Attention Postmaster: Time-sensitive material. Requested in home 6/29/18 PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Alexandria, VA Permit #482 June 28, 2018 Mount Vernon’s Hometown Newspaper • A Connection Newspaper See Recalling, Page 12 See In-Custody, Page 12 New Chamber Members The Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce welcomed new members at its break- fast meeting recently. From left are Sonja Caison, Chamber President; Dawn Falade, Fairfield Inn & Suites; Joel Bernstein, Chamber Membership Committee; Daleanice Barkins, Paychex; Nelson Rodriguez, Quality Services LLC; Wayne Dolese, ScreenThem Background Investigations; Steve Greiner, Links to Freedom; Jenny Arias, Quality Services LLC; and A.J. Montalvo, Budget Blinds. Photo Contributed F airfax County Police are in- vestigating an in-custody death in the 4300 block of Mission Court, Alexandria. Patrol officers from Franconia and Mount Vernon district stations responded to an overdose call for service at 4:32 p.m. Tuesday, June 26, in- volving 31-year-old Christopher Paul who was experiencing either a mental or medical health epi- sode. According to police, a fam- ily member was struck in the head. When officers arrived on scene, they found the family member outside the house. Paul was inside the house. Crisis intervention trained officers entered the home, and tried to de-escalate the situa- tion by speaking with him. He was trying to harm himself and fell on the floor. Immediately after Paul fell, of- ficers placed him in handcuffs to prevent further harm to himself or others, according to police. After officers handcuffed him, Paul con- tinued to flail and a supplemental nylon restraining device was used Man Dies in Police Custody By Gale Curcio The Gazette M ichael K. “Mike” Bohn knew how to do just about everything. And according to one testimony after another at his memorial service last week, what he didn’t know, he figured out. Carter Bohn, Mike’s oldest son, said, “What a remarkable person he was. He just knew how to do everything — and if he didn’t, he figured it out. There is no end to the ways his background would manifest itself.” Bohn was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in late Feb- ruary and died on June 1. The ser- vice, which was held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, was packed with friends and relatives. Bohn graduated from Texas Tech in 1965 and served in the U.S. Navy as an intelligence officer for more than 20 years. He served in the White House as a White House social aide in the Nixon Administration and director of the White House Situa- tion Room during the Reagan Ad- ministration. Stephen Pickard, fellow golfer and friend, spoke at the memorial service and said, “Mike was proud of his service. Mike’s sense of honor and dignity went perfectly with the Navy. I can’t tell you how deeply patriotic he was. He was a young man working in the situation room. He was chosen to be in a place at a very important time and able to serve them in very capable way.” Pickard said that because Bohn reached his pinnacle early in his life that he was always trying to duplicate this. Although he worked as a de- fense contractor and ran a success- ful residential construction busi- ness after leaving the Navy, it was writing about his experience in his first book, “Nerve Center-Inside the White House Situation Room,” that brought his early experiences full circle. He went on to write other his- torical books — “Presidents in Cri- ses” and “The Achilles Lauro Hi- jacking.” Harry Carey, long-time friend, said, “Mike was a historian — he talked about presidents and wrote about the situation room. How wonderful his writing was. He had a curiosity to recount places and people.” Bohn also wrote several articles for the Mount Vernon Gazette. While many of the articles were about the history of local places, his interests were varied and one of the last articles he wrote was about the Little Free Libraries that have been popping up around Mount Vernon. Bohn also wrote about another of his passions — playing golf. Ron Milner said, “Mike used to talk about the history of golf. He loved to research new topics. I met him the first year I was here. He played a lot. He was a wonderful man, smart and always interest- ing.” The Rev. Tuck Bowerfind, who officiated at the memorial service, gave Bohn a pass about not going to church. “Mike wasn’t a church-goer,” said Bowerfind. “But it was not a measure of the person or his rela- tionship to God. He didn’t attend church but laid down his life for others. He had a concern that we should love one another and cared for people.” Erik Bohn, Bohn’s youngest son, said, “Dad meant a lot to a lot of people. What a wonderful up- bringing Carter and I had. There is probably not a more accom- plished person that I’ve known.” Erik Bohn also said that his fa- Recalling a Life of ‘Honor and Dignity’ Family, friends remember Michael Bohn. The Bohn family with President Ronald Reagan. Michael Bohn
Transcript
Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ June 28 - July 4, 2018 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Attention
Postmaster:
Time-sensitive
material.
Requested in home
6/29/18
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Alexandria, VA
Permit #482
June 28, 2018Mount Vernon’s Hometown Newspaper • A Connection Newspaper
See Recalling, Page 12
See In-Custody, Page 12
New Chamber MembersThe Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce welcomed new members at its break-fast meeting recently. From left are Sonja Caison, Chamber President; Dawn Falade,Fairfield Inn & Suites; Joel Bernstein, Chamber Membership Committee; DaleaniceBarkins, Paychex; Nelson Rodriguez, Quality Services LLC; Wayne Dolese,ScreenThem Background Investigations; Steve Greiner, Links to Freedom; JennyArias, Quality Services LLC; and A.J. Montalvo, Budget Blinds.
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Fairfax County Police are in-vestigating an in-custodydeath in the 4300 block of
Mission Court, Alexandria. Patrolofficers from Franconia and MountVernon district stations respondedto an overdose call for service at4:32 p.m. Tuesday, June 26, in-volving 31-year-old ChristopherPaul who was experiencing eithera mental or medical health epi-sode. According to police, a fam-ily member was struck in the head.When officers arrived on scene,they found the family member
outside the house. Paul was insidethe house. Crisis interventiontrained officers entered the home,and tried to de-escalate the situa-tion by speaking with him. He wastrying to harm himself and fell onthe floor.
Immediately after Paul fell, of-ficers placed him in handcuffs toprevent further harm to himself orothers, according to police. Afterofficers handcuffed him, Paul con-tinued to flail and a supplementalnylon restraining device was used
Man Dies in Police Custody
By Gale Curcio
The Gazette
Michael K. “Mike”Bohn knew howto do just abouteverything. And
according to one testimony afteranother at his memorial servicelast week, what he didn’t know, hefigured out.
Carter Bohn, Mike’s oldest son,said, “What a remarkable personhe was. He just knew how to doeverything — and if he didn’t, hefigured it out. There is no end tothe ways his background wouldmanifest itself.”
Bohn was diagnosed with aninoperable brain tumor in late Feb-ruary and died on June 1. The ser-vice, which was held at St. Luke’sEpiscopal Church, was packedwith friends and relatives.
Bohn graduated from Texas Techin 1965 and served in the U.S.Navy as an intelligence officer formore than 20 years.
He served in the White Houseas a White House social aide in theNixon Administration and director
of the WhiteHouse Situa-tion Roomduring theReagan Ad-ministration.
S t e p h e nPickard, fellowgolfer andfriend, spoke
at the memorial service and said,“Mike was proud of his service.Mike’s sense of honor and dignitywent perfectly with the Navy. Ican’t tell you how deeply patriotiche was. He was a young manworking in the situation room. Hewas chosen to be in a place at avery important time and able toserve them in very capable way.”
Pickard said that because Bohnreached his pinnacle early in hislife that he was always trying toduplicate this.
Although he worked as a de-fense contractor and ran a success-ful residential construction busi-ness after leaving the Navy, it waswriting about his experience in hisfirst book, “Nerve Center-Insidethe White House Situation Room,”
that brought his early experiencesfull circle.
He went on to write other his-torical books — “Presidents in Cri-ses” and “The Achilles Lauro Hi-jacking.”
Harry Carey, long-time friend,said, “Mike was a historian — hetalked about presidents and wroteabout the situation room. Howwonderful his writing was. He hada curiosity to recount places andpeople.”
Bohn also wrote several articlesfor the Mount Vernon Gazette.While many of the articles wereabout the history of local places,his interests were varied and oneof the last articles he wrote wasabout the Little Free Libraries thathave been popping up aroundMount Vernon.
Bohn also wrote about anotherof his passions — playing golf.
Ron Milner said, “Mike used totalk about the history of golf. Heloved to research new topics. I methim the first year I was here. Heplayed a lot. He was a wonderfulman, smart and always interest-ing.”
The Rev. Tuck Bowerfind, whoofficiated at the memorial service,gave Bohn a pass about not goingto church.
“Mike wasn’t a church-goer,”said Bowerfind. “But it was not ameasure of the person or his rela-tionship to God. He didn’t attendchurch but laid down his life forothers. He had a concern that we
should love one another and caredfor people.”
Erik Bohn, Bohn’s youngest son,said, “Dad meant a lot to a lot ofpeople. What a wonderful up-bringing Carter and I had. Thereis probably not a more accom-plished person that I’ve known.”
Erik Bohn also said that his fa-
Recalling a Life of ‘Honor and Dignity’ Family, friendsremember Michael Bohn.
The Bohn family with President Ronald Reagan.
Michael Bohn
2 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ June 28 - July 4, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ June 28 - July 4, 2018 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
General, U.S. Army(Ret.) died on Friday,June 15, 2018 at the ageof 86 from complica-tions from a rare au-toimmune diseaseknown as Churg Strauss or EGPA.
Noah served 35 years in the United StatesArmy retiring as the Comptroller of theArmy. He commanded at many levels in-cluding Commander of the United StatesArmy Engineer School at Fort Belvoir,Huntsville Division Commander building inIsrael on two critical airfields that played apart in the peace negotiations by PresidentCarter, Commander, Saint Paul District forthe Corps of Engineers, Commander, 2ndEngineer Group in the Republic of Korea,and Commander, 307th Engineer Battalionof the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg.Noah graduated in 1953 from the United
States Military Academy at West Point. Hewas a veteran of Vietnam and Korea.
His military awards and decorations in-clude two Distinguished Service Medals,two Legion of Merits, a Bronze Star, a Meri-torious Service Medal and the Senior Para-chutist Badge. Post retirement, Noah’s ef-forts and leadership continued to be recog-nized serving as honorary Colonel of the307th Engineer Regiment, receipt of theGold Deflurry from the Army Engineer As-sociation, and the Distinguished Alumnifrom Georgia Military College (GMC). Maxwas particularly proud of his appointmentas a Distinguished Graduate of the UnitedStates Military Academy in 2015.
Noah grew up in Milledgeville, Ga. theson of Dr. Max and Dorothy Noah. He gradu-ated from GMC and began his engineeringeducation at Georgia Tech before receivingan offer of admission to the US MilitaryAcademy as an honor graduate of GMC.Max received his Master’s in Electrical En-gineering from Purdue University. His mili-
tary schooling included the US Army WarCollege and the Defense System AnalystCourse.
He enjoyed the family farm in Maine andreturned to his love of the water swimming20 laps a day at the Mount Vernon Recre-ation Center. He is survived by his wife,Priscilla Loyal Treat VanSickler Noah whomhe married Sept. 22, 1956, daughter KimbelBurt and her husband LTC (USA-Ret)Michael of New Orleans, La.; son Van Noahand wife Meena, of Chapel Hill, N.C.;daughter Dabney Moulton and husbandJames, of Longmont, Colo.; and six grand-children, Tori Burt Paddock (Craig), MarilynMoulton Hammond (Eric), Max Oh Noah,CPT Daniel Moulton (Meg), Michael N Burt,Jeffrey Moulton; and three great grandsons,Theodore and Otto Hammond, and JamesAllen Moulton. He is also survived by hissister Joy Noah McMillan and husbandMichael McMillan with their extended fam-ily.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m.
Friday, June 29 at Woodlawn Chapel onnorth post, 6050 Gorgas Road, Fort Belvoir,followed by a reception and celebration ofhis life at the Fort Belvoir Officers Club onsouth post in the Castle room. His intern-ment will take place at a later date at theUnited States Military Academy, West PointCemetery with military honors.
Donations in memory of LTG Noah maybe made to the National Museum of theUnited States Army through the US ArmyHistorical Society (armyhistory.org). Noahalso requested that his experience as a raremedical case and his remains be used tobetter understand Churg Strauss Syndrome(CSS) so that it can be more readily diag-nosed and treated to improve the lives andsurvival of those who face it now or in thefuture. Online condolences and fond memo-ries of Max W Noah may be offered to thefamily at: www.moneyandking.com andw w w . w e s t p o i n t a o g . o r g /memorialswww.westpointaog.org/memori-als.
Obituary
Max Wilbur Noah
Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber Awards ScholarshipsE
ight scholarships wereawarded to local highschool students byMount Vernon-Lee
Chamber of Commerce at a recep-tion June 5, hosted by The FairfaxRetirement Community.
The 2018 scholarship recipientsare Alyssa Thomas, West PotomacHigh School; Danielle Thomas,West Potomac High School;Michael Krause, Thomas JeffersonHigh School; Christopher Truong,Robert E. Lee High School; EmilyRiffer, Robert E. Lee High School;Ian Peverall, Mount Vernon HighSchool; and Alexander Morin,South County High School.
Emily Boehm, Mount VernonHigh School, is the OurismanScholar for 2018. This continuesthe chamber’s annual tradition ofgiving scholarship to studentsplanning to study business. Thechamber has awarded scholarship
for 20 years and these scholarshipstotaling $16,000 brings thechamber’s cumulative scholarshipgiving to more than $200,000.
“In 20 years this organizationhas invested $200,000 in our com-munity.
We believe that these scholar-ships are an investment in thesestudents but also, an investmentin the future of our community,”said Scott Stroh III, chamber chair-man.
“We are building future businessand community leaders.”
“The commitment the chambermakes to ensure scholarships eachyear is extraordinary,” said HollyDougherty, executive director,Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber ofCommerce.
“Our youth are the future, andthese scholarships are an invest-ment in the future of our commu-nity.”
Scholarship recipients are congratulated by chamber leadership. From left: MichaelKrause, Thomas Jefferson High School; Sonja Caison, Chamber President; DanielleThomas, West Potomac High School; Scott Stroh III, Chamber Chairman; AlyssaThomas, West Potomac High School; Emily Boehm, Mount Vernon High School;Michael Bennett, Ourisman; Emily Riffer, Lee High School; Alex Morin, South CountyHigh School; Christopher Truong, Lee High School; Ian Peverell, Mount Vernon HighSchool; and state Del. Kathy Tran.
Michael Bennett, Ourisman Automotive Group, presents ascholarship to Emily Boehm, Mount Vernon High School. Family and friends photograph the presentation of scholarships.
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See Crime, Page 14
The following incidents were reportedby the Mount Vernon District Police Sta-tion.
COMMERCIAL BURGLARY: 7600Block Richmond Hwy, June 23, 02:19a.m. An alarm company notified us thata man was inside a store stealing ciga-rettes. Officers arrived on scene andlocated a person matching the descrip-tion given by the alarm company. A44-year-old man of no fixed address wasarrested for burglary.
ROBBERY: 5500 Mt. Vernon Hwy,June 22, 4:56 p.m. The victim was walk-ing along Mt. Vernon Highway when hewas approached by two men. The mensurrounded the victim and took out afirearm while demanding the victim’swallet. The suspects took the wallet andgot in a vehicle before driving off to-wards Richmond Hwy.
UNLAWFUL ENTRY: 14600 blockof Woodspring Ct, June 21, 7:10 pm.The victim arrived at his vacant rentalproperty to clean. He found someone tobe sleeping in the property and imme-diately exited to call Police. Our officerssearched the home and found 26-year-old Shaun Gambrell of Richmond. Theman was arrested and charged withunlawfully entering the property of an-other.
ROBBERY: 3400 block of Van DykeSt, June 14, 2 pm. A woman was walk-ing home with her two children whenshe was approached by a man who re-quested bus fare. After telling thesuspect she did not have money, theman grabbed the woman’s purse andpulled it off her shoulder causing her tofall. The woman fell into her stroller andknocked it over, injuring one of her chil-dren. The suspect ran away with thepurse. The man is described as white, inhis 30’s-40’s, average build, approxi-mately 6’ tall. None of the victimsneeded medical assistance.
ROBBERY: 6000 Block of RichmondHighway, June 8, 8:47 a.m. The victimwas staying at the Virginia Lodge whena woman knocked on the hotel door andrequested change for a $10 bill. Afterbeing denied change, the woman left.Roughly 10 minutes later, the womanreturned with a stun gun and a manwho had a BB gun. The two demandedmoney from the victim as the womandischarged the stun gun. The two tookthe victim’s money and cell phones. Of-ficers responding to the area were ableto identify the man and woman involvedas a 23-year-old man from Falls Church,and a 19-year-old woman fromManassas. They were charged with rob-bery.
ROBBERY: 8400 Block of RichmondHighway, June 10, 1 a.m. The victimwas walking home from a restaurantwhen he was approached by four His-panic men who assaulted him and tookhis phone and wallet. The victim wastransported to Mt Vernon Hospital. Theonly information the victim could pro-vide to officers was that the suspectsspoke Spanish.
RECKLESS DRIVING/VEHICLEPURSUIT: Hayfield Road and SpringFaire Court, June 5, 9:30 p.m. Officersobserved a motorcycle driving withoutlicense plates and in a reckless manner;speeding, and driving between traffic onthe dotted white line dividing lanes.Officers tried to pull the motorcycle overbut the driver sped off. The officers pur-sued the motorcycle until he lostcontrol, at which point he ran away.Officers caught the driver a short timelater. A 23-year-old man from Henrico,Va. was charged with speed to elude lawenforcement, reckless driving, no mo-torcycle license, no license platesdisplayed and no registration. He is be-ing held on $5000 bond.
ATTEMPTED ROBBERY: 3400block of Great Lakes Street, June 7, 9:44p.m. The victim was walking home
Crime
Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ June 28 - July 4, 2018 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Alex/Stratford Landing $564,9002620 Culpeper Road
Lovely 4BR, 3.5BA home in Stratford Landing. 2 master suites (w/their own baths) – one up, one down. Beautiful 1/3 acre lot: fenced backyard. Deck off of the kitchen. Cathedral ceiling in Living room & Dining rm. New carpeting in lower level. Wood shingle exterior w/front columns. Family rm w/FPL.
Alex/Wessynton $644,9003301 Wessynton Way
Beautiful home in Wessynton. Mt. Vernon’s sought after contemporary community, just a stone’s throw to Mt. Vernon Estate & George Washington Pkwy, & is adjacent to Little Hunting Creek. Large kitchen w/ breakfast area, & a separate Dining Rm. Beautiful hdwd floors. FPL’s in the
lovely Living Rm & Family Rm. Situated in a natural, wooded setting the home’s bountiful windows bring outdoors inside. Enjoy the natural landscaping on your deck. 1 car garage. Community amenities include boat ramp, swimming pool, tennis courts.
Lovely Mt. Vernon home w/attractive floorplan – 5BRs, 3BAs & a 2 car garage. Great curb appeal. Newer roof & windows. Beautiful kitchen w/corian counters, SS appliances, lovely cabinetry & island bar. French doors off kitchen open to deck. Spacious Family rm w/raised hearth fireplace.
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Alex/Riverside Estates $594,9008341 Orange Court
Stunning & updated 5BR, 3BA Split w/2 car garage on a beautifully landscaped lot looking across to woodlands & winter water views of Little Hunting Creek. Kitchen gutted in 2011 w/porcelain, quartz & SS. Other updates include:
painting, floors, baths, roof & AC. Front windows replaced w/thermal DBL pane. Beautifully updated & meticulously maintained. 5 mins to Ft. Belvoir, 15 mins to Old Town, 25 mins to NTL Airport & 30 mins to the Pentagon.
Alex/Mt. Vernon Grove $679,9009343 Boothe Street
Check out this large, beautiful updated Colonial on a stunning lot, a short walk from the Potomac River. Updated Kitchen & Baths w/DBL pane windows. 5BRs, all on the upper level--beautiful hardwood floors on main & upper levels. Large
partially finished basement & 2 car garage w/side entry plus circular driveway. 5 minute drive to Ft. Belvoir, 20 mins to South Alexandria. Spectacular home, lot & location at a very reasonable price. Give Rex a call.
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Alex/Potomac Valley $529,9008807 Vernon View Drive
Lovely, 4BR, 2BA, 4 lvl Split on a lg, beautiful .3 acre lot w/a fenced bkyd. Freshly painted interior and beautiful refinished hdwds. Main lvl has a spa-cious & cozy Family rm w/gas FPL, 4th BR, & 2nd full bath. Upper level #1 offers an open kitchen plus Living & Dining Rm. Upper level #2 has full
bath & 3BRs. The lower level has a lg partially finished Rec rm. Good price on a super lot.
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Alex/Sulgrave Manor $560,1504000 Renault Place
Beautiful 4BR, 3BA garage home with stunning renovations on landscaped .69 acre lot <1mile to Ft. Belvoir, Walker Gate. Gorgeous new custom kitchen & lovely remodeled baths. Open floor plan, refinished hdwd floors, 50 yr. roof & skylights (2016), windows (2015). SGD off Master BR to deck. Family rm
fireplace with high-end wood stove insert. Fenced play area.
SOLD
See Bulletin, Page 13
At ShowcaseRon Fitzsimmons, executive director of Alice’s Kids,with Holly Dougherty, executive director of the MountVernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce at the chamber’sNon-Profit Showcase on June 14.See www.aliceskids.org.
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Submit civic/community announce-ments at ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos and artwork welcome.Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least twoweeks before event.
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICESThe Fairfax-Falls Church
Community Services Board’sMerrifield Center offers a newstand-up information kiosk. Part of apilot project, the new feature aims toimprove the customer serviceexperience and decrease wait timesfor individuals who are seekingmental (behavioral) health services.To check in, individuals respond tofive simple questions, then the CSB’sPatient Track software alerts staff.Based on clinicians’ schedules andavailability, as well as the needs ofthe client, individuals are triaged andseen by the next available staffmember. For more information onavailable services, call the CSB at703-383-8500 (Monday-Friday, 9a.m.-5 p.m.). In an emergency 24/7,call CSB Emergency Services at 703-573-5679 or the Fairfax Detox Centerat 703-502-7000 (TTY 703-322-9080).
DONATIONS NEEDEDUCM Needs Help. United Community
Ministries (UCM), 7511 FordsonRoad, Alexandria. Inventory is low ondisposable diapers especially sizes 4,5, 6; canned tuna and other cannedmeats like chicken; and low-sugarbreakfast cereals. Shop and donatewith their Amazon Wish List at:bit.ly/UCM_FoodPantry_AmazonWishList.Email Assistant Food Pantry ManagerVon [email protected] or
visit at www.ucmagency.org.
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATIONChild turning 5 years old by Sept.
30? If so, contact your child’s schoolto make arrangements forkindergarten enrollment. Mostschools begin getting informationtogether now for parents of incomingkindergartners, and many host anorientation or open house. Allkindergarten programs are full-dayand located in FCPS elementaryschools. Check your school’s webpage
or contact the school directly forspecific enrollment information anddates of orientationor visitwww.fcps.edu/registration/kindergarten-registration.
WEDNESDAY/JULY 4Free Sober Rides. Wednesday, July 4,
7 p.m. through Thursday, July 5, 4a.m. Area residents, 21 and older,may download Lyft to their phones,then enter a code in the app’s“Promo” section to receive a no cost(up to $15) safe ride home. WRAP’s
Bulletin Board
6 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ June 28 - July 4, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
www.MountVernonGazette.com
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I know many of youwho live, work and/or play in northernMount Vernon were
very frustrated by theWoodrow Wilson Bridgeclosure last week. I, myself,spent more than threehours getting home as aresult of all the roadway issues. Many whoexperienced the delays commented that it was
the worst traffic they haveever seen in the area.
First, thank you to all ourfirst responders, who not
only responded to a fatal vehicular accident, afire, and a hazmat incident, but also a bridgemaintenance crew suspended from the bridgerequiring a water rescue. The complexity of
this incident that involved four jurisdictions(Fairfax, Alexandria, Prince Georges and theDistrict of Columbia), state police, multipledepartments of transportation and almost 100personnel, combined with the need to ensurethe safety of all involved, as well as the needto inspect and ensure the bridge’s structuralintegrity prior to reopening the roadway, allplayed a role in the 12-hour closure.
With such a massive closure of a major thor-oughfare, area streets were severely impactedduring this time.
Thank you to everyone who has contactedour office to inquire as to how this situationcould be handled differently in the future. For-tunately, these massive incidents occur veryinfrequently in our area, but they do occurevery few years. However, many experiencetraffic frustrations and back-ups on a regularbasis.
I believe we need to do more to alleviatetransportation challenges in Northern Virginia,
even in the instance of unforeseen situations.I have reached out to our state elected offi-cials, county and state transportation agenciesand public safety officials to examine and de-termine ways to manage these situations toavoid the level of gridlock we experienced lastweek. I look forward to updating the commu-nity as these questions are answered and im-provements identified.
We are grateful this situation was not worseand that eventually, all but one made it homesafely. This is another reminder that transitoptions and flexibility are critically importantto our transportation infrastructure, and there-fore the quality of life in our region.
As with all emergency preparedness, it isgood to have planned alternative travel optionsin the event of future incidents and emergencyevacuations.
Please continue to engage with our office,as we continue our efforts to improve road-way and transit in the Mount Vernon District.
What To Do Next Time?Woodrow Wilson Bridge closing brings hours of gridlock.
Commentary
For months, members of the Fairfax Fraternal Orderof Police Executive Board have attended meetings withthe Fairfax County Personnel Committee, researchingand negotiating proposed changes to the retirement sys-tems, to which the following letter was recently sent tothe Supervisor Pat Herrity. This letter does not reflect justone agency, retirement changes are being discussed forall Fairfax County departments and employees.
Dear Supervisor Herrity, The FairfaxFraternal Order of Police, Lodge 77,represents Police Officers and Deputy
Sheriffs in Fairfax County. Our membershiptakes great exception with your misguided ini-tiative to reform the Fairfax County Police Of-ficers Retirement System (PORS) and the Uni-form Retirement System (URS). The topic ofpension reform comes up every few years andeach time, the Retirement Agency and County
staff report that our sys-tems are healthy, growingand sustainable. This wasreinforced by the 2012
study by an outside consultant and recent com-ments by the Retirement Agency and CountyCFO.
You have stated several times that you be-lieve that new employees want more pay nowand less pension later. This would create twoclasses of employees, it will be detrimental tomorale, and it will hurt our recruiting efforts.Paying new officers a higher salary than cur-rent employees who have had their pay frozenfor many years will kill morale. At the sametime, those new officers’ higher pay will beabsorbed by the increased contribution ratethat they will have to pay. At the end of theircareers, after paying more, they will be receiv-ing significantly less.
In your newsletters, you have used broadstrokes to paint the employee pension systemsby misstating several facts and failing to ac-knowledge that the cost savings for your pro-posals are negligible while the potential costsare extremely high. Recruiting a diverseworkforce of police officers and deputy sher-
iffs has become extremely challenging over thelast few years, especially with the negative sen-timents towards law enforcement pushed bythe media. Additionally, all law enforcementagencies are aggressively recruiting for diver-sity and our pension system is one of the fewbenefits that make Fairfax County stand out.Taking away retirement benefits for new em-ployees will hurt our ability to recruit minori-ties.
The current pay philosophy that the Boardof Supervisors has in place calls for our sala-ries to be within 5 percent of the market aver-age. As you know, the pay for our police of-ficer ranks are only average for the region atmidpoint and at top pay, they drop well belowaverage. Our first line supervisors are not only8-12 percent below average at mid-point, butit only gets worse when they reach the top ofthe pay scale. It is the final pay when the em-ployee is at the top of the pay scale that getsfactored in to their retirement. Not only is theirpay the lowest in the region after dedicating20-30 years of service to Fairfax County, buttheir pensions end up being lower because ofit. Additionally, the rising cost of healthcarealready diminishes current retiree income byas much as 40 percent.
Working in public safety in general and lawenforcement in particular, the job takes a tollon the health of the employee’s body. PoliceOfficers are continually exposed to the portionof the population which, because of theirlifestyle choices and/or circumstances, are of-ten carrying infectious diseases and choose toassault officers. The constant exposure to thisenvironment is compounded by the equipmentthat every police officer has to wear on theirbody to include a ballistic weight bearing vest,duty belt and an assortment of equipment.Scientific studies show that law enforcementofficers have a significantly higher rate of sui-cide, divorce, health and mental health prob-lems as well as an increased risk of some can-cers. It is insulting to change our pension for
new employees who will ultimately have to paymore and receive less.
The cost savings from the proposed changesto all of the retirement systems is minimal andit won’t even cover the cost of the high costbody worn cameras that are being forced ontothe police department. Do we really need todrastically change the retirement benefit to payfor body worn cameras that are not needed asan additional layer of oversight?
The Police Department pension is strong andstable. We implore you and the board to makeno changes to our system. Recruiting and re-taining new officers is already difficult giventhe lack of competitive pay, increasing and re-dundant oversight as well as a challengingpolitical environment. The Fairfax FOP Lodge77 cares about recruiting and retaining the besttalent to help keep Fairfax County a safe com-munity. We know that you care about keepingFairfax County safe from crime, we ask thatyou consider the impact his initiative will haveon future Fairfax County Police Officers.
We thank you for your continued support ofthe men and women of the Fairfax County Po-lice Department.
Fairfax Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 77Executive Board and Members
Police: Don’t Change Retirement
Commentary
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Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ June 28 - July 4, 2018 ❖ 7www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
8 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ June 28 - July 4, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Entertainment
Submit entertainment announcementsat www.connectionnewspapers.com/Cal-endar/. The deadline is noon on Friday.Photos/artwork encouraged.
ONGOINGBethesda Painting Award
Finalists. Through June 30, galleryhours at Gallery B, 7700 WisconsinAve., Suite E, Bethesda. Eightpainters, including Kim Abraham ofAlexandria, have been selected asfinalists for the Bethesda PaintingAwards, a juried competition andexhibition produced by the BethesdaArts & Entertainment District. Nearly300 artists from Maryland, Virginiaand Washington, D.C. submittedwork to the 14th annual competitioncreated to honor regional painters.Visit www.bethesda.org.
Duende District Bookstore. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays andSundays through June 30 at TorpedoFactory Art Center’s New ProjectStudio, 105 N. Union St. DuendeDistrict Bookstore is a collaborativepop-up bookstore by and for peopleof color where all are welcome. OnSaturday, June 30, 3-4 p.m., DuendeDistrict will welcome Cinelle Barnes,author of “Monsoon Mansion,” amemoir about her rags-to-richeschildhood in the Philippines. Visitwww.duendedistrict.com.
Art Exhibit: “Selfie: Not forSharing.” Through July 1, daily, 10a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.at Scope Gallery, ground floor Studio19 of the Torpedo Factory Art Center,105 North Union St. In a celebrationof a satisfying selfie, ceramics go self-centered and self-involved, placingindividualism at the forefront, withthe priority of plates for eachpersonage, mugs for mavericks andclay for every character. Call 703-548-6288 or visitwww.scopegallery.org.
Art Exhibit: Graffiti. Through July29, gallery hours at Potomac FiberArts Gallery, Torpedo Factory ArtCenter, Studio 29, 105 North UnionSt., Alexandria. Potomac Fiber ArtsGallery announces the opening of itsjuried show, Graffiti. Graffiti’s uniqueform of artistic expression inspiresthis show’s theme: big and boldgraphics, hip hop culture, and socialcommentary. Themed work will beeligible for recognition by the jurors.Non-themed work may also beexhibited. Visitwww.Potomacfiberartsgallery.com.
New Works by Ken Strong. ThroughAug. 9, gallery hours at BroadwayGallery, 5641-B General WashingtonDrive. Shipped straight from hisstudio in Australia, Ken Strong’s newworks represent a variety of subjectsfrom Australia and the United States.Call 703-354-2905 or visitbroadwaygalleries.net.
“Dredging The Lethe.” On viewthrough Sept. 14 at The TorpedoFactory Art Center, 105 N. Union St.Free admission. Visitwww.torpedofactory.org. Wrappedaround the interior wall of asmokestack of the former munitionsfactory, Kara Hammond’s mural,“Dredging the Lethe,” uses recycledbook-pages, collage, charcoal, gessoand ink to create large-scaledrawings of Greek goddesses amidcontemporary human events. Freeadmission. Visitwww.torpedofactory.org.
Row by Row Junior. Through Oct.31, local quilt shops like ArtisticArtifacts (4750 Eisenhower Ave.) arewelcoming children participating inRow by Row Junior to their shops.It’s the junior version of thesummertime travel event for quiltmaking fans known as Row by RowExperience. Kids visit shops inperson, collect a free sewing pattern,and find inspiration in colorful,creative world of sewing. At home,
families can find free tutorial supportand activities online by visitingwww.rowbyrowexperience.com orwww.artisticartifacts.com for localquilting.
Mount Vernon Farmers MarketOpens. Wednesdays, 8 a.m.-noon atSherwood Hall Regional Library,2501 Sherwood Hall Lane,Alexandria. Every Wednesday(through Dec. 19), 15 local farmersand producers will sell fresh produceand fruits; meats; breads andpastries; honey, jams and jellies;dairy products and eggs; herbs; andmore. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farmersmarkets.
Open for Tours. Through December.At 9000 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria.Woodlawn and Frank Lloyd Wright’sPope-Leighey House is open for tours
Friday through Monday, from 11a.m. until 4 p.m. (last tour at 3 p.m.)Not open to the public Tuesday,Wednesday or Thursday. To learnmore about National Trust Sites, visitsavingplaces.org/historic-sites.
Tours of the Freedom HouseMuseum. Saturdays and Sundays,1-5 p.m. at Freedom House Museum,1315 Duke St. The Freedom HouseMuseum was once the headquartersand holding pen for the largestdomestic slave trading firm in theUnited States, Franklin and Armfield.The building is currently owned bythe Northern Virginia Urban Leagueand together with the Office ofHistoric Alexandria. Visit themuseum in this historic reminder ofslavery. Admission is $5 per person.Tickets can be purchased at the door.
Visit www.alexandriava.gov/Museums.
“Alexandrians Fight the GreatWar.” Various times at The Lyceum,Alexandria’s History Museum, 201South Washington St. This newexhibition traces the experiences oflocal people during the first WorldWar. The homes, hospitals, factoriesand shipyards of wartime Alexandriacome back to life through the use ofrare images, archival and modern-day video clips, quotes fromparticipants, original objectsincluding weapons, period music,and scale models. Call 703-746-4994or visit www.alexandriahistory.org.
“Before the Spirits are SweptAway.” Various times at theAlexandria Black History Museum,902 Wythe St. This exhibition,
featuring 20 of Sherry Sanabria’sAfrican American historic sitepaintings, is made possible by theSanabria family, who generouslydonated 23 of her paintings to theAlexandria Black History Museum.These paintings are part of Sanabria’s“Sites of Conscience” series, whichhas as its focus African Americanheritage, prisons, concentrationcamps, and mental hospitals. Free,but donations are appreciated. Call703-746-4356.
Pick-Up Hockey. Ongoing,Wednesdays and Fridays 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Mount Vernon Ice Skating,2017 Belle View Blvd. Play hockeywith other hockey buffs, hitting slapshots and learning puck handlingskills that the pros use. Players musthave full equipment. 16 and older.
Thousands stand for theplaying of the NationalAnthem by the AlexandriaSymphony Orchestra inOronoco Bay Park during the2017 celebration ofAlexandria’s birthday.
USA & CityBirthdayCelebration
The City of Alexandria will celebrateits 269th and the USA’s 242nd birthday.Saturday, July 7, 6-10 p.m. at OronocoBay Park, 100 Madison St., Alexandria.Music begins at 6 p.m. Fireworks grandfinale, featuring Tchaikovsky’s “1812Overture,” begins at 9:30. Refreshmentswill be available for purchase and birth-day cake will be distributed by themayor and city council members. Ad-mission is free. In the event of inclementweather, fireworks only will be resched-uled for Sunday, July 8, at 9:30 p.m.Visit alexandriava.gov/Recreation orcall 703-746-5592.
Teddy Burstein, waves anAmerican flag as hewatches the fireworksdisplay at Oronoco BayPark during the 2017celebration ofAlexandria’s birthday.
File photos by
John Bordner
Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ June 28 - July 4, 2018 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
A Community Favorite
Since 1904
Since 1904, The Royal has been Old Town’s Favorite neighborhood restaurant. Award-winning menu includes prime rib, fresh seafood, roast
chicken best burgers hand-carved roast turkey and salad bar.
Serving Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
ALEXANDRIA’S NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT • SINCE 1904
Save 50% On second dinner entreeof equal or lesser value
when you mention this ad.Offer expires 6/30/18.
Full Buffet with Omelette Station
Saturday andSunday Brunch
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734 North St. Asaph Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
703-548-1616RoyalRestaurantVA.com
Entertainment
visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/mtvernon/ or call 703-768-3224.
every third Friday at Hollin HallSenior Center, 1500 ShenandoahRoad. Live music. Tickets are $4. Call703-765-4573.
Life Drawing. Del Ray Artisans offers arange of open life drawing sessionsfor anyone to develop life-drawingskills further. Drop-in for the sessionand bring supplies to draw or paintlive models. Fee ranges from $8-$12.All skill levels are welcome. Del RayArtisans is located at 2704 MountVernon Ave. visitwww.TheDelRayArtisans.org for aschedule.
The Harmony Heritage Singers(Mount Vernon Chapter ofBarbershop Harmony Society), adaytime, a cappella, Chorus,rehearses on the 2nd and 4th
Tuesdays, monthly, at Sherwood HallRegional Library, 2501 SherwoodHall Lane, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Newcomerswelcome for fun or to book for aperformance. visitwww.HHSingers.org, or call Bruce at703-352-5271.
SUMMER CAMPSBugs and Nature. Monday, July 2 and
Tuesday, July 3, 9 a.m.-noon. AtGreen Spring Gardens, 4603 GreenSpring Rd., Alexandria. Preschoolerswill enjoy seek-and-find walks,nature crafts, stories and visits to theveggie garden in Garden SproutsExploration camp for children age 3-5. Find details atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/green-spring or call 703-642-5173.
Quest Forth into Nature. At HuntleyMeadows Park, 3701 Lockheed Blvd,Alexandria. Nature Quest camps havea variety of themes as they explorethe plants and animals that put thewild into the park’s wildlife. Campers11-15 years old will dive into NatureQuest’s animal kingdom for four daysthe week of July 2 (no camp on July4). Nature Quest campers ages 6-11will investigate insects during theweek of July 9, browse birds at campthe week of July 16, and researchreptiles and amphibians the weeks ofJuly 23 and Aug. 6. Visit
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/campsto register.
Del Ray Artisans Grown-Ups ArtCamp. Through July 13, at Del RayArtisans Gallery, 2704 Mount VernonAve., Alexandria. GUAC offers achance to customize your own “artcamp” by taking classes during 10days of art-filled workshops taughtby local artists. Nearly 20 classes tochoose from include: techniques inpainting, smartphone photography,polymer clay, mixed media, book-making, journaling/drawing, jewelry-making, leather-working, paper andfiber art, sculpture, and more. Visitwww.DelRayArtisans.org/event/guac-2018.
Clio’s Kids: A History Mini-Camp.Tuesday-Thursday, July 17-19, 9a.m.-noon at The Lyceum, 201 S.Washington Street, Alexandria. Thetheme for 2018 is “Alexandria: Thenand Now.” Each day of camp willteach about life in Alexandria – pastand present. Camp includes a visit toFriendship Firehouse Museum wherethey’ll form a camp bucket brigade.Campers should come prepared foroutside activities each day, includingsturdy walking shoes and clothingappropriate for the weather. Thecamp is for ages 5-7. Cost is $115and includes snacks and souvenirs.Advanced registration is required atwww.alexandriava.gov/Lyceum.
Camp Invention. Multiple sessions,July 2-27 at Charles BarrettElementary School, 1115 MarthaCustis Drive and at James K PolkElementary School, 5000 Polk Ave.Using hands-on activities, CampInvention promotes science,technology, engineering andmathematics (STEM) learning; buildsresourcefulness and problem-solvingskills; and encouragesentrepreneurship — in a fun andengaging environment. Seecampinvention.org for details.
THURSDAY/JUNE 28Hemingway’s Wives. 7 p.m. at The
Athenaeum, 201 Prince St.,Alexandria. Free. Elaine Flynnportrays Hemingway’s four wives.Hear them tell their stories abouthow it was to live with this man whochanged literary history. Follow his
career as the Hemingways move fromChicago, to Paris, to Key West, toHavana to Ketchum, Idaho. Learnabout how the wives’ livesintersected with one another. Visitwww.nvfaa.org.
FRIDAY/JUNE 29Four Mile Movies: Mary Poppins.
6:30 p.m., film begins at dusk, FourMile Conservatory Center 4109 Mt.Vernon Ave. A summer tradition inArlandria returns with a host of newand old favorites on the last Friday ofthe month this summer. Fun withfriends and family, a picnic dinner,and a blanket or chair. Free. Visitwww.fourmilemovieseries.com.
Trivia Night. 7-9 p.m. at Lee-FendallHouse Museum, 614 Oronoco St.,Alexandria. Staff members at CarlyleHouse Historic Park and Lee-FendallHouse Museum have combined theirrandom nerd knowledge to create bi-weekly trivia nights in the gardenslocated at Lee-Fendall House. Testknowledge on all things from popculture to history. $5 a person;includes one drink ticket. Additionaldrinks can be bought at the cash bar.Teams may have up to six members.Registration slots are first come, firstserved; pay ahead to save a spot.Trivia will take place rain or shine.Takes place every other Friday at 7p.m. from June-August (June 29,July 13, July 27, Aug. 10, and Aug.24). Tickets can be purchasedthrough Eventbrite.
Sunset Movie Night. 7-11 p.m. at Mt.Vernon RECenter, 2017 Belle ViewBlvd. Outdoor movies every Fridaynight in June. This week’s show is“Black Panther.” Bring a blanket,beach chairs, picnic dinner. Movieswill start at sunset. Free. Visitwww.ZelsmanPowersGroup.com.
Mount Vernon Nights. 7:30 p.m. atGrist Mill Park, 4710 Mt. VernonMemorial Highway. This series offree, public concerts features avariety of musical performancesreflecting Fairfax County’s diversity,culture and community spirit. Bring apicnic dinner and a blanket and enjoyone of Fairfax County’s specialsummer traditions. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/mt-vernon-nights.
Call forSubmissions
The Athenaeum Invitationalcelebrates the visual arts of Vir-ginia, Maryland, the District ofColumbia and West Virginia. It isa theme-based event featuringthe works of both specially-in-vited artists who have exhibitedin the Athenaeum Gallery in thepast, as well as works selectedthrough a call for submissions.This year’s theme, the CuriosityCabinet, asks artists to exploreany aspect of Cabinets of Curiosi-ties or Wunderkammers.Interpretations may be literal orabstract. Submission deadline isFriday, July 13. The exhibit willrun Sept. 13-Nov. 11 at The Ath-enaeum, 201 Prince St.,Alexandria. See www.nvfaa.org/submissions.
Possessions, front view, by Michael McSorley
Closing Soon: ‘Collections of Perceptions’Oil painter Michael McSorley brings together the unexpected, the ordinary, and
the unassuming through carefully constructed three-dimensional assemblages in“Collections of Perceptions.” On view through July 1 at The Art League Gallery,Studio 21 in the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 North Union St., Alexandria. Visitwww.theartleague.org or 703-683-1780.
10 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ June 28 - July 4, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Entertainment
FRIDAY-SATURDAY/JUNE 29-30Evening Fireworks. 6-9:45 p.m. at
George Washington’s Mount Vernon,3200 Mount Vernon Hwy, MountVernon. Enjoy an evening of familyfun and fireworks choreographed topatriotic music. This special eveningevent, which includes musicalperformances and games, takes placeJune 29-30 only. $30-$35 for adultsand $20-$25 for youth. Visitwww.mountvernon.org/fireworks.
SATURDAY/JUNE 30Zumba Event. 8 a.m. at Bethlehem
Baptist Church, 7836 Fordson Road,Alexandria. Free. Zumba is a fusionof Latin and International music/dance themes that create a dynamic,exciting, and based on the principlethat a workout should be fun andeasy to do. The routines featureaerobic/fitness interval training witha combination of fast and slowrhythms that tone and sculpt thebody. Contact Gwendolyn Williams [email protected].
Drawing Flowers with ColoredPencil & Acrylic Workshop. 9:30a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Green SpringGardens, 4603 Green Spring Road,Alexandria. Adults. Drawing fromcolorful photographs or still-lifeobjects of flora and fauna, artistDawn Flores helps participantsexplore the techniques used to takecolored pencils a step beyond theirtraditional use. $90 per person.Register online atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes using code 290 332 0801or call 703-642-5173.
Children’s Craft Workshop. Noon-1:30 p.m. at Alexandria Black HistoryMuseum, 902 Wythe St., Alexandria.Visit the Alexandria Black HistoryMuseum before attending theopening reception for the dollhouseexhibit, “Our Alexandria” and givechildren the opportunity to portrayan important piece of history. Localartist, Shannon Beacham, will helpstudents create their own dioramaand bring to life their choice of anAfrican American historic event andsite. Cost is $2 for adults; $8 forchildren 5-plus. Visitshop.alexandriava.gov/Events.aspxfor tickets.
Author Event: Cinelle Barnes. 3-4p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundaysthrough June 30 at Torpedo FactoryArt Center’s New Project Studio, 105N. Union St. Duende District willwelcome Cinelle Barnes, author of“Monsoon Mansion,” a memoir abouther rags-to-riches childhood in thePhilippines. Duende DistrictBookstore is a collaborative pop-upbookstore by and for people of colorwhere all are welcome. Visitwww.duendedistrict.com/upcoming-
events.Serenade! Choral Festival. 5:30
p.m. at Alfred Street Baptist Church,301 S. Alfred St., Alexandria. ThisPerformance will honor the 100thanniversary of the birth of SouthAfrican revolutionary, politician andphilanthropist, Nelson RolihlahlaMandela. Lineup includes NathanielDett Chorale (Canada). Free withEventbrite registration. Visitwww.eventbrite.com and search“Alfred Street Baptist.”
SUNDAY/JULY 1Kittenpalooza. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at
Potomac Yards PetsMart, 3351Jefferson Davis Highway. More thana dozen adorable kittens will befeatured and available for adoptionthrough Lost Dog & Cat RescueFoundation. Several wonderful andadoptable adult cats will make anappearance as well. Arrive beforenoon if you are interested inadopting; LDCRF sometimes uses alottery process for fairness with highnumbers of approved adopters. Freeadmission, donations welcome. Visitlostdogrescue.org/events-archive/cat-adoption-potomac-yards/.
Concert. 3-5 p.m. at The Lyceum, 201S. Washington St. The WashingtonMetropolitan PhilharmonicAssociation presents their weekly freesummer chamber concert series. Thisweek’s concert features the US ArmyString Quartet and the music ofBrahms and Caroline Shaw. Free.Donations appreciated. Call 703-799-8229 or visit www.wmpamusic.org.
A Blue Star Summer. The Office ofHistoric Alexandria is part of the BlueStar Museums program inpartnership with the NationalEndowment for the Arts, Blue StarFamilies and the Department ofDefense. Museums offer freeadmission to the nation’s active-dutymilitary personnel and their familiesthrough Labor Day. Participatingmuseums include: Carlyle HouseHistoric Park, 121 N. Fairfax St.;Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N.Royal St.; Stabler-LeadbeaterApothecary Museum, 105-107 S.Fairfax St.; Torpedo Factory ArtCenter, 105 N. Union St.. Visitwww.arts.gov/national/blue-star-museums.
WEDNESDAY/JULY 4Daytime Fireworks and Military
Reenactments. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. atGeorge Washington’s Mount Vernon,3200 Mount Vernon Highway, MountVernon. Celebrate with a display ofmade-for-daytime smoke fireworks inpatriotic colors (1 p.m.) duringMount Vernon’s annual July 4 event.Mount Vernon’s Independence Dayevent also includes a naturalization
ceremony for 100 new citizens,military reenactments, a specialwreath-laying ceremony, freebirthday cake for all guests (whilesupplies last), and a visit from the“first” first couple, “General and Mrs.Washington.” Tickets purchasedonline: adults, $18; children ages 6-11, $11; and children under 5admitted free. Visitwww.mountvernon.org/july4.
Rosemont 4th of July. Starts at 10a.m. Started over 50 years ago, theRosemont 4th of July event, in theRosemont community, features amoon bounce, dunk tank, andnumerous games and contests,including a patriotic bike decoratingcontest and a baby beauty contest.Food will be provided by RocklandsBarbeque and Grilling Company(food truck). Schedule of events: bikedecorating contest, 10 a.m.; babybeauty contest, 10 a.m.; awards, 11a.m.; flag ceremony, noon; music,12:30 p.m.
Cool Yoga 2018. 6:30-7:30 p.m. atDel Ray Psych & Wellness Lot, 1900Mt. Vernon Ave. Maureen Clyneteaches Cool Yoga – Del Ray’s freesummer outdoor yoga, Wednesdaysthrough Aug. 29. Chill out after classwith the Cool Yoga After-Partyfeaturing refreshments courtesy ofBon Vivant Cafe + Farm Market.Email [email protected].
THURSDAY/JULY 5First Thursday Del Ray. 6-9 p.m.
Along Mount Vernon Ave.,Alexandria. First Thursdays is a seriesof free outdoor street festivals alongMount Vernon Avenue. Every firstThursday of the month, the Del RayBusiness Association featuresbusinesses along Mount VernonAvenue, special events, food andmusic. Each month has a differenttheme with activities for children,live music and a festive atmosphere.Visit www.visitdelray.com.
FRIDAY/JULY 6Mount Vernon Nights. 7:30 p.m. at
Grist Mill Park, 4710 Mt. VernonMemorial Highway. This series offree, public concerts features avariety of musical performancesreflecting Fairfax County’s diversity,culture and community spirit. Bring apicnic dinner and a blanket and enjoyone of Fairfax County’s specialsummer traditions. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/mt-vernon-nights.
SATURDAY/JULY 7USA & City Birthday Celebration.
6-10 p.m. at Oronoco Bay Park, 100Madison St., Alexandria. The City ofAlexandria will celebrate its 269th
and the USA’s 242nd birthday. In theevent of inclement weather,fireworks only will be rescheduled forSunday, July 8, at 9:30 p.m.Admission is free. Visitalexandriava.gov/Recreation or call703-746-5592. Scheduled activities:
6 p.m. – Performance by U.S. NavyBand Commodores; refreshment sales
7:30 p.m. – Town Crier announcesMayor Allison Silberberg; poetryreading by Wendi R. Kaplan, PoetLaureate; acknowledgements
8 p.m. – Distribution of birthday cakeby the mayor and members of CityCouncil
9:30 p.m. – Grand finale fireworksdisplay, featuring Tchaikovsky’s“1812 Overture” with cannon supportby the Presidential Salute Battery ofthe 3d United States InfantryRegiment (“The Old Guard”), JointBase Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia
SUNDAY/JULY 8Apothecary Geek Tour: The
Original Geek Tour. 11 a.m.-noon. At Stabler-LeadbeaterApothecary Museum, 105-107 S.Fairfax St., Alexandria. If the regular30-minute tour of the ApothecaryMuseum just isn’t enough, this is thetour for you. This one-hour tourspends more time in the historicretail shop and laboratory of the oldapothecary, and is led by an expertApothecary Museum guide. Visitwww.alexandriava.gov.
Music Concert. 3-5 p.m. at theLyceum, 201 S. Washington St.,Alexandria. The WashingtonMetropolitan PhilharmonicAssociation presents composer andpianist Haskell Small in an afternoonof chamber music as part of theirsummer chamber music series. Free.Email [email protected] or visitwww.wmpamusic.org.
MONDAY/JULY 9Read, See, Do. 2-3 p.m. at Carlyle
House Park, 121 N. Fairfax St.,Alexandria. Every Monday in July,Carlyle House and Alexandria Libraryare teaming up to have a readingprogram paired with an activity. Thebooks chosen have a historic themeand can be tied in with CarlyleHouse. The program will take placeon the Magnolia Terrace behind thehouse, which will be tented. Visitwww.novaparks.com.
WEDNESDAY/JULY 11Cool Yoga 2018. 6:30-7:30 p.m. at
Del Ray Psych & Wellness Lot, 1900Mt. Vernon Ave. Maureen Clyneteaches Cool Yoga – Del Ray’s free
summer outdoor yoga, Wednesdaysthrough Aug. 29. Chill out after classwith the Cool Yoga After-Partyfeaturing refreshments courtesy ofBon Vivant Cafe + Farm Market.Email [email protected].
WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY/JULY 11-15Accordion Players Unite. At the
Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites, 625First St., Alexandria. The AmericanAccordionists’ Association will holdits 80th Anniversary Festival andCompetition, featuring Lou Coppola,who performed with the acclaimedUnited States Air Force StrollingStrings for over 28 years, and playedthe accordion at the White House fornine presidents. Also featuring JoeCerrito, jazz accordionistextraordinaire, who has backed upgreats such as Sarah Vaughn, SteveAllen, and Harry Belafonte. Visitwww.ameraccord.com.
THURSDAY/JULY 12Second Thursday. 6-9 p.m. at
Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N.Union St., Alexandria. Free. Browseopen studios and galleries, get toknow the artists, and enjoy specialprogramming throughout thebuilding. Don’t miss the monthlylecture series, Torpedo Talks, at 8p.m. in the Main Hall. This seriesfeatures some of the contemporaryart world’s best-known artists, artcurators and art professionals. Visitwww.torpedofactory.org.
FRIDAY/JULY 13Alexandria After-Work Concert
Series. 6-8 p.m. at Lloyd House, 220N. Washington St., Alexandria. Co-sponsored by the Office of HistoricAlexandria and the Folklore Societyof Greater Washington, join us formonthly Friday-night concerts on thesecond Friday of the month. The Julyconcert features the Ship’s CompanyChanteymen. For more than adecade, the Ship’s CompanyChanteymen have shared sea salts’songs from the 1700s and 1800s. $15suggested donation for themusicians. No ticket required. Beerand wine for sale. Visitwww.fsgw.org.
Mount Vernon Nights. 7:30 p.m. atGrist Mill Park, 4710 Mt. VernonMemorial Highway. This series offree, public concerts features avariety of musical performancesreflecting Fairfax County’s diversity,culture and community spirit. Bring apicnic dinner and a blanket and enjoyone of Fairfax County’s specialsummer traditions. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/mt-vernon-nights.
Athenaeum Invitational. At The
Mirror Lake Yosemite by Ken Strong, 36x28, Oil onCanvas
Return to Harper’s Ferry by Ken Strong, 48x32, Oil on Canvas
New Worksby Ken Strong
Shipped straight from his studio inAustralia, Ken Strong’s new works rep-resent a variety of subjects fromAustralia and the United States. Gal-lery hours at Broadway Gallery,5641-B General Washington Drive.Exhibit will run through Aug. 9. Call703-354-2905 or visitbroadwaygalleries.net for more.
Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ June 28 - July 4, 2018 ❖ 11www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Entertainment
Athenaeum, 201 Prince St.,Alexandria. Celebrates the visual artsof Virginia, Maryland, the District ofColumbia and West Virginia. It is atheme-based event featuring theworks of both specially-invited artistswho have exhibited in theAthenaeum Gallery in the past, aswell as works selected through a callfor submissions. This year’s theme,the Curiosity Cabinet, asks artists toexplore any aspect of Cabinets ofCuriosities or Wunderkammers.Interpretations may be literal orabstract. See www.nvfaa.org/submissions.
JULY 13-30”Pippin.” At Episcopal High School,
3900 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria.Directed by Rebecca Wahls, theSchwartz/Hirson musical is retoldthrough the millennial lens. Usingthe 2013 revival script, MonumentalTheatre Company shares its versionof Pippin’s journey of self discovery.Visit www.monumentaltheatre.org.
SATURDAY/JULY 14Smartphone Nature Photography
Workshop. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. atGreen Spring Gardens, 4603 GreenSpring Road, Alexandria. 16-Adult.Learn techniques to improvesmartphone nature photography withthe help of professional photographerCindy Dyer. Practice with an in-class,garden photography shoot, critiqueand lesson on editing. $52 perperson. Register online atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes using code 290 332 6001or call 703-642-5173.
The War Of 1812 In Alexandria – AWalking Tour. 10-11:30 a.m. atLee-Fendall House Museum, 614Oronoco St., Alexandria. A guidedwalking tour of people and places inOld Town associated with the War of1812. The tour will lastapproximately 90 minutes. Ticketsare available in advance for $10through eventbrite.com, or for $15 atthe door. Tour space is limited.Participants are encouraged to wearcomfortable shoes and bring water.Free for members. Visitwww.leefendallhouse.org.
Film Screening: “GerryRigged.”2:30-4 p.m. at Duncan BranchLibrary, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.Watch OneVirginia2021’sdocumentary about gerrymandering,“GerryRigged,” followed by aconversation and Q&A with one ofthe co-chairs of the OneVirginia2021Alexandria Local Action Group. Free.Email [email protected] orvisit www.eventbrite.com and search“GerryRigged.”
SUNDAY/JULY 15Artist’s Talk. 1:30 p.m. at The
Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. “FiveMore Minutes, Part II” is a two-partexhibition that features work byBaltimore artist, Katie Pumphrey.Through large-scale paintings andinstallation, her work explores thetension between movement andstillness. The show runs through July22. Closing reception July 22, 2-4p.m. Call 703-548-0035 or visitnvfaa.org.
MONDAY/JULY 16Read, See, Do. 2-3 p.m. at Carlyle
House Park, 121 N. Fairfax St.,Alexandria. Every Monday in July,Carlyle House and Alexandria Libraryare teaming up to have a readingprogram paired with an activity. Thebooks chosen have a historic themeand can be tied in with CarlyleHouse. The program will take placeon the Magnolia Terrace behind thehouse, which will be tented. Visitwww.novaparks.com.
WEDNESDAY/JULY 18Cool Yoga 2018. 6:30-7:30 p.m. at
Del Ray Psych & Wellness Lot, 1900Mt. Vernon Ave. Maureen Clyneteaches Cool Yoga – Del Ray’s freesummer outdoor yoga, Wednesdaysthrough Aug. 29. Chill out after classwith the Cool Yoga After-Partyfeaturing refreshments courtesy ofBon Vivant Cafe + Farm Market.Email [email protected].
FRIDAY/JULY 20Mount Vernon Nights. 7:30 p.m. at
Grist Mill Park, 4710 Mt. VernonMemorial Highway. This series offree, public concerts features avariety of musical performancesreflecting Fairfax County’s diversity,culture and community spirit. Bring apicnic dinner and a blanket and enjoyone of Fairfax County’s specialsummer traditions. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/mt-vernon-nights.
SATURDAY/JULY 21Mount Vernon Flea Market. 8 a.m.-
1 p.m. at 8717 Fort Hunt Road,Alexandria. Flea Market will takeplace every fourth Saturday of themonth through September. Vendorswill sell items such as: homemadegoods, lavender sachets, jewelry,soap, antique and vintage items;books, CD’s and DVDs, comic booksand more. Refreshments will also beon sale. Hosted by the Mount VernonMasonic Lodge No. 219. Rain orshine. Visit www.facebook.com/mountvernonfleamarket/.
MONDAY/JULY 23Read, See, Do. 2-3 p.m. at Carlyle
House Park, 121 N. Fairfax St.,Alexandria. Every Monday in July,Carlyle House and Alexandria Libraryare teaming up to have a readingprogram paired with an activity. Thebooks chosen have a historic themeand can be tied in with CarlyleHouse. The program will take placeon the Magnolia Terrace behind thehouse, which will be tented. Visitwww.novaparks.com.
MONDAY-FRIDAY/JULY 23-27Insect Safari. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Green
Spring Gardens, 4603 Green SpringRoad, Alexandria. Children age 5-11can go on a weeklong Insect Safariwith a camp the week of July 23.This camp explores bugs and insectsthat inhabit Green Spring’s gardens,woods and wetlands. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/green-
spring or call 703-642-5173.
TUESDAY/JULY 24Twilight & Tipple Tuesday Tours.
6-9 p.m. at Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House, 9000 RichmondHighway. A rare opportunity toexperience Frank Lloyd Wright’sPope-Leighey House by twilight. Thistour is a chance to see one ofWright’s houses illuminated against anight sky, bring a new dimension andradiance to the typical tourexperience. Grab a drink, included inthe price of the ticket, and take aninformative and fun guided tour withplenty of time to take stunningphotos. Visitwww.woodlawnpopeleighey.org.
WEDNESDAY/JULY 25Cool Yoga 2018. 6:30-7:30 p.m. at
Del Ray Psych & Wellness Lot, 1900Mt. Vernon Ave. Maureen Clyneteaches Cool Yoga – Del Ray’s freesummer outdoor yoga, Wednesdaysthrough Aug. 29. Chill out after classwith the Cool Yoga After-Partyfeaturing refreshments courtesy ofBon Vivant Cafe + Farm Market.Email [email protected].
FRIDAY/JULY 27Four Mile Movies: Wonder. 6:30
p.m., film begins at dusk, Four MileConservatory Center 4109 Mt.Vernon Ave. A summer tradition inArlandria returns with a host of newand old favorites on the last Friday ofthe month this summer. Fun withfriends and family, a picnic dinner,and a blanket or chair. Free. Visitwww.fourmilemovieseries.com.
Mount Vernon Nights. 7:30 p.m. atGrist Mill Park, 4710 Mt. VernonMemorial Highway. This series offree, public concerts features avariety of musical performancesreflecting Fairfax County’s diversity,culture and community spirit. Bring apicnic dinner and a blanket and enjoyone of Fairfax County’s specialsummer traditions. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/mt-vernon-nights.
SATURDAY/JULY 28Beyond the Battlefield. 10 a.m.-
noon at Lee-Fendall House Museum,614 Oronoco St. Guided walking tourof Civil War sites in Historic OldTown. $15 in advance, $20 day of.Call 703-548-1789 or visitwww.leefendallhouse.org.
Visual Arts Workshop: SeeingBeauty. 2 p.m.-4 p.m. at GreenSpring Gardens, 4603 Green SpringRoad, Alexandria. Adults. mermaids,
out after class with the Cool Yoga After-Party featuring refreshments courtesy ofBon Vivant Cafe + Farm Market. Wednesdays through Aug. 29, 6:30-7:30 p.m. atDel Ray Psych & Wellness Lot, 1900 Mt. Vernon Ave. Email [email protected] more.
Michael Bohn with President Richard Nixonand Pat Nixon. Michael Bohn with President George H. W. Bush.
Michael Bohn in the SituationRoom in the White House in 1986.
In-Custody Death Under InvestigationFrom Page 1
to restrict his leg movements to protectofficers and fire department personnelfrom being kicked. As Fairfax CountyFire and Rescue staff were medicallyassessing Paul, he became unresponsiveand medics began treating him.
Fire department personnel took Paulto a hospital, where he was pronounceddead. Six officers have been placed onroutine administrative leave pending the
criminal and administrative investigations.The following officers responded:
❖ Officer from Mount Vernon District Sta-tion, 2 years of service;
❖ Officer from Franconia District Station,4 months of service;
❖ Officer from Franconia District Station,15 years of service;
❖ Officer from Franconia District Station,15 years of service;
❖ Officer from Franconia District Station,
2 years of service;❖ First line supervisor from Franconia
District Station, 13 years of service.As a part of the department’s body
worn camera pilot program, there isfootage from the Mount Vernon Districtofficer that will be released by the chief.Once the criminal investigation is com-plete, the case will be presented to theFairfax County Commonwealth’s Attor-ney.
ther didn’t get alongwith his father and hadan unhappy childhood.As a result, he wantedhis children to have abetter life.
“He desperatelywanted my brother andI to have a better life,”said Erik Bohn.
Carey said, “He loved his family and re-vered his boys.”
Mike Bohn met Elin, who was a steward-ess with Pan Am, on a blind date after hemoved to Washington, D.C. They dated forabout a year before getting married.
Susi Belcher, Elin’s sister, said, “When wemet Mike, he was absolutely hysterical andwe’d all just burst laughing.”
Lisa Anderson Webber, another one ofElin’s sisters, agreed and talked about howtheir children would all go visit the WhiteHouse.
“Mike arranged for an inside tour withDonald Regan, Reagan’s chief of staff. Onetime Vice President George W. Bush gavethe kids jelly beans.”
Steve Belcher, Susi’s husband, said thathe remembered that Mike Bohn stoodin for President Reaganwhen they did trainingsessions. He also saidthat he can still be seen onthe History Channel.
According to Elin Bohn,Mike Bohn was interviewedfor a number of documenta-ries for BBC, the HistoryChannel and the DiscoveryChannel.
Bowerfind said, “He resolvedto live and work, and not focuson sickness. He even wanted tocontact John McCain so that he
could help other veterans.”Elin Bohn said, “Mike was ex-
posed to Agent Orange during theVietnam war. We, along withmany others, were in the processof appealing to the VA to recog-nize that brain cancer can becaused by exposure to AgentOrange. At this time, braincancer is not on the presump-tive list of diseases. Veteranswho have a condition thatthe VA has agreed is possi-bly related to exposure tothe herbicide may be eli-gible for health care ben-
efits and compensation.
“While we, fortunately, did not need theVA health care benefits, Mike still wantedto do what he could to get the VA to addbrain cancer to the presumptive list forAgent Orange exposure. He also plannedto write a piece to inform the public, in gen-eral, and especially Vietnam-era veteransand their families, about how veterans canlearn about possible health problems re-lated to their military service. As part of theresearch and preparation for this article, hehad hoped to talk to John McCain, who hasa type of brain cancer that is similar to whatMike had.”
Memorial donations may be made toUnited Community Ministries atwww.ucmagency.org.
Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ June 28 - July 4, 2018 ❖ 13www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Sports
The Fort Hunt Girls Lacrosse 7/8th grade UB2team won the Northern Virginia Youth La-crosse League Championship game on June
10 at Lee High School. The Fort Hunt Hurricanes (5
From left, back row: Coach Andrea Mulla, Bridge Savage, Hannah Lytle, Regan Bartol,Jessie Carlo, Laila Tucker, Coach Mark Lytle, Emery Londlom, Ava Bengston, CoachKeith Bryon, Carolina Bris-Bois, and Leah Byron. Middle row: Kamalani Soriano andElise Orr. Front row: Alexandra Mayo, Annie Hogan, Sophia Cicero, Katie Chan, CateDannehey, and Addison Clift. In front is Cameron Mulla.
Pho
to
C
on
tributed
Champions: Fort Hunt Girls Lacrosse- 3 for the season) beat Vienna 2 (8-0 for the season)in the semi finals on Saturday, June 9 to advance tofinals against Vienna 1 (8-0). Fort Hunt beat Viennain over time 9-8 for the championship.
Bulletin Board
Independence Day SoberRide promocode will be posted at 5 p.m. on July4 on www.SoberRide.com. TheSoberRide code is valid for the first1,500 Lyft users who enter the code.
TUESDAY/JULY 10Story Time: Focus and Self-
Control. 10-11 a.m. at The ParentResource Center Library, 2334Gallows Road, Entrance 1 - Room 105,Dunn Loring. This Story Time willhighlight books and activities tosupport focus and self-control in youngchildren. Focus and self-control is anevidence-based executive functioningskill that involves paying attention,following the rules, thinking flexibly,and exercising self control.Registration is limited and required forchildren ages 4-6 and their parents.Visit www.fcps.edu/resources/family-engagement/parent-resource-centerfor more.
THURSDAY/JULY 12Story Time: Perspective Taking.
10-11 a.m. at The Parent ResourceCenter Library, 2334 Gallows Road,Entrance 1 - Room 105, Dunn Loring.This Story Time will highlight booksand activities to support perspectivetaking in young children. Perspectivetaking is an evidence-based executivefunctioning skill that forms the basisfor children’s understanding of theirparents’, teachers’, and friends’intentions. Registration is limited andrequired for children ages 4-6 andtheir parents. Visit www.fcps.edu/resources/family-engagement/parent-resource-center for more.
SATURDAY/JULY 14Supervisor Dan Storck (Mount
Vernon District) will not be holding2nd Saturday office hours for the
months of July and August due tosummer scheduling. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/mountvernon for more.
TUESDAY/JULY 17Story Time: Making Connections.
10-11 a.m. at The Parent ResourceCenter Library, 2334 Gallows Road,Entrance 1 - Room 105, Dunn Loring.Making Connections is at the heart oflearning. This Story Time willhighlight books and activities tosupport this evidence-based executivefunctioning skill in young children.Registration is limited and requiredfor children ages 4-6 and theirparents. Visit www.fcps.edu/resources/family-engagement/parent-resource-center for more.
THURSDAY/JULY 19Story Time: Taking on Challenges.
10-11 a.m. at The Parent ResourceCenter Library, 2334 Gallows Road,Entrance 1 - Room 105, Dunn Loring.This Story Time will highlight booksand activities to support taking onchallenges in young children. Life isfull of stresses and challenges.Children who are willing to take onchallenges do better in school and inlife. Registration is limited andrequired for children ages 4-6 andtheir parents. Visit www.fcps.edu/resources/family-engagement/parent-resource-center for more.
THROUGH AUG. 6UCM Donation Drop Off. Weekdays,
9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at UCM’s mainoffice, 7511 Fordson Road,Alexandria. Drop off checks andbackpacks to help UCM equipstudents with tools for successthrough UCM’s Back to Schoolprogram. Larger-sized backpacks formiddle and high school students are
needed. Gender-neutral colors arepreferred for all grade levels. A gift of$40 will outfit one child with a newbackpack and basic school supplies.Donate online now (type “SchoolSupplies” in comments) or makechecks payable to UCM (“SchoolSupplies” in memo line), and mail toUCM at 7511 Fordson Road,Alexandria, VA 22306. Visitucmagency.org or call 571-255-8992.
SATURDAY/AUG. 11Supervisor Dan Storck (Mount
Vernon District) will not be holding2nd Saturday office hours for themonths of July and August due tosummer scheduling. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/mountvernon for more.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDAssistance League of Northern
Virginia, a volunteer nonprofit,invites community members to jointhe organization to participate in itsReading Express program. Volunteersprovide one-on-one tutoring to firstgrade students during the schoolyear. To learn more contact VPMembership Mary Gronlund [email protected] or ProgramCoordinator Lynn Barron [email protected].
United Community Ministries(UCM), located at 7511 FordsonRoad, Alexandria, seeks volunteersfor Food Pantry assistance, EarlyLearning Center teacher aides, basicneeds counselors, youth tutors andmentors, office administration/dataentry, and community outreach.Flexible hours and schedules.Opportunities for all ages to serve,including community service hours.More info at www.ucmagency.org/volunteer or [email protected].
From Page 5
14 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ June 28 - July 4, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative forThe Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers.
By KENNETH B. LOURIE
Other than my wife, Dina, and my brother, Richard, there are few people with whom I regularly discuss – in more excruciating detail than weekly I do so with you, the world in which yours truly, a non-small cell lung cancer, stage IV “diagnossee” inhabits.
It just so happens that in this past week, I interacted with three of the other most main con-
school, Cary, with whom I spoke on the phone for nearly an hour (he lives in Massachusetts), a bi-weekly occurrence generally; my oldest, best
lunch (even though she lives in Alexandria and has been local ever since college), a much rarer occurrence (though we email regularly), a lunch that lasted four hours; and Veronica, my hair stylist, who I see every eight to 12 weeks – as I have for almost 20 years, whether I need to or not. (That’s a joke. I have a full head of hair so needing a haircut is never the question, needing it is the answer.)
Over these many years, these three have heard everything I have to say; good, bad or in-different, and yet despite having heard it all, still remain interested in hearing more and judging
laughter and sorrow. Their support and encour-agement has been above and beyond the call of duty.
Interacting with all three in the course of one night and two days reminded me of the actor George Peppard because this is my “A” Team.” When I want to, they’re who I go to, whenever the need arises or when the opportunity presents itself. And though they may not solve every problem, listening to as many of them as they have certainly has provided the kind of comfort and joy that has helped sustain me through thick and thin (not talking about my weight) and most importantly, during the past nine-plus years as a cancer survivor. There’s not a “B.A.” (bad atti-tude) among them, though they all wear jewelry.
I hope I’m not speaking out of turn here but, there are some subjects which are best left for friends – and the professionals, more so than family. Some topics which might betray a
aloud might exacerbate a familial situation rarely discussed.
Sometimes, sorting through these pros and cons with friends, who likely suffer no conse-quences in the outcome, might present options that otherwise might not be heard. From the mouths of babes, so to speak. A fresh, unbiased perspective can be a welcome addition to any discussion of facts, especially when feelings are involved; and as often concerns family-oriented
Not that there aren’t feelings involved with friends; of course there are, it’s more that old friends knew you when and know you now, and the passage of that much time, separate and apart from family, can often enlighten and in-
been there and seen you do that? It’s particularly important to have indepen-
dent forces in your corner because like so many cancer patients, myself included, occasionally you exhibit signs of “chemotherapy-related cog-nitive impairment,” otherwise known as “chemo brain,” a side effect/condition of treatment which can blur a memory or two – or more. You may not even realize it when it disappears, and you may need someone to remind you of it. Hope-fully it’s not a memory gone forever, but just one gone until a friend helps retrieve it for you. And who better to retrieve these foggy memories than friends you’ve known for 49, 45 and 20 years, respectively?
And I do respect them, and appreciate them, and cherish them, as they are three of my pillars. Without them, the foundation of who I am and what I know, would likely crumble.
What Are Friends For
(Not a Question)
Crime
From Page 4
when he was attacked by four men who punchedand kicked him. The men tried to steal his walletand beer but the victim was able to keep hold ofthem. When other people saw the commotionoutside, the men ran away.
DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY/TRESPASS-ING: 7451 Mount Vernon Square Center(Safeway), June 5, 4:37 p.m. An employee noticeddamage to the Safeway storefront and did not re-port it. The employee then heard glass break andsaw three middle school-aged boys trying to enterthe store. When the employee confronted them,they ran away and were not identified.
JUNE 25LARCENIES2600 block of Beacon Hill Road, property from
residence5900 block of Grand Pavillion Way, bicycles from
residenceNorth Kings Highway/Poag Street, lumber from
construction site7600 block of Richmond Highway, shoes from
business1200 block of Westgrove Boulevard, property
from residenceJUNE 22LARCENIES8200 block of Russell Road, property from busi-
ness7700 block of Richmond Highway, wallet from
business1300 block of Shenandoah Road, wallet from
businessSTOLEN VEHICLES9000 block of Arch Hall Road, 1993 Chevrolet
CamaroJUNE 21LARCENIES3100 block of Lockheed Blvd, merchandise from
business2300 block of Huntington Ave, cigarettes from
business6700 block of Richmond Hwy, merchandise from
business7700 block of Richmond Hwy, umbrella from
businessJUNE 20LARCENIES6700 block of Richmond Highway, merchandise
from business6900 block of South Kings Highway, cell phone
from businessJUNE 18LARCENIES6200 block of North Kings Highway, food from
business7600 block of Richmond Highway, merchandise
from business3800 block of Mariposa Place, dog from resi-
denceSTOLEN VEHICLES3300 block of Southgate Drive, 2005 Ford Van6500 block of Tower Drive, 2008 Ford EC150JUNE 15LARCENIES7700 block of Richmond Highway, cash from
wallet3100 block of Lockheed Boulevard, merchandise
from businessSTOLEN VEHICLES8500 block of Highland Lane, 2000 Ford F-350JUNE 14LARCENIES2300 block of Huntington Avenue, merchandise
from business8200 block of Richmond Highway, merchandise
from business2300 block of Huntington Avenue, merchandise
from business7600 block of Richmond Highway, merchandise
from businessJUNE 13LARCENIES8400 block of Frye Road, merchandise from
business7800 block of Midday Lane, wallet from vehicleJUNE 12LARCENIES1600 block of Belle View Boulevard, cash from
business8000 block of Janna Lee Avenue, cash from busi-
nessJUNE 11LARCENIES2500 block of Appian Court, wallet from vehicle2900 block of East Lee Avenue, electronic device
from business
Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ June 28 - July 4, 2018 ❖ 15www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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16 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ June 28 - July 4, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
