44th District will
have the opportunity to vote in
the June 9 primary between Justin Brown and Paul Krizek. Surovell is not seeking re-election to
his current seat.
Brown announced on his website that he filed for candidacy on
March 20 saying that his decision
to run is founded in his desire to
continue his public service, the
the belief in his ability to make
lasting impact and change for the
residents of the 44th district.
“I know that my energy, my
years of experience working in
legislation on Capitol Hill and
the government, and my effec-
tiveness in getting the job done is
exactly what this office requires,”
he stated. “I was shocked to see
uncontested primaries in northern Virginia. The best political
process is one where we encourage broad participation to ensure
the most qualified candidate is
chosen. I felt a call to action.”
Brown notes that as a dedicated
father and veteran of Operation
Iraqi Freedom, he understands
commitment to mission, the value of being responsive and effective, and the importance of one’s
actions.
See Dems Page 3
Vol. 14 No. 1
Serving Mount Vernon, Lee, and Alexandria
January 7, 2015 50 Cents
Surovell Sobers Up Democrats
Delegate Gets Serious on the Issues
Welcome Winter
See page 8.
Staff photo/Steve Hunt
Herb Harris’s Huge Legacy
Recalled at Funeral Monday
By GLENDA C. BOOTH
Special Writer
There’s one plaque posted in Mount Vernon, but many lasting ”memorials” without public honorifics representing the legacy of former Mount Vernon Supervisor
and Eighth District Congressman Herbert
E. Harris II.
Known to most as Herb, he was laid to
rest next to his wife, Nancy, on Jan. 5 in
the Quantico National Veterans Cemetery,
a cemetery established by a bill he authored.
At his funeral earlier that day, his son,
Kevin, said that his father’s “passion for
the community got him through every day
Photo/Mary Paden
and kept him up many nights.His legacy
A memorial display at his service Monday.
was far beyond this room,” Kevin told the
more than 150 family members, friends buy land for the Huntington Metro station
and was a key leader in planning the overand elected officials.
Representing Mount Vernon on the coun- all Metro subway system.
ty board from 1968 to 1974, Harris led the * He “fathered” Inova Mount Vernon
development of many services familiar to Hospital.
* He was instrumental in creating the
Mount Vernonites today:
* In 1970, he persuaded Metro officials to
See Harris Page 3
By STEVE HUNT
Staff Writer
When Del. Scott Surovell (D-44th)
speaks, Fairfax County Democrats listen.
Sunday, Surovell, along with Lieutenant
Governor Ralph Northam, U.S. Rep.-elect
Don Beyer (8th), U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (11th), state Sen. Janet Howell, and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova, addressed the Fairfax
County Democratic Committee at its 2015
Road to Richmond legislative brunch at
the Springfield Golf & Country Club.
Northam praised Gov. Terry McAuliffe
for bringing $20,000 new jobs into Virginia and $5 billion in capital investment
in his first year in office.
“He hit the ground running,” Northam
said.
Northam also praised Attorney General
Mark Herring for his leadership on issues
such as marriage equality and the environment.
As for himself, Northam said it’s not uncommon for others, even his wife, to ask
just what does the lieutenant governor do?
“He goes around the Commonwealth
making the governor look good,” Northam
commented.
Staff photo/Steve Hunt
Virginia Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, left,
with U.S. Rep.-elect Don Beyer, and
his wife, Megan, at the Fairfax County
Democratic Committee’s 2015 Road to
Richmond Sunday.
He also noted that the lieutenant governor also steps in for the governor at events
where he can’t be there, with Northam citing a recent example where he gave a proclamation recognizing the 70th birthday of
Smokey the Bear.
See Democrats Page 10
First Night
Alexandria
Ushers In
2015
First Night
Alexandria
welcomed the
new year with
an evening of
entertainment
capped by
fireworks in
Old Town.
It was the event’s
20th anniversary.
See more photos
on page 12.
Photo/Mary Paden