January-February 2021 "The Best of Alexandria" Annual Edition The Zebra Press

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The Readers Have Voted!

Who are the BEST in Alexandria?

See “The List” Inside on Page 29 SPECIAL DOUBLE ISSUE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY ’21 BLACK AND WHITE AND READ ALL OVER

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OPAL MUSIC STUDIO: A PRECIOUS GEM

ATLANTIS RESTAURANT CLOSES AFTER 38 YEARS

Z-MOVIES: WONDER WOMAN 1984

LIVING LEGENDS: GINNY AND RICHARD OBRANOVICH

Christine Garner Wishing you a safe and Happy Valentine’s Day! Old Town•$2,700,000 A distinguished historic residence located in the heart of Old Town, Alexandria. Built in 1810 this magnificent home had a full state of the art restoration with local builder William Cromley in 2012 and additional modern appointments more recently.

Elegant and dramatic, it boasts high ceilings, hardwood floors, seven fireplaces, a grand double parlor with Murano glass chandeliers, lavish Master Suite, and Chef’s eat in kitchen complete with center island, marble countertops and wall of built-ins. This awe inspiring home is approx. 4,000 finished sq ft four levels and features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a detached two car garage with an alley access and a beautiful side yard with a private walled gardening covered brick patio perfect for entertaining and al fresco dining!

Del Ray • $1,750,000 | UNDER CONTRACT Another fabulous custom craftsman Bungalow by Bluestone Builders in Del Ray. Approximately 4,000 sq.ft situated on a large 6,500 sq. ft. lot with front and back porches! The home will have a complete renovation with a large addition and the basement dug out. Open floor plan, spacious and light filled..this home boasts 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, family room with gas fireplace, gourmet kitchen with island, breakfast room and french doors to a screened in porch overlooking a large level fenced back yard with flagstone patio and optional detached garage.

Upper level has 4 bedrooms: a master suite with a walk in closet, luxury bath and 3 additional bedrooms w 2 additional baths. Wood floors throughout & upper level laundry. Side porch entry to mudroom with shiplap & custom finishes, lower level with high ceilings, spacious recreation room, bedroom with en suite bath and additional storage. Driveway provides off street parking .Just minutes to the Braddock Street Metro, and a short walk to King Street, Old Town, North Old Town, Del Ray and all the shops and restaurants you can imagine!!

Del Ray • $1,500,000 UNDER CONTRACT

Wonderful custom home in Del Ray! Situated on a large 5,500 sq ft lot with a detached garage. The home has 5 bedrooms, 5 full baths, mudroom and UL laundry room. Open family room with gas fireplace, kitchen with large center island. French doors to beautiful patio, fenced yard and detached studio. Full finished basement, w wet bar, high ceilings and additional storage.

Screened in side porch & front porch.

Stafford • $280,000 UNDER CONTRACT

MOVE IN READY! Perfect for the first time home buyer or if you’re downsizing...This newly renovated rambler has 3 bedrooms 2 full bathrooms and it sits on approximately 1/2 acre! The driveway is long and has ample parking. Convenient oversized storage shed for lawn equipment and gardening. The new large front deck is perfect for welcoming guests while practicing social distancing!

Old Town • $615,000 UNDER CONTRACT

Light filled end row home located in Arch Hall. This 3 level home features 2 spacious bedrooms, 1 large full bath with separate shower and jetted tub. Eat-in kitchen has granite counters and SS appliances. Freshly painted, refinished hardwood floors, new carpet, new hot water heater and HVAC! Cozy living room with a wood burning fireplace has French door leading to a charming brick patio. Short distance to King Street restaurants and shops, Torpedo Factory, stroll the river walk and enjoy all the Historic Old Town has to offer.

Support Local and Buy Local

Christine Garner • 703.587.4855 ® Weichert www.ChristineGarner.com 1988 • 33 years of Real Estate in your neighborhood ... and counting! • 2021 2

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

Inside this Issue ARTS.........................................................46-52 ASSIGNMENT EDUCATION.......................... 68-69 BELOW THE BELTWAY................................. 19-21 COMMUNITY NEWS.....................................4-18 COLUMNS:

On Exhibit............................................................... 47

Planet Friendly........................................................ 55

Scene Around Town................................................. 57

The Last Word (Formerly On Watch)......................... 73

Training Time........................................................... 76

Volunteer Alexandria............................................... 64

Z Movies........................................................... 48-49

Agenda Alexandria.................................................. 11

Alexandria Archives................................................. 54

Alexandria Noir....................................................... 58

Art Newz................................................................ 46

Z-Music.................................................................. 51

Book of the Month.................................................. 50

Z-TV...................................................................... 52

Cat in a Box............................................................ 76

DEL RAY DOINGS.......................................60-61 FOODIE NEWZ...........................................22-27 GIVING BACK.................................................62 PETS......................................................... 76-78 PUZZLES.........................................................66 SENIOR LIVING...............................................70

Dog of the Month.................................................... 77

In the Dirt............................................................... 72

In Z-Hood............................................................... 59

Living Legends........................................................ 56

Memories and Musings............................................ 67

Obituaries............................................................... 53

Z-Oenology............................................................. 28

JANUARY/FEBRUARY ’21

STAFF Community Development & Marketing

Mary Wadland Publisher/Editor-in-Chief mary@thezebrapress.com

Grace Billups Arnold . grace@thezebrapress.com

Kevin Dauray Publisher’s Assistant dauray.kevin@gmail.com

Advertising Susan Fleischman susan@thezebrapress.com

Lucelle O’Flaherty Community Liaison luce00732@gmail.com

Contributing Writers

Kris Gilbertson Column Editor Debby Critchley Calendar and Food Editor debbyc@thezebrapress.com Sara Dudley Brown Theatre Editor sdbg@cox.net Kelly MacConomy Arts Editor kelly@thezebrapress.com Maureen Schweers Del Ray Editor maureen.schweers@gmail.com Shenise Foster Production and Sales Assistant shenise@thezebrapress.com Mina Forsythe Rempe Paginator and Designer Linda Hill/CEO lhill@thezebrapress.com

Z-TV

See pages 29-35

David McClure Executive Producer and Director david@thezebrapress.com Susan Fleischman Producer and Live TV Anchor susan@thezebrapress.com Laney Delaney Producer & Editor laney@thezebrapress.com

PUBLISHER’S NOTES

Welcome to our January/February DOUBLE ISSUE! It’s our first-ever combined issue, and as you can feel and see, it’s a biggie. You might have to read it in more than one sitting, but there is one thing for sure. You’ll want to keep picking it up again and again because it’s a real keepsake issue – it has a lot of important information you can quickly flip to and carry around.

For one thing it’s Restaurant Week!! Mary Wadland Alexandria loves Restaurant Week so much we hold it twice a year. Right now, and until February 2, you can pick up a three-course dinner for two at over 60 of the best restaurants in town (the list is on page 23) for $49 and this year, many of the restaurants have added the single diner special for $25. We also list all the restaurants with heated outdoor seating on page 25.

It’s also time for us to release “THE LIST” of the Best in Alexandria! Want to know who has the best Indian food,

who is the best dry cleaner or which psychologist everyone recommends? YOU have voted—for two months our annual poll was available online and in print— and the best of everything is listed starting on page 29.

Plus, the feature stories inside are incredible—page after page, our writers and columnists and editors have given you their best. We hope you enjoy, and as we forge into our 11th year, we welcome your continued tips, criticisms and words of encouragement at any time.

Happy New Year!

Mary Wadland P.S. And don’t forget to sign up for our new mail and digital subscriptions at www.thezebra.org/subcribe!

CORRECTION In our December edition: The December Zebra article, A Princess Is Making a Magical Difference, contained two errors: The first paragraph states “Joy To The Kids is a nonprofit organization that brings magic into kids lives and raises funds for pediatric cancer research.” Joy To The Kids does bring magic into kids’ lives, but it does not raise funds for research.

The last paragraph states, “For every book purchased, a portion of the proceeds helps fund pediatric cancer research.” It should read, “For every book purchased, a portion of the proceeds helps a child receive a book.”

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

Grace Billups Arnold Glenda Booth Kevin Dauray Ellen Epstein Marcus Fisk Susan Fleischman Kris Gilbertson Ray Greenstreet Rosemary Guerguerian Karen Johnson Orrin Konheim Elizabeth Moscoso Pat Malone Ralph Peluso Catherine Scott Nina Tisara Matt Thompson

Photographers

John David Coppola Susan Fleischman Elijah W. Griffin, Sr. Laura Hatcher Kelly MacConomy Harry Merritt Lucelle O’Flaherty Tim Thulson Lillis Werder Wayne Hulehan

Video Hosts Virginia Amos virginia.amos@gmail.com Gina Cavallaro ginacav@yahoo.com Steve Houk shhouk7@gmail.com Ralph Peluso ralphpeluso@verizon.net Allison Silberberg allson@allisonsilbeberg.com

DISTRIBUTION 20,000 copies delivered by hand each month to households and businesses in Alexandria.

UPCOMING DEADLINES 2021 Deadline February 12 March 19

Publication Date March 1 April 5

CONTACT The Zebra 2800 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 220, #166 Alexandria, VA 22314 info@thezebrapress.com

For advertising info on our print, newsletter, website or Z-TV shows, call 703-919-7533 or email sales@thezebrapress.com

SUBSCRIBE Visit thezebra.org/subscribe for digital and home delivery options, plus sign up for our twice-weekly newsletters to keep up to date with all the daily Alexandria happenings between print editions..

WHY ZEBRA? When we launched in 2010, we wanted to be a horse of a different stripe within the community news landscape. Zebra was a zippy name, we could brand ourselves on a teeny budget, and we hoped it was a name you’d remember. Plus, it was a creative way to play tribute to the classic old newspaper joke, “What is black and white and READ all over?”

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COMMUNITY Alexandria Earns Perfect Rating on Municipal Equality Index INDEX MEASURES A CITY’S INCLUSIVENESS OF PEOPLE WHO IDENTIFY AS LGBTQ+ For nine years, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and Equality Federation Institute have released the Municipal Equality Index (MEI).

According to the HRC website, the MEI measures the inclusiveness of residents in cities around the country who identify as LGBTQ+.

This year, Alexandria received a perfect score of 100 percent on the index. Only five locations earned this distinction in the U.S. Arlington County also received a maximum score.

“Alexandria strives to be a welcoming and

DC POLAR PLUNGE GOES VIRTUAL TO BENEFIT SPECIAL OLYMPICS

inclusive community for everyone who lives, works and visits here,” said Mayor Justin Wilson. “We have deliberately shaped our laws and policies to provide for fair and equitable treatment for all, and we urge other Pixabay photo employers, landlords and businesses to build on this foundation.”

Cities are rated in five categories: Non-Discrimination Laws, Municipality as Employer, Municipal Services, Law Enforcement, and Leadership on LGBTQ Equality.

You’ve seen footage on the news. It’s the sight of people in swimsuits or trunks jumping into freezing water for charity. That’s the Polar Plunge.

This year, because of the novel coronavirus pandemic, the organizers chose to make it a virtual event. The aim of the 2021 DC Polar Plunge is to raise funds for Special Olympics DC (SODC). Every year the event provides 25 percent of funding for SODC. Money raised helps rent athletic facilities, purchase uniforms and equipment, and acquire medals and trophies.

To participate, raise a minimum of $100 for a commemorative t-shirt or mask and hand sanitizer. Submit a “taking the plunge” video, which will be part of a highlight reel to be shown during a Feb. 27 celebration. The video can range from individuals or families plunging into their pools, ice-filled bathtubs, or any body of water.

Submit a video from now until Feb. 14 and you could be eligible to win some big prizes. Entries are accepted at fundraising@specialolympicsdc.org or directly to the DC Polar Plunge Google Drive at https://drive.google. com/drive/folders/10vf bQE37Q JZWaysCNvOw_ GAGLsGN5PFW.

DASH PROVIDING FREE RIDES INTO NEW YEAR UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, FARE WILL NOT BE COLLECTED FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY REASONS There is good news for Alexandria residents who rely on public transportation.

In a recent email newsletter, DASH announced that it will continue providing free bus rides into the new year.

This practice has been in place since March, a precaution against the spread of COVID-19.

The newsletter in part reads: “We conZebra file photo tinue to monitor COVID-19 infection information, the policies of our regional transit partners and effective mitigation solutions. Based on these factors, DASH will not resume fare collection until further notice.”

Permanent barriers are being installed between the driver and passengers as well to help limit the spread of the virus. Fare collection is not expected until barriers are installed on all buses.

Passengers are still asked to enter through the rear door. Those who require access to the lift or kneeling feature to board can use the front door.

Photo courtesy Special Olympics DC

Participants in last year’s Polar Plunge.

Bilingual Violence Helpline Launches in Virginia On Monday, Jan. 4, 2020, victims of violence and injustice who live in Virginia and speak Spanish gained a new ally. That day, the Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center (LVEC), based in North Chesterfield, launched a hotline for those in need of assistance.

The service is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Help can be reached anywhere in Virginia by calling (888) 969-1825.

“This hotline is the first of its kind in the state that can guarantee services are delivered by bilingual, bicultural, and trained advocates,” said Moni-

ca Jimenez, Outreach & Volunteer Coordinator for LVEC. Through this initiative, LVEC strives to ensure that victims of violence who speak Spanish and seek emergency services do not hear the phrase, “I’m sorry, I don’t speak Spanish.”

To learn more about the nonprofit LVEC and their mission, visit www.latinosenvirginia.org or their Facebook page. They also welcome calls to their office at (804) 658-3341 and emails to hola@ latinosenvirginia.org.

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ALEXANDRIA OPENS KIOSK LOCATIONS FOR FREE COVID-19 TESTING

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Alexandria has expanded Covid testing by opening new testing kiosks around town.

Testing at these sites will be free and identification is not required, regardless of immigration status.

Pixabay photo People who wish to be tested do not need to be covered by insurance.

The approach is possible through a partnership with Curative. The company, which operates more than 8,000 testing sites throughout the country, will station its employees at the kiosks. Testing is self-administered, and the employee will place each swab in a biohazard bag to be delivered to a lab in DC. Results will be available within 48 to 72 hours and sent by email or text message. For locations, visit https://thezebra. org/2021/01/06/alexandria-to-open-kiosk-locations-for-freecovid-19-testing-jan-7.

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FREE INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO PARENTS AND GUARDIANS The City of Alexandria, in collaboration with the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria, has launched a vaping prevention campaign on social media. The campaign features six short videos to warn teens of the dangers of ecigarettes and encourage them to stay substance-free.

The videos, created by T.C. Williams High School students, star Alexandria youth sharing the reasons they choose not to vape.

People on social media are invited to share these videos to help raise awareness.

A Youth Risk Behavior Survey showed that in 2016, only 7.5 percent of 10th graders and six percent of eighth graders reported using e-cigarettes in

Pixabay photo by Andy H

the past 30 days.

According to a city press release, “youth who reach the age of 18 without smoking are three times less likely to ever start.”

The city reports that most Alexandria teens are not using e-cigarettes.

Parents and guardians can visit HealthierAlexandria. org to access free resources and information. View the videos at healthieralexandria.org/sapca/content. aspx?id=111915#SMC.

THESE ARE UNCERTAIN TIMES. One thing you can always count on is the DASH Tracker to provide the most up-to-date bus arrival information.

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Extraordinary Year for Adoptions ANIMAL WELFARE LEAGUE BREAKS RECORDS IN 2020

BY GRACE BILLUPS ARNOLD

People

The year 2020 was easy for no one, human and animal alike. But this is a new year, and the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria is taking a moment to reflect on all the good that came out of 2020 for all of its animals, employees, and volunteers.

AWL’s 2020 statistics show impressive numbers for animal adoption, volunteer hours, pet supplies donations, and overall success in a year riddled with adversity.

During 2020, 42 AWL staff members earned Fear Free certification, volunteers logged 22,977 hours, and 186 pet vaccinations were administered during drive-up clinics. AWL counted over 800 attendees at its inperson and virtual events.

Animals AWL ended 2020 with a 96% pet placement rate, securing adoptions for 1,291 animals. Also, 507 animals were fostered by 210 foster volunteers, and 622 animals were transferred in. AWL helped animals far and wide. Some 2,216 calls were placed to animal services and 268 animals received significant medical treatment.

Supplies Statistics for pet supplies received are most impressive. The Pet Pantry provided 13,978 pounds of pet supplies and the community donated more than $35,000 worth of pet supplies online.

“We are very proud of our 2020 numbers, which were successful for any year, let alone the past year,” says Gina Hardter, AWL’s Director of Marketing and Communications. During a year of turbulence and unpredictability, AWL kept as many animals, and humans, as possible happy and healthy.

Graphic: Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria wraps up 2020 with heartwarming statistics.

A Forever Home at Last: Carpenter’s Shelter and The Bloom Affordable Housing Apartments Officially Open

BY GRACE ARNOLD Two years ago, Alexandria Housing Development Corporation (AHDC) broke ground on their development of The Bloom and Carpenter’s Shelter in the Braddock Road Metro Neighborhood. On December 10, a ribbon cutting officially recognized the opening of both the homeless shelter and the apartment complex in their new location at 930 North Henry Street.

A virtual introduction and tour of the complex kicked

Photo: Lucelle O’Flaherty

Shannon Steene, Executive Director, Edith Bullard, Chair of the Board and Rebecca Wetherly, Washington D.C. Metro Area Director, WWPS System Integrator Partners, Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Photo courtesy of Laura Hatcher Photography.

Confetti and cowbells ring in the ribbon cutting of the new Carpenter’s Shelter.

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off the ceremony with Governor Ralph Northam, Congressman Don Beyer, and several other city representatives sharing their words of praise and appreciation for the efforts of everyone involved in this project.

Governor Northam said in

his virtual appearance, “This is different but important work that takes a village. Today was a direct result of the strong partnerships, planning, and collaborations of all the organizations involved.”

The $50 million building, dedicated in name to major longtime donor Hubert N.

Hoffman, Jr., required collaborations of several organizations including AHDC, Carpenter’s Shelter, the City, and Amazon.

Amazon gave just over $300 thousand (the largest of the donations to this campaign) to help fund this project. Rebecca Wetherly of Amazon’s Public Sector Business said, “Jeff Bezos has a big interest in eradicating homelessness, so Amazon does tremendous amounts of work in communities.”

The complex also has a playground and courtyard, which Carpenter’s Shelter and The Bloom share.

“The residents are thrilled with the new facility, especially the natural light,” continues Steene. “When they first showed up, they thought they’d really arrived home.”

The Bloom offers 97 affordable housing apartments, 10 of which are permanent supportive housing units for the chronically homeless. The one, two, and three-bedroom apartments are reserved for households which make less

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

Rocks!

HOPE , CREATIVIT Y AND A NIGHT OF NOSTALGIA! You danced to local bands. You decorated your cars. You took pics at the virtual photo booth. You played the Alexandria-centric Trivia games. You supported local food trucks. All done safely in the midst of a pandemic and curfew. YOU rock!!

Presenting Sponsors: City of Alexandria Dominion Energy Virginia Paving Company

Sponsors and Community Partners:

Performing Artists:

Community Foundation for Northern Virginia / James I. Chatman Fund Stonebridge The Alexandria Drive-In / ALX Community Burke & Herbert Bank Joyous Events Jacobs Engineering TotalFit Premium Alkaline Water Ourisman Automotive of Virginia Clarke & Sampson John Marshall Bank Stoladi Property Group Alexandria Chamber of Commerce KWC, CPA Catherine Foltz Real Estate of Long and Foster Rotary Club of Alexandria M & T Bank Grant Lifestyle Church The Seward Group of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty WholeDogz Dog Spa Cameron Square Apartment Homes Old Town Business Eisenhower Partnership Commonwealth One Federal Credit Union America’s Favorite Gourmet Popcorn Carlyle Council Patriot Pottys Supersource DC Ironistic Comcast, Comcast Business, Xfinity The Zebra The Alexandria Times VIP Alexandria Magazine The Alexandrian Hotel Hotel Indigo Hyatt Centric Old Town Alexandria Restaurant Partners Alexandria Renew Enterprises Helbiz - Scooters I & M Printing

Clean AF Comedy Earth Wind and Fire Tribute Band Jarreau Williams & The JWX Experience Juke Boxx Rock-A-Sonics

Special Friends, Supporters & Vendors Alexandria City Council Alexandria Police Department Allen Brooks Allison Silberberg Ande Charles Slider Bistro Carol Moore Carol Supplee Chix N Stix Dr. Gregory Hutchings EyeObee PhotoBooth GDIC Goodfynd - Lemaire Stewart Janet Barnett J Marcus Productions John Porter Kelly Grant Mark Jinks Puddin’ Two Smooth Dudes Food Truck Visit Alexandria

Event Management:

Joyous Events LLC Marilyn Patterson, Event Producer Cathy Riddick-Brown, Volunteer Coordinator Davida Bratton J. Marcus Howard Ashleigh Kalwat Ashley Phayme

2019-2020 Board of Directors The Honorable Justin Wilson, Mayor, City of Alexandria 2020 Honorary Chair Christopher Reddick, President Lavern J. Chatman, Vice President Cody Sullivan, Treasurer Laurie MacNamara, Past-President Jason Ellis Catherine Foltz Charlotte Hall Tracy Hamlin Connie Hammell Barbara M. Hunter Kara Macek Ann Marie Moore Roger Parks

Join us for an encore WATCH PARTY!!

Friday, Jan. 29 – Sunday, Jan.31, 2021

Rashad Shabazz Sammie Schambach Marilyn Patterson, Executive Director

Marques Wilson

I N C A S E Y O U M I S S E D I T. . .

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

First Night Alexandria relies on the generosity of the City of Alexandria, area businesses, associations and YOU to present this annual signature event, especially in a pandemic. By patronizing our sponsors, this family-friendly event remains affordable and we continue to donate financially to our ACPS Middle & High School music

w w w. f i r s t n i g h t a l e x a n d r i a . o r g

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Landmark Mall Site to Become Inova Medical Campus and Community Area The City of Alexandria and Inova Health System today reached an initial agreement with a joint venture to move forward with the development of a medical campus and mixed-use community area on the site of the former Landmark Mall.

The joint venture includes Foulger-Pratt, The Howard Hughes Corporation, and Seritage Growth Properties.

“This plan for the future of the Landmark site is exciting, long-awaited news for our community,” said Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson.

“The project would be a catalyst for the West End, providing significant benefits for

Alexandria and the region at a time when focus on our long-term future is critical.

Inova Alexandria Hospital has been an anchor in our city for generations, and a new, modern hospital facility at Landmark would be the perfect site for the world-class care that is synonymous with Inova.”

The 52-acre site would allow Inova to construct a modern Alexandria Hospital, relocating around 2,000 health care workers. To make the medical campus a reality, the hospital will invest $1 billion.

“The City of Alexandria continues to be a great partPhoto courtesy Inova Health System

CONTINUED ON PAGE 53

Design plan for the former site of Landmark Mall

Virtual Events and More Planned for G.W. Birthday Celebration VISIT ALEXANDRIA ANNOUNCES CANCELLATION OF ANNUAL PARADE • Estate Planning • Estate Administration and Probate • Small Business General Counsel

We are a community-based firm here to meet the legal needs of our neighbors and local small businesses

Paul J. Dean, ESQ. Managing Partner

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www.pjd-law.com Photo: George Washington’s Mount Vernon

Have You Found Your Spot in History?

Providing Alexandrians their final resting place since 1809

Plots and Niches available for purchase

This year marks the 289th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. Next month, his adopted hometown will introduce new and virtual events to celebrate. Unfortunately, because of the novel coronavirus pandemic, the annual parade has been canceled. But there are still exciting events planned for residents to enjoy.

The summaries below come from Visit Alexandria’s official birthday website. Want to learn more and donate to the festivities? Simply visit washingtonbirthday.com.

email cemetery@opmh.org or call 703-869-0872

The 13th Annual “Cherry Challenge” – Throughout February 2021

The Presbyterian Cemetery

In honor of George Washington’s birthday, participating Alexandria restaurants will create unique, cherrycentric dishes in celebration of one of the most cherished

Open to All Denominations

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George Washington interpreter Dan Shippey at Mount Vernon

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legends surrounding our first president. Each restaurant will develop its own cherry cocktail, appetizer, entrée, and/or dessert, in honor of our distinguished native son.

The competing restaurants and their entries will be listed on WashingtonBirthday.com.

Patrons can digitally rate their favorite dishes and winners will be announced on the website and Facebook page.

American Legion Post 24’s “Run, Walk, n’ Roll” – Throughout February 2021; register by January 31, 2021 This George Washington Birthday Commemorative event is intended to build community and enhance the physical, mental, and emotional resiliency of participants—veterans and non-veterans alike. This month-long

CONTINUED ON PAGE 71 JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

Come visit us in Old Town!

Photo courtesy of Laura Hatcher Photography.

The Bloom and Carpenter’s Shelter located at 930 North Henry Street.

SHELTER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 than 60% of the Area Median Income. The Bloom is also happy to announce that all ten of its permanent housing apartments are filled. This concept will offer security and stability for its residents.

“We are pleased to have something to add to our tool box in the fight against homelessness,” says Steene of the permanent housing residences.

Edith Bullard agrees, “This complex provides the services and support needed to meet our goal of eradicating homelessness.”

The community is likewise thrilled to see this effort

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

in the fight against homelessness and the betterment and unity of the community. Judy Noritake, President of Braddock Metro Citizens’ Coalition, concludes, “This is exactly the project we want to see in our community.”

Carpenter’s Shelter is a homeless shelter that, after years of relocating, has finally found a forever home.

The shelter’s new location is equipped with a kitchen, cafeteria, library, classroom, clinic, computer room, ministry office, locker rooms, and case management office to promote self-sufficiency for all of its clients. (See extended story and more photos at thezebra.org)

Sharing your love of tobacco “from seed to smoke” for 50 years and counting, Old Virginia Tobacco Company has everything you need.

• Display case humidors for easy, distanced selection of cigars • Smoking lounge upstairs with WiFi and big-screen TVs • Wide assortment of cigars and pipes, pipe tobacco, and accessories

210 King St. Old Town Alexandria 571-685-2100 | oldvatobacco.com

Read us online at http://digital.thezebra.org

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BEVERLY HILLS

PRESCHOOL TRANSITIONS TO HYBRID LEARNING

BY GRACE BILLUPS ARNOLD The Beverly Hills Church Preschool has existed for 81 years. This year, it underwent a major curriculum overhaul.

The school has its roots in progressive educational philosophy and practices, and in 2020, it was not in short supply of progress.

Transitioning to a hybrid model of remote/in-person learning due to the pandemic, Beverly Hills Church Preschool has faced challenges and achieved success. Challenges have included finding cleaning supplies and providing learning, project, and art materials for families to have at home so that there are no discrepancies among the students’ abilities to participate.

Other challenges were less pragmatic, such as figuring out which ages could handle an online curriculum.

The school’s hybrid model follows a class structure based on age. The oldest classes are for five- and four-year-olds who learn three days in person and one day online. The three-year-olds learn two days in person and one day online; the youngest children, about two-and-a-half, learn two days in person only,

Photos courtesy of BHCP

Above: The Beverly Hills Church Preschool Natural Outdoor Play Area.

At right: Children immerse themselves in art while surrounded by nature.

At right: Beverly Hills Church Preschool Students love learning outside.

At Left: Virtual Book Reading.

with no virtual learning for them.

“We are going with the flow; kids are adaptable,” says Bethany LaMois, office manager. The students at Beverly Hills Church Preschool are adapting beautifully to the new normal.

Using an outdoor playground and pergola on church property, the students and teachers have focused outside the classroom, working closely with their natural environment. “Sometimes we set up easels with Elmer’s Glue and food dye to let the kids create art from nature,” Bethany says. “We almost don’t remember what it’s like

not to be outdoors…I don’t think [the kids] know any different.”

Watching the students embrace such changes has put the pandemic into perspective at the preschool. Of course, even outdoors, the Beverly Hills Church Preschool follows every protocol and safety measures, including masks worn by everyone and an outdoor bathroom sanitized between each use.

The school requires Covid-19 testing or quarantining for two weeks from parents who must travel for work.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 54

Children and adults alike can have fun outdoors.

10 ZEBRA PRESS

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

Alexandria’s City Budget and Services: Challenges Under COVID

BY RICARDO ALFARO The City is preparing its Fiscal Year 2022 budget, a process made more difficult by the falling tax revenue and increased service demands related to COVID. This issue will be covered at the February 22 Agenda Alexandria program.

According to Program Moderator Frank Fannon, “The ripple effects of COVID could last longer than expected. Will the city budget raise residential and commercial property tax rates? And what about our local businesses?”

In this environment, how are priorities identified? How much debt do we need to repay? Which non-discretionary initiatives can be paused, reduced, or eliminated? And what about the school system budget? Discover if the City of Alexandria has ever before, when facing such a fiscal crisis, cut the budget instead of raising taxes. We will discuss these vital issues and more!

Panelists include: Bill Rossello is Administrator of the Facebook site “Bring Integrity Back to Alexandria! End Seminary Road Diet and Other Bad Ideas.”

Janet Blair Fleetwood, Secretary of the Budget & Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee, serves as the mayor’s representative on BFAAC. Rob Krupicka is a former City Council and State Senate member, and he is a small business owner.

Janet Blair Fleetwood

Rob Krupicka

Bill Rossello

Monday, February 22, 2021 FREE – Live online 12-1:30pm Registration at agendaalexandria.com

Photos courtesy of Agenda: Alexandria

Courtesy photo

The Parker-Gray High School Memorial Walkway on Wythe St.

OFFICE OF HISTORIC ALEXANDRIA DEBUTS PARKER-GRAY COMMEMORATIVE WEBSITE The Office of Historic Alexandria launched a website to honor the opening of Parker-Gray High School in 1920. The page provides a wealth of history, including information about alumni, staff, and faculty.

Visitors will find information about the Parker-Gray Memorial Walkway unveiled last October, can print a brochure from the ceremony, and explore an extensive archives section containing documents and photographs.

To explore this historic material, visit https:// www.alexandriava.gov/historic/blackhistory/default. aspx?id=118939.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

Read us online at http://digital.thezebra.org

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The KiSMET Mural Illustrates Alexandria History PUBLIC ART, KINDNESS, AND COMMUNITY LOVE, ALL ON ONE WALL

BY GRACE BILLUPS ARNOLD Have you seen the KiSMET Mural on the corner of King and Fayette streets, outside Carol Supplee’s store, Imagine Artwear?

The mural spans the Fayette Street side of Carol’s store, and she plans to expand it around the front. Walking along King Street, you’ll be dazzled by the blue color and realistic likenesses of local citizens, which is the whole idea. This mural portrays some

Photos: Grace Billups Arnold

Above: Mosaic Artist/Photographer Nina Tisara, Imagine Artwear owner Carol Supplee, Old Town Business President Charlotte Hall, artist Len Garon, former Mayor Allison Silberberg, with past KiSMET presidents.

At left: A ribbon-cutting awaits.

of Alexandria’s legends and records their actions for posterity.

Carol opened Imagine Artwear in 1992. “Almost on day one,” she said, “in walked Nina Tisara, who introduced me to KiSMET.” KiSMET

is the King Street Metro Enterprise Team, a community development group that, at the time, focused on developing upper King Street.

“Imagine is a gallery dedicated to displaying talents like an art fair all year long. In 2018, Carol got an idea to use her wall to immortalize some people who made this part of town

special,” said Nina.

“I have to say it was serendipity when it started,” Carol added.

“I wanted to honor my fellow business people. I had a blank wall and an idea.” She reached out to Len Garon, the local artist who created the Alexandria Timeline at S Pickett and Van Dorn Streets. That large-scale mural is 100 yards long.

Artist Garon started the KiSMET mural in October 2019 and finished

in October 2020. It was finalized with his signature and a ribbon cutting on December 4, 2020.

The mural’s theme, “Love Is All You Need,” is a Beatles’ reference that embodies much of the Alexandria community. “The mural adds to the public art, kindness, and community love here,” noted former Mayor Allison Silberberg.

When Carol joined KiSMET, she witnessed an influx of community spirit and business enterprise. Alexandria is rooted in small businesses, and residents support them. Carol and others shared a vision of beautifying not only King Street but all of Alexandria. Their joint efforts are part of our city’s history. Look around and you can see and feel what these people accomplished for development in Alexandria.

Joining Carol Supplee and artist Len Garon at the ribbon-cutting were Nina Tisara, former Mayor Silberberg, councilwomen Del Pepper and Amy Jackson, Old Town Business president Charlotte Hall (KiSMET and Old Town Business have merged), and KiSMET past presidents Janet Barnett, Steve Tees, and Roger Parks. Past KiSMET presidents Blaise de Franceaux and Kathleen Baker attended by Zoom.

“Kismet means destiny or fate. As it turned out, this was mine—28 years later,” Carol said. To honor those individuals and their efforts, Carol Supplee presented them with The KiSMET Mural.

A GUIDE TO LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED While we can’t show them all here, the people portrayed on the mural are of the following (from left to right): Hobbes, Carol’s dog, and Chief Marketing Officer and Sales Associate for Imagine, flying an airplane, pulling the theme banner: Love Is All You Need.

Carol standing with Peggy Amsterdam, of The American Freedom Train Foundation, on a trip to China in 1988.

Nina Tisara and Carol’s father, Fred Supplee, Former President of the Chamber of Commerce and 1986 “Man of the Year.”

A photo of Joe Egerton of Arts Afire Glass Gallery, in front of the Tiffany Tavern. Joe was a key player in improving the retail scene on King Street.

The annual First Night fireworks at the Masonic Memorial—we will be sad to miss them in person this year, but the mural symbolizes their significance.

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Artist Len Garon in front of The KiSMET Mural.

David Martin and the Old Town street signs he championed along each block—he earned a Living Legend award in 2013 for this addition.

A canopy of flowers representing King Street Garden’s Park, constructed by KiSMET, and the annual

Supper Under The Stars event.

Ann Hopkins who, in 1984, became a case before the Supreme Court. Due to her successful efforts in the 80s, she took her place representing recent social protests this past summer.

The legend carved over the entrance to the Supreme Court image reads “Equal Justice Under the Law.” The horse-in-the-truck statue outside the Hard Times Café, for the owners Jim and Fred Parker.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

The Student Becomes the Teacher GRAD STUDENT BRENDAN HARPER KNEW IT WAS A PERFECT MATCH BY: GRACE BILLUPS ARNOLD The tinkling of piano strings graces the air as I walk through Old Town Music School’s doors on S. Royal Street. Brendan Harper, a Catholic University of America (CUA) graduate student and part-time piano teacher at the studio, greets me. Pursuing dual master’s degrees in piano and conducting, Brendan loves to learn. Recently, he has found a similar passion for teaching.

Julie Zupan, Owner and Instructor at Old Town Music School, sent an email to CUA requesting music teachers. After a phone interview, Brendan knew this studio was a perfect match for him.

“She sounded lovely, really welcoming,” Brendan says of Julie. “The whole studio just feels like a nurturing and vibrant community.”

The lack of personal interaction in his virtual classes left Brendan feeling something was missing from his musical studies. This opportunity will help expand his resume, further his dream of earning a DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts) to become a professor, and allow him the personal interaction we have all been deprived of for the last nine months.

“Music lessons have become a touchpoint for what life is supposed to be like or was like pre-Covid,” says Julie. Pre-pandemic, students at the studio played for each other and attended seasonal recitals for Halloween, Christmas, and spring. Those recitals were canceled in March.

“It is really important that we get those back,” says Brendan.

“Recitals help kids get over

dents forget the necessity of work in achieving their dreams. Seeing that he is pursuing his musical ambitions and learning alongside his students proves that fantasy can become reality.

Brendan’s advice for current and potential students is this: “Enjoy it for as long as you can. You don’t have to go professional. You do it because you love music and want to learn how to play. It can’t hurt, so give it a shot.”

Photo: Julie Zupan

Brendan Harper has a passion for teaching piano at Old Town Music School.

the fear of performing.”

The ability to conquer fear is not the only benefit of practicing music. The discipline of music also teaches confidence. “Bringing happiness and confidence drives me,” says Brendan. “It is a teacher’s job to see the potential in their students, but also to encourage them to be the best where they are now.”

Being a good teacher means being a role model. Brendan’s students range in age from teens to retirees, and he has found that he can relate very well with the teens. As a recent undergrad, he is close to them in age and experience.

Being a good teacher also means being a good student.

Brendan says of his students, “I learn from them as much as they do from me.” He remains confident, yet humble as he learns from his students every day.

Brendan motivates older students by always encouraging their dreams and aspirations. He knows how important passion is to work ethic.

“It is hard to find gratification in practicing, but you change your thought process, set a goal, and stay on track,” he explains.

Brendan never lets his stu-

Old Town Music School offers more than just piano lessons.

Photo: Grace Arnold

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

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Photos: Grace Arnold

The Heritage apartment buildings are three stories tall, with red brick façades that complement the neighborhood.

Citizens Group Fights to Save The Heritage Complex OPPOSING MODERN CONSTRUCTION IN HISTORIC OLD TOWN

BY GRACE BILLUPS ARNOLD The Heritage is an affordable housing complex in Old Town that was built in 1973.

It is owned by Asland Capital

Partners, a New York-based investment company.

Asland has proposed to replace the existing property with multiple buildings ranging from four to seven sto-

ries in height, with 750 underground parking spots. The plan includes 750 units, 188 of which will be affordable housing.

The City of Alexandria

has approved demolition of the site. This decision has prompted a group of Alexandrians to actively contest the proposal.

After several months of dis-

cussion, residents living near The Heritage created the Citizens Association of the South West Quadrant (CASWQ) to oppose this development.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 49

Photos: Courtesy of Stephen Hayes

Members of the citizens group argue that The Heritage would be replaced with a structure that is inconsistent with Alexandria’s architectural atmosphere.

Virginia Governor, Alexandria Mayor Visit T.C. Williams High School to Support Vaccination Effort SCHOOL SERVED AS VACCINATION SITE FOR ACPS EMPLOYEES, ESSENTIAL WORKERS On Tuesday, Jan. 12, Gov. Ralph Northam, Mayor Justin Wilson, and members of City Council visited T.C. Williams High School, an Alexandria Health Department (AHD) vaccination site.

The purpose of the visit was to recognize Alexandria’s leadership in administering the COVID-19 vaccine.

As a result of advocacy by AHD and the City of Alexandria, state officials authorized Alexandria to be among the first localities to move to Phase 1b of vaccinations, which includes frontline essential workers, persons age 75 or older, and staff and residents of correctional facilities and homeless shelters. This

14 ZEBRA PRESS

follows work from Dec. 24 through Jan. 8 to provide 1,518 doses of vaccine to health care workers and staff and residents of longterm care facilities eli-

Photos courtesy ACPS

Above: ACPS staff received the COVID-19 vaccine at T.C. Williams High School on Jan. 12.

At right: Gov. Ralph Northam speaks at T.C. Williams High School on Jan. 12 with Mayor Justin Wilson in background.

gible under Phase 1a.

“Our message is simple: Get the vaccine as soon as you are eligible,” said Alexandria Health Director Dr. Stephen A. Haering. “If you are not eligible yet, you will be soon. Be prepared to take this important step for your health and those you love.”

Among the frontline essential workers eligible for vaccination under Phase 1b are public and private K-12 employees and childcare providers.

Many of the individuals being vaccinated in Alexandria this week are teachers and staff

CONTINUED ON PAGE 71 JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

From Stroke Smart Alexandria to a Stroke Smart World

BY GRACE BILLUPS ARNOLD

tics: strokes kill six million people a year and are the number In 2017, Mayor Siltwo cause of death berberg proclaimed globally.

Alexandria a Stroke Why is stroke so Smart City, the first deadly? Most peoof its kind in Ameriple suffer significant ca. Today, Alan Stillconsequences from man, CEO of Kwikstroke due to a depoint and founder lay in getting to the of the Stroke Smart hospital, thus missing campaign, is expandthe window for poing that initiative tentially life-saving throughout Virginia. treatments. Pre-hosIt all started on a pital delay occurs bebike in 1986. While cause a stroke’s signs taking a worldwide are subtle and often bike trip through 28 mistaken for other countries, traveling seemingly harmless over 15,000 miles, conditions, such as Alan found inspiraintoxication.

All photos courtesy of Alan Stillman tion for Kwikpoint, a Alan Stillman found inspiration around the world to The symptoms of visual language pub- develop Kwikpoint. stroke you should lishing company. look for are: Is the Kwikpoint visual person’s smile uneven language tools were designed or lopsided? Is one arm weak to help travelers conquer lanor drifting downward? Is the guage barriers. Posters and person experiencing slurred cards with images allow peospeech, numbness on one side ple to point to pictures to of the body, loss of balance or communicate instantly. After impaired vision, and sudden 9/11, Kwikpoint created a US onset of severe headache? military communication tool “Here’s the good news: if to identify Improvised Exyou spot a stroke in time, you plosive Devices (IEDs) in Iraq Alan Stillman, Founder and CEO can stop a stroke,” Alan says.

Kwikpoint. and Afghanistan.

The purpose of Stroke Smart “What I learned is that Alexandria is to help everypictures are a powerful aid one in the city learn to spot for recognition and memand stop a stroke. You will ory,” Alan explains. When find Stroke Smart materials Alan was 12, his grandmothin hospitals, libraries, retail er, Rose, passed away from shops, restaurants, and coffee stroke complications. shops across Alexandria.

Impassioned by this memoThese materials are dery, Alan created a visual lansigned to raise public awareguage tool for identifying ness and encourage long-term stroke symptoms and has been retention of important stroke giving it out for free in our Alan’s grandmother, Rose, information. The content— city. Alan calls his campaign passed away due to stroke-restroke symptoms, facts, and Stroke Smart Alexandria. statistics—is presented in vilated complications. This event In his 2017 TED Talk, Alan inspired Alan to create Stroke presented some scary statis- Smart Alexandria.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 65

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Just like everyone else.

—Margaret Mead

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15

Opal Music Studio— A Precious Gem in Old Town TEACHERS, STUDENTS, AND PARENTS SING PRAISES FOR THIS UNIQUE COMMUNITY

BY SUSAN FLEISCHMAN Opal Music Studio opened quietly in 2008. Founders and owners Hannah Williams and Molly Orlando first met when Williams was searching for piano lessons for her three young children. “I wanted them to take the lessons, but not in my tiny Old Town house with the other kids running around,” she explained.

Unable to find what she was looking for, Williams realized this was something desperately needed in Old Town. Luckily, she met pianist Orlando, an accomplished performer and teacher, who shared her energy and enthusiasm for this venture. Together, the women decided to open a music studio where students would do more than take lessons. They would become part of a musical community. And thus, Opal Music Studio was born.

Thirteen years later, the women’s combined vision has been realized. Opal Music Studio is a thriving community where professional musicians teach and share their passion for the art and craft of music with students young and old.

Any teacher, student, or parent will tell you the same thing: Opal is a gem. “Opal is the gift that keeps on giving in our lives,” said Dale, parent of an Opal student and also a student himself.

“The teachers are brilliant, and the environment is totally oriented to learning and fun.”

“Opal is a warm environment where each student is pushed for greatness in their musical abilities.

I really enjoy working with Al-

“I love Opal because of the way my teacher has pushed me to be better.”

—Maggie, voice student

16 ZEBRA PRESS

“So grateful for all of the music Opal Studio brings into our lives!”

—Jane, Opal parent lysa (teacher), and I feel like I’ve thrived and improved under her instruction,” said Caroline, a voice student.

Building community Photo: Lisa Scontras Photography

Molly Orlando (left) and Hannah Williams, founders and owners of Opal Music Studio.

“Opal is the perfect local music studio, filled with loving and talented instructors. The owners and staff are always lovely and help build a sense of community.

We recommend the Opal family highly!”

—Cindy, Opal parent

Photo: Opal Music Studio

Members of the Opal faculty brandishing their melodicas for a rousing rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody at the March 2018 Faculty Showcase.

Williams and Orlando shaped their studio thoughtfully, following a shared objective of providing comprehensive music education.

They knew their students would be busy with soccer and dance and sports and other activities in addition to music lessons. And they knew that learning an instrument takes practice, practice, practice.

So they infused fun into the serious instruction.

In addition to many recitals and performances each semester, Orlando and Williams have designed art projects to track their students’ progress. It’s a studio-wide endeavor. In one project, when students learned a specific scale or technique, they placed a pre-cut piece of colored paper on the bulletin board.

Week after week, pieces of paper began to take shape. By the end of the semester, the students had created a preening theory peacock.

Game Nights are on Fridays, when parents drop the younger students off for an hour or two and steal away for a glass of wine while the students play games with their teachers. (Note, COVID has not deterred these efforts – Game Nights are now held virtually on Fridays.)

In place of recitals, adult students

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

Artisans with Disabilities Make the Holidays Meaningful Above: Weaving is a favorite artistic activity.

BY GRACE BILLUPS ARNOLD Coletta Collections, an artisan program for people with disabilities, helps Alexandrians celebrate the holidays safely and sincerely. An employment derivative of St. Coletta of Greater Washington, Coletta Collections provides a creative outlet for its members and a legitimate opportunity to gain real work experience. The day program, located between Duke and Prince streets, hosts around 100 artisans who produce original designs with genuine meaning.

St. Coletta started as a private Catholic school in 1959 in Arlington. In 1993, Sharon Raimo, current CEO, took over and moved it to Alexandria. In 2004, St. Coletta started branching out with the programs it offers. Their “Fun With Glass” program, a fused glass art class, became popular among its students.

So much so that in 2011, St. Coletta started a program called Coletta Collections, in which members of St. Coletta could become artisans, creating artwork of all kinds, from fused glass to knit scarves and crocheted pumpkin sets for the holidays.

“This art program teaches them life skills, things you need to succeed,” says Rebecca Hill, Chief Development Officer at St. Coletta of Greater Washington. “Everybody wants them to work, but no one wants to hire them.

This is a real job. They get paid, and we adjust it to their needs. It is all about what they can do.”

Coletta Collections is a program oriented to the individual, accommodating each artisan’s wants and needs.

Some might prefer quiet and calming weaving while some enjoy fused glass or prefer one color over another.

“We try to make it a large part for them because we don’t want to do pretend work,” states Rebecca. “What we’re trying to find are things that sell and things that they can make. This is real-world work with real meaning.”

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

Photos: Rebecca Hill, St. Coletta of Greater Washington

At left: Coletta Collections is slowly welcoming its artisans back into the studio.

At right: Coletta Collections sent holiday art kits to its artisans to continue their meaningful work.

Below: Coletta Collections has had to close its studio and some of its looms due to the pandemic.

That meaning is not lost on Coletta Collections’ customers. One customer writes, “These earrings were so much more impactful and meaningful than jewelry from a mainstream chain store.” (https://www.colettacollections.com/) Some of Coletta Collections’ most popular products include their holiday items, like fall crocheted pumpkin sets and fused glass holiday plates, and accessories like hand-woven scarves and hand-crafted jewelry. As spring approaches, Rebecca and the artisans plan to make products for outdoor living and activities.

Coletta Collections’ mission is about accommodation and collaboration. Rebecca says they stand for “seeing possibilities beyond disabilities and meeting the disabled where they are.” Coletta Collections has had to be exceptionally accommodating this year. After sending everyone in the program home due to the pandemic, Rebecca and other administrators began

CONTINUED ON PAGE 55 THE ZEBRA PRESS

17

Photo: Opal

One by one, students placed pre-cut colored pieces of paper, eventually creating a grand peacock in full preen, reflecting all their hard work and accomplishments.

OPAL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 gather for Wine and Keys and play the pieces they’ve been working on. One very popular event they host is the Faculty Showcase, when the staff is in the spotlight for a change, performing for parents and students.

Piano teacher Julia Aguayo remarked, “My experience teaching at Opal has been most rewarding. I love being part of such a fun, creative team! They really care about providing the students with plenty of useful music-related activities throughout the year in a way that provides a good balance between challenging activities and fun. I strongly

feel this is the key to successfully introducing music to the students, for them to develop enjoyment and interest.”

The theory behind teaching music theory “Our core philosophy is serious instruction that’s not always presented in a serious way,” said Orlando. “We get to know each student individ-

Photo: Opal

Molly Orlando leads students through Musical Bingo on Game Night. While Game Nights are now held virtually due to COVID, they are all looking forward to resuming in-person Game Nights.

ually and tailor the instruction to their style and pace.

We want the student to feel comfortable and supported at every turn, so they can experiment and try new things. We find we get better results that way than with the ruler across the knuckles.”

College student Claire Pierce concurred. Now a senior at Virginia Tech, Pierce began taking piano lessons at

“Our daughter is so lucky to have such a positive and encouraging teacher in Emily.

She loves playing the oboe and looks forward to her lessons.”

—Emily, Opal parent

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another music studio when she was seven, with a teacher who did employ that knuckle-smacking method. “I learned close to nothing except how to memorize whatever piece I was working on. I never learned how to read the music,” she lamented. Claire stepped away from piano after a few frustrating years but realized she still wanted to learn to play. She found Opal and started taking piano lessons with Orlando as a high school freshman.

“It was such a different experience with Molly,” said Claire. “She never scolded me or got upset if I hadn’t practiced or made progress. She was kind and asked me about my life and how things were going.” At Opal, the instructors are professional musicians who also happen to teach.

They strive to share their craft by instilling an appreciation for and love of learning music. “That approach, in a beautiful way, complements their teaching,” Claire said.

Claire’s experience was so transformative that her father started taking guitar lessons at Opal. Chuck Pierce dabbled with the guitar in his younger days and wanted to pick it up again after his early retirement. “I tried to teach myself,” Chuck laughed, “but student and teacher both

“Opal Music Studio has helped me realize my love for music.”

—Tess, 13, piano and violin student needed help.” He found a tremendous match with instructor Ben Altman and has now been taking guitar lessons for a few years. He’s learning so much more than only how to play the guitar.

“Ben’s teaching style is such that he wants you to be interested and passionate in what you’re learning,” Chuck said.

“He took this rusty old brain and wrapped it around music theory. Of course, all the instructors are talented musicians, but it’s the enthusiasm that sets them apart.”

Teachers are the key to success The faculty at Opal is indeed a talented and fun-loving bunch. When the studio opened in 2008, Orlando was the lone instructor. Three years and a very long waitlist later, they hired six new teachers, five of whom are

CONTINUED ON PAGE 45

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

BELOW THE BELTWAY Good News in Belle View, Fort Hunt, Mount Vernon, and Lee

National Park Service Names New Operator for Belle Haven Marina

BY KEVIN DAURAY

Courtesy photo

Readers in Fairfax County just need a valid library card to access digital books from Fairfax County Public Library’s digital collection.

Readers can use any major device, including Apple(R), Android™, Chromebook™ and Kindle(R) (US only). Visit https://fairfax.overdrive.com/ or download the Libby app to get started and borrow ebooks and e-audiobooks anytime, anywhere.

Fairfax County Library Breaking Records with Over Two Million Digital Book Checkouts in 2020 ONE OF TOP 25 LIBRARY SYSTEMS IN THE COUNTRY Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) reached a record-breaking two million digital book checkouts in 2020. This number illustrates the continued growth and importance of library digital lending of e-books and e-audiobooks, especially in a year with building closures due to the global pandemic. FCPL is one of 102 public library systems worldwide that surpassed one million checkouts.

Fairfax County Public Library has been providing readers 24/7 access to e-books and e-audiobooks for several years through OverDrive and its award-winning Libby reading app. Reader interest and usage has grown every year.

“We are excited to reach this milestone and see the continued success of our ebooks and e-audiobooks,” said Dianne Coan, Division Director for Support Services at Fairfax County Public Library. “E-books are more important than ever this year as library closures and other pandemic precautions made it difficult for many county residents to access reading material. We have been able to offer our customers a valuable lifeline to information and

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

diversion during these challenging times.”

The highest-circulating title FCPL readers borrowed through OverDrive in 2020 was Where the Crawdads Sing

by Delia Owens. The topcirculating genre, thrillers, represents the most popular in a vast catalog that also includes romance, biographies and children/young adult.

The top 5 e-book titles borrowed through Fairfax County Public Library’s digital collection in 2020: 1. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens 2. White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo 3. The Dutch House by Ann Patchett 4. Educated by Tara Westover 5. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng The top 5 audiobook titles borrowed through Fairfax County Public Library’s digital collection in 2020: 1. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens 2. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling 3. So You Want to Talk about Race by Ijeoma Oluo 4. Educated by Tara Westover 5. Becoming by Michelle Obama

The National Park Service recently named Marine Evolutions, Inc. (MEI) the new operator of Belle Haven Marina. The company will provide services for the next decade.

The marina provides access to the Potomac River and is one of three along the George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP).

“The National Park Service is excited to enter into this contract with Marine Evolutions, Inc.,” Charles Cuvelier, the GWMP superintendent said. “We look forward to working with Tim and his team to enhance the marina, provide high quality experiences for all visitors and manage the site in a way that protects the Potomac River and Dyke Marsh.”

MEI has previously tak-

Photo: Susan Fleischman

Belle Haven Marina

en charge of a clean-up at the marina, which included the removal of abandoned property. They are committed to sustainability of the environment. Improvements will be achieved with the installation of self-siphoning baskets to collect debris from the river. MEI also plans to host trash pick-

up events for members of the Alexandria community who want to help keep the shoreline clean.

Water recreation programs will be offered, too.

People can learn to sail or kayak. Wheelchair users can participate in pontoon boat tours.

River Bend Bistro has always tried to create the best dining experience for our customers and now with our Covid life, we are working even harder to create the safest environment possible.

We have taken disinfecting to the next level. We have added the HydroxylatorTM, the newest technology in sanitizing the air you breath and the surfaces you touch.

The HydroxylatorTM is a Hydroxyl-Ionizer Hydro Peroxide Generator. This machine was pioneered by NASA and manufactured in an EPA Certified Establishment. I know that’s a mouthful, but this machine provides continuous chemical free air and surface disinfection. The Hydrogen Peroxide generated is recognized by the EPA as a Coronovirus Disinfectant.

The HydroxylatorTM is a multi-dimensional threat to fight microbials, making sure that employees and patrons alike enjoy the safest experience possible.

This machine is the most well rounded, cost-effective sanitation solution on the market.

So, keep us in mind the next time you think about dining out. River Bend Bistro is working hard to keep you safe.

Carryout, Indoor & Outdoor Seating

Open for Lunch, Dinner and Sunday Brunch Sun-Tue: 11:30 - 7pm, Wed-Sat: 11:30 - 9pm 7966 Fort Hunt Road (In the Hollin Hall Shopping Center)

703-347-7545 • RiverBendBistro.com THE ZEBRA PRESS

19

BELOW THE BELTWAY Good News in Belle View, Fort Hunt, Mount Vernon, and Lee

West Potomac Students Tutor in Spite of COVID DONATIONS NEEDED FOR CREEKSIDE PROGRAM, ESPECIALLY HEADPHONES

BY SUSAN FLEISCHMAN When she was a sophomore two years ago, West Potomac High School senior Sofia Verich wanted to start a tutoring program. She didn’t know where to begin or how to do it, and she didn’t even have her driver’s license yet. But she loved tutoring, knew there was a need, and never gave up.

Fast forward two years and one pandemic later. Sofia’s dream has come true, not exactly as she envisioned, but she’s ok with that.

Sofia began volunteering as a student at Fort Hunt Elementary School.

She helped younger kids with math and reading, and she helped with Odyssey of the Mind groups. “I think tutoring is the most fun way to volunteer,” she said. “I love sitting with the kids, forming relationships with them, and helping them learn how to solve problems.”

Sofia was a junior and in the National Honor Society (NHS) at West Potomac when she decided to launch her tutoring idea. She knew a need existed at Creekside Community Center, so she reached out to the director about tutoring some of the elementary school-aged children. A handful of NHS peers agreed to tutor with her, and soon they had a small group meeting at Creekside four afternoons a week. Sofia said, “We set it up so each tutor had the same group of kids.

It was nice to have that relationship and build trust.” They noticed the kids would listen better and accept help more easily once that foundation was established.

While the tutors helped the students with reading and math, they also provided guidance and advice in emptying backpacks, organizing assignments, and showing the students how to be more independent. The tutors and students hit their stride through the winter into spring 2020, but then the pandemic hit and in-person interaction was cancelled.

It was frustrating, but Sofia didn’t give up. She did tutor one student over the summer, and when school resumed in the fall, she again sought to make the tutoring program an NHS initiative. Sofia reached out to the program’s leadership and queried her peers about tutoring via Zoom, and 36 students from NHS were in-

20 ZEBRA PRESS

Photo: Sofia Verich

West Potomac senior Sofia Verich started a tutoring program doing what she loves to do.

Photo: Sofia Verich

Ninth-grader Anna Verich joined her older siblings and finds tutoring rewarding.

Photo: Creekside

Students benefit from tutors in many ways, including organizing tips and strategies.

Photo: Sofia Verich

West Potomac junior Matthew Verich loves working with the children and hopes to be a motivating force for them.

Photo: Sofia Verich

Stefanie Kulinski always wanted to become a teacher. Tutoring is a great taste of that for now.

Photo: Creekside

Tutors encourage and advise students on how to work independently.

terested. “I was so happy that so many wanted to tutor,” said Sofia. “It made sense to me. There’s not much else going on and they have the time to help.”

Amanda Jackson, Youth Development Specialist at Creekside Community Center, noted the dire need for tutoring and personal engagement among the school-aged children at Creekside. She said, “The tutor is more than just help with academics.

We’ve encouraged tutors that while we need to get students caught up, the most important part is being a safe person during this time of chaos. We utilize games and breaks, and encourage tutors to use the students’ interests to keep them engaged. By doing this, students are receiving more than academic support. They are getting mentorship, connection, and the opportunity to feel empowered to learn, which is crucial to moving forward and not being discouraged because of this challenging year.”

Tutoring benefits both tutor and student, which is not surprising.

West Potomac junior Isabella Gattuso joined the program, knowing the need for help was huge. She said, “Tutoring is an incredibly rewarding experience for me. Nothing is sweeter than a kid finally understanding something or opening up about things they are passionate about. I feel incredibly lucky to give back to the community by renewing a joy for learning in kids.”

Stephanie Kulinski, 9th grader, said, “I tutor because I love helping and working with kids, and ever since I was little, I always said I wanted to be a teacher, so this is a great way for me to explore what it is like to help and teach others.”

Sofia’s younger brother and sister are also tutors in the program; 9th grader Anna said she’s grateful for the opportunity to mentor young students, and Matthew, in 11th grade, said, “The reason I am tutoring with The Empower Hour is because I genuinely enjoy helping out kids. I also want to test my academic and leadership skills to see if I could help teach kids how to engage in their own learning in the most effective way. My dream would be to be the person who motivates young and less fortunate kids to love education and truly value the impor-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 53 JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

BELOW THE BELTWAY Good News in Belle View, Fort Hunt, Mount Vernon, and Lee

HELP! Alice’s Kids Has Money to Spend and Needs Your Help to Do So

ALEXANDRIA NONPROFIT HELPS KIDS IN NEED THROUGH TEACHERS, COUNSELORS, SOCIAL WORKERS, COACHES

BY SUSAN FLEISCHMAN

on this wonderful organization and the awe-inspiring story of how it beRon Fitzsimmons has a gan, visit www.aliceskids. need you don’t hear org. There’s no shortabout very often. He age of stories and has money to spend testimonials, some (some $350k), and captured on the he needs your website, from the help. thousands of lives Fitzsimmons is touched by AK, the executive diboth from the rector of Alice’s child’s perspective Kids (AK), a unique as well as from the Alexandria nonreferrer’s perspecprofit that focuses Ron Fitzsimmons, Executive tive. This is great, on small donations Director of Alice’s Kids life-changing work for children that being done quietmake a big difference. AK spends its money on the student who needs a desk and chair for athome school, who needs a new pair of glasses, who needs a decent coat, a new iPad, or a sketch pad and pens.

Rather than accepting requests for such donations from the general public, AK fields requests from teachers, counselors, social workers, coaches, police officers, etc. These are the adults who see, firsthand, children struggling to cope, and they can identify specific, somewhat small-scale but essential items each child needs.

And AK fills those smallscale needs that make all the difference in the world to that child.

The process is different from that of other charities. AK doesn’t deliver the item or donation directly to the child but instead gives it anonymously to the parent or guardian, “who can then proudly announce to their child that they are getting the desired item. This process helps preserve the dignity of the child and gives the parent the opportunity to ‘shine,’” as explained on the nonprofit’s website.

For more information

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

In 2019, the most-requested items AK fulfilled were basic necessities such as clothing, shoes, and uniforms.

ly, meaningfully, and impactfully.

Over the years, AK has attracted some high-profile fans including Patton Oswalt and Steve Carrell, and Theresa Vargas of the Washington Post. Their devotion to and promotion of the mission of AK have increased AK’s profile and budget exponentially since its inception.

In fact, AK now has more money to spend than ever before. In 2016, AK had nearly $50k to spend.

In 2018, nearly $60k. In 2020, after Vargas discovered AK and wrote a couple of stories in the Washington Post about it, AK found itself with $265k in donated funds to give out to children in need. And now it has $350k to spend.

Can you help? Children are in need today more than ever. Fitzsimmons is hoping that people will share AK’s mission with the teachers, social workers, and counselors who know those kids in need.

These professionals should visit the website to ask for a Request Form. Most requests are fulfilled within 24 hours. Please, help spread the word. www.aliceskids.org

THE ZEBRA PRESS

21

BY DEBBY CRITCHLEY

FOODIE

So much time has passed since the pandemic began and we have all adapted as well as we can. Many local restaurants have closed while many have hung in there – thanks to all of you who have continued to buy their offerings. Many restaurants have changed their menus and how they operate as they continue to meet the needs of us, their customers, and their staff.

There are even new restaurants opening to a brave new world. And whether you eat in, carry out, or get delivery, be sure to tip, tip, and tip!

New to you and me…

There are several new places that have opened over the last two months. Making a

Photo courtesy of Ada’s on the River

How about diving into live Maine lobster with a side of creamed spinach smothered with Parmigiana at Ada’s on the River.

splash is Alexandria Restaurant Partner’s Ada’s on the River, 3 Pioneer Mill Way. Opened on Jan. 14, the establishment is receiving rave reviews for its food and décor.

The building is actually a custom-outfitted shipping container that was built according to ARP specifications. It was dropped into place with its partner container that will house Barca Wine Bar at the Robinson Landing development. Brought in by barge, the site will eventually provide some 300 outdoor seats.

Ada’s provides 170 indoor seats and another 100 outdoor seats. Ada’s is named after Ada Lovelace, 19th century mathematics pioneer who was also honored by an eponymous programming language. The restaurant has a wood-fired grill which drives a menu of steaks, chops, seafood, and vegetarian offerings. Some of the items include huge tomahawk veal chops, jumbo lump crab cakes, lobster mac and cheese with Old Bay, and a doughnut topped with foie gras. Chef Randall J. Matthews attributes the vegetarian and vegan dishes to his mother. Look for a vegan dish of smoked ricotta gnocchi topped with a vegan sausage ragu. By now, Ada’s should be

We are taking reservations for Valentines day!

4 course menu + a glass of Champagne Please call to make reservations

Photo courtesy of Taco Rock

Check out the Birria Ramen Soup at Taco Rock.

open for lunch and weekend brunch.

Also new to town is Taco Rock, home of the homemade Blue Corn Tortilla, at 6550 Little River Turnpike.

Chef Mike Cordero is serving classic Tex Mex street food.

The large airy space provides electronic ordering from a menu featuring classic, vegetarian, and specialty tacos “with attitude.” Another section of the menu labeled Not Tacos include an assortment of flautas, bowls, nachos, tortas, and burritos. They offer a breakfast taco and burrito as well as huevos rancheros.

You should consider trying their ice cream churro sandwich for dessert too. There is also a full-service bar to help

NEWZ

you quench your thirst with Mexican beers and assortment of tequilas. Visit Sushi Jin at 3470 Berkeley St., a new family-owned traditional Sushi bar and izakaya with authentic Japanese street food. They are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, delivery or carryout. The menu includes multiple styles of ramen and udon noodle bowls.

There are lots of choices for nigiri and sushi rolls, and sashimi. You can order omakase of 6, 8, or 12 nigiri too.

Stop by the second location of St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 529 Montgomery St. when you are in the Old Town North.

In the works since February, 2020, the new location serves the same great coffee, sandwiches, soups, sweets, craft beers, and wine as the original in Del Ray. You can also pick up many of the same products such as yogurts and parfaits. The new location offers flip out windows to allow you to walk up and pick up your orders from their patio.

According to owner Larry Ponzi, “We really like being in neighborhoods. We love to get visitors from out of town, and we do, but we really want the base of customers to be

CONTINUED ON PAGE 61

Courtesy photo

Sushi Jin’s sushi chefs welcome you with a variety of fish and preparations to make you smile too.

SAD GOODBYE: ATLANTIS RESTAURANT CLOSES AFTER 38 YEARS

BY MARY WADAND

Atlantis Restaurant owners Bill and Jim Patrianakos posted a sign on their window telling customers

goodbye. The note said simply that “the pandemic has proven to be too difficult” and that on January 24, they would lock the doors forever on the iconic neighborhood

family business.

Atlantis Restaurant, located in the Bradlee Shopping Center at 3648 King Street, has deep Greek and Italian

CONTINUED ON PAGE 61

127 North Washington Street Old Town Alexandria

703-548-4661

www.lerefugealexandria.com

Old Town’s Longest Running Family-Owned French Restaurant

22 ZEBRA PRESS

Courtesy photo

Atlantis Restaurant has been a neighborhood favorite for almost four decades.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

ALEXANDRIA RESTAURANT WEEK TO-GO January 22 - February 7, 2021

E

ven with the pandemic, you can still enjoy Alexandria Restaurant Week at home. Restaurant Week is especially important to Alexandria locally owned restaurants as times have been tough. You can show your support by ordering meals from many of these fine establishments over the 17 days and three weekends.

Over 60 restaurants are offering a $49 takeout dinner for two and/or a $25 takeout dinner for one.

Check out your favorites and new-to-you locations. You can explore participating restaurant listings in the table below and at https://www. visitalexandriava.com/restaurants/restaurantweek.

For details on how to place a Restaurant Week To-Go order, diners should check the Alexandria Restaurant Week To-Go Menu Book.

Each restaurant’s menu in the book will have instructions on how to order. Some restaurants offer this promotion for delivery as well, but it may not be available through all delivery apps, and distance limitations will apply.

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS (TAKE OUT OR PICK-UP ONLY)

219 Restaurant $49 Dinner for Two People A la Lucia $49 Dinner for Two People Aldo’s Italian Kitchen $49 Dinner for Two People | $25 Dinner for One Person Augie’s Mussel House $49 Dinner for Two People Barkhaus $49 Dinner for Two People | $25 Dinner for One Person Bastille Brasserie & Bar $49 Dinner for Two People Blackwall Hitch $49 Dinner for Two People | $25 Dinner for One Person Bugsy’s Pizza & Sports Bar $49 Dinner for Two People Café 44 $49 Dinner for Two People Café Pizzaiolo $49 Dinner for Two People Cedar Knoll $49 Dinner for Two People | $25 Dinner for One Person Clyde’s at Mark Center $49 Dinner for Two People Chadwicks $49 Dinner for Two People | $25 Dinner for One Person Chart House $49 Dinner for Two People City Kitchen $49 Dinner for Two People

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

Del Ray Café $49 Dinner for Two People | $25 Dinner for One Person Dishes of India $49 Dinner for Two People | $25 Dinner for One Person Diya Indian Cuisine $49 Dinner for Two People | $25 Dinner for One Person Doyle’s Outpost $49 Dinner for Two People | $25 Dinner for One Person Fish Market $49 Dinner for Two People Gadsby’s Tavern $49 Dinner for Two People Hank and Mitzi’s Italian Kitchen $49 Dinner for Two People Haute Dogs & Fries $49 Dinner for Two People | $25 Dinner for One Person Hops ‘n Shine $49 Dinner for Two People | $25 Dinner for One Person Hummingbird $49 Dinner for Two People | $25 Dinner for One Person Il Porto $49 Dinner for Two People Junction Bakery & Bistro $49 Dinner for Two People King & Rye $49 Dinner for Two People | $25 Dinner for One Person

Kisso Asian Bistro $49 Dinner for Two People

Pork Barrel BBQ $49 Dinner for Two People

Taverna Cretekou $49 Dinner for Two People

LaPorta’s $49 Dinner for Two People

Ramparts Tavern $49 Dinner for Two People | $25 Dinner for One Person

Tempo Restaurant $49 Dinner for Two People | $25 Dinner for One Person

Redrocks Napoletan Bistro $49 Dinner for Two People

Tequila & Taco $49 Dinner for Two People -Up

Lena’s Wood-fired Pizza & Tap $49 Dinner for Two People | $25 Dinner for One Person The Light Horse $49 Dinner for Two People | $25 Dinner for One Person Los Cuates $49 Dinner for Two People | $25 Dinner for One Person Magnolia’s on King $49 Dinner for Two People | $25 Dinner for One Person The Majestic $49 Dinner for Two People | $25 Dinner for One Person Mia’s Italian Kitchen $49 Dinner for Two People | $25 Dinner for One Person

Royal Restaurant $49 Dinner for Two People | $25 Dinner for One Person

Theismann’s Restaurant $49 Dinner for Two People | $25 Dinner for One Person

RT’s Restaurant $49 Dinner for Two People | $25 Dinner for One Person

Trademark Drink and Eat $49 Dinner for Two People

Rus Uz $49 Dinner for Two People | $25 Dinner for One Person

Union Street Public House $49 Dinner for Two People | $25 Dinner for One Person

Shooter McGee’s $49 Dinner for Two People | $25 Dinner for One Person

Urbano 116 $49 Dinner for Two People

Sonoma Cellar $49 Dinner for Two People | $25 Dinner for One Person

Village Brauhaus $49 Dinner for Two People | $25 Dinner for One Person

Southside 815 $49 Dinner for Two People

Vola’s Dockside Grill $49 Dinner for Two People | $25 Dinner for One Person

Spice Kraft $49 Dinner for Two People

The Warehouse $49 Dinner for Two People

Sushi Bar $49 Dinner for Two People

The Wharf $49 Dinner for Two People

Northside 10 $49 Dinner for Two People | $25 Dinner for One Person

Sweetfire Donna’s $49 Dinner for Two People

Whiskey & Oyster $49 Dinner for Two People

Pasara Thai $49 Dinner for Two People

T.J. Stone $49 Dinner for Two People

Piece Out $49 Dinner for Two People

Taqueria Picoso $49 Dinner for Two People | $25 Dinner for One Person

Mt. Vernon Inn $49 Dinner for Two People | $25 Dinner for One Person Murphy’s Irish Pub $49 Dinner for Two People

THE ZEBRA PRESS

23

Delia’s in Alexandria Fed the Troops During Inauguration Week LOCAL RESTAURANT SERVED 60,000 DINNERS TO THE NATIONAL GUARD

BY GRACE ARNOLD Delia’s Alexandria cooked up 60,000 hot meals for National Guard personnel stationed locally through Inauguration Week. That was 15,000 meals for each of four days.

While breakfast and lunch

Photo: George Theodorou, Owner Delia’s Alexandria

Above: National Guard help out on delivery as Delia’s prepares 15,000 meals a day during inauguration week.

At left: George Theodorou, owner of Delia’s Alexandria (right), stands with one of many National Guard soldiers who helped deliver 15,000 dinners daily.

10% OFF ONLINE ORDERS 10% OFF

for online order of $20 or more from Feb 1-Feb 15 2021 (Coupon Code: LOVE2021)

Redeem at tzo-restaurants.com for Take-Out & Delivery

www.tzo-restaurants.com T-ZO Vietnamese Cuisine

ADA’S ON THE RIVER OPENS! On January 14, the official opening took place for the newest jewel in the crown of the Alexandria Restaurant Partners group, Ada’s on the River. Named after a famous 19th century mathematician, Ada Lovelace, the restaurant is built around a custom wood-burning oven and offers unparalleled views of the Potomac.

(571) 867-9139

tzorestaurant@gmail.com

Let Aldo’s…

Feed your Family of Four for $60!

Choose one (1) of three (3) entreés: 1. Chicken or Eggplant Parmesan 2. Meat Lasagna 3. Linguine Chicken Alfredo Three (3) hours preferred notice to permit for prep time.

Dining room and patio open!

Expires 2/28/21 Mention: Zebra

24 ZEBRA PRESS

11 am - 3 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm, Monday-Friday 2850 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria VA 22314 aldositaliankitchen@gmail.com aldositaliankitchen.com

703.888.2243

Photo: Lucelle O’Flaherty

Ada’s on the River

5774 Dow Ave., Alexandria VA 22304

Includes choice of entree, Caesar salad & garlic bread

CONTINUED ON PAGE 63

Courtesy photo

Roasted scallops and vegetables is one of the favorites already.

Led by Maryland-native Chef Randall J. Matthews, who has worked in some of Washington’s most celebrated kitchens under Michelin-starred chefs, Ada’s menu features a selection of wood-fired prime steaks, fresh seafood and vegetarian fare, in addition to an extensive beer, wine and

cocktail list.

In addition to portraits of Ada herself (pictured on page 63), the walls are lined with custom painted portraits of contemporary female figures including Jane Austen, Mary Shelley, and Emily and Charlotte Bronte as well as Ada’s father, the poet Lord Byron.

“Our namesake Ada Lovelace was an early 19th-century mathematician and the daughter of famed poet Lord Byron. She’s often credited as one of the world’s first computer program-

Chef Randall J. Matthews

Courtesy photo

Photo courtesy of Delia’s of Alexandria Social Media)

were cold meals provided by other restaurants in the DMV area, dinners arrived hot and delicious, straight from Alexandria’s own Delia’s Mediterranean Grill and Brick Oven Pizza.

Delia’s owner George Theodorou has worked with Hungry, a chef-based catering company, throughout the pandemic. In late October, Hungry approached George to provide food for the National Guard during Inauguration Week. Their original proposal was for 4,000 meals a day.

When the opportunity came up, George knew he could not squander it. “Seeing the stuff happen at the Capitol was downright gut-wrenching,” he said. “Thinking of that, and wanting to provide something to (the troops) that would help them be satisfied while they’re protecting us, I felt it was something I had to do.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 63 JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

George Ate Here

WHO HAS OUTSIDE HEATED DINING IN ALEXANDRIA? With the ongoing pandemic, many of you are choosing to dine ‘al fresco.’ Many restaurants have installed heaters to make your outdoor dining more comfortable.

Here is a list of many of those restaurants.

A la Lucia Italian

Glory Days Sports bar/tavern

River Bend Bistro Casual fine dining

Aldo’s Italian Kitchen Italian

Good Company Donuts Donuts/café

Rustico Pizza/American

Ambar Clarendon Eastern European/ Mediterranean

Green Pig Bistro American

Ruthie’s All Day Barbecue/American

Hank’s Oyster Bar Seafood

Screwtop Wine bar/Cheese shop

Hank & Mitzi's Italian

SER Spanish Tapas

Haute Dogs & Fries Gourmet hot dogs

Shooter McGee’s Sports bar

Hops ‘n Shine American

Sisters Thai Thai

Hummingbird Modern American

Sonoma Cellar American /Wine Bar

Guapos Mexican

Sweet Fire Donna’s Barbecue

Ireland’s Four Courts Irish pub

T.J. Stone’s American

Kaizen Asian fusion

Taco and Pina Mexican

King & Rye Southern

Taco Bamba Mexican

La Fromagerie French/wine bar

Taco Rock Mexican

Landini Brothers Italian

Taverna Cretekou Greek

Laporta Italian

Taqueria el Poblano Mexican

Le Refuge French

Taqueria Picoso Mexican

Lena’s Woodfired Pizza Italian/Pizza

Ted’s Bulletin- Ballston American

Los Tios Landmark & Del Ray Mexican

Tequila & Taco Mexican

Mason Social American

Texas Jack Barbeque

McNamaras Pub Irish Pub

Thai Signature Thai

Medium Rare Steakhouse

The Garden American

Mejana Lebanese food

The Pinemoor American

Mele Bistro Mediterranean

Theismann's Restaurant American

Michael’s Little Italy Italian

Union Street Public House American

Mt. Vernon Inn American

Urbano 116 Mexican

Northside 10 American

Virtue Feed and Grain American

Oak Steakhouse Steakhouse

Vola’s Dockside Grill American

Open Road American

The Warehouse Seafood/Cajun

Osteria da Nino Italian

The Wharf Seafood/Cajun

Pallette 22 American

Whiskey & Oyster Seafood

Port City Brewing Company Brew pub

William Jeffrey’s Tavern Tavern

Ramparts American

World of Beer- Ballston Craft Beer bar

Rebellion on the Pike American/whiskey bar

Yayla Bistro Turkish food

Revel Wine bar

Yunnan by Potomac Noodle House Chinese noodles

Athena Pallas Greek/Mediterranean Augies Mussel House Beer garden Barkhaus American/Dog park Barley Mac Tavern and whiskey bar Bistro Sancerre French steakhouse Blackwall Hitch Seafood grill Bugsy’s Pizza Pizza Burton's Grill American Café 44 American Captain Gregory’s Speakeasy Cava Clarendon Mediterranean Cedar Knoll Mediterranean Chadwicks American Chart House Mediterranean Cheesetique Italian, cheese, meats Clydes- Mark Center American Copperwood American Cowboy Cafe Sports bar/tavern Crystal City Sports Pub Sports bar/tavern Del Ray Cafe French Café Del Ray Pizzeria Pizza Delia’s Mediterranean Dos Amigos Mexican Dudley’s Sports bar/tavern food Enjera Ethiopian Evening Star American Executive Diner American Fire Works Pizza Pizza Fish Market Seafood Fontaine Crepes / bistro Freddie’s Beach Bar Bar/tavern

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

The founding fathers worked up a real appetite gaining our country’s independence. So chances are, they knew a thing or two about where to eat.

Come dine where history took place and lives on today.

GADSBY’S TAVERN Open daily for lunch and dinner www.gadsbystavernrestaurant.com 138 N. Royal Street

703/548-1288

“An IndianSmall standoutLunch in Alexandria” Everyday Bowls – Washingtonian

Vegetarian Bowls $12 • Non-Vegetarian Bowls $14 In the Belle Shopping OrderView and Pay Online Center Completely and Contactless Curbside Pickup 1510-A Safe Belle View Blvd., Alexandria

703-660-6085 703-660-6085

Please notethis our Ad temporary COVID 19 hours: Mention for 15% Off Takeout Lunch 11:30 AM 2:00 PM or Buy 1, Get 1 at 1/2 Price for Dine-In! Dinner 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Dishes of India.com THE ZEBRA PRESS

25

Five Restaurants in Alexandria are Changing the Sanitization Game

BY GRACE BILLUPS ARNOLD Think NASA-level sanitizing tech has to be as big and bulky as a rocket? Think again. Here are five Alexandria restaurants that are introducing Covid-killing sanitizing technology that is both functional and fashionable.

Mia’s Italian Kitchen and Vola’s Dockside Grill The Alexandria Restaurant Partners (ARP) group is changing the cleaning game with some sleek, stylish, sanitizing lighting.

In two of their restaurants, Mia’s Italian Kitchen and Vola’s Dockside Grill, ARP has installed far-UVC lighting, manufactured by Healthe, to kill airborne pathogens, including the SARS-COV-2 virus, known for causing the disease, Covid-19.

This NASA level technology has been inspected, tested, and proven effective.

Each light is powerful enough to cover up to 100 square feet, assisted by ARP’s brand new, advanced, ionbased HVAC air filtration units, and petite enough to fit inside each outdoor dining tent at Mia’s and above each table in the Key West patio at Vola’s.

Customers have commented how pretty the lights look, and the twinkling of the chic feature adds a true holiday flair.

As people’s concerns about safety skyrocket during the winter months, Scott Shaw, an ARP partner, states, “You can’t go too far in safety. This was an easy decision to put the lights on the patio and in rooms without the air filtration. Employees and customers have both been appreciative of our efforts. We asked ourselves, ‘What’s the right thing to do?’ For us, this is about ensuring we have a safe workplace for our employees and a safe experience for our customers.”

Freddy Centeno-Lopez, General Manager of Vola’s Dockside Grill, adds, “This has made a true positive impact. Knowing that something is killing the virus while we are working, the guests are at ease and the team feels safer.”

Since installing the farUVC lights, Vola’s has managed to prevent any Covid-19 cases among its employees, physical proof that the technology is trustworthy.

26 ZEBRA PRESS

courtesy photos

These five restaurants are sanitizing at NASAlevel.

The Loft at Lena’s— Winter Lodge The Loft at Lena’s Winter Lodge is a new addition for the Yates family, owners of Lena’s WoodFired Pizza & Tap. This wintery wonder is not the only new thing in town, though. Inside the Winter Lodge, customers will find UV-C light fans, manufactured by the Big Ass Fans Clean Air System.

These fans use UV-C lighting to distribute the pathogen killing technology throughout the dining facility, and fan blades to circulate the air and keep it clean. Accompanied by open-air windows, and a non-recycled heating and HVAC system that brings fresh air in from outside, these fans are a new sanitizing concept that ensure customers are safe while dining indoors this winter.

The fans are black metal with large, thin blades; the lights are large enough to effectively distribute the UVC light throughout the restaurant, yet the blades are sleek enough to fit with the stylish, cozy atmosphere of the Winter Lodge.

“There is more to come!” exclaims the Yates family.

“The Winter Lodge is only one of several future themes that will transform the space at the Loft at Lena’s.”

With this UV-C fan technology, customers will feel safe to enjoy each and every

theme the Yates family brings to the Loft at Lena’s.

River Bend Bistro & Wine Bar After seven years in the restaurant business, River Bend Bistro & Wine Bar owners, Bill and Caroline Ross, know small details make a big difference, especially when it comes to cleaning.

So, when Bill learned about the Hydroxylator, manufactured by AC Beverage, he jumped at the opportunity.

Similar to Healthe’s farUVC lights, the Hydroxylator technology is engineered

by NASA. It is not an air filter, but instead, a hydroxylionizer hydro peroxide generator and AC hydroxyl maximizer.

While the name might be long, the technology itself is simple.

The Hydroxylator uses moisture in the air, UVA light, and titanium dioxide to form a hydrogen peroxide vapor. A water reserve tank in the back coupled with an electric titanium plate create the vapor, which is drawn to the front by a fan.

This “reactive oxygen species” is known to be “extremely effective and safe,”

according to AC Beverage.

The vapor cleans all surfaces it touches, and has a cleansing lifespan of 20 minutes. Then, the decontaminant simply turns to water vapor and CO2. This cleansing process is enhanced by River Bend’s HVAC system, which continuously circulates the air inside the restaurant, ensuring continuous sanitization.

The Hydroxylator at River Bend Bistro sits comfortably on the bar top. It is not obstructive, and just noticeable enough to catch the eyes of curious patrons.

“I want to explain to our customers what we’re doing,” says Bill Ross. “We’re working hard to establish trust, and the customers are happy to see us taking the steps to protect everybody. This is just an added layer of protection.”

Bill’s wife, Caroline, Chef and Owner of River Bend Bistro & Wine Bar, adds, “Peace of mind. That’s what we’re trying to create.”

Del Ray Café You might have seen the Aqueous Ozone Sanitizing Spray Bottle, manufactured

by Save The World LLC, on Ellen’s 12 Days of Giveaways.

With its clear bottle, white handle, and smooth edges, the Aqueous Ozone Spray Bottle is designed to look as clean as the surfaces it sanitizes.

This new sanitizing technology is represented by Alexandria business woman and president of Save The World LLC, Marci Weis, and designed with both health and style in mind.

“This new way of protection will eliminate the use for previously used chemical methods. In today’s day and age, people are much more inclined to be attracted to everyday solutions that are natural and help reverse the damage that has been done by harmful chemicals. The bottle is an incredibly simple and an obvious alternative,” says Marci.

The spray bottles, cleared by the FDA, use household tap water to achieve a 99.9% virus reduction within 30 seconds.

When you pull the trigger, the aqueous ozone within the bottle is activated, breaking up germs and bacteria without leaving a smell or residue.

Aqueous ozone is essentially ozone dissolved in water, so it is a powerful yet safe disinfectant. After attacking pathogens, the ozone dissolves into oxygen and water molecules.

The bottles can also last between 3 and 5 years, making them a wise investment.

“We think it makes sense for us,” says Laurent Janowsky, owner of Del Ray Café, “Anything that kills bacteria like this does, and is healthy for us to use around food, is a winner in our book. And the FDA says so, too!”

You can find these bottles in action at Del Ray Café, or get one for yourself on savetheworldllc.com.

Each restaurant is of course still maintaining their usual sanitization protocol: hand sanitizer on each table, cleansing between customers, temperature checking of employees, QR code menus, and mask wearing and social distancing for all.

The implementation of this new technology is an added layer of protection to provide peace of mind for customers, employees, and restauranteurs.

[Editor’s Note: We are aware there are other restaurants using similar technology and regret we were unable to profile more establishments. Please reach out to us and we will add you to a future story. Contact editor@thezebrapress.com]

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

ST. ELMO’S OPENS SECOND LOCATION IN BUSTLING NORTH OLD TOWN Photo: Lucelle O’Flaherty

Old Town North is really hopping lately, and another jolt of caffeine from Del Ray’s St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub might be just what the neighborhood needs.

It has been in the works for a while, but finally we saw the doors fly open and customers burst into 529 Montgomery Street looking for the favorite offerings that owners Larry and Christine Ponzi make available at their other location on Mount Vernon Avenue.

Hours are 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, visit www.stelmoscoffeepub.com/ old-town-north.

Photos: Lucelle O’Flaherty

BARREL OF FUN AT NEW ROCKET FIZZ SODA POP AND CANDY SHOP

BY MARY WADLAND Root beers. Taffy bins. Tin signs and novelty gifts. That and more is what owner Tanya Kemp has stuffed inside the former Diversions shop at 1721 Centre Plaza in the Fairlington Center next to CVS. She is bringing a new spin to retro candy and soda to the neighborhood and the buzz is electric.

Asked why she decided to launch a Rocket Fizz store, which is part of a national franchise, she told The Zebra, “Well, I actually lost my job on May 1st and was just sitting at home wondering what I wanted to be when I grew up. I had some savings, and

a 10-year-old daughter, and started thinking what would bring all of us some joy and satisfaction and still be close to home?”

She continued, “We saw a Rocket Fizz in Traverse City, Michigan and I looked into it and decided to go full steam ahead!”

And so she has. The store offers over 2000 types of candies and hundreds of sodas from yesteryear to popular new trends from Europe and Asia, plus the shelves are overloaded with piles of other fun things. Take the kids, take the parents, and step into a barrel of fun.

For more information, visit rocketfizz.com/locations/ rocket-fizz-alexandria-va.

TWO WEEKS

JAN 22-FEB 07

Bring Alexandria Restaurant Week home this winter and enjoy special menus from 60+ restaurants.

Plus, $25 takeout dinners for one.

Browse menus now & make your to-go list!

AlexandriaRestaurantWeek.com #ALXRestaurantWeek Photo: Ali Fritsche Lipton

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

THE ZEBRA PRESS

27

-Oenology

Wining in a Winter Wonderland MULLED VINO, FIRE PITS, AND S’MORES! Virginia wine country has met the challenge of life in the time of coronavirus head-on, creating out-of-thebox opportunities to welcome guests in a safe, Covidcompliant environment. Adapting to new health and safety protocols, wineries have enticed winter visitors with hot mulled wines, socially distanced indoor seating, private bubble lounges, heated patios, and propane or woodburning fire pits replete with s’mores kits.

December’s diverting snowfall did little to deter diehard oenophiles.

The enchantment of vines illuminated by white lights amid a blanket of bluish-white snow drew pilgrims throughout the month to Bluemont Vineyard in Bluemont and 50 West Vineyard in Middleburg.

Now in its second year, Bluemont expanded the illumination down and across the near 1,000-foot mountaintop. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Tysons Corner and Ballston. Aside from keeping vigil fireside while waiting for the grand illumination with glasses raised in good cheer, there were candle and gingerbread house making activities for the whole family throughout the month, as well as a holiday epicurean wine-pairing feast.

Wines to try: The Ascent, named for the steep climb up through the mountainside vines to reach the tasting room, a complex lusty full-bodied red; the 2018 Viognier Reserve, a classic tip of the hat to Virginia’s iconic white grape; and the Norton Port, for those who like it aromatic, intoxicating, and sweet.

50 West Winery lit the vines for the first time this holiday season,

CONTINUED ON PAGE 69

28 ZEBRA PRESS

Photo: Kelly MacConomy

BY KELLY MACCONOMY

Fabbioli Vineyards’ distinctive roundhouse tasting room offers gracious hospitality and a warm welcome inside and outside.

At left: The 60-par 18 hole Jenkins Mountain Disc Golf course at Little Washington Winery and Skyline Vineyard Inn is open- neither cold nor snow keeps players from their appointed rounds.

Photo: Jenkins Mountain Disc Golf

Lots of wineries to visit in our region!

These are a few of the Virginia wineries offering winter-warming options: Ankida Ridge, Amherst Barrell Oak Winery, Delaplane Bozzo Family Vineyards, Purcellville Breaux Vineyards, Purcellville Cana Vineyards and Winery, Middleburg Casanel Vineyards and Winery, Leesburg Cave Ridge Vineyard and Winery, Mount Jackson Creeks Edge Winery, Lovettsville Ducard Winery, Etlan Doukenie Vineyards, Hillsboro Early Mountain Winery, Madison 8 Chains North Winery, Waterford Green Hill Winery and Vineyards, Middleburg James Charles Vineyard and Winery, Winchester Magnolia Vineyards and Winery, Amissville Narmada Winery, Amissville Potomac Point Winery, Stafford Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery, Leon Paradise Springs Winery, Clifton Revalation Vineyards Madison Sunset Hills Winery, Hillsboro Two Twisted Posts Winery, Purcellville Veritas Vineyards, Afton Walsh Family Wine, Purcellville

Photo: Kelly MacConomy

The expansive views from the mountaintop winery at Bluemont Vineyards are breathtaking year-round and especially during a snowy-day sunset.

Photo: Kelly MacConomy

The holiday theme at Fabbioli Vineyards was The Polar Express, but even on a chilly day this winery offers guests a warm welcome.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

AND THE WINNERS ARE….

T

hank you to all who voted this fall in our Annual Readers’ Choice contest. The ballots have been counted, the results are in and we are excited to share them with you. The contest ran for two months, and votes were cast in our digital survey as well as the printed version. The surveys were tallied by independent auditors, and we are happy to share with you the Best in Alexandria, from your favorite acupuncturist to your most-loved donuts and pet businesses. Congratulations to all!

Dining & Drinks Asian

Momo Sushi 212 King Street Alexandria,VA 22314 703-299-9092 mymomosushi.com

Bakery

Junction Bakery 1508 Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA 22301 703-436-0025 www.junctionbakery.com

Bar/Sports Bar Café 44

44 Canal Center Plaza Ste 401 Alexandria, VA 22314 (571) 344-9100 cafe44.com

Theismann’s 1800 Diagonal Rd. Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 739-0777 www.theismanns.com

BBQ

Rocklands BBQ 25 S. Quaker Lane Alexandria, VA 22314 703-778-9663 rocklands.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Photo: Jula Jane

Both photos: Café 44, one of the jewels in the crown of the Alexandria waterfront in North Old Town, gives customers unparalleled views, and incredible culinary experiences, which might explain why it took home three popular awards this year.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

THE ZEBRA PRESS

29

READERS’ CHOICE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

Beer

Port City Brewing Company 3950 Wheeler Ave. Alexandria, VA 22304 703-797-2739 www.portcitybrewing.com

Thank You Alexandria!

205 E Howell Ave. Alexandria 703.717.9151 • Delraycafe.com

QUOTABLES

Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.

Breakfast Table Talk

1623 Duke St. Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 548-3989 www.facebook.com/pg/ YatesTableTalk

Courtesy photo

The menu at Taqueria Picoso, a 2020 Readers’ Choice winner, has something for everyone, especially this appealing Party Pack.

Brunch

Catering

206 E Howell Ave. Alexandria, VA 22301 703-717-9152 www.delraycafe.com

103 1/2 N. Alfred St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-549-2708 www.bittersweetcatering. com

Del Ray Café

—Thomas A. Edison

Burgers

Café 44

2312 Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA 22301 703-666-8616 www.holycowdelray.com

44 Canal Center Plaza Ste 401, Alexandria, VA 22314 (571) 344-9100 cafe44.com (Tie)

Butcher

Cheese Shop

Holy Cow Del Ray

Thank you Alexandria!

Let’s Meat on the Avenue

for voting us BEST CATERING

2403 Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA 22301 703-836-6328 www.letsmeatonthe avenue.net

www.bittersweetcatering.com

703.549.2708

mention code ZP21 for a free gift with purchase

Bittersweet Catering

Cheesetique

2411 Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA 22301 703-706-5300 www.cheesetique.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

YO U R TA BL E TA L K FA M I LY IS R E ADY TO S E RV E Y OU W H E R E V E R YO U M AY B E THIS W IN TE R : Socially Distant INDOOR DI NI NG

Heated Outdoor

F RE SH - AIR DIN IN G

TA B LETA LK D I N ER.CO

O N L IN E O R DE R IN G PICKUP and DELIVERY

O R A S A LWAYS ...

Just give us a ring!

@YATESTABLETALK

Serving up home-cooked breakfast and lunch all day, every day 1623 Duke St, Alexandria, VA 22314

30 ZEBRA PRESS

(703) 548-3989

7:00 am - 4:00 pm

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

THE ZEBRA PRESS

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READERS’ CHOICE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

Chili

Hard Times Café

Many thanks to the Zebra Readers!

We’re delighted to be here.

1404 King St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-837-0050 www.hardtimes.com

Cocktails

The People’s Drug

Spice Kraft Indian Bistro 2607 Mt. Vernon Ave.

103 N. Alfred St. Alexandria, VA 22314 (571) 257-8851 thepeoplesdrug.com

Coffee House

Misha’s Coffeehouse

www.spicekraftdelray.com

917 King St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-548-4089 mishascoffee.com

Convenience Store Yates 7-Eleven

421 E Braddock Road (703) 548-1819 www.7-eleven.com/ locations/va/alexandria/ 421-e-braddock-rd-10769

7-Eleven 2108 Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 684-1943 www.7-eleven.com/ locations/va/alexandria/ 2108-mt-vernon-ave-10784 (Tie)

Deli

Market 2 Market 116 E Del Ray Ave. Alexandria, VA 22301 571-312-3010 www.m2mdelray.com

Dessert/ Cupcakes/ Donuts Lavender Moon Cupcakery

116 S Royal St. Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 683-0588 www.facebook.com/ lavendermooncupcakery

Diner

Bob & Edith’s Diner 5918 N Kings Hwy. Alexandria, VA 22303 703-373-3284 www.bobandedithsdiner.com

Family Restaurant

Atlantis Family Restaurant & Pizza 3648 King St. Alexandria, VA 22302 703-671-0250 alexandriaitalianfood.com

Fine Dining

Landini Brothers Restaurant 115 King St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703) 836-8404 www.landinibrothers.com

French Restaurant Bastille

607 N Fayette St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-519-3777 www.bastillerestaurant.com

Greek Food

Taverna Cretekou 818 King St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-548-8688 www.tavernacretekou.com

Grocery Store Trader Joe’s

612 N St. Asaph St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-548-0611 locations.traderjoes.com

Happy Hour Hummingbird

220 South Union St. Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 566-1355 www.hummingbirdva.net

Ice Cream/ Gelato

Dairy Godmother 2310 Mt Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA 22301 703-683-7767 www.thedairygodmother.com

Indian Food Spice Kraft

2607 Mt Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA 22301 (703) 836-6363 www.spicekraftdelray.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

32 ZEBRA PRESS

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

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Wood Floor Cleaning & Polishing

Hadeed

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Oriental Rug Cleaning & In-Home Services our Convenient dropoff loCations 535 W. Maple Ave Vienna, VA

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THE ZEBRA PRESS

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READERS’ CHOICE CONTINUED FROM PAGE

Irish Pub

Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub 713 King St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-548-1717 www.murphyspub.com

Italian Food Landini Brothers Restaurant

115 King St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-836-8404 www.landinibrothers.com

Mexican Food Taqueria Picoso

1472 N Beauregard St. Alexandria, VA 22311 (571) 970-0881 www.taqueriapicoso.com

Courtesy photo

Yates Corner on Braddock Road just won another Alexandria beautification award, plus accolades for it businesses from our readers this year in four categories—Best Automotive Repair, Best Dry Cleaner, Best Outdoor Dining and Best Pizza!

New Restaurant Taqueria Picoso

1473 N Beauregard St. Alexandria, VA 22311 (571) 970-0882 www.taqueriapicoso.com

Outdoor Dining Lena’s Wood-Fire Pizza & Tap

STREET INSPIRED :: CHEF PERFECTED

401 E Braddock Rd. Alexandria, VA 22301 (703) 683-5330 www.lenaswoodfire.com

Pho

Caphe Banh Mi

Alexandria, VA 22314 703-549-0800 www.caphebanhmi.com

Pizza

Lena’s Wood-Fire Pizza & Tap 401 E Braddock Rd. Alexandria, VA 22301 (703) 683-5330 www.lenaswoodfire.com

Raw Bar

Hank’s Oyster Bar 1026 King St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-739-4265 hanksoysterbar.com

Restaurant with a View Café 44

44 Canal Center Plaza Ste 401 Alexandria, VA 22314 (571) 344-9100 cafe44.com

Romantic Restaurant

River Bend Bistro 7966 Fort Hunt Rd. Alexandria, VA 22308 (703) 347-7545 riverbendbistro.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

407 Cameron St.

Thank you, Zebra readers, for voting us Most Romantic Restaurant

BEST MEXICAN FOOD & BEST NEW RESTAURANT

Just in time for our special Valentine’s Day menu

::

Reservations Required

Now celebrating our one year anniversary— thank you, Alexandria! #picosogood Restaurant Week To-Go specials, online ordering and delivery at taqueriapicoso.com Open for limited dine-in, takeout & curbside pickup 1472 N. Beauregard Street | 571 970 0881

34 ZEBRA PRESS

River Bend Bistro

7966 Fort Hunt Road, in the Hollin Hall Shopping Center

(703) 347-7545 | riverbendbistro.com JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

THE ZEBRA PRESS

35

Thank you for voting us

BEST ACUPUNCTURIST!

2111 Eisenhower Ave, Suite 402, Alexandria, VA 22314

703-717-9088 | caringacupuncture.com Thanks to the Zebra readers for voting us Best Chiropractor!

Photo: Hank’s Oyster Bar

Voted Best Raw Bar and Best Seafood, Hank’s Oyster Bar has three locations open (Alexandria, Dupont Circle and The Wharf) and is ready to serve you for heated patio dining, limited indoor dining, take out, and delivery.

3140 Commonwealth Avenue 703-535-7881 www.chrysalischiropractic.com

READERS’ CHOICE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 34

BEST BOOK STORE

Use your Smile to Change the World.

Thank you, Zebra readers, for this honor!

When you visit our office, your smile is our top priority. Our entire team is dedicated to providing you with the personalized, gentle care that you deserve.

We are a dental practice devoted to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile using conservative, state-of-the-art procedures that will result in beautiful, long lasting smiles!

Dr. Julie Tran and Dr. Jorge Way 4 Herbert Street • Alexandria, VA 22305 Phone: 703-836-2213 4delraysmiles.com

36 ZEBRA PRESS

We’ll soon be opening at our new location at 130 South Royal Street.

Stay tuned to our Facebook page for updates!

www.oldtownbooks.com JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

Photo: Susan Fleischman

With gratitude from the Del Ray Psych Team

Chef Caroline Ross and her husband Bill opened River Bend Bistro in the Hollin Hall Shopping Center in 2013; it was voted Most Romantic Restaurant in this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

READERS’ CHOICE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36

Wine Shop Unwined

Seafood

3690 King St # J Alexandria, VA 22302 (703) 820-8600 www.unwinedva.com

1026 King St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-739-4265 hanksoysterbar.com

Wings

Hank’s Oyster Bar

Sushi

Momo Sushi 212 Queen St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-299-9092 mymomosushi.com

Tacos

Chop Shop Taco

WingStop 6328 Richmond Hwy. Alexandria, VA 22306 (703) 417-9464 www.wingstop.com/ location/wingstop-1055alexandria-va-22306

Follow us on Facebook Acupuncturist

Spill the Tea

515 E Braddock Rd. Alexandria, VA 22314 703) 388-6350 spilltheteahouse.com

Waterfront Dining

Vola Lawson’s Dockside Grill and High Tide Lounge 101 N. Union St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-935-8890 volasdockside.com

Check out our website for our new & upcoming workshops! www.delraypsych.com

Health & Wellness

1008 Madison St. Alexandria, VA 22314 (571) 970-6438 www.chopshoptaco.com

Tea Shop

Del Ray Psych & Wellness 1900 Mt. Vernon Ave. Alexandria

Caring Acupuncture

2111 Eisenhower Ave. Ste 402 Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 717-9088 caringacupuncture.com

Addiction Services/ Counseling Del Ray Psych & Wellness LLC 1900 Mt Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA 22301 571-281-0338 www.delraypsych.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 38

www.Facebook.com/TheZebraPress

Thank You Zebra Readers!!

Proudly serving the NoVa community since 2007 Family Owned and Operated Caregiving and Senior Visitor Services Specializing in Parkinson’s and Dementia Care “We remain committed, dedicated and focused on the safety of our clients and employees during this unprecedented time.”

Photo: Facebook

Be sure to pop in and meet co-owner and Pharmacist in Charge, Stacey Swartz at the Neighborhood Pharmacy of Del Ray, which was stablished in 2009. Voted Best Pharmacy again this year, it is a locally owned, truly independent pharmacy in Alexandria, and is a pleasure to visit.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

703-273-0422 olddominionhomecare.com THE ZEBRA PRESS

37

USA USA ©

©©

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Help us celebrate our 25ththanniversary

Help WeusThanks ourVoting 25 arecelebrate offering huge discounts for repairsanniversary and great deals for Us

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We are for offering huge discounts for repairs and great deals Spectacular rings and earrings with or without stones or diamonds! for new custom designs not available anywhere else.

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Courtesy photo) ©

Come see us or check out our Face Book Pages catalog at www.facebook/goldworksusa or our web site goldworksusa.com

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1400 King Street, Old Town Alexandria, VA 703-683-0333

Bastille Restaurant at 606 N. Fayette Street has won the hearts of our readers four years in a row.

READERS’ CHOICE

©

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

Assisted Living Home Brandywine Senior Living

5555 Cardinal Place Alexandria, VA 22304 703-940-3300 www.brandycare.com/ourcommunities/alexandria

Barre barre3

277 S Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 888-1908 barre3.com/studiolocations/barre3-old-town

Chiropractor

Chrysalis Chiropractor 3140 Commonwealth Ave. Alexandria, VA 22305 703-535-7881 www.chrysalischiropractic. com

Dentist

Del Ray Smiles 4 Herbert St. 3rd Fl. Alexandria, VA 22305 (703) 836-2213 4delraysmiles.com

Gym/Health Center Old Town Sport & Health

209 Madison St. Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 548-6822 www.sportandhealth.com

Home Healthcare Old Dominion Home Care

10340 Democracy Ln #200, Fairfax, VA 22030 (703) 273-0422 www.olddominion homecare.com

Hospital

INOVA Alexandria 4320 Seminary Rd. Alexandria, VA 22304 703-504-3000 www.inova.org/iah

Massage

Sugar House Day Spa 111 N Alfred St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-549-9940 www.sugarhousedayspa.com

Mind/Body Services Four Directions Wellness

2001 Mount Vernon Ave.

#202 Alexandria, VA 22301 703-776-0102 fourdirectionswellness.com

Occupational Therapy

Christine Cridland Occupational Therapy n/a 410-251-7296 www.handwritingchristine. com

Pharmacy

The Neighborhood Pharmacy 2204 Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA 22301 703-836-1700 www.delraypharmacy.com

Physical Therapist

Jackson Clinics, Physical Therapy 209 Madison St Suite LL2, Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 299-6688 thejacksonclinics.com

The Physical Therapy Zone 127A N Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 837-0010 physicaltherapyzone.com (Tie)

CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

Photo: Alexandria Toyota

The team at Jack Taylor’s Alexandria Toyota has been serving the Alexandria community for decades.

They have received the coveted Toyota President’s Award 34 years in a row, one of only four Toyota dealers in the United States hold that distinction.

38 ZEBRA PRESS

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

READERS’ CHOICE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38

Pilates

Mind the Mat Pilates & Yoga

Shopping & Other Services

Dr. Michael Hertzberg 803 Franklin St. Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 548-3384 www.psychologytoday. com/us/psychiatrists/ michael-hertzbergalexandria-va/96175

Psychologist

Del Ray Psychology & Wellness

Accountant

Kositzka, Wicks and Company 5270 Shawnee Rd #250, Alexandria, VA 22312 (703) 642-2700 www.kwccpa.com

After-School Center

Yoga

Antiques

Auto Dealer

Jack Taylor’s Alexandria Toyota

Bank

Body/Paint

1705 Fern St. Alexandria, VA 22302 703-684-1655 branches.burkeandherbertbank.com/va/alexandrial

16 Sweeley St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-751-5535 calibercollision.com

Burke & Herbert Bank

Beauty Waxing Sugar House Day Spa

111 N Alfred St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-549-9940 www.sugarhousedayspa.com

Caliber Collision

Bookstore

Old Town Books 104 S Union St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-647-9749 www.oldtownbooks.com

Bicycle Shop Spokes etc.

1545 N Quaker Lane

CONTINUED ON PAGE 40

6239 Shields Ave. Alexandria, VA 22303 703-519-1911 evolution-home.com

Art Gallery

5905 Mount Eagle Drive

500 Montgomery St. Suite 600 Alexandria, VA 22314 703.299.3440 x 206 rrbmdk.com/attorney/ lonnie-c-rich/

Alexandria, VA 22302 703-820-2200 www.spokesetc.com/storelocator/alexandria-1.htm

Evolution Home

Torpedo Factory

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

Lonnie C. Rich

3750 Richmond Hwy. Alexandria, VA 22305 703-684-0700 www.alexandriatoyota.com

The Campagna Center 418 S Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-549-0111 www.campagnacenter.org

2214 Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA 22301 703-683-2228 www.mindthemat.com

Gold Works USA

Attorney

2016 Mt Vernon Ave ste 202, Alexandria, VA 22301 703-585-4809 www.delraypsych.com

Mind the Mat Pilates & Yoga

Artisan Jewelry 1400 King St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-683-0333 www.goldworksusa.com

2214 Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA 22301 703-683-2228 www.mindthemat.com

Psychiatrist

Alexandria, VA 22303 703-746-4570 torpedofactory.org

Vintage photo: You Tube

Voted best HVAC company, Thomas J. Fannon & Sons, located at 1200 Duke Street, is a family-owned company that has been in business in Alexandria for over 135 years.

THE ZEBRA PRESS

39

READERS’ CHOICE

Find this and many other gifts for Valentine’s at the everpopular Reunion gift shop in Fairlington Center.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39

Boutique

The Old Town Shop

Thank you, Zebra readers, for voting us Best Gift Shop in Alexandria!

105 S Union St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-684-4682 www.theoldtownshop.com

Car Repair

Yates Automotive 317 E. Braddock Rd. Alexandria VA 22301 703-215-3255 www.yatesautomotive.com

Carpet Cleaning ChemDry

Reunions

1709 Centre Plaza Alexandria, VA 22302

703-931-8161 www.reunionsgiftshop.com

1200 N Henry St J Alexandria, VA 22314 703-519-4545 chemdryofarlingtonand alexandria.com

Hadeed 3206 Duke St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-836-1111 www.joehadeed.com (Tie)

Clothing Consignment Mint Condition

103 S St Asaph St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-836-6468 shopmintcondition.com

Credit Union

Democracy Federal Credit Union 400 N Columbus St. Alexandria, VA 22314 202-488-5400 democracyfcu.org

40 ZEBRA PRESS

Dry Cleaners

Fine Jewelry

407 E Braddock Rd. Alexandria, VA 22301 703-683-6103 www.yatesdrycleaning.com

609 King St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-549-0011 www.kingsjewelry.net

Yates Dry Cleaners

King’s Jewelry

Electrician

Flooring

820 Gibbon St STE 300 Alexandria, VA 22314 703-683-5888 beckerelectricinc.com

1606 Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA 22301 703-548-4848 www.arlandriafloors.com

Becker Electric Company

Facials

Sugar House Day Spa 111 N Alfred St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-549-9940 www.sugarhousedayspa.com

Financial Advisor

Arlandria Floors

Florist

The Enchanted Florist 139 S. Fairfax St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-836-7777 enchantedfloristoldtown.com

Framer

Todd Healy McLean Asset Manage- 130 S. Royal St. Alexandria, VA 22314 ment Corporation 1900 Gallows Rd STE 350 Tysons, VA 22182 703-827-0636 www.mcleanam.com

703-549-1616 www.toddhealy.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 41

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

READERS’ CHOICE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 40

Funeral Services Demaine Funeral Home 520 S Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-549-0074 www.dignitymemorial.com

Garden Center GreenStreet Gardens

1721 W Braddock Rd. Alexandria, VA 22302 703-998-3030 greenstreetgardens.com

Gas Station

Old Town Liberty Gas 725 N Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-549-3853

Golf Course

Mount Vernon Country Club 5111 Old Mill Rd. Alexandria, VA 22309 703-780-8700 www.mountvernoncc.org

Hardware Store Ace Hardware

Historic Walking Tour Manumission Tour Company

703-719-2150 www.manumissiontours.com

Home Improvement Ace Hardware

809 S. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-566-7040 www.acehardwaredc.com

Affordable Interior Design 888-513-3744 affordableinteriordesign.com

Home Depot 400 S. Pickett St. Alexandria, VA 22304 703-823-1900 www.homedepot.com/l/ Alexandria/VA (Tie)

Thank you for voting me BEST FRAMER 4 years in a row!

Hotel

Hotel Indigo 220 S Union St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-721-3800 www.ihg.com/hotelindigo/ hotels/us/en/alexandria

809 S. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-566-7040 www.acehardwaredc.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

My studio has moved to Richmond, but I will be offering a POPUP in April for you to bring your framing in Alexandria—stay tuned for date, time and place!

Or reach out to me at todd4art@aol.com or 703-399-1235.

VALENTINE’S DAY MENU

DINNER FOR TWO (JUST $67.99 PER COUPLE!) Best Wedding Cakes!

CHOICE OF SOUP OR SALAD *FRENCH ONION SOUP *BOSTON SALAD WITH CREAMY ITALIAN DRESSING *RED PEPPER SOUP *CAESAR SALAD

CHOICE OF ENTREE

Thank you Alxandria For all your votes!!!

-Tom Lally, Owner

*BEEF TENDERLOIN FILET TOPPED WITH CRISPY ONIONS AND RED WINE SAUCE WITH A DOLLOP OF GOAT CHEESE, ACCOMPANIED WITH BLUE CHEESE SCALLOPED POTATOES AND BROCCOLI FLORETS. *CHICKEN VALENTINO - CHICKEN BREAST STUFFED WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATO, BASIL AND FRESH MOZZARELLA CHEESE AND SERVED WITH ROASTED ASPARAGUS AND RICE PILAF. *GRILLED SALMON FILET WITH ORANGE CHIPOTLE SAUCE OR BROWN BUTTER SCALLOPS ACCOMPANIED WITH PARMESAN RISOTO AND ROASTED ASPARAGUS.

CHOICE TWO HEART SHAPED PASTRIES **CHOCOLATE GANACHE (TRUFFLE WITH RASPBERRY GLAZE) **LUCIOUS CREAM PUFF WITH MIXED BERRIES **PETIT FOUR (LEMON POPPY SEED) **RASPBERRY MARQUIS

WE ALSO HAVE: HEART SHAPED COOKIES AND CAKES TRIPLE DIPPED STRAWBERRIES PETIT FOUR

TRUFFLES GIFT BASKETS AND MORE.

ALL ORDERS MUST BE PLACED BY 2:00 PM ON THURSDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2021.

ORDERS CAN BE PICKED UP ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2021 FROM 10:00 AM TO 4:00 PM PHONE NUMBER 703 578 4144 E-MAIL catering@alexandriapastry.com 3690 H & I KING STREET ALEXANDRIA VA 22302 JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

THE ZEBRA PRESS

41

Thank You Alexandria!

READERS’ CHOICE CONTINUED FROM PAG

–John Chapman, Owner

HVAC

TJ Fannon & Sons 1200 Duke St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-549-5700 tjfannon.com

BEST WALKING TOUR COMPANY Providing Guided Black History Walking Tours & Curated Cultural Heritage Tours Showcasing Alexandria’s Rich African American History.

Kids Clothing Boutique The Purple Goose

2005 Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA 22301 703-683-2918 thepurplegoose.com

Courtesy photo

Best Kid’s Clothing Store went to mother and daughter team, Paula Hoelzel and Linda Johnson, who opened The Purple Goose in the heart of Del Ray at 2005 Mount Vernon Avenue in 1995, and specialize in unique children wear and gifts.

Kitchen & Bath Landscape Design Southern Kitchens Inc. Services

(703) 719-2150

2350 Duke St suite a Alexandria, VA 22314 703-548-4459 www.southernkitchens.net

manumissiontours.com

Marina

Belle Haven

Rosemont Landscaping 3308 Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA 22305 571-215-1275 www.rosemontlc.com

We’re thrilled to be chosen by Zebra readers for the third year in a row!

Laundromat

Thank you!

512 S Van Dorn St. Alexandria, VA 22304 703-370-5631

Van Dorn Laundromat

Lotus Blooms 1017 King St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-535-8225 www.lotusblooms.coms

WHEN YOU REALIZE YOU WERE THE GOOD BOY ALL ALONG

Coleman Powersports

Mani-Pedi

435 S Washington St. Falls Church, VA 22046 (703) 237-3400 www.wherethepoweris.com

111 N Alfred St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-549-9940 www.sugarhousedayspa.com

New Local Realtor

Sugar House Day Spa

David Zadackery

Does Your Dog Need a Friend in the Middle of the Day? Dog Walking, Pet Sitting & Overnight Options Available

WE PRINT:

WE PROVIDE:

• Flyers

• Digital & Offset Printing

• Brochures • Programs • Stationery • Posters • Business Cards

1429A Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

• Booklets

alexandria @ minutemanpress.com alexandria-va.minutemanpress.com

• Banners

42 ZEBRA PRESS

Motorcycles

CONTINUED ON PAGE 43

SERVING ALEXANDRIA

703.299.1150

Frank Fannon

1004 King St. Alexandria, VA 22314

Our sincerest thanks to all who voted Minuteman Press of Alexandria for Best Printer.

CALL US:

Mortgage Brokers 515 King St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703.861.1864 www.suntrust.com/profile/ frank-fannon-loan-officeralexandria-va-22314

Lingerie

430 Hume Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301 571-312-7989 | www.headtotailspa.com

6023 Fort Hunt Rd. Alexandria, VA 22307 703-329-1448 www.bellehavencc.com

• Newsletters • Invitations

• Mailing Services • Graphic Design

ers Zebra Read Thank you s the BEST for voting u a! in Alexandri

Schedule a Consultation Today!

571-438-2323

www.PassionatelyPets.com In appreciation, enjoy 10% off our Online Boutique with code ZEBRA2020 through 2/28 www.PassionatelyPets.com/Shop JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

READERS’ CHOICE

Printer

(703) 499-4240 www.davidzadareky.com

Alexandria, VA 22314 703-299-1150 www.minutemanpress.com

Minuteman of Alexandria CONTINUED FROM PAGE 42 1429A Duke St.

Photographer Sarah Marcella Creative

(703) 785-2686 www.sarahmarcella creative.com

Plumber

Kesterson Plumbing & Heating Inc 1809 Mt Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA 22301 (703) 549-3139 www.kestersonplumbing.com

Realtor (Individual or Team) Jen Walker Team

We wish to thank all of our customers and the readers of The Zebra Press for voting us

109 S Pitt St. Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 286-1206 www.jenwalker.com

BEST PET FOOD STORE!

Realtor Company

McEnearney Associates INC

More than that, we want to thank our amazing employees, in both our Del Ray store and our Hollin Hall store, who have worked tirelessly through this very challenging pandemic to keep us going.

109 S Pitt St. Alexandria, VA 22314

CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

Nature’s Nibbles — Providing healthy choices for our community that benefit people, pets, and the planet.

Jen Walker is also a philanthropist and super volunteer, pictured here in this classic photo of her spreading kindness on the field at the First Annual Del Ray vs. Old Town Softball Battle, May 8, 2018.

2 Locations: Hollin Hall Shopping Center Del Ray 7910 Fort Hunt Road 2601 Mt. Vernon Avenue (571) 347-7687 (703) 931-5241

www.naturesnibbles.com

QUOTABLES

A cat will be your friend, but never your slave.

–Theophile Gautier

Photo: Wayne Hulehan

W E A R E H O N O R E D T O H AV E W O N T H E

Readers’ Choice 2020 Award for BEST Realtor!

J E N W A L K E R T E A M | McEnearney Associates, Realtors® | 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA | 703.675.1566 | JenWalker.com | Equal Housing Opportunity

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

THE ZEBRA PRESS

43

Thank You for Voting Us BEST DOG TRAINERS in Alexandria

READERS’ CHOICE

Spa

(703) 549-9292 www.mcenearney.com

Alexandria, VA 22314 703-549-9940 www.sugarhousedayspa.com

Sugar House Day Spa CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43 111 N Alfred St.

Salon

Sugar House Day Spa 111 N Alfred St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-549-9940 www.sugarhousedayspa. com

Sign Company Affordable Signs & Banners

2100 Jefferson Davis Hwy. Alexandria, VA 22301 703-836-4199 affordablesigns.com Positive Training

Private Lessons

Stationery

The Paper Source 118 King St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-299-9950 www.papersource.com

Wedding Cakes

Alexandria Pastry Shop 3690 King Street H Alexandria, VA 22302 703-578-4144 alexandriapastry.com

Powerful Results

Classes & Workshops

CONTINUED ON PAGE 45

Agility & Dog Sports

Wholistic Hound Academy

18 Roth Street, Suite 100 Alexandria, VA 22314

Not only has the Alexandria Pastry Shop & Catering Company in the Bradlee Shopping Center off King Street been creating wedding cakes and irresistible pastries since 1988, they also and also offer gluten-free, sugar-free and allergy-sensitive specialties.

703-962-6335 www.wholistichound.com

QUOTABLES QUOTABLES

Dogs’ lives are too short.

Their only fault, really.

— Agnes Sligh Turnbull File photo

44 ZEBRA PRESS

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

READERS’ CHOICE CONTINUED FROM PAGE

Doggie Day Care Center Whole Dogz

4748 Eisenhower Ave. Alexandria, VA 22304 703-751-3649 www.wholedogz.com

Pet Boutique Passionately Pets

1 E Bellefonte Ave. Alexandria, VA 22301 (571) 438-2323 www.passionatelypets.com

Dog Park

Dog Walker/ Dog Walking Company

703-931-5241 www.naturesnibbles.com

Pet Sitter

Pet Store

1 E Bellefonte Ave. Alexandria, VA 22301 (571) 438-2323 www.passionatelypets.com

4748 Eisenhower Ave. Alexandria, VA 22304 (703) 751-3649 www.wholedogz.com

2 E Bellefonte Ave. Alexandria, VA 22301 (571) 438-2324 www.passionatelypets.com

Passionately Pets

Whole Dogz

Groomer

Passionately Pets

Trainer

Wholistic Hound Academy 18 Roth St.

Alexandria, VA 22314 703-962-6335 www.wholistichound.com

Veterinarian

Caring Hands Animal Hospital 295 S Van Dorn St. Alexandria, VA 22304 703-778-2500 caringhandsvet.com

From Head to Tail Grooming Spa 430 Hume Ave. Alexandria, VA 22301 (571) 312-7989 www.headtotailspa.com

Overnight Kennel Whole Dogz

Shirlington

2754-2798 S Oakland St, Arlington, VA 22206 703-228-6525 parks.arlingtonva.us/ locations/shirlington-dogpark

4748 Eisenhower Ave. Alexandria, VA 22304 (703) 751-3649 www.wholedogz.com

Pet Food Store Nature’s Nibbles

2601 Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA 22301

OPAL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 still with them today. How do they find the right fit? It often comes down to one question.

“We ask candidates how they handled their most challenging student,” Orlando explained. “The ones who say they tapped all of their resources, who tried many different things to connect with the student, who continued to come up with ideas, who looked for every possible way to help the student… that’s the teacher we want to hire.”

Williams agreed and added, “We want the teachers to meet the students where they are and find ways to get them to the next level.”

The teachers’ collaborative environment is an impressive development and a huge part of the studio’s success. Resourcefulness is their guiding light, from adapting to COVID-induced online lessons to taking an individual approach for each student. Never resting or sitting back, they are always trying new things, innovating, reinventing, reaching out, connecting, and not letting things get stale.

In-person lessons have reduced dramatically this year, but Opal still held an outdoor Field Day last fall. Children joined their teachers, everyone masked and distanced, to play games like Beat Ten and Alphabet Race, with winners selecting bags of goodies from the Mystery Prize Garden.

The teachers are thankful to work at Opal. Violin and viola instructor Audrey Alessi said, “Opal is such a unique JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

Photo: Lisa Scontras Photography

Gabriel Rusznak is one of the first students to safely return to inperson lessons.

community. I am constantly inspired by the new ideas my fellow teachers are coming up with. Moving online didn’t slow us down. Hannah and Molly immediately set to work getting every event online and making changes so that we could have just as

much fun as in person. They even made take-home bags for game nights, so everyone was playing with the same games. Seeing my students each week, seeing how hard they are working and how much they are continuing to learn, has been one of the best

parts of this year.”

Piano teacher Aleks Izotov said, “Opal is an exciting place for music because all of the faculty are high-caliber performers and teachers who bring years of insight to their lessons, as well as great energy to the atmosphere at Opal. I really appreciate how community-based Opal is and how it functions as much more than just a place to take music lessons.”

Woodwinds and piano teacher Katie Ravenwood said, “Opal is a wonderful place to teach. The network of families reaches outside each teacher’s studio to form a real community through so many of the fun events we have for everyone. My students are so much more motivated to learn and improve by their connections with everyone.”

Opal’s magic spell is perhaps best described by Scarlett: “As an adult student, returning to lessons after a 35year hiatus, Opal reawakened my music-making soul. I was a student at Opal for about 18 months before COVID shut everything down, and I have been so happy with the way we segued right into virtual lessons. I look forward to the day we can meet again in person for both lessons and Wine and Keys.”

“My son has thrived at Opal. They don’t only focus on learning to play an instrument but really ensure the child is learning to love music.”

—Eve, Opal parent

At home in Old Town Williams and Orlando are happy to be running their business in the heart of Old Town. “We love the community of small businesses here,” said Williams. “We’ve collaborated with Hooray for Books to combine love for reading with love for music. We’ve worked with ArtSpireVA to offer scholarships, cross-promote events, and share our talented students for various events. And we’ve hosted audition workshops for the Mt. Vernon Community Children’s Theater.”

Opal students have performed in recitals at the Lyceum and the Meeting House.

These beautiful Old Town spaces are historic and interesting and students have a distinct advantage in learning about and experiencing different acoustics.

Especially now, Williams and Orlando are grateful and remain optimistic for the future. “Everyone props each other up through collaboration and community,” Williams said. “It’s been such a bright spot in the darkness of the pandemic. Molly and I are so proud of the extraordinary community of teachers and students that is unique to Opal.”

Opal Music Studio, located at 803 Cameron Street in Old Town Alexandria, offers private lessons for piano, strings, guitar, woodwinds, and voice.

Visit opalmusicstudio.com for more details.

THE ZEBRA PRESS

45

Courtesy photo

Art from Winter’s Tales on exhibit at the Torpedo Factory @Mosaic. Left to right, Into the Woods, Darkly #400 by Min Enghauser, Winter Reflections Nahuel Huapi by Herman Munro, and Slippery Slopes by Kay Walsh.

Alexandria Art Happenings Kick Off the New Year WITH SOME DEJA-VIRTUAL-VIEW ALL OVER AGAIN EVENTS!

BY KELLY MACCONOMY • The Art League ~ The blockbuster 53rd annual part fundraiser/part art aficionado party for the Art League’s educational programming, community outreach, and exhibits is taking the fun virtual this year.

Tickets for the February 20, 2 to 6 pm Patron Show are $225. The randomly drawn tickets entitle the holder to choose among several hundred works of art donated by Torpedo Factory and Art League artists valued from $225

Art to upwards of thousands of dollars.

The 600-plus artworks were viewable online beginning January 1 and in person three weeks before the event at the Art League’s Torpedo Factory Gallery. Contact

NewZ

By Kel

l y Mac

the Art League for more information at 703-6831780.

Art on view at the Art League Gallery before the Patron Show comprise its first show of the new year. Open Exhibit, January 6-31, at

Len Paints Your Life Story

• • • • •

Prints and Paintings LIVE Event Painting Portraits Retirement Murals and Custom Posters • Art Instruction and Corporate Team Building

Len “Leonardo” Garon

www.lengaron.com • len@lengaron.com

703-300-0211 Visit me at Old Town Alexandria Farmers Market or My Studio

46 ZEBRA PRESS

C on om

y

the Art League Gallery, is juried by Gregg Deal of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. This provocative artist challenges contemporary perceptions of Indigenous people. Deal’s activism is expressed through protest art via painting, murals, performance art, filmmaking, and oral interpretations of Native American storytelling traditions.

Open exhibits are not limited by theme, medium, process, or content, but all artworks must have been created within the past five years.

• The Athenaeum~ The masterful works of oil on canvas by Quanxuan (Q.X) Shuai on exhibit at the Athenaeum gallery closed January 10.

The art continues to be available online. Upcoming exhibits are Michael Spears, “The Sight of Rhythm and Melody,” January 14 to February 21, and Phillip Livingston, “Family Ghosts and Other Strangers,” February 25-April 4.

• Del Ray Artisans Gallery ~ “The Hidden World “ January 8-30, 2021. This first exhibit of the new year explores a more in-depth look into an unseen world, taking visual representation beyond the readily visible in ordi-

nary lives. Images examine the micro and macroscopic aspects of the natural and metaphysical world. Sight, sound, and emotion are extrapolated in all media for this intriguing show curated by Nicole Nancy Glob and Nicole Mahoney.

“After Edward Hopper: Themes of Solitude and Isolation,” February 5-27, is more than an homage to the iconic painter famous for documenting the American zeitgeist of the daunting 20th-Century urban scene, as well as the Cape Cod sea and landscape.

This DRA member-only exhibit asks artists to interpret their experience of alienation as a function of stay-athome/safer-at-home life in the time of COVID. Resin artist Tracy Wilkerson will hold a resin workshop during the exhibit. Check the DRA website for details.

• Gallery Underground ~ “Dreams and Nightmares” February 1-26, is an intriguing, all-media national exhibition juried by sculptor Emily Francisco. Artists interpreted the theme, expressing their experiences in a dream state: from the scary to the sublime, from sweet dreams and daydreams to night terrors and dissociative states. There is no opening reception, but the works are on exhibit at the Gallery, 2100 Crystal Drive in Arlington, M-F from 10 am-6 pm.

• The Lyceum ~ The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum has

CONTINUED ON PAGE 71 JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

On

Pet Portraits Prices starting at $100

Exhibit

BY KELLY MACCONOMY

Del Ray Artisans Reflect on 2020’s Pandemic Challenges

LOCAL COLOUR

Old Town LLC Art Gallery and Boutique 408 Mill Street, Occoquan VA 22125. www.localcolouroldtown.com 571-308-8738

RETREAT, ALIENATION, INSECURITY—AND HOPE—IN DRA’S FIRST 2021 EXHIBITS

BY KELLY MACCONOMY The year we just left behind taxed every facet of life, but January brings new hope, the promise of opportunity, and the prospect of better days ahead. Del Ray Artisans’ first three exhibits of the new year explore the breadth of challenges faced throughout the 2020 pandemic siege: reflection and introspection within “The Hidden World”( January); retreat, alienation, and desolation in “After Edward Hopper: Themes of Solitude and Isolation” (February);

vocative, irresistibly drawing the viewer into a hidden world of movement, depth, shadow, and color.

Curators Galib and Mahoney have installed an elegant exhibit. Without overloading the walls with thematic works, the minimalistic installation lends itself to a calm, contemplative environment.

One wall is dedicated to a single canvas reminiscent of a Mark Rothko abstraction that is frequently exhibited Photo: Ada Oppengeim solo in museums. At “The Hidden World” Curator Choice Award winthe Philips Collecner “Ebbs and Flows of Exploration” mixed metion in Washington, dia by Ada Oppengeim there is a Rothko Room.

The Curator’s Choice Award went to Ada Oppengeim’s “Ebbs and Flows of Exploration,” a mixed media work of watercolor, gouache, color pencils, and ink in a translucent interplay of color and shape. Reminiscent of Braque, Dali, and Picasso, it’s commanding unto its own stylized sense of contrast and movement. Best in Show went to Mary Elizabeth Gosselnick’s “Bubble Up,” a textural panoply of pink glorifyPhoto: Pamela Day

“Beach Shelter” by Pamela Day.

homelessness and shelter insecurity in our community via “Give Me Shelter” (March).

The Hidden World is an urbane demonstration of both artistic existentialism and Nancy Galib and Nicole Mahoney’s studious curation.

This all-media exhibit ranges from the real and the imagined to abstract executions, both macro and microscopic. Photography examines perspectives of the natural world from flora and rock to the vast expanse of space. Abstract sculpture and canvases are both evocative and proJANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

CONTINUED ON PAGE 65

QUOTABLES

There is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.

—Amanda Gorman, youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history

JohnDC Photography Alexandria, VA • Washington, DC

Special Event

Photography • Holiday Parties • Corporate Receptions & Meetings • Galas, Fund Raisers • Promotions, Ceremonies • Family Gatherings, Celebrations • Grand Openings...

John David Coppola, Photographer Photo: Gordon Frank

“Homage Bar” digital art by Gordon Frank, inspired by Hopper’s “Nighthawks” and life in the time of a ravaging pandemic.

Email: info@johndcphotography.com Text/Vociemail: 703.627.3372

www. johnDCphotography .com THE ZEBRA PRESS

47

ON VIEW at MOVIES Wonder Woman 1984 Takes Alexandria IT’S A BLAST FROM THE PAST The year is 1984. Hair is big. And tall. Aerobics and jogging are the new exercise craze. Spandex is out of control. Women inexplicably desire to have shoulder pads in their blouses and jackets, resembling Joe Theismann and John Riggins at a time when the Washington football team formerly known as the Redskins are a gridiron force to be feared.

Back then, Landmark Mall was an open-air shopping center flanked by Sears to the south, Woodies (Woodward and Lothrop if you didn’t experience the 20th Century) to the west, and Hecht’s (later Macy’s) to the north. Via the magic of Hollywood, the abandoned mall complex, expanded and enclosed in 1990, is reborn - something the Howard Hughes Corporation hasn’t managed

Photo: Rob Krupicka

The imaginative spirits guru at the Captain Gregory speakeasy has concocted the WW84 commemorative cocktail “A Deal Is a Promise,” stylishly served al fresco or DIY crafted to go!

Photo: Rob Krupicka

Elizabeth’s Counter in Old Town has created a Wonder Woman 1984 specialty donut in celebration of Landmark Mall acting as base camp for the film back in 2018.

to accomplish in over a decade.

Wonder Woman 1984 doesn’t open with Landmark, but it upstages the backstory early on in a memorable scene that does a fine job bringing back the mall’s glory days. Longtime locals will rejoice in a recreated 80’s Commander Salamander (the punk gear outfitters) in a relocated location on Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown, where several cafe and action scenes were also shot.

Locations around DC prove equally diverting: the Capitol, requisite memorials, the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History where Diana Prince (having not aged a day since World War I) now works as an archeologist/anthropologist, and that other “Mall” downtown.

Production designer Aline Bonetto staged 65 vacant mall stores at Landmark, resurrecting an 80s vibe

in the erstwhile ghost mall, which was built in 1965 and was a going concern until 2017 when all but Sears vacated the space.

Macy’s was occupied by residents and staff of the Carpenter’s Shelter while awaiting the new building that opened last month.

Talent, crew, and local extras alike reveled in the resurrection of

Photo: Kelly MacConomy

BY KELLY MACCONOMY

CONTINUED ON PAGE 75

Wonder Woman 1984, starring Gal Gadot and Chris Pine, is celebrated in a window display located at 101 North Union Street in Old Town Alexandria. Area businesses are getting in on the action with movie-themed specials through 2/28/21.

Alexandria and area businesses will be offering various promotional opportunities until February 28.

• Captain Gregory’s speakeasy has created a WW84 specialty cocktail called A Deal is a Promise, made with persimmon infused Pisco, Strega, Cynar, and persimmon bitters.

• Elizabeth’s Counter offers the Truth-Teller doughnut: vanilla glaze with red, white, and blue sprinkles adorned with gold and silver stars.

• inq Old Town has Wonder Woman-inspired tattoo designs at five percent off. This business is both woman- and veteran-owned, much like Wonder Woman herself, Gal Gadot.

• K Street Kettle Korn is selling a red, white, and blue, three-flavor WW84 assortment of America’s favorite gourmet popcorn for $19.84.

• Port City Brewing Company has established Wonder Woman Wednesdays when two six-packs or a variety 12-pack sell for $19.84.

• Vola’s Dockside Grill and Hi-Tide Lounge is serving the Invisible Plane, made with Sauza, Hornitos Tequila, raspberry, ginger, and fresh lime juice.

Photo: Warner Brothers Pictures

Reimagined Landmark Mall circa 1984 served as both the movie base camp and setting for a dramatic rescue scene for Wonder Woman to make a grand entrance.

Self-guided tours of Alexandria movie and TV filming locations, including Broadcast News, Jackie, J. Edgar, Mercy Street, No Way Out, Loving, Random Hearts, and more are available at VisitAlexandriaVA.com/wonderwoman.

Editor’s Note: News of the World starring Tom Hanks, which opened Christmas Day, became available on-demand starting January 15. If you enjoyed the book, you will love Tom Hanks as Captain Kidd. He’s looking good for award nominations for this role. So what else is new?

This space made possible by The Hoffman Town Center 48 ZEBRA PRESS

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

At MOVIES ‘WONDER WOMAN 1984’ PROP ON DISPLAY IN OLD TOWN

BY KEVIN DAURAY

In the spring and summer of 2018, Landmark Mall served as a movie set for “Wonder Woman 1984.” The highlyanticipated film, which had its release date delayed because of the novel cororonavirus pandemic, is in theaters now and available to stream on HBO Max. The location shoot provided a boost to the Virginia economy, bringing in over $45 million.

“Alexandria really came together to support the filming of ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ with coordination from the Alexandria Film Office, which is operated by Visit Alexandria, plus incredible support from the City of Alexandria and dozens of city departments and public safety officials,” said Patricia Washington, Visit Alexandria President and CEO. “Wonder Woman 1984” stars Gal Gadot as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman.

This time, Prince travels to the 1980s to battle all-new foes.

To celebrate the film’s release the Virginia Film Office, worked with Warner Bros. to acquire a drum prop used in the Landmark Mall scenes. The prop is seven feet tall and is decorated with Virginia’s longtime slogan, “Virginia Is for Lovers.”

The prop is on display in Old Town through Feb. 28.

Visit Alexandria has created a number of experiences related to “Wonder Woman 1984” and other films and TV shows filmed in Alexandria.

Below are details of festivities found on this Visit Alexandria webpage, courtesy of a press release.

Wonder Woman 1984 / Virginia is for Lovers Drum Prop Display in Old Town Alexandria • A window display of the

HERITAGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 CASWQ created a website (www.caswq.org), recruited supporters, distributed flyers, and presented at Alexandria Board of Architectural Review meetings.

Adopting the tagline, “High rises don’t belong in Old Town,” CASWQ is JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

Wonder Woman-themed offerings from select Alexandria businesses including:

• Wonder Woman Wednesdays from Port City Brewing Co. in Jan. 2021 with any two six-packs or a variety 12-pack available for $19.84 with pre-order for curbside pickup at the brewery.

• Original permanent and temporary tattoo designs inspired by Wonder Woman 1984 from the artists of inq Tattoos Old Town, a woman-and-veteranowned tattoo boutique.

Photo courtesy Warner Bros./DC Entertainment)

Self-Guided Stroll of Film- and TVRelated Sites in Old Town Alexandria • In addition to “Wonder Woman 1984,” a number of award-winning film projects have chosen Alexandria as a backdrop, due to its proximity to Washington, D.C., its small-town feel and diverse neighborhoods. After viewing the “Wonder Woman 1984” drum prop display, film enthusiasts can continue along a self-guided outdoor walk found at VisitAlexandr iaVA.com/wonder-

fighting to preserve Alexandria’s historical integrity and charm. CASWQ member Stephen Hayes says, “This project would do real damage to Old Town in terms of livability and traffic congestion, and dramatically increased density. We are starting to see a groundswell of opposition to the Asland development.”

Hayes points out that a structure of this size and ca-

• “Truth Teller” donut from Elizabeth’s Counter, inspired by always-honest Wonder Woman and her Lasso of Truth. A vanilla glazed donut is sprinkled with a marvelous a blend of red, white, blue and gold and silver stars. Available Jan. 7 through Feb. 28, 2021; order online for curbside pickup or preordering; limited quantity available in-store.

• “A Deal Is a Promise” cocktail from Captain Gregory’s, inspired by Diana’s iconic line in the 2017 “Wonder Woman” film. The cocktail features persimmon-infused pisco, Strega, Cynar and persimmon bitters. Available Jan. 7 through Feb. 28, 2021; offered on site at Captain Gregory’s with outdoor seating available or to-go from sister restaurant Elizabeth’s Counter with food purchase.

Above: Gal Gadot stars in “Wonder Woman 1984”

seven-foot-tall drum prop will be available for outdoor viewing in Old Town Alexandria at 101 N. Union Street near King Street and the waterfront through Feb. 28, 2021. Bundle up to observe the impressive movie prop and learn about Landmark Mall as a filming location. Viewing will take place outdoors to ensure safety for all visitors.

shipping or pickup at the Alexandria store or purchased in-person at the Alexandria store and assembled while you wait.

Photo: Virginia Film Office

woman to explore various cinematic sites in Alexandria by foot. In addition to filming sites for “Jackie,” “J. Edgar,” and “Broadcast News,” tour stops include sites and stories that inspired major film projects, like the PBS national drama series “Mercy Street” and the feature film “Loving.”

Available with 5% off these services in January and February 2021; masks and appointments required.

• Take part in one-of-a-kind

• WW84 themed 3-flavor popcorn package from America’s Favorite Gourmet Popcorn for $19.84 featuring a red, white and blue edition of K-Street Kettle Korn plus Capital Caramel popcorn and America’s Favorite popcorn. Available Jan. 7 through Feb. 28, 2021; can be purchased online for

pacity would produce logistical complications. According to a CASWQ press release, Alexandria is already the most densely populated city in Virginia. Implementing a massive apartment complex would further overcrowd the city, the streets, and the skylines.

Chris Faranetta, a CASWQ member, adds, “We do not want The Heritage project to

be rejected. We want a development that provides much needed affordable housing and fits into the scale of our neighborhood, a development that will not overwhelm our neighborhood school, street parking, and the already difficult traffic situation.”

Members of CASWQ implore the City to pause and consider the effect that a modern structure of this scope

Wonder Woman-Inspired Offerings from Alexandria Businesses

• “The Invisible Plane” cocktail at Vola’s Dockside Grill and the Hi-Tide Lounge, inspired by Diana’s invisible jet from the original DC Comics, which has been teased in the “Wonder Woman 1984” trailer. The cocktail is crafted with Sauza Hornitos tequila, raspberry, ginger and fresh lime juice, rimmed with raw sugar and topped with an invisible plane. Available on site only Jan. 7 to Feb. 28, 2021; heated outdoor seating is available.

The “Virginia Is for Lovers” drum prop is presented by the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the Virginia Film Office, and Visit Alexandria.

would have on Alexandria, its history, its people, and its identity. Old Town is steeped in brick and rooted in cobblestone. There are ways to accommodate the future while preserving the past.

To learn more and to stay abreast of developments, go to www.caswq.org.

THE ZEBRA PRESS

49

BOOK OF THE MONTH

5 STRIPES

Arneson Tugs Heart Strings Again Paul Arneson reaffirms his true sense of family in this recent work. I Couldn't Milk Another Goat captures the fantastic true-life story of his courageous grandmother Carrie Kirkeeide Thorson, who left Norway not knowing if she would ever see her family again.

The impetus for this book came when she went to Arneson for help to write her story. “Why,” Paul asked her, “did you leave your beautiful village on a Norwegian fjord?” Carrie responded without hesitation, “Da truth is, I just couldn’t milk another goat.”

Her story is not too dissimilar to the many other immigrants entering the United States in the early 1900s.

Through Carrie’s stories, Paul shares her enormous energy and even larger loving heart. Using poetic license, he spiced up the tales to capture Carrie’s charming and gregarious nature.

Imagine the strength it took for the 24-year-old Carrie, with full responsibil-

ity for an 18-year-old brother, to step onto the S.S. Invernia and head to America.

This was a time when the world began to change radically. In America, she experienced the birth of air flight, women’s suffrage, an influenza pandemic, the Great Depression, and two world wars.

Review: I Couldn’t Milk Another Goat Publisher: Self Published Author: Paul S. Arneson Reviewed by: Ralph Peluso, Literary Editor Zebra Rating: 5 Stripes

Ralph Peluso Courtesy photo

Paul Arneson

Paul provides links for readers to connect with other significant events and locations in Carrie’s journey.

I asked Paul why he writes

family story-centric books? Without hesitation he said, “All families should have a documentarian. Someone who can talk to grandparents, uncles, and aunts before it is too late. I am that person for my family.”

Paul is a retired U.S. Air

Force colonel whose military career included postings in seven U.S. states and several overseas locations. He served as a professor at the National Defense University in Washington, D.C., ending his military service as the Transportation Director for Strategic

Airlift on the Air Staff at the Pentagon. Paul was born and raised in Minneapolis, MN, where he married his sweetheart Betty in 1968.

“I Couldn’t Milk Another Goat” is a good read for wellbonded families and for those that need a little nudge to rekindle their unity.

Zebra rating 5 stars

READING, WRITING AND RALPH TUESDAYS AT 7 PM ON Z-TV! WATCH ON FACEBOOK.COM/THEZEBRAPRESS OR YOUTUBE.COM/C/ZTVZEBRA

Meet the authors for LIVE discussions with Zebra Literary Editor Ralph Peluso

WE KNOW LAMPS.

Three generations of experience repairing and selling unique lamps and shades.

February 9: TUESDAY It's Great to be Loved by Courtney Gonzalez & Diana Karczmarczyk.

Anyone with children in their lives will appreciate this fabulous book that enhances learning for kids in an unbiased way.

February 23, TUESDAY Trying Stuff by Rita Mattia. Ralph and Rita will discuss the author’s intimate and varied recollections of some of the stories of her life.

1207 King Street Alexandria, VA • 703-549-4040

QUOTABLES 50 ZEBRA PRESS

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.

—Anne Frank JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

Z-Music ASO Trustee Appointed Board Director of National Alliance Supporting Music Education Programs LINDA BUNCE WILL SERVE A THREE-YEAR TERM WITH EL SISTEMA USA

BY KEVIN DAURAY Recently, the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra (ASO) announced that ASO Trustee Linda Bunce will lead El Sistema USA’s (ESUSA) Board of Directors. Bunce assumed her new role on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021 for a three-year term.

According to the alliance’s website, “ESUSA’s diverse membership across the United States represents [music education] programs that serve some of the most vulnerable communities and children throughout the country. We aim to provide connections to knowledge and innovation, advocacy, and leadership development for program directors, teaching artists, students, and volunteers.”

Bunce was recruited for the new position because of her integral work in launching Sympatico, the El Sistema-based music program for grade school children underwritten by the ASO. When Sympatico started Bunce and her late husband, Elliott, provided funding. It now serves serves more than 150 Al-

exandria City Public Schools students.

“It’s been a privilege to watch Sympatico grow and see the impact that a music program has on children’s lives academically and socially,” she said.

The program started at John Adams Elementary School in 2013 with just a few ensembles. It expanded to Patrick Henry Elementary School in the fall of 2019. The pilot program at Patrick Henry proved successful, and Sympatico is currently recognized as one of the most culturally diverse music programs in the U.S. Bunce has served on the ASO’s Board of Trustees since 2001 and will continue serving in that capacity.

“The combination of Linda’s passion for the El Sistema model of music education and her experience with ASO Sympatico will make her a strong addition to the [ESUSA] board,” said Melynda Wilcox, ASO Board President.

Photo courtesy Alexandria Symphony Orchestra

Linda Bunce

Read us online at http://digital.thezebra.org JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

THE ZEBRA PRESS

51

WATCH WHAT’S ON Z-TV LIVE! • FEBRUARY 2021 CALENDAR

Z-TV Adds Alexandria Makers Market to Lineup Image: Z-TV Network

Z-TV is thrilled to welcome Alyssa Kovach, founder of Alexandria Makers Market (AMM), to the weekly lineup, highlighting the creativity of the considerable local talent here in Alexandria.

From artist spotlights to do-it-yourself demonstrations, AMM episodes are sure to appeal to young and old alike. Be sure to follow The Zebra Press page on Facebook for all schedule updates and events.

“We Should Talk About That” podcast hosts Jessica Kidwell and Jessica Buchanan recently interviewed local author Martha Carucci on the Z-TV network filmed at ALX Community.

Z-TV AND ALX COMMUNITY COMBINE FORCES GOOD NEWS OUTLET TO BROADCAST FROM ALX STUDIO Z-TV, the video division of Alexandria’s largest media source, The Zebra Press, is excited to

announce a new partnership with ALX Community. Both companies will alternately host and broad-

February 1, MONDAY

February 2, TUESDAY

Living on Music with Steve Houk and guest Jon Carroll, former member of Starland Vocal Band, songwriter, singer of every kind of song, a musician’s musician.

8

Living on Music with Steve Houk and guest Joe Chavira, prolific musician and performer, recently collaborated with the late legend Trini Lopez.

February 10, WEDNESDAY

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Wellness Wednesday with Dr. Lauren Fisher #BEYOURBEST with CJ Wesby of Foundations Fitness. Wellness Wednesday host Dr. Lauren Fisher hosts CJ Wesby, co-owner of Foundations Fitness to talk how to #BEYOURBEST in fitness and life.

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February 11, THURSDAY Alexandria Makers Market: Alyssa Kovach welcomes guest Maritza Maxwell of Hatch, which was, according to Maritza, created to “pass along the joy that I have in creating beautiful things, to teach new skills, and to reinforce skills that are dormant in us.”

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Living on Music with Steve Houk and guest Jenny Langer, known locally as Black Betty, revered blues singer for Moonshine Society and The Ron Holloway Band.

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February 16, TUESDAY Meet some of Alexandria's animals up for adoption with AWLA.

February 17, WEDNESDAY Legal Matters with Paul Dean

February 22, MONDAY

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February 24, WEDNESDAY

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February 23, TUESDAY

Ralph Peluso

READING, WRITING & RALPH Trying Stuff by Rita Mattia.

Ralph and Rita will discuss the author’s intimate and varied recollections of some of the stories of her life.

February 25, THURSDAY

17

Living on Music with Steve Houk and guest Jeff Kazee, multitalented musical maven, bandleader for Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes.

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52 ZEBRA PRESS

Alexandria Makers Market with Founder Alyssa Kovach Alyssa welcomes Terrell Johnson of Honeycakes, readyto-eat cheesecakes in a jar. When Alyssa discovered Honeycakes, she had to include two of his Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse cheesecake jars in the Alexandria Makers Market “Alexandria is for Lovers” gift box only available through pre-order until Feb. 4!

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February 9, TUESDAY

February 15, MONDAY

The Virginia Amos Show, with Agenda Alexandria

February 4, THURSDAY

Trash or Treasure with Monika Schiavo, featuring an interview with Tanzy Ward on the African presence in European antiques, and an exploration of Victorian mourning jewelry with examples from a private collector.

READING, WRITING & RALPH It’s Great to be Loved by Courtney Gonzalez & Diana Karczmarczyk. Anyone with children in their Ralph Peluso lives will appreciate this fabulous book that enhances learning for kids in an unbiased way.

February 18, THURSDAY

CONTINUED ON PAGE 53

February 3, WEDNESDAY

We Should Talk About That with Co-Hosts Jessica Buchanan and Jessica Kidwell.

The two Jesses will be taste-testing Mocktails with Martha Carucci, author of Sobrietease 2, Make It a Double.

Fresh off the heels of Dry January, learn a few secrets to making tasty mocktails and add them to your festive beverage rotation.

1

February 8, MONDAY

2

cast shows live from the studio at ALX Community to air on the

23

Wellness Wednesday with Dr. Lauren Fisher Racial Healing and Harmony with Dorri Scott, MSW, MBA. On Wellness Wednesday, Dr. Lauren Fisher will interview Dorri Scott, MSW, Alexandria-based race, equity, & inclusion expert to discuss racial healing and ways to be an advocate for social justice.

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Alexandria Makers Market with Alyssa Kovach. CREATE with The Zebra and Alexandria Makers Market! Our February DIY project is all about Alexandria LOVE. Alyssa will lead you through this project from start to finish, whereupon you will have a nice decoration that is ready to hang! This activity is appropriate for kids (elementary school ages) through adults. Kits can be pre-ordered on the Alexandria Makers Market website – stay tuned for details!

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

Z-TV

OBITUARY

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 52 Z-TV network.

The Zebra Press Publisher Mary Wadland said, “We’re thrilled to work with the entire team at ALX. We admire their commitment to community and feel our resources are aligned beautifully to share the news and events that matter to Alexandrians.”

ALX Community Partner and COO Kelly Grant concurred.

“We love partnering with The Zebra to celebrate the amazing people and small businesses in our beloved city. Z-TV provides a unique distribution channel that can offer our friends and neighbors a unique opportunity to learn, engage, and connect with each other.”

The two companies first collaborated in October for the RBG Vigil at Market Square.

They worked together again in early January when Z-TV broadcast, live from ALX Community, Alexandria author Martha Carucci’s virtual book launch for Sobrietease 2 on the We Should Talk About That podcast (WeSTAT). In fact, the cohosts of Alexandria’s popu-

LANDMARK MALL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 ner in our mission to provide world-class health care to the communities we have the privilege to serve,” said J. Stephen Jones, MD, FACS, President and CEO of Inova.

“We are thrilled for the potential to build a new hospital and medical campus, one that would allow us to expand our seamless system of care,

TUTOR CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 tance of it.”

Allison Verich is proud of her children. “These kids are self-motivated to meaningfully impact their community. Sofia saw a problem and resolved to do something about it. Even the pandemic did not deter them – the program only grew as it moved online. Everyone wins with grassroots action like this.”

The students need headphones, and Sofia is working

lar WeSTAT podcast, Jessica Buchanan and Jessica Kidwell, will begin to broadcast regularly on Z-TV LIVE from ALX Community.

Their first episode will air Wednesday, February 2, at 7 pm.

Z-TV is looking to expand its offerings while covering Alexandria’s hot topics, events, restaurants and retail news, and DIY segments. ALX Community is known for its outreach efforts and events that connect and educate. While much of this is taking place virtually now, everyone involved is looking forward to meeting in person as soon as it is safe to do so.

Be sure to stay tuned to the Facebook pages of The Zebra Press and ALX Community for all upcoming shows, events, and opportunities to get involved.

increase our services, and elevate the facilities in Alexandria and throughout the region for decades to come.”

Development plans include a residential area, as well as entertainment and retail offerings. The space is envisioned as a neighborhood, complete with parks and access to public transportation.

Construction could begin as soon as next year. It is estimated that the buildings will be in use by 2025.

to gather donations. The students have laptops from FCPS and there is WiFi at the community center, but the room is large, and headphones would help reduce some of the noise distractions.

If you can make a donation for headphones and school supplies for the kids, visit Unitedcommunity.org/giveto-United-community.html.

Please indicate “To be used for Creekside Village Community Center only” in the comments.

JESSY MAY ABRAMSON JACKSON (96), CIVIL SERVANT Jessy Jackson passed away peacefully Tuesday evening, January 12, 2021 in Springfield, VA. Jessy was born on October 17, 1924 and was one of four siblings born to Edith Sloan Steelman and John Abramson of Woodbury, NJ in Gloucester County, which once incorporated the Great Egg Harbor Town- Jessy Jackson ship that today still carries the Steelman and Scull town surnames of her founding Washington. ascendants of the Dutch In 1971, after their son and Swede settlements of had graduated from Anthe Colonial Era. nandale High School The Abramsons and went on to Virginmoved to Washington, ia Tech for college, Jessy D.C. during the Great returned to her career at Depression where Jessy the Department of the graduated from Central Army in Washington.

High School. She then She retired 18 years later began her career as a as a computer specialist, federal civil servant with on the precipice of the the Department of Agri- internet era, in Decemculture (USDA) during ber 1989.

WWII. While there, she Throughout her life, met Blaine C. Jackson, Jessy enjoyed the comSr., who was an enlisted pany of her family, Marine. They married friends, and cats. She was while he was on leave a staunch advocate for during Thanksgiving women’s equality with weekend - November earning her aviator’s li25, 1944. cense during WWII. Jessy continued with She was a creative soul, the USDA until June who could create any1951, when she trans- thing with a spool of ferred to the Department thread, yarn, needle, of the Army when the paint brush, or candle couple moved to Nor- wax, and as a committee folk, VA, where Blaine member and Chair of the had accepted a position Christmas Bazaars at her with the Department of Episcopalian Church, Treasury in the Alcohol would submit her creTax Unit. It was upon ations for the charitable the long-awaited birth of cause. She was an avid their son, Blaine, Jr., in gardener, with her home 1953, that led the family being one that those to then move to the City strolling by would stop of Alexandria, and later and gaze at her beauSpringfield, VA as Jessy tiful azaleas, hibiscus, remained home (1954- and favorite annuals, all 1971) and Blaine, Sr. ac- the while growing tocepted his established matoes, raspberries, and position with the IRS in blueberries in the back-

yard. She could expertly finesse the tournament bridge game and create the best “cakey” cookies. She loved her daily glass of wine, Godiva Chocolate Martinis, and she always celebrated the end of every year by hosting THE annual Christmas Party that she began in the 1960’s for her neighbors and friends. One that continues to this day, thru the generations. And, above all, she was loved and she loved back – fiercely.

Jessy was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Blaine C. Jackson, Sr. (2003), her sisters Iris West, Eugenie Collins, and her brother John Abramson.

Jessy is survived by her beloved son, Blaine C. Jackson, Jr., daughterin-law Alexandria City Councilwoman Amy Jackson, and grandchildren, Ella and Blaine, III (“Bryce”), all of Alexandria, VA. As a lifelong advocate for animal welfare and the environment, it is in keeping with Jessy’s wish that in lieu of flowers, donations should be made in her memory to one of her favorite non-profits: Best Friends Animal Society (link: https://bestfriends.org/).

A visitation in keeping with COVID-19 restrictions will be held at Everly Wheatley Funeral Home at 1500 W. Braddock Road in Alexandria, VA on Thursday, January 21, 2021, 4-6pm.

A private gravesite ceremony will follow in the spring at Arlington National Cemetery.

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So, throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover.

—Mark Twain JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

THE ZEBRA PRESS

53

The Alexandria Archives Thomas Jefferson and Gadsby’s Tavern

BY THE OFFICE OF HISTORIC ALEXANDRIA The first peaceful transfer of presidential power from one political party to another finds a link to Alexandria’s Gadsby’s Tavern. Let me explain.

The election of 1800 was monumental. Unlike the transfer of power from George Washington to John Adams, which occurred because Washington refused to run for a third term, the transfer from Adams to Thomas Jefferson was a bitter affair that also affected the Hamilton-Burr duel. But that’s a story for someone else to tell.

This is a story about the peaceful transfer of power and Gadsby’s Tavern. Adams was part of the Federalist Party, formed partially in reaction to the French Revolution, which it opposed. Jefferson represented the Democratic-Republican Party, which, among other things, supported that Revolution. Jefferson had been Ad-

Vernon.

Jefferson stayed at what was known as Mr. Gadsby’s City Hotel on the night of January 2, 1801. He paid $5.50 when the usual rate was $1.50, and he tipped the enslaved staff 75 cents. This tip was considered generous by men such as Jefferson in those days.

Jefferson returned to the City Hotel after his inauguration as president. An account of his inauguration banquet published by the now-defunct Alexandria Advertiser on March 14 included: …political distinctions, on this occasion, totally disappeared; Republicans and Federalists alike pressed forward to honor the man who was the choice of the nation, and to testify their belief in the political aphorism, that an absolute acquiescence in the decisions of the majority is the vital principle of republics”(italics part of newspaper article).

Images from Alexandria archives

A notation from Jefferson’s journal about staying at Gadsby’s.

ams’ vice president. Back then, the election’s runner-up became the vice president. Imagine how awkward that would be today!

Jefferson visited Gadsby’s Tavern twice during the election/inauguration period. The first time was on his way to visit Martha Washington at Mount Vernon. It was a bit of political theater meant to attract Federalist support in his now two-person runoff with Aaron Burr, who had received the same number of electoral votes.

Alexander Hamilton’s convincing the New York legislature to support Jefferson over Burr was the immediate cause of the Hamilton-Burr duel.

Jefferson needed to play nice with the Widow Washington because his criticism of our first president meant that she held a grudge against him and wouldn’t allow him to stay at Mount

PRESCHOOL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 The board maintains communication and provides support for parents, assuring that their child(ren) can continue to participate in school functions. “The [school] health

The Alexandria Times reported: …the company who partook of the entertainment was the largest ever known at a public dinner prepared at any tavern in this town, and the style and elegance with which it was furnished in so short notice reflect the highest credit on the taste and industry of Mr. Gadsby.

As a bonus, the new Vice President Aaron Burr toasted the recently deceased President Washington during the banquet in his hometown. Jefferson toasted the health and prosperity of Alexandria. Later events separated the two men, but the night of March 14, 1801, was one for celebration for the Democratic-Republican Party, even in a town that identified heavily with the Federalist Party.

committee has been very involved, and the parents have helped a lot,” says Bethany.

The Beverly Hills Church Preschool is a cooperative.

Each day a parent is present to supervise, learn, and engage alongside teachers and students. “We rely on our community to keep the kids involved,” says Bethany.

Images from Alexandria archives

An account of President Jefferson’s inauguration banquet published by the Alexandria Advertiser.

Each year the school presents a common project theme for the older students. Last year the four-year-olds created skeletons out of sticks. This year, students are learning principles of paleontology, chipping away at ice blocks in their kitchens.

“Remote learning doesn’t have to be boring,” Bethany

says. “It takes patience, but you must communicate with your colleagues. None of us has ever done this before.

“It’s stressful moving to a new environment,” she adds.

“Now that we’ve put this in action, [the teachers] love it!”

Bethany says that Beverly Hills Church Preschool has allowed her to interact with

the students in a new way and has even made her a better parent. With such community orientation, she has reevaluated her priorities and gained a new appreciation for children’s resilience. She reminds us not to be afraid to look to those younger than us for encouragement.

Visit www.thezebra.org to sign up for subscriptions 54 ZEBRA PRESS

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

PL ANET FRIENDLY

What Happens to Termites in Alexandria During the Winter?

BY GENE WRIGHT There are few household pests that create more concern and worry than termites.

The amount of damage to your home can be catastrophic and the amount of effort it can take to control them can be quite involved.

The only species of termite we currently have in Alexandria is the Eastern Subterranean Termite. Because these termites live underground, spotting them during the winter can be extremely difficult.

Many pests die out, or become significantly less active, during the winter months. So, with cold weather approaching, you might think you are safe from worrying about termites for a while.

But is that true? Do termites die out or go dormant during the cold months? Or are they still an active pest concern?

Termites in Winter The short answer, unfortunately, is no; termites do not die out during the winter months. In fact, they can remain quite active during this time. The long answer is a little bit more complicated, though.

It may sound like a contradiction, but termites can be

ARTISANS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 brainstorming, “How can we make this work?”

They have made it work in a few ways. First, they changed their approach to teaching and supervising. No more hands-on teaching or in-person classes. Instead, Rebecca and colleagues created kits providing the artisans with all the materials they would need to continue working from home. Prioritizing holiday products, Rebecca found they could keep going. “We had to change some things, but we adjusted. We’re good at adjusting.”

Currently selling products online, Coletta Collections is powering through the panJANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

is important to take a little bit of time to research and understand the various treatment options that are available. Choosing the best treatment method for your specific situation is important. A professional inspector is also another good resource and often it helps to get more than one professional opinion.

A professional termite treatment is the only way to guarantee that your house is cleared of termites after an infestation. Proper termite inspections and control measures will keep these homewreckers out of your house during the cold winter months.

killed by cold weather. Termites are cold-blooded insects, meaning that they require warmth to survive. Termites that are exposed to the outside cold for long enough will die.

This leads to a bit of a conundrum. The warm conditions of your house during the winter make it an ideal place for termites to hold up to survive the cold winter months.

Termites can become even more dangerous during the cold months. Not only are they attracted to the warmth

of your home, but they tend to burrow deeper into the wood structure to maintain this warmth. This can make them harder to spot and it can also result in increased damage to your home.

So how do you deal with termites during the winter?

You cannot just turn your heat off and freeze them out, for obvious reasons, but if the warmth of your home is good for termites, what can you do?

If you have termites, the best thing to do is to get a professional termite treat-

demic. Rebecca says, “Normally, we are out and about in Alexandria. We have very loyal customers in Alexandria, but we sell online all across the U.S.” In normal times, the artisans attend local craft fairs, where they sell their designs and also socialize. “They want to go out and keep up with their friends,” says Rebecca. “They miss their community. Everyone wants to keep learning, so we help them remain involved with the community any way we can right now.”

Gradually, St. Coletta is welcoming its artisans back through its doors while strictly abiding by social-distancing guidelines. “It is all about who wants to come back and who feels comfortable coming back,” Rebecca says.

“We’re trying to prepare for all eventualities. We think we will be fine. We’re determined. It serves a need that’s unmet in the community, so we’ve got to keep this going.”

All Coletta Collections members have to get creative, but they know their customers will always show support and that the studio will be there when they return.

“We don’t want our gifts to be just stuff,” Rebecca says.

“We want to provide gifts that have meaning.” Regardless of where these gifts are made, the love and effort the artisans put into them are impossible to ignore.

Shop their holiday designs at https://www.colettacollections.com.

ment. Subterranean termites are persistent, which can make them difficult pests to eliminate from your home.

Treating them requires getting termiticide in the ground around the foundation of your home. There are several methods that include liquids, foams, and solid baits. Some are better than others and it

Gene Wright is president and founder of Planet Friendly Pest Control. If you have any questions or wish to contact him, please email him at gene.wright@planetfriendly pestcontrol.com or just scan his QR code.

THE ZEBRA PRESS

55

Living Legends of Alexandria

Ginny and Richard Obranovich THE DYNAMIC DUO AT THE HELM OF APF

BY SHIRLEY RUHE

The Alexandria Police Foundation was founded in 2002 to provide health insurance for retiring police K9 dogs. Under Richard and Ginny Obranovich’s leadership since 2012, the foundation has grown to sponsor wide-ranging programs that reach into all parts of our community and enhance the effectiveness of Alexandria police officers.

The Police Foundation supports a youth summer camp and sponsors activities to promote community-oriented policing, the 10-week Community Police Academy, Teen Law Enforcement Academy for kids 14-18 years old, and a soccer program led by school resource officers.

Richard and Ginny serve as volunteer executive co-directors making these programs and opportunities into a full-time job.

They say that the biggest challenge when they joined the Alexandria Police Foundation in 2012 was building the Fallen Officers Memorial in front of Alexandria Police Headquarters on Wheeler Avenue.

Its purpose was to create a living, breathing tribute honoring 18 fallen officers, beginning with the first constable in 1823.

Ginny’s first husband, Corporal Charles W. Hill, is one of the officers honored on the memorial. Hill was killed in the line of duty in M a r ch

1989 during efforts to free a teenage hostage.

Space was dedicated for a memorial in front of APD headquarters but no City funds were available for construction. Ginny and Richard jumped in. With the Police Foundation board’s support and working with the same architect and construction company used for the current building, they helped raise over $400,000 to build the memorial. Construction began in 2014; the Memorial was dedicated on March 28, 2015.

Richard calls this their biggest success so far. It was an important tribute to the fallen officers and called attention to the rest of the programs sponsored by the Police Foundation.

Their next project was the Cops, Kids, and K-9s initiative promoting community-oriented police activities to increase understanding and solidify relationships in the community. One of these efforts partners cops

with kids to shop for a holiday toy at Target. About 30 low-income children are recommended by officers who know them through working in their communities. The officers take the kids shopping for presents for themselves or a family member.

Richard says that by having contact with the kids at a younger age, the officers have a better rapport with them when they are older.

The community policing efforts extend to providing Thanksgiving dinner to 50 needy families. And Ginny says a new effort this year was photos with Santa.

“It was a huge success. The kids got two presents and a photo with Santa.”

Another popular effort was supporting the Alexandria Police Youth Camp.

This nonprofit established by police officers sends 150 kids to a one-week camp every year. The camp, located in Kilmarnock, is surrounded on three sides by water and has

waterskiing, fishing, and crabbing activities. Officers sign up to serve as counselors and chaperones, creating lasting bonds between them and the campers.

Ginny notes that the Police Foundation funds 20 kids who can’t afford to pay for camp.

Police Foundation efforts also focus on officers and their families. They recently hosted Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, providing a light lunch for the officers. The foundation assists with college tuition for officers. Ginny points out that it isn’t easy to be a police officer in today’s climate, but Alexandria’s police force is full of dedicated officers. The Police Foundation works to recognize their service.

When the Obranoviches are not percolating new ideas to promote officer performance, morale, and effectiveness and to foster relationships with police officers and the community, Ginny is challenging the all-volunteer board of directors with fundraising goals.

“Karaoke for Cops” is among the most popular fundraising events. In its first year, the police chief had just begun belt-

ing out “Footloose” when he declared he couldn’t sing and brought on a surprise guest - Kevin Bacon - to finish his song. Many people from the community stepped up to the mic, including officers and the mayor. Three officers sang, “I Shot the Sheriff.” Tickets were sold to vote for the best voices. The event raised $3,000 the first year and doubled that amount the next.

Another fundraiser is the annual show and reception at the Little Theatre of Alexandria, scheduled this year for September. For $40-$50, you get great food and a show, all of which is donated. The event generally raises $10,000 for foundation programs.

In an overlapping role, Ginny serves as the volunteer coordinator for the Alexandria Police Department. She works with some 30 volunteers who perform various functions such as data entry, translating conversations with non-English speaking citizens, and assisting the Alexandria Police Academy.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Alexandria Police Department.

Activities are planned for every month. The foundation is tasked with a reception at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial on July 15. Also on July 15, the department will take photos of active and retired officers at the exact location on Market Square where a photo was taken 100 years ago.

The first Alexandria Police Station was sited on the 100 block of North Fairfax Street (original site of City Hall), and the sign is still on the building.

Ginny and Richard are partners in their Police Foundation mission.

Through their efforts to foster community-police relations and enrich the lives of the APD officers, they have added value to all the lives they touch.

Ginny and Richard Obranovich are 2020 Living Legends of Alexandria.

Photo: Steven Halperson/Tisara Photography

56 ZEBRA PRESS

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

Photo: Facebook

Above: Great Harvest Bread owner Megan Hurst selling curbside Below: Julia Colby selling her handmade pottery at Old Town Farmers Market.

Above: Kenny Rogers selling cars at Jack Taylor’s Alexandria Toyota.

Above: Kristen Moore, owner of Twist Boutique, with shop dog, DAWN.

Scene Around Town

At right: Kristina Di Chiacchio Robertson with her chihuahua, VALENTINA, who was found after community-wide search right after the holidays.

Above; Peter Balas, TCW high school principal at ACPS vaccination event.

Above: Carol Mills spotted at Ada’s On The River on opening night.

Above: Reunions store oner Barbara Watts shows off the zip code pillow.

Above: Mission Chair Mary Gillman and Pastor Grace Han with Trinity United Methodist Church provided a location for Amy Barker, JustServe Specialist of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to deliver 20 tons of food to five area food banks.

Above: Alexandria School Board member Jacinta Greene spotted shopping at Target.

All photos by Lucelle O’Flaherty (unless otherwise noted)

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

Above: Carol Carbaugh retired from Renner and Company.

Dorathea Peters with her new Schipperke, JAKE.

THE ZEBRA PRESS

57

ALEXANDRIA NOIR Touching Northern Virginians One Kind Act at Time AN INTERVIEW BY SHENISE FOSTER The January/February edition of the Alexandria Noir Column shines a light on Ms. Cathy Riddick-Brown.

Ms. Riddick-Brown is an avid volunteer, Alexandria resident, and a member of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW). She is serving her second term as 1st Vice President of the Northern Virginia Section. I spoke with Ms. Riddick-Brown to learn about the organization established by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune in 1935 and how the Northern Virginian Section supports the Alexandria community.

Zebra: In your role as the 1st Vice President of the Northern Virginia Chapter organization, what are your responsibilities?

Ms. Riddick-Brown: As the 1st Vice President, I am responsible for upholding the organization’s pillars by volunteering and improving the conditions of my section’s community.

Within the Northern Virginia section, various community committees serve Alexandria, Falls Church, Springfield, Arlington, and Fairfax County. Since there was no representative for the Alexandria community committee, I volunteered to become the chair. The section established a budget line for funding to support the Alexandria Black History Museum.

One example is when I utilized the community funds to purchase a new bookcase to replace one that was falling down.

Zebra: The National Council of Negro Women’s mission is to address local needs while impacting communities through volunteer efforts. How has the Northern Virginia Section contributed to the Alexandria community?

Ms. Riddick-Brown: Currently, our section provides assistance by donating personal items and other essentials to several shelters to include Artemis House Shelter, Katherine Hanley Shelter, and Bailey’s Shelters & Supportive Housing, in addition to several other establishments in the NOVA area. We also support the James Lee Community Center, where we hold

meetings and provide donations to the center.

My current goal is to expand our outreach to support schools in Alexandria, to replicate what we are currently doing in Arlington County.

Zebra: What do you most enjoy about being a part of the National Council of Negro Women?

Ms. Riddick-Brown: The sisterhood is amazing! I have met some really good sisters who also have a heart for the community and want to make a dif-

been changed because of your organization?

Ms. Riddick-Brown: I would like to think that many lives have been impacted by the meals we serve to residents at the Bailey’s Shelter & Supportive Housing. Our section serves meals every third Saturday of each month.

We also provide gifts to the residents during Black History Month.

Additionally, providing financial support and personal care items to the Artemis House Shelter and the Katherine Hanley Shelter is one of the crowning achievements for the NOVA section.

Zebra: What are your organization’s goals for 2021?

Ms. Riddick-Brown: Our goal is always to follow the National Council of Negro Women’s “Four for the Future” principles, which are promoting education, encouraging entrepreneurship, financial and economic stability, and educating women about good health.

One of our new initiatives is to assist recent college graduates who are NCNW members to pay their local dues when joining the NOVA NCNW section. We have found that it is a challenge for graduating members to pay their dues when they leave college because of other expenses.

This allows them to stay engaged with an organization that helped the graduates succeed during their college careers.

Zebra: What are some of your fa-

ference. Also, making a positive impact is rewarding. At the end of the day, we all need something or someone.

Zebra: Can you share one or two stories of individuals whose lives have

vorite Alexandria establishments, and why?

Ms. Riddick-Brown: I love the Alexandria Black History Museum because I learn so much just by volunteering.

Ms. Lillian Patterson is my heart of

Courtesy photo

Ms. Cathy Riddick-Brown

hearts, and I also love working with Audrey Davis. I am also a member of Shiloh Baptist Church, and the community love that the church provides is immeasurable.

Harambee Books & Artworks is another one of my favorite places to patronize. I appreciate the abundance of artwork and books focused on the African American culture carried in their store.

Zebra: This interview will run in the January/February issue of the Zebra. Are there any events/programs that will take place during this time?

Ms. Riddick-Brown: We have our 5th Oratorical Scholarship Competition coming up on February 27 that will take place via Zoom: (https://www. eventbrite.com/e/the-2021-nova-ncnw-oratorical-scholarship-competition-tickets-134517227649?ref=eios).

This competition is for collegebound high school students of African American or African descent. Participants must write no more than 525 words on the theme of Atmospheric Pressure and Social Normality of Today. Winners may receive scholarships of $500, $1000, or $1,500.

The NOVA Section will also be hosting several free line dancing membership drives on January 13 & 27 and February 10 & 24 from 7 PM8:30 PM on Zoom: (https://us02web. zoom.us/j/83205015868?pwd=TS9H SFUwZ2ZzQTVUOU9nODBBUE lzUT09). We encourage everyone to bring a friend and have a good time dancing to the music.

Zebra: How can Zebra readers find out more about the Northern Virginia Section of the National Council of Negro Women?

Ms. Riddick-Brown: You can learn about the National Council of Negro Women on our website at https:// www.novancnw.org/. Readers can also follow us on Facebook (https:// w w w. f a ce b o ok .com / NoVA S e c tionNCNW) and Instagram https:// www.instagram.com/novancnwsection/).

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched they must be felt with the heart.

—Helen Keller 58 ZEBRA PRESS

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

IN HOOD Think Outside the Box, Color Outside the Lines

Etched copper artwork

by Steven Halperson on exhibit at the Gallery at Serenity Place.

Photo: Steven Halperson for Tisara Photography

sans

BY KELLY MACCONOMY Evidence of the new and ever-changing next normal is all around us. Curbside pickup, open alcohol to-go, tented restaurant seating on sidewalks and into the streets, limited admission to stores, movie theaters, restaurants, even doctors’ offices prevail in 2021.

The arts, particularly the performing arts, have witnessed curtailed audience participation, depleted revenue streams, and depressed donor support due to the pandemic’s impact. But Alexandria is privileged to be home to numerous organizations with an unwavering can-do spirit, determined to ensure that the show will go on.

All summer and into the fall, Classical Movements held a concert series, “Sounds of Hope and Harmony,” in The Secret Garden of the Christ Church Rectory on Princess Street. Last summer, the series notably hosted “A Brand New Day,” the first professional choral music performance in the world since COVID-19 quashed live musical events.

The concerts continued with

remained open to the public into the new year. But based on coronavirus metrics, The Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum, decided to close for renovations. Unfortunately, this meant that the ongoing exhibit of Nina Tisara’s photo documentation of places of worship in Alexandria would have to go exclusively online, seemingly the last resort of the art world.

Ever the enterprising Living Legends founder and a 2015 Living Legend herself, Nina Photos: Steven Halperson of Tisara Photography

Above: “Gold Flowers,” a new mosaic by Nina Tisara on exhibit at the Gallery at Serenity Place.

At right: The Gallery at Serenity Place was created by Alexandria artist Nina Tisara as an alternative exhibit space during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo: Nina Tisara

“Blue Heron,” Nina Tisara’s ode to Huntley Meadows Park.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

“Sounds of Joy and Light” set amid the illuminated, heated boxwood garden for the holidays.

After Christmas, the Alexandria Ballet’s 12th annual performance of The Nutcracker featured live-streamed, reducedcast productions to allow social distancing. Codirector Gennifer Difilippo admitted, “Yes, we’re putting on The Nutctracker in a pandemic. It’s crazy, but we’re doing it!” Proceeds benefitted ArtSpire VA. Undeterred by revolving museum closures, the local visual art scene carried on. Despite reduced hours, the Torpedo Factory and the Del Ray Arti-

refused to accept that living in a virtual world is inescapable.

She is a photographer, writer, businesswoman, photojournalist, and mosaicist who knows how to make things happen.

Nina opened Tisara Photography with a studio on upper King Street back when it was known as the Wild West of Old Town retail. She was an original organizer of the Old Town Business Association. Len Garon’s mural on the wall of Carol Supplee’s fabulous Imagine Artwear shop is dedicated to the founding members of KiS-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 75

THE ZEBRA PRESS

59

Del Ray DOINGS

January 2021

Issue 56

The Stars of Del Ray The Del Ray Docket

★

★

The Del Ray Business Association preAssociation President Sue Kovalsky. “As sented its annual Star Awards on Jan. 19, chair of our membership committee and recognizing key individuals who have a key member of our wellness commitgone above and beyond in their service tee, Mara has led tremendous efforts to to the Del Ray community. promote our small businesses and help Jason and Loren Yates, owners of them survive this pandemic— safely.”

Yates AutoThe Del Ray motive, LeBusiness Associna’s Wood-Fired ation presented its Pizza & Tap, Yates Star Award for Public Dry Cleaners, and Yates Service to retiring Alex7-Eleven, were presented andria City Councilwoman with a Business Award. “JaDel Pepper, recognizing her son & Loren Yates’ generos35 years of service to the City ity to countless nonprofits, of Alexandria. “Del has been their support and participaa long-time supporter of the Photos courtesy of DRBA tion of all the events that Del Ray Business AssociaMara Benner Del Ray Business Assocition, an advocate for small ation sponsors, and their businesses, and one of the dedication to providing the best services to biggest cheerleaders of our community the community are unequaled,” said Del events,” said Del Ray Business AssociaRay Business Association board member tion board member Pat Miller. “From Gayle Reuter. “Even in the midst of the promoting the Alexandria Turkey Trot country’s worst pandemic and the worst from the City Council dais to judging possible time for businesses to survive, decorating contests at the Del Ray they have never Halloween Pawavered in suprade, to showporting their eming up to supployees and donating port a new business critical services and funds at their ribbon cutting, to nonprofits that are helping you could always count on those most in need.”

Del Pepper to be there with Mara Benner, owner of Four her smile and positive words Directions Wellness, also reof encouragement.” ceived a Business Award.

The Del Ray Business Del Pepper “Mara is one of our most Association presented a dedicated volunteers and a special award to the Altireless advocate for small exandria Curbside Dinbusiness,” said Del Ray Business ing Group, a Facebook group with over 11,000 members focused exclusively on supporting our restaurants during the pandemic, founded by and moderated by The Zebra Press’ Mary Wadland and Lucelle O’Flaherty.

“This is a great example of someone asking, ‘How can I help businesses directly?’

-- and making a huge difference,” said Reuter.

The Del Ray Business Association represents the independently owned restaurants, retailers, and businesses in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria. For more information, go to www.visitdelray.com.

Jason and Loren Yates

★

★

★

★ ★ ★

★

The Alexandria Curbside Dining Facebook Group (established April 1, 2020) has over 11,400 members and is the City’s most active site for restaurant news, specials, and positive happenings.

60 ZEBRA PRESS

Now through Feb. 7 Alexandria Restaurant Week To-Go Along Mount Vernon Avenue Enjoy Alexandria Restaurant Week at home and show your support for our locally owned restaurants. Participating Del Ray restaurants include Del Ray Cafe, Hops N Shine, Junction Bakery & Bistro, Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap, Northside 10, Piece Out, Pork Barrel BBQ, RT’s, Spice Kraft Indian Bistro, and The Sushi Bar.

Now through Jan. 30 The Hidden World Art Exhibit Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue The Hidden World art exhibit at Del Ray Artisans is a visual representation of things that are not readily visible in our ordinary lives—an exploration of microscopic organisms, macro depictions of nature, the metaphysical world, emotions, sounds, and more.

Now through Feb. 10 Heart of Del Ray Recognize the Del Ray business that warms your heart! Nominations for the Heart of Del Ray award will be accepted through Jan. 31, with online voting taking place Feb. 2-10. Submit your nominations and vote at visitdelray.com/heartofdelray.

Jan 30, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27 Del Ray Farmers’ Market The Pat Miller Neighborhood Square, located at the intersection of Oxford and Mount Vernon Avenue 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

This year-round market -- named one of the best in the state -- features fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheeses, breads, fresh pasta, baked goods, cut flowers, and more.

Feb. 5-27 After Edward Hopper: Themes of Solitude and Isolation Art Exhibit Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue Artists present their interpretations of what makes Edward Hopper’s imagery quintessentially American: perseverance, fortitude, diversity, and an egalitarian spirit despite adversity, impoverishment, and social injustice. As February advances into the new year and new hope, this show expresses the anthem of a new dawn.

Watch Live!

Weeknights 7PM Become a sponsor of

Z-TV LIVE!

Ads@zebrapress.com If You Are Working on Something That You Really Care About, You Don’t Have to Be Pushed. The Vision Pulls You.

QUOTABLES

– Steve Jobs

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

Del Ray DOINGS

January 2021

Issue 56

DRBA Launches I Love Del Ray The Del Ray Business Association kicked off the new year by launching the I LOVE DEL RAY campaign, highlighting ways the Alexandria community can safely support locally owned small businesses during these challenging times.

“Now through April, you’re going to see a lot of marketing and promotion out there about all of our wonderful small businesses -- both in-home and brick-and-mortar -- and how we can support them through these tough upcoming winter months,” said Del Ray Business Association Marketing Chair Amy Eggers, of FLORA Design + Living.

Visit Del Ray’s social media channels, @visitdelray on Facebook and Instagram will spotlight individual businesses with special promotions, workshops, profiles, and more. The themes: NEW YEAR, NEW YOU: January 11-24 -- spotlighting health, wellness, and beauty GET IT TOGETHER!: January 25-February 7 -spotlighting professional services SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP: February 8-21 -- spot-

FOODIE NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22 from the neighborhood.”

Coming soon to a location near you Me’shelle Armstrong of Eat Good Food Group and wife of Cathal, has let me in on a secret new restaurant

lighting retail and at-home entrepreneurs EAT YOUR HEART OUT: February 22-March 7 -spotlighting restaurants SPRING CLEANING: March 8-21 -- spotlighting professional services EXPLORE DEL RAY: March 22-April 4 -- walking tours highlighting the history, murals, and more in our Del Ray community “Del Ray is truly a one-stop-shop to eat, shop, and live your best life,” said Del Ray Business Association President Sue Kovalsky. “While Main Street is best known for our restaurants, retailers, and wellness providers, we also have experts on everything you need to take care of yourself, your home, car, finances, and more. Now more than ever, we need to support our neighbors and keep our dollars local.”

Shop small, shop local, and support your community! Follow @visitdelray on Facebook and Instagram, and learn more at visitdelray.com/ilovedelray.

planned adjacent to Humpandemic has proven to be too mingbird. Still unnamed, difficult” and that on January it will join the ranks of Ka24, they would lock the doors liwa, Hummingbird, and forever on the iconic neighborthe beloved and now closed hood family business. Atlantis Restaurant Eve, Eammons, has been a fixture at the Braand PX. No other word dlee Shopping Center for 38 other than their chef will be years. “We have so many, good, a well-known favorite, Migood neighbors. They come to kala Brennan, former owner patronize us 3-4 times a week and chef of Hula Girl food over the years, but so many, truck and restaurant. Can’t they don’t want to go out. We wait until we can try their tried for so many months. So food! Stomping Grounds much has changed in the resis bringing more good news taurant industry because of the Photo by Lucelle O’Flaherty by reopening the former virus,” owner Bill Patrianakos location of Society Fair, Atlantis owners, brothers Bill and Jim Patrianakos told The Zebra. All we can say 277 S, Washington St., in is thank you from all of us who the fall of 2021. They will you fed with your wondrous be taking over some 15000 sq. ft. of food. We will miss you.

We all learned on January 17 of the space where Nicole Brown, Stomping Until next month, eat well and enimminent closing of Atlantis Res- joy!

Ground owner, plans to open Mae’s Market & Café first, followed by Vir- taurant, 3648 King St. Owners Bill Do you have news of an opening, and Jim Patrianakos posted a sign on closing, or an especially good bite? ginia’s Darling Restaurant. their window telling customers good- Contact me at debbyc@thezebrapress. bye. The note said simply that “the com

Good bye and farewell

Photo courtesy of Eat Good Food Group

Me’shelle Armstrong of Eat Good Food Group

ATLANTIS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22 roots that stretch back in the neighborhood for 38 years.

“We have so many, good, good neighbors. They come to patronize us 3-4 times a week over the years, but so many, they don’t want to go out. We tried for so many months. So much has changed in the restaurant industry because of the virus,” owner Bill Patrianakos told The Zebra.

On social media, customers lamented. “How very sad! Atlantis has been such an important institution to the neighborhood for so very long. This virus has devastated our community and our country. Our family cannot count the number of meals we have shared there for the last 20+ years.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

Photo: Lucelle O’Flaherty

Atlantis Restaurant says goodbye in note taped to front window in Alexandria, VA citing pandemic as reason for closing.

They have truly been a generational focal point for our community!” said Brett Melvin, a Seminary Hill resident.

Shay Holman wrote, “My favorite sit-down breakfast spot. Thanks for taking care of community for so many years.”

Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson told The Zebra, “It’s absolutely heartbreaking. Atlantis has been an institution in our City for a generation. In a community with constant change, Atlantis is a throw-back, a place that has bound the community. They will be missed.”

Word reached the community that the rent was over $33,000 a month, and many asked to help with fundraising efforts, but the owners have signed over the lease and said they exhausted negotiations and are plain tired.

“The bottom line is. It is a done deal.

I feel bad for my staff and the customers,” said Bill Patrianakos.

THE ZEBRA PRESS

61

Giving Back News

First Night Alexandria Drive-In was a Sellout Hit on New Year’s Eve! ALEXANDRIA’S PARTY WITH A PURPOSE CONTINUED TO GIVE BACK DESPITE PANDEMIC AND CURFEW

BY MARY WADLAND “It was our very first time to party inside our car and we had so much fun,” wrote Glicyl Farnes on her social media page when she told friends and family about welcoming the New Year through the Drive-In Concert Experience: “First Night Alexandria.”

At left: Nick and Glicyl Farnes at First Night Alexandria.

Instead of people hoofing it all over town, this year they came to the drive in. First Night Alexandria usually hosts over 100 live acts and performances around the city with tens of thousands of people shuttling from the West End to Del Ray to Old Town and the waterfront for an exciting finale of fireworks, but this year, First Night Executive Director Marilyn Patterson

62 ZEBRA PRESS

said, “It was time to hit the reset button with music and humor Photo: Facebook at a social d istance.

The First Night Alexandria Board of Directors decided not to take the easy way out and cancel.

With 90 days to design, plan, and execute a reimagined First Night Alexandria, and in the midst of a global pandemic, we went to work to be true to our mission of showcasing the performing arts on New Year’s Eve.”

SOLD OUT Both the virtual and the drive-in events were sellouts. “Surveys uncovered that most people usually watch three to four acts during a traditional First Night event,” said Patterson and for the 2020 experience, since many people were still more comfortable with staying home, the Board opted to provide two entertainment options. “We had a full twohour live recorded, professional screen production designed to meet the needs of both audiences. We intentionally did not go longer as we considered the temperatures.”

Photo: Lucelle O’Flaherty

Volunteer Patty Moran on the ground during the rain helping get cars parked.

GIVEWAYS AND INTERACTIVES Thanks to the generous support of local businesses, every vehicle received items that were on theme to the times including masks, mask holders,

touchless door pulls, hand sanitizers, stain remover all in a reusable bag. There was also a virtual photo booth, a car-decorating contest, virtual trivia game, and for the VIPs, popcorn sampler, coupons for product and service

CONTINUED ON PAGE 63

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

Alexandria Artist Paints Official Inauguration Poster Well-known Alexandria artist Len Garon was recently commissioned to create the “Official Presidential Inauguration Poster 2021” for the White House Gift Shop. In the painting, Len celebrates the beauty of the Washington, Lincoln, and Jefferson Memorials, plus The White House and the Capitol. It is enhanced with Old Glory, a majestic sunrise and cherry blossoms celebrating the peaceful transition of power.

“I love to tell a story with paint and a brush,” says Garon. “Capturing that beauty, emotion, energy, passion and love as a ‘moment in time’ is my goal.”

(See Kismet mural story on page 12)

Garon can often be seen at the Alexandria Farmers Market on Saturdays at 200 King Street in Market Square by City Hall, where he talks to patrons and displays prints and examples of his extensive portfolio, which include renderings of people, pets, places and moments in time. His work hangs in various museums and significant private collections including Presidents Clinton and Bush.

For further information about the availability of the new Inauguration posters, visit whitehousegifts.com, email len@lengaron.com, or stop by and chat with Len Garon himself at the Old Town Alexandria Farmers Market on Saturdays till noon.

DELIA'S CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

Photo: Lucelle O’Flaherty

First Night Alexandria was reimagined into a virtual and drive-in success.

FIRST NIGHT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 62 discounts, and the ability to view the show again at home as an encore performance until January 31.

PARTY WITH A PURPOSE FNA is a small, local nonprofit and this party with a purpose is its annual fundraising event. Proceeds enable FNA to support ACPS middle and high school students in the band, chorus, and orchestra programs. “We

were so excited to showcase T.C. Williams graduate, Jarreau Williams, as part of the show,” because it aligns so perfectly with our mission.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

George then received a call from Hungry’s national director of operations. The number of meals had been bumped to 10,000 a day. “I took a deep breath and said to myself, ‘Okay, we will make it work.’”

George, his catering manager, and his catering chef met with Hungry and the National Guard to discuss logistics.

When the discussion ended, the number of meals had risen yet again, to 15,000 a day.

“My heart was racing,” said

Photo: Garon Collection

BY MARY WADLAND

Artist Len Garon with the official Inauguration poster he created, available at www. whitehousegifts.com

George. He knew he could not accomplish this alone and called upon his other two restaurants, Delia’s in Springfield and Heirloom, his catering company in Falls Church, for help.

Food was prepped in the separate kitchens and conveyed to Delia’s in Alexandria, where Hungry transported all meals to the D.C. Armory, using 16’ to 26’ box trucks, 53’ trailers, and Cres Cor hot boxes.

A single day of food prep included 127 20-lb. cases of pasta—that’s over 2,500 pounds!—and 25,000 cases of water.

During Inauguration Week, the number of meals increased to 20,000 a day, 15,000 of which Delia’s provided, with the remaining 5,000 coming from other restaurants throughout the DMV. A National Guard sergeant whom George met at the beginning of this herculean culinary project expressed gratitude. “Do you understand the importance of what you guys are providing?” he asked George. But the importance, for everyone, was not lost on George Theodorou, who said, “It was an unbelievable experience for all parties involved.”

February is for Romance

Viewing of the show remains available for only $20 until January 31, 2021. Select Watch Now at www.firstnightalexandria.org Complete the survey and you will be entered to win one of three prizes – a staycation at Hotel Indigo, Hyatt Centric or a $50 Gift Card to any ARP Restaurant.

ADA’S CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 mers, having worked alongside Charles Babbage, who developed the first mechanical computer,” says Ada’s.

Other restaurants in the ARP group include Mia’s Italian Kitchen, Vola’s Dockside Grill & Hi-Tide, Theismann’s Restaurant, Palette 22, The Majestic, Riverside Taco Company and BARCA Wine Bar (opening spring of 2021 at Robinson Landing), as well as Café Tu Tu Tango in Orlando, Fla. JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

Alexandria’s Fabulous Designer for Over 30 Years

(703) 684-6650 Courtesy photo

royce@royceflowers.com

Portrait of Ada Lovelace.

THE ZEBRA PRESS

63

VOLUNTEER ALEXANDRIA

BY COURTNEY MCELLEN & MARION BRUNKEN Let 2021 be the year of kindness and recovery. One easy way to spread kindness to others and throughout your community is by volunteering! Volunteering is providing time and skills to benefit other people and causes rather than for personal financial gain. If you have some time, please consider volunteering to help a family or an individual.

Volunteering can take many forms and be adapted to your availability, efforts, and abilities. Distributing food or gift cards, providing legal assistance, working in a daycare, teaching ESL or computer skills, and giving vaccine shots are just some of the ways you can help others in our community during this pandemic.

Many of the nonprofits we work with have resumed programming and are recruiting volunteers to assist with (mostly virtual) implementation. We need people of all backgrounds, gender, religions, and skillsets.

Volunteer Alexandria lists opportunities that include • sharing information with youth about substance abuse,

• helping autistic adults refine their resumes and prepare for job interviews, • coaching others, • cleaning parks, • writing words of encouragement to first responders and health care workers, • producing podcasts.

Do you have experience in finance, managing budgets, or carpentry? Many nonprofits are seeking skilled volunteers from a variety of backgrounds to help achieve their missions.

Although the pandemic has changed how we interact with one another, there are still ways you can get involved. For example, Brad and Finn Harman shovel snow for seniors. Ans sewed masks for the community, and learned a new skill by doing so. The Cockerham family decorated envelopes for a holiday sharing program. Margaret Powell collects masks to distribute to the community, thereby ensuring that people who need them stay safe.

She also crocheted 30 scarves to give to others. “I am honored to have the means to help people in need,” Margaret said.

Photo courtesy WinkBooth

Spread Kindness and Serve Your Community

As we work to ensure that our programming is safe during the pandemic, we continue to serve our community. Visit www.VolunteerAlexandria. org for volunteer opportunities for

you and your family, to learn how to get involved, and to donate.

At right: Margaret Powell Below right: Volunteer Ans

Above: The Cockerham Family At left: Brad and Finn Harman

64 ZEBRA PRESS

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

ON EXHIBIT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 47 ing 50 shades of fuchsia complemented by crimson and umber.

Curator Nancy Galib’s photography zooms into a glacial expanse for “Eye of the Abyss,” a metaphor for coming winter hardships and the unknowns of COV-

Photo: Kelly MacConomy

Above: “COVID Nighthawks” an homage to Edward Hopper’s iconic 1942 painting “Nighthawks.”

At left: Best in Show in the “Hidden World” exhibit, “Bubble Up” by Mary Elizabeth Gosselink.

February 5-27, was inspired by the collective experience of separation engendered by stay-at-home/ sa fer-at-home life in the time of COVID-19.

Photo: Mary Elizabeth Gosselink Hopper’s iconic 1942 painting, ID-19, and then out into the “Nighthawks,” depicts the unknown with “Is Anybody solitude of a few people in a Out There,” an image on late-night diner during warmetal of a comet streaming time New York. across a blackened night sky.

Hopper is famous for such After Edward Hopper: Themes of Solitude and Iso- eloquent urban scenes as well lation, at Del Ray Artisans as deftly painted depictions of

STROKE SMART CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 sual language. The physical forms of the materials—posters, wallet cards, and fridge magnets—ensure maximum and sustained public exposure.

Alan has partnered with organizations across the city, including Alexandria Police and Sheriff Departments, the VA Department of Health, and Alexandria City Public Schools, to spread knowledge of how to spot and stop a stroke. “There has been a lot of appreciation in response to Stroke Smart,” explains Alan.

“The police force is excited, and students are going home and teaching their families all they have learned.”

In three years, Stroke Smart Alexandria has achieved several significant milestones.

The success has encouraged Alan to expand the campaign, turning Stroke Smart Alexandria into Stroke Smart Virginia. Alan is partnering with the Virginia Stroke System Task Force to work with hospital stroke coordinators and primary care physicians to educate the public in Virginia counties and cities.

He is also looking for opportunities to collaborate with public health researchers to publish on the Stroke JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

Smart initiative and gain visibility for the campaign.

It is often said that if you want to enact change, you should think globally, act locally. Alan embodies that.

Born from pure intentions, Stroke Smart started here and is spreading outward to other locations. “If America would get this,” says Alan, “think of the lives we could save, and have already saved. This small act can make a big difference.”

If you want to help make

the vast, sweeping Cape Cod coastline. Coming on the heels of the Phillip’s Collection’s “Hopper in Paris” exhibit, this upcoming DRA show has garnered a lot of interest, even from the Hopper House Museum in New York.

Full disclosure: As The Zebra’s arts editor and columnist, I curated the DRA Hopper show. My photographic work channels Edward Hopper’s style, and I traveled to Cape Cod to follow in his footsteps for this exhibit. But the art displayed reflects the individual artists’ experiences dur-

ing a year living with COVID isolation, constraints, and protocols.

Some artwork is a creative and thoughtful Hopper homage on living in a pandemic world. Digital artist Gordon Frank created a satirical reimagining of “Nighthawks.”

“Homage Bar” depicts an altered state of pandemic reclusiveness. Humanity has been extracted from social intercourse as the living become stilted, wooden recreations of their former selves. Yet the dog gets walked. Life goes on.

The March show “Give Me Shelter,” March 5-27, is

curated by Theresa Kulstad and Pamela Day. Throughout COVID, we have all taken shelter from the virus, from our families, from each other.

Forty million renters in the U.S. are at risk of losing their homes due to the catastrophic economic fallout from the COVID crisis.

This exhibit examines the struggles of living in the 21st Century without the security of shelter coupled with the devastations of COVID-19.

Aspects of the show benefit the Carpenter’s Shelter in Alexandria. Look for donation boxes for items on the shelter wish list in the gallery. Monetary donations and Target gift cards are always welcome too.

Go to www.carpenterssheleter.org/give/ for the donation wish list.

Del Ray Artisans is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit art gallery located at 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue in Alexandria. Hours at this time are Thursday and Friday 12-6 pm and Saturday 12-4 pm. The gallery requires masks to be worn by staff and guests at all times.

DRA maintains strict social distancing and employs all COVID-19 ALX Promise protocols for patrons’ health and safety. Only ten people are permitted inside the gallery at one time. For more information, go to the website at www.delrayartisans.org or phone 703-838-4827. that difference, contact Alan at alan@kwikpoint.com to learn about becoming a champion of the Stroke Smart campaign. And look for Stroke Smart materials on all the red Zebra newspaper boxes in Old Town Alexandria.

In 2017, Mayor Silberberg declared Alexandria a Stroke Smart City.

Below: Stroke Smart materials come in a variety of sizes and can be found across Alexandria.

THE ZEBRA PRESS

65

FEBRUARY PUZZLERS

Popcorn, Please

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26 13 Egyptian solar deity 17 Highway hauler 30 18 Habituate 19 Actress Simmons or Seberg 35 20 Sovereign 22 1980 Goldie Hawn military 42 43 44 flick 49 50 25 Desire 26 Rum drink 54 27 Startled cry 28 Building block 58 29 Building addition 30 Digress 64 65 32 Guitar part 33 “Green Gables” girl 68 69 70 35 1979 movie based on a Stephen King novel 78 38 Mongoose-like animal 42 Believer’s suffix 83 45 Newspaper employee 46 Mine entrance 87 48 Slave girl of opera 92 93 49 Highlander 51 Off-road vehicle 97 52 Ran, as colors 53 Rear-___ (auto accident) 101 102 103 54 Mascara site 55 Without, in Bordeaux 109 56 Rum-soaked cake 57 Confuse 114 58 Old World language 59 Mac rivals 118 60 Favorite 61 1948 Moira Shearer musical drama, with “The” 98 “See you later!”

64 Dismal 99 States (Fr.) 66 Asian language 101 Baccarat word 67 Toy that does tricks 104 Tail motions 68 1989 Ed Harris underwater 105 ___ seul (dance solo) sci-fi 107 Dead-end jobs 72 Coffee holder 109 Short base hit 73 Toothpaste type 110 1995 Woody Allen, 74 Sonja Henie’s birthplace Mira Sorvino comedy 78 Bisect 114 Seabees’ motto 79 Weaponry 115 Dill seed 81 “What ___ is new?”

116 Come to pass 82 China problem 117 Carbon compound 83 Sammy Kaye’s “___ 118 Spring purchase Tomorrow” 119 French possessive 84 Radar signal 120 Printing commands 85 Sticking point?

121 Gallows reprieve 86 Confusion 87 Strong-armer Down 88 Camera setting 1 Venom source 89 Russian pancakes 2 “Lulu” composer 91 Washed-out 3 Mideast leaders 92 2005 Jessica Alba, Bruce 4 Golfers repair them Willis crime thriller 5 Took the bait 94 1987 Willis, Basinger 6 1961 Brando western comedy 7 Garage job 97 Schools of thought

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8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 19 21 23 24 31 32 33 34 36 37 39 40 41 42 43

Arduous journey D.C. bigwig Invoice word Switch’s partner Wayside stop Esoteric 1989 Tom Hanks canine comedy Panache Campbell of “Party of Five” Leigh of “Psycho” Good name for a king?

Pearl Mosque locale Court figure Brewed drink Hit’s opposite Surrounded by Court divider Appearances Fr. saints (Abbr.)

Friendly term of address Jane Eyre’s pupil Shipping weights ___ of Capri Mark left by Zorro?

44 46 47 50 52 53 55 56 60 62 63 65 68 69 70 71 73 75 76 77 80

Jettison Priest’s robe Sugar substitute?

2006 Tom Hanks mystery thriller Relay race item “Piece of cake!”

Agile Endures Chubby 1999 Cruise, Kidman romantic drama Handout Biblical shepherd Associates of 87 Across Vietnam’s capital John of rock Seasoned sailor Secretory organ “Heartbreak House” writer Minnelli of “Cabaret” Receptive Guanabara Bay city

81 84 85 88 89 90 93 94 95 96 98 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 108 110 111 112 113

“___ go bragh” Acquires Sister of Erato PIN requester Explosion Took a load off Certain crustacean Indentation in the shoreline Tropical tuber Opuses Pens Tour of duty World Service provider “What a pity!” ___ of the above Soave, e.g.

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PuzzleJunction.co

To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

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ANSWERS ON PAGE 75

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1 3 9 4 5 7 2 4 5 7

8 6

Copyright ©2020 PuzzleJunction.com

66 ZEBRA PRESS

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

Memories and Musings

BY NINA TISARA

On Community Art

BY NINA TISARA Some years ago, Anila Angjeli, principal/founder of ALine Architecture, designed an addition for my home. I asked her back recently to help design a track lighting system for Serenity Place Gallery where I now showcase my mosaic art at home. While catching up on family and activities, she showed me cell phone images of her latest community art projects. I could have lit the entire gallery-to-be with the light shining in her eyes.

Angjeli was quick to credit her business partner Klodian Toto, who works hard on the community projects and makes much of what is done at ALine Architecture possible.

So far, there are six Community Art Projects, starting with Tectonic Plates of Albania, www.rebuildalbania.org/blog, a fundraising effort for the victims of the earthquake that struck Albania in November 2019.

Other community projects in 2020 are Social Butterflies Collection I (in the Milway Meadows neighborhood), Social Butterfly Collection II (in the Villamay neighborhood), Big Fish, the Kaleidoscope Project and, most recently, The Thankful Tree, which was designed by ALine and built by Shawn Bloom, a volunteer board member of the Milway Meadows Civic Association.

Angjeli collaborates with other local small businesses such as Precise Glass and Ladybird Crafts, which donate their time and materials to create and implement these projects.

Each of these innovative projects exemplifies ALine’s commitment to community togetherness.

There is not enough space here to describe them well, so please read more about them at www. aline-architecture.com/ social-1.

Most of the projects are located in the Mount Vernon District of Fair-

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

All photos courtesy of ALine Architecture

Above: From the Social Butterfly Collection.

At left: From The Thankful Tree.

fax Country, where Angjeli lives and ALine Architecture is located. She serves on the Board of Directors of Milway Meadows Civic Association.

Asked whether such projects are replicable in other communities, Angjeli said, “Yes, although they need some vision, dedication, and preparation of materials.

They need to be organized and championed by event directors or street ambassadors who can execute these community exhibits from start to finish.

“It starts with an idea and a message that is appealing and inspiring — a message that people relate to, encouraging creativity, togetherness, and inclusiveness. People are creative. In one way or another, each neighborhood has its community volunteers, an association, board of directors, a social chair, an art director, or an artist.

They can adopt this concept and implement it in their

At right: From the Kaleidoscope Project.

Below: From the Big Fish Collection.

community. These events were received well by our community. They were timely and very much desired, as we all were in isolation due to Covid-19. We found a way to express togetherness through art.”

Angjeli was born and raised in Albania. After receiving an architecture degree from the University of Tirana, she and her husband came to this

country in 1994. Once her education credentials were accepted by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), she studied for the Architect Registration Examination and is now registered by the Commonwealth of Virginia. She received her license in 2008 and founded ALine Architecture in 2009. Angjeli is an AIA member (American Institute of Architects) and a designated LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional).

In her not-so-spare time, Angjeli serves on the board of directors for the Mount Vernon Lee Chamber of Commerce and the Building Code Board of Appeals for the City of Alexandria. If your community wants to try something similar, contact Angjeli at anila@ aline-architecture.com.

Musing about the Butterfly Collection, Angjeli recalled that she has painted and designed many butterflies over the years, mostly digitally, creating color transparencies and fluttering effects.

When the Covid quarantine started, she promised herself she would paint butterflies but soon realized that working alone, she might not be able to have the collection she envisioned. That led to the idea of a butterfly collection created by different people where each piece would be unique. ALine had a supply of blank canvases from another community art event. Those canvases metamorphosed into the first Social Butterflies exhibit.

With eyes still shining, Angjeli spoke of her dreams of continuing to create unique and engaging community art projects. “We’d love to orchestrate communitysourced public art for people to enjoy.”

Mosaic Artist/Photographer Nina Tisara is the founder of Living Legends of Alexandria.

THE ZEBRA PRESS

67

ASSIGNMENT EDUCATION Photo courtesy ACPS

Posse Scholarship winner Lenora Rodriguez

2 T.C. Seniors Awarded Prestigious Scholarship, All College Expenses Paid

MARIA STAKEM AND LENORA RODRIGUEZ RECEIVED THE NEWS IN LATE DECEMBER VIA ZOOM

BY KEVIN DAURAY Two T.C. Williams High School seniors have been awarded the Posse Scholarship, and when they enter college this fall, all expenses will be paid.

Maria Stakem and Lenora Rodriguez celebrated the achievement recently during a virtual ceremony. Stakem will attend the University of Wisconsin, where she will study social work. Rodriguez will Lafeyette College in Pennsylvania. She will major in biomedical sciences and is planning for a career in aerospace engineer.

Stakem admitted that she was overwhelmed by the application process. But an inspirational call from Oceanography teacher, Trisha Christopher, helped her focus.

“I didn’t see myself as having leadership promise and it wasn’t until I learned that leadership comes in many forms, that’s when I started to really take my chances seriously,” she said.

“As I passed through each selection stage I grew more confident.”

The Posse Scholarship, which provided the two

students with $250,000 each, is presented to students across the country who possess strong leadership skills. Winners often form tight-knit groups while in college, offering support for those four years and beyond.

After learning they’d won over a Zoom call in late December, Stakem and Rodriguez shared the exciting news with their families.

Rodriguez recalled that as a child, she watched her mother cry over bills. Having money has always been regarded as a privilege in her home.

“Having everything paid for college is indescribable.

It’s a great relief to my parents to have had this all paid off,” she said.

“I am so proud of Leonora and Maria for earning this life-changing recognition,” said T.C. principal Peter Balas. “They both have put in years of hard work and dedication to all areas of student life.

I know they will take full advantage of this opportunity and go on to do great things.”

Photo courtesy ACPS

Posse Scholarship winner Maria Stakem

68 ZEBRA PRESS

GW University Offers Health Care Training Program to TC Students MADE POSSIBLE WITH $700,000 GRANT FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences

BY KEVIN DAURAY Students with the Governor’s Health Sciences Academy (GHSA) at T.C. Williams High School will soon have the opportunity to expand their career options. The George Washington University (GW) School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) has received a $700,000 grant from the Commonwealth of Virginia to create a new Community Medi-Corps Program in Alexandria.

“We are excited to receive this grant and start work on the collaborative Community Medi-Corps Program and its Immersive Learning Center,” said Linda Zanin, EdD, the director of strategic partnerships at SMHS. “This initiative will allow students to engage and work together to problem-solve, use virtual technology, and interact with experts in the life and health science fields.”

While Medi-Corps will

prepare high school students for work in the high-demand field of health care, the program also allows those enrolled to earn college credit.

As many as 18 credits can go toward an education at GW. Central to the program is the Immersive Learning Center – a 40-foot-long mobile classroom/laboratory that will house state-of-the-art technology, including simulation and virtual reality equipment. The classroom will be ready for use later this year.

The Medi-Corps program is made possible through collaborations with the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, the Alexandria/ Arlington Regional Workforce Council, as well as three major health care employers in the region: Inova Health System, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, and Goodwin House, Inc. “This is a perfect partnership model for other regions in the Commonwealth that

ties together secondary education, community colleges, and four-year institutions to better prepare our future workforce,” said James W. Dyke Jr., a current member of the GHSA Advisory Board and former state secretary of education.

The GHSA began in 2018 as a partnership between GW and Alexandria City Public Schools. Founded to support students who wish to explore post-secondary education and career choices, the academy offers seven pathways in health and STEM-focused fields. The options offered are: informatics, medical laboratory sciences, sports medicine, pharmacy, emergency medical services, nursing, and surgical technology.

The academy’s first cohort of 85 students will graduate from high school in 2022.

GHSA graduates receive their diplomas, some college credits, career certifications, and guaranteed admission to GW. JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

T.C. Williams Senior is Named a Top 300 Scholar of the Regeneron Science Talent Search for 2021

BY DEBBY CRITCHLEY The Society for Science (the Society) announced the top 300 scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2021, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. A TC Williams senior is a winner of the Regeneron Science Talent Search. Michaela McCormack 18, received the honor with her project: Too Cool for JUUL: The Effect of PodBased E-Cigarettes on Sleep and Cognitive Function. The experimentation is ongoing but her analysis is expected to show a modest decrease in cognitive ability with sleep deprivation, and negative impacts on short and long term.

Michaela is a senior at T.C. Williams High School and will be graduating this spring. She is busy with her interests in science and soccer. She won the Heisman Award which recognizes scholar-athletes. She plays goalie on her Arlington Soccer League. Prior to winning a place in the Regeneron Science Talent Search, Michaela had been announced as the winner of the Behavioral and Social Sciences category at the Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair.

Ms. McCormack is currently a Research Laboratory Intern at Georgetown University Medical School where she is performing research at the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer center under Dr. Olga Rodriguez. She is working on a study about immortaliz-

perspective to significant global challenges. This year, research projects cover topics from bioinformatics to public health and energy efficiency.

“The remarkable drive, creativity and intellectual curiosity that each one of these scholars possesses represents a hopeful outlook for our future and our collective wellbeing,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of S o -

Above: Michaela McCormack, winner from TC Williams High School of the Regeneron Science Talent Search At right: McCormack shows off her award-winning goalie style for her Arlington Soccer League

ing epithelial cells using the CRC method and studying pancreatic cancer through a mouse model.

Her parents, Matthew and Debra McCormack, live in the same home in Alexandria where Michaela was born and raised. She has two younger brothers. Her father was born and raised in Alexandria.

The Regeneron Science Talent Search scholars were selected from 1,760 applications received from 611 high schools across 45 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico and 10 countries. Scholars were chosen based on their exceptional research skills, com-

Z-OENOLOGY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28 the glow visible from Route 50, across the highway, and up the mountain. Live music every weekend in the tented patio makes everything merry and bright. The lights linger at 50 West and the introduction of 50 West’s new Merlot and Cabernet Franc beckon wanderers to explore this five-year-old winery at the gateway to picturesque Middleburg.

Wines to try: In addition to the new 2019 Merlot and Cab Franc, consider the 2016 Aldie Heights Cuvée, a 2020 Governor’s Cup Silver Medal winner, and the 2019 Piedmont, an unexpected blend of Sauvignon Blanc and something of a secret (it’s Chardonnay and Petit Manseng, but don’t tell). Get it while you can because that’s all folks!

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

Photo: Kelly MacConomy

A snowy day at 50 West Vineyards in Middleburg is always picture perfect!

At Fabbioli Vineyards in Leesburg, the holiday theme was The Polar Express. Inside and out, this winery is warm and inviting, with owner Doug Fabbioli and his merry band of elves greeting guests in a festive and fun wonderland of wine. Even the holiday Raspberry Merlot comes in evergreen-shaped bottles.

There’s always a fun theme

Photo: Matthew McCormack

mitment to academics, innovative thinking, and promise as scientists, and hail from 198 American and international high schools in 37 states, Puerto Rico, Chinese Taipei, and Singapore. The 300 scholars and their schools will be awarded $2,000 each.

The Regeneron Science Talent Search provides students with a national stage to present original research and celebrates the hard work and discoveries of young scientists who are bringing a fresh

ciety for Science, Publisher of Science News and 1985 Science Talent Search alum. “At a time when many students’ educational experiences are being disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, I am incredibly humbled to see gifted young scientists and engineers eager to contribute fresh insights to solving the world’s most intractable problems.”

On January 21, 40 of the

in place at Fabbioli: Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, Dr. Who, Downton Abbey, to name a few. Fireside tastings are safe and private, with extremely-well socially distanced cushioned patio seating. Fire tenders deliver fresh firewood and check on the state of your flames. Fabbioli is dog-friendly outdoors, with free-range kitties inside. Call ahead to reserve a tasting table inside or to reserve a fire pit.

Wines to try: Bicoastal, a dry red Zinfandel so named because it comprises both Virginia-grown and Californiagrown grapes. The Chardonnay, a classic Frenchstyle, smooth but not too buttery without overpowering oak, is a 2018 Virginia Governor’s Cup Silver medal winner. The Barbera and Sangiovese are a pleasing nod to the winemaker’s Italian roots and a less frequent offering among Virginia wineries.

A bit farther down the wine-country roads in Wash-

ington, Virginia, is Little Washington Winery. This almost 11-year-old winery also offers immensely quaffable craft brew on tap as part of their Winery and Brewery. Propane fireplaces on the second-story deck look out to unparalleled views of Old Rag and Stony Man Mountain in not-so-far-off Shenandoah National Park. Carl and Donna Henrickson also offer their award-winning wines at the expansive mansion house and adjacent sister winery of Skyline Vineyard Inn. Covid-compliant, socially-distanced wine and beer tastings and Wine education classes continue to be offered on site.

New this fall was a Par 60 18-hole disc golf course laid out on the grounds of both wineries. It has proven to be more than challenging for even the most experienced disc golfer. The steep front-40 hillside increases course difficulty and also makes a fine sledding slope on a snowy

300 scholars will be named Regeneron Science Talent Search finalists. From March 10-17 all 40 finalists will compete for more than $1.8 million in awards provided by Regeneron.

The Regeneron Science Talent Search, a program of Society for Science since 1942, is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. Each year, nearly 2,000 student entrants submit original research in critically important scientific fields of study and are judged by leading experts in their fields. Unique among high school competitions in the U.S. and around the world, the Regeneron Science Talent Search focuses on identifying, inspiring, and engaging the nation’s most promising young scientists who are creating the ideas that could solve society’s most urgent challenges.

In 2017, Regeneron became only the third sponsor of the Science Talent Search as a way to help reward and celebrate the best and brightest young minds and encourage them to pursue careers in STEM as a way to positively impact the world. Through its 10-year, $100 million commitment, Regeneron nearly doubled the overall award distribution to $3.1 million annually, increasing the top award to $250,000 and doubling the awards for the top 300 scholars and their schools to $2,000 each to inspire more young people to engage in science.

winter’s day. Use of the course is free, and Jenkins Mountain Disc Golf/Skyline Brewery/ Little Washington Winery branded putters, drivers, and woods discs for the tree-dense holes are available for sale.

Wines to try: Award-winning George, the new Blanc de Blanc, the Sparkling Rosé, and anything curated by sommelier Andrew from the Dirt Road selection, taking you around the world with wines from Texas or Arizona all the way to Bulgaria and beyond to South Africa.

As we recover from the holiday season, plan to fend off the post-New Year winter blues with a visit to your favorite or as yet undiscovered Virginia winery. Call first to check weather conditions, current hours, and reservation requirements.

Don’t let a little snow and cold scare you off. Wine loves winter. And Valentine’s Day is coming!

THE ZEBRA PRESS

69

DO YOU HAVE YOUR CARD? Alexandria

Silver ServiCce ar

Connecting Seni

d

ors with Local Bu

SENIOR LIVING

BY MARY LEE ANDERSON

MARYANNE BEATTY

sinesses

SENIOR SERVICES OF ALEXANDRIA If you are a senior (over 60) that lives or works in Alexandria, you qualify for a card.

And if you are a business and want to offer special deals to seniors, you are eligible to participate. if you want your business added or to get a card, please contact Senior Services at 703- 836-4414, ext. 110 or email development@seniorservicesalex.org

See www.zebra.org for a list of participating businesses

Watch Live!

Weeknights 7PM Become a sponsor of

Z-TV LIVE!

Ads@zebrapress.com

QUOTABLES

You Are Never Too Old To Set Another Goal Or To Dream A New Dream.

– C.S. Lewis

Do You Have Two Hours a Month?

If you can spare two hours each month to drive an older neighbor to an appointment, we welcome your participation!

We need volunteers, who are the HEART of our organization.

www.athomeinalexandria.org aha@athomeinalexandria.org 703.231.0824 Providing practical, social and emotional support to our Alexandria neighbors ages 55+

Empowering Older Workers Through Rapid Reskilling

BY LINDA GILMORE AND EMILIA TURCIOS According to a Virginia Employment Commission job market report, Alexandria unemployment claims continue to rise. In December, the number of new claims nearly doubled to 938 from 559 the month before, a key indicator of the pandemic’s effect on the local labor market.

The number of claims by Alexandrians aged 50 and over spiked to 215, an increase of 84% compared to November, highlighting the significant impact of unemployment on this age group.

The City of Alexandria Workforce Development Center (WDC) helps many older Alexandrians remain resilient and get back to work.

Its Strive & Thrive initiative provides resources such as skills workshops, one-on-one job coaching, and guidance to financial resources so job seekers can raise their game and remain competitive.

As part of the initiative, WDC recently launched the Rapid Reskilling Cohort, a six-week program designed to assist 50+ job seekers. The cohort helps job seekers through free and unlimited access to more than 5,000 high-quality online training courses using the SkillUp® Alexandria & Arlington County web tool. The cohort also uses the pack’s collective knowledge and wisdom during weekly meetings to share experiences and motivate each other while receiving coaching and tailored job leads from a certified workforce development professional dedicated to meeting the 50+ job seekers’ unique needs.

“I was honored to participate in the Alexandria Workforce Center Rapid Reskill-

ing Cohort for 50+ this past year,” says a 50+ cohort member with a background in information technology.

“It was a great opportunity to get access to valuable training and commune and share with others in a similar situation in this unique job market. I highly recommend participation regardless of your industry or professional background. I am also glad to report that I have recently accepted an offer from a great company.”

The Rapid Reskilling Cohort is designed to create a community where participants learn and receive support together. “After a successful career over three decades, the pandemic left me in a long and lonely search for a job,” says another cohort participant. “Then the City of Alexandria Workforce Development Center invited me to a Rapid Reskilling Cohort.

“They provided us with best practices for re-writing our resume, for sharpening our LinkedIn profile, for interviewing over ZOOM, for keeping our wits about the whole process. We got access to an online training platform with a terrific selection of upto-date and top-notch courses, professional certification

prep tracks, and knowledge tests.”

As the program evolves, WDC is leveraging staff and partner resources to continue engaging group and one-toone strategies to help qualified 50+ job applicants have an optimal chance for rapid re-employment.

“The cherry on top was the boost of confidence that we were injected with at the last session. Several WDC staff members, a Workforce Commissioner, and a local entrepreneur regaled us with a speed-date-like marathon of individual practice job interviews,” concludes the cohort member.

For more information about the 50+ Rapid Reskilling Cohort, job search coaching, and employment services, visit alexandriava.gov/WorkforceDevelopment or contact the 50+ Program at wdc@alexandriava.gov.

WDC, a proud partner of the American Job Center network and certified One-Stop Center, offers workforce recruitment solutions for businesses plus training, development, and employment related resources for job seekers.

This space made possible by The Hoffman Family and the Hoffman Town Center

70 ZEBRA PRESS

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

GW BIRTHDAY

tancing, masks and reservations required. Reserve your slot on Facebook or Eventbrite at WashingtonBirthdayEvents.. FREE!

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 event during February 2021 encourages participants to run, walk and/or roll on their own for at least 24 miles in increments and on routes they choose. Registration is $24 and open until Jan 31, 2021.

Birthnight Banquet & Ball: Virtual – February 13, 2021 at 7 p.m.

“Hunt for Washington” – Throughout February 2021 “Hunt for Washington” is a fun and challenging game to uncover clues about Alexandria and George Washington.

The hunt, which should take about 60-90 minutes to complete, will take you to places in Old Town Alexandria associated with the General.

Start by printing a clue sheet at home and bring it with you as you traverse the heart of Old Town and then use your sleuthing skills to find answers to the clues. By February 28, submit your findings to GWBirthdayEvents@gmail.com.

There are prizes and mementos associated with this event.

FREE!

“The Great Theater of Action: The Life of George Washington in Four Acts”: Virtual – Every Friday in February (5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th) at 7 p.m.

Join George Washington every Friday in February as he discusses various periods of his life and engages the audience. The first week will

ART NEWZ

George Washington’s Mount Vernon

be about his youth; the second week will delve into the American War for Independence; the third week will cover his post-war retirement at Mount Vernon and his time presiding over the Constitutional Convention and the last installment will cover his presidency and final retirement years. $20 admission per event or $60 for admission for all events.

Christ Church Churchyard Tours – Every Saturday in February (6th, 13th, 20th & 27th) from 12 to 2 p.m.

George Washington’s church has one of the oldest graveyards in Alexandria, dating back to 1766. Hear from Christ Church docents about the churchyard’s unique history, Washington’s connection with Christ Church and other presidents who worshipped there. 15-minute tours will be given every Sat-

urday in February (6th, 13th, 20th & 27th) from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. FREE!

“George Washington’s Alexandria” Tours – Every Sunday in February (7th, 14th, 21st & 28th) from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Explore historic Old Town Alexandria as George Washington knew it! This 90-minute guided walking tour will visit sites associated with Washington and his closest colleagues, including John Fitzgerald’s warehouse, Captain’s Row, Gentry Row, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary shop, Ramsay House, Market Square, the Carlyle House, Wise’s Tavern, Duvall Tavern, Gadsby’s Tavern and George Washington’s town house. The tour begins behind the Torpedo Factory’s south entrance and -in front of Vola’s Dockside Grill at 101 N. Union Street. Physical dis-

tion with the artist and curator Bob Murray will be on Saturday, February 20, from 11 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 46 am-1 pm.

• Target Gallery at the Torbeen closed since November pedo Factory ~ “Movements, 2nd for renovations due to Moments,” January 23- March current COVID contingencies.

7, with a Virtual Reception + Public programs are canceled Virtual Tour February 12 at 7 until further notice. However, pm. Facebook.com/targetgal“Witnessing Worship: A Photolery. This digital and in-person graphic Study of Faith in Alexall-media exhibit aims to enandria,” based on the chronigage the viewer in a dialogue cling of photographer Nina focusing on the intersection Tisara, can be viewed along between art and movement. with the series of “witnessing While this is an all-media worship” videos at alexandriagroup exhibition, film-perforva.gov and the City’s YouTube mance and video work is emchannel “HistoricAlexVA.” phasized. The juror for this • Potomac Fiber Arts Galexhibit is artist and curator lery in the Torpedo FacEames Armstrong. tory ~ The gallery will be • The Torpedo Factory @ Moclosed to visitors from Janusaic ~ Located at 2905 Disary 3 - March 17. Sales contrict Avenue, #105, Fairfax, tinue online. Throughout this this exhibit features works period, check Facebook and spotlighting winter themes Instagram for what’s new and in a show designed to invite unique at the oldest fiber-art you in from the cold to warm gallery in the DMV. up to the art. “Winter Tales” • River Farm ~ Here is a secis on exhibit from January 6 ond chance to visit the histo February 7, in the Torpedo toric home and expansive Factory Artists Association’s garden grounds overlooking satellite gallery at the dynamic the Potomac on land once beand eclectic Mosaic District longing to George Washington. in Merrifield. This new show “Looking Forward to Spring,” channeling motifs of fire and works by Robert Murray and ice features paintings, ceramother art from the Von Brahler, ics, fine-art photography, texLtd. Gallery collection, will be tile art, and elegant jewelry to on display at River Farm from cure the winter blues.

January 25 to April 6. A recep-

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

You are invited to a virtual re-creation of the famous celebration of Washington’s birthnight (birthday) held annually at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. We look forward to sharing all the most important parts of the event – General Washington, a banquet and a ball. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to AlexandriaVA.gov/Shop.

Q & A with Officers of the First Virginia Regiment and an Officer of the Opposing Force: Virtual – February 14, 2021 at 2 p.m.

Company officers of the First Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line, under a flag of truce, will meet with the loyal opposition to take questions from the audience on the War for Independence.

Questions can be asked relating to their uniforms and accoutrements, how the troops are formed up and move about the battlefield as well as other questions related to American war. Please attend this webinar to have fun and learn about history of the time!

Visit WashingtonBirthday. com for virtual link information. $5 admission.

EFFORT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 of Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS). Superintendent Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. received his first dose of the Moderna vaccine, administered by an ACPS nurse.

“I have one word to express how I am feeling at this moment — grateful,” Dr. Hutchings said. “It was imperative for me to be among the first to take this opportunity and get the vaccine as soon as it became available, to encourage staff to join me in this next step to seeing our school doors open to welcome back ALL students and staff. ” Based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Virginia Department of Health has established a priority order for the vaccine to be administered. The reason for the priority order is the limited number of doses available.

The first groups to receive the vaccine are those with the highest risk of exposure to the virus or the highest risk of severe illness if they are infected.

Phase 1c will include other essential workers, persons age 65 or older, and persons age 16 through 64 with certain medical conditions that place them at high risk for severe illness if they contract the virus.

Wreath Laying Ceremony to honor the Soldiers of the American Revolution – February 15, 2021 at 11 a.m.

Join the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution as they honor the soldiers of the Revolution. For location information, please visit WashingtonBirthday. com. FREE!

George Washington National Birthday Celebration: Virtual – February 22, 2021 at 7 p.m.

Join Americans across the nation to celebrate Washington’s 289th birthday with a special virtual birthday party hosted by Mount Vernon. In February, patriots from across the country will gather in the comfort of their own homes to salute General Washington with an online program featuring performances and stories from actors, musicians, and historians. A highlight of the celebration includes a birthday toast to General Washington. $5 recommended donation. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to MountVernon.org/ gwbirthday.

George Washington Birthday events and tours are organized by the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee of the City of Alexandria, Virginia in cooperation with local historic sites and organizations.

An individual eligible for Phase 1a, 1b or 1c based on their employment should be registered by their employer. An individual who is eligible based on their age or medical condition can register through the local health department where they live.

People who are eligible for Phase 1b in Alexandria should fill out the form at redcap.vdh.virginia.gov/redcap/ surveys/?s=FHW4TYF8MP. Anyone having difficulty with the form may call the Alexandria COVID-19 Hotline at 703-746-4988, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

AHD is working closely with senior-serving organizations to register residents ages 75 and older who do not have access to the internet or an email address. Those who are eligible for vaccination as part of Phase 1c can also fill out the form, but they will not be able to make a vaccination appointment until Alexandria enters that phase. Members of households may become eligible at different times, depending on their employment locations, occupations, ages, and health conditions.

Vaccination phases may vary by states and localities.

Visit alexandriava.gov/ to learn more about vaccine development, safety, benefits and eligibility, as well as many other resources to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Read us online at thezebra.org THE ZEBRA PRESS

71

IN THE DIRT

BY RAY GREENSTREET

Caring for Houseplants in Winter

Photos: Greenstreet Gardens

Dieffenbachia Camille

Monstera deliciosa

Dracaena Limelight and Marble Queen Pothos

BY RAY GREENSTREET With winter knocking at the door, we’ll soon be cozying around the fire, enjoying richer food, and suiting up for the weather. Your houseplants know what time of year it is, too, and they’ve slowly been preparing through the fall as the daylight wanes.

Even so, fluctuating indoor temperatures, humidity changes, and lack of light can stress them out. Fortunately, if we care for them well, they’ll easily thrive through the winter months!

Water Less Did you know houseplants generally need fewer drinks over the winter? This may come as a surprise if you thought the warm air from your furnace would dry them out. But even if it’s drier inside, most houseplants need less water during the winter because their growth slows down. Plants you watered every few days may now be satisfied with a weekly drink. Others that you soaked every week may now be quenched every two weeks, or even less frequently.

Of course, this all depends on the type of houseplants you have. Succulents still need drier soil, and ferns still like more moisture than most. With most houseplants, keep a closer eye on the soil during the winter, probe the top inch with your finger regularly, and adjust water as necessary. Houseplants are often susceptible to root rot in the off-season, so make sure you’re not overwatering.

“Houseplants are often susceptible to root rot in the off-season, so make sure you’re not overwatering.”

Respond to Changes in Humidity Unless we have an expensive musical instrument to care for, we usually don’t pay close attention to our home’s humidity. But depending on our type of indoor heating, our moisture levels may change dramatically during the winter. Since many houseplants are native to tropical jungles, they need at least 50% humidity to thrive. Fortunately, if the furnace is drying out your home, there are easy ways to treat your plants to a humid microclimate.

One way is to cluster them together.

As they naturally transpire water from their leaves, they’ll all benefit from the moisture they release. Another way is to mist them regularly with a spray bottle. This can help, but the mist can quickly evaporate in a dry winter home, so you may need to mist them more than once per day.

A popular option is to place a tray of

small stones and water below the pot.

The water will slowly evaporate and give the plants the humidity they need. At the same time, the stones raise the plant above the water level.

Or, if you’ve got a sizeable urban jungle to care for, an inexpensive indoor humidifier might be your best bet.

Keep Temperatures Steady While we may enjoy warmth around the fire or the occasional burst of cool air from an open window, houseplants prefer steady temperatures. They can’t put on a jacket or cool off with a walk outside, so keep them away from drafts, fireplaces, and open windows.

Place them where temperatures remain in the cozy realm of 65-75 degrees.

Let in the Sun The winter sun gives us shorter days, and the sunlight we do receive comes

at a lower angle. This can make it hard for a plant to drink in all the light it needs. If you see leaves growing discolored or the plant reaching toward the window, it may be telling you it needs more sunlight. Try to move it to a sunnier spot or consider adding supplemental light. It may also help to rotate the plant regularly so that all of the leaves receive some rays. Keeping your windows clean and dusting the plant leaves also helps them absorb those golden rays.

Hold Off On Fertilizing Just as we start craving hearty stews and decadent desserts in winter, a houseplant’s diet changes, too—except instead of craving more food, they need less! They’ve already fattened up for the winter when summer sunlight was on the menu, and by now, they’re happily resting and don’t need any extra food from us. In fact, a boost of nutrients may disrupt their natural dormancy period, so hold off on fertilizer until you see signs of growth in the spring.

As with all relationships, it’s important to keep an open dialogue with your plants, especially in winter.

Watch for early indications of pests, which can still thrive at this time of year. If your plant gives you unusual signs, do your research well to pinpoint the problem or ask an expert.

With seasonal changes in your watering, humidity, and lighting, you can enjoy the many benefits of houseplants year-round!

Visit www.thezebra.org to sign up for subscriptions 72 ZEBRA PRESS

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

THE LAST WORD

BY MARCUS FISK

American Guernica

BY MARCUS FISK It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.

—Charles Dickens A Tale of Two Cities With some 34 years of service with the Navy, another 20 years as an Army brat, and having been

Archival photo

Above: Picasso’s “Guernica” At left: Storming the “Reichstag” circa 2021.

country were on fire, the Mall in Washington D.C. was awash with protesters, and “the whole world” watched the Democratic Convention in Chicago. I attended my first football game at Fairfax High School. I remember a huge lump in my throat the first time the FHS Band played the National Anthem. I

to 28 countries during those years, I believe I have developed a keen appreciation for the United States of America.

As a nine-year-old, I recall standing in front of the Reichstag in what was then East Germany. Looking at the burned-out façade of what was once Germany’s republican representative government seat before the Nazis, I learned that its destruction was caused by a riotous mob ultimately blamed on the leftists, which in turn ushered in the National-Socialist regime of Adolf Hitler.

I vividly remember standing at Checkpoint Charlie, the locale witness to numerous attempts to escape into a free Germany in the West. Living in the Fulda Gap in the mid-1960s brought with it the reality that our fathers were a part of the last bastion of freedom between the West and a trigger-happy

ISIS destroying the “idols.”

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

who, because of the twists of fate, the ebb and flow of history, were less fortunate than us.

Coming home from Iraq and shaking the desert from my system, I remembered the few landmarks and antiquities I had been fortunate to see. Iraq’s history exceeded ours by dozens of centuries; those sites and objects were a thing of wonBBC News der. The excitement for a historian like me outweighed anything I ever read or saw in a textbook.

Soviet Union Army a mere 20 I was fortunate to see objects kilometers distant. Those soand places that accompanied the viet forces were the enemies dawning of history. It sent shivof freedom and sent us under ers through me. our school desks for regular But then watching the news of “duck-and-cover” drills. As ISIS destroying those places, the Army brats, we were good at joy the militants experienced in it. obliterating those antiquities— After Germany, we were their heritage and culture—cut transferred to Thailand, where me to my marrow. How could our fathers were supporta people so traditional and coning struggling governments servative attack the very symbols in Southeast Asia to combat a and monuments to their culture rising tide of communist eleand traditions, albeit their long ments bent on the destruction past? How could this happen? of freedom and the subjugaIrina Bokova, then Direction of millions of people. A tor-General of UNESCO, said, thing called the Domino The“This attack is far more than a ory had sent us there, an omicultural tragedy — this is also a nous cloud that American polsecurity issue as it fuels sectariiticians railed against. anism, violent extremism, and Coming home in the sumconflict in Iraq.” The justificaSaul Loeb/AFP online mer of 1968, after five years tion for the smashing of antiqoverseas, major cities in the Desecrating today’s “idols.” uities was that these objects and historic sites were called “idols” and “heretic” by the Islamic hadn’t heard it played in three years. State. That shocked and appalled me I remember thinking it was good to then and it does to this day. be “home.”

This past year is one for the books.

I remember hearing it played in As we welcomed a new year in JanJune 2008, at my retirement from uary, we all exhaled a collective the Navy on the Museum Ship breath with an equally collective BARRY in the Washington Navy “Thank God 2020 is over” on our Yard. The same lump formed almost tongues.

40 years later. This time, however, But January brought neither peace accompanied by tears. nor respite from the rising tide of During those years of service, I discontent. was fortunate to witness first-hand I watched as militants invaded the what I had learned to be the “bless- Capitol building and occupied it. ings of liberty.” I was convinced that They desecrated “idols” in Statuwe Americans were truly blessed, ary Hall. They smashed desks, histhat we had unlocked liberty’s hid- torical exhibits, and other relics of Archival photo den secret. That we were bestowing those blessings and lessons on others CONTINUED ON PAGE 74

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BREAK AWAY FROM THE DISTRACTION

Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore

The Electoral College ballots, the true symbols of our democracy.

THE LAST WORD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 73 the champions of liberty who occupied those places and secured the liberties we enjoy today.

They ran through the halls of Congress – Congress – the very body that organized and fomented the American Revolution, wrote the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights – the very documents that let them hold their rallies. It is truly ironic that this rabble attacked the singular institution that guaranteed them those rights in the first place and continues to work for their rights to this day.

For me, that horrible day in January was a shock and supreme heartbreak. But the main lesson of this American Guernica is that out of all the carnage of that day, a bright light shone. Congressional Staff rose to the occasion.

Despite chaos and threats all around them, a few dedicated government employees gathered the Electoral College ballot boxes containing the final election results and ush-

ered them to safety.

I realized that day that more than a flag, an eagle, or even an anthem, those ballots were the very definition of our democracy itself. And it was those people, that day, under those chaotic and dangerous conditions, who displayed the same moral and physical courage as any of our founding fathers. That day, those people were the true patriots.

The lump in my throat came back. And the tears welled in my eyes one more time.

Marcus Fisk is a retired Navy Captain, Naval Academy graduate, sometime actor, sculptor, screenwriter, pick-up soccer player, and playwright. He and his wife Pamela are former residents of Alexandria who moved to Connecticut, where they traveled the New England shore in their 42 Grand Banks Trawler ADAGIO. They plan a grand adventure of living in France when the pandemic threat has passed.

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74 ZEBRA PRESS

QUOTABLES

People Who Are Crazy Enough to Think They Can Change The World, Are The Ones Who Do. – Rob Siltanen

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

WONDER WOMAN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 48 what, for the film, is renamed Southfields Mall. (In Fairfax County!?!)

Star Chris Pine said, “It was just radical! It was like walking back in time.” Co-star Kristen Wiig, who plays the insecure antagonist to Gal Gadot’s unassuming perfection, reminisced upon her teenage years as a Saturday mall rat roaming the corridors with a gaggle of girlfriends. In USA Today, Wiig lamented, “We don’t do that now, for obvious reasons, but it brought back such a lost time.” A time when the shopping mall had thoroughly replaced the American town center.

Regrettably, the film’s production team couldn’t leave the reincarnated Landmark Mall film set intact for the public to tour and locals to wax nostalgic until the film premiered. Awaiting the film’s release has been like

IN Z HOOD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 59

waiting for Gadot. Initially scheduled for a blockbuster release in fall 2019, Wonder Woman 1984 was repeatedly pushed back, eventually opening on Christmas Day, screening simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max. As of January 8, 2021, Alexandrians and visitors to Old Town can see the sevenfoot-high prop drum emblazoned with the 51-year-old state motto “Virginia Is for Lovers.” There’s a diverting “Wonder Woman in Alexandria” window display at the corner entrance to the Torpedo Factory, 101 North Union at King Street, that’s drawing a lot of attention. In the film, Wonder Woman uses the drum to foil a fleeing felon. The Wonder Woman 1984 window will be on display until February 28.

Wondering now…but how was the flick? The leads were strong and sustained the questionable plot premise: making a wish upon a rock. Okay, so it was a crystal rock. Director/writer Patty Jenkins and co-screenwriters Geoff Johns

er periodicals. In the last year, she has created a reminiscences column for the Zebra Press, “Memories and Musings.”

The temporary closure of The Lyceum kickstarted a project that Nina had considered for some time: an arthouse gallery. Turning the living and dining room walls in her Rose Hill home into an actual, not virtual, art gallery took vision, ingenuity, fresh paint, superb lighting, and help from her artist/pho-

Photo: Kelly MacConomy

The recreated for exhibit WW84 drum prop used in a scene filmed at Landmark Mall in which Wonder Woman thwarts the bad guys.

and Dave Callaham grappled with plot problematics such as how to explain that Chris Pine survived a plane explosion seven decades beforehand. Apparently only Wonder Woman is immortal. But I won’t spoil any of the film’s

wondrously wild ride; they figure it out.

Surprisingly the 80’s cultural wink homages are sparse, early on, and unsustained throughout the film.

There are moments it reels with so much action, it’s as if

tographer son Steven Halperson. With a lighting system designed by Anila Angjeli of ALine Architecture and supplied by Alexandria Lighting on North Henry Street, Nina was set to cut the virtual ribbon, welcoming visitors to The Gallery at Serenity Place in time for the holidays.

Nina’s alternative art space excites her. “I could not be more pleased with the results.

With exhibit opportunities limited by the pandemic, this

is an excellent opportunity,” she said. Nina’s mosaic art and Steven’s etched copper and photographic art are on exhibit now. Nina has been creating imaginative and fine-art mosaics since 2007, when she closed the darkroom door to focus upon her newest passion.

Nina Tisara’s mosaics have been exhibited at the Art League Gallery, Del Ray Artisans Gallery, and the Target Gallery of the Torpedo

The Zebra Press 1/21 Sudoku

MET (King Street Metro Enterprising Team), including Nina, Carol, Hobbes the dog, and David Martin of Goldworks. Nina was the photographer for the Alexandria Gazette Packet and the Alexandria Times. She has had her photographs published in the Old Town Crier and countless oth-

Crossword

PUZZLES ON PAGE 66

Sudoku Solution

CROSSWORD

Solution

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

B O L T I N U R A T E B E G E E K R A Y A L E M S E D I T J E E S A N S P C S A R K B Y S S E A R L B L I A U T O I T Y S M S C O W A P M I G A N E O D T E S

S E N J U F R L O O R P B P E L A U R M S P B B L I A G S H T T

J A N E T

R E M I T

A B L A B T O N E C R L I I N O P Y A E N S T

B I A N I N T A M D I E D A R E Y G E L S A W N I D D E A S P H S U E T

A R C A N N E E T E A D S O Y L E

T U R N E R A N D H O O C H

S A T E T A T R U R O D E E S S

E L A N

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K I D D O

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S T E O L A Y

Factory Art Center. Her art was recently the subject of a one-person show at the 7 East Gallery in Woodstock, Virginia. She has had a mosaic work juried into an exhibit at the Virginia Quilting Museum in Harrisonburg.

To schedule a visit to the Gallery at Serenity Place, contact Nina Tisara at nina@ ninatisara.com. You can also view the mosaics at tisaraphoto. com/mosaics/index.html.

PuzzleJunction.com

FEBRUARY ANSWERS A B E D S E M I P R I V G R O S T S I S T S C O T L A S H E R S E D T H E A H A L V U N T I G O O N S I N C I B A N C B L O O C A N D S E E

Indiana Jones time travels to the Fast in the Furious future.

Editing is all in filmmaking.

WW84 editor Richard Pearson may have been given the Golden Lasso to make some cuts, but by the end, truth be told, it’s not Wonder Woman 2017. Still, it is a Wonder Woman for 2020, for sure.

Hooray for Hollywood.

In a tenuous and unrelentingly uncertain time, Wonder Woman rewrote its encore. A fantastical trip back to the future, parachute pants and fanny packs aside, one last look at Landmark Mall is just the tonic that the final curtain on 2020 warranted. Farewells are not always final, but they are never easy. Wonder Woman 1984 delivers the message that hope prevails, kindness is courage, eleventh-hour conversions are welcome, and love transcends time and space. It also proves that, with the notable exceptions of The Godfather, the Hunger Games, and Pitch Perfect, the sequel is always the lesser film. But who cares?

SUDOKU

3 4 7 2 8 9 6 5 1

2 6 1 3 5 4 8 7 9

5 8 9 7 6 1 3 2 4

9 7 4 8 1 3 2 6 5

1 2 3 5 4 6 9 8 7

6 5 8 9 2 7 4 1 3

4 3 6 1 7 8 5 9 2

7 9 5 6 3 2 1 4 8

8 1 2 4 9 5 7 3 6

THE ZEBRA PRESS

75

After we bring food home from the grocery store...Dogs must think we are the greatest hunters ever!

QUOTABLES

Training Time

—Ann Taylor

By Sandy Modell

King Street Cats is proud to be the only all-volunteer, cat-exclusive, no-kill rescue facility in Alexandria, Va. Because we are a free-roaming facility, you can come visit with the “cat-friendliest cats” in town.

To meet a King Street Cat, please email contact@kingstreetcats.org.

CHATHAM Male, Age 11 Mature boy is the ABSOLUTE, ULTIMATE LOVE BUG and will drape his arms around your neck to hug you

LITTLE BITS Female, Age 3 Beautiful, shy young girl has a heart of gold

POBLANO Male, Age 8 months Exotic looking kitten is shy but loves other feline friends

SADIE Female, Age 11 Sweet, loyal and devoted tabby girl seeks new purrson after owner’s health deteriorates.

SWEET PEA Female, Age 3 This beautiful sweetheart seeks a quiet, relaxing and loving home

TOBY Male, Age 1 year Adorable young boy has an engaging purrsonality

LOIS Female, Age 8 months Golden-eyed baby girl is sweet and gentle, would like a calm and accepting kitty friend

Contact Us at Kingstreetcats.org and We’ll Schedule a Safe and Convenient Appointment Where You Can Meet Your New Furry Friend(S!)

KING STREET CATS

25 Dove Street • Alexandria, VA 22314 www.kingstreetcats.org

76 ZEBRA PRESS

Training Your Dog is a Lifelong Journey

BY SANDY MODELL

ly that he will repeat them. But if we stop reAt the beginning of inforcing these behaveach year, the Associaiors, dogs commonly tion of Professional Dog will revert to normal, Trainers (APDT) probut inappropriate, dog claims January as Nabehaviors. tional Train Your Dog Teaching your dog Month. The campaign’s to be calm, greet peogoal is to raise owner ple politely, observe and societal awareness the environment withthat proper training and out reacting to it does socialization are critical not come naturally. By to dogs’ well-being in spending a little time general. each day training, capThe start of a new year turing, and reinforcing is the perfect time to fothe behaviors you want cus efforts on training will go a long way toyour puppy or dog. Reward building “default search shows that trainor automatic behaving and socializing dogs iors.” when they’re young can What are default bePhoto: Taylor Kopel reduce or even eliminate haviors? Default beFocus and attention. behavior problems in the haviors are behaviors future. If you didn’t get the dog offers automatstarted training your dog last more they do them, the more ically, without your having month, there is no better time they want to do them. to tell him. A default behavto get started than right now.

When dogs get to practice ior gives your dog an alternaTraining your dog is a life- bad behaviors, they are re- tive to unwanted behavior. It long journey. We don’t like hearsing them for the next makes him more confident the behaviors, such as barking, time. Remember, dogs will in situations that might othjumping, digging, pulling on do whatever works for them erwise cause him to be insethe leash, etc., that are all nor- until they are taught other- cure, confused, and less able mal dog behaviors. These be- wise. Once your dog learns to process information. haviors are also very self-re- a repertoire of good behavCONTINUED ON PAGE 77 inforcing, which means, the iors and skills, it is more like-

FEYNMAN Sometimes, only a tiny bit of a box is available as this cat proves. Says Alexandria owner Tara Kilfoyle, “This is our cat, Feynman, parking herself in a 1000-piece puzzle box, on top of the pieces!”

The next time your cat finds his or her way into a boxy predicament, snap a photo and send it to us. If we publish it, you will win a $25 gift card to an area retailer or restaurant.

Be sure to include your cat’s name, your name, and your home address in case you win (so we can mail you your prize!). Please send to editor@thezebrapress.com with CAT IN A BOX in the subject line, along with a descriptive sentence or two.

Tara just picked up a $25 gift card from Greenstreet Gardens in Alexandria!

CAT IN A BOX

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

TRAINING TIME

behavior from occurring again. This is true. But punishment doesn’t teach your dog what to do instead.

So get ready to start your lifelong journey with your dog, and let’s get training! Remember to make training time with your dog fun. Dogs are party animals, and their attention spans are short. By making training fun and interspersing play with training, you and your dog will enjoy the interactions much more. Your dog will look to you, rather than his environment, as the source of fun. And you will build a strong, positive relationship based on trust, cooperation, and love.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 76 For example, when you are on a walk, if your dog sees another dog or person walking, instead of lunging or barking or getting wildly excited, you can teach him to observe the situation and redirect his attention to you.

They sit or stand calmly on their own, without your saying, “sit, sit, sit,” to no avail. Even if the dog sits, he is usually working hard to contain himself.

Your dog may be sitting, but he is no calmer than before you asked him to sit.

One way to start building default behaviors is by “capturing” behaviors that you like. Sit down with some high-value treats (rewards) and wait for your dog to do something you like and would like to see repeated. When he sits or lies down on his own, is quiet and calm, looks at you, or just shows up, mark the behavior right when it happens with a clicker or verbal marker, such as the word “yes!” and then reward him with a pea-sized treat.

Courtesy photo

A Yorkie focused on her human.

It is quite simple. Associating good behaviors with reinforcement will increase the likelihood that your dog will repeat those behaviors. All living things will repeat rewarding behavior and avoid behavior that is not.

It’s easy for humans to focus on a dog’s bad behaviors because those are the behaviors that get our attention. Rather than focusing on behaviors you don’t want by correcting or

punishing your dog, think about what you want your dog to do instead, and give him plenty of opportunities to earn reinforcements.

Punishing your dog for “bad” behavior by yelling, spraying water, jerking the leash, or using physical force, forms negative associations that result in something unpleasant or even painful. You may argue that punishment then works because it stops the

Sandy Modell, CPDT-KA, is the Founder, Owner, and Head of Training at Wholistic Hound Academy, Alexandria’s award-winning, premier canine training and learning center -- offering classes and private lessons in puppy training, adult dog manners, behavior modification, agility, dog sports, and canine fitness and conditioning, kids and dogs, prepet planning and pet selection. Classes are starting soon! Visit www.wholistichound. com to enroll in our programs, and like us on Facebook.com/wholistichound and Instagram.com/wholistichound.

A I R D N A X THE ALE H T N O M E H T F O G DO JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

Meet Winston!

Winston is a three-year old Goldador (half Lab, half Golden Retriever) and even has his own Instagram! @winstonandthecity You can see in Winston’s eyes just how sweet an angel he is. He flies on airplanes with his owner and has lived all over the country! Born in DC, he was raised in Brooklyn, NY and spent a year in Texas during COVID! “Since September we have been Old Town’s newest residents and couldn’t love our town more,” writes owner Alyssa Clark.

Thanks to our sponsor, Tomabe Bandanas, Alex will be getting a custom bandana with his name on it, plus a Zebra dog bowl from us! If you think you have Alexandria’s next dog of the month, send us a great photo and a short story about why your dog should be chosen. Please submit to editor@thezebrapress.com with DOG OF THE MONTH in the subject line by the 15th of the month to be considered for the following edition.

Sponsored by Tomabe Bandanas Dog Bandanas handmade & personalized LOCALLY. Helping dogs in need Sales made thru Etsy@ejcraftsdesign

Alexandria PET SERVICES All-natural dog treats made by differently-abled young adults – a “pawfect combination”

www.pawfectlydelicious.org

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Since 1946, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria has been helping animals and people in Alexandria. From offering pet adoptions to reuniting lost animals with their families to spay and neuter assistance and more, it is an honor to be part of such an animal-loving community. Thank you for your support over the past 75 years and for the years to come!

AlexandriaAnimals.org 4101 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304 @AlexandriaAnimals

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@AlexAnimals

703-746-4774 @AlexAnimals

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