The Zebra Press--Alexandria--October 2019

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WATCH OUT! ALEXANDRIA ABUZZ OVER ELECTRIC SCOOTERS! BLACK AND WHITE AND READ ALL OVER

30 WINE COUNTRY INNS AND BACK ROADS VINEYARDS

OCTOBER ’19

32 TORPEDO FACTORY CELEBRATES MILESTONE

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33 17TH ANNUAL KING STREET FESTIVAL

60 ROCKIN' OUT WITH THE ALEXANDRIA ROCK SCHOOL

Christine Garner It’s Not Just My Business, It’s My Neighborhood

Braddock Heights Coming Soon

Old Town NG

$1,495,000

CUSTOM COLONIAL ON A SPACIOUS LOT WITH AN ATTACHED GARAGE! Fabulous 4 bedroom (all upper level), 4.5 bath residence custom built by a prominent builder in 1948 as his personal residence.

Many recent updates to this home featuring over 4,600 sq. ft. of interior space with generous room sizes, tall ceilings, custom built-ins, 3 fireplaces, hardwood floors, replacement windows and an attached garage. Gourmet eat-in kitchen, Master suite with custom walk-in and dressing area plus a brand new luxury Master bath! Situated on a spacious 9,315 sq. ft. lot with a large patio for entertaining, a stone fireplace, lawn and gardens with irrigation.

HISTORIC BRICK COLONIAL IN THE HEART OF D TOWN

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Sought after south-east QUAD and just a block off kins Street with shops and restaurants! This plaqued home with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 3 gas fireplaces,dual staircases with period woodwork and built-ins has been thoughtfully updated.

Geoorgetown patio with private gardens and side alley access to street. Over 2,700 sq ft of history!

Old Town / Washington Square

$799,900

STEPS FROM SHOPPING AND RESTAURANTS WITH 2 GARAGE PARKING SPACES! Beautiful updated 3 bedroom (including 2 suites), 3.5 bath home in South Old Town with an attached garage plus an underground parking space.

Over 2,000 sq. ft. of living space on 4 above ground levels with 2 relined wood burning fireplaces, hardwood floors, crown moulding and replacement windows throughout. Entry level family room with wet bar and French doors to a patio. Updated kitchen, separate dining room and living room with 2 Juliette balconies. Steps from shopping and restaurants and convenient to Metro.

Delightful Aladdin Catalog Craftsman Bungalow blocks from METRO and Maury Elementary!

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LD SO

Loads of charm and character in this 2/3 bedroom, 2 bath home with a wide wrap around porch, 10’+ ceilings and tall windows. Living room with relined wood burning fireplace and French doors to a den. Spacious dining room and light filled eat-in kitchen with access to screened in back porch. Large walk-out lower level with recreation room, full bath and lots of storage. Fenced back yard with gardens, patio and off street parking.

Del Ray

$849,000 HEART OF DEL RAY STEPS FROM “THE AVENUE” & CONVENIENT TO METRO!

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Charming 2/3 bedroom, 2 bath 1930’s bungalow on a spacious lot with an oversize detached 2 car garage with an unfinished upper level studio/ office! Welcoming front porch, living room with vaulted ceiling, large updated eat-in kitchen with granite counters, natural wood cabinetry, SS appliances including double wall ovens. Finished walk-out lower features a family room with built-ins, bonus/guest room with full bath and laundry room. Freshly painted interior, 2 screened-in porches, fenced back yard with alley access and endless opportunities for expanding.

Rosemont $835,000

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Del Ray $740,000 Vintage Sears Crescent home with separate rear studio blocks to METRO!

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Charming 3 level home built in 1920 on a large private corner lot with 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and off street parking. Inviting living room with French doors to the dining room. Main level den and kitchen with access to the fenced yard with a patio, lawn, gardens and rear studio. Two main level bedrooms with a full bath and a Master suite with en suite bath and skylights on the upper level. Unfinished lower level with outdoor egress.

Christine Garner • 703.587.4855 ® Weichert www.ChristineGarner.com 1988 • 31 years of Real Estate in your neighborhood ... and counting! • 2019 2

ZEBRA PRESS

OCTOBER 2019

Inside this Issue ARTS.......................................... 32-39 ASSIGNMENT EDUCATION............64-65 BUSINESS NEWS.........................58-62 CALENDAR OF ZVENTS................38-39 COMMUNITY NEWS......................4-25 COLUMNS: Agenda Alexandria..................................9 Alexandria Archives..............................25 Around the World with Zebra...................2 Art Digest.............................................32 Art Newz..............................................32 Book of the Month................................39 Cat in a Box..........................................74 Eatz.....................................................27 Explore........................................... 48-49 In The Dirt............................................72 In Z Hood.............................................44 Little Alexandria...................................51 Living Legends......................................16 Memories and Musings..........................17 Obituary...............................................12 On Exhibit.............................................34

On Watch.............................................73 Scene Around Town...............................46 Training Time.........................................75 Volunteer Alexandria.............................56 Where Will Your Paws Go Today?..........76 You Had me at Woof.............................77 Z Movies..............................................36 Z-Music................................................37 Z-Oenology...........................................30 Z-Pick of the Month..............................45 Z-Real Estate Beat................................63 Z-Theatre.............................................35 Z-Women's Turn......................................6

DEL RAY DOINGS........................ 52-53 FOODIE NEWZ............................ 26-31 GIVING BACK.............................54-55 PETS.......................................... 75-78 PUZZLES..........................................50 SENIOR LIVING........................... 70-71 SPORTS......................................68-69 WORSHIP...................................66-67

OCTOBER ’19

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

Advertising Elijah W. Griffin, Sr. Account Executive elijah@thezebrapress.com

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

Contributing Writers Glenda Booth Kevin Dauray Ellen Epstein Marcus Fisk Kris Gilbertson Linda Greenberg Ray Greenstreet Amy Jackson Karen Johnson Melanie Modlin Elizabeth Moscoso Robert Murray Louise Muth Pat Malone Ralph Peluso Jay Roberts Michael Salmon Amanda Socci Matt Thompson Lillis Werder Carolanne Wilson Photographers John David Coppola Elijah W. Griffin, Sr. Kelly MacConomy Harry Merritt Lucelle O’Flaherty Lillis Werder Wayne Hulehan

DISTRIBUTION 30,000 copies delivered by hand each month to households and businesses in the following neighborhoods and high-traffic areas:

PUBLISHER’S NOTES

We had to finally address the scooters. Heck, we went all the way and put a period-dressed young woman on one. From horses and buggies to electric scooters activated by smartphones — it is an amazing technological leap, but at what cost? We think our story presents both sides of the issue and brings you up to speed on the pilot program. Your opinion still counts, either way, and the City is interested. Your feedback is being solicited at www.research.net/r/ AlexandriaVa-ScooterPilotDraftRecs through October 15.

Our annual Readers’ Survey is also rolling and closes on October 15. If you want to give us your opinions about the best hair stylist, Italian res-

short amount of time, scroll down to questions you want to answer. Be sure you reach the end where it says SUBMIT. It matters a lot to the Alexandria businesses, so please do take the time to vote.

And finally, we are chock-full again this month of SO many interesting tidbits, profiles, triumphs and events, we recommend a good glass of wine or cup of coffee, and to just dive in! Remember to also follow us on our Zebra social media, and sign up for our weekly Z-Newsletter and Z-Weekender at www.thezebra.org/ subscribe to catch all the good news between printed issues. taurant, shoe store, etc., go to www. thezebra.org/survey and complete the portions you want to—the form is a bit long—so if you have only a

Thank you for being a reader, Mary Wadland

AROUND The world WITH Zebra Zebra Around the World is taking a break because frankly, we needed the space for some other very important material we thought you needed to read this month. Take your copy of Zebra with you and send us a photo and caption and we will get it published as soon as possible. Published entries also win a $25 gift card to an area retailer or restaurant. Please type ZEBRA AROUND THE WORLD in the subject line and send to editor@thezebrapress.com or mail to The Zebra Press, 2800 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 220, Alexandria, VA 22314.

On the Cover: OCTOBER 2019

Nikisha Kozik of Alexandria Colonial Tours on a scooter in Old Town. (Photo: James Cullum)

Arlington Alexandria Alexandria West Belle Haven Beverley Hills Braddock Heights

Crystal City Del Ray Fairlington Great Falls Jefferson Park Mount Vernon Old Town

Park Fairfax Rosemont Seminary Hills Shirlington

PUBLICATION DATES Zebra is printed monthly.

UPCOMING DEADLINES 2019 Deadline September 20 October 18

Publication Date October 7 November 4

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

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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

CITY BRIEFS

Alexandria Sets Tourism Record VISIT ALEXANDRIA ANNOUNCES RECORD RESULTS AT ANNUAL MEETING Like to hang out in Alexandria? You’re definitely not alone! Visit Alexandria announced all-time high revenue at its annual meeting on Sept. 23. Visitor spending increased $33 million dollars to a record $859 million, according to the Virginia Tourism Corporation.

“This was a big year for Alexandria,” said Patricia Washington, president and CEO of Visit Alexandria at its annual meeting, which was held at The Birchmere. “We celebrated the announcement that the Alexandria/Arlington partnership landed Amazon HQ2 and Virginia Tech’s Innovation Campus and Alexandria being named a Top 5 Best Small City in the U.S. 2018 by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.

We also weathered monumental challenges, including a 35-day federal government shutdown and 107-day Metro shutdown. Through planning, mitigation strategies and hard work, we ended on a high note with another banner year for Alexandria’s tourism industry.”

This continues the positive growth trend over the past six years for Alexandria’s visitor economy. Tax revenue generated by non-residents represents 71% of Alexandria’s sales, meals and lodging tax receipts, saving the average Alexandria household $673 per year.

Alexandria Vice Mayor Elizabeth Bennett-Parker has been a Visit Alexandria Board member since taking office.

“I have been struck by the effective partnership that exists between the city and visit Alexandria and professionalism of our shared work,” Bennett-Parker said.

Visitors coming from more than 50 miles away spent $859 million, producing $27.9 million in local tax revenues for Alexandria, according to the Commonwealth of Virginia’s 2018 Economic Impact of Domestic Travel on Virginia and Localities report. Travel also supported 6,583 jobs

Photo: Gerd Altmann for Pixabay

City Council Approval Budgets Census Outreach Efforts at $80,000

Photo: James Cullum

Hanging out on the waterfront at the Alexandria Irish Festival.

in Alexandria, representing 7 percent of the local workforce.

Have You Been to Waterfront Park?

One of the great successes of the past year has been the opening of Waterfront Park at the base of King Street.

“I was down there last night, about nine o’clock, there must have been 200 people in that park space,” said City Manager Mark Jinks. “There must have been 50 kids running around that that astroturfed area. Everybody was having a great time. And it’s probably gone from being a barbed wire parking lot that nobody else could use to the most popular park in the city in the course of six months.”

In fiscal year 2019, which ended June 30, 2019, Visit Alexandria established new records, including web traffic, media coverage and meetings leads. This success was made possible by Visit Alexandria’s work, including a new regional marketing campaign, promotion of the opening of Waterfront Park, Metro closure mitigation strategies, new meetings video and strategy, 50 Ways to Love Your Summer in Alexandria campaign and hotel package, and King Street Corridor Initiative projects, including the Portside in Old Town fall and

summer festivals and waterfront beer garden series.

Visit Alexandria also highlighted the following fiscal year 2019 results: • 72.5% hotel occupancy (exceeding 70% for five straight years) • 2.3 million website visits to VisitAlexandriaVA.com (+15%) • 1,190 total press stories (+2%) • 141,000 social media followers (+8%) • 382 members (+6%) • $46 million in meeting leads (+2%) Looking ahead to fiscal year 2020, Visit Alexandria will unveil a new destination advertising campaign, fueled by new consumer research by Destination Analysts, in January. Visit Alexandria’s sales team will move in a new strategic direction as it introduces The Leadership Collection™ at Alexandria, pairing three nationally-recognized leadership and team building institutes—the George Washington Leadership Institute at Mount Vernon, McChrystal Group, which is led by retired 4-star General Stanley McChrystal, and Building Momentum—with concierge-level service incorporating accommodations, transportation and more. Additionally, Visit Alexandria will focus on promoting neighborhood content, marketing tall ship Providence and the King Street Corridor Initiative sustainability plan.

Alexandria really wants to make sure that its 2020 Census is accurate! On Sept. 18, City Council approved the release of $50,000 from contingent reserves to fund the marketing and community outreach efforts of the city’s 2020 Complete Count Committee. That makes for a total of $80,000 dedicated to community engagement and outreach activities to get a complete count.

Last fiscal year, City Council approved $30,000 to kick off the work of the committee, which has worked with city staff to develop and implement an outreach strategy to maximize participation, particularly in Arlandria, Alexandria West, Buregeard, and Landmark. Up until now, the committee has been learning the intricacies of how Census data is collected. The committee will educate the public about the Census through promotions, which will include gift cards and promotional items, including cups and sports items for kids and adults.

Census Day is April 1, 2020, and all Alexandria households should have received an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. An accurate count of residents helps the city in its eligibility for federal aid, redistricting jurisdictions, gathering statistics for grant applications, and apportioning Congressional seats.

The Committee’s draft summary budget for community engagement and outreach activities is as follows: Community Outreach - $26,604 Print Items and Communication - $18,315 Direct Mailings - $17,500 Media (newspaper and other advertising) - $12,000 Volunteer Coordination and Meetings - $5,267 Total: $79,686 Learn more at www.alexandriava.gov/Census2020

City Council Approves Cheaper Parking, Longer Parking For ‘Underutilized’ Areas Ever gone out of your way to find a good parking spot in Alexandria? The Alexandria City Council unanimously adopted a series of new parking measures that will allow for Photo: James Cullum longer and cheaper parking at underutilized parking areas on Jamieson Avenue and in the Carlyle area.

Council, on Sept. 14, extended the two-hour time limit to an all-day metered rate with a maximum charge of $5 in the 1400 to 1600 blocks of Jamieson Avenue. That’s between South West Street and Holland Lane (running paral-

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR TAKING AWAY THE 3-HOUR PARKING ZONES WILL HURT LITTLE THEATRE

Courtesy photo

Kevin Hearst.

Kevin Hearst Hired as Chief Animal Control Officer in Alexandria The search is over! There’s a new Chief Animal Control Officer in town. The Alexandria City Council unanimously approved hiring Kevin D. Hearst, Sr., at their meeting on Sept. 18. Hearst is responsible for the management of services at the City’s Vola Lawson Animal Shelter, meeting the needs of city residents, and working with the City Attorney and law enforcement on animalrelated cases.

“I greatly appreciate your support, we plan to serve our City of Alexandria with integrity and professionalism,” Hearst wrote on Facebook.

The board of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria conducted a national search to fill the position. The League operates the shelter under contract for the city.

Hearst will have to man-

age the Animal Control Division, which also includes the supervision of Animal Control officers on a daily basis. His credits include more than 25 years of animal control experience from serving in the police department in DeKalb County, Georgia, in positions including shelter operations assistant, dangerous animal officer, chief cruelty investigator, and as an animal control field supervisor. He is certified in advanced equine investigation, dog and cock fighting investigation, and animal cruelty investigation from the Human Society University; veterinary forensic and animal crime scene investigation from the University of Florida; and Euthanasia training from the National Animal Control Academy.

City Council Makes Crucial Seminary Road Decision

BY MATT THOMPSON The Alexandria City Council voted 4-3 to reduce the number of lanes on Seminary Road. The decision came after more than eight hours of testimony from more than 100 speakers at the Sept. 14 public hearing at City Hall.

“This whole issue has deeply divided the community

On behalf of the Little Theatre of Alexandria I wanted to raise my concerns with the significant changes to parking in Old Town previewed by City staff at the September meeting of the Alexandria Parking & Traffic Board.

The two proposed changes with the largest negative impact to our theatre would be removing all 3-hour zones within the city, and reassessing all zones to end at 5 PM, 11 PM, or 2 AM, with 11 PM becoming the default.

Almost all of our shows run over 2 hours and begin at 8 PM, so we’ve depended on 3-hour zones as well as 9 pm end time to zone limits. If all zones change to 2 hours, and the end time is 11 PM or 2 AM, our patrons many of whom are elderly or have their families with them – will have to run out during intermission and try to move their cars. People will come back late to the second half of the show or will have to chance a parking ticket because they cannot leave.

Our volunteers will also be punished. Many of them give long hours after their day jobs have finished and depend on not having to move their cars late at night. In the week be-

fore a show opens, volunteers may be working past midnight. Should they have to walk a few blocks at 1 AM to move their cars? That doesn’t seem safe or supportive of the work our theater has done to contribute to Old Town over the last 85 years.

Many of us at the theatre - including myself - are Alexandria residents. We would like recognition that attending the theater is a different time commitment than dining or shopping on King Street. You can decide to have dinner or run errands in under 2 hours. But to experience the worlds we create on stage you have to make a more significant time investment; patrons can’t walk out of our current show A Few Good Men right before Col. Jessup says “You can’t handle the truth!” simply because the meter has run out.

I hope the City recognizes how much our Theatre has and does contribute to life in the Alexandria and does not punish our volunteers and patrons by making these changes.

Ashley Amidon Board Member, Little Theatre of Alexandria

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and has clearly deeply divided the council,” said Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson, adding that the number of public speakers and com-

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WOMEN'S TURN Follow an 18th century costumed guide by lantern light through the charming streets of Alexandria’s historic Old Town.

Hear ghost stories, legends, folklore, unsolved mysteries, tales of romance and angry ghosts looking for revenge!

Appropriate for ages 9 and up.

Tours given nightly at 7:30 pm throughout October with 7:30 and 9:00 pm tours offered on Fridays and Saturdays.

Tickets available at www.alexcolonialtours.com or 703 519 1749.

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Highlighting the Vola Lawson Breast Cancer Fund

BY RANA WILSON

We’ll see you in the graveyard!

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.

— Albert Camus

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breast cancer in the U.S. is the most common cancer in women, no matter the race or ethnicity. Over the course of a lifetime, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer. It is the most common cause of death from cancer among Hispanic women and the second most common cause for white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women.

The Vola Lawson Breast Cancer Fund is named for long-time Alexandria City Manager Vola Lawson, who was a lifelong champion for women. After her own diagnosis, Ms. Lawson worked to raise aware-

ness of breast cancer in the community. Her legacy will live on through the fund as it supports Alexandria residents by underwriting mammograms and other preventive services for the uninsured or those who are not fully covered by insurance. The fund partners with Neighborhood Health and the Association of Alexandria Radiologists (AAR), and is managed by the Alexandria Commission for Women, the Friends of the Alexandria Commission for Women, and the Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services.

The Alexandria Commission for Women Status of Women Report, released in November 2018, highlighted the state of women in Alexandria regarding breast cancer and health insurance.

It showed that black women are more likely to die from breast cancer than white women in Alexandria, with a mortality rate of 31.3 per 100,000 women. The number of uninsured women in Alexandria is 12 percent.

As a community, we need to continue to raise awareness and educate Alexandria citizens about breast cancer by encouraging annual health screenings for early detection in hopes of decreasing mortality rates.

We can support our fellow residents by donating to the Vola Breast Cancer Fund.

Please visit www.volalawsonfund.org to donate, volunteer, or learn more.

THE NATIONAL BREAST CENTER FOUNDATION

Saving Lives in Our Own Community

BY MARTHA CARUCCI

You’ve left your mark, now where is your marker???

Since 1856

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Every day we are looking for a cure for cancer. In the U.S., more than 250,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and while the survival rate has increased over time, there are still around 50,000 women dying from breast cancer each year. Our wives, mothers, sisters, and daughters. There are many more who undergo months Photo: Delia Sullivan of intense treatment, including surgery, chemo- Breast cancer survivors, families, and supporters Walk to Bust therapy, and radiation, that Cancer, raising $80,000 in 2018 to help our own community. can have a lasting impact on their well-being. tant, but early diagnosis is access to care.

The hope for a cure lies critical and, for the time Alexandria resident and in many areas. First, there’s being, that means appro- renowned breast surgeon always a benefit for early priate screening. One of Dr. David Weintritt is well detection. In 2019, the best the biggest issues we face in aware of the challengpath to a good outcome is the Metropolitan D.C. area es women (and men) with to diagnose breast cancer at is late stage diagnosis and breast cancer face. In 2014 the earliest stage possible. high mortality from breast he founded the National Research and new treat- cancer, which largely results ments are equally impor- from lack of screening and CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 OCTOBER 2019

CITY BRIEFS

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lel to Duke Street) and just north of the Alexandria National Cemetery - just a stone’s throw from the King Street Metro Station! City staff estimate it will bring in an additional $15,000 to Alexandria’s coffers.

Council, on Sept. 18, also approved a reduction of te parking meter rate from $1.75 to $1 per hour to the neighborhood south of Eisenhower Avenue between Holland Lane and Hooff’s Run Drive. The area that will see the reduced meter rates include Hooffs Run Drive, Limerick Street, Eisenhower Park Drive, Bartholomew Street, Savoy Street and the 800 block of John Carlyle Street. City staff estimate that the additional parking will bring an additional $10,000 to the city over the course of a year.

Photo: James Cullum

Alexandria City Hall

Alexandria City Council Unanimously Passes Prohibition of Firearms on City Property As of Sept. 14, city council has amended the Code of the City of Alexandria to include a prohibition of firearms on city property. The code is not in effect, however, until the Virginia General Assembly amends a law that would allow the city to make such a declaration.

City council has unanimously ordained that the possession, carrying or transportation of firearms in buildings owned, leased or operated by the City; or in parks and in any recreational or community owned or used by the City, is prohibited. The ordinance also states that the possession, carrying, storage or transportation of firearms

by City employees, agents or volunteers in workplaces owned, operated or managed by the City is prohibited.

“That’s the street, that’s the sidewalk… you can have a gun if you can get it into your house, so long as you keep it in your house, you can have it,” said Dino Drudi, a public speaker at the second reading of the ordinance. “That’s a more extreme gun ban than many of the gun control communities had before the Supreme Court struck it down.”

There are some exceptions to the prohibition. The ordinance will not apply to military personnel when acting within the scope of their official duties, sworn law enforcement officers, and private security personnel hired by the City. Let’s not forget our historical re-enactors and any other persons who possess firearms that are inoperative or otherwise incapable of discharging a projectile, and are not loaded with operable ammunition, when such persons are participating in, or traveling to or from, special events that involve the display or demonstration of such firearms.

—Elizabeth Moscoso

$2.5 Million Donation Will Go to Development of Point Lumley Park!

Think that the waterfront is looking nice these days?

We do too but it takes a lot to make that happen, especially money, and the city was glad to receive a generous donation from Alexandria’s own Betsey and Dr. Jon H. Rosenbaum. The couple gave the city $2.5 million, which will be used to develop Point Lumley Park.

“This is a significant amount of money,” Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson said at the Sept. 18 Council meeting. “It will be an important and powerful legacy for gen-

LONNIE C. RICH WILLS AND TRUSTS lcrich@rrbmdk.com 703/299-3440

Every moment is a fresh beginning.

– T.S Eliot

Why Fall is the best time to buy a home Every year, home buyers and sellers think only of Spring Market to list their home or purchase a new home. So the competition is tight, buyers are stressed out and there are multiple offers on homes, sometimes resulting in overpaying.

According to a new study from realtor.com, the first month of fall is the best time of year to buy a home. After evaluating housing data in 53 metros from 2016 to 2018, realtor.com determined that the first month of fall is when buyers “tend to find less competition, more inventory, and the biggest reductions on list price.”

The report explains, “During the first month of fall, buyers tend to face 26% less competition from other buyers, and they are likely to see 6.1% more homes available on the market compared to other weeks of the year…nearly 6% of homes on the market will also see price reductions, averaging 2.4% less than their peak.”

What’s so different about the first weeks of fall?

George Ratiu, Senior Economist with realtor.com says, “As summer winds down and kids return to school, many families hit pause on their home search and wait until the next season to start again…as seasonal inventory builds up and restores itself to more buyer-friendly levels, fall buyers will be in a better position to take advantage of today’s low mortgage rates and increased purchasing power.”

Bottom Line If you want to take advantage of this less stressful time for home buying, contact me so you can learn about the benefits of making your next move this fall.

Betsy Grady-Carey Artistry in Real Estate

Realtor

BetsyGrady@LNF.com

Cell: 703-861-4941 www.longandfoster.com/ BetsyGradyCarey

CONTINUED ON PAGE 15 OCTOBER 2019

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Believe in Ghosts? You Will After the Ghost and Graveyard Walking Tour in Old Town!

YOU MIGHT JUST HAVE A GHOSTLY ENCOUNTER WITH ONE OF ALEXANDRIA’S PAST RESIDENTS WHO NEVER WANTS TO LEAVE OUR HISTORIC CITY!

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Have you heard the chilling story of the unintentional and unfortunate invention of the Bloody Mary?

Nine of us are sitting on a ledge of what used to be a storage place for ice, feet dangling, faces expectant. We’re waiting to hear a chilling story on our Ghost and Graveyard Walking Tour with our omniscient narrator, Olivia Haller.

“This is what I want to be doing around Halloween,” said Haller. “Adult Halloween isn’t as fun as kid Halloween.

This is a way we can be a part of the festivities and get into the spirit.”

With her lantern at her feet, Haller offered us little light on a cool and dark evening as she spun the tale of Mary, a young woman from an all girl’s school, which was located in the space now occupied

by Il Porto Ristorante in Old Town. And back in the old days of Alexandria when ice was a precious luxury, it was used to not only keep drinks cold, but to… preserve dead bodies! Understandably, such bodies kept on ice might leak some fluids, and that’s exactly what happened in Mary’s case. With her service held at a local tavern, and too tired to notice, drinks were served with contaminated ice!

And so the Bloody Mary was born… Or so goes the tale.

Have You Been On A Ghost Tour?

This is just one of many spine-tingling, goose-bumpraising stories that you might hear on ghost tours through

Photo: Elizabeth Moscoso

Alexandria Colonial Tours Guide Olivia Haller tells a ghost story in Old Town.

Old Town, which in October are held every night at 7:30 p.m. and also at 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays. The Ghost & Graveyard Tours are a function of Alexandria Colonial Tours, located at 201 King Street. The weather is perfectly cool as you snake your way through Alexandria’s cemeteries at night!

“I voraciously consume ghost stories,” Haller said, and enthusiastically admitted to believing in ghosts. “It’s interesting to think about.”

Haller’s group passed by another ghost tour along the brick-laid sidewalk toward our next spooky destination.

In contrast to Olivia’s beautiful deep red cape, and long lace-front olive dress, the other narrator wore a tricorn hat and old fashioned pants, true to the style of the 1800s. The guides gave each other knowing nods, as if they were porters transporting us regularly dressed mortals on our journey to the past.

Don’t Miss: The Ghosts of Alexandria A cool breeze from the Potomac rustles leaves off the trees lining the streets as we huddle close to Haller and lean in, eager for more tales.

Going on a Ghost and Graveyard Walking Tour is a perfect way to explore a side of Alexandria about which you might not have any idea!

Shawn and Beverly, from Arizona, had never been on a ghost tour before.

“I got hair standing onend,” said Shawn as he reflected on the story of Laura, a doomed bride he’d just learned about on the tour.

Interested in a Ghost and Graveyard Walking Tour?

You might just have a ghostly encounter with one of Alexandria’s past residents who never wants to leave our historic city! Find out more at www. alexcolonialtours.com

SEMONIAN HONORED BY CITY COUNCIL Ed Semonian, Alexandria’s Clerk of the Circuit Court, was honored by the Alexandria City Council on Sept. 24, for his four decades of public service with a proclamation and a key to the city. Did we say four decades? You bet we did! Semonian has been the Clerk of Court since 1979, and will hang up his hat at the end of the year. Perhaps Councilwoman Del Pepper said it best when she told Semonian, “You will certainly be remembered for your dedication to the job, that’s for sure.”

Photographed here is Semonian with his wife, Lorrie, and Alexandria Mayor Photo: James Cullum Justin Wilson. Semonian told the audience in Council Chambers that it was his honor to serve as the Clerk. “I made a commitment that if I was successful I would serve two [eight year] terms,” Semonian said. “I’m still here - only for a very short time, but my career as the clerk has been wonderful. I’ve enjoyed it.”

8

ZEBRA PRESS

OCTOBER 2019

High School Crush AGENDA ALEXANDRIA TO HOST A DISCUSSION ON THE ACPS OVERCROWDING CRISIS

BY MICHAEL LEE POPE

I think it’s the best thing moving forward.”

Supporters of the unsuccessful push to build a new high school in Alexandria were worried that expanding a school that’s already bursting at the seams would be a mistake. They were concerned that nostalgia and inertia were handicapping the decision making process, arguing that the cost of building a new high school was roughly equal to the cost of the one connected high school model that won out.

“I’m not naive to the idea that to build a second high school would mean basically going to war,” said school board member Meagan Alderton, who represents the West End. “It would require outstanding courage, fierce confrontation, and massive resistance.”

The crush of new students is causing pressure all over the city, from crowded elementary school classrooms to trailers at the high school. Alexandria City Public Schools have, in some ways, become a victim of their own success.

Students are streaming into schools, leaving school officials scratching their heads trying to figure out how to handle them all.

In October, Agenda Alexandria will host a discussion about how the school system is handling rising enrollment and what the options are for the future.

The discussion panel will be Graphic: ACPS composed of representatives School officials say the one connected high school approach will even out disparities that currentfrom the ACPS administraly exist in elementary schools and middle schools. tion and the T.C. Williams student body (see sidebar).

“Families are not sure whether their kids are going Board voted in September Ultimately, a major- son before casting her vote. to have a chair to sit on, and to expand T.C. Williams ity of school board mem- “This is a now decision, and the high school is where all High School rather than bers approved a plan that the capacity challenges have build a new high school. sidestepped a potentially What: High School Crush: Alexandria’s Overcrowdlanded,” said Eileen Rivera, The six-to-three vote came perilous process of drawing Crisis a member of the Agenda Al- after a contentious and pro- ing boundaries designatWhere: Hermitage, 5000 Fairbanks Ave, Alexandria exandria board of directors tracted debate about how to ing which neighborhoods VA 22311 who will be moderating the handle the overcrowding would attend T.C. Williams When: Monday, Oct. 28, 2019 discussion. “As the city fixes crisis at Alexandria’s only and which students would Time: Reception starts at 6:30 pm, program starts at the sewer outfalls, are we high school, a discussion attend a new school.

7:15 pm “This is not a forever dealso going to fix the moldy that featured concerns about Cost: $5 at the door, optional dinner for $32 ceilings in our classrooms?” racial segregation and socio- cision,” said School Board Details: agendaalexandria.org The Alexandria School economic inequity.

Chairwoman Cindy Ander-

PANELISTS FOR THE OCTOBER 28 AGENDA ALEXANDRIA DISCUSSION The October 28 discussion will be moderated by Eileen Rivera, a member of the Agenda Alexandria board of directors. Panelists will include:

A native of New York City, Bridgette Adu-Wadier moved to Alexandria as a child and is now a junior at T.C. Williams. She writes for the Alexandria Gazette Packet and T.C. Williams newspaper Theogony about overcrowding and the high-school expansion project. She has also contributed to PBS Extra, and she hosts a local news talk show called “Behind the Headlines.”

OCTOBER 2019

ACPS Chief Operating Officer Mignon Anthony has a degree in business management and economics from Philadelphia University and a graduate certificate in organizational change and development from American University. Before joining the school system, she managed private sector real estate deals and expansions in Crystal City and Alexandria and oversaw projects for the federal government.

ACPS Chief Academic Officer Terri Mozingo has a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Before becoming the school system’s chief academic officer, she was a classroom teacher, an assistant principal, and an assistant superintendent.

Mikaela Pozo, a senior at T.C. Williams High School, immigrated to the U.S. from Bolivia as a child. She founded a student-led group known as Operation Integration to advocate for educational justice and immigrant rights.

THE ZEBRA PRESS

9

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SAVING LIVES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 Breast Center Foundation to focus on improving access to care and exploring new technology for all women, regardless of their background or ability to pay.

“It’s about taking donations and turning them into direct care for patients,” Dr. Weintritt says. “We aren’t raising money just for awareness. We are raising money to make an impact on lives by providing options that women have never heard of, giving women with little or no means of access to the best care on the planet, and using new technology to personalize the treatment of breast cancer.”

In 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched a program called Healthy People 2020 with four main goals: First, to attain quality of life and longevity free of preventable disease. Second, to eliminate disparities in access to health care.

Third, to create environments that promote good health. Fourth, to promote quality of life and healthy development across all life stages.

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10 ZEBRA PRESS

Courtesy NBCF

From left, Dr. Laura Logie, Dir. of Research at Nueva Vida; Martha Carucci, Exec. Dir. of the National Breast Center Foundation; Astrid Jimenez, Exec. Dir., Nueva Vida; and Dr. David Weintritt, Founder, National Breast Center and Foundation.

“The partnership between NBCF and Nueva Vida has literally meant the difference in life or death among our clients who had nowhere to turn,” says Dr. Laura A. Logie, Director of Research at Nueva Vida.

“Dr. Weintritt and Martha Carucci have been instrumental in providing life-saving treatment for countless vulnerable Latino women.”

In 2016, NBCF started the Walk to Bust Cancer to bring a breast cancer walk back to the Alexandria area. The walk has grown from 400 participants to nearly 800 in just 4 years. In 2018, the Walk to Bust Cancer raised over $80,000 to help women

Healthy People 2020 tracks 1,300 objectives organized into 42 topic areas, but the NBCF has just one objective: to reduce mortality from breast cancer by providing timely screening and access to better care.

However, understanding that barriers exist and finding ways to remove them can be a difficult task.

The best technology in the world is only useful for those who have access to it, and one of the major barriers exists in medically underserved racial/ ethnic minorities who are uninsured. That’s why NBCF and Nueva Vida (New Life) are collaborating to change those statistics and assure quality access to health care.

Nueva Vida was founded in 1999 by Latina breast cancer Courtesy NBCF survivors to fill the Breast cancer survivor Aleseia Saunders gap for bilingual serand her daughter Julia with Martha Cavices in the Central rucci, Exec. Dir. of the National Breast and South American Center Foundation. immigrant community in the DMV. It is a community-based nonhere in our own community. profit organization that proThe foundation also started vides competent, culturally Swing to Bust Cancer in sensitive services to inform, 2017, a golf tournament funsupport, and empower Latidraiser to raise awareness and nos whose lives are affected funds. by cancer, and to advocate for To learn more about NBCF, and facilitate timely access to its mission, and how you can state-of-the-art cancer care, help, go to www.nationalbreastincluding prevention, screencenterfoundation.org. ing, diagnosis, treatment, surSaving Lives Starts with vivorship, and end of life care.

YOU! OCTOBER 2019

Bee-Line to School! Whitaker Weinburger Gets Awesome Bumblebee-Inspired Birthday Gift

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DRIVERS IN YELLOW CARS TRAVELED FROM ALL OVER TO PARTICIPATE.

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BY JAMES CULLUM Whitaker Weinburger got a lot more than what he expected for his birthday! After being declared cancer free, his parents went the extra mile. See, Whitaker wanted a yellow Bumblebee toy for his birthday. It’s his favorite Transformer char-

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October is Virginia Wine Month!

Photo: Jay Korff on Facebook

Yellow cars align Whitaker Weinberger’s street in Alexandria.

Photo: Facebook

Whitaker Weinberger inside a “Bumblebee” Maserati!

acter, and on the big day he got his toy and something else – the street was lined with yellow cars from his house going all the way to his preschool.

“Bumblebees everywhere!” Whitaker shouted while walking to school, and escorted by news crews, family, friends, and supporters. “Thank you for all the Bum-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

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OCTOBER 2019

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11

OBITUARIES Alexandria Native, Paramedic Erin Marie McPherson (Garner) Erin Marie McPherson (Garner), age 30, passed away on Sept. 13, 2019, from complications related to her heart. She was a newlywed, having met her soulmate, Fairfax County Police Officer Andrew James McPherson. They were married January 12 of this year. She was proud to be a police officer’s wife.

Their only source of conflict was that Andrew, being a Canadian, was a Winnipeg Jets fan, while Erin was a die hard Washington Capitals fan. Excited parents to be, Erin and Andrew were expecting a child on March 17, 2020.

Erin was born and raised Family photo in Alexandria by Jim and Erin Marie McPherson (Garner) on her wedding day, January 12, 2019.

Christine Garner. The oldest of three girls, she had under the sign of Aquarius and her family’s homes. She every day count.” two loving sisters, Taylor (water sign) and her chosen had an infectious laugh, an Erin’s passion in life was and Morgan. The water confirmation name was adventurous streak a mile caring for and helping peowas her happy place! Her Adjutor, the patron saint of wide, and was enthusiasti- ple. She graduated from endless days in the fami- swimmers. She loved ani- cally nonjudgmental. Erin Bishop Denis J. O’Connell ly pool propelled her into mals and was practically a was very creative and loved High School in Arlington competitive swimming. one person pet adoption arts & crafts especially if in 2007 and from Radford She would often say it was agency, having brought GLITTER was involved! University in 2011, where fitting that she was born many dogs and cats into her Her mantra was to “make she majored in Criminal

Justice and minored in Forensic Anthropology. Her interest in forensics took her abroad to archaeological digs in Israel and Egypt and back home to internships at the Washington D.C. Office of the Medical Examiner and Greene’s Funeral Home in Alexandria. Erin completed the VCU Medical Program in 2013 and became a paramedic and began working at Southside VA Emergency Crew in Petersburg, VA, and Lifecare Medical Transport.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Animal Welfare League at AlexandriaAnimals.org or to Heroes.org, which is an organization dedicated to aid families of law enforcement officers and firefighters who have died in the line of duty in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

A Candlelight Vigil at Contrabands & Freedmen Cemetery Memorial “FREEDOM IS SOMETHING THAT ALL PEOPLE WANT NO MATTER WHAT,” SAID HISTORIAN CHAR MCGARO BAH AT A CANDLELIGHT VIGIL AT THE MEMORIAL ON SATURDAY, SEPT. 14.

What is the price of freedom? For more than 1,700 former enslaved African Americans buried in Alexandria, it was everything. Over the weekend of Sept. 13, leaders throughout Alexandria honored them at the fifth anniversary of the dedication of the the Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial.

“Freedom is something that all people want no matter what,” said historian Char McGaro Bah at a candlelight vigil at the memorial on Saturday, Sept. 14. “Just imagine in the 1860s, especially 1864, on a night that you decide you are going to run and take your chance on freedom. You

12 ZEBRA PRESS

enter Alexandria, you have no candles, only you can follow the moon that illuminates your way to freedom. You get to Alexandria and you collapse and die, but before you close your eyes you look at the moon and said, ‘I am free.

I am free here on this soil. I am free in my heart. I am free when I entered freedom, it was so much I couldn’t bear.’”

The site of the memorial, Freedmen’s Cemetery, was established by Union military authorities in 1864 in response to an overwhelming health and humanitarian crisis in Alexandria. More than 1,700 freed and formerly enslaved African Ameri-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

Photos: James Cullum

A candlelight vigil at Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial, Sept. 14, 2019.

OCTOBER 2019

The 2nd Annual Africa FEST in Alexandria!

THE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL WAS HELD AT PATRICK HENRY RECREATION CENTER, AND INCLUDED DANCERS, FOOD, VENDORS, AND MORE! Alexandria’s second annual Africa FEST was a great success! Patrick Henry Recreation Center was packed with city residents and visitors who got into the spirit of things with dancing, painting, eating and buying.

“So much of our population traces their heritage to the African continent, in some cases very recently and other cases generations ago,” said Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson at the event.

The free event, which was held on Saturday, Sept. 7, was sponsored by the African Union Mission to the U.S., the Alexandria Black History Museum, the city’s Department of Recreation, Parks

and Cultural Activities, Marta Ali Studios, the National Museum of African Art at the Smithsonian, and the Pan African Diaspora Women’s Association.

Alexandria City Councilman Mo Seifeldein is a native of Sudan, and said that it was important that the event was held at Patrick Henry, which is in the city’s West End and is an area that is home to some of the city’s poorer residents.

“I think that the city is living up to its commitment for inclusivity,” Seifeldein said.

“Events like this make me feel personally included, and I think that they are only going

CONTINUED ON PAGE 45

Tremain Slaughter and his daughter, Sky, at Africa FEST at Patrick Henry Recreation Center.

All photos: James Cullum)

The Ni Dembaya African Drum and Dance Ensemble performs at Africa FEST at Patrick Henry Recreation Center, Sept. 7, 2019.

(Left to right) Alexandria City Councilman Mo Seifeldein, African Union Policy Officer Seraphine Manirambona, and Martial Ndoubou, ambassador of the Central African Republic

Alexandria City Councilman John Chapman marches in the parade of nations

Should Van Dorn Street be Renamed Keckley Street?

THE NAME CHANGE WOULD BE IN HONOR OF ELIZABETH HOBBS KECKLEY, A CONFIDANT OF FORMER FIRST LADY MARY TODD LINCOLN.

BY ELIZABETH MOSCOSO Should Van Dorn Street in Alexandria be changed to Keckley Street? That’s what a new petition is asking – to rename the street, which is currently named after Confederate General Earl Van Dorn.

Keckley Street would be in honor of Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley, a former slave who became a successful seamstress, confidant to former First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln and rose to the needs of her community as a civil activist.

“Brigadier General Van Dorn does not represent the values of many of the residents in Alexandria, VA and we believe this major artery should be renamed to better OCTOBER 2019

Courtesy Photo

Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley

reflect the diverse population it serves,” the petition states.

The petition asks Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson to take action on the name change.

The movement to change the name of the street began on July 28, and has since garnered more than 150 signa-

tures. The group in charge of the petition is listed as the GISH Chaos Crew.

If changed, Van Dorn Street would be the second local roadway in recent history to experience a change.

Jefferson Davis Highway, for instance, was named after the president of the Confederacy, and was renamed Richmond Hwy. on Jan. 1.

Keckley was born into slavery in Virginia in 1818. Her mother taught her how to sew, and her owners collected her earnings from her work as a seamstress.

“With my needle I kept bread in the mouths of seventeen persons for two years and five months,” Keckley wrote

CONTINUED ON PAGE 31

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13

The Healthy Way to Fight Fires and Save Lives ALEXANDRIA FIRE DEPARTMENT RECRUITS RECEIVED HOLISTIC TRAINING FROM O2X HUMAN PERFORMANCE - A COMPANY FOUNDED BY FORMER NAVY SEALS!

BY AMANDA SOCCI Imagine the physical challenges and mental pressures that steadily mount on the backs of firefighters.They must routinely be on call and eat, sleep, and stay put in confined quarters for long shifts.

They must be ready to move at a moment’s notice to put on safety gear, mount their vehicles, and defuse medical and fire emergencies.

This is the norm for Alexandria Fire Department firefighters, most of whom are also dual-role providers as emergency medical technicians. For many, the lifestyle is also a lifelong com-

ed health issues such as high injury rates, elevated cancer and cardiac health risks, poor sleep hygiene, and behavioral health issues associated with shift work that firefighters face,” according to an O2X’s media alert.

Safety Through Healthy Habits

Courtesy photo

AFD recruits wearing O2X Human Performance t-shirts on the last day of the workshop.

ZEBRA VIDEO PODCAST

KICKOFF Oct 15

Sheriff Dana Lawhorne and Bill Blackburn, Restaurateur (Pork Barrel BBQ)

Oct 30

Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson

O2X instructors and specialists delivered the training over the course of four days.

Recruits learned strength and conditioning; injury prevention and mental performance; yoga, movement, and resilience training; and nutrition and sleep tips.

The company’s training curriculum was created by a team of former U.S. Navy SEALs, athletes, and psychologists. Back in 2014, the company was hosting summit challenges, with participants

mitment to helping people, and last month AFD brought in a wellness group to help the firefighters manage their stressfilled norm at their highest potential.

“It’s a holistic program that includes mindfulness and nutrition,” said Photo: Amanda Socci Sam Reyes, (L R) AFD recruits Will Augustine, Kara Mackey, the actand Torie Follett pose in front of historic photos ing battalion of the AFD Fire Academy classes during a break chief of AFD’s from the workshop.

Health, Safety, and Risk Management division. “One racing to the top of mounof the major benefits is a re- tains, including Mt. Ellen duction of injuries. People in Sugarbush, Vermont. But are more relaxed [after taking while their goal was to push the workshop]. They take the human limits, the company knowledge and apply it to the gradually shifted its mindset job.” to improving overall human From Sept. 3-6, Boston- performance. What resultbased O2X Human Per- ed was O2X’s EAT SWEAT formance delivered their THRIVE curriculum, which fifth comprehensive well- teaches nutrition (EAT), inness workshop to AFD re- jury prevention and recovcruits and Arlington County ery (SWEAT), and an unfirefighters. The recruits were CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 there to “tackle job-relat-

Nov 13

Realtor Alison Goodhart DuShuttle (The Goodhart Group)

See the shows on www.thezebra.org/ podcast and on our Zebra Facebook page.

If you have a suggested guest, would like to advertise or be a sponsor, or have any great ideas for the show, shoot a note to zebrapodcast1@gmail.com

14 ZEBRA PRESS

Nov 27

Entrepreneur Adnan Hamidi (Alexandria Cupcake)

Courtesy photo

O2X Human Performance Yoga Specialist, Annie Okerlin, spent the morning of day three with the group instructing a yoga class and yoga Nidra, a sleep yoga practice

OCTOBER 2019

CITY BRIEFS

PRESTO Valet of Alexandria Excellence in Cleaning for 68 Years!

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

erations.”

If you’re not sure where the .38 acre park is located, it’s between Duke Street and the Old Dominion Boat Club parking lot by the intersection of Duke Street and The Strand.

The project would begin once the waterfront flood mitigation project is finished around 2025. Park improvements may include a shade structure, seasonal landscape beds, tree-lined walkways, and seating and social gathering spaces.

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Have You Stopped to Admire The Hanging Flower Baskets in Old Town?

Have you stopped to admire the radiant flower baskets hanging from the lamp posts on King Street lately? Each basket is positively bursting with small white and pink flowers, and lush green leaves.

Our experience at Zebra with taking care of flower baskets ranges from none to a less than spectacular outcome.

So who are the unsung heroes with the magical green thumbs that keep the baskets looking so lush?

The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities installed, and supervises the maintenance of the hanging flower baskets on King Street, which run from the waterfront to Commonwealth Ave. The baskets were made by Greenstreet Growers, and the early birds over at BrightView Landscaping Services start watering them at 4 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with a 500-gallon watering truck and telescopic wands.

What dedication!

Next time you find yourself strolling on King Street, don’t forget to take a moment out of your busy day to appreciate the hanging flower baskets.

-Elizabeth Moscoso

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I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.

QUOTABLES

— L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

Thank You Alexandria For All Your Support Over Almost 4 Decades!

Studio Antiques Is Closing Photo: James Cullum

The 2019 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Old Town, Alexandria, Saturday, March 2, 2019.

Calling All Photographers: The City Of Alexandria Wants to See Your Work!

A picture, as they say, is worth a thousand words. The City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities is on the lookout for a photograph that conveys their mission to “enrich the City of Alexandria by creating meaningful experiences through public space, cultural activities, and programming.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

OCTOBER 2019

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15

Lawrence P. (Robby) Robinson At 88 years, Lawrence P. Robinson has a lot to reminisce about when it comes to changes in Alexandria. He worked in the Cameron Station complex for more than 39 years. “I was hired as the first civilian bagger at the commissary after Congress passed a bill defining grocery bagging by members of the military as servitude,” said Robinson, who is known as Robbie. “So, they replaced the Marines who were doing the job with civilians.”

“Only octogenarians like me will remember Santullo’s grocery store on Duke Street,” he added.

“It was a big deal—the day of the mom and pop store where everybody went to get their groceries.” Robinson said it was a unique thing that doesn’t exist today.

“The clerk checked you out and wrote down what you owed in a 4”x 6” notebook. At the end of the month, on payday, you came back and paid your bill.

“In those days Alexandria was very different from what it is now,” Robinson added. “Landmark Mall was a municipal airport and Duke Street was a two-lane asphalt road.” But he said that the physical layout has not changed as much as what Alexandria has become. Robinson said change was gradual until, one day, it was as if someone “stomped their foot on the gas” and it became a major metropolitan city.

“All of the things I’ve done I am proud of,” Robinson said. “But you need to make room for young people and bring their energy and knowledge into today’s world.

They have ideas that I will never have. It’s not the end of your world when you make room for growth and the future, not only for the organization, but also for the individuals. It’s a win-win situation.”

Robinson has decades of service in Elks Lodge #48 in Alexandria, where he has been deeply involved in community activities since he joined the organization in 1953.

“You get out of it what you put in it,” he said. “I reached out and became part of what this community is.”

Robinson said the Elks was a place to go for African Americans “because we couldn’t go to the Holiday Inn and similar places of social activity because we were not allowed. The current Elks ‘home’ as we call it was located right where

TRAINING

it is today on Henry Street. It was your home away from home.”

Robinson, who was named the Virginia State Association Elk of the Year in 2002, said its purpose was to provide quality social activities for its members but, even more important, a chance to become involved in the community and have

Photo: Tisara Photography

some identity. Robinson concentrated on the lodge’s education department where he focused his efforts on youth “who I’ve always thought needed every opportunity to grow.” A competitor in the oratorical contest could advance through district, regional, and then to national competition, where they faced students from around the world. “One year our representative made it to the national competition.” He noted that back then the award was a $500 scholarship; today it is $10,000.

Robinson was also a member of the first advisory board for the new Charles Houston Recreation Center. He served on the Alexandria Hospital Finance Committee, Alexandria Health Services Corporation at the Alexandria Hospital, Alexandria Chapter of the American Red Cross, Alexandria Residential Youth Services Board, Alexandria Olympic Boys & Girls Club, Alexandria Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), the Alexandria Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) where he was elected to serve as chairman, Alexandria United Way Allocations Review Panel, Alexandria Forum, and Alexandria Concerned Black Citizens.

Learning To Stay Calm Under Pressure “The class is giving us an

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 outlook on handling inforderstanding of how the acute and chronic effects of stress affect mental performance (THRIVE).

16 ZEBRA PRESS

Robinson served on the board of directors of Project DiscoveryAlexandria for six years. He has served as a member of the City of Alexandria Martin Luther King, Jr. Planning Committee for more than 49 years. In 1983, Robinson was presented an award by the Distributive Education Clubs of America

Living Legends

BY SHIRLEY RUHE

mation,” said AFD recruit Torie Follett. “This is really beneficial information.”

Former Alexandria Fire

(DECA) at T.C. Williams High School as an Outstanding Black Business Leader in Alexandria.

Robinson’s passion to help students further their education spilled over into the Departmental Progressive Club on Gibbon Street, which was formed 91 years ago to provide recreation for its membership and to support other community groups concerned with the welfare of Alexandria. This includes a wide variety of public service projects such as blood drives, annual scholarships, and black history programs. He served as president of the club for 12 years, as vice president, and as financial secretary, as well as on the board of governors for 50+ years.

To Robinson, formal education is important but equally important is common sense. “I’ve been lucky.

I only got a high school education and college was not even on my bucket list. I went to work.” But Robinson made his way through the ranks from commissary bagger making $1.39 per hour to deputy commissary officer before he went to the Defense Logistics Agency, from which he retired in 2010 as chief of operations in the DLA Command Control Center, sometimes called the War Room. “Some

Chief Robert C. Dubé introduced the initiative in 2016, after seeing an O2X presentation at a conference in Boston, Massachusetts. Dubé went on to secure grant funding for the program and the following year had the first

of my success is because of my drive, but I had a lot of help from a lot of good people along the way,” he said.

In his earlier years, Robinson became a race car driver, building his own race cars and engines and winning almost 500 first place trophies.

He won the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) East Coast Championship in E Gas (highly modified engines) in 1967, 1968, and 1970 competing at racetracks from New York to North Carolina.

Local recognition includes being awarded the 2010 Cliff Ewell Memorial Award at the Annual Legends of Racing celebration sponsored by Old Dominion Raceway.

Robinson also received the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of being the first African American to participate in organized drag racing on the East Coast.

Robinson is a proud 6th generation grandson of Gentleman Jim Robinson, who at the time of the Civil War owned part of what is now the historic Bull Run Battlefield. Today, Gentleman Jim’s home, Robinson House, is a battlefield tourist attraction and Gentleman Jim is buried nearby.

Robinson has one of the most important jobs in the Elks, I.B.P.O.E.W. as grand director of the public relations department.

But, he said, “I am 88 years old and I am downsizing. I think it’s nearing time to get my gold watch and go home.” Robinson says he has always been an advocate of knowing when your usefulness has been used. “You move on.”

Living Legends: The Initiative The mission of Living legends of Alexandria, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is to identify, honor and chronicle the lives of individuals who have made significant contributions to improve the quality of life in Alexandria. This initiative was conceived and the organization founded in 2006 by 2015 Living Legend Nina Tisara in order to create an enduring, documented record of the people whose vision and dedication made a positive, tangible difference to the quality of life in the city of Alexandria, VA. For information, to volunteer, become a sponsor or nominate a future Legend, visit www.

AlexandriaLegends.org or contact AlexandriaLegends@outlook.com.

2020 nominations are now open through October 15.

workshop in Alexandria.

Anthony Washington, the deputy chief of AFD’s Health, Safety and Risk Management DIvision, said that the O2X training is intended for new hires, with workshops presented twice a year to co-

incide with the start of the eight-month AFD Fire Academy classes.

“I took the workshop in December [2018]. It translates from class to the fire department,” Washington said.

OCTOBER 2019

Memories and Musings

BY NINA TISARA

On Music and Art I’m not really proud of this but I turned to art because I was jealous of the attention my big brother Murray was getting when his paintings went up on the living room wall. He was around 16 or 17 years old, so I would have been 10 or 11. I remember him saying, later in life, that if he hadn’t turned to art he would have wound up in reform school.

My brother was Murray Tinkelman, an extraordinarily talented artist/illustrator. He won gold medals from the Society of Illustrators, The New York Art Directors Club, and the Society of Publications Designers.

His illustrations appeared in Atlantic Monthly, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. His work is represented in the permanent collections of the Brooklyn Museum, the Delaware Art Museum, the International Photography Hall of Fame & Museum, and the New Britain Museum of American Art. The Norman Rockwell Museum honored him as its 2014 Artist Laureate.

He was an inspired educator. I heard him speak several times and to this day I try to channel him when I speak.

Murray died in 2016, two weeks after his wife, Carol. I think he died of a

broken heart.

I don’t know what schools are like in New York City now but when I was growing up there were magnet schools where one could focus on math and science, industrial arts, performing arts, music, and art, and probably more.

Murray went to the High School of Industrial Art. Not wanting to compete with him, I applied to the High School of Music and Art. Because

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Above: Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, art, wisdom, and learning. Painting by Raja Ravi Varma, Indian painter and artist, 1848-1906.

At right: Faith Restrained. Sculpture by Nina Tisara (before it went into the kiln!), 1955.

it drew its students from all over the city, we were exposed to more cultural diversity than schools with students from a particular neighborhood. Students majored in either music or art.

You had to have good grades to be accepted. Art students had to submit a portfolio of their work. Music students were accepted based on a competitive audition. We carried a full academic load plus three classes of either art or music each day.

The High School of Music and Art (M&A), now the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, was on 135th Street and Convent Avenue in the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan. I lived in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, an hour’s train ride away.

I did my reading assignments on the train going to or coming from school.

The building was often referred to as The Castle on the Hill. It had gothic towers and quirky decorative gargoyles. I remember listening to kids playing guitar and singing folk songs at nearby St. Nicholas Park.

Guitar music, the sound that a fat watercolor brush makes when swished in a coffee can of water, or the smell

CONTINUED ON PAGE 43

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OCTOBER 2019

THE ZEBRA PRESS

17

Alexandria Fire Chief Gets Dignity and His Due Over a Century Later

CITY BRIEFS

“IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO DO THE RIGHT THING.”

That means that it’s time to break out your cameras to take original, high resolution photographs taken at any City of Alexandria park, center, program, or event. Don’t worry if you aren’t a professional photographer. The contest is open to the public, except for department employees and their immediate families.

The submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15. There will be prizes awarded for each category - parks, recreation, and cultural activities. There will also be a single grand prize winner, and all of the winning photographs will be displayed on the department’s DRPC website and at various recreation centers, and all winning photographers will receive an award certificate in addition to their prize.

Get out there, explore our lovely city, snap some photographs and best of luck to all you shutterbugs.

-Elizabeth Moscoso

BY MELANIE MODLIN Acclaimed author Nicholas Sparks once said, “It’s never too late to do the right thing. ” For over 100 years, Alexandria Fire Chief George Pettey lay in an unmarked grave in Bethel Cemetery, located on Wilkes Street in Old Town. But that changed August 30, when a headstone was dedicated to Chief Pettey, who died April 15, 1911 while carrying out his firefighting duties.

Firefighters have a long history of commitment and concern for their brothers and sisters who risk their lives to battle the flames.

As Acting Fire Chief of Alexandria Corey A. Smedley has said, “Whether over past, present or future, we take care of our own. ”

Photo: Courtesy

Alexandria Fire Chief George Pettey, 1840-1911.

Correcting a Wrong 100 Years Later

Who Was George Pettey?

Born and bred in Alexandria, George W. Pettey played several roles in the community. He was a foreman, saloon owner, and firefighter, who eventually rose to the office of Chief of the Alexandria Fire Department (AFD) in 1876.

Chief Pettey was born in 1840 and lived on Union

Street in Old Town. On April 15, 1911, he was on his way to a fire on South Henry Street when he collapsed from an apparent heart attack. He was taken to Alexandria Hospital but, sadly, did not survive.

Records show that he had been married twice and had three children with his first wife, Margaret Ennis. She died in 1887. He was buried beside her in Bethel Cemetery.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

Photo: Lucelle O’Flaherty

Over 100 years after he died on the job, Alexandria Fire Chief George W. Pettey’s headstone was placed in Bethel Cemetery on WIlkes Street.

These many decades later, the Trustees of the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association (FVFEA) learned that the former chief lay in an unmarked grave.

The Alexandria Fire Department teamed with the FVFEA to right the historic wrong and place a headstone on the grave of one of their fallen.

“Descendants of Chief Pettey are thrilled with this dedication,” said FVFEA Trustee Ms. Marion Moon, one of the first to learn about his unmarked grave. “They are out of state but continue to send funds to help maintain the gravesite.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 69

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Dancers at Waterfront Park.

New Policies and Procedures For Naming and Renaming Public Parks We all know the famous line from Romeo and Juliet, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet?” right? When naming and renaming public parks, recreation areas and facilities, names are actually quite important.

A recommendation was proposed to City Council to adopt new naming and renaming policies and procedures for public parks, recreation areas, and facilities.

Currently, there is no formal procedure in place to ensure consistency when requests made from the community are received by the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities. The new policies and procedures document makes clear what criteria needs to be considered for naming and renaming of the above mentioned locations, as well as the process to follow for communitydriven and city-led solicitation.

If you were hoping to have a park named after you, there are some things to consider. Parks, recreation areas and facilities may be named for an individual under several conditions such as, “where the individual has made a significant gift of land to the City; or in memoriam for an individual who has made a significant contribution to the City of Alexandria park and recreation system.” But don’t assume that financial contributions will guarantee a park will be named after you, as it does not.

“Parks and Recreation facilities will not normally be named for living persons,” states the document.

The public, as always, is encouraged to participate in the community by either submitting a name recommendation to the Director of the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities or putting in your suggestions during city-led solicitations.

-Elizabeth Moscoso

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— Charmaine J. Forde

OCTOBER 2019

Join a Committee to Claim Alexandria’s Equal Justice Initiative Monument

BY ELIZABETH MOSCOSO Alexandria has begun the process to claim its Equal Justice Initiative monument in solemn recognition of its two documented lynchings. Alexandria is one of the first communities in the country to claim its monument from the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and the Legacy Museum, and on Sept.

21 the city hosted its first informative meeting on the Equal Justice Initiative’s Community Remembrance project.

“Now, perhaps more than ever, we understand that we have to commit ourselves to an era of truth and justice, if we are to repair and to restore our nation from its long history of racial injustice,” said Kiara Boone, deputy director of community education for EJI, at a community meeting at Charles Houston Recreation Center on Sept.

21. “We are committed to engaging communities in honest reflection that can help our nation respond more effectively to the legacies of this history.”

The victims of the Alexandria lynchings are Joseph McCoy, who was killed in 1897, and Benjamin Thomas, who was killed in 1899. Both terrible events occurred in Old Town.

What Is The Equal Justice Initiative?

The project recognizes the victims of more than 4,400 racial terror lynchings across the country, and the community meeting highlighted some of the necessary steps to bring the monument home.

The Alexandria audience also watched “Abbeville,” an Equal Justice Initiative video.

“We are here, we are here, we are here,” rang out the collective voices of residents from Abbeville, South Carolina, in a powerful message of how their unified community stood in remembrance of Anthony Crawford, a farmer and

SEMINARY ROAD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 munity angst over the road should be avoided in the future. “Big picture processwise, we can’t do this again.

We can not do this again.”

Ultimately, council voted 4-3 in favor of the “road diet” with Wilson joined in his vote for the changes by Vice Mayor Elizabeth Bennett-Parker and Councilman Canek Aguirre and Councilwoman Del Pepper. Voting in opposition were City Councilman John T. Chapman, Councilwoman Amy

OCTOBER 2019

work that needs to be done in order to be prepared to receive the monument.

“This is not just going to happen overnight,” said Gretchen Bulova, director of the Office of Historic Alexandria. “We personally are looking at this as a three year arc.”

The initial presentation and adoption from city council was in Feb. 2018. The next community meeting will take place on Nov. 16 at Charles Houston Recreation Center from 1 to 3 p.m.

Interested in joining a committee to bring the monument home? Register online at https://www.alexandriava. gov/historic/blackhistory and the committee chair will reach out to you.

Courtesy Image

civic leader who was lynched in the city in 1916.

Don’t Miss: Alexandria to Honor Lynching Victims by Claiming National Memorial for Peace and Justice Former Alexandria Mayor Allison Silberberg was confident that the monument will make it to the Port City.

“We will see this to fruition,” Silberberg said.

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Bringing The Monument Home The memorial in Alabama features a monument for each county in the United States where lynchings occurred. On each monument are the names of the victims and the dates of their death. EJI has invited counties to claim a duplicate of their monument as a way to express solidarity.

“We hope that this EJI process will get people in our community to talk not only about the two lynchings that we know about, but also to investigate into their families,” said Audrey Davis, director of Alexandria’s Black History Museum.

Several committees will be created in order to get the process started for taking on the

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Stepping Back in Time at the Jane Austen Ball at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum THE SOLD-OUT EVENT HAD 85 GUESTS DRESSED IN STUNNING REGENCY-ERA STYLE GOWNS AND SUITS.

BY ELIZABETH MOSCOSO

All photos by Hancock Photo

Music drifts down from the balcony as the musicians play their instruments, the dance master calls the dance steps, and the guests glide around each other in the intricate ways of English country dancing. This is the Jane Austen Ball at Gadsby’s Tavern.

“It’s our time period here at the museum,” said Liz Williams, director for Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, about the

Jane Austen theme for the ball.

“It’s the perfect connection for the fans of Jane Austen and the time period we interpret.”

At left and below: The 2019 Jane Austen Ball at Gadsby’s Tavern and Museum.

As the most popular ball hosted at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, the sold-out event had 85 guests dressed in stunning Regency-era style

gowns and suits, or evening wear, that would have been worn in such masterpieces of fiction as “Emma” and “Sense and Sensibility.”

George and Theresa Kitchen have been dancing in such historic settings for more than 20 years.

“We heard there was a ball here,” George Kitchen told The Zebra. “We started to come [to Gadsby’s Tavern] and they’re very good, as you see, at teaching beginners.”

But the Kitchens are no beginners.

“We’re good at following directions,” joked Theresa Kitchen.

During a dance break, guests fueled up on treats such as cream puffs, chocolate covered apricots and orange peels, and ham biscuits with a delightful raspberry sauce.

“We’ve done our research on the types of food they would have had in the 18th century,” Williams said.

As the room filled with the conversations and laughter

of the guests, it was the perfect time to admire all the beautiful costumes.

Iava Drist has attended balls at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum for more than 20 years. Her floor length gown, which she made herself, is teal with a subtle shine of gold thread, and gold ribbon adorning the deep neckline.

When asked what piqued her interest in attending regency balls, Drist said, “The history, being interested in costuming, or actually real period correct clothing.”

Don’t fret about having missed out on the Jane Austen Ball!

The ball is one of three held annually at Gadsby’s Tavern, and tickets to all of them sell out quickly! Next up is the Fall Harvest Ball at 8 p.m. on Nov. 9!

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Don’t worry about not knowing how to dance if you buy tickets for one of the upcoming balls at Gadby’s Tavern! On the three Thursdays before each ball, a dance master provides dance lessons.

The Alexandria Assembly, which is the museum’s dance group, meet on Tuesday nights to work on their 18th century moves. The only prerequisite to attend an Assembly meeting is to have participated in previous dance classes.

OCTOBER 2019

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OCTOBER 2019

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THE ZEBRA PRESS

21

Never Forget: Alexandria Remembers 9/11 Attacks

Photos: James Cullum

The Alexandria Fire Department at the city’s 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at Market Square, Sept.

11, 2019.

The attacks of September 11, 2001, changed the world, and 18 years after their infamy was seared into our hearts the city of Alexandria held a remembrance ceremony in honor of the more than 3,000 lives lost.

“We gather here not to dwell on the hate that sparked a national tragedy, but the love that drove friends and strangers to unite in response and recovery,” Alexandria Vice Mayor Elizabeth BennettParker said at the ceremony, which was held at Market Square outside City Hall. “We honor the strength and resilience of communities across America, and indeed around the world, who came together to demonstrate that no evil can break the human spirit.”

The remembrance ceremony was also attended by members of City Council, Police Chief Michael Brown, acting Fire Chief Corey Smedley, and officers from the Police and Fire Departments and Sheriff’s Office. It concluded with the “Return to Quarters” bell-ringing ceremony.

“Today is a beautiful day, just like it was on 9/11,” said City Coun- The “Return to Quarters” bell-ringing cercilwoman Amy Jackson. emony.

Above: (Left to right) Alexandria Vice Mayor Elizabeth BennettParker, acting Fire Chief Corey Smedley, and City Councilwoman Amy Jackson at the Market Square event.

At left: Kevin Donnelly plays “Amazing Grace” at the city’s 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at Market Square.

“You can’t erase history, but you can learn from it.”

Smedley recalled being in a fire station College Park station in Prince George’s County when he and his fellow firefighters watched the attacks unfold against the World Trade Center.

“At first we couldn’t tell what was happening, and then we watched a little longer and saw the second plane go in, and then we went on alert,” he said.

“In that kind of a situa-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 45

Photo: Library of Congress

22 ZEBRA PRESS

OCTOBER 2019

Welcome Back! Alexandria Metro Stations Reopen After Summer-Long Construction Shutdown NOW WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WITH ALL OF THIS EXTRA TIME ON YOUR HANDS? SLEEP IN?

BY JAMES CULLUM A distantly familiar sound has rolled its way back into Alexandria!

After three months of platform and station improvements, the multimillion dollar renovation of all of the Metro Stations south of Reagan National Airport finally reopened to commuters. City and Metro leaders were on-hand to greet commuters and mark the occasion by spending their morning at the Braddock Road Metro station.

“Happy to have it back.

We are thrilled,” said Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson, who regularly commutes to the District from the Braddock Road station. “This has been a tough summer for us, a tough summer for the city, for our residents and some of our

new user experience – the new screens, the new audio system, and the lighting,” Smedberg said. “You’re actually going to be exiting the train on level platforms, and there are new elevators and escalators, so it’s a whole new experience.”

Newzy just had to see what it was like riding back into Alexandria now that the Metro stations in the city have reopened.

Here he is with Seanne Weekes on the Metro.

What’s New? What can you expect at Alexandria’s Metro stations?

New slip-resistant tiles on the platforms and mezzanine areas, for one thing. You can also find: • Stainless-steel platform shelters with charging outlets/ports • Passenger Information Display screens • Energy-efficient LED lighting • Improved speakers for clearer public announce-

Photos: James Cullum

p m u t S t “Tha ” ! e n o G is

Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson at the reopening of the Braddock Road Metro station, Sept. 9, 2019.

businesses. But we’re done with this part, and I think everyone buckled down and rolled with the punches and here we are.”

Wilson also said that he took the Potomac Riverboat Company Water Taxi about 10 times during the shutdown, and that he will continue to occasionally take it to work.

Paul Smedberg, board chair of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, said that commuters and riders will appreciate the station improvements.

“It’s going to be a whole

ments and emergency notifications The $300-$400 million project is part of a three year plan to reconstruct 20 outdoor platforms throughout the Metro network. The renovations of the Franconia-Springfield, Van Dorn, Eisenhower Ave., Huntington, King Street, and Braddock Road stations mean that 16 platforms in Metro’s 45 outdoor station system have been rebuilt. The remaining platforms will be renovated over the course of the next

CONTINUED ON PAGE 43

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OCTOBER 2019

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H

It’s Fall Festival Time at Greenstreet Gardens!

ayrides, the pumpkin patch, a dizzying corn maze, and more! It’s that time of year again at one of the best quick seasonal getaways - the Fall Festival at Greenstreet Gardens in Lothian, MD. And if that wasn’t enough to entice you, they have a Harry Potter theme this year. So, if you solemnly swear you’re up to no good you can come in!

“The big thing that I want my customers in Alexandria to know is that we’re really like 30 minutes away,” said Ray Greenstreet, who runs garden centers in Alexandria and Belle Haven.

“We’re open every weekend unless it rains, and the best place to check about that is Facebook.”

The 65-acre Greenstreet Gardens includes a woodlands area, a six acre corn maze, an underground slide, and a giant inflated jumping pillow, expects upward of 15,000 visitors this

Courtesy photo

The Harry Potter-themed corn maze at Greenstreet Gardens in Lothian, MD.

Courtesy Photo

A reassuring sign at the Greenstreet Gardens Corn Maze in Lothian, MD.

Photo: Mary Wadland

This is the barn through which the hayride runs. Inside are secret “Harry Potter” scenes! Go see for yourself!

Photo: Mary Wadland

Newzy visited Greenstreet Gardens and got lost in the corn maze.

24 ZEBRA PRESS

season.

“We want to send your kids home tired and dirty with some apple cider,” Greenstreet said.

“Yeah, apple cider vinegar, apple cider, donuts - all that kind of stuff.”

Do you have what it takes to solve the famous corn maze? Don’t worry about getting lost! Just raise the white flag of surrender (they give you one on a long stick at the beginning

of the maze) and call up a Greenstreet Gardens staffer (they give you a cell phone number) who will come find you.

Greenstreet Gardens is located at 391 W. Bay Front Rd. in Lothian, MD. Their annual Fall Festival runs until Sunday, Oct. 27!

OCTOBER 2019

The Alexandria Archives October is Archaeology Month in Virginia and Alexandria!

HERE’S SOME HISTORY FOR YOU FROM THE OFFICE OF HISTORIC ALEXANDRIA

BY DANIEL LEE, OFFICE OF HISTORIC ALEXANDRIA October is Virginia’s and Alexandria’s Archaeology Month! Alexandria has a robust citizen-led history of prioritizing archaeology in our city. That means that thousands of volunteers have provided the city with their service over the course of decades.

“The roughly 5,000 volunteer hours donated to Alexandria Archaeology each year allow us to meet our mission of preserving and studying the city’s archaeological resources and sharing that past with the public,” said City Archaeologist Eleanor Breen. “Our volunteers help us reach our mission by answering visitor questions in our free museum, helping to teach archaeology programs to school groups, transcribing historical records, and working with our collections.”

containing Fort Ward, one of Alexandria’s most significant Civil War sites.

A few years later when major urban renewal in Old Town threatened wells and privies associated with early Alexandria, citizens received grant funding from the Smithsonian Institution to conduct rescue excavations. Later, a local group, the Committee of 100, received meagre funding from its members to continue archeological work in the city.

More and More Discoveries

Photo: Office of Historic Alexandria

An archaeology volunteer piecing together vessels in Alexandria in 1975.

Celebrating Archaeology Month in Alexandria In honor of Archaeology month, Alexandria Archaeology is running a program at Waterfront Park during the Portside in Old Town Festival on Oct. 14. The program will highlight the archaeological findings of the 18th century ships that have been found as well as include other aspects of maritime history from Alexandria’s past.

“It’s important to celebrate the contributions that archaeology has made to better understanding our past, and to share the importance of preserving those resources,” Breen said.

The Alexandria Archaeology Museum is also opening a new exhibit titled “Preserving Alexandria’s Maritime Heritage” on Saturday, Oct. 19, which just so happens to be International Archaeology Day. Guests will be able to view a 3D model of a historic ship and be shown insight into how archaeologists research the age and uses of the ships. The exhibit will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will be located at 105 North Union Street, #327.

On top of the excavation and preservation, Alexandria Archaeology prioritizes education as part of its mission.

This includes summer camps, school field trips and outreach programs, and special events to share the city’s rich archaeological heritage.

Photo: Office of Historic Alexandria

The 1977 excavation of the Alexandria Courthouse.

Preservers of History Recent real estate development along the waterfront has led to well publicized discoveries. In 2015, the remains of John Carlyle’s 1755 public warehouse and an 18th century merchant ship were discovered during the construction of the Hotel Indigo. The discovery of three more ships in 2018 at Robinson

OCTOBER 2019

Photo: Office of Historic Alexandria

An archaeologist from Thunderbird Archaeology mapping three historic ships at Robinson Terminal South.

Terminal South displayed how wooden structures, including derelict ships, were used to create new land. These discoveries generated, among other press, an article in the New York Times!

The City of Alexandria has conducted archaeological excavations since 1961, with a citizen-led major excavation at Fort Ward’s bastion. The effort led to the City’s acquisition of the land

It wasn’t until 1973 that the City of Alexandria hired a full-time archaeologist. While Alexandria might not have been the first city in the country to do that, it was the first in the nation to establish an Archaeological Commission, which sets goals for the city’s archaeology program and acquires, preserves, and displays the more than 2 million artifacts that belong to Alexandria Archaeology. The commission also works with relevant government entities to advocate for the work of the program, especially in relation to new development.

In 1977, city archaeologists and hundreds of volunteers excavated the Alexandria Courthouse site on the south side of the 500 block of King Street. Perhaps two of the more interesting finds of a site that yielded over a million artifacts were an early water-purification system, and artifacts from a family of urban enslaved people. Two years later, excavating began at “The Bottoms” an African American neighborhood east of Alfred Street Baptist Church. Another excavation was started the following year in “Hayti”- an African American neighborhood that predates the Civil War. The 1989 Archaeological Protection Ordinance adopted by City Council serves as a backstop to ensure that significant archaeological resources are preserved. That same year, City Council also adopted a metal detection ordinance, which prohibits the search and removal of historic materials from land owned by the city.

In 2002, Alexandria Archaeology began work on what became known as the Contrabands and Freedmen’s Cemetery.

The discovery of burials led to the rededication and restoration of a cemetery that had been removed by city maps for a half-century.

Coming Up: This November is the 30th anniversary of the City’s Archaeological Protection Ordinance that ensures that significant archaeological resources are preserved during development or ground disturbing activities that require a permit or approval.

THE ZEBRA PRESS

25

BY DEBBY CRITCHLEY

FOODIE

NEWZ

Lots of Do-Overs in Alexandria!

Gluten-Free Pizza Now on Menu!

ROCK THIS

It’s been an interesting adventure for FoxFire Grill, 6550 Little River Turnpike. They recently received a complete makeover by the Food Network’s Restaurant: Impossible and Chef Robert Irvine. The makeover began on September 23 when the inside was gutted and Chef

LUNCH SPECIAL

$12.00 for select pizzas and sandwiches (includes soft drink and a side with sandwiches only). 12-3 weekdays

Look for some great bowls of mussels at Augie’s Mussel House

904 King Street | Old Town 703-717-9873 | redrocksoldtown.com The new Foxfire Grill

Irvine took over the kitchen.

The final result was unveiled for dinner on September 24.

A dazzle of Zebras was lucky enough to be selected for the first service and filming. The room is beautiful and the food is delicious. I can personally recommend the burger. It was one of the best I’ve had in a long time. Also getting a refresh was Theismann’s, 1800 Diagonal Rd. Read all about it in this month’s Eatz.

Photo: Katherine Ann Nava

One of the delicious pasta offerings from Hank’s Pasta Bar

Currently receiving a makeover is Hank’s Pasta Bar, 600 Montgomery St., closed to make space for a new, revamped Italian restaurant. According to their Facebook page, Jamie Leeds of JL Restaurant Group says it’s time for the three-yearold restaurant to embrace new beginning. Starting in October, renovations will include new options to guests including an expanded regional, seasonal Italian menu including the homemade pastas that we love, and a rooftop bar with seating for as many as 80. The rooftop menu will

26 ZEBRA PRESS

include prosecco on tap, Italian sodas and cocktails, a lineup of zero-proof drinks and light bites and antipasti to accompany your beverage selections. The second floor will host private bookings, cooking classes, ticketed dinners, and pop-ups. The renovations should be complete by the end of 2019.

Not quite a do-over but look for Augie’s Mussel House and Beer Garden, 1106 King St., to be reopening soon. According to their Facebook page on Sept. 23, Augie’s Mussel House and Beer Garden will be opening in a few weeks! If you remember, they opened as a pop-up in 2018 featuring a variety of mussels and other menu items to adoring fans. They closed in the late fall to accommodate a complete renovation and remodeling of the main floor and rest of the building.

We can’t wait!

And in the What’s New Column!

Bagel Uprising, 2307A Mt. Vernon Ave., is open as of 9/28/19! Chad Breckenridge started his bagel odyssey several years ago as a stand at the 4 Mile Run Farmer’s Market. As demand increased, Chad looked for other ways to provide bagels to his adoring public. He opened a popup at the Dairy Godmother during their winter hiatus.

He later moved his baking to the Snack Bar which has since closed. Not content to let the bagel business die, he contracted with and has now opened in the former site of

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28 OCTOBER 2019

Eatz

Happy Hour

BY DEBBY CRITCHLEY

Hail to Theismann’s

M–Th 4–7PM • Friday 4–9PM $6 Appetizers

The grand reopening of Theismann’s drew loyal fans and patrons who have followed the landmark eatery since its opening in 1975. The star redskins quarterback Joe Theismann was on the scene to meet and greet, celebrating his 70th birthday and the top to bottom football-themed makeover. Theismann spent 12 seasons with the Washington Redskins in the

$4 Select Drafts $4 House Drinks $4 House Wine $3 Select Bottles

203 the Strand Alexandria, VA 22314 703.836.4442 • chadwicksoldtown.com

Joe Theismann’s 1800 Diagonal Road Alexandria, VA 22314 703-739-0777 theismanns.com

Photo: Kelly MacConomy

The cheerleaders were back! Cindy Hardeman, Tyra Norwood, Donna Hosaflook Preski, Pam Stevens Batstone, Terri Crane Lamb, Cassie Grecco and Dreana Randolph Ashton.

Photo: Debby Critchley

Bernie and Judy Frey came back to Alexandria to celebrate the grand reopening of Theismann’s Restaurant on September 18. They currently make their home in Canyon Lake, Texas but wouldn’t miss the opportunity to celebrate the reopening and Joe Theismann’s 70th birthday.

1970s and 1980s. He helped take the team to two Super Bowls, winning one of them — Super Bowl XVII in 1982 against the Miami Dolphins.

Also on hand were several former Redskins cheerleaders who were on the team during Joe’s award winning years.

In June 2019, Joe Theismann’s Restaurant, one of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia’s longest-running restaurants, closed for a top-tobottom renovation. Alexandria Restaurant Partners

YOUR RESTAURANT SHOULD BE HERE. Call us at 703-224-8911 or send an email to info@thezebrapress.com for rates!

CONTINUED ON PAGE 31

OPEN DAILY FOR LUNCH AND DINNER (SUNDAY DINNER ONLY)

Above: Joe’s AllAmerican Burger At right: Blackened Fish Tacos

Above: Hot Beer Cheese At right: Cuban Sliders

“RT’s is one of the TOP 50 Southern Restaurants in the Country!”

DRIA N A X E AN AL NAL! ORIGI

HAPPY HOUR 4 to 7 EVERYDAY Established 1985

Alexandria’s Renowned Neighborhood Restaurant and Bar Featuring Creole and Cajun Specialties Sesame Steak Skewers

OCTOBER 2019

3804 Mt. Vernon Ave. • Alexandria, VA 703-684-6010 • rtsrestaurant.net THE ZEBRA PRESS

27

“It’s the real thing!"

“Aldo brings family recipes from the old country!”

“Aldo spent years at Galileo in D.C. and A la Lucia in Alexandria!”

Classic Italian. Eat In or Take Out. 2850 Eisenhower, Alexandria, VA 22314 703-844-3326 • aldositaliankitchen.com

The new Lidl location in Pinecrest Plaza

FOODIE NEWS

Alexandria’s Best-Kept Secret

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

Zagat Rated Best!

Tempo is an art-deco architectural gem on Duke Street serving amazing northern Italian and French cuisine. Husband and wife chefs, Sergio and Wendy Albert, have been winning awards and putting out great dishes since 1990.

Serving lunch and dinner, this elegant but cozy restaurant’s specialities include Linguini Vongale, Sole Almondine, Scaloppini di Vitello Marsala and dessert delicacies.

Free parking.

Reservations suggested.

Open daily 11:30 am-2:30 pm Dinner 5:30-10 pm

Tempo

4321 Duke Street Alexandria

(703) 370-7900

temporestaurant.com

Go Get ‘Em Anthony Eaton!

Go Titans!

703-828-7862 • Catering@BBQDelRay.com

PORK BARREL BBQ www.BBQDelRay.com

28 ZEBRA PRESS

the Happy Tart. Judging by the lines out the door this morning, it was a welcome return to Del Ray. Guess what is joining Foxfire Grill at Pinecrest Plaza.

Lidl, the German grocery chain, is opening its first local Alexandria location in the site that formerly housed Whole Foods. According to their website, Lidl delivers high quality, low prices, and hassle-free shopping. Approximately 90% of their products are store brands that keep prices low. They provide a diversified product assortment that changes twice a week including essentials for the home, such as small appliances or kitchen gadgets, to stylish gear for the whole family, to toys and power tools, to home décor and gardening supplies, and much more.

Diya serves a delicious lunch thali among their many menu offerings.

Happy Birthday! Did you know that Diya, 218 N. Lee St., is celebrating its first anniversary Friday, Oct 18, 2019 from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm.?

Mayor Justin Wilson personally confirmed his attendance. If you are among the first 300 customers, they will give you a $10 gift card. The celebration features a dinner buffet, seasonal specialty drinks, and live music. “As a family-owned eatery in the Alexandria community, our goal is to offer our customers and neighbors excellent food with extra helpings of warm hospitality. Come with your friends and family and enjoy delicious Indian and Nepalese food? We also carry a wide selection of wines, exotic and local beers, and other refreshing libations.”

Northern Virginia is

getting noticed! Eater DC believes there are dishes that are part of the DC zeitgeist.

These icons are found all over the city like half smokes from Ben’s Chili Bowl. Close to home is El Pollo Rico, the

This is one delicious plate of Peruvian rotisserie chicken and yucca

ubiquitous Peruvian Rotisserie chicken at 932 N Kenmore St. Pho 75 was singled out for the definitive bowl of beef broth filled with meats and veg. The closest one to Alexandria is 1721 Wilson Blvd. in Arlington. Bring cash because they don’t do credit cards. My other favorite is the Banh Mi from Banh Mi DC Sandwich, a little further away at 3103 Graham Rd. at Rt. 50.

Fillings range from the traditional pate’ to BBQ pork and fish cakes stuffed inside a French style roll whose crust shatters as you bit into it. The fillings are topped with fabulous pickled daikon and carrots, and fresh cilantro. Hidden inside are slices of jalapeno to add a little fire to the sandwich. Eater DC also tips the hat to Junction Bakery & Bistro, 1508 Mt Vernon Ave., touting them for some of the best and decadent cinnamon rolls in town. These cinnamon rolls break all of the rules by using brioche dough to create a a fluffy, tasty bun. Definitely sounds like breakfast to me! The Dairy Godmother, 2310 Mt Vernon Ave., was singled out for its indulgent milkshakes and changing menu of custards, plus traditional vanilla, and chocolate, which can be spun into creamy shakes to order.

Check the shop’s online “Flavor Forecast” calendar.

Until next time, eat well and enjoy!

Do you have the inside scoop on some foody newz?

Let me know at debbyc@thezebrapress.com OCTOBER 2019

EAT & DRINK

Tequila & Taco

Charles Schwab Pop-Up with Sweet Fire Donna’s and Lost Boy Cider

at the top restaurants in Old Town.

All in one night. All for one price.

All for children.

Whiskey & Oyster

Thursday, Nov 7, 2019

Joe Theismann’s Restaurant

General Admission $125

6:00pm – 9:00pm

Vermilion

Augie’s Mussel House

The Majestic

Columbia Firehouse

VIP $300

Reception 5:00pm – 6:30pm After Party 9:00pm – 11:00pm

Get tickets at RocktheBlocks.org Benefitting

OCTOBER 2019

Pizzeria Paradiso

Urbano 116

Mia’s Italian Kitchen

THE ZEBRA PRESS

29

-Oenology

FRESH SOFT SHELL CRABS!

127 North Washington Street Old Town Alexandria

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

JAVA GRILL

TM

www.javagrill.com | (571) 431-7631 611 King Street, Old Town Alexandria Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner 8 AM - 10 PM Sun - Thu | 8 AM - 11 PM Fri - Sat

Pastries | Rolled Gelato TM | Wine | Beer

A new restaurant with rave reviews in Old Town Alexandria !

Photo courtesy of LeFay Cottage

Panoramic mountain views of Shenandoah National Park from LeFay Cottage, shared with Little Washington Winery and Skyline Vineyard Inn.

Wine Country Inns and Back Roads Vineyards

BY KELLY MACCONOMY Harvest happened early this year in Virginia Wine Country. Many vineyards began to pick grapes in late August, emptying the vines of most varietals in the first days of September. Abundant spring rains followed by a hot dry summer ended the 2019 growing season with jubilant anticipation of a great grape harvest, harbinger of the 2019 banner year Dionysian elixir to come.

October is Virginia Wine Month, celebrated near and far with countless festivals and farm/vineyard tours. George Washington’s Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival and Sunset Tour is always a three-day sellout. With nearby Paradise Springs Vineyards beckoning, urban wineries such as Woodlawn Press serving up their own blends, and Sonoma Cellar offering classic Sonoma County California bottles as

Courtesy photo

The wines of Little Washington Winery and Skyline Vineyards Inn featuring the award-winning George.

well as a selection of Virginia’s own varietals, the accidental Z~oenophile doesn’t have to travel far.

And for more adventurous wine spectators, Alexandria’s own Getaway Driver will chauffeur you to beyond-theBeltway locations for wine, craft brews, and artisanal distilled spirits. Should you prefer to take the wheel and explore the dirt road wineries of the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah, there are diverting inns to be discovered along the country roads winding through Virginia wine country.

Stone Manor Boutique Inn was voted the best wine country B&B by Virginia Wine Lover in 2015. On a bucolic mountain road in Lovettsville, the Inn is a serene oasis. A five-minute trip up the road takes you to Doukenie Vineyards, set upon a pond amid working farmland with views of the mountain looming above the Hillsboro Gap. Sunset Hills in Purcellville and Breaux are nearby, two vineyards frequently voted Best Tasting Room, and whose wines win awards from Loudoun County to the Governor’s Cup and beyond.

Stone Manor is aptly named, not just for prominent stonework inside and out, but for the palatial dining room where three-course break-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 43

Former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe with a bottle of 50 West Aldie Heights Cuvée.

Photo: Kelly MacConomy

30 ZEBRA PRESS

OCTOBER 2019

Tanger Kabob House

HAVE YOU PICKED UP YOUR COPY?

The Del Ray Farmers’ Market Just Released a Cookbook!

To mark the recent 25th anniversary of the Del Ray Farmers’ Market, founded

by Pat Miller, Charles Buki, Karen Johnson, Dennis Areeder, and Gayle Reuter, the vendors and volunteers have assembled a commemorative cookbook.

Filled with local favorites, most of which maximize the use of seasonal local produce, it’s a real collectible as well as an asset to your recipe repertoire.

The Del Ray Farmers’ Market runs year-round every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon in Pat Miller Square, at Mount Vernon and Oxford Avenues.

During the peak season, there are more than 20 farmers and vendors offering fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheeses, breads, fresh pasta, baked goods and cut flowers.

For more information, contact farmersmarketdelray@gmail. com.

Photo: Gayle Reuter

“A lot of food and so delicious with so much variety!”

“My vegan friends say it is the best in Alexandria!”

THEISMANN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 acquired the restaurant and have now delivered on their promises to give the popular hangout a slick renovation.

Sports fans and diners will get a kick out of the memorabilia, and football “feel” of the new seating and atmosphere. The changes make Theismann’s a solid choice for a business lunch, family dinner, or an afternoon at the bar to watch a game.

Everyone will be happy with the modern menu choices including starters like pastrami bites, hot beer cheese, lollipop lamb chops, Cuban

THE FOOD OF LIFE

“I love the live music on the weekends”

sliders, and sesame steak skewers. We were lucky enough to get to sample some of the updated menu items including Joe’s All-American Burger made with double smashed

Open Mic Night Every Wednesday

Photo: Courtesy

City Council members John Chapman and Amy Jackson with Joe Theismann.

beef patties, pickles, American cheese, shredded iceberg, and Russian dressing on an onion brioche bun, Hot Beer Cheese served with a golden lager, soft pretzel, Cuban Sliders composed of dijonnaise, pickles, swiss cheese, capicola, salami, and braised pork, Sesame Steak Skewers with a dipping sauce of ginger-soy aioli, and Blackened Fish Tacos made with seared seasonal fish, pickled slaw, chipotle aioli, and cilantro.

All were delicious!

Tanger Kabob House Dine-in & Take out Seven Days a Week 5735 Telegraph Road (A Stone’s Throw From Old Town) 703-329-4860

QUOTABLES

If a year was tucked inside of a clock, then autumn would be the magic hour.

—Victoria Erickson

Photo: Courtesy

Tufted leather and turf on the walls shouts football lives here inside the new Theismann’s.

KECKLEY STREET CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 in her autobiography, Behind The Scenes.

Against the odds, Keckley bought her freedom in 1855, and six years later reached an unbelievably historic position – as the dressmaker for the First Lady of the United States. The following year, in 1862, she and 40 other members of the 15th St. Presbyte-

OCTOBER 2019

rian Church founded the Ladies’ Contraband Relief Association.

As a traveling companion for Mrs. Lincoln, Keckley seized an opportunity to organize mass meetings in Boston and New York City to support the association, which provided food, shelter, and clothing to tens of thousands of men and women who made their way out of slavery by seeking freedom in Alexandria and Washington D.C.

THE ZEBRA PRESS

31

• The Art League of the Torpedo Factory kicks off fall with an open show juried by Debbie Millman on exhibit through November 3.

Opening reception is October 10, 6:30-8:00pm. The concurrent solo show “The Mystery of You” features the work of Elaine Qiu. • The 2019 Athenaeum Invitational at 201 Prince Street in Old Town continues with ”Board: out of our minds!”, a creative exploration of board games and life, ongoing through November 10.

• Del Ray Artisans Gallery at 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray celebrates Hauntober with “Art Inspired By the Twilight Zone” on exhibit through October 27.

• The new artist in residence for Sonoma Cellar at 207 King Street is Old Town resident Joyce Frank.

Art Digest

Art

“Water and Wine” is on exhibit in October and November with an opening reception 10/10 from 5:30 - 7:00 pm.

• Potomac Fiber Artists in the Torpedo Factory spotlights the Mexican festival Dia de los Muertos inspired textile and metal fiber work with “Day of the Dead” until November 3.

• The Principle Gallery spotlights

realistic artist Mark Coffey, curated by Robert F. Murray of the Von Brahler Ltd Gallery. There’s an artist’s reception Saturday, October 19 from 10:00 am until noon.

NewZ works from the 14th annual juried International Guild of Realism followed by a dual exhibition of Louise Fenne and Paula Rubino.

Opening reception for the dual show is October 18 from 6:309:00 pm.

• River Farm at 7931 East Boulevard has a new exhibit until December 31, 2019 called “A Celebration of Trees” by abstract and

• The Target Gallery in the Torpedo Factory opens “Memento Mori” October 11 with an artists’ reception and juror talk (at 8) from 7-10 pm. “Memento Mori”, meaning “remember we have to die” in Latin, (timely for Halloween and Day of the Dead aficionados) runs until November 3.

• Mosaic artist and photographer Nina Tisara has some of her work on exhibit in a small solo show at the Martha Washington Library~ 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria~ through the month of October.

45 Years Young! Alexandria’s Torpedo Factory Art Center Celebrates Milestone “WE FEEL LIKE IT’S BEEN A MAJOR CONTRIBUTION TO THE CITY, NOT ONLY IN THE PUBLICITY AND THE PEOPLE WHO ARE DRAWN TO IT FROM THE OUTSIDE, AND OF COURSE FOR THE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE ARTISTS TO DEVELOP AND GROW,” SAID MARIAN VAN LANDINGHAM.

BY JAMES CULLUM It seems like the Torpedo Factory has always been an art center, right? Far from it, and on Sunday city leaders congratulated former Delegate Marian Van Landingham (D45) for spearheading the effort to convert the old Naval Torpedo Plant into a destination point for 500,000 visitors every year.

“It was an amazing effort,” Van Landingham said of opening the Torpedo Factory 45 years ago. “So, we feel like it’s been a major contribution to the city, not only in the publicity and the people who are drawn to it from the outside, and of course for the opportunity for the artists to develop and grow.”

In 1973, Van Landingham was looking for new space for the Art League’s membership gallery and school. She came across the three blocks of buildings that the city bought from the federal government for $1.6 million in 1969. The city had no definitive plans for the property, except perhaps to demolish the structures and convert it into a park. For years it housed U.S. government records, Nazi and fascist records from World War II, North Korean records, and storage from the Smithsonian Institution.

The Torpedo Factory is

32 ZEBRA PRESS

Photo: James Cullum

The Torpedo Factory’s 45th anniversary celebration, Sept. 15, 2019.

U.S. Rep. Don Beyer speaks at the Torpedo Factory’s 45th anniversary celebration, Sept. 15, 2019.

Marian Van Landingham speaks at the Torpedo Factory’s 45th anniversary celebration, Sept.

15, 2019.

Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson speaks at the Torpedo Factory’s 45th anniversary celebration, Sept. 15, 2019.

home to over 165 artists and 82 studios throughout three floors. In recognition of the achievement, The Torpedo Factory Artists’ Association recently renamed Gallery 311 in her honor.

“When you think that this simple idea that she [Van Landingham] had all those years ago, literally the largest publicly accessible working artist studio under one roof in the country,” said Northern Virginia Congressman Don Beyer (D-8th).

Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson called it the jewel of the city’s waterfront.

“A building that was originally built to manufacture Mark III torpedoes today is the home to publicly accessible working art studios,” Wilson said. “The Torpedo Factory is a landmark around the world and certainly a landmark for our communities.

We are an arts community here in the city of Alexandria, and this is our headquarters.

The factory today drives visitors to our community and fosters the love of arts in the city and beyond.”

Alexandria City Councilman John Chapman said that the Torpedo Factory was an important part of his childhood.

“I think, for me growing

CONTINUED ON PAGE 47 OCTOBER 2019

The 17th Annual King Street Art Festival

W

hat a great weekend of art in Alexandria! The annual King Street Art Festival went off without a hitch, as thousands of visitors gathered along Old Town’s most celebrated street in order to ask their nearest and dearest their opinions on thousands of pieces of art. On Sept 21 and 22, six blocks of King Street - between Washington and Union Streets were blocked off to more than 200 art vendors displaying an estimated $15 million in art from throughout the country.

(All photos: John David Coppola)

Above: The 17th Annual King Street Art Festival on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019.

At right: The Art League’s annual Ice Cream Bowl fundraiser.

At left: Xavier Nuez of Light Painting Photography.

At right: Artist Bill Watkins.

Below: Appreciating the King Street Art Festival.

At right: Work from artist Scott Causey.

At left: Simone Fairman admires glass hummingbirds.

At left: Thomas and Elizabeth Pollard.

At right: Don and Serena David of Don David Designs Jewelry.

OCTOBER 2019

THE ZEBRA PRESS

33

On Exhibit

BY KELLY MACCONOMY

Pet Portraits $90 (8 X 10)

Courtesy photo

$150 (11 X 14) $250 for 2 pets (16 X 20)

COME VISIT OUR NEW LOCATION

LOCAL COLOUR

Old Town LLC Art Gallery and Boutique 408 Mill Street, Occoquan VA 22125. www.localcolouroldtown.com 571-308-8738 A person should always choose a costume which is in direct contrast to her own personality.

QUOTABLES

— Lucy Van Pelt from It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

“Lost Like Tears in the Rain”, portrait of Rutger Hauer as Roy in Blade Runner at Art Bot.

Falling for Art

BY KELLY MACCONOMY September’s sweet summer finale is barely a memory when fall kicks in fast and furious, with pumpkin lattes, Halloween gear stocking shelves, and turning leaves beginning to drop. It’s back to business in the art world.

Fall art festivals and autumnal happenings are spilling

all over our suddenly slammed calendars.

Ever popular and packed, the 17th annual King Street Art Festival returned for the weekend of September 21 and 22. More than $15 million worth of original art was on exhibit throughout the two day festival, which spanned Washington Street to the Torpedo Factory.

In its second year at the festival, the Beer and Wine Torpedo Garden served up Port City Courtesy photo Beer, Lost Boy Cider, In the studio with popular Art Bot artand fine wine selections ist Geoffrey Gersten. from King Street’s own Sonoma Cellar. The event was free for all, includ- theme, Back to School, feaing canine art aficionados. tured popular prom and Nights on the Edge, the school dance music. Guests National Gallery of Art’s East could take a spin on the dance Wing monthly after-hours floor to the summer jams with swinging soirée, returned for DJ Heat or the NGA trivia the fall season September 12, wheel to win a prize. Popbut it has a new name: NGA Nights.

The September

CONTINUED ON PAGE 57

Courtesy photo

“The Bride of Frankenstein” at Artbot Gallery.

34 ZEBRA PRESS

OCTOBER 2019

Theatre

By Sara Dudley Brown

All photos by C. Stanley Photography

Above: The cast of Folger Theatre’s 1 Henry IV. (top: Peter Crook as King Henry IV. Left to right: Avery Whitted, Jazmine Stewart, Kate Eastwood Norris, Naomi Jacobson, Maribel Martinez, Alex Michell, Todd Scofield).

At right: The rebel forces discuss strategy against King Henry IV (left to right: Tyler Fauntleroy as Hotspur, Kate Eastwood Norris as Vernon, and Naomi Jacobson as Worcester).

Outrageous Behavior and Stirrings of Greatness Rule at Folger’s 1 Henry IV

BY SARA DUDLEY BROWN, THEATRE REVIEWER Folger Theatre’s Henry IV Part 1 (1 Henry IV ) has two extremely different acts. Act I is hilariously funny, with Ed Gero as Falstaff behaving altogether believably, but outrageously. Act II is contentious and a little terrifying, with the killing of ill-tempered Hotspur (Tyler Fauntleroy) by his cousin, Prince Hal (the sexy and adorable Avery Whitted), and with Hal saving the King’s (the elegant Peter Crook’s) life. Did you get it?

Believe me, it gets a lot more complicated!

“How,” you ask? Well, Worcester, the king’s brother, is played by the indominable Naomi Jacobson, and Jazmine Stewart brings it as Ned Poins, Hal’s companion, which is generally a male role.

Kate Eastwood Norris plays both long-suffering Mistress Quickly, who presumably,

A joyous moment between Falstaff (Edward Gero, left) and Prince Hal (Avery Whitted).

OCTOBER 2019

with her husband, runs the Boar’s Head tavern frequented by Sir Falstaff and his gang of miscreants, and she portrays Vernon, one of the rebels who seeks to overthrow the King.

See? But wait, don’t leave me yet—it gets easier to understand and enjoy as the play unfolds. It was a great pleasure to see and hear such skilled and talented actors make Shakespeare’s language sound conversational, easy to understand, even contemporary with unwritten pauses, emphasis, grunts, facial expressions, and the like that constitute

Shakespearean acting. That skill combines with the masterful directing ability of Rosa Joshi and the other creative people associated with this amazing production, such as Alice Gosti, movement director and choreographer, Sara Ryung Clement, scenic design, Palmer Heffernan, original music and sound design, as well as Jesse Belsky, lighting design. They all bring this production to thumping, neon-outlined life!

Spoiler alert: the

stage is washed in fabulous red lighting for pointed emphasis, but my favorite moment was at the end, when the huge neon IV becomes V and the spotlight comes to rest on Prince Hal. Get it? Of course you do!

There are lots of wonderful actors in this production, including Maboud Ebrahimzadeh, who plays Blunt and Mortimer, both to perfection!

Ebrahimzadeh is an actor’s actor. I never tire of seeing him morph into the different roles he plays. And Peter Crook as King Henry is as confused, sad, loving, angry, and perplexed as any dad would be when he sees his son appearing to become a ne’erdo-well just like his surrogate dad and dear friend, Falstaff. All the King wants is for his son to be like Hotspur, and crave attention, and want the crown. Of course, King Henry doesn’t suspect that Hotspur will turn on him and try his best to overthrow his throne.

When Prince Hal suddenly comes to his senses and rushes to his dad’s aid, saving

his life, all King Henry’s fears dissolve and you see him soften before your eyes. And all the while you see Hal begin his metamorphosis into a patriot and loving son. Beautiful.

Other favorite moments: the tavern scenes in the first act with Ed Gero, Falstaff, and Avery Whitted, Prince Hal, who together offer a graduatelevel course in Elizabethan insults. Led by Falstaff, of course.

But my true favorite memories of this production are the themes of fathers and sons, and Hal’s progress from prodigal son to patriot to a true son of the King to hero! All in all, Folger Theatre’s 1 Henry IV is a tremendously satisfying and heroic production.

Performance and Ticket Information: 1 Henry IV is on stage from now through October 13, 2019. Running time is approximately 2 hours 45 minutes, with one intermission. Tickets may be purchased from the Folger Theatre Box Office at 202-544-7077 or online at www.folger. edu/theatre.

THE ZEBRA PRESS

35

ON VIEW at

MOVIES

Downton Revisited: The Grantham Saga Upstairs, Downstairs

BY KELLY MACCONOMY They’re ba-aaack! (spoken with an English accent). It’s been two years since Downtoners last peeked inside the goings on of the gang that made teatime happy hour again.

PBS’s insanely popular Downton Abbey ended in 2016 with never-ebbing tears and much fanfare. All the series’ beloved characters reunited for this first feaPhoto: Steven Mark Diatz

Alexandrian and historical interpreter Steven Mark Diatz at the AMC Hoffman preview screening of Downton Abbey.

ture film based upon the life and times of Lord Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham, and his wife, Lady Cora, who reside in regal splendour on an estate in the verdant Yorkshire countryside.

That is, all those ladies and gents who survived season six make a comeback.

The story began on the telly back in 2010, with the Grantham household, upstairs and down, awakening to the tragic news of the Titanic sinking. Lost in the Atlantic were the two immediate heirs to the title and lands of the Lord of the Manor, who had unfortunately failed to produce a male heir of his own.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 47

Courtesy Photo

All’s Well That Ends Well.

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36 ZEBRA PRESS

OPEN DAILY for LUNCH and DINNER (Sunday Dinner Only) HAPPY HOUR 4 to 7 EVERYDAY

OCTOBER 2019

Who’s Got Music Tonight?

Friday, October 4th

Village Brauhaus • Johnny Koenig, 4 PM Tanger Kabob • Alpha Dog Acoustic, Roger Hart, 7:30 PM Murphy’s • Pat Garvey, 9 PM Murphy’s • Billy Wilde, 9 PM Village Brauhaus • Practically Einstein, 10 PM

Saturday, October 5th

Art on the Avenue, Twin Stages • Rob Hornfeck Enterprise, 11 AM Art on the Avenue, Homegrown Stage • Janna Audey Duo, 1 PM Tanger Kabob • Jeff Smith, 7:30 PM Murphy’s • Pat Garvey, 9 PM Murphy’s • Billy T. Wilde, 9 PM Village Brauhaus • Troll Tribe, 10 PM

Sun/Mon, October 6/7

Murphy’s • Siobhán O’Brien, 8:30 PM

Alexandria Live Premier Members:

Murphy’s Irish Pub 713 King Street 703.548.1717

Daniel O’Connells 112 King Street

703.739.1124

Hard Times Cafe 1404 King Street 703.837.0050

Tuesday, October 8th

Murphy’s • Siobhán O’Brien, 8:30 PM Hard Times • Open Mic, 9 PM

Wednesday, October 9th

Murphy’s • Siobhán O’Brien, 8:30 PM Evening Star Cafe • Janna Audey Duo, 8 PM Murphy’s • Pat Carroll, 8:30 PM

Friday, October 11th

Tanger Kabob • Matt Slocum & Gravel Road Bluesgrass, 7:30 PM Murphy’s • Pat Carroll, 9 PM Murphy’s • Poehemia, 9 PM Village Brauhaus • Chuggalug, 10 PM

Saturday, October 12th

Tanger Kabob • Riverside South, 7:30 PM Murphy’s • Pat Carroll, 9 PM Murphy’s • Poehemia, 9 PM

Village Brauhaus • Mojo Widget, 10 PM

Sun/Mon, October 13/14

Murphy’s • Pat Garvey, 8:30 PM Tuesday, October 15th Murphy’s • Pat Garvey, 8:30 PM Hard Times • Open Mic, 9 PM

Wednesday, October 16th

Murphy’s • Pat Garvey, 8:30 PM Murphy’s • Rocky Guttmann, 8:30 PM

Friday, October 18th

Tanger Kabob • Hot Rod Rockers, 7:30 PM Murphy’s • Rocky Guttmann, 9 PM Murphy’s • Freddie Long, 9 PM Village Brauhaus • Chris Brunn Duo, 10 PM

Saturday, October 19th

Tanger Kabob • Wicker Lee Band, 7:30 PM

October 2019

Murphy’s • Rocky Guttmann, 9 PM Murphy’s • Freddie Long, 9 PM Village Brauhaus • High Five, 10 PM

Sunday, October 20th

Murphy’s • Sean Chyunn, 8:30 PM

Tuesday, October 22nd

Murphy’s • Sanford Markley, 8:30 PM Hard Times • Open Mic, 9 PM

Wednesday, October 23rd Murphy’s • Sanford Markley, 8:30 PM

Friday, October 25th

Tanger Kabob • Big Howdy, 7:30 PM Sonoma Cellar • Janna Audey, 8 PM Murphy’s • Billy Wilde, 9 PM

5735 Telegraphy Road 703.329.4860

Village Brauhaus 710 King Street 703.888.1951

2050 Ballenger Avenue 703.548.8899

OCTOBER 2019

Tanger Kabob • Jazz Trotters, 7:30 PM Murphy’s • Sanford Markley, 9 PM Murphy’s • Diplomatic Immunity, 9 PM

Sun/Mon, October 27/28 Murphy’s • John McGrath, 8:30 PM

Tuesday, October 29th Murphy’s • John McGrath, 8:30 PM Hard Times • Open Mic, 9 PM

Wed/Thur, October 30/31 Murphy’s • John McGrath, 8:30 PM

Holly Montgomery Band Rocks Old Town!

By Janna Audey, Director of Karma, Alexandria Live

Photography by John David Coppola, JohnDC Photography

The 219 in Old Town is home to many of the top rock and blues bands in our region. A few of the bands on this bar’s schedule have been performing live in the DMV region since I moved to the area back in the late 80s. A few weeks back, I was able to catch the Holly Montgomery Band, a power trio playing songs by classic and modern rock bands primarily from the 70s, 80s, & 90s. These musicians are at the top of their craft. No exaggeration there! While I’m no stranger to going out alone, I was welcomed with sincerity and warmth by the friendly folks sitting at the tables around me.

Handshakes, eye contact, sharing in the mutual appreciation for the music... the entire evening was food for the soul, the heart and the mind.

play at 219 with Kajun Kelley, who is also amazing! They are entirely different players but both do a stellar job in the band.

I started working with Andy in 2011 when I was recording my album, “Uncanny Valley.” As I began playing more and more live gigs in the area, I was blessed to have Andy continue to play in the band. We could not settle on a guitar player until the end of 2014, when I played my first gig with Buddy, and we became a band pretty quickly after that. We are currently recording our next album of original music which we are SUPER excited about, and it will be released in 2020. Stay tuned for that as well!

month, and then one weekend slot, which varies. So we are there at least 6 times per month!

Q. I’ve also seen you perform with the 219 Allstars. How many years have you been playing bass and singing with them?

A: Hmmm I’m actually not sure, lol. I think not long after my band started there. At first we had no intention of it being a regular gig, but we’ve just kept showing up and the band has its loyal following there.

Q. Your 70s/80s set that I saw/ heard on August 6 blew me away- specifically whe the band

I caught up with Holly, lead singer and bassist for the band, after the show. Here’s what we talked about...

A: We’ve been playing there regularly for more than 4 years now.

We had a one-off gig there at the end of 2014 but didn’t play there again for six months. Then by the end of 2015 we had become one of their regular bands. Up until then, most the bands there were blues or old-style rock and roll, so they took a chance with us and I’m so glad they did!

Q. I noticed you have several shows each month at the 219. Is your house slot there on Tuesday nights?

A: We play there every Tuesday night, the 3rd Sunday of the

The Carlyle Club

Saturday, October 26th

Alexandria Live, Music News

Q. Holly, how many years have the HMB been playing at the 219 in Alexandria?

Tanger Kabob House

Murphy’s • Sanford Markley, 9 PM Village Brauhaus • Irresponsible, 10 PM

played Magic Man by Heart and NAILED IT! The guitar player that evening was Kajun Kelley, with the fabulous Andy Hamburger on drums. How long have you been playing with these two outstanding musicians, and is there another guitarist you play with, as well, in the HMB? A: Our guitar player is Buddy Speir, who is incredible! But, he lives in Nashville and only comes into town the last 2 weeks of the month. When he’s not here, we

Q. Who have some of your biggest musical influences been, both for bass and voice?

A: For bass, I am a sucker for any player that can create a melodic line that stands on its own without competing with the vocals. In other words, bass players who play for the song. I love John Paul Jones’ playing as the James Jamerson influence is strong in what he does. I was very much influenced by Rocco Prestia as shortly after I moved to LA I won

a contest to take lessons with him, and that was... an interesting experience. He came to a few of my gigs and shook his head in frustration the whole time and would come up and sing better bass lines in my ear. He taught me a lot. I also love Sting (a big influence), Tony Levin, Paul McCartney, LarryGraham, Chris Squire, John McVie - all great players with melodic lines.

Q. Now, as a fellow singer and rock-music-enthusiast, I can’t help but ask you about your LA music scene years. What style of music were you playing in LA and what time-frame in musical story was this? 80s, 90s?

A: I moved to Los Angeles in the late 80s and was there through early 2000s. I did many cool things while I was there so it’s hard to give a brief answer. I was in a few projects that had some acclaim, like Big Planet and I played with Dan Bern for awhile.

Primarily, I had my own band, and we made a few records and had a few deals. My band was a rock band that bordered on progrock, as I was heavily influenced

by Soundgarden and Zeppelin.

At the same time, I also played in the Mustangs, an all-female tCalifornia-country band that has since reformed and currently has a record deal with Blue Elan Records, so I am bi-coastal these days. Our new album will be released in March 2020, so mark your calendars! __________________________ For more on Holly Montgomery, visit hollymontgomerymusic.com.

For all of Alexandria’s featured shows (including Holly’s), visit alexandrialive.com.

This Z-Music directory brought to you by

Alexandria Live & The Zebra Press

Please visit AlexandriaLive.com for additional shows, music, news, & more!

THE ZEBRA PRESS

37

OCTOBER 11-13

Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour 6:00 pm-9:00 pm George Washington’s Mount Vernon 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Celebrate the history of wine in Virginia with exclusive evening tours of the Mansion and cellar, appearances by George and Martha Washington, and live music. Bring a blanket, relax on the east lawn overlooking the scenic Potomac River, and sample wines made in Virginia. During tours of the Mansion, visit the cellar where Washington stored his wine and learn about the successes and failures of our Founding Father’s endeavors with wine. To accompany the wine tasting, fruit and cheese boxes are available by advance purchase. A variety of hot and cold food and desserts including baguettes, gourmet sandwiches, and specialty sweets will be available on site from the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant. Friday, Oct. 11: $48; Saturday Oct. 12: $52; Sunday, Oct. 13: $42

OCTOBER 12

supporting immigrant and refugee neighbors.

Wine and beer will be served as well as a delicious spread of international appetizers and birthday cake.

A “torchbearer” award will be presented to someone from the community who has made significant contributions to the work of Just Neighbors in support of immigrants and refugees. $25 for adults; $12.50 for kids

OCTOBER 12

OCTOBER 12 1:00 pm-7:00 pm Portside in Old Town Waterfront Festival Waterfront Park 1 King St. Enjoy a day of live music, maritime history, nautical demonstrations, and children’s activities on the Old Town Alexandria waterfront. Savor local food, beer and wine while experiencing boat building demonstrations from Alexandria Seaport Foundation Apprentices and knot tying from tall ship Providence. Explore Portside History from the Office of Historic Alexandria, highlighting the archaeological findings of 18thcentury ships uncovered along the Old Town waterfront. Continuing Alexandria’s fall tradition of Seaport Day, select activities benefit the Alexandria Seaport Foundation’s mission to improve the lives of young people through adult mentoring, project-based learning, and the craft of wooden boat building. Free admission dren? Because 57% of 4th grade children in Virginia do not read at proficient levels. RIF of NOVA has been providing books to area children for almost 50 years. Packet pick up will be available at =PR= (Potomac River Running)/Arlington Store (4238 Wilson Blvd, Suite 1235) from 3-6 pm on October 11 and at the race site on October 12 starting at 8:15 am. Run registration is open at: https://potomac.enmotive.com/events/ register/2019-book-it-for-books-5k. Packet pick up will be available at Potomac River Running Arlington Store, 4238 Wilson Blvd, Suite 1235, from 3-6 pm on October 11 and at the race site on October 12 starting at 8:15 am

The Late Shift 7:00 pm-10:00 pm Torpedo Factory Art Center 105 N. Union St. The Art Center’s signature evening series features eclectic art and activities. In among three floors of open artists’ studios, find gallery receptions, stimulating artist talks, pop-up performances, hands-on projects, lively music, and more. Free

OCTOBER 14

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/africanamericans-and-africa-a-new-history-with-drnemata-blyden-tickets-70327785299

OCTOBER 12 Female Stranger Beer Dinner 7:00 pm-11:00 pm Gadsby’s Tavern Museum 134 N. Royal St. Join Port City Brewing Company and Gadsby’s Tavern Museum as we honor the anniversary of the Female Stranger’s death with her Long Black Veil beer. This special craft beer was inspired by the famous tale of the Female Stranger, who died at the tavern on October 14, 1816. Enjoy great local beers and a four-course meal and learn the history surrounding her tragic story. Tickets available online at www.Alexandriava.gov/ shop/events $85/person

OCTOBER

Book It for Books 5K/One-Mile Fun Run 9:00 am-10:30 am Bluemont Park 329 N. Manchester, Arlington Book It For Books 5K/One-Mile Run, sponsored by Reading is Fundamental of Northern Virginia (RIF of NOVA), will raise funds to provide books for deserving NOVA children in the city of Alexandria and in Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William counties.

Open to serious and fun runners and walkers, families, school/scout/sports teams, children in strollers, etc. Wear a literary character costume to add to the fun! Why is it critical to provide books to deserving chil-

OCTOBER 12

11:00 am-1:00 pm “African Americans and Africa: A New History” by Nemata Amelia Ibitayo Blyden Alexandria Black History Museum 902 Wythe St. Nemata Amelia Ibitayo Blyden, also the author of “West Indians in West Africa, 1808–1880: The African Diaspora in Reverse,” provides in her latest book an introduction to the relationship between African Americans and Africa from the era of slavery to the present, mapping several overlapping diasporas. $5

Lady Liberty’s Birthday Party Benefiting Just Neighbors 6:00 pm-9:00 pm Building Momentum 7630 Little River Turnpike, Suite 900 You’re invited to Lady Liberty’s Birthday Party hosted by local non-profit Just Neighbors to support legal services for low-income immigrants and refugees so that more clients can successfully move through the immigration system to obtain legal status. They celebrate the gift of the Statue of Liberty (Lady Liberty) from France to the USA as a beacon of welcome for global immigrants for over a century. Please join in a night of music, silent auctions, building community and

OCTOBER 15 Digital Photography Aspects of Genealogy 1:00 pm-3:00 pm Hollin Hall Senior Center, Room 112 1500 Shenandoah Rd. The Mount Vernon Genealogical Society host photographer and genealogical researcher

CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

Z-VENTS

Have an event you want to see in Zvents? Submit it at http://thezebra.org/events/submit-an-event 38 ZEBRA PRESS

OCTOBER 2019

Z-VENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38 Gary Petranek, Co-Director of the Washington DC Family History Center, about the digital photography aspects of genealogy and about the RootsMagic software. His presentation is called “How to Get a Good Digital Photo from Old Photos; Introduction to RootsMagic.” More information is available http://www.mvgenealogy.org.

raise a glass (drink provided!) to those who have come before, from a famous actress to Civil War soldiers. You won’t look at this historic corner of Alexandria the same again.

Tickets available online at www.Alexandriava.gov/shop/events $20/person

BOOK OF THE MONTH Every bookworm needs a break now and then

OCTOBER 25, 26, NOVEMBER 1, 2

OCTOBER 15

6:15 pm-8:00 pm Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum 201 S. Washington St. In his richly-illustrated lecture, Oxford historian Dr. Oliver Cox, will talk about the long history of horses and the English country house, as well as describe horse racing in England from the first years of royal patronage under King James I at Newmarket, through h to our present Queen’s love of the turf. He will lead the audience on a tour of some of Britain’s grandest country houses, with stops at the iconic sporting spectacles of The Derby, Royal Ascot and the Cheltenham Festival. Looking beyond the top hats and fascinators, this lecture will explore the roots of the British love for horses and horse racing while showing great houses, from Mount Stewart in Northern Ireland to Wimpole Hall in Cambridgeshire. $35 for Royal Oak members; $45 non-members $35 for Royal Oak members; $45 nonmembers

OCTOBER 19

Grief & Ghost Tours 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm, 9:30 pm Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden 614 Oronoco St. Celebrate Halloween with a look at Victorian mourning traditions combined with stories of tragic deaths and mysterious encounters at the Lee-Fendall House. Learn more about the rituals and customs surrounding death in the Victorian period including funeral practices, hair jewelry, mourning clothing, and séances. These tours offer a rare opportunity to see the house after dark! $10 at the door; free to members

OCTOBER 25 Movie Night at Carlyle House Carlyle House 121 N. Fairfax St 7:00 pm-11:59 pm Join Carlyle House for a double feature of classic horror movies. Voting for the movies will take place two weeks before on Carlyle House’s Facebook page. The top two picks out of the six movies will be played back to back on the terrace starting at 7pm. Please bring your own picnic blankets and short lawn chairs for the back terrace. $2/person.

OCTOBER 26-28

Death at the City Hotel Special Tour 7:00 pm-9:00 pm Gadsby’s Tavern Museum 134 N. Royal St. The City Tavern has been the site of many historic events, but also of macabre ones. This special tour explores the stories of the people who breathed their last at the hotel and the scenes surrounding them. Bring your friends and

CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

Fall Harvest Family Days 9:00 am-5:00 pm George Washington’s Mount Vernon 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Celebrate the autumn season with 18th-century activities for the whole family at Mount Vernon.

Take a horse-drawn wagon ride and play colonial games on the bowling green before heading to the Pioneer Farm to observe 18th-century demonstrations and greet General Washington. Find your way through a straw bale maze and listen to the Itinerant Band play colonial tunes. Included with general admission ($20 adults; $12 youth) Sightseeing cruises are offered at half the regular price (while supplies last).

Literary Editor Ralph Peluso

BUMBLEBEE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 blebees!”

Erin Weinburger, Whitaker’s mother, came up with the idea and put it out on Facebook. Her goal of getting 50 yellow cars to show up was soon eclipsed by more than 100 participants from all over the region.

“He’s healthy and strong and happy, and we’re just really excited that he can celebrate and be around all the people,” his mom, Erin Weinburger, told NBC. Whitaker’s grandmother,

QUOTABLES

Anne Michaels Weinburger thanked the community and supporters who supported her grandson.

“Thank you for making this a day not only for Whitaker, but for the whole support system of friends and neighbors,” she said.

The Alexandria Sheriff’s Office arranged for the cars to line the streets.

“It’s great,” said Lt. Sean Casey of the Sheriff’s Office.

“It’s a great example of how the community comes together to help someone get a deserved reward after what he’s been through.”

In addition to an appearance from Bumblebee him-

self, or at least a very convincing lookalike, Whitaker also received a kids-size Bumblebee sports car from TLC Auto Detail of Chantilly.

“I want to keep all of them,” Whitaker shouted on the walk to Charles Barrett Elementary School. “It’s my best birthday ever!”

Nancy Greenwood of Arlington saw the news of Whitaker’s upcoming birthday, and like many, showed up to help.

“I saw it on the news and I thought, ‘I’ve got a yellow car. I’m there,’” Greenwood said.

There is no surer foundation for a beautiful friendship than a mutual taste in literature.

—P.G. Wodehouse WE ARE PROUD TO POWER THEZEBRA.ORG CHECK OUT THEIR NEW SITE!

Tales of Mystery & the Imagination Poems and Stories of Edgar Allan Poe 7:00 pm-8:15 pm Ivy Hill Cemetery 2823 King St. Poems and Stories of Edgar Allan Poe, preceded by a short ghost tour of Ivy

OCTOBER 19-20

OCTOBER 2019

Zebra’s literary editor Ralph Peluso is taking October off, but he’ll be back in November, awarding more Zebra stripes for good reads. He’s asked us to remind authors that he takes submissions from them regularly. If you are an author and want to be considered for Z Book of the Month, please contact Ralph at ralphpeluso@verizon.net for info on two easy ways to submit your book.

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THE ZEBRA PRESS

39

BY JAMES CULLUM Watch out! In case you missed it, that was a electric scooter that almost hit you, and it was driven by an underage kid on the sidewalk not wearing a helmet! Just kidding, but in all seriousness, the city’s Dockless Mobility Pilot Program will be coming up for a City Council vote next month and many are wondering what restrictions, if any, will be placed on the city’s newest form of public transportation - the electric scooter!

“I think the usage stats show that a great many of our residents and visitors find scooters fill an important need as a ‘last-mile’ connectivity option for them. There are clearly issues with their use, some transitional, and some more intractable, that we must work through,” said Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson. “But ignoring the fact that we’ve seen hundreds of thousands of trips in the City is not something we should quickly do.”

So far, 2019 has unquestionably been the year of the scooter in Alexandria.

The dockless vehicles have been set on fire, thrown in the Potomac River, and placed high in tree branches by creatively frustrated vandals. Members of City Council and city staff have been inundated with thousands of scooterrelated messages, and all of it boils down to one question: Are the e-scooters here to stay?

Sure looks like it.

For one thing, city staff have attended farmers’ markets and other public events with scooter companies throughout the year. Bolt, the Miami-based e-scooter company which also gives out free helmets on its app, even showcased some of its new prototypes recently at the Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market, including models that have phone charging stations and have enough space to hold groceries.

“Safety is first and foremost at Bolt.

We will constantly be giving you helmets,” said James Motley, a Bolt Booster, at the Four Mile Run market. Being a Booster means that Motley is a company employee who picks up drained scooters, charges them, performs minor repairs, and puts the scooters back out when they’re all charged up.

ing space on Columbus Street, and Calamia wasn’t able to stop his e-scooter in time. He injured his right wrist, and the female driver in her 20s in a white SUV drove away as Calamia was able to gather his balance and senses. It was his fourth accident since he started riding e-scooters last year. On the bright side, he said that Bird has agreed to help pay for some of his medical expenses. He also doesn’t drive a car and always wears a helmet when he operates a scooter.

“Cars are great. They’re wonderful tools and machines, but there’s so many of them on the road and we have this sense of entitlement,” Calamia said. “The mindsets need to change.

People need to make space and accept that others are not trying to be in a car.”

the year.

For the most part, users download the app for the scooter company on their phone, dial in credit or debit information, and within minutes are clear to ride an e-scooter up to 20 miles per hour.

“Whether we have a program or not, they’re probably not going anywhere. It’s just whether the city can manage them or not,” said Hillary Orr, deputy director of the city’s de-

Above: Alexandria Mayor Just cilman John Chapman, and C George Washington Middle S

At left: Electric scooters on N

At right: Hundreds of scooter bounties that they were left u

Want to Go for a Ride?

In the beginning of October, City llum Photo: James Cu staff will present City Council recommendations on how to move forward with the Dockless Mobility Pilot Program, which was kicked off in January with the permitting and launch of the first operator Lime. The number of scooter companies operating in Alexandria has grown to seven, and also includes Lyft, Jump, Bird, Bolt, Skip and Spin - all of which paid a $5,000 permit fee to operate 200 scooters apiece within the city. The companies also paid that same fee when the pilot program was extended an additional three months until the end of

WATCH

ALEXANDRIA ABUZZ OVE

THE ZEBRA INVESTIGATES

Hal Hardaway Hates ‘Em It’s no secret to anyone how Hal Hardaway feels. It seems like every day the Old Town resident is sending emails to city officials and the press with pictures and videos of adults and underage kids joyriding through the city like they own the place. Hardaway bitterly believes that the scooters are here to stay, and has no shame in telling people how he really feels. He hates e-scooters.

“It’s already decided. It’s a preordained outcome where the city council talks and ignores public input. I’ve seen it happen time and again and it’s going to happen with scooters,” Hardaway said. “Someone’s going to be seriously hurt or killed. They’re dangerous.

Nobody ever wears helmets and people ride on the sidewalk. They’ve almost hit me.”

But Stephen Calamia has been hit.

The 38-year-old lives in Belle Haven, just a couple miles from his work as a barista at Misha’s Coffeehouse and Roaster. In August, Calamia was the victim of a hit-and-run while on his way to work. A car pulled out of a park-

40 ZEBRA PRESS

On Oct. 1, City staff released draft recommendations on the Dockless Mobility Program. Staff recommend that the pilot program move into Phase II, which would run through Dec. 2020.

The Draft Recommendations Include: • Scooters would be allowed on sidewalks (up to 6 miles per hour) • The speed limit on the street would be limited to 15 mph • Only one rider is allowed to ride a scooter at a time • Riders under the age of 14 would be required to wear a helmet • A proposal to the scooter companies to include speedometers on the devices • The scooter companies would include in-app safety messaging, rules of the road, and sidewalk riding and parking messaging • The installation of additional parking corrals • Evaluate additional “No-ride” and “Slow-ride” zones and sidewalk bans • Consider other large areas with high pedestrian activity for no-park zones • Determine Minimum and maximum fleet caps • Work with operators as technology develops for stricter parking requirements • Host outreach and education events with operators throughout spring and summer The city want public input on the recommendations, and the feedback form will be open through Tuesday, Oct. 15. Submit feedback at www.research.net/r/AlexandriaVa-ScooterPilotDraftRecs

partment of transportation and environmental services. “A lot of people are saying, ‘You’re doing this pilot program and you’re letting the scooters in.’

Scooters are going to be here - without a program, without a permit structure, and MOU [memorandum of understanding], we have no control over the company, we have no control over what data they give us and can’t make any requirements of them. They can just be here. So the point of this pilot was really to figure out how they’re operating and work with them and figure out how to better manage them and what type of requirements we would need.”

Orr and city staff have spent the last several months assessing the pilot program and making adjustments here and there, like the addition of scooter corrals in July, and geofencing to keep scooter trips from starting or ending at Market Square, the City Mari-

OCTOBER 2019

hicles with an unclear classification on the books.

“These are not toys,” Brown said.

“We want our roads to be safe for residents and visitors of this city.

But there are still gaps in the legislation that passed in Richmond last summer, because the vehicles are not subject to impaired driving. We need to come up with a more uniform way to address these personal transportation devices so when they operate in the Commonwealth they do it the same way across jurisdictions.”

Facebook photo

tin Wilson (far right), City CounCity Councilwoman Del Pepper at School on Earth Day, April 27, 2019.

City Council Reactions

North Washington Street.

rs in Old Town had such low uncollected for weeks.

Screenshot from

Joel Kir zner’s ph

one

H OUT!

ER ELECTRIC SCOOTERS!

S THE E-SCOOTER CRAZE. na, and Waterfront Park. Additionally, on July 1, legislation from the Virginia General Assembly went into effect stating that beginning Jan. 1, 2020, e-scooter riders will be able to ride on sidewalks, a practice which is currently outlawed.

“Our legislation hasn’t been caught up with a lot of the technology. So we were down in Richmond working with the state a lot to even define what an escooter is, so that it can be enforceable,” Orr said.

Two Wheels to Freedom The Dockless Mobility Program began in January, but didn’t really get kicked into high gear until the spring - when it was warm enough to ride a scooter outdoors. In July, city staff

Wilson said he’d like to see the number of scooter companies operating in the city reduced, and is hesitant to require drivers’ licenses for riders, as it would limit residents who do not drive from participation.

“While I’m open to options, my inclination is that we should competitively select a smaller group of companies to operate in the City,” he said.

“We need to improve the companies’ enforcement of the rules to relieve our Police from the obligation to address these issues.”

A second phase of the pilot that would include a city ordinance is one option that staff will present to council.

Phase II would begin in January and be reevaluated by council after a predetermined period.

Vice Mayor Elizabeth BennettParker believes that scooter companies

audience,” Bennett-Parker said. “The scooter companies also need to find a better way to track the scooter users so violations can be more easily enforced and ban users who repeatedly violate the law.”

Councilwoman Del Pepper said that the scooter corrals have been working to ease tensions on the streets of Old Town.

“The people who use the scooters seem to really enjoy them,” Pepper said.

“Now people are able to see the dockless corrals, and I think they feel that some progress is being made, and the tenor of the emails we get is not as angry in tone. We are working on it and we are all aware of the problems, and we are counting on hearing of some kind of relief starting with October’s staff update.”

During the summer, Councilman Mo Seifenden called for a suspension of the program after the 11th national e-scooter-related death occurred. He said that if someone was killed in Alexandria that it would be a “nightmare” for the city’s police and court system, and that scooters are not largely available in poorer areas of the city, including the West End. “As far as I can tell, the equity issue has been largely ignored,” Seifeldein said. “I recently met with two representatives from scooters companies about equity, but I do not see any good faith changes. In my continuing research of the matter, I spoke with a Councilman from Amsterdam, Netherlands about their rejections of scooters. I spoke with a Councilwoman from London and a senior aide to the Mayor of London about the issue as well (they have an existing law prohibiting scooters). I am still looking at how many jurisdictions in the states have dealt with scooters and will have my research complete soon.”

Councilwoman Amy Jackson is still hearing from constituents about the dangers of e-scooters.

“The council before us passed this pilot program. I think that was done in a haphazard fashion,” Jackson said. “We on council now are dealing with the mistakes of the past. Seven companies?

I don’t think it was well thought out at all. It was shock treatment. I will probably not be part of their ridership, but as a progressive city we need to look ahead and see how other cities have taken them and have adapted their communities to them.”

from the Department of Transportation should improve their res p on and Environmental Services released a siveness to complaints. She also believes memorandum detailing the effects of there should be fewer companies operthe scooters in Alexandria, and the reating in the city that undergo a more sesults were fascinating. lective process and that they should pay The data revealed that City leaders a bigger operational fee. and staff were being inundated with “It would be nice to see them come thousands of scooter-related emails, letout with a scooter accessible to inditers, voicemails, and social media posts.

Joel Kirzner has been around the viduals with disabilities and expand Additionally, Alexandria Police have block - picking up scooters! For the last this transportation option to a larger warned hundreds of users that year, the 42-year-old has grossed upthe scooters aren’t allowed to be ward of $20,000 charging scooters ridden on sidewalks, and issued for Bird and Lime in the patio of his citations for reckless driving. As Shirlington town home. During the of the end of May, there were day, Kirzner is a consultant for an Ar101,515 trips taken in Alexanlington-based engineering firm, but dria, equating to 91,644 miles his evenings throughout the week are traveled by more than 18,000 frequently spent picking up scooters registered users. and putting them in the back of his E-scooters created a bit of Subaru Impreza Hatchback. a puzzle for Alexandria PoKirzner said that his electrical bill at lice Chief Michael Brown. home has barely increased at all.

So far, there have been at least “I’m not kidding. It’s gone up, like four crashes reported to the 7 or 8 cents. It costs me more to run police and a number of injumy heat in the winter for 10 minutes ries, one of which required a Courtesy photo than to charge two dozen scooters on brief hospitalization. But it is Joel Kirzner has retrofitted his back patio to be a difficult to enforce laws on ve- scooter charging station.

Making Money on the Side by Charging Scooters

CONTINUED ON PAGE 47

OCTOBER 2019

THE ZEBRA PRESS

41

Z-VENTS

OCTOBER 27

engagements, including literary criticism, short stories, poetry, and musings. $15 per person.

Reservations recommended: https://shop.alexandriava.gov/ or 703-746-4994.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39 Hill Cemetery. Handicapped accessible ghost tour begins at the Ivy Hill Cemetery Office, and ends at the Receiving Vault, where actors from Guillotine Theatre will read from the works of Edgar Allan Poe. $20.00 (cash, check, credit card, paypal.me/ IHCHPS), RSVP: info@ihchps.org (Limited seating)

OCTOBER 26 6th Annual Halloween Pumpkin Hunt 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden 614 Oronoco St. Alexandria’s ghosts and goblins will fill the garden with hundreds of colorful toy-filled Halloween objects for local children to discover. Other activities include crafts to take home, a sticker station, temporary tattoos, spooky stories, a costume parade with prizes as well as drinks and refreshments.

Every participating child receives a pumpkin—one pumpkin in each of our pumpkin hunt sessions will have a certificate for a special prize hidden inside.

Costumes encouraged! (703) 548-1789 $5 adults; $15 ages 1-10; infants free with advance ticket

OCTOBER 26 Lecture and Candy Tasting: Sweet as Sin: The Unwrapped Story of How Candy Became America’s Favorite Pleasure 11:00 am-1:00 pm Alexandria Black History Museum 902 Wythe St. Join an interactive lecture and candy tasting focusing on the African American role in American candy making. Led by author Susan Benjamin, the founder of True Treats Candy, which is the nation’s only historic candy company. Guests will receive a treat bag, and candy will be available to purchase. $15

OCTOBER 26 Carlyle House’s Wonderland 12:00 pm-4:00 pm Carlyle House 121 N. Fairfax St. Carlyle House is hosting a Tim Burton themed party on the front lawn of the house. Visitors will be able to interact with several characters from Tim

OCTOBER 31

Burton’s films (such as Alice in Wonderland) and play a variety of Burton themed games. For those who wish to participate, at 2 pm, there will be a costume contest. Burton films will be playing on the back terrace during the event. $5 for children ages 0-12. $1 for adults ages 13+. No refunds.

OCTOBER 26

Historic Cemetery Tour 5:00 pm Starting at Wilkes St. and S. Payne St. Enjoy a guided tour through several of Alexandria’s historic cemeteries. Learn about Alexandria’s famous residents, including those who fought in the Revolutionary War, Mexican War, and Civil War. $15 per adult; $8 per child

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 cans were buried in the cemetery during and just after the war. The cemetery fell into disrepair and nearly faded from memory before being restored and rededicated in 2007. The Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial opened in 2014 on the site of the cemetery, to honor the memory of the Freedmen; the hardships they faced and their contributions to Alexandria.

42 ZEBRA PRESS

OCTOBER 29-31

Trick-Or-Treating at Carlyle House 4:00 pm-6:00 pm Carlyle House 121 N. Fairfax St. join the fun on All Hallow’s Eve for good old-fashioned trickery and treats! Bring your little ghosts, goblins, princesses, and action heroes to one of Alexandria’s most haunted dwellings. We’ll be handing out candy. In case of inclement weather, please call museum for status of the event. (703) 549-2997 Free

NOVEMBER 2

OCTOBER 26

Carlyle House’s Nightmare 7:00 pm-10:00 pm Carlyle House 121 N. Fairfax St. As night falls, Carlyle House is taking on the more sinister movies created by Tim Burton. Participate in a Burton-themed scavenger hunt around the grounds of the house. The team with the quickest completion time will walk away with a Burtonthemed prize. During the evening, there will be Burton films playing on the back terrace. This is not a time slotted event. $10/person. No refunds.

Audrey Davis, executive director of the Alexandria Black History Museum

MEMORIAL

Del Ray Halloween Parade 2:00 pm-4:00 pm Mount Vernon and Commonwealth Aves.

Del Ray’s annual Halloween Parade begins at Mt. Vernon Ave., south of E. Bellefonte, and continues down to the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center play fields at Mt. Vernon and Commonwealth Avenues.

Children, pets, and strollers in costumes are invited to march and show off their finest and scariest Halloween garb. Following the parade, awards are given for Best Pet Costume, Best Decorated Business, Best Decorated Home, and Best Decorated Stroller during a brief ceremony. There is no fee to compete for Best Pet Costume or Best Decorated contests. Judges include elected officials and city dignitaries. Free

Special Halloween Ghost Tour Oct. 29 7:00 pm, Oct. 30 7:00 pm, Oct. 31 6:30 Alexandria Visitor Center 221 King St. This tour is an extended version of our ‘Ghosts of Alexandria’ tour where you can learn even more about Old Town’s haunted secrets. This tour is only offered the week of Halloween. $15 per adult; $8 per child

OCTOBER 30-31 Poe in Alexandria 8:00 pm-9:30 pm The Lyceum 201 S Washington St. Don’t miss two unforgettable Halloween evenings with America’s earliest master of the macabre - Edgar Allan Poe! Actor David Keltz recreates one of Edgar Allen Poe’s 19th-century speaking

(Left to right) U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-8th), Del. David Bulova (D-37th), and former Alexandria Mayor Allison Silberberg.

“Freedom is something that people take for granted until they lose it, and here on this soil people came to Alexandria because people knew they would be free,” Bah said. “They knew the Union would protect them, and we’re here to honor them.”

In 1861, Union General Benjamin Franklin Butler declared former slaves contraband of war, effectively providing protection, work, and freedom. Word spread fast throughout the south and soon thousands of for-

mer slaves were showing up at Union strongholds seeking asylum.

“It created a humanitarian crisis for the city, an occupied city at war. There wasn’t enough food, clothing, or housing for these people, and many died very, very young.

Many of the burials here, more than half are children under the age of 16,” said Audrey Davis, executive director of the Alexandria Black History Museum. “It was through a lot of dedication and hard work, through com-

Horses and Hounds 9:00 am-4:00 pm George Washington’s Mount Vernon 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Watch a simulated fox hunt demonstration on the estate of the Father of the American foxhound!

Unlike in Washington’s time, no foxes will be hurt during this demonstration. A bag containing animal scent will be taken on a course and when one hound picks up the scent, the hunt is on. Observe a cavalry demonstration before meeting the breeds that Washington loved so much. Learn about the role these animals played in the American Revolution and even meet Nelson, a horse similar to Washington’s beloved warhorse. Included in admission. www.mountvernon.org/horseshounds

Alexandria City Councilman John Chapman.

munity activists in the city of Alexandria, to work together to create this memorial that honors the over 1,700 men, women and children buried at the site. And tonight we honor them. We give them the dignity and death that they were denied in life. They came to Alexandria seeking freedom, but unfortunately did not get to live long in it.”

The Rev. Marc Lavarin of Alfred Street Baptist Church, said that the fifth anniversary of the opening of the memorial should remind visitors

about the importance of history in the days ahead.

“Let us never forget that this ground that we’re standing upon is holy and sacred ground,” Lavarin said. “See, we fail to remember when we continue to seek to put policy in front of people, we fail to remember when our unjust laws forget our calls to remember, we fail to remember when we ignore the most important race is the human race.”

OCTOBER 2019

VINEYARDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

mony House B&B, owners Carl and Donna Hendrickson took over the property two years ago. There are five luxury suites boasting panoramic views of the Blue Ridge mountain range. The Old Rag Room, named for that iconic peak, is a particular favorite.

Currently, Carl and Donna let only three of the five suites, pending a Special Use Permit appeal. But Skyline Vineyard Inn was named 2019 Best Boutique Hotel in the Wash-

MUSIC & ARTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

fasts (vegan menu available) are of turpentine transports me served. The room conjures up right back to those times. fantasies of a Clue-game murI majored in sculpture in der mystery, a Harry Potter my senior year. My final piece themed birthday, or a Game was titled “Faith Restrained.” of Thrones finale soirée. The It’s a good thing it was phobreakfast is inspired and plentographed before it went into tiful, with locally roasted cofthe kiln, because it didn’t fee kept on hand day and night make it back out. An air bubalongside freshly-baked chocble probably. I was sad, but olate chip cookies and browneven then I knew that makies kept warm by some ing it was more important unimaginable magic! than having it.

Virginia and other My mom said that Music fine wines as well as & Art ruined me. I think it craft beer are kept in saved me. Take a quiet kid the honor bar of the lounge. The suites are so luxurious that leaving the room is practically unthinkable. The expansive grounds with a lush garden, orCONTINUED FROM PAGE 23 chard, and woodland amphitheater are pertwo years. Incidentally, all of fect for outdoor wedthe construction equipment dings outside of many of the Met50 West Vineyards ro stations will go away over in Middleburg, sisthe course of the next several ter winery of Sunset Photo: Kelly MacConomy months.

Hills, borders the Bri- View of Old Rag through the wine glass Metro General Manager ar Patch B&B. A busy at Little Washington Winery.

Paul Wiedefeld said that the wedding and special platform renovation projects occasion venue sharwere complex. ing the pastoral hillside prop- ington Region, so it’s most “It was an engineering feat erty with 50 West (a favorite likely that the Inn will be fully within itself, so it took a little nuptial and special event spot operational again soon. Mean- bit of time, but overall went itself ) surprises first-time visi- time, book now for peak fall extremely well,” Wiedefeld tors. The quarter mile dirt and holiday dates.

Carl and Donna are also road appears to go on endowners and winemakers of lessly, until suddenly revealLittle Washington Winery on ing a breathtaking view of Bull Christmas Tree Lane, conveRun Mountain and Chrysalis niently located across the knoll Vineyards nestled in the valley from their inn.

They offer vaacross Route 50 West.

Cana Winery is just a min- rietals and blends with the Litute up the road, with Green- tle Washington label (designed hill Vineyards even closer to by Donna) and wine from all the village, and Boxwood is 50 states and around the world. just outside. The historic Red Yes, even Arizona! Their bestFox Inn & Tavern, dating to selling Meritage blend George, named for the General and first bottled for the winery opening on 11/11/11, has won awards for the most outstanding Virginia red wine.

George remains a widely acclaimed and routinely sold-out bottle from the little winery named for the town that our first president himself surveyed in July 1749.

Donna and Carl have shops in Little Washington and Charlottesville that pair hand-selected boxed chocolates, LitPhoto: Kelly MacConomy tle Washington wine, The rose garden of Stone Manor Bouand other winery/artique Inn. tisan retail fare. Wine Loves Chocolate is a 1728, has been a retreat for the quaint space on Main Street well-heeled traveler since bewithin sight of the world-refore George Washington. And nowned Inn at Little Washfor the ultimate in pampering, the resplendent Salamander ington, founded by 5-star Chef Resort is in the center of town, Patrick O’Connell. The wine list at that Inn reads more like a yet seemingly an ocean away.

Farther along the wine roads phone book, but you will disless travelled, Skyline Vine- cover Virginia wines alongside yard Inn is in Rappahannock the Petrus and Montrachet.

METRO

who feels that she doesn’t quite fit in, surround her with kids like her, and seemingly all of a sudden she finds her voice. If you think you hear me advocating for funding for the arts, you hear right.

I graduated from M&A when I was still 16 and left Brooklyn for Washington, D.C. as soon as I turned 18. While still in New York I worked for the Brooklyn Navy Yard and went to Brooklyn College four nights a week and to the Brooklyn Museum Art School on the fifth. I married soon after relocating to D.C. I was 18. I had a four children, di-

vorced (twice), worked for the official Air Force Photo Library (where I learned about archiving photographs), and then for 11 years as executive assistant to the director of an association of state agencies on Capitol Hill. After taking a photography class at Northern Virginia Community College for fun, I fell in love with my camera and started my own photography business. That marriage stuck.

Though I haven’t made it back to M&A for a reunion, I’ve reunited with the artist in me. These days I’m combining sculpture and photography and creating mosaic art.

said. “We had very fortunate weather, and we want to thank our customers and local businesses around these stations. I know that it was tough for them.”

Pat McNutt lives three blocks from the Braddock Road station. Like many, she started her day a half an hour early, and she was forced to take a shuttle from the Braddock Road Station to Crystal City. She also said that the shuttles amounted to a cost savings of roughly $1 a day.

“It was a struggle, but I made it,” McNutt said. “It wasn’t too bad. The shut-

tle buses after the first couple of weeks ran very well, so I would walk here as usual, jump on the bus. The only issue was getting dumped off at Crystal City, going down three escalators and getting on the train, trying to get to Federal Triangle.”

Fred George has been a newspaper hawker for the Washington Post was 14 years, and he greeted McNutt like as an old friend and handed her a newspaper.

“All right, Pat. Have a good day. I’ll see you tomorrow morning,” George said.

Impress Beyond Words

County. Formerly the HarOCTOBER 2019

Alexandria’s Fabulous Designer for Over 30 Years

(703) 684-6650

royce@royceflowers.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 45 THE ZEBRA PRESS

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HOOD

IN

A Mile in Her Shoes STEPHANIE LASURE’S EPIC #EVERYSINGLESTREET END RUN

BY KELLY MACCONOMY To Run Across A Place Is To Truly Know A Place.

Old Town ultrarunner and über-accountant Stephanie Lasure began a journey of many miles last November—her quest to run every street in Alexandria—by running off a Thanksgiving repast. She was inspired by professional ultrarunner guru Rickey Gates, who on November 1, 2018 began a run of the streets of San Francisco.

The #everysinglestreet movement has since gone viral, with runners spanning the globe, from California to Brazil, South Africa to New Zealand, Germany and now to Virginia.

“I can tell you that my run-

Photos: Kelly MacConomy

Above: Ultrarunner Stephanie Lasure and the #EVERYSINGLESTREET Crew at the start of the final mile run.

At left: Crossing the Finish Line at Market Square!

Below: Victory!

ning-world community was amazing these last 10 months,” Stephanie says, “from my everyday group of running friends to my wider group of running friends, circling from Wyoming to Vegas to California to the online community of #everysinglestreet. There is nothing more rewarding than lacing up a pair of running shoes and hitting the streets. It will change your life and it certainly has mine.”

Stephanie’s quest, as daunting as it may seem to armchair athletes as well as most fitness fanatics, was not a straightforward cake walk. Over the year, injuries and some other most-excellent-adventure interruptions set back the finale, such as running the Great Wall of China and trekking the High Sierra Trail this past August.

But on Saturday, September 21, at 8:00 a.m., Stephanie

Running the Great Wall of China.

44 ZEBRA PRESS

and a group of supportive friends and fans assembled at the “Mirror, Mirror” installation in Waterfront Park for the final mile. Beginning at the park boundary on Prince Street, the last run took place on a weather-perfect, end-of-summer morning while dodging farmers market vans, road-closure barriers, and King Street Art Festival set-up crews.

Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson, a dedicated runner himself, plans to commemorate Stephanie’s achievement with a proclamation at City Hall sometime in the near future.

Stephanie has managed to navigate streets, alleys, cul-desacs, terraces, backroads, and avenues of every kind: asphalt, dirt or gravel (under construction), brick or cobblestone. If it

had a name and was mapped, Stephanie pounded the pavement for all the 15-plus square miles of Port

CONTINUED ON PAGE 47

The final mile route map sketch through Old Town ending at Market Square.

Photo: Stephanie Lasure

OCTOBER 2019

PICK OF THE MONTH

TRICK OR TREATING ON S. LEE STREET Art at Alexandria’s 2019 Africa FEST.

AFRICA FEST CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 to get better.”

There were also a number of embassies that promoted the event and participated, including the Embassy of the Central African Republic, the Embassy of Cote d’lvoire, the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Embassy of the Republic of Gambia.

Alexandria City Council-

VINEYARDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43 Something for every taste and checkbook. Don’t be shy. Ask questions. The sommelier will gently steer you in the right direction.

But should the Inn be booked for your dinner date, there’s always the enchanting Gay Street Inn, a short stroll to the end of Gay Street. And for a more relaxed and private, home away from home, LeFay Cottage down the hill from the Little Washington Winery offers elegant French Provincial décor complemented by British country house shabby chic and the personal comforts of a private concierge. Forbes magazine spotlighted LeFay Cottage as one of seven Eastern U.S. country retreats to escape to this summer.

With over 250 registered wineries and counting in the Old Dominion, there’s

9/11 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22 tion, you know that time is precious for anyone running into those buildings to help, and it’s important that you give them the training and resources they need to do the job.”

Brown was chief of the California Highway Patrol in Los Angeles at the time of the attack, and watched the live news reports while sitting in Los Angeles International Airport waiting to get on a flight. Forty five minutes after watching the second crash he was firmly situated in the OCTOBER 2019

man John Chapman marched as the flags of the 55 participating countries in the African Union were paraded around the recreation center gymnasium.

“This is my second time coming to this event, and I love it,” Chapman said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for the city to recognize and celebrate the African Diaspora, especially the community members who come from it directly or are descended from it.”

no shortage of places to go.

Founding Fathers and winemakers George Washington and Thomas Jefferson would be wide-eyed and tickled Madeira to discover there are now seven AVA (American Viticultural Area) wine regions in our state currently producing 62 varietals. Former Governor Terry McAuliffe proudly lays claim to opening more wineries, breweries, and distilleries during his tenure than any other Virginia governor. Hail and huzzah to the chief!

In this, the 50th anniversary of the “Virginia is for Lovers” campaign, Virginia is indisputably for wine lovers, north to south, east to west, from mountain to shore. While you are out on those wine country back roads finding your vine, stop and smell the rosés. Linger awhile. Find your stay. Virginia innkeepers are waiting to welcome you. The bottle is open. Oh, the wineries you will go!

city’s emergency operations center.

“We spent the next 10 days chasing down many events and following alleged threats, and at the same time watching the fallout,” said Brown, who would later discover he knew four people who perished. “It is a small world. The thing that I think about is how we later came together as a people, and we were warmed by each other. The heroes of the day were about preserving others, and not caring about themselves. I remember saying a prayer that the first responders would survive, and they didn’t blink. They were running in.”

Are you into unforgettable experiences?

We thought so. You’ll absolutely love celebrating Halloween on S. Lee Street in Old Town.

The street is usually blocked off at King St. and Lee, and the annual tradition has grown to epic proportions, with thousands of kids and their parents dressed in so many cool costumes it’ll make your head spin! You’ll be glad that you arrived in a costume yourself, and brought along evPhoto by James Cullum eryone in the fami- A previous Halloween on Lee St. in Old Town, Alexandria. ly to get exactly what you deserve - awesome The festivities usually start before suncandy from Old Town residents, who have decked out their homes and the entire street down. The Zebra will definitely be there. to make an annual scene that looks like Will you? something from a Hallmark movie.

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THE ZEBRA PRESS

45

Jeff Stryker, Joe Cullum, Nick Greksouk, Mark Ragland and others during the Rebuilding Together fundraiser at The Old Dominion Boat Club.

Above: Delegate Mark Levine, Senator Mark Warner at the home of hosts Susie Saffelle and her husband Coach Mike Hughes with an unexpected fire smoldering behind them.

At left: Spotted Mike BonDurant, Kris Gilbertson and Dick Bursch with Natalia Kemska (server) and Margaret Staples (Manager) at Table Talk.

At right: Mom’s Consignment Sale was warmly welcomed by Pastor Grace Han and Philip Reynolds at Trinity UMC.

Robert Coontz, Jolene Jesse, Alice Rogalski, William Rogalski and Scott Knudsen at the Native Virginia Plant Sale.

At right: Stormie Ramer and her adorable daughter, Isla, shopping at Giant.

At left: General Manager Felicia Sasfai Assistant with Owner Paul Haire of The Dog Store/Your Dog’s Best Friends, sponsors of the Alexandria Annual Dog Swim.

Above: Rowena Garcia Martelino at The Old Town Farmers Market with her handmade jewelry.

Scene Around Town

Photos by Lucelle O’Flaherty.

46 ZEBRA PRESS

Hope Lauren Peele, Jason Burke, Buzz Peele, Kim Corbett Peele and Rosie Peele at the “Buzz Peele Retires from Trader Joe’s After 18 Years Party” held at Sunday in Saigon.

OCTOBER 2019

DOWNTON CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36 His three coming-of-marital-age daughters, along with his affluent American bride, would be put out in the event of his untimely passing. The estate is now deemed to be in the hands of the unassuming barrister from Manchester, who is welcomed to Downton with warily open arms in the company of his rather indomitable and ambitious mother.

Skip ahead to 2019, or rather 1927. The King and Queen of England are coming for dinner and a parade while touring York, including a night’s stay at Downton Abbey. The seasoned staff downstairs is all atwitter at the prospect of serving the royals, as are the only modestly more insouciant Lord and Lady, she being an American and as unabashedly giddy as a schoolgirl.

Dame Maggie Smith reprises her inimitable portrayal of the Dowager Countess Violet Crowley, asp-tongued matriarch of the Grantham clan.

Smith delivers the sardonic repartee and witticisms as only she can, getting the out-loud laughs we all wish we could contrive in as timely and clever a fashion.

MILE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 44 City. The detailed map she acquired from City Hall is displayed prominently in her Old Town home. Over ten months she has colored in the streets completed, sharing her progress on social media and with anyone who asked.

Her progress was documented by Strava (the mobile app and website for serious runners and cyclists) in order to archive the run and share the data with compatriot ultrarunners and #everysinglestreet wannabes.

Already having numerous marathons and several ultramarathons to her credit, Stephanie elected to be less structured about routing her #everysinglestreet runs. In a city, a run typically encom-

SCOOTERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41 my patio,” he said.

Remember during the spring when it seemed like Old Town was inundated with spent scooters? Kirzner said it’s because the bounties on the scooters went to $3 per vehicle, and soon the city found itself full of scooters that nobody was willing to pick up.

He has a photo of the hunOCTOBER 2019

Photo courtesy of Lee-Fendall House

What connection does the Lee-Fendall House have with Downton Abbey? Find out!

At a sneak preview at AMC Hoffman 22 Theater on September 12, local Downton aficionados gathered in period attire to celebrate the return of their favourites from the revered Brit series. Retired Alexandria librarian and historical interpreter Steven Mark Diatz, was dressed to the nines. “It was entertaining and picturesque and could have gone on for a third hour,” he said, “and any new plot twist would have been savoured. I give it the highest praise, that all Photo: Steven Mark Diatz Downton fans will be imDowntoners at AMC Hoffman received pressed and satisfied.” souvenir commemorative snow globes at In Old Town, the Leethe preview.

passes 8 to 12 square blocks per mile. But Alexandria streets vary widely, due to quaint colonial origins transitioning to planned community development. On one day, Stephanie may have run a mere three miles. Other days, she could easily travel six or more, should the mood strike and the scenery inspire.

“I finished (#everysinglestreet ) with 330 miles over 10 months,” Stephanie says.

“I really and truly did not want this to end.”

So what’s next for Stephanie Lasure? “I’m going to let a running friend who has so entertained me these last months be my guide,” she adds. “She gets to decide what we’re going to run for the next ten months, and I am just going to tuck in behind her.”

dreds of drained scooters in a screenshot on a map on his phone.

“Old Town was like a disaster area, and I refused to come down here,” he said. “They were going to pay as little as possible and were testing the market, like college towns where they can get away with stuff like this by charging a small amount that kids can charge for beer money, or whatever.”

“I’m actually making more

Fendall House and Garden feted the occasion with a special Downton soirée on September 28. The film was not screened, but ticketed guests were cordially received by staff at “Downton Abbey: The Movie Celebration.” The event offered a trivia contest, a scavenger hunt, tutorials in formal antique table service, photo opps about the house, upstairs and down, and refreshments that would meet with Mr. Carson’s approval!

Downton Abbey returns to Lee-Fendall House this fall with ongoing

themed tours spotlighting the connection between Lee-Fendall and Highclere Castle in Hampshire, England, where the movie and telly series were filmed. The current owner of Highclere, Lord George Herbert, 8th Earl of Carnarvon, is a direct descendent of the original owner of the LeeFendall home. Tours are Sundays in October at 2:00 p.m., with tickets available through Eventbrite at $25 for adults and $15 for members and Downtoners under 16.

It’s always the rub to condense what is normally experienced over several weeks into a 120-minute experience.

Picking up where series viewers were left, without resurrecting anyone from the grave, and creating several subplots played quite well. Both diehard Downtoners and newbies to the series will find the time spent with this film diverting and engaging. It’s one jolly-good show! Meantime, all signs, as in dollar signs, point toward a sequel, indicating franchise potential.

Fans are already poised in anticipation of the encore, dispelling once and for all the old adage, “You can’t go home again.” Quite right! Indeed the welcome mat is out. Tea anyone?

At left: Marian Van Landingham speaks at the Torpedo Factory’s 45th anniversary celebration.

Below: (Left to right) Alexandria City Councilman Mo Seifeldein, Rep. Don Beyer (D-8th), Mayor Justin Wilson, and Megan Beyer.

Photos: James Cullum

TORPEDO FACTORY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32 up, my mom didn’t have a lot of money and so a place like this was a place that she brought us and allowed us to kind of see more of the world, frankly, because you have artists from all over, that are coming here and producing amazing art,” he said.

now than when I first started because there’s less competition and there’s less fraud,” Kirzner said. “People come out in the morning and think the scooters have been lined up like it’s magic. I mean, the reality is there’s a whole like army of people, whether it’s actual company employees or it’s these independent folks like me all running around making the system work.”

Kirzner was walking out of his office in Arlington for

lunch last fall when he first saw a Bird scooter parked on the sidewalk. He’d read about them online, and after going back to work downloaded the Bird app on his phone.

“They were asking if I wanted to make money as a charger. Why not? So, I signed up and a week later Bird sent me three scooter chargers, which are like AC adaptors,” he said. “I have encountered the whole spectrum of people that do this, from retired people to

younger college kids. There are some people who own cargo vans, and that means you’re picking up 30 to 40 scooters at a time. I mean, you do the math, and you can do multiples of these runs. Like, there are some times when if I’m going full, full on with this, I can do like 20 scooters tonight.”

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Explore Information Resources n Dora Kelley Nature Park, www.alexandriava.gov/ NatureCenter n Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve: www.nps.gov/gwmp; Friends of Dyke Marsh, www.fodm.org n Huntley Meadows Park: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ parks/huntley-meadows; Friends of Huntley Meadows Park, www.fohmp.org n The Great Marsh: www.fws. gov/refuge/mason_neck/; Friends of Mason Neck State Park, friendsofmasonneckstateparkinc.wildapricot.org/ n Julie J. Metz Neabsco Creek Preserve: www.pwcgov. org/government/dept/park/ hp/Pages/Metz-Wetlands. aspx n Wetlands Information: www.chesapeakebay.net/ discover/field-guide/ marshes_wetlands/all/all

The Dyke Marsh boardwalk extends to the Potomac River.

All photos by Glenda C. Booth

The Watery Wonderlands of Northern Virginia

BY GLENDA C. BOOTH In the woods at the bottom of a hill, a few blocks from clusters of apartments and townhouses on North Beauregard Street, a lush wetland is alive with bullfrogs, green frogs, red slider turtles, spotted salamanders, and whitetail dragonflies amid marsh plants like pickerelweed and jewelweed. It is a watery green respite within Alexandria’s 50-acre Dora Kelly Nature Park.

There’s a lot going on in Northern Virginia’s wetlands. Snakes slither, fish forage, cattails nod in the breeze, beavers build, birds migrate through, and dragonflies zip around. Wetlands are dynamic ecosystems so rich in biodiversity that Kirk Havens, Virginia Institute of Marine Science biologist, calls them biological supermarkets. “In an area the size of an average desktop,” he says, “there can be as many as 8,300 animals.”

People, too, have often found wetlands inviting. A September 15, 1931 Washington Post article recounts that

48 ZEBRA PRESS

police raided Gus Quayle’s There were once extensive place in Dyke Marsh, just marshes in parts of Camsouth of Alexandria on eron Run and Hunting the Potomac River’s Creek too.

Virginia shoreWhat is a wetland? line, after watching Quayle pull We t l a n d s liquor out of are transithe river bottion zones betom and make tween water a sale. They and land: wet found 138 land.

They bottles in guncan be wet seany sacks of supsonally or all posed homeyear. Water is brew. the dominant facThe wetlands that tor in determining lined the Potomac the type of soil, plants, River often were jungley and animals. Wetlands hideaways for many exist from the tunvice trades and lawdra to the tropics, dodging miscreants. Above: Trees falling into the river signal the severe on every continent In the first half of erosion of Dyke Marsh. except Antarctica. the 20th century, a They are also called squatter and trapper known Washington mapped marsh- marshes, swamps, fens, or as Cig Dodson had several es and flats in areas that be- bogs. mysterious enterprises go- came Alexandria City. In In contrast to uplands or ing on in Dyke Marsh. The 1762, Alexandria got the fast land, wetlands are pridense vegetation, where Virginia General Assembly’s mary habitat for animals like state and local jurisdictional approval to fill some two beavers, muskrats, and wood lines blurred, provided per- acres of shoreline wetlands ducks and plants like cattails, fect cover for nefarious and to accommodate growing wild rice, arrowhead, and clandestine adventures. commerce. Late in the 18th swamp rose. Long-legged The Old Town waterfront century, the City reclaimed wading birds such as herons also had wetlands. As a sur- land to create Union Street and egrets forage in wetveyor’s aide, young George by filling in the shoreline. lands. They are fish nurser-

ies.

Potomac River wetlands are stopover sites for birds migrating in the fall, including black-and-white, magnolia, and yellow-rumped warblers; blue-winged teals and sharp-shinned hawks; scarlet tanagers and yellow-billed cuckoos. In autumn, many wetlands plants die back or go dormant, but some birds stay for the winter, like winter wrens, American black ducks, and swamp sparrows. Bald eagles that nested north of Virginia winter here.

What is their value?

Why should we care about these murky, wild places?

Often called “nature’s kidneys,” wetlands improve water quality by filtering out pollutants, they absorb floodwaters like sponges, and they attenuate tidal energy and stem erosion.

For centuries, people viewed wetlands as stagnant muck holes exuding foul odors, breeding mosquitoes, and harboring mysterious creatures. The “dark quiv-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 49 OCTOBER 2019

ering mire” set the scene for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s 1902 book, The Hound of the Baskervilles. People drained wetlands and filled them, or used them as dumps.

But in Northern Virginia, some wetlands have endured despite the draining and filling; the digging, dumping, and poaching; the pollution, invasive species, and endless trash. We know now that they must be protected.

The City of Alexandria is planning to build the Potomac Yards Metro Station in a wetland within the Potomac Greens Scenic Easement. Although the permitting process is well advanced, this plan continues to be opposed by the Environmental Council of Alexandria, among others, and needs further permitting, for which people can still submit comments (see sidebar).

Following are five important wetlands areas to visit in our region:

Fairfax County’s Huntley Meadows Park wetland is not tidal. In Virginia, around 75 percent of wetlands are nontidal. The centerpiece of the 1,500-acre park is the 50acre, freshwater wetland in a lowland carved out by an ancient Potomac River meander. Over years, the land was ditched, farmed, and used by the federal government until 1975 when President Gerald Ford authorized the donation of 1,261 acres “exclusively for public park or public recreation purposes in perpetuity.” Fairfax County paid $1.00 for it.

In the late 1970s, beavers built a dam across Barnyard Run. This created a swamp and flooded forest that changed the shallow wet lowland into what is called a

A beaver dam in the Huntley Meadows Park wetland.

Dyke Marsh Dyke Marsh, just south of Alexandria, was called Hell Hole in the 1800s. It has tidal and freshwater marsh, swamp forest, and floodplain habitats. “Hell Hole is a grand wild place,” opined the Alexandria Gazette in 1858.

In 1947, Louis J. Halle biked from Washington, D.C., at dawn to watch Dyke Marsh awaken and wrote that it was the “nearest thing to primeval wilderness” in the area.

In 1959, Congress added the 485-acre Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve to the national park system “so that fish and wildlife development and their preservation as wetland wildlife habitat shall be paramount.” Dyke Marsh has 300 known species of plants, 6,000 arthropods, 38 fish, 16 reptiles, 14 amphibians, and more than 230 birds. We know that parts of it are 2,000 years old.

It was once one of largest tidal and freshwater marshes in the Washington area, but its marsh habitat has shrunk to a fragile remnant of less than 60 acres. Smoot Sand & Gravel Corporation dredged and hauled away around 270 acres of the marsh from 1940 to 1972, destabilizing the system and changing it “from a semistable net depositional environment into a strongly erosional one,” concluded the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Erosion eats away almost two acres a year, at an accelerating rate which means it will be gone by 2035. At last, the National Park Service has started stabilizing and restoring the marsh.

Huntley Meadows Unlike

OCTOBER 2019

Dyke

Marsh,

Volunteers struggle to move a sofa out of Dyke Marsh.

A great egret forages in Dyke Marsh.

hemi-marsh. Because of several factors, the wetland lost some water depth, plants, and animals. Park managers decided to return it to a hemi-marsh to support species like Virginia rails, spotted turtles, green tree frogs, muskrats, American eels, and crayfish and more plants like bladderwort, bur reed, blue flag iris, and duck potato. Contractors built an earthen dam with controls to raise and lower the water.

Every year, more than 200,000 people visit this This red-eared slider turtle in the Dora Kelly Nature Park’s wetwetland, the largest of its land is an introduced species.

Building the Potomac Yard Metro Station in a Wetland The City of Alexandria still needs several permits to disturb or alter wetlands. For the City’s information on the project, visit www.alexandriava.gov/potomacyard/default. aspx?id=101657.

The State Water Control Board approved Alexandria’s permit on September 6, 2019, with “conditions to ensure no net loss of wetlands and requires compensation for permanent and temporary impacts.” See www.deq.virginia.gov/ConnectWithDEQ/NewsReleases/SWCB90619.aspx.

The City also need a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ permit. The public can submit comments to Theresita Crockett-Augustine at theresita.m.crockett-augustine@usace.army. mil or Ms. Crockett-Augustine at Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 18139 Triangle Shopping Center, Dumfries, VA 22026.

Alexandria’s Board of Architectural Review is reviewing station plans and will hold a work session or public hearing. For the schedule, check their docket at www.alexandriava.gov/Preservation#DocketsWebcastsandStaffReports or call 703-746- 3833. The public can send comments to preservation@alexandriava.gov and/or speak at their meetings.

The Environmental Council of Alexandria opposes siting the station in Alexandria wetlands. To learn more about their efforts, visit www.facebook.com/ECA2018/.

kind and a rarity in urbanizing Northern Virginia. Ambling along the boardwalk that winds over the water, visitors delight in seeing diving and dabbling waterfowl, herons, snakes, turtles, beaver lodges, raptors, and other birds, and wetland plants like cattails and button bush.

The Great Marsh Mason Neck’s 250-acre Great Marsh abuts the Potomac River in southern Fairfax County, part of the Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge was established specifically to protect the bald eagle in 1969, a time when the number of eagle pairs had plummeted nationally to fewer than 500. Bald eagles, beavers, and muskrats thrive in the marsh. Ducks, raptors, and songbirds stop during fall and spring migrations.

In winter, ducks like hooded mergansers and northern pintails, tundra swans, and geese lure visitors.

Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge In the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, where the Occoquan Riv-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 56 THE ZEBRA PRESS

49

OCTOBER PUZZLERS

Movie Madness

1

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Nettle 1963 Steve McQueen classic Scrooge’s cry Surrounding glows Wedding helper Robin Cook thriller 1959 David Niven, Shirley MacLaine romance 1958 Glenn Ford, Ernest Borgnine war drama Wine sediment Come to pass Dusk, to Donne Stockholders’ wishes Quite a party 1941 Disney animated family fare Compass dir.

Eye rakishly 1989 Morgan Freeman, Jessica Tandy comedy drama Marathon Map abbr.

Manila bean

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 21 22 24 27 30 31 32 33 34 35 39 40

Makes loud demands Linda of Dante’s Peak Modeled Stage hog Gibbon, for one Vacation spot Luau souvenir Puerto Rico’s capital Sign of life Caspian Sea feeder Shoestring Wapiti Bored Egyptian snakes Challenge Resting places Small pouch Rushes 1977 Woody Allen, Diane Keaton comedy Shrew Storage space If He Walked Into My Life musical Etcher’s need 1995 Kathy Bates crime drama Assist in crime

41 43 45 47 48 49 50 52 57 59 60 61 63 65 69 71 73 74 76 78 81 82 84 86

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88 Shipping hazard 89 Walkie-talkie word 91 1948 Moira Shearer musical, The ___ 93 Ceremony 95 Unsophisticated 96 Mauna ___ 98 Swiss city 101 Larger ___ life 102 Dil Pickles’s dad on Rugrats 104 Bellyache 106 Posterior part of the mandible 107 Top Tatar 108 Garbage 109 ___ Park, Colo.

111 Not in port 112 Hawaiian strings 114 Helix 115 Priest’s robe 116 Bearded beast 117 Belief system 118 Irritation 119 Sign of summer 121 Kind of trip 122 Nobelist Hammarskjold

PuzzleJunction.co

To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

4 5 6 3

9 6 3

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ANSWERS ON PAGE 74

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Copyright ©2019 PuzzleJunction.com

50 ZEBRA PRESS

OCTOBER 2019

Photo: Erica Barker

Little Alexandria

The writer with her little one.

By Erica Barker

It’s time for pumpkins and hayrides and fall family fun!

BY ERICA BARKER Welcome to fall festival season! Two of my favorites, both in Virginia, are the Fall Festival and Pumpkin Playground at Burke Nursery in Burke and the Cox Farms Fall Festival in Centreville. Both are great places to spend the day with the family, bust out your best flannel shirts, and get your pumpkins to take home.

Burke Nursery’s Fall Festival and Pumpkin Playground is a great event for the younger set. They have lots of activities like fun slides, lots of things to climb, play trains, hayrides, and more. The festival also has face painting and a pumpkin balloon house, and we always Photos: Erica Barker enjoy saying hello to the farm Above: Everyone can get their fill of pumpkins this month! animals.

At right: My original baby enjoys the fall season too!

I especially like that this festival does not get overcrowded, so it isn’t overwhelming for the pumpkin to take home, you can enlittle ones, despite the many fun ac- joy all the classic festival favorites: Here are my top picks tivities. Don’t forget to collect your hayrides, farm animals and their ba- for your upcoming weekends: pumpkin on the way out. It’s in- bies, rope swings, giant slides, and October 12: Head down to Watercluded with the admission fee. themed play areas. front Park for the Portside in Old The Fall Festival and PumpIf you have older kids or really Town Fall Festival. This free festikin Playground is located at Burke patient younger ones, take a shot at val features live music, local food Nursery and Garden Center, 9401 exploring the massive corn maze, and beverages, and kids’ activities Burke Road, Burke, Virginia, and called the Cornundrum Cornfield the festival runs from October 1 Adventure. The festival also fea- focused on maritime history. We through 31. Weekday admission is tures live entertainment, local ap- always enjoy these Portside events and Waterfront Park is the perfect $10 per person, weekends and Co- ples, and fresh cider. lumbus Day are $15 per person The Cox Farms Festival runs spot to spread a blanket for a picnic, (kids 2 and under free). More info through November 5 and is locat- run around with the kids, and enat www.pumpkinplayground.com/ ed at 15621 Braddock Rd, Centrev- joy the music. The festival is located The Cox Farms Fall Festival is a ille. Tickets range in price from $7 at 1 Prince Street, Alexandria, from massive event that is a must-do for to $20 per person depending on the 1:00 – 7:00 p.m.

October 19 – 20: Mount Vernon families with little ones looking for a date and time of your visit (kids 2 hosts Fall Harvest Family Days this fun fall adventure. Located in Cen- and under free). More info at coxtreville, this festival is well worth the drive. It has something for everyone. In addition to getting your

OCTOBER 2019

weekend. This event features horse-drawn wagon rides, colonial games, live music, and more for the price of regular admission to Mount Vernon.

October 27: For a special Halloween event, enjoy the 23rd Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade from 2:00 – 4:00

pm. The parade goes down Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray and anyone can join in the fun. Dress up your kids, and decorate their strollers, and strut your stuff on The Avenue.

Erica Barker is the founder of littleoldtown.com, where she shares fun activities in the Alexandria area for parents and kids and she enjoys exploring the local area while keeping her toddler entertained.

farms.com/fall-festival/

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51

October 2019

Del Ray DOINGS

Issue 42

The Del Ray Docket October 4 – 27 Art Inspired by The Twilight Zone Exhibit Del Ray Artisans 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue Visit delrayartisans.org for gallery hours Del Ray Artisans present an art and photography show featuring art inspired by The Twilight Zone.

October 11 The Great Del Ray Poetry Reading St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mount Vernon Avenue 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Alexandria’s Biggest Halloween Celebration

Photo: Will Niccolls

Batman, Robbie and Friends won the award for Most Humorous in the stroller competition. The group is a three-time parade award winner; several members of the group visit from out of state to participate in the parade, “and are real full-time crime fighters and educators as well,” said Sandra Radice-Haley.

With a Halloween parade drawing over 7,500 ghouls and goblins — plus a flurry of long-standing community traditions surrounding the parade — Halloween is Del Ray’s biggest holiday. Here are five ways to celebrate: Get In The Spirit: For over 30 years, local residents and businesses have gone all out decorating for Halloween, competing for bragging rights for the best decorated house and business. Join the fun! To nominate a home or business, email the street addresses to delrayhalloweenparade@yahoo.com by noon on

October 20—and you can nominate your own haunted house!

Get in the Halloween spirit by visiting the top ten nominees for best decorated house. The map will available the week before the parade at www.visitdelray.com.

Dog lovers: be sure to follow @dogsdelray on Facebook for details on community dog walks to check out the decked out houses.

Give Back: Help ensure that each child in our community has a happy Halloween. The Del Ray Business Association will host a

free costume distribution for children in need on Saturday, October 26 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center. New or gently used costumes can be dropped off at the Pat Miller Neighborhood Square (at the intersection of Mount Vernon & E. Oxford Avenues) or on the porch at 110 E. Del Ray by Friday, October 25.

Halloween Parade: The main event—the 23rd Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade—will take place on Sunday, October 27 at 2:00

CONTINUED ON PAGE 53

Poets and poetry lovers of all ages are invited to join Del Ray’s vibrant poetry reading series at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub. All poets are welcome to read original and published works.

October 12, 19, 26 Del Ray Farmers’ Market The Pat Miller Neighborhood Square, located at the intersection of Oxford and Mount Vernon Avenue 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

This year-round market features fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheeses, breads, fresh pasta, baked goods, cut flowers, and more.

October 12 Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market 1900 Mount Vernon Avenue The monthly outdoor market features multiple vendors offering treasures, useful items, and great deals for all.

October 27 23rd Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade Along Mount Vernon Avenue 2:00 p.m.

A favorite Del Ray tradition! All are welcome to march in the parade along Mount Vernon Avenue, which begins at E. Bellefonte and ends with a party at the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center fields featuring live music, free refreshments, games, awards, and more. The event is free and open to all. For more information, including categories for the costume contests, visit www.visitdelray.com/halloween. Free costume distribution for children in need on Saturday, October 26 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center.

THIS JUST IN AT PRESS TIME: The Evening Star Cafe, 2000 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria is hosting the final 4th Sunday Film Night of the year at the end of the month. On October 27 they will be screening several short horror films, locally produced, upstairs at the Number 9 Lounge in anticipation of Halloween.

Admission is free. Screenings start at 5:30 pm with the bar and kitchen opening at 5:00.

Photo: Will Niccolls

The T.C. Williams Zombie Band leads the Del Ray Halloween Parade.

52 ZEBRA PRESS

OCTOBER 2019

Del Ray DOINGS

October 2019

Issue 42

Del Ray Farmers’ Market Celebrates 25 Years D

espite neighborthe Del hood square R a y at Mount Farmers’ MarVernon & ket’s growth and Oxford Avepopularity over the nues where the past 25 years—it was market is held was recently named one of named in her honor. the top ten farmers’ marThree farms—Toigo kets in the state—the marOrchards, Golden Goose ket remains a tight-knit Farm, and Biggs Famicommunity. During the ly Farm—have consistentPhoto: DRBA peak season, there are over Toigo Orchards is one of three farms that has participated in the Del Ray ly participated in the marFarmers’ Market since it was established in 1994.

20 booths featuring localket for 25 years. “Del Ray ly grown fruits and vegeFarmers’ Market has the tables, meat, poultry, fish, friendliest customers,” said start. eggs, cheeses, breads, fresh Brenda Goddard of Biggs Along with neighbors, many of the chefs Family Farm. “My parents started going pasta, baked goods, and cut flowers.

Since it was first formed by neighbors and business owners at Del Ray’s top res- to this market 25 years ago, and then my Charles Buki, Karen Johnson, and Den- taurants are regulars on Saturday morn- husband and I took over the family businis Reeder in 1994, the market has be- ings. Holy Cow’s strawberry and peach ness and we have been supported by Del come more than just a Saturday errand. milkshakes and market BLTs are popular Ray from the very start.”

It’s a community gathering place where summer items; Catch on the Ave’s brunch The market celebrated its anniversary neighbors meet and local nonprofits and/ menu features the Pat Miller Square Frit- by publishing the Del Ray Farmers’ Maror school groups host bake sales and in- tata, inspired by the day’s produce haul. ket Cookbook, featuring recipes from formation tables, reflecting the Del Ray Stomping Ground, which prominent- market vendors and volunteers. Copies neighborhood’s commitment to giving ly features market items throughout its are just $10, and available from the volback. Further, at the end of the market menu, often delivers biscuits and coffee to unteer market managers during market day, many farmers donate excess produce vendors. hours.

“What is unique about the Del Ray to local nonprofits serving those in need.

Visit the Del Ray Farmers’ Market at the “Del Ray is a small ‘big city,’ but has a Farmers’ Market is the quality of the food, intersection of Mount Vernon and Oxford deep connection to the community, and and how the farmers have become a vital Avenues every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to they are proud of that,” said Mark Toi- part of the neighborhood,” said Pat Mill- 12:00 p.m. year-round. For more inforgo of Toigo Orchards, one of three farm- er, who has served as the volunteer market mation, visit delrayfarmersmarket.com. ers who have been at the market since the manager for over 20 years. Recently, the

HALLOWEEN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 52 p.m. along Mount Vernon Avenue, starting at Bellefonte Avenue.

The event is free and open to all.

The elaborate entries in the annual stroller contest rival the creativity and design of parade floats, and are often a family-wide, block-wide, or even business-wide effort.

In a neighborhood where pets are

OCTOBER 2019

family, it wouldn’t be Halloween in Del Ray without a canine costume contest. The parade ends at Alexandria’s largest Halloween party, located at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center fields, featuring goodie bags for all children, live music, refreshments, children’s games, and more.

Step Into The Twilight Zone: The Del Ray Artisans’ October exhibit features art inspired by The Twilight Zone, bringing the timeless television show to life through

art and photography. The exhibit runs October 4 through 27, 2019 at Del Ray Artisans gallery, located at 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, and is free and open to all.

Halloween Fun All Month Long: From a Halloween-themed “glow and flow” yoga class (October 25 at 7:00 p.m. at Ease Yoga & Cafe) to a Harvest Festival featuring pumpkin and pint glass painting (October 19 at Hops N Shine), there are so many fun ways to celebrate

fall. Visit www.visitdelray.com for a full round-up.

For the adults in the crowd, don’t miss Evening Star Cafe’s annual bash starting at 8:00 p.m. on Halloween night, featuring costume contests, a DJ, and drink specials!

Get complete details on Halloween in Del Ray, including how to enter the best decorated house or stroller and pet costume contests, at www.visitdelray.com/halloween.

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53

Giving Back News

Jennifer Ayers to Take Helm as Executive Director of ALIVE! THE OLDEST AND LARGEST PRIVATE SAFETY NET FOR ALEXANDRIANS LIVING IN POVERTY AND WITH HUNGER, ALIVE! SERVES THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE EACH MONTH The Board of Directors of ALIVE! appointed Jennifer Ayers as executive director of the nonprofit dedicated to providing emergency and basic needs services to Alexandrians living with poverty and in hunger.

“So much has been accomplished over the last 50 years, but ALIVE!’s important work continues,” said Eric Winakur, president of the ALIVE! board of directors. “As we celebrate this important milestone, ALIVE! has many opportunities for growth. Jennifer is the right person to guide the organization, strengthen ALIVE!’s critical direct service programming and nurture our valuable community relationships.”

Ayers, and Alexandria resi-

Jennifer Ayers, Executive Director of ALIVE! Photo: Courtesy

dent, holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California, and brings to ALIVE! 20 years of experience working and volunteering in the nonprofit sector at the executive level, including serving as the executive director of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering. She has also served as president of Living Legends of Alexandria, in addition to involvement in Alexandria PTAs, Fairlington United Methodist Church and her local civic association “I am honored to have the opportunity to lead ALIVE!. As an Alexandrian, I am very well aware of the important role ALIVE! and its programs play in our City,” said Ayers. “The organization is poised to take the

next, important step in its long history of service. I look forward to be part of the effort to bring ALIVE! to the next level, making a positive difference in the lives of our neighbors in need of food assistance, financial assistance, early education, transitional housing, donated furniture and housewares and other essential services, and working to create a stronger, healthier Alexandria,” Ayers said.

About ALIVE! The oldest and largest private safety net for Alexandrians living in poverty and with hunger, ALIVE! serves thousands of people each month by providing Food, Shelter, Emergency Help and Education. Founded in 1969, ALIVE! is comprised of 45 faith-based organizations and thousands of volunteers, partners and supporters. For more information, please visit www.aliveinc.org or call (703) 8379321.

Jorden Costen Created Safe Space NOVA to Connect LGBTQ Youth to Mentors LGBTQ YOUTH HAVE A SAFE SPACE TO BE THEMSELVES.

BY AMANDA SOCCI It took a while for Jorden Costen to open up. The Alexandrian spent his formative years struggling with his identity. He started to come out of his shell regarding his sexuality in high school and later at Howard University, where he was relieved to be accepted among peers in the LGBTQ community. He started working with LGBTQ students in college, and found how important it was for kids to have something that he never had when he was growing up - a safe space Photo: Beth Monarch to be themselves.

“Kids are uncomfortable Safe Space NOVA executive director Jordan Costen meets with student members of the Gay Straight Alliance at Stonewall Jackson High School in Manassas, Jan. 2019.

GIVE YOURforTWO CENTS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

with sexuality,” Costen told The Zebra. “It’s important to listen to them and their experience.”

The statistics on LGBTQ youth are troubling, as an estimated 77 percent of LGBTQ teens feel depressed, 95 percent have issues sleeping at night, and 95 percent of students reported that their teachers and school staff are supportive, according to a 2017 Human Rights Campaign study.

Costen’s belief in the effectiveness of mentor programs for LGBT youth prompted him to found the non-profit Safe Space NOVA in 2016.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 55 Corner of Braddock Rd. & Mt. Vernon Ave.

Yates Service will donate 2¢/gallon purchased at Yates Automotive in October, to the Vola Lawson Breast Cancer Memorial Fund.

Stop by, fill up and help ensure Alexandria women receive free mamograms and other diagnostic screenings!

54 ZEBRA PRESS

OCTOBER 2019

RunningBrooke Crosses Another Big Finish Line with Four Mile Run Playground’s Ribbon Cutting On Saturday, September 14, 2019, the Four Mile Run Playground held its official opening, which was attended by city and state officials along with a number of sponsors and neighbors. As Brooke Curran said, “It takes a community to build a playground and the community delivered!”

The project is the culmination of a three-year project with The Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities and a number of major corporate sponsors The project started with the revitalization a derelict tennis court. It is now transformed into a beautiful futsal court lined and complete with nets, fences, basketball hoops. The next phase was the planting of three Virginia-native pollinator gardens which align with the Four Mile Run cleanup and restoration act.

And now the new playground (right behind Mom’s Organic Market on Mount Vernon Avenue) is open for thousands of kids living in the neighborhood.

Photos: Lucelle O’Flaherty

Mayor Justin Wilson, Vice Mayor Elizabeth Bennet-Parker, Councilman Canek Aguire, Councilman John Taylor Chapman, Councilwoman Amy Jackson, Councilwoman Del Pepper, Councilman Mo Seifeldein, and Congressman Don Beyer joined RunningBrooke founder, Brooke Curran, and other sponsors and family members to cut the ribbon.

The new playground is filled with modern climbing structures, swings, slides and more.

SAFE SPACE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 54 The organization meets every six to eight weeks and connects mentors with LGBT kids between 14-18 years old.

The nonprofit targets its services to students ages 14 – 18 Prince William County, Fairfax County, Arlington County, and the City of Alexandria.

“I love interacting and working with people,” Costen said. “In 2016, I switched from working behind-thescenes to being in the front.”

Costen was raised in Atlanta, GA, and said that he always felt different than others, but couldn’t bring himself to express his true identity to the outside world. He noted that there was not a single traumatic moment or event that defined his ability to express himself as a member of the LGBT community. Rather, it was a gradual process that slowly built up a level of comfort and confidence. While he isn’t volunteering for Safe Space NOVA for roughly 2530 hours a week on nights and weekends, Costen has a full-time job in information technology account management.

All seven Safe Space NOVA OCTOBER 2019

staffers are volunteers. All donations received go to the operations of the nonprofit, including renting space for their teen social programs.

“We’re doing a lot of work building relationships with organizations that have similar values to ours,” Costen said. “We are working with advocacy in the media on some controversial issues, formulating op-eds. Our website is always up-to-date and has resources. We have an active social media presence on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.”

Costen, who is married The Zebra’s former West End Editor Charles Sumpter, founded Safe Space NOVA after looking in vain to volunteer for a local LGBTQ mentorship program. He couldn’t identify any group working with LGBTQ teens to guide, mentor, and help them process the same social stigmas he experienced when he was a kid at school.

“I’m hard-working, diligent, and motivated. I like to formulate a plan and carry it out,” Costen said. “I don’t spend too much time stopping to smell the roses. I have to complete steps to reach my goals,” For more, visit http:// safespacenova.org/.

Sponsors who stepped up to help make the playground a reality.

Mayor Justin Wilson, Councilman John Chapman, Brooke Curran, Councilman Mo Seiflden and Councilwoman Amy Jackson.

Registration is now open for the

2019 Walk to Bust Cancer

October 6, 2019 Fort Hunt Park, Alexandria, Virginia For additional information and to register: www.walktobustcancer.org THE ZEBRA PRESS

55

VOLUNTEER ALEXANDRIA

Alexandria’s Sue Dussinger Knows the Importance and Benefits of Volunteering

BY ROB PAINE, RSVPNORTHERN VIRGINIA & VOLUNTEER ALEXANDRIA “Volunteering is a good way to keep social,” says RSVP-Northern Virginia volunteer and engagement leader Sue Dussinger of Alexandria. “I have never in my life been a real joiner, but once you get into (volunteering), you can’t stop. I love interacting with people.”

Dussinger began her journey with RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) at a fall festival in Fairfax City in 2016, after helping out at an information booth alongside an RSVP staff member. “It started me off knowing that I wanted to do more with RSVP,” Dussinger said.

She has volunteered at the event every year since. Prior to joining RSVP, Dussinger had more than a decade of volunteer work under her belt with Volunteer Fairfax’s Volunteers for Change program.

RSVP-Northern Virginia, the region’s largest volunteer network for those 55 years old and more, is offered through a collaboration of local volunteer centers, including Volunteer Fairfax, Volunteer Alexandria, and Volunteer Arlington. It provides personalized support to seniors who are looking for fun, meaningful service experiences.

“I get more benefit (from volunteering) than the people I’m helping,” Dussinger says. “If that sounds selfish, well…. But I know I’m helping people. It really helps you grow a little bit.”

While at RSVP, Dussinger’s experiences have ranged from coordinating a monthly group service project at River Farm in Alexandria to helping in the resume review room at the 50+ Employment Expo each spring in Northern Virginia. She is also a volunteer driver for Fairfax County’s Volunteer Solutions.

RSVP offers more than 300 meaningful opportunities that include helping seniors age in place, assisting local food pantries, and teaching financial literacy. RSVP also recruits volunteers for various community

Photo: Rob Paine

Sue Dussinger

Would you like to attend one of RSVP’s free upcoming “Art of Volunteering in Retirement” seminars? In October, RSVP will be at the Fairfax Central Library in Fairfax City, October 17. On October 23, RSVP will be at Capital Caring’s Halquist Center in Arlington. On November 6, RSVP will be holding a seminar at Sherwood Regional Library in Alexandria. To register for any of these events, please visit www.rsvpnova.org.

To learn more about the RSVP in Alexandria, please visit www.rsvpnova.org or call 703-403-5360. events, including the annual Northern Virginia Senior Olympics, which wrapped up in late September.

Several of RSVP’s nonprofit partners offer opportunities in the Alexandria area, including Volunteer Alexandria, New Hope Housing, River Farm (headquarters of the American Horticultural Society), The American Red Cross, and United Community.

RSVP volunteers enjoy flexible schedules, free accident and liability insurance (while serving), and optional mileage and meal reimbursement,

WETLANDS

56 ZEBRA PRESS

but for most RSVP members, the social component of volunteering—the opportunity to stay connected—is key.

“I just cannot say enough about how much volunteering has benefited me,” Dussinger says. After retiring in 2012, Dussinger began working as a fitness specialist at a local health club and she points to the health benefits of being a senior volunteer. “You really need to stay active. You need to keep moving as seniors,” she says.

She became interested in becom-

The Julie J. Metz Wetlands Neabsco Creek Preserve

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 49 er meets the Potomac, there are wet meadows, bottomland hardwoods, tidal marsh, and streams. Wetlands comprise half of the refuge’s 642 acres.

Alexandrian Jim Waggener led efforts to transform the former Harry Diamond Laboratory, a U.S. Army electromagnetic pulse testing site, into a refuge, and succeeded in 1998. He has conducted plant and wildlife surveys on the refuge for more than 30 years.

ing an RSVP engagement leader after working with Ken Kozloff at the 2017 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics.

“I just liked the idea of helping to coordinate and to make (the event) a good experience for the volunteers” she says.

Why does Dussinger recommend volunteering with RSVP? “I have been involved with two RSVP volunteer coordinators and both are excellent. I think that is where it starts,” she says. “They seem to seek out opportunities for us that are laid out beautifully in our newsletter, so you get to choose. There will probably be something that will interest you. They (the volunteer specialists) look for different opportunities because they know we are different people.

“I can honestly say I have never regretted going on a single volunteer project. That is a huge thing,” she adds. “You meet the most wonderful people.”

In autumn, the Virginia creeper vine turns bright red in Northern Virginia’s wetlands and woods.

From nature trails and a 3,000-foot boardwalk at the 230-acre Metz Wetlands in Prince William County on Neabsco Creek, visitors can see beaver lodges, egrets, wood ducks, redtailed hawks, and wetland plants like spatterdock and marsh mallow. This wetland is both a preserved and constructed wetland: a wetlands bank.

The county’s website explains: “Wetlands mitigation banks are areas of constructed, restored, or preserved wetlands consisting of quantified val-

ue units termed ‘credits’ that can be purchased by developers in advance of anticipated wetlands losses due to construction activities.”

While many of Northern Virginia’s wetlands are long gone, fortunately some remain and are even being restored and constructed. People no longer see a wetland as Conan Doyle’s mire of “miasmatic vapor” and “slimy water plants.” Now we know how these dynamic ecosystems contribute to the quality of our present, and future, environment.

OCTOBER 2019

ON EXHIBIT

nings@nga.gov Back across the moat, Del Ray Artisans Gallery has CONTINUED FROM PAGE 34 a new Halloween-themed up art talks were a happen- show on exhibit for October. ing, as well as a conversation Art Inspired by the Twilight with podcast hosts of Stuff Zone is curated by Gordon You Missed in School’s Trac- Thomas Frank, who coney Wilson and Holly Frey dis- ceived and curated the divertcussing the color blue. Cool ing Clowning Around DRA for Art school was back in exhibit last August. Works session at full capacity with on display have been inspired Learning to Draw 101 held in by the iconic television show created and hosted by Rod the Picasso gallery.

These free, second Thurs- Serling that aired from 1959– day NGA Nights craft and 1964.

The TV show has been recocktail dance parties book booted this year by Jordan up in a New York minute.

Peele, director and writer of the acclaimed horror films Get Out and US, making the exhibit theme all the more timely. The Twilight Zone is on exhibit through October 27.

Artbot is cranking up the esoteric ghoulishness all month long, and thereafter. Part tattoo art salon/ part provocative art space, Artbot is off the beaten path in the recently redeveloped building at 1012 MadiPhoto: Kelly MacConomy son Street, next Work in progress by Marian Van Landingham to Choo Shop on display at the dedication of the Torpedo Taco in ParkerFactory gallery named in her honor.

Gray. Previously located on King Street, the new October’s theme is Art Hisgallery kickstarts a promising tory Mysteries, October 10 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. No- art and entertainment vibe vember 14’s theme is Throw- for the area. Madison Social back, a nostalgic celebration is across the street, with the of all things cultural, circa fashionable speakeasy Captain the 1990s. Reserve a space for Gregory’s a few doors away you and a guest in advance on North Henry Street.

The space showcases eclecby visiting the website: eve-

Photo: Gordon Frank

“Wondrous Journey” Digital Photography by Gordon Thomas Frank.

tic, progressive work. Not your grandmother’s prettypicture framed landscape or even Grandma Moses’s naive scenery. More like James Dean and Evel Kneivel a la Day of the Dead homages.

Or Frankenstein juxtaposed with Hedy Lamar and David Bowie mashup portraits. Featured artists include Jorge R. Gutierrez, Brian J. Hoffman, Perilla, Mike Bell, and Geoffrey Gersten. Marlowe Tattoo shares the space. Come for the art. Stay for the tattoo.

Back at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, which is celebrating 45 years since conversion from a World War I munitions plant, the newly founded Marian Van Land-

ingham Gallery was officially dedicated September 12.

Marian was the die-hard engine who spearheaded founding of the Torpedo Factory Artists Association, in addition to overseeing redevelopment of the world famous art center in 1974. When she wasn’t representing Alexandria in Richmond as Delegate for the 45th District, Marian was and has long been a very successful painter.

Marian has witnessed decades of change from her third floor studio overlooking the Potomac and National Harbor. The new gallery has been named in perpetuity for her legacy of public service and dedication to the

Personal Checking

Life’s a little better when

Photo: Kelly MacConomy

arts community in Port City.

Concurrent with the dedication, Marian exhibited her paintings in the gallery that bears her name. A heartfelt standing ovation of appreciation for Marian Van Landingham’s outstanding contributors to our community.

Autumn in Alexandria and the DMV offers a cornucopia of art happenings.

Check published schedules and online calendars. Zebra is a great source. Crayon in those dates. Then, while out and about foliage foraging, take time to stop and enjoy the splendor of the head turning art on view. The art scene is must see this fall.

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Dorothea Peters, Marian Van Landingham, Councilwoman Amy Jackson, Vice-Mayor Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, and artist Guy Jones (back) at the dedication of the new gallery.

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At You

BUSINESS NEWS COO Maria Ciarrocchi

CEO Joe Haggerty

CHAMBER CORNER VIEWS FROM THE ALEXANDRIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE One of the most important things we do at the Chamber is advocate on behalf of our members and business in general at the local, state and federal level.

We accomplish our advocacy through a variety of ways, the most notable of which is our annual Legislative Agenda. The Legislative Agenda is a written document which outlines our priority issues.

The 2020 edition of our Legislative Agenda was just released on September 19th. To learn more about our advocacy work and to read the 2020 Legislative Agenda please visit www.alexchamber.com/advocacy

Row, Row, Row Your Row Machine at Row House!

Anyone who thinks fallen leaves are dead has never watched them dancing on a windy day.

QUOTABLES

—Shira Tamir

Imagine rowing with your workout buddies for miles and miles and never getting your feet wet! Row House, a group fitness gym focused on rowing machines, opened its doors to the public on Sept. 21, and let’s you do just that! “I was not very athletic and would be intimidated in the group fitness class, but Row House is a great workout to bring people togethCourtesy Photo er,” said Row House owner Fahad Qureshi.

“People of all fitness levels can find Row House beneficial.” The Gym is open 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. during the week and from 9 a.m. to noon on weekends. Check them out at www.therowhouse.com/location/old-town-alexandria.

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www.facebook.com/ TheZebraPress for more stories and interesting content that does not always make the print edition!

OCTOBER 2019

Studio Antiques and Fine Art Closing at End of Year

BY MATT THOMPSON

Studio Antiques and Fine Art has been an Old Town staple for nearly 40 years! Inside the townhouseturned-shop at 524 N. Washington Street is an almost overwhelming array of beautiful artwork and old wooden furniture. But there is bleak news on the horizon – at the end of the year its owners are moving their shop online. Sadly, however, that means that the three-story brick and mortar will be closing its doors.

“For us it’s nice to have the different rooms settings. I think people appreciate that, because they walk in and they can see something in a setting where they can imagine it,” said Lois Boyles, who owns the shop with her husband, Richard Totoiu. “We carry primarily 19th century [work in] a whole range of styles, European, American, everything from landscapes to portraits, and then some later 20th century art as well.”

The shop has more than 400 paintings on display, mostly American and European oil paintings, and also accessories like chandeliers, walking sticks, lamps, and tea caddies. It wasn’t always that way, though. There were only six paintings in the shop when it opened in 1982.

Studio Antiques and Fine Art, 524 N. Washington Street

Photos: Matt Thompson

Wall-To-Wall Art! “We initially started out as furniture dealers, and there next door to us was a painting gallery, Liros Gallery, which had been there for many years,” Boyles said. “When we opened, we had six paintings in our shop, we quickly sold those, so we started buying more over the years. We are into paintings as well as the furniture, We’ve always done a lot of furniture and then various small items, especially tea caddies. That’s been a big thing.”

Studio Antiques and Fine Art also carries work from regional artists, including August H.O. Rolle and Benson B. Moore.

Boyles said that she and her husband have a lot of nostalgia for their Old Town shop and customers. But don’t despair too much! There is a sale all the way until the last day that the store is open – 25 percent off of all merchandise, 35 percent off large items, and 45 percent off leather bound books.

“It’s time to retire,” Boyles said.

“I’ve had just one client after the other come in and say, ‘I’m so sorry, you’re closing.’ So, that kind of makes you feel warm and fuzzy. That will be missed.”

You can find more at www.studioantiquesandfineart.com.

And I rose In rainy autumn And walked abroad in a shower of all my days...

—Dylan Thomas

QUOTABLES OCTOBER 2019

THE ZEBRA PRESS

59

BUSINESS PROFILES

Rockin’ Out: Will School of Rock Alexandria Discover a Musical Icon in the Making?

AND THEIR PERFORMANCE BAND JUST PLAYED THEIR FIRST GIG AT GLORY DAYS GRILL!

BY JAMES CULLUM Will the next Jim Morrison please stand up? School of Rock Alexandria’s performance band, “Pause for Pepperoni” had their first gig ever at Glory Days Grill on Saturday, Sept.

21, and played eight British invasion hits, including “Hey Jude” and “House of the Rising Sun.” After knocking the tunes out of the park, the band of teenagers took a triumphant bow and politely resisted calls from the audience to play just one more.

After all, School of Rock Alexandria only opened last May, and the kids didn’t know how to play anything else!

“You can’t be afraid to constantly learn new things,” said School of Rock Alexandria owner Steve McKay. “What else you gonna do sit and look at your phone or watch TV? You might as well do something constructive, and not be afraid to take a chance.”

Tony Moreno of Lorton proudly clapped for his son, Christian, the drummer of the band.

“I love music and my son loves music,” said the older Moreno, who plays bass guitar. “I always joke that he’s an old soul because he likes classic rock. Yeah. So, we jam at home.”

Christian Moreno plays guitar, bass, and drums, and the audi-

ence was delighted to hear the influences of various famous drummers through his performance.

“If you do well people like it, and it’s fun,” Christian said.

A Musical Life

Steve McKay, owner of School of Rock

The audience at the School of Rock performance at Glory Days Grill.

McKay, who is also a rock and roll drummer in his spare time, practices what he preaches. He started thinking about leaving a comfortable career as an IT project manager and systems engineer in 2017. He cashed in his 401 (k) and left his old life behind by signing a lease at 3260 Duke Street [the old Mattress Warehouse] and starting a School of Rock franchise.

“Knowing that I’ve managed major projects, teams of people, revenue systems, project management, certified project management systems, and with all my music background, I thought why not take all that knowledge and follow my dream and start a music school?”

McKay said.

Incidentally, there are more than 240 School or Rock locations around the world, including eight in Virginia. There are now more than 80 students signed up for the month of October, and McKay has the goal of reaching 200 students within a

CONTINUED ON PAGE 61

Above and above right: School of Rock’s “Pause For Pepperoni” performs at Glory Days Grill.

60 ZEBRA PRESS

OCTOBER 2019

BUSINESS PROFILES What’s Old Is New at Urban Redeux

BY JAMES CULLUM

sales and mapping them out on my map,” Wright said.

In 2017, the untimely loss of a cousin prompted Wright to indulge in a hobby of going to local estate sales for catharsis.

“I just needed to dig. It was very therapeutic for me,” she said. “My own home is very different than this. This is a place for me to bring in things that I might never have in my own home, but that I can envision

You know what your place really needs? Chances are that Willow Wright has just the thing to make home feel even homier - with original chairs used by Southwestern Bell Telephone operators, or how about a croquet set? No eccentric home should be without one, and one of the most interesting spots to find hidden treasures is Wright’s shop, Urban Redeux, at 8742 Richmond Highway.

“I just have an eye for things that are unforgettable, things that you want to

Photos: James Cullum

Above: Willow Wright at Urban Redeux.

At left: Urban Redeux, 8742 Richmond Highway Below: Vintage matchbooks.

be in the house for a long, long time,” Wright told The Zebra from her shop, which opened a year ago. “There are a few exceptions here or there, but I would say that the majority of our inventory is from the 1940s until now.”

That’s So Cool!

Wright, who owns the shop with her mom, Wendy Wells-Finn, was raised in Richmond in a 19th century house that was filled with historic artifacts. Her father, John Seals, is a historic contractor, filled the home with oddities and curiosities, including the door to an old telephone booth in place of a bathroom door. In other words, Wright feels right at home when she’s surrounded by her inventory. In fact, she admits that sometimes it can be hard saying goodbye

to some items that lived in the store for a while.

But that also means that customers can buy anything they want at the store, which is located down Richmond Highway in the Mount Vernon District of Fairfax County.

“I have a French telephone. It’s three feet tall with a rotary dial. It’s gold. Everybody wants that. Yeah, not for sale,” Wright said.

Just Down Richmond Highway It’s a great little shop off the beaten path, and the prices are hard to beat for only being seven miles away from the City of Alexandria. Those two operator chairs from Southwestern Bell cost $90 apiece, versus upward of

Above: Chairs used by Southwestern Bell Telephone operators.

$150 on Ebay or Etsy.

Wright is married and has two kids, and has a career in sports medicine from Virginia Tech. She spent years as an athletic trainer and working at orthoped She’s always enjoyed going to rummage and estate sales - a habit that only increased after she moved to the area in 2002. It wasn’t long after that she met her husband, Scott, while skydiving!

“If we weren’t skydiving, I was going all around. I’d be gone five hours a day just going to estate sales and yard

SCHOOL OF ROCK year of being in business.

Do You Play?

OCTOBER 2019

The shop is open from Wednesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

are classes for all ranges of musicians, from complete beginners to advanced players.

“We start with the song, and then we teach concepts,” Jean said. “They know they have a friend in me, somebody who supports them, who is on fire about music,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 60

One of the first things that McKay did was find his musical director Nikki Jean, a Grammy Award-nominated singer/songwriter. The energetic talent has made it her mission to foster a welcoming and creative environment for her students.

“Music should be fun. Music should be that doorway that connects us,” said Jean.

“Instead of the thing that you need to do for an hour a day. We want them to enjoy it, and I know that when

in the home of someone else. I go as south as Fredericksburg and as west as Winchester for my inventory.”

If you don’t find what you’re looking for at Urban Redeux, the shop is full of handpicked merchandise approved by Wright herself. And she doesn’t do online sales or shipping, so customers will have to show up at the brick and mortar in person. Just like the old days, right?

who is always here to talk to them and push and encourage and foster a safe space for them.”

School of Rock is open from 3 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Above and right: Practice rooms at the School of Rock.

I enjoy something I want to do it more. And I know that when I do something more, I get better. And when you see your friends and peers getting better and better and doing

things that you couldn’t do, it’s very motivating.”

School of Rock starts students with a song-first approach. Kids are put in a band as soon as they arrive. There THE ZEBRA PRESS

61

BUSINESS PROFILES Get Ink’d at the Fury 13 Tattoo Shop Do you know your tattoo lingo?

Courtesy photo

Fury 13 Artist Julio Marenco.

Greetings abound when you walk into Fury 13 Tattoo. Patrons are immediately welcomed by a resident artist, or one of the three owners, Korina and Itzkar Bonilla, which always helps to lessen the sting of waiting in anticipation of that sting that comes later.

“We try to create an environment where everybody feels comfortable to,” Itzkar Bonilla told The Zebra. “Usually people feel intimidated inside a tattoo shop. But over here the personality of the artist has to be friendly to fit with what we got going on.”

Fury 13 Tattoo opened in January at 25 S. Quaker Lane, and since then the ink has been flowing! On Friday, Sept. 13, more than 70 tat-

Courtesy photo

too enthusiasts got new tattoos at the shop.

“We knew it was going to be packed and a little crazy,” said Korina Bonilla. “We said originally we’d cut off at 7:00 p.m but the artists were like ‘no, no, let’s keep going!’”

Get Comfy On a recent afternoon inside the bright and spacious shop, the mounted television at Fury 13 played Red Hot Chili Peppers.

The Bonillas have incredibly detailed tattoos on their own bodies.

Korina’s favorite tattoo is one of her dog, Jax, and Itzkar’s favorite is a tattoo commemorating the date

Leslie Rodriguez’s tattoo by tattoo artist Julio Marenco.

American Traditional—One of the most popular styles of tattooing based on black outlines, a minimal, yet bold color palette, and iconic tattoo imagery.

Biomechanical—A style of tattooing also referred to as “biomech” in which a tattooist designs a piece (usually freehand) based on the client’s body flow in order to recreate a robotic or cyborg-like aesthetic to the client’s skin.

Canvas—Also known as “a skin” is another name for a client about to get tattooed.

Cover-Up—A tattoo designed on top of an older tattoo in order to cover the older one up. Good cover-ups usually camouflage the old tattoo through a use of line work and strategic coloring.

Many tattoo artists specialize in coverups.

Flash—Pre-designed images that can be purchased by tattoo artists or clients as templates for tattoos. Most flash comes as a collection of images to choose from on sheets and is most commonly used nowadays for wall displays in shops, choice designs for charity events, and to teach apprentices.

Sleeve—When someone has his/her entire arm tattooed, typically wrist to shoulder. Sleeves can also be found on legs and are referred to as “leg sleeves” which include tattoos from the ankle all the way up the thigh.

Tribal (modern)—A style of tattooing imitating traditional Maori or Polynesian body art. It is characterized by thick lines and semi-organic shapes that are filled in almost exclusively with black.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 63

Mount Purrnon Cat Cafe and Wine Bar to Open Next Spring in Old Town “IT’S GREAT. IT’S GOT A BIG WINDOW. SO, HOPEFULLY THE CATS WILL HANG OUT IN THE WINDOW, AND PEOPLE CAN WALK BY AND BE LIKE, ‘OH, MY GOSH!’” It’s unlikely that George Washington was a cat person. After all, he and Martha Washington loved dogs and birds. Still, even though Old Town’s colonial atmosphere is perfect for the dog lover, Washington might’ve gotten a chuckle after hearing the name of a soon-to-be cat cafe in Old Town. Wait for it… Mount Purrnon Cat Cafe & Wine Bar! Adam Patterson and Kris-

62 ZEBRA PRESS

tin Cowan plan to open the cafe next spring. The twolevel space will have a tavern atmosphere, with the bottom level reserved for up to a dozen cats - rescued from local shelters - to live cagefree. The upstairs will have a TV, a bar that serves wine and beer, snacks, and yes, it’s been confirmed that there will be presidential portraits with cats as presidents on the walls.

“It’s two floors, and we’re planning on having the cats downstairs,” Patterson said.

“It’s great. It’s got a big window. So, hopefully the cats will hang out in the window, and people can walk by and be like, ‘Oh, my gosh!’”

Patterson and Cowan are still working out how much the adoption fees will be, but said that the cats will be healthy and screened by local shelters.

Photo: Adam Patterson

Weasley wears a tricorn hat.

Cat Cafe’s are on the rise!

Earlier this year, Crumbs & Whiskers became the first cat cafe to operate in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Patterson and Cowan got inspired by a visit to Pounce Cat Cafe in Charleston, South Carolina, and earlier this year raised more than $25,000 through Kickstarter.

“We’re 100 feet from King Street,” Patterson said.

“There’s a lot of foot traffic. We really wanted to be as close to king as possible.

A lot of the places on King Street don’t allow pets overnight. So, we’re really happy with the location. You know, it’s kind of like Georgetown, like there you have locals, and then you get a lot of tourists and we’re pretty excited about it.”

OCTOBER 2019

REAL ESTATE BEAT

BY ALLISON GOODHART

Millennial Home Buying Myths – Busted!

BY ALLISON GOODHART

one, but it’s no reason not to start looking. We can help you find “Coming Soon” properties. These are listings that haven’t hit the market yet and won’t appear on any other site. Let’s talk about the amenities you’re looking for, and find properties that fit your criteria before anyone else does. The bonus to going this route is that you won’t have to fight for a lease in a crowded rental market.

Time and again, we hear from our friends and peers that there’s “no way” they can buy a home, for a variety of reasons. We’re happy to say, it absolutely is possible to purchase a home at this stage of life. Below are the most common millennial home buying myths—busted!

The Myth: I can’t afford it.

We know – life is expensive. You’re probably paying off student loans and making car payments while living in a high priced area. Coming up with a down payment and adding a mortgage payment is out of the question.

The Reality: The tax benefits in the first few years of homeownership can actually make monthly mortgage payments cheaper than your current rent—after your down payment. Even better, that reduced housing expense will go toward an appreciating asset that you own.

Why not pay your own mortgage instead of your landlord’s?

Also, plenty of mortgage programs are out there for first-time buyers, and some require little or no down payment. For more on buying your first home, our firsttime buyer’s guide at thegoodhartgroup.com.

For more inspiration, read my article in the September Zebra: “What Sex and the City Taught Me About Money.”

The Myth: I’ll be locked into this home forever.

We get it—you like your freedom. You’d rather use Uber than buy a car. You rent your wardrobe. You want to be able to trade your digs just

FURY 13 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 62 he and Korina started dating.

“I don’t have any [tattoos] for him,” Korina joked.

The customers at the shop widely range from Alexandria

OCTOBER 2019

The Myth: I can’t afford my dream home so I may as well wait.

Photos courtesy of The Goodhart Group

Whether a basic condo or higher end townhome, investing in real estate is a wise financial decision and can move you closer to your dream home!

Whether your dream home is a sleek urban condo or a charming bungalow, it’s just not realistic at this phase of your life.

The Reality: It is very likely that your first home won’t be your dream home, but that’s no reason to sit out of the real estate market. The sooner you invest in a home, the quicker you’re building equity. It’s appreciation in this property that will enable you to buy that dream home down the line. Again, why pay someone else’s mortgage? Pay your own, and watch your home’s value grow.

The Bottom Line

as easily.

The Reality: Since the DMV is more transient than most regions, flexibility is key. To maintain maximum flexibility, look for a property that will be wellsuited to rent in the future.

You should also immediate-

Police Officers getting touchups to senior citizens getting their first-ever tattoos.

“I went there seeking to get a tattoo honoring my family and was met by Julio at the door,” said customer Stephen Riley. “He was all smiles and open to my idea of the tattoo

ly, and continually, make improvements to your home.

You’ll increase its property value and achieve maximum ROI when the time does come to sell.

The Myth: I can’t afford the location I want.

You want to be close to I wanted. The tattoo turned out fantastic and I have been going back ever since.”

Feel like you’re ready to get your first tattoo or add more art to your canvas?

Join Fury 13 Tattoo as they host a fundraising event for Breast Cancer Awareness

shopping, dining, entertainment, and public transportation. So does every other millennial. Developers know this and so the housing prices in my target area are out of reach and competition is fierce.

The Reality:

Why pay your landlord’s mortgage when you can be paying your own? Don’t let these myths of homeownership stop you from getting your foot in the real estate door. While your first home most likely won’t be your dream home, it will set you on the path towards achieving your real estate dreams.

Reach out today. We’d be happy to help you get started!

There is some truth to this

Month. On Oct. 5, a portion of their proceeds will go to the Vola Lawson Breast Cancer Memorial Fund in Alexandria.

Customer Leslie Rodriguez feels like she’s part of the family at Fury 13 Tattoo.

“In total, I’ve had four of

my 11 tattoos done by Julio Marenco, who does fantastic work,” she said. “The atmosphere of the shop is laid back and the artists make you feel like part of the family each time you visit.”

For more, contact Fury 13 Tattoo on Facebook.

THE ZEBRA PRESS

63

SCHOOL BRIEFS

Do You Have a Budding Actor in the Family?

ROBERTA CULLEN INTRODUCES ALEXANDRIA CHILDREN TO ACTING

BY KEVIN DAURAY Alexandria drama teacher Roberta Cullen is drawing on years of experience to start a new children’s movement and acting program. The Alexandria Children’s Theatre (ACT) is for area children ages four to 12. Classes began September 15 and run for eight weekends at Burgundy Farm Country Day School.

Drop-ins are welcome, and students can attend as many sessions as they choose.

Cullen has worked at the Little Theatre of Alexandria, in Alexandria City Public Schools after-school programs, and at Burgundy Farm. The partially wooded, 26-acre campus is a former dairy farm.

ACT classes are play-based and start with a foundation in movement and physical awareness. The aim is to strengthen communication skills for the stage, classroom and beyond. Theater games and activities are used to build teamwork and teach collaboration.

At ACT, even the youngest children have an opportunity to be onstage: outdoors around the Burgundy Farm campus, indoors at the new Logan Loft fine arts building, or in the Burgundy Amphitheater.

“It’s such a unique place,” Cullen says of Burgundy.

“Children can learn about performing in several settings […] I’m really looking forward to students exploring things like the witches’ scene from ‘Macbeth’ at the Amphitheater in the Burgundy woods.”

Registration Now Open Flexible registration means students can bring along a friend who is interested. Partial scholarships toward the $145-$165 per class cost are offered upon request.

Complete details about classes and online registration can be found at www.actheatre.com/take-a-class For inquiries, contact Roberta Cullen at Roberta@ actheatre.com. Burgundy Farm is located at 3700 Burgundy Road.

QUOTABLES

If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more.

—Jane Austen

ASSIGNMENT EDUCATION Brain-Boosting Stationary Bikes Coming to All ACPS Elementary Schools Walk through the doors of Ferdinand T. Day Elementary School on any given morning and chances are high you will see children engrossed in a book while riding bikes — albeit stationary ones.

Head over to our Chance for Change Academy or Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology and you will find similar scenes as students study and cycle at the same time. And soon, Mount Photo: ACPS

CONTINUED ON PAGE 67

Alexandria Public Schools to Open Four More After-School Learning Clubs Thanks to $900,000 Grant Alexandria City Public Schools is establishing four new after-school LINK Clubs to help bridge academic gaps after winning almost $900,000 in federal funding.

Thanks to the award, an additional 375 students from

across the city will have access to the program, which keeps learning alive with qualified teachers in the afternoons.

“We are so excited to be able to offer more students the chance to join our LINK Clubs, which we feel can

make a huge difference to our students who may need a little extra support,” said Shanna Samson, Assistant Director of the ACPS Office of School, Business and Community Partnerships.

Samson designed the LINK Club format and secured the $892,741 in grant money. The effort is a collaboration between ACPS and community partners with funding from the U.S. Department of Education’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers and serves to bolster students who are experiencing academic and other challenges.

This can include Eng-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 67 This School News page made possible by

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64 ZEBRA PRESS

OCTOBER 2019

Mount Vernon Play Garden Now Open After 8-Year Effort

Photos: ACPS

Liza Burrell, who oversaw much of the planning and construction, paid tribute to

the Del Ray community and spoke about the important role of play in our children’s learning.

“The name says it all. This is a community space in a community school that is a community project. We are truly thankful to everyone who contributed. This is a space that will complement and enhance our classroom learning,” said Principal Burrell.

She also thanked the MVCS PTA who raised significant funds to make the project possible. Mount Vernon PTA

CONTINUED ON PAGE 67

Alexandria School Board Votes For One Connected High School The Alexandria City School Board voted to endorse a one high school model for Alexandria on Thursday evening keeping T.C. Williams High School at the heart of Alexandria’s education system.

“This decision ensures all students across Alexandria will continue to have access to the wide variety of opportunities T.C. offers now and in the future,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. “We know with one high school, we will be able to ensure all students have access and are fully engaged in a high quality learning environment.”

The Board voted 6-3 in favor of the Connected High School Network instead of constructing a second high school on the field at the T.C. Williams High School Minnie Howard campus. School Board Chair Cindy Anderson, Vice Chair Veronica Nolan, Ramee Gentry, Jacinta Greene, Margaret Lorber, and Christopher Suarez vot-

OCTOBER 2019

NEW!

Weekend Movement & Acting Classes!

From Unicorns to Pirates, Princesses and More!

Details and registration: www.actheatre.com Winter registration begins October 20 Classes held at Burgundy Farm Country Day School 3700 Burgundy Road, Alexandria 22303

Effective Communicator Independent Learner Community Minded Citizen Balanced Individual

GRADES K–8

Mount Vernon Community School celebrated the official opening of its new play garden on Friday afternoon, the culmination of eight years of planning and community collaboration. Staff, students and families were joined by ACPS Superintendent, Dr Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. and Alexandria City Council members for lemonade and cookies prior to a ribbon cutting ceremony featuring music, balloons, a dance crew performance and a rendition of the National Anthem.

Mount Vernon Principal

START STRONG. START HERE. At ACDS, we challenge and inspire students with a rigorous curriculum in a safe, welcoming, and studentcentered environment. The result: confident, caring, and futureready community members who distinguish themselves as exceptional communicators.

www.acdsnet.org Photo: John David Coppola)

T.C. Williams High School’s 2019 graduation.

ed to keep T.C. Williams as Alexandria’s only public high school.

School Board Members Michelle Rief, Meagan Alderton, and Heather Thornton were the three dissenting voices. They argued that Alexandria’s expanding population would eventually demand a second high school, and that now is the time to accept the commitment to build.

Oct 10

Join us for an OPEN HOUSE:  Nov 2  Nov 14  Dec 10  Jan 9

T.C. High School Will Remain the Heart T.C. Williams, named after a former superintendent of schools who served from the mid-1930s until the mid1960s, opened in 1965. In 2007, a new state-of the-art, environmentally green school opened its doors at the present site.

The School Board opted to

CONTINUED ON PAGE 74

Want to Learn the Media Biz? Video Production Writing Photography

Podcast Social Media

Tell us why to bring you on! editor@thezebrapress.com

THE ZEBRA PRESS

65

Worship WORSHIP DIRECTORY ANGLICAN Christ the King Church 1801 N. Quaker Lane Alexandria, VA 22302 (703) 535-6815 www.ctkalexandria.org Opened 2006

Services

Sunday Worship services at 8:30 & 10:00 Sunday Education & Formation at 11:30-12:15 Tuesdays: Worship service at noon

BAPTIST Alfred Street Baptist Church 301 S. Alfred Street Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 683-2222 www.alfredstreet.org Opened 1818

Services

Saturday at 6:00 pm Sunday at 7:30a m 9:30 am and 11:30 am

CATHOLIC Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church 1427 W. Braddock Road Alexandria, VA 22302 (703) 998-6100 blessedsacramentcc.org Opened 1946

Services

Weekday Masses 6:30 am and 8:30 am/ Wednesdays 7 pm Saturday morning mass 8:30 am/Vigil Mass 5 pm Sunday Masses: 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm (Spanish), and 5 pm

EPISCOPAL Christ Church 118 N. Washington Street Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 549-1450 www.historicchristchurch.org Opened February 27, 1773

Services

Sundays: 8:00 a.m. - Holy Eucharist, Rite I 10:00 a.m. - Holy Eucharist, Rite II (with Children’s Chapel) 5:00 p.m. - Holy Eucharist, Rite II with laying on of hands for healing Wednesdays: 12:05 p.m. - Chapel of Bethlehem

To be part of our Worship Directory and pages, please contact Mary Wadland, mary@thezebra.org or 703-919-7533.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 228 S. Pitt Street Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 549-3312 www.stpaulsalexandria.com Opened 1809

Services

Sundays 7:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I - a traditional spoken service.

9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Family Service - a child-friendly service featuring the children’s choirs and Damascus Road Dogs band, with and messages geared to the littlest worshipers.

11:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II with Choir - a service using contemporary language that incorporates the music of St. Paul’s Adult Choir.

Children’s chapel is offered as part of every 11:00 a.m. service. The children depart for the choir room before the Gospel reading for prayers and a brief homily; they return to the service at the Peace.

The first Sunday of the month is Rite I. 2:00 p.m. South Sudanese worship service in Dinka 5:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II with Healing - a candlelit service that incorporates elements of ancient practice with timeless music in a modern context.

Saturday Faith@5 service at 5:00 p.m. in Norton Hall (“A comeas-you-are service of Holy Eucharist”) and Wednesdays 12:00 p.m.

Holy Eucharist in the Chapel.

EPISCOPAL/ANGLICAN Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill 3606 Seminary Rd. Alexandria, VA 22304 Phone: 703-370-6555 www.Immanuel-on-the-Hill.org Opened: 1941

Services

METHODIST Alleyne A.M.E. Zion Church 1419 King Street Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Services

Sunday: 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 11:00a.m. Worship Service 703-548-3888 Established 1949

Beverley Hills Community UMC 3512 Old Dominion Blvd.

Alexandria, VA 22305 www.bevhillsumc.org Opened 19438 A Reconciling Community where all are welcome and a VOICE member congregation.

Services

Services weekly Sunday at 10 am Sunday School for all ages at 9 am Nursery for 5 and under

Del Ray United Methodist Church 100 E Windsor Ave Alexandria, VA 22301 www.delrayumc.org 703-549-2088

Services

Sunday School Classes for all ages at 9:15am Worship 10:30am on Sundays Prayground (Children's Service) 2nd & 4th Sundays of the Month at 9:15am

Sundays 8:00 AM - Holy Eucharist, Rite I, Zabriskie Chapel, 3606 Seminary Rd. 9:00 AM - Holy Eucharist, Rite II, Zabriskie Chapel, 3606 Seminary Rd. 10:15 AM- Sunday Education and Formation 11:00 AM - International Anglican Congregation Holy Eucharist, Zabriskie Chapel, 3606 Seminary Rd. 11:15 AM - Holy Eucharist, Rite II, Immanuel Chapel, 3737 Seminary Rd. WEDNESDAY EVENING 6:00 PM - Holy Eucharist, Zabriskie Chapel, 3606 Seminary Rd. MONDAY-FRIDAY MORNINGS 10:00 AM - Morning Prayer, Zabriskie Chapel, 3606 Seminary Rd.

Trinity United Methodist Church

JEWISH

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN

2911 Cameron Mills Road Alexandria, VA 22302 (703)-549-5500 www.trinityalexandria.org Established 1774

Services

Sunday School classes for all ages 9:30am Worship 11am Each Sunday Child Care provided 9:30am-12:30am Trinity’s Table (dinner and programs) Wednesday nights 5:30pm-9pm

Beth El Hebrew Congregation

All Saints of America Orthodox Christian Church

3830 Seminary Road Alexandria, VA 22304 (703) 370-9400 www.bethelhebrew.org Opened 1871

A mission of the Orthodox Church in America

Services

Services

Shabbat Every Friday Night 7:30 pm Torah Study Saturdays 9 am Shabbat Morning Service Every Saturday 10:30 am

LUTHERAN Immanuel Lutheran Church 1801 Russell Road Alexandria, VA 22301 (703) 549-0155 immanuelalexandria.org Opened 1870

Services

Sunday Divine Service, 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday: Matins, 11:00 a.m. (when school is in session); Vespers, Evening Prayer, Compline, or Divine Service (check schedule), 7:00 p.m.

Services at Reineker Hall at Cameron United Methodist Church 3013 Franconia Road, Alexandria https://www.orthodoxalexandria.org/ Divine Liturgy, Sunday 10:00 a.m.

Vespers, Saturday 5:00 p.m.

Archpriest Michael Koblosh 703-417-9665

PRESBYTERIAN Westminster Presbyterian Church 2701 Cameron Mills Road Alexandria, VA 22302 (703) 549-4766 wpc-alex.org Opened 1942

Services

Sundays 8:30 AM in the Chapel 11:00 AM in the Sanctuary Sunday School classes at 9:45 AM. .

Visit www.thezebra.org to sign up for subscriptions 66 ZEBRA PRESS

OCTOBER 2019

BIKES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 64 Vernon Community School will be excitedly welcoming their own fleet.

For April Rodgers, physical education teacher and founding staff member at Ferdinand T. Day, the value of the bikes is immeasurable. “From helping children with autism to focus, to physical well-being to boosting brain power, the possibilities are endless. Learning to incorporate movement into their day gives our students a strategy for life. They are empowered by learning that movement is so important,” said Rodgers, who was named ACPS teach-

LEARNING CLUBS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 64 lish Learners, those with disabilities, and those from economically challenged households.

“We are confident we have created a model that helps our school division wrap its arms around students in an environment that is authentic and builds trust,” Samson said.

“This is foundational to the academic achievement and development of our students and families. It is grounded in equity and it is at the core of

er of the year in April.

Dr. Rene Cadogan is the principal at the ACPS Chance for Change Academy, an alternative high school classroom environment that caters to students who need a different setting to the traditional school setting.

He took delivery of seven stationary bikes last year and can vouch for the benefits.

“When we have students who come here stressed or angry we find spending five to ten minutes on the bikes gets the frustration out and we often use them to prepare for the day,” he explained. “We’ve noticed a big difference — the students go into class engaged and levels of concentration have improved.”

our mission as a school division to ensure that every child succeeds.”

Staffed by the division’s teachers between 3-6 p.m. each school day, the schedule includes a power hour with extra tutoring, homework help and mentoring. Enrichment opportunities range from theater, to STEM to soccer and chess. A dinner is always provided by the ACPS School Nutrition Services department.

LINK Club Spots Available There are still spots available for students to participate

PLAY GARDEN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 65 President Martha Davis said, “We are thrilled that Mount Vernon Community School students, their families and all children in Del Ray can now enjoy this beautiful play garden — and will do so for many years to come. It is a wonderful example of what can be accomplished when we all — the PTA, ACPS and private donors — work together to make our community a better place to live and play.”

The play garden design includes a spectacular solar system map, an expanded soccer

field, a stage area and a wooden Kinder Village. Environmental enhancements such as a butterfly garden and native

planting were planned to attract songbirds and beneficial pollinators.

in the LINK Club at the Francis C. Hammond and Jefferson-Houston programs. Anyone interested in applying can fill out an application form or contact the appropriate school for more information.

The first LINK Club running at Brent Place, an affordable housing community in the Landmark area of the city, began in 2017 with a $179,271 grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Of the 55 students it serves from Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School and Patrick Henry K-8 School, 100 percent are students of color and eligi-

ble for free or reduced-price meals, 46 percent are English learners, and 20 percent are students with a disability.

ACPS won four out of 28 available grants awarded across Virginia. New clubs are now up and running, and will serve: • 75 qualifying K-8th grade students who attend Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School and with preference given to those who reside in Alexandria Redevelopment Housing Authority communities.

• 150 qualifying students from 1st through 12th

grade who attend George Mason Elementary School, Mount Vernon Community School, George Washington Middle School or T.C. Williams High School, and reside in the Arlandria neighborhood. It will be run in partnership with Community Lodgings.

• 100 qualifying K-5th grade students at Ferdinand T. Day Elementary School.

• 100 qualifying 6th-8th grade students at Francis C. Hammond Middle School.

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New Monthly Rosary Prayer at Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery FIRST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH AT 9 A.M. Many parish members at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 711 N. Columbus Street, are direct descendants of the 1700 individuals buried at the Contrabands and Freedman Cemetery., 1001 South Washington Street. There will now be a rosary prayer said at the memorial the first Saturday of each month at 9 a.m. Please pray for all the souls buried there who died seeking freedom. For more information or involvement please email Christian Bentley at sr.bentleyva@gmail.com.

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QUOTABLES

Give me juicy autumnal fruit, ripe and red from the orchard.

—Walt Whitman THE ZEBRA PRESS

67

SPORTS Heart of a Lion: Amine Ballafrikh of Alexandria is the North American Muay Thai Champ!

HAVE YOU HEARD THE CAGED LION ROAR? YOU SHOULD SEE HIM IN ACTION!

BY MATT THOMPSON Have you heard the caged lion roar? Amine Ballafrikh, the Moroccan-born Muay Thai fighter, is on a quest to be a world champion, and with North America already under his belt he’s using Alexandria as his base of operations. That’s right! The 27-year-old lives and trains in the Fairfax County portion of Alexandria, and no longer wants only to be considered as the fighter from Morocco.

He wants to be known as the fighter from Alexandria, Virginia, and anyone who gets in the ring with him might want to watch out! His signature move is kicking his opponents in the face.

Courtesy photos

Above: Amine Ballafrikh in action.

At left: Ballafrikh was born in Morocco, but wants to be known as the fighter from Alexandria, Virginia

“I will trick you. It doesn’t matter the distance I will get you in the face!” Ballafrikh told The Zebra. “Whenever I go fight… I’m representing this gym and I am representing Alexandria.”

The 27-year-old Ballafrikh is the two-time North American Lightweight Muay Thai

champ! He has a professional record of 13-3 and an amateur record of 36-4. He trains at Capital MMA at 6301 Richmond Highway, is also known by another name “The Lion,” because of his ferocity in the ring and his native country’s connection to the majestic African king of

the beasts.

“I have the heart of a lion.

As a lion if you do not kill me I will not stop” he said.

You might’ve heard about mixed martial arts or UFC the Ultimate Fighting Championship, but Muay Thai is a little more brutal. Muay Thai fighters use un-padded knees and elbows, which has left Ballafrikh with more than his fair share of scars. And if you watch his fights on Youtube you might catch a familiar pattern - his opponents will keep their distance because of his kicks, and then when they get too close... Wham! He kicks them in the face with feet so muscular and double jointed they look like they could grip a basketball.

“I have scars all over my head; on my temples and around my eyes,” Ballafrikh said.

The Road From Morocco Ballafrikh was born in a small town near Rabat, the capital of Morocco. As the youngest of nine children, and with his father working in the U.S., he started working at seven years of age by selling plastic bags and sharpening knives in markets. He became a plasterer at the age of 14, which was also when

CONTINUED ON PAGE 74

ATTENTION PHOTOGS: ZEBRA SPORTS PHOTO CONTEST! Fri., Oct. 11, 7:00 p.m., vs. Paul VI Catholic HS, at Paul VI Catholic HS

BY MATT THOMPSON

Keep this schedule of upcoming Alexandria high school football games handy so that you don’t miss out!

Also, send us your best pictures of the game! The photographers of the top three pictures chosen by our editors will get their photos published in November’s edition of The Zebra and win a gift cards to Chadwick’s!

Send your best shots to james@thezebrapress.com

T.C. Williams High School: Fri., Oct. 4, 7:00 p.m., vs. Fairfax HS, at the St. James, Homecoming Fri., Oct. 11, 7:00 p.m.,

68 ZEBRA PRESS

Fri., Oct. 18, 7:00 p.m., vs. St. Mary’s Ryken HS, at St. Mary’s Ryken HS Sat., Oct. 26, 2:00 p.m., vs. Bishop Denis J. O’Connel HS, at Bishop Ireton

Episcopal High School: vs. Annandale HS, at Annandale HS Fri., Oct. 18, 7:00 p.m., vs. Hayfield HS, at the St. James Fri., Oct. 25, 7:00 p.m., vs. West Potomac, at the

St. James

Bishop Ireton High School: Sat., Oct. 5, 2:00 p.m., vs.

John Paul the Great HS, at Bishop Ireton, Homecoming

Sat., Oct. 5, 2:00 p.m., vs.

St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School, at SSSAS Sat., Oct. 12, 2:00 p.m., vs. Georgetown Prep., at the Hummel Bowl (Home), Family Weekend Sat., Oct. 19, 2:00 p.m., vs. Bullis School, at the

Hummel Bowl (Home) Sat., Oct 26, 2:00 p.m., vs Landon School, at Landon School

St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School Sat., Oct. 5, 2:00pm, vs.

Episcopal HS, at Upper School Moss Football Field (Home) Fri., Oct. 11, 4:30pm, vs.

Landon School, at Upper School Moss Football Field (Home) Sat., Oct. 19, 2:00pm, vs.

St. Alban’s School, at Upper School Moss Football Field (Home), Homecoming Fri., Oct 25, 7:00pm, vs.

Bullis School, at Bullis School Campus

OCTOBER 2019

SPORTS Athleticism: Anthony Eaton Will Run Over You Over On the Football Field!

THE SENIOR T.C. WILLIAMS TITAN IS MAKING IT HAPPEN AGAIN.

BY MATTHEW THOMPSON Don’t get in Anthony Eaton’s way on the football field!

The star running back of the T.C. Williams Titans will run right over you. The 18-yearold has already scored three touchdowns this season and has his sights on attending a Division 1 college and ultimately playing in the National Football League. What’s his special move? He runs over defenders on the field.

“I need to put on a couple more pounds,” Eaton told The Zebra. “I need to be even more explosive, so I can really shoot through the gap when it opens up.”

Eaton, who was born and raised in Alexandria, needs to do one thing before he embarks on that journey. He has to win as a Titan. Those three touchdowns he scored this year were in the season opener against Herndon High School on Aug. 30, where he had 19 carries for 111 yards, making for a great start to the season.

FIRE CHIEF CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 AFD Captain Jason Kuehler explained that funds for the headstone were provided by the Trustees of the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association. Trustee Moon contacted former AFD Chief Robert Dube to see whether the Department would lend its support to the effort. The answer was yes.

In classic Alexandria style, a civic organization, a group of first responders, and an involved family have joined forces to honor a worthy city resident.

If you’d like to visit Chief Pettey’s grave, it’s on Wilkes Street, very close to the intersection with Hamilton Avenue.

OCTOBER 2019

Photos: James Cullum

Above and at top: T.C. Williams High School running back Anthony Eaton.

Eaton’s idols are Chris Johnson, formerly the fastest running back in the NFL,

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and football and baseball hall of famer Bo Jackson. Why? “Johnson because of his

sheer speed and Jackson because of his ability to run over defenders,” Eaton said, add-

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ing that he has special moves of his own. “I just run people over.”

But big games are no big deal for Eaton. Last year, for instance, in T.C. Williams’ opening game versus Osbourn Park, Eaton scored a whopping six touchdowns in one game! It’s no wonder that when asked about the top athletes in the school, the name that immediately rang out was Anthony Eaton.

Eaton, who started playing football when he was seven years old, runs the 40 years dash in 4.45 seconds, but has also made sure to not only excel on the field. He has a 3.2 grade point average and plans to study business in college.

He also runs on the T.C. varsity track team and said that there are a handful of schools interested in him so far.

“A full scholarship would be awesome. I’ve narrowed it down to two or three schools,” Eaton said, adding that his most important assets on the field are, “work ethic and speed.”

What will it mean to be human as intelligent machines and artificial intelligence continue to advance?

How is AI improving our lives?

What are the dangers that more powerful AI might bring?

In this talk, Sylvester Johnson explores the present and future of humanity in a technological age.

SYLVESTER JOHNSON PROFESSOR, HUMANIST, FUTURIST, EXPERT ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND AI ETHICS, BEER LOVER, LECTURER, NOT A ROBOT

OCT. 17, 2019 7PM Admission: FREE

JOIN US 3950 Wheeler Avenue Alexandria, VA 22304 www.portcitybrewing.com

ABOUT TECH ON TAP Learning happens everywhere – Tech on Tap – a regular community speaker series that informs, educates, and raises questions about the impact of new technologies on society, equity, and policy.

Topics include the types of issues and problems Virginia Tech’s Innovation Campus in Potomac Yard will explore.

THE ZEBRA PRESS

69

BY MARYANNE BEATTY Successful aging is not just about exercising or only eating healthy foods, but combining various dimensions of our daily living to achieve total wellness. This includes the importance of feeling productive, staying socially engaged, as loneliness is a real health risk for older adults, staying physically active and eating a nutritious diet, avoiding excess alcohol and tobacco, and nurturing one’s spirituality,

not only through organized religion but perhaps through meditation or even yoga. It is also important to keep one’s brain stimulated through volunteer work, creative classes, or maybe joining a book club.* SSA’s Speaker Series program focuses on several elements of wellness and how easy it is to incorporate them into your daily life. The highlights of the October 17th event will include learning how you can benefit from the new trend toward alterna-

SENIOR LIVING

BY MARY LEE ANDERSON

MARYANNE BEATTY

Senior Services of Alexandria’s October 17th Speaker Series: WELLNESS: MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT

tive healing methods; a demonstration of Pilates designed to improve strength, flexibility, and balance; information about the importance of nutrition and steps you can take to support an active lifestyle; and an opportunity to experience one of the most effective exercises for mind and body health, tai chi!

The program will feature speakers from the City’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities; Four Directions Wellness; Studio Body Logic; and Inova Alexandria Hospital.

The program will be held at Beth El Hebrew Congregation, 3820 Seminary Road on Thursday, October 17, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon, with registration beginning at 9:30 a.m. This event is free, and includes light refreshments.

RSVP online at www.seniorservicesalex.org or call 703836-4414, ext. 110.

Come join in the fun and learn how easy it is to incorporate various elements of wellness into your daily life! *www.sunriseseniorliving.com/ blog/July2019 MaryAnne Beatty is the Director of Communications for Senior Services of Alexandria.

Seniors Exercise While Raising Funds at Robust Walkathon On Tuesday, September 24, a large group of Alexandrians joined seniors for a robust walkathon through Ben Brenman Park. The event was co-sponsored by the Successful Aging Committee Community & Human Services/ Aging & Adult Services; Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities; Senior Services of Alexandria; Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority; and Catholic Charities.

The seasonal event helps raise funds for the Successful Aging Committee which throws the annual Holiday Lunch for seniors, the Dance for All Ages at T.C. Williams High School in April, and the Health & Fitness Fair in May. Seniors from the Charles Houston, St Martin de Porres, and the Adult Day Center were there to participate in the fun walk where the Fire and Sheriff Departments helped lead the event and PK

Move coached everyone in a parkour warm-up.

Photos: Lucelle O’Flaherty

Above: Executive Director of Senior Services Mary Lee Anderson with Sheriff Morgan Garner at The Robust Walk.

Alexandria Adult Day Services Director Jackie McCord with Ms. Homa.

The Robust Walkathon organizers Angela Redfern, Executive Director of Senior Services Mary Lee Anderson, Sheriffs Lt Sean Casey and Morgan Garner, Divison Chief Margaret Orlando, Harold Little, Jackie McCord, Vanessa Greene, and Sadina Vanison.

70 ZEBRA PRESS

OCTOBER 2019

! n w o T n DO YOU Best Deal i HAVE YOUR CARD? e c i v r e S r e Silv Card

Alexandria

Connecting Seniors with Local Businesses

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

Alexandria Silver Service Participants Restaurants Bastille

✩

10% off Lunch, or Small Plate menus Tues Fri 11:30 am – 4 pm available in the café and the dining room and 10% off Dinner Sunday, Tuesday - Thursday (Does not include any dinner prix fixe meal, three/four course menu, happy hour, holidays, restaurant weeks and special events; not available on alcohol).

Fairlington Pizza

Slaters Market

15% off lunch, Monday Thursday

15% off food and nonalcoholic beverages

The Italian Place

Sonoma Cellar

10% off entire purchase

15% discount, Monday Thursday dinner; 15% discount, Saturday & Sunday brunch, 12 noon – 3 pm.

Junction Bakery One free 12 oz. cup of coffee or a 16 oz. Iced Tea Monday-Thursday

✩

Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza

15% off food and nonalcoholic beverages

Blackwall Hitch

London Curry House

10% off Lunch Monday Friday

15% off lunch buffet

✩

Café 44

10% off Breakfast and Lunch, Monday-Friday, 7am-4pm

✩

Chadwick’s

Buy one lunch, get 50% off second of equal or lesser value. Monday through Friday 10% lunch up to $10 Monday-Friday

✩

Del Ray Café

The Majestic 15% off food and nonalcoholic beverages

Market to Market 10% discount, weekdays, 11am-5pm, on food and non-alcoholic beverages

MeggRolls 10% off entire check Monday - Friday

Mia’s Italian Kitchen

20% dinner up to $20 Monday-Friday

15% off food and nonalcoholic beverages

Del Ray Pizzeria

✩

10% discount lunch Mon, Tues, Weds

Dishes of India 15% off Take-Out during lunch & dinner; Dine-In: buy one entree & second entree 50% off

✩

Diya Indian Cuisine

15% off food items (lunch or dinner) MonThurs

Nature’s Nibbles

Spice & Tea Exchange Alexandria

20% off all in-store items

5% off of any service call (plumbing or HVAC)

Look Again Resale Shop

Clean Smart

20% off Tuesdays

Purple Goose Reunions

10% off dry-cleaning

✩

The Getaway Driver

10% off any tour for 2 (with online code SilverService)

10% discount, Weekdays, 11am-5pm, on food and non-alcoholic beverages

10% off all merchandise on Mondays

Stomping Ground

10% off in-store purchases

Free Small Coffee, Tuesday – Friday

Wear Ever Jewelry

Purchase 3 home care visits, get 1 free

10% off all purchases (except special orders & classes)

Hairy Situations Dog Grooming

✩

Tempo

10% off lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch (Does not include Monday/Tuesday dinner specials (three course dinner for two plus a bottle of wine) or holidays and special events.)

Theismann’s Restaurant 15% off food and nonalcoholic beverages

Trademark Drink and Eat

Vola’s Dockside Grill

Free Fountain Drink with Sandwich, MondayFriday before 5pm

Caffi Services, Inc

Hysteria Old Town

St. Elmo’s

Palette 22

Pork Barrel BBQ

ing consultation ($200 regular fee) and 25% off on-going coaching

10% off all clothing

10% Discount

15% discount, InStore and Delivery

✩

Gossypia

10% off

10% off lunch 11am-2pm (does not include alcoholic beverages).

15% off food and nonalcoholic beverages

Shopping

15% off food and nonalcoholic beverages

The Wharf 15% off lunch MondayFriday

✩ SEE OUR AD IN THIS ISSUE

Ten Thousand Villages

Greener Cleaner 20% discount

Griswold Home Care

Health

15% off any grooming package, Tuesday-Friday

Ease Yoga & Café

Premium Family Dental

10% off any class package

25% off for Premium Family Dental

Four Directions Wellness 5% discount on Four Directions Wellness educational offerings

PK Move $60 for 10 classes (based on availability)

Teamdunston, LLC 10% off all personal training packages

Services Atlas Services 10% off all services

Blue Apricot $50 off 90-minute initial Executive and Life Coach-

Poppy Nails & Spa 10% off all services Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 10:00am-4:00pm

Ready Hands Home Care 1 free 4-hour shift and 10% off of services on an ongoing basis

Salon DeZEN 10% off

Financial John Marshall Bank – Alexandria office Additional .10% on nonpromotional CDs

This space made possible by The Hoffman Family and the Hoffman Town Center OCTOBER 2019

THE ZEBRA PRESS

71

IN THE DIRT

BY RAY GREENSTREET

Boundless Ways to Welcome Fall to Your House and Garden Hello fall! After our hot summer, much-appreciated cooler temperatures usher in the season of cozy hayrides, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches. Welcome the change of season by swapping out tired summer decorations for fresh autumn colors and Halloween fun with wreaths, gourds, garlands, seasonal flowers, hay bales, and corn stalks.

Your front door is a great place to start. Choose a classic wreath of fall leaves and bunches of berries. Achieve a natural, rustic look with grapevine wreaths adorned with seed pods and burlap bows.

If you prefer a more modern look, consider an all white wreath made from fluffy cotton pods, faux white berries, or mini gourds, especially nice on a darker door. Drape the door frame with a fall garland to compliment the wreath, add a seasonal doormat, and autumn has arrived on your doorstep!

Fall isn’t fall without our favorite gourds. For covered or protected areas, line a wicker or wire basket with a piece of burlap or a weathered wood crate or bushel basket, and heap it full of gourds. Choose your palette. Gourds come in many colors, shapes, and sizes.

Mix and match or go monochromatic. Fall is the season of abundance, so pile them in.

Does your arrangement seem a little flat? Take it up a notch with hay bales or stacked crates. Weave in a string of wired faux bittersweet or grapevine to add color and texture. Add an outdoor fall sign painted on a chalkboard or a piece of barn wood. Large or small, handmade or purchased, these simple signs make a great finishing touch for your seasonal arrangement.

If you’re cramped for space, think vertical and stack the Jacks! Build a pumpkin topiary with wider pumpkins that have flatter tops and bottoms.

Heirloom varieties work best, in classic orange or dark reds, greens, and whites. Line the sides of your porch steps with pumpkins, using all the same size for a symmetrical look, or mix it up with different colors and shapes for an informal

72 ZEBRA PRESS

style.

We love outdoor lanterns with so many styles and sizes to choose from. Light your front steps with weatherproof lanterns placed among the pumpkins. Or make a statement on the porch with one big lantern. Use two to three candles in varying heights and seasonal foliage – strings of faux berries and leaves – at the base of the candles.

But be safe! Use flame-free battery operated candles. And don’t underutilize these versatile, and functional, decorations. When fall turns to winter, simply swap out autumn colors for holiday greens and berries.

Got pots? Replace those tired summer annuals with

fall favorites: Mums, pansies, and ornamental grasses. Get creative with your choice of containers. A rusty wheelbarrow, galvanized metal buckets or tubs, or even that old child’s wagon in the corner of your basement or garage all make great containers.

Create a fanciful porch pot using the “thrill, fill and spill” recipe: An ornamental grass with its feathery plumes or even a tall ornamental kale for the upright thrill. Mums, pansies, and shorter, fuller ornamental cabbage are great fills, and trailing pansies or ivy for the spill. Add seasonal berries or tiny gourds or leafless branches collected from your yard.

Or keep it fast and simple by using potted fall plants as you would summer annuals.

You don’t need to repot them; just place the plants, still in their plastic nursery pots, into decorative containers. Just

remember these are living plants and they’ll appreciate regular drinks, especially if they’re sitting in the sun.

We almost forgot the first thing most visitors to your house will see: Your curbside mailbox. This is a simple decorating project, and the busy folk who deliver your mail will surely appreciate your ef-

fort too. Dress up their stop at your house with a corn stalk, seasonal flowers like mums, pansies, and cabbage. and a big pumpkin or two.

This is also time to brighten up fading foundation plantings with colorful pansies.

These happy flowers are easy to grow, and give you lots of bang for your buck. They’ll bloom until the first hard freeze when they’ll go into a slumber, but come warmer temps and longer days, they will bounce back just in time for spring. Ornamental cabbages also hold their own into winter. Plant them with pansies for a pleasing late season garden.

For a more ambitious, and permanent, landscape project, don’t overlook hardy shrubs

with exceptional fall colors and berries. Both viburnum and nandina are available in many varieties, are easy to grow, and do well in our area.

Fall is a great time to plant.

And for Halloween, spook up your fall décor for Trickor-Treaters by adding pretend spiders and their webs to those hay bales or across the wreath. For a more family sensitive look, friendly ghosts and witches on picks are easy to add to flowerpots and gardens.

Whatever your taste, there are boundless ways to celebrate the change of season and welcome autumn to your home. Grab a mug of steaming apple cider, and happy decorating!

OCTOBER 2019

ON WATCH

BY MARCUS FISK

The UN - Sometimes a Great Notion In June of 1945, the most famous BOGSAT (Bunch Of Guys Sitting Around Talking) ever convened for world peace signed the United Nations Charter. The UN was the culmination of half a century of backroom chats, cajoling, back-slapping, arm-twisting, and Mexican standoffs among the world’s who’s-who of diplomatic and political players.

The UN itself was over three years in the making, and getting there was no picnic.

It’s predecessor, the League of Nations, was the result of a Herculean effort by President Woodrow Wilson to create an international organization to settle disputes early on, before they festered into something similar to World War I. The Great War1, as it was called back then, introduced horrific weapons of mass destruction. Coupled with that ugly situation was

“…solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character, and in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights … and to be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations in the attainment of these common ends.”

—Article 1 – United Nations Charter

Photos: Wikimedia Commons

Above: An early BOGSAT at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919 where the League of Nations was born. Italian Premier Vittorio Orlando, British Prime Minister David Lloyd George, French Premier Georges Clemenceau and President Woodrow Wilson.

At left: A UN Peacekeeper on station in Africa.

that intellectually the generals were still fighting the last century’s war and applied field tactics that hadn’t changed in nearly a hundred years.

There were 40 million casualties during WWI and over four years from 1914 to 1918 some 20 million died and 21 million were wounded.

The U.S. came into WWI late in the 7th inning. Wilson was a Virginian, a career academic, and a late bloomer in politics when he’d become the governor of New Jersey, back when being the governor of New Jersey was still a good thing. As president, he said we were not going to get involved in Europe2. His campaign slogan in 1916 was “He kept us out of war,” and it got him re-elected. But then a German submarine sank the liner RMS Lusitania with a bunch of Americans on it and people started getting testy and wanted to knock Germans into left field. But Wilson held out.

Then there was the Zimmerman Telegram and all hell broke loose.

Zimmerman, Germany’s foreign minister, sent a note to the Mexican government saying that if Mexico joined Germany and started fighting America, they’d give Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona back to Mexico. Well, the gloves came off and America went riding to Europe’s defense like the cavalry in a John Wayne movie.

OCTOBER 2019

After the war Wilson saw all the devastation. A shrewd politician, Wilson knew that thousands of veterans blind from mustard gas and limping around on missing limbs was bad for votes, so he sat down and cooked up his Fourteen Points. It became the blueprint for the League of Nations.

The intent of the League was simple: disarmament, peace through collective security, diplomacy, and improving global welfare. Wilson’s approval ratings worldwide were great—he had won the Nobel Peace Prize—so he took membership in the League to Congress and wouldn’t you know it, Senator Henry Cabot Lodge had a hissy-fit saying only the U.S. Congress could decide if we were going to war—not a bunch of foreigners— and Congress voted “No.”

On November 16, 1920, they held the first meeting. At its peak, some 63 countries became members. But membership became musical chairs, some not being able to afford it, revolting from a mother country, or being absorbed by another country and disappearing overnight.3 There were three categories of countries leaving. Some withdrew of their own choice. Others left when they ceased to exist because they were gobbled-up by another country. The last category was expelled.

Just like in high school, this was a big deal and extremely rare with the Soviet Union being the only country expelled in 1939, for invading Poland. Germany wasn’t expelled even though Hitler invaded Poland, too, with Stalin.

Hitler thought Germany got a bad deal after the war, so he withdrew in 1933. Others that withdrew in 1933 were Italy, Spain, and Japan. If you see in the news that your country’s supreme leader, president, or premier

Endnotes Clearly the PR whiz kid who branded it The Great War hadn’t spent time in the water-soaked trenches of the Western Front, dodged machine gun bullets, or ever donned a gas mask. Some guys never get the memo.

2 Except to travel or hang out with dozens of American artists. European travel had experienced a real slump because of all the trenches and artillery falling on all the tourist attractions. But the artists who had invaded Rome, Paris, and Brussels simply went ga-ga for Europe. They loved all the drinking, painting, writing, and general cavorting.

3 This happens sometimes and makes things inconvenient; printing new stationery, short-term rentals during peak season, and learning new bus routes.

4 It’s usually a sign that it’s time to close your bank accounts, divest your 401K, put the house on the market, schedule the movers, and check into a VRBO on another CONTINENT for a while, until the dust settles.

1

“chooses” to leave an international organization for peace and security, or withdraw from an international treaty or agreement, consider this your warning.4 The League was resurrected in a new form called the United Nations in 1945. The difference this time was that the UN had teeth in the form of collective military power to thump on anyone upsetting the applecart.

On several occasions, UN forces have stepped in and kept folks from chopping up others less fortunate.

But lately the UN has moved away from using collective military force (i.e., peacekeeping) to BOGSATs, chatting about everything from currency exchange rates to kidnapping children into sex slavery. It seems easier and more popular today to take out-of-work former diplomats and find them a slot in the UN than to confront bad guys with a big stick.

Now I’m just a layman, but looking at the UN Charter, I think if we really employed Article 1 in a big, broad way, we might eliminate some of the world’s biggest problems, or at least put a dent in the works of those power-mongers dead set against world peace.

Imagine what could be done by employing a portion of all the world’s navies and coast guards in trouble spots. If member nations contributed 10 percent of their maritime assets in a global force to support migration from conflict and war, think of what it would do for peace and stability.

Take away the profiteers operating unseaworthy boats at obscene prices in the Mediterranean and provide migrants with a safe and secure environment to receive medical care, collect themselves and start a new life away from terror and strife. A global force evacuating people from harm’s way could defeat the inhumane, black-market transportation industry operating there unrestricted.

Consider an armed international force rooting out gangs in Africa. These gang members who force women into sex slavery by a distortion of religious text should be neutered themselves with a strong global military force. It seems that’s all they understand.

And let’s consider not just military force. Look what could be achieved by expanding the definition of collective military power into a force for mankind. If I were the Secretary General of the UN, I would convene member nation military assets to support humanitarian assistance.

Let’s face it: if there is one thing the military is good at, it is dealing with chaos. Imagine the medical, housing, maintenance, engineering, and logistics expertise that could have been applied at-large by the UN in the Caribbean in the aftermath of Atlantic hurricanes, in the Pacific after tsunamis, in Europe during flash floods or volcanoes, or during Ebola pandemics. A large group of soldiers

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BALLAFRIKH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 68 he started training in Muay Thai. Up until that point, he says, he was always getting into street fights.

“If I see someone pick on someone I want to go and fight him,” Ballafrikh said.

He had his first amateur fight three months after starting training, and lost. The shocked young fighter was convinced he’d won his fight, and only after watching the video realized that he was not invincible and intensified his training regimen. He won his first national title at the age of

16, and four years later moved to Alexandria to live with his father.

After working a number of odd jobs, and without speaking English, he moved to New York City for a few years and became a truck driver.

Eventually he moved back to the area and began training at Capital MMA. After work driving, he would often park his trailer behind the gym and his trainers would have to knock on his door in the morning. He’d emerge from the bed of his truck to start training for the day.

Ballafrikh is now a fulltime trainer at Capital MMA and lives a Spartan lifestyle

fighting exclusively for Lion Fight Promotions LLC. He says that he can fight up to six times a year, and last year took his team to the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT, to win the North American Lightweight championship.

What’s new for the Alexandrian? He has to participate in a Superfight, and he has to fight a European fighter.

“So, the fights are going to go overseas,” Ballafrikh said.

“Where? We’re not sure exactly. It’s between Italy, Australia, and Sweden. I have to fight someone from Europe, and then I need to fight for a world belt.”

It’s King!

Emily Hanner wrote in, “This is my cat, King. When he’s not getting into mischief in the house (like when he hides in a box and likes to see who he can pop out on), he likes to be pushed around the neighborhood in his cat stroller!”

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.

Emily just picked up a $25 gift card from DIYA Indian Cuisine Restaurant in Old Town!

HIGH SCHOOL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 65 expand T.C. Williams with a major facility on the Minnie Howard campus as part of the Connected High School Network. The Connected High School Network will continue to encompass a satellite campus for online learning and Early College program in collaboration with Northern Virginia Community College.

Staff will also continue to explore options at Potomac Yard.

The vote follows more than a year of study and analysis of educational programming concepts, as well as real estate and site locations, by teams of experts, staff and teachers.

The one high school model allows ACPS to add to or contract learning space if fewer students come our way, as happened in the 1970s and

ON WATCH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 73 in blue helmets providing security along with humanitarian assistance would go further in advancing world peace and security than another BOGSAT holding a press conference announcing a new “agreement in principle.”

Maybe Woodrow Wilson was right and BOGSAT diplomacy really can work. But what do I know?

Zebra Press 10/19 Sudoku

CAT IN A BOX

19 Crossword

Sudoku

Solution

CROSSWORD

New Minnie Howard Building “The choice to expand the Minnie Howard Campus with a new building that can serve 1,600 students, provides much needed addition to our high school capacity while offering many possibilities for creative programming,” said School Board Chair Cindy Anderson.

In the coming weeks, an expanded Education Design Team will reconvene to take a deeper dive into programming for the new high school experience. An industry advisory board made up of local Industry leaders will join with the Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee, to provide input to the EDT that will enhance course work and the student experience.

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 long-time residents of Alexandria and currently live in Connecticut where they travel the New England shore in their 42’ Grand Banks Trawler ADAGIO.

PuzzleJunction.com

OCTOBER ANSWERS

R A R E

D R I V I N G M I S S D A I S Y

A A S L E B A

U K E S

A S P S

B L A S E

N I L E

E R I N

B L U R

1980s, and again between 2000 to 2006. In addition, no new land on which to build could be identified within Alexandria.

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R A G C A V O L C E A D A E A M H A R O I N E R L E N S E S I S S E T E T H A W H A T E E A L R Z I L R B O D E V A T O R E T H E G R R A E A N Y G I S E N S H D U M

H A M I L T O N

U M P I R E R U B

P H O A S M E S D A N C A B G U T D A Z B E I A N T S O C K O E L G O S A T E U S L T E E O S

A I L S P N E A E N I N J D M A U R A C A A M I N W E D E D R N E A C A P U T A S H R S T E L R D U C A S C A P H E R O R P E E N G S E O

P U B L E S D E S H O E P M I I T S R O I T T E C D O A I G L

A R A S

L E A L C K E

D O L O R E S C L A I B O R N E

A B E T

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K H A N

PUZZLES ON SolutionPAGE 50

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9 3 4 7 8 2 1 6 5

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OCTOBER 2019

Training Time

QUOTABLES

Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and caldron bubble.

– William Shakespeare, Macbeth

By Sandy Modell

Have a Safe and Dog-Friendly Howl-oween!

BY SANDY MODELL The holiday season can be tons of fun and good times for adults and children alike, but these holidays aren’t as much fun for our family pets. Halloween is the scariest of all for most of our canine companions.

Weird, often loud noises come from neighbors’ front lawns, ghouls and goblins at every turn, pumpkins with strange faces peer out from porches, and all this before Halloween even arrives. As these decorations start to appear, bring treats along on your dog’s walk so that you can reinforce calm behavior and make positive associations with the inflatable monsters flapping on lawns along the way.

Many dogs are afraid of people in hats. Dogs don’t understand “removable parts” and

see them as an alien object that changes the silhouette they are used to. This can be more than a little unsettling. The simple act of wearing a hat can cause the calmest of dogs to bark and growl at people.

Puppies that experience people with big hats and long or puffy coats during the critical socialization period of four weeks to four months tend to worry less about people donning different types of outerwear. But dogs of any age can be desensitized to people in hats through consistent and positive exposure. Even so, adding a frightening looking mask, a bed sheet with eyes, or a bizarre costume, like a large stuffed animal, fairy wings, or an oversized wig, can turn even the most socialized dog into a scaredy-cat.

OCTOBER 2019

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.

CLOVER 2019 Female, age 4 Beautiful “creamsicle” colored girl offers grateful companionship It’s important to recognize that Halloween night can be terrifying for dogs. People dress up in creepy costumes, and if you live in a kid friendly neighborhood, you probably have lots of strangers knocking on your door and walking around outside. If you host a costume party, all sorts of disfigured and oddly shaped humans will roam about your house.

Unless your dog is fully desensitized to strangers and costumes, I recommend securing him in a back room that is set up with treats, favorite toys, or anything else your dog might need to stay entertained for the night. Provide a soothing, calm environment.

Classical music, a fan, or white noise can help soothe him. If you have a nervous, anxious, or shy dog, consider a Thundershirt and speak with your vet about prescribing something to take the edge off. Have a family member check on him often to ensure that he is calm and safe.

As always, ensure that your dog’s collar has an updated identification tag, just in case he gets too spooked by the constant opening and closing of doors. Even if your dog is okay around all of the Halloween hubbub, the constant doorbell ringing or knocking on your door can stress a dog out. Dogs can be desensitized to a doorbell ring, but Halloween isn’t a good time to start that training. A good alternative is to avoid constant ringing and knocking by greeting trick or treaters outside.

Will you dress your dog in a costume for the Del Ray Halloween Parade this year? Don’t wait until the day of the parade to get her comfortable in that

adorable or scary attire. Spend the week before the parade desensitizing your dog to wearing the costume.

To our benefit, dogs do not grasp this idea of costumes and are more annoyed with functionality than what it might look like, so feel free to choose a fairy, flower, or zombie. It will make no difference to your dog. The trick is to find a costume that he will want to stay in. If your dog doesn’t like hoods or hats on his head, then don’t have one. The same goes for the construction. Some dogs will gladly walk around in a cape, but freak out if you try to stick their hind legs in pants. Make sure that whatever costume you select is comfortable. Otherwise, your dog will spend the entire time trying to pull it off—and that’s no fun.

Always remember to keep Halloween candy and decorations out of your dog’s reach.

Candy, glow sticks, pumpkins, corn, and the like can make your dog sick if eaten. Chocolates and candy containing xylitol are especially toxic to dogs.

Following these holiday tips can help you and your dog have a safe and happy Halloween!

Sandy Modell, CPDT-KA, is the Founder and CEO of Wholistic Hound Academy, Alexandria’s award winning, premier canine training and learning center -- offering classes and private lessons in puppy training, adult dog manners, behavior modification, agility, dog sports and canine fitness and conditioning, kids and dogs, pre-pet planning and pet selection. Classes starting soon! Visit www.wholistichound. com to enroll in our programs, and like us on Facebook.com/wholistichound.

MOOSHU Male, age 8 months Happy, playful, funny and lovable baby boy looking for feline and human playmates

MYSTIC 2019 Female, age 6 months Beautiful, cuddly chatty kitten girl sits and waits for you to come home

MARIE 2019 Female, age 5 months Gentle, affectionate, purring baby girl snuggle bug will warm your lap

FITZGERALD Female, age 4 Quiet tabby girl seeks peaceful new home and companionship

TUX 2019 Male, age 5 Handsome, quiet, well-mannered boy will be your loyal best friend

TUM TUM Female, age 5 Happy girl just loves, loves, loves, loves people

Our adoption open houses are every Saturday and Sunday from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

KING STREET CATS

25 Dove Street • Alexandria, VA 22314 www.kingstreetcats.org THE ZEBRA PRESS

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Enjoying Alexandria’s Dog-Friendly Patios Fall is the best time to enjoy Alexandria’s many dog friendly patios. The weather is cool, but still comfortable enough to enjoy a glass of wine, a craft beer, or a meal with your BFF. As any dog owner will tell you, there is “dog friendly” and then there is DOG FRIENDLY!! Those are the establishments that have taken extra steps to ensure that both owners and dogs are comfortable and welcome.

After a walk through Old Town or Del Ray, the following stops will be enjoyable for both you and your dog.

Where Will Your Paws Go Today?

By Karen Johnson, PawsGo

Old Town Jackson 20 is located in the Alexandrian Hotel, and while the name has changed over the years, it’s been the site of a doggie happy hour for a couple of decades! Every Thursday from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., it’s Barks, Brews and Bites in the Jackson 20 Courtyard. Dogs and humans are invited to enjoy Yappy Hour specials. Jackson 20 supports local rescues and animal welfare foundations, so check their website for special events. The Alexandrian is a dog friendly hotel, so your pup might make a friend from out of town! (www.jackson20restaurant.com, 480 King Street) Sonoma Cellar’s back pa-

Photo: Karen Johnson

Boomer enjoys his dessert at Lena’s in Del Ray.

tio is always dog friendly and a quiet oasis hidden from the bustle of King Street. To reach the patio, go down Lee Street and enter behind the building. Owners can relax with a

Photo: Cara Bloomer

Our friend Rhi relaxes at Old Town’s Sonoma Cellars.

glass of wine from a wonderfully curated wine list, while dogs get their pick of $4 entrees from the doggie menu. (www.sonomacellar.com, 207 King Street)

Have a dog that’s a joy to live with!

Del Ray

100 percent outdoors and 100 percent dog friendly. There are plenty of drinks and snacks for humans and tie-ups for the dogs. The Garden has a variety of outdoor games, tables, and communal seating.

On your Saturday morning dog walk, stop by for a beignet and mimosa (or coffee). (www.thegardendelray.com, 1503 Mt Vernon Ave) Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza and Tap has it all: pizza, pasta, salads, an extensive beer and wine list, and a doggie menu. Their servers are unflappable when it comes to serving or serving around a happy dog. Don’t be surprised to see several dogs dining on Lena’s beautiful patio, as it’s a very comfortable and civilized experience for dogs and owners. (www.lenaswoodfire. com, 401 E. Braddock Road, the intersection of Braddock and Mt. Vernon Avenue) Karen Johnson is the founder of PawsGo (www.pawsgo.com) the Alexandria-based online community for humans and their dogs, promoting an active lifestyle for both! PawsGo merchandise can be found online and locally at From Head to Tail Grooming and Spa, Bon Vivant Café and Farm Market, Reunions, and at Art on the Avenue Saturday October 5th in Del Ray.

HopsNShine is a newcomer to the area food scene and has become a favorite with dog owners and rescue groups. While dogs are always welcome on the back patio, HopsNShine hosts Tuesday Yappy Hours each week to benefit area rescues. It’s a great place to grab a beer, one of their now famous grilled cheese sandwiches, and maybe meet your new best friend. The patio is casual, with outdoor games and communal picnic tables. (www.hopsnshine.com, 3401 Mt Vernon Ave) Photo: Karen Johnson The Garden is Rescues like Lu’s Labs take advantage of another new hot HopsNShine’s weekly Yappy Hour to benefit spot in the area. It’s area rescues.

Alexandria’s premier training and learning center for people and their dogs!

Wholistic Hound Academy

18 Roth Street, Suite 100 Alexandria, VA 22314

703-962-6335 www.wholistichound.com 76 ZEBRA PRESS

Private Lessons Classes & Workshops Agility & Dog Sports Positive Training Powerful Results

Photo: Victoria Barnes

PawsGo and Lu’s Labs team up at HopsNShine’s Yappy Hour.

OCTOBER 2019

What’s Good about Today? Dog Kisses!

There are lots of reasons dogs like to put their tongues on you, ranging from instinct, to affection, to stress. Why?

Dog Kisses Are Instinctual: Dog licking is a form of communication and stimulation for dogs. What we term “dog kisses” are an instinctual urge that starts at birth.

According to dog trainer Victoria Stilwell, “Why is the dog licking? Right from birth that is how the mother communicates with her new puppies, how she stimulates them to start breathing and how she cleans them when they are born, so it’s very important to the survival of puppies.

In the wild and in domestic dogs, you’ll find they will lick around the mother’s mouth as newborns, and puppies still retain that instinct. It’s also sort of a submissive gesture— the more subordinate members of a pack will lick the more dominant members and that’s important in maintaining pack harmony.”

Licking may help maintain pack harmony: Just like you imagine, dog-

Pups in the Pool!

Photo: Kelly MacConomy)

YOU HAD ME AT WOOF!

BY ELLEN EPSTEIN

Selfie by Ellen Epstein

gie kisses are also forms of affection. That is, it’s affectionate when combined with butt wiggles and other signals of happiness. Like when you come home from work.

Your Dog Likes Your Smell: Your dog loves you and

The annual dog swim sponsored by the City of Alexandria and Paul Haire’s Alexandria-based businesses, Your Dog’s Best Friends and The Dog Store, was a splashing success. The pools become cement ponds for play every year when it’s time to empty and clean them for the season.

For information so you can participate next year, bookmark alexandriadogswim. com or just keep reading Zebra—we will always tell you how to register and when it is happening.

Based in Del Ray and available online, PawsGo is a favorite of dog-lovers around the region and the country!

is comforted by your smell and taste. Unlike people, they aren’t put off by sweat and odors; rather, they’re intrigued.

Stress Reduction: In general, if a dog licks you, they are showing af-

fection. However, if the dog licks someone who is agitated or excited, this could be a symptom of stress. By licking that person, they are trying to relieve that person’s or their own stress because they know this is a welcome gesture.

If the dog licks you from

nerves and not for love, you can recognize this behavior thanks to other calming signs.

Signs such as lifted ears, head tilts, and anxious movements.

So, if you’re visibly upset, your dog may try licking you to calm you down. Or, if your dog is feeling stressed, then licking you can help calm them down by releasing endorphins and sending a cascade of positive feelings through their bodies.

There are many reasons that dogs give kisses. The question becomes, does your dog give more kisses than you’d like? Some people find they have an excited dog who can’t accept attention without exchanging pets for kisses. Other dogs simply want to kiss everyone they meet!

What do you think about dog kisses? I think they are the BEST KISSES! Ellen Epstein is Top Dog @ Bow Wow Meow Pet Care ellen@bowwowpets.net • 703850-5559

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

Allergies? Tummy Troubles?

We can help what ailes your pup!

We treat the Whole Dog — from stimulated play, overnights in their own suites to food & supplements that help kick allergies, tummy troubles, canine cough, immune issues, etc. Even some fun things for dog owners!

Local artists create our designs.

Merchandise is produced locally.

Many items support local animal welfare and rescue organizations.

Check us out today!

4748 Eisenhower Ave. Alexandria, VA 22304

See them all at

www.PawsGo.com OCTOBER 2019

(703)751-3649

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Saturday, October 26

2-4 p.m.

Riverside Taco Company, Old Town Waterfront Something adorable this way comes at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s annual Howl-O-Ween canine costume contest!

Prep your pup with their most ghoulish garb and enter them to compete for the titles Most Creative Costume, Best Homemade Costume and Best Human/Canine Combo Costume. Learn more at AlexandriaAnimals.org/HowlOWeen2019!

Entry fees for Howl-O-Ween support adoptable animals like...

Alison Lane Photography

DeSilva Studios, LLC.

Alison Lane Photography

Maxx can’t wait for Halloween! He has his costume picked out already and is bouncing to see what tricks and treats the day has in store. For his costume, he’s dressing up as Mighty Mouse because his friends sometimes call him that. Apparently Mighty Mouse has adorable ears just like him. Mighty Mouse also gets to run around chasing toys with his cape flying behind him, which for Maxx will be his favorite part!

Annie loves Halloween because with her big, beautiful eyes she looks just like a jack-o’-lantern.

No costume required!

She hopes to spend her All Hallows Eve cuddled up on the couch with her best friend, snoozing through the scary movies until it’s time for treats. Is Annie the one for you?

Halloween is Phoebe’s favorite time of year. Between making treats of crunchy fall greens and enjoying the endless decorating opportunities, she’s one busy bunny by the end of October.

She’s looking forward to a quiet Halloween with friends but still has a costume planned. Phoebe will dress up as Cleopatra, of course, to represent notable women of history and because she already has her stunning eyeliner to match.

View all of our adoptable animals at AlexandriaAnimals.org/Adopt. @AlexandriaAnimals

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria

@AlexAnimals

4101 Eisenhower Avenue Alexandria, VA 22304

@AlexAnimals

703-746-4774 info@alexandriaanimals.org

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OCTOBER 2019

HALLOWEEN PARADE October 28

23rd Annual

Sunday, October 27

Bobi Bomar | Ellen Patrick

Yates Service Signature Bank Del Ray Citizens Association

DEL RAY BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Al's Steak House

1504 Mount Vernon Avenue

2019 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

A Del Ray institution, Al's Steak House has been an Alexandria favorite since 1955.

While Al’s is known for its legendary Philly cheesesteaks, the menu has expanded to include breakfast, pizza, and other favorites.

Why Del Ray?

Al’s has called Del Ray home since 1955. Al Martino started Al's; it was then taken over by employee John Severson, who owned and operated the restaurant for 53 years. He built a legacy. He supported many of the youth sports in Alexandria, which we continue to do today. We have a high mark to hit -- John set the bar high with extra-meaty, delicious subs. We try every day to give Del Ray what Al’s is known for. Many former and current Del Ray residents continue to support Al’s.

What Makes Your Business Unique?

Al’s uniqueness comes from the fact that we are the oldest restaurant in Del Ray. Even though we are located on the quieter end of the Avenue, Al’s has survived almost 65 years. We cut our ribeye, onions, tomatoes and lettuce fresh daily, and our bread is delivered fresh every morning.

Register now: www.alexandriaturkeytrot.com

The Del Ray Business Association is an organization of business owners and professionals that strive for growth, visibility, and success of our members. We serve as an advocate, representative, and educator for businesses within the community of Del Ray in Alexandria, Virginia. For more information, to view our member directory, or to join the Association, visit www.visitdelray.com

OCTOBER 2019

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