Alexandria Living Magazine - March/April 2021

CANINE CANCER

The Future of Alexandria: The Road Ahead

New Restaurants Opening in 2021 ALEXANDRIALIVINGMAGAZINE.COM March / April 2021

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Your Sanctuary Susan Craft, McEnearney Associate

As George Washington famously said, “… I can truly say I would rather be at home …” and “I’d rather be on my farm than emperor of the world.”

This past year, we clearly learned the value of home … how it can touch our soul, not just shelter our head. It became our whole world. Going forward, as we step back out into the world, I think our souls will stay more connected to home … a place to retreat, refresh, dream, work, live, learn and nourish our mind, body and soul. Connect with me to find your home ... your sanctuary.

Susan Craft, Realtor® Tel. 703.216.4501 I Susan@SusanCraft.com I www.SusanCraft.com Old Town Alexandria 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 I tel. 703.549.9292 Equal Housing Opportunity

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CONTENTS

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GARDEN CLUB OF VIRGINIA

8 16

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Get out and enjoy springtime in Alexandria by participating in these events in-person and online.

ALEXANDRIA LIVING MAGAZINE WEDDING SHOWCASE Planning a wedding? You won't want to miss this annual event (we've tweaked it for your safety) coming this spring in Alexandria.

PHOTO BY ANDREW MANN, VIRGINIA TECH

8

PHOTO BY TROY MEYER

21

49

18

THE SMALL THINGS

20

DEVELOPMENT

21

PETS

25

COMMUNITY

29

FOOD & DINING

32

HOME & GARDEN

36

ECOLOGY

49

PROFILE

56

THE LAST WORD

Alexandria columnist Stuart Perkins' chance meeting with a fellow citizen leads to a nugget of advice about the future.

Find out about the latest property development projects going up in and around Alexandria.

Writer Susannah Moore explores canine cancer after her golden retriever Rosie is diagnosed with the disease.

Newborn animals and other wildlife sometimes run into trouble, especially in the spring. The Wildlife Rescue League shares their "rehabber world" with local writer Ann Cameron Siegal.

The roller coaster ride for local restaurants continues. We say goodbye to some longtime eateries while enjoying and looking forward to notable openings.

A look at smart home technology and how it might help save you time, give you peace of mind and help reduce your energy bills.

Local writer Glenda Booth explores the past, present and future of our waterfront, the Potomac River and how we can help.

Local car enthusiast Rafael Lopez talks about his pride and joy, a 1981 DeLorean (the star of this issue's cover photo), in Back to the Future...in Franconia.

If Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck had three wishes, what would they be? And most of us might guess which historical figure he'd like to invite to dinner.

March / April 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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FEATURES

PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON

38 The Future of Alexandria Will the city retain its allure as it grows? Local residents and leaders make their predictions.

Hillsborough Vineyards & Brewery. PHOTO COURTESY OF HILLSBOROUGH VINEYARDS & BREWERY

51 Meet Me in Middleburg Axe throwing? Check.

Wine tastings? Check.

Upscale dining and accommodations? Check!

Get away from it all in the historic horse country of Middleburg just an hour's drive west of Alexandria.

ON THE COVER A classic DeLorean (made famous in "Back to the Future") glistens at sunrise at Alexandria's waterfront.

SOCIALIZE WITH US  facebook.com/alexandrialivingmag

PHOTO BY TROY MEYER

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alexandrialivingmagazine.com • March / April 2021

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208 South Saint Asaph Street Circa 1880, this stately, fully-detached Old Town residence sits on a prime double lot and has undergone an impeccable top-tobottom renovation offering magnificent living spaces throughout. Gracious generously sized rooms bathed in sunlight, original millwork, sleek chef’s kitchen, and a large family room with custom built-ins and gas fireplace overlooks the expansive yard. Luxurious master suite offers multiple closets, spa-like marble bath, and adjoining sitting room. The private outdoor oasis features a covered porch and antique brick patio surrounded by lush greenery. Two off-street parking spaces beyond the iron gate convey. $3,750,000 Shown by appointment…Call Babs to preview this fine residence!

Babs Beckwith cell 703.627.5421 I Babs@BabsBeckwith.com I OldTownAlexandriaLiving.com 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 I off. 703.549.9292 Equal Housing Opportunity

PUBLISHER

Beth Lawton

A Letter from Our Founders

EDITOR

Mary Ann Barton ADVERTISING

Cleo Chitester Teal Griffey Lora Jerakis DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION

Jessie Leiber

PUBLISHING ASSISTANT

Susannah Moore INTERN

Rachel Kiser Alexandria Living Magazine is published six times per year by Alexandria Living, LLC ©2021. 201 N. Union St. Alexandria, VA 22314. For newsstand or distribution locations or to subscribe for home delivery, go to alexandrialivingmagazine.com/subscribe.

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PRESS RELEASES & TIPS

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maryann@alexandrialivingmagazine.com.

Welcome to the March/April 2021 issue of Alexandria Living Magazine!

With vaccinations underway, we're hoping this spring signals a time of rebirth and hope that we are on the road back to “normal.” A full year of the pandemic is behind us. We've seen, at press time, more than 100 deaths from COVID-19, nearly 10,000 cases and a number of local businesses close their doors in Alexandria.

Pre-pandemic, Alexandria’s future was bright.

City leaders tell us it still is — we have lots to look forward to in the days, years and decades ahead. In the “Future of Alexandria,” starting on Page 38, we hear from Mayor Justin Wilson, Fairfax County Board Chair Jeff McKay, Alexandria Economic Development Partnership CEO Stephanie Landrum, Visit Alexandria CEO Patricia Washington and others.

To illustrate the future, we couldn't help but feature a DeLorean, star of the movie “Back to the Future,” on our cover. Photographer Troy Meyer captured this beauty during a chilly sunrise at the waterfront. Read about Franconia resident Rafael Lopez’s love for his classic car on Page 49.

This issue is filled with stories about hope and the future: From developments in treating canine cancer (Page 21), helping wayward wildlife (Page 25), the latest in smart-home technology (Page 32) and how we can ensure a bright future for the Potomac River (Page 36).

We know our local restaurants have been especially hard hit by the pandemic and we have all said goodbye to some of our longtime favorites. But amid the downturn, there are bright spots, with new eateries opening their doors and we highlight both starting on Page 29.

Beth Lawton, publisher, and Mary Ann Barton, editor

PHOTO BY MATT MENDELSOHN, TAKEN AT VIRTUE FEED & GRAIN.

an hour’s drive west of Alexandria to horse and wine country: Loudoun County. The town of Middleburg offers a variety of luxe shopping, dining and overnight accommodations as well as numerous surrounding wineries to visit. Read all about it on Page 51.

One of the most hopeful events of anyone’s life is a wedding. Although it’s more difficult to plan these days, many are choosing not to postpone the event and are planning either a micro-wedding or some variation. The annual Alexandria Wedding Showcase, produced

by Alexandria Living Magazine, will go on this spring, although in a different form to protect everyone's safety. Find out more on Page 16.

If you enjoy reading our magazine, but can’t wait for the next issue to come out, be sure to keep track of everything Alexandria through our website, our newsletters as well as our social media pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Here’s hoping this long and winding road is taking us back to some semblance of “normal” soon. In any case, we’re excited about what the future holds for Alexandria and hope you are too. See you back here in May!

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE

Subscribing to Alexandria Living While many of us are not ready to travel, Magazine is easy! You can go to some are venturing out and taking precaualexandrialivingmagazine.com/ tions with plenty of hand sanitizer, masks subscribe to pay securely online by credit card, or mail a check with and social distancing. If you need a change of the subscription mailing address to scenery this spring, pack your bags and head Alexandria Living Magazine, 201 N. Union St. Suite 110, Alexandria, VA 22314.

Subscriptions are $14.95 for one year or alexandrialivingmagazine.com • March / April 2021 6 for two $24.95 years.

Mary Ann Barton and Beth Lawton Founders

Our Team Meet some of the contributors to this issue.

GLENDA BOOTH Contributor

ANN CAMERON SIEGAL Contributor

RACHEL KISER Contributor

LUCINDA JENNINGS Illustrator

Glenda is a freelance writer who has lived in Northern Virginia for more than 40 years covering travel, history, people and conservation for local, state and national publications. Glenda has volunteered for Earthwatch in Botswana, Greece, France, Saskatchewan (Canada) and the Galapagos. She earned a bachelor’s at Longwood College and a master’s at the University of Virginia. A gardener, outdoors woman and lifelong learner, she lives in Fairfax County and is the mother of two grown sons.

Ann started her writing and photography career with the Alexandria Port Packet in the late 1970s. A “meandering minimalist,” she is always looking around the next bend for interesting experiences. Since 2001, many of her finds have been featured in The Washington Post.

Ann and her husband Glenn just celebrated their 50th anniversary by driving cross country, savoring amazing landscapes along the way.

Rachel is a recent Virginia Tech graduate where she studied fashion and journalism. She has written and edited for multiple college platforms before joining Alexandria Living Magazine. Even though she has only lived in Alexandria for a year, she looks forward to exploring the city like a local. When she isn’t writing, she bartends in Old Town, and works as a librarian in Del Ray. She is a connoisseur of thrift stores, strong coffee and a good dive bar.

Lucy lives in Woodstock N.Y., where she’s been drawing since she could hold a crayon. She is self-taught and known to spend hours filling her sketch books with elaborate drawings of eyes and lips. When she isn’t drawing and painting, Lucy spends her free time playing tennis, running track and swimming. She loves playing with her British shorthair cat Genki and her Australian Shepherd Auggie.

TROY MEYER Photographer

SUSANNAH MOORE Contributor

STUART M. PERKINS Contributor

ROSIE Office Pup

Troy is an avid photographer in the Washington Metro Area who is happiest with a camera in his hand.

He specializes in architecture, landmarks, landscapes, portraits, and youth game time action sports photography. His passion for photography stems from the excitement of capturing that decisive moment in a sporting event and the beauty and tranquility of watching Washington D.C. wake up as the sun rises. Troy enjoys sharing his work on Instagram @netforceone.

Susannah has called Alexandria home since 2015. After traveling the world as an Army brat, she graduated from the College of Charleston as a double major in Political Science and Jewish Studies.

She has worked in the political and legal fields but is excited to rekindle her interest in writing. In her free time, she can be found practicing yoga, singing, running along the Potomac with her husband and spending as much time as possible with her golden retriever, Rosie.

Stuart is originally from Richmond and has called Alexandria home for nearly 10 years. He enjoys relating observations and the inherent lessons found in everyday situations. Some of these stories have been shared in publications such as Virginia Living and Chicken Soup for the Soul. When not writing about special moments in daily life, Stuart works at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

Born on the Big Island of Hawaii, Rosie spent the first 18 months of her life on the beach. She was skeptical when she moved to Alexandria with her parents, but she quickly adapted when she realized it is one of the dog-friendliest cities in the world. For fun, Rosie likes to run after tennis balls (and not bring them back), find the largest mud puddles and roll in them, befriend strangers at the dog park and dress up for doggy trick-ortreat in Old Town every Halloween.

March / April 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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EVENT K E Y Arts Food & Dining Family-Friendly Historic/Educational Literature Live Music Nightlife Pet-Friendly Recreation & Outdoor Shopping Theater Workshop

Mount Vernon Homeschool Days are March 8 and 9. PHOTO COURTESY OF GEORGE WASHINGTON'S MOUNT VERNON

SPRING 2021

Calendar of Events March The Revolutionists

compatriots and chosen sisters and how we

Feb. 27 – March 20 | various times

actually go about changing the world.

Do It Right: Recycling and Waste Reduction from T&ES

The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St.,

March 2 | 7 – 8 p.m.

The Little Theatre of Alexandria presents

thelittletheatre.com

comedy is about violence and legacy, art

Alexandria’s favorite holidays!

Citizen recycling and waste reduction can have a positive impact on our community and our quality of living. To be successful, it has to be done in a way that is useful.

Helen Lee, environmental program manager for Alexandria’s Department of Transportation & Environmental Services, will explain how to properly recycle during this virtual event. Registration is required to receive event link.

and activism, feminism and terrorism,

ballyshaners.org

alexlibraryva.org/event/4803445

“The Revolutionists,” about four sassy women who lose their heads in playwright Lauren Gunderson’s girl-powered comedy set during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror. The four are playwright Olympe de Gouges, assassin Charlotte Corday, former queen Marie Antoinette and Haitian rebel Marianne Angelle. The dream-filled

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations The annual St. Patrick’s Day parade may look a little different this year as the country begins to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Keep an eye out for some fun but safe ways to celebrate one of

Due to ongoing concerns about the spread of COVID-19, some of the events listed here may move online, be postponed or be canceled. Keep an eye on alexandrialivingmagazine.com for an updated events calendar or check in with event organizers before heading out this spring!

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alexandrialivingmagazine.com • March / April 2021

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Bowled Over March 3 – 28 This exhibit features artist-made ceramic bowls created by members of the Kiln Club.

STARTING

MAR.

20

Scope Gallery, 105 N. Union St., Studio 19, scopegallery.org

Give Me Shelter Art Exhibit March 5 – 27 Shelter has taken on a new meaning during the COVID-19 pandemic with the term “shelter in place” and millions of Americans facing homelessness. Come see how local artists explore the concept of shelter in the Give Me Shelter art exhibit at Del Ray Artisans. Gallery hours are Thursdays noon – 6 p.m., Fridays noon – 6 p.m. and Saturdays noon – 4 p.m. Del Ray Artisans is ALX Promise-certified and admission is free. Face masks and social distancing are required.

Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., delrayartisans.org

Virtue and Vice: The Women of Lee-Fendall March 6 | 2 p.m.

Meet some of the women who lived in the Lee-Fendall House over the years. Learn about their challenges and achievements as women, wives, workers, mothers, performers and activists. For your safety and for those around you, face masks are required. The tour is limited to eight participants. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are $10 per person. Members of Lee-Fendall House are admitted free but must call or email to make a reservation (703) 548-1789 or contact@leefendallhouse.org.

National Cherry Blossom Festival March 20 – April 11 The National Cherry Blossom Festival will bloom again this spring with an innovative format that honors the tradition of the festival, while prioritizing the health and safety of participants amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The celebration will feature virtual and personal experiences and programs. Local businesses will feature cherry blossom-themed windows, food and drink specials. There will be no National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade this year.

Virtual Opening Festival: Presented March 20 in partnership with The Japan Foundation, enjoy performances from Japan and DC in the comfort of your living room.

Art in Bloom: Beginning March 20, search for 25 giant cherry blossom art sculptures throughout the DC area. Engage with the sculptures for a chance to win prizes.

Blossom Kite Fly: Beginning March 22, take a workshop or demo on kite-making.

Mount Vernon Homeschool Day March 8, 9 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Mount Vernon welcomes homeschooling families to discover the 18th century by exploring the Farm at Mount Vernon!

Students can watch costumed historic trades interpreters produce 18th-century goods, learn about George Washington's innovative farming practices, visit a reconstructed cabin for an enslaved family and meet some of Mount Vernon's animals.

Special tickets are $14/adult, $12/kids age 6-18 and children 5 and under are free.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, mountvernon.org/

Then, on March 27 and 28, fly your kite in your own backyard and share pictures online.

Virtual Pink Tie Party: On March 27, dress up in pink and join revelers from all over the world for an evening of fun, entertainment and friendly competition.

Petal Porch Parade and Touring: Decorate your front porch, yard or window cherry blossom style and register by March 15 for an opportunity to be featured. If decorating is not your thing, admire the creativity from your car from March 20 – April 11, using a virtual map of all participating locations.

Virtual Celebration Show: On April 10, tune in for a special “love letter” to blossoms and DC in springtime. The hourlong program will feature entertainment the whole family can enjoy.

Various locations and virtual, nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

March / April 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

of COVID-19. Check The Birchmere’s website for the latest information.

The concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices vary.

Damien Escobar – March 13 Raul Malo – March 27, 28 Chicks with Hits – April 7 Average White Band – April 16, 17 Wynonna Judd – April 21 Shawn Colvin – April 30

Cooking with Kids March 9 | 7 – 8 p.m.

Did you know cooking provides kids a chance to practice their math, science and reading skills? Homeschool in the kitchen and bond with your kids to develop lifelong skills and a love of trying new foods. Kristen McGill, a registered dietitian and in-store nutritionist with Giant Food, will present tips for cooking with your kids in this virtual event presented by the Alexandria Public Library.

The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., birchmere.com

March 10 | 7 – 8 p.m.

Virtual Afternoon Tea: A Good Night’s Sleep March 14 | 2 – 3 p.m.

Join Green Spring Gardens for a virtual afternoon tea and explore the fascinating history of human sleep, sleeping arrangements and sleep habits. Explore the evolution of bedroom furniture and hear about the very curious sleep habits of some famous historical figures. Tickets are $12 for the lecture and $24 for a tea box provided ahead of the virtual event. fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/green-spring/virtualafternoon-tea/good-nights-sleep

George Washington and Entrepreneurial Leadership PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

Concerts at The Birchmere Music Hall Check out the performances scheduled for March and April at The Birchmere. Note, these dates are subject to change because

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alexandrialivingmagazine.com • March / April 2021

Join author David O. Stewart as he discusses his newest book, “George Washington: The Political Rise of America’s Founding Father” and answers audience questions.

Virtual, alexlibraryva.org/event/4752455

Braddock's Tars: Common Sailors and the Braddock Expedition A little-known party of 33 Royal Navy sailors marched with Braddock's army in the 1755 expedition to attack Fort Duquesne that ended in disastrous failure on the banks of the Monongahela. In “Braddock's Tars: Common Sailors and the Braddock Expedition,” author Kyle Dalton will use their story as a lens to look at the larger picture of common sailors in the British Atlantic World and tell us what we can learn from ordinary people in extraordinary situations. Tickets for this virtual event are $5 and can be bought on the Carlyle House Historic Park website.

Two Women, Two Worlds: Ellen Craft and Mary Edwards Walker

Virtual, alexlibraryva.org/event/4716335

March 18 | 7 – 8 p.m.

March 18 | 7 p.m.

alexlibraryva.org/event/4803244

The Alexandria Library hosts a special presentation for Women's History Month.

When we think of the American Civil War, we often think of the Blue and the Gray or the North and the South. Doubtless, we remember the men who fought on the battlefields and the politicians who shaped these battles with their words. But what about the women whose lives were influenced by the decisions of others?

Listen as Sarah Brady introduces you to two remarkable women with stories of the American Civil War.

George Washington: The Political Rise

March 17 | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

George Washington is well known as a political and military leader, but he was also one of America’s leading entrepreneurs and businessmen. In this online lecture, John Berlau will discuss Washington’s entrepreneurial leadership and how he grew his personal business and created a vision for national commerce. Tickets are $40 for members, $50 for non-members. mountvernon.org

Virtual, novaparks.com/parks/carlyle-house-historicpark/events

Climate Change Adaption: Shoring up Your Home in a Changing World March 23 | 7 – 8 p.m.

Jessica Lessetter, Transportation and Environmental Services stormwater expert, will discuss what the City of Alexandria is doing and what you can do to respond to climate change flooding and protect your property. Registration with an email address is required to receive the event link.

Virtual, alexlibraryva.org/event/4688931

Climate Change Near You March 25 | 7 – 8 p.m.

Dr. Richard “Rick” Van Noy will discuss how climate change and sea level rise impacts Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Learn who it effects, where it’s happening and what you can do. Special emphasis will be placed on water issues commonly experienced by residents in Virginia.

Virtual, alexlibraryva.org/event/4805555

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Women of Color in the Civil War March 26 | 3 – 4 p.m.

Join the Alexandria Library for a talk

by National Park Service Ranger Kenya Finley on how many of the contributions by women of color went unrecognized and unrewarded.

STARTING

MAR.

27

Virtual, alexlibraryva.org/event/4817551

Beyond the Battlefield: A Walking Tour of Civil War Alexandria March 27 | 9 a.m.

This walking tour shares the stories of soldiers, citizens and self-liberated African Americans in Civil War Alexandria. It covers the military occupation, the conversion of public and private buildings into hospitals and emancipation. Face masks are required. The tour is limited to 10 participants and lasts approximately an hour and a half. Walking tours take place rain or shine so wear appropriate shoes and clothing. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are $15 per person. Members of Lee-Fendall House are admitted free but must call (703) 548-1789 or email contact@leefendallhouse.org to make a reservation.

Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, 614 Oronoco St., leefendallhouse.org

April Environmentally Aware April 1 – May 2 Forget the paper and Styrofoam plates, bowls and cups and support the environment this month by choosing handmade ceramic items for your table. In recognition of Earth Day 2021, 10 percent of April’s sales will be donated to an environmental cause TBD. Featuring the Ceramic Guild.

Scope Gallery, 105 N. Union St., Studio 19, scopegallery.org

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alexandrialivingmagazine.com • March / April 2021

Easter Egg Hunt March 27, 28 and April 3, 4 | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Find Easter eggs hidden in the Lee-Fendall garden on this socially-distant take on their popular annual egg hunt! Sessions are offered on the hour March 27 and 28 and April 3 and 4 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. with limited attendance. Advance reservations only. Bring your own basket. Face masks required. Please note that the museum will be closed to regular tours on these dates.

Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, 614 Oronoco St., leefendallhouse.org

Unfinished/Finished Art Exhibit April 2 – May 1 Many artists are notorious for having oodles of unfinished pieces hidden in their workspaces. In preparation for this exhibit, unfinished works were given to different artists to complete. The Unfinished/ Finished art exhibit showcases how these partnerships yield impressive finished artworks by local artists and high school students. Del Ray Artisans is ALX Promisecertified and admission is free. Face masks and social distancing are required.

Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., delrayartisans.org

Crystal City 5k Fridays April 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 For all the runners out there, races are back! Celebrate the end of the work week in a healthy way – running a 5k in nearby

Crystal City. Pacers Running will host a 5k every Friday in April.

Crystal City, pacersrunningevents.com

Alexandria's Serial Killer: Author Talk with Bryan Porter April 15 | 7 – 8 p.m.

Bryan Porter, Alexandria’s elected prosecutor, will discuss the investigation, prosecution and trial of the notorious serial killer, Charles Severance. In addition to discussing the case, Porter will provide his insights on the important issue of mental health and access to firearms and what can be done to address it. Time for Q & A will follow the presentation.

Virtual, alexlibraryva.org/event/4698781

SHOP SMALL. SHOP LOCAL.

Alexandria is full of talented makers — people who make skincare and bath products, candles, jewelry, home decor, apparel and more.

Their items are small-batch, handcrafted and unique.

Find them now at madeinalx.com.

Navigating All Markets JILLIAN KECK HOGAN R E A L E S TAT E G R O U P

Licensed in VA & DC 703.951.7655 I JillianKeckHogan.com

109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 I 703.549.9292 I Equal Housing Opportunity

JKH_ALM_0321.indd 1

PHOTO COURTESY OF LEE-FENDALL HOUSE

Homeschool Day: Gardens April 23 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Lee-Fendall House and Garden’s spring homeschool day will focus on the history of gardens as a source of food, medicine and recreation. Learn how herbs were used to do everything from treat diseases to flavor food. Educational activities will take place outdoors with optional house tours. Sessions run every hour starting at 10 a.m. with the last one at 3 p.m. Due to

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alexandrialivingmagazine.com • March / April 2021

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ongoing health concerns, the number of people allowed in the house and on the grounds at one time will be limited, so you must register in advance. Face masks and social distancing are required. Tickets for accompanying adults (18+) are $3, students (3-17) are $5 and children under 3 are free.

The Belle of Amherst

Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, 614 Oronoco St., leefendallhouse.org

The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St.,

Family History Day

Hollin Hills Home + Garden Tour

April 24 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Postponed

Discover the Lee-Fendall historic house and gardens this spring through fun, familyfriendly activities and tours. Sessions run every hour starting at 10 a.m. with the last one starting at 3 p.m. Due to ongoing health concerns, the number of people allowed in the house and on the grounds at one time will be limited, so you must register in advance. Face masks and social distancing are required. Tickets for accompanying adults (18+) are $3, students (3-17) are $5 and children under 3 are free.

This fall, keep an eye out for details on one

Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, 614 Oronoco St., leefendallhouse.org

April 24 – May 15 | various times The Little Theatre of Alexandria presents William Luce’s one-woman play celebrating and exploring the eccentric and obscure life of American poet Emily Dickinson. thelittletheatre.com

of Alexandria's favorite annual events. The Hollin Hills Home + Garden tour is a selfguided tour through some of Alexandria's finest examples of mid-century modern architecture, landscaping and interior design. The nationally acclaimed event, which is usually held every year at the beginning of May has been tentatively postponed to the fall of 2021 due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns. Visit the event website for the latest updates. hollinhillsmodern.com

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

APR.

17-24

Historic Garden Week in Virginia April 17 – 24 This long-running event hosted by the Garden Club of Virginia (GCV) will return this year better than ever. The Historic Garden Week in Virginia, which began in 1929, was canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This has been done only once before in the event’s history – during World War II. “Gardens are symbols of hope and renewal. They express creativity and provide an opportunity for reflection. During these trying times, many of us are enjoying more time spent in our gardens,” said Missy Buckingham, president of the GCV. “Expect to see more gardens open during Historic Garden Week in 2021.”

From April 17 to 24, garden lovers can enjoy tours of 30 private landscapes, public gardens and historic sites across Virginia. Approximately 2,200 floral arrangements created by GCV members will enrich these tour destinations.

On April 17, Old Town Alexandria will be one of the featured tours. The walking tour will feature private gardens, flower arranging demonstrations and gardening lectures. Historic properties on the tour include the Dr. William Brown House, The Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and The Ramsay House. Floral arranging demonstrations will take place at 9 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. These and other educational programs require advance registration on the event website.

The tour will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance at vagardenweek.org. A limited number of tickets will be sold for each entry time in accordance with COVID-19 safety guidelines. Participants are required to wear face masks and follow all Virginia and City of Alexandria COVID-19 guidelines.

Proceeds from Historic Garden Week tours will fund restoration and preservation of important gardens, parks and landmarks across the Commonwealth including Mount Vernon and The College of William and Mary. Read more about the work of the Garden Club of Virginia at gcvirginia.org.

More detailed information on Historic Garden Week and a full list of tours is available at vagardenweeek.org PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE GARDEN CLUB OF VIRGINIA

March / April 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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The honor of your presence is requested at the

2021 ALEXANDRIA WEDDING SHOWCASE Join Alexandria Living Magazine and dozens of wedding professionals for a week of safe, socially-distant events across multiple locations in Alexandria — or participate online!

APRIL 18 - 25, 2021 More information is available at AlexandriaWeddingShowcase.com.

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alexandrialivingmagazine.com • March / April 2021

SPONSORED

Grand Opening at Muse, Alexandria’s Newest Luxury Condos When it comes to experiencing artful living and an unmatched level of elegance, MUSE has redefined the luxury condominium market with 73 art-inspired homes. The building offers every inspiration and enchantment for a life well-lived. Residences feature premium finishes, floor-to-ceiling windows, panoramic views, and a variety of unique layouts, making these one-of-a-kind homes the hallmark of artful living.

Development has reached the highest floor of the mid-rise building and on April 17-18, 2021, MUSE will host hard hat tours for prospective agents and homebuyers to tour the freshly topped out building. This is the first opportunity to see the sweeping water views of DC, Maryland and Virginia from MUSE – and to get a feeling of the spacious layouts of the new luxury condominiums before they are completed.

The eight-story MUSE will showcase a host of high-end fixtures and finishes including floor-to-ceiling windows, large walk-in closets, custom lighting, and 7-inch wide engineered wood flooring. Prospective buyers have 29 different floor plans to choose from, making each home truly unique. Layouts range from spacious one bedroom with den’s (approx. 900 sq. ft.) up to a Two bedroom with den and rooftop terrace penthouse (approx. 2,200 sq. ft.). Select residences include expansive outdoor terraces and/or balconies with majestic views of the Potomac River.

The spa-like bathrooms at MUSE are the epitome of luxurious elegance with Waterworks fixtures, quartz countertops, oversized vanities with backlit mirrors, stand up showers with built-in seats, Kohler alcove tubs, and Calacatta Porcelain tile.

Located just five miles from Washington D.C., one stoplight from National Airport, and adjacent to the Mount Vernon Trail, MUSE is surrounded by sweeping views of the Potomac River and panoramic views of the city, landscaped parks, and a variety of popular restaurants, retail, and cultural destinations.

The gourmet kitchens at MUSE are impeccably designed spaces to entertain guests or unwind after a long day. They feature contemporary Snaidero flat-panel cabinetry, quartz countertops, Brizo pull-down faucets, top-of-the-line concealed panel appliances from Bosch and Thermador equipped with WiFi-integration, and a separate wine & beverage refrigerator in every island.

MUSE also will offer 24/7 white glove concierge, full-time lobby attendant, maintenance and management on site, an indoor and outdoor fitness center, a rooftop club room with a wrap around terrace and water views, a pet spa, bike storage, a repair center, and a paved arts walk promenade.

On-site parking and private storage are available to all residents. MUSE will also become the new home of the Art League of Alexandria, offering artist studios and classes in its retail space.

The exquisite residences at MUSE will deliver in the second half of 2021, with pricing from $800,000 to $2.2M. Adjacent to the MUSE development, the sales gallery overlooks the construction site and features comparable views to the building overlooking the Potomac River, Washington DC, future vibrant mixed use development in Old Town North, and historic Old Town Alexandria.

To participate in the hard hat tours on April 17-18 or to schedule a private one-onone appointment with a sales manager, please visit MuseOldTown.com, email Sales@MuseOldTown.com, or call 571-771-MUSE.

March / April 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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THE SMALL THINGS

The Future Is Up to You

BY STUART M. PERKINS

There was a raw mist in the air, but I needed a morning walk and the gloom wasn’t going to keep me inside.

I took my usual route down Holmes Run Trail. Passing the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, I pictured a hopeful future for those awaiting adoption. A few steps more and I passed Great Waves Waterpark.

Presently cold and silent, in summer it could be full of kids splashing away in the heat.

Pondering what’s to come is normally uplifting, but that morning I had difficulty envisioning positives. A sudden awareness that “future” is always dwindling was a bleak realization.

I reached my destination and stood on a little bridge crossing over Lake Cook.

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alexandrialivingmagazine.com • March / April 2021

Wallowing in self-pity, I mindlessly watched a pair of mallards frantically pick and poke through dried grasses along the bank.

“What’s the rush?” I asked them.

“You’re ducks with no future.”

I rolled my eyes at myself for talking to ducks and turned to look out over the lake. Feeling forlorn was OK. I would embrace it and use the quiet morning to gather my thoughts and get myself back on track. Besides, the lake was a peaceful spot and nothing could ruin the serenity. The silence was perfect.

“Hey!” a shrill voice croaked. “Beautiful, right?” A spry old woman pointed toward the ducks as she marched enthusiastically to stand beside me on the bridge. She swung her arms in rapid circles several times, leaned left and right to stretch her back, and bent

over the handrail to do standing pushups. Dressed in purple sweatpants and pink jacket, flowered baseball cap and white sneakers, she had all the markings of a devoted walker.

“Hi,” I said tentatively, unsure of what was happening here.

“You’re from the South, aren’t you?

Hiiiii. That’s how you said it. Hiiiii.” She bent and stretched as she spoke, her head nearly touching her knees. “I’m betting from the South. Keep talking until I say stop and I’ll know if I’m right.

But I bet from the South?”

“Yes ma’am,” I answered.

“Stop!” She stood up.

She laughed and raised her arms over her head to bend from side to side again, counting slowly to herself.

“I used to wonder what the point was because nothing new ever happened.

Sometimes it’s hard to contemplate the future, but you’re young and wouldn’t understand that!” She did several more leg kicks.

“I understand,” I said. “I’m 58 and getting older can be rough.”

“Fifty-eight?” She adjusted her cap again. “Why, you’re just a little squirt!”

ILLUSTRATION BY LUCINDA JENNINGS

I agreed I wasn’t elderly, but pointed out that she herself said the older she got the more she wondered about the future.

“I used to wonder,” she corrected.

“Hiiiii,” she said again. “I won’t forget that!”

She adjusted her cap. “I’m from Minnesota.”

Introductions seemed in order. “My name is Stuart and…”

“Oh, I won’t remember your name."

She stopped me. “But I won’t ever forget what you said.”

A set of jumping jacks, a couple of leg kicks and she stopped for more stretching. “Walk much?” She asked as she jogged in place.

“Most days. And I always see something interesting.” I nodded toward the two ducks now swimming away, leaving out that I’d just talked to them about their futures.

“Love them,” she said. “I see a lot of birds out here.”

She continued talking about her own morning walks and rituals. She retired 20 years ago and now at age 85 had watched all of her friends “move away or pass away.” She looked down at the water.

“Old age was OK for the first 10 years or so.” She giggled slightly.

“But it dawned on me,” she continued. “I can walk and move and enjoy.

I shouldn’t start the day waiting for the future to run out. That’s the wrong approach.”

She took off her jacket and tossed it to me. As I held it, she finished a final set of standing push-ups.

“It’s like this.” She took back her jacket and looked me in the face. “I woke up this morning and that’s more than some people did. The rest is up to me.”

At 85 years of age, this little whirlwind of a woman had the perfect attitude.

I was impressed at the start by her jumping jacks and push-ups, but she had captivated me with her words.

This elderly spitfire had managed to clear my fog about the future and I felt better already.

I wanted to hear more. I listened for the next nugget of advice but she had places to go. She zipped up her jacket and tightened her shoelaces.

LET US TURN YOUR DREAMS INTO A REALITY Whether you are downsizing, refinancing, building or buying, Toni Miller and the Ameris Bank team have the tools and experience to get you there.

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“My name is Nadine and…”

“Oh, I won’t remember your name,” I smiled as I interrupted. “But I won’t ever forget what you said.”

amerisbank.com/mortgage All loans subject to normal credit approval.

March / April 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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DEVELOPMENT

PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON

Holes in the Ground, Cranes in the Sky In the next decade, a dead mall will turn into a vibrant new hospital, some office buildings may become apartments, and all sorts of old spaces will find new uses.

Alexandria Living Magazine has been tracking dozens of new developments across the City of Alexandria and Southeast Fairfax County. To help you keep track of what’s going on, we’ve created an interactive online map tracking more than 50 construction projects. The map is updated monthly and is accessible at alexandrialivingmagazine.com/ development.

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alexandrialivingmagazine.com • March / April 2021

Here are just a few of the projects on the map now: • In Old Town, Alexandria Renew Enterprises has taken down the old steel warehouse to make room for water treatment facilities to make the Potomac River cleaner.

• Nearby, Hilco Redevelopment Partners has purchased the site of the decommissioned GenOn Power Plant and has big plans for housing, office space, dining, retail, and public open space along the Potomac River.

• A new Wegmans, thousands of apartments, retail shops and more are coming to Eisenhower East.

• Southeast Fairfax County is welcoming multiple residential developments, several parks and a whole new vision for the “gateway” area between the City of Alexandria and Fairfax County.

• More than a dozen new apartment complexes, affordable housing developments, condos and townhomes are coming to Alexandria’s West End, welcoming thousands of new residents.

Visit alexandrialivingmagazine.com/ development for dozens of other projects in the works.

PETS

Canine Cancer

BY SUSANNAH MOORE

They say a late-night phone call never brings good news.

In this case, it was my veterinarian calling to tell me that my six-year-old golden retriever, Rosie, had cancer. It was 9 p.m.

She had waited until the end of the day because she dreaded the difficult conversation.

I felt shocked, overwhelmed and scared.

I knew golden retrievers were prone to developing cancer, and about 60 percent of them do. I just didn’t think it would happen to my dog — at least not so soon.

Rosie had successful surgery to remove the squamous cell carcinoma, but she developed a second type of cancer, melanoma, a few months later, which is much more resistant to treatment.

The cancer journey with your beloved pet can often be confusing and discouraging, but you are not alone and treatments for canine cancer have come a long way and will continue to improve in the years to come.

Here are a few things I learned while helping Rosie fight cancer and some words of advice and hope from local veterinary oncologists, researchers and pet owners.

BE PROACTIVE According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, approximately one in four dogs will develop abnormal cell growth at some stage in their life and almost half of dogs over the age of 10

Dr. Tuohy performs exam at the Animal Cancer Care and Research Center. PHOTO BY ANDREW MANN, VIRGINIA TECH

will develop cancer. A Morris Animal Foundation lifetime study is currently trying to determine exactly why golden retrievers in particular are so susceptible to the disease.

Cancer has normally been associated with older dogs, but it is not uncommon to see cancer develop in dogs under 6 years of age. Cancer treatment is expensive, so it is important to get pet insurance for your dog early on in life, before they develop a problem.

health and pets are living longer, owners and veterinarians are becoming more proactive about detection. Researchers recently developed a test to detect bladder cancer and she believes it is only the beginning of screenings that will become routine for at-risk breeds and older dogs.

“I think something that is really starting to take hold is how to screen dogs better.

Dogs can’t talk, which is part of why we like them so much,” Tidd observed.

“People with cancers might complain

Be on the lookout for strange bumps or abnormal behavior in your dog. For Rosie, her second cancer started in her toe and manifested similarly to an infected, broken toenail. It is better to assume that something is cancer and get it checked out quickly, then to find out after the cancer has progressed. Early detection is key for cancer treatment in both humans and animals.

about chronic pain they’re experiencing

Dr. Kathleen Tidd is an oncologist at the Regional Veterinary Referral Center in Springfield. She believes that because owners care more about their pet’s

Going through cancer diagnosis and

or GI distress or other things that might tip them off that something is going on, whereas a dog or a cat? A. They don’t complain. B. If it’s caught, we don’t usually pick up on it until it’s something more serious.”

FIND A COMMUNIT Y treatment with your pet can often feel lonely. Some friends and family members may not understand how much

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21

McNeill encouraged pet owners to keep an open mind. “There are a lot of preconceived notions about cancer, in particular things like chemotherapy. … The word chemotherapy carries such weight, it has such a negative connotation,” he explained. “Give us a chance, let us explain what’s out there and then decide.

It’s not for everyone. We know it’s a time commitment, it’s a financial commitment – not everyone has the option,” said McNeill. “At the end of the day, we want you to be happy. We want you to get the care that we would get ourselves.”

Tidd wants pet owners to know that ethically and practically, cancer care for animals is very different than treating human cancer patients.

“Our goal is for the dog to have whatever time it has to be the best quality. So rather than just putting days on the calendar, we want your dog or cat to feel like a dog or a cat.” Many of the chemotherapy drugs used to treat pets have minimal to no side-effects, unlike for humans who often experience extreme nausea, hair loss and other unpleasant side effects.

Roscoe. PHOTO BY LAURA DURHAM

you care about your pet and can make unhelpful or hurtful comments.

Surround yourself with people who can offer you support and advice during this time. Ask around at your local dog park, you may be surprised how many dog owners have gone through a similar experience.

The Dogs with Cancer group on Facebook is a space where you can share your journey with more than 7,000 members around the world who are in the same situation. Just remember to be careful getting treatment advice from non-medical professionals.

LISTEN TO YOUR VETERINARY ONCOLOGIST Once your primary veterinarian diagnoses your dog with cancer following a biopsy, X-ray or another type of test, they will refer you to a veterinary oncologist who specializes in animal cancer.

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The oncologist can assess the type and stage of the cancer and what treatment options are available.

Many oncology departments in the area have significant wait times so it’s important to schedule your appointment as soon as possible. Pet owners in the D.C. metro region are fortunate to have access to a talented, close-knit network of veterinary specialists who will often refer owners to each other if one of them has sooner availability or expertise in a particular area.

Dr. Conor McNeill, an oncologist with Hope Advanced Veterinary Center, offered words of advice for owners who have been told their dog has cancer. “I think always the first thing is to breathe.

The shock and confusion of hearing it, in particular for those that might not be aware that there are options, can be overwhelming. They should know that there are options out there.”

In 2011, Laura Durham rescued Roscoe, a plott hound mix puppy from the Humane Society of Fairfax County. He was diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma at the age of 4 and again at the age of 7 which was successfully removed both times. In 2019, he was diagnosed with Lymphoma.

“We immediately got an appointment with an oncologist and began chemotherapy. Soon after, we began seeing a holistic vet as well. She complemented his treatment with herbs, other supplements and acupuncture,” explained Durham.

Roscoe is currently in remission. “We just appreciate every day we get with him and have been so grateful that he has handled chemo so well with very few side effects and a great quality of life,” Durham said.

WHAT ABOUT HOLISTIC? Like Durham, there are a growing number of pet owners who are interested in

Teddy. PHOTO BY MARYBETH POWERS

pursuing natural options for treating their dog’s cancer. This often involves herbal supplements, acupuncture, special diets, limiting exposure to toxins and other methods.

When MaryBeth Powers’ 10-year-old dog, Teddy, was diagnosed with sarcoma on his mouth, he was given two to four weeks to live. She looked into supplements that might reduce inflammation and boost his immune system. “He started not eating as well so I started putting a little ginger and turmeric on his food…

I came up with these three mushrooms and I just started throwing everything together and lo and behold he started eating again,” Powers described.

She struggled to see him suffer under the influence of painkillers and sedatives.

She started to take him off medications and only used her mixture along with a grain free diet. She says within four months, her veterinarian said the tumor was gone and Teddy ended up living three more years.

Powers decided to sell her turmeric, ginger and mushroom mixture as Teddy’s Tumeric Tamer which can be found locally at Nature’s Nibbles or through MadeinALX.com. She said her research was from the internet or based on human cancer research, and the product has not gone through any clinical trials.

She hopes she can connect with holistic veterinarians and get some scientific research done on the product in the future.

Conventional veterinarians have their own perspective on holistic treatments.

McNeill wants owners to know that the line between holistic and conventional isn’t as well-defined as owners might think. “A lot of [standard] medications

Rosie. PHOTO BY SUSANNAH MOORE

can come from plant-based origin, too.

Many people don’t know that, they think it’s made in this chemistry factory.”

He has concerns about the quality and the efficacy of many holistic supplements available online that have not been regulated or researched. He does not want owners to be afraid to tell their oncologist what supplements they may be using because they can sometimes interfere with conventional treatment.

“It’s important to have an open dialogue.

I think that comes down to trust. Trust your veterinarian has your best intentions at heart,” he said.

“I usually tell owners [that] probably most of it is not harmful, I just can’t make any guarantees that it is helpful.”

Tidd advised. “Go into it with healthy skepticism, and be aware that it should be complimentary medicine to Westernbased science, not completely replacing it.” She believes that there will be more legitimate research done on holistic treatments in the future.

The Veterinary Holistic Center in Springfield uses holistic methods to treat diseases like cancer but is clear on their website that they operate in conjunction

with regular veterinary care. “Working with you and your regular veterinarian, we aim to improve your pet’s quality of life and effectively treat chronic conditions. We will coordinate closely with your veterinarian for detailed records and status updates, as well as to discuss and align care and treatments.”

THE FUTURE OF CANCER TREATMENT AND RESEARCH McNeill believes that the future for canine cancer will continue to see the use of tried-and-tested treatments as well as newer ones. He hopes there will be good options for a wider variety of circumstances. “As new things come out they tend to not necessarily be the most affordable options, so what I’d love for the future is to have that spectrum of bells and whistles high end, if we want to go that way, but also more options on the more affordable end of the spectrum.”

He also believes that growing interest in animal medicine can only create better treatment options for different types of cancer. “Over the past years, there have been more companies willing to do the research, and also invest in proper FDA

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PETS

approval to have it labeled for use on pets to treat a specific cancer type.”

Based on current trends he sees that future treatment will not only focus on quality of life but also on better outcomes for patients at the same time.

Better drugs to fight nausea and stimulate appetite, which are often the biggest problems for canine cancer patients, are also on the horizon.

Tidd echoed McNeill’s prediction that treatments for animal cancer will continue to be refined and personalized for each pet. “I think for us a lot of what we do is saddled on to what is going on in human medicine, so I think we are going to see a lot more of the targeted medications.” This includes more refined imaging and radiation technology.

The connection of animal and human cancer research is evident at the VirginiaMaryland College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg and the brand new Animal Cancer Care and Research Center in Roanoke. The center is located in close proximity to the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, which allows for opportunities to collaborate.

Local Veterinary Hospitals with Oncology Departments Regional Veterinary Referral Center 6651 Backlick Rd. #F, Springfield, Va. 703-451-8900 Hope Advanced Veterinary Center 140 Park St., Vienna, Va. 703-281-5121 VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Center 8500 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax, Va. 703-752-9100

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alexandrialivingmagazine.com • March / April 2021

Animal Cancer Care and Research Center Treatment Room. PHOTO BY ANDREW MANN, VIRGINIA TECH

“The close relationship between human researchers and veterinary medical researchers … people are realizing there is so much ability to translate between the two and that having closer partnerships between the two is incredibly beneficial for both,” said Mindy Quigley, a clinical trials coordinator for the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine. Quigley is essential in recruiting patients through veterinarians and owners across the country but mostly in the Mid-Atlantic region. Trials range from helping fat cats lose weight to treating dogs with brain tumors. Owners can find clinical trials on the American Veterinary Medical Association online database or on the research center’s website.

“I think that our new cancer center in Roanoke is well aligned with the overall trend toward more sophisticated therapies for pets and also a focus on quality of clinical care and marrying that nicely to research.” Quigley explained. “People expect that the care that is available for pets is going to be on a par with [humans]. ‘Grandma got this experimental treatment at Johns Hopkins, and is there something like that to treat my dog that also has cancer the same way that Grandma did?’ — and that’s what we’re committed to offering.”

Dr. Joanne Tuohy is the interim director and assistant professor in surgical oncology at the center. She said animal patients at the center receive standard of care treatment plus additional therapies that are part of clinical trials.

“A unique area of research for us is in tumor ablation. So ablating tumors with various non-invasive or minimally invasive techniques to try to kill tumor cells,” Tuohy explained.

Another area of research at the center focuses on is keeping cancer cells from metastasizing or spreading from the primary location. “One of the things that we are looking into to try and slow down or prevent the spread of cancer elsewhere is using the immune system – so immunotherapy. Can we help the immune system build up resistance to a particular cancer?” Tuohy hopes that continued research like this will benefit both animals and humans fighting cancer in the decades to come.

Rosie is a beneficiary of immunotherapy research. In addition to chemotherapy, she is being given ONCEPT®, a vaccine that trains a dog’s immune system to fight melanoma. While it is too early to tell if the treatment will work in time to help Rosie, it gives me hope that the future for dogs with cancer will be a brighter one.

COMMUNITY

To the Rescue The Wildlife Rescue League provides tips on how to help injured animals.

BY ANN CAMERON SIEGAL

You notice a baby bird hopping around on the ground under a tree, or a shallow ground nest of newborn bunnies as you mow the lawn. What do you do?

Or maybe a fox is limping as it passes through the neighborhood. Who do you call?

It is natural to want to help injured or possibly orphaned wildlife, but sometimes the best thing to do is not to do anything but observe, said Carolyn Wilder, president of Wildlife Rescue League. (WRL) Many wildlife incidents seen by rehabbers are because of human interaction – intentional or accidental. WRL will help you make the right choice on how, or if, to help.

Baby opossum. PHOTO BY ANN CAMERON SIEGAL

For example, young birds are often on the ground when testing their wings in preparation for fledging, as parents watch nearby. To avoid attracting predators, rabbits stay away from their young except to feed them around dawn and dusk. And, most mammals can survive minor injuries, thriving even with an injured leg.

“The rule of thumb is if an animal is moving around ok — not crying or appearing to be in distress — it is probably ok,” according to Wilder.

Wildlife Rescue League, a non-profit, all-volunteer organization, has been serving as a resource to the public and offering support to Virginia’s licensed rehabilitators for 35 years.

“Our mission is to support the rehabilitation of sick, injured, and orphaned

wildlife so that it can be returned to the wild, and through education, to foster appreciation of our wild neighbors” Wilder said.

WRL began when bird rehabilitators set up a helpline to field calls that took them away from their work.

“Baby birds need to be fed every 20 minutes,” noted Wilder, explaining why rehabilitators have little time for phone inquiries.

WRL’s dedicated team of more than 80 volunteers handles about 3,500 calls a year. Another 70 volunteers log about 48,000 miles annually transporting wildlife from partner vets to rehabilitators. More than 5500 calls were logged in 2020 as so many people working and learning from home noticed more wildlife activity.

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COMMUNITY

An ill pileated woodpecker is better and should be released soon. PHOTO BY ANN CAMERON SIEGAL

Good to Know Wildlife Rescue League’s Helpline uses a voicemail system to route calls to the appropriate place and calls are usually returned within 30 minutes. Additionally, WRL’s website and phone system each provide a detailed menu that will answer many general questions. wildliferescueleague.org 703-440-0800 In addition, WRL offers presentations to schools, community groups and others to educate the public about wildlife, including when it should be rescued and when it should be left alone.

Wildlife Rescue League is currently searching for 1-5+ acres, via a donated property, below-market purchase or low-cost lease, to establish a wildlife center in Northern Virginia. If you are aware of any opportunities that might meet these needs, please contact Beth Axelrod at bethaxelrod@ wildliferescueleague.org

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"Aurora" arrived at Diva Crows of Alexandria with a birth defect. She cannot survive in the wild. After receiving the required federal permit, After receiving the required Federal permit, Catherine Sevcenko uses Aurora as an education bird. Rehab birds destined for release don’t get names. PHOTO BY ANN CAMERON SIEGAL

Most spring and summer calls to WRL are about baby squirrels that have fallen out of nests, or baby birds seen on the ground.

Winter calls tend to be about injuries such as window strikes by birds, or wildlife injured by other animals. Raptors, such as owls, eagles and hawks are often injured as the result of car strikes and lead poisoning from ingesting bullets or fishing waste.

THE WORLD OF REHABBERS All Northern Virginia state-permitted rehabilitators who take wildlife from shelters, vets, animal control or the WRL Helpline are automatically members of WRL and are eligible to receive supplies from the WRL Supply Depots.

It is expensive to be a rehabilitator — and they are not allowed to charge for their services. Wildlife in their care require cages, food, formula, bedding and medicines.

Rehabbers who work with rabies vector species – raccoons, foxes, skunks, groundhogs or bats — must have prophylactic rabies vaccines which can run $1,000 each. In addition,

alexandrialivingmagazine.com • March / April 2021

rehabilitators are required to partner with a veterinarian, with costs for treatment negotiated between them. WRL helps new rehabilitators by reimbursing some of those costs.

Material donations received from the public are distributed appropriately.

Most rehabilitators pay their expenses out of pocket.

“They do the work for their love of animals,” Wilder said. They are also excellent sources of information and advice. The time investment is amazing, particularly during most rehabbers’ busiest season from May to August. Volunteer help is often needed and appreciated.

Catherine Sevcenko of Diva Crows in Alexandria has a passion for rehabilitating songbirds. When people raise their eyebrows at her love of crows, she sings praises for their strong family units and cleverness.

“They never forget a face, so never make a crow angry,” she quipped. “They also chase away predators and are wonderful to have

A rabbit trying to escape netting around a garden stripped the skin from its leg. The leg may have to be removed. PHOTO BY ANN CAMERON SIEGAL

Wildlife Tips

in the neighborhood because they clean up garbage and eat rodents.”

As to their loud, raucous call: “There’s nothing in the songbird book that says you have to like to listen.”

She suggests that people keep their cats inside for the few days needed for any young bird to fledge.

Sevcenko, like all rehabbers, savors successes. Many require extreme patience and out-of-the-box thinking, such as when a blue jay came to her with no feathers, just stalks.

“I was advised to put it down.” Instead, she fed it dead newborn mice soaked in Pedialyte.

Within three months, the jay had a beautiful set of new feathers and was released. For more information, visit divacrows.org.

Olivia LoBalbo, a rehabber and wildlife educator in Gainesville, specializes in small mammals. Caring for more than 700 animals in 2020 she said, “My end goal is that, if possible, every animal that comes into my facility is going to be released back into the wild.

Cirino LoBalbo, 9, is too young to handle rehabbing wildlife, but helps his mom by cleaning cages and feeding the patients. This food is for rehab turtles. PHOTO BY ARI LOBALBO

They are not pets.” Once a wild animal has been taken in as a pet, (which is illegal), it can never be returned to the wild.

LoBalbo’s son Cirino, 9, is too young to be allowed to handle wildlife in his mother’s care, hebut he helps by cleaning cages and feeding the patients. “If you ever see an opossum or other wild animal, don’t try to interact with it,” he said. For more information, visit aeroanimalrescue.org.

Be aware that wildlife is out there even during the day. “Wild animals are adapting to urban life, trying to coexist with us, and we want to figure out ways to live peacefully with them,” said Wilder.

Less is more when it comes to interacting with wildlife.

However, anytime a wild animal comes up to you, it’s concerning, so call for advice.

Be aware of netting in your yard as it can trap wildlife, causing stress or injury.

Watch wildlife from a distance to avoid injury to you or stress to it.

Don’t acclimate wildlife to humans. Never feed it.

Keep key wildlife rescue numbers posted by your phone so you don’t waste precious time when help is needed.

Learn to recognize basic nests – especially rabbits who build their nests on the ground.

March / April 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

27

SPONSORED

Venue Alexandria Adds Modern Flair to the Timeless Charm of Old Town Alexandria A new collection of condominiums and townhomes in Old Town North — plus a new home for renowned MetroStage theater.

Few places in the DC metro area have the allure and historic charm of Old Town, Alexandria and even fewer can provide the striking design and central location that homeowners demand. Only Venue has it all.

Located along the banks of the Potomac River, Venue sits at the heart of Old Town North. Located just blocks from historic Old Town and the shops and dining of King Street and adjacent to the Mt. Vernon Trail allowing for easy access to one the region’s most famed trails.

It’s a rare opportunity for an ideal Old Town lifestyle with a modern flourish

— and people are taking notice. With Phase I completely sold out, Venue is now releasing its second phase of homes to those looking to experience the best Old Town has to offer.

Venue's unique selection of homes is what has made the community so alluring for many. Regardless of household size, there is a well-designed home available — either within the main condominium tower, The Residences at Venue, or within the surrounding townhomes, The Towns at Venue.

The awe-inspiring 13-story high rise is home to 119 condominium residences. Available homes range from 1- to 3-bedrooms and up to 2,300 square feet of bright, open spaces featuring floorto-ceiling windows and refined finishes.

Residences in the tower are available from the $500s to $2.7 million.

Also included at The Residences at Venue is a portfolio of on-site amenities. The rooftop sky lounge is a spacious outdoor terrace, furnished with fireplaces and seating to take in the 360-degree views from above, including a sweeping vista of the Potomac River. Other amenities include bike storage and a dog wash.

Flanking the main tower are 41 newly constructed townhomes. A select few of

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these spacious homes come complete with an in-home elevator and up to 4 bedrooms and 5 baths, ranging from 2,300 to nearly 4,000 square feet. All townhomes include a 2-car garage and private rooftop terrace. Townhomes at Venue start from $1.4 million.

Upon completion, Venue will also be the new home of MetroStage, a revered local theater company with three decades of history in Old Town North. Best known for their innovative productions, this critically-acclaimed group will be bringing its talents to Venue. Here MetroStage will deliver original productions and adapt celebrated favorites. With both floor and gallery seating available, the intimate space can offer seating for an audience of 120 people each night.

Construction is underway at Venue’s future location: 925 N. Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Interested buyers can get a glimpse of what awaits in the model unit, currently available for viewing by appointment at the sales center located at 314 Montgomery Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. The sales team can be reached at 703.214.6655.

FOOD & DINING

King Street. PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON

Alexandria Restaurants Ride COVID Roller Coaster

BY MARY ANN BARTON

The past year has been an economic roller coaster for many businesses and even more so for the restaurant industry due to COVID-19.

With the pandemic still front and center, Alexandria saw closings of some longtime beloved restaurants as the magazine went to press, while also welcoming new ones.

Here's a look at the latest on the city’s restaurant scene: In business for nearly four decades, Atlantis Pizza announced in January they planned to close after turning to carry-out during the pandemic. Atlantis owners Jim and Bill Patrianakos told their patrons via social media that they were “deeply saddened that it has come to this point, but the pandemic has proven to be too difficult for us to continue normal business. ...We appreciate all of your support over the years, and it is with a heavy heart to be shutting our doors after 38 years!”

Mayor Justin Wilson noted that the City worked with the restaurant throughout last year, with grants and discussions about outdoor dining options.

“I spoke with the owner this morning when I was picking up breakfast there about whether we could assist with the landlord, but unfortunately an appropriate arrangement with the landlord could not be reached,"

Alexandrians said goodbye to Atlantis Restaurant after it closed in January after being in business for 38 years. Owners Bill and Jim Patrianakos.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ATLANTIS

Wilson said. The eatery was located in Alexandria’s Bradlee Shopping Center.

“I know they had a few folks helping them negotiate with the landlord. If there was something we could do, we happily would. It’s a tragic loss for our community.”

March / April 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

29

A sample from Nothing Bundt Cakes. PHOTO COURTESY OF NOTHING BUNDT CAKES

As Atlantis was making plans to close, two other eateries opened their doors at the shopping center: Tropical Smoothie Cafe moved in at 3610-G King St. and &pizza made plans to open in February on the other side of the shopping center.

Other &pizzas are also planned in the Alexandria area — at The Foundry on Eisenhower Avenue and at Kingstowne Center.

Also coming to Kingstowne Center is a drive-through Chick-fil-A. No opening date has been announced but there is an “opening soon” notice on the shopping center website. The spot was formerly home to Fiona’s Irish Pub and, before that, King Street Blues.

Speaking of pubs, one of Old Town Alexandria’s most iconic restaurants and pubs, Bilbo Baggins on Queen Street, closed its doors for good during the pandemic after packing in crowds for four decades. Owner Michael Armellino said he closed his doors last March just after the pandemic began. “I remember someone sneezing and a couple got up and walked out and I thought, ‘This is going to be disastrous.’”

He and wife Linda are selling the buildings that housed the restaurant and pub. They recalled finding the eclectic spot in 1980: “He just felt like this was a place where people would like to eat, drink and make merry, kind of a

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Ada's on the River Executive Chef Randall Matthews shows off a wood-fired oven. PHOTO BY MARY ANN BARTON

little hobbit hole off the beaten path,” Linda said.

They recalled how much time they had spent working at the restaurant, often bringing their children in to help with the family business — peeling potatoes and whatever else needed doing. Now that they have grandchildren, they plan to spend quality time with them. Just up the street from the waterfront, the buildings are for sale for $2.2 million, listed by Stephen Karbelk with Century 21 Commercial New Millennium.

Alexandria’s waterfront continues to be a magnet for exciting new development, including Ada’s on the River, part of the Robinson Landing development.

The latest offering from Alexandria Restaurant Partners held its soft opening in January at 3 Pioneer Mill Way. Chef Randall Matthews is helming the kitchen, with wood-fired dishes front and center stoked with a mesquite charcoal and applewood fire. Inspired by his mom’s cooking, his offerings include a mushroom lasagna she cooked on Sundays.

Dave Nicholas, an ARP partner, noted that the restaurant “is the biggest and most grandiose restaurant we’ve

done to date.There’s no better view in Old Town than this.” The eatery seats 180 inside and more than 100 outside (Bromic heaters keep patrons warm during chilly nights) overlooking the river. “It’s something Alexandria and possibly D.C. hasn’t seen before,” Nicholas said.

The restaurant gets its name from renowned mathematician Ada Lovelace.

ARP partner Scott Shaw noted that the name is a nod to women and Alexandria’s growing reputation as a tech center and being a part of the Amazon HQ2 package. ARP has created an Ada scholarship for local high school students interested in STEM curriculum.

The restaurant, which has 270 degrees of glass walls, Shaw noted, was designed by Peter Hapstak and his team.

“We’re very happy with the outcome,” Shaw said. “We wanted very clean, modern lines.” Antique glassware and place settings were chosen to contrast with the sleek atmosphere.

ARP’s Barca and Barca Cafe next door to Ada’s on the River are set to open this spring.

Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Alexandria’s reputation as a hotspot

FOOD & DINING

Goodies Frozen Custard, 200 Commerce St. PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON

Old Hat Bar, 112 N. Saint Asaph. PHOTO BY MARY ANN BARTON

for sweet tooths continues to grow with the addition of Nothing Bundt Cakes at the Shoppes at Foxchase.

The bakery got its start in 1997 in Las Vegas and this is the chain’s first franchise to open in Alexandria. There are nine basic flavors, including traditional vanilla and chocolate, plus marble, confetti, red velvet, pecan praline, white chocolate raspberry, carrot cake and more. The bakery will open later this year.

Nothing goes better with cake than a little coffee. St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, a Del Ray institution, opened a second location in Old Town North, sleeker than its cozy original. Founder Nora Partlow sold the business in 2015 to Culinary Concepts, which is owned

by Alexandria business owners Larry and Christine Ponzi, who also own Del Ray’s Market to Market, Piece Out, which they opened last summer and Cafe Pizzaiolo on Fern Street. They decided to close their Shirlington pizza shop, but doors are opening soon for Stellina Pizzeria, an offshoot of the original at Union Market in D.C.

Mae’s Market & Cafe will open In Old Town, at 277 S. Washington St., in the space where Society Fair was formerly located. The restaurant is the brainchild of Stomping Ground

Southern Restaurant founder Nicole Jones. Virginia’s Darling Restaurant will open next to Mae’s Market at the end of 2021.

Mae’s Market & Cafe will be an all-day food market, where you can enjoy a high-quality, made from scratch selection of coffee, baked goods, salads and gourmet sandwiches. House-prepared food and pantry items, produce, freshly baked bread, charcuterie and cheese, prime meat and fresh seafood case, craft beer, wine and more.

At the former location of Pizzeria Paradiso (which closed last fall), at 124 King St., look for a new pizza spot to open, Emmy Squared. The restaurant will get a new look from Kerns Group Architects and offer Detroit-style pizza as well as its special hamburgers.

The eatery’s Le Big Matt Burger consists of a double-stack patty of La Frieda grass fed beef patties, American cheese, greens, pickles, and Sammy sauce. Served on a pretzel bun with a pickle.

There is another Emmy Squared located in D.C.’s Shaw neighborhood.

Old Hat Bar is expected to open at 112 N. St. Asaph St. King Street Blues was

formerly at the location. According to the Old Hat website, they’re expecting to open this spring.

Also coming this spring is Goodie’s Frozen Custard, opening in the historic Ice House in Old Town at 200 Commerce St. Goodies will serve carry-out frozen custard, coffee and baked goods. Goodies is known for Wisconsin-style frozen custard and treats like the “donutwich” (an apple cider donut stuffed with vanilla frozen custard and topped with caramel), sundaes, shakes and floats.

The Ice House was originally the property of Mutual Ice Co., Alexandria’s largest ice distributor. At just 300 sq. ft. inside, the building stored ice during a time before home refrigeration was widely available. The Mutual Ice Co. was founded in 1900 on the Potomac River waterfront, selling ice to residents and servicing rail cars along the Potomac Yard rail line.

In Del Ray, at 2400 Mt. Vernon Ave., look for Boccato gelato shop to open this spring. Also on the menu: Empanadas, pastries and coffee.

Joe’s Kitchen, the latest from Alexandria Restaurant Partners, is set to open later this year at 1501 Mt. Vernon Ave., the former home of Charlie's on the Avenue. It was uncertain whether that will be the final name of the eatery but it's listed on city permits.

March / April 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

31

HOME & GARDEN

Home ‘Smart’ Home

BY BETH LAWTON

Smart home technology has gone way beyond video camera doorbells and programmable thermostats.

Home tech companies have developed so many devices that your voice commands can adjust everything from lights to music and the house itself can remind you when it’s time to leave for an appointment.

This year’s Consumer Electronics Show showcased not only televisions that completely disappear into your wall, but also a new LG Transparent OLED Smart Bed TV that pops up from (and retracts into) the foot of your bed at the push of a button. Touchscreen-powered mirrors for your home gym

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can provide individualized guidance on proper form as you take a live-streamed yoga or pilates class. The NordicTrack Vault even comes attached to a cabinet for storing your workout equipment. The new Kohler Stillness Bath with an infinity edge uses voice commands to fill up at the perfect temperature with mist and aromatherapy.

From app-controlled doggie doors to robots that clean and disinfect your bathroom, it all sounds pretty cool — but before you start buying gadgets and gizmos, you should ask yourself a few questions.

The first step for any homeowner should be to figure out how much technology should be built into the home and what that technology should accomplish.

We love the homes we do - everything from highly traditional to rock star!

To figure that out, ask yourself a few questions:

How tech savvy are you? People who are really into technology will have more fun and get more use out of complex whole-home systems. If you’re more likely to use simpler home automation with a low learning curve, consider looking more at single-use smart devices.

Can you DIY? Some smart home devices require more than just understanding how to hook up wires and program commands. You may be looking at changes to your plumbing and electrical systems. When in doubt, hire it out. (And get permits, too!)

Call us and let us help you love your home!

What are your smart home priorities? If there are things that you consistently forget to do at home (like lower the thermostat before you leave for work) or you’re concerned about safety, focus on those areas first. Think about what you would get the most use and joy out of having in your home before you start investing.

What’s your budget? The amount of technology you can add to your home will depend on your budget, not just for the equipment and installation, but for the services you may need to subscribe to for the technology to work.

SERVING ALEXANDRIA FOR 25 YEARS 703-299-0633

janetbertin@decoratingden.com janetbertin.decoratingden.com

March / April 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

33

HOME & GARDEN

HOW TO GET STARTED If you’ve decided to install your own system, start looking at reviews online.

Consumer Reports has extensive reviews on smart home systems and gadgets that are worth reading before you buy anything. The publication also has guides on how to lock down your system for security.

If you’re going to hire a company to install your system, get multiple estimates and look at reviews online.

Make sure you understand the warranty and any related service contracts.

Either way, you’ll want to call your homeowners’ insurance company for advice. Some smart home features can lower your rates, but some can raise it.

There’s no doubt that smart home technology has its benefits. One of those is seriously improved energy efficiency. From smart thermostats that adjust automatically to windows and shades that detect the angle of the sun, home technology can help save a lot of money on your gas and electric bills. For a double boost, install these updates at the same time that you get a new tankless water heater or new windows.

Smart home technology can save you time and give you peace of mind, too.

If you can’t remember whether you need to pick up milk on the way home, some refrigerators now come with interior cameras, allowing you to peek inside your fridge from a phone app.

You can also double-check that the doors and locked and that the coffee pot and oven are off after you leave the house.

But there are risks, as well. While using smart home technology is fun and easy, it can elevate your risk of exploitation, identity theft and cybercrime. Some home technology experts recommend putting your smart home features on their own, separate, secured network to reduce the risk that your app-controlled door locks and video cameras are hacked.

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GARDEN HOME

Do Smart Homes Sell for More?

Smart home technology can put a “cool” factor to your home when you decide to sell it. According to a SmartEnergy IP study in late 2019, the coolness factor was the primary reason survey respondents were interested in smart home tech to begin with. (Other top reasons included saving on energy bills and improving home security.)

Other studies show that smart homes can sell for more money and faster than homes without built-in technology.

The things potential homebuyers are interested in most are smart thermostats and smart security systems, according to SmartEnergy IP.

Garden Home creates beautiful pieces for the home that blend functionality and design with a touch of luxe— especially important now as we make our homes the sanctuaries they deserve to be.

703.638.9668 / gardenhomeva.com

March / April 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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Kayakers on the Potomac River paddle underneath the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. PHOTO BY GLENDA BOOTH

The Potomac River: Its Future Depends on Us

BY GLENDA C. BOOTH

When English Captain John Smith sailed up the Potomac in 1608, he marveled at the abundance of fish “lying so thick with their heads above the water” that he caught them with a frying pan.

By 1951, it was “an open sewer,” denounced the Washington Post, and in 1965 President Lyndon B. Johnson decried the river as “a national disgrace.” American Rivers listed it as “America’s most endangered river” in 2012.

The Potomac is cleaner today, but the Potomac Conservancy’s 2020 assessment, based on 2018 and 2019 data, shows the first decline in a decade, down from a B in 2019 to a B-, but substantially improved from its 2011 D grade.

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HOPEFUL SIGNS With so many factors at issue (bacteria, rising salt levels, plastic waste and chemicals) most experts are cautious in predicting the river’s future.

Maryland manages multiple water quality monitoring stations with the station closest to Alexandria at Fort Washington. The data show that, for example, from 2009 to 2019, the status of dissolved oxygen and phosphorus, is “good” and the trend is “improving.” For nitrogen, the status is poor, but it too is improving.

Looking forward, many river watchers point to Alexandria’s $613 million River Renew project. The city’s combined sewer overflow system, largely in Old Town dating to the 1800s, dumps 140 million gallons of untreated sewage mixed with stormwater during some heavy storms. The largest infrastructure project in the city’s history, AlexRenew is building a tunnel system to capture and treat the sewage-rainwater mix before returning the cleaned water to the river.

Washington, D.C., has a similar project underway, the Clean Rivers Project, expected to cut combined sewage overflow by 96 percent.

Michael Nardolilli, executive director of the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin, sees the river’s future as bright, though he reminded us, “We still can’t swim in portions of it at some times.” He cites the closures of

ECOLOGY

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP Potomac Conservancy: potomac.org/take-action Potomac Riverkeeper: potomacriverkeepernetwork.org/ volunteer/ Chesapeake Bay Foundation: cbf.org/document-library/cbf-guidesfact-sheets/10_steps_lawn2fc6.pdf

Alexandria waterfront. PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON

Trash along the Potomac River waterfront. PHOTO COURTESY OF POTOMAC RIVERKEEPER NETWORK INC.

Alexandria’s GenOn/Mirant Power Plant and the Luke Paper

Karl Berger, Principal Environmental Planner for the

Mill upstream in western Maryland as positive signs.

Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, calls the

“The future of the Potomac River depends on what we do in

river’s future “a mixed bag.”

the 14,670 square-mile basin that drains into ‘the nation’s

“We can continue to make progress or our current progress

river,’” he said. “For 80 years, the Interstate Commission on

could be swept away by the negative impacts of climate

the Potomac River Basin has been working with many area stakeholders toward a sustainable future for the Potomac, using science and outreach to enhance the river’s many uses for the generations that follow us.”

Potomac Riverkeeper watchdog Dean Naujoks said, “We’ve made a lot of progress fixing Alexandria’s and D.C.’s sewage systems. Ten years from now this river will be cleaner than it is today. That’s the legacy we want to leave for our children so they can swim in the river. There will always be threats to the Potomac River, but the future health of the river continues to improve.”

Nevertheless, he’s worried: “Every time it rains, pollution in the form of pet waste, lawn fertilizers, oil, brake dust, salt, single use plastics and trash flushes into storm drains and eventually the river. We have a lot of work to do to address urban stormwater pollution and to reduce agricultural runoff linked to concentrated animal feeding operations.”

change. Water quality may depend less on direct actions we take to reduce water quality impacts and more on the actions we take to address climate change,” he said.

Conservancy President Hedrick Belin cautioned, “We’ve reached a critical turning point for the river and we can’t backslide now. We must pass stronger water protection laws and invest in natural defenses that will make our communities better prepared for our changing climate. We must strengthen — not weaken — water protections so fishermen can eat their catch, children can safely swim and we can drink water without worry.”

Come spring, the creek chubs will return with mouths full of pebbles to make their nests on the river’s bed. The health of the river they return to largely depends on us.

Visit our website to read the full version of this story: alexandrialivingmagazine.com/news/ the-potomac-river-its-future-depends-on-us

March / April 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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ALX 20 50

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ALX 20 50

THE FUTURE OF

ALEXANDRIA WILL THE CITY RETAIN ITS ALLURE AS IT GROWS? The Jetsons thought we would all have flying cars by now, robot maids, personal jetpacks and floating chairs. The Hanna-Barbera cartoon from the 1960s (revived in the 1980s) had some pretty wild predictions.

But some of the technology in the cartoon has become a part of our everyday lives, including video conferencing, smart home technology and tablets.

With some optimism that our COVID-19 vaccines are working and spring will come again, we decided to look ahead and ask one simple question: What will Alexandria be like in 2050?

Given the ways 2020 surprised us, we admit that asking residents and leaders to look decades into the future may be a fool’s errand.

On the other hand, maybe some of these predictions will affect the decisions we make today and help us create the future we want — even if the path we take to get there has some unexpected bumps.

ILLUSTRATION BY JESSIE LEIBER

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ALX 20 50 PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON

A Road Map to Alexandria's Future “The future cannot be predicted, but futures can be invented.”

– AUTHOR AND 1971 NOBEL PRIZE RECIPIENT DENNIS GABOR

There’s no doubt that the Alexandria area is growing — and doing so quickly. With developers building thousands of new homes and the arrival of Amazon, change is inevitable. The question is whether Alexandria can grow and still be a livable, thriving, desirable and welcoming community.

There are several factors at play: How our population grows, how we get around town, whether housing is affordable, and how Alexandria provides services to its residents, from educating our youngest residents to taking care of our oldest.

In academic circles, the worldwide coronavirus pandemic has caused great debate over “the future of cities” as many residents decamp to more rural, less crowded areas. Alexandria does not seem to be one of those areas,

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but the coronavirus pandemic has changed our lives in many ways. Those changes will reverberate for decades ahead in the way we work, shop, live and interact with each other.

For many of those who aren’t essential on-site workers, telework has become a standard and not just a perk that only the top companies offer. Restaurants have adjusted their operations and may never again see the crowds and waiting lists of previous years. Telehealth has grown exponentially and taught many of us that sitting in a doctor’s waiting room is no longer necessary. The economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic means that more people have started ‘gig’ work to help make ends meet.

In addition, the pandemic has accelerated “the possibility to remake cities, suburbs and rural areas alike into more complete communities that urbanists call ‘15-minute neighborhoods,’ where people work, shop, take their kids to school and carry out all the rest of life’s daily activities in much closer proximity to where they live,” wrote University of Toronto Prof. Richard Florida this winter.

We’ve turned over the next several pages to our readers and to local leaders, giving them a chance to provide their thoughts on what they think (or hope) Northern Virginia will look like in 2050.

Have your own thoughts? Head over to alexandrialivingmagazine.com/alexandria2050 to send us a note for a special online comments section.

Population Growth The Alexandria area has become more

densely populated in the past several years

— something we can see happen with every

new major residential development opening.

In many areas, low-rise or garden-style apartment buildings have been replaced by larger complexes, squeezing more people into ever smaller spaces. On a daily basis, that will put pressure on our local transportation networks, utilities, senior services and school systems, all of which will have to scale up to meet growing needs.

ALX 20 50

The housing we’re building now won’t stay empty for long. In the City of Alexandria, the population has grown by about 1 percent per year since 2010, landing us at an estimated population of 159,200 in 2020, according to City of Alexandria statistics. If the population maintains its current growth rates, by 2050 Alexandria’s population could be about 214,000 people.

Fairfax County is seeing similar growth. The county’s population is estimated at 1,167,000 currently and could reach 1,500,000 by the year 2050. Like Alexandria, Fairfax County is getting older, more diverse and more crowded.

“Beyond 2030, the U.S. population is projected to grow slowly, age considerably, and become more racially and ethnically diverse.”

- ACCORDING TO THE U.S. CENSUS BUREAU

2050 by the Numbers

400 M

2020

2030

>

2040

18

65+

20%

2050

The total population in the United States will cross 400 million shortly after 2050.

By 2050, residents who are older than age 65 will outnumber those under 18.

About one-in-five residents (of all ages) will have been born in another country.

March / April 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

41

Predictions and Projections

“

ALX 20 50

By 2050, I hope southeast Fairfax County has seen our vision of the Richmond Highway Corridor (known as Embark) come to life. This means the Corridor will have premier mixed-use centers, new jobs, and a mix of incomes. This revitalization will be transit oriented, with a bus rapid transit system and Yellow Line Metro stations, and will showcase new housing protections to create more affordable housing and preserve the housing already in place.

The area will have new parks and green space, and a safe main street ensuring the County is a destination, not just a commuter route. The community has met for years to map out this vision, and I’m confident we’re on the right path. I’m excited for what’s to come, and I remain as committed as ever to seeing it come to fruition.”

- Jeffrey C. (Jeff) McKay Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman

What I would love to see in 2050 is a vibrant, climate neutral Alexandria that connects design and sustainability, education and the economy, arts and ecology — a thoughtful community that works together to sustain a lively, livable city ready for its next 300 years.

To get there, I think we need to create a new, complementary model of planning that considers the true costs, benefits and impacts of any development or initiative across the entire City and that focuses on fostering our social goods.”

- Nicole McGrew

, Owner, Threadleaf, an ethical fashion boutique in Old Town Alexandria

“

My hope is an Alexandria where all people feel welcomed, safe, and valued. My son, Ezekiel, was born last year, right at the beginning of the pandemic. He is full of smiles and radiates joy. Yet, because of the color of his skin, I know that not everyone will see him and smile. While we have made great progress toward a more equitable and inclusive Alexandria, we must see the humanity in each other, acknowledge our inequities, ensure people have the power to influence decisions that affect their lives, and honor the diverse people, spaces, and cultures that make up our city. By listening to one another and leveraging our collective imaginations, we can amplify, elevate, and celebrate our city’s diversity to create a community where we respect, honor and invest in one another so that residents and businesses can thrive.”

- Alyia Gaskins

, Public health strategist and urban planner and candidate for Alexandria City Council

“

Alexandria 2050... The beauty and the soul of Alexandria is its diversity. With Amazon making it's way into the area in the near future, by 2050, I imagine Alexandria will be booming with diversity and a wealth of new residents. Along with this population growth I envision an entertaining night life, hip and cool new restaurants and more options for family and fun.”

- Simone Fennell

, CEO, Good Brows

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Residents and Leaders on Alexandria in 2050

“

Steeped in history, Alexandria, Virginia is a charming city that offers an urban feel with a suburban flair. A beautiful, walkable, quaint destination with specialty shops, award-winning, chef-owned and independent restaurants, gorgeous parks and walking paths, public art, spacious galleries filled with one-of-a-kind works from local artisans and creatives, as well as farmers markets in different communities, and a bustling waterfront! From Old Town to Del Ray to Alexandria West and all the pockets of cool communities in between, this is Alexandria Living!

What are some wish list ideas for 2050? We must continue with multi-modal transit options that link Alexandria West to Old Town. I also hope to see more parity with unique retail and business offerings in different parts of the City.

I recently noticed new construction condos in Old Town offered at a starting price of $3M. I appreciate development collaborations and partnerships, which specifically offer scaled affordable housing options. This is a sustainable solution that will eventually lead to lower rates of homelessness and recidivism. My sincere hope is that we continue to improve upon this model in the next few decades, while also offering more affordable housing.”

- Shelli Vasser Gilliam

, Alexandria resident since 1995

“

I would like to see the neighborhoods in Alexandria become more racially and culturally integrated. That would mean working with housing in creative ways. If neighborhoods are more integrated, schools are more integrated and children learn diverse ways of thinking and being, which is essential for the future social health of our community and the world. When I first moved to Del Ray almost 20 years ago it was a more racially and culturally diverse neighborhood. As it gentrified that diversity lessened quite a bit. I believe this is connected to the increased cost of living in Del Ray, renting or purchasing a home. I'd like to see community leaders come up with creative solutions to this problem.

My hope and dream for Alexandria is for it to become a city that exemplifies and values fairness, equality and wellbeing for each and every citizen above all else. That means ALL citizens would have access to a quality education, quality health care, safety inside and outside of their home, and the chance to earn a decent living. Most of all, what will make that dream come true is a shared vision — a shared vision is the first step to making a collective dream come true. After that, making the vision into a reality requires the everyday efforts of citizens and leaders willing to do the hard work to make the necessary changes in their homes, businesses, schools and governing bodies.”

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One bold move that would have an incredibly positive impact on our whole community is providing high-quality, affordable early education — and we need to ensure equitable access for every child in our community, regardless of their family’s income or their skin color.

We know the earliest years of a child’s life are when their brains are developing the fastest, and inclusive access to early childhood resources will be a crucial way to not only prepare them for a successful future, but also to build an even stronger Alexandria. Parents of young children are only able to participate in the labor force when they have access to child care. This was a challenge for families before COVID-19 and has been exacerbated since the pandemic.”

- Elizabeth Bennett-Parker Vice Mayor and co-director, Together We Bake

- Sara VanderGoot

, Owner, Mind the Mat Pilates & Yoga, Doula, CMT, e-RYT 500, PRYT

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One of the things of which I am most proud as an Alexandrian, is that our leaders and residents are clearly guided by the core values that shape our

Future-Casting in Alexandria, VA

evolution and create a foundation for

BY PATRICIA WASHINGTON

it enables us to see the work we are

the future. They continue to embrace a local environment rich with an inclusive history, a walkable lifestyle and a thriving independent shopping and restaurant scene. So, it’s exciting to think about Alexandria in 2050, because doing today come to fruition.

It’s an early morning in March 2050

music drifting through Waterfront

and the temperature is already in the

Park. You pop into the Torpedo Factory

mid-60s. You head out the door of

and delve into the immersive beauty of

your condo at PowerPlace, where just

art and technology combined, then get

resources, favoring showrooms over

30 years ago the old GenOn plant still

your caffeine fix with ease as a retinal

big box retail and infusing more plant-

hulked and now there is a gleaming

scan captures your regular favorite

maritime museum and performing

brew — fair trade of course, because

arts center cantilevered over the water.

all coffee is these days. With a coffee

Biking along Alexandria’s winding

in hand, you board one of the free

trails, you wind your way along the

electric trolleys that departs every 10

waterfront route, sharing stunning

minutes from King Street to any of the

views with people of all ages and

derstanding of other cultures, exploring

city’s neighborhoods — Potomac Yard,

new environments and dedicating time

Inova West, Carlyle, Arlandria, Del Ray

with family and friends. But the way we

backgrounds. Off to your left, the high-speed water taxi glides along the Potomac River carrying a mix of commuters and visitors back-and-forth throughout the region. You arrive in Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site still graced by 18th- and 19th- century architecture and tall tree-lined streets. You complete your bike ride at the lower King streetery, lined with al fresco dining options oozing with international flavors and sounds of

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alexandrialivingmagazine.com • March / April 2021

The core adaptation in the next 30 years will entail a shift from being consumers to sustainers. We’ll get better at sharing

based cuisine into local restaurants. Our shift from material goods to experiences, already underway, will deepen. And travel will be an important part of that.

The core values that drive us to travel remain constant — expanding our un-

and more.

achieve those values will change. We

When I think about what Alexandria might look like in 2050, much has changed, but a lot still feels the same.

That’s because I believe we are already investing today in the core elements that will guide our future: transportation, the environment, neighborhood hubs, flood mitigation and the waterfront. And because Alexandria has always been simultaneously committed to both progress and preservation.

ly in distinctive, authentic places like

will see more local discovery, especialAlexandria. So, here’s to 2050… and to 2021 and the work we will do together this year to move another step closer to that bright, sustainable future.

Patricia Washington is president and CEO of Visit Alexandria, the membership-based organization that works to promote tourism and economic activity in the City of Alexandria.

History on Repeat

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BY JUSTIN WILSON

Mark Twain is purported to have asserted that “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes.”

Any attempt to plot a course for Alexandria for the next three decades and beyond must involve a look back.

Three decades ago, the City was mired in a devastating recession and transfixed by a war in the Middle East.

We had a balanced economy where commercial activity funded over half of the costs of government and our school enrollment was just beginning a steep ascent.

Through nearly 272 years of existence, our City has evolved, reinvented itself and changed the face it presents to the rest of the world. Yet, it is our ties to our nation’s history, the diversity of our people, our small-town feel and our connection to the river that forms our eastern border that has defined our community for generations.

As the City implemented its vision for a accessible waterfront, full of public land and economic vitality, the archaeology showed us boats from centuries ago that connected us to a past remake of that precious space. A former rail-yard is now becoming the home of one of Virginia’s most prestigious institutions of higher education, a new transit station and a mixed-use community. A once state-of-the-art shopping mall will become a new modern hospital and prompt revitalization of the City’s West End. A heavy industrial corridor in the southwest corner of our City, will be remade to anchor economic growth for

generations to come. A power-plant, burning coal for decades on our shoreline, will transition to more sustainable uses and bring people to the north end of Alexandria’s waterfront for the first time.

Yet, while the “look and feel” of our community will change, as it has throughout our history, it is our people that have shaped our quality of life. The sheer diversity of our population, by nearly any characteristic, is the essential ingredient of the Alexandria of the past and the one that will be here decades from now. Including ALL of our people as Alexandria grows, is a challenge that must be faced directly by those that will govern Alexandria over the decades to come.

As a locality a few miles from our nation’s capital, our economy and vitality has been frequently defined by where and how you can get from here. Like the boats from centuries ago, the rail connections for both people and cargo, the electric railway carrying residents to job centers across the Potomac and now the Metro, buses and boats bringing people throughout our region, our success is linked to moving our people.

An Alexandria that can keep us moving will thrive.

Alexandria has been through many shocks and tragedies during our history.

From the Civil War, to recessions, to the

terrorist attacks of 9/11, a community as old as ours has seen rough times before. Yet, an enduring characteristic of Alexandria is our uncanny ability to thrive in the aftermath of these challenging points in our history.

As Alexandria attempts to move beyond this global pandemic, which has devastated our economy and exacerbated existing inequalities, we are presented with the opportunity to seek advantage.

In much the same way that Alexandria and our region benefitted from the anti-terror investments following 9/11, we have similar opportunities today.

A City home to the National Science Foundation, the Patent and Trademark Office and now Virginia Tech is an ideal community to incubate the public health leadership, resiliency investments and planning that will help lead our region’s recovery.

Three decades from now, we can be the City that preserved what put us on the map, shared our prosperity with our community, grew an economy based on what tomorrow holds and maintained the best quality of life in the region.

That’s the Alexandria we can be proud to bequeath to our children.

Justin Wilson is Mayor of the City of Alexandria.

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developers and businesses who will be critical to the success of this redevelopment. My Team MVD, our Strategic Economic Development Taskforce, the Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation (SFDC), the County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) and our Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber are leading these efforts.

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The Past is Prologue to Vibrant Times Ahead

BY DAN STORCK

If the past is prologue to the future, then vibrant times will continue for many decades to come! Just looking at how much has changed since 1990 from Old Town to the Eisenhower Valley and Huntington to the Richmond Highway Corridor, it is very exciting to think about the Alexandria area in 2050.

I represent the southern portion of Alexandria, the Mount Vernon District (MVD) of Fairfax County, where we have and will continue to invest and focus on the southeastern portion of Fairfax County. Or as Abraham Lincoln said, “The best way to predict your future is to create it.”

The Mount Vernon area has spent its past 30 years revitalizing from mostly mid-20th Century development to becoming 21st century communities of

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natural and historical areas, suburban neighborhoods, and vibrant, mixed use, walkable urban communities. The transformation of Huntington and Kings Crossing are prime examples of these future urban communities. By mixing the coming Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and Metro, residential and commercial areas with a new street grid that encourages walking, biking and transit, with parks and trails, the vision of how we live, learn, work and play is changing.

My commitment to creating our future, includes ensuring that “no one is left behind.” Equitable development is a cornerstone of this vision, through broad-based engagement, protecting neighborhoods when possible and increasing affordable and workforce housing to ensure that everyone who lives here now can continue to do so.

This applies to our many businesses as well. Additionally, we are aggressively working to attract new employers,

With some of the most storied historic and cultural sites in the region, the new must complement and integrate with the old so as to enhance our Mount Vernon identity. Protecting our history and heritage are fundamental foundations in all our visioning, planning and development. For example, Original Mount Vernon High School (OMVHS), a 1930’s built high school landmark, is in the beginning of a $100 million renovation creating a human development center along Richmond Highway that will provide many new educational, theatre, business, recreational and human services opportunities and partnerships. This recreated human development center will bring generations together as they live, learn, work and play all in one place.

The 2050 vision outlined above, has woven throughout it our efforts to mitigate climate change and its substantial impact on our waterways, shores, climate and environment. We start with protecting and creating more natural, green spaces to help the earth and us. Our smart growth and transit-oriented development plans will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and our expectations for energy efficiency and low energy-use buildings even more.

Our commitment to solarize Fairfax to produce sufficient renewable energy to become “net zero” means our houses, parking lots, building roofs and other areas will be key parts of getting to our green.

We look forward to you helping to create our future and a place we will all want to call home!

Dan Storck is Mount Vernon District Supervisor and a longtime resident of Southeast Fairfax County.

Creative, Diverse and Growing

BY STEPHANIE LANDRUM

The work our team at the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP) performs is focused on the long game, so we are constantly thinking about how decisions and actions today will impact the Alexandria of the future. AEDP’s vision for the City is that Alexandria should be a vibrant, creative, diverse city where large and small businesses — entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and cutting-edge institutions of science and learning — can locate and grow.

In recent years we have made great strides in stimulating our local economy through the pursuit of anchor tenants that catalyze growth throughout Alexandria. While 2020 was a challenging and difficult year on many fronts, it was also a very successful year when measured by announcements of major development projects that will positively impact our city for decades.

By 2050, our community’s vision for two submarkets in Alexandria should be completely realized. First, in the Potomac Yard section of National Landing, Virginia Tech’s Innovation Campus will be celebrating the graduation of thousands of students and will be recognized for its leading role in the creation of the nation’s largest and strongest tech talent pipeline. These students will be working at large and small companies throughout the City and region, from Amazon to Zillow.

With both phases of North Potomac Yard built out, Alexandria’s Innovation District will be an internationally recognized hub that will provide world-class talent, research, products, and more.

In the second submarket, Alexandria’s West End, we will be celebrating the successful transformation that the redevelopment of the Landmark site jumpstarted. INOVA’s relocated and expanded Alexandria Hospital will consistently be ranked as a top hospital in our region, providing the highest level of care to our residents, and the surrounding mixed-use development will have enabled even more Alexandrians to live near their place of employment. The ripple effect of the Landmark redevelopment will be visible throughout the West End, with several new investments and projects surrounding the hospital-anchored site also completed.

In 2050, AEDP’s “State of the City” annual meeting will highlight Landmark and Potomac Yard as vibrant and diverse gateways to the City of Alexandria and celebrate the contributions these two projects have made to the City’s overall economic health.

There are other bold moves that will impact what Alexandria will look like in 2050 and they can be realized with AEDP’s encouragement that we learn from missed opportunities in our past.

Following previous “big wins,” the City has taken a more passive approach, expecting additional investment to follow. We have learned, though, that taking an active role in recruiting the type of developers and companies to the City who share our community vision is well worth the effort. Our next big opportunity is the redevelopment of the former GenOn Power Plant in Old Town North, and Hilco Redevelopment

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Partners, the new owner and a company with experience in rehabilitating old industrial sites, is the type of partner essential to crafting that shared redevelopment vision. This location has the most potential of any in Alexandria to be a catalyst for change, and while redevelopment will take focus and a lot of work, the return can be enormous. Our vision for the celebration of 2050, and Alexandria’s tricentennial — just one year prior — is to make a modern and monumental return to our roots as a thriving port city, a central and integral part of the DC region. Imagine a vibrant, mixed-use development, filled with new housing, commerce, recreation and more, all located on Alexandria’s revitalized waterfront instead of an old, defunct power plant. This kind of bold change makes us incredibly excited to continue our work for the future of Alexandria!

Stephanie Landrum is president and CEO of the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, which helps businesses large and small grow and develop. AEDP was a key player in attracting Amazon and Virginia Tech to the area.

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From working to find affordable housing solutions to demanding greater equity in transit access and environmental stewardship, Alexandrians continue to push for a caring, compassionate and forward-thinking City.

The people of our City are its heart and its greatest strategic asset. As we prepare for the next three decades, we need to lean into that advantage and keep our neighbors’ voices front and center.

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Alexandria's Charm Is Its People: Past, Present and Future

BY JAMES LEWIS

Our little city on the Potomac has had a long and interesting history, independent of our proximity to the Capitol. In Colonial times and during the early Republic, passing through Alexandria was a prerequisite for traveling north or south on the East Coast; all roads led here.

In later centuries, Alexandria hosted the struggle for equality. Our city is the final resting place of more than 1,800 people who escaped slavery. In 1939, Samuel Tucker’s sit-down strike helped drive the Civil Rights Movement forward.

Today, we are still making history and setting the stage for Alexandria’s future.

We know that the policies and decisions made today will determine what futures are possible. We also know that these decisions aren’t made at once, but as small, seemingly unrelated items.

To remain Alexandria, the City needs to retain its small-town charm.

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When I moved to the area in 2010, I had a lot of options, like everyone moving in, on where to live. But having grown up in a small community of 4,300 people in Southwestern Pennsylvania, Alexandria felt like home. It had charm, front yards, people walking dogs and community events.

Despite being surrounded by the glass and steel of Arlington and Fairfax, Alexandria still had a heart. It looks like a historic city, a place where history was made, is being made and will continue to be made.

And it is my greatest hope that in 2050, Alexandria preserves that heart.

I know that sounds trite or, at least, foolishly anthropomorphic, but it’s the truth. There’s something about this City and the people who choose to live here: we care about each other and we care about the future. Clearly, many great people took the time to write brilliant articles for this section!

The last few years have shown that Alexandrians want to be involved in the big and small policies that will define our City for years to come. I’ve rarely seen public interest or engagement so high or on such a varied range of issues: flood mitigation, road diets, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), co-location and more. People want to be engaged.

Public engagement and interest are never a bad thing. We should encourage civic participation and build robust processes that actively engage the community, as early as possible, before policies are crafted so Alexandria’s plans and policies reflect the needs, desires and hopes of Alexandrians.

While I don’t believe consensus or compromise is possible in all cases, we need mechanisms to allow people, families and small businesses to be heard, before proposals are 90-percent-baked.

In my 10-plus years in Alexandria, I have found, time and time again, that my neighbors are some of the smartest, most connected and compassionate people that I’ve ever met. Let’s harness that potential to chart a unique course for the City.

Over the last three centuries, Alexandria has always preserved a special charm because of the people who call our City home. We will keep that charm if we keep people front and center.

James Lewis is the Vice Chair of the Traffic and Parking Board; he lives on the West End. He’s the former Secretary of the North Old Town Civic Association (NOTICe) and President of the Virginia Young Democrats (VAYD).

PROFILE

PHOTO BY TROY MEYER

Lopez grew up in Puerto Rico, but when he was a teenager, his mother, who was in the National Guard, transferred to Washington, D.C. They lived in Hybla Valley, and he graduated in 2003 from West Potomac High School.

IN FRANCONIA

BY BETH LAWTON

“Cool car!”

“Are you looking for models?”

“Can I take a photo?”

Rafael Lopez, who owns one of the most-recognized rare cars in the country, is used to the questions and comments, and he is nothing but gracious about them.

“You can’t enjoy this car and be a hermit at the same time,” he said. “People will approach you.”

Lopez, who lives in the Franconia area, owns a 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 — yes, the same model as the famous car featured in the Back to the Future movies.

The stainless steel body, rear-mount engine and gull-wing doors are obvious clues.

“This thing is a happiness machine.,” Lopez said. “Everywhere you take it, people smile. It doesn’t matter their age, background, whether they know the name of the car or not, they know that it’s different and most of them know it’s from a movie.”

In the past year, especially, younger fans have started to stare and point. The addition of the entire Back to the Future trilogy on Netflix in 2020 has introduced a new generation to the time-travel machine.

“Alexandria was really my first real U.S. home and a great place for it because you have the history and you have the diversity of people here. As a Puerto Rican, my experience of diversity was Mexicans and Dominicans — Caribbean people — and that was considered ‘foreign.’ So I came here and it was like the United Nations,” Lopez chuckled.

He eventually joined the military himself and bought the car when he was 30 years old for about $32,000 from a DeLorean dealership outside of Chicago.

Aside from a radio fuse going bad midtrip, the car made the 14-hour trek back to Alexandria with no issues.

“I grew up with the movies and I wasn’t just fascinated with it because it was a time-machine car, but I thought when I saw it in the movies that it was such a cool car, so ahead of its time, and it just had such a futuristic look to it. As a kid, I grew up on NASA and space so that always attracted me, and the look just matched that attraction that I always had,” Lopez said.

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PROFILE

Since buying the car just a few years ago, Lopez has spent about $30,000 in restorations and improvements, while keeping true to the car’s spirit.

“I’m not a purist, but I’m very much an originalist, so I try to keep the car in the spirit of the original. I don’t have any movie props on it,” Lopez said.

The car sits surprisingly low to the ground, and Lopez said he had to get used to staring straight into the headlights of today’s SUVs. It’s also underpowered for a “sports car” by today’s standards. The car’s V6 engine has just 130 hp, since it was manufactured in Northern Ireland during the oil crisis. The car, with its trunk in the front, is rear-wheel drive.

Lopez’s improvements have included a new Bluetooth-equipped radio built into the original radio’s faceplate, original factory-made DeLorean floor mats, a new DeLorean transmission and a new suspension. He had a DeLorean service company in New York do a full frame swap on the car because rust has started to form from the car’s prior life in Minnesota.

He also added a remote door popper, but the car doors still fly up using the original Northrop Grumman torsion bars. Contrary to popular belief, the gull-wing doors actually need less clearance to open fully than normal car doors — they come out just 11 inches from the car when opening.

Lopez is a do-it-yourselfer for most things.

His wife is endlessly patient, he said, as “quick fixes” that should take 30 minutes end up taking three hours. She drives a Jeep.

“Most of it is self-taught,” Lopez said, of the work he’s done. In his youth, Lopez worked at an auto parts store on North Kings Highway, which is no longer in business, where he learned the basics of car mechanics. The online DeLorean owners’ communities have been helpful, and both his original dealership and the New York service center have provided tools and parts. Members of the Tri-State DeLorean car club have freely given plenty of advice.

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Rafael Lopez with his DeLorean. PHOTO BY TROY MEYER

“They’re all the same car, so at some point somebody has had the same issue,” Lopez said. Between all the resources at his disposal, he said, “I’ve been able to keep this thing not just on the road but driving really nicely.”

In fact, the 40-year-old car is what Lopez drives on a near-daily basis. Before buying it, he drove primarily BMWs, which he admitted are very nice cars, but he actually prefers driving the DeLorean.

“This is fun — a lot of fun.”

---

DIFFERENCES FROM THE MOVIE The DeLorean in the Back to the Future movies isn’t exactly the same as the DeLorean built as a consumer vehicle in the early 1980s. There are a few key differences: • The DeLorean’s speedometer only goes up to 85 mph, even though the car can go much faster. For the movie, designers added another line for 95 mph, allowing the car to hit the critical 88 mph needed to time travel in the movies.

• “You always get the question, ‘Where’s the flux capacitor?’” Lopez said. Since

time travel isn’t possible (yet), the car doesn’t have one.

• While the DeLorean that Lopez drives is a bit loud, the sound effects of the car in the movie came from a Porsche 928 V8, not from the DeLorean’s V6 engine.

WHAT ABOUT HOVERBOARDS? Today’s “hoverboards” for kids don’t actually hover above the ground — they’re typically two-wheeled, self-balancing rideon toys that cost between $100 and $300.

But a true hoverboard does exist.

Lexus developed a prototype hoverboard that floats over a special magnetic-conductive surface. Learn more about the Lexus SLIDE at discoverlexus.com/experiences/ journeys-beyond-the-road.

FLYING CARS General Motors (GM) and Fiat Chrysler are both working on “flying cars” — also called personal aircraft. GM revealed its concept, called the Cadillac eVTOL, in January this year at the Consumer Electronics Show. eVTOL stands for Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing. The craft is not available for purchase, and as a “concept car,” may never be produced.

TRAVEL

Salamander Resort library. PHOTO BY MARY ANN BARTON

Meet Me in Middleburg

BY MARY ANN BARTON

As the rollout of vaccines this spring begins to return our lives to normal, travel is on a lot of people’s minds. An easy trip that will make you feel like you’re truly getting away is just down the road in Loudoun County, about an hour's drive from Alexandria.

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Ziplining in Middleburg. PHOTO COURTESY OF SALAMANDER RESORT

A recent trip to Middleburg’s horse and wine country to celebrate my daughter Kate’s new job started with lattes and breakfast sandwiches at Middleburg Common Grounds at 114 W. Washington St., (the town’s “Main Street”) in the heart of town.

We found a table on the front porch overlooking Washington Street, where there is plenty of people-watching to be had.

Established in 1787, the town got its name because of its location midway between Alexandria and Winchester on the Ashby Gap trading route (now known as Route 50).

AXE THROWING 101 From the coffee shop, we headed to an axe throwing and archery lesson just a few minutes’ drive at the luxe Salamander Resort & Spa at 500 N. Pendleton St. There is easy parking and a few minutes’ walk into the lobby and down the elevator where we met our instructor at the fitness center. From there we walked out back to the rolling hills and woods (the resort sits on 340 acres) where we spent the next couple of hours having

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a blast hitting balloons, targets and bales of hay with our axes and arrows.

There are safer activities there for younger children, including horseback-riding lessons, zip lines (OK for ages 7 and up and there’s also a “Kiddo Zip” for ages 4-7) and toasting s’mores around a bonfire.

We went for a hike afterward through the woods and around the fishing pond and explored the grounds and a former barn now used for events like rehearsal dinners. Be sure to also make time to stop by the stable on the property to see the beautiful horses.

OYSTER OPTIONS Next up was lunch in Middleburg at the King Street Oyster Bar, which is housed in a former bank building built in 1924, at 1 E. Washington St. There was a bit of a wait but we didn’t mind strolling around the block checking out a number of boutiques

TRAVEL

Red Fox Inn. PHOTO COURTESY OF VISIT LOUDOUN

Salamander resort outdoor dining.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SALAMANDER RESORT

like The Fun Shop, a small-town variety store which opened in 1956 and is still run by the same family and Créme de La Créme (a pretty pricey spot specializing in pottery, linens and candles) and Nature Composed, a charming garden shop at the corner of Pendleton and Federal streets.

We sat at an outdoor table and tried the Grilled Salmon Salad and Tuna Tacos with a glass of Chardonnay. Both were stupendous. Next time, we’ll try the Rockefeller Oysters or Charbroiled Oysters (they offer at least 10 different kinds).

Other lunch options around town include the Red Fox Inn & Tavern at 2 E. Washington St. (the oldest building in town dating back to 1728) and the Red Horse Tavern, 118 W. Washington St. for more casual dining. Both offer outdoor seating — Red Fox Tavern has a patio out back and Red Horse Tavern’s outdoor seating fronts Middleburg’s main street.

After lunch we headed to the National Sporting Library & Museum, at 102 The Plains Road, home to dozens of sculptures

National Sporting Library sculpture. PHOTO BY MARY ANN BARTON

and images of horses as well as a library. We got a chance to see some interesting books in the F. Ambrose Clark Rare Books Room, including several featuring fore-edge paintings (decorations painted on the closed edges of a book’s pages). The library also houses an original hand-written manuscript about fox-hunting by a then-28 year old Theodore Roosevelt. Each September, the library and museum holds the Polo Classic at Great Meadow in The Plains, a key fundraiser.

BLAZING FIRE PITS, STARRY NIGHTS We headed back to the Salamander Resort to check in, enjoying the cozy lobby and views of the patio and lawns. Valet parking is available but self-parking is an easy walk.

The 168-room hotel includes rooms for those traveling with pets — we saw quite a few people walking their dogs on hikes around the property. We really enjoyed the view from our room’s outdoor balcony (each room has a balcony or patio).

The resort offers free Wifi, a spa, fitness center, an indoor pool, the Gold Cup Wine Bar and Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill.

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Wine tasting is part of the fun in a visit to Loudoun County's 50 West Vineyards.

The Mosby Cluster consists of:

PHOTO BY ABOUD DWECK FOR VISIT LOUDOUN

 50 West Vineyards 39060 John Mosby Hwy.

The resort’s outdoor pools are open May through September — the spa pool is more luxurious but you have to book a spa service in order to use it.

We enjoyed dinner at Harrimans on the patio, where we had a beautiful view of the lawn and some blazing fire pits. The meal and service were impeccable. Afterward, we enjoyed a glass of wine by the fire while checking out the stars on a clear night.

Even if you’re not staying at the resort, you should try to fit in a night at Harrimans if you’re planning a trip to Loudoun County.

Other hotel options in Middleburg include the Red Fox Inn, the Goodstone Inn and Briar Patch Bed & Breakfast Inn.

FRUIT OF THE VINE With about 40 wineries in the county, it can get confusing trying to decide which ones to visit. Visit Loudoun has grouped the wineries into six clusters, making it easier to plan ahead. They also have maps. You can see those here: visitloudoun.org/stay.

Just up the road from Middleburg is 868 Vineyards, which won the top prize last year at the 38th Annual Virginia

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 Boxwood Estate Winery, 2042 Burrland Ln.

 Cana Vineyards and Winery of Middleburg 38600 John Mosby Hwy.

 Greenhill Winery & Vineyards 23595 Winery Ln.

 Quattro Goomba's Winery 22860 James Monroe Hwy.

 Chrysalis Vineyards

 Fleetwood Farm Winery

39025 John Mosby Hwy.

23075 Evergreen Mills Rd.

Wineries Association Governor’s Cup wine competition with its 2017 Vidal Blanc Passito. The winery is located in Hillsboro, about a 40-minute drive north of Middleburg and features live music on weekends starting May 1.

If you want to stick closer to Middleburg, there are seven wineries in the “Mosby Cluster,” named for John Mosby Highway aka Route 50. As you drive from winery to winery you'll pass scenic horse farms, stacked stone fences and manicured estates. Be sure to check each winery website for more information about hours and policies due to the pandemic.

TRAVEL

The Very Near, the Near and the Future of Travel

BY JUDITH SUTHAR

In early 2020, when I wrote my last article for Alexandria Living, I would have never predicted we would still be talking about whether it’s safe to travel. Like the restaurant industry, tourism has really suffered through this long year of COVID-19.

I have canceled rebooked and canceled again, in a never-ending pattern that repeated all year, but I do see some sunshine on the horizon with the vaccines rolling out. And people are tired of staying home and need a change of scenery and something to look forward to.

I was fortunate to go to Costa Rica on a fully hosted trip with the tourism board in early December. Even though the destination itself does not require a negative COVID test, as an extra precaution, everyone in my travel bubble of eight, six travel advisors, a private guide and a driver were all tested within 72 hours of arrival.

We wore masks on our small bus, while touring outside, in all indoor spaces, and until our food came at (mostly open air) restaurants. And each one of us tested again after being home for four days. That is responsible and defensive travel and the new “normal” in foreign lands. And if you are looking for a COVID test for travel purposes, Preston’s Pharmacy in Arlington and Merrifield has a very efficient system in place. I’ve used both locations and was quite happy with the options. You can book directly on their website and unless you are seeking same-day or overnight results, they will bill your insurance.

My best piece of advice is to purchase travel insurance and book through a travel advisor. A good travel advisor will sit on hold for hours to make sure you receive a refund or future travel certificate. Travel advisors last year learned valuable lessons discovering which travel suppliers are financially solvent, have flexible cancellation terms and which ones have taken care of their travelers.

Maybe you could navigate the waters by yourself before this, but it is now a quite complicated ball game.

So, where can you go if you are seeking a different view of the sunset in the very near or near future? The national parks were a big hit in 2020 and RV rentals were impossible to come by. Did you know there are 62 national parks? This trend will continue in early 2021 until more borders open for travelers from the United States.

If you are willing to leave the country, but are hesitant to stay on property at a resort, there are very nice villas around the globe and sometimes these are much more economical because they have a full kitchen (and pre-stocking of groceries and alcohol can be arranged). You can have your own pool and chef services are available to book if you don’t want to cook on vacation.

And most of the Caribbean islands are open for travel (with varying degrees of COVID testing required, as well as travel insurance requirements), as is Mexico. In Europe, a few non-Schengen countries are welcoming Americans, such as Croatia and Montenegro. Turkey, too.

And what is your dream destination, when the world is again your oyster? Maldives is tops for a romantic destination, “glamping” is still hot and land trips to Alaska's Denali National Park might be preferable to a big cruise ship.

Culinary and wine travel and wellness travel are still making a big splash, as are expedition ships in Antarctica, and Rwanda for gorilla-trekking.

In the meantime, I’ll be leaving on a jet plane in the very near future, fingers crossed!

Judith Suthar is a luxury travel specialist with Cruise Planners. Visit her website at joyfuljourneyllc.com.

March / April 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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THE LAST WORD

Dan Storck Mount Vernon District Supervisor Fairfax County Supervisor Dan Storck represents the Mount Vernon District. PHOTO COURTESY OF STORCK

INTERVIEW BY RACHEL KISER

Before shaving off his dark beard, you would almost mistake Dan Storck for his idol, Abraham Lincoln. However, these two men have more in common than an uncanny resemblance: they both have a love for community, public service and self-actualization.

For more than 25 years, Storck has called Alexandria home. He served on the Fairfax County School Board from 2004 to 2015 until being elected as the Mount Vernon District Supervisor in 2015. Now that he is in his second term, Storck is going to use this opportunity to create the future for Alexandria, even if we can’t predict what that future will look like.

What inspired you to go into public service and run for supervisor?

The opportunity to help people and communities reach their full potential.

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alexandrialivingmagazine.com • March / April 2021

What do you love most about the area?

I F Y O U C O U L D H AV E D I N N E R W I T H O N E P E R S O N, D E A D OR ALIVE, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

What is your vision for the area?

Abraham Lincoln: to better absorb the traits I admire in him — his deep self-journey, reflection, care for others, humanity, ability to capture the essence of concepts in his writings, commitment to higher ideals and down-home humor.

The diversity of people, waterways, natural areas, parks, trails, commercial areas, combined with history and modern day.

Protecting and preserving our natural areas, history and neighborhoods, while growing modern, vibrant 21st century communities, employment opportunities and services.

If you had three wishes, what would they be?

FAV O R I T E W O R D Opportunity

1. Developing a Richmond Highway campus for continuing higher education and human development so all in our community can reach their full potential

IF YOU COULD LIVE ANYWHERE ELSE, WHERE WOULD IT BE? North Rim of the Grand Canyon

2. That we “leave no one behind” as we re-envision the Richmond Highway corridor.

FAV O R I T E WAY T O R E L A X : Reading and hiking

3. That we look for the best in each other, heal our divides, come together as communities and find peace.

PET PEEVE People who limit themselves and their potential

THE EVOLUTION OF HOMES

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