Senior city official stole $30000 before hired

Transcription

Vol. 7, No. 48
December 1, 2011
www.alextimes.com
Senior city official stole
$30,000 before hired
Deputy director took
taxpayer funds while
serving in Buffalo
By Derrick Perkins
Timothy E. Wanamaker, deputy director of the
city’s general services department, faces up to 10
years in jail after stealing
$30,000 in taxpayer money while working for the
city of Buffalo, N.Y.
Wanamaker, 47, struck
a deal with federal prosecutors
Tuesday
and
pleaded guilty to a felony
charge of stealing govern-
ment funds from the city.
The charge comes with a
$250,000 fine, federal authorities said.
He has worked for the
City of Alexandria since
August 2010.
Alexandria
officials
placed Wanamaker on
paid administrative leave
Wednesday morning after
he alerted them to the plea
deal. His future status with
the city remains unknown,
but could change in the
next several days, spokesman Tony Castrilli said.
Federal authorities did
not contact the city prior
to Wanamaker’s Tuesday
court appearance, Castrilli
said.
A background check
completed by Waters Consulting prior to Wanamaker’s hiring did not reveal
any past criminal activity
or any ongoing investigations, Castrilli said.
Before coming to Alexandria, Wanamaker held
several key municipal positions in Buffalo, including a stint as the executive
director of Buffalo’s strategic planning office from
SEE Embezzlement | 10
The most modern
corner in Alexandria
Couple’s Rosecrest
Avenue home will be
a beacon of now in a
neighborhood of then
By Derrick Perkins
file Photo
BEATING THE holiday drum: A member of Alexandria Pipes and
Drums marches down King Street at last year’s annual Scottish Walk Parade. This year’s festivities begin Friday. PREVIEW, PAGE 9.
Explore the Holiday
Gift Guide - 16
It’s not easy to find
examples of modernist architecture in Alexandria,
but longtime residents
Don and Lynne Komai set
about changing that when
they bought an oddly
shaped parcel of land on
Rosecrest Avenue.
The husband-and
wife-graphic design team — the
couple owns
and operates The
Watermark Design Office
— purchased the vacant,
triangular lot at 30 Rosecrest Ave. about two years
ago to fulfill a dream of
building their own home.
“I think everybody
hopes to have a house you
can design or that is customized to your liking,”
Don said. “The lot is also
very close to our grandkids and daughter. We
SEE Modern | 10
Image/Robert Gurney
Don and Lynne Komai, a husband-and-wife graphic design
team, saw a small, awkward lot in the Mount Ida neighborhood as a creative opportunity.
New talent unfolds
in ‘a second chance’ - 18
2 | December 1, 2011
ALEXANDRIA TIMES
Please bring your new, unwrapped toys to my office located
at 121 N. Pitt St., Old Town Alexandria by December 12th
ALEXANDRIA TIMES December 1, 2011 | 3
THE WEEKLY BRIEFING
Occupy Alexandria protest is sparse and quiet
In what was quite possibly the smallest rally of the
Occupy movement, about 10
drenched demonstrators gathered at Old Town’s Market
Square before heading off to
their parent-protest in Washington’s McPherson Square
on November 22.
Most of them walked from
Richmond, where they left
seven days prior.
“We’ve just been talking
to people, a lot of people, literally the whole way,” said
demonstrator Burt Ritchie.
“People can’t talk to each
other anymore and that’s what
we’re trying to change.”
A few locals meandered
to and from the gathering, either in support of or to ogle
at the protesters. At least one
Alexandrian was there to encourage the protest, if not the
vague and various causes behind it.
“I’m here to support them,”
said Rick Newton, an Alexandrian, Starbucks cup in hand.
“I wouldn’t know what jumping into the movement would
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photo/David Sachs
A protester from the Occupy movement listens to a fellow demonstrator at Market Square in Old Town Alexandria on November 22
after walking about 100 miles from Richmond.
be, but I’m here to support the
very need for protest. We have
an obligation to protest.”
Participants shared personal stories about homelessness,
insurance injustice and corporate greed with one another.
Several Alexandria police
officers posted up at Market
Square to protect the demonstrators and maintain order,
but it wasn’t necessary; the
marchers fizzled out at 3 p.m.
and the faction headed north
to the nation’s capital.
- David Sachs
Black Friday deals extended to local shelter
file photo
Black Friday deals weren’t limited to big box retailers
and Old Town boutiques this year. The Animal Welfare
League of Alexandria waived adoption fees on black or
partially black animals to mark the day.
Chester Simpson Photography
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria got in the spirit of holiday shopping again this year, offering to waive
fees for black or partially black pets on
Black Friday.
Finding homes for black animals, particularly dogs and cats, can be difficult,
owing in part to legends and folklore that
portray the pets as unlucky or evil, shelter staff say. They also tend to blend into
the background, said Mary Beth Mount,
acting executive director of AWLA.
“We have had entire litters of black
kittens who are fun and playful, but I see
people walk past their cat condos without even stopping to look at them,” she
said. “Of course we want all our animals
to find homes, but our hearts go out to
the ones who blend into the background
because of their dark coloring, or who are
overlooked because people think they are
just another black dog or cat.”
- Derrick Perkins
Shop, Dine & Celebrate
On Alexandria’s Historic Main Streets
Everything you love is close to home — Alexandria’s thriving art
scene, critically acclaimed restaurants, and chic boutiques
nestled in distinctive neighborhoods. For events and restaurant
reservations, go to VisitAlexandriaVA.com.
Dec. 1:
Torpedo Factory Art Center’s
Holiday Open House
Dec. 2:
Holiday on the Avenue in Del Ray
Dec. 2-3: 41st Annual Campagna Center
Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
Dec. 3:
Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Dec. 10-11: Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tours
Dec. 18:
Holiday Favorites with
The Colonial Handbell Ringers
Mobile
Ready
703.746.3301
Visit us online for a complete calendar of events and
sign up for our free Access Alexandria e-newsletter.
© 2011, Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association. All rights reserved.
Online Restaurant
Reservations Powered By
ALEXANDRIA TIMES
CRIME
Motorist carjacked
at gunpoint
City police say two men
held a motorist up at gunpoint
on the 3700 block of Gunston
Road last month and demanded the keys to the victim’s
car.
The duo approached the
victim about 9:32 p.m. November 19, one of them
wielding a handgun, said
Ashley Hildebrandt, police
department
spokeswoman.
The victim turned over the
keys, and the pair drove off in
the car.
Authorities describe the
suspects as black men. One
stood roughly 6-foot-2 tall
and weighed about 220
pounds. The other is approxi-
mately 5-foot-9 and roughly
175 pounds.
A description of the victim’s car was not released.
The vehicle remains missing and police have not made
any arrests, Hildebrandt said.
The investigation is ongoing,
she said.
Thieves make off
with jewelry, cash
Burglars raided a 5400
block Sheffield Court apartment November 22, making
off with cash and jewelry
while the residents were away,
Alexandria police say.
Authorities believe the
burglars ransacked the apartment sometime during the day,
though how they got into the
secured residence and locked
hind bars after a federal jury
convicted her on charges she
used a fake identity to get U.S.
citizenship.
Lady Jacqueline Locotin,
also known as Joyce Amene
Obese, a native of Ghana,
was convicted in federal court
November 17 on one count of
unlawfully procuring naturalization, two counts of passport
fraud and the misuse of a Social Security number.
City police, working in
conjunction with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, arrested Locotin in her
Alexandria home June 7.
Locotin entered the country using a fake name and
documents in 1992, requesting
political asylum, officials said.
She received a Social Security
number under the Locotin
identity while awaiting an immigration hearing scheduled
for October 1993.
She skipped the hearing and later left the country,
but not before having a child
in 1996, court documents
say.
In 1997, Locotin returned,
this time using the name of
Joyce Amene Obese to gain
a visa. Though she became
a citizen and obtained a U.S.
passport using the alias, Locotin never alerted authorities to
her previous stay in the country nor the birth of her child,
according to court documents.
Locotin will be sentenced
February 10.
Shoplifting offense occurred at this
location.
location.
location.
4800 block Eisenhower Ave.
10:42 p.m.
No further information.
November 25
1000 block Pendleton St.
4:52 p.m.
bedroom — where the valuables were stored — remains
unknown.
The victim was at work at
the time of the heist, said Ashley Hildebrandt, department
spokeswoman. Police learned
of the break-in about 7:41 p.m.
They did not release descriptions of the stolen jewelry.
There were no witnesses,
Hildebrandt said, and the department does not have descriptions of the suspects involved. The incident is under
investigation.
Ghana woman
convicted of
immigration fraud
A city resident faces a maximum sentence of 35 years be-
- Derrick Perkins
POLICE BEAT
The following is a selection of incidents
reported by the Alexandria Police
Department. For a full crime blotter,
log on to www.crimereports.com.
BREAKING AND ENTERING
November 29
LARCENY
ASSAULT
4600 block Kenmore Ave.
2:46 p.m.
200 block Virginia Ave.
10:51 a.m.
200 block Woodland Terrace
12:20 p.m.
November 28
ASSAULT
1200 block First St.
8:45 a.m.
100 block W. Nelson St.
11:10 a.m.
Skyhill Road
10:25 p.m.
November 26
November 27
South Reynolds Street
11:04 p.m.
ASSAULT
4500 block Duke St.
2:15 a.m.
Assault occurred between two or
more people who had a prior relationship or were known to each other.
ASSAULT
ROBBERY
300 block Rucker Place
8:11 p.m.
500 block N. View Terrace
11:14 a.m.
5800 block Quantrell Ave.
2:52 a.m.
Victim was retrieving an item from
his vehicle in the parking lot of
his residence when two males
approached him from behind. One
of the males hit the victim and demanded his cell phone, charger and
wallet. The suspects took the items
and fled the area. The victim was not
seriously injured.
LARCENY
LARCENY
LARCENY
900 block N. Alfred St.
1:29 a.m.
900 block N. Henry St.
11:03 p.m.
5700 block Edsall Road
12:48 p.m.
300 block S. Pickett St.
2 p.m.
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ASSAULT
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3400 block Jefferson Davis Highway
1:45 a.m.
November 24
ASSAULT
2400 block E. Randolph Ave.
8:56 p.m.
ROBBERY
3600 block Edison St.
10:21 p.m.
Three suspects approached a
5-year-old female, grabbed her
necklace and fled. The victim’s older
brother called Alexandria police. The
suspects are described as wearing
black hoodies. The victim was not
injured.
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Random sexual attack on jogger was year’s first
Police say no other
person has been
touched inappropriately,
illegally in 2011
By Derrick perkins
Alexandria police say an
attack on a Del Ray jogger
late last month was the city’s
first random case of sexual
battery this year.
The victim was running
along the 200 block of E. Del
Ray Ave. about 6 a.m. when
the suspect grabbed her from
behind and “inappropriately” touched her, police said.
When the victim screamed,
the suspect pushed her to the
ground and fled on foot, running toward Mount Vernon
Avenue.
He was described as wearing dark pants and a black
skullcap with a puffy, thighlength coat. The victim was
not left with any serious injuries.
City police have investigated six sexual assaults and
18 sexual offenses in the previous six months, but none
were random attacks, said
department spokesman Jody
Donaldson. The incident also
marks the first random attack
on a jogger of any kind in
2011, he said.
Sexual battery is defined
as unwanted touching or
groping, not rising to the level of what authorities would
consider a sexual assault.
But the random nature of
the attack spurred officials to
send out an email blast about
the assault just hours after it
occurred, according to Donaldson.
Local students help homeless
The students of Grace
Episcopal School helped feed
Alexandria’s homeless by
creating a gigantic, cannedfood “Bountiful Tom Turkey”
on November 17.
Measuring 28-by-32 feet,
this turkey-shaped structure
was made entirely of boxed
and canned foods contributed
by Grace Episcopal School
families. The outreach project
took four hours, with every
child from preschool through
fifth grade helping with the
construction.
More than 350 cans, jars
and boxes of food were used
in the construction. All of the
food was donated to the Grace
Episcopal Church Food Pantry, which works in conjunction with the Alexandria Department of Human Services
to feed local families in need.
“Tom Turkey was a wonderful visual aid demonstrating the joy of giving,” said
Chris Stegmaier Byrnes, head
of school. “It was a fun way
to help others and to reflect
on how truly blessed we are.”
- Times Staff
courtesy photo
Grace Episcopal students sit inside Tom Turkey, a design they created with more than 350 cans, jars and boxes of food.
“She was just out running
and this person was just a
stranger,” he said. “It’s a public concern.”
Local authorities drew
criticism earlier this year after
waiting more than a month to
notify the public about a man
wanted in connection with a
sexual assault in September.
Shaun Carlan, 44, was arrested in Pennsylvania about 15
days after police went public
with the details of the attack.
Officers working that investigation said they didn’t
deem Carlan, who had a
criminal history of violence,
a threat to the general public.
SEE Jogger | 31
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ALEXANDRIA TIMES
Rogue school officials defy financial policy
At least $50,000
was transferred
between capital
improvement projects
By Derrick perkins
One Alexandria City Public Schools staff member has
resigned and another is on
administrative leave after an
independent audit revealed
city employees deliberately
flouted internal financial policies.
Employees with the district’s educational facilities
department transferred more
than $50,000 from one project
to another without approval
from either administrators or
the school board — a direct
violation of ACPS policy, officials said.
Payment vouchers also
were prepared and approved
by staff for amounts exceeding what was available in
project budgets.
Superintendent
Morton
Sherman outlined the financial irregularities in a memo
sent to Mayor Bill Euille
and Alexandria City Council members on Monday. He
pledged to strengthen coordination between city and
school staff as well as tighten
financial policies.
There has been no evi-
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dence employees were shifting taxpayer dollars for personal gain thus far, Sherman
told the Times in an interview
Wednesday. While the money
was transferred between projects without oversight, there’s
no indication yet that any of it
has gone missing.
“What is emerging is there
were some really well intended people who made some
awful decisions, people who
had been with the division
for a long time who continued patterns they should not
have,” Sherman said.
Preliminary findings show
staff members deliberately
sought to keep Sherman and
school board members in the
dark.
“[If] you violate a policy
and don’t protect the dollars
that are being given to … the
department, that is a violation of trust and policy, which
merits rather severe personal
consequences,” he said.
Hints of the financial irregularities, all of which are so
far related to capital improvements projects undertaken
in the 2011 and 2012 fiscal
years, surfaced in September
when Sherman received an
incomplete CIP report. The
review omitted original budget figures, project statuses
and estimated costs, he said.
In
October
Sherman
learned contractors working
on ACPS projects were not
getting paid. About the same
time one of those vendors,
Hitt Contracting, raised concerns with city council members, Sherman received a tip
about the financial mismanagement.
As a result, school officials hired Farmer, Cox and
Robinson, an independent auditing firm, to review the district’s financial records. City
officials said they welcomed
and supported the independent audit in a statement released Tuesday.
Farmer, Cox and Robinson’s finished report is expected in mid-December.
Further details about the irregularities and mismanagement won’t be available until
then, Sherman said.
Neither the names nor
the positions of the two staff
members caught up in the financial imbroglio have been
released to the public.
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Let’s Eat |
A special advertising feature of the Alexandria Times
Alexandria restaurants pack plenty of holiday options
Alexandria
restaurants
provide many ways to celebrate the holiday season,
whether it’s a party, lunch
or dinner. Some restaurants
have special rooms for gatherings while others create
a festive setting. And many
eateries cater or offer takeout, which are attractive alternatives to dining out.
DINE OUT
Open 365 days a year,
Yves Bistro — in the Hoffman Town Center across
from the Hoffman Movie
Theaters — proffers a pleasant bistro setting for smaller
holiday gatherings. The restaurant is open from 6 a.m.
to 10:30 p.m. Call 703-329-
1010 or go to yvesbistrova.
com for more details.
Dishes of India, at 1510A Belle View Blvd. in the
Belle View Shopping Center, contains a number of
tables perfect for more intimate holiday get-togethers.
The restaurant also offers
special gift certificates at a
discount rate: $100 worth
of gift certificates qualifies
for a 10-percent price reduction. Dishes of India serves
party platters to go too, so
call 703-660-6085 for more
details.
SPECIAL BANQUET ROOMS
The Holiday Inn on
Eisenhower Avenue in the
Hoffman Town Center has
an elaborate catering service
as well as special banquet
options. For a different and
fun holiday event, consider
a pool party at the Holiday Inn’s newly renovated
pool. A hospitality suite and
lifeguard also are part of
the package. Call 703-9603400x1120 for more information or reservations.
CATERING AND TAKOUT
Bugsy’s Pizza Restaurant and Sports Bar always
offers a fun gathering place
for pizza, salads, sandwiches and burgers. But Bugsy’s
also has an extensive catering business. Besides pizzas,
the 111 King St. restaurant
caters party platters, entrees
and desserts — all at extremely reasonable prices.
The catering business and
restaurant specials are available on Bugsy’s website at
www.bugsyspizza.com. In
addition, call 703-683-0313
for information about pizza
deliveries.
Alexandria Cupcake at
1022 King St. sweetens up
any holiday party. It offers
mouthwatering regular-sized
cupcakes and mini-cupcakes
six days a week. Select the
size and types of cupcake
flavors for a celebration or
party by calling the store 24
hours in advance. For more
information or to place a
special order, call 703-299-
9099, email [email protected] or visit www.
alexandriacupcake.com.
Baja Fresh specializes
with party platters, spicing
up office celebrations and
family holiday parties. For
more information, call the
3231 Duke St. restaurant at
703-823-2888.
All in all, holiday parties celebrate the end of the
year and bring together colleagues, family and friends.
In Alexandria, there are places, spaces and catering options at every price point.
Call to confirm details,
pricing and to make a
reservation.
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ALEXANDRIA TIMES
Waterfront opponents fire back at City Hall
Citizen group
says officials are
‘uncompromising’
despite stalled plan
By Derrick perkins
Members of Citizens for
an Alternative Alexandria
Waterfront Plan shot back at
City Hall on Tuesday, calling
officials “uncompromising”
about a week after city staff
released a largely negative review of the group’s competing blueprint.
“We seem to be in a situation where citizens don’t
seem to have an effective
way of engaging elected officials,” said CAAWP cofounder Andrew Macdonald
during a press conference in
Market Square. Several other
CAAWP members, echoing
his critiques of the city’s proposal, joined Macdonald despite the dreary weather.
Three privately owned
sites along the Potomac, slated for redevelopment under
the city’s plan, have become
the focal point for a contentious, roughly two-year-long
public debate. The Alexandria City Council is expected
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to vote on the controversial
blueprint January 21.
The final decision will
come after the waterfront
work group, a committee
of residents handpicked by
Mayor Bill Euille to reconcile
the city’s plan with resident
opposition, makes its recommendations to city council.
Though rhetoric on both
sides had cooled following
the work group’s creation in
the summer, the debate has
turned contentious again as
CAAWP members defend
their dueling waterfront plan.
Where the city hopes to foster
boutique hotels, CAAWP’s
plan — released in late October — calls for more open
space and museums.
Acting City Manager
Bruce Johnson panned the
group’s proposal in a conference call with reporters
several days before Thanksgiving, describing CAAWP’s
ideas as fiscally and legally
“indefensible.”
In turn, Macdonald said
city officials were ignoring
the positive long-term economic impact of CAAWP’s
proposal in favor of quick tax
revenue. He called on officials to begin talks with Robinson Terminal Co., a subsidiary of the Washington Post
Co., about possibly selling or
donating two of the sites at
the debate’s center.
“We think there is a plan
out there that will be better
for the city and the river,” he
said.
CAAWP held the conference hours before members
were scheduled to appear before the city’s standing waterfront committee for a factfinding meeting. Members of
the committee — a separate
body unconnected with the
waterfront work group —
questioned city officials and
CAAWP members on their
dueling proposals.
Though
the
dialogue
threatened to boil over at
times, at least one member of
the committee called on offi-
photo/Derrick Perkins
Andrew Macdonald, a founding member of Citizens for an Alternative Alexandria Waterfront Plan, defended the group’s dueling vision of the riverside’s redevelopment Tuesday.
cials and residents to strike a
balance. Former planning director Engin Artemel said he
saw no reason not to include
hotels and museums in the
plan’s final draft.
“We can have — possibly
— our cake and eat it too,” he
said. “We can have hotels and
museums and open space.”
The meeting came as
CAAWP leaders raise the
possibility of filing a lawsuit
to keep the city from moving
forward with its plan. Macdonald confirmed last week
the group was exploring their
legal options but said nothing
had been decided.
Photo/Foster Wiley
SAVE A TURKEY: Following President Barack Obama’s pardon of the national Thanksgiving turkey, George Washington’s
Mount Vernon Estate, Museum and Gardens welcomed the bird
with a ceremony featuring a trumpet fanfare and proclamation
read by Washington’s farm manager “James Anderson.” The
turkey arrived at the mansion front in a horse-drawn carriage
guided by staff dressed in 18th-century costumes and will be
on display for visitors during Christmas at Mount Vernon, a daily
program that takes place through January 6.
41st Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend and Parade
The sound of bagpipes and spectacle
of tartan-clad revelers marching through
Old Town will be heard and seen for the
41st consecutive year as the tradition of
the Campagna Center’s Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend and Parade continues this weekend.
The Scottish government is bailing
out taxpayers by footing the majority of
the bill for the second year in a row. This
year’s events include scotch tastings, a
historic homes tour and the parade itself,
to name a few.
The festivities will ensue rain or
shine and organizers expect to draw
30,000 people. For more information,
visit www.scottishchristmaswalk.com.
Scottish Walk Weekend Schedule of Events
Friday, December 2
Christmas Marketplace,
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Heather and greens sale,
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Campagna Center Open House,
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Deck the halls with Santa,
1 – 3 p.m.
Taste of Scotland,
8 – 11 p.m.
Saturday, December 3
Heather and greens sale,
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Scottish Walk Parade,
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Campagna Center Open House,
Noon – 5 p.m.
Massed Band Concert,
1 – 1:30 p.m.
Medieval Marketplace & Christian
Pudding Competition,
1 – 3 p.m.
Holiday designer tour of homes,
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
10 | December 1, 2011
Modern
FROM | 1
wanted to stay in the area.”
The property came with
challenges, though. The shape
and setbacks meant the Komais would have to get creative
with their designs, a skill they
had built their livelihoods
around.
And because they had
hoped to someday live in a
modernist home, the lot’s limits actually opened up more
doors than they closed.
“I think that’s part of the
fun of being a designer: If you
have a problem, you solve
it within the context of what
you wanted to do,” Don said.
“We’ve been in business for
embezzlement
FROM | 1
2004 to 2008. The post gave
Wanamaker purview over the
Buffalo Economic Renaissance Corporation and Buffalo
Urban Renewal Agency.
Wanamaker
previously
ALEXANDRIA TIMES
30 years, and consequently we
see design as a problem-solving process. This was kind of a
problem lot, and we were going to solve the problem.”
For a solution, they turned
to Washington-based architect
Robert Gurney. The Komais
knew of Gurney’s previous
works and held him in high
regard. They weren’t sure the
famed architect would take
the job, but Gurney said any
opportunity to design a modernist home in the region was
too good to pass up.
“They’re creative people,
they’re in [a] creative field
and they were open to doing
a modern house in … Alexandria and that’s enough for
me,” he said. “The excitement about building a modern house in the Washington,
D.C., region is really all that
we need. It’s not about the
size of the budget or project,
it’s about doing something
that’s not a pseudo-colonial or
a craftsman home.”
When it’s finished in February, the triangular-shaped,
monolithic-looking house will
boast a flat roof, two floors and
a plethora of windows. It’s a
noted departure from many of
the neighboring homes; Gur-
composition. I hope people
would embrace it.”
The couple’s soon-to-be
neighbor, George Walker, is
served as a top aide to Buffalo
Mayor Byron W. Brown and
former Mayor Anthony M.
Masiello, the Buffalo News
reported Wednesday.
During his time with Buffalo’s government, Wanamaker admitted charging $30,000
worth of personal expenses to
a city credit card. Wanamaker
used the credit card, intended
strictly for official business, to
pay for hotel rooms, car rentals and entertainment for himself, family and guests on trips
to San Francisco, Las Vegas
and Washington, D.C., among
other locales, federal authorities said.
“Given that the city has
one of the highest poverty
rates in the country, every dollar taken from these development funds was a particularly
damaging blow,” said U.S.
Attorney William J. Hochul
Jr. in a statement. “Our office
will faithfully protect federal
funds intended to assist local
communities and will vigorously prosecute any official
who breaches the public trust
in this manner.”
Wanamaker did not have
access to a city credit card
during his tenure in Alexandria or engage in any business
Planning a Family Reunion?
ney and the Komais hope it
will be an eye-catching — if
not always pleasing — display
of contemporary architecture.
“I expect if 10 people walk
by, five are going to like it
and five are going to hate it,”
Gurney said with a chuckle. “I
think it will be a very pleasing
Alex Times.com Reaction
Tom O’donnell: The structure has been the subject of conversation several times on the DASH AT-3 bus. People have
said that it will surely improve its looks as it is finished. No,
we know it will only get much worse. There is modern architecture, and then there is just plain butt ugly. The Times
can refer to this as the most modern corner in Alexandria.
I’ll refer to it as the ugliest corner in Alexandria.
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surprised someone would finally develop the peculiarly
shaped plot. He’s lived in the
neighborhood with his wife
for about 27 years and has
used the lot as a dog park.
Only a few have tried to build
on the land, he said.
“I’m amazed that someone
could come up with a design
that would fit on that lot, to
be perfectly honest,” Walker
said. “I think they’ve done the
best they can with the constraints.”
As far as Don’s concerned,
it’s a design that falls in line
with their vision: something
contemporary, a little eclectic, close to home and near the
grandchildren.
“It’s a perfect opportunity
to do what we wanted to do,”
he said.
travel, Castrilli said.
Still, internal auditors will
review Wanamaker’s financial
dealings on behalf of the city.
Wanamaker departed Buffalo for a city manager position in Inglewood, Calif., in
March 2008, according to the
Buffalo News, though he left
after just a year on the job.
Wanamaker’s sentencing is
scheduled for March 16.
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For more information or to arrange a tour,
call 703-797-3815.
www.Hermitage-Nova.com
5000 Fairbanks Avenue,
Alexandria, VA 22311
703-797-3815
Fax: 703-820-1816
PET MATTERS
Alexandria is the perfect place
to be a pet during the holidays
Visit a pet boutique this
holiday season and find a gift
that will drive your pet crazy
with delight. The present also
may inspire a stern shake of
the head from your disapproving spouse.
While at the shop, pick up
something to ensure your furry fashionista makes a statement at your holiday soiree.
Consider a Christian Loubarkin plush toy or an arctic
leopard dress for your little
lady.
And don’t be surprised
if your macho canine seems
very much at ease in a twotoned, Pup Crew hooded
sweatshirt. After all, doggie’s
got style and doesn’t like to
be cold, even though he will
never admit it.
Also be sure to browse the
treat section; the food critic
who regularly looks up from
his or her food bowl in disgust
doesn’t want to find a box of
dry, hard treats under the tree.
Instead, your pup wants gourmet treats in flavors such as
blueberry, sweet potato, molasses, cheddar cheese and,
my personal favorite, pizza.
Foodie pups enjoy fancy
jerky made from specialty
cuts of meat — like venison,
bison and wild boar — not the
flavorless white rawhide that
gets stuck on the roof of their
mouths. And dogs salivate at
the thought of finding bones
in their stockings, especially
large ones with delicious
smells.
They dream of enjoying
these decadent bones in the
comfort of a new, oversized
bed. Maybe the bed even features their name embroidered
on the front, saving the pup
the trouble of marking it to
keep others out.
Cat owners need not feel
left out. There also are plenty
of fabulous gift options out
there for your fur friend.
Maybe your cat secretly Gourmet cat treats come
dreams of ruling the world. If in several different varieties,
so, the El Gato catnip cigar is such as organic grasses and
just what the pet psychiatrist seeds, wild Alaskan salmon,
ordered for your conspiring white albacore and duck livkitten.
er. Your finicky cat may turn
Have an outdoorsy cat? up his or her nose at massA kitty fishing lure serves as produced treats but will be
the perfect thriller for your unable to resist the specialty
adventurous feline. Be fore- store’s stock products. Stay
warned,
though,
on guard, though,
as the family may
since your cat
fight over the toy.
may come to exIt’s really fun to
pect these new
play with, even for
treats long after
a girly-girl like me.
the holidays have
Bedazzle your
gone.
prissy kitty with
Before leaving
one of the many
the store, grab
spirited pet accessomething special
sories on the marfor a less fortuket. Jingle bells By Isabel Alvarez nate pet. Homeand rhinestones definitely less pets need a treat, too,
will dress up your cat’s col- especially considering they
lar and make him or her stand don’t get to curl up with you
out in a crowd. But your cat every night. The local rescues
may be up all night trying to will be happy for a visit, too.
figure out how to silence the
new collar.
ADOPTABLE PET OF
OF THE
THE WEEK
WEEK
ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK
Love is in the air and these two lovely Orange Tabbies are
looking for someone to share it with!
Love
is in
the air
andRabbit,
these two
lovely
Orange handsome
Tabbies are
Meet
Roger
and
these
extremely
looking for someone to share it with!
are 2 year old
who
are very ~
~ gentlemen
Have Yourself
a neutered
Merry males
Little
Kitten
MeettoRoger
Rabbit,
these fun
extremely
bonded
eachand
other.
They
loving,handsome
lifealoving
cats
Some special
someone
is are
asking Santa
for
stocking
arebecome
2 year oldstaff
neutered
malesThey
whoare
aresuper
very laid
and gentlemen
have
quickly
favorites!
stuffer
andare
wouldn’t
thislife
sweet
little
bonded
tothis
eachYuletide,
other. They
fun loving,
loving
cats
back and havepackage
been great
kids,
dogs and other cats!
be awith
lovely
surprise?
and have quickly become staff favorites! They are super laid
back
been
with kids,
dogs
and
other
Forand
thehave
Month
ofgreat
February
weladwant
spread
the
Meet
young
“Rizzo”
our sweet
whoto
has
beencats!
both
love
around
are
waiving
our&adoption
fees
naughty
and
niceand
this
year!
Rough
most
For the
Month
of
February
we want
totumble
spreadlike
the
on
bonded
pairs
of
cats!
love
around
are waiving
our adoption
feespeople,
kittens,
Rizzo
is aand
smart,
active kitten.
He loves
on bonded
pairsthey
of cats!
most especially
when
cuddle him.
For more information about Roger and Rabbit or
For more
the Cat-Lover
on your
list,Roger
what could
be better?
For
information
about
and Rabbit
or
any
of our
winter adoption
promotions
please
Happy
Holidays
from the
waitingpromotions
pets here at please
the Shelter.
any
of
our
winter
adoption
contact the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
contact the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
TO MAKE
AN ONLINE
A HOLIDAY
at 703-746-4774
orDONATION
visit us on FOR
the web
at:
at 703-746-4774 or visit us on the web at:
MEAL FOR
A
HOMELESS
PET,
PLEASE
VISIT
www.alexandriaanimals.org
www.alexandriaanimals.org
WWW.ALEXANDRIAANIMALS.ORG.
703-746-4774.
Thankyou.
you.
Thank
Alexandria’s
Pet of
ofthe
theweek
week
Alexandria’s Pet
sponsored by Diann
isissponsored
DiannHicks.
Hicks.
Diann
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12 | December 1, 2011
ALEXANDRIA TIMES
Sports
‘It’s harder to stay on top than it is to get on top’
In new season, T.C.
Williams looks to build
on its legacy as a
basketball powerhouse
By Derrick Perkins
Like hundreds of his peers
and competitors across Virginia,
T.C. Williams senior Daquan
Kerman has his eyes set squarely on a state championship.
And he doesn’t waste words
making that clear.
“We’re striving for a state
title,” he said, shortly before the
start of practice Monday. “I want
one before I leave. I’ve wanted
one since I was a sophomore.”
What sets Kerman apart is
his experience. The 5-foot-10inch point guard knows what
a deep playoff run takes. He is
one of just three returning seniors this year, a holdover from
the previous season’s squad that
went 24-6 overall before bowing
out of the state semifinals in an
overtime loss to L.C. Byrd.
Still, Kerman and his teammates saw action against some
of the best in the state and region. More often than not they
came away with the win or near
win, including falling a shot
short of upending local powerhouse Montrose Christian on
the road during a nonconference
matchup.
That’s when Kerman was
a swaggering upstart, one of a
small sampling of young Titans
standing out as potential playmakers. Now he’s expected to
lead the squad as a veteran, mold
his younger teammates and keep
them as focused as he is on celebrating a state championship.
It hasn’t been the easiest transition.
“I’ve got to be louder, more
vocal,” Kerman said. “I’ve got
to be more strict.”
The relative inexperience of
T.C.’s squad is as worrisome to
coach Julian King as the lack of
leadership coming from his crop
of seniors. They’re still making
mistakes, some of which have
carried over from last season.
“There is hope down the road
for us to get a lot better,” King
said. “Whether it’s turning the
ball over or rebounding as a
group, we’re lacking a lot of the
little things.”
Like Kerman, small forward
T.J. Huggins is one of the seniors
King anticipates stepping up
in the coming days and weeks.
Where Kerman entered his junior year with high expectations,
Huggins slowly blossomed during the course of the season and
subsequent playoff run.
He too has struggled to take
on a leadership role in a team
markedly different today than it
was a year ago, but for a different reason than Kerman. Huggins feels the weight of that responsibility on his shoulders.
There’s no room for mistakes, he said, adding he has to
lead by example in every situation.
“You’ve always got to be on
top of your game,” he said.
Questions of leadership
aside, Huggins and Kerman have
no qualms about what will motivate this team through a grueling
22-game regular season. Where
last year’s squad fought to wipe
away any of the remaining stains
of the ineligibility scandal that
marred the 2009-10 season, this
incarnation of the Titans will
play to uphold the program’s
celebrated history.
“We always got a chip on our
shoulder,” Kerman said. “Everybody is always coming at us
because we’re T.C. They’ll always say something. We’ve got
to stick together or we won’t win
a thing.”
It’s music to King’s ears.
“It’s harder to stay on top
than it is to get on top. There
is a legacy here,” he said. “You
don’t want to be known as the
guys that ruined that legacy.”
The next chapter of T.C. Williams basketball begins Saturday at home in a showdown with
Wakefield on Earl Lloyd Court
at 8 p.m.
file photo
T.C. Williams small forward T.J. Huggins dunks during a game against Oakton last year. The senior is expected to play the role of a bona fide veteran this season as the Titans look to improve
on their recent success.
sports shorts
Swimming & Diving
Tennis
Cardinals cruise in season-opening wins
Ireton senior makes VISAA
all-state team
Bishop Ireton’s swim and
dive teams opened up the
2011-12 season on a high
note with wins over Paul VI
last month.
The Cardinals boys team
upended the Panthers 113-57.
Their peers on the girls squad
sneaked by with a 98-72 win
during the meet at Mount
Vernon Recreation Center on
November 18.
Ireton sophomore Alex
Branham placed first for the
girls diving squad while team
captain Elizabeth Schaefermeier rounded out the Cardinals performance with a
third-place finish.
Among the Cardinals
swimmers, Michael Ryan
Clark took home first in
the 50-meter freestyle and
100-meter backstroke while
Ben Gorski placed first in
the 200- and 500-meter
freestyle. Teammate Kevin
Grant finished victorious in
the 100-meter freestyle and
100-meter breaststroke.
For the girls team, Hayley
Snell took home the 100- and
200-meter freestyle while fellow Cardinal Maddie Zeigler
placed first in the 100-meter
freestyle and backstroke.
Crew
Former rowers reunite on water
Four former varsity crew
teammates returned to Alexandria five decades after they
last rowed together for a reunion cruise on the Potomac
in early November.
Jeff Morehouse, John
Huetter, Sam Sabin and
Paul
Tanguay,
members
of the George Washington
High School class of 1961,
launched from the Dee Camp-
bell Boathouse on November
5 amid the graduating class’
50th reunion celebrations. In
their youth, the quartet were
known as one of the more
successful teams on the water, eventually finishing second in the 1961 Rowing National Championship.
Morehouse and Huetter
continued rowing in college,
at Rutgers University and the
University of California, Los
Angeles, respectively. The
68-year-old pair still row today, albeit across the country
from one another.
T.C. Williams sophomore
Spenser Gilliand, the team’s
coxswain, accompanied the
former teammates on their
Potomac jaunt.
The Virginia Independent
Schools Athletic Association
named undefeated Bishop
Ireton senior Monica Zakaria
to its Division I, all-state first
team in November.
Zakaria went 8-0 in singles play throughout the regular season, earning the top
seed heading into the annual
Washington Catholic Athletic Association tournament.
She likewise went undefeated with teammate Natalia
Spinetto in doubles, good
enough for a second-seeded
entrance into the WCAC
tournament.
The Cardinals tennis
squad took third in a field of
nine at the Washington area
tournament after going 6-4
as a team during the regular
season.
Before earning the statewide first- team honors, Zakaria was named the Cardinal’s most valuable player of
the 2011 season.
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14 | December 1, 2011
ALEXANDRIA TIMES
Vote
Old To on Your Fav
wn Ho
orite
by Dec liday Wind
ow
ember
www.fa
5
t
h!
cebook
old
.c
Presented by old town boutique district
townbo
o
utiqued m/
istrict
in partnership with Meals on wheels association of aMerica
come meet santa every saturday and sunday until christmas eve
at 210 s. union st. in old town, alexandria
dec. 3rd–4th, 10th–11th and 17th–18th
saturdays, 10am–5pm; sundays, 12 noon–5pm. (saturday, dec. 3rd, 1pm–5pm)
$15 — includes photo with santa
sPonsored by:
www.oldtownboutiquedistrict.com
This program was made possible Through The supporT of The alexandria markeTing fund.
OTBD ad 9.3x10.5 times wk3.indd 1
11/27/11 2:39:07 PM
Shop Around the Corner
A special advertising feature of the Alexandria Times
A decade of thank you’s
from Decorium
“A decade! When
you say the word it
sounds like forever. For
me — a decade seems
like yesterday.”
It was 10 years ago
when Decorium Gift
and Home, formerly
Rugs to Riches, opened
its doors. It feels appropriate this holiday
season to take time and
thank the residents of
Alexandria — so many
my friends and loyal
shoppers — for their
patronage over these
years.
We have endured
9/11, a sniper, hurri-
canes, earthquakes and a
recession, which seems
like a lot to shove into a
decade.
As the years have
rushed by, I have gotten to know so many
of you, and you all are
such incredible people.
A lot of you come in
every single Saturday
morning to see what is
new in the store or just
to say hello.
I, too, have opened
myself up so you could
get to know me; Decorium has never been
about just owning a retail store. I had one mis-
sion, which today is as
true as it was 10 years
ago.
“To create an enchanting environment
that was not only beautiful, but bountiful. Bountiful in product as it
would be the friendship
that would come from
each and every visit. An
escape from life bumps
and grinds; an escape
to let yourself dream;
an escape to make you
smile and laugh; an escape that allowed your
imagination to soar and
be so creative that when
you found something so
magical and special and
took it home, it allowed
you to feel the same
way in your home as it
did ours.”
So, from my Decorium family to yours, I
want to thank you again
and wish you a very
happy and healthy holiday season.
For the City of Alexandria and all the small
businesses in town, I
hope you shop local this
holiday season.
116 King St.
703-739-4662
decoriumhome.com
Have a Happy,
Fair Trade
Holiday
With gifts and holiday décor
from Ten Thousand Villages.
Charity Shopping Nights 12/3 & 12/8
915 King Street
703-684-1435
To reserve your space in
Shop Around
the Corner
Call Alexandria Times
Sales at 703-739-0001 Advertising Works!
christmas
Scottish Walk Celebration
30%
off
entire store
saturday only
40%
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all
ladies gloves, scarves and jewelry
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703.739.4662
scottish-walk-nov14.indd 1
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BW Art, Antiques,
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Visit BW Art, Antiques and Jewelry for
exquisite paintings, bronzes, period furniture,
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108 N. Fayette Street (One block from King St)
(703) 518 - 8464
11/17/11 9:33 AM
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703.664.0344 www.fibrespace.com
16 | December 1, 2011
ALEXANDRIA TIMES
Holiday
Local gifts under $
By Marty Devine
Children face a difficult
task when finding their parents a good gift for less than
$12. This year, many Alexandria stores plan to make
things much easier, with present ideas in a kid-friendly
price range.
While this list is not exhaustive, it provides ideas for
children — as well as adults
— looking for quality presents with a modest price tag.
Old Town Hardware at
809 S. Washington St. has
many gifts for parents. All
items from the value tool table
(for the parent handyperson),
a set of screwdrivers, smaller
items and glasses on the front
shelves as well as many of the
grilling tools ring up for less
than $12.
The Historic Alexandria
History Center and Museum Store — at 101 N. Union
St. in the Torpedo Factory Arcade — also has a number of
affordable gifts for children
to give their parents. These
presents include a magnifying
glass necklace, historic Alexandria coffee mugs, refrigerator magnets, playing cards, a
pen with a clipper ship on the
top and a whistle.
Just a stone’s throw down
the road is Zoe Boutique.
The 130 S. Union St. boutique offers bright and cheery
fashion-oriented note cards
for $12, which will please
anyone who loves dashing off
notes to friends.
Fibre space at North Fayette Street, near the intersection with King Street, features
bamboo needles and a ball o
self-striping yarn for less tha
$12. The store also has cu
$7 tote bags with the fib
space logo design.
The ever-inviting Deco
rium store at 116 King S
contains many gifts for le
than $12, which are class
cal, whimsical and artsy.
few treasures available th
time of year include variou
ornaments with hand-painte
birds, vintage Santas and nov
elty cupcakes. The store als
carries cat and dog ornamen
and even a sitting moos
Christmas decoration.
The Old Town Tradin
Post at 128 King St. proffe
jewelry and trinkets in child
friendly price ranges.
Walking up the main dra
Alexandria Spice and Te
Shop at 320 King St. sel
many teas, tea infusers, oliv
oil blends and spices for le
than $12. This inviting sho
definitely deserves a look.
Ritz Camera at 600 Kin
St. offers a number of gifts fo
less than $12. One fun pre
ent is a two-sided snow glob
with room for two small pho
tos or hand-drawn picture
Another idea is a pen or a h
beverage cup with space
insert a photo or drawing.
One of the newest shop
in Alexandria is Bishop Bou
tique. While the 815B Kin
St. store does not have an
gifts less than $12, snazz
nail polish or fun bangles co
just a tad bit more.
The popular Ten Thou
sand Villages at 915 King S
employs a helpful group o
Gift Guide
$12 make the holidays a cinch
of
an
ute
re
oSt.
ss
siA
his
us
ed
vso
nts
se
ng
ers
d-
ag,
ea
lls
ve
ss
op
ng
or
esbe,
oes.
ot
to
ps
ung
ny
zy
ost
uSt.
of
store clerks who are willing
to help children find affordable gifts. Rainforest seed
necklaces cost $6, and while
intended for children, they
work as bracelets as well. The
store also charges less than
$12 for animal design plant
feeders and other trinkets.
Indus Imports at 1010
King St. contains plenty of
items priced at less than $12.
Those gifts include paper-mache boxes in a variety of sizes
as well as Christmas orna-
ments shaped like balls, stars
and other festive designs.
Laketana Ethiopian Crafts
Shop at 1316 King St. has many
beautiful bracelets and earrings for less than $12.
Over in Del Ray, Artfully
Chocolate at 2003 Mount
Vernon Ave. serves handmade
chocolates by Rob Kingsbury,
an artisan chocolatier. He creates a gorgeous assortment
of specialty chocolates daily.
Several truffles boxes cost
less than $12.
Other places to satisfy a
parent’s sweet tooth are Candi’s Candy at 107 N. Fairfax
St. as well as the Sugar Cube
at 210 N. Lee St.
Across the river, National
Harbor’s Stonewall Kitchen
provides specialty food selections, such as jams and other
small gifts, for less than $12.
In the end, it is the thought
that counts. These are affordable, quality gifts. But a
homemade card will warm a
parent’s heart on any holiday.
The Lamplighter
When your “favorite”
uncle comes over this
holiday season
show off that prize
portrait or painting
with a picture light
from
The Lamplighter
1207 King Street
Alexandria, VA
703-549-4040
www.lamplighterlamps.com
18 | December 1, 2011
ALEXANDRIA TIMES
Calendar of
SCENE AROUND TOWN
Events
To have your event considered
for our calendar listings, please
email [email protected].
You can also post your event
directly to our online calendar
by visiting www.alextimes.com.
Now to December 5
‘EVERYTHING IS ALTERNATIVE’
An exhibition of work by members of
Multiple Exposures Gallery, juried by
Sara Yousefnejad, development associate at Arlington Arts Center.
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (until 9 p.m.
Thursdays)
Location: Multiple Exposures Gallery at Torpedo Factory Art Center,
105 N. Union St.
Information: www.torpedofactory.org
Now to December 31
MARSHALL HOUSE INCIDENT
EXHIBITION The deaths of Union
photo/Christopher Mueller
Dan (Brian Sutherland) and Jenna (Diane Sutherland) share a toast in “A Second Chance,” playing through December 11 at Signature Theatre.
Singing the praises
of an exceptional new talent
‘A Second
Chance’
opens at
Signature
Theatre
By Jordan Wright
Not only is this delicious
show a world premiere, but it
also marks the auspicious debut of a new talent, Ted Shen,
a businessman and arts patron
who might better qualify for full
retirement.
That he is celebrating the
opening of his first show as writer, composer and lyricist is rather astounding. Well, unless you
notice he is a Taiwanese finan-
cier educated at the posh Phillips Exeter Academy and Yale
University. In his spare time,
Shen serves as foundation president and board member for Yale
University and the Art Commission of the City of New York.
And that’s just the tip of the
iceberg.
Shen’s foundation also has
provided funding support for
major productions by Stephen
Sondheim, who happens to be
his musical theater hero. But
whatever his curriculum vitae or
his tony connections, his breakthrough musical, “A Second
Chance,” can more than stand
on its own two legs.
Billed as a lyrical duet, the
musical is a modern love affair as much for its characters
as its audience. Two top-drawer
Broadway stars, Brian and Diane Sutherland, sing rather than
SEE Talent | 21
Col. Elmer Ellsworth and secessionist James Jackson at the Marshall
House Hotel along King Street during
the Federal occupation of Alexandria
on May 24, 1861, stirred patriotic
fervor in the north and south. This
exhibit at Fort Ward features objects
from the museum collection — like
a star from the flag which had flown
over Marshall House and loan items
from the Mary Custis Lee chapter of
the Daughters of the Confederacy
— to tell this notable story about the
event that launched the Civil War in
Alexandria.
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday
through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m.
Sunday
Location: Fort Ward Museum, 4301
W. Braddock Road
Information: 703-746-4848 or
www.fortward.org
‘IN BLACK AND WHITE’ This
exhibition brings together two friends
whose work explores African-American culture. Nina Tisara of Alexandria and Peggy Fleming of Washington, D.C., present their findings
in the medium of black-and-white
photographs. “In Black and White”
highlights two very different aspects
of African-American life and culture.
Tisara’s series, “United in the Spirit,”
focuses on worship in Alexandria’s
African-American community, while
Fleming’s work, “Crown Me!” looks at
the social life of one group of AfricanAmerican men and a traditional
American pastime. Suggested admission is $2.
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday
through Saturday
Location: Alexandria Black History
Museum, 902 Wythe St.
www.alexblackhistory.org
TARGET GALLERY’S ‘PETRI
DISH’ This is a national, all-media,
small-works exhibition that has the
primary focus of artist experimentation. The work in the exhibition fits
within a standard Petri dish. Out of
142 works to choose from, juror Jesse
ALEXANDRIA TIMES Cohen selected 52 for the exhibition. The artists hail from across the
country, with five D.C.-area artists in
the exhibition.
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (until 9 p.m.
Thursdays)
Location: Target Gallery at Torpedo
Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St.
Information: www.torpedofactory.
org
December 1
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AT
TORPEDO FACTORY Add a little
aloha to the holidays at the Torpedo
Factory Art Center’s annual Holiday
Open House. Wear that favorite
Hawaiian outfit and enjoy refreshments and live music by the Aloha
Boys while shopping for one-of-a-kind
gifts. Also, be sure to bring nonperishable food to contribute to a food drive
benefitting Carpenter’s Shelter. The
event is free.
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
Location: Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St.
www.torpedofactory.org
WORLD AIDS DAY: FREE
SCREENING OF ‘THE OTHER
CITY’ Inova Alexandria Hospital and
the City of Alexandria’s Commission
on HIV/AIDS invite the public to a free
movie screening of “The Other City”
for World AIDS Day 2011. Refreshments will be served.
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Inova Alexandria Hospital
Information: Contact Nechelle
Terrell at 703-746-4933 or nechelle.
[email protected]
DUNDEE SCHOOLS’ FREE
CONCERT Students from the
Dundee Schools’ music theater
program in Scotland will perform
a free concert in Alexandria. The
performers are part of a 20-member
delegation that has travelled from
Dundee to participate in the 41st
annual Scottish Christmas Walk. This
is the third time in 10 years students
from Dundee have made the trip to
Alexandria. The event is free.
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: Minnie Howard School
Auditorium, 3801 W. Braddock Road
Information: dsmt.ea.dundeecity.
sch.uk
December 2 - 3
SCOTTISH CHRISTMAS
WALK WEEKEND The Cam-
pagna Center will present the 41st
annual Scottish Christmas Walk
Weekend. More than 100 Scottish
clans dressed in colorful tartans will
parade through the streets of Old
Town. They will be joined by pipe and
drum bands from around the region,
as well as terriers and hounds of
every description. The parade is free.
Other events of the weekend include
A Taste of Scotland and Campagna
Center’s Holiday Designer Tour of
Homes.
Time: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 8
a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
Location: George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive
Information: www.scottishchristmaswalk.com
December 1, 2011 | 19
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
BOOK SALE Come out to this book
sale in which hardcover books will be
$3 and paperbacks will be $2.
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Barrett Branch Library,
717 Queen St.
Information: 703-746-1703
ALEXANDRIA HARMONIZERS
HOLIDAY DINNER THEATER
This year will feature holiday favorites
new and old: a hilarious musical play,
a stage full of living toys and elves,
a delicious lasagna dinner served by
singing Harmonizer waiters, a caroling
and choral masterpiece set and a
visit by Santa. So don’t miss the fifth
anniversary of this popular event, and
order tickets at www.alexandriaharmonizerspresent.com.
Time: 7:30 p.m. Friday and 12:30
p.m. Saturday
Location: First Baptist Church of
Alexandria, 2932 King St.
www.harmonizers.org
December 2 - 4
DEL RAY ARTISANS HOLIDAY
MARKET The 16th annual Del Ray
Artisans Holiday Market will offer
handmade work from 20 local artists
and a bake sale to benefit Rebuilding
Together Alexandria. The event is free.
Time: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to
4 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 4 p.m.
Sunday
Location: Colasanto Center, 2704
Mount Vernon Ave.
Information: www.thedelrayartisans.org/holidaymarket
December 2
A CHRISTMAS MARKETPLACE
Get holiday shopping finished under
one roof. This boutique-style shopping
atmosphere will feature children’s
items, home accents, jewelry and
antiques, as well as a selection of
fragrant wreaths, garlands, paper
whites, heather bundles and decorative ribbons. The event is free.
Location: George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive
HOLIDAY ON THE AVENUE IN
DEL RAY This event will include the
annual Del Ray tree lighting, a visit
with Santa and lighting of the luminaries. Enjoy carols, hot chocolate, cider
and cookies at the free holiday event.
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
Location: Del Ray Farmers Market,
Mount Vernon and East Oxford
avenues
December 3
A SOLDIER’S CHRISTMAS This
program will feature re-enactors from
the First Virginia Regiment. Take part in
festive activities — including live music,
demonstrations of military drill, and
fife and drum — and sample historic
beverages while meeting the men and
women of the American Revolution.
There is a $5 suggested donation.
Time: Noon to 4 p.m.
Location: Carlyle House, 121 N.
Fairfax St.
ALEXANDRIA ARCHAEOLOGY
ORNAMENT-DECORATING
WORKSHOP The Alexandria
Archaeology Museum will host an
ornament-decorating workshop. This
free event is great holiday fun for
families and will be on the same day
as the annual Scottish Walk parade.
Be inspired by the colors and patterns
of pottery excavated in Alexandria and
make a memorable holiday keepsake.
Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
Location: The Alexandria Archaeology Museum, 105 N. Union St., #327
www.alexandriaarchaeology.org
HOLIDAY CHILREN’S BOOK
FAIR The fair will feature Usborne
Books, a leading publisher of educational books for children, as well as a
craft activity area for kids. Shoppers
also will have the opportunity to donate a book to the Alexandria Tutoring
Consortium, a partnership dedicated
to tutoring Alexandria’s kindergarteners and first-graders in literacy skills.
Time: 1 to 5 p.m.
Location: The Lyceum, 201 S.
Washington St.
www.alexandriahistory.org
HANDSPUN HOLIDAYS WITH
MOLLY MILLER Ring in the
holidays with luxurious handspun yarn
and a decadent cocoa tasting. This
gift-giving-themed workshop will focus
on using unique handspun art yarns
for quick and easy holiday projects.
Each student will receive three swatches of handspun to practice on in the
class, plus a full skein of handspun to
finish a full project. Tickets are $115.
Time: 1:30 to 4 p.m.
Location: fibre space, 102 N.
Fayette St.
www.fibrespace.com
‘A CONVERGENCE CHRISTMAS’
The 7 Sopranos, a Washington, D.C.based musical ensemble, will perform
at “A Convergence Christmas.” The
annual holiday concert and celebration also will feature harpist Mark
Martin, as well as a dramatic reading
of “The Gift of the Magi” by artist
Rusty Lynn. The show, which is open
to the public, costs $15.
Time: 4 p.m.
Location: The Gallery at Convergence, 1801 N. Quaker Lane
12TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY BOAT
PARADE OF LIGHTS At dusk,
Alexandria’s harbor will light up when
more than 50 illuminated boats
cruise the Potomac River along the
historic waterfront. Festivities at the
Alexandria City Marina will begin in
the afternoon with Santa arriving by
fireboat to take photos with kids and
pets. The event is free.
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Alexandria’s historic waterfront at the foot of Cameron Street
December 4
CIVIL WAR SUNDAY Explore
the Civil War in Alexandria with
Civil War Sundays, a showcase of an
original May 26, 1861, edition New
York Tribune detailing Col. Elmer
Ellsworth’s death in Alexandria; a
Peeps diorama illustrating Ellsworth’s
death; a TimeTravelers Passport exhibit featuring the Civil War drummer
boy; a diorama of a heating system
constructed in Alexandria to warm
Civil War hospital tents during the
winter of 1861; a cocked-and-loaded
Wickham musket discarded in a privy
during the 1860s; and an exhibit on
the Lee Street site during the Civil
War. The event is free.
Time: 1 to 5 p.m.
Location: Alexandria Archaeology
Museum, 105 N. Union St.
WOMEN, ART AND SHOPPING HOLIDAY SHOW Take a
break from the dreaded malls and
mobs and join creative women artists
for a relaxing afternoon of fun, art
and wine. The Alexandria Commission
for Women and the Friends of the
Commission will sponsor the event,
and proceeds will benefit the Alexandria Domestic Violence and Sexual
Assault Programs.
Time: 1 to 5 p.m.
Location: Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St.
Information: Contact Sarah
Watson at 703-746-3123 or sarah.
[email protected]
37TH ANNUAL TOYS FOR
TOTS SQUARE AND ROUND
DANCE The event will help raise
funds and collect toy donations for
the U.S. Marine Toys for Tots. All toys
and proceeds from the dance remain
in the Washington area. For dance
participants, the recommended donation per couple is a new, unopened
toy or a minimum $10 contribution.
Time: 1 to 5 p.m.
Location: Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St.
ALEXANDRIA TITANS YOUTH
FOOTBALL AWARDS DAY
The sports office will host this event
in recognition of the Titan players,
coaches, volunteers and sponsors
for the 2011 season. All players and
coaches will receive their individual
awards. The event is free.
Time: 2 to 3 p.m.
Location: T.C. Williams High School,
3330 King St.
Information: Contact Tamika Coleman at 703-746-5408
HOLIDAY CONCERTS The con-
cert will start with a performance by
the Alexandria Singers, featuring choral holiday music. Afterward, there will
be a performance by Ein Lanu Z’man,
a band featuring Hanukkah and other
Jewish music. The event is free.
Time: 2 to 4 p.m.
Location: Market Square, 301 King
St.
Hair.” Tickets are $79.50.
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: The Birchmere, 3701
Mount Vernon Ave.
www.birchmere.com
December 5
PARTNERS IN ART GROUP
Looking for a chance to get together
with creative people to discuss art
and exchange ideas? Join a meeting
of the Del Ray Artisans’ cooperatively
led Partners in Art group. Guests may
find the group engaged in a creativity
exercise, enjoying a short demonstration or in a lively art-related discussion. Free and open to the public.
Time: 2 to 4 p.m.
Location: Del Ray Artisans, 2704
Mount Vernon Ave.
Information: Contact Millie Mateu
at globaleducationsolutions@gmail.
com or Katherine Rand at katherine@
katherinerand.com
SEE Calendar | 22
DEC 1st
Swing Machine Big Band
Dinner from 6:00, Show at 7:30pm
DEC 10th
Breakfast with Santa
Seating at 9:00am
DEC 30th
Doc Scantlin’s
Pre-New Year’s
Eve Celebration
DEC 31st
Joe Coleman & Friends
411 John Carlyle St.
alexandria, Va 22314
December 5 - 6
AMERICA This folk rock band en-
joyed its greatest success during the
1970s, winning a Grammy Award for
Best New Artist in ’72. The band has
many well-known hits, like “A Horse
With No Name” and “Sister Golden
703-548-8899
theCarlyleClub . Com
20 | December 1, 2011
ALEXANDRIA TIMES
Martin Scorsese breaks the mold with ‘Hugo’
“Hugo” is unlike any other from a well-placed window,
film Martin Scorsese has ever and schooling himself in the
made, and yet possibly the workings of artistic mechanisms. That runs in
closest to his heart:
the family. Hugo’s
a big-budget 3-D
uncle is in charge
family epic, and in
of the clocks at a
some ways a mircavernous
Pariror of his own life.
sian train station.
We feel a great
And his father’s
artist has been
given command of
dream is to comthe tools and rean automaton,
AT THE anpleteautomated
sources he needs to
man
make a movie about
MOVIES he found in a mu— movies. That By Roger Ebert seum. He dies with
he also makes it a
it left unperfected.
fable that will be fascinating Rather than be treated as an
for (some, not all) children orphan, the boy hides himself
is a measure of what feeling in the maze of ladders, catwent into it.
walks, passages and gears of
In broad terms, the story the clockworks themselves,
of his hero, Hugo Cabret, is keeping them running right
Scorsese’s own story. A bright on time. He feeds himself
young boy spends his child- with croissants snatched from
hood looking out at the world station shops and begins to
“HHHH. A GREAT, BIG JOY.
A SUPREMELY CLEVER COMEDY.”
Olly Richards, EMPIRE
COLUMBIA PICTURES AND SONY PICTURES ANIMATION PRESENTCO- AN AARDMAN MUSIC
PRODUCTION “ARTHUR CHRISTMAS” JAMES McAVOY HUGH LAURIE BILL NIGHY
COJIM BROADBENT IMELDA STAUNTON ASHLEY
JENSEN DIRECTOR BARRY COOK BY HARRY GREGSON-WILLIAMS CO-EXECUTIVE
PRODUCER PETER BAYNHAM PRODUCER CHRIS JUEN
WRITTEN
PRODUCED
DIRECTED
BY PETER BAYNHAM & SARAH SMITH
BY PETER LORD DAVID SPROXTON CARLA SHELLEY STEVE PEGRAM
BY SARAH SMITH
CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES
IN THEATERS IN 2D, 3D AND
sneak off to the movies.
His life in the station is
made complicated by a toy
shop owner named Georges
Melies. Yes, this grumpy old
man, played by Ben Kingsley,
is none other than the immortal French film pioneer, who
was also the original inventor of the automaton. Hugo
has no idea of this. The real
Melies was a magician who
made his first movies to play
tricks on his audiences. Leave
it to Scorsese to make his first
3-D movie about the man
who invented special effects.
There is a parallel with the
asthmatic Scorsese, living in
Little Italy but not of it, observing life from the windows
of his apartment, soaking up
the cinema from television
and local theaters, adopting
great directors as his mentors
and in such cases as Michael
Powell rescuing their careers
after years of neglect.
The way “Hugo” deals
with Melies is enchanting
in itself, but the first half of
the film is devoted to the escapades of its young hero.
In the way the film uses CGI
and other techniques to create the train station and the
city, the movie is breathtaking. The opening shot swoops
above the vast cityscape of
Paris and ends with Hugo
(Asa Butterfield) peering out
of an opening in a clock face
far above the station floor.
We follow his Dickensian adventures as he stays one step
ahead of the choleric Station Inspector (Sacha Baron
Cohen), in chase sequences
through crowds of travelers.
He always escapes back to
his refuge behind the walls
and above the ceiling of the
station.
His father (Jude Law),
seen in flashbacks, has left
behind notebooks, including
his plans to finish the automaton. Hugo seems somewhat
a genius with gears, screws,
springs and levers, and the
mechanical man is himself
a Steampunk masterwork of
shining steel and brass. One
photo/Paramount Pictures
Ben Kingsley, Jude Law and Sacha Baron Cohen lend their talents
to Oscar-winning director Martin Scorese’s tale of a boy and his
automated man.
day Hugo is able to share
his secret with a young girl
named Isabelle (Chloe Grace
Moretz), who also lives in the
station and was raised by old
Melies and his wife. She is
introduced to Hugo’s secret
world, and he to hers — the
books in the cavernous libraries she explores. These two
bright kids are miles apart
from the cute little pint-sized
goofballs in most family pictures.
For a lover of cinema,
the best scenes will come
in the second half, as flashbacks trace the history and
career of Georges Melies.
You may have seen his most
famous short film, “A Trip to
the Moon” (1898), in which
space voyagers enter a ship
that is shot from a cannon
toward the moon; the vessel
pokes the man in the moon in
the eye.
Scorsese has made documentaries about great films
and directors, and here he
brings those skills to storytelling. We see Melies (who
built the first movie studio)
using fantastical sets and bizarre costumes to make films
with magical effects — all of
them hand-tinted, frame by
frame. And as the plot makes
unlikely connections, the old
man is able to discover that
he is not forgotten, but indeed
is honored as worthy of the
Pantheon.
Not long ago I saw a
3-D children’s film about
penguins. I thought it was
a simpleminded use of the
medium. Scorsese used 3-D
here as it should be used, not
as a gimmick but as an enhancement of the total effect.
Notice in particular his recreation of the famous little
film “Arrival of a Train at La
Ciotat” (1897), by the Lumiere brothers. You’ve probably
heard its legend: As a train
rushes toward the camera, the
audience panics and struggles
to get out of its way. That is
a shot that demonstrates the
proper use of 3-D, which the
Lumieres might have used
had it been available.
“Hugo” celebrates the
birth of the cinema, and dramatizes Scorsese’s personal
pet cause, the preservation of
old films. In one heartbreaking scene, we learn that Melies, convinced his time had
passed and his work forgotten, melted down countless
films so that their celluloid
could be used to manufacture
the heels of women’s shoes.
But they weren’t all melted,
and at the end of “Hugo” we
see that thanks to this young
boy, they never will be. Now
there’s a happy ending for
you.
MetroStage spoofs a classic
Christmas tale
Talent
FROM | 18
speak their parts. Both have
the most exquisitely controlled, pitch-perfect voices
to gently express the emotional dynamics of a budding
relationship.
Jenna, coming off a divorce, gives voice to her demons in “Damaged Goods.”
She is broken and unsure of
their new love, especially
since Dan is a recent widower and photos of his late
wife fill his apartment. Dan
is still communicating telepathically with his dearly departed, seeking approval to
pursue his new life and love
of Jenna. In an effort to break
with the past he sings, “Tell
Me When.”
A simple stage set with
clear Plexiglas chairs and
tables allow the audience
to mesh with each scene
change while following the
progression of the mid-life
couple’s personal evolution.
Projected
black-and-white
photos of New York’s Central Park, his brownstone and
her therapist’s office afford
a simple sense of place. And
that’s enough, because it’s all
about the music here — lush
atmospheric songs by an astonishing songwriter whose
elegant styling borrows from
the Sondheim tradition with
shades of Judy Collins and
“The Fantasticks.”
Top-notch musicians capture the mood for a New York
evening as familiar as a martini served straight up while
basking at The Oak Room at
The Plaza.
“A Second Chance” is enchantingly sophisticated and
emotionally aware.
“A Second Chance” runs
through December 11 at Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, the
Shirlington neighborhood.
For tickets and information
call 703-820-9771 or visit
www.signature-theatre.org.
Deck the halls with show
tunes at MetroStage’s “A
Broadway Christmas Carol.”
This delicious dose of
Christmas
spoof,
playing through December 18,
highlights holiday irreverence with a hilarious and
campy send-up of Charles
Dicken’s classic tale. The
play features 31 well-known
Broadway show tunes, 23
wig changes, 20 separate
costume changes and four
sprightly cast members.
The show goes on at MetroStage, 1201 N. Royal St.
For tickets and information,
call 1-800-494-8497 or visit
www.metrostage.org.
- Jordan Wright
The Little Theatre of Alexandria presents
A Christmas Carol December 8 - 18
Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly Victorian humbug, travels
with ghostly guides through Christmas past, present,
and future to find the true meaning of the holidays.
Complete with special effects, Victorian carols, and Tiny
Tim, A Christmas Carol is a must for the entire family.
600 Wolfe St, Alexandria • 701.638.0496 • www.thelittletheatre.com
photo/Christopher Mueller
Dan (Brian Sutherland) and Jenna (Diane Sutherland) embrace in “A
Second Chance.”
★★★★
PURE PERFECTION!
“
WHAT AN EXTRAORDINARY THRILL
TO LEAVE THE THEATER FEELING
EXHILARATED AND REJUVENATED.
IT’S A MAGICAL EXPERIENCE.”
REX REED,
KENNETH BRANAGH
EDDIE REDMAYNE
AND
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22 | December 1, 2011
Calendar
FROM | 19
December 6
HOW DID THE MIDDLE EAST
CONFLICT BEGIN? The violence
in Israel, Jerusalem, the West Bank
and Gaza, as well as in neighboring Arab countries, seems endless.
Rosemarie M. Esber, author of “Under
the Cover of War: The Zionist Expulsion
of the Palestinians,” will discuss the
beginning of the Middle East conflict
from the early 19th century through
the last days of the British mandate
over Palestine. She also will share her
experiences conducting documentary
and oral history research of traumatic
events. The event is free.
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Location: The Morrison House, 116
S. Alfred St.
www.torpedofactory.org/morrison
SISTERS IN CRIME Alexandria
Library will sponsor this event, which
ALEXANDRIA TIMES
is an evening with six local mystery
writers: Donna Andrews, Ellen Crosby,
G.M. Malliet, Katherine Neville, Alan
Orloff and Sandra Parshall. Light refreshments will be served. The event
is free and open to the public.
Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Charles E. Beatley Jr.
Central Library, 5005 Duke St.
December 7
‘GEN SILENT’ SCREENING
“Gen Silent” is the critically acclaimed
documentary from filmmaker Stu Maddux that asks six LGBT senior citizens
if they will hide their friends and their
spouses — their entire lives — in order
to survive in the care system. The film
also shows the disparity in the quality
of paid care giving from mainstream
care facilities committed to making
their LGBT residents safe and happy
to places where LGBT elders face
discrimination by staff and bullying by
other seniors. The screening is free.
Location: MetroStage, 1201 N.
Royal St.
Information: Contact Erika Kleiner
EW
N
11:30AM - 1:30PM
at 703-746-3128 or erika.kleiner@
alexandriava.gov
DUNCAN HOLIDAY OPEN
HOUSE The open house will feature
The Irish Breakfast Band. The event is
free and open to the public.
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: James M. Duncan Jr.
Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth
Ave.
START, MANAGE, GROW:
HEALTH CARE REFORM Health
care reform: What is it? How and
when does it affect small businesses? Some self-employed people
and small employers already have felt
the impact of the law passed in 2010.
Others won’t notice changes until
2014. What is the state-run health
exchange? Come to another free
workshop and learn the answers to
these questions.
Time: 8 to 9:45 a.m.
Location: Alexandria Small Business Development Center, 625 N.
Washington St., Suite 400
December 8
SECOND THURSDAY ART
NIGHT: DECADENT
DECEMBER The Torpedo Fac-
tory celebrates the season with two
holiday staples — chocolate and
shopping. The Target Gallery will host
the reception for “Petri Dish,” an
all-media exhibit focused on artist
experimentation, and The Art League
Gallery also will host a reception. The
event is free.
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
Location: Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St.
www.torpedofactory.org/thursday.htm
OPENING: GUY AND MARCO
RANDO’S ‘TRANSITIONS’ Us-
ing reclaimed wood from spontaneous finds, father-and-son duo Guy
and Marco Rando create whimsical
sculptures evoking the forms of nature. “Transitions,” an exhibit featuring Guy’s wall-mounted inlay pieces
and Marco’s freestanding kinetic
sculpture, will be on display in The Art
League Gallery until January 2.
Cup (12oz) $4.00 Bowl (18oz) $6.00 Plus Applicable Taxes
Location: The Art League Gallery,
105 N. Union St.
www.theartleague.org
SECOND THURSDAY MUSIC:
JACK BOND Singer/songwriter
Jack Bond spent six years in Nashville
— his voice and guitar playing echo
his experience. Bond’s songwriting
career includes a title cut on Roy
Buchanan’s album, “That’s What I Am
Here For.” Enjoy country music and
come listen to Jack Bond. Tickets are
$10 at the door.
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: The Athenaeum, 201
Prince St.
www.nvfaa.org
December 9
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE LITTLE
THINGS Come out to the opening
reception of this Del Ray Artisans’
show. Some would say it’s a small
world — a very small world. Smaller
can, in fact, be better. The challenge to the artists was to see what
they could create in 8-by-10 inch or
smaller, in a two- or three-dimensional format. Light snacks and refreshments will be served.
Time: 7 to 10 p.m.
Location: Nicholas A. Colasanto
Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave.
Information: www.thedelrayartisans.org
December 10 - 11
HISTORIC ALEXANDRIA
CANDLELIGHT TOUR Four of Old
Town Alexandria’s finest historic sites
will welcome guests for the festive Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tour. The
event features holiday greenery, period
decorations and music, light refreshments, and a convenient shuttle bus
running among the sites. This season,
as part of the Civil War Sesquicentennial events, experience 1860s
Alexandria during the holidays with
tours at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum,
Carlyle House Historic Park, Lee-Fendall House and the Stabler-Leadbeater
Apothecary Museum. Ticket prices are
$20 for adults; $15 for seniors; and
$5 for children, ages 6 to 17.
Time: 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday and 3 to
6 p.m. Sunday
Location: Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St.; Carlyle House
Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St.; LeeFendall House, 614 Oronoco St.; and
the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary
Museum, 105-107 S. Fairfax St.
www.historicalexandria.org
December 10
FAMILY KWANZAA
CELEBRATION Conducted by
Culture Kingdom Kids, educator Jessica Smith will teach families fun and
creative ways to celebrate the seven
days of Kwanzaa through a variety of
interactive performances, hands-on
activities and crafts. Culture Queen,
the superhero mascot of Culture Kingdom Kids, also will make a special
appearance. Families will be culturally
enriched and better prepared to celebrate Kwanzaa in their homes and
communities. The program is ideal for
children and their parents. Admission
is $5, and advance reservations are
recommended.
Location: Alexandria Black History
Museum, 902 Wythe St.
www.alexblackhistory.org
CIVIL WAR SANTA Get into the
holiday spirit and learn how Christmas
was observed during the Civil War
by attending Fort Ward Museum’s
annual Christmas in Camp open
house. Meet a patriotic Santa Claus
at this popular family-oriented event,
which also will feature living history
presentations, Victorian decorations,
refreshments, tours and crafts. The
suggested donation is $2 for adults
and $1 for children.
Time: Noon to 4 p.m.
Location: Fort Ward Museum, 4301
W. Braddock Road
www.fortward.org
To have your event considered
for our calendar listings, please
email [email protected]. You
can also post your event directly
to our online calendar by visiting
www.alextimes.com.
Celebrate Christmas
f
c
AT MOUNT VERNON
c
Mount Vernon sparkles with holiday cheer,
featuring themed Christmas trees, chocolatemaking demonstrations, candlelight tours
with "Mrs. Washington" and more!
Open daily, including Christmas Day
q
MOUNT VERNON BY CANDLELIGHT
Weekends Nov. 25 - Dec. 18,
5 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
2460 Eisenhower Ave. Alexandria, Va 22314
(703) 960-3400 • holidayinn.com
Holiday Inn Alexandria SW at Hoffman Town Center
CHRISTMAS AT MOUNT VERNON
c Nov. 25 - Jan. 6, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
f
t
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c
Located 16 miles south of Washington, D.C.,
on the George Washington Parkway
MountVernon.org | 703-780-2000
f
Alexandria Times’
Cause of the Month
Alexandria Times will donate a portion of every
paid display ad in December to our Cause of the Month. Please join us in contributing to this worthy cause.
December’s cause:
First Night Alexandria is a
family-friendly, affordable, accessible celebration of the New
Year that annually occupies
approximately 20 venues in Old
Town. First Night Alexandria
routinely provides complimentary admission to active military personnel and to disadvantaged families in this City.
To donate please contact: Ann M. Dorman, CMP
Meetings & Events of Distinction
(703) 626.1266
www.MeetingsandEventsofDistinction.com
Thank you to the following Alexandria Times
advertisers for supporting Operation Warm
for the month of November.
Alexandria Country Day School
Alexandria Convention &
Visitors Association
Alexandria Fire Department
Aline Architecture
Animal Resorts
Ann Z. Logsdon - Long & Foster
Baja Fresh
BeautyFull Boutique
Betty Mallon - McEnearney
Associates
Bishop Boutique
Brahm Opticians
Bugsy’s Pizza
BW Antiques
Caffi Contracting
Carlyle Club
Chadwick’s
Charles Town Races & Slots
Chart House Restaurant
Chevy
Christmas Attic
Christine Garner - Weichert
Realtors
Circe
Clyde’s Restaurant Group
Columbia Pictures
CommonWealth One
Federal Credit Union
Conrad’s Furniture Gallery
Cosmetic Hearing Solutions
Decorium
Diane Hicks - Pet of the Week
Diane Hicks - Weichert
Dishes of India
Disney Production
Elizabeth Lucchesi - McEnearney
Associates
European Country Living
EYA
Fibre Space
Film District - Rum Diary
Fitness Together
Foster’s Grille
Gordon Wood - McEnearney
Associates
Hana Tokyo
Hermitage
Holiday Inn
Hunan Café
Indigo Landing
Indus
Irish Walk
J&J Builders
Jackson 20
JK Moving Services
JMK Shows
King St. Cats
Lamplighter
Lee Design & Interiors
LeRefuge
Liquid IQ
Little Theatre
Mandarin Oriental-Sou’ Wester
McCormick & Schmick’s
McEnearney Commercial
Melnick/Newell
Mystique Jewelers
National Art & Framing
National Cathedral School
National Harbor
NOVA Community College
Old Town Boutique District
Old Town Transit & Dash
Olio
Paramount Pictures
Phyllis Patterson - Coldwell Banker
Potomack Company
Pretty People
Prudential
Pulte
Rebuilding Together Alexandria
Sienna School
Silver Parrot
Smart Car
St. Anselm’s Abbey
St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School
Steinmetz Medical Associates
Stonewall Kitchen
Substance Abuse Coalition
Suntrust Bank
Symmetry Financial Group
Taverna Cretekou
T.C. Williams Holiday Craft Fair
Ten Thousand Villages
The Business Bank
The Henry Condos
The Spice & Tea Exchange
The Weinstein Group
Virginia Theological Seminary
Warner Brothers
Washington Regional
Transplant Consortium
Westwood College
Yves Bistro
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24 | December 1, 2011
Our View
Thieves in the city
government
One might say the City of Alexandria has bad luck
when it comes to some of their employees’ sticky
fingers, but that would be inaccurate. Luck has nothing
to do with it. A culture of lax hiring processes and a
dependence on consultants has everything to do with it.
In the latest chapter of City Hall’s embezzlement
woes, a top city employee pleaded guilty to pilfering
$30,000 from the taxpayers of Buffalo, N.Y. Timothy
Wanamaker apparently could not be trusted to keep a
city-issued credit card in his wallet when it came to
personal expenses. Yet the City of Alexandria trusted
him in a senior position of its general services department.
Embezzlement of taxpayer money has increased
over the past three years. Earlier this summer, two
city employees were charged with the crime within
four days of one another; in 2010 a DASH Bus worker
admitted to skimming about $30,000 off the top of the
Alexandria Transit Shop; and in 2009, a city worker
entrusted to collect change from parking meters was
caught pilfering $170,000.
There is a culture of negligence when hiring city
employees. Mr. Wanamaker stole money from Buffalo residents before he came to work for Alexandria
taxpayers, and worked here for more than a year before
being placed on administrative leave Wednesday.
This all comes just a few months after the acting city manager vowed to revisit internal policies to
prevent financial fraud. The best way to protect against
embezzlement is never to hire a sketchy employee in
the first place — that’s what background checks are for.
Sure, unless a person has been convicted of a crime, it
may not show up. But according to the Buffalo News,
Mr. Wanamaker had a certain reputation, which begs
the question, did Alexandria City Hall even check references?
No. City Hall hired a consultant to do it for them.
In a statement to the press, the city was quick to point
out Mr. Wanamaker’s clean slate according to Waters
Consulting. But what accountability do consultants
have to hire someone whose salary comes directly from
Alexandria taxpayers?
The city’s finances are a mess. Rogue members of
the school district began transferring money around
like it was their own bank account (see story, page 6),
and City Hall is owed millions of dollars in delinquent
taxes. Yet an auditor recently referred to Alexandria’s
financial practices as “the gold standard.” It’s laughable.
The verdict is out on whether Mr. Wanamaker stole
money from city coffers, but the threat obviously is
there. Perhaps the city should stop refining its policies
on guarding against financial fraud and start using common sense in its hiring practices. Solve the problem
before it’s a problem — not after taxpayer money goes
missing.
ALEXANDRIA TIMES
Opinion
“Where the press is free and every man is able to read, all is safe.”
- Thomas Jefferson
Your Views
City Hall’s accounting practices don’t add up
To the editor:
I may not be a certified
public accountant but something is fishy in the city’s accounting office, even though it
has been audited and awarded
a “gold standard” decoration
because of budgetary savings
and expenditures, according
to “Audit reveals strong accounting at City Hall,” in the
November 22 edition of the
Times.
Another article on the same
page (“Not paying the piper”)
tells us that “taxpayers owe
$10.5 million in delinquent
taxes.” Is the city keeping two
sets of books?
Actually not “paying the
piper” doesn’t go far enough.
I would like to see a list of the
citizens and businesses flouting the law so that I can personally thank them every time
my taxes and fees rise for real
estate, trash pickup and the
privilege of parking on the
street where I live.
If the city did its job in col-
lecting these delinquent accounts, perhaps there would
not be a need to raise taxes
and fees. Why doesn’t the
article address how, why and
when the city attempts to collect these taxes — that is, if it
actually makes an attempt?
I think the law-abiding,
tax-paying citizens of this city
have a right to this information.
- Florence Foelak
Alexandria
Giving up a lot and getting little to nothing on the waterfront
To the editor:
The arguments that acting
City Manager Bruce Johnson
put forward for increasing
density on the waterfront by
25 to 50 percent are so unreal that they leave me dumbfounded.
First, there is Johnson’s
statement that the City of Alexandria cannot and will not
defend portions of the city’s
master plan adopted in 1992.
What city refuses to defend
its zoning law?
Far from leading to an orderly redevelopment of underused sites, increased density
could lead to chaos. The Robinson Terminal landowners,
like many other landowners,
came out of the 1992 master
plan with fewer rights to alter density and use than they
had before. Until 2008, when
Robinson Terminal’s owners
filed a lawsuit, no landowner
had ever contested the 1992
zoning in court. City officials
certainly have not cited a successful suit. Even so, city
leaders want to surrender to
the warehouse owners.
It is not because they have
Alley all the way to the Virginia Supreme Court.
It is unclear why the city
also is giving a 50 percent
increase in density to the
Cummings-Turner properties
proposed new zoning would
give them the right to build
whatever they like on their
sites. The current zoning
mandates “commercial, residential, mixed use.” That is
There is Johnson’s statement
that the City of Alexandria
cannot and will not defend
portions of the city’s master plan
adopted in 1992. What city refuses
to defend its zoning law?
a general policy of avoiding costly lawsuits. The city
is pursuing its contest with
the Old Dominion Boat Club
over an easement in Wales
on Union Street. Those landowners are not suing us.
Even more important than
the added density for the
Robinson Terminals is that
the commonly used standard
for development in an urban
area. The suggestion the city
can better manage change by
doing away with reasonable
restrictions on what can be
built is Orwellian.
Finally, city officials say
we must have this major increase in density together
with a lack of control on what
may be built, because we are
getting new amenities. What
might those be? Until recently, city staff held out the
promise of a big new paved
plaza, almost as large as Market Square, at the end of King
Street. Planning Director Farroll Hamer has told the waterfront work group that amenity will not be feasible in the
foreseeable future. I would
like to see a list of just what
we are getting (that would
not be available without this
plan) and why so much has to
be given away to get it.
- Katy Cannady
Alexandria
City’s waterfront plan threatens to drown a national historic landmark
What attracts residents to
live and work in Old Town
Alexandria, and what attracts tourists to visit?
No doubt, some people
choose Alexandria simply
because it is safe and close to
Washington, but many like
the fact that it’s an old community with architecture to
match and a sense of place.
Even residents living on
the West End or in Del Ray
can appreciate Old Town’s
uniqueness.
Indeed, Old Town is the
heart of Alexandria and I
have a feeling most Alexandrians would take pride in
knowing it was citizens who
protected this place of special national significance for
everyone in the city and in
America.
Although efforts to preserve historic buildings in
Alexandria started in the
1920s, it wasn’t until 1946
that the city finally adopted
a historic preservation ordi-
nance protecting more than tural heritage embodied in
one historic structure. Com- the built environment.”
mercial interests thought, Indeed, in 1966 the Alhowever, that new develop- exandria Historic District,
ment was more important along with its waterfront
and in the heyday of urban south of Oronoco Street, was
renewal in the 1960s the con- designated a National Hisflict reached new heights. toric Landmark by Secretary
More than 40 blocks of Old of the Interior Stewart Udall.
Town were slated
Officially,
this
to be demolished.
means
AlexanIn the end, only
dria’s waterfront
six blocks were
is included among
razed along King
“nationally sigStreet near Marnificant historic
ket Square, but it
places designated
left a permanent
by the Secretary
scar.
of the Interior
As Patricia Elbecause they poslen McCloskey
MyView sess exceptional
writes in her 1999
value or quality
Andrew Macdonald
thesis,
“Urban
in illustrating or
Renewal and Historic Pres- interpreting the heritage of
ervation: A Case Study of the United States.”
Alexandria, Virginia, 1945- In a situation not unlike
1960,” the “decades-long what we face today on the
battle is a remarkable chron- waterfront, commercial inicle of a city determined to terests and elected officials
revitalize and a citizenry de- think new development will
termined to protect the cul- reinvigorate the waterfront
quickly and cheaply, while
many citizens like myself prefer a plan that hews
more closely to our historic
uniqueness. Citizens for an
Alternative Alexandria Waterfront Plan has released a
200-page report written by
residents mapping out several alternatives that have
less of an environmental impact on the Potomac River
and Chesapeake Bay and
will draw tourists, too. The
dismissive response that this
report received from city officials is reminiscent of their
attitude toward citizens generally.
There is no doubt we must
accommodate some commerce on the waterfront, but
as national groups like the
Project for Public Spaces
have discovered, great waterfronts limit residential development and instead focus on
showcasing their local identity and the “water” itself,
among other key qualities.
The city’s current plan
turns its back on history and
the river in the hopes of making a quick buck from hotels
and anything else a developer — the marketplace — will
lure to our shores.
This is an appallingly
shortsighted view of the waterfront and its value to Alexandria. So when you hear
elected officials say hotels,
town homes and offices will
fit just nicely on the waterfront and residents who oppose this development are
looking only at their own
interests, and not the greater
good of the community, I
think its worth remembering
what is so special about Alexandria.
The writer is co-founder of
Citizens for an Alternative
Alexandria Waterfront Plan
and former vice mayor of
Alexandria.
26 | December 1, 2011
ALEXANDRIA TIMES
Elected officials bite
the hands that feed them
To the editor:
Something is seriously
wrong when a handful of
elected and appointed officials war with the citizens
they ostensibly serve.
The feud over the waterfront between the public
and a handful of public servants, including Mayor Bill
Euille, City Councilman
Paul Smedberg, acting City
Manager Bruce Johnson and
City Attorney Jim Banks, is
as inglorious as it is unnecessary.
The simple fact that so
many caring residents have
profound and genuine misgivings with the city’s plans
for this distinguishing feature of Alexandria should be
enough to have these plans
held for further deliberative,
dispassionate consideration.
Why is this cabal of city
officials so intent on rushing to judgment on such an
important decision with enduring consequences for Alexandria?
Better question: Why are
the citizens tolerating their
hubris and arrogance?
The disdain these public
servants have for the citizens who are simply urging
more consideration for the
waterfront plan is beyond
biting the hand that feeds
them. It is insulting and inappropriate. They need to find
another line of work.
- James M. Roberts
Alexandria
Soccer dads’ harassment of young referee
was an anomaly
To the editor:
As the volunteer coordinator for the Alexandria Soccer Association’s U10 boys
recreational soccer league, I
was distressed to read Susan
Hyre’s column (What are you
thinking? A mother’s perplexing ecounters,” November 22, 2011.
She was correct in saying
that her daughter was treated
poorly during a soccer game.
As soon as ASA learned of
the problems that Ms. Hyre’s
daughter encountered, ASA
leadership contacted the relevant coaches, reiterating the
organization’s priorities of
sportsmanship, respect and
building players’ love of soccer.
We also made it clear to
our coaches that questioning or harassing referees is
unacceptable. I personally
emailed all of the U10 coaches clearly stating that we will
not tolerate any coach, player
or parent treating a referee
badly.
The incident Ms. Hyre
noted was the first bad experience we’ve had between
coaches, parents and referees. After I learned of it, I
visited each game the following weekend, as did ASA
President John Timmons,
to be sure that referees felt
comfortable and that all attendees behaved respectfully.
Our presence and response
may appear as overkill to
some; however, ASA is adamant that all of our players,
referees and parents enjoy
the game. For as much as
we want the players to learn
about the game of soccer
from their coaches, we also
want our young refs to learn
about leadership by overseeing games.
I am truly sorry that Ms.
Hyre’s daughter had a bad
experience. I hope she will
choose to referee next year.
She encountered an anomalous situation. Even though
the problem was a first-time
occurrence, it should not
have happened. ASA is dedicated to making sure that it
never happens again.
- Kim Moore, ASA U10
coordinator and parent
Alexandria
The Justice Department has violated federal law with Operation Fast and Furious
To the editor:
As we continue to watch
the general uproar over the
Operation Fast and Furious
program, and specifically
what Attorney General Eric
Holder knew and when he
knew it, it should be noted
that perjury is not the only
apparent violation of law to
have occurred. I refer to the apparent violation of at least one major
United States law by the Holder Justice Department. This is
because a few years ago, the
International
Emergencies
Economic Powers Act was expanded in order to criminalize
any transactions between U.S.
entities — to include departments and agencies of the
U.S. Government — and all
foreign drug cartels.
I am familiar with these
prohibitive statues because
several years ago, while serving as the senior drug analyst
for the Senate Intelligence
including Mexico, which
have been determined by the
president to be threats to the
national security, foreign policy or economy of the United
A violation of any of
the Kingpin Act carries
stiff penalties (both criminal
and civil, potentially totaling
decades in prison and tens of
millions of dollars in fines).
Committee, I was tasked to
initiate and draft the law that
became known as the Kingpin
Act. It expands sanctions authority against various drug
cartel operations worldwide,
Who
cares?
States.
A violation of any of the
Kingpin Act carries stiff penalties (both criminal and civil,
potentially totaling decades
in prison and tens of millions
of dollars in fines). It is not
necessary that an individual
or governmental entity be
shown to have knowingly violated any of these programs;
it is illegal for any U.S. entity or individual to facilitate
drug traffickers, as is the case
of Operation Fast and Furious
drug traffickers.
Based on the 2010 memo
to Eric Holder circulating on
the web, it would appear that
Fast and Furious facilitated
the delivery of weapons to, at
a minimum, the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico. As part of Congress’ ongoing investigation,
as well as its constitutionally
mandated oversight activities,
Mr. Holder should be asked if
any exceptional licenses were
requested or granted by the
Treasury Department. Addi-
WE DO.
tionally, Treasury Secretary
Timothy Geithner should explain whether his Department
has begun an investigation
into these apparent violations
of federal law.
Interestingly, and of serious note, if Mr. Geithner finds
that the laws and programs
which his department administers have been violated,
Treasury procedures mandate
that the matter be referred to
Eric Holder’s Justice Department for enforcement.
Perhaps the appointment
of a special counsel, investigator or prosecutor is necessary after all.
- Jim Stinebower, former
Navy intelligence officer
Alexandria
Send comments
to the editor at
[email protected]
OUT OF THE ATTIC
Hill House, aka Shadow House
The three-story home at
617 South Washington St. was
built around 1854 for Reuben
Roberts, who died a short
time later. An ad announcing
the sale of the home at auction in 1856 described it as a
“new, large and commodious
brick dwelling house” built in
the “most substantial manner
with all the modern improvements, with gas and water
pipes throughout.”
The following year, Samuel Bancroft Hussey, a sea
captain, purchased the home.
His daughter, Melissa Hussey,
and her new husband, Robert
L. Wood, moved in.
The property occupied the
northwest corner of South
Washington and Franklin
streets and the Woods also
owned lots on the western
edge of the block on South
Patrice V. Culligan
Publisher
Photo/Alexandria Library Special Collections
Columbus. The main house,
called “The Shadows” and
later “Hill House,” had Greek
Revival elements, a five-bay
façade facing South Washing-
Weekly Poll
This Week’s Poll
Do you feel like your tax dollars are safe
from embezzlement?
A. Yes.
B. No.
How did your neighbors vote?
Visit www.alextimes.com to vote and view the results.
ton and in the rear, a threestory wing and a porch. By
the early-20th century, the
home had outbuildings and a
garage.
Thumbs Down to the thief
or thieves who
broke into numerous houses in the
Rosemont and
Del Ray neighborhoods over
Thanksgiving, prying open
windows, stealing cash and
spoiling the holiday for the
affected families. What a
shame that during a season
of giving there are criminals
who think only of taking.
Last Week’s Poll:
Family and friends. - 69%
Food and drink. - 31%
Shopping. - 0%
Out of the Attic is
provided by the Office of
Historic Alexandria.
Thumbs UP to the new
AlexTimes.com.
As we work out
the kinks, the new
website is up and
running, providing our readers with a more
user-friendly site. Please
check it out! AlexTimes.com
is updated daily for the latest
news in Alexandria.
— Patrice Culligan
[email protected]
David Sachs
Editor-in-Chief
[email protected]
EDITORIAL
Derrick Perkins
Reporter &
Photographer
[email protected]
Denise Dunbar
Editorial Page Editor
[email protected]
Steven G. Artley
Editorial Cartoonist
ADVERTISING
Marty DeVine
[email protected]
Margaret Stevens
[email protected]
Karen Niedzielski
[email protected]
Quick Takes
— Denise Dunbar
What’s the most important part of the
Thanksgiving holiday for you?
Hill House remained in the
same family through several
generations. Around the turn
of the century, Ida Wood and
her husband George R. Hill,
who operated a large cracker
factory in Alexandria, lived
there. The last resident was
Melissa Lovejoy Hill, who
often wrote poetry about her
family’s home.
When a group of developers purchased the property in
the early 1970s, preservationists attempted to save Hill
House but were unsuccessful.
Some of the interior was salvaged, and in February 1974,
when this photograph was
taken, Hill House was demolished.
Thumbs UP to the longawaited opening
of Pork Barrel
BBQ in Del Ray.
Now locals can
enjoy the awardwinning barbeque sauce at the
latest new restaurant in town.
— Patrice Culligan
Thumbs UP to the successful Black Friday
shopping event
in Alexandria
held the day after
Thanksgiving.
Local stores are reporting
strong sales from the various promotions that included
early hours, discounted
merchandise and free parking. Congratulations to the
Boutique District, the City of
Alexandria, the Alexandria
Visitors and Convention Association and the Chamber
of Commerce for successfully
boosting local businesses.
— Denise Dunbar
Alan Baldwin
[email protected]
Pat Booth
Office/Classified Manager
[email protected]
Graphic Design
Cat VanVliet
Art Director
[email protected]
ALEXTIMES LLC
Denise Dunbar
Managing Partner
The Ariail family
William Dunbar
HOW TO REACH US
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703-739-0001 (main)
703-739-0120 (fax)
www.alextimes.com
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Send your comments to:
[email protected]
Letters must be signed by the
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phone for verification (not for
publication). Letters are subject to editing for clarity and
length. Personal attacks will
not be published.
28 | December 1, 2011
ALEXANDRIA TIMES
At Home
Celebrate the holidays
by candlelight
By Elaine Markoutsas
Rheostats have nothing on
candles. Dimming the lights
boosts the ambience when
you’re trying to dial down a
bright interior at night. But
candlelight interjects another
dimension.
It’s romantic. Dramatic.
Even magical. It lends a familiar, old-fashioned comfort to a
space. Candles evoke moods
from spiritual to sensual.
The glow of candlelight
adds warmth — most welcome
during the holiday season,
along with the scent of pumpkin pie or pine. Candles are integral to many Thanksgiving,
Hanukkah or Christmas tabletops.
In recent years, there’s
been a proliferation of candles
— tapers, pillars, votives and
sculpted wax, including pumpkins, snowmen, angels, Santas
and nutcrackers. They come
au naturel or colored, striped,
polka-dotted, sculpted or even
embellished with everything
from painted autumn leaves to
glitter to actual crystals. Appropriately, the selection of
candleholders has expanded to
reflect most every design style,
from ubersleek to over-the-top
baroque.
Over time, candleholders
have been crafted from metal,
glass or crystal, porcelain, ceramic, resin and wood, as well
as mixed media. From holders
to accommodate short votives
to tall tapers — some extend
up to nearly 4 feet — to can-
Photo/Pottery Barn
Create a new tradition with a sculptural menorah hand carved from a single piece of mango wood. The
piece has a light-stained finish that easily blends with many furniture styles.
delabra whose multiple “arms”
housing lights can be significantly wide. Price tags range
from less than $1 to nearly
$9,000 for a Baccarat crystal
candelabrum.
Shape is pushing the design
envelope. Three-dimensional
and figural pieces, such as
regally robed angels holding
candles, are popular at this
time of year, but among the
newest designs are engaging
sculptural looks that celebrate
form. A dragon shape interpreted in richly detailed nickel-coated brass was designed
by Josie Natori and is available
at Neiman Marcus.
An organic interpretation
of the traditional menorah is
handsomely hand carved out
of a single piece of mango
wood. The piece from Pot-
tery Barn commands attention with its sculptural leaves
and blooms, and its graduating
candles rising and falling from
10-and-a-half inches at center.
An almost cup-shaped iron
tree that stands 31 inches tall
is a dramatic centerpiece or
anchor for a sidebar. Votive
candles nestle in its black iron
SEE Candlelight | 29
HOME OF THE WEEK
Del Ray colonial features fabulous finish,
fantastic location
Live on one of the best streets in
Del Ray in this exquisite colonial — a
Crate and Barrel designer’s dream.
The home features a fabulous finish with an urban feel, including builtin bookcases, travertine hearth on
the gas fireplace, elfa closet system,
recessed lighting and beautiful hardwoods.
Enjoy dinner parties with the chef’s
kitchen, which includes stainless steel
appliances, 42-inch maple cabinets
and Silestone counters. From the dining room, step through French doors
and enjoy outdoor entertainment on a
custom deck and rear garden.
The lower-level recreation room
offers a quiet escape; it’s perfect as a
reading room with wood-burning fireplace and recessed lighting. The house is a walk away from the
Avenue and minutes to Old Town. It
also is an easy commute to D.C. or the
Pentagon.
courtesy photos
This cozy Del Ray home is just minutes from Old Town.
At a Glance:
Location: 2712 Sycamore St.
Price: $699,000
Stainless steel appliances and Silestone counters make
dinner parties in this chef’s kitchen a delight.
Contact: Elizabeth Lucchesi, McEnearney
Associates, Inc.703-868-5676 or
[email protected], www.LizLuke.com
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 1.5
Built: 1957
Style: Single Family
Parking: Driveway/1 spot
ADVERTORIAL
Candlelight
FROM | 28
branches, which maintain a visual lightness because you can
see into the “nest.”
There are plenty of unexpected shapes, even on a smaller scale. At CB2, for example,
some low-slung contemporary
candleholders are chunky and
faceted, with surprising dimension. The squatty 5.25-inchtall iron pieces, available in
white or chartreuse powdercoat, are called Pivot because
of the sharp turned angles of
their sides.
Cues from fashion are being expressed in novel ways.
The so-trendy animal patterns
that have been cropping up on
everything from sweaters and
shoes to fabrics and area rugs
have a spot-on interpretation
in gold-painted metal at Neiman Marcus. Simple rectangular lanterns are decorated with
cutout patterns suggesting the
coats of Serengeti animals, allowing light to dance through.
A similar effect is achieved
with piercing, like that of traditional tinwork. One particularly fetching design at Crate
and Barrel features a leaf pattern. Hundreds of pinholes
create the design, which looks
beaded as it stands out on the
face of a black iron hurricane,
which is gold plated inside,
glowing when the candle is lit.
Light play also is affected
by media such as glass, and
especially enhanced when
the glass is colored, frosted,
crackled or silvered. The antique silvery finish of mercury
glass is a popular fashion look
today. Replicated in hurricanes
or shapely candleholders and
available from retailers such
as Pottery Barn and Ballard
Designs, the low-luster pieces
shimmer in candlelight.
The scale of some candleholders has been beefed up in
recent years. Hurricane lamps,
for example, can be quite substantial in height and diameter to lend impressive visual
weight. Simple glass cylinders
or traditional hourglass shapes
have evolved to glass that’s
thicker, sometimes rustically mottled and/or banded in
metal. There may be decorative grillwork outside or inside, part of what cradles the
candle. Some hurricanes are
architectural in stature, such
as a 30-and-a-half-inch tall,
15-and-a-half-inch wide metal
bamboo model that resembles
a pagoda.
A handsome design from
Ralph Lauren Home, the almost 9-inch wide Nelson hurricane is wrapped in narrow
leather thongs, set in neat yet
irregular horizontal rows to
complement brass rims. The
larger version, at 17.75 inches
tall, sells for $995 at Neiman
Marcus.
Lantern-style candleholders, so popular for outdoors,
are finding their way onto indoor tabletops. On the Wisteria website, one metal tabletop
coach lantern sits on a fancy
scrolled base. Non-footed
styles are both casual and more
formal, depending on shapes
and materials.
Candlesticks have fattened
up and slimmed down, offering a wide variety for those
seeking this traditional format.
Column-like, turned, spindled,
fluted and stacked elements are
among the features that take on
very different looks in glass or
wood.
A “style your own” option
offers even more flexibility.
A very modern collection of
five skinny holders of different
heights, lined up side by side,
turns out to be mounted on a
base. The Ibis candleholder
from Crate and Barrel actually has movable parts; you
can switch up the order of the
sticks, varying the heights at
your whim.
Customizable, transformable design is the premise of
the website Module-R. Embracing a kind of Lego approach, the idea is to make the
pieces your own. A stacked
crystal candleholder, for example, is composed of multiple parts and shapes — with
color options in red, green,
black, orange and blue —
which you can rearrange to
your heart’s content. Another
candelabrum-style piece folds
in different configurations.
Holders for pillar candles
also have evolved into broader
cylinders and hybrids that seem
to be an extension of candelabra, such as a heavily scrolled
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black iron piece inspired by
Moroccan gateware and available from Pottery Barn.
Finally, votives and even
the smaller tea lights, which often are combined in multiples
with other candleholders ranging in scale, are sporting more
decorative housings. Fancy
filigree-like wires, sometimes
studded with jewels, create a
strong dynamic. An intriguing
horizontal arrangement is a
glass log-shaped piece crafted
from beaker glass. Available at
Crate and Barrel, it holds five
votives.
Although candleholders are
considered decorative accessories, they can make quite an
impact on decor.
More often, candlesticks
are used symmetrically in
pairs, especially on the table
or on a fireplace mantel. Votives are effective in odd numbers, multiples of three, five or
seven. Candleholders for tapers are smashing, ganged together, especially engaging in
the same medium — all glass
or metal in varying shapes and
styles.
Classic designs, of course,
are versatile. So candleholders
need not be static. Those that
grace the table for the holidays
can move to a sideboard, mantel or cocktail table throughout
the year.
With so many choices, you
are bound to find candleholders to suit your taste and budget. One thing about candlelight — it never will go out of
style.
30 | December 1, 2011
ALEXANDRIA TIMES
Classifieds
ATTN: What are YOU Going To Do About
YOUR Future? Check This Out!!
www.PlaceOfFreedom.com
Authentic Native American Indian
Crafts
American Indian Society
Annual Crafts Bazaar
Celebrate the Holiday and gift with Hand
made silver jewelry; watch bands earrings; beadwork; dream catchers; Pendleton blankets an pillows; AIS’ famous
Indian cookbook; crafts; t-shirts; Mary
Sunbeam’s storybooks. Indian soup and
sandwiches served. Dec. 10th, 10-6.
To post a
OPEN HOUSE
Old
Town
Alexandria
$569,900. Architect’s Penthouse. Soaring elegance,
light-filled, impeccable, walkable, 1478sf, 2br, 2.5ba, 2
car gar, 200sf bonus storage,
hw flrs, fplc, granite, Donald
Kaufman paint, balc, views,
Metro. See www.ForSaleByOwner.com ID 23173575.
OPEN HOUSE: Sun 3-6. 505
E Braddock Rd #803. Or call
703-548-0660.
Classified ad,
email
Pat Booth at:
[email protected]
Weekly Words
92 Whom a lawyer represents
94 There’s no truth to it
95 Arab chieftain (Var.)
96 What shad are prized for
97 This puzzle’s theme
98 Charges for services
99 Goes back over, as one’s
steps
101___-Cola
102 “For Official ___ Only”
104 Mangy mutt
105 Like a single tiny particle
111 “___ shalt not steal”
114 “Hammerin’ Hank” in
Cooperstown
117 Breast-beating vegetarian
118 Love to pieces
119 Striped buzzer
123 Many baseball card stats
125 Beautify with the beak
126 Greek goddess of wisdom
127 “Not to mention ...”
128 Irregular, as if gnawed on
129 Page turner
130 Thick piece of concrete
131 Styron’s “The Confessions
of ___ Turner”
DOWN
across
1
4
8
14
19
21
22
23
24
26
27
29
30
Evaded the seeker
Large sums, as of money
Colossus of ___
(one of the Seven Wonders)
Egged on
Like pencil but not pen
Potassium ___
(photography compound)
Type of race with a baton
More diluted
Alan Scott’s superhero alter
ego
How all men are created?
What tree rings indicate
Type of nurse or sergeant
“___ of Green Gables”
31 Moron’s trait
35Inquire
37 Deck’s high card
38 “___ the Explorer”
(kids’ show)
39 Hearing aid part
44 How some things are noted
47 Cincinnati campus
50 End of the Three
Musketeers’ motto
51 Off ___ (intermittently)
52 Anytown, ____ (generic place)
53 Cribs hold them
54 Navy squadron at air shows
56 Driver’s glare blocker
58 Having a worse prognosis
59 Maiden name lead-in
60 “___ Care of Business”
(1974 hit)
61 Kettle and Bell
63 “Without further ___ ...”
64 Aid for the lost
67 Street lingo
68 Portman-Kunis film
72 Prescription amounts
76 “Nope” opposite
78 Victoria’s Secret item
79 Ambulance chaser’s advice
80 The U of UV
81 Letters on an ambulance
84 Skylit lobbies
87Residence
89 With 97-Across, great way to
solve this puzzle
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
20
25
28
32
33
34
Chopped with an ax
Baghdad native
Fact or factoid
Protection against Dracula
___-Wan Kenobi of
“Star Wars”
Sheepish sound
Worsted suit fabric
Offshore structure
Vert.’s opposite
Black Sea port
Atkins and South Beach
Made-up Dame
“... to thine own ___ be true”
Large coffee server
Capturing again
Country crooner Campbell
Make, as an income
A unit of force
Lane in the ocean
Where some worship from
A Van Halen
The Lone Star State
Ayes’ opposites
“To ___ is human”
36 Bridge distance
39 Av follower on the Hebrew
calendar
40 Away from the wind, on a ship
41 Garden with a snake
42 Nat King or Old King
43 First word of Massachusetts’
motto
44 Does a little housekeeping
45 Order from a regular
46 Sri ___
48 Weapon of mass destruction
49 Type of pneumonia
50Permits
53 Overdo food or drink
54 Actions on the auction floor
55 Pitcher’s pride
57 Abounding in climbing plants
62 Texas-Louisiana border river
63 Letters between a name and
a nickname
65 Ticket-price category
66Survey
69 Rugged rock
70 Video’s counterpart
71 More current
73 Turner in a subway
74 Kovacs of early TV
75 Men of learning
77Chum
81 Still-life pitcher
82 Wordless entertainer
83 Editor’s “leave it in”
85 Ancient seaport of Phoenicia
86 Rivers in Mexico
88Follow
90 Mythical strongman
91 Wife of 112-Down
92 Nickname for Conan O’Brien
93 Andes pack animal
97Scam
98 Of lieges and lords
100 Avian gullet
101 Bopped on the bean
103 Beetle-shaped amulet
105 Coffee variety
106 Gemstones for some Libras
107 Flat, as a surface
108 Connect to the Internet
109 Concert venue
110 Bowler’s button
111 Write with a keyboard
112 Frankfurt mister
113 Butter look-alike
115 Close to closed
116 Insurance quote
120 Five percent of a score
121 67.5 degrees on a compass,
briefly
122 Paving stuff
124 Posting at O’Hare, briefly
Last Week’s Solution:
Obituaries
HAROLD R. BEASLEY, of
Alexandria, November 23, 2011
JOHN J. KENNAHAN, of
LORA N. BROWN, of
Alexandria Board of
Architectural Review
Parker-Gray District
LEGAL NOTICE
OF A PUBLIC HEARING
FELIX E. KURDYS, of
ROSEANN C. DOYLE, of
DORIS M. LAATSCH (88), of
DOROTHY P. DUNN, of
ALLAN M. LABOWITZ, of
A public hearing will be held by the
Alexandria Board of Architectural
Review on WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER
14, 2011 beginning at 7:30 PM in
Council Chambers, second floor of
City Hall, 301 King Street, Alexandria,
Virginia on the following applications:
MARY ANN FORBES, of
CASE BAR2011-0333
Request for window replacement at
401 N Fayette, zoned RB Residential.
APPLICANT: Lori Hall
CASE BAR2011-0334
Request for alterations at 316 ½ N
Payne St, zoned RB Residential.
APPLICANT: Jason Leaf
Information about the above item(s) may
be obtained from the Department of
Planning and Zoning, City Hall, 301 King
Street, Room 2100, Alexandria, Virginia
22314, telephone: (703) 746-4666
Local Pros
Directory
Introduce your team
of professionals
to your Alexandria
neighbors in the
Local Pros Directory
published by the
Alexandria Times. The
Local Pros Directory
is a categorical listing
designed to provide
our readers with an
easy-to-use guide of
service professionals
and organizations in
and around Alexandria.
The Local Pros
Directory provides
your company
with an effective
communication tool
delivered monthly
in a quality editorial
environment to
Alexandria’s highestincome residents for
less than 2 cents per
copy.
MARY C. FRANCIS, of
CASSIE C. HAGSTROM, of
PATRICIA R. HUNT (71), of
CHARLOTTE A. JONES,
formerly of Alexandria,
November 14, 2011
LOANA F. KANE, of
Jogger
FROM | 5
They turned to residents for
help after other leads dried
up, Deputy Chief Cleveland
Spruill said at the time.
Because little is known
about the suspect wanted in
connection with the assaulted jogger, authorities want
residents to stay alert when
exercising in public areas,
Donaldson said. The suspect
remains at large.
DAVID W. PHILLIPS, of
SARA A. PINKNEY (71), of
MICHAEL A. RUCKMAN, of
BETTIE A. SANDERSON (74),
of Alexandria, November 2,
2011
ELIZABETH A. WHITE, of
Officials urge joggers to
avoid running with headphones and in dimly lit or
dark areas. Running with a
partner is recommended as
is leaving the proposed route
with friends or family.
Authorities ask anyone
with information about the
attack to contact Detective
Kevin Thomas at 703-7466273 or the department’s
criminal investigations section at 703-746-6711. Witnesses can remain anonymous, police said.
32 | December 1, 2011
ALEXANDRIA TIMES

Senior city official stole $30000 before hired

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