Vol. 13 No. 20
Serving Mount Vernon, Lee, and Alexandria
May 14, 2014 50 Cents
Proposed Noise, Gathering Limits Draw Spirited Public Responses
Staff photo/Steve Hunt
New Hope Honors Moran
U.S. Rep. Jim Moran was presented with New Hope Housing’s 2014 “Good Neighbor Award” by executive director Pam Michell at NHH’s “There’s No Place Like Home” gala Saturday night. Moran, who announced his retirement from Congress this year, was recognized for his participation in many NHH events and for “lending his voice and personal visibility to acknowledge and support the importance of our work addressing the reality of homelessness in our community.” See more photos, pages 6 and 7.
By GLENDA C. BOOTH Special Writer How loud is too loud and how many people are too many people? Fairfax County officials are wrestling with these questions and may impose some new limits. Fifty people did not hold back when county zoning staffers presented proposed ordinance changes at a May 7 meeting in the South County Government Center. The Board of Supervisors asked staff to draft new noise limits and restrictions on the number and frequency of large gatherings at homes. “We’re here to get feedback,” opened Zoning Administrator Leslie Johnson. “We want to understand where the community is.” The goals of a new noise ordinance are to minimize night-time noise and to enact an enforceable regulation, said Johnson, citing a successful legal challenge to a Virginia Beach ordinance that lacked objective criteria. County police have received 3,600 complaints about noise since December 2013, she reported. The proposal has three categories: noise prohibited; noise allowed; and if noise is not
prohibited or excepted from prohibitions, noise subject to a maximum decibel level. For example, outdoor loudspeakers would be barred from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. on week days, and from 11 p.m. to 9 a.m., on weekends. Under the draft, animal noise would be prohibited if it “is plainly audible and discernible for more than 10 consecutive or nonconsecutive minutes in any 30-minute period (1) across property lines, (2) across residential unit partitions, or (3) a distance of 50 feet or more from the noise.”
Maximum sound levels or noise limited to certain decibel levels would include residential areas, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., 60 decibels, and industrial districts, 7 a .m. to 11 p.m., 72 decibels, and 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., 65 decibels. Lorrie Kirst, Senior Deputy Administrator, explained that a normal speaking voice inside a building is usually around 50 to 55 decibels. Robert Weiner argued that a neighbor should not “impose their music on me.” Meg Jonas of River Towers Condominiums maintained
See Noise Page 10 See page 8.
Staff photo/Steve Hunt
Mt. Vernon Farmers Market Opens
Police Use PIT Maneuver to Stop Fleeing Rte. 1 Driver
Fairfax County police closed down the northbound lanes of Richmond Highway in the Mount Zephyr area around noon Friday following an incident involving a suspected intoxicated driver. The pursuit was brought to an end when the officer successfully employed a precision immobilization technique maneuver to stop the fleeing vehicle, according to Lt. Shawn Martin, assistant commander of the Mount Vernon District Station. No one was injured and no other vehicles were involved in the incident.
Staff photo/Steve Hunt
Pets of the Week
COMMUNITY LIFE
Wookie is a neutered male, black and tan Terrier mix believed to be about 8 years old. For more information about Wookie, call the AWLA and ask for information about animal ID number A05999.
A Bird’s Eye View At Whitman MS
A pair of ospreys have made their home atop a light pole at the softball diamond at Whitman Middle School. Glenda Booth, president of the Friends of Dyke Marsh, said she has seen two ospreys coming and going and given the time of year they are probably feeding young — but she cannot confirm that. Booth said she was told by someone who has heard chirping. “They seem oblivious to the rowdy softball games below!” Booth said.
Wookie Ivory is a spayed female, black and white Domestic Mediumhair believed to be about 12 years old. For more information about Ivory, call the AWLA and ask for information about animal ID number A059703.
Ivory Anastasia is a spayed female, brown and black German Shepherd Dog mix believed to be about 6 years old. For more information about Anastasia, call the AWLA and ask for information about animal ID number A060142.
Anastasia
Oscar
Oscar is a neutered male, gray tabby and white Domestic Shorthair believed to be about 11 years old. For more information about Oscar, call the AWLA and ask for information about animal ID number A059872.
Staff photo/Steve Hunt
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May 14, 2014
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And Then There Were Eight Democrats: Two Drop Out of Primary Race in the 8th Two more candidates in the 8th Congressional District Democratic primary have dropped out of the race. On April 26, Satish Korpe a candidate in the 8th Congressional District Democratic primary, held an open house at his new campaign headquarters on Richmond Highway. On May 9, Korpe announced he was withdrawing from the race. In a letter to supporters, Korpe, a Mount Vernon area resident and business owner, wrote, “Your confidence in me and my vision for our country’s future has been truly overwhelming. However, after thorough evaluation, I have come to the conclusion that there are impassible hurdles that we cannot overcome in the next four weeks.
Satish Korpe
Charniele Herring
“While I am withdrawing from the race today, it is certainly not the end of my campaign to
increase political participation among all Americans ... we must achieve this goal of improved
participation by citizens so that our democracy can run the way it was originally designed,” he stated. And this week, Del. Charniele Herring (46th) also announced that she was dropping out of the race and endorsed former lieutenant governor Don Beyer, The Washington Post reported. “After looking at our polling and consulting with many supporters, I have decided to suspend my campaign for congress. For us, the path to victory is simply too narrow this time around,” she said in an e-mail to supporters, the Post reported. With Korpe’s and Herring’s decisions not to run, the field is down to eight candidates for the primary which is to be held June 10. — Staff report
Despite an additional $30 million expected from the state and a 3 percent increase in the transfer from Fairfax County, Fairfax County Public Schools still has a significant shortfall in its proposed FY 2015 budget, according to FCPS. Superintendent Karen Garza and the Fairfax County School Board are working to develop solutions for balancing the budget, which is scheduled to be adopted on May 22. To date, the school board has discussed several options for balancing the budget and employee compensation remains a priority as does ensuring the students are not charged for Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate fees.
Additional resources have also been recommended since the proposed budget to help high schools provide instructional opportunities to students who will be placed in in-school suspension in lieu of out-of-school suspension. On May 8, Garza presented a recommended solution for balancing the school budget to the school board by delaying the implementation of the step increases in employee compensation until November, which is a delay of about two months for nearly all teachers and instructional assistants and a delay of four months for all other employees. Because of the impact to students and the lack of time to complete a thoughtful discussion of FCPS’ programs with the com-
munity, reductions to programs were not included in the recommendations needed to address the shortfall in county funding,
according to FCPS. The school system had requested a 5.7 percent increase in the transfer from the county.
Alfred Street Baptist Handbell Choir FREE CONCERT & RECEPTION May 18, 2014 -- 5:00 pm Belle View Baptist Church 7415 Fort Hunt Road Alexandria, Virginia 22307 www.belleviewbc.org
Garza Recommends Delaying Step Raises
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COMMUNITY NOTES Park Service Workshop on Invasive Plants May 16 The U.S. National Park Service will host a workshop on May 16 to train volunteers in how to control invasive plants and protect the George Washington Memorial Parkway’s landscapes, biodiversity, native plants and local property values. The workshop will be held at the Mount Vernon Governmental Center, 2511 Parkers Lane, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and attendees should bring their lunch and water. Field training will follow at the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve from
1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Tools will be provided. The workshop is free, but sign-ups are appreciated by e-mailing Erik Oberg, at erik_oberg@nps.gov or calling 703-2892542. STEM Career Festival May 17 The Mount Vernon High School pyramid, the NOVA STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Alliance, and the Alexandria-Fairfax Alumni Chapter of
the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., are sponsoring the NOVA STEM Career Festival on Saturday, May 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at MVHS, located at 8515 Old Mount Vernon Road. Students interested in attending are encouraged to register online at https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/2014-novastem-career-festival-full-steam-aheadin-2014-tickets-10413734761. Greeting Card Classes Begin on May 20 A series of classes will begin on how to
make custom greeting cards with each month featuring cards for the holidays for the next month, as well as other occasions at the Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road. Cards will be created using rubber stamps, die cuts and embellishments and three or four cards will be completed in the class taught by Chuck Mason. The first class will be held on Tuesday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to noon with the following sessions to be held on the third Tuesday of each month. The cost is $10 per session and reservations are required. Call 703-765-4573.
CRIME LOG The following incidents were re- *7900 block of Central Park Cirported by the Mount Vernon Dis- cle, items from vehicle trict Station of the Fairfax County *8100 block of Kidd Street, Police Department for the period money from vehicle May 7 — 12. *4800 block of Lawrence Street, airbags from vehicle PEEPING *7100 block of Mint Place, property from vehicles *Richmond Highway 6400 *6200 block of North Kings block — May 9, 2 a.m. A resident Highway, merchandise from busilooked out the window and saw a ness man looking into the room. The *8100 block of Pine Lake Court, suspect fled prior to police arriv- wallet from vehicle al. The suspect was described as *6600 block of Richmond Highblack, with a bald head and about way, merchandise from business 5 feet 11 inches tall. *7600 block of Richmond Highway, wallet from business LARCENIES *7700 block of Richmond Highway, wallet from business *4400 block of Aspen Drive, *7800 block of Richmond Highitems from vehicle way, merchandise from business *8300 block of Brockham Drive, *7900 block of Richmond Highmoney from residence way, merchandise from business *7900 block of Caledonia Street, *8000 block of Richmond Highitems from vehicle way, merchandise from business
*8000 block of Richmond Highway, wallet from business *8200 block of Richmond Highway, merchandise from business *8000 block of Saint Anne Court, money from vehicle *5900 block of Richmond Highway, property from vehicle *3200 block of Pelican Place, phone from location *8400 block of Hallie Rose Street, property from residence *6200 block of North King’s Highway, merchandise from business *6700 block of Richmond Highway, merchandise from business *8200 block of Russell Road, beverages from business *8400 block of Fort Hunt Road, cell phone from location *6300 block of Richmond Highway, merchandise from business *7900 block of Richmond Highway, merchandise from
business STOLEN VEHICLES *5900 block of Richmond Highway, 2007 Dodge Magnum The following incidents were reported by the Franconia District Station of the FCPD. LARCENIES
Boulevard, merchandise from business *6500 block of Old Carriage Drive, electronic device from residence *4600 block of Willow Run Drive, tools from vehicle *7600 block of Elgar Street, property from vehicle *7300 block of Hogarth Street, wallet from location *6600 block of Frontier Drive, cell phone from business *Furnace Road/Old Colchester Road, equipment from business *5600 block of General Washington Drive, license plate from vehicle *6400 block of Springfield Plaza, money from business
*5600 block of Bloomfield Drive, tools from vehicle *7300 block of Crest Leigh Circle, laptop computer from residence *7600 block of Elgar Street, purse from vehicle *5900 block of Embry Spring Lane, cell phone from residence STOLEN VEHICLES *6500 block of Frontier Drive, merchandise from business *7700 block of Gunston Plaza, *5800 block of Kingstowne 2000 Honda
COMMUNITY LIFE Beth El Honors ‘Women of the Year’ The team of Alexandrians Sara Deshong and Susan Whitman received a “Woman of the Year” award May 9 at Beth El Hebrew Congregation in Alexandria for extraordinary and long standing service to the Beth El Hebrew sisterhood of Women of Reform Judaism, an international 100-year-old organization of which the Beth El sisterhood is a founding member. Awards were given to both women for running the Judaic Gift Shop for many years. Pictured, from left, recipients Susan Whitman and Sara Deshong, and Suzie Shalewitz, President, WRJ at Beth El. Under their direction, the shop donates more than $5,000 each year to the congregation.
Courtesy photo
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May 14, 2014
OPINION What We Think
DELEGATE REPORT
Yellow Line Petition, Hybrid Tax Refunds and I-495 Changes By Del. SCOTT SUROVELL (D-44TH) Last week, I wrote about the status of some transportation projects in our community. Here are a few more important things. Sign the Yellow Line/Hybrid Option Extension Petition: The state’s consultants are busy crunching numbers, population projections and funding options and evaluating community input to prepare recommendations on the mode of transit we should have on U.S. 1 for the next 20 years. I strongly believe that the “Hybrid Option” or the two-stop Yellow Line Extension with stations at Beacon Hill and Hybla Valley with dedicated bus rapid transit to Woodbridge is the best option. Having Metro on U.S. 1 will help revitalize the corridor, generate economic development, and enhance the environment, our schools, and our quality of life in the Mount Vernon and Lee areas. I have set up a petition for people to sign, show support and comment on why the Hybrid Option is the best option. Over 400 people have already signed, in addition to the 400 who indicated support for a Yellow Line Extension on my 2014 constituent survey. Please go online and sign my petition at www.bit.ly/ route1petition. Get your family and neighbors to sign — it will take you less
than a minute. We need to show strong community support! I-495/U.S. 1 Express Lane Merge Changes: One of my constituents complained to me about the short merging space for traffic moving onto the Beltway/I-495 Express Lanes from northbound U.S. 1. Right now, there are only about 100 yards to merge from the exit into the left hand lane, a place where cars are coming out of Maryland, usually traveling at over 70 miles per hour. After all, they are the “express” lanes. I submitted a request to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) who agreed and in the next few months, VDOT plans to substantially lengthen the merge. This will make the merge for Mount Vernon residents much safer. On July 1, some important new laws affecting vehicles will also go into effect. Hybrid Tax Repeal: Sen. Adam Ebbin and I made eliminating the hybrid tax a priority and succeeded in persuading the General Assembly to repeal it. The repeal will go into effect on July 1, 2014 and customers who have pre-paid to register their hybrid vehicles for multiple years will be entitled to a refund for the pre-paid registration years that begin on July 1, 2014. See Surovell Page 10
By Mary Paden
Should FCPS give online homework when not all students have computers and broadband access?
Publishers: Marlene Miller, Steve Hunt Editor: Marlene Miller Writer, Photographer: Steve Hunt 7946 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria, VA 22308 - Phone: (703) 360-0080 mountvernonvoice@aol.com
Claudia Creo Cedar Dale Drive
“No, because many schools, especially Hybla Valley where I taught for many years do not have computers for all the kids. My class had 4 computers for 25 kids.”
Dan Stork FCPS Mt. Vernon Board Member
“Each teacher should be aware of whether all students in the class have computer access and not give homework on computers if they don’t all have access.”
Ryan McElveen FCPS School Board, member-at-large
“One of the goals of the school system and the superintendent is to have one computer for each student. But right now we can’t afford to give computers to all the kids who don’t have them.”
William Klima Carl Sandburg MS
“One of our teachers collects old computers and fixes them up to give to kids without computers. If a kid doesn’t have a computer, they should tell the teacher and the teacher will try to do something about it.”
Angel Collins (mother) and Keith Brophy with Rose Keller Collins (daughter) Springfield Angel: “Computers are a way of life and students need to learn how to use them… students who don’t have computers can use them at school or the library.” Keith: “You do have to accommodate students who don’t have access, the same way you would accommodate someone who could not type.” Rose: “If someone doesn’t have a computer they get time during free periods to do their homework on school computers.”
Contributor Michael Castleberry
Paginator Jo Deckert Visit our web site at
mountvernonvoice.com
May 14, 2014
5
Above, “Dorothy” and the “Witch” greeted guests to the “There’s No Place Like Home” gala; right, birdhouses made by a Fairfax Count High School art class decorated the tables.
Left, gala committee chairman LexaLynn Hooper thanked attendees for their support; above, New Hope community outreach and volunteer coordinator and event coordinator Chris Bramante and New Hope director of development Larry Padberg enjoy the gala.
Supporters of New Hope Housing viewed silent auction items on the floor of the PTO.
Gala Funds Will Give New Hope to Needy Kerry Donley ran a lively auction.
New Hope staff person of the year Lee Voltmer and her husband, Allen.
“There’s No Place Like Home” was the theme of this year’s New Hope Housing gala Saturday night at the Patent and Trademark Office in Alexandria. The event included a silent auction, live auction, cocktails and dinner. Executive director Pam Michell presented U.S. Jim Moran with its 2014 Good Neighbor Award. for being an advocate and partner in its work to help those in need in the local community. Moran has been a steady, outspoken advocate for the needs of those who are too often marginalized in our society and as well as being a steadfast friend of New Hope Housing. Moran praised New Hope Housing for its decades of service helping those in need to know that they are not alone. “What I want to say is thank you -- thank you for this and thank you for New Hope Housing,” Moran said. The Mount Vernon Voice was proud to be the event media sponsor.
Left, New Hope Housing president Steve Hartell; above, U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8th), center, with former lieutenant governor and Congressional candidate Don Beyer, left, and Mount Vernon resident Ray Mahmood.
In photo right, from left, Carla and Mike Dzatko, New Hope CFO, and Marge Scheflen and Kathy Deal. In photo below right, Jim and Jean Poole; and in photo below, and Jeff and Juli Dennis.
In photos clockwise from above left, Diamond sponsors Phil and Peg Soucy; Del. Scott Surovell (D-44th), right, and George Kostel; and Eric and June Stowe chair of the board of trustees. Staff photos/Steve Hunt
6 May 14, 2014
New Hope Housing supporters listened as executive director Pam Michell presented U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8th) with its Good Neighbor Award.
May 14, 2014 7
It Must Be Spring, The Farmers Market Is Open The McCutcheon/Mount Vernon Farmers Market (named in honor of the late Gil McCutcheon, long term market manager and Fairfax County Park Authority representative) opened Wednesday in the Sherwood Regional Library parking lot at 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, vendors offer bread, dairy products, eggs, meats and plants. The market is open Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to noon now through Dec. 17. Also, a master gardener is on site to answer questions about plants in your landscape.
Staff photos/Steve Hunt
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May 14, 2014
ENTERTAINMENT
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One Hit And Two Fine Movies!
By MICHAEL CASTLEBERRY Contributing Writer Getting the rush on summer viewing pleasure, Hollywood could not wait to release one of it’s big summer movies. And, on the same day, two other very fine films were released. Maybe all three deserve your attention so see if you can read below and discern which film is expected to be the big hit. Behind Door Number 1 — Belle: With Downton Abby off the air you might be suffering from ‘aristocratic withdrawal’, a malady that affects those who don’t have a range of aristocrats behaving badly to enlighten your viewing existence. Well, suffer no more. Belle offers an eighteenth century story as complex and layered as anything the Granthams could come up with! Belle is Dido Elizabeth Belle, the daughter of Sir John Lindsay, a British admiral, and Maria Bell, a slave. When her mother dies she is sent to live with William Murray, the first Earl of Mansfield, her real father’s uncle. Are you with me so far? Sounds like a minority Jane Austen tale, no? Belle is a fish out of water. She is too low-born to move in high circles and too high-born to be allowed to associate with the common folk. Her best friend is her cousin, Elizabeth with whom she is raised. When they grow up, their fortunes change. Elizabeth is left broke, which won’t make for a good marriage, whereas Belle is rich as can be since she inherited all her dad’s wealth and that makes her quite the catch in the eyes of the male white gentry in need of financial enhancement. Now you have a Masterpiece Theater-worthy story: men flocking about both lovely young women, are they serious, are they in it for the money? Can Belle find happiness? Can Elizabeth? Do we care? Actually, we do. This is a beau-
tiful film with careful pacing and Gugu Mabatha-Raw is entrancing as Belle. It is a fine story of social conventions turned upside-down based on financial needs. Bell narrows it down to two suitors, a young Lord who needs her mon-
MOVIE TALK ey but who will give her status or the starving young lawyer who is also anti-slavery. And who do you think she will pick? To find out, go see Belle — it’s worth it! Behind Door Number 2 — Locke: This is a movie you should not read about, you should just see. Besides that, what you read about it might make you think that it might not be for you! But trust me on this, this movie is worth seeing. Brit Ivan Locke seems to have it all: nice wife, nice family, a construction job in Birmingham that he really likes, what more could a man want? Well, he does have a case of the sniffles but he’s a tough guy, he can handle that. After work one night he gets into his car but doesn’t head home; he makes a call, telling someone he’s on his way, and then begins a trip to London. The trip will take 90 minutes and you will be in the car with him. And what you will experience will be something you haven’t yet experienced in a movie theater. Don’t worry that you may be bored. You’ll actually be on edge. You’ll be aware of all the nuances and details of the trip and, as time passes, you’ll note the changes in behavior and language and you’ll resonate with the changes you see occurring onscreen. The film is written and directed by Stephen Knight who both wrote and directed Eastern Promises in 2007 and the stolen identity story of Redemption last year. But the person you’ll remember
is actor Tom Hardy, Bane in The Dark Knight Rises in 2012 and Inception in 2010. What Knight put down on paper and delivers on film, Hardy more than matches as the actor playing Locke. It is a truly unique film and you should not miss it. Behind Door Number 3 — Neighbors: Mac and Kelly Rader are also living the good life. A nice young if somewhat strange couple, they have a nice home, a nice. new baby, and despite being a bit over-the-top, they are certainly not prepared when a moving truck arrives and out comes ... a fraternity. Oh, so you think you can see where this is going, huh??? Well, you’re absolutely right — Animal House meets Father Knows Best. Initially they make nice with each other but as events escalate — and, come on, you knew things were going to escalate, didn’t you? — well, let’s just say that the fighting gets pretty dirty. And equally dirty are the pranks, jokes, behavior, along with assorted drug-related and nudityinspired events of hilarity sure to appeal to all. And when it turns mean, well, then that’s when the mean get going — and then it gets even worse. And dirtier. Watching the nerdy, whiny Seth Rogen as Mac and studly Zac Efron as Teddy, the main man of the frat, along with his main pal James Franco as the math geek moneyman of the fraternity, any viewer would be saying to themselves ‘It can’t get any better than this!!!’ Right. Directed by Nicholas Stoller (who showed restraint in the funny Forgetting Sarah Marshall), this film has no greater purpose than to see Mac and Teddy engage in ever-increasing pranks of tastelessness. Mr. Movie’s fav was the one with the baby and the condom but, oops, no more than that, wouldn’t want to spoil your fun!! There you have it — three-forone! Can you pick the hit???
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9
Public Reacts Strongly to Noise, Gathering Proposals Noise from Page 1
that dogs in the nearby Westgrove Dog Park bark from before dawn into the evening. Saying it is unfair to allow excessive noise on county property, she urged, “I ask the county to include yourself. Be a good neighbor.” Neighbors of the new Blackjack Dog Park made similar points. Chris Bahret of Stratford Landing suggested that regulations distinguish between week days and weekends, stressing that an 11 p.m. noise curfew during the week is “much too late.” Another speaker pointed out that swim meet officials could be hampered because they start a series of loudspeaker announcements at 8 a.m. Another person griped that a neighbor’s rooster “crows 24 hours a day.” Asked about noise from Fairfax Connector buses operating at night, Johnson responded that noise from transportation in the public right of way would be allowed. Verbal fireworks erupted during discussion of the proposed “group assembly” ordinance, with several speakers contending that limitations on the number of people at a home violate the
U.S. Constitution’s guarantee of the right to assembly. The draft language states, “Group assembly when accessory to a dwelling unit shall be permitted, except any group assembly exceeding forty-nine (49) people in one day shall not occur more frequently than three (3) times in any forty (40) day period.” Donna Pesto with the Zoning Administration explained that the proposal attempts to define when a group assembly is an appropriate “accessory use” in a residence, citing complaints about parking and noise. “People have their own ideas about what constitutes a nuisance,” she added. Jane Hilder, Chair, Lee District Association of Civic Organizations, reported that some neighborhoods have “very frequent large gatherings, particularly outdoor gatherings, that involve many people and many vehicles. In some cases, individual residents seem to be catering large parties at their own homes as a business,” she said and urged the county to adopt “an enforceable noise ordinance.” Marlene Stefanik of Memorial Heights argued for a stronger ordinance to address “people from other countries having party after
Lorrie Kirst, County Senior Deputy Administrator, explained the noise proposal.
party after party” and creating a “street full of cars.” “It is difficult to legislate behavior,” Johnson responded. Peter Demetri said that he was “very offended” by the proposed restrictions, arguing that it would affect his large, “tight knit,” Greek family’s Sunday dinner, which can have up to 65 people. Shelly Good-Cook of Riverside Estates echoed his concerns, arguing that the draft is “unconstitutional” and that other laws already address noise and nuisances.
On both proposals, several speakers questioned how the restrictions would be enforced. Johnson said that no permits would be required and that enforcement is and would be “on a complaint basis,” that the police handle night and weekend complaints and Department of Code Compliance staff investigate day-time violations. She conceded, “It won’t be easy,” and recommended, “Talk to neighbors first” before calling the police. Many disputes get worked out, she offered. Leslie Johnson, Fairfax Staffers will evaluate all comCounty Zoning Administrator, ments and present recommendainvited the public to tions to the Board of Supervisors. provide comments. The Board has not authorized Attorney Matthew Clark called advertising public hearings or the effort a “grave threat to the determined future action at this Constitution. You cannot regu- time. late the right to assembly within County officials will hold two the privacy of one’s own home,” more meetings: May 12, 7 p.m., he maintained. He believes the Fairfax County Government effort is targeted at religious Center; and May 19, 7 p.m., gatherings and encouraged the Lemon Road Elementary School, Falls Church. You can read the county to drop it. Another speaker likened the pro- proposals and submit comments posal to “tyranny,” an “encroach- until May 30 here http://www. ment on civil liberty.” Others fairfaxcounty.cov/dpz/zoning/ argued that religious activities noiseordinance/ and http://www. in parsonages and home school fairfaxcounty.gov/dpz/zoning/ classes in residences might be groupassembly/. For more inforbanned if the draft becomes law. mation, call 703-324-1314.
DELEGATE REPORT Surovell from Page 5 Individuals whose registration expires prior to July 1, 2014, but who do not renew their registration until after that date, will still owe the $64. I will post more information describing the refund process by July 1, 2014. Birth Certificates: Effective March 1, 2014, you can obtain an official copy of your Virginia birth certificate at a DMV branch, instead of going to Richmond. Moped Registration: On July 1, 2014, all mopeds operating on the public roads must be titled, registered and carry license plates. More information is available at the DMV website: http://dmvnow.com/ vehicles/#moped.html. Please take steps soon so your youngster is not stopped by the police (I voted against this by the way). Vehicle Sales Tax Increase:
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May 14, 2014
Beginning July 1, 2014, the sales and use tax (SUT) on vehicles will increase from 4 percent to 4.05 percent. This increase is part of a larger transportation funding bill that the General Assembly adopted last year. This tax will gradually increase to 4.15 percent by 2016. The minimum SUT remains $75. As with the previous incremental increase, the date of the sale determines the tax owed, for vehicles purchased in Virginia. Vehicle Inspection for Active Duty Military: Effective July 1, 2014, active military members residing in Virginia who return from an official absence will have 14 calendar days to obtain a current vehicle safety inspection sticker. Currently, updated vehicle inspection stickers are due within 5 five business days. It is an honor to serve as your state delegate. Please email me at scottsurovell@gmail.com and share your views and suggestions.
A group of around 50 people shared concerns.
Photos/Glenda Booth
8th DISTRICT CANDIDATES If you want to reach voters in the 8th Congressional District, then advertise your message in the newspaper they all read. The Mount Vernon Voice has been their hometown paper for 13 years. Act NOW to reserve ad space in the next THREE issues before the primary. Email mountvernonvoice@aol.com or call 703-360-0080.
Time Is Running Out and there is a full field of candidates vying for the voters’ support.
SCHOOLS
Business Directory Barber & Hair Zone Military Haircut for $9 Walk-Ins Welcome (703) 704-5300 8733 Cooper Road, Alexandria, VA 22309 Located next to McDonald’s in Cooper Square M-F: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sat: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. We’ll Make You Look Your Best!
2108 Shenandoah Road Alexandria, Virginia 22308 n jodeckert@gmail.com n 703.768.2091 n
jo
graphic design
Jo Deckert Graphic Arts Studio Communication design Specializing in print products
Merchants—Call me to learn about your discount for design of MOUNT VERNON VOICE advertisements.
Help Sandburg’s Odyssey Compete Internationally
Courtesy photo
Steve Hunt
Digital Photography Services Casual weddings, reunions, events, Christmas cards, pets, and more.
Affordable prices to fit any budget.
Call 571-239-5960
The Carl Sandburg Middle School Odyssey of the Mind 8th grade team is soon headed to Iowa to compete in the world finals which will be held at Iowa State University at the end of May. The team has been together since fifth grade and this will mark its second trip to the world finals. This year, the Sandburg team placed first at both the regional and state level competitions (this CLASSIFIED last one with the highest scores of any participating team, regardless of age and/or problem). The Sandburg team is looking forward to competing against teams from all over the globe, including teams from China, Poland, Mexico and Germany to name a few. In order to compete, EMPLOYMENT RENTAL the team needs to raise about $1,500 per member. To make a tax deducible donation to help fund the trip for the students, write a check to Carl Sandburg PTA with OotM on the memo line and ALEXANDRIA — Experienced Officers mailed to Debra Lane, 2000 Marthas Road, Alexandria, VA 22307. Any amount is welcome and all contributions will be used to offset the costs of the entire team, not just individual members. Needed Section 8 home for rent. For more information, including about being a corporate sponsor, epmail ambrodsky@smcm. by Alexandria Security Patrol. 3109 Kingland Road. edu. In photo above are team members, from left, Abbie Weissman, Sonya Richard, Ceclia Lane, Armed and unarmed patrol. Magnolia Totaro, David Zahniser, Seth Lewis and Muhammad Ali.
A Welcoming Entrance to a ‘Pleasant Village’ Hollin Hall Village Civic Association president Leo Milanowsk was busily working Monday morning — to beat the rain predicted for the afternoon — sprucing up the the median on Shenandoah Road which welcomes people to the “pleasant little community” established in 1943.
Staff photo/Steve Hunt
DCJS 11-1027 Call 703-765-0407
REMOVAL SERVICES Free Hands Junk Removal Steel, copper, metal Ovens, washers and dryers Free removal Call for price on removal of other items. (202) 415-0965 (571) 572-1370
3BD, 1 bath, AC, washer/dryer. Handicap Accessible. No Pets.
Call 703-360-1919 Monday – Friday between 9 am – 6 pm. If no answer, call 301-9243623 Monday, Wednesday, Friday between 1 pm – 6 pm.
Advertise in the Mount Vernon Voice
Business Directory 2 inches by 2 columns (approximately a business card size) at a very reasonable price. Ad must run for 8 weeks for $320 ($40 each printing).
classifieds Deadline: Noon, the Friday before the up-coming Wednesday issue. $19/column inch. Call today to place your order: 703-360-0080
May 14, 2014 11
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May 14, 2014