Zebra Press Magazine Alexandria March 2021 Digital Edition

GOOD NEWS IN ALEXANDRIA

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FOUNDED IN 2010

ALEXANDRA WONG: HER INSPIRING STORY OF OVERCOMING BULLYING AND HEARING LOSS

See Page 36

MARCH ’21 BLACK AND WHITE AND READ ALL OVER

14 ITALIAN WAR BRIDE CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY

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18 OLD TOWN NORTH: BLOSSOMING COMMUNITY

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STELLINA PIZZA OPENS IN SHIRLINGTON

FABBIOLI CELLARS: ROSÉS AND TAGALONGS

Christine Garner

Wishing you a safe and Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Rosemont • $925,000 Ideally located in much desired and sought after Rosemont! This 3 bedroom w “BONUS” rm, 2 bath home has a great fenced in yard, approx. 6,030 sq ft lot, open floor plan and lots of recent updates! The kitchen has been opened up and has 42” white cabinets ,ss, custom grey glazed subway tile and stone countertops. Recessed lighting & refinished wood floors. Dining room with built-in bench seating is great for multi purpose use! Huge living room with large picture window and wood burning fireplace. Lower level has just had a complete renovation! Huge recreation room with built-ins, ZOOM room, pantry and storage room.

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!!

Jefferson Park | SOLD Christine Represented the buyer!

Jefferson Park | SOLD Christine Represented the buyer!

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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MARCH 2021

Inside this Issue ARTS.........................................................38-45 ASSIGNMENT EDUCATION...........................58-59 BELOW THE BELTWAY.................................24-27 BUSINESS NEWS.............................................57 COMMUNITY NEWS.....................................4-27 COLUMNS: Agenda Alexandria.................................................. 10 Alexandria Archives................................................. 50 Alexandria Noir....................................................... 48 Art NewZ............................................................... 38 Book of the Month.................................................. 42 Cat in a Box............................................................ 68 Dog of the Month.................................................... 67 Eatz........................................................................ 29 In Z-Hood............................................................... 35 Letter to the Editor.................................................... 6 Memories and Musings............................................ 51 Obituaries............................................................... 23 On Exhibit............................................................... 39

Planet Friendly........................................................ 49

Scene Around Town................................................. 47

The Last Word (Formerly On Watch)......................... 65

Training Time........................................................... 66

Volunteer Alexandria............................................... 54

Z Movies................................................................ 40

Z-Oenology............................................................. 32

Z-Pick of the Month................................................ 46

Z-Theatre............................................................... 41 Z-TV...................................................................... 44

DEL RAY DOINGS............................................34 FOODIE NEWZ...........................................28-33 GIVING BACK.................................................52 OLD TOWN NORTH.................................... 18-22 PETS.........................................................66-70 PUZZLES.........................................................56 SENIOR LIVING..........................................60-61

MARCH ’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

PUBLISHER’S NOTES

That pesky groundhog stood up on February 2 and saw his shadow, and all of us shrugged our shoulders and said, oh well, six more weeks of winter. I can tell you I am beyond ready for the extended Winter of 2020-2021 to end. I feel like Winter started around March 7, 2020 when the world shut down and we started sheltering in place, washing down groceries, Lysol-ing our door handles, countertops and eventually all the people in our lives.

But I am seeing a blue sky of hope on our horizon as more and more of us get the vaccine and adopt the “mask up” lifestyle in public places Mary Wadland and do what needs to be done.

Someday major restrictions will be lifted, but in the meantime, we’ve learned to appreciate each other more.

We’ve realized how much we took for granted before all this started, and many small businesses and even fami-

lies have changed how they operate, introduced innovative ideas and in the end, I am hopeful we will realize so many of our adaptations have been for the good, and will stay in place.

It is with all of that hope in mind and all around us that I joyfully share this issue with you. It is chock full of inspirational and positive stories happening in schools, restaurants and Mom and Pop shops, and reminds me yet again that Alexandria is one special place, and we are all lucky to call it ours.

Thank you for being readers, and making our efforts matter here.

P.S. I HIGHLY recommend you sign up for a home subscription. We mail them these days! Be guaranteed of a copy every month. Visit thezebra.org/subscribe and choose MAIL!

In our January/February edition: In the January/February 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards issue, we omitted the header for BEST GIFT SHOP. The winner was Reunions Gift Shop at 1709 Centre Plaza in the Fairlington Shopping Center off Quaker Lane. In the past four years we have been conducting the survey, this is the third win for the beloved and beautiful store.

In that same issue, we forgot to insert the thank you ads for two of our other repeat winners, but both ads are in this edition for you to see. The Physical Therapy Zone, 127A N. Washington Street, picked up their third win for physical therapy; and Lonnie Rich, of Family First Law Group, 700 N Fairfax Street, was named Alexandria’s favorite attorney for the fourth year in a row.

MARCH 2021

Linda Hill/CEO lhill@thezebrapress.com

Z-TV 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

Alexandra Wong, Alexandria resident and freshman neuroscience student at Johns Hopkins University.

(Photo: Wong Collection)

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

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On the Cover:

Mina Forsythe Rempe Paginator and Designer

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Publication Date April 5 May 3

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

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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 FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE ORDER, OSHA ISSUES STRONGER WORKPLACE SAFETY GUIDANCE On his first full day in office, President Biden signed an executive order aimed at protecting workers from COVID-19 exposure. In response, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released stronger and clearer workplace safety guidance, the U.S. Department of Labor reported.

The resource, Protecting Workers: Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace, is the result of that effort. The document indicates that the most effective pro-

tection is maintaining a distance from others and wearing a surgical mask or cloth face covering. In addition, employers are encouraged to implement prevention programs with workers and their unions.

The following are the essential elements of a program: •Conduct a hazard assessment •Identify control measures to limit the spread of the virus •Adopt policies for employee absences that don’t punish workers as a way to encourage potentially infected workers to re-

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A New Ballgame: Sports Betting Legal in Virginia Through FanDuel BETTING IS ONLY AVAILABLE WITH MOBILE APP Enjoy watching sports?

Now, in Virginia, you can legally put money on games.

On Wednesday, the Virginia Lottery approved FanDuel for a license. The popular fantasy sports website, which began offering the option yesterday, is the only operator in the state permitted to up their game.

The news comes with one

caveat: Betting is only available on FanDuel’s mobile app.

When registering with the site, a pop-up asks if you want to participate in Fantasy or Sportsbook (betting).

The Virginia General Assembly approved sports betting in March 2020, setting a precedent for related companies who want to receive a license from the state.

Pixabay photo

Senior Services Virtual Gala to Honor Community Leaders On Saturday, March 13, Senior Services of Alexandria (SSA) will host the 2021 Virtual Annual Gala and Silent Auction from 6:30-8 p.m. Usually an in-person tradition, the event was cancelled last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

SSA’s purpose is to provide services and programs that help foster independence and allow elderly residents to age with dignity.

The gala will honor three individuals who have served the Alexandria community through their work, activism, and philanthropy. They are former mayor of Alexandria William D. Euille; Barbara Anderson, Esq.; and C. Eugene Steuerle.

SSA will also bestow a special honor to Kate Garvey, Director of the Department of Hu-

Pixabay photo

Sports betting is now legal in Virginia through FanDuel.

NEW PARK COMING TO ALEXANDRIA’S WEST END A new park, to be named Upland Park, will soon be coming to Alexandria’s West End. The Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Activities presented the proposed design to the Park and Recreation Commission

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Photo by Anthony Metcalfe on Unsplash

man and Community Services. Her leadership has helped determine how community agencies and nonprofits have responded during the pandemic.

To purchase an event ticket or express interest in a sponsorship, visit https://seniorservicesalex.org/news/gala.

Photo by Raúl Nájera on Unsplash

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MARCH 2021

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Yesterday, the Virginia House of Delegates passed legislation that adds domestic workers to the state’s Safety and Health Standards as well as the Virginia Workers Compensation Act. On Jan. 29, the House also passed the Virginia Human Rights Act, greatly expanding protections against discrimination for domestic workers. The act also revises the definition

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of an employer so that one or more workers are covered.

Now workers can know that their workplace must meet safety standards and that they can be free of harassment on the job. For the first time, they are eligible for workers compensation.

Last year, domestic workers were included in Virginia’s minimum wage laws, securing the first labor protections for a majority of the workforce.

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CITY OF ALEXANDRIA OFFERING FREE TAX PREP SERVICE The City of Alexandria is offering a free tax preparation service to certain residents. To qualify for assistance, taxpayers must have an income below $55,000. Both individuals and families who meet this requirement are eligible.

Volunteers from Community Tax Aid, Inc. will make sure that taxpayers apply for all applicable credits and deductions.

Starting Feb. 13 and running through April 10, appointments will be offered Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Department of Community and Human Services (2525 Mount Vernon Ave). Call 703-831-2918 to schedule an appointment.

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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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LETTER TO THE EDITOR IN HER OWN WORDS

Old Town’s Queen Bee Shares Cautionary Tale After Devastating Carjacking and Theft Hi Alexandria! Allison Priebe here, The Queen Bee of Queen Bee Designs in Old Town, with a cautionary tale I’d like to share. Sunday, February 7, was a big day in our community. We had just dodged a major ice and snowstorm that morning, it was Super Bowl Sunday, and most importantly for me as a business owner, it was Day 2 of The Alexandria Warehouse Sale. I was headed into the store at 1 p.m. and, because I didn’t want my hair to fall flat in the misty rain, I was still in hot rollers. I stopped briefly at the Liberty Gas Station on S. Patrick St. just across from West Marine to fill my car. (Anyone who knows me knows that I love a good deal. My go-to place for discounted gas has always been a Liberty Gas station.)

Before I could even get one gallon of gas in my SUV, a man slipped into the passenger side of my car and locked me out. I pounded on my driver side window for him to get the hell out of my car! I jumped on the car’s running board in my snow boots and began screaming at the top of my lungs for help and to call

Courtesy photo

Allison Priebe was robbed of cash, phone and vehicle in Old Town Alexandria.

911. He drove away pulling the gas line out of the tank, spraying gas and leaving me stunned. I ran inside the attendant’s office and pleaded for him to call the police, who arrived about 10 to 15 minutes later while I was on the gas station’s phone trying to track my car and my iPhone with my daughter, using the Life 360 app. After only six minutes, my phone had been shut off in Prince George’s County.

The police explained

the criminals were now in a different jurisdiction, and they put out an APB alerting law enforcement in Maryland that my white 2017 Lexus SUV license plate UNX9325 had been stolen.

But it wasn’t only my new car that had been stolen – all of my essential, personal items were also taken, including two winter coats, my laptop, purse, wallet, keys, cash from the big sale, donations to Goodwill, work portfolio, my journal, Ugg boots,

and on and on. I’ve been so busy with work I was basically living out of my car, like so many of us do without realizing it. After working my tail off for nearly two decades as a small business owner, I was barely making it through this new COVID era of retail. To say the loss was significant for me would be putting it mildly.

What did I do after the carjacking, attempting to track the car to no avail, working much of the afternoon with the police and closing all my bank accounts? I tucked my tail between my legs, went home, ate a baked potato, turned on the Super Bowl, popped a Xanax and went to sleep at 6:30.

The next morning, I woke up from the nightmare very angry and determined to track down whatever I could recover. My credit card had been used at a Target in District Heights and a Sunoco in National Harbor, and my laptop was almost sold at a computer chop shop on Marlboro Pike. My partner Ken and I drove to PG County to investigate all of those spots as we reported back to the Alexandria Police Department and Detective Boyd. When

our day was complete, we had to promise to leave the investigation to the proper authorities so we would not put ourselves in danger. I should consider myself lucky – I was not hurt, assaulted, or killed during the theft.

Therein lies the purpose of this detailed and personal account of my carjacking: I want to warn my community that this kind of thing can happen to anyone.

Carjackings, vehicle thefts, and break-ins are on the rise in the DMV and in many cities across the country. DC even created a Carjacking Task Force earlier this month to deal with the epidemic. Times are tough during the pandemic and some people are desperate.

We must be vigilant and remember to lock our doors at home and lock our cars even when pumping gas for less than sixty seconds. I had not realized the tracking devices in my car nor the tracking service through Sirius XM needed to be activated. I also tend to be a pack rat and carry more in my car than I should. Well, those days are over! My new mantra is “less is more.” Do not leave items

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Give Blood! Save A Life THE ZEBRA PRESS TO HOST BLOOD DRIVE APRIL 22 WITH INOVA BLOOD DONOR SERVICES

BY SUSAN FLEISCHMAN The Zebra Press is teaming up with INOVA Blood Donor Services and hosting a Blood Drive Thursday, April 22.

The INOVA Bloodmobile will be open at the Zebra’s corporate office at 2800 Eisenhower Avenue, from 10 am to 4 pm on Thursday, April 22.

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. According to INOVA, more than 200 units of blood and its components are required daily to support the diverse communities they serve.

Courtesy Monika Schiavo Courtesy INOVA

INOVA has a fleet of modern, self-contained bloodmobiles that accommodate eight to twelve donors

CONTINUED ON PAGE 49 per hour in a comfortable, pleasant, professional environment.

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Z-TV’s Monika Schiavo donated blood recently at an INOVA blood drive.

MARCH 2021

For Valentine’s Day, Alexandria Sheriff’s Office Shows Love to Seniors It’s important to show you care, and the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office did that for some of the city’s seniors. For Valentine’s Day, they delivered goodie bags to Meals on Wheels participants.

Deputies filled dozens of treat bags with Valentine cards, mini bottles of hand sanitizer, bookmarks, lip balm, refrigerator magnets with scam awareness tips, and a File of Life kit.

During their Meals on Wheels routes Feb. 12, Capt. Sean Casey, Investigator Victor Ignacio, and other volunteers surprised seniors with the gifts.

BEST PHYSICAL THERAPIST Coming Open H Soon o Our Exp use for ansio April 20 n in 21

The Physical Therapy Zone Photo courtesy Alexandria Sheriff’s Office

Captain Sean Casey (left) and Investigator Victor Ignacio surprised seniors with Valentine’s Day goodie bags.

127A N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314

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Follow us on Facebook www.Facebook.com/TheZebraPress Photo: M. Enriquez for Visit Alexandria

City of Alexandria Academy Now Accepting Applications LEARN ABOUT OUR CITY’S GOVERNMENT AND ITS DIFFERENT AGENCIES The City of Alexandria is now inviting residents to apply for its Academy programs. These programs are designed to teach how city government and its agencies work.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, sessions for Spring 2021 will be held virtually.

Participation is free. There are seven different choices.

Application deadlines are printed on each application.

Find program details online at https://thezebra. org/2021/02/17/city-of-alexandria-academy-now-accepting-applications.

SAFETY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 main home •Ensure that coronavirus policies and procedures are communicated to both English and non-English speaking workers •Implement protections

MARCH 2021

from retaliation for workers who raise coronavirus-related concerns While the guidance is not a standard or a regulation, it will continue to be updated as necessary to keep pace with evolving science, best practices, and standards. View the full document at www.osha. gov/coronavirus/safework.

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Alexandria Mindfulness Educator Helping Train Police Departments Nationwide

BY GRACE BILLUPS ARNOLD Police reform might be a controversial topic. Mindfulness, however, is not. Everyone can agree that being mindful, having control of your brain—your thoughts, reactions, and emotions—is conducive to a healthy lifestyle for both you and those around you.

So what happens when you pair the police force and mindfulness? That is precisely what Gina Rollo White and The Initiative aim to find out.

The Initiative, or The Initiative: Advancing The Blue & Black Partnership, was founded by a Howard University alumni group in 2020.

Photo: Sarah Marcella @smcimage

Photo: Sarah Marcella @smcimage

Gina Rollo White, founder of Mindful Junkie, specializes in Tactical Brain Training®, Mindfulness for First Responders.

Gina Rollo White leading training at Alexandria, VA Sheriff’s office

Its mission is to heal the community-police relationship and create safer communities

currences that tools are required to regulate reactions and emotions during and after traumatic situations. That it’s not common sense. So I went back to school.”

With a resume that includes working with leadership from police departments (CA: Manhattan Beach, Pasadena, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles; VA: Alexandria PD, Alexandria Sheriff’s Department), fire departments (CA: El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Pasadena, San Gabriel, Torrance), and special task force detectives (VA), delivering curriculum specifically tailored to those working in high trauma environments, Gina’s training caught The Initiative’s eye.

The Initiative developed a program to assess and train police officers in many facets: wellness training, bias training, de-escalation training, and developmental and organizational training. The program is designed as an online self-assessment and report card. Individuals within agencies download the program and take the assessment, which might look like an interview, a conversation, or an online, tool-based assessment.

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where respect and support are mutual. One way to facilitate safer communities is through the practice of mindfulness.

That’s where Alexandrian Gina Rollo White, founder of the not-for-profit company Mindful Junkie and creator of Tactical Brain Training ®, Mindfulness for First Responders, comes in.

Gina has a master’s degree in Mindfulness Education.

Through Mindful Junkie she conducts on-site and virtual training in mindfulness and tactical brain training for first responders in agencies across the country.

Growing up with two parents who were first responders, Gina experienced firsthand the repercussions of improper (or non-existent) outlets for trauma.

“I was raised in a household that had a lot of compassion for our community but was not properly trained in how to process the onthe-job trauma that occurred every day,” she says. “I realized through my own life oc-

Have You Found Your Spot in History?

The assessment then recommends areas of focus for each individual.

As part of the wellness segment, The Initiative partnered with LRN, an ethics and compliance solutions company, and Gina Rollo White to create a course for police departments on tactical brain strategies.

Each agency will have an online dashboard with 30-minute interactive modules and tools to track progress and reevaluation. Any individual within that agency can download and listen to any module on their computer or phone.

Gina explains, “The tactical brain strategies segment is a 30-minute interactive module including psychoeducation of stress and trauma: explaining how to train the brain through neural biology and mindfulness tools, teaching how to think and de-escalate in action, to respond versus react, and how to regulate emotional states.”

“We think officers could have some benefit in wellness course training. This course introduces strategies to regu-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Providing Alexandrians their final resting place since 1809

Plots and Niches available for purchase email cemetery@opmh.org or call 703-869-0872

Open to All Denominations

The Presbyterian Cemetery 600 Hamilton Lane Alexandria, VA, 22314

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Photo: Mindful Junkie

Gina Rollo White leading training with Los Angeles County PD & FD.

MARCH 2021

EDUCATOR CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 late emotional states in a trauma-sensitive way, planting the seed of mindfulness, with the hope that they will con-

tinue to learn about it more in-depth later,” she adds.

The Initiative is ready to pilot here on the east coast. But agencies, officers, and first responders across the country are already eager to begin.

“We wanted to create

something for first responders,” Gina says. “Their lives are very different than the average person. Agencies are excited. First responders are excited. I am excited. This is just the beginning.”

Zebra Press file photo

Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson

Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson Announces Bid for Re-Election “I’M RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION BECAUSE I BELIEVE THAT ALEXANDRIA CAN LEAD THE RECOVERY AND NOT JUST SURVIVE, BUT THRIVE”

BY KEVIN DAURAY Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson has announced his bid for re-election. If he wins, it will be his second term in office.

Wilson told The Zebra by email that if elected to another term, he and City Council will make it their number one priority to rebuild Alexandria’s economy. He said that will happen by investing in infrastructure, supporting children, and growing the economy.

“I’m running for re-election,” he said, “because I believe that Alexandria can lead the recovery and not just survive, but thrive.”

In June 2018, Wilson defeated then-Mayor Allison Silberberg in a democratic primary.

He has led during an unprecedented time in history. While they expected to deal with the Metro shutdown, City Council has obviously shifted focus during this term to address the current public health crisis, as well as its impact on human service and the local economy.

“It is very easy to govern in good times. Leadership is defined during tough times,” Wilson said. “My first stint on City Council was during the Great Recession, the worst financial challenge our City had

MARCH 2021

faced in generations. We are now facing a moment far more severe. I understand how to build coalitions to make the difficult choices required to protect our City’s future.”

Wilson’s time on City Council stretches back more than a decade. In 2007, he joined after a special election. Following a loss in 2009, he was reelected in 2012 and became Vice Mayor three years later.

He is proud that in his first term as mayor, City Council has worked together to improve Alexandria in various ways. This includes a plan for a new hospital at the redeveloped Landmark Mall site, the start of construction at Potomac Yard Metro, and budgeting funds for five new schools over the next decade.

The democratic primary for the mayoral and city council races is June 8. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Wilson is currently running with no opposition.

When asked about his platform for running, he said, “My focus will be as it always has been: investing in our infrastructure, ensuring the success of our kids and protecting the City’s economy.

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Old Blight, New Progress: Transformational Change in Old Town North

BY PAT MILLER Agenda Alexandria will hold its monthly online program discussing Old Town North on Monday, March 22, at 6:30 pm.

According to Val Hawkins, Agenda Alexandria chair, “Old Town North has been witnessing metamorphic change, evolving before our eyes over the last two decades.

Residential and mixed-use develop-

Nate Macek, Alexandria Planning Commissioner

ments including rental apartments, townhouses, condos, and retail uses scattered throughout.” Notable additions are the Harris Teeter at The Kingsley; the Gables Old Town North with apartments, restaurants, and retail built on the old Giant/ ABC Store site; and the abandoned Bus Barn site redevelopment now underway.

Hawkins further stated, “Developers are beginning to utilize the

Agnes Artemel, President, Old Town North Alliance

Arts District Designation of the Old Town North Small Area Plan. They are accommodating MetroStage with the Carr Company condo conversion of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and constructing The Muse at 1201 North Royal Street, which will have an Art League component.”

Hilco Redevelopment Partners, the new owners of the shuttered GenOn power plant site, have submitted to the Planning Commission

Mary C Harris, President, NOTICe, North Old Town Independent Citizens Association

a proposal to subdivide the 25-acre parcel.

According to Hawkins, “all of this will be discussed in-depth on this program. Join Agenda Alexandria’s panel of experts (shown below) in a discussion of this extraordinary transformational change.”

For more information and to register, go to www.eventbrite.com and search for Agenda Alexandria.

Christina Mindrup, Vice President, Commercial Real Estate - Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, Inc.

Austin Flaiser, President & CEO - Carr Companies

Photo courtesy Alexandria Library

Barrett Branch

Alexandria Library Using Mobile Apps to Give Patrons Catalog and Magazine Access

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

10 ZEBRA PRESS

Library access is now available everywhere you go. Alexandria Library launched its new mobile app, making their whole catalog and more available on your smartphone. They have also moved digital magazine access to the Libby app.

“During the pandemic, access to digital resources are crucial.

We want the library to be easily accessible whenever and wherever people need access to our staff and rich resources,” said the library’s executive director, Rose Dawson.

Through the the library’s app, patrons can place holds, renew checkouts, locate a branch, and register for events. The Libby app offers a vast selection of magazines. Browse for offerings or search for your favorites. Best of all, there are no waitlists or holds.

To download the library’s app, go to alexlibraryva.org/ using a smartphone or tablet browser. To download Libby, visit overdrive.com/apps/libby.

MARCH 2021

PARK

loop, and promenade.

Upland Park Developers is in charge of the design and construction of the area. It will be built in two phases. View the presentation at https://www.alexandr iava.gov/uploadedFiles/ recreation/info/UplandParkDesignPRC21Jan2021.pdf.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 in January.

Upland Park, measuring 0.8 of an acre, will include a variety of amenities. Besides a play area, the design includes a dog run, seating, walking

Residents are welcome to provide feedback to the Planning Commission during its meeting on March 2.

City Council will also hold a public hearing on March 13, during which the matter will open for discussion.

Photos: Grace Billups Arnold

Many restaurants have taken advantage of the relaxed outdoor dining regulations in Alexandria, setting up tables in streets, parking spots, and on sidewalks

Outdoor Dining and Carry-Out Cocktails!

THEY’RE GETTING A LONGER LEASE ON LIFE IN ALEXANDRIA

BY GRACE BILLUPS ARNOLD

extending permissions until July 1, 2022. That legislation has passed the House of Delegates and been approved by committee for a Senate vote.

For many restaurants, cocktails are a primary source of revenue. When dining in-

On March 30, 2020, Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson and Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney asked Virginia Governor Ralph Northam to extend the deadline for alcohol license renewals and extend permission for carry-out cocktails.

On April 8, 2020, Governor Northam issued Executive Directive 10, which defers alcohol license renewals for 90 days from each license holder’s original date of expiration. It also alPhoto: Courtesy of Bill Blackburn, Homegrown Restaurant Group lows off-premise Tequila and Taco has much success selling sale and service carry-out cocktails like these mason jar marof cocktails by garitas, thanks to relaxed regulations. restaurants and distilleries. ED10 remains in force until Execu- doors is restricted—or in tive Order 51, the declaration many cases, eliminated—that of a state of emergency due to income stream dries up. BeCOVID-19, expires on June cause restaurants and restau10, 2021. rant sales affect so many lives, Recognizing that the pan- this legislation has broad supdemic crisis is unlikely to be port across the Commonover by June, the Virginia wealth.

General Assembly is, as of this writing, in the final stages of

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MARCH 2021

THE ZEBRA PRESS

11

Alexandrians Are De-Stressing During the Pandemic HOW MIGHT NOT BE YOUR FIRST GUESS.

BY GRACE BILLUPS ARNOLD After a year like 2020, everyone needs some serious self-care. One might initially think of the classics: a massage, a facial, a vacation. But one self-care practice that might not be your immediate thought—but absolutely should be—is acupuncture.

One of Alexandrians’ favorite local self-care establishments is Caring Acupuncture, on Eisenhower Avenue, founded in 2017 by Dr. Tetsuhiro Ueno, L. Ac. Caring Acupuncture won Zebra’s Reader’s Choice Award for Best Acupuncturist in 2020.

Dr. Ueno worked at an integrative medical clinic for ten years before deciding to open

his practice. Originally from Japan, Dr. Ueno explains his professional path, “My first job brought my wife and me from Japan to Washington D.C. in 1999. One day we visited an acupuncture clinic recommended by our friend.

It was a small clinic with one

acupuncturist accompanied by his wife and dog. My wife and I said to each other, ‘This is nice! We might be able to

do this!’ Now I am so happy to have changed professions because I can feel patients’

Photo: Sachiko Ueno

From the right: Dr. Mark Badzislaw, Dr. Tetsuhiro Ueno, and Dr. Taejean Converti are happy to help Alexandrians care for themselves at Caring Acupuncture.

happiness directly when I help them.”

Today, two acupuncturists, each having finished doctoral programs in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, and two friendly receptionists, one of whom is Dr. Ueno’s wife, Sachiko, work alongside Dr. Ueno. Although their dogs can’t come to the clinic, Dr. Ueno and Sachiko have achieved their dream.

Acupuncture helps improve multiple states of being: mental, physical, and emotional.

Acupuncture treatment is relaxing, not painful, and helps many conditions such as pain, stress, insomnia, anxiety/depression, infertility, digestive issues, weight management,

CONTINUED ON PAGE 55

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2111 Eisenhower Ave, Suite 402, Alexandria, VA 22314

703-717-9088 | caringacupuncture.com Photo: Sachiko Ueno

Cupping therapy is another self-care technique which increases blood flow into muscle tissue to aid recovery. It is used to treat localized pain, as in the neck, back, or face.

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MARCH 2021

Courtesy of Rebuilding Together

In November, Rebuilding Together received a grant from Lowe’s to help veterans in their homes. This project in D.C. included gutter, vent, and carpet repair.

Keeping Alexandria’s History Alive Through the Pandemic

Mistakes are the portals of discovery.

—James Joyce

QUOTABLES

BY GRACE BILLUPS ARNOLD Serving five Alexandria zip codes, Rebuilding Together is maintaining Alexandria’s history amidst the pandemic. Rebuilding Together is a D.C.-based 501c3 nonprofit specializing in repairing homes for low-income homeowners, thereby revitalizing communities and rebuilding lives. This year it has had to rebuild its business strategy.

The company offers construction and repairs to the residents in Alexandria and D.C. who need it most and at no cost to the homeowners.

Rebuilding Together usually works with large companies for funding and holds a massive annual volunteer event that draws over 1,000 volun-

Photos courtesy of Rebuilding Together

CONTINUED ON PAGE 50 Photos at right: No job is too big or too small for Rebuilding Together.

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THE ZEBRA PRESS

13

Ada Nelson celebrates her 100th birthday at The Hermitage in Alexandria.

Ada’s son, Alessandro, sent his mother a bouquet of 99 red roses for her 99th birthday.

Alessandro sent his mother a golddipped rose to complete last year’s bouquet of 99.

An Italian War Bride Celebrates a True Milestone Birthday

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Ada Nelson was born in Rome, Italy, in 1920. On Sunday, December 27, 2020, she celebrated her centennial birthday here in Alexandria.

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14 ZEBRA PRESS

Photos: Daria Nelson

Bob and Ada Nelson on their wedding day.

special one-century woman.

Ada’s close friend Betty Peebles spoke recently about their friendship and the details of the upcoming party.

“She’s absolutely lovely, dramatically beautiful, sophisticated. She lit up my life,” said Betty. “So whatever we can do to make her happy, we are going to do.”

Upon meeting her, the first thing Ada will say is, “If you’re asking me what I did to get here, I did nothing in particular. But it could be my Mediterranean diet and my love of pasta in any shape or form.” Ada never thought she would make it this far. She claims she “just lived normally,” but by conventional standards, she’s had anything but a normal life.

Born in an old part of the ancient city of Rome, Ada spent most of her childhood with her au pair, Ms. Gannon, from whom she learned English at the age of six. Ada attended boarding school in Florence, Italy, until the age of 17.

Then came World War II, bringing strife and devastation to Italy and the world, but not all was to be for the worst. During the war years, Ada met her husband, Robert Nelson. They met at a party.

He was a dapper American Army officer; she was a beautiful young lady. Both were seeking a reprieve from the hardships of the war, and they found it within each other.

They married in 1947. “We couldn’t wait,” says Ada. The Nelsons moved to Wilmington, Delaware, and had a son, Alessandro. They soon took their son back to live in Rome and, in 1958, had a daughter, Daria. The

family grew together in Italy until Daria came to the U.S. to attend the University of Virginia. In 1979, after Daria’s graduation, Ada and Bob moved to Lexington, Virginia, to be closer to her. In 1992, they moved to Alexandria.

“Lexington was quaint and pastoral, but Mom is a city gal,” says Daria, “We love Old Town, and up to her 80s, Mom would take the DASH bus to downtown to get the feel of city life.”

Last year, in the city Ada has called home for almost three decades, the family rang in her 99th birthday with a big bash. Ada’s son and other family members came from Italy. Alessandro gave his mother a bouquet of 99 longstem red roses.

This year, for obvious reasons, both the city and the party looked different. For Ada’s centennial, a few close friends and family, including daughter Daria, granddaughter Nathalie, and friend Betty, held a socially distanced celebration at The Hermitage.

The party ensued with a sheet cake, flowers, gifts, myriad birthday cards from friends who could not attend, and video-chatting with Alessandro and his family. But Alessandro managed to surprise Ada with one gold-dipped, long-stem rose and matching pin to round out last year’s bouquet of 99 roses.

While this anything-butnormal year of 2020 called for an unconventional celebration, still Ada proclaims, “It was a beautiful party. I am very grateful for my family and friends near and far.”

MARCH 2021

Spreading Lasagna Love in Alexandria Photos: Helyett Alvarez

At left: Another chef surprised a client with dessert.

Below: Rhiannon Menn (founder of Lasagna Love) preps lasagna with her daughter, Cimorene.

Below: Lasagnas are easy to bake in bulk, so the love can be spread.

Photo: Jane Wladar

Above: One chef makes homemade sauce with fresh basil from her own plant.

Photo: Rhiannon Menn

BY GRACE BILLUPS ARNOLD Since the beginning of the pandemic, Lasagna Love has been providing pasta, positivity, and, well, love across America. Founded in 2020 in San Diego, California, by mother and chef Rhiannon Menn, Lasagna Love started with the goal of helping moms impacted by the pandemic.

Today, Lasagna Love has spread across 47 states, coast to coast. In the greater Alexandria area, Lasagna Love counts 120 volunteer chefs who are cooking for countless others.

The concept is simple: chefs, home bakers, anyone can volunteer to cook a lasagna. Moms, dads, children, parents, families, anyone can request or nominate someone to receive a lasagna. Chefs are matched with recipients.

They coordinate a delivery time and place and, voila, love spreads through lasagna.

Lasagna Love can accommodate some food allergies or restrictions. Some chefs have had to get creative with gluten-free noodles, zucchini noodles, and dairy-free cheese.

I spoke with some of Lasagna Love’s volunteer chefs in Alexandria as they shared their stories, processes, and passions for creating good food for good people.

Eileen Murphy said, “What I enjoy about it is getting the whole family involved. I have an 11-year-old and an 8-yearold, and we make it a team

MARCH 2021

effort. The boys enjoy the opportunity to cook, and to know what they’re doing is important to someone else.”

Full-time teacher and parttime lasagna chef Rebecca Culbreth said, “I was matched with a healthcare worker who had been in an accident and was trying to work as many hours as possible but truly was not well. I resonated with this person because of the timing of everything. When you think about human nature, anytime there’s grief, there’s always food. Food is love.”

“It’s not always about whether you can’t afford it.

You might just need a break,” Eileen added.

“I love that the philosophy of this is straight from the heart. No questions asked. If you need a meal, we will be happy to make it for you. You don’t have to earn it,” Maria Wasowski said.

Rhiannon started Lasagna Love from just that—lasagna and love. Thanks to the power of social media, Lasagna Love now counts 15,000 volunteer chefs nationwide.

In November 2020, it earned 501c3 nonprofit status.

Social media has the power to unite and empower, or simply to comfort people.

The Alexandria chefs rave about the support they receive in the Lasagna Love Facebook group. Eileen said, “Somebody posted about their being a chef and that they owned a sauce company, so they provided people with all sorts of sauces. This group not only spreads goodness but also cre-

ates opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses.”

Rebecca said, “It’s a ripple effect. Kindness is contagious, after all.” Lasagna Love allows Alexandrians who want to make an impact a new, simple, and direct way to do it. “It doesn’t have to be a Herculean effort. Just mak-

ing a meal is a contribution to the bigger picture,” said Volunteer Helyett Alvarez.

Food insecurity is a global problem that the pandemic has exacerbated. Maria concludes, “The pandemic was a good catalyst for this, but Lasagna Love is not going away.

It is only getting started.”

These chefs, volunteers,

teachers, parents, and families are proving that lasagna is the ultimate comfort food and, more important, that a little love goes a long way.

If you are interested in volunteering for, donating to, or requesting from Lasagna Love, visit www.lasagnalove. org.

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THE ZEBRA PRESS

15

Courtesy photo

Alexandria’s Apothecary Named Newest National Historic Landmark ONLY 21 NEW SITES RECOGNIZED NATIONWIDE

BY MARY WADLAND Alexandria’s Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary at 105 N. Fairfax Street is big news these days because it’s now recognized as a bonafide real National Historic Landmark.

Revealed on January 13, 2021, the Secretary of the Interior designated 21 new historic sites which illustrate important aspects of American history and represent a diverse array of historic periods, cultural groups, property types, and archeological sites from across the nation.

The museum was nominated for its contributions to fields of business and science, within the theme of developing the American economy. As noted in the nomination, “The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Shop is nationally significant in the history of pharmacy in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, particularly the evolution of drug stores and the changing role of pharmacists.”

According to Director of Historic Alexandria Gretchen Bulova, “This National Historic Landmark designation reflects the Stabler-Leadbeater’s Apothecary’s place in the history of medicine in the United States.

We are honored to receive this special recognition for the Apothecary Museum on behalf of the historic preservation efforts of Alexandria residents since the 1930s to preserve this important site.”

Want to Know a Bit More?

Here’s the backstory. Edward Stabler came to Alexandria after ap-

16 ZEBRA PRESS

Photo: Lillis Werder

prenticing in the apothecary business with his brother in Leesburg, Virginia. A devout Quaker and savvy businessman, he rented space in 1792 near the corner of S. Fairfax and Prince Streets to start his business. In 1805, Stabler purchased the land at 107 S. Fairfax Street and built the present-day three-story brick building for his thriving apothecary business. By 1829, he had purchased 105 S. Fairfax and incorporated the building into his operation.

The typical products Stabler sold included medicine, farm and garden equipment, surgical instruments, dental equipment, soap, perfume, Congress mineral water, window glass, paint and varnish, artists’ supplies, combs, and brushes.

By 1806, Stabler began traveling extensively to Quaker church

meetings throughout the region, often leaving his apprentices and oldest son William to run the business in his absence. After his father’s death in 1831, the business passed to William. Keeping with the family-run tradition, William brought several of his brothers and also his brother-in-law, John Leadbeater, into the business. After William’s death in 1852, John Leadbeater, a trained apothecary and dentist, purchased the business from William’s widow, as the couple had no children, and changed the name of the business from William Stabler and Brother to John Leadbeater.

In 1865, the business was operated by John’s son Edward and soon supplied to nearly 500 pharmacies throughout the Washington, DC, area. At its peak, the Leadbeaters employed 12 salesmen throughout Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina to promote their wholesale and mail order businesses.

The company operated in 7 buildings in Alexandria, including the two main buildings on Fairfax Street, offices on King Street, warehouses on Lee and Prince Streets, and an office in Washington, DC. The financial strain of new regulations and competition from chain drug stores caused the business to seek bankruptcy protection in 1916.

Despite reorganizing, the shop again declared bankruptcy in May 1933. The business closed amid the financial collapse of the Great Depression and the death of its final owner, Edward Stabler Leadbeater, Jr.

When Did It Become a Museum?

Spurred into action to save the historic collection for future generations, a plan was crafted by concerned Alexandria citizens and the American Pharmaceutical Association to purchase the collection and archives with private buyers. The majority of the contents and archives were purchased at auction on July 19, 1933, by L. Manuel Hendler, a Baltimore ice cream merchant with an affinity for the history of pharmacy. The following year, the newly formed Landmarks Society of Alexandria purchased the buildings at auction. Hendler then donated the contents and archives to the Landmarks Society.

With the buildings and collection secured, the structures were returned to their 18th century appearance by noted restoration architect, Thomas Tileston Waterman. The museum was officially reopened in 1939, free of charge thanks to the financial support of the American Pharmaceutical Association. After an extensive renovation adding a fire suppression system, and restabilizing the structure, the Landmarks Society donated the museum and its contents to the City of Alexandria in November of 2006.

Besides the Apothecary, one additional site in Virginia was designated - the Patsy Cline House in Winchester, VA.

MARCH 2021

Photo: Michael and Brandy Reber

Above: The inspiration came from this fort built in 1985 by Michael Reber (second from right, red hat, green jacket) and siblings.

At left: From left: Casey Foster, Michael Reber, Cruz Reber, Chaz Reber, Casen Reber, Brian Foster.

Photo: Brandy Reber

Snow Fort on Commonwealth Stirs Community in a Good Way

BY GRACE BILLUPS ARNOLD On Monday, February 1, a trio of brothers, Chaz, Cruz, and Casen Reber, along with friend Casey Foster, began rolling snowballs for a neighborhood snowman. As the snowballs began to get bigger and heavier, they recruited the help of their dads, Mi-

chael Reber and Brian Foster.

Michael suddenly remembered the time in 1985 when he and his friends built a snow fort. After some reminiscing (and a little convincing), all the boys were on board.

The group started stacking snowballs higher and higher, until what they described as a “teepee” took shape.

The final snowball was placed on top of the “teepee” to seal the fort. An impressive structure, the snow fort stood about six feet high, with a small, kids-only opening in the front.

Brandy Reber, Michael’s wife and mother of the Reber boys, said, “They were out there for about three

hours rolling snowballs and constructing [the fort]. They were out there working hard the whole time.”

Brandy’s middle son, Cruz, exclaimed that his arms were sore at the end.

People were driving by to admire, and even play in the snow fort, once word got out in the neighborhood and then

photos were shared on social media.

Brandy says, “It’s been so fun and rewarding just watching out the window. Cars stop, people get out and take pictures, lots of kids climb on it, sit on it, get inside it. It really has just been so fun to see the people in the community enjoying it.”

What Was That Snow Duck Sculpture in Oronoco Bay Park All About?

BY GRACE BILLUPS ARNOLD On daily walks over the last four years, two local Alexandrians, Robert Dougherty and Kirsten Jacobson, have noticed three inseparable ducks, of three separate species, that reside in Oronoco Bay Park. A white duck, a grey duck, and a male Mallard.

“They live next to the water park year-round, including winter. So part of our daily walks also included seeing what the trio were up to,” says Robert.

Growing fond of the waterfowl, Robert and Kirsten felt the trio needed names.

They chose Al (Mallard), Lex (white), and Andria (grey), in honor of their beloved city.

In the summer of 2020, after the lingering effects of a hurricane blew through the area, Lex disappeared.

MARCH 2021

“Lately it’s only been Al and Andria,” says Robert.

“They still follow one another around.”

So when the first big snow came down in Alexandria Monday, February 1, Robert decided to pay homage to Lex by sculpting the Snow Duck, which he named Lex Jr. Robert says, “We wanted to enjoy the snow since

CONTINUED ON PAGE 55

Photos: Robert Dougherty

Above: Robert Dougherty with Lex Jr. At right: The Snow Duck Sculpture, named Lex Jr., honors lost duck, Lex.

THE ZEBRA PRESS

17

Old Town North: The Seeds of Yesteryear Transform as Community Blossoms

BY MARGARET TOWNSEND If you ask any resident or business owner in Old Town North what makes this nook of Alexandria so special, you’ll likely hear a lot about ‘’history” and “community.”

Let’s find out why.

Before 1947 and the establishment of the Potomac Riv-

Courtesy of Bruce Machanic

Above: Since the mid-nineties, the Montgomery Center has been a hub for small, local businesses in Old Town North.

At left: Today it is home to beloved River’s Edge Yoga, Wheel Nuts Bike Shop, Extra Perks Coffee Shop and Café, and more!

Laura Hatcher Photography

er Power Plant, much of Old Town North was agrarian. In the late 1800s to early 1900s, it was also slightly industrial, providing employment for those who lived in Old Town North. Over the years the neighborhood continued to evolve to meet the needs of residents and small business owners, all while preserving and parading its history.

Center was home to Teledyne Geotech, a company tasked with monitoring seismic activity of Soviet nuclear testing worldwide. In fact, that data was stored on tapes right here in Old Town North. You might be more familiar with the division of Teledyne Geotech that makes

“water-piks,” the popular water-based flossing system.

The Montgomery Center had other unique tenants as well. Have you ever noticed the funky, wide-open, pushed-back entrance to the Art League School Madison Annex on North Fairfax street, the one that is about the size of a car? Fun fact: It used to be a car wash.

Since 1976, the Montgomery Center has been owned

by MRE Properties, based in Annapolis, Maryland. MRE President Bruce Machanic explained that the neighborhood used to be primarily commercial office space, but there were a few residential properties including the Port Royale Condominiums, The Alexandria House and Canal

A Budding Flower Begins to Bloom

A Mid-Century Mecca A cornerstone of Old Town North is the Montgomery Center, affectionately known as the “coolest block in town,” by its tenants and patrons. The building encompasses the entire square block between North Fairfax, North Royal, Madison, and Montgomery streets.

Originally developed as warehouse space built in phases starting in the early 1950s, additional secondfloor offices were added in the early 1970s. During the Cold War, The Montgomery

18 ZEBRA PRESS

Way. There was very little retail or fine dining, but there was one club called Fleetwood’s, owned by none other than Mick Fleetwood of the famous rock band Fleetwood Mac at the foot of Montgomery Street, one block up from the Potomac River. Fleetwood’s closed in 1996, but Old Town North has always found a way to rock on.

North Washington Street in the early 60s going north onto the GW Parkway.

Courtesy photo

In 1992, the City of Alexandria updated the Old Town North Small Area Plan (OTNSAP), which prioritized economic development and placemaking, and formed the Old Town North Community Partnership (OTNCP) to aid in the implementation of the new plan.

The partnership was instrumental in working with the City of Alexandria on improvements to Old Town North that would celebrate the neighborhood and all those in it. Those improvements included Montgomery Park, the hub of the neighborhood, as well as a year-round Thursday Farmer’s Market, a Summer Concert Series, and the annual Taste of Old Town

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 MARCH 2021

Courtesy photo

Acts like Janis Joplin, Lou Reed and Alice Cooper performed at the old Alexandria Roller Rink which stood at 805 N. St. Asaph from 1948 to 1979.

MARCH 2021

THE ZEBRA PRESS

19

Laura Hatcher Photography

“Buried beneath this stone lies lock #3 of the Alexandria Canal,” reads the Alexandria Canal plaque. The Alexandria Canal connected the Harbor of Alexandria with the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in Georgetown D.C. It used to run right through Old Town North.

OLD TOWN NORTH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 North.

Old Town North continued to blossom, adding new residential properties, restaurants, arts organizations, and retail, as well as a mixture of small, locally owned businesses including Wheel Nuts

Bike Shop, operating here for over 20 years, Seichou Karate, and Metro Stage, Alexandria’s only professional theater company.

In 2017 the OTNSAP was updated again, designating Old Town North as Alexandria’s Arts and Cultural District. Despite the current pandemic, the arts and culture of this newly designated district

found a way to persevere. The Taste of Old Town North was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19, but it has been reimagined for Spring 2021 as a two-month stroll through the neighborhood, with a percentage of the ticket sales benefiting the local nonprofit ALIVE!

CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

Take your practice to the river 571-218-2161 Offering virtual and hybrid classes riversedgeyoga.com info@riversedgeyoga.com 300 Montgomery St., #201, Alexandria, VA, 22314

20 ZEBRA PRESS

QUOTABLES

A little fire that warms is better than a big fire that burns.

—Irish proverb

MARCH 2021

OLD TOWN NORTH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

A Year to Persevere Café 44 opened at the Canal Center Plaza in 2017.

With beautiful views from its dining balcony four floors above the Potomac River, Café 44 quickly became a popular spot for happy hour, and its innovative menu delighted Alexandria’s restaurant-loving residents. For a couple of years, Café 44 enjoyed a burgeoning business, until COVID-19 showed up and upended everything.

new concept, Bar 44, on that picturesque rooftop terrace at Café 44.

In addition to neighborhood support, government aid packages like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan program and Alexandria Back to Business grants (ALX B2B)—both designed to financially support small business—made it possible for Café 44 and other businesses to keep the majority of their staff employed.

The truth is, because of that vital neighborhood and government support, more new restaurants are opening up in Old Town North.

Laura Hatcher Photography

The popular St. Elmo’s of Del Ray has opened a second location in Old Town North, with a chic layout, and delicious menu.

Though times have been tough and unpredictable for all, Jula Jane, President and CEO of Café 44, has been humbled by the amazing support she and her staff have received from the local community.

Visit Alexandria’s annual and beloved Restaurant Week looked different this year, of course, due to the pandemic. Even though it had to be transformed into a To-Go promotion, restaurants were still grateful for the opportunity to participate. In fact, Jula said she thought it was Café 44’s best Restaurant Week ever, and that “at the end of the two-week-long event, Executive Chef Nicki Schmelzer basically collapsed from exhaustion, but with a smile on her face.” Jula was so encouraged by the community’s support of her business that she is launching a

MARCH 2021

Welcome to the Neighborhood Anew New to the neighborhood are the owners of St. Elmo’s Old Town North, now open on Montgomery Street. Larry and Christine Ponzi are delighted with the warm welcome they have received from members of the community.

“People would stop in to say ‘Hi’ and ‘Thank you for doing this’ while we were preparing to open the new space,” said Larry and Christine.

Similar to the vibe in their Del Ray location, the Ponzis had a vision of creating a space for the community to gather and enjoy a simple meal and conversation with friends.

As COVID restrictions ease, Christine and Larry hope to add music and poetry readings at St. Elmo’s Old Town

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Laura Hatcher Photography

This sculpture represents the entire Alexandria Canal.

THE ZEBRA PRESS

21

OLD TOWN NORTH

“The Old Town North Community Partnership is an organization of residents, small, local businesses, and employees working to create a vital, vibrant community in Old Town North,” says oldtownnorth.org.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 North to further that vision.

Traveling Through Time

Looking Forward The days are beginning to get longer and spring is looming on the horizon. It won’t be long til the crocuses appear, and forsythia and daffodils vie to be the most joyful yellow of the season. For Alexandria and indeed all of the country, hope springs eternal in the form of COVID vaccines this year. And among all the new growth, the flower that is Old Town North will begin to bloom again.

Photos courtesy of Margaret Townsend

Courtesy of Kevin Windmiller

There are three civic organizations working to support this vibrant, walkable community: the previously mentioned OTNCP, The North Old Town Independent Citizens Association (NOTICe), and the Old Town North Alliance (OTN Alliance).

In fact, the folks at NOTICe had a thought. “What were the people who lived, worked, and owned businesses in Old Town North up to in 1920?” Both Mary Harris, president of NOTICe, and Trevor Riley, Event Chair of NOTICe, wanted to find out what life was like here 100 years ago. They did their research and came up with The NOTICe Time Capsule: 100 Years Ago in Old Town North.

Hosted by Mary Harris, The NOTICe Time Capsule event will take place Thursday, March 4, at 7:00 pm, live via Zoom. In addition to being president of NOTICe,

Mary is an amateur genealogist, and she will introduce some of Old Town North’s residents from 100 years ago.

Archeologist and lecturer Pam Cressey, former city archeologist for the City of Alexandria, will also take part in the event. Pam’s work throughout the years has helped Alexandria document and interpret its history over this century. The NOTICe Time Capsule is a true chance to learn about who worked and lived in Old Town North an entire century ago.

The event is free and open to NOTICe members and neighbors near and far. Register to attend at noticealexandria.org.

Courtesy of Niki Van

Old Town North has aged beautifully throughout the centuries, and it will only continue to do so.

22 ZEBRA PRESS

Above top: The Old Town North Farmer’s Market is year-round, every Thursday.

Above: The Taste of Old Town North has been modified for 2021.

MARCH 2021

OBITUARIES Hard Times Café General Manager Dies from COVID-19: Go Fund Me Supports Family

BY GRACE BILLUPS ARNOLD On Friday, March 19th, Mike Dankwa, beloved husband, father, and General Manager at Hard Time Café Alexandria, passed away from COVID-19. Cindy MacIntyre, along with Hard Times Café owner Richard Kelly, have organized a Go Fund Me to help pay for Mike’s funeral, as well as support his family in the times to come.

Mike leaves behind his wife and three children (a college student, a high school senior, and an elementary school student) in Virginia, and his mother in Ghana.

Originally from Ghana, Mike came to America and attended George Mason University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. In 2002, he began working at Hard Times Café as an assistant manager. He quickly worked his way up to General Manager.

“As a manager, Mike was firm and consistent. He was a good friend and listener, and always helpful. He was always out and about in the community,” says Lorna King, a manager at Hard Times Café Alexandria.

Lorna details Mike’s passing as a “shock,” as she and two other managers step up to the difficult task of filling his role.

Photo: Cindy MacIntyre, Go Fund Me campaign.

Mike Dankwa, General Manager at Hard Times Café in Alexandria, passes away from COVID-19. Cindy MacIntyre has set up a Go Fund Me page to help support the family he leaves behind.

“His passing was very sad and very unexpected,” Lorna continues. “Everyone will miss his presence.”

Carol Palmateer, a previous employee of six years under Mike, expresses the gravity of losing that presence, “He wasn’t just my boss.

He became a very dear friend.

What breaks my heart is through his month long battle in the hospital, his family was not allowed to be with him. It is a heartbreaking and tremendous loss for his

hoto: John Porter

Hard Times Café was founded in 1980 by Fred Parker and quickly became an anchor establishment on Upper King Street in Old Town.

family, friends, and employees.”

Mike loved his family, his work, and playing golf and hockey.

Mike’s family, friends, and colleagues ask for whoever to donate

whatever they can. The goal is $50,000; $1,755 has already been donated. You can contribute here: gofundme.com/f/mike-dankwamemorial-and-family-fund

IN MEMORIUM

Beloved Alexandria Police Dog Gave His All The Alexandria Police Department announced the passing of retired K-9 Czekaj (Chek-eye).

Czekaj, a beloved member of the department, served from 2012-2019. He was partnered with Officer Robert Egan.

Czekaj was certified in Patrol work and Narcotics Detection. In the course of his career, his patrol work led to the arrests of over a dozen people suspected of committing crimes. His detection abilities led to the location and seizure of more than $250,000 in controlled substances,

currency and property related to the distribution of narcotics.

In 2018, “Czek,” as he was affectionately known, and Officer Egan placed second in the region in the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) Narcotics Detector trials. They also placed second in the national trials.

Czekaj was 10.5 years old, and will be sorely missed.

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER | twitter.com/ZebraAlexandria MARCH 2021

THE ZEBRA PRESS

23

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

One Family Discovers How to “Be The Good”

NEIGHBORHOOD FOOD DRIVE FEEDS THOUSANDS THROUGH NETWORK OF VOLUNTEERS

BY SUSAN FLEISCHMAN Last summer, Alexandria residents Amber and Sterling Marchand were quarantined at home with their four young children. After reading about so many families suffering with food insecurity, they decided to hold a food drive in their neighborhood.

Amber said, “We put a box outside our house and let friends and neighbors know we were collecting nonperishables. The box filled immediately.” They continPhoto: Jay Bruce Photo: Jay Bruce Photo: Dougie Fowler ued collecting and Foster Marchand, 8, packs food for the Be The Sterling and Amber Marchand pack food for the Be The Good sign greets volunteers outside Be The Good Project with Milo, their youngest of during food delivery. people continued do- Good Project.

4 children. nating.

Eventually, the Marchands discovered Martha’s Table, a longtime point, the Marchands had assembled The sandwich drive took off. Costco for the sandwiches while still charitable organization in Washing- a small army of volunteers and start- Through word of mouth and Face- collecting nonperishables. Week after ton, DC. The charity’s mobile unit, ed a Facebook page for their group, book posts, volunteers showed up in week, volunteer numbers increased McKenna’s Wagon, was busy deliv- Be The Good Project, so they put the droves, their numbers growing expo- right along with the need. ering sandwiches to neighborhoods need for sandwiches out to their com- nentially as scout groups and dance in need, but they had a deficit of 250 munity. The feedback was swift: Yes, teams joined the effort. The Marchsandwiches needed each day. By this we’ll help. ands invested in five mini-fridges at CONTINUED ON PAGE 63

Photo: Dougie Fowler

Bags of food donated by Be The Good Project volunteers ready for local delivery.

24 ZEBRA PRESS

Photo: Dougie Fowler

Volunteers deliver food for the Be The Good Project.

hoto: Jennifer Smith

Ethan (8) and Gaby (6) Smith volunteer to make sandwiches as part of the Be The Good Project.

Photo: Amber Marchand

Quinn Marchand, 7, helps pack sandwiches made by Be The Good Project volunteers to deliver to Martha’s Table.

MARCH 2021

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

A Bright Future In Store for the Mt. Vernon Athletic Club IT’S TO BECOME A NEW WORKFORCE TRAINING DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Photo: Grace Billups Arnold

The Mount Vernon Athletic Club closed in April 2020.

BY GRACE BILLUPS ARNOLD The Mt. Vernon Athletic Club has been acquired by the Fairfax County government to become a recreational and workforce training development center. The new center is scheduled to open in late summer or early fall 2021.

Adjacent to Audubon Mobile Home Park and just one mile from Good Shepherd Affordable Housing Community, the athletic club is central to residents in the area who need its resources most.

Lee District Supervisor Rodney Lusk says, “We’ve gotten good feedback from the community. They need places for kids after school and on the weekends. There aren’t recreational centers in that community already, and it’s unfortunate that kids there don’t have places to go play.”

Someone will be chosen from within the community to manage the new center so that people will see a familiar face when they come in.

The 50,000 square feet of the facility will be divided into areas for distinct purposes: 1. 30,000 sq. ft. for recreation, to include a child care facility, after school programs, and other community-related activities.

2. 7,500 sq. ft. for workforce training, including classrooms and shop rooms, with a large open area in the center.

3. The final 12,500 sq. ft. will be dedicated to needs identified by community members themselves. The county’s Neighborhood and Community Services department will issue a public outreach process for

Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Renninger, Chief of Staff to Rodney Lusk, Lee District Supervisor

Work has begun on the inside of the building, with the opening planned later this year.

this identification.

Workforce training will include medical technology,

emerging technologies such as drones and sensor technology, and trade skills. In-

dividuals will also learn how to identify available jobs and

CONTINUED ON PAGE 48

ENU M G SPRIN H 22C -MAR

Fine Dining, Fine Wines, Casual Style

Carryout, Indoor & Outdoor Seating Lunch, Dinner and Sunday Brunch Sun-Tue: 11:30 - 7pm, Wed-Sat: 11:30 - 9pm 7966 Fort Hunt Road

Photo: Grace Billups Arnold

Fairfax County will turn the property into a recreational and workforce training development center.

MARCH 2021

(In the Hollin Hall Shopping Center)

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

25

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

Women Artists Find Warm Welcome at Studio K Collective ALEXANDRIA CURATOR EXPANDS OFFERINGS OF WOMEN-MADE ART

BY SUSAN FLEISCHMAN Studio K owner Kirsten McCulloch curated, displayed, and sold womenmade art from her hair salon in the Fort Hunt area of Alexandria for years, including paintings, ceramics, jewelry, photography, and handmade home goods, to name a few.

She regularly hosted open houses to support the local women artists she featured in her shop.

In March 2020, all of that came to a halt, as we all know too well. One year later, McCulloch is more determined than ever to continue promoting women artists, and to do so, she launched Studio K Collective on Instagram ( i n s t a g r a m . c o m /s t u d i o k collective/).

Working as a hairstylist has been McCulloch’s livelihood, but curating art and supporting women artists is her passion. She designed Studio K Collective to bring a large, growing group of women together and to promote and honor their art and craft. “I want to connect people to all different kinds of art at different budget levels and different styles,” she said. “The word collective means community, and the Studio K Collective is a community of women artists.”

“As a longtime member of the extended DC Arts community, I believe in the care of connection,” said photographer Amanda Kleinman.

“Kirsten hosted my first solo photography show in 2014 and has continued to grow and define her art-centered endeavors.”

The vibe of the Studio K Collective is nature-driven, mid-century, and bohemian, an esthetic that comes through loud and clear in its branding on social media. Anyone interested in the artwork can go window shopping on Instagram and Facebook (@studiokcollective), where pho-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 46

26 ZEBRA PRESS

Photo: Amanda Kleinman

Photo: Studio K Collective

Above left: Draped in lavenders and blues as captured by photographer Amanda Kleinman, the cherry blossoms are a Washington, DC, icon.

Above right: This beautiful blue lapis necklace of Alexandria artist Patricia Clarkson sold quickly from the collective.

Photo: Studio K Collective

Photo: Studio K Collective

Middle left: The “Wise Baby Blue Bird” is from the gifted hand of Alexandria artist Michelle Wee.

Middle right: Based in Manassas, artists Bo Jia and Alison Alten established the Middle Kingdom kiln in 1998 to broaden porcelain traditions for a modern audience.

At left: Five beautiful faces gather together in Alexandria artist Gioia Chilton’s “Community.”

Photo: Gioia Chilton

MARCH 2021

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

ArtSpire VA and Artist Betsy Grady Join Forces to Host Benefit ART SHOW TO LAUNCH MARCH 25 AT COLDWELL BANKER OLD TOWN OFFICE

BY SUSAN FLEISCHMAN Local nonprofit ArtSpire VA has teamed up with Alexandria artist and Realtor Betsy Grady for a fundraiser art show highlighted by live performances.

The show will launch on March 25 in the Coldwell Banker office in Old Town.

The collaboration happened organically. At the end of 2020, ArtSpire executive director Gennifer Difilippo was pondering ideas for a late winter/early spring benefit for her nonprofit. She knew she wanted to incorporate visual art and performance art, staying true to her organization’s charter, The Arts For All. Concurrently, Betsy Grady was shopping at Nicole ScottHowe’s store in Hollin Hall, and the two struck up a conversation. Betsy is an accomplished artist who is well-known for her paintings of Old Town homes for The TWIG homes tour and annual calendar, and for many other projects.

“I had been looking for a charity to support that was in line with my personal interest, which is art,” Betsy said. Nicole, who has hosted special promotions for ArtSpire in her shop as recently as December, immediately referred Betsy to Gennifer and ArtSpire, sensing the perfect fit.

Betsy reached out to Gennifer and

Photo: Gennifer Difilippo

ArtSpire VA dancers rehearsing their leaps for the art show performance.

Courtesy photo

Coldwell Banker Realtor and Alexandria artist Betsy Grady has donated calendars and artwork to help raise funding for the work of ArtSpire VA.

Courtesy photo

Betsy Grady’s 2021 calendar featured her lovely artwork.

MARCH 2021

they began to make plans, starting with Betsy donating 100 calendars of her artwork to ArtSpire for fundraising purposes. Betsy told Gennifer she had dozens of her own paintings to offer for an art show auction. She recommended housing the show in the Coldwell Banker office in Old Town.

“I couldn’t believe how quickly and easily our ideas took shape,” said Gennifer. “We were so in tune with what we wanted to do, and Betsy’s idea to host it in the Old Town office was a stroke of genius.”

Coldwell Banker has hosted similar art displays there in the past. With its wide-open lobby and exterior courtyard, the Old Town office is designed to display artwork that can be viewed within current social distancing guidelines. Rachel Carter, vice president of the Old Town office, was also excited to hear the plans. She suggested holding the event in March to celebrate Women’s History Month.

Plans are underway, with Alexandria artists Judy Heiser and Sheila Flanders already committed. Gennifer will continue reaching out to artists, choreographing dance routines for live performances, and developing an online bidding process for the artwork. Stay tuned for more details as they become available.

Courtesy photo

Betsy’s Grady’s beautiful artwork on the back of her 2021 calendar.

THE ZEBRA PRESS

27

BY DEBBY CRITCHLEY

FOODIE

Traditions Winter refuses to leave! I hope you are all staying warm but enjoying the beauty of the season. Watching the gently falling snow always makes me feel hungry because of family tradition. Whenever we were ‘snowed in’ in our suburban Chicago home, the neighbors would get together to dig out the cars and street so we had access to the main street. That night, we would always go out for Chinese food. Do you have a similar tradition?

I don’t always get Chinese but I have gotten other personal favorites like kabobs, wings, Mexican, etc.

For me, there’s nothing like a plateful of warming enchiladas, burritos, tacos, or tamales. Jeff Wallingford manages to fulfill my winter desires at Taqueria Poblano, 2400 Mt. Ver-

photo by Debby Critchley

A box full of mole enchiladas from Taqueria Poblano

non Ave. If the enchiladas with mole are on the menu, I highly recommend them. Three enchiladas filled with pork or chicken are absolutely warming and filling. Even closer to my heart are their tamales. These are Mexican style and each bite is a taste of child-

hood. Don’t forget to get a margarita or one of their many beer choices.

Indian food also warms me up. I visited Indochen, 4906 Brenman

photo by Debby Critchley

This luncheon bowl of Butter Chicken from Indochen will warm you to your toes

Park Dr., in the West End. They are offering lunch bowls that are hard to pass up. I had a plate of one of my favorites, butter chicken. The dish was filled with a generous portion of the chicken, wondrous veggies, and basmati rice. A cone of papadam crowned the plate! There was barely enough to take home leftovers. Their butter chicken has such a delightful nuanced flavor, it’s one of my favorite dishes to order. I suggest you get an order of garlic naan on the side, you’ll be very glad you did.

What’s new There’s been a lot of pizza around town lately. By the time you read this, Stracci has opened and closed but may return in storefront form later in the year.

Coming to Bradlee Shopping Center around the time you are reading this is &pizza, at 3690L King St. The pizzas are long ovals and can be topped with a vari-

photo courtesy of Stellina Pizza

Stellina Pizza founders Antonio Matarazzo and chef Matteo Venini.

ety of traditional and non-traditional toppings. You can currently find an &pizza on Richmond Hwy and coming to Eisenhower Ave. Shirlington is now home to Stellina Pizzaria in the former Cafe Pizzaiolo location at 2800 N. Randolph St. Stellina is an offshoot of the shop at Union Market in DC, founded by friends, res-

taurant operators and native Italians Antonio Matarazzo and chef Matteo Venini. According to their website: “Our simple, yet spirited menu nods to the street food of the southern Italian coast with a selection of fried seafood and veggies served in paper cones called cuoppo; light, flavorful Neo-Neapolitan pizzas with a distinctly crispy crust; house-made pastas; and creative panini served on our signature pizza dough.”

The Bottega offers ready to cook meals, make at home pizza, pasta, cannoli kits, and wine.

Also arriving in the ‘hood is Jersey Mike’s, now open at 360 S. Pickett St. This well-known sandwich shop joins favorites photo courtesy of &pizza Taste of Asia, MediterraThe most obvious difference in &pizza is its oblong nean Bakery, and City Kitchshape. Here’s the Maverick, a meat-lover’s pizza.

ALDI COOKBOOK

photo courtesy of Ulyssees Pr

Did you know that Aldi’s has a cookbook coming out? We know that Aldi’s has taken Alexandria by storm with their many options for organic and healthy foods. Now, Ulysses Press is introducing The Unofficial Aldi Cookbook by Jeanette Hurt, Copyright © 2021. Here is an excerpt provided with permission, of one of their easy recipes:

28 ZEBRA PRESS

NEWZ

CONTINUED ON PAGE 62

QUICK FROZEN YOGURT Takes about 5 minutes to make.

Yield: 1½ cups or 1 to 2 servings 2 cups Season’s Choice frozen fruit, such as strawberries or tropical fruit blend, or other frozen fruit of your choice 1 (6-ounce) container Friendly Farms light vanilla yogurt or other yogurt of your choice ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 1. Place all the ingredients in a blender fitted with a standard blade.

2. Blend until completely smooth, about 5 minutes.

Notes: This has the consistency of soft-serve yogurt. If you like it richer, choose a Greek-style or full-fat yogurt. If you prefer it with a more frozen consistency, put it in the freezer for 30 to 60 minutes. And if you’re partial to sweetness, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of sugar.

MARCH 2021

Eatz

Let Aldo’s…

Feed your Family of Four for $60!

Includes choice of entree, Caesar salad & garlic bread

BY DEBBY CRITCHLEY

Murphy’s is Irish Stew and a Lot More

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

CONTINUED ON PAGE 64

703.888.2243

All photos by Debby Critchley

Murphy’s Blackboard has everything you need to know!

Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub, 713 King St. has been part of Old Town Alexandria since 1978. If you haven’t been there, you really should check it out. This authentic Irish Pub was opened by friends and family to bring a bit of Irish heritage and entertainment to Alexandria. The dining area shares space with a long polished dark wood bar where you can select from an assortment of Irish beers and ales along with varieties from around the world and local brewers.

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

Last Few Weeks for Your Winter Favorites!

Including Homemade Split Pea Soup, Cassoulet Maison

Corned beef and cabbage eggrolls

127 North Washington Street Old Town Alexandria

Oyster stew

703-548-4661 www.lerefugealexandria.com Old Town’s Longest Running Family-Owned French Restaurant

Greek salad

Shephard’s pie

QUOTABLES

A best friend is like a four leaf clover: hard to find and lucky to have.

—Irish proverb

MURPHY’S OWN BACK CREEK OYSTERS FROM CHESAPEAKE WILD Murphy’s Irish Pub is the owner of Chesapeake Wild Seafood. They work with local watermen to ensure that guests are getting fresh, local seafood delivered to their plate. Fish are always on the move and Chesapeake Wild focuses on what is currently available in the Chesapeake Bay and local waters to bring a variety of in-season, sustainable seafood.

They harvest clams, oysters, and fish from local fishing areas like the lower Chesapeake Bay, Lynnhaven Inlet, Hungars Creek, and the Atlantic Ocean. Chesapeake Wild is committed to following sustainable seafood practices. This ensures that when the fishing boats go out to harvest wild seafood, the wild seafood will be there. NothMARCH 2021

Photos courtesy of Murphy’s and Chesapeake Wild

ing matches the freshness and taste of wild seafood.

The oysters served at both the Alexandria and Virginia Beach restaurants come from Chesapeake Wild’s own beds. These Back Creek mollusks are large and briny beauties with a great fresh flavor. They are delicious raw or cooked. Try them raw or in oyster stew when it’s available.

THE ZEBRA PRESS

29

Stellina Pizzeria Opens a Shop in Shirlington AND IT HAS A PASTA VENDING MACHINE!!

BY GRACE BILLUPS ARNOLD

At right: Stellina Pizzeria has opened its second location at 2800 S Randolph St. in Shirlington.

Antonio Matarazzo, co-owner of Stellina Pizzeria in D.C., has a couple of new concepts for Virginia residents: a pasta vending machine and a second location.

Below left: The pasta vending machine is stocked with house-made sauces and pastas, and they are selling quickly!

What is a pasta vending machine?

Fully stocked with fresh pasta made in-house daily, the Stellina vending machine is a restaurant in a box. Inside, customers will find: 1. DIY pasta kits 2. Three kinds of pasta 3. Three different sauces 4. Salami 5. Cannoli kits 6. Stellina merchandise, such as hats, shirts, and blankets The machine is open from 10:30 am to 9 pm on weekends and 10:30 am to 8 pm on weekdays. It resides regally inside Stellina Pizzeria’s upand-coming location in The Village at Shirlington.

Below right: Stellina Pizzeria is Shirlington’s newest source for delicious housemade pasta and sauces, cannoli, tiramisu, salami, plus Stellina merchandise on-the-go and at your fingertips.

Photo: Rey Lopez, Eater D.C.

What you need to know about Stellina 2.0 In addition to a machine that dispenses pasta upon request, the Shirlington Stellina Pizzeria also houses a marketplace where you can buy delicious homemade pasta and sauces, imported meats and cheeses, frozen pizzas and pastas, eggplant parmesan, olive oil, and coffee!

The new location opened Friday, February 12, 2021. The vending machine operates during store hours: Tuesday-Thursday: 4-9 pm, Friday-Saturday: 4-10 pm, Sunday 4-9 pm.

Matarazzo says, “This has been a tough time for restaurants, obviously, and a second location was not in our plans, but of course, the pandemic changed some plans. We found a space we liked and decided, ‘Why not? Let’s do it!’ So we did.”

Why Shirlington?

Matarazzo is originally from Avellino, Italy. When he came to the U.S., he bought his first house in the Fairlington community in Arlington. With much of his friends and family living in the Fairlington, Arlington, and Shirlington areas, this second location’s choice seemed obvious.

The new location has already seen an increase in patronage since opening, and the vending machine itself has received many visitors and much praise. Stellina’s second location will be a lifeline for employees and an inspiration for friends and family.

Matarazzo will move the vending machine to the D.C. location in the spring, with plans for acquiring more vending machines in the future. You will eventually be able to find them

30 ZEBRA PRESS

Photo: Rey Lopez, Eater D.C

Photo: Grace Billups Arnold

in buildings, offices, and communal areas throughout D.C. and Virginia.

Stellina, meaning ‘little star’ in Italian, was a name inspired by Matarazzo’s daughter Stella. “We were trying to find a name that was emotional for me and my partner but was also easy to pronounce.” Stellina also carries a message. The co-owners embrace five themes of life: Italy, Pizza, Style, Food, and Love. And a star has five points. Thus, Stellina Pizzeria was born.

Stellina Pizzeria opened in D.C. in 2019. Considering that the challenges of COVID-19 began that same year, Stellina’s vending machine and Shirlington location are big moves making even bigger news.

For Matarazzo, “We were able to evolve ourselves in this pandemic. We just started to create things, and we are very proud of it.”

At left: Co-owner, Antonio Matarazzo (left) with Chef and Co-Owner, Matteo Venini (right).

Photo: Grace Billups Arnold

MARCH 2021

George Partied Here

DID YOU KNOW? Washington’s Army Celebrated St. Patrick’s Day to Cure Winter Blues. In 1780, by General Order, Washington declared March 17 a holiday to raise morale and acknowledge the soldiers of Irish descent (St. Patrick’s Day).

Photo: Hook Hall Helps

l-r, Anna Valero, Hook Hall Helps founder; Nick Freshman, owner, The Freshman; Tracy Sayegh Gabriel, president-CEO, National Landing BID.

Hops N Shine Joins ‘Hook Hall Helps’ Feeding Unemployed Restaurant and Hospitality Workers “Last week I made all of us to stay con135 meals for Hook nected and give back Hall Helps,” said C.J. during these difficult Cross, chef and owner times.” Valero notat Hops N Shine resed that the project taurant located at 3410 serves the industry Mt. Vernon Avenue in in two ways: providAlexandria. “There’s ing meals to out of so many great people work staffs and enwho work in restauabling restaurateurs rants and they need to keep their kitchen our help. I was excited staffs employed. “It is to be able to support through the generosmy fellow restaurant ity of Nick Freshman industry folks.” that we are able to Hook Hall Helps, extend these services the relief project to our industry colwhich has provided leagues in Northern thousands of meals Virginia,” she said. and supply bags to “Anna has done Photo: Hops N Shine hospitality industry l-r, C.J. Cross, owner, Hops N Shine; Nick Fresh- an incredible job adworkers since March, man, owner, The Freshman; Stephanie Mirrow vol- dressing such a criti2020, has added a unteer; Rebecca Orens, volunteer. cal need in our hosnew Northern Virpitality community ginia distribution loand I’m happy to be cation according to able to help her efAnna Valero, founder forts.” said Freshof the effort. Family man, “This certainly meals from a rotating isn’t how I imagined list of restaurants and opening the doors of supplies are now disThe Freshman, but tributed from 3 unI think our location til 5 pm every Thursand its accessibility day from The Freshwill allow us to help man, at 2011 Crystal a lot of Northern Photo: Hook Hall Helps Drive in Arlington’s Virginia families.”

Supply bags containing snacks, toiletries and toiAmazon’s HQ2 devel- let paper are given to every hospitality industry Among the list of opment in National worker along with three family-style meals. local restaurants parLanding. Nick Freshticipating in the projman, owner of the allect is Alexandria’s day coffee, cocktail and din- keep the program going. The Hops N Shine which providing spot, is donating his space project restarted in Decem- ed meals for the first time on which was unable to open last ber as DC restaurants were, Thursday Feb 18. “If given spring because of COVID-19 again, closing because of ca- the opportunity I would most restrictions. pacity restrictions and man- definitely do it again, and I The Hook Hall Helps proj- datory shutdowns. can’t wait until vaccines are ect began last spring when According to Valero, made available to restaurant DC restaurants were shut- “Through Hook Hall Helps, workers so that more folks tered. Working in partner- area hospitality workers re- will feel safe both going back ship with the Restaurant ceive meals and supplies pro- to work and patrons feel safe Association of Metropoli- vided through the generous dining in.” tan Washington, Hook Hall support of the greater WashRestaurants may sign up Helps provided more than ington, DC community. To to create meals at www.

10,000 meals from March un- support local restaurants, we hookhall.com/meals . Restil June and has raised more compensate kitchens that pro- taurants will be compensated than $750,000 in donations to vide the meals. It is a way for for the meals they provide.

MARCH 2021

Celebrate St.Patrick’s and everyday at Gadsby’s

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

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31

-Oenology At Fabb Fabbioli Cellars, Everything’s Coming up Rosés and Tagalongs®!

BY KELLY MACCONOMY Traveling one snowy day in February, a mile or so along a bucolic unpaved road off Route 15 just past Leesburg, we came upon Fabbioli Cellars’ rotunda-shaped tasting room set in a white blanketed landscape between the Potomac River and the Blue Ridge. Owners Doug Fabbioli and his wife Colleen Berg are celebrating 20 years since first planting vines on 25-acres of farmland eight miles away in Lucketts.

After ten years in California, the couple returned to Virginia in 1997 to start a vineyard and winery. Doug and Colleen began the search for that little piece of Heaven in Loudoun County. Wine and winemaking flow through Doug’s Italian American veins. In the 1940s and 50s, Doug’s grandfather Leone Fabbioli made wine in the basement of his home in Elmira, New York.

The first vines Doug and Colleen planted 20 years ago

were Merlot, with some Petit Verdot for blending. Most winemakers here and in California use Merlot extensively to create Bordeaux-style blends. But when Miles Raymond, the emphatically Merlot-eschewing oenophile in the 2004 hit film Sideway, disparaged Merlot, sales tanked significantly and this erstwhile fashionable vino lost its luster.

Undeterred by unpopular demand, Doug remained

Photos: Kelly MacConomy

Above: Situated a stone’s throw from the Potomac shoreline adjacent to a 600-acre farm, Fabbioli is a gateway to Eagle Tree Vineyards, Lost Creek, and Winery 32, reopening this month under new ownership.

At left: Love is in the air at fabbiolous Fabbioli where they are making Merlot great again.

Photo: Kelly MacConomy

Snowy days by the fire pits make pairing Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies with Fabbioli Paco Roja warm and inviting.

steadfast in his commitment to making the classic red blending grape great again in its own right. Fabbioli’s boutique-style winemaking is the essence of careful cultivation and smallbatch crushing, blending, and bottling. The Fabbioli Cellars approach is what makes Loudoun vineyards unique. It is at the very heart of the Virginia wine industry’s evolution, making Virginia wines increasingly popular nationally and internationally.

Fabbioli Cellars is also FABBulously fun. Each month they

feature a tasting room tribute to an icon of popular culture, film, or literature. Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, Dr. Who, and Game of Thrones have all been themes. Staff and customers get into the spirit by wearing costumes while the kitchen conjures up signature pairings of wine and tempting treats for each month’s tasting plates.

What theme is more appropriate for feting Valentines than the star-crossed love story of Rose DeWitt Bukater and Jack Dawson from the

Oscar-sweeping 1997 film Titanic? Winery patrons arrived in film-fan finery, including Fabbiolous mile-wide millinery and spiffy spats. The first-class pairing spared no expense, or calories, on the wine and food pairings: • NV Raspberry Merlot -~ The Band Played On ~ Dove Dark Chocolate • NV Perry ~ Iceberg Ahead ~ Vanilla Meringues • 19 Something White ~ Heart of the Ocean ~ Hero Black

CONTINUED ON PAGE 33

Photo: Fabbioli Cellars

The “fabb” amuse bouche Titanic Tasting Plate of the Month with curated wine pairings.

32 ZEBRA PRESS

MARCH 2021

Stracci Pizza: A Taste of Rome Coming from Twenty-Foot Trailer in Del Ray

BY DEBBY CRITCHLEY Do you love pizza? Do you love Italy? For all of you looking for a taste of Rome without travelling to Italy, look for the 20’ trailer parked in a lot at 2016 Mt. Vernon Ave. in Del Ray. Tucked inside the cozy little trailer is Chef Tom Cardarelli, formerly of Vermillion. He starts his morning making love to milk and cream to produce fresh stracciatella mozzarella for his authentic Roman style pizzas.

Unlike many local pizza doughs, Cardarelli’s doughs are super hydrated and fermented for 72 hours. There are five pizzas available. The Stracci is made with freshlymade stracciatella cheese, tomato, basil, and olive oil; the Brooklyner comes with pepperoni, sausage, stracciatella, ricotta, Calabrian chili, and honey; the Erminia with garlicky spinach, artichokes, and Fontal fontina cheese; the Brusseler is topped Carbonara style, guanciale (cured pork jowl), brussels, and a three-

During the 2020 pandemic, Tom and Annalisa Cardarelli converted a little trailer, left, into a functional kitchen which local diners are loving.

Photos: Stracci Collection

cheese blend; and the Salty Mariner is made with tomato sauce, anchovies, oregano, salsa verde, pecorino, and almost too much garlic (is there ever too much garlic?). Note that the home-made mozz is added after the pizza is baked as it doesn’t melt well.

Accompany your ‘za with healthy options such as the Late Winter Salad with organic Bloomsdale spinach, sliced fennel, gala apple, agrodolce onions, goat cheese, all tossed with a honey-garlic vinai-

FABBIOLI CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32 Currant Fruit Spread, English Clotted Cream, Digestive Biscuit • 18 Sangiovese ~ Send Up the Flares ~ Bellavitano Balsamic Fig Chutney, Sea Salt and Olive Crisps • 17 Carmenere ~ To the Lifeboat ~ London Broil, Bellavitano Pinot Cheese, Bab Ghanoij Dip • NV Royalty ~ The Stars Above ~ Manchego Mitica Cheese If steerage is more to your style and budget, every weekend in February, Fabbioli offered Girl Scout cookie pairings for just $5. You might buy a box of Thin Mints there and a bottle to take al fresco while cozying up to a roaring fire pit.

Photo: Kelly MacConomy

Much like Rose’s Heart of the Ocean, Fabbioli is the heart of Loudoun County vineyards and despite the pandemic winemaking would go on.

Z~Oenology recommends the Paco Rojo, a raspberry hued, feisty, medium-bodied red blend with notes of black cherry, ripe plum, and licorice. It’s best slightly chilled,

grette. Finish your meal with an olive oil cake or rustic Marcona almond tart.

Chef Tom and his wife Annalisa open the trailer Monday - Tuesday, 5 to 8 PM, and Wednesday - Friday, 5 to 6:30 PM, or until they sell out. They are closed on Saturday and Sunday so purchase your pizza during the week and follow their reheating instructions. You can preorder at stracci-pizza.square.site/.ut

Chef Tom shows off the Stracci pizza a Roman-style pizza in Del Ray.

which wasn’t a concern at barely 39 degrees outdoors and served with a pail of ice.

It was icebergs all around.

The firewood valets delivered fresh fuel and stoked the flames frequently while an unobtrusive tasting room concierge checked on your comfort and needs.

On a snowy Valentine’s Day wine tasting at Fabbioli Cellars, indoors or out, they not only had you at hello, they had you at Merlot!

And Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Meritage, Petit Manseng, Barbera, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot, and a titanic Tannat! Oh, and yes, Miles, there’s even the “fabb” Bicoastal, a colossal Zinfandel with chops. Sorry, there’s no Pinot, but there is a lot of FABB Merlot!

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THE ZEBRA PRESS

33

March 2021

Del Ray DOINGS

Issue 57

FISHER ELECTED PRESIDENT OF DEL RAY BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

Photo: DRBA

DRBA Board Member Gayle Reuter and President Lauren Fisher present the 2021 Heart of Del Ray to Dolce & Bean owner Petros Ghebre-Egziabher.

Dolce & Bean Wins 2021 Heart of Del Ray Award The Del Ray out COVID, has Business Associaput a smile on my tion presented Dolface and lightened ce & Bean with the up the commu2021 “Heart of Del nity atmosphere,” Award” on Februwrote one nominaary 12. The annual tor. “He takes the award, given to the time to get to know business that repreall of his customsents the heart and ers and has fostered soul of Del Ray, a culture in his is determined by store that is exacta public vote of ly what I think of neighbors and cuswhen I think of the tomers. word ‘community,” “It’s overwhelmwrote another. ing -- I’m so humOver 1,400 bled by this award,” neighbors, friends, said Petros Ghebreand customers parEgziabher, who ticipated in online opened Dolce & voting. Past winBean on Mount ners of the award Photo: DRBA Vernon Avenue in Petros Ghebre-Egziabher opened Dolce & Bean in include A Show of 2017. “I’d like to 2017.

Hands, Jen Walkexpress my love to er of McEnearthis community ney Associates, that has welcomed me and Association board member Bobi Bomar Homes of Alsupported me.”

Gayle Reuter. “Petros’ car- exandria, The Neighbor“The things that people ing and welcoming nature hood Pharmacy of Del Ray, said about Dolce & Bean are makes you feel like you are Greener Cleaner of Del Ray, exactly what this award was his favorite customer each Del Ray Pizzeria, Mind the made for -- where do you time you visit,” said Del Ray Mat Pilates & Yoga, Cago, when you walk in, that Business Association Presi- boose Cafe, Del Ray Cafe, warms your heart. That’s dent Lauren Fisher.

Pork Barrel BBQ/Holy exactly what people said Patrons also cited Ghe- Cow/the sushi bar, and Taabout Petros. Over and over, bre-Egziabher’s warm and queria Poblano, and Ms. people said how welcom- welcoming spirit. “Petros is Preeti’s 7-Eleven. A business ing he is, how he knows the the nicest, most welcoming cannot win the award mulkids’ names, and that’s re- business owner -- he always tiple years. ally what makes a commu- greets guests with a smile! nity,” said Del Ray Business His spirit, even through-

34 ZEBRA PRESS

The Del Ray Business Association board elected Dr. Lauren Fisher president of the business group representing small, independent, and locally owned businesses in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria. Mara Benner, the founder of Four Directions Wellness, was elected vice president.

“I am honored to be representing an amazing group of resilient, supportive, and community-oriented business owners,” said Dr. Fisher.

“I look forward to helping our local businesses and community members adapt, evolve, and strengthen over this next

CONTINUED ON PAGE 51

Meet Dr. Lauren Fisher If I’m not in the office, you’ll find me: Running a community event, travelling, or socializing with friends.

Favorite Del Ray tradition: Art on the Avenue Favorite Del Ray dish: Sassy Goat Sandwich from Cheesetique Favorite happy hour spot: Pork Barrel BBQ on Fridays Favorite workout: Running

Photo: DRBA

Dr. Lauren Fisher

The Del Ray Docket March 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, bread, fresh pasta, baked goods, cut flowers, and more.

March 5-27 Give Me Shelter Art Exhibit Del Ray Artisans Gallery 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue See how local artists explore the concept of shelter in the “Give Me Shelter” art exhibit at Del Ray Artisans. Visit delrayartisans.org for more information and gallery hours.

April 1 First Thursday Porch Party 6 p.m. to dusk First Thursday Porch Party is back! Support local restaurants and a local nonprofit. For more information, visit www.visitdelray.com.

MARCH 2021

Capture the Heart: Giving Back for the Greater Good

BY KELLY MACCONOMY Recently nominated for the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce’s 40 Under 40 Award, Jennifer Masi is the epitome of a good deed doer. Jen has worked at the Children’s Law Center in Washington, D.C. since 2011. In 2017 she became the Pro Bono Director for the nonprofit organization, representing at-risk children living in homes suffering the gravest job, food, and shelter insecurities.

Jen lives in Alexandria’s West End with her husband, singer/songwriter Jason Masi. Jen has worked for the CLC at home during the pandemic. Jason continued to perform remotely by doing “quarantunes” concerts several times a week and then resumed live concerts at outdoor venues around the DMV. Jen, 39, and Jason, 41, attended the same high school in Fredericksburg. After Jen asked Jason, who was home from his freshman year at Longwood University, to the prom, their first real date was at Denny’s.

It was love at first date.

Jen attended the University of Virginia to earn a degree in history with a minor in political science.

After graduation, Jen taught school

IN

HOOD

Photo: Diane Canney

A COVID Hope Quilt panel made by Brianna, age 9, advocating for children in support of nonprofit Children’s Law Center.

in Charlottesville before entering the George Washington University Law School. Jason was already having success as a musician tour-

ing with his college band, Jubeus, opening for acts such as Everclear, Blind Mellon, and SOJA. In 2010 Jason went solo, performing at more

than 250 events a year. Songs from his albums have featured on CBS’s long-running soap opera The Young and the Restless.

Despite Jason’s being continually on the road and Jen’s dealing with at-risk children’s constant legal protection concerns, they make time to raise awareness and fundraise for good causes. Jason has performed to benefit Cancer Can Rock, Loudoun Hunger Relief, the Sweet Julia Grace Foundation (a local pediatric cancer make-a-wish type foundation), breast cancer research awareness, Leashes of Valor (a canine rescue placement for veterans), and most recently, the Children’s Law Center.

Last fall, Diane and Mike Canney hosted a funds and awareness-raising event to benefit the Children’s Law Center at their Sunset Hills Vineyard in Purcellville. Some $5,000 was raised from the sales of wine that day. Jason performed for three hours, drawing the usual crowd of dedicated followers from across the DMV. Funds were also raised that day for breast cancer research at Johns Hopkins University through the

CONTINUED ON PAGE 55

Photo: Diane Canney

Photo: Scott MacConomy

Above: Alexandrians Jennifer and Jason Masi at Sunset Hills Vineyard for a concert performance by Jason benefitting the Children’s Law Center where Jen is the pro bono Director.

At left top: Children engaged in the Paint-A-Quilt Panel event during the Children’s Law Center fundraising concert with Jason Masi at Sunset Hills Vineyard.

At left bottom: Diane Canney and Jen Masi at the Sunset Hills Vineyard event for the Children’s Law Center.

Photo: Scott MacConomy

MARCH 2021

THE ZEBRA PRESS

35

Her Inspiring Story of Overcom What’s Next for the

BY GRACE BILLUPS ARNOLD

Eighteen-year old Alexandra “Zandy” Wong, Alexandria resident and freshman at Johns Hopkins University, was born with a deformed bone in her middle ear.

“Growing up with hearing loss was an isolating experience,” says Alexandra, whose condition is called oval window atresia, which prevents proper processing of vibrations as sound. In Wong’s case, 90% of the hearing in her left ear is lost and has been since birth.

“I was on the fray. I was not an active member in class or in conversation.” Wong says she would Photo: Courtesy of frequently mistake or completeAlexandra remains close with her high s ly miss parts of conversations. Dr. Sheila Moore-Neff, an educational a The sounds of birds chirping Hayfield Secondary. or of her hair blowing in the breeze were just murmurs.

But when she was in seventh grade, on April 15, 2015, Alexandra had surToday, Alexandra is a neu gery to receive a Cochlear Baha Im- ence student and a recipient plant. “Words cannot describe to you 2021 Cochlear Anders Tjel how amazing it is to hear birds chirp- Scholarship, named for Dr. A ing for the first time. And my speech Tjellström, who invented the quality went from zero to one hun- (bone anchored hearing aid) I dred. It was surreal.” in 1977.

Alexandra blossomed into an active Dr. Tjellström was a researc member of her school and commu- sician in the department of oto nity but still refrained from disclos- gology at the Sahlgrenska Uni ing her disability. “I defined myself in Hospital in Sweden when he co other ways,” she says, by submersing rated with Per-Ingvar Brånem herself in activities like piano, tennis, pioneer of osseointegration, a and community service throughout Håkansson, to treat the first high school. with a Baha device.

At Hayfield Secondary School, AlThe Baha device utilizes the exandra was one of five students with hearing loss in a student body of 3,000.

She didn’t discuss her disability much but shied away from it.

“Others don’t understand what it’s like being the odd one out after you’ve tried every day to conform to the norm,” she says.

Despite wanting to blend in, Alexandra found herself the victim of mockery, laughter, bullying when she had difficulty comprehending group conversations in noisy places.

to Cochlear Scholar

Photo: Courtesy of Alexandra Wong

Alexandra Wong, Alexandria resident and freshman neuroscience student at Johns Hopkins University, has won the Cochlear Anders Tjellström Scholarship.

36 ZEBRA PRESS

From Cochlar Recipient

Alexandra (r) celebrates graduation from Hayfield wi

MARCH 2021

ALEXANDRA WONG:

ming Bullying and Hearing Loss and e TED Talking Neuroscience Student

natural ability to conduct sound to skip over the outer and middle ear’s damaged parts, transmitting sound vibrations through the skull to the working inner ear, the cochlea. The Cochlear Baha system offers both a surgical and a non-surgical solution to address conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss, and single-sided deafness.

The Anders Tjellström Scholarship is awarded by Cochlear, the global expert in implantable hearing solutions for children and adults. Based on academic achievement, commitment to ideals of leadership and humanity, extracurricular activities, and community involvement, Dr. Sheila Moore-Neff the scholarship gives selected school mentor, students $2,000 per year for up audiologist at to four years toward school-related costs.

Of 130 individuals who applied for Cochlear scholarships, only urosci- eight were selected: five won the of the Graeme Clark Scholarship and three llström won the Anders Tjellström ScholarAnders ship, including Alexandra Wong. The e Baha winners were announced in February mplant 2021.

ch phyolaryniversity ollabomark, a and Bo patient

The Silence of Sound

Now, because she knows how it feels not to be heard, Alexandra strives to be a role model and support system for others who feel like the “odd one out.” She knows the power of support, thanks to her mentor Dr. Sheila Moore-Neff. body’s Dr. Moore-Neff is an educational audiologist at Hayfield Secondary. She was also Alexandra’s high school tennis coach. “Zandy had grown comfortable enough with me over time to tell me she had hearing loss,” says Dr. Moore-Neff.

“All I knew at that point was that she was a great tennis player, a great leader, and a bright student.”

Upon learning of Alexandra’s disability, Dr. Moore-Neff welcomed her into a support group for hearing loss. She Courtesy of Alexandra Wong helped Alexanith her twin sister Hana. dra find local au-

MARCH 2021

diologists, secure professional shadowing opportunities, and expand her world. “We continued on that journey through her high school career as she tried to get comfortable with who she was,” Dr. Moore-Neff says.

Because of Dr. Moore-Neff’s support and mentorship, Alexandra eventually wanted to share her story with more students. On November 12, 2020, she gave a TED Talk for TEDxYouth@SilverSpurRd, entitled The Silence of Sound.

Alexandra’s TED Talk confronted the perpetuation of negative stereotypes surrounding disability: “[Negative stereotypes] are spread by the people who choose not to listen even though they fully can. They are spread by the people who see us as just our condition and not as people.

“Discounting people because they have a disability negates their effort, their work to live in an able world.

They work just as hard, if not harder, than probably you guys do to live

normally in an able world.

“My experience is certainly not unique, nor is it the first or last one to come. But it is relevant for understanding why what’s left unspoken, the silence of sound, somehow reverberates the loudest...I continue to share my story to encourage acceptance of what makes us unique, nothing more, nothing less.”

According to the National Institute

CONTINUED ON PAGE 45

Graphic: Licensed to The Zebra Press by Adobe Stock

This is how the Baha enables users to hear.

WHAT IS COCHLEAR AND WHY IS JOHNS HOPKINS SO IMPORTANT?

BY GRACE BILLUPS ARNOLD

Station, Lutherville, MD; The Johns Hopkins BayCochlear Limited is a view Medical Center in global medical device comBaltimore; and The Johns pany specializing in hearing Hopkins Health Care and aids and implants. CochleSurgery Center in Bethesar Limited headquarters are da, MD. near Sydney, Australia; CoJohns Hopkins’ staff are chlear Americas is in Colospecialists in hearing loss rado. research, techniques, deCochlear Limited was vices, and surgeries. The founded in 1981 by Dr. Johns Hopkins University Graeme Clark, who inventSchool of medicine suped the Multiple-Channel ports those with hearing Cochlear Implant. A profesloss and gives students like sor of otolaryngology at the Alexandra research opporUniversity of Melbourne, tunities and resources.

Dr. Clark is the namesake To locate a Johns HopPhoto: Johns Hopkins University of the Graeme Clark Schol- This is the Baha cochlear implant. kins center or an affiliatarship for Cochlear Nucleus ed patient care center near Implant recipients. you, visit www.hopkinsToday, Cochlear Limited speJohns Hopkins is a leader in medicine.org/directions/. To request cializes in three devices: the Nu- hearing loss research and hearing an appointment with a Hopkins cleus Cochlear Implant, the Hy- aids, with four centers in Amer- Hearing audiologist, call 443-997brid Electro-Acoustic Implant, ica: The Johns Hopkins Outpa- 6467. To locate a Cochlear clinic and the Baha Implant, which The tient Center, Baltimore, MD; The near you, visit www.cochlear.com/us/ Johns Hopkins University School Johns Hopkins Health Care and en/connect/find-a-clinic. of Medicine offers.

Surgery Center at Green Spring

THE ZEBRA PRESS

37

Marching Into the Spring Art Scene

BY KELLY MACCONOMY • The Art League ~ “Line by Line: Artists Interpret Poetry” juried by Jordann Wine is on exhibit at this longtime Torpedo Factory gallery from March 10 - April 4, 2021. Artists choose a poem or part of a poem, then visually express their interpretation of the words. D.C.based artist Jordann Wine explores concepts inspired by her fascination with “sacred geometry,” but her utilization of glitter has become a notable artistic trademark. This show proves that all that glitters oftentimes is indeed gold!

• The Athenaeum ~ 201 Prince Street in Old Town features Chicago-based artist Phillip Livingston’s works through April 4, 2021. His new exhibit online and in the gallery is “Family Ghosts and Other Strangers.”

An admirer of Haiku poetry, Livingston’s seemingly simplistic images derive from photos of friends and family, represented as real or unreal, fictional or historical, living or ghostly, or sometimes as silhouettes in mixed media portraits on birch wood panels.

• Del Ray Artisans ~ “Give Me Shelter” is the March show on exhibit at the gallery from March 5 - 27, 2021. Curators Pam Day and Theresa Kulstad have incorporated a fundraising aspect benefitting Alexandria’s Carpenter’s Shelter for this exhibit, spotlighting home and shelter insecurity made especially dire due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The gallery at 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue

38 ZEBRA PRESS

Art

in Del Ray is open Thursday and Friday, 12-6 pm and Saturday, 12-4 pm. Free opening day half-hour appointments on March 5 can be made by going to www.delrayartisans.org/ event/shelter.

• Principle Gallery ~ 208 King Street, Alexandria. “Journeys,” a group exhibition opening March 19, follows “Inspired,” which opened February 19. Both are group shows

ballroom of the estate, which is open by appointment. The final reception takes place on March 20, 11 am to 1 pm.

The show closes on April 6.

• Target Gallery at the Torpedo Factory celebrates its

By Kel l y Mac 11th Annual March150 exhibiC on om y tion and fundraising art sale March 13 - April 3, 2021. This open exhibit consists of 10inch square wooden panels purchased by the artists for a $15 entry-fee donation, with a maximum three panels per artist. The finished art panels are then donated to the gallery, and all are on sale at $150 each.

On the night of the Virtual Art Party, March 27 at 7 pm, all unsold art will be priced at $100 for the evening. The exhibition preview is Friday, March 12, with VIP timed-ticket entry on Saturday, March 13. There will be featured artist talks. Check the website for details. For more information, contact Leslie Mounaime at 703-746-4584 or leslie. mounaime@alexandria.gov.

• Torpedo Factory @ Mosaic ~ The satellite gallery managed by the TFAA features “Hold Me Close” until March 14, 2021.

In this exhibit, artists express the challenges of being within and without togetherness during these politically divergent times and throughout an unrelenting pandemic engendering a year of isolation and alienation. At 105 District Avenue in the Mosaic shopping area in Fairfax, the gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday, 11 am – 7 pm.

• The Gallery UnderPhotos: Kelly MacConomy ground presents March150 is back at the Target Gallery for its 11th year. “Ambient Light: Art panels donated by Torpedo Factory studio and local Real and Imagartists sell for $150 but are reduced to $100 at the Vir- ined” work by tual Art Party on March 20. The early bird gets the best five Arlington artselection so consider purchasing a VIP access for first ists on exhibit dibs on whatever catches your eye the day before at the from March 1-26, public reception preview on March 12.

2021. The five artists representfeaturing works of Jill Basham, ed are Elizabeth Christine Lashley, Kim VanDerHudgins, Kat Jamieson, Linda Hoek, Mark Boedges, Kevin Maldonado, Elise Ritter, and Fitzgerald, and Anna Wypych.

Deborah Taylor ~ all members • River Farm ~ Robert Murray, of Studio 10, a group of collabartist and director of the Von orative artists who spotlight, Brahler, Ltd. Gallery, presents create, and celebrate commu“Looking Forward to Spring,” nity-based art. The Gallery Unan exhibit of his own works derground, 2100 Crystal Drive, and selections from several Arlington is open Monday-FriRussian ex-pat artists he repday from 10 am – 6 pm. resents. The exhibit is in the

NewZ

MARCH 2021

On

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Springing Forward at River Farm FLORAL EXPRESSIONS BY ROBERT F. MURRAY AND RUSSIAN MASTER OTARI

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“Mothman” by Robert F. Murray Private Collection.

“Bouquet,” water expression by Robert F. Murray, artist and director of the Von Brahler, Ltd. Gallery in Alexandria.

BY KELLY MACCONOMY

blues.

River Farm is the 25-acre estate home to the American Horticultural Society, situated along the Potomac river banks on land that was once part of George Washington’s original five farms. River Farm, located just off the George Washington Parkway, was recent-

After falling back in the autumn, and with winter’s chilling bones bearing down relentlessly last month, nothing is more welcome than springing ahead come March. Robert Murray’s latest exhibit, “Looking Forward to Spring,” opened January 25 at River Farm, bringing hopeful still life florals to winter’s

Photo: Kelly MacConomy

“Piano with Azaleas” by Otari

MARCH 2021

QUOTABLES

The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.

—W.B. Yeats

CONTINUED ON PAGE 45

Photo: Kelly MacConomy

Spring Song, Lilacs, acrylic on canvas by Otari.

THE ZEBRA PRESS

39

ON VIEW at

MOVIES

The Good News of the World: Tom Hanks Saves the Day, Again!

BY KELLY MACCONOMY Whenever a film comes out based upon a beloved or best-selling book, there is invariably a chorus disclaiming it. “The book was better,” they say. News of the World, directed by Paul Greengrass and starring America’s favorite A-list movie star Tom Hanks, may not dissuade them of the inevitability of disappointment.

But it may well convince them to give the next feature film based on a book they love a chance.

News of the World is one of those filmmaking efforts that, having read the book, you are compelled to see the movie ASAP, after which you

Courtesy photos

Above: Tom Hanks and newcomer Helena Zengel star in the western drama News of the World, screening in area theaters and available on-demand.

At left: News of the World Director and Screenwriter Paul Greengrass on the set in New Mexico.

find yourself reading the book all over again. Casting Tom Hanks was genius. His acting persona embodies the humbled, everyman epic, truegrit hero (sans bravado and gravitas) by way of the underestimated quiet guy who bravely asks the “it” girl to the prom, then one day marries her.

You root for him no matter what without even knowing why.

Paul Greengrass (the Bourne franchise films, Captain Phillips, United 93) adapted the screenplay with Australian writer Luke Davies.

While the film was shot primarily in New Mexico, it has a decidedly Aussie Outback feel. This is Hanks’ first western film. He takes to the role like he’s been waiting to ride off into the sunset his entire five-decade-long career.

News of the World is based on Paulette Jiles exquisitely detailed 2016 tale of Civil War veteran Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd. He is charged

with reuniting a 10-year-old girl who’d been kidnapped by the Kiowa tribe that killed her family with an aunt and uncle. They must cross Texas from Wichita Falls to San Antonio on to Castroville. Hanks portrays Kidd perfectly with the vulnerability of a man conflicted and compromised by age, solitude, and honor.

Kidd’s journey with Johanna Leonberger, who calls him “Capp-tun” (impeccably played by Hollywood newcomer Helena Zengel), takes them onto the unforgiving plains of post-war Texas. The Captain makes a living reading the news of the world to rapt and at times rowdy audiences for a dime-a-person admission.

The book has few

faults, but one glaring omission is the actual reading of the news

by Kidd. The film utilizes Hanks’ hypnotic California twang to great effect, holding both Hill Country characters and the film-viewing audience spellbound as only a Tom

Hanks performance can do.

News of the World was released exclusively in movie houses on Christmas Day and continues to be screened in theaters. It’s available on demand for $20. You may prefer to view this film on the widescreen.

Dariusz Wolski’s cinematography is sure to be hailed with nominations come award season. This film merits a big-screen experience.

Coupled with James Newton Howard’s eloquent score, this is the first western drama since Kevin Costner’s Open Range that can be described as sweeping, with the old-fashioned aesthetic that made the great iconic westerns of Hollywood’s days gone by.

Although Tom Hanks was shunned in the Golden Globe nominations, he’s on the shortlist for Oscar Best Actor. Helena Zengel was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress - Movie.

We can expect to see her receive a nomination for an Academy Award as well. Oscar loves phenoms.

Recognition for outstanding cinematography, editing, sound, and musical score (long overdue for James Newton Howard) with possible nods for Greengrass’s writing and direction, are likely.

In a modern-day America overwhelmed by politicized views about almost everything, it’s refreshing to experience a film that embodies a time in our nation’s divisive history when news was slow to spread. After a cataclysmic January, we would all benefit from downshifting the rapid, incessant dissemination of news.

Social media and the internet have vastly undermined what once was a reliable source of information—the newspaper.

Fortunately, we can on-demand this film, start the popcorn, sit back, and relax as the “Capp-tun” reads the good news of the world while we wait for better days to come.

Courtesy photo

German actress and Hollywood newcomer Helena Zengel, nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Johanna in News of the World.

This space made possible by The Hoffman Town Center

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER | twitter.com/ZebraAlexandria 40 ZEBRA PRESS

MARCH 2021

Tracy Lynn Olivera, Awa Sal Secko, and Katie Mariko Murray sing “You Could Drive a Person Crazy” in Simply Sondheim.

All photos: Christopher Mueller

Sondheim is Back Where He Belongs!

AT SIGNATURE THEATRE IN “SIMPLY SONDHEIM”

BY SARA DUDLEY BROWN, THEATRE EDITOR If you’ve been longing for an antidote to the ennui developed over 11 months of watching your favorite live musical and theatrical events on Zoom, I’m delighted to say, “I’ve found it!”

Here’s the scoop!

For three days in November, Signature Theatre in Shirlington was alive with 12 socially distanced actors/singers, 16 orchestra members, and creative teams all thrilled to be back and putting together the definitive production of Stephen Sondheim’s Simply Sondheim. Signature teamed up with Chiet Productions to film a jam-packed, nearly two-hour production direct from the MAX Theatre, the larger of Signature’s two theatres.

Brilliant lighting, perfect sound (closed captioning available), and extraordinary camera shots give us an illuminated view of the stage and of the actors’ view of the Dress Circle where the musicians set up, all socially distanced and sounding like a full symphony orchestra under music director Jon Kalbfleisch’s expert leadership. The gorgeous lighting and crystal clear sound are courtesy of lighting designer Adam Honoré and sound designer Ryan Hickey.

MARCH 2021

tie Mariko Murray (Signature’s Grand Hotel), Tracy Lynn Olivera (Signature’s A Little Night Music), Paul

By Sara Scanlan (Signature’s La Dudley Brown Cage aux Folles), Awa Sal Secka (Signature’s Gun & Powder), and Bobby Smith (Signature’s Light Years).

Each of these professionals has multiple shows to At left: Donna Migliaccio sings choose from as examples “The Worst Pies in London” in of their work, but I was Simply Sondheim. limited to writing about only one or two. Sigh.

Below left: Emily Skinner sings This marvelous and di“The Ladies Who Lunch” in Simverse cast brings us more ply Sondheim. than 30 songs from the composer’s rich canon, and while the selections Below right: Norm Lewis sings can be sometimes unex“Being Alive” in Simply Sondpected, many are old faheim. vorites. I believe all are worth your valuable time. Did I mention that once you begin watching this production, you have 36 hours to view it over and over? No? Added benefit!

One reason for watching several times could be that amazing Sondheim interpreter, Donna Migliaccio. She sings one of my favorite tunes, The Best Pies in London from Sweeney Todd, with Bobby Smith’s silent but effecLewis (Broadway’s Once tive presence. Wait ‘til you on This Island and Signa- see Donna slapping around ture’s First You Dream), Solea disgusting looking pastry Pfeifer (Signature’s Gun and while informing us that Powder), Conrad Ricamora perhaps it tastes ghastly be(Broadway’s The King and I), cause meat is unattainable Emily Skinner (Broadway’s at that time in London, all The Cher Show), Nicho- the while pointing out that las McDonough (Signature’s a lot of pussycats are missing Grand Hotel), Donna Mi- from the streets. She closes gliaccio (Broadway’s War with, “Them pussycats is Paint), Christopher Mueller (Signature’s Assassins), KaCONTINUED ON PAGE 43

Theatre

Marquee TV will bring this pastiche/review of the best of the best of Stephen Sondheim’s songs (he wrote both words and music for all of them) to you on your TV, smartphone, notebook, or computer. It streams from February 2 through March

26, 2021.

Marquee TV is an ondemand streaming platform dedicated to global arts and culture.

Matthew Gardiner (associate artistic director) worked with Kelly Crandall d’Amboise (associate director and casting director) to engage 12 seasoned and highly experienced Sondheim interpreters. Those actors/singers include Norm

THE ZEBRA PRESS

41

BOOK OF THE MONTH

5 STRIPES

Futuristic Political Thriller Hits Home Fast forward 40 years and imagine a United States of America where laws have been radically reversed, including the political lightning rod, abortion. Divisive protracted debates about this issue ended painfully. Citizens hoped division and discord were finally over. The two most recent generations of citizens are now adults, and America has a new normal. But Michael Gryboski’s work goes much deeper than that one issue. The plot and characters wrestle with serious moral principles.

Memories of Lasting Shadows takes readers into a vision of the future and a nation that has come to terms with the old norms, seen as part of a dark period, but struggles to determine its present and future course. The story navigates partisanship, protests, and firebrand speeches fueling politics’ lucrative industry and its product: perpetual ideological conflict.

Gryboski enhances the plot by providing readers more than a glimpse into impressive technological advancements that touch many aspects of daily life, from driverless cars to hydration patch-

es and prenatal medical care.

Regardless of political persuasion, there are deep themes embedded in the story and its characters. Is the perspective of good and evil unchangeable, or can it be manipulated by circumstance? Does the end justify the means? Are

Review: Memories of Lasting Shadows Publisher: Ambassador International Emerald House Author: Michael Gryboski Reviewed by: Ralph Peluso, Literary Editor Zebra Rating: 5 Stripes

Courtesy photo

Author Michael Gryboski Ralph Peluso

humans inherently good or evil? Is personal redemption real?

The two main characters in Memories of Lasting Shadows are deeply divided. United States Senator Benjamin Pettus is a former doctor who practiced when choice was the law of the land. He strug-

gles to preserve his legislative legacy, and to hide his past.

Roberta Sheridan was born and raised in a different time. For her, terminating an unborn child is illegal and reprehensible. She is a devout Christian and principled journalist. At the urging of a colleague who is a selfprofessed “citizen journalist,” Roberta hears of deep secrets that could derail Pettus in an upcoming election. While investigating, she discovers

the truth but is left with more questions than answers. Is the past ever really gone? Are we any different than our adversaries?

Michael Gryboski was born and grew up in the Washington DC metro area. He is a George Washington University graduate, lives in Richmond, Virginia, and writes for The Christian Journal. Michael says, “I’d rather be right than widely accepted.”

I remember reading somewhere that life’s essence is

seeking a brighter future, but remembering that the past is forever within us. Memories of Lasting Shadows is a political thriller and an awakening of sorts that captures that thought. A must-read, particularly for those who enjoy spirited debates when ideological views collide. Zebra rating: 5 stripes

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.

March 9, TUESDAY Reading, Writing and Ralph with author Tina Rae Kantiano discussing her book, Living the Dream, with witty, curt insights into relationships and their trials and tribulations.

March 23, TUESDAY Reading, Writing and Ralph with guest Paige Etheridge, author of Pink, Not Fanged. Etheridge returns to the show to talk about her new book, a thrilling coming-ofage story steeped in the mystical.

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

Read us online at http://digital.thezebra.org 42 ZEBRA PRESS

MARCH 2021

THEATRE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41 quick!”

Time and space don’t let me discuss all my favorite songs and singers in detail, but I must give a shout out to Tracy Lynn Olivera’s I’m Not Getting Married (from Company) with adroit backup singing by Katie and Christopher! I also must say that James Gardiner’s editing for this production was incredibly well done.

Matthew Gardiner’s direction and choreography keep your interest focused while gracefully transitioning from a traditionally sung single piece to perhaps a fantastic mashup of several songs from different shows! The brilliant vocal arrangements are courtesy of David Loud, and Jonathan Tunick supplied the spectacular new orchestrations. The entire presentation was created with special permission from Stephen Sondheim himself. By the way, Signature has produced more Sondheim shows in 30 years than any other theatre in the United States, so they truly know what they are doing!

What else can I tell you? If you do not know or don’t appreciate Stephen Sondheim’s music the way your friends and family do, this is an inexpensive way to immerse

yourself in his work! You’ll be glad you did! Or, if nothing else tickles your fancy, with the help of closed captions, you can finally hear/read all the marvelous rhymes from this master of words.

Just listen/read carefully when Katie Mariko Murray sings On the Steps of the Palace from Into the Woods, when Sondheim rhymes these lyrics: “I’ll just leave him a clue, For example, a shoe” with “And then see what he’ll do, Now it’s he and not you, who’ll be stuck with a shoe In a stew, in the goo And I’ve learned something, too Something I never knew On the steps of the palace!”

Which finally rhymes with malice, nine stanzas earlier!

Well, you get the picture.

The man’s a genius!

Simply Sondheim Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Co-Conceived by David Loud & Eric Schaeffer, Directed & Choreographed by Matthew Gardiner. Streaming February 2 through March 26, 2021 through Marquee TV. Tickets on sale at SigTheatre.org or call the Box Office at 703820-9771.

QUOTABLES

MARCH 2021

May the winds of fortune sail you, may you sail a gentle sea, may it always be the other guy who says ‘this drink’s on me!’

—Irish blessing

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WATCH WHAT’S ON Z-TV LIVE! • MARCH 2021 CALENDAR Catch City Council Candidates on Z-TV

Before the June 8 primary, Virginia Amos will be inviting every City Council candidate to her show, The Virginia Amos Show, for an up-close spotlight interview, like the one recently broadcast with Democratic candidate Bill Rossello, which is archived on The Zebra Press Facebook page as well as the Z-TV YouTube Channel. A long-time Alexandria resident, and former professional writer and editor, Amos knows the issues and will offer an unbiased platform of equal time for each candidate interested in appearing. Check this page next month and our Facebook page in the meantime for upcoming dates.

At left: Virginia Amos in the Z-TV studio conducting a live interview on The Virginia Amos Show.

Photo: David McClure

1

March 1, MONDAY

March 2, TUESDAY

March 3, WEDNESDAY

We Should Talk About That podcast hosts Jess B and Jess K welcome local author Jennifer Folsom. Tune in and join the conversation about Jennifer’s newest initiative with MSNBC’s Mika Brzezinski, Reboot Career Camp, which was set up in response to the 2.5 million women leaving the workforce as a result of Covid.

Living on Music with Steve Houk and guest Michael Tash, stellar guitarist and 25-year fixture of the local blues circuit; founder of blues band Bad Influence.

Trash or Treasure with Monika Schiavo. Explore Victorian “Hairwork” jewelry or jewelry made of human hair, which were items used as tokens of affection or to mourn a loved one’s passing. Monika visits with collector Mary Almond at Alexandria’s own historic house museum, The Lee Fendall House, where they discuss her antique pieces and the stories behind their creation, use and meaning.

2 March 9, TUESDAY March 8, MONDAY Living on Music with Steve Houk and legendary folk music singer/songwriter Tom Rush who influenced James Taylor, Garth Brooks, Jackson Browne and others.

8

March 15, MONDAY

9

Reading, Writing and Ralph with author Tina Rae Kantiano discussing her book, Living the Dream, with witty, curt insights into relationships and their trials and tribulations.

15

Living on Music with Steve Houk and guest Daniel Schwartz, local music jack of all trades, esteemed musician, production manager and more.

March 29, MONDAY Living on Music with Steve Houk and guest FEEL FREE. Formed in 2010 in Alexandria, their smooth sound incorporates power horn lines, tasteful guitar work and memorable melodies.

29 44 ZEBRA PRESS

4

Make It Alexandria with host Alyssa Kovach of Alexandria Makers Market, and Project Buna, which was started by Mike Madrid and Donny Brazeal in 2019 to make specialty, third-wave coffee more accessible to everyone.

10

March 16, TUESDAY

March 17, WEDNESDAY HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY

18 March 18, THURSDAY The Virginia Amos Show with Agenda Alexandria

16

11

March 22, MONDAY Living on Music with Steve Houk. Catch up with the founder of Cancer Can Rock, Jim Ebert, and hear some cancer survivors play live.

22

March 24, WEDNESDAY Wellness Wednesday with Dr. Lauren Fisher and guest Sara Vandergoot, CMT, RYT, of Mind the Mat Pilates & Yoga. Tune in to hear Sara’s story of being a successful business owner, doula, massage therapist, fitness instructor, and a community ally for social and racial justice.

March 25, THURSDAY It’s Dinner and DIY on Make It Alexandria with host Alyssa Kovach of Alexandria Makers Market. Stephen Lally Pottery has created an exclusively designed bonsai pot and we will plant our own cherry blossom to enjoy this Spring! Stay tuned for info on dinner.

25

24 March 30, TUESDAY Meet Alexandria’s Animals who are available for adoption at AWLA.

April 1, THURSDAY

30

APRIL

23

Make It Alexandria with host Alyssa Kovach of Alexandria Makers Market, and guest Pawfectly Delicious Dog Treats, a nonprofit that employs persons with developmental and physical disabilities and takes pride in providing meaningful work while celebrating each person’s unique gifts, talents, and abilities.

March 11, THURSDAY

Wellness Wednesday with Dr. Lauren Fisher and guest Jenn Schwartz of Impact Fitness. Jenn is a Fitness trainer and Mat RX full body specialist who helps athletes and individuals to move without pain and to exercise to their fullest potential.

Legal Matters with Paul J. Dean, Esquire. Sue Thy Neighbor?

As much as we hate to admit it, sometimes our neighbors don’t act in a friendly way.

Trees, fences, water rights, noise nuisances and such can get in the way. Paul will discuss the ins and outs of “neighbor law” and your rights as a property owner in Virginia. Questions welcome!

Reading, Writing and Ralph with guest Paige Etheridge, author of Pink, Not Fanged. Etheridge returns to the show to talk about her new book, a thrilling coming-of-age story steeped in the mystical.

March 4, THURSDAY

March 10, WEDNESDAY

17

March 23, TUESDAY

3

Make It Alexandria with host Alyssa Kovach of Alexandria Makers Market. Alyssa spotlights Megan C. Florals’ wooden flower arrangements for all of your home decor and event needs. Each arrangement uses the highest quality Sola Wood flowers that are handdyed and arranged in Alexandria, VA.

1 MARCH 2021

RIVER FARM

the brushwork. Together they conjure magic.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39 Spring dreaming on such a winter’s day is ly listed for sale at $32.9 a compelling divermillion. The Northern sion.

Floral symphoVirginia Conservation nies composed on Trust, in partnership canvas burst forth, a with NOVA Parks, has welcome harbinger of made an offer. Neightaunting blooms in evbors, AHS members, ery color in the crayon and gardening gurus box. This exhibit is a across the DMV eagerly seduction of spring— await a deal, potentially a siren’s song beckonpreserving the undeveling visitors to stop and oped historic property smell the roses. And for continued public acthe azaleas. And pine cess and enjoyment. all the more for sweet Art on exhibit at Rivsummer days to come. er Farm must have a Photo: Kelly MacConomy River Farm is found horticultural subject. “Chrysanthemums”, acrylic on canvas by the at 7931 East Boulevard Bob Murray’s curation Russian-born artist Otari.

Drive, Alexandria. strives to challenge the “Looking forward to cliched floral/fruit bowl tic aesthetic of Murray verSpring” closes April 6, still life or the classic seasonal sus Otari is boldly striking 2021. A reception with Roblandscape. “Looking Forward yet nonetheless complemen- ert F. Murray will take place to Spring” pairs his own lyritary. Otari’s palette is vivid, on Saturday, March 20, from cal water expressions series bold, and provocative. Mur- 11 am ~ 1 pm. For more inand mixed-media floral work ray’s “water expressions” use formation, contact Bob Murwith the masterful brushwork of color is understated, cau- ray at 703-798-8686. and organic compositions of tious, yielding to the movethe Russian painter known as ment so as to not upstage the Otari. vibrant, kinetic expression of The dichotomous artis-

WONG CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37 on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), each year two to three out of every 1,000 children are born with hearing loss in the United States. Given a U.S. population of 330 million, that is a significant statistic.

According to the Johns Hopkins Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health, support is key for helping almost 40 million people coping with hearing disability and finding closure under uncontrollable circumstances.

“People aren’t defined by their disabilities,” Alexandra says. “They are defined by the actions they take in the context of their disabilities. I didn’t overcome my disability; I overcame the circumstance of what people boxed me into. Someone out there is getting laughed at because of things they can’t control.

I don’t want to see someone

get hurt because they can’t be themselves. That is why I share my story.”

Through sharing her story, Alexandra has found closure and confidence and has reclaimed her identity. She hopes to help others do the same. Alexandra used to hide her disability. Now, she has received the Anders Tjellström scholarship for representing and supporting those with hearing loss and for her research in auditory neuroscience.

“This scholarship validates the work I have been doing,” she says, “and it gives me the confidence to keep dreaming and keep working towards big, lofty goals.”

Alexandra is currently an intern with The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, working to create algorithms that detect specific levels of hearing loss. She volunteers with the Northern Virginia Resource Research Center for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Persons to ensure that deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals across eight coun-

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tries can access assistive technologies. Alexandra also runs a college essay editing business and a startup, Cognitive, that fuses AI and human support into four chatbot apps that can diagnose and treat nine mental health illnesses.

She aspires to one day become an ENT doctor.

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

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THE ZEBRA PRESS

45

STUDIO K CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

PICK OF THE MONTH

Courtesy Hops N Shine

February’s book was The Vanishing Half, paired with this beautiful cocktail by C.J. Cross of Hops N Shine.

THE ZEBRA BOOK CLUB Have you heard?

The Zebra Press started a virtual book club last month, and it’s off to a dazzling start! Many members heard about it through the Curbside Dining Facebook page, and eagerly joined the book club. More than a few of the members mentioned having always wanted to join a book club and were delighted to be able to do it so easily.

Just visit the Zebra Facebook page and search “Zebra Book Club” to join the group. Members take part in a monthly poll to choose the book, and get access to the Zoom call for the meeting.

For the first selection, publisher Mary Wadland

DINING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 About the extension, Bill Blackburn of Homegrown Restaurant Group says, “This benefits our Mexican concept (restaurant) Tequila and Taco the most since margaritas are a natural part of the program there. The ability to sell margaritas to-go benefits everyone. I mean, who doesn’t need a margarita right now?”

The City of Alexandria has also acted by extending relaxed rules on its outdoor dining scene. “Outdoor dining was allowed in certain places but was heavily regulated. We basically threw out those rules and have allowed dining in streets, on sidewalks, parking lots, wherever we can make it

46 ZEBRA PRESS

Courtesy photo

The pick for March is The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict, as chosen by the Zebra Book Club member sin an online poll.

work,” says Mayor Wilson.

The ALX B2B All Weather Grant On Tuesday, October 27, Alexandria City Council voted to approve $500,000 of federal CARES Act funding for restaurant, retail and fitness businesses who wish to winterize outdoor business areas. The ALX B2B All Weather Grant is available to businesses that already hold permits for outdoor operations. Permit fees for adapting outdoor dining operations are waived.

Also, according to an update from the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, 94 small businesses in Alexandria have each received a $5,000 grant through AEDP to support the acquisition and deployment of

offered the group several titles from which to choose in an online poll. Brit Bennet’s The Vanishing Half was the winner, and readers were then invited to pick up a special meal from Hops N Shine. Owner C.J. Cross created a beautiful and delicious cocktail and paired it with a lemon cake; both selections reflected key elements of the book.

Voting was robust in the poll for the March selection, and the winning book was The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict. The date for the March meeting will be announced soon. Anyone can join the group at any time, so please find us on Facebook and join the fun!

all-weather and winterization equipment and materials.

Funding is a foremost concern. Restaurant revenues provide jobs and income to thousands in the Alexandria area, and consumption-based taxes fund vital city operations such as schools, fire, and police departments.

Both of these actions “were designed to help keep our businesses afloat during this challenging time,” says Mayor Wilson. An extension of relaxed regulations allows restaurants to adjust to a new normal, because daily life will likely never return to the normal we once knew. “This is just one step toward regulations that better fit our society,” says Bill Blackburn.

tography brings each piece to life in beautiful natural light, often perched on a deep green plant or a Kantha quilt, one of the collective’s most popular items for sale.

Artists in the collective are grateful to be included. “In these difficult times, it means a lot to be a part of a group of female artists who are making the world more beautiful,” said Gioia Chilton, painter and mixed media artist.

“Kirsten’s vision for a collective that collaborates instead of competes is inspired and inspiring.”

Alexandria jewelry artist Leah Sturgis said, “I am delighted to be working with Kirsten. She has chosen a thoughtful group of artists and I’m glad to be one of them.”

Eve Campeau of Eve’sentials agreed. “As a home-based natural soap maker, I’m honored to be a chosen artisan as part of Studio K Collective’s support for women-only businesses.”

Kirsten McCulloch has been working with many of the collective’s artists for years. She also discovers new talent through friends, clients, and online resources. Connecting to an artist’s work that speaks to her sparks a thrill every time. And the feeling is mutual. “I feel honored to be among the women in the Studio K Collective.

The caliber of their work and creativity is exemplary,” said Patricia Clarkson of Freshwa-

ter Blue.

While it’s been a prolific time for artists, getting their work on the market has been challenging due to canceled shows and events. McCulloch had to re-think her business model and support artists she featured by getting their work online. She found joy in doing so, and that was the catalyst for the Studio K Collective.

The Studio K Collective website is in development right now and should be online in a few weeks.

In the meantime, interested shoppers can find the art on Facebook and Instagram, @ studiokcollective. McCulloch is happy to take shoppers through the collection virtually via FaceTime and can be reached through direct messaging on social media platforms.

McCulloch is excited about the future of Studio K Collective. It is a longtime dream coming to fruition. Art shows and events will return eventually, and she sees opportunities for pop-up shops as well. She will continue to grow the collective online.

“I’ve always wanted to create a space for different women artists to be seen and appreciated, and to make art available at every budget,” she said. “We should all have the opportunity to collect and enjoy art in our homes.”

Follow Studio K Collective on Instagram (instagram. com/studiokcollective/) and Facebook, @studiokcollective. Kirsten is available via direct message on either of these platforms.

Photo: Studio K Collective

Crafted with natural and organic ingredients including plant-based botanicals and pure essential oils, Eve’sentials soaps are a popular item in the Studio K Collective.

QUOTABLES

May the roof above us never fall in. And may the friends gathered below it never fall out.

—Irish blessing

MARCH 2021

Scene Around Town

Above: Randy Van Scoy of Van Napier Farms spotted at Harris Teeter.

Above: Barbie Poole Frank lunching at the Warehouse after finding the lost glasses of Zebra staffer Lucelle O’Flaherty.

At left: Lysa Farah and Andrea Huston walking by the Potomac.

Above: Ann Griffith with ERNIE, a nineweek old Portuguese Waterdog

Above: Kiera Hockaday greets all with a smile at Intelligent Office of Alexandria, home of the Zebra’s Worldwide Headquarters.

At left: Jake Harrison and Leyna Holubar enjoy lunch with a view at Cafe 44.

Rosanne Karaffa paying it forward with purchases made at Rose Bierce’s Top It Off store to donate to the women at the Friends of Guest House.

MARCH 2021

Above: Kevin Sasfai, a dog trainer at Your Dog’s Best Friend, out with SAM, a nine-month old Coonhound.

All photos by Lucelle O’Flaherty

Tony Rogers involved in the community.

THE ZEBRA PRESS

47

ALEXANDRIA NOIR Creating Smiles and Opportunities for Alexandria’s Youth AN INTERVIEW BY SHENISE FOSTER This edition of the Alexandria Noir column turns the spotlight on Ms. Cherie Furlow. Ms. Furlow is a 25year resident of Alexandria and past president of the Continental Societies, Inc., Northern Virginia Chapter.

As a legacy member, Ms. Furlow is deeply rooted in upholding the organization’s pledge developed in 1956 to foster, promote, and develop underprivileged children and youth’s welfare. During this interview, the Zebra looks into the impact Ms. Furlow and the Continental Societies, Inc. Northern Virginia chapter have in Alexandria.

Zebra: How long have you been affiliated with the Continental Societies Inc. Northern Virginia Chapter?

Ms. Furlow: I have been an active member of the Northern Virginia Chapter for 11 years. In actuality, I have been affiliated with the Continental Societies, Inc. my entire life.

My mother was a dedicated member of the Newport News-Hampton, Virginia chapter. My sister was a member of the Raleigh, North Carolina chapter and my aunts were charter members of the Goldsboro, North Carolina chapter. With my family so involved for years, I finally decided to follow in their footsteps in 2010.

Zebra: In your role as the past president of the Northern Virginia Chapter, what are your responsibilities?

Ms. Furlow: It is my responsibility to provide guidance to the current president and ensure that the chapter aligns with the Continental Societies’ fivepoint programmatic thrust, including health, education, employment, recreation, and arts and humanities programs.

Zebra: The Continental Societies’ mission is to create environments in

CLUB CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 what skills, training, certifications, and programs they need to fill those positions.

The workforce training development center is unique in that anyone from middle school to middle age is welcome. It can open doors that

48 ZEBRA PRESS

Ms. Cherie Furlow

local communities that empower children to access quality and appropriate opportunities to reach their optimal potential. How has the Northern Virginia chapter contributed to the Alexandria community?

Ms. Furlow: The Northern Virginia chapter serves children in the Arlington and Alexandria community through a dental hygiene program, where we partner with the Colgate Van. Pre-Covid, we had a Colgate van visiting Woodley Mills Elementary school and Dr. Charles Drew Elementary School. This year, along with the Hopkins House, we had a Zoom program with a dentist to teach children proper brushing and flossing techniques.

Our chapter also partnered with Alexandria Community Shelter, Carpenter Shelter, and Hopkins House to provide hygiene products and school supplies for children and spearheaded a drive to supply scarves, hats, and gloves for holiday gift-giving.

Zebra: What’s your most successful program and why?

Ms. Furlow: The African Ameri-

residents may not have been able to open themselves, or even known there were doors at all.

The plan is that middleschoolers will see what happens in the program, and then their parents will get the training. “We want to have kids in middle and high school see what we are doing at the center,” says Lusk. “We

can reading program during Black History Month is one of our most well-attended and successful initiatives. We collaborate with Alexandria and Arlington elementary schools. In the past, we have scheduled 20-minute reading sessions in which we reached over 800 students.

This year we will pre-record reading sessions based on a curated reading list provided by the Dr. Charles Drew Elementary School Librarian and Alexandria churches. These sessions will be online for easy access by all children. I am confident that sharing the African American reading program in this new format will be just as successful, if not more than in previous years.

Zebra: What do you most enjoy about being a part of the Continental Societies?

Ms. Furlow: I thoroughly enjoy working side by side with my fellow Continental Societies chapter members.

Overall, the most enjoyable reason for being apart of this organization is seeing the smiles of the children we serve. Just that small amount of validation reassures me that all the planning and hard work of putting together these events is worth it.

Zebra: What are your organization’s goals for 2021?

Ms. Furlow: The Northern Virginia Chapter is planning events that correlate with our five programmatic thrust initiatives. To meet our education initiative, we will be hosting a marshmallow toothpick tower event that will teach middle school students how to apply their science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills in a fun way.

Zebra: What are some of your favorite Alexandria establishments and why?

Ms. Furlow: The historic St. Joseph

want to give them exposure and education, not just training. We recognize that some kids might not be able to go to college, so we want to show examples of individuals who have gone into welding, plumbing, etc.”

David Temple, former Deputy Secretary of Education for the State of Virginia, adds, “What we are doing is

Catholic Church, the Charles Houston Center, and the Alexandria Black History Museum are three of my favorite establishments. We have partnered with St. Joseph Church for many children’s events. I think it’s great that these three institutions are within walking distance of each other and allow children to visit each easily. I also love the fact that Alexandria has an abundance of historical tours and memorials that focus on African American history.

Zebra: This interview will run in the March issue of the Zebra. Are there any events/programs that will take place during this time?

Ms. Furlow: In March, we are continuing our African American reading program by partnering with schools in Alexandria and Arlington for Read Across America. We will also co-host a virtual employment fair with the National Council of Negro Women, Northern Virginia chapter.

Zebra: How can Zebra readers find out more about the Continental Societies, Northern Virginia chapter?

Ms. Furlow: Zebra Readers can visit the Continental Societies, Inc. website (continentalsocietiesinc.org/) and our Facebook page (www.facebook. com/ContinentalSocietiesInc/).

Zebra: Is there anything else that you would like to share?

Ms. Furlow: Only that we are always welcoming new members. If you are interested in working with children and looking for a way to give back to the Alexandria community, the Northern Virginia chapter of the Continental Societies, Inc. is a great organization to join.

expanding their world of opportunities, not discouraging college. If we can convince a kid to be a programmer, they will need college for that, but we want to give them an avenue. This training will make it easier for them to get into college.”

After finalizing agreements and partnerships with local companies and non-profits,

the training will be free for anyone interested.

“Everyone that I have talked to about this mission... they get it, they want to help in some way,” explains Lusk.

“I am really encouraged by that. We look forward to getting the center up and running.”

MARCH 2021

PL ANET FRIENDLY

What Are the Signs of Termites in Your Alexandria Home?

LEARN THE SECRETS OF THE PROS

BY GENE WRIGHT How can you know if there are termites in your home?

These voracious wood-eating insects can invade a house and cause permanent, irreparable damage, even during winter months.

If you have an infestation that is not yet serious, it may be hard to tell that termites have moved in. But do not worry. In this article, we will walk you through the common early warning signs of termites and help you stop these pests before they have a chance to take over.

Here are a few signs you should watch for:

Discarded Wings Discarded wings are one of the first warning signs of termites and are typically seen during spring months when the insects swarm and reproduce.

If you find discarded wings in your home, or near vulnerable wood like door and window frames, it could be a sign of an infestation.

Bubbling Wood or Paint As termites feed, they create hollow openings and tunnels in your home’s wood structures. These channels are eventually filled with moisture the insects secrete as they feed.

This moisture eventually builds up in the wood, creating an effect that looks like water damage. Blistering,

GIVE BLOOD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 Nearly 40% of the population is able to donate blood, but less than 10% do so regularly. There is no substitute for human blood – it only comes from generous volunteer donors.

Many people first donate at high school or college blood drives when they are asked for the first time. Others start donating when someone close

MARCH 2021

bubbling, and peeling is a potential sign of termites that should never go ignored!

Mud Tubes To date, we only have one termite species in Alexandria, the eastern subterranean termite. This termite species builds mud tubes or tunnels between their colonies and potential food sources.

These tubes are most found near the home’s foundation, leading from the ground up to wood. Each tube looks like a narrow vein or pathway of mud that follows an irregular or winding pattern. If you find mud tubes on or around your home, the time to act is now.

Warped Window and Door Frames While it is one of the less obvious signs of termite damage, you should keep an eye out for damage to this wood, which is often exposed and accessible.

When termites eat into window and door frames, the wood warps in a way that looks like water damage. This warping can make doors and windows harder to open and close properly.

Getting Rid of Termites The type of termite infestation and the size of the colony determine how difficult it will be to remove. If the infestation is small and localized, you might be able to contain it with a DIY termite control solution. These over-

needs blood components, due to an accident or as part of treatment for a disease. Still others donate because they like how they feel helping others.

No matter the reason, it’s vital to give blood if you can.

The need has only increased due to COVID. Blood drives using the INOVA Bloodmobile are so valuable to answering the need for blood.

If you have any questions about donating blood, you can find most of the an-

Image: USDA Home and Garden Bulletin 62

Termite colonies can develop in woody debris and gain access to your home.

the-counter products work well, but only for small infestations. But the termites could be living in a nearby property and still infest your house. Once termites have found a source of food, they will always return for more.

Professional exterminators offer the most effective termite control solutions. If your property is infested and you are not sure where to start, your best bet is to team up with professionals.

Finally, here are some things you can do to prevent or at least limit termite infestations in the future:

• Minimize wood-to-soil contact in sheds, fence posts, and other wooden structures • Store firewood away from your house • Make sure all areas around

your home’s foundation are properly drained • Minimize the use of sprinkler systems • Remove tree stumps along with their root systems • Remove decaying mulch

swers on the FAQ page on the INOVA website, https:// w w w.i novablood.org/do nate-blood/frequently-askedquestions/.

Please stay tuned to The Zebra’s website and Facebook page for information on how to register for the April 22 Blood Drive at the Zebra office. It’s a great way to “Be The Good News in Someone’s Life!”

THE ZEBRA PRESS

49

The Alexandria Archives Julia Wheelock: teacher, sister, nurse, author FROM THE OFFICE OF HISTORIC ALEXANDRIA

not bear to continue the search. She told them that Orville had come to her the night before in a dream, tellLyceum Hall (now the Alexandria ing her, “My work is done. I’m weary History Museum at The Lyceum) and must rest.” hosted lectures, debates, concerts, and Leaving Anna at the church, Julia meetings while also serving as the and Sarah continued to search for Orcity’s subscription library in the two ville. They witnessed a funeral prodecades before the Civil War. cession, with Julia noting, “How unBut during the war, Lyceum Hall like a funeral at home! No train of became one of Alexandria’s 30 weeping friends follow his bier, yet military hospitals and held 80 of one of our country’s heroes, one the city’s 6,500 available hospiof the ‘boys in white,’ lies in that tal beds. Along with hospitals plain coffin. He is escorted to came surgeons, nurses, orderhis final resting place by perlies, cooks, ambulance drivhaps a dozen comrades, who ers, relief workers, and volungo with unfixed bayonets, teers to care for the woundand arms reversed, keeping ed. Also coming to the city time with their slow tread to hospitals were worried family the solemn notes of the ‘Dead members like Michigan’s JuMarch,’ plaintively executed lia Wheelock. by some of their number.”

On September 10, 1862, JuWhen they reached the hoslia was teaching “in the old red pital at Lyceum Hall, the hosschool-house” in Ionia, Michpital director informed them igan, when a student knocked that Orville had died there a on her door with bad news. She week earlier. Julia noted that, like learned that her brother, Orville, a the soldier in the funeral procesmember of the Eighth Michigan Insion, her brother “died like thousands fantry, had been badly wounded at the of others, far from home and friends, battle of Chantilly and was in a hospiwith no loved kindred near.” Years tal in Alexandria. Julia traveled the later she referred to it as a day of Photo: babel.hathitrust.org next day from Michigan to Wash“blighted hopes, a day of mournJulia Wheelock, from Julia S. Wheelock, The ington, D.C. with Orville’s wife Boys in White; The Experience of a Hospital ing, of sadness and bereavement, Anna and Anna’s sister Sarah Peck. Agent in and Around Washington, New York: a day that revealed to an anxious On the steamer down the Po- Lange & Hillman, 1870. wife that she was a widow and her tomac from Washington to Alexchildren fatherless; a day that said andria, Julia noted that the sights to my sad heart, ‘Thy brother has would have made for a “delightful… had been the first Union officer killed fallen.’” pleasure excursion!” under different in the war. Julia wrote, “As we pass She also noted, however, that they circumstances as they saw “scenes and up King Street, we pause a moment to spent time at Lyceum Hall with “an scenery so entirely new!” They passed look at the building where the brave angel of mercy in human form…Miss fortifications, “the beautiful residence young Ellsworth fell, drop a tear to [Clarissa] F. Jones, of Philadelphia.” of Robert E. Lee, his no longer – hav- his memory, and hasten on.”

Miss Jones had “watched [Orville] day ing been forfeited by treason,” the The women started their search by day as he grew weaker, she stood Washington Navy Yard, the Arsenal, for Orville at a hospital located in beside him in his dying moments, and St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. the Southern Methodist Episco- held his icy hand in hers, wiped the On arriving in wartime Alexandria, pal Church (now Washington Street death dew from his brow, received she wrote in her diary, “Soon the an- Methodist Church), but Orville was his last message for his wife and child, cient city of Alexandria—ancient in not there. Anna lost hope and could and, when life had fled, prepared him

HISTORY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 teers on National Rebuilding Day. This year, NRB is scheduled for June 26. Rebuilding Together plans to continue monitoring area Covid-19 cases and adjust accordingly.

Now working with local small businesses, contractors, and fundraisers to repair homes, Rebuilding Together meets clients’ immediate needs, whether it’s a major electrical overhaul, a roof redo, or installing a chair lift on a staircase.

50 ZEBRA PRESS

American history—heaves in sight. It presents a gloomy, dingy, dilapidated appearance.”

Once in Alexandria, Julia, Anna, and Sarah passed the Marshall House Inn, where Colonel Elmer Ellsworth

The pandemic has restricted an exponential number of Americans at home, and for many, little safety hazards can pose large liabilities. “Small things are big when you are at home all day,” says Maggie Klefstad, director of development at Rebuilding Together. “There is excitement on both ends when [a project] is finally getting done. Our clients have lived in their homes or in Alexandria for a long time. Keeping that home in the family and in Alexandria is really important.”

Rebuilding Together’s application process is simple: Clients call to receive an application by regular mail or

email. They fill out the onepage application, then proceed with specific needs for their home. When the application is complete, a project manager comes to the house to do an assessment. With COVID-19-protocols, this is done solely outdoors to comply with COVID-19 protocols. Any needed indoor repairs must be submitted by photograph, with a detailed description.

Anne, a D.C. resident, describes how she felt after her experience with Rebuilding Together: “I feel like I’m not a burden on the community; I never thought retirement would make it so I couldn’t

as far as she could for his burial. Such are her daily duties.” And such were the daily duties of thousands of women who served in hospitals throughout the Civil War. Anna and Sarah returned to Michigan, heartbroken, but Julia stayed in Alexandria. She joined the Michigan Soldiers Relief Association, a group focused on caring for Michigan troops. Julia assisted nurses, fed soldiers, wrote letters home for soldiers, and provided general care and support for the wounded. She traveled to the front to care for the wounded immediately after battles. She met General Grant at the front and discussed the work she was doing.

During work breaks, Julia toured Mount Vernon and the White House.

She saw Abraham Lincoln at the Capitol in 1863 while attending a speech

by Andrew Johnson, and again, under very different circumstances, in 1865, noting “It was my sad privilege to see the remains of our lamented President twice while lying in state, once at the White House and again at the Capitol…He was stricken down in the midst of his usefulness, at a time when the nation greatly needed his wise counsels and righteous administration.”

After the war, Julia worked for the Treasury Department in Washington D.C., returning to Michigan in 1873.

In 1870, she published Boys in White, Experiences of a Hospital Agent in and Around Washington, drawing from her diaries to recount her wide-ranging wartime experiences. Julia Wheelock died on June 7, 1900.

Historic Alexandria invites you to celebrate Women’s History Month this March. For info on commemorations t his month, please visit https://alexandriava.gov/historic.

do certain things in regard to my home; this organization helped my home a lot. I can at least see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

The employees at Rebuilding Together do what they do out of compassion and personal experience. Outreach Coordinator James Anderson says, “My half-brother was homeless on and off. It was difficult to see. Regardless of the situation, anyone is deserving of help, compassion, and awareness.”

Rebuilding Together caters to each client’s specific needs.

Working with local businesses in the area, they provide help, compassion, and aware-

ness through not only home repairs but also gift cards, meal deliveries, home safety kits, first aid kits, light bulbs, power strips, and more.

When small things come together, they can make something big; when small businesses come together, they can build something great. If you, or someone you know, need home repairs or simply some help, contact Rebuilding Together at rebuildingtogetherdca.org/ or email at INFO@rebuildingtogetherdca. org or call 703-836-1021.

MARCH 2021

Memories and Musings

BY NINA TISARA

On Climate

BY NINA TISARA The subject of climate change and what we can possibly do to stop, or at least slow it down, has been on my list of subjects to write about for many months. I hadn’t started because even small things -- like the CPU on my cell phone crashing -- make me want to crawl into a place I call my hobbit hole1 and hibernate until spring.

Climate Change is not a small thing. It is such a big thing that I sometimes find myself thinking there is nothing I can do to make a difference, so why try? Maybe you feel that way too. But then I recall the words of Edward Everett Hale (1822-1909, American author, historian, and Unitarian clergyman): “I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still, I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.”

Variations of that notion have been written by others, including Richard Stearns, U.S. District Court Judge, District of Massachusetts, and President William J. Clinton, who nominated Stearns in 1993.

I asked my friend and sister member of Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, Beck, for ideas for this column. She wrote, “Having a vision is so important. I was recently mapping out the features of my ideal kitchen of the future.

Not one where my fridge does my shopping and I cook my meals with my cell phone, but a kitchen designed for composting, plant-based diets, and growing our own food. What would that look like? I would love to see people’s visions for that future.”

Beck continued, “It may seem odd, but the first thing we need to do is recognize that we are not just individuals. We are part of a commu-

FISHER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 34 year. In the words of Helen Keller, ‘Alone we do so little, together we can do so much.’”

Dr. Fisher is the co-owner and founder of Del Ray Psych & Wellness, an integrative wellness center in the heart of Del Ray. In addition

MARCH 2021

Photo: Jeanne Tiff

Lucy and Sarah Soulliere at the 2017 March For Science, Capitol Mall, Washington, D.C.

nity that is part of numerous other communities and systems. Any of the actions I am about to share with you need to be sparked by an individual, but with a commitment to reach beyond yourself to your family, community, church, scouting troop, softball team, etc. We need to start operating at a more connected level if we will create a livable future.

“My second recommendation is to use Project Drawdown.2 These 100 solutions to global warming include carbon reductions and financial costs and savings. These calculations show us that our actions matter and can add up.

And the numbers show, time and time again, that we can save money by acting now.

“Without further ado, the

top actions you can start with now: 1) Plant Rich Diet. People need to understand that this does not mean you have to give up all meat. But you should be aware that rainforests are being cut down for cattle grazing and to grow soybeans to feed animals.

Project Drawdown estimates that if we just ate less meat we could save 66 gigatons of carbon by 2050 and be healthier.

2) Reduce Food Waste.

Astonishingly over a third of food is thrown out by consumers! My personal challenge with food waste is the packaging. Everything comes pre-packaged. I need four ingredients for a meal, and they all come in packages for four people. I can’t eat that much before it goes bad, especially

fresh fruits and veggies. Possible solutions: share a shopping trip with another single person. Be disciplined and eat all the kale before I buy more waffles. Learn to cook with “waste” parts of food.

“There could be a whole other column on eating out -if we ever get to eat out again.

I find that many meals come with sides that I know I am not going to eat. Make sure to get just what you can eat on your plate. If the meal comes with two sides, it’s okay to order just one. Keep a reusable container in the car for leftovers. Think twice about leftovers. Do you really eat them - or just keep them a couple of days and then throw them out?

3) Compost. ‘From the earth to the earth you return,’ is the little prayer I use for composting (reminiscent of Ash Wednesday from my Catholic youth). Composting connects you to the cycles of the earth in ways similar to gardening. Our waste becomes food. Instead of humans being a virus or cancer on the earth, we reclaim our place as healthy participants in the cycles of life. Besides, it makes a big difference in greenhouse gasses (see Drawdown). Your options are home compost, community compost like the church, or a commercial compost company that will pick up compost at your office or apartment building.

4) Imagine and Plan.

Fire is said to have been the gift of the gods to primitive man that brought us to where we are now. But our future demands that we use our advanced understanding of energy to create a society that does not rely on burning things. That post-carbon

The protagonists of J. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, lived in a luxurious smial or hobbit-burrow, dug into The Hill.

1

2

future is only a decade or so away. Is your household preparing for that future? When your furnace goes, look at a heat pump or solar replacement. Investigate mini-splits (ductless heat pumps installed room by room to help cool an area without using refrigerants). Replace your roof with solar tiles or light-colored shingles to reduce heat islands. Learn to love cooking on conduction plates instead of gas. Test drive some electric vehicles and add one to your dream list for the time when you need a new car.

Enjoy the stream of cool new technology coming our way.

“These are the most obvious, but there is much more.

Get involved with local political action. Alexandria and Fairfax County have green initiatives and opportunities for public comment.”

Beck closed with a suggestion I hope you will act on: “Faith communities - do you know what your faith’s principles are concerning earth stewardship and climate change? Almost every major religion has recognized some responsibility for action on these issues.”

Please share this column with members of your faith community. Discover what programs may be already in place, such as the Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions, and what programs you might initiate. Enlist a local Boy Scout troop in building compost bins for your church.

And then please get back to me. I would be so grateful to know that I have done something even though I am only one. Imagine what we might do together!

Contact me (ninat@ninatisara.com) if you would like Beck to speak to your organization and I’ll put her in touch with you.

Nina Tisara is the founder of Living Legends of Alexandria.

www.drawdown.org.

to running the business, Dr. Fisher is a clinical psychologist. Her specialties include mindfulness-based psychotherapy, positive psychology, trauma-informed approaches, and wellness coaching.

Dr. Fisher has served on the Del Ray Business Association board since 2017, most recently as vice president. She also co-chairs the Wellness

District, a collaborative group of wellness providers within the association. Dr. Fisher has been an active member of the events committee, chairing the popular Spring Bar Crawl and Candy Cane Bar Crawls that have brought the community together to benefit local nonprofits. Dr. Fisher received the Business Star Award from the Del Ray

Business Association for her community involvement and service in 2017; was named to the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce 40 Under 40 list in 2019; and her practice, Del Ray Psych & Wellness, received the Alexandria Chamber’s 2020 Rising Star Business Award.

“Together, we have accomplished so much to get Del

Ray on the map,” said outgoing Del Ray Business Association President Sue Kovalsky of The Jen Walker Team.

“We have great momentum, which will only continue under Lauren’s leadership.”

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51

Giving Back News Alfred Street Baptist Church Donates $100,000 Refrigerated Truck To ALIVE! On February 8, 2021 leaders of the Alfred Street Baptist Church surprised the ALIVE! food staff with a brand new refrigerated truck to help with the monumental increase in costs an demand put upon the charity group feeding up to 18,000 Alexandrians every month.

“Alfred Street Baptist Church has had a long standing relationship w/ ALIVE for over three decades,” said a recent social media post and “this was the result of a partnership initially formed by Deacon Emeritus, Will Willis, who purchased the organization’s first truck over 30 years ago.”

ALIVE said, “We are so blessed to be able to serve our Alexandria community during these unprecedented times.”

All Photos: ALIVE

Alexandria Museum Asking for Contributions to Active Black Lives Remembered Exhibit (Now Online) Following George Floyd’s murder on May 25, 2020, the Alexandria Black History Museum (ABHM) requested that Alexandria residents share their thoughts, artwork, and more. ABHM wanted to document the Alexandria community’s response of this tragic event and preserve it for future generations.

An online exhibition featuring the items received so far launched recently on the Historic Alexandria Online portal. The items collectively are called the Black Lives Remembered Collection. In the past year, museum staff have gathered historic pieces includ-

52 ZEBRA PRESS

ing Black Lives Matter masks, signs, tshirts, and photographs. To view item records, visit historicalexandria. pastperfectonline.com/ The collecting initiative is active.

ABHM asks people to contribute their comments and photographs via an online form.

A second exhibition will launch in May 2021, around the one-year anniversary of Floyd’s death. A press release reads that it “documents the community response to this pivotal moment in our nation’s history.”

Photo: City of Alexandria

MARCH 2021

Best Thing You Can Do Right Now is Give Blood With severe winter weather and COVID-19, the American Red Cross is urging healthy people to give blood and platelet donations. A number of donation drives have been canceled due to weather, and the need for blood is constant as emergencies happen every day. Thousands of patients rely on life-saving donations - accident victims, cancer patients, and mothers of newborns.

In the National Capital and Greater Chesapeake regions, about 600 donations haven’t been collected because of the cancellation of blood drives.

There is an especially great need for Type O blood. Sign up to donate by visiting redcrossblood.org, call 1-800733-2767, or enable the “Blood Donor Skill on Alexa Echo.

COVID-19 and Donation The Red Cross is testing blood, platelet, and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. The

CARJACKING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 in the car if you can help it.

Bring in your things at night so as not to tempt a grab-andgo thief. Pump gas in welllit, safe spots during the daytime, park as close as possible to your destination, try not to get distracted with things like your phone, and activate all your security devices and tracking systems.

It has been a couple of weeks since I was the victim of this vicious crime and I am plugging along trying to work and be productive at my store.

To my knowledge, there are no leads in my case and noth-

Momma’s Hemp is Coming to Old Town!

SATURDAY MARCH 13

test may indicate if a donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to the coronavirus, regardless of whether an individual developed symptoms.

Red Cross antibody tests will be helpful to identifying those with antibodies and may help patients in need of convalescent plasma transfusions.

Each blood drive center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control. Donors are subject to temperature checks before

ing has been recovered. What I could really use is continued community support and folks to come to Queen Bee Designs and show some small business love.

My friends, customers, and Alexandrians have been wonderful. I have been treated to three delicious meals from girlfriends; gifted a personal security device, bottle of wine, and a Sugar House gift card; enjoyed flowers from The Old Town Boutique District; and received hundreds of messages of love and social media shares to help warn others of the surge in carjackings. Bee vigilant! Thank you.

Momma’s Hemp CBD Shop 1314 King St. Alexandria, VA

entry and practice social distancing. Mask-wearing is required when vising a center, and staff wear masks as well.

703-567-3164

Upcoming Alexandria Blood Drives 3/11/2021: 12:30 - 6 p.m., Alexandria Chapter House, 123 N Alfred St. 3/11/2021: 2:30 - 7:30 p.m., Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1427 West Braddock Rd. 4/22/2021, 10am-4pm, The Zebra Press Corporate Office, 2800 Eisenhower Avenue

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Allison Priebe is a nationally recognized jewelry designer, who was recognized by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce in 2016 as one of the remarkable 40 Under 40. Her shop, Queen Bee Designs is located at 825 South Washington Street in Old Town Alexandria.

Patrick Healy 202-497-2997

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

Alexandria’s Fabulous Designer for Over 30 Years

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THE ZEBRA PRESS

53

VOLUNTEER ALEXANDRIA

Youth Volunteering: Do You Need Community Service Hours for School?

Photo: Volunteer Alexandria

Breaks With Impact teaches students on spring break about issues Alexandria faces and how they can help solve them.

BY CORDELL FIELDS As Spring Break approaches, Volunteer Alexandria will provide an opportunity for students to serve their community while exploring future careers. Breaks with Impact (BWI) is a service-learning program for middle and high school students. Participants learn about issues facing the City of Alexandria and how to help. One past participant said that the experience was rewarding, and she learned a lot.

BWI is scheduled for Tuesday through Thursday, March 30th to April 1st, during the week of ACPS Spring Break.

BWI participants will focus on community service, the environment, and food insecurity.

On Tuesday, March 30th, students will hear from social service agencies and the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. On Wednesday, students will participate in park

reclamation and environmental awareness at a local park.

Thursday will focus on volunteer activities dealing with food insecurity in the city and how nonprofits address it.

Each session starts at 1:00 pm and concludes at 5:30 pm.

BWI participants who volunteered at a food pantry last year said they “got to see the direct impact that making the food had for others and really liked working with people.”

Another participant noted about the first session that she “loved learning about all the issues in Alexandria and I’m really happy [I] signed up for this program.”

Volunteer Alexandria will strictly enforce COVID-19 safety protocols during Breaks With Impact, including physical distancing, mask-wearing at all times, and a hybrid of in-person and virtual activity.

We will provide extra masks, hand sanitizer, soap and water, gloves, and breaks every hour. BWI participants will

receive 4.5 hours of service hours at completion of their day.

For more information on

BWI, visit our website at www.volunteeralexandria.org/ bwi or e-mail us at bwi@volunteeralexandria.org.

You

may also call our office at (703) 836-2176.

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MARCH 2021

ACUPUNCTURE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

Photo: Robert Dougherty

The three ducks in Oronoco Bay Park used to be inseparable. From the left: Lex, Andria, Al.

SCULPTURE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 we’ve had so little the past few years.” Others have been getting in on that enjoyment, too. Lots of people, friends, and families have come by the park to admire and snap photos of Lex, Jr. “Sometimes,” Rob says, “you can even hear

IN Z HOOD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35 sale of rosé wines. Diane Canney, the owner of Sunset Hills and 50 West Vineyards in Middleburg with her husband Mike and the founder of the nonprofit COVID Hope Quilt, was on hand to help children create quilt panels.

“Growing for the greater good” is the Canney’s business motto. They have donated over $300,000 to charitable causes since opening Sunset Hills 12 years ago. Playing for the greater good has been

allergy, skin disorders, and immune disorders.

Rebecca Roy, a patient of Dr. Ueno, receives weekly acupuncture therapy to alleviate side effects of on-going cancer treatment.

Last July, Rebecca began treatment for Stage 4 Metastatic Large Cell Neuroendocrine Cancer. Along with chemotherapy and immunotherapy, Rebecca starts every week with an acupuncture treatment that she says helps her with organ support, pain management, stress relief, and energetic balancing.

“My life changed dramatically this past year,” says Rebecca. “A year ago, this idea of doing something to take care of myself felt like a big indulgence—like going on a retreat or a vacation or going to a spa—but I don’t have the mental space or frankly the time to think that way now. So when I think of self-care, I try to keep it simple and be mindful and joyPhoto: Sachiko Ueno, Office Manager at Caring Acupuncture ful. Even though this last year has been the The practice of acupuncture relaxes both body most challenging in my life, I am very grateful and mind. for this lesson.”

While this year looked difficult for patrons after each treatment.” and business owners alike, Dr. Ueno says, “We Dr. Ueno and the Caring Acupuncture have been committed to providing a clean and team have helped Alexandrians relax for alsafe environment during this pandemic, such most four years. This year, some Alexandrias placing air purifiers in each treatment room, ans have found self-care to be more important ventilating the air, and disinfecting the room than ever.

children exclaiming, ‘Look!

It’s a snow duck!’ as they walk with their parents.”

Robert and Kirsten built the snow duck starting with three snowballs lined up on the ground, and one on top, then began filling and shaping and chopping away. They are proud of their creation and would love to make it a tradition every time it snows.

Jason Masi’s passion from the get-go. Hitching his rising star to Jen, with her deep commitment to children in need, has made the Masis a partnership in good-deed doing as well.

Jen and Jason’s journey, making the world a better place both separately and together, began over 20 years ago. Alexandria is fortunate that they call Port City home.

They are among the best of the best—over or under 40.

If you have the good fortune to meet them, they will surely capture your heart as well.

Good News!

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Visit thezebra.org/subscribe or send a check with your mailing address to The Zebra Press, 2800 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 220, Alexandria, VA 22314.

Use your Smile to Change the World.

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

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MARCH PUZZLERS

Old Man River Across 1 Iraqi port 6 Dry stream bed 10 Retro hairdo 14 Letterman’s network 17 Wan 18 Photo finish 19 Good earth 20 Parking place 21 Organ stop 22 Modify 23 Killer whale 24 Historical period 25 Ring up 26 Great Lakes and Atlantic connector 29 Farm vehicle 31 Born 32 Kind of admiral 33 Secret agent 36 Metal fastener 37 Used a bench 39 Best way to drive 42 Bullring cheer 43 Get wind of 44 Handles 46 Seek a seat 47 Health club, in slang 49 Grand Canyon waterway 54 Negatively charged particle 55 1040, e.g.

56 Flyspeck 57 Spanish sparkling white wine 58 Collector’s suffix 60 Passion 62 Chap 64 Dog command 65 Deodorant type 68 Largest of the central Ryukyu Islands 71 To wit 73 Freudian topic 74 Pen point 76 Wept 77 Paternity identifier 78 1994 Jodie Foster title role 80 Bonkers 82 Mother of Horus 83 Vineyard fruit 87 It rises in the Catskills 91 Little sound 93 Hood’s gun 94 Remedies 95 Santa ___, Bolivian city 96 Future fish 97 Relished 101 Mal de ___ 102 Tributary of the Moselle (Fr. spelling) 103 German resort 104 Exchange premium 105 Flow’s partner

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Copyright ©2021 PuzzleJunction.com

107 Bill blockers 109 It empties into the Potomac at Harpers Ferry 114 Surmise 118 Observed 119 Sullen 120 Like a beaver 121 Develop 122 Compass pt.

123 Fairy tale start 124 Moves a muscle 125 One thing after another 126 Benchmark (Abbr.)

127 Spring purchase 128 Ad headline 129 Warms up Down 1 German baroque organist 2 Kind of flute 3 Viewpoint 4 Ireland’s longest waterway 5 Stock follower

The Zebra Press 2/21 Sudoku

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Roll around in the mud Fragrant oil Ragout or burgoo German mister Without equal They can be armed Marathon Sharif of “Doctor Zhivago” Ingenious Toward or located in the north Like some nights Music genre “What’s the ___?”

Take a powder Door sign Conciliatory Maple genus Crash site?

Scheme Himalayan legend Tributary of the Snake I love (Lat.) Pear-shaped Sticker

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Icelandic Needing a lift Ranch newborn Stopper Track Flower holder Diabolical Risqué ___ Schwarz (Store) Energize Workers’ rewards It flows eastward from Tibet into the East China Sea Tear to bits Curved molding Veg out Small dam Commercials Common suffix of Japanese ship names Tavern It was blue in a shipwreck movie Holiday mo.

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85 School dance 86 Peepers 88 Children’s card game 89 Cuban dance 90 Wrath 91 Miscue 92 Without a doubt 95 Supplies food 97 Mouths off 98 Horrified 99 Watched 100 Reason out 102 Harsh 106 Blasé 107 Surveillance 108 Saw logs 110 Ruckuses 111 ___ of the above 112 Pianist Dame Myra 113 Pro follower 115 Impertinent 116 Nights before 117 Legal matter 121 Sixth sense, for short

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 64

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7 5 4 Copyright ©2021 PuzzleJunction.com

56 ZEBRA PRESS

MARCH 2021

BUSINESS NEWS

CHAMBER CORNER

What’s the Latest Around Town with Business Leaders?

Allen Brooks

Mia Charity

Nicole McGrew

BY GRACE BILLUPS ARNOLD

Chamber ALX Welcomes New Board Members Seven new board members have joined the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in 2021.

Elected in December 2020, these seven new members began their terms January 1, 2021: Allen Brooks from Building Momentum Mia Charity from Close Up Foundation Nicole McGrew from Threadleaf Niamh O’Donovan from Daniel O’Connell’s Cassius Priestly from Truist Adam Froemming from TopGolf National Harbor Teddy Kim from Avanti Holdings Group Stephanie Beyer Kirby of the Beyer Automotive Group will serve as the 2021 Board Chair. Stephanie has served on the Board for five years

Courtesy of Joe Haggerty, President and CEO Alexandria Chamber of Commerce

Stephanie Beyer Kirby will serve as Board Chair in 2021.

and has previously served as Chair for the 40 Under 40 Recognition. She also began the Young Leaders Program.

These seven new members join an already exceptional group.

Niamh O’Donovan

Cassius Priestly

Commerce, about the locally inspired board game that the Chamber was creating. Well, that board game is almost here! The Chamber is taking pre-orders now.

Produced by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by local businesses, sites, and landmarks, ALX-POLY is an “opportunity to own historical landmarks from the Waterfront to West End,” says the Chamber.

Partnering with over fifty businesses to sponsor board spaces, game pieces, and playing cards, the board game features notable companies and landmarks including

CONTINUED ON PAGE 63

There’s a New Game in Town: ALX-OPOLY!!

Adam Froemming

Teddy Kim

Courtesy of Joe Haggerty, President and CEO Alexandria Chamber of Commerce

ALX-OPOLY is available for pre-order on the Chamber’s website.

Ways to

That’s right, ALX-OPOLY! In December, I spoke with Lovie Patish, Director of Events and Sponsorship for the Alexandria Chamber of

Your Website Have you spent countless hours perfecting your website only to find that it isn’t performing the way you want?

Websites are one of the first touch-points consumers have with our business, and having a website that enhances our brand, user experience and bottom dollar is crucial in a digital world.

Below are some helpful tips that will have you re-evaluating your website and increasing your online presence immediately!

1 Courtesy photo

HOW DO YOU LIKE THE NEW AMAZON HELIX? Amazon released dazzling architectural renditions of their new Arlington headquarters calling it a spiraling vertical helix with a forest in the sky.

Designed by leading architecture firm NBBJ, the project plans to infuse nature into the urban landscape and create a unique, sustainable environment.

MARCH 2021

“Our designs create open and active spaces that aim to bring people closer to nature in an effort to further nurture innovation and creativity,” says NBBJ. The Arlington headquarters is said to be creating 25,000 jobs and investing $2.5 billion in Arlington over the next decade.

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Create a simple, yet effective landing page that offers the invites the visitor to want to stay a while and explore what your business is all about. Be sure to use a Call to Action (CTA) to keep your visitor coming back for me. Example: “Welcome to ABC Cosmetics! Answer this beauty question and receive 10% off your order!”

Let your website work for you! Capture emails of your visitors (no spamming) to send relevant content and/or promotional offers while always staying in front of them. Example: “We’re so glad you’re here!

Join our ABC family mailing list to receive monthly promotions towards cosmetics.”

See that ad space that is empty on your page? Fill it! That’s right, advertise on your own website. This is a great way to share a special offer immediately with your visitor or to take them directly where you want them to go on your website.

Stay in touch 24/7. Having a website means that consumers are able to find you 24/7. This offers your visitor the convenience to access the information when they want and to shop freely without any added pressure to buy. It also removes geographical boundaries so that anyone can find you.

Simple put, a website gives your business credibility in a digital world. Potential customers are more apt to make a purchase when they see an authentic website and contact information.

Effective websites offer a great way to cut down on overhead costs by converting your brick and mortar stores to an online shopping experience.

In addition to sharing your business information, your website offers a multitude of analytics that help you identify who your shoppers are and how to maximize your marketing dollars when planning a campaign and/or promotion.

Utilizing digital advertising through platforms such as Google AdWords or Facebook, give you the power to reach consumers with more accuracy and reliability than traditional means of advertising.

When was the last time you evaluated how well your website was working for you?

Uptown Marketing + PR offers a FREE one hour consultation to review your marketing needs and the best way to boost your businesses!

Let’s Chat Today!

UptownMarketingPR@gmail.com UptownMarketingPR.com

THE ZEBRA PRESS

57

Polk Elementary Principal Announces Retirement, Effective July 1

PREEANN JOHNSON NAMED ACPS PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR IN 2020 James K. Polk Elementary School Principal PreeAnn Johnson will retire July 1, 2021.

Johnson was honored last year by Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) Superintendent Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings Jr. as ACPS Principal of the Year. In remarks during the presentation, according to a press release, Hutchings “described her as one of the one of the most valuable members of the ACPS staff.”

Johnson has assumed many roles since she began her ACPS career in 1985, including basketball coach, mentor, and teacher. She became Polk’s principal in 2009.

In a letter to the Polk community, Johnson thanked fellow administrators who stood with her

ASSIGNMENT EDUCATION

Courtesy photo

Polk Elementary School Principal PreeAnn Johnson

during 36 years of service.

She called her career “an amazing journey, ” writing that Polk has become “a community school” during her leadership.

Polk is “A school that feels like a home and loves like a family,” Johnson concluded. “We did it, and that’s why it is so hard to bid you farewell.”

Photo courtesy Old Town Alexandria Connections

2018 recipient Taylor Petteway (middle) receives his award.

Apply Now: Scholarship Opportunity Available to Alexandria Students DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR THE PETER WILLIAMS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP IS MARCH 31 Photo courtesy ACPS

Alexandria Goes Back to School This Month DECISION TO RETURN STUDENTS TO ACPS BUILDINGS IS PART OF A HYBRIDLEARNING PROGRAM Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) announced on Feb. 5 that students will return to classrooms this month. The move is part of a hybrid-learning program, where students will enter buildings twice a week.

In the Feb. 5 issue of the ACPS Express newsletter, Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings Jr., ACPS Superintendent of Schools, wrote, “This is news

58 ZEBRA PRESS

I am excited to share since school buildings closed on March 13, 2020, almost one year ago. It is no overstatement to say that the last year has been a challenging period in education globally and a source of great concern for us all. Also, this past year has brought opportunities for us to rethink public education and learning environments

CONTINUED ON PAGE 59

BY KEVIN DAURAY

Award Details

Old Town Alexandria Connections (OTAC), a local business networking resource, is offering a scholarship opportunity to high school students in Alexandria. Applications are now being accepted for the Peter Williams Memorial Scholarship. The deadline to apply is March 31.

OTAC has presented the Peter Williams Memorial Scholarship since 2015. The winner will be announced mid-April. OTAC expects the presentation ceremony to be virtual.

For complete details, view the scholarship’s template at www.otacnetworking. com/uploads/b/279944d085c6 -11ea-a568 e55f bf 0 42970/654 de2c0 568e-11eb -b10ca15b0e01725f.pdf. The PDF document includes information about an essay question applicants must answer to be considered.

Eligibility Requirements Application paperwork lists the following requirements: 1. This scholarship application is open to high school seniors currently enrolled in public or private schools located in Alexandria City or Fairfax County with an Alexandria address.

2. A complete application consists of: • Typewritten answers to all questions.

• A letter of recommendation from someone that is knowledgeable about you, your leadership and/or your community service activities, printed on their letterhead (with their

Courtesy photo

Peter Williams, for whom the scholarship is named

contact information on it); • A copy of your most recent high school transcript (student-provided, unofficial transcript is acceptable); • Your signature and date at the end of this application (signature can be electronic).

• The application is considered timely if received by midnight of the application deadline.

Who Was Peter Williams?

Prior to his 2014 death, Williams was a longtime business attorney, practicing for two decades in Old Town.

He served as co-president of OTAC and believed strongly in giving back to the community. He was a volunteer with various business and civic organizations throughout Alexandria, including leadership

CONTINUED ON PAGE 59 MARCH 2021

T.C. Seniors Named QuestBridge Scholars, Earn Full Scholarships

BY KEVIN DAURAY Two T.C. Williams High School seniors and their families have reason to be proud. Natnael Asegdew and Bridgette Adu-Wadier have been named QuestBridge Scholars. With the honor, both will be able to attend the colleges of their choice on full four-year scholarships. Asegdew will attend MIT, majoring in Computer Science,

Economics and Data Science. Adu-Wadler will study at Northwestern University, majoring in Journalism.

After completing the application process, which involved writing essays on various topics, the wait was long for the soon-to-be high school graduates. On Dec. 1, they learned of their selection, having competed with 18,500 applicants nationwide. In all, 1,464 received scholarships, a lifealtering opportunity.

Asegdew, who came to the U.S. from Ethiopia with his family at six years old, said his parents were driven by a single purpose: to give their children a better education.

“They were so happy when I got the news about the scholarship. It made them realize that coming to America was the right decision,” he said. “I think about the sacrifices my parents made for me all the time – moving to a new country, learning a new language, working long hours – all with their children’s future in mind.”

Adu-Wadler initially did not believe she had a chance to win the scholarship, despite numerous academic awards and the recognition she’s received for her writing ability, which she employs as Editor of T.C.’s Theogony newspaper. Encouragement came from everyone: her teachers, counselors, even the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria.

The daughter of Ghanian immigrants, she received word of her accomplishment on a Zoom call with T.C. College and Career Center Counselor Stacy Morris.

“There was a big banner saying ‘Congratulations!’ and confetti was flying around the screen,” Adu-Wadler recalled. “For a second, I didn’t know what to do. I was overjoyed and crying and just so shocked.”

QuestBridge is an extremely competitive application process that helps outstanding low-income high school seniors gain admission and full scholarships to the nation’s most selective col-

leges. Across the country, this year’s QuestBridge Scholars have an average unweighted GPA of 3.93 and 94 percent are in the top 10 percent of their graduating class. 95 percent come from households with an annual income under $65,000. For the first time in the scholarship’s history, 78 percent are the first generation in their families to attend an American university.

Speaking of the achievements of Asegdew and Adu-Wadler, T.C. Principal Peter Balas remarked, “I am so proud of our Titan QuestBridge Scholars. I know that these students are so deserving and that this scholarship will be life-changing for our students.”

At left: T.C. senior and QuestBridge Scholar Natnael Asegdew At right: T.C. senior and QuestBridge Scholar Bridgette Adu-Wadier Photos courtesy ACPS

SCHOLARSHIP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 58 positions with the Chamber of Commerce and his church.

Fellow co-president and attorney, Debbie Farson, conceived of the award to recognize high school students who carry on Williams’ way of giving.

Submission Procedure OTAC instructs applicants

to upload their applications and all related materials in PDF format by midnight on March 31. To upload, visit https://optfinity.syncedtool. com/auth/login/?domain=o ptfinity1&next=%2Fshares% 2Ffolder%2FNc7lgEVNgGl %2F. To login, use the following credentials: Username: otacnetworking@gmail.com Password (case sensitive): OTACScholarship2021

BACK TO SCHOOL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 58 for the next generation. Now, we have light shining brightly at the end of the tunnel.”

The return will happen in stages over two weeks in March. The re-entry timeline is available at acps.k12. va.us/Page/3552. Note that dates are tentative. The document reads: “All dates and groups below are contingent upon staffing, building ca-

pacity, community health metrics, and decision matrix indicators.” View the decision matrix at acps.k12.va.us/ Page/3536.

Tuesday, March 2 will see the re-entry of students in grades K-5 receiving special education services in citywide self-contained full-day class programs, students in K-5 receiving special education reading and math services in a self-contained setting, Early Childhood Special Education students, and students

in grades K-5 receiving English Learner services.

Tuesday, March 9 will see the re-entry of students in grades 6-12 receiving special education citywide and self-contained reading and math services, and Newcomer English Learner students in grades 6-12 Tuesday, March 16 will see the re-entry of all remaining hybrid students in grades PreK-12.

May you always find three welcomes in life: in a garden during summer, at hearth during winter, and in the hearts of friends throughout all your years.

—Irish blessing MARCH 2021

THE ZEBRA PRESS

59

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

All photos are courtesy of Senior Services of Alexandria.

Stories by MaryAnne Beatty, Director of Communications for 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!

Senior Services of Alexandria’s “March for Meals” The month of March is traditionally a welcome sight as Spring is on its way. For Senior Services of Alexandria, March is the month when we recognize the vital contribution that Meals on Wheels makes in older adults’ lives by participating in the annual March for Meals Campaign. Sponsored by Meals on Wheels America, this

year marks the 19th annual March for Meals. It has never been more important to

raise awareness of the growing number of older Americans who face hunger and isolation. These severe problems have been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The national March for Meals campaign is an annual month-long event designed to generate public awareness about these issues and cele-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 68

SENIOR SERVICES OF ALEXANDRIA INVITES YOU TO ITS VIRTUAL “AT-HOME” GALA SUPPORTING ALEXANDRIA’S SENIORS MARCH 13 - 6:30 - 8:00 PM

Ads@zebrapress.com

QUOTABLES

You've got to do your own growing, no matter how tall your grandfather was.

--Irish proverb Barbara Anderson

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+

Hon. William “Bill” Euille

There is still time to purchase a ticket to SSA’s Virtual “Stay-at-Home” Gala to support the work of SSA in keeping Alexandria’s older adults safe while aging with dignity.

SSA’s mission has never been more vital as we all face the COVID-19 pandemic. Please join this festive celebration and help us honor four extraordinary community leaders: Barbara Anderson, Esq., Hon.

Eugene “Gene” Steuerle

Kate Garvey

William D. Euille, C. Eugene Steuerle, and Kate Garvey.

Barbara Anderson had had a significant impact on countless older adults’ lives through her work as an elder law attorney. She is the founding member of the Life and Estate Planning Law Center and a leader in the legal community throughout Vir-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 68

Register Now for Senior Services of Alexandria’s Virtual Spring Senior Academy FOUR WEDNESDAY MORNINGS IN APRIL, 10:00 TO 11:30 AM Alexandria residents and those employed in the city who are 60+ years old are invited to register for our vir-

tual Senior Academy beginning on Wednesday, April 7, from 10:00 -11:30 am. The Senior Academy is a wonder-

ful way to learn about how Alexandria works and all the

CONTINUED ON PAGE 62

This space made possible by The Hoffman Family and the Hoffman Town Center

60 ZEBRA PRESS

MARCH 2021

Vaccinating Seniors Moves Forward in Alexandria LOCAL TESTIMONIALS AND WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

BY GRACE BILLUPS ARNOLD Slowly but surely more and more people are receiving their first and second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Alexandria is currently in vaccination phases 1a and 1b, including healthcare personnel, residents of long-term care facilities, essential frontline workers, those 65 and older, and those 16-64 with qualifying medical conditions.

I talked with a few locals in the 1a and 1b groups about

Photos: Courtesy of Goodwin House

Above: Independent Living resident at Goodwin House Alexandria, Sheila Hoben (right) and a friend receive their first COVID-19 vaccinations at the Goodwin House clinic on January 15.

At left: Goodwin House Resident Mrs. Ruth S. Hanzlik approves!

their experiences. Sheila Hoben is an independent living resident at Goodwin House Alexandria. Josh Bagley is the administrator of the Health Care Center at Goodwin House Alexandria. They have both received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Goodwin House hosts three residence levels: independent living, assisted living, and a health care nursing home. So far, all residents in the nursing home and all staff who requested have been vaccinated twice. Also, 99 percent of all Goodwin House residents have received their first dose.

Goodwin House partnered with CVS and Walgreens to deliver vaccinations in a series of clinics. The clinics are regularly scheduled and administered by licensed pharmacists.

The Pfizer clinic for staff and nursing home and assisted living residents took place December 29, with the followup clinic on January 19. The Moderna clinic for independent living residents was on January 15, with the followup clinic on February 12.

Resident Sheila Hoben

MARCH 2021

par t icipated in the January 15 Moderna clinic. “It was concierge service at our door,” she says.

“The day of our scheduled vaccination, they arrived on our floor with the paperwork done in advance. We were all sitting in the hall and laughing at each other, pretty jovially, thinking, ‘Well, we should just do this more often.’”

After her first dose, Sheila reported no symptoms other

than typical soreness in her arm. She has heard no reports of reactions to the first dose.

For Sheila and her husband, the decision to vaccinate was “a no-brainer.” Like many others, she and her husband are anxious to socialize again with neighbors, friends, and family.

For Josh Bagley, the vaccination brings hope, relief, and gratitude. “It’s been a hard year for all of us,” says Josh.

“The residents we serve in the health care center are the most vulnerable in our community. People haven’t been

able to see family for so long.

Communal dining has been closed since Christmas. We need more connection.

“It’s just a relief that we finally have this important tool that can bring a higher quality of life for our residents. We are grateful for the scientists and everyone who has made it possible to prioritize these doses and these people. And I can keep my family safer when I go home.”

While residents wait for second vaccinations, Goodwin House maintains strict COVID protocols: social dis-

tancing, masks, and thorough sanitization. Goodwin House has safely reopened communal dining for assisted living and health care center residents who have received both vaccine doses. Reopening communal dining for independent living residents is planned after the second dose is administered.

Goodwin House staff are collaborating with local health department personnel to coordinate future vaccination clinics, but so far, 99 percent of residents and over 85 percent of staff have been vaccinated.

“Josh and the rest of the medical staff here have been just phenomenal,” says Sheila. “There is really no other word for it. They adapted in many ways, as all of us had to, but they had to do it strategically.”

As phase 1c, which includes remaining essential workers, approaches, Goodwin House and all of Alexandria will have to remain strategic with its vaccination clinics. Essential workers will receive vaccinations through employerbased clinics; others through their local health departments, pharmacies, or healthcare providers.

Individuals and organizations can register or pre-register online and will be contacted for appointments on a rolling basis. For more information regarding vaccinations and phase groupings, visit www.alexandriava.gov/ Vaccines.

Goodwin House Alexandria residents wait patiently yet eagerly to receive their vaccinations. Clinics were held on-site at the senior living community.

THE ZEBRA PRESS

61

FOODIE

chain that started in Las Vegas. You’ll be able to purchase an assortment of bundt cakes, cake towers, and both mini and bite size bundts. Flavors include vanilla, chocolate, white chocolate, marble, pecan praline, confetti, red velvet, carrot cake, and raspberry. No opening date yet.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28 en in the West End Shopping Center. There is a wide selection of both hot and cold subs in a variety of sizes and filled with all sorts of meats, cheeses, and veggies. The former home of Society Fair has become Mae’s Market and Café, 277 S. Washington Street and is the brain child of Stomping Ground founder Nicole Jones. Not open at press time, it may be open by

Have you heard? photo courtesy of Jersey Mike’s

Check out the hot steak & cheese sub from Jersey Mike’s

Roro operates Roro’s Mod- weekends for now but should ern Lebanese restaurant at be offering delivery soon. Ta5655 General boon is hand stretched dough Washington Dr. topped with a spread made of and is providing a puree of caramelized onthe ghost kitchen ions, cashews, and parsley befor Shababi. The fore baking it in a traditionrot isser ie - st yle al taboon oven. Sides include halal chicken cucumbers in chili garlic oil, is brined for 24 za’atar seasoned fries, humhours, then coat- mus, and the flatbread, taed with allspice, boon. There is also vegetarian sumac, cumin, mushroom shawarma. fenugreek, and cardamom, then photo courtesy of Shababi The full Musakhan meal of roast chicken and placed into a speHead west on Duke St. and cialty oven im- find the new Nothing Bundt sides from Shababi Chicken ported from Leb- Cakes at 4553 Duke St. in the anon. Meals are Shoppes at Fox Chase. This the time you read this. They available for pickup during is the fourth location of this will be serving breakfast and lunch including a selection of coffee, baked goods, salads, and gourmet sandwiches. The market features house-prepared food and pantry items, produce, freshly baked bread, charcuterie and cheese, a prime meat and seafood case, craft beer, wine and more.

Palestinian Chicken and Taboon has arrived with Shababi from Marcelle photo courtesy of Nothing Bundt Cake Afram and fellow Lebanese American chef Roro Asmar. Nothing Bundt Cake carries a wide variety of sizes, cake flavors, and frostings

MB Bakery on the Go, 3103-3107 Colvin St., is teaming up with the Royal Restaurant, 730 N St Asaph St., to supply their amazing baked goods. Don’t know what will be available but anything baked by the bakery

comparing the 200 biggest U.S. cities across 10 cheesy metrics, from the availability of fondue restaurants and Cheesecake Factory locations to average cost to the number of cheese-related events.

One last word, or two Make a reservation before you head out to your meal at your desired restaurant.

There is limited dining space right now due to Covid restrictions. Some restaurants are charging a fee to use their specialty outdoor dining too.

By the way, Delia’s Mediterranean Grill & Brick Oven does not charge when reserv-

Coming soon

WE ARE PROUD TO POWER THEZEBRA.ORG CHECK OUT THEIR NEW SITE!

photo courtesy of MB Bakery on the Go

MB Bakery: Here’s just a sampling of all of the fabulous goodies from MB on the Go

is always delicious. The Royal was founded in 1904 and has been a neighborhood favorite for all this time. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be that much better with Maribeth’s bakery treats.

Lawnstarter studied the best cities for cheese and ranked Alexandria as the 19th cheesiest cities in the US. Arlington ranked 6th. Washington, DC was ranked 21st. These 2021 ranks were the result of

ing their igloos as some other places are.

One more note for you.

Remember to support your local restaurants and stores.

And whether you dine in, carryout, or get delivery, tip, tip, and tip some more.

Until next time, eat well and enjoy!

Got a foody tip to share, let me know at debbyc@ thezebrapress.com

Looking for more leads & opportunities online?

The graduating class of the “in-person” 2019 Senior Academy.

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ACADEMY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 60 great things available to older adults. Sessions include a welcome by Mayor Justin Wilson and an overview of operations by the City Manager’s Office. Other sessions include briefings by our first responders: Fire, Police, and Sheriff; the Division of Aging and Adult Services; Offices of

Housing and Departments of Transportation and Planning; local nonprofits serving older adults; Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Activities, and the Alexandria Library. The Senior Academy is free, but participation is limited to 15, so please register NOW at www.seniorservicesalex.org. For any questions, contact MaryAnne Beatty at communications@seniorservicesalex.org.

MARCH 2021

BE THE GOOD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

A family affair As with any large volunteer concern, there is a lot of administrative work to do for the Be The Good project (BTG). The Marchands work as a team, of course. Sterling handles the bookkeeping and paperwork. He filed for 501(c) (3) status when they saw how their small family food drive had morphed into something much bigger. Amber and the children do the packing; Amber also lends assistance to the project in a unique way.

Amber is a preschool art teacher at Aldersgate Day School and draws for fun.

When she searched online for ideas to raise money for BTG, she found someone selling art for a food pantry. “I thought, well, what can I sell?” she said.

She launched an art business called RooScribbles (instagram.com/rooscribbles/) and posted whimsical family portraits and other charming scenes online, “and people started ordering them!

It’s been nice to exercise my creative side and also raise

more money for food, as well as have a neat way to connect with people all over the country,” she says. “Friends will post and their friends then reach out to me to place an order. People can’t resist a good cause, and it all goes toward the food.”

The project grows As the year-end holidays approached, BTG created care packages, which are larger bags of nonperishables. Because BTG now had official nonprofit designation, they could accept financial donations which they converted into gift cards. They tucked the gift cards in with the care packages so recipients could purchase meal items of their choice, a rare luxury in these hard times. For Thanksgiving, BTG handed out 323 care packages. At Christmas, they delivered 585 packages through schools and churches.

After the holidays, when the pandemic kept people at home once again, the Marchands took a close look at their project. Knowing that many families received donations through churches and schools, they pondered, “What if

food-insecure people can’t get to a food pantry?” Transportation complications and health issues could limit options. So they started a pilot program with the Creekside Village Community Center to support families who needed food and weekly groceries but couldn’t get to a pantry.

For the first time, BTG began collecting and distributing perishable food and groceries as emergency assistance for families in dire need, many with children. “We’ve gotten calls on a Friday night saying, this family is completely out of food, can you help? And we can, because of our volunteers,” said Amber.

Volunteers make it happen The truth is that this operation would not be possible without the amazing network of volunteers, individuals, families, scout groups, churches, and others in the community who have risen to every challenge. The accomplishments are impressive: Since June 2020, they have delivered 30,000 pounds of food and 45,000 sandwiches.

Be the Good continues to attract an outpouring of support. In early February, two

food trucks came forward with in-kind donations of food. BTG helped arrange the distribution that utilized two dozen volunteers delivering 280 meals to seven schools and two churches. All of this was in addition to their regular operations. Whew!

One exciting project being developed is Little Free Food Pantries. It adapts the concept of the Little Free Libraries people have installed in their front yards. BTG plans to build and place boxes in areas in need, where volunteers will stock them with essentials. They are working through the details and constructing the boxes. The plan is to have families, scout groups, or any group of volunteers sign up to adopt and stock the boxes.

“This has been a lifechanging experience,” said Amber. “Not only for my husband and me but also for our children. The other day our 3-year-old saw groceries in the kitchen and asked if that was food for the neighbors or food for us. They were the first to tell us, this is no longer a food drive – we’re a food pantry now!”

CHAMBER CORNER George Washington’s Mount Vernon, The Spite Houses, Burke and Herbert Bank, Myth and Hera, and the Old Town Shop (with their own playing piece), transportation options, parks, African American heritage sites, festivals, cobblestones, and Virginia Tech as the starting space.

Each game costs $40, or can be as low as $35 for orders of ten. Families have been pre-ordering individual games as a keepsake, and businesses have been pre-ordering in bulk for company gifts.

Chamber CEO Joe Haggerty explains, “We just thought, ‘What kind of item would stand the test of time, long after the pandemic ends?’”

To Apply: Submit a completed application by 5PM on March 12, 2021. Application submissions are final, changes will not be made past the deadline; Submit recommendations (minimum of 1, maximum of 3) and relevant supporting documentation; All materials must be submitted either online at thechamberalx.com or via email to Lovie Patish at Lpatish@thechamberalx.com For questions please call (703) 739-3815.

40 Under 40 Nominations Now Open Deadline is March 12

Additional Notes:

Now more than ever, it is important to recognize the unsung leaders of Alexandria. The Chamber ALX is calling for applications for its sixth class of 40 Under 40 honorees. This program recognizes individuals less than 40 years of age, from Alexandria and the surrounding region in a variety of industries and from unique backgrounds.

Award winners will be recognized at an evening celebration, tentatively scheduled for Thursday, July 15, 2021.

Eligibility:

MARCH 2021

The best way to help Be the Good is through their website, www.bethegoodproject.org.

The demand is seasonal, even weekly, and BTG’s goal is to stay nimble and respond to needs as they arise. Planning for spring care packages has begun, but for the most part, BTG plugs gaps where they can, whether it’s for sandwiches, emergency deliveries, or nonperishables. Donations are accepted on the website (100 percent of which is spent on food), sandwich-making assignments are filled on request, and nonperishable food can be dropped off 24/7.

While the Marchands feel they are answering a special calling on this journey, they’re humbled by the overwhelming support. As Amber said, “Everyone involved understands the need and welcomes the opportunity to do something. You can feel helpless when there’s so much that you can’t control. Focusing on this one area makes us feel like we’re making a difference, and we’re so grateful for that.”

Visit www.bethegoodproject. org for more information and to lend your helping hand.

Commerce members; Applicant must be present at the event, tentatively scheduled for Thursday, July 15, 2021.

If the event is in person, there will be a virtual attendance option; Applicants must be younger than 40 years of age. Applicants who are 40 are eligible, however they must not turn 41 prior to 12/31/21;

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 57

Applicants do not have to be chamber members to apply, but must live/ work in Alexandria (including Fairfax County) or may work outside of Alexandria/Fairfax County but are employed by Alexandria Chamber of

How you can help

Photo: Mary Wadland

The 40 Under 40 Class of 2018 pictured at the celebratory presentation evening log before a pandemic was ever a glimmer of a thought.

Chamber membership is not required to apply; Self-nominations are permitted and encouraged; Joint submissions will not be accepted; Past honorees and Alexandria Chamber of Commerce Board members are not eligible, but may nominate and complete applicant recommendations.

40 Under 40 Honorees are selected by an anonymous committee of past honorees. Judges will consider the following criteria: professional/scholastic accomplishments, community/volunteer impact, COVID-19 resiliency, and nominee’s personal story. Selection is confidential and the Chamber will not release notes about application evaluations during or after the selection process. All applicants will be notified regardless of if they have been selected.

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EATZ

topped with melted cheese. The portion is definitely big enough to share.

At left: A hearty I also chose the Jameson Strip Steak half dozen Back since so many folks on Alexandria Creek oysters Curbside Dining on Facebook are al ways asking about a good steak. MurBelow: The Jamephy’s provides a tender charbroiled, son Strip Steak, 12 oz. New York Strip seasoned with baked potato, spices and Jameson’s Irish Whiskey and broccoli served with baked potato and fresh vegetables. The flavor was great – you could definitely taste the seasonings without being overpowered by them. The baked potato came with butter and a container of sour cream. The veg that night was fresh broccoli tops that were just cooked to crunchy. If you order a steak, be sure to order it a degree less than what you like because it will continue to cook a bit in the carryout container.

In addition to lunch and dinner, stop by for Sunday Brunch from 10 am to 3 pm. The menu includes American standards like traditional or crab cake benedict, French mered in a homemade curry sauce and toast, pancakes, and sausage biscuits served over a bed of rice pilaf. There and gravy.

I would definitely suggest are occasional specials offered outside of the daily offerings. Ask if Chef the American breakfast of corned beef Raul has made oyster stew that day. hash served with apples, grits, eggs, I tell people I don’t like cooked oys- and a biscuit. You might also like the ters but I love this stew. It is rich and Trad Irish Breki with Irish rashers, buttery and flavorful. It comes with Irish bangers, black & white pudding, crackers but I just downed the soup tomatoes, and a biscuit.

March is Irish-American Heristraight out of the container, no crackers necessary. Besides, I wanted to sa- tage Month and Murphy’s is celevor all of the broth and not ‘waste’ a brating with a St. Patrick’s Menu to drop on crackers. There is a nice va- go available all month. The special riety of burgers and sandwiches plus menu offers family size meals that can seafood dishes such as broiled salmon, feed from 6 -8 people. Items include crab cakes, and a daily seafood taco Shepherd’s Pie, Fish and Chips, Irish Stew, Corned Beef and Cabbage, and special.

I opted for two of my favorites for Bangers and Mash. Get some Irish entrees. Murphy’s Shephard’s Pie soda bread to accompany any one of is made with slow cooked ground these feasts.

Get on over to Murphy’s and have beef and lamb mixed in a light graa pint, eat some oysters, and enjoy a vy sauce with peas, corn, and carrots. bowl of Irish stew. Everyone there is It’s topped with mashed potato and cheese then baked. The dish would always friendly and happy to serve you make an Irish mother proud. The beef a great meal for a reasonable price.

Would you like your restaurant reand lamb mixture was well seasoned viewed?

Contact Editor@thezebraand loaded with flavor. And what press for more information.

PuzzleJunction.com could be bad about mashed potatoes

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29 Of course, there is a fine selection of Irish whisky to help warm you up on these cold winter evenings. The dining room is divided by a two-sided fireplace and if you are lucky, you can sit at a table next to the glowing logs.

The second floor is available for special parties, events, and other gatherings. Many evenings feature live music ranging from soft rock and country to rousing Irish bands and vocals.

There are several large TVs hanging over the bar so you can get your game on while sipping on a Guinness.

I purposely ordered carryout for my meal because I know many of you still prefer to dine at home rather than inside a restaurant. Each of the dishes were well prepared and nicely packaged. I had no leaks from any of the foam and plastic containers. My drive home took about 15 minutes and everything was still hot and ready to eat.

Murphy’s does have outdoor seating when weather permits.

I enjoyed a plate of oysters on the half shell while I waited for my carryout order. The oysters come from Murphy’s own oyster beds and are some of the best local ones I have had the privilege to slurp. Use the mignonette or mix up your own cocktail sauce with the horseradish and ketchup provided, give everything a good squirt of fresh lemon juice, and dive in. These are big and briny, and served up icy cold.

With a big menu to choose from, I decided I had to try the Irish Egg Rolls that were four pieces of Chinese style egg rolls stuffed with their house corn beef, cabbage, and potatoes. The dipping sauce was tangy, sweet, and sour. I will tell you that if we ever have a meal together at Murphy’s, you better order your own because I’m not sharing these crispy bundles.

To make sure the vegetarians are well taken care of, there are a variety of

salads available. I ordered the Greek Salad which was loaded with chopped romaine lettuce, kalamata olives, cucumber, onion, peppers, capers, tomatoes, and feta cheese with a container of the house Greek vinaigrette. The salad was loaded with so many veggies, there was hardly any room for the lettuce. That’s always a good thing as my mother always told me to eat the special stuff first, not the lettuce. The vinaigrette was able to stand up well to the variety of veg which made me happy. For a light meal, Chef Raul will be happy to add some grilled salmon, shrimp, or one of the other proteins that are available for an extra charge.

Entrees cover a wide variety of Irish dishes including a hearty Irish Stew loaded with beef, celery, potatoes, carrots, peas, and onions in a beef broth. There’s also Beer Battered Fish and Chips made with fresh North Atlantic cod fillets lightly fried in Murphy’s signature beer batter and served with Murphy’s cottage fries, and cole slaw. Also available is a platter of Bangers & Mash, a traditional Irish dish of sausage and mashed potatoes, topped with green peas and gravy. Because India was once part of the British Empire, Indian cooking is part of the Irish lexicon. Murphy’s serves up Chicken Curry made with large chunks of chicken and onions sim-

The Zebra Press 2/21 Sudoku

1 Crossword

MARCH ANSWERS

Sudoku

CROSSWORD

Solution

B P A O C P H

A L T O

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Y E T F I O A L L O L L L A G V O I O E N W E D

P L A N

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64 ZEBRA PRESS

S L A N T

R I V E R S H A N N O N

A D E A C E R

A N I M W A A T R E A D O S

N O N E

S C R A M

M A T T E R F A O

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PUZZLES ON SolutionPAGE 56

SUDOKU

2 7 3 5 6 4 8 1 9

6 4 1 7 9 8 3 2 5

8 5 9 2 1 3 7 6 4

9 1 8 6 7 5 4 3 2

5 6 4 3 2 1 9 8 7

7 3 2 4 8 9 1 5 6

1 9 6 8 4 2 5 7 3

3 8 7 9 5 6 2 4 1

4 2 5 1 3 7 6 9 8 MARCH 2021

THE LAST WORD

BY MARCUS FISK

Much Ado About Nothing One can only imagine what those zany, crazy Founding Fathers of ours would have made of the country they started after the past three months’ shenanigans. After the decades of pain, suffering, misery, treachery, savagery, penury, and war they endured, those heralded visionaries, were they alive today, would be shaking their collective heads at just how far off the mark the political farce we call a country has evolved since they all took the big dirt bath.

A leading member of the Photos: Library of Congress Founding Fathers—our own Aaron Burr General James Wilkerson George Washington—had a few choice words about political parties (see above). It is striking just how prescient they were, based on “However [political parties] may now and then answer popular events from the 2020 election. The “party” is now the great, omnipo- ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become tent determinator. It “selects” the potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled candidates and then rallies the “par- men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to ty” around their chosen one.

You must admit, the 2019 Trump usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterImpeachment, the 2020 election wards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominmarathon, the post-election legal ion.” maneuvering, the insurrection at —George Washington’s Farewell Address – the Capitol, and subsequent 2021 Trump Impeachment (the sequel), 17 September 1796 would stagger the imagination of even the most ardent political historian. And the hits just keep coming.

America has always had a penchant for forgiveness. We love fallen angels who swim in the muck and mire and then, because of a “mistake,” we open the door of forgiveness to second and sometimes even third chances. We have countless examples of allowing elected officials to continue to serve in office while at-the-same-time serving time in prison.1 Americans, because we have no royal family of our own, have had a love affair with celebrity. We frequently give our celebrities wide berth, often waving off the transgressions of our sports, entertainment, and underworld icons and we are rapidly becoming the “land of perpetual forgiveness.” Before going to federal prison for income tax evasion, Alfonso “Scarface” Capone, when asked by numerous newspapers about his alleged ties to various murders, prostitution, and other felonies, frequently replied, “I’m just a businessman.”

During the impeachment of thenPresident Bill Clinton, our American appetite for the ever-expanding lurid details of his amorous trysts and turns didn’t wane. Then, when cornered for lying under oath, Clinton apologized, we accepted his apology, and we did the truly American thing that has marked us for nearly two centuries — we “put it behind us and got back to the vital work for the American people.”2 Photo: National Archives The intent of those great FoundThe conspiracy trial of Aaron Burr rocked the nation but ultimately was much ado ing Fathers to protect us from a tyabout nothing. I guess we Americans haven’t paid enough attention to our own rannical or corrupt Chief Executive history to pick up the hints. by including Article II Section 4 of

MARCH 2021

the Constitution, resulted in the impeachment of three Presidents.3 But thankfully, the U.S. has never had to face the indignation or embarrassment of booting a President as has been the case in many other countries. Elsewhere in the world if you lie, cheat, assault someone, take bribes, cheat on your spouse, stage a coup, order a “hit”, or stomp opposition into brutal submission, people tend to remember that and the instigator is shown to the door, a cell, is exiled, or “meets with an unfortunate accident.”4 Our penchant for forgiveness even goes so far as to include those who conspired to violently overthrow the government. Aaron Burr, Vice President to Thomas Jefferson, was alleged to have even amassed a private army to attack Mexico and annex a section of the Louisiana Purchase (AKA “Texas”) and set himself up as “El Jefe.”5 When all the dust settled, his partner-in-crime General James Wilkinson, tried to wiggle out of his involvement in the coup attempt by producing a letter showing Burr’s intentions. The letter in Wilkinson’s own handwriting proved to be less-than-convincing to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, so Burr lit out to England.

The recent Capitol attack gave me pause to reflect on how far (or notso-far) we had come as a republic and how sketchy our leadership is about “the Constitution”.6 During the Impeachment Trial there was much harrumphing, tons and tons of Senators and members of Congress invoking the “Constitution” in many of their statements. It made me wonder about just how poor an understanding we have of the document and how frightening it is to see the leadership of our country who don’t have a clue as to its contents or what they mean.

An example of just how weak our leaders are about the government they represent was in an Alabama Daily News interview after the 2020 Senate election in Alabama.

Former football coach, now Senator Tommy Tuberville, stated that the three branches of government were, “the House, the Senate, and the executive.”

My wife used to work at George Washington’s Mount Vernon as a historic interpreter. One evening she came home from Mount Vernon with a classic story. That evening she led a freshman Congressman and his family through the house explaining the details of the life of the Washington family. Towards the end of the tour the Congressman asked, “How did Washington get to the White House every day to go to work? Did he ride a horse or go over the Potomac by boat?” 7 I am no Constitutional scholar. I

CONTINUED ON PAGE 68

THE ZEBRA PRESS

65

Ireland has one of the world’s heaviest rainfalls. If you see an Irishman with a tan, it’s rust.

QUOTABLES

Training Time

—Dave Allen

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.

BISSELL Male, age 7 months World’s cutest and most playful pocket-sized kitten loves feline friends

BOO BOO Female, age 2 Shy, lovely young mom seeks love as your “one and only”

BOSTON CREME Male, age 8 Well-mannered boy seeks out and thrives on human affection

HENDERSON Male, age 10 months Cutest kitten adores people and wants a feline friend to play with

LITTLE BITS Female, age 3 The sweetest heart beats inside this shy, lovely young girl

ROBERTA Female, age 4 Blue-eyed beauty seeks a softspoken, gentle kitty mentor to help her blossom

SCHATZI Male., Age 7 Shy yet devoted family boy seeks “one and only” bond with gentle purrson

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

66 ZEBRA PRESS

Indoor Games to Teach New Skills and Tire Your Pup Out

BY SANDY MODELL Spring may be around the corner, but it is not here yet.

Rain, snow, sleet, or hail are good reasons to stay inside.

Although you may be able to sit around the shanty and relax, read a good book, or watch TV, your dog may find these activities boring.

When boredom sets in, dogs will often turn to behaviors to get our attention or get some action. Behaviors such as demand barking or stealCourtesy of Chewy, Unsplash.com ing items of value because Dogs in bed with a Kong. they smell like you or smell like food, or have the right chewy texture. They’re not Once he learns this, ask treats only under some of being “bad” dogs, just going him to target your hand the tennis balls, using a 12a little stir crazy and looking from a distance. Give this cup or larger muffin tin. for some fun. behavior a verbal cue, like Keep your dog working to To prevent these behaviors, “touch.” Targeting can befind which holes have the preempt them by engaging come another way to call treats! your pup in fun indoor activiyour dog—practice target- 6. Tug and Fetch – Tug and ties that can work their fetch are classic games brains, provide needthat don’t require much ed mental stimulation, room. Hallways are and tire them out so great for fetch games, then the two of you can and tug can be played chill on those chilly and virtually anywhere. rainy or snowy days.

Playing tug with your 1. Play Hide and dog for 10 minutes can Seek! – Hide and burn good energy and seek is a great way to offers good impulse control training. To exercise your dog’s mind and body while teach your dog to drop working on their rethe tug toy on cue, ofcall skills. Each famfer him a treat. When ily member grabs he drops it, wait for calm behavior such as some small treats.

Hide in different sit before tugging again.

Courtesy of Crew, Unsplash.com rooms and one at a Eventually, you won’t time, call your dog. Shall we dance? need the treat because Each time he finds he’ll learn the verbal drop cue. someone, that person gets very excited and reing on walks to keep his 7. Release – Always rewards the dog with treats. attention on you instead of member to give your dog When the treats are gone, the environment. a release word, such as “all say “all done!” Then the 4. The Find It Game – Find done” when you want to It is easy to play as you can’t next family member calls end the training session, him. go wrong when food is inso he understands that it’s 2. Treat-Dispensing Toys volved. Show your dog a break time.

– Treat dispensing toys are tiny treat. Say “Find It!” These activities will get boredom busters. Use them and toss the treat low and your dog thinking and movaway from you. When he ing when you are stuck inside. to work your dog’s mind and develop problem-solvcomes back to you, mark it Don’t forget to add a little ing skills. Stuff a rubber by saying “yes!” and toss a body handling and massage at Kong with treats and freeze treat in another direction. the end to help your pup reit. Ask your pup for a good The treat you toss is his re- lax and chill. Have fun with ward. After you mark his your dog! behavior, such as sit, down, or eye contact, and rereturn, to make the game ward with the Kong. Food more exciting, run away Sandy Modell, CPDT-KA, dispensers like the Kong from him before tossing is the Founder, Owner, and Wobbler or the Bobalot the next treat.

Head of Train-ing at Wholistic dispense treats slowly and 5. The Muffin Tin Game – Hound Academy, Alex-andria’s challenge your dog’s mind.

Put a treat in each cup of a award-winning, premier canine 3. Targeting - Teach your 6-cup muffin tin and put a training and learning center -- ofdog to target the palm of tennis ball on top of each. fering classes and private lessons your hand or two extendOnce your dog uncovin puppy train-ing, adult dog ers the treats, start hiding ed fingers with his nose.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 69 MARCH 2021

One Door Closes, Another Re-Opens

BY GRACE BILLUPS ARNOLD Rachel Winstead, owner of Hairy Situations, has found herself circling back to her grooming roots. After closing the Hairy Situations salon at the end of December 2020, Rachel is now working as a groomer at Annandale Pet Spa, 4530 John Marr Drive, Annandale, under owner Paul Belvin, and it’s not for the first time.

“I knew I was going to be closing the salon for a few

Photos: Grace Billups Arnold

Above: Rachel Winstead, former owner of Hairy Situations, returns to her grooming roots at Annandale Pet Spa. At left: Rachel has kept in touch with many of her Hairy Situations clients, like dog Winnie.

months,” Rachel says. “I have known Paul at Annandale Pet Spa for 20 years. He helped me learn how to groom when I was 23 and just a baby

groomer. We developed a strong friendship.”

After closing Hairy Situations, Rachel took a month

off and, during this time, rekindled her friendship with Paul, who welcomed Rachel back to Annandale Pet Spa

fessionally and emotionally. “As a previous owner, I can understand and relate to Paul,” says Rachel. “Paul supports me, and I get along great with the people who work there, so the transition has been good.”

While leaving Del Ray was bittersweet for Rachel, she has upheld her relationships with her clients. “Hairy Situations grew fast, so everyone was shocked to learn that we were closing. The community and my clients were just so supportive and wonderful.”

Because of her grooming talent and her deep relationships with clients—human and canine alike—many clients followed Rachel to Annandale Pet Spa. Rachel is a full-time groomer specializing in rescue dogs and dogs with special needs, but she welcomes all new clients for any grooming needs, from basic nail trim to a full furry blowout.

For more information about Rachel and all services at Annandale Pet Spa, you can contact (703) 642-5320 or visit annandalepetspa.com.

with open arms.

Rachel has grown over those 20 years since first working for Paul, both pro-

A I R D N A X THE ALE H T N O M E H T F O G DO MARCH 2021

Pugsley: At 21, He Might Be Alexandria’s Oldest Living Dog

In February 2000, Alyssa Nair was visiting a friend when suddenly a ball of fur ran past the open door. They weren’t sure what they had seen. “It looked like some kind of squirrely pig,” says Alyssa.

They were astounded at the little stranger, who seemed fearless and healthy, and whom the vet soon told her appeared to be a robust four-month old pug puppy.

After checking for a chip and hanging “Found Puppy” signs, it became clear the little pug was Alyssa’s to keep and raise. She immediately fell in love, and in time, wondered who had really saved whom.

In a flash, he was “Pugsley”and he has enjoyed a very good life that includes traveling all over the U.S. and even living abroad. “We have such a special bond that when I leave a room for anything including the bathroom, he cries like a baby and won’t stop until he can be next

to me again,” Alyssa continues.

Most days at 21 he spends his time cuddled up with his mommy while she works at home now thanks COVID or taking walks in his stroller before dozing off.

“Every day I wake up and am so grateful to still have him by my side (literally). While most kids who turn 21 can’t wait to go to the bars and party, this guy can’t wait for his shot of bone broth and a long nap.”

Thanks to our sponsor, Tomabe Bandanas, Pugsley 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

MARCH 2021

THE ZEBRA PRESS

67

MARCH FOR MEALS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 60 brate the invaluable services provided by senior nutrition programs. Senior Services of Alexandria, in partnership with the City’s Aging and Adult Services Division, has worked tirelessly to ensure that homebound older adults continue to receive Meals on Wheels 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

We haven’t missed a beat since the pandemic began.

When the City decided to provide frozen meal deliveries twice a week to seniors who find grocery shopping and leaving home difficult during the pandemic, SSA stepped up and made it happen! Every week, SSA volunteers deliver more than 2,500 meals to residents around the city.

To bring further awareness about senior hunger and thank our volunteers and everyone who makes the Meals

GALA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 60 ginia.

Former Mayor William “Bill” Euille’s life work has been helping the community thrive and prosper. Bill was elected to City Council in 1994 and became the first African American Mayor of Alexandria in 2003. He retired as the longest-serving Mayor in the City in 2016.

Eugene “Gene” Steuerle is an economist and Fellow at the Urban Institute in Washington, DC. He has been actively engaged in the Alexandria community for over 40 years. Gene is the co-founder and Chair Emeritus of ACT

on Wheels program possible, SSA will highlight the program in several ways this month. By proclamation, Mayor Justin Wilson will declare that March is “March for Meals” month and recognize volunteers’ work throughout the month.

Traditionally during Champions Week, city and community leaders deliver Meals on Wheels. This year, they will participate virtually on social media with short videos on the importance of senior nutrition and the City of Alexandria’s commitment to continue the Meals on Wheels program, especially during the pandemic.

We hope all of you will think about Meals on Wheels and the older adults in your lives and support the program in any way you are able.

For information about March for Meals and how you can support the program, go to www.seniorservicesalex.org.

for Alexandria, the city’s community foundation.

Kate Garvey, Director of Alexandria’s Department of Community and Human Services, will receive a special honor. Kate led the City’s effort to develop an effective response to the COVID-19 crisis by coordinating local nonprofit activities and creating innovative programs designed to help those most negatively impacted by the pandemic.

To purchase a ticket or participate in the virtual Silent Auction (or both) on Saturday, March 13, 6:30-8:00 pm, click on www.seniorservicesalex.org or call 703-8364414. Ext. 110. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Thank You for Voting Us BEST DOG TRAINERS in Alexandria

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703-962-6335 www.wholistichound.com 68 ZEBRA PRESS

NOTHING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 65 did, however, get an “A” in my required senior-level U.S. Government class at Fairfax High School. I remember learning about Plessy v.

Ferguson, Miranda v. Arizona, Brown v. the Board of Education, who the House and Senate majority and minority whips were, what a “pocket veto” was, AND how many votes it took to overturn a presidential veto.

I wondered just how far we had strayed as a country from this kind of basic “common knowledge” so I did some research on civics education in the country. A June 2019 EdWeek magazine article indicated that there are some 30,000 high schools in the country. I was amazed to learn from an article titled “The State of Civics Education”8 that only 26 percent of all high school seniors could name all three branches of the U.S. government. As a result, 17 states have made it mandatory that their students pass

the U.S. citizenship exam to get a high school diploma.

How could this republic, the world’s greatest champion of freedom, the powerful advocate of human rights, and the greatest economy in the world have a citizenry that knows less about its government than it does about what Beyonce wore to the Met gala or who sang at the Superbowl Halftime show?

Then it hit me. That Government class at Fairfax High School made it clear – to be a member of Congress all you had to be is 25 years old and a “citizen” for seven years and for Senate – 30 years-old and a “citizen” for nine years. No test required.

Recently, many school districts across the country have completely eliminated cursive writing from the curriculum.

Why? The only use for cursive writing was thought to be to sign your name. It had become, “obsolete.”

Judging by the impeachment trials in this country’s history and their outcomes, perhaps it’s time to amend the Constitution and completely

eliminate it from that document. It’s pretty clear that nothing qualifies as “high crimes and misdemeanors” and it will save us all a lot of time, money, and effort.

Perhaps a New York phrase captures best what we should do about impeachment in the future -– “Faggedabbahdit.”

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.

Endnotes 1

Boston Mayor James Michael Curley. For real.

It has also clarified what the definition of “is” is. I’m still confused years later but that’s not unusual for me.

2

3

Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump (X2)

A popular phrase heard years ago in Las Vegas, Chicago, New Jersey, and today — translated from the Russian version.

4

Had he been successful Sam Houston would have remained a schoolteacher in Maryville, Tennessee, and no one would have heard a peep out of him again.

5

You know – that piece of paper they all swear to “support and defend against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”

6

The first occupant in the White House was John Adams. It hadn’t been built yet and George Washington along with the rest of the Federal Government was up in NYC. He hadn’t sold the property to the Federal Government yet for it to become the “District of Columbia.”

7

8

February 2018 - The Center for American Progress

Meet Nadia!

“She is an up-to-nogood naughty, but adorable and affectionate, little diva kitty. Amazon boxes are her best friends and she could sit like this all day and night. Her fur is as soft as can be and she makes for the best cuddle buddy, particularly in these cold winter months.

Careful though - she may steal your cookies or drink out of your hot chocolate mug if you aren’t careful!” shares owner Elizabeth Williams.

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.

Elizabeth just picked up a $25 gift card from Greenstreet Gardens in Alexandria!

CAT IN A BOX

MARCH 2021

Del Ray Dog Business Adopts Jobless Pet Workers

BY GRACE BILLUPS ARNOLD

U.S. stores on December 30, 2020. “It was completely unBusinesses are still shut- expected. We were a profitting down across the country, able store,” says Lana. and the threat of unemployLana had previous conment weighs heavy on good nections to Your Dog’s Best hearts. However, your Dog’s Friends. In 2010, Lana was Best Friends in Del Ray is a an eager 17-year-old who arhaven for a handful of Alex- rived as part of an internship andrian pet workers who lost that owner Paul Haire offered to the Arlington Career Center.

Lana worked under General Manager Jenny McDaniel-Barr on the play floor.

After high school, Lana left to pursue opportunities to grow professionally but remained online friends with Jenny through the years.

“I knew how much she had Photo: Sarah Chittenden grown,” says Your Dog’s Best Friends owner, Paul Haire, welcomes pet workers, old and new.

Jenny.

“She went from good their jobs. to great. I felt she was still Lana Traboulsi was the part of the Your Dog’s Best Store Manager at Pet Valu in Friends family.” the North Del Ray shopping Thus, in January 2021, center when the chain an- when Lana shared the closure nounced the closure of its 358 news with her friend and for-

mer manager, Jenny replied, “Hey, you are still family.”

Lana found herself in a fullcircle moment, employed once again for Your Dog’s Best Friends, this time as Operations Manager.

Since January, Your Dog’s Best Friends has welcomed four employees through its doors. Along with Lana came local groomers Mellisa Loker and Jose Coraspe and another well-known Pet Valu staff member.

“It was an emotional situation and it happened very fast, but it turned around to be something even better,” concludes Lana.

Photo: Sarah Chittenden

Your Dog’s Best Friends has welcomed four pet workers since the start of the new year. From left, Lana Traboulsi: Operations Manager, Jose Coraspe: Groomer, Mellisa Loker: Groomer.

whole dogz

H E A LT H Y P L AY H E A LT H Y F O O D H E A LT H Y D O G P L AY, E AT, S L E E P, BAT H E , S H O P WWW.WHOLEDOGZ.COM

TRAINING TIME CONTINUED FROM PAGE 66 manners, behavior modifi-cation, agility, dog sports, and canine fit-ness and conditioning, kids and dogs, pre-pet 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 Ins-tagram. com/wholistichound.

4748 Eisenhower Ave. Alexandria, VA

(703)751-3649 Photo: Wholistic Hound Academy

The muffin tin treat hunt.

Alexandria PET SERVICES All-natural dog treats made by differently-abled young adults – a “pawfect combination”

www.pawfectlydelicious.org

MARCH 2021

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Animal enthusiasts ages 6-13 can learn all about animal welfare during the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s week-long camps, all while following nationally recognized COVID-19 best health practices. Learn more and register at AlexandriaAnimals.org/Camp.

Summer camp and other AWLA programs support adoptable animals like...

Play, walk, nap, repeat! Molly is ready to go, go, go, and is looking for a best friend who can keep up. Her adorable ears are perked listening for the next adventure. From secluded hikes to clicker training sessions, Molly is always eager to try new things. She’ll wow you with her energy, her smarts, her “Sit” and her snore, and she just might be the pup for you.

Mateo Work, hobbies, to-do list. Why do any of that when you could cuddle with Mateo instead? He’d be happy to sit on your lap during a Zoom meeting or snooze on your to-do list. He knows your next to-do: cuddle time! Mateo can’t wait to be the center of your world, and in return he’ll offer you constant feline affection and love. Does Mateo sound like your future best friend?

Dirty Paw Photography

DeSilva STudios, LLC

Molly

Jessie Have you been looking for a friend to share your carrots with? Do you have more strawberries than you could ever eat? Meet Jessie! She’s hoppy to help you finish any of your snacks with her little wiggly nose at the ready. A social gal, Jessie can’t wait to find her best friend so she can always be by their side, from snack time to nap time and every time in between.

Meet your new best friend at AlexandriaAnimals.org/Adopt.

Follow Alexandria’s Animals @AlexandriaAnimals @AlexAnimals @AlexAnimals

70 ZEBRA PRESS

AlexandriaAnimals.org 4101 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304 703.746.4774

MARCH 2021

MARCH 2021

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