When did people stop being quiet in libraries? I like to use libraries when I need total focus to read, concentrate, and work. They always have desks, cubicles, or even private rooms with electrical outlets.
I’m excited to be among the familiar stacks of books, see the demure librarians with their half-glasses, and bask in the reverence set aside for these sacred public institutions free for all to use. I set up my laptop, perhaps nod to a fellow person three stacks away, and get to work. But not so fast. More often than not, within a few seconds, I discover I’m in a place akin to a Romper Room.
Don’t get me wrong. I think kids and parents belong in libraries and should rediscover them. And the last thing I want to be is that grumpy old lady with furrowed eyebrows, putting a finger to her lips and softly scolding with a formidable, “Shhh.”
Growing up, when I was little, I went to the library at least once a week with my mother. She was an avid reader, flying through two or three books a week. I remember the process of returning the books,
the lady at the counter softly saying hello to us, and then my mom heading to the rows of the historical fiction section. At the same time, I got to ascend the steps and get lost in the shelves and shelves of books set aside for people my age. Alone and quiet, I’d finger the spines, pulling some out to read the book jacket or inside flap; I’d put dozens back before finally settling on the one or two I’d check out myself. I had my own library card. Every kid should. I became friends with authors like Roald Dahl, Lewis Carroll, and
OCTOBER ’24
Mary Wadland Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
Z-TV
Tolkien, and discovered the secret that movies I loved were books first. I devoured “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler,” and Ian Fleming’s “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” more than once. But I didn’t run in the library or talk in a regular voice. I whispered.
I hope more kids learn to love libraries as I did. And I hope that the tradition of respecting the space and the beauty of its silence is soon relearned. Because guess what?
There I was the other day, with my graying hair, half-glasses, and definitely a furrowed brow, trying to catch the eye of a young mother to softly say, “Shhh.”
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Mary Wadland
Mayor Asks Staff to Explore Extending Pedestrian Zone
At City Council meeting in September, Mayor Justin Wilson asked city staff to create a pilot program to explore the possibility of extending the King St. pedestrian zone. Councilman John Taylor Chapman joined him in this request.
“Since we did the 100 block closure, there’s been a lot of folks who have sug-
gested that we continue farther up,” Wilson said, “and make the pedestrian plaza go all the way from the 200 block to Market Square.”
He proposed that a pilot program could begin during the Christmas tree lighting until First Night (New Year’s Eve).
Mann Stepping Down at Campagna Center
Dr. Tammy Mann, who has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Campagna Center since 2011, has announced she is stepping down from the nonprofit, effective April 30, 2025.
Mann has worked for nearly 35 years in organizations devoted to improving life outcomes for children and youth.
“In July 2011, I had the great honor of starting my tenure as President and CEO of the Campagna Center – an organization that has had education as a bridge to opportunity at the heart of its mission since its founding,” said Mann. “I came to this role with an aspiration to focus on outcomes and to expand the organization’s scope and reach. I believe those aims have
been achieved and the organization is ready to embrace its next level of impact with a new leader at the helm.”
Mann has always been deeply committed to the power of collaboration. She understands that
achieving great things for children and youth requires collective effort, and she has demonstrated that commitment by lending her time to several noteworthy initiatives in Alexandria.
HEALTH DEPT. SHARES TIPS TO PREVENT MOSQUITO-RELATED ILLNESS
The city’s health de partment encourages residents to prevent mosquito-borne illness this fall.
People going outside should apply insect repellent as directed on repellent labels. A range of sprays and wipes are available.
Bug sprays with DEET have been researched to show the best protection, but the best repellent is the one you will use.
Also, wear long, loose, and light-colored clothing to cover your skin and move your nighttime activities inside since mosquitoes are most active in the evening.
Residents can help reduce the number of
mosquitoes in their area by dumping standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, and even a bottle cap full of water is big enough for breeding. Flowerpots, gutters, trash can lids, and tarps are some places to find and dump standing water after it rains.
New Waterfront Art Installation Debuts Next March
A new waterfront art project is in the works, and early designs have a familiar theme: flooding. “Break Water” by Nekisha Durrett will be the seventh installation at Waterfront Park. It will be on view from March to November 2025. The Commission for the
Arts approved the project in a unanimous vote. The installation’s centerpiece is a steamboat wheel meant to represent the sidewheel from the River Queen. The vessel was commissioned for service in the Civil War and later became a passenger ferry.
Photo: Misha Enriquez for Visit Alexandria
Photo: Campagna Center
Image via Nekisha Durrett/City of Alexandria
Artwork for “Break Water”
Concerts at Christ Church Series
Begins This Month
Historic Christ Church in Old Town is pleased to announce Concerts at Christ Church, a monthly noontime concert series. This brand-new series offers a respite of beautiful music to begin the work week on the second Monday of October, November, December, March, April, and May at 12:15 pm.
There is no admission for these concerts, though we hope audience members will support the series with a goodwill donation of any amount (suggested amount: $10).
These 45-minute programs include profession-
al solo performers and chamber musicians in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Featured on the inaugural season are cellist Wade Davis, organist Midori Ataka, musicians from DC Singer Collective, tenor John Logan Wood & pianist Carter Sligh, soprano Margot Rood & mezzo-soprano Kristen Dubenion-Smith, and classical guitarist Maya Loncar. We hope you will join us for this exciting new musical endeavor!
More information can be found here: historicchristchurch.org/monday-concert-series
CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
Alexandria’s Link to Computer Programming
BY JANE PLITT, FOUNDER AND BOARD CHAIR, NATIONAL CENTER OF WOMEN’S INNOVATIONS
Ever wonder where the name of Old Town’s Ada’s restaurant comes from?
I did since it was the first restaurant I ate in when I came to Alexandria. According to Scott Shaw, Ada’s co-owner and Honorary Advisory Board member for the National Center of Women’s Innovations (NCWI), the restaurant is named after Ada Lovelace. Shaw explains, “We believe it is important to recognize women in STEM,” and Lovelace certainly qualified as a role model. Given Alexandria’s love of history and its commitment to innovations, Scott and his partners chose Ada Lovelace for their namesake and our community inspiration.
Because October 8, 2024, is Ada Lovelace Day and will be celebrated worldwide, especially in England where she was born, NCWI highlights her this month. Lovelace is a perfect role model for cheering on the need to help the under-recognized accomplishments of women innovators become commonly known. The Ada Lovelace Day was created to spotlight the impact of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Lovelace was the daughter of Lord Byron and re-
former Anne Isabella Millbanke, although Byron left England shortly after Lovelace’s birth. Yet Millbanke purposely pushed her daughter’s mathematics and logic education. This led Lovelace to cultivate relationships with scientists and form a powerful partnership with Charles Babbage, often called the “father of computers.”
Intrigued with Babbage’s Analytical Engine, Lovelace translated and edited some scientific articles about the machine with clear annotations about how this engine could be used far beyond the calculations Babbage envisioned and instead be used for analysis. Fascinatingly, Lovelace envisioned the Analytical Engine could be programmed to “weave algebraic patterns, just as the Jacquard-loom weaves flowers and leaves.”
Brava for Ada Lovelace and her pioneering vision
as the mother of computer programming. Next time you pass Ada’s, Google anything, or think of using AI, thank Lovelace for her brilliant vision of how computers could be used.
Lovelace’s under-appreciated role in computers only underscores the importance of what NCWI is doing to broaden our historical and contemporary appreciation of women innovators in all fields. That’s why NCWI is building a searchable database where youth, students, scholars, businesses, and academic groups can discover, promote, and locate key women who have changed the world.
We are exploring with schools, including George Mason University, Virginia Tech, Cornell, Duke, Harvard, Howard, Georgetown, Marymount, Smith College, and the University of Rochester, their interest and re-
sources to partner with us. The goal is to institutionalize this database and tap their students and faculty resources to strengthen its impact. Have any suggested names and contacts of key institutions that should be included in our dialogue? Email me at jane@womensinnovations.org.
We are thrilled that one of our newest board members, Karina Drees,* a former Northern Virginia resident who relocated *toBoston, will share her fiscal expertise with NCWI as our Treasurer. As the former president of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation in Washington, DC, and the CEO of Mojave Air & Space Port, Drees also enlarges the board’s space expertise and connections. Having worked in the aerospace industry for 15 years, Drees recognizes the importance of diversity in an industry that needs more
role models to inspire the next generation. “NCWI’s important mission inspires young people who may not have considered pursuing STEM,” says Drees.
Formerly the National Women’s Hall of Fame CEO, Jennifer Gabriel has joined our board and will head our fundraising committee. Gabriel oversaw the dramatic multi-year construction project to renovate the Hall of Fame’s home (a $15 million preservation/capital campaign), strategic plan development, and needed staffing to accomplish the Hall’s lofty goals. As an avid writer, Jennifer passionately champions the power of storytelling to educate and inspire, with a particular focus on amplifying the often-overlooked narratives of women’s experiences and achievements. She joined the Advisory Board of the National Center for Women’s Innovations upon its inception, understanding the importance of a mission to expose women inventors’ contributions that were misattributed or stolen by men. We are ecstatic that these high-powered women will help fulfill our mission. Read more about them and our other leadership at womensinnovations.org/ about-us/leadership/ Join our team of passionate volunteers as Alexandrians celebrate NCWI!
Photos courtesy of NCWI Jennifer Gabriel Karina Drees
Foreseeing the Alexandria of the Future
On this 275th birthday of the City of Alexandria, it’s a great time to look back at how Alexandria has changed over the centuries and what’s on the horizon for its 300th birthday in 2049. You don’t need a crystal ball to peer into the future. In October, Agenda Alexandria will take a look forward to the Alexandria of the next generation. The discussion is based on the neighborhood development plans in place today. Most city plans span the next 25 years. As these plans are realized, we ask, “What will Alexandria be like and look like in 2049? What will stay, what will be new, and what will be gone? How might it change?”
Unlike its beginnings as a bustling seaport town, Alexandria today is a small bedroom community within a large metropolitan region. Alexandria’s historic sites, waterfront, and proximity to Washington, DC, make it a prime choice for those who live or work in the DMV. As a result, there is a great deal of demand for housing and development. The large areas envisioned for intensive development are along the Eisenhower Avenue corridor, the former Power Plant site on the waterfront, Potomac Yard, and large portions of the West End. How many people will live, work, and visit within 15 square miles?
Who will be able to choose Alexandria for their home or business? Will Alexandria thrive or struggle as it reaches 300 years old? Agenda Alexandria will explore all sides of these questions with three (or 4?) experts - each with a unique perspective on development choices and their effect on a livable Alexandria. They will offer attendees a glimpse of Alexandria in the future.
The panel discussion will occur on Monday, October 28, at 7:00 pm at the Lyceum. The panelists include:
Jeff Farner - Deputy Director of the Department of Planning and Zoning for the City of Alexandria
Eric R. Wagner - Former Executive Vice President with MedStar Health
Terry L. Clower - Northern Virginia Chair and Professor of Public Policy at George Mason University
Jeff Farner is committed to shaping sustainable and thriving urban spaces in the City of Alexandria. Bringing 25+ years of ex-
CONCERTS
Concert calendar
perience in urban design, development, and planning across both the public and private sectors, Jeff tackles the critical challenges of urban design, affordable housing, sustainable development, and growth through elements such as master plans and extensive community engagement. A proven team leader, Jeff develops people and projects within collaborative environments that foster innovation and inclusion across multiple disciplines and backgrounds. His expertise lies in integrating and balancing human needs with technical excellence in urban planning practice and sustainable design principles to advance projects that transform people’s lives today and tomorrow.
Eric R. Wagner has been active in Alexandria’s civic matters and land use issues for over 35 years. He got his start by serving as chair of the land use committee of the Del Ray Citizens Association during Alexandria’s master planning effort. One of his major accomplishments resulted in a decrease in allowable residential density, which fostered more private open space in the Del Ray neighborhood. He later served as president of the Association, where he helped to spearhead the successful opposition to the proposed football stadium at Potomac Yard. During the same period, Mr. Wagner served as a member of the City’s Ad Hoc Potomac Yard Task Force, which led the original planning effort for Potomac Yard.
Mr. Wagner was appointed to the Alexandria Planning Commission in 1993 and served for 21 years, including as its chair for
October 14: Bach’s Cello Suites; Wade Davis, cello
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
November 11: Organ works featuring music by Florence Price, Mendelssohn, & Bach; Midori Ataka, organ
December 9: Coventry Carols for Advent; DC Singer Collective
eight years. One of his major priorities for the Commission was to protect and increase publicly accessible open space in the city. He served as the founding co-chair of Alexandria’s Open Space Steering Committee, which oversaw the development and initial implementation of the Open Space Master Plan. Mr. Wagner also served as a member of Alexandria’s Ad Hoc Transportation Task Force, Affordable Housing Strategy Work Group, and Ad Hoc Joint City-Schools Facility Investment Task Force.
In his professional life, Mr. Wagner served as an executive vice president with MedStar Health, a $7 billion integrated hospital and healthcare company with facilities in Baltimore, Washington, and Virginia. He earned his master of business administration from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and his bachelor’s degree from Stony Brook University. He lives with his wife in the North Ridge neighborhood.
Dr. Terry L. Clower is the Northern Virginia Chair and Professor of Public Policy at George Mason University. He is the director of GMU’s Center for Regional Analysis. The center provides economic and public policy research services to private, nonprofit, and public sponsors. He also leads the Stephen S. Fuller Institute for Research on the Washington Region’s Economic Future. Before joining GMU, he was director of the Center for Economic Development and Research at the University of North Texas. Dr. Clower has almost ten years of private sector experience in transportation, lo-
gistics, and site location management.
Dr. Clower has authored or co-authored over 250 articles, book chapters, and research reports reflecting experience in economic and community development, land use planning, labor market analysis, real estate market analysis, economic and fiscal impact analysis, transportation, and economic and market forecasting. His scholarly articles have appeared in Economic Development Quarterly, Urban Studies; Economic Development Review; Regional Studies, Regional Science; the Australasian Journal of Regional Studies, Sustaining Regions; and Applied Research in Economic Development. He co-authored the textbook Globalization, Planning, and Local Economic Development with Prof. Andrew Beer of the University of South Australia (Taylor-Francis, London, 2020).
Dr. Clower received a B.S. in Marine Transportation from Texas A&M University in 1982, a M.S. in Applied Economics from the University of North Texas in 1992, and a Ph.D. in Information Sciences from the University of North Texas in 1997 specializing in information infrastructure policy and the use of information resources.
Agenda:Alexandria is a registered 501(c)(3) non-partisan organization that encourages informed debate and discussion on a wide variety of local issues without taking a position. We host in-person and digital programs on topics of interest to the residents of the City of Alexandria.
March 10: For the Flowers are Great Blessings: Songs for Spring; John Logan Wood, tenor & Carter Sligh, piano
April 14: Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater; Margot Rood, soprano, Kristen Dubenion-Smith, mezzo soprano & strings
May 12: Classical Guitar works featuring music by Debussy, Poulenc, & Villa-Lobos; Maya Loncar, classical guitar
Photos courtesy of Agenda:Alexandria
Jeff Farner
Eric R. Wagner
Terry L. Clower
Expanding Alexandria healthcare
Our new, fully equipped outpatient health center will serve the vibrant, fast-growing area in the City of Alexandria across from Potomac Yard and minutes from Crystal City.
Emergency room
Our full-service emergency room will treat patients of all ages, in any emergency
Inova Health Center – Oakville Primary care and specialty services
Personalized care from trusted professionals including cardiology, gastroenterology, and more
Advanced diagnostic imaging
Equipped with the latest X-ray, CT, and ultrasound technology for precise diagnostics
To learn more about our Oakville location, visit Inova.org/Oakville
Modern surgical care
Outpatient surgery center featuring the latest medical technology, supporting a wide range of procedures
ALEXANDRIA RECEIVES $525K FOR NEW FLOOD RESILIENCE PLAN
BY KEVIN DAURAY
To help with its flood mitigation efforts, Alexandria has received a $525,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation through its Virginia Community Flood Preparedness Fund (CFPF). The funding will be used to create “a new comprehensive Flood Resilience Plan,” according to a city press release.
The grant is a 75/25 match. The city will provide $175,000 in local matching funds to develop the plan. The total funding for the project will amount to $700,000.
The release states: “The Flood Resilience Plan expands on the past Neighborhood Investigations with a new engagement effort to communicate with residents across the city to learn about firsthand experiences with flooding. The plan will include efforts to reach communities with language or social barriers or that lack access to technology. Engaging with impacted community members has shown to be very effective and will help create a more informed Plan.”
The original plan, launched in 2021, was the first of its kind in Alexandria. This new plan will support the Flood Action Alexandria initiative. It will also aid in the following:
• Hazard identification
• Flood mitigation
• Flood preparedness and response
• Policies and regulations
• Funding strategies
• Communication and information dissemination
While the city has dealt with historic flooding in recent years, it has received over $6.4 million in CFPF grant funds. In all, Alexandria has already acquired $11.3 million for mitigation efforts.
Maggie Nicoletti/Zebra Press file photo
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Olympic Champ Noah Lyles Draws Big Crowds at Hometown Rally in Alexandria
WORLD’S FASTEST MAN BRINGS HOME GOLD!
BY JUDITH FOGEL
The City of Alexandria recently rolled out the red carpet for its local darling, Noah Lyles. Over a thousand onlookers from Alexandria and the region packed Alexandria City High School to welcome the Olympic Gold medalist home from Paris.
The ACHS Hall of Fame
Athlete and Olympic champion took home gold in the 100-meter sprint this summer, retaining his title as the world’s fastest man. Lyles
won bronze in the 200-meter sprint. A COVID-19 diagnosis sidelined the world-famous athlete and he bowed out of the 4×100 relay.
Before the start of the celebration, a gaggle of news reporters waited on the track for the local star to appear. The high school track athletes waited patiently in the stands, holding up a huge Welcome Home, Noah! banner. A cry arose from the stands as Lyles emerged from the school building and turned the bend to meet the reporters. “NOAH, NOAH, NOAH,” the students screamed.
Lyles thought back to where it all began, on his high school track. “This is kind of where I got to share my dream with me and my brother of making the Olympic team. Back in 2012 to 2016, they gave me a lot of opportunities that I feel, you know, probably not every school would. They let us travel the state and they let us travel outside the state to get the competition we needed. They set up specif-
ic track meets that would try and get us ready for the Olympic trials and a lot of above and beyond things. I don’t know that I would have gotten everywhere I went if not for this school.” Lyles had a message to all the young students at his alma mater who look up to him. “Go through the journey and people start to just, you know, follow your footsteps. So I just hope that once they look at me, they realize that they can do whatever they set their minds to, that they don’t have to follow my path, but they can make their own path.”
Noah Lyles was then whisked away for a grand parade around Chinquapin Circle. The community turned out in force to cheer on their
hometown hero, lining the circle for a glimpse of the celebrated sprinter. The crowd roared as the car driving Lyles appeared and made its way slowly toward the throng. The crowd then moved inside to the high school gym for a rally. “We are here to recognize Alexandria excellence!” Mayor Justin Wilson boomed to thunderous applause. “We
all remember where we were. Because at the bottom of that screen, when he came on that track, it said Noah Lyles, ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA!!! And everyone, whether you graduated from here, whether you are still a student here, whether you live in the City of Alexandria, or whether you used to live in the City of Alexandria, you have a piece of pride for
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Photos John Canery for The Zebra Press
ABOVE: Noah Lyles waves to fans in his hometown of Alexandria, VA.
LEFT: Olympic Gold Medalist Noah Lyles takes the podium at his alma mater, Alexandria City High School at Hometown Rally 9-22-24.
BELOW LEFT: The iconic image of Noah Lyles wrapped in the American flag is held by students at Alexandria City High School during Hometown Rally 9-22-24.
Photo: Lucelle O’Flaherty for The Zebra Press
ABOVE: Noah Lyles mother, Keisha Caine Bishop, at the Alexandria rally, pictured here with a sign made by 1974 Titan and Zebra Community Liason, Lucelle O’Flaherty.
LEFT: Noah Lyles gives folks a chance to see his 2024 Paris Olympics Gold Medal.
Photos John Canery for The Zebra Press
SHERIFF’S DEPUTY CARLOS CAÑAS NAMED VIRGINIA LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER OF THE YEAR
BY KEVIN DAURAY
Alexandria Sheriff’s Deputy Carlos Cañas has been named Virginia’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by by the state’s American Legion Department. Sheriff Sean Casey presented Cañas with the award earlier this month.
“The Alexandria Sheriff’s Office is extremely proud to see Deputy Cañas honored with this state-level award,” reads
a press release, “and Sheriff Casey expresses his appreciation to officials with both American Legion Post 24 and the American Legion Department of Virginia for recognizing Deputy Cañas.”
Cañas is currently the Gang and Intelligence Investigator, having previously worked as a Transportation Deputy and in the Detention Center. In
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Z-FACT
Why is Alexandria nicknamed Port
Photo: Alexandria Sheriff’s Office
City?
Alexandria, the “Port City” on the Potomac, was one of the largest ports in the United States in the 1790s. In the West End, Commerce Street connected Duke and King streets at an angle, to facilitate the passage of farm wagons from the agricultural lands in the west to waiting ships on the Alexandria waterfront.
LIVING LEGENDS
Tickets Now on Sale for the 2024 “Meet the Living Legends of Alexandria” Program
STAND-OUTALEXANDRIANS HONOREDAT GEORGEWASHINGTON MASONIC NATIONAL MEMORIAL
Tickets are now available for the 2024 “Meet the Living Legends of Alexandria” program and reception at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, on Thursday, November 7 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
The ceremony and reception will honor Ed Arthur, Myron Contee, Paris Davis, Lawrence “Lucky” Elliott, Andrew McDonald, Willem Polak, Mac Slover, Fran Terrell, and David Weintritt.
The program will feature video presentations of the newly inducted Legends, and their official portraits will also be revealed. A reception catered by the HomeGrown Restaurant Group and Alexandria Cupcake will follow and provide guests the opportu-
IDENTIFY, HONOR & CHRONICLE
The mission of Living Legends of Alexandria is to identify, honor and chronicle the lives of individuals who have contributed to the community in an exemplary and lasting way that has significantly impacted the quality of life in Alexandria and serves as an inspiration to others. Through our annual Legend selection, we not only recognize the Legends currently in our midst, but also create a resource for future Alexandrians.
LYLES
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12
that incredible accomplishment! And Noah Lyles represented our city better than anybody else in the world!” Lyles thanked the City of Alexandria and his former high school for helping
him achieve this top goal. He fought back tears as he remembered his beloved high school assistant track and field coach, Rashawn T. Jackson. Lyles received a text on June 30 during the Olympic trials brunch that Jackson had died that day.
The celebration also featured the ACHS High School Band, choir, and cheerlead-
nity to meet and mingle with the new Alexandria Legends.
Living Legends are chosen because they have improved the quality of life in the City of Alexandria by having led the creation or redevelopment of something that wouldn’t have existed without their involvement or demonstrated substantial and sustained contributions over a significant period. These community leaders have met one or both criteria.
Tickets are $65 and can be purchased online at Alexandrialegends.com. To be a sponsor or purchase a congratulatory ad, please contact LivingLegendsALX@gmail.com or call Mary Wadland, 703-224-8911.
ers. Volunteer Alexandria recruited over 30 volunteers in a short time to assist with the event.
Lyles told Zebra he already has his eyes trained on the next Olympics four years down the track. In between?
“Oh, I got a bunch of World Championships. We got a bunch of business plans. Win some more titles. I want
to spend time with family. I don’t know, maybe make a movie. We’ll see! We’ll see where the world takes me.”
Lyles grew up in Alexandria, graduating from the former T.C. Williams High School in 2016. Since then, he has gone on to place first at the Diamond League five times and win gold at the World Championships in
2019, 2022, and 2023. Lyles won bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The Lyles Brothers Sports Foundation took advantage of this massive turnout to host a coat drive. The new and gently used coats will be donated to needy Alexandrians.
Living Legends of Alexandria is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Photo: Mary Wadland
A reception in the main ballroom of George Washington National Masonic Memorial follows a formal program of recognition in the theatre.
Ed Arthur Myron Contee Paris Davis
Lucky Elliot Andrew McDonald
Willem Polak Mac Slover
Fran Terrell
David Weintritt
The 2024 honorees are candidly pictured above and at left. Official archival portraits will be unveiled at the 20204 Living Legends reception.
Images: Courtesy
Alexandria’s Biggest Free Fall Festival for Animal Lovers is October 13
PAWS INTHE PARK,BENEFITINGTHEAWLA,RETURNSTO ORONOCO BAY PARK
Paws in the Park, presented by Amazon, returns to Oronoco Bay Park in Old Town Alexandria on Sunday, October 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and promises to be an even bigger party than previous years! This annual event celebrates northern Virginia’s love for animals and offers attendees a one-of-a-kind family- and pet-friendly FREE festival featuring vendors, adoptable animals, and a variety of entertainment for kids and adults.
Along with many local artisans, nonprofits, and animal-focused businesses, Paws in the Park will host food and beverage vendors, too. Attendees can pack a picnic and also savor drinks and food from local cideries, breweries, wineries, bakeries, food trucks, and more while enjoying the day’s entertainment and shopping.
If you’ve been looking to add a furry member to your family, the 10+ animal welfare organizations and rescues in Rescue Row, sponsored by First Georgetown Securities, Inc., will have adoptable animals available for
attendees to meet.
This year’s entertainment, sponsored by TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, begins at 11:00 a.m. and includes repeat musical favorites like bilingual sensation Uno Dos Tres Andres, and new
acts and stage events like the Pet Costume Contest, sponsored by PetMedic Urgent Care. The costume contest is open to everyone, and pre-registration is required. Each category winner will receive a cool prize!
There’s plenty more fun to be had at both the Family Fun Tent and AWLA Tent. The Family Fun Tent will feature arts and crafts geared for kids of all ages, as well as story time. Stop by the AWLA Tent to purchase
your 2025 AWLA calendars and bid on items in our silent auction. The silent auction features lots of unique items and will be available online as well, so winners will not need to be present to participate or win! Bidding is open now through event day.
“At the AWLA, we celebrate the love that our community has for animals each and every day,” said Executive Director Stella Hanly, “but Paws in the Park is one of our favorite ways to connect with that community, meet a lot of amazing animals, and raise awareness and funds for Alexandria’s animals.”
The first 1,000 attendees at Paws in the Park will receive a one-of-a-kind swag bag. Paws in the Park is open to leashed, well-behaved pets of all types. Proceeds from Paws in the Park benefit the AWLA, which supports homeless animals in Alexandria, as well as pets and people throughout the community. More information about this year’s festival can be found at www.PawsintheParkVA.com.
All photos Lucia Smith for AWLA
Military Cocktails?!
BY DONNA REUSS
With fall underway and the holiday season rapidly approaching, I thought I’d write about something often associated with good times and festive celebrations: cocktails!
You may be wondering what cocktails have to do with the military. Well, I wondered the same thing when a friend suggested the topic!
Great wars often have influenced what people drink around the world. A number of classic cocktails have their roots in wartime or military history. Others were explicitly created to honor the armed forces or military leaders.
For example, the legendary gin and tonic appeared in the mid-nineteenth-century British colonial wars in India. British soldiers added gin, sugar, and lime to the tonic water taken to prevent malaria and cut the quinine’s bitter taste.
While not strictly a military drink, the French 75 is perhaps the most famous cocktail to get its name from war. It was named for the 75-millimeter light field gun, the French Army’s primary artillery weapon during World War I. Who invented it and why it was named after the cannon is unknown. The recipe, a mix of gin, lemon, sugar, and sparkling wine, purportedly first appeared in 1927 and was made famous in The Savoy Cocktail Book by Harry Craddock in 1930. Among sparkling cocktails, French 75 is still one of the most popular worldwide.
The Cuba Libre, meaning “Free Cuba,” has its roots in the Spanish-American War. Its creation is also debated. One story, tracing it to the early 1900s in Havana, attributes the drink to an American army captain living in Havana after the war. One day at a local bar, the captain ordered Coca-Cola and a little lime juice added to his Bacardí rum and, toasting his Cuban comrades, cried, “Por Cuba Libre!” (“To a free Cuba!”), the slogan of the Cuban independence movement.
Another states that the Cuba Libre was invented at the Tampa Bay Hotel. The bartender there ostensibly came up with the same recipe as above and served it to Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders while they awaited transport to Cuba. Lifting their glasses, the soldiers toasted,
CAÑAS
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addition to his regular duties, he is also a state-certified Field Trainer, General Instructor, and Control Tactics Instructor. He is
“Cuba Libre!”
The specific history of the Sidecar is unclear as well, but it is thought to have been invented around the end of World War I in either London or Paris. The most famous origin story places it in 1920s Paris, when a US Army captain (again, an Army captain?!) who rode or was chauffeured on a motorcycle with a sidecar supposedly invented it. Another story says it was invented in New Orleans in the 19th or early 20 th century, evolving from a New Orleans cocktail called the Brandy Crusta.
Gunfire, a less popular drink, was served to lower-ranking members of the British army in the 1890s. A shot of rum in black tea, the mixed drink typically was served at breakfast to pump up the courage before a morning attack. When deployed over the holiday, officers would serve it to their troops in bed at Reveille on Christmas Day. Some United Kingdom troops still consume Gunfire on special occasions.
Thanks to Germany’s nonstop U-boat attacks during World War II, the Scotch Martini was allegedly invented in the United Kingdom because it was hard to import vermouth from the continent.
In the interwar period, “tiki”
a member of the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team, Civil Disobedience Unit, and Honor Guard.
Fluent in English and Spanish, he joined the Sheriff’s Office in 2019. With a bilingual background, Cañas is helpful with community
cocktails became popular in the US. One reason was the European food crisis caused by World War II. There was not enough grain for alcohol, but cheap rum from Caribbean sugar cane was available in sufficient quantities. One of the most popular tiki cocktails was the Mai Tai . Victor Bergeron claimed to have invented it for his friends from Tahiti at his restaurant, Trader Vic’s, in 1944. The name allegedly derives from the Tahitian maita’i , meaning “good” or “excellence.” For the next several decades, the cocktail was one of the most popular in the world.
Some of our most famous military men had a favorite drink or an interesting story about their favorite cocktails.
United States Army General George S. Patton called the cocktail he created Armored Diesel . The recipe calls for bourbon, shaved ice, sugar, and lemon juice.
While Douglas MacArthur, another famous US Army general, enjoyed sipping Scotch whiskey, the MacArthur cocktail was created in his honor by barman Oscar Haimo at the Pierre Hotel in New York. The drink contained white rum, a little dark rum, Cointreau, fresh lime
relations – he coaches youth soccer – and recruiting efforts.
Committed to his job, Cañas is a Project Lifesaver Search Specialist, meaning he is trained in the use of equipment to locate people who may be lost as a re-
juice, and a little egg white to give it a silky texture.
Other famous military men with a favorite drink were John F. Kennedy, who enjoyed daiquiris and martinis, and Dwight D. Eisenhower, who liked a good Scotch and soda. Finally, there are dozens of cocktail and mixed drink recipes with military-related names, such as the B-52 , Patriot Missile, and M16, available online.
Note: If you or someone you know is abusing alcohol, I urge you to seek help. Drink responsibly, and don’t drink and drive! If you are a veteran, veteran’s family member, or know a veteran who needs help, go to Virginia Board Veterans Services at www.dvs.virginia.gov/dvs; dss. virginia.gov/community/211.cgi; contact American Legion Post 24 Veteran Service Officer at VSO24@ outlook.com; or check out the Resources List on the Post 24 website: valegionpost24.com. For crisis intervention and suicide prevention services, dial 988 and Press 1, or text 838255, for the Veterans Crisis Line.
sult of medical conditions. This knowledge aided his team in finding a reported individual recently. He also saved someone’s life last year when he arrived first at the scene of a shooting.
Cañas not only attended to the victim; he also provid-
ed information critical to catching the suspect.
American Legion Post 24 recognized Cañas earlier this spring as its 2023 Alexandria Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, and then nominated him for the state honor.
Image by Racool studio on Freepik
Drawing by Wallace Morgan, 1917
“Cocktail Hour at the Breakers”
Alexandria Hyundai/Genesis of Alexandria Gives Away $40,000 to Community at Grand Opening
BY DEBBY CRITCHLEY
September 17, 2024, marked the grand opening of the long awaited remodeling and reimagining of Alexandia Hyundai (1707 Mt. Vernon Ave.) and Genesis of Alexandria (1801 Mt. Vernon Ave.) The new buildings embody their owner and president, Kevin Reilly. Reilly opened Alexandria Hyundai in 2001. Since then, the team at Alexandria Hyundai has received many sales and customer satisfaction awards, including the Hyundai Board of Excellence Award and the #1 Customer Satisfaction Rating for large volume dealers in the region’s approach to providing the best customer service and satisfaction to Alexandria and the Northern Virginia area. According to Reilly, “I am so grateful to the City of Alexandria
and its citizens who have always been there for us. I want to thank everyone who have made the last 23 years so special and hope my staff
INOVA AND CITY OF ALEXANDRIA BREAK GROUND SEPTEMBER 30 ON NEW HOSPITAL ON SITE OF FORMER LANDMARK MALL
BY JUDITH FOGEL
“This is probably the most important event for this portion of our city since annexation”
~ Alexandria Mayor
Justin Wilson
The future is now. After four and a half years of negotiations and endless meetings, Inova and the city celebrated the official groundbreaking of the Alexandria Hospital campus on a rainy
CONTINUED ON PAGE 28
and I can be there for you.”
What’s Genesis? Genesis models debuted as part of the standard lineup of Hyundai in 2008. But in 2017,
Hyundai Motor Car launched the sleek line into the luxury car market as a stand-alone brand. Per Hyundai, “Genesis embraces creation. We believe that every drive deserves to be a discovery. Genesis focuses on manufacturing luxury vehicles, including sedans and SUVs. The vehicles feature an elegant design, and advanced technology. The new GV70 electric crossover SUV by Genesis will be manufactured at its new plant in Alabama.”
Alexandria Hyundai and its charitable arm, Hyundai Hope and Hyundai Hope on Wheels, made several presentations totaling $40,000 in support of the local community. In Alexandria, Kevin and Hyundai Hope presented a check to Alexandria Celebrates Women
Photo: Lucelle O’Flaherty
Kevin Reilly and the Genesis Inspiration Foundation presented a check for $10,000 to Del Ray Artisans.
Photo: Debby Critchley
Alexandria Hyundai owner Kevin Reilly, along with his family and company and city officials, cut the ribbon for the grand reopening.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 34
Photo: Debby Critchley/The Zebra Press
Kevin Reilly and Hyundai Hopes present a check to Alexandria Celebrates Women.
Photo: Lucelle O’Flaherty
Top executives from Clark Construction and INOVA Health along with Alexandria City officials put shiny shovels in ceremonial soil for the groundbreaking of the new INOVA Alexandria Hospital complex.
Alexandrian Alice M. Colley Passed on August 26
Alice M. Colley, 96, of Alexandria, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 26, 2024, at the Goodwin House Small House Health Care Center. She was a devoted wife and mother.
Alice was born in Williamstown, Kentucky, and grew up on a small, rural farm. She graduated from nursing school at Berea College in Kentucky (Class of 1949), where she met and married her husband, Wilfred Raymond (“Ray”) Colley, who predeceased her in 2011.
Alice was a nurse at the Berea College hospital and hospitals in Roanoke, Virginia, and Columbus, Georgia. She and Ray moved to Alexandria in 1955, where she gave birth that year to her first child. Alice and Ray were among the earliest residents of the Waynewood neighborhood in the Mt. Vernon area of Fairfax County, Virginia, where they raised their two sons. She was also the dedicated caretaker for her el-
derly mother, who lived with them.
Alice actively supported Ray’s political endeavors and her sons’ various engagements and pursuits as they grew up, attending all manner of meetings, fundraisers, concerts, programs, and events. She and Ray enjoyed traveling to visit family and interesting locations around the United States and Europe. She was also an avid crossword puzzle devotee.
Alice and Ray relocated in 2007 to The Virginian in Fairfax County, and Alice moved to Goodwin House in 2022.
Alice is survived by her son Mark, his wife Deborah Harsch, son David, and granddaughter Arden. She will be interred alongside Ray at Quantico National Cemetery, Triangle, Virginia. Memorial gifts to Berea College will be appreciated.
Invention-Con Brings Out Future Innovators
BY JULIE GARDNER
The United States Patent and Trade Office, 600 Dulany Street in the Carlyle neighborhood, recently hosted its annual Invention-Con, an event dedicated to Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Intellectual Property. Attendees had the opportunity to network with experts and fellow inventors who promote and teach the importance of patents and trademarks. The event featured workshops and panel discussions covering various topics, including the fundamentals of intellectual property, funding opportunities, and marketing and branding strategies.
Tables and booths were set up throughout the atrium and firstfloor conference rooms that featured startup exhibits showcasing new companies and their products and tech demonstrations. Collaborative workspaces were available for attendees of all skill levels to try hands-on activities. The event’s second day was open to the public, inviting many families and children to participate in the vast array of activities at Invention-Con. The USPTO aimed to encourage and inspire young inventors with kid-friendly presentations, entertaining games, workshops teaching kids about technology, and interactive areas with hands-on arts and crafts.
One notable entrepreneur in at-
tendance on both days of Invention-Con was Leslie Holland. She devised an idea that organizes jewelry and accessories using a modular system called The Jewelry Closet. While awaiting the patent approval for the first and only modular jewelry organizer, she was able to network with experts in the patent and trademark industry. One of her first stops was the National Inventions Hall of Fame Museum (NIHF), located just inside the USPTO building. The museum, open to the public, is filled with inspirational exhibits featuring the achievements of inventors and their contributions to society.
Spruce Frazer, a librarian at the Patent and Trademark Resource Center Program Office, has been engaging with attendees at the event for the past eight years. “Even on a rainy Saturday morning, people were lined up at our table asking about patent and trademark search strategies,” said Fraser when asked about the success of the 2024 Invention-Con.
Inventor Trading Cards
A highlight of the 2024 event was the unveiling of the newest USPTO Inventor Trading Card. The USPTO launched its first trading card in 2012 at the USA Science and Engineering Festival. According to the USPTO Website, “the cards feature
Photo: Julie Gardner
Spruce Frazer and colleague providing information about patents and trademarks.
Audrey Sherman trading card front and back.
On Driving Miss Daisy
BY NINA TISARA
I didn’t learn to drive until I was 26. I had to know. Newly separated with four young children, I needed to find a job outside the home, and that meant driving there. I grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y., where we walked or took public transportation almost everywhere. In the Washington, D.C. suburbs, where I lived then, I needed to drive to survive.
I’ve never been good at finding my way. If someone said to turn east on Rt. 50, I didn’t know which way was east. In the pre-GPS era, I slowly learned to find my way around town with maps and detailed written instructions printed in large typeface. When I became a professional photographer and had to be someplace at a specific time, I often did a practice run the day before.
Until recently, the only time I haven’t driven myself was when I broke my femur and was sidelined for three months. When I got permission to drive again, I thought this must be how a teenager feels about getting a first license.
I knew that one day I would need to give up driving, but “one day” seemed far away and I thought there would be easy alternatives – like walking. I live just a mile away from the neighborhood shopping center. I didn’t foresee that neuropathy and arthritis would make walking painful at best and possibly not an option.
Lately, I call on my son Steve Halperson to drive me to art exhibits and a few other places. When traffic or finding parking might be hard, I playfully ask him if he’s willing to drive Miss Daisy.
In the 1989 movie, story by Alfred Uhry, Daisy Werthan, an elderly Jewish woman living in Atlanta, is determined to maintain her independence. When she crashes her car, her son, Boolie, arranges for her to have a chauffeur, an African American driver named Hoke Colburn. Uhry’s play was inspired by the relationship between his grandmother and her longtime chauffeur.
I asked for input from my friends Richard Merritt and Christa Watters for this column.
Merritt remembered announcing at his 65th birthday that he intended to surrender his car keys at 80 and hire a driver as needed. When he turned 80, he reneged. He reports that he felt in really good shape. More important, at 78 he’d joined At Home in Alexandria (AHA) (www. athomeinalexandria.org) as a volunteer. AHA is a grassroots not-for-profit organization founded by and for individuals aged 55 and older who live in Alexandria and want to live independently in their homes.
Merritt felt the only skill he could offer was driving other members to appointments or the grocery store.
Then, after an emergency pacemaker operation, he was restricted from driving for three weeks and could take advantage of the very services he provided for others. He notes that AHA also sent a volunteer to weed his garden and replace some light bulbs. He stopped thinking about relinquishing his car keys.
Merritt put me in touch with Bob Faden whom he sometimes drives to visit his wife at a memory care facility in Annandale. Faden explained that growing up in the Bronx, N.Y., he never learned to drive.
Faden met his wife Audrey in 1969. While working as a Peace Corps volunteer in Kenya, he was introduced to Audrey, the head of the newly created Educa-
fered to take me places –kind and willing help. For those of us who relish our independence, the hardest part is to ask for that help. So, I started by figuring out what I could manage on my own. I live in an area where I can walk to two grocery stores, a pharmacy, my bank, the library, and numerous restaurants. Then there is Alexandria’s marvelous DASH bus system, which has a wide range of routes, all shown in a helpful booklet with maps and
just hopping in a car and going, but it’s doable.
“My good gardening friends (Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia) regularly call and ask if I would like a ride to that volunteer garden work party tomorrow or the social gathering next week. My children make sure I get to my medical and dental appointments. I take a cab occasionally; it’s affordable if you think about how much you save by not having a car, and Uber and Lyft are options. Plus, as long as these good old sturdy feet and legs still work, walking is an option.”
tion Section of the National Museums. She had a deep interest in the flora and fauna of Kenya, and she had a car!
With Peace Corps permission, they were married in 1971. What followed was an extraordinary partnership that brought them to Alexandria in 1980 when Bob was offered a curatorial job in the Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History. For a while, Audrey led tours to Africa and painted African wildlife. Eventually, she turned her artistic talents to gardening and landscaping. She designed the Simpson Park Gardens, which were awarded a City of Alexandria Beautification Award this year (2024.)
When Audrey developed memory issues, she decided she would no longer drive. They sold their car and relied on friends for rides.
Following a fall in 2021, Audrey’s memory issues worsened, and Bob made the difficult decision to search for a memory care facility. The one selected was neither close nor readily accessible by public transportation. AHA makes it possible for him to visit Audrey twice a week.
Christa Watters writes:
“When aging eyes made me feel it was no longer safe to drive, I gave away my car and considered how to cope.
“Family and friends of-
schedules to get residents to many parts of the city, including Potomac Yard, the West End, and much in between. It takes more planning and more time than
Interestingly, one of Christa’s first assignments when volunteering for Master Gardeners was interviewing Audrey Faden. Small world.
And what about this Miss Daisy? In my “Nina way,” I’m planning ahead for “one day.”
Mosaic artist photographer Nina Tisara is founder of Living Legends of Alexandria.
Courtesy photo
ABOVE: Steven Halperson driving Miss Daisy (mom, Nina Tisara)
Photo by Steven Halperson
ABOVE: Richard Merritt (left) drives Bob Faden to a memory care facility to visit his wife.
Teens, Social Media, and the Shifting Digital Landscape
BY DR. AMY FORTNEY PARKS, LPC, ACS
In today’s fast-paced world, social media has become an inescapable part of our lives—both for teens and their parents. For many, platforms like Instagram are more than just apps—they’re the primary way we connect, share, and discover new things. But as parents, we can’t help but wonder: How is all this screen time affecting our kids, especially as they navigate the tricky waters of adolescence?
Recently, two significant shifts caught the attention of many Alexandria families. First, Bishop Ireton High School boldly banned cell phones and smart devices during the school day. This decision reflects a growing concern about the distractions these devices create in classrooms and students’ overall development and well-being.
The goal? To foster an environment where students can focus more on learning and less on the latest TikTok trend. It’s a move that might cause some grumbling, but it’s hard to argue with the intent behind it—after all, fewer distractions can lead to more meaningful interactions and deeper engagement in
learning.
At the same time, Instagram announced a series of updates to protect teen users. These changes include defaulting accounts to private, limiting who can message teens, and applying stricter content controls.
These updates seem like a win for parents who worry about their teens’ online safety. But they also raise questions about how these
changes will shape teens’ social interactions and mental health.
It’s important to remember that teens aren’t the only ones engaging with social media—parents are too. And while we might be quick to monitor our kids’ online activity, it’s worth reflecting on our own. Are we setting the example we hope our teens will follow? How are our own habits influencing the digital norms in our households?
For instance, by defaulting accounts to private, Instagram is making it harder for strangers to connect with teens. This change is a step in the right direction, but it could also lead to feelings of isolation if teens feel their online presence is too limited.
Additionally, the new content controls are designed to shield teens from potentially harmful material, yet they may also create a sense of being overly monitored, leading to pushback from teens who crave independence. How will teens balance their need for connection with the new barriers Instagram places in their way? And how will these barriers affect their sense of self and belonging in a digital world that often feels like a lifeline?
Both the school’s decision and Instagram’s updates underscore the delicate balance between protecting our teens and allowing them the freedom to grow and explore. As parents, we’re tasked with navigating these changes alongside our children, helping them understand the importance of safety while also respecting their need for autonomy. And as fellow social media us-
LOCAL SCHOOLS AND DAR CELEBRATE CONSTITUTION DAY AT CITY HALL
BY JUDITH FOGEL
Alexandria Mayor
Justin Wilson peered at the crowd from his lectern in City Council Chambers, with fellow council members and school officials seated behind him. “Is Samuel Tucker Elementary School still here?” he quipped. “Because I don’t see you!” A cheer arose from the rows filled with Tucker students. “That’s better,” the mayor grinned.
“Is Douglas MacArthur School still here?” The mayor wrinkled his forehead in mock surprise. A second cheer rose from the hall. The mayor grinned again.
The room was filled with children from four of the city’s elementary schools. They had come to the City Council Tuesday morning to witness a historic cere-
mony marking one of our most prominent days in U.S. history: the signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787, 237 years ago.
“Why do we celebrate the Constitution?” Linda Ferrara, chair of the Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution District V Constitution Week Committee, asked the students.
“The US constitution is our nation’s charter that establishes our form of government, and it’s an outline by which we exercise self-rule,” Ferrara explained.
“It is a unique document. Our Constitution has stood the test of time longer than any other in history. It reflects the thinking of many learned founding fathers more than 200 years ago, yet it still applies today.”
Mayor Wilson read an
Photos: Judith Fogel/The Zebra Press
RIGHT: Alexandria Elementary School students are excited to be in the inner sanctum of city government, taking part in a historic commemoration.
LEFT: Samuel Tucker Elementary School students, performing They’re Writing the Constitution by Dr. Anne Smith.
LEFT: David Embrey is on fife, performing Yankee Doodle by Richard Shuckburgh. Behind him is the Alexandria City High School choir, who would next sing the Star-Spangled Banner.
Lafayette and Alexandria: 200 years later
FROM THE OFFICE OF HISTORIC ALEXANDRIA
October 16 marks the 200th anniversary of Alexandria’s reception for the Marquis de Lafayette upon his return to the United States in 1824. It was his first visit since returning to France after the American Revolution. Lafayette was on his way from Washington City to Yorktown for a commemoration of the Battle of Yorktown. By this time, he was the only living Revolutionary War general. Lafayette accepted an invitation from the City of Alexandria for a reception on Saturday, October 16, 1824. He crossed the Potomac Bridge and rode a carriage into town with a military escort.
The procession entered town on Columbus Street, went right on King, left on Fayette, left on Prince, left on Cameron, and ended at Washington. Alexandria erected three arches across Washington Street, and as Lafayette went through them, there was a gun salute in his honor. One hundred girls and one hundred boys aged 7 to 12 formed lines that led the General
to the Reception Room of Clagett’s Hotel, where the mayor and the City Council greeted him. Lafayette’s carriage arrived after the ceremony and took him to his quarters on St. Asaph St.
At 5 p.m., Lafayette attended a public dinner in his honor at Clagett’s. Among the guests were Sec-
retary of State John Quincy Adams. The dinner concluded with 33 toasts. Lafayette toasted to “The City of Alexandria: May her prosperity and happiness more and more realize the fondest wishes of our venerated Washington.” The next day, he boarded the steamship The Petersburg to visit Mount Vernon and left
the day after that to Yorktown.
Fifty years later, Benjamin Hallowell wrote in his autobiography about Lafayette seeing Hallowell and his wife on their wedding day and tipping his cap to them while waiting on Mrs. Lee. This doesn’t match contemporaneous reports on Lafayette’s location and the schedule that newspapers reported. It seems that the December visit with Light Horse Harry Lee’s widow was his only visit to her. Local legend held that Lafayette stayed at 301 S. Saint Asaph for a month in October. Newspaper reports and Lafayette’s secretary Auguste Levasseur’s journal state that Lafayette only spent the night of October 16 in Alexandria.
Lafayette enjoyed his visit to the United States so much that he stayed well into 1825 with his son and Levasseur. The tour went as far north as Montpelier, Vermont, and as far south as New Orleans, Louisiana, covering all 24 states of the United States.
The City of Alexandria celebrates
CONTINUED
Photos courtesy of Historic Alexandria
LEFT: The Lafayette Christmas ornament will be available for sale later this year.
RIGHT: Marquis de Lafayette
Reddish Brown Makeover of the Lee Fendall House Marks Fiftieth Anniversary
BY MEGAN JUDT
The Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden recently completed a major exterior paint and restoration project, fascinating Alexandrians with the changes. For decades, the museum at 614 Oronoco Street had been presented in a familiar pale cream paint, adorned with dark green shutters. But as the Lee-Fendall House celebrates its 50th anniversary as a public museum in 2024, the estate’s manage ment elected to restore the
“We’re seeing the house now very close to how it looked before and during the Civil War,” said Ed Horn, the President of Lee-Fendall’s board
house’s appearance to reflect a more historically accurate color scheme.
The new appearance of
tention to detail, the house is now restored to approximate the oldest well-documented color scheme of the structure. “This is a house with over two centuries
of history behind it,” said Shawn Eyer, Executive Director of the Virginia Trust for Historic Preservation, the 501(c)(3) foundation that preserves the home and its gardens for public benefit. “We knew that restoring its color scheme to a more historic era would align with current best practices for the care of historic properties. The major change in our appearance has had the added benefit of generating fresh interest in the museum itself.”
Relying on several sources, including a 2023 Historic Structures Report by SmithGroup, a 1998 microscopical paint and color analysis by the Frank S. Welsh Company, and the museum’s own careful scraping of the building’s various surfaces, the Lee-Fendall House arrived at a beautiful combination of moderate red-brown and classical white for the house’s clapboards, flushboards, and trim. Extensive repairs to exterior woodwork, reglazing of windows, and cleaning and repair of siding and masonry were also part of the project.
time.” While later the house was gray, then yellow, and eventually white, returning to the earliest documented appearance has brought new life to the museum.
“We’re seeing the house now very close to how it looked before and during the Civil War,” said Ed Horn, the President of Lee-Fendall’s board. “We’re getting compliments from passersby constantly, so we’re pleased with the new look both from a historic perspective and in terms of the present-day result.”
The exterior renovation was done by HomeWorks Painting and dedicated volunteers. It was made possible by funding generously provided by the Historic Alexandria Foundation, Spring2Action donors, and the
“While the house was built in 1785, the new appearance of Lee-Fendall approximates the color scheme that existed after a major renovation around 1850,” Eyer explains. “Prior to that, we know that the surface was stained in dark red-brown, which was common at that
members and friends of the Lee-Fendall House.
People interested in seeing the results for themselves may wish to stop by for a tour or attend Lee-Fendall’s 50th-anniversary Jazz Under the Stars fundraiser on October 19. For more information, please visit leefendallhouse.org.
Photo: Shawn Eyer
After restoration, the Lee-Fendall House is viewed from its lovely garden.
Photo: Shawn Eyer
Before restoration, peeling paint and rotten wood marred the appearance of the historic estate.
Photo: Shawn Eyer
Open for tours Wednesday through Sunday, the Lee-Fendall House celebrates its 50th anniversary as a public museum this year.
GO TO:
TO
THE
ONLINE OR MAIL THIS BALLOT By November 15, 2024 To The Zebra Press SURVEY, 2800 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 220, Alexandria, VA 22314
2024 ZEBRA READER’S CHOICE AWARDS YOU DECIDE! Who are the Best in Town?!
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READER’S CHOICE
Get Involved with 9th Annual Walk to Bust Cancer Sunday, October 20
The National Breast Center Foundation is hosting its 9th Annual Walk to Bust Cancer at Fort Hunt Park, Alexandria, VA, on Sunday, October 20.
The Walk to Bust Cancer is the single biggest fundraiser each year for the National Breast Center Foundation, which exists to improve the lives of women by removing barriers that prevent them from getting proper screening, diagnosis, education, and treatment for breast cancer.
Martha Carucci, Executive Director of the foundation, said the goal of the walk is to raise funds for the foundation to assist those in need but also to be able to unite and support survivors, families, neighbors, and those battling breast cancer. The family-oriented event will include mindfulness meditation, exercise warm-ups and cool-downs, and the “Circle of Strength” return, where breast cancer warriors and survivors will be surrounded and supported by family and friends and captured from above in an aerial photo.
“Many women in our area need
“The Walk to Bust Cancer is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a celebration of community and solidarity.”
— Dr. David Weintritt, National Breast Center Foundation founder
MARY’S WINGS SCHEDULE*
Photos: Lucelle O’Flaherty
AMAZING GIFT!
On September 16, 2024, the National Breast Center Foundation was awarded a one-time $250,000 unrestricted grant from Community Health Advocates. Pictured: NBCFoundation Board Chair (Breast Cancer Survivor) Gwen Siebert, NBCFoundation Founder and President Dr. David Weintritt, NBCFoundation Board Secretary (Breast Cancer Survivor) Dorn Pollard, and NBCFoundation Executive Director Martha Carucci.
BUST CANCER
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24
screening mammograms and other diagnostic tests, but they face barriers such as lack of insurance, high costs, or limited access to facilities,” said Dr. David Weintritt, local breast surgeon and founder of the National Breast Center Foundation. “Without getting the preventative care they need, they increase the risk of later-stage detection and decreased survival rates,” Weintraub added.
Noting that this is a global problem, Dr. Weintritt stated that the National Breast Center Foundation is committed to focusing “right here in our community to impact the lives of women and families who are our neighbors. The Walk to Bust Cancer is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a celebration of community and solidarity. It brings together individuals who are passionate about making a difference and offers a platform for us to honor and support those affected by breast
ANGEL WINGS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24
ful reminder about breast cancer awareness during October. People can take photos, tag on Instagram and Facebook, register for the walk, donate, and learn more about breast cancer risks and genetic testing. In honor of the
ABOVE LEFT: Deputy Clark puts on training wheels. ABOVE RIGHT: Sgt. Branch poses with a happy resident.
Sheriff’s Surprise
At a Community Cookout in Princess Square, Sgt. Branch surprised this little girl with a new bike. Deputy Clark, seen here putting on the training wheels, will remove them when the time comes.
cancer. We truly believe in the importance of our mission and remain steadfast on our path. The lives we touch and the progress we make are a direct result of the support and encouragement of our donors, sponsors and participants.”
Not only has the National Breast Center Foundation assisted hundreds of women and families with screenings, diagnostic exams, genetic testing, and other procedures since it was founded in 2015, it has built an extensive network of strategic referral partnerships with other community organizations and overhauled, fast-tracked, and simplified a tedious and inefficient system. In many cases, the foundation has expedited a patient’s additional diagnostic testing, treatment, and even surgical care when warranted, eliminating wait times that can stretch into months.
For more information about the walk, please visit www.walktobustcancer. org or email info@walktobustcancer.org.
long-time Walk to Bust Cancer Committee member and creator of the Angel Wings, the wings are now named Mary’s Wings. Edwards, who passed in January 2022, had said, “The wings allow people to honor those who have lost their battles but also represent those being lifted up and supported as they fight along their journey.”
Around the World With Zebra
On a Mediterranean cruise, Alexandrian Mike BonDurant visited Diocletian’s Palace and the waterfront promenade in Split, Croatia. A camera caught him absorbed in news from home outside St. Lucy’s crypt in St. Domnius Cathedral.
Send us your photos from around the globe, and we will publish them in the upcoming issue. Next time you take a trip, domestic or international, snap a pic and send to editor@ thezebrapress.com with ZEBRA AROUND THE WORLD in the subject line, along with a descriptive caption.
The Zebra Book Club assembled for its monthly discussion dinner at Union Street Public House on September 30. All were anxious to get together and talk about the riveting read, The Wager.
The October Book pick is PREQUEL by Rachel Maddow. The group will meet at Cheesetique Restaurant, 2411 Mt. Vernon Ave. in the Wine Room at the oval table, on Monday, October 28, at 7 p.m.
If you’d like to join the Zebra Book Club, find it on Facebook or get added to the email list by writing to info@thezebrapress.com and inserting Zebra Book Club in the subject line.
Photos courtesy Alexandria Sheriff’s Office
Photo: Zebra Book Club
Photo: National Breast Center
October Is Spooky Season In Del Ray!
The Del Ray Docket
Oct. 4-26
Artificial or Intelligence? Art Exhibit
Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue
Thursdays and Fridays 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Local artists featured explore the question of whether humans collaborating with AI results in an outcome less than, equal to, or greater than the sum of its parts.
Oct. 5
29th Annual Art on the Avenue
Mount Vernon Avenue, between Hume & Bellefonte Avenues
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
BY MAUREEN SCHWEERS
With a parade, house decorating contests, and a new haunted house at Duncan Library, Halloween is Del Ray’s biggest holiday. Here are five ways to celebrate:
1. The Del Ray Halloween Parade: The main event -- the 28th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade -- takes place on Sunday, Oct. 27, at 2 p.m. along Mount Vernon Avenue. The parade, named of the 10 Best Halloween Parades by USA Today, starts at the intersection of Mount Vernon and E. Bellefonte Avenues and ends with a family-friendly party at the Mount Vernon Recreation fields. Thanks to the Del Ray Business Association, The Jen Walker Team, Your Dogs Best Friends, and the Homes of Alexandria Team of Compass for sponsoring this event!
2. Show Off Your Creativity: The elaborate entries in the Del Ray Halloween Parade’s annual stroller contest rival the creativity and design of parade floats — and are often a family-wide or even block-wide effort. And in a neighborhood where pets are family, it wouldn’t be Halloween in Del Ray without a pet costume contest. Entrants for both contests should check in at the intersection of Mount Vernon and E. Bellefonte Avenues by 1:30 p.m.; strollers will be judged before the parade, and pets will be judged at the end of the parade route.
3. Get In The Spirit: For over 30 years, local residents and businesses have gone all out decorating for Halloween, competing for bragging rights for best decorated house and business. Get in the Halloween spirit by visiting the top ten house nominees and
hand-painted Halloween windows in businesses along Mount Vernon Avenue; maps will be available the week before the parade. Note: Nominations for the Best Decorated House Contest must be received by 12 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20; complete details on entering are available at visitdelray.com.
4. Give Back: Help ensure that each child in our community has a happy Halloween. The Del Ray Business Association is partnering directly with local non-profit organizations serving children, giving community members the opportunity to purchase a costume for a child in need. To make a donation, visit visitdelray.com.
5: Tales of Terror: Join the Del Ray Citizens Association as they take over the Duncan Library and host a family-friendly Haunted House right after the Halloween Parade on Sunday, Oct. 27 from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Entry is free, but donations to the library are appreciated.
BONUS! Select Del Ray restaurants will participate in a Del Ray Day of the Dead celebration featuring food & drink specials, swag, and more. Follow @visitdelray on Facebook and Instagram for more details!
Halloween in Del Ray is presented by the Del Ray Business Association. For complete details -- including how to enter the best decorated house or stroller and pet costume contests – go to www. visitdelray.com.
Art on the Avenue, Del Ray’s signature arts festival, features over 350 artists, live music, international food, children’s activities and more. The event is free and open to all; trolley transportation available from the Potomac Yard and Braddock Road Metros, plus free bike valet. For more information, visit www.artontheavenue. org.
Oct. 12, 19, and 26
Del Ray Farmers’ Market
The Pat Miller Neighborhood Square, located at the intersection of Oxford and Mount Vernon Avenue
8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Named one of the top 10 farmers’ markets in the state! This year-round market features fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheeses, breads, fresh pasta, baked goods, cut flowers, and more.
Oct. 12
Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market
Mount Vernon & East Bellefonte Avenue
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Find your treasure! Visit over 50 vendors at the Del Ray Psych & Wellness lot at 1900 Mt. Vernon Ave., plus the Salvation Army Corps lot across the street. For more information, visit www.delrayvintageflea.com
Oct. 19
Cinema Del Ray
Mount Vernon Recreation Center Field
Movie starts at dusk 2701 Commonwealth Ave.
The Jen Walker Team presents a free, family-friendly outdoor movie, starting at dusk. This month’s feature is Inside Out 2.
Oct. 27
28th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade
Along Mount Vernon Avenue
2 p.m.
A favorite Del Ray tradition! All are welcome to march in the parade along Mount Vernon Avenue, which begins at E. Bellefonte. The event is free and open to all. For more information, including details on entering the house decorating (deadline Oct. 20) and costume contests, visit www.visitdelray.com
Photos courtesy of DRBA
ABOVE: 414 E. Nelson Avenue took home the 2023 prize for Best Decorat ed Halloween House.
RIGHT: UberEats won the best overall in the stroller decorating contest at the 2023 Del Ray Halloween Parade.
Zebra’s Mount Vernon Matters editor Marlene Miller is away this month visiting family abroad. She will be back with us in the November issue.
CONSTITUTION
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20
official proclamation commemorating Constitution Week. In turn, the Daughters of the American Revolution gave the mayor a declaration and lauded him for his years of service to the City of Alexandria. Mayor Wilson did not seek reelection, and his role as the city’s top-elected leader concludes in January 2025. The honor visibly moved Wilson.
“Most of you know Virginians played a prominent role in our independence and in establishing a government,” Ferrara told the audience.
“George Washington was the organizer and president of the Constitutional Convention. Inspired by Thomas Jefferson and others, James Madison drafted much of the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights.”
Ferrara continued, “His masterpiece was the document for a unified government and citizens’ rights. The U.S. constitution was Madison’s work signed on September 17, 1787.”
Ferrara went on to thank the Daughters of the American Revolution for establishing Constitution Week. Considered the largest women’s patriotic organization in the world, the DAR currently has over 190,000 members with approximately 3,000 chapters in 50 states, Washington, D.C., and 13 foreign countries. There are five DAR chapters in Alexandria alone.
The students assembled on the council chambers stage to perform. The Alexandria City High School choir sang the National Anthem, followed by performances from Samuel Tucker, Mount Vernon Community, Douglas MacArthur, and LylesCrouch Traditional Academy.
The program concluded with a countdown. In less than two years, the United States will reach its semi-quincentennial, 250 years since its founding. It is a significant American birthday with a strong Virginia slant. Many early milestone events leading up to independence happened here in Alexandria.
•
•
•
•
•
Yacht Haven Garden Club Fashion Show
Yacht Haven Garden Club’s 40th annual Fashion Show, Silent Auction and Luncheon fundraiser “40 Years of Friendship, Fashion and Flowers,” will be held Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at the Mount Vernon Country Club in Alexandria. Fashions will be provided by Sara Campbell. Tickets are $60.00. Deadline is October 9. For reservations, contact Joyce Tami at yachthavengardenclubva@gmail.com
Carla Amerau
Mary Prunchak Photos courtesy Yacht Haven Garden Club
DR. AMY
UNSEEN OLD TOWN
BY GOVERNOR BURKE
Alexandria is often referred to as George Washington’s hometown. A number of sites reference his presence around town. Besides Mount Vernon, of course, we are aware of the reproduction of his townhouse on the 400 block of Cameron Street. Perhaps you know of his yellow tenement house near the corner of Prince and Pitt Streets. Last month’s Unseen Old Town featured a bust of our first president that can be seen at The George Washington Masonic National Memorial. The Masonic Temple, as it is known locally, was built atop Shooter’s (Shuter’s) Hill, overlooking the city. It is one of the largest private memorials to honor The Father of Our Country. In 1752, at age 20, the then-future president became a Mason when he joined the Fredericksburg Lodge. The Masonic Temple, a National Landmark, is styled after the lighthouse built at Ostia Antica, the seaport of ancient Rome. Construction of the Temple started in the 1920s, but the interior was not completed until 1970. In recent years, the Masonic Temple has figured in “The Lost Symbol,” Dan Brown’s sequel to the “DaVinci Code.” I refer you to the Memorial’s website, gwmemorial.org, if you’d like more information about the Memorial or would like to take their tour.
Have you noticed this around town? Where is it? What do you know about it?
To see more quirky photos and close-up angles of secret and not-so-secret spots in Old Town, Alexandria, and jump in with guesses, and comments, follow the discussion, and submit your own photos for consideration, join the Unseen Old Town Facebook group! As for the photo at left, we will reveal what it is and where it is in our next issue, along with a new one for you to ponder.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20
ers, we can reflect on how our digital behaviors shape the household norms and attitudes that influence our teens.
The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and with it, the challenges and opportunities for our teens and us. By staying informed and engaged, we can help our teens navigate this complex world, ensuring that their experiences with social media are as positive and healthy as possible. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, we can continue supporting our kids as they grow—online and offline— into the confident, capable adults we know they can be. After all, they’re not just learning how to use technology—they’re learning from us how to live in a world where technology is inter-
twined with every aspect of life.
Your parent’s heart is full of wisdom—Be WISE!
Got questions? Need support? Connect with our practice on social @wisefamilies and with me @heydoctoramy! Let’s make your family life as awesome as it can be!
Dr. Amy Fortney Parks has over 30 years of experience as an educator, psychologist, and clinical supervisor. She holds a PhD in Educational Psychology, specializing in child and adolescent developmental neuroscience. Dr. Parks founded WISE Family Wellness and the Clinical Supervision Directory. She is a clinical supervisor, adjunct professor, international speaker, podcast host of *Supervision Simplified*, and soon-to-be author. A native Alexandrian, she enjoys reading teen fiction, mixing Bloody Marys, and hanging with friends with boats. Connect with her on social at @heydoctorparks.
HOSPITAL
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17
Monday afternoon on the last day of September. The sprawling former Landmark Mall site on Alexandria’s West End is getting a whole new makeover. Goodbye forlorn mall, hello shiny new hospital. Inova and city officials plunged ceremonial shovels into a mound of earth on a makeshift model, kicking off a
PAWS IN THE PARK
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15
About the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) has been a beacon of hope for animals and the people who love them. Through adoptions, spay and neuter assistance, education, community service and outreach, the AWLA plays a key role in promoting responsible pet care
massive construction project that will take four years to complete. When finished, the facility will span 1.1 million square feet. The project will transform the demolished mall into a mixeduse, walkable urban village.
The 52-acre Inova Alexandria Campus will feature state-of-the-art trauma and cancer centers, and cutting-edge technology. The hospital will employ 2,000 healthcare workers.
across Northern Virginia. Additionally, the AWLA works with the City of Alexandria to provide animal care, control, and protection, and it operates the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter, an open-admission animal sheltering facility.
The AWLA is able to support pet families and at-risk animals thanks to the kindness of generous donors. You can learn more about the AWLA and find ways to support Alexandria’s animals at www.AlexandriaAnimals.org/Support-Us.
City of Alexandria
An artistic rendering of the west side view of the new INOVA Alexandria Hospital.
Photos: Governor Burke
Hungry?
It’s October and it’s really fall. I love this time of year. The leaves are starting to color and drop. Halloween decorations are out in force and Christmas decorations are starting to crowd them out of the stores. Not really but it seems like it. If you drive through Park Fairfax, you can see one of the residents is setting up giant skeletons. It’s the season for squash too. Lots of varieties are filling the bins at farmer’s market and groceries. The restaurant menus are changing to reflect the seasons too.
What’s happening lately
Yates Table Talk, 1623 Duke St., has been around for as long as anyone can remember. For many years, a sign in front advertised a new building would be built on the site. In stead, Jeff Yates bought the restaurant and after his death, is now run by Jeff and Kelly Yates. The ever-present General Manager Nick Kapetenakis apparently “conveyed” with the sale. Nick leads the Table Talk Team, many of whom have been there for years. The restaurant has always been open for breakfast and lunch daily, closing at 3:30 pm. The hours have changed to include dinner Wednesday through Sunday until 9 pm. You’ll be able to enjoy all day breakfast and some of your favorite sandwiches and some new dinner entrees. Enjoy one of the daily highlights, the soup, made fresh daily.
crumbl cookies has arrived in BradLee at 3618 King St. These cookies are part cake, part pie, part cookie. Local franchise owners Nat and Dovy Paukstys are the dynamic duo bringing these sweet treats to West Alexandria. Their mission is to “deliver the most delicious, picture-perfect desserts you’ve ever tasted, one bite at a time!” Cookie varieties change weekly. But you can always count on the house favorite,
chocolate chip, that is always available. Each cookie is available in both a mini and large size too. Nightmare on the Avenue is back in the space at 2312 Mt. Vernon Ave. The bar officially begins the Halloween season on the Avenue. The venue has been updated from last year’s offering. According to Homegrown Restaurant Group, “Step into the eerie, spine-tingling world we’ve created just for you, where every cocktail casts a spell and every corner has a frightful surprise waiting. As always, there will
CONTINUED ON PAGE 32
Photo: Ali Fritsche Lipton
ABOVE: The updated interior of Junction Bistro, Bar, & Bakery
LEFT: The new menu at Table Talk
Photo: Lucelle O’Flaherty/The Zebra Press
Courtesy photo
ABOVE: Nightmare on the Avenue is now open
LEFT: Some of the cookies offered at crumbl
Photo: Debby Critchley/The Zebra Press
Go upstairs to Visit Alice
Alice Cocktail Bar, 724 King St. is the invention of Thai Signature. Alice is an inviting bar with interesting cocktails and a wonderful menu of Asian small plates and entrees. Alice invokes the timeless tale of fantasy and whimsy where customers are invited to step into a rabbit hole and immerse themselves in a never-ending summer backyard atmosphere. You feel like
you’ve entered a lush backyard of greenery and warm woods. It is always summer at Alice’s. Alice is perfect for all. It’s a cozy, private place to enjoy a cocktail and great Thai food. The Millennial in our group immediately announced that a group of her friends could have a lot of fun eating and drinking here
After being seated by Ticky, the all-knowing curator of all things Alice, we took a few minutes to peruse the cocktail menu. There are so many interesting choices for both drinkers and nondrinkers alike.
The Golden Hour is a beautiful drink served in a champagne coupe and made with Bombay Dry Gin, chrysanthemum honey, yuzu, and garnished with a flower. Its elegant looks are only matched by its flavor. Not to be outdone, the White Rabbit features Espolon Reposado tequila, orgeat, orange blossom, and lime. Tequila lovers, put aside the margarita and order this instead. So refreshing and wonderful. Coconut lovers will delight in the Mango Sticky Rice. The glass is filled with Junmai sake, coconut rum, mango puree and topped
with coconut cream. It’s so good, not too sweet but ohso-good. Non-drinkers can enjoy several choices like the Lavender Fizz made with lavender, lychee, butterfly pea, yuzu, and topped with club soda. The Tropical Punch sounds delightful. Made with passion fruit, orgeat, pineapple, lime, and club soda, it is the perfect counterpoint to spicy Thai food.
Speaking of food, let’s talk about the Alice menu. It is an abbreviated version of Thai Signature but it features many of your favorites. You can make a meal just on the small plates. The chefs know how to fry the likes of wonton, crab Rangoon, fried chive dumplings, and more. The fried wonton are created with a wonton skin filled with a chicken and shrimp mixture and served with
be lots of spooky treats and cocktails to set the mood.” Try the Mummy Poppers and the Monster Sliders. The pop-up opens at 5 pm, seven days a week. If you want to try some other spooky restaurants around town, try
RT’s, 3804 Mt. Vernon Ave., The Fish Market, 105 King St., and Daniel O’Connell’s Irish Restaurant and Bar, 112 King St. Junction Bistro, Bar & Bakery has recently redone their interior with a new bar and seating area. They also reconfigured their parking lot to include a nice patio where you can enjoy your coffee and other treats.
Coming soon
Mudhouse Coffee Roasters is getting ready to open at 1119 King St., the former home of J. Brown & Co. Mudhouse bought the building in 2021 and had to wait over two years for the tenant’s lease to run out. The owners have multiple locations including Charlottesville, Richmond, and Crozet, Va. This local coffee chain started over 20 years ago with a coffee cart on the Mall. They cup coffees from small farms across the globe from Ethiopia to Panama to Indonesia. Big Papi’s Tacos will be opening nearby in the Penn
amount are partnering to bring the Krabby patty to life. Per the memo, “Starting on October 8, get ready to deliver the magic of cultural phenomenon SpongeBob SquarePants! To celebrate the show’s 25th anniversary this year, Wendy’s will introduce its own version of SpongeBob’s iconic Krabby Patty as part of an exclusive Krabby Patty Kollaboration with Paramount.” The memo adds this will be a limited-time offering meant for “adult consumers and fans” across the U.S., Canada, and Guam. Wendy’s will also introduce a new Frosty flavor, Pineapple Under the Sea.
Giving back
Daw neighborhood at 6224J North Kings Highway later this year. They currently have two Maryland locations so this will be their first foray into Virginia. They are well known for their carne asada tacos and quesabirria pizza. The location is in an apartment building that burned down several years ago. According to a leaked memo, Wendy’s and Par-
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Cheesetique, 2411 Mt. Vernon Ave., is partnering with Alexandria Celebrates Women (ACW) to support the Alexandria Domestic Violence Safehouse. Cheesetique is hoping to raise $2,000 through various initiatives. If you have a charity or cause that would benefit from a fundraiser, ask your favorite and local restaurants. So many are willing to help raise funds for worthy beneficiaries.
Until next time, eat well and enjoy! I know I will. Do you have a tasty tidbit to share? Contact me at debbyc@thezebrapress.com
Courtesy photo
Big Papi’s birria tacos
Courtesy photo
Some of the
at Cheesetique in Del Ray
a sweet chili sauce. The wonton are good enough to stand alone but a dip in the sauce makes you wish you had ordered two orders. But be glad you didn’t because there are more bites to try. Crab Rangoon is everywhere but this is an outstanding preparation. The wonton wrapper is stuffed with a mixture of crab and cream cheese, then fried to crispy wonderfulness. That sweet chili sauce shows up again to up the tastiness.
More we said, more!!! And Ticky complied. The fried chive dumplings are not your usual dumpling. These dumplings are made with garlic and chive rice flour. These vegetarian dark green triangles are a taste bomb, with a sweet chili soy sauce. The Shrimp Dumplings are filled with shrimp
and chicken and gently steamed. The homemade creamy ginger lemon soy sauce is perfect with these tender morsels. Let us not forget the stunning summer rolls. The rice paper wrapper is stuffed (literally) with shrimp and fresh veggies and served with peanut dipping sauce. I love these. The fresh flavors provide the perfect foil for the other small plates. Vegetarians can also enjoy edamame and the Truffle fries, French fries flavored with truffle oil and seasoned with truffle salt.
As we were leaning back on our comfortable seats, the entrees started to arrive. I love Panang curries and the Panang Salmon was amazing. The grilled salmon was arranged in a Panang curry sauce and smothered with lightly cooked mixed vegetables. The level of heat did not overtake the spice of the curry. We sopped up the luscious sauce with
lots of rice so as not to miss a single drop. The Phuket Seafood overflowed with a variety seafood including shrimp, scallops, and squid stir-fried with onions, scallions, bell peppers, young pepper corn, carrots, sweet Thai basil in flavorful roasted chili sauce. Again, the chef does not shy away from a well-balanced explosion of heat and spice. Another keeper and on the list to order again. We could not finish our meal without ordering the Shrimp Pad Thai. This is not the sweet dish you find at other restaurants. The thin rice noodles are loaded with shrimp, bean, curd, egg, scallions, bean sprouts and crushed peanuts ready to be tossed together in the palm sugar tamarind sauce. The tamarind lends a sour, tangy, and tart flavor to temper the sweet of the palm sugar. This is an exemplary exam-
Fried Wontons Panang Curry
Shrimp Pad Thai Phuket Seafood
Impress Beyond Words
EATZ
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33
ple of what Pad Thai can be. It was another hit with everyone at the table.
Alice (and Thai Signature) offer many seafood dishes such as the Crab Fried Rice featuring jumbo lump crab in fried rice mixed with their specialty soy sauce, onion, carrot and egg. I want to try the Crispy whole Branzino, one of my favorite fish. The whole branzino is fried then nestled in a mix of steamed
HYUNDAI
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17
for $10,000 to support their two-fold mission to raise money for the Alexandria Domestic Violence Safehouse and to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of Alexandria’s women of the past, present and future.
The Genesis Inspiration Foundation presented a check to for $10,000 to Del Ray Artisans to help them continue their promotion of art for the benefit of artists and the community.
Reilly is an active participant in Hyundai Hope on Wheels – Hyundai’s mission to help children, parents and doctors fight and win the battle against pediatric cancer. He focuses primarily on raising funds for pediatric cancer research and
veggies and topped with a tamarind, basil, chili, and a soy garlic sauce. It sounds so good. Meat eaters can enjoy the Crying Tiger. It’s composed with a marinated and grilled sirloin steak served with papaya salad, chili-lime sauce, and sticky rice.
There are more menu choices downstairs in the adjoining Thai Signature. You can relax in Alice with cocktails and appetizers and enjoy the rest of your meal downstairs. It’s definitely a two-for-one special event for everyone!
through his efforts, he has helped donate more than $3 million to Children’s National Hospital over the past decade. According to Reilly, “In this 25th year, Hyundai Hope on Wheels will donate $25 million in pediatric cancer research grants, bringing the lifetime total to $225 million.” In addition, Reilly announced the funding of a Chair for Children’s Cancer Research at Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.
In addition, Kevin is active in the Alexandria community, receiving the Hopkins House Heart of the Community Award for civic and charitable work in the Alexandria, VA, community, and the Heart of Del Ray and Star Awards for civic and charitable work in the Del Ray district of Alexandria, VA.
Scene Around Town
ABOVE: Pastor Grace Han with Nell and David Mercer, as SCOUT, their Airedale Terrier, is blessed at www.TrinityAlexandria.org annual Blessing of the Animals.
ABOVE: Clark Mercer, Executive Director, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, with Retired Attorney Dorathea Peters at the Alexandria Seaport Foundation “Wine on the Water” fundraiser.
RIGHT: Delegate Elizabeth Bennett-Parker with her predecessor, Former Delegate Marian Van Landingham at the celebration of the Torpedo Factory Art Center 50th year. Marian Van Landingham is the founder of The Torpedo Factory Art Center.
BELOW: Noah Lyles, Olympian Track Gold and Bronze Medal winner, after a hero’s welcome on Sunday at Alexandria City High School, stopped by Yates Table Talk on Tuesday to grab a bite to eat. Pictured with General Manager Nick Kapetanakis.
ABOVE: Lynnwood Campbell and his fiancée, Leona Weiner, at their Casino Night-themed wedding shower. They met at Howard University 55 years ago, and the happy couple finally got reacquainted 2 years wedding is planned.
ABOVE: Eberto Gudiel, Security at Kenmore Medical Building, was so friendly and helpful! LEFT: TJ Funkhouser with LUKE, his 12-week-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel at the Shirlington Dog Park.
BELOW: Three Alexandria Methodist ministers reunited in front of a
plaque at Hotel Heron telling their 25-year history. Trinity UMC’s Pastor
to the
with
Memorial UMC’s Pastor Josette L. Franklin and Washington St. UMC’s Pastor Camille Danielle Pentsil.
BELOW: Happy 101st Birthday to Doris Carscaddon on October 3, seen at Washington Street United Methodist Church.
LEFT: Dr. Jane Flinn, the Director of Cognitive Neuroscience at George Mason University, was honored as an original member of Alexandria Commission for Women at their 50th anniversary celebration.
LEFT: Happy 95th Birthday to Will Williams who is
and
Photos by Lucelle O’Flaherty unless noted
photo provided
Gwen Day-Fuller, celebrated her birthday at the Alexandria Black Family Reunion at Kate Waller Barrett Library, flanked by Michele Stork and Rose Dawson, executive director of Alexandria Library.
historic
Grace Han (her family
left)
Robert’s
flanked by his daughter, Mary Williams Missigman,
his son, Philip Williams.
The Yates Family: Food, Service and
“What
we’re trying to do is so much more than the bottom line. It’s about responsible growth, great service, creating jobs, and creating an environment that’s healthy for our community and healthy for our people. We want to add value to our neighborhood.”
— Jason Yates Sr.
BY SUSAN MCLAIN SULLIVAN
People often look at run-down ners at intersections and overgrown lots and daydream about things could be done to transform those diamonds in the rough cessful businesses and neighborhood icons. As reality emerges, the of converting a great idea from into concrete, glass, and wood ten dissolve into a mirage. With exceptional tenacity past decades, Jason Yates has stepped those mirages through long daunting stages of research, property sition, and mastering financial red cross the finish line more than a few with his Alexandria dream-chasing.
The owners of Yates Corner and other Alexandria-based businesses ebrate cumulative victories, adding years of achievements. Those accomplish ments have been honored through and local awards such as Alexandria
ABOVE: Yates Corner, Alexandria
John and Lena Yates in 1946.
Three Yates brothers, Jason, Jim and Jeff in 1964.
Photos: Yates Family Collection
ABOVE LEFT: The Braddock Road Mobil Station in 1977.
ABOVE RIGHT: The Braddock Road Mobil Station in 1989.
RIGHT: The Braddock Road Service Station today.
Photos: Yates Family Collection
60 Years of Cars, and Community
run-down corovergrown what big transform into sucneighborhood prospect from a dream wood can ofover the has sidelong and property acquired tape to few times and several can celup to 60 accomplishnational Alexandria Living
Legends, Best of the Best Awards’ National Honor, Best Family Business for 55+ and Counting Award, Washington Business Journal ’s Family-Owned Business Award, The Zebra’s Reader’s Choice Awards, Angie’s List Super Service Award, as well as being selected as a Better Business Bureau’s A+ Accredited Business, and numerous citations and awards from Alexandria’s Beautification Committee.
Honesty, Integrity, and Loyalty
It turns out that Yates is more of a strategist than a dreamer. The two-story, red-brick, triangle-shaped facade at 515 Mt. Vernon Avenue, overlooking the intersection of Braddock and Mt. Vernon Avenue, called Yates Corner, reflects this entrepreneur’s plausible ideas, community involvement, and hard work over the years. With the help of his dream-sharing wife, Loren, and son, Jason Jr., Yates said that the Yates Corner and Kingstowne businesses continue to pursue the motto inherited from his father, John, “Guided by honesty, integrity, and loyalty.”
Working steadily to build his father’s service station and repair shop, which opened
in 1964, into the handsome anchor business of Yates Automotive, Jason Yates has pursued his dreams one project at a time. He credits his extended family, including his brother Jim Yates, nephew Jon Yates, niece Melissa, and her husband Joey Civali, who is general manager, among other family members, for sharing his vision.
At Yates Corner alone, five significant operations reflecting Yates’ signature style are thriving: Yates Automotive, Yates Dry Cleaning, a 7-Eleven Store, Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza and Tap, and a series of theme restaurants at the Loft at Lena’s—currently a Cuban-inspired beauty called Havana 151—would convince anyone that dreams take a lot of elbow grease, metaphorically speaking. From 1964 to 2024, he said the 60 years of service to the Alexandria community represent a legacy of dedication, prosperity, and pride of accomplishment. The City of Alexandria honored Jason Yates Sr., and Loren Yates in 2019 as Living Legends of Alexandria for “significantly impacting the quality of life in Alexandria.”
From his boyhood days of working at his fa-
ther’s service station, which was located precisely where Yates Automotive is today, Jason said he grew to love learning how engines work and businesses run. His youthful days away from the gas station, while attending high school and college, were spent peering into car engines and watching wheels race on weekends. His four brothers also worked there, but for Jason, the car bug never faded. He set his mind on keeping the family business prospering—with a mental picture of what could be at the busy intersection. Yates took on the redevelopment of a Brownfield land site (an urban site requiring remediation) containing a long-abandoned service station (over 35 years) and a typewriter repair store that is now Yates Corner.
Investing in community, people, and redevelopment
“We consider ourselves a thread in the fabric of our community,” Yates said. His mother, Lena, also played an integral part in the fami-
Photo: Steven Halperson/Tisara Photography
Alexandria Virginia.
ly business, handling the books and making delicious food. “She was a matriarch and raised five boys with my father, but my mom also worked very hard, running the household,” says Yates.
With a nod to the name of the popular Lena’s Wood-fired Pizza & Tap Restaurant at Yates Corner, Yates points proudly to her portrait hung in a prominent place for her impact on his life. By “investing in the community, employing people, and redevelopment” of the rundown strip mall that once operated where Lena’s now stands, Yates said he wants to continue giving back to the city, noting his business support of many local charities and non-profits.
“We started a little service station with two bays, and we’ve grown into a substantial family-owned business with a ton of respect in our community,” said Jason with the satisfaction earned from more than 50 years of constant personal dedication. Before turning 30, he had saved enough to buy the family business and marry his sweetheart Loren, who also grew up in the Alexandria area.
Their son, Jason Jr., duplicated much of his father’s family experience—learning with hands-on exposure to cars and the family business operations—but before joining the family business earned a degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Virginia with a minor in aerospace engineering. Yates Jr. was named one of the 2022 Chamber ALX 40 under 40 Honorees for Outstanding Young Professionals.
“When I took over, there were only three team members,” said Jason Sr., recalling his first years of ownership. “And now we’re up to a team of 200-plus members—and that has come from a lot of community support and makes us want to give back.” In addition to giving back to the community, Yates Corner businesses are listed as the first job on many resumes of neighborhood residents—and the only job for several who have stayed with the companies, gradually making their way to positions of responsibility.
Yates Corner
Drilling down into the efficiency of Yates Corner, Jason Sr. added that the waste oil removed from vehicles during oil changes is burned in a waste oil heater to warm all the automotive shops on both levels. In addition, there is a rain catchment system, including a large cistern used to store water that is put to use in the sprinkler system. Indoors, an air management system recycles fresh air throughout the building.
cles in the indoor parking area. Over at the dry cleaners, all garments are processed on-site by longtime team members who also provide expert tailoring. The dry-cleaning machines are the newest technology and cutting edge. Even the solvents used are non-toxic, organic, bio-degradable, and revolutionary in the industry, he whispered so as not to distract customers. He added that the vision for the Yates team’s future is with Jason Jr., Joey Civali, and the dedicated team of professionals looking at opportunities beckoning in Alexandria.
our team members are the heart of our business and bring value to the community.” The pace and all the exchanges witnessed felt relaxed yet attentive to details, one of the boss Jason Sr.’s calling cards.
Yates Boot Camp
Jason Sr. said he has partnered with staff members of Alexandria City High School (formerly T.C. Williams) in recruiting students who could benefit and learn from entry-level jobs. He jokes that some younger employees called it “Yates Boot Camp.”
Jason Sr. noted that Yates Corner is a state-of-the-art facility designed and constructed using LEED technologies, with geothermal heating and cooling. Forty-eight geo wells pump water from 350 feet underground 24 hours a day. The entire facility is air-conditioned, including the upper and lower repair bays, detail shop, and dry cleaners.
Watching from a high perch with Jason Sr. and Loren, a visitor can sense the pride the owners take in the tidy facility below—a complete automotive detail shop with many different detailing services, including a certification in applying ceramic paint coating, a liquid polymer that is used on vehicles exterior paint, forming an additional layer of protection against the elements and observed on a couple of vehi-
“We are not a single-service provider and have proven we can deliver a wide range of businesses,” he continued. “That said, we’re all excited for future growth in Alexandria—and we are always open for more ideas and opportunities.”
“To build a building is incredible, but to bring new businesses to the community and execute every day at the highest levels is what we are most proud of,” said Jason Sr., who greets Yates Corner team members by name as he moves from business to business, occasionally asking for an update on something. “All of
With a quick shift to a serious tone, he shared that a neighborhood father approached him asking him for help with a son who later returned and told Jason Sr., “Yates Boot Camp was one of the best places he has worked!” With a genial laugh, Jason Sr. noted that he enjoyed giving students a chance to see what he experienced as a teenager. “That memory is very special to me. I want to help my neighbors around here and there have been lots of jobs we have added with growing the businesses.”
The Yates family’s work ethic
Photos: Yates Family Collection
ABOVE: Yates Corner under construction in 2013.
LEFT: Jason Sr. and Jr. working in the bays, 2004.
BELOW LEFT: Jason Sr. and Jr., happy times in the early days.
BELOW: Patriarch John Yates with Puddin’, a constant companion around the shop.
drew praise from The Washington Business Journal with the presentation of the 2017 Family-Owned Business Award to the Yates family. Loren Yates explained how pleased the family was with the recognitions, noting that “Every difficult challenge that you overcome, you get a little smarter and you get a little better,” revealing the amount of effort and hard work it took to add business after business, each of which was preceded with extended research and discussions with the community. As with Jason Jr., her involvement extends to every facet of operations.
Jason Sr. said the family plans to continue to improve Alexandria’s neighborhoods, creating a better place to live and work. Just a single visit to Yates Corner confirms he and his family are succeeding—by a mile!
The Yates Family’s Yates redevelopment projects in Alexandria include at 500 N. Fayette Street, which was a complete property redevelopment, preserving the building and original Art-Deco architecture. In the Kingstowne area of Alexandria are the Yates Kingstowne Car Wash and Convenience Store at 6700 S. Van Dorn St., Yates Kingstowne Sunoco and Convenience Market at 5800 Kingstowne Center Dr., and Yates Express Lube and Repair Kingstowne at the same address.
JASON, JR. WEIGHS IN ON THE YATES BUSINESSES TODAY AND LOOKS FORWARD
Please comment on Alexandria as a business location.
Alexandria is an incredible place where I was born and raised. Regarding the specific location of Yates Corner, we are conveniently located just one block from the Braddock Road Metro. Many of our customers take advantage of dropping off their cars for service or dry cleaning on their way to work. In addition, many stop by Lena’s to grab dinner or Yates Cor ner 7-Eleven to grab needed essen tials on their way home.
How has Alexandria helped you to succeed? What years have you made expansions (bricks and mortar/staff)?
I’ve spent my entire life grow ing up around Yates Automotive, which has become an Alexandria institution. It was around 2013 that we began construction on Yates Corner, which was finished a year later. Then, the growth kicked into overdrive. We opened Yates Corner 7-Elev en in December 2013, Yates Automotive (new repair/ detail shops), and Yates Dry Cleaning in spring 2014; Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap followed in October 2015. We then purchased and complete ly renovated Yates Collision,
located on N. Fayette Street in fall 2018. Lastly, we built out and opened The Loft at Lena’s, a 5,000 sq ft space on the second floor of Yates Corner in the fall of 2020.
In a nutshell, what is the secret to success across your various businesses?
Although we have a very diverse (and completely unrelated!) group
to their success: Quality, Honesty, and 5-star Customer Service with a Can-Do Attitude. We are all about going the extra mile and exceeding our customers’ expectations to create a memorable and positive experience.
Tell us about the leadership that has made this business a legacy and who have been the key players throughout the years.
There isn’t just one thing that has contributed to becoming a ‘legacy’ business; it is more of a combination of various aspects from our incredible team members. From decorating for holidays and landscaping to staying late to care for a customer in a pinch. Leading by example has truly been the most influential and impactful leadership quality I see in our business, and that comes directly from my parents, Jason and Loren Yates. Since I was a little boy, and still to this day, they never cease to amaze me with all that they do, day in and day out. They never hesitate to roll up their sleeves and get it done, no matter what, working side by side with all of our team members, and are happy to do it.
Can you share both a high point and a low point of your business history?
A definite high point that comes to mind is when we opened The Loft at Lena’s, the themed dining space on the second floor of Yates Corner. I have overseen and coordinated all five themes, including the concepts and design details of the space, purchasing everything, and completing the four-day conversion. It is entirely different than anything I have done before. Although it is an insane amount of work, it is extremely rewarding to see it all come together and watch as guests come in and are wowed by it.
A low point would have to be COVID. It was a very difficult time for society and small businesses, and we were all navigating the complete unknown. It was as if we were working twice as hard just to stay afloat. That said, COVID is also why we opened The Loft at Lena’s, so it shows you that even low points allow you to learn, adapt, and grow stronger.
While you can’t predict the future, what do you see coming next in your business’s future?
I can’t say anything definitive yet, but plans are underway for a few new and exciting projects right here in the neighborhood that we feel will further contribute to our community’s quality of life and offerings! Stay tuned!
Photo: Steven Halperson/Tisara Photography
Photos: Yates Family Collection
Yates Collision Center is at 500 N. Fayette Street, where a Packard dealership once stood in the 1930s. It is one of the few original art deco buildings in Old Town.
Jason Jr. staying current with the paperwork, 2017.
Jason Jr with manager Joey Civali in the auto detailing area.
Mo Katz–Brilliant Again
Alexandria’s Spite House may be small in stature, but it has a big history. In 1830, John Hollensbury, a brickmaker, built what’s now known as the Spite House on Queen Street. Hollensbury lived in the adjacent building. He became frustrated with horse-drawn carriages squeezing their way through the narrow alley and gouging the side of his home.
Hollensbury decided on a way to keep people out. Out of spite, he purchased the
asked John about these aspects of Mo Katz.
helping one another with the interplay between Roxie and Mo at the end of the story,” John said. That’s a lot, but that’s what makes Spite House well worth the read. As Roxie’s case unfolds, a serial killer named Rose Bud terrorizes the community. Roxie elicited Mo’s support to put an end to Rose Bud’s reign of terror. As the twosome unite, they hatch a spirited effort to expose the serial killer. Spite House is a fast-paced story with plenty of detail. Along with Mo Katz, Spite House features Deputy Police Chief Sherry Stone, private investigator Curtis Santana, legal researcher Mai Lin, city prosecutor David Reese, social worker Abby Snowe, and U.S. Senator Abraham Lowenstein.
plot of land and built (arguably to this day) the skinniest home in the United States. Oddly, something built to keep people away, now painted bright blue with the allure of its backstory, draws thousands of visitors to the Spite House.
This is the backdrop for John Wasowicz’s 7th and most intriguing of his Alexandria Old Town mystery series, Spite House. Mo Katz is ever present in the story, but now is in private practice as a defense attorney after service as a U.S. Attorney.
One of the things that caught my attention in Spite Hou se is the deeper insight into Mo Katz. Why does Katz rub certain professional adversaries the wrong way, so much so that they’re out to get him and destroy his career?
Katz may have the best of intentions for his family life, but his relationship seems to be on shaky ground. In a recent interview, I
“When I wrote Daingerfield Island in 2017, I was criticized for a lack of character development. It was a fair criticism, but I didn’t know the characters intimately at that time myself! It may sound odd to readers, but the truth is that writers do not necessarily know more than they put down on paper. As the series has developed, my appreciation for Mo and the other characters has grown. Mo experiences the same issues that all of us encounter in our private and professional lives. He reveals his complexity to me, and I capture it for the reader,” Wasowicz said.
Katz accepts the case of Roxie Neele, a local curmudgeon who lives in a spite house. Roxie stands accused of murdering her neighbor Trudy Vine with a poisoned cupcake. Mo knew accepting this case was problematic, but he accepted it anyway. That posed an interesting question at the outset. Why?
Spite House is loaded with double crosses and people operating from hidden motives. Perfect play for the house built from spite. “I used ‘spite’ and everything it engenders—hate, avarice, jealousy, duplicity—as themes in the story, hence the double-crossing and hidden motivations. It was really just playing with the word spite and as many manifestations as I could envision. I also tried to counter balance the concept of mutual support, teamwork,
There are a lot of issues to unpack in this Wasowicz work. Although fiction, this marvelous book raises questions applicable to real-life situations. The despair someone wrongly convicted goes through, especially when lacking the means for a solid defense counsel. The wealth and status disparity in the advocacy of the accused. Is the effort, quality, and honesty of detective work equal across every social status? Same question when it comes to the care and feeding of evidence. Does an easy path to a socially popular conviction win out over diligence in pursuit of the truth?
John Adam Wasowicz resides in Mt. Vernon, VA, and has practiced law for over 35 years. Although his works have detailed scenes, he has not been inside a courtroom in over two decades. Wasowicz is an attorney in the public sector. His wife is retired; they are empty nesters in Mount Vernon. John spends his evenings reading and writing and weekends signing books.
“What is man? A miserable little pile of secrets,” said Andre Malraux. Spite House is a terrific, well-paced story with plenty of intrigue and a handful of morals. You never know people. The people you trust the most might be your worst enemies, and those you dislike might be the first to come to your aid. The forces of good will always prevail in the fight between light and darkness. Live spitefree. A wonderful read. Zebra rating: 5 Stripes.
Courtesy of the author
John Adam Wasowicz
Courtesy image
The Movable Screen: Fall Film Festivals and Movies on the Go
BY KELLY MACCONOMY
The long goodbye to the summer doesn’t mean an end to outdoor film screenings. September and October’s sultry reprise offers ideal opportunities to blanket down with a picnic for a classic flick revival or spooktacular cinema. Even once the balmy nights turn cooler, yielding to that inevitable nip in the air, the fall cavalcade of film fests kicks off, providing top-notch independent filmmaking and sneak previews of Oscar picks dropping at the end of the year.
Cinema Del Ray, the community family-friendly and fun-for-all kids film series
sponsored by the Jen Walker Team, closed out September showing Kung Fu Panda 4. The field at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center, next to Del Ray Artisans, will show the blockbuster summer hit Inside Out 2 on October 19 at 6:30 pm.
Film lovers of every age will want to secure their space for that one. The sequel to 2015’s Inside Out is an animated coming-ofage story by Pixar. This little $200 million-to-make movie could have become the highest-grossing animated film of all time and the first animated feature to hit $1 billion. Still screening in theaters as of last month (Disney contracted for a 100-day theater run), Inside Out 2 is now among the elite list of top lifetime grosses, coming in at 8th. It’s currently streaming on Disney+. But why watch it alone in the dark at home when you can join half the
This
space made possible by The Hoffman
Town Center
city viewing the summer of 24’s mega-hit for free?
Paramount Studios, in conjunction with the National Park Service, reprised their Movies on the Mall last month, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the great American classic Forrest Gump. This 1994 popular and critically acclaimed film earned 74 awards nominations with 51 wins, including six Oscars in 1995, Best Picture among them. Tom Hanks, as the seemingly hapless Forrest Gump, deservedly won Best Actor, becoming the latest of five people to earn back-to-back best acting Oscars.
It was surprising to encounter so many adults who had never screened the improbable Gump chronicle - a fabled story of a man’s journey from childhood to parenthood. On September 19, it was 45 years ago that Forrest Gump stopped running across America for the fourth time after three years, two months, 14 days, and 16 hours. But the beloved film continues to be on screen via cable, streaming, repertory cinemas, and forever in our hearts. Run, Forrest! RUN!
Screen on the Green returned to the Mall after petitioning to access the renovated turf again. Throughout the summer season, HBO and Comcast, along with Friends of the Green, showed films on the National Mall between 7th and 12th streets on Monday nights. Beloved family films such as E.T. the Extraterrestrial and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, alternating with adult fare such as Tootsie and Norma Rae, were projected onto the 20-foot by 40-foot outdoor screen. It’s a pleasure to picnic before the dusk showtime, catching dramatic sunsets evolving across the expansive views from the Lincoln and Washington memorials to the United States Capitol’s pink alpenglow.
Another fun cinema with
Photo Scott MacConomy.
ABOVE: Moviegoers on the Mall cheered and cell phones lit up when Forrest Gump appeared at the Lincoln Memorial.
LEFT: A feature documentary at the Alexandria Film Festival, Banned Together follows the story of three seniors in a Beaufort, SC, high school who challenged the school board and community to reinstate 97 books banned from the school libraries.
Photo: The Winery at Bull Run.
Ghostly apparitions are no strangers to visitors and staff at the historic Winery at Bull Run, situated upon the Civil War battlefield in nearby Manassas. Family film fare and the Haunted Wine Tours are a tradition every October.
Photo: Alexandria Film Festival
Photo: Cinema Del Ray.
Cinema Del Ray presents the mega-hit movie of 2024, Inside Out 2, on Saturday, October 19, at 6:30 pm.
Courtesy photo.
Screen on the Green returned to the National Mall with fun family fare and adult features.
BY NINA TISARA
Sunshine on a Gray Day: A Focus on Nature
As part of its ongoing support of the local community, the Alexandria office of Coldwell Banker Realty, 310 King Street, will host an art exhibit featuring the nature-themed photographs of Steven Halperson and mosaics of Nina Tisara beginning October 24 through December 21. An opening reception is on October 24, from 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Steven Halperson, Tisara Photography, has over 30 years’ experience in portrait and event photography. For this exhibit, he is returning to his roots in fine art photography and making use of digital camera software to create strikingly beautiful images. Steve’s talents are sometimes tapped to illustrate stories in The Zebra.
Nina Tisara retired from
the photography studio in 2007 and began creating intricate mosaics which are now widely exhibited and collected. Nina is the founder of Living Legends of Alex-
andria and writes a column, Memories and Musings, for The Zebra.
A portion of all sales will be donated to the Coldwell Banker Realty Cares Foun-
dation, a program that helps support selected nonprofits in Alexandria and throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. For additional information, contact Rachel Car-
ter, RCarter@cbmove.com or Nina Tisara, Ninat@ninatisara.com
Opal Music Studio Introduces a New Youth Strings Program
Opal Music Studio has announced its first session of Opal Strings, a youth chamber ensemble introducing string players to the joys of playing together in an orchestra. Led by Opal faculty member Joan Wolfe, students will focus on playing holiday music, ending with a celebration concert in December.
Opal Strings provides young musicians with the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of performing in a group. Their progress and achievements will be showcased at casual concerts held each fall and spring. The ensemble will also have other opportunities to perform throughout the semester.
All interested string students, ages 6-17, with at least one year of playing experience may join Opal Strings (no audition required). Beginning with the first session on
October 15, students will be playing holiday music in a fun, social, musical environment, culminating with a performance at Opal for friends and family on the final evening (Tuesday, December 10).
The 8-week Opal Strings session starts October 15, and meets every Tuesday from 5:00 to 6:00 pm at Opal Music Studio, 607 Prince Street, Old Town Alexandria. The cost is $250 per session, with discounts available for Opal students, multiple sibling enrollments, and military families.
Visit www.opalmusicstudio.com to learn more and to register.
Photo by Steven Halperson
ABOVE: Sunflower Market LEFT: Golden Blossoms – Mosaic by Nina Tisara
Courtesy of Opal Music Studio
Warp Speed Slapstick Marks Comedy of Errors from Shakespeare Theatre Company
With the clang of a massive ship’s bell and the cry, “Stowaway!”, Director Simon Godwin’s Comedy of Errors begins. An august gentleman, Egeon (Timothy Stickney), a merchant from Syracuse, has been arrested and is being questioned by Duke Solinus (Eric Hissom), nay, threatened with beheading if he doesn’t pay a hefty fine for trespassing. He explains he nearly lost his life in a tempest at sea. But rules are rules, the Duke explains, and Egeon must find money to satisfy the law. He has his life, for now, but has lost his wife Emilia (Amanda Naughton), twin boys and their twin servants.
In the terror of the storm, they became separated. That’s the setup. Antipholus needs to find his brother, father, wife and mother and come up
with the dough (ducats) to spare his father’s life. Bear in mind there are twin sons and their respective twin servants – all operating separately – and unbeknownst to one another, the bizarre fact they had all washed up on the Ephesian shore.
Sheer madness and near-terminal mistaken identity abound at supersonic speed. If you don’t know the plot going in, you’ll be spinning your wheels to keep up with these wacky doings. Other characters and side plots help ratchet up the action. At times I wondered if I was watching a mashup of Buster Keaton meets Steve Martin meets Lucy and Ethel in all their slapstick glory. Deliciously clever! Switcheroo at its highest and best use. Hats off to Composer Mi-
Shayvawn Webster and David Fynn in Comedy of Errors.
Photos by Teresa Castracane Photography.
Alex Brightman, Ralph Adriel Johnson, and Camilo Linares in Comedy of Errors.
Shayvawn Webster and Cloteal L. Horne in Comedy of Errors.
Eric Hissom, Shayvawn Webster, Cloteal L. Horne, Kimberly Dodson, and Ralph Adriel Johnson in Comedy of Errors.
The cast of Comedy of Errors.
WHAT'S ONSTAGE IN THE DMV FOR OCTOBER
This year, the annual DC Theatre Week runs from September 26 through October 13, celebrating the launch of the theatre season. Now’s the time to snag tickets to over 30 ongoing productions from musicals and plays to new works, comedies, children’s shows, improvs and classics. Tickets range from $20 - $60. A sweet deal for theater mavens! Go to www.TheatreWeek.org to sign up for discounts.
• Faithless – Washington Stage Guild, September 26-October 20 www.StageGuild.org
• 9th Annual Scripts in Play Festival (Free) – Avant Bard, October 4-October 20 www.AvantBard.org
• Kennedy Center – www.Kennedy-Center.org
• Clue – through October 6
• 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, October 11-20
• Spells of the Sea, October 12October 20
• Fidelio – Washington National Opera, October 25-November 4
• Marlene – Expats Theatre at Atlas –through October 20 www.AtlasArts.com
• Romeo and Juliet –Folger Theatre, October 1-November 10 www.Folger.edu
• Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical – The Little Theatre of Alexandria, October 19-November 9 www.TheLittle Theatre.com
• She Persisted – Adventure Theatre, October 4-November 3 www.AdventureTheatre-MTC.org
• The Tragedie of Macbeth – Taffety Punk – through October 12 www.TaffetyPunk.com
• Cracking Zeus – Spooky Action, September 19-October 13 www.SpookyAction.org
• Babbitt – Shakespeare Theatre Company, October 1-November 3 www.ShakespeareTheatre.org
• Frida Libre – GALA Theatre, October 12-October 28 www.GALATheatre.org
• Disney’s Frozen – Olney Theatre, October 24-January 5 www.OlneyTheatre.org
• HAMLET… The Rest is Silence – Synetic Theater (note new address), September 28-October 13 www.SyneticTheater.org
By Jordan Wright
• Mean Girls – National Theatre, October 15-October 20 www.Tickets-Center.com
• The Pliant Girls – Theatre Prometheus, October 18-November 9 www.TheatrePrometheus.org
• Fun Home – Dominion Stage, October 25-November 9 www.DominionStage.org
• Primary Trust – Signature Theatre, through October 20 www.SigTheatre.org
• The Woman in Black – Keegan Theatre, October 12-November 17 www.KeeganTheatre.com
• The Other Americans – Arena Stage, October 18-November 24 www.ArenaStage.org
• The Addams Family – Toby’s Dinner Theatre, through November 10 www.TobysDinnerTheatre.com
• POTUS – or Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive – Next Stop Theatre, September 26-October 20 www.NextStopTheatre.org
• The Cradle Will Rock – IN Series, in DC October 5-October 13 www.INSeries.org
• Orlando – Constellation Theatre, October 12-November 11 www.ConstellationTheatre.org
• Twilight Zone: Hidden Wonders of the Ocean – Arctechouse, through November 3 www.Artechouse.com
Primary Trust is playing at Signature Theatre through October 20.
Image: LTA website There’s spooky doings at the Little Theatre of Alexandria.
Springing Back to 1874 and 1974 for the Fall Art Scene
BY KELLY MACCONOMY
September came and went all too quickly, chock full of Hallmark moments for the art groupies in ALX and all around the DMV. Highlights of the season were the 50th Anniversary celebration of the Torpedo Factory Art Center and the opening, straight from the City of Light, of the blockbuster exhibit Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment at the National Gallery of Art
This highly anticipated exhibit, here through January 19, 2025, explores the origins of the Impressionist art movement. Despite not having the virtual reality feature of the Paris show, curators have masterfully recreated the experience of visiting the storied Paris art salon expositions, a radical departure from the well-established norms of 19th-century aesthetics.
yond the rotunda of the second floor galleries at lunchtime but dissipate later. Early risers lining up outside the Oz-like outer steel doors of the National Gallery’s four entry points sprint to the exhibition portal. An anonymous gallery staffer likens it to the running of the brides at the Filene’s Basement wedding dress sale.
Make no mistake: This is a notto-be-missed moment in the DMV art scene. This exhibition, more than most in recent memory, is a scholarly fait accompli for sure. It’s a deeper dive into the cultural, political, and social chasm predicating Impressionism into the momentous movement burgeoning in later 19th Century Paris, the
cradle of modern art.
Who needs virtual reality? The NGA has promoted the exhibition wonderfully with fabulous French fare in the cafes and a très chic 1874 Parisian-centric NGA Nights soirée. Parisienne partiers were treated to an evening viewing of the exhibit and Can Can dancing demos. Impressionist impresarios created copyist pastels of several exhibit masterpieces before dancing the night away under the stealth momentum of the ginormous Calder mobile.
Mark your calendars for this month’s NGA Nights theme event, Dia de Los Muertos: October 10, 6:00 - 9:00 pm. Tickets are free, but you must sign up for the lottery to gain guaranteed entry. If you forget or miss the entry deadline, there are always walk-up opportunities that begin at 5:30 outside the East Building. The final NGA Night
This show reunites the Impressionist rock stars Cèzanne, Degas, Money, Manet, Morisot, Pissarro, and Renoir, each credited with kickstarting shifting mores in painting, juxtaposed with less-famously seminal yet nonetheless influential artists you’ve never heard of before.
The National Gallery of Art is the only opportunity to enjoy this revisiting of Paris 1874. While the exhibit is not ticketed, the queues can be daunting. On a weekday, the lines frequently extend be-
event for the year takes place November 14 and is called To the District, With Love, a shout-out to our nation’s capital.
Across the moat at The Torpedo Factory, a soirée of a different sort was held. Last month, the quintessential working artist studio space celebrated 50 years since its 1974 founding. The weekend-long pARTay kicked off Friday night with an appropriately 70s-themed happening, open to the public. Saturday night was the art prom Gala,
CONTINUED ON PAGE 49
Art + Wine + Cheese
Kathy Feighery
Thursday, October 10th at 6PM
Hollin Hall Shopping Center
7918 Fort Hunt Road
Alexandria, 22308
Fine Art Gallery and Custom Framing
Hollin Hall * Old Town Kimberly by KATHY FEIGHERY
Acrylic on Panel 24 x 36
Photo: Scott MacConomy. Chef and Mixologist extraordinaire Brandon McDermott, Beverage Director and Director of Operations for Railbird Kitchen and Captain Gregory’s, holding the second-place award at the Art League’s Art on the Rocks fundraiser.
Photo: Ja’mon Jackson courtesy of the City of Alexandria
A very VIP turnout for a salute to Torpedo Factory founder Marian Van Landingham in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the art center: left to right, Delegate Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, Mayor Justin Wilson, Councilwoman Sarah Bagley, Vice Mayor Amy Jackson, Marian Van Landingham, Councilwoman Alyia Gaskins, and Councilman Kirk McPike.
Photo: Scott MacConomy. Detail from a rarely seen and uncharacteristic Monet from a private collection, Fishing Boats Leaving the Harbor, Le Havre, on view at the National Gallery’s new exhibition Paris 1974: The Impressionist Moment.
Photo: Kelly MacConomy.
Is It Real or Is It Memorex? Find out at Del Ray Artisans during the October exhibit Artificial or Intelligence opening October 4 with a reception from 7-9 pm.
Photo: Nepenthe Gallery.
The Farm, one of the landscape paintings by Ruth LaGue on exhibit at Nepenthe Gallery ~ Hollin Hall ~ on October 17 for the weekly ART + WINE + CHEESE reception.
OCTOBER 6
WashMetPhil opens with Drums Along The Potomac!
3:00 pm-5:00 pm
George Washington Masonic Memorial 101 Callahan Drive
Hear Lots of Timpani! The 53rd season of The Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic opens with “Fantastical Explorations!” Join us for an afternoon at the Geo. Washington Masonic National Memorial theater in Alexandria. The orchestra performs a work by a female composer, celebrates living composers and blends with classical repertoire. Any drummer will say the highlight will be PHILIP GLASS’s Concerto Fantasy for Two Timpanists and Orchestra, with guest timpanists SCOTT CHRISTIAN and GLENN PAULSON. WMP Music Director Anna Binneweg conducts and also offers a free “After Chat With Anna” following the concert.
OCTOBER 6
The President’s Own United States Marine Band Concert
6:00 pm-7:15 pm
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
201 S. Washington St.
Join musicians from The President’s Own United States Marine Band for a special concert tracing the musical history of America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization. The band performed at Lyceum Hall, which is now the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, after an 1840 parade and during a concert hosted by Signor Francis Garcia in 1843. The Marine Band was a frequent visitor to the area, performing in local parades, on steamboat excursions from Alexandria, in at least one Tavern, and at various venues throughout the city. The musicians will present a program of works inspired by past performances in Alexandria during the 19th and 20th centuries. Historic selections include Francis Hopkinson’s Washington’s March, a celebration of the first President of the United States, and Medley of Patriotic Airs by Francis Scala, the first Marine Band member to hold the title of Leader of the Band. Marine Band Historian Staff Sgt. Philip Espe will narrate the program, providing historical context to the programmed pieces. The concert is free / cash bar.
OCTOBER 8
Line Dance Social 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St.
OCTOBER 8
String Quartet Concert & Reception
6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum
201 South Washington St.
Immerse yourself in an intimate evening of live music with Chamber Dance Project’s resident string quartet. Experience an evening of powerful and evocative music at the upcoming quartet concert. Sponsored by the Arts 275th Commemorative Program grant from the City of Alexandria and the National Endowment for the Arts.
OCTOBER 10
An Evening of Irish Music with Donna Long, Peter Brice and Samantha Suplee
7:00 pm
Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum
201 South Washington St.
Donna Long (piano, fiddle), Peter Brice (voice, button accordion), and Samantha Suplee (fiddle) will present a concert of traditional music from Ireland and Irish America, drawing on a repertoire of jigs, reels, 17th-century harp music, and songs from the Age of Revolution. Maryland songs will be included for good measure.
OCTOBER 11
Wright at Twilight
6:30 pm-9:00 pm
Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House 9000 Richmond Hwy
OCTOBER 12-13
18th-Century Trades: Building Trades
George Washington’s Mount Vernon 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy
Explore the craftsmanship of an array of 18th-century trades. Learn about brick making, take a specialty tour that highlights the history of preservation at Mount Vernon, and watch the joiner from Colonial Williamsburg shape pieces of a future building.
OCTOBER 12
International Coastal Cleanup Stream Cleanup
10:00 am-11:00 am
Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library
5005 Duke St.
In recognition of the International Coastal Cleanup, The City of Alexandria Department of Transportation and Environmental Services Stormwater Management
Division is hosting a stream cleanup event of Historic Holmes Run. Participants are invited to meet at the Charles Beatley Library parking lot for a sign-in and briefing. Gloves, bags, and first aid kits will be provided. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately, in long pants and covered footwear, and to bring water.
OCTOBER 12
Beyond the Battlefield: A Civil War Walking Tour of Alexandria
10:00 am-11:30 am
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden
614 Oronoco St.
This walking tour shares the stories of soldiers, citizens, and self-liberated African Americans in Civil War Alexandria. It covers the military occupation, the conversion of public and private buildings into hospitals, and emancipation. Tickets are $15 per person and must be purchased in advance. The tour is limited to 12 participants
Get your boots ready and come join in an evening of toe-tapping fun and socializing. No experience necessary –just bring your enthusiasm and get ready to groove to some of your favorite tunes.
Enjoy the iconic Pope-Leighey House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, at twilight! Sit back with complimentary snacks and a glass of wine, as you watch the changing light bring out the beautiful architectural details of the house. Play games in the yard, listen to period music, and tour the house at your leisure as the sun slowly sets.Snacks will be provided, but you are also welcome to bring your own food (no outside alcohol). Tables and chairs will be set up around the Pope-Leighey House for you to use. $25, with one drink included in the price of your ticket.
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OCTOBER 12
Hispanic Heritage Fiesta
1:00 pm-3:00 pm
Beatley Central Library
5005 Duke St.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with live music, crafts, face painting and food! The fiesta will take place outside in Beatley Central Library’s beautiful Reading Garden. Live music provided by The Mystic Warriors, a group dedicated to the preservation of Andean folk music. They perform using ancient flutes and panpipes in conjunction with contemporary instruments, seeking to remain true to the art, culture and heritage of the Quechua and Aymara people in Bolivia and other pre-Inca civilizations. All ages. Free
OCTOBER 12
Civil War Hospital Tour
2:00 pm-3:15 pm
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden
614 Oronoco St.
Learn how the Lee-Fendall House was confiscated during the Civil War and operated as a Union Army hospital. Explore what life was like in Union-occupied Alexandria, how the Lee-Fendall House witnessed medical history, and how political divisions impacted those living here. Tickets are $15 to the general public and free for museum members. The tour is limited to 12 participants.
OCTOBER 12
Grosvenor Branch Hospital: The Confiscation of the Lee-Fendall House
6:00 pm-7:15 pm
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden 614 Oronoco St.
Lee-Fendall was confiscated in April 1863 for use as a Union military hospital and renamed Grosvenor Branch. It remains one of the few Civil War hospitals in Alexandria that one can enter. Using its medical ledgers, this lecture will explore the hospital’s daily operations and soldiers’ experiences, delving into how medical history was made at Grosvenor Branch – where one of only two successful blood transfusions occurred during the War. Attendees will also learn of the political divisions that impacted those who lived at Lee-Fendall, the dynamics of a Union-occupied city, and view examples of how both Union and Confederate prisoners were treated at Grosvenor Branch. Tickets are $10 to the general public and free for museum members.
OCTOBER 13
Paws in the Park 11:00 am-4:00 pm
Oronoco Bay Park 100 Madison St.
Join the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria at Alexandria’s biggest fall festival for animal lovers — Paws in the Park! Paws in the Park 2024. Paws in the Park brings together shopping and vendors, live music and entertainment, food and drink, kids’ activities, and adoptable animals. Additional activities include a silent auction, Family Fun Tent, and dog and human costume contest for prizes. The event is FREE to attend and leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome. Event proceeds benefit the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA). Find more details, including how to register as a vendor or sponsor, at www.pawsintheparkva.com
Birchmere 3701 Mount Vernon Ave. Restaurant Tastings. Jones Point Live Music. Live and Silent Auctions. Raffles and Baskets. Children’s Corner. This is a huge food-lovers event where people from Northern Virginia will get to taste a sample of signature dishes from 20 restaurants and caters. All proceeds from this event will support Carpenter’s Shelter, which now operates two homeless shelters in Alexandria, VA and serves 909 people total—248 children, 67 families and 500 single individuals experiencing homelessness. Adults: $75 Children: $25
OCTOBER 14
Concert at Christ Church:
Wade Davis, cello 12:15 pm
Christ Church 118 N. Washington St. Cellist Wade Davis plays Bach’s Cello Suites 1 & 2. There is no admission for these concerts, Support the series with a goodwill donation of any amount (suggested amount: $10).
OCTOBER 17
Marquis de Lafayette Returns 11:00 am-1:00 pm
George Washington’s Mount Vernon 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy
To mark the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s historic visit to George Washington’s Mount Vernon, enjoy lunch and a compelling discussion with historian Elizabeth Reese, who will discuss her new book, Marquis de Lafayette Returns: A Tour of America’s National Capital Region. Participants will be able to attend a post-lunch reenactment of Lafayette’s historic visit to the Old Tomb, followed by a special wreath-laying ceremony at Washington’s Tomb.
OCTOBER 18
Screams & Disease 7:00 pm-8:00 pm
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden 614 Oronoco St. Step back in time to when the Lee-Fendall House was the Grosvenor Branch Hospital, a Civil War
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hospital that was in operation from 186365. Many were admitted into this house. Many were treated. Many died. Learn what would have taken place in each of the rooms, where amputated limbs would be sent, soldier stories, and more. Do the ghosts of the surgeons, nurses, and soldiers still haunt the house today? Find out yourself this Halloween season. Tours are offered every half hour starting at 7:00 PM with the last tour at 8:30 PM. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased in advance.
OCTOBER 19-20
Fall Harvest Festival
9:00 am-5:00 pm
George Washington’s Mount Vernon 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy
Celebrate the crisp autumn season with 18th-century activities and demonstrations at the Farm at Mount Vernon. Watch wheat treading demonstrations in Washington’s innovative 16-sided threshing barn, and visit the Farrier to learn how horseshoeing was performed in the 18th century. See how laundry was done in the 18th-century and help in the process, and watch demonstrations of cooking, candle-making, and spinning. This event is included with admission and is free for Mount Vernon members.
OCTOBER 19
Jazz Under the Stars
7:00 pm-10:00 pm
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden
614 Oronoco St.
Enjoy an unforgettable night of live jazz music, dancing under the stars, sipping jazz-themed cocktails, and enjoying catered hors d’oeuvres while connecting with friends from the Alexandria community. Proceeds from this event will support the preservation and education work of the historic Lee-Fendall House Museum in its landmark 50th year.
OCTOBER 26
A World War II Walking Tour of Alexandria
10:30 am-12:00 pm
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden
614 Oronoco St.
Alexandria was a bustling town during the Second World War filled with servicemen and women and civilians contributing to the war effort. On this two-mile walk around
Old Town, visit sites where history took place and buildings where notable Alexandrians, including a Tuskegee Airman and a member of the 101st Airborne, lived before serving their country. In addition, learn of the top-secret intelligence facility known as P.O. Box 1142. This tour begins at Lee-Fendall and ends at the Torpedo Factory by the waterfront. The tour will last approximately 1.5 hours. Walking shoes and water are highly recommended. The tour will take place rain or shine. Tickets are $15 per person and free for museum members.
OCTOBER 26
Old Town Family Trick or Treat 11:00 am-3:00 pm
Various locations throughout Old Town Alexandria
Bring the family and enjoy trick-or-treating in the various shops and restaurants in Old Town along upper and lower King Street and select side streets. Start at Pippin Toy Co. to pick up the event map. Visit oldtownbusiness.org for more info.
OCTOBER
26
7:00 pm-9:00 pm
Death at the City Tavern Gadsby’s Tavern Museum 134 N. Royal St.
While the City Hotel (now Gadsby’s Tavern Museum) was a hotel during the Civil War, it still saw its share of deaths there. Through activities and storytelling, learn about changing medical and grieving practices of the time. Cost includes one drink ticket.
OCTOBER 27
Old Town Doggie Trick or Treat 11:00 am-3:00 pm
Various locations throughout Old Town Alexandria
Bring your dog for a howling day of walking through Old Town and visiting participating merchants who will offer treats for your four-legged companion. Start at The Dog Park boutique, located at 705 King Street. For more information, visit www. oldtownbusiness.org
OCTOBER 27
Del Ray Halloween Parade
2:00 pm
Begins at Mount Vernon Ave., south of E. Bellefonte Ave.
The annual Del Ray Halloween Parade, returns once again. Costumed children, pets and babies in decked-out strollers are invited to march and show off their finest and scariest Halloween garb. For more information, including details on entering the house decorating contest, pet costume contest and stroller decorating contest, head to visitdelray.com
NOVEMBER 2-3
Family Days: Archaeology 9:30 am-3:30 pm
George Washington’s Mount Vernon 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
Explore how archaeology has shaped what we know about the Washington’s, the lives of the enslaved people who lived at Mount Vernon, and the eighteenth century at our Archaeology Family Day! Enjoy hands-on activities for the whole family, including participating in your own miniature dig, putting broken objects back together, and making your own replicas out of clay. This event is included with general admission.
where local VIPs and Torpedo Factory studio artists past and present gathered to honor Torpedo Factory founder Marian Van Landingham.
This month marks the 29th Art on the Avenue Festival in Del Ray on October 5. Six hundred eighty artists and artisans applied for a vendor space along the ever-popular Mount Vernon Avenue. AOTA veteran fan-favorites return this year, attracting over 50,000 festival goers along with the many firsttime vendors among the 350 exhibiting artists, as do the four stages of live music and numerous eclectic food temptations, including the annual pie-baking contest, with a gamut of fun activities for the kids.
Holiday Tree Lighting. Enter by Friday, November 1 at 11:59 pm. Go to the City website and look for the PDF with the Photo Challenge details.
Exhibits and Events of Note
real cake- but is it a
or a
Founder of Art on the Avenue Pat Miller has also curated an exhibit spotlighting featured AOTA artists, which is still on view at the Mark Center Hilton lobby art space in the West End. Alexandria City’s 275th Birthday Party continues with the ALX275 Photography Challenge Contest this fall The theme is “Connecting to Our Past to Define a Brighter Future” in Alexandria. Open to all shutterbugs, young and older, phonies and pros, entries will be accepted for an online exhibit on the City website and social media. Selected entries will be awarded a gift bag of ALX 275 bling with their photographs exhibited at City facilities across town. Winners will be announced at the 2024
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The Art League hosted the hottest party of the season on September 26 at the fabulous new Hotel Heron. Art on the Rocks, a fundraiser for the local arts community, returned showcasing masterpieces of a culinary and cocktail kind inspired by selected works of 14 local artists. Members of the Art League were permitted to submit up to three works of art for consideration. One piece was chosen among 100 entries by each of the mixologists and chefs from around Alexandria who divined an appetizer and cocktail using the artwork as a muse. Contenders such as Bastille, Captain Gregory’s, Casa Luna, Chadwick’s, Chop Shop Taco, Hank’s Oyster Bar, Hotel AKA, Hotel Heron’s Kiln, Josephine, The Majestic, People’s Drug, Pork Barrel BBQ, Vermillion, and Whiskey & Oyster vied to win the top honors.
The music of Rook
Richards entertained a packed house of art aficionados inside while others were tasting Basil Hayden Bourbon at the pushcart in the alley or after-partying on the stylish rooftop bar serving up expansive views of Old Town and beyond. Judges selected Chop Shop Taco’s floral-infused fuschia elixir and savory taco as the top pairing.
Captain Gregory’s took second-place honors with a seductive Bees Knees homage cocktail of Laphroaig Scotch and Sipsmith gin. The cocktail, titled Follow the Queen, took its buzz from Julie Paez’s mixed media piece, Save the Bees Garden.
Del Ray Artisans is taking STEAM to the next level with an exhibit devoted to exploring challenges to the creative process, given the inevitable interplay between AI and art. On exhibit from October 3 to 26 and curated by Nancy Galib and Nancy Mahoney, Artificial or Intelligence? features artwork in all media, which examines the possibilities of a future world driven by AI. Curators Galib and Mahoney and the City of Alexandria Office of the Arts also cohost an event, AI & Artists: A Discussion on What Artists Should Know, at the Torpedo Factory grand hall from 6:30 - 8 pm on October 19. Learn all about AI and protecting your creativity from the experts. A performance at Waterfront Park by Laptop Orchestra follows the program.
Nepenthe Gallery Hollin Hall at 7918 Fort Hunt Road is as busy as ever each week in October! Each Friday,
the gallery features special pricing on a selected work of art. Get on the Nepenthe mailing list for first dibs on some great art deals. Be sure to mark your calendars for Thursday’s ART + WINE + CHEESE events from 67:30 pm.
• October 3: Come Play with Maggie O’Neill’s “DC Money Map,” when there will be a raffle for a Ben Franklin ($100).
• October 10: Meet Upstate NY artist Kathy Feighery
• October 17: Meet playful landscape artist Ruth LaGue from Massachusetts
• October 24: Washington Commanders Art!!! Hail to the…Maroon and Gold!
Printmakers, Inc. held a wonderful open house last month to celebrate the Torpedo Factory’s 50th An-
niversary. One lucky partier won an artist portfolio of prints! Now through November 30, 2024 there will be a solo show called Characters. The playful, humorous artistry of Claire A. Meyer demonstrates her deft ability in multiple printmaking mediums: collagraph, intaglio, relief, reduction linocut, and pochoir, a type of stenciling. The holidays are coming, folks! Art makes a marvelous gift for all ages. Gift certificates for art instruction and workshops are a gift that keeps on giving. The Art League and Del Ray Artisans have extensive class offerings throughout the year. And if you’re suffering from Christougenniatikophobia, a fear of Christmas, every weekend in Alexandria is an artful one. That is surely something to celebrate!!!
chael Bruce for the interludes played by a delightful group of musicians – I noted a mandolin, guitar, piano, banjo and accordion who roamed the stage singing an amalgam of musical ditties between the rapid-fire comings and goings of the players. An intercom doorbell scene and the goofy beatings of the servant Dromio had the audience roaring, as did many of the prickly puns and nutty shenanigans. Magic, spirits and mystifying encounters factor into many of Shakespeare’s plays and this early farce of his is no exception. When crazed conjurer Pinch (Eric Hissom in this dual role) arrives all hell breaks loose in a whirlpool of Vaudevillian confusion and absurd props (forceps!!!) meant to break the spell and find love lost. He does and they do. Deep sigh… Comic timing is everything and this cast was on fire. If your head is not spinning after this marvelously choreographed mayhem, you need to have it examined. Highly recommended!!! With Ralph Adriel John-
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Photo: Kelly MacConomy.
It’s
photo
painting?
Super realist Tim Jankowiak was one of hundreds of artists exhibiting during Art on the Avenue.
Photo by Teresa Castracane Photography. Alex Brightman and Christian Thompson in Comedy of Errors.
Where Do Charitable Donations Go?
HERE’SA GLIMPSE INTOALEXANDRIA’S GIVING SPIRIT.
BY ELIZA NELA
As fall approaches, the streets of Alexandria will soon be alive with festive gatherings, and the city’s famed knack for throwing spectacular parties will be in full swing. But our parties and events are rarely without purpose. Whether it’s a whiskey tasting or a car show, behind the revelry lies a deeper mission—to give back. Charity is at the heart of Alexandria’s festive spirit.
But have you ever wondered where the money from these charitable events goes? Many of us trust in good faith that our donations will make it to those in need. Yet, how often do we get to trace the impact it makes?
The Zebra Press went along with Community Lodgings this summer, a local nonprofit serving low-income families, and saw it firsthand. Here, the effects of generosity are lived and felt daily. We met Nazareth, a ten-year-old coming to the organization’s learning center every summer for extra help with schoolwork.
“I love school, but I love coming here even more,” she said, beaming with pride. “They help me with everything—math, science, even writing short stories and poems. My parents work hard, so when I come here, it feels like my second home. I get to dream about my future—whether I want to be a doctor or a lawyer.”
Nazareth’s message to Alexandrians who contribute is simple but profound: “Please don’t stop. Don’t leave anyone behind.”
The community center is not just a place for academic support—it’s a life-
During September and October, Yates Automotive will donate two cents a gallon to ALIVE!
Photo: Shelli Vasser Gilliam
Shelli Vasser Gilliam, Director of Development for Community Lodgings, received a check from Old Town Festival of Speed & Style Fundraiser in front of the Burke & Herbert Bank building in Alexandria.
Photo: John Canery
Community Lodgings Executive Director Lynn Thomas with Nazareth.
Photo: John Canery
Fifer Learning Center, 607 Notabene Drive, Alexandria. This building serves as one of the affordable housing buildings. Donors and members of the public interested in making donations are welcome to the centers to meet the service users and learn how the organization is run and what they give to the community.
Photo: John Canery
Stephanie speaking to Zebra Press reporter Eliza North.
Photo: John Canery Stephanie in her new kitchen.
Photo: Eliza North
Shelli Vasser Gilliam, Director of Development for Community Lodgings, at the June 8th Silent Auction Fundraiser.
RAVE IN THE GRAVE, HALLOWEEN PARTY ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
Join us for tours, games, costume contests, and more. VolALX, in partnership with Ivy Hill Historical Preservation Society, invites those interested in being spooky and dressing up for the residents at the cemetery. Light refreshments will be served. Details and ticket information can be found at raveingrave. eventbrite.com/. It’s going to be scaaarryyyyy….
Did You KNOW?
In the first hour of family registration, 800+ family members have signed up to receive free new toys.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
IN AND AROUND ALEXANDRIA
Volunteer Opportunities can be found at VolunteerAlexandria.org or scan this code: Help Fix Bikes for ACPS Students -- Help pump tires, perform basic bicycle maintenance, and transport bikes to shops for Alexandria City Public School students.
Holiday Sharing Family Registration - The Department of Community and Human Services is seeking volunteers to assist with registering families to receive gifts from the Annual Holiday Sharing Program. Volunteers will enter information from the parent of an eligible family in the wish list database. Spanish speakers are particularly encouraged to assist. Older high school students are welcome.
Access4All - Alexandria Soccer is hosting after-school programming for elementary and middle school students this fall and is looking for qualified candidates to join our coaching staff. Programming will take place outdoors.
Tutor K-5 Students After School -- The LINK Club at Brent Place Apartments is looking for volunteers to tutor elementary school students on reading and math once a week.
Children in Need of a Book Buddy -- The Alexandria Tutoring Consortium is looking for volunteers to tutor kindergarteners and 1st or 2nd graders for 1 or 2 sessions a week during the school day. Training, materials, and support are provided.
Make a Difference
Day – October 26
Join us between 10-12 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, at Gustave Boulangerie & Brasserie, 2213 Mt. Vernon Avenue, to learn about the many opportunities you and your family can make a difference. Volunteer Alexandria will host a mini Volunteer Fair in the garden area featuring At Home Alexandria, CASA Chirilagua, Community Lodgings, First Night Alexandria, and Friends of Guest House. In addition, everyone will have the opportunity to make and take home a Kindness Rock because kindness rocks!
The Holidays Are Coming! Be Part of Alexandria’s TOYS4ALX Annual Toy Drive!
In the first hour of family registration, 800+ family members have signed up to receive free new toys. Approximately half will receive toys through the City’s Holiday Sharing program. The other half will receive NEW toys, books, and games through Toys4ALX, Volunteer Alexandria’s annual community-wide toy donation drive.
Since 2014, VolALX has implemented this toy drive to support Alexandria’s children. Several agencies will receive toys, including the Fund for Alexandria’s Children’s Holiday Sharing program, the Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse Center, Miracle League of Alexandria, and other agencies in need, as well as low-income working families not registered with an agency. And we need your help! Set up a toy collection bin, organize a holiday party, donate money to help us put this all together, purchase materials and snacks for volunteers, get friends and families involved, and volunteer.
Our goal is to serve ALL children, 0-10 years old, this year, which is approximately 700! Let us know how you like to participate www.VolunteerAlexandria. org/toydrive
Graphics: VolALX
CHAMBER CORNER
Advocating for the Business Community
Did you know that The Chamber ALX serves as a voice and advocate for Chamber Members and the larger business community at the local, state, and federal levels of government?
One of the ways the Chamber does this is through the Legislative Agenda, which is released each year. The Legislative Agenda is a document that concisely outlines the issues of most importance to the business community for the next 12 months and beyond.
The Chamber ALX is proud to release its 2025 Legislative Agenda last month. Its highlights include:
Economic Sustainability : Events over the last nine months have focused a bright light on the need for serious conversations about the future of Alexandria.
Comprehensive Business Support as businesses tackle the challenges and opportunities of the post-pandemic world, including:
• Office market
• Childcare
• Crime
• Flexibility and creativity with regulations
There’s also a focus on livability, and housing is at the top of that list . The Chamber knows there are no easy answers for the City or the region but is ready to develop real solutions to this issue.
Finally, recognizing the vital importance that schools play in economic development (everything from workforce to businesses wanting to locate in the City), a strong emphasis is placed on building the relationship between the school system and the business community.
To learn more and to read the full document, please visit www.thechamberalx. com/advocacy
The Hidden Dangers of Buy Now, Pay Later
BY CARRIE LAZAR, CDMP, PCM, SR COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, USSFCU
Buy Now, Pay Later services like Affirm, Afterpay, and Klarna allow consumers to divide their purchases into smaller, interest-free payments over a set period. This setup may seem like a win-win situation, but the reality is far more complex.
The Allure and the Pitfalls of BNPL
BNPL plans are not installment agreements with the retailer; they are, in fact, lines of credit extended by third-party companies. This distinction is crucial because it means BNPL loans carry the same obligations and risks as any other loan, including the potential to damage your credit score.
One of the most significant pitfalls of BNPL is its ability to encourage overspending and impulse buying. The ease of splitting payments into manageable chunks can make a purchase seem more affordable than it truly is, leading consumers to buy items they might not otherwise afford. This behavior can quickly spiral into “loan stacking,” where consumers take out multiple BNPL loans across different lenders, often without fully realizing the financial commitment they are making. This overextension is a fast track to financial trouble, as missed payments can result in late fees, penalties, and damage to your credit score.
Hidden Fees, Lack of Consumer Protections, and Recent Updates
Another significant concern with BNPL services has been the lack of
transparency and consumer protections compared to traditional loans or credit cards. While BNPL is often marketed as a hassle-free way to finance purchases, many users are caught off guard by hidden fees and unclear terms. Late fees can quickly accumulate, and some BNPL providers may charge interest rates higher than those on traditional credit cards if payments are missed.
However, an important update to BNPL regulations is on the horizon.
On May 22, 2024, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) ruled that BNPL companies must provide consumers the right to dispute charges and demand refunds after returning a product, similar to the protections they have when using a credit card. While this new rule, expected to take effect this fall, will offer some additional safe-
guards, it does not eliminate the other risks associated with BNPL. Consumers must still navigate the varied terms and conditions of different providers, and the core issues of overspending, high fees, and potential credit damage remain prevalent.
The Benefits of Choosing Traditional Financing: Security, Savings, and Support
Given the risks associated with BNPL, it’s essential to consider safer and more reliable financing alternatives. Credit unions, like the
U.S. Senate Federal Credit Union (USSFCU), offer personal loans and credit cards that provide clear, regulated terms and valuable benefits. Unlike BNPL, credit cards can help you build credit when used responsibly. Plus, with a credit union credit card, you can manage your finances more effectively, knowing that you are protected by federal regulations and have access to member services that prioritize your financial well-being.
Personal loans from credit unions are another excellent alternative to BNPL. These loans offer fixed interest rates and repayment terms, giving you predictability and control over your finances. They are ideal for making larger purchases or consolidating debt, and because they are issued by a member-focused institution, you can expect lower fees and better customer service compared to other lenders.
Conclusion
While the new CFPB ruling may enhance some consumer protections for BNPL users, the risks and drawbacks of these services still make them a less-than-ideal choice for most consumers. Instead, consider the benefits of traditional financing options like credit cards and personal loans from your credit union. These options not only offer greater security and transparency but also provide long-term benefits that support your overall financial health. At USSFCU, we are committed to helping you make smart financial decisions that contribute to your financial success. Visit ussfcu. org/joinus to learn more.
Images courtesy of USSFCU
What is Dual Agency Representation in a Real Estate Transaction?
Hi Alexandrians! Fall is here! We hope this finds all our readers well and enjoying The Spooky Season in our fabulous town. This month The Zebra Press, Real Estate Beat focuses on a form of representation called Dual Agency.
Before diving into this discussion, it is worth noting that the Seward Group does not practice Dual Agency as part of our business practices, and our brokerage at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty does not permit us to practice Dual Agency representation. It is illegal in many states, however, it is still legal in Virginia.
Understanding Dual Agency: What Homebuyers and Sellers Should Know
In the world of real estate, one of the most important decisions buyers and sellers face is choosing the right agent to represent their interests (think us!). However, a lesser-known aspect of representation—Dual Agency—can complicate that dynamic. Dual Agency occurs when a single real estate agent represents both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction. While this arrangement may seem convenient, it comes with its own set of potential pitfalls.
The Potential Pitfalls
The biggest question surrounding Dual Agency is: can a single agent truly represent the best interests of both parties? We, at The Seward Group, strongly believe that each party deserves their own representation, and that Dual Agency represents an inherit CONFLICT OF INTEREST. How can a single agent represent two parties with opposing objectives? We believe that the practice of Dual Agency does not
AT Z MOVIES
scenery venue is the Virginia Wine Country. Last month’s screening of Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour at the Wine Reserve at Waterford entertained Swifties of all ages coming from near and far. One Swiftophile couple traveled from Florida to taste Cori and Jonathan Phillips’s award-winning wine, including a Gold Medal at this year’s Governor’s Cup for the 2023 First Harvest Petit Manseng, the first wine produced from their Waterford estate wines.
represent our clients’ highest and best interests. We at The Seward Group represent only one party – either buyers or sellers in each transaction.
Real estate transactions often involve sensitive negotiations, where each party is looking to secure the most favorable terms. A Dual Agent faces the ethical challenge of remaining neutral, without showing preference to either side.
In a traditional setup, the buyer’s agent works to get the best price and terms for the buyer, while the seller’s agent seeks to maximize the sale price and protect the seller’s interests. In Dual Agency, the agent’s ability to advocate strongly for either party is restricted, as they must maintain fairness and transparency. In some cases, this can lead to compromises where neither party feels fully represented.
Legal Considerations and Disclosures
In many states, Dual Agency is legal, but it comes with strict dis-
The Wine Reserve has been showing films outdoors with the parabolic mountainscape of the Catoctin Range in the Blue Ridge as a backdrop since soon after they opened. Check Facebook for upcoming scream screenings. Past fearsome flicks have included Scream and The Shining ! Other nearby NOVA wineries have movie nights scheduled this fall. Paradise Springs Winery in Clifton is the closest vineyard to Alexandria. Last month, they screened Apollo 13 on the cabin lawn. This month’s showing is Mean Girls on October 3 at 7:30. Tickets are $15 a person and include a
closure requirements. Agents must inform both the buyer and the seller about the arrangement and get written consent from both parties. Full transparency is critical to avoid potential conflicts of interest, and agents must refrain from sharing confidential information, such as each party’s willingness to budge on price.
Ultimately, the decision to enter into a Dual Agency arrangement depends on your comfort level with the potential risks and rewards. We know many clients that decades after agreeing to Dual Agency Representation are still so angry about the transaction, and do not feel like their highest and best interests were represented.
However, if having an advocate who is fully in your corner is a priority, separate representation is the better path. Real estate transactions are often one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make, and having an agent solely focused on your best interests is paramount.
glass of wine from the movie-night tasting menu. Paradise Springs is also close to the suburban legend of the Bunny Man Bridge. Cross it if you dare!
The Winery at Bull Run routinely hosts Movie Night Under the Stars throughout the summer and fall. The free Fall Family Movie Night kicked off with The Goonies. The winery sits on hallowed ground adjacent to the Stone Bridge and the Manassas National Battlefield Park. It’s the spooky season at the winery. Stop by during the Haunted Wine Tours from September 29 through October 31. Close spectral encounters
Our primary goal is always to have happy clients at the end of the transaction. We want our clients to feel well cared for and properly represented at all times. We believe that Dual Agency Representation will not produce this result.
How can we help you; your family or friends navigate any and all real estate purchases and questions? Happy to have a discussion anytime.
Article written by Lyssa Seward, Team Lead of The Seward Group at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. The Seward Group offers full-spectrum concierge real estate service at all price points. Email us at SewardGroup@TTRSIR.com, visit our website at www.seward-group. com, or call us at (703) 298-0562. The Seward Group would be honored to help you, a family member, or afriend with any of your real estate needs.
aren’t guaranteed, but you might want to bring a PKE meter- just in case.
The Winery at La Grange, a short distance farther along Route 66 in Haymarket, is taking a different approach to fright-night screenings. Moviegoers get to vote on which film will be shown on October 25 at 8 pm. Will it be Beetlejuice, Hocus Pocus 2 , or Ghostbusters? The event is for the over-21 audience. Tickets are $10. Get your leaf-peeping kicks in while heading west along the legendary Route 66 and other dirt roads less followed. Mark your calendars now for the two upcoming must-see film festivals in
the DMV. The Middleburg Film Festival runs from October 17 - 20. Advance festival passes and VIP packages sold out in August. Individual movie tickets go on sale at the beginning of October. Each year, films previewed at the tony Salamander Resort and various locations around the Burg become Oscar favorites.
Alexandria’s homegrown film festival spotlighting independent filmmakers from across the country and around the world returns November 7 -10. Venues for viewing the nearly 30 films participating are The
Courtesy of the Seward Group Team Members: Left to right: Laura Catron, Melody Abella, Gina Wimpey, Lyssa Seward, Elaine McCall and Anita Edwards
Courtesy of the Seward Group
ANGLICAN
Christ of the King Church
1801 North Quaker Lane, Alexandria, VA 22302 (703) 535-6815
ONLINE:
WORSHIP DIRECTORY
Prayer Services: Sundays at 9 a.m. via Sermons page or Facebook
Live
Daily Morning Prayer: Weekdays at 8 a.m. via Zoom Weekly Study: Wednesdays at 7 p.m. via Zoom IN PERSON:
Worship in the sanctuary at Convergence Sunday at 9 and 11 a.m. Via sign up online starting Tuesday.
BAPTIST
Cherrydale Baptist Church
3910 Lorcom Lane, Arlington, VA 22207 (703) 525-8210
Sunday Worship available at 9:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. either online or register to attend in person. Online via Church Website or Facebook Live.
Check out the church’s online weekly schedule for more events and services.
Commonwealth Baptist Church
700 Commonwealth Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301 (703) 548-8000
Services:
Sunday Bible Study for ALL ages at 9:45 a.m.
Sunday Worship at 11 a.m. via Facebook Live or Conference Call at 571-446-0476
First Baptist Church of Alexandria 2932 King Street Alexandria, VA 22302 fbcalexandria.org
Sunday Livestream: 11a at fbcalexandria.org or on Facebook You are welcome here!
CATHOLIC
Catholic Diocese of Arlington
200 North Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22203 (703) 841-2500
Mass by Bishop Burbidge is uploaded to the church’s website.
Vatican News Live Strea.m. of Pope Francis’ Masses available daily via YoutTube
Go online to find Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception online mass, Sundays at noon.
EPISCOPAL/ANGLICAN
Christ Church
118 North Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 549-1450
Sunday Services:
Sundays at 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 5:00 p.m. livestream of 10:00 a.m. service available Wednesdays at Noon (chapel) Morning Prayer weekdays at 7:30 a.m. via Facebook Live Compline on Wednesdays at 9:00 p.m.
More details can be found on church website
Meade Memorial Episcopal Church
322 N. Alfred Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 703-549-1334
Sunday Worship Service 10:00am in-person and zoom
Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer Fellowship - 7:00pm via zoom
This historic and predominantly African-American Episcopal Church has been serving Alexandria and surrounding communities for over 150+ years.
St. Martin de Porres Episcopal Church
6744 S. Kings Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306 703-765-3949
Join us for Lenten Services, Holy Week and Easter.
Sunday Worship Services:
8 am in-person without music at Olivet Chapel
6107 Franconia Rd, Alex VA 22310
10 am in-person and zoom with music at St. Mark’s Campus
6744 S. Kings Hwy, Alex VA 22306
More information can be found: Website, Facebook, and YouTube.
St. Pauls Episcopal Church
228 South Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 549-3312
Sunday Services: Sundays at 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 5:00 p.m. Live stream of 11:00 a.m. service available at www.stpaulsalexandria.com
Ministry of the Word with Sermon, watch at your leisure: Can be found online on Church’s Website
An Order for Compline: 7 p.m. every Wednesday live via Facebook Virtual Prayer: Faith@Home available daily on church’s Facebook page
Sunday Worship: Videos posted on church’s Facebook page, YouTube, and website
Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill
3606 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA 22304 (703) 370-6555
Sunday Worship Schedule
8:00 am | Eucharist, Zabriskie Chapel
10:30 am | Eucharist with music, at Immanuel Chapel, Livestreamed 1:00 PM | Outdoor Eucharist, behind Zabriskie Chapel
Weekday Worship Schedule
Tuesday 10:00 am | Morning Prayer, at Zabriskie Chapel
Wednesday, 6:30 pm | Holy Eucharist Rite II, at Zabriskie Chapel Friday 8:30 Pm | Compline on Zoom
INTERDENOMINATIONAL
National Community Church
205 F Street NE, Washington D.C., 20002 (T) 202-544-0414 (F) 202-417-3980
Services:
Saturdays: 8 p.m.
Sundays: 9 a.m., 11 a.m. online
Facebook Worship Watch Parties: Sunday at 10 a.m. hosted by NCC Ballston Sunday at 11 a.m. hosted by NCC Cap Hill
JEWISH
Beth El Hebrew Synagogue
3830 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA 22304 (703) 370-9400
Shabbat Services: Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. via Facebook Live Prayer Book can be found online
METHODIST
Alleyne A.M.E. Zion Church 1419 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 548-3888
Worship Service: Sundays at 11 a.m. via Conference Call Line at 571-446-0476 or Facebook Live
Beverly Hills Community United Methodist Church
3512 Old Dominion Boulevard, Alexandria, VA 22305 (703) 836-2406
Sunday worship services are posted on church website every week.
Sunday Worship 10:00 am
Music playlists made by the church are available on Apple Music and Spotify. A short Lenten Devotional is available on website.
Del Ray United Methodist Church
100 East Windsor Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301 (703) 549-2088
Sunday Worship via Facebook Live: Children’s Worship at 9:30 a.m.
Traditional Worship at 10:30 a.m. Online Worship at 11:30 a.m.
Fairlington United Methodist Church
3900 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22302 (703) 671-8557
fairlingtonumc.org
Sunday Morning Worship 11 AM in Sanctuary & Online
Trinity United Methodist Church
2911 Cameron Mills Road, Alexandria, VA 22302 (703) 549-5500
Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. in person or via Zoom (contact the church office to get information on how to join Zoom call))
Visit the church’s Youtube to watch past sermons and and worship services.
Washington Street United Methodist Church
109 South Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 836-4324
Sunday Service at 10 a.m. can be found online
Shabbat Social Hour: Friday at 7 p.m. via Zoom
Table Talk: Friday at 8:30 p.m. via Zoom
Torah Study: Saturday at 9 a.m.
Visit the synagogue’s website for a detailed list of more special events coming up.
Agudas Achim Synagogue
2908 Valley Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 (703) 998-6460
To attend virtual services, please register online. Community Ma’ariv & Havdalah Service: Saturdays 8:30 p.m.
Daily Minyan via Zoom:
Morning Minyan (Shacharit), Weekdays at 7:30 a.m.
Evening Minyan (Ma’ariv), Sundays – Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.
Shabbat via Zoom:
Kabbalat Shabbat, Friday at 6:00 p.m.
Shabbat Morning, Saturday at 9:30 a.m.
Havdallah, Please refer to the online Synagogue office for weekly worship times
LUTHERAN
Immanuel Lutheran Church
1801 Russell Road, Alexandria, VA 22301 (703) 549-0155
Online: Divine Service: Sundays at 10 a.m. via Facebook Live
Access Sermon podcasts online.
Weekly prayer guide available online
In-Person: Check church website for frequent updates for in-person service, as well as sign up sheets.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
100 West Luray Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301 (703) 548-8608
Sunday Worship: 8:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., & 11 a.m. via Zoom Morning Prayer: Weekdays at 9 a.m. via Zoom
If you want your House of Worship listed, please contact editor@thezebrapress.com or call 703-224-8911
PRESBYTERIAN
Alexandria Presbyterian Church (PCA)
1300 W Braddock Rd Alexandria, VA 22302 (703) 683-3348 alexandriapres.org
Sunday Worship Services at 9am and 11am with nursery available, or online via our website
Sunday Evening Ministries for adults, youth, and children from 5-7pm
Westminster Presbyterian Church 2701 Cameron Mills Road, Alexandria VA wpc-alex.org
Join us for Sunday worship: Memorial Day-Labor Day 10:00 AM In-Person & Online at wpc-alex.org/worship September-May
8:30 AM In-Person 11:00 AM In-Person & Online at wpc-alex.org/worship
Old Presbyterian Meeting House 323 S. Fairfax Street Alexandria, VA 22314 703-549-6670
Sunday worship at 10:00 AM, in person and online at opmh.org Childcare available All Are Welcome!
ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN
All Saints of America Orthodox Christian Church 5903 Mt. Eagle Drive #115, Alexandria, VA 22303 (703) 417-9665
Church has in-person services, however, attendance is limited, and sign up/schedule for services can be found on the church’s online website. Updated frequently.
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST
Mount Vernon Unitarian Church 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria, VA 22307 703-765-5959 - info@mvuc.org
Work for justice. Care for the earth. Build the common good.
Worship with us Sundays at 10:00am in person or on YouTube. See mvuc.org for news about upcoming services and events!
DONATIONS
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line for working families like Naza reth’s. Parents, often working long hours, find relief knowing their children are in a nurturing, supportive environment. And for Nazareth, it’s a place where dreams begin to take shape, unburdened by the distractions of home or the weight of life’s challenges.
Stephanie, another beneficiary of Alexandria’s charitable spirit, had a different journey. Homeless for several years, Stephanie found her way to Community Lodgings through a transitional housing program. Now 40, she pays 30% of her income for a unit provided by the nonprofit, but it’s much more than a roof over her head. For Stephanie, it was the start of reclaiming her dignity and finding a future for her family.
“I didn’t have a stable start,” she admitted. “I had kids young and wasn’t fi-
INVENTION
nancially literate. When I lost everything, I was terrified of how it would affect my children. The worst part of homelessness is feeling powerless to protect your kids.”
Stephanie and her family now live in a fully furnished unit, and she’s making strides to rebuild her life step by step. With the help of a budget mentor, she’s learning financial skills she was never taught and planning for a stable future. “Community Lodgings helped me get past the fear and anxiety. Now, I’m an assistant teacher working toward becoming a lead teacher. My daughter feels normal again—she has friends, she has fun, and for the first time in a long time, we’re dreaming about the future.”
For Stephanie, the support from the Alexandria community didn’t just give her shelter—it gave her the strength to climb out of the darkness.
What makes Alexandria unique is its metropolitan feel blended with a deep
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caricatures of various inventors and are designed to recognize patent holders from diverse backgrounds and demographics to encourage and inspire future generations of diverse inventors and innovators.”
USPTO Northeast Regional Outreach Director Elizabeth Dougherty had the honor of announcing the newest USPTO trading card featuring Chemist and Scientist Audrey Sherman. According to the USPTO website, Sherman has over 165 U.S. Patents, and “anyone who
sense of community. The charitable spirit here is impossible to miss. Every dollar donated has a tangible impact, from small events to city-wide fundraisers. As Lynne, the director at Community Lodgings, put it, “I started with humble beginnings, and I’m where I am today because of the kindness and support I received. I want to pass that on.”
Charitable donations in Alexandria give people like Stephanie their dignity back. They give children like Nazareth the tools to envision a future beyond today’s struggles. In doing so, they remind us all that charity isn’t just about giving money—it’s about giving hope, security, and the chance to dream again for those who fall through the cracks in our
society.
As the holiday festivities draw near and the city comes alive with celebration, let’s remember the real magic behind Alexandria’s generosity. Every act of giving, every donation, helps transform a life, creating ripples of change that go far beyond what we can see.
has had a surgical procedure or an IV in the last 15 years has likely benefited from Ms. Aubrey Sherman’s inventions.” The trading card explains her work as “innovative, pressure-sensitive adhesives with unique properties that make them self-wetting, optically translucent, and non-corrosive.”
Other inventors in the trading card series include Apple Co-Founder Steve Wozniak, Electro-Magnet Motor inventor Nikola Tesla, Agricultural Scientist George Washington Carver, Electrical Inventor Thomas Edison, Astronaut Ellen Ochoa, and President Abraham Lincoln, recognized for his method of navigating vessels in
shallow waters using buoys.
Invention-Con is just one of the many initiatives that the USPTO sponsors to encourage community engagement. This past May, they hosted Community Day, an event designed to engage the public and celebrate the diversity of USPTO employees.
Anyone interested in learning more about the USPTO and its programs can refer to their website uspto.gov
For more information about the National Invention Hall of Fame Museum can visit their website invent.org
Photo: Eliza North
Rotary Club event at Belle Haven Country Club, June 11, 2024. Several local charities were allocated funds and awards. Julie Carey was a guest speaker. Community Lodgings was one of many recipients of the awards.
Photo: Eliza North
Fundraiser organized by Community Lodgings at ALX Community raised tens of thousands of dollars for their cause.
Leslie Holland, inventor of The Jewelry Closet.
Fall in Alexandria Is Fun for Kids
BY MICHELLE SMITH HOWARD, PRESIDENT & CEO OF KIDS’ FIRST YEARS
October in Alexandria means pumpkins, sweaters, and crunchy leaves. Did we mention pumpkins? Kids’ First Years and its partner organizations encourage families to embrace the many opportunities for bonding over shared experiences that create treasured memories of fun times together.
Pumpkin Pickin’
Is anything cuter than watching a toddler proudly carrying a pumpkin that they handpicked for carving into a jack o’lantern? Below are two popular destinations for an October outing with your little one.
• Immanuel Churchon-the-Hill, 3606 Seminary Rd., Alexandria Website for details and hours: Immanuel-on-the-hill.org
The church will host its 31st annual Pumpkin Patch through October. It will be open from noon to 6 pm on weekdays and from 10 am to 6 pm on weekends. In addition to selecting the perfect pumpkin, visitors can shop for homemade
soups, baked goods, and knitwear. The pumpkins are sustainably grown on a Navajo Indian Reservation in New Mexico, supporting jobs on the reservation. Proceeds go to over 25 local, national and international charities caring for the most vulnerable neighbors.
fort and a straw play area. Be sure to take a photo of the Nalls Pumpkin Wall. Boo-tiful pumpkins of all shapes, sizes, and colors await, and you can enjoy apple cider and seasonal snacks on the weekends.
Pumpkin Hill will be open through Halloween.
Easy Fall Recipes for Little Helpers
Photos/graphics: KFY
• Nalls Produce, 7310 Beulah St., Alexandria, Website for details and hours: nallsproduce.com
An outing to Pumpkin Hill at Nalls Produce is an excursion your little one will love. There’s a Kids’ Play Area with a pumpkin
• Cheesy Spiders –Unwrap a wedge of creamy cheese such as Laughing Cow. Have your child push four pretzel sticks into each side of the wedge and press two raisins into the top for eyes. They’ll squeal with delight at this cute snack.
• Colorful Cookies –Make your favorite sugar cookies or buy a roll of slice-and-bake sugar cookies at the grocery store. Let your
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Benefits of a Mortgage with John Marshall Bank
• Up to $2,500 lender credit toward closing costs
• Higher debt to income ratios up to 50%
• Low down payment and no points or Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
Maximum property value of $800,000
• Borrower must disclose and include all sources of income
• An easy-to-reach point of contact throughout the loan process
• 30-year term with principal and interest payments
• The rate is adjusted every five years after the initial six-year fixed term
• Available for owner-occupied primary residence only
Share This Great Doggone Deal with Friends and Family
(and all cities and towns contained therein) of Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William, Washington DC and the Maryland county (and all cities and towns contained therein) of Montgomery. Interest paid on this ARM may be tax deductible. Consult your tax advisor. All borrowers must be occupants. The applicant is responsible for the following fees and costs at the time of closing; appraisal fee, tax service fee, settlement fees, title fees, transfer tax fees, flood cert fee, recording fee, homeowners insurance, survey if required, and interest due until first payment. This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list, other costs may be included due to specific
WATCH PARTY! THE 2024 ALEXANDRIA BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION AWARDS!
BY YANIQUE REVERS, ABC
Get ready to sparkle, Alexandria! On Thursday, October 17, 2024, from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm EST, join us in celebrating the 275th birthday of our beloved city with the annu-
al Alexandria Beautification Commission Awards! As we mark this incredible milestone this year, we’ll honor the achievements in residential, commercial, community, and architectural categories that make Alexandria shine brighter than ever. Tune in to our
Planting Natives this Fall
BY ELEANOR QUIGLEY, ABC
Planting native plants is an excellent strategy for gardeners in Alexandria. Fall planting allows roots to establish themselves before the winter freeze, leading to vigorous growth in the spring.
Northern Virginia’s temperate climate is well-suited to various native flowering plants that thrive in our soil and weather conditions. For instance, Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) and Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed Susan) are robust choices that offer vibrant spring colors and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Aster novae-angliae (New England Aster) is an excellent fall-blooming native that adds purple to garden beds.
Planting natives works because they adapt to local conditions and require less water and mainte-
nance than non-natives. Their deep roots help prevent soil erosion and contribute to the ecosystem by supporting local wildlife.
Prepare the soil by removing weeds and debris. Add organic matter like leaf mulch. Plant clusters of three of each species to provide splashes of color when they bloom. Ensure that plants are well-watered, and then add an inch or two of mulch to protect from temperature fluctuations and retain moisture. Fall planting gives natives a natural dormancy period when they strengthen their root systems.
Overall, fall planting of native flowering plants in Northern Virginia not only beautifies the landscape but also supports local biodiversity and enhances garden sustainability.
Instagram (@beautifulalx) and Facebook page (facebook.com/AlexandriaBeautification) to catch all the festivities as we stream live and cheer on our amazing winners. Let’s come together to toast our city’s vibrant spirit and collective accomplishments in style!
Would you like to win a beautification award next year?
BY SARA KOHN, ABC
On June 1st, 2024, Alexandria Beautification Commission members hopped into a van to journey throughout Alexandria. Our mission? To review the nominations for the 2024 Beautification Awards! It was a day of exploration as we marveled at remarkable residential and commercial landscapes, admired impressive architecture, and were charmed by the public art installations! While we encountered many extraordinary properties, we also noticed areas where improvements could be made. For those with dreams of clinching an award in 2025, we have some ideas for sprucing up your property for next year’s nominations. Here is some advice on preparing your home or business garden for the Alexandria Beautification Award season, jazzing up your yard, and turning your green space
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THOSE SMOKING RABBITS!!
Those pesky rabbits are at it again, says this clever sign spotted in Alexandria recently. It is a clever way to ask smokers to please stop throwing their butts into bushes and lawns and instead find a better way to dispose of their flaming tobacco. Kudos to this Alexandria neighbor, and let’s all help keep Alexandria clean.
Photo by Lyn Davidson on Unsplas Black-eyed Susans are great fall native plant choices for Alexandria.
Photo courtesy Elizabeth Gelfer
The 2024 Residential Award Winner, 719 North Royal St., is an excellent example of a property showcasing native plants and eco-friendly practices that beautify the space while supporting local wildlife and the environment.
Photo: Dave Wessel
AT Z MOVIES
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 53
Beatley Library, The Lyceum, and NOVA Alexandria Campus Auditorium.
Now in its 18th year, the AFF continues to feature compelling documentaries, engaging narrative shorts, and full-length films such as the feature doc Banned Together, the feature film Box Brown , and the thriller
AWARD
into a haven for local wildlife while saving time and resources:
Plant Natives: Get in touch with Mother Nature by choosing native plants for your yard! These plants thrive in our local climate, needing less water and TLC once they settle in. They also provide habitat and food for local wildlife. Swing by your local garden store and keep an eye out for those “Native” signs!
Plant NOVA Natives (plantnovanatives.org/) provides a handy guide with the best plants to choose for your conditions and information on the many native plant sales around town. Beautification Commissioner Quigley recommends the following native plants, bushes, and trees:
• Native bushes – New Jersey Tea (small), Blackhaw Viburnum (gets big)
• Small native trees – Dog-
THEATER
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 49
son as Antipholus of Ephesus; Christian Thompson as Aintipholus of Syracuse; David Flynn as Dromio of Ephesus; Alex Brightman as Dromio of Syracuse; Shayvawn Webster as Adriana; Cloteal L. Horne as Luciana; Pearl Rhein as Angela; Kimberly Dodson as Thaisa; Paige Rammelkamp as Marina; Camilo Linares as Sergeant/ Officer; Ro Boddie as Balthazar; and Jacob Brandt as Roderigo.
Choreography by Nancy
CROOKEDFINGER . Go to the AFF website, AlexFilmFest.com , for tickets and more information.
Virginia and fall is for film lovers. Whether you prefer Indoors or outdoors, fright nights or film festivals… We’ll see you at Z MovieZ! And, if only to get in the spooktacular spirit, be sure to see Beetlejuice Beetlejuice -- now playing at AMC Hoffman and a theater near you.
wood, Redbud, Virginia Fringe tree
Avoid Invasive Plants: Say “No” to invasive plants! These non-native troublemakers often outcompete native plants for sunlight and water, alter the ecosystem, and reduce biodiversity. Let’s keep our ecosystem rocking by giving them the boot! Psst! English Ivy? The worst! Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia (MGNV) have great recommendations: mgnv.org/ plants/invasive-plants/
Choose Lawn Alternatives: Consider reducing or replacing that grassy lawn with low-maintenance alternatives such as native groundcovers (phlox, anyone?), dreamy meadows, or even some hardscapes like gravel or permeable pavers. They’ll help soak up rainwater and keep soil erosion in check. Check out MGNV ideas for rethinking your lawn: mgnv. org/climate-change/rethinking-your-lawn/ Let’s make your yard the coolest hangout spot in town! Stay tuned as we share more insights in the coming months!
Renee Braun; Scenic Design by Ceci Calf; Costume Design by Alejo Vietti; Lighting Design by Stacey Derosier; Sound Design by Christopher Shutt; Fight Choreography by Robb Hunter; Wig & Hair Design by Charles G. Lapointe; Dramaturg Drew Lichtenberg Through October 20 at Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Klein Theatre, 450 7th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004. For tickets and information call the box office at 202 547-1122 or visit www.ShakespeareTheatre.org
KIDS FIRST YRS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 56
child decorate the cookies with orange sugar sprinkles or fall-themed chocolate candies such as M&M’s. Yum!
• Juicy Pumpkins – Peel a small seedless orange, such as a Clementine. If your child can assist with peeling, all the better! Have your child place a small chunk of celery on top of the peeled orange to create a sweet-yethealthy treat that’s fun to eat.
Fall Activities at the Library
The Alexandria Library System offers a host of interactive programs designed especially for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Some examples include:
• Preschool Storytime
• 1s and 2s Time
• Baby Bounce
• Baby Storytime Storytime is a great way for children to meet new friends, discover the library, and learn the fundamentals and social skills necessary
for starting kindergarten. Visit alexlibraryva.org/kids to see the entire October schedule of events that are sure to inspire a lifelong love of reading for your child.
Children’s Books About Autumn
Crisp fall weather calls for cuddling together and reading a picture book or a board book about this special season. Check out these titles among many others to engage your child in the many delights offered during autumn:
• Apples and Pumpkins by Anne Rockwell
• What is Fall? (board book) by Genie Espinosa
• Ready for Pumpkins by Kate Duke
• How Big Could Your Pumpkin Grow? by Wendell Minor
• Pumpkin Jack by Will Hubbell
• Ducking for Apples by Lynne Berry
• The Little Scarecrow Boy by Margaret Wise Brown
Petting Zoos
Although there are no petting zoos in the City of Alex-
andria, several are within easy driving distance for a day trip featuring a menagerie of animals and play areas for outdoor exercise.
• Leesburg Animal Park, 19246 James Monroe Hwy., Leesburg
Website for fees, hours and details: leesburganimalpark. com
Kids can pet and feed farm animals like goats, sheep, llamas and pigs. They also can take a pony ride and observe more exotic animals like zebras and camels. There’s a toddler play area inside that’s open yearround.
• Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Rd., Herndon
Website for fees, hours and details: fairfaxcounty.gov/ parks/frying-pan-park
This park preserves and interprets farm life of the 1920s to 1950s, and has a playground with slides and a climbing apparatus that provide a great time for kids. October events include a Farm Harvest Festival and special Halloween activities. Visit the website for details.
Use your Smile to Change the World.
BELOW: An unusual and eye-pleasing
Scholarship Fund of Alexandria Thanks Supporters at Breakfast of Champions
BY JUDITH FOGEL
On a rainy morning in mid-September, about a hundred supporters of the well-known fund gathered for coffee and conversation at The Garden, a rustic and industrial-chic location on Eisenhower Avenue.
On a Zoom call after the event, SFA Executive Director Jasmine Milone described the event, saying, “If I were to call it something unofficially, I would say it’s sort of like the state of the SFA breakfast.
“It’s a chance to thank the people who support us. And it’s not just people who donate their money. It’s a combination of volunteering, monetary contributions, advocating, and partnering. It’s just a way to say thank you.”
Guests nibbled on healthy and attractive breakfast fare, a departure from the typical scrambled eggs and potatoes. Lox canapés, avocado bagel sandwiches, deviled eggs, chocolate croissants, and summer fruits were laid on a long wooden table.
“The success of the SFA depends on champions like you, and this community has never let us down. With your help this spring, we awarded $500,000 in scholarships to 213 graduating seniors,” SFA Board
Chair Kevin Jahns announced. “We are fully aware that our success depends on your support, for which we are thankful. This morning, we have no ask, only our gratitude.”
Later that morning, Alexandria City Public Schools Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt reflected on the dedicated supporters who
turned out for that early breakfast. “First of all, I see it as a partnership,” Kay-Wyatt said. “We’re so grateful that we have such a generous and caring community which really sees the value of investing in our students.”
Kay-Wyatt continued, “The scholarship is more than just a scholar-
ship. It’s a pathway to the future, and that future will lead right back to this community.”
When the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria began in 1986, it awarded just over $7,000 in scholarships to eight students. The fund has ballooned in the 39 years since. The SFA has awarded nearly $20 million in scholarships and helped send more than 5,700 Alexandria students to college.
Milone outlined new fund initiatives this year. The board recently approved an increase of $3K to $5K for up to 25 general fund scholarships.
“That is significant! The last time we had an increase was ten years ago, and even then, it was a gradual increase. But the cost of college attendance keeps going up, unfortunately. Many of our students attend universities that meet full financial needs, but we still have a lot of students who have to either work a lot of hours or take out more loans than I would like. It can be a real ball and chain.”
Milone stressed that the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria stands out from similar programs around the country because it is embedded in the high school. SFA offers hands-
Photo: John Canery/Zebra Press
Left to right: Saleh Hassen, 2017 SFA recipient; Jodie Peters, ACPS AVID district director; Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt, Alexandria schools superintendent; Jacinta Greene, Alexandria school board member; Michael Porterfield, former SFA chair, TCW Class of 1985; Katie Waynick, past president, Del Ray Citizens Association; Michael Diggins,1990 SFA recipient, ACPS director of student services; former ACPS superintendent and 1995 SFA recipient Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr.; Alexandria City Councilman John Taylor Chapman.
Photos: John Canery/Zebra Press
ABOVE: Left to right: Alexandria City Councilman John Taylor Chapman; James Moran, former US Congressman, 8th District
LEFT: Left to right: Erin White, Mindy’s Catering, Breakfast caterer; Albie Dickson, SFA relationship manager.
LEFT: Left to right: David Pritzker; John Porter, former principal of T.C. Williams High School (now Alexandria City High School) and Living Legends 2010.
breakfast spread.
LEFT: Left to right: Saleh Hassen, Alexandria City Councilman Canek Aguirre.
ABOVE: Left to right: Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt; former ACPS Superintendent Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr.; Jacinta Greene, Alexandria school board member.
LEFT: Left to right: Alexandria Councilwoman Alyia Gaskins; Meta Viers, program manager, National Association of Secondary School Principals.
Washington Commanders Visit Del Ray
COMMANDERS READ PROGRAM INSPIRES LOCAL STUDENTSAT MOUNTVERNON
COMMUNITY SCHOOLTO READAND DREAM BIG
BY ELIZA NELA
The Washington Commanders, in collaboration with Northwest Federal Credit Union and First Book non-profit, are making reading a cornerstone of success for elementary students through the Commanders Read Program. This initiative, aimed at 4th and 5th graders, provides an engaging way for students to develop a love for reading while offering incentives to keep them motivated. Running from September to March, the program serves as a fun and interactive learning experience, encouraging students to explore new books while fostering a passion for literacy.
Students participating in the program can win various prizes, interact with Commanders mascot Major Tuddy, and even attend special pep rallies with Washington football legends. The excitement around these
CONTINUED ON PAGE 65
Jasmine Milone, SFA executive director, thanking the supporters and delivering her “State of the SFA” breakfast report.
SCHOLARSHIP
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 60
on support and can work closely with students onsite.
The US Department of Education recently selected SFA as one of six community-based organizations in the country to be the first beta test site for the new FAFSA (Federal Student Aid) application. Alexandria is the only site in Virginia to be chosen.
“Last year’s application
had a lot of software issues and calculation errors. That was a hindrance, so the fact that we were able to give away as many scholarships as we did is something we’re proud of. We worked extra hard with our students to address those issues.”
SFA’s black-tie Gala 2025 is scheduled for Saturday, April 26th at the Hilton Mark Center. It is dubbed “Alexandria’s Adult Prom” and is a veritable Who’s Who of elected officials and community leaders.
Code Ninjas Alexandria has an amazing o er for you!
$50 credit toward any of our additional programs (Camps, Clubs, PNOs, Birthday Parties, etc) when you sign up for one of our coding programs before September 30th! No discount code required.
LEFT: Washington Commanders, School Staff and Northwest Federal Credit Union and First Book start the event by speaking on stage.
Photos: Eliza North
Fred Smoot and Josh Morgan read for the students both in English and Spanish. The Mount Vernon Community School teacher read from Mi Papi Tiene Una Moto. Josh Morgan read from My Papi Has a Motorcycle.
Former Cornerback Fred Smoot signs books for students.
Florida Family Buys Scoreboard for Miracle League Baseball Field
BY KEVIN DAURAY
Before a Sept. 7 game at Kelley Cares Field, 1108 Jefferson St., the Miracle League of Alexandria held a dedication ceremony for a new LED scoreboard. The ceremony was possible by partnering with the City’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Activities.
The MLA exists to give children with special needs the opportunity to play sports, particularly baseball.
Mark, Sheri, and Robert Jessell from Florida, along with Howie Seligman, purchased the scoreboard and paid for its installation. In a speech before 100 people, including members of the City Council, Mark Jessell said: “Sheri and I started a tradition many years ago. During the holidays, we would come up with three charities and invite each of our kids to pick one they would like us to donate to on their behalf.
The scoreboard will improve the in-game experience, showing pictures, video, and scoring details.
Initially, MLA received a $50 donation during Spring2ACTion in 2023, and it grew from there. After some correspondence with Sheri, MLA Board Chair Mac Slover invited her to see the field. Then, the family attended the Annual National Miracle League All-Star Game that year in West Palm Beach, near their home.
Sheri ended the dedication by encouraging people to spread love and kindness as her family has done. Her closing words – “Play it forward!” – flashed on the big screen.
“I feel our participants and the City of Alexandria have truly been blessed by the love and kindness of people like the Jessell Family,” Slover said.
Alexandria Sportsman’s Club Honors Athletes of the Month
BY AMY SWINDELL
At its September meeting, the Alexandria Sportsman’s Club recognized eight talented “Athletes of the Month” from all four high schools in the City of Alexandria. Students were accompanied by their parents and coaches at this celebratory event, which was em-
ceed by Ryan Fannon, Alexandria Sportsman’s Club President. Coaches talked about the accomplishments of their student-athletes, honorees were presented with plaques, and the students addressed their coaches and attendees.
In September, the honorees were Lelah Forbes, Field Hockey,
High School; Kate Hare, Field Hockey, Bishop Ireton High School; Claire Hanley, Girls Tennis, St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School; Alpha Jalloh, Football, Alexandria City High School; Drew Madden, Boys Soccer, Bishop Ireton High School; Lawson Marshall, Football, Episcopal High School;
Two years ago, my son Robert chose the Miracle League from the three.”
Photos courtesy Mac Slover
Sheri and Mark Jessell
Scoreboard
Alexandria City
Photo courtesy Jerry Whitmire
Athletes of the Month (LtoR): Alpha Jalloh, Football, Alexandria City High School; Claire Hanley, Girls Tennis, St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School; Lawson Marshall, Football, Episcopal High School; Lydia Navitsky, Girls Cross Country, Episcopal High School; Lelah Forbes, Field Hockey, Alexandria City High School; Kaz Penkiunas, Football, St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School; Drew Madden, Boys Soccer, Bishop Ireton High School; and Kate Hare, Field Hockey, Bishop Ireton High School
Embrace the Harvest Season: Creative Fall Decor Ideas for Your Home
BY RAY GREENSTREET
As leaves turn gold and a cool breeze fills the air, it’s time to welcome the harvest season by decorating your home with colorful fall plants. This time of year offers a rich mix of colors and textures perfect for bringing nature’s beauty indoors. The vibrant hues of harvest fruits and the strong presence of ornamental plants make fall an ideal time for showcasing your gardening skills. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or simply want to add some autumn warmth, this guide will help you integrate fall’s lush plants into your decor. Gather your family and let your love for gardening fill your home with the joyful spirit of the harvest season. And welcome autumn with garden-inspired décor.
Transform Your Entryway
Transform your entryway into a festive autumn celebration! Start with a bright wreath full of colorful leaves and berries. Add a rustic touch with a grapevine wreath decorated with dried grasses and burlap bows. Let English ivy vines hang around your door and roll out a garden-themed doormat to greet your guests. Brighten things up with pots of chrysanthemums or violas, and add potted pumpkins or playful lanterns. These fun touches bring a bit of the autumn garden to your doorstep, making your entrance a cozy and inviting spot that guests will love.
Go Bold with Garden
Abundance
Pumpkins and gourds, with their fun shapes and colors, are a must for fall decorating! Make an eye-catching display by filling a basket with burlap and a playful mix of gourds. Mix them up for a colorful look or pick one color for a simple style. For
Play with Fall Foliage
Adding fall leaves to your outdoor decor celebrates your garden’s transformation. Collect colorful leaves for garlands or wreaths. Scatter leaves on tables for a simple, rustic look. Arrange dyed hydrangea branches or bright leaves in large vases, adding dried grasses for texture. If you’re crafty, press leaves to decorate lanterns or make fabric prints for custom table runners or cushion covers. These natural elements deliver garden beauty to your doorstep, creating an inviting autumn atmosphere!
Elevate Your Porch
Appeal with Plants
a cozy, country vibe, show off your garden goodies in old wooden crates. Short on space? Stack pumpkins and squash into a topiary tower, with big ones at the bottom and little ones on top. Heirloom types are like little garden trophies showing
off your green thumb skills. Line your porch steps with pumpkins and strong fall flowers like asters, either neatly or in a casual jumble. These fun ideas bring the garden’s bounty to life, creating a welcoming vibe.
Transforming your porch showcases autumn’s garden charm. Replace summer blooms with fall favorites like chrysanthemums, pansies, and sedums that thrive in cooler weather. Be creative with containers like old watering cans or wooden pallets. Use the “thrill, fill, and spill” method: tall grasses for height, mums for fullness, trailing ivy for a cascade effect. Add corn stalks and hay bales for interest. String lights or solar lanterns provide evening glow, turning your porch into a cozy, garden-inspired space reflecting fall’s warmth.
Photos: Greenstreet Gardens
THE LAST WORD
Taffy 3
BY MARCUS FISK
It was crisp that night, 24 October 2013, one of those nights when the leaves desperately hang onto their branch only to be swept away in a short gust of wind; the street lights and the autumn mist mix to throw a strange, almost noire atmosphere into the night.
My bride Pamela and I were visiting friends in Alexandria for a few days before going to my Naval Academy reunion. Staying in Old Town, we popped into Landini’s. Susan, my bartender for nearly 15 years, beamed her wonderful smile and we sat down to catch up on the local goings-on.
A stool away sat a gentleman who turned to acknowledge us. Emblazoned on his shirt was the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor motif of the U.S. Marine Corps. An LSU ballcap hung from his back pocket. His pate shone in the subdued light, and I realized that he was none other than campaign advisor James Carville.
He was commenting about the next election and told his small crew gathered that he lived nearby, as Alexandria was good for his consulting and appearances on various news programs. He introduced himself and exchanged pleasantries with us. When he asked about my past, I mentioned that I was a retired Navy officer, had spent two tours with the Marines and that my brother was a Marine as well.
BY MARCUS FISK
stood there awestruck. He bought Pam and me another drink as a reward. Even Susan looked like I had just won Final Jeopardy.
Soon after our table was ready, we made our good-byes-and-havea-good-nights and excused ourselves for dinner.
carriers and reverse MacArthur’s landing in the Philippines. They split their ships into three forces and sailed through the island channels to catch us off-guard.
One Task Force under the seasoned Japanese Navy Vice Admiral Takeo Kurita ran into two American submarines, which sank two of Kurita’s ships, including the ship he was on, forcing him to swim to another ship.
Somehow, the discussion included his age. He proudly announced that he was turning 69 soon and could I, being a Navy type, guess his birthday? He said, “I’ll give you a hint. I was born on the day the greatest surface battle in U.S. Navy history was fought.”
I didn’t miss a beat. “James, your birthday is tomorrow, 25 October, and you were born during the Battle of Leyte Gulf.”
A giant smile came across his face and he announced, “Absolutely correct, Sir! I knew a real Navy guy would guess it.” His crew
The Battle off Samar was fought at Leyte Gulf when Task Unit 77.4.3—a miniscule, haphazardly assembled group of 13 ships— went up against a major Imperial Japanese Navy Task Force twice its size with 31 ships. That Task Unit’s nickname was Taffy 3.
By October 1944, the then-Empire of Japan was shrinking after over a decade of conquering territory all across Asia. The Japanese Navy, however, saw a glimmer of opportunity to deal a decisive blow against America’s forces in the Pacific. General Douglas MacArthur’s forces might be vulnerable if the Japanese Navy could attack and sink America’s aircraft
On the morning of 25 October, Kurita could not believe his luck. As his task force exited the San Bernardino straits, dawn revealed the 13 American ships of Taffy 3 under the command of Rear Admiral Clifton “Ziggy” Sprague, one of the Navy’s legendary aviators.
Taffy 3 comprised six “escort carriers,” so-called because of their small size and limited armament, three destroyers, and four destroyer escorts, nicknamed “tin cans” due to their size and potential expendability.
The bulk of the Battle of Leyte Gulf fighting was distant from Sprague’s Taffy 3, so the crews stood down from battle stations around 6:30 am the morning of 25 October and began their daily routines.
Around that time, a lone U.S. plane from one of the Taffy 3 carri-
ers spotted the large Japanese Task Force heading directly toward the American ships. Ensign Bill Brooks turned and dove his plane at the task force. When he saw the distinctive silhouettes of Japanese battleships, cruisers, and destroyers, he radioed the information to the battle staff at Taffy 3. A duty officer questioned Brooks’ sighting, dismissing Brooks’ report as an “excitable young pilot,” until Brooks dove closer to the massive Japanese formation, called back, and the horrendous explosions buffeting Brooks’ aircraft were heard over the radio.
Admiral Ziggy Sprague knew his little force was in trouble and ordered all aircraft airborne to help meet the threat bearing down on his little Taffy 3. Many planes were not adequately armed to attack surface ships—many even without ammunition—yet they took off toward the advancing Japanese column, dropping what few bombs they had and many diving at ships without any offensive weapons at all.
All the excitement over the radio circuits piqued the interest of Commander Ernest Evans, Commanding Officer of the USS JOHNSTON (DD-557). Evans, a Native American of Cherokee/Creek descent who earned the nickname Big Chief at the Naval Academy, smelled trouble. Instinctively, without orders, he ordered his ship to turn at flank speed toward the advancing Japanese task force and attack with torpedoes.
Admiral Sprague, knowing that his escort carriers, nicknamed Kaiser Coffins for their notorious limited armament and poor watertight integrity, were potential prey for the invading force, ordered his other six tin cans to attack the Japanese force.
The American forces were completely outgunned and outnum-
Photos: Department of Defense
ABOVE: At the commissioning of the USS JOHNSTON (DD 557), Commander Ernest Evans told his crew, “This is going to be a fighting ship. I intend to go in harm’s way, and anyone who doesn’t want to go along had better get off right now.” Evans was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his decisive actions at Leyte Gulf.
LEFT: Sailors being rescued during the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
Photo: Department of Defense
The plucky destroyers of Taffy 3 making smoke to protect American carriers.
COMMANDERS
events builds a sense of community and motivation, turning reading into an adventure rather than just another classroom task.
The program recently held a special event at Mount Vernon Community School in Del Ray, where hundreds of children were surprised with free books and a visit from some of Washington’s football icons. Former Commanders players Fred Smoot and Josh Morgan, along with Commanders cheerleaders and Major Tuddy, energized the students while handing out books and goodie bags.
Fred Smoot, known for his humor and approachable personality, shared with the students his personal journey to success. He recalled how, from the age of four, he was determined to become a professional football player. Smoot carried around a Sharpie as a child, visualizing the day he’d sign autographs. “You’ve got to really want it and have a plan,” Smoot told the students. “But the biggest secret to success is to dream. It’s something we lose touch with as we grow older.”
Josh Morgan, a D.C. native who played wide receiver for the team, also imparted words of wisdom to the students. Mor-
IN THE DIRT
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 63
Engage Children in Garden Creations
Getting kids involved in garden-themed projects is a fun way to spark their creativity and enjoy nature. Begin with easy activities like planting pansies or mums in pumpkin pots. Try making wreaths and leaf collages for crafty fun. For Halloween, have them decorate pumpkins with cool garden designs or add ghost picks to flower pots. These activities make your home look festive and give kids a fun gar-
gan emphasized the importance of education in achieving dreams.
“When you embrace your education, you embrace a certain type of power that nobody can take from you,” he said. “The stronger and more knowledgeable you are, the more power you have.”
Morgan credits his own success to hard work in school and the scholarships that helped him on his journey to the NFL.
He remains committed to giving back to the community that raised him, frequently returning to inspire the next generation of students to reach for their dreams.
The Commanders Read Program and events like the one at Mount Vernon Community School are proof of the impact that reading and community engagement can have on young minds. By encouraging students to read more and dream bigger, the program is fostering a new generation of empowered and knowledgeable individuals.
“This is how you ensure a future for the Commanders” he told reporters. The combination of fun, education, and the opportunity to meet local heroes provides an experience that students will remember long after the school year ends.
dening experience, boosting their creativity and teamwork.
Spooky Yet Plant-Friendly Additions
Mixing spooky items with garden decor makes fall festivities more fun! Add fake spiders and webs to hay bales or wreaths for a creepy touch. Use garden-friendly ghost or witch figures in pots and light up carved pumpkins with LED candles. Let kids design pumpkin faces or create leafy masks. These decorations get your home ready for trick-or-treaters while capturing the playful spirit of the season!
ATHLETES
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 62
Lydia Navitsky, Girls Cross Country, Episcopal High School; and Kaz Penkiunas, Football, St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School.
In addition to presenting “Athletes of the Month” honors, the club hosted a High School Football Coaches Roundtable featuring the varsity head coaches from the city’s four high schools: Rodney Hughey, Alexandria City High School; Bernard Joseph, Bishop Ireton High School; Kadeem Rodgers, Episcopal High School; and Vashon Winton, St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School. The coaches discussed the fall 2024 football season, their journey to Alexandria athletics, and insights on coaching high school sports.
The Alexandria Sportsman’s Club honors one male and one female athlete from each high school
every month. Annually, 60+ student athletes are recognized for their achievements. The academic year culminates with a banquet in May when Athletes of the Year awards are presented, in addition to the announcement of post-high school scholarships for students who have played a
varsity sport.
The club’s next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 16, when eight more student-athletes will be honored, and a representative of the Washington Commanders will speak. For more information, visit alexandriavasports.org
Photo courtesy Jerry Whitmire
High School Football Coaches Roundtable (LtoR): Ryan Fannon, ASC President; Rodney Hughey, Alexandria City High School; Bernard Joseph, Bishop Ireton High School; Kadeem Rodgers, Episcopal High School; and Vashon Winton, St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School
Photo: Eliza North
ABOVE: Fred Smoot and Josh Morgan give out Commanders Merchandise to the students.
RIGHT: Josh Morgan and Fred Smoot judged the dancing competition which took place after the reading.
LEFT: Tuddy standing beside the book display welcoming children to pick their favourite books.
BELOW: Books Donated by The Washington Commanders, in collaboration with Northwest Federal Credit Union and First Book.
Do You Have Two Hours a Month?
If
www.athomeinalexandria.org
aha@athomeinalexandria.org 703.231.0824
SENIOR LIVING
Register Now for Senior Services of Alexandria’s October Senior Living Event!
SMARTAGING: READYINGYOUR HOMEAND FINANCES ON
BY MARYANNE BEATTY
Nearly 75 percent of adults ages 50 and older want to remain in their homes for as long as possible as they age, according to the AARP 2021 Home Community Preferences Survey.
On Wednesday, October 16, Senior Services of Alexandria (SSA) is having its first event of the 2024/25 Speaker Series on Smart Aging – Readying Your Home and Finances. This is an important issue for older adults as they begin to consider whether they can continue living in their own homes.
Local experts will discuss various topics geared toward preparing your home
for aging in place or for sale by clearing out the clutter and making helpful modifications. Presenters include Sue Goodhart with the Goodhart Group at Compass Realty, who will lead a discussion about when you should start thinking whether to stay or move and what steps to consider in either case, including the reality of the housing market and the lack of choices for suitable housing.
Laurel Beedon with the Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER) will discuss how to prepare your finances for the next life stage Danielle BaynesBoateng and Yolonda Pride with Ararity Services, a Se-
nior Movement Management Company, will talk about how to declutter and decide what to keep. Mary Lee Anderson, SSA’s Executive Director, will discuss services available so you can stay home and live independently.
The event will take place from 10:00 a.m. to noon at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2701 Cameron Mills Road. It is free and open to the public. Please register by sending an e-mail to events@seniorservicesalex.org or calling SSA at 703 836 4414 ext. 110.
MaryAnne Beatty is Director of Communications, Senior Services of Alexandria.
Photos/graphic courtesy of SSA
Photos/graphic courtesy of SSA
Danielle Baynes-Boateng of Ararity Senior Move Management
Laurel Beedon of the Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER)
Sue Goodhart of the Goodhart Group
City of Alexandria Honors Our Own on National Centenarian Day
BY ELIZA NELA
In collaboration with the Successful Aging Committee, the City of Alexandria hosted a special ceremony on September 10th at City Hall at 301 King Street to celebrate National Centenarian Day. The event honored residents who have reached the remarkable milestone of 100 years or more, recognizing their rich histories and contributions to the community.
The ceremony began at 5:00 p.m. with a musical performance by the Alexandria Citi zens Band, which filled the historic City Hall with melodies reminiscent of the past century.
At 5:15 p.m., Mayor Justin Wilson delivered remarks, presenting certificates to each centenarian.
The mayor thanked the City’s Successful Aging Committee for supporting Alexandrians as they age. He recalled that only recently, we celebrated Alexandria’s 275th birthday and that these centenarians have been here for over a third of the city’s existence, experiencing a broad sweep of its history.
Among the distinguished guests was Florence Katz, who turned 100 this year. Katz, an active and vibrant community member, spent her career as an executive sec retary and federal employee in public health. She fond ly recalls living in Hawaii while studying for her mas ter’s degree, and even at 100, she remains active, enjoying
AT TOP: Centenarians with Alexandria’s Dignitaries.
ABOVE LEFT:Florence Katz.
ABOVE RIGHT: Lois Madoline Cross Brooks.
LEFT: Walter A. Hammersley
BELOW LEFT: Charles F. Funderburk.
BELOW RIGHT: Mayor Justin Wilson addressed guests at City Hall.
dance, Tai Chi, and painting. Her secret to longevity? Staying active and indulging in a piece of dark chocolate every morning. Another honoree, Lois Madoline Cross Brooks, celebrated her 100th birthday this year. Born in 1924, Brooks is the last surviving sibling of nine and has one son, two grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. After building a career at the Marine Corps Headquarters, she transitioned to offering in-home childcare services. Today, Brooks continues to work for her granddaughter’s firm, Business Management Associates, and enjoys traveling, reading, and staying engaged in politics. Her daily indulgence? A Krispy Kreme raspberry-filled jelly doughnut. At 102 years old, Walter A. Hammersley was also recognized for his contributions. Born in 1921, Hammersley served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and later built a successful career as an investment banker. He attributes his longevity to a positive attitude, good nutrition—although he admits to indulging in a daily Coca-Cola and Chick-fil-A milkshake—and the love of his family. Also honored was Charles F. Funderburk, who turned 101 this year. Funderburk, originally from Monroe, North Carolina, joined the Ci-
Frank Krafft Celebrates 100 Years of Life and Service
BY LOUISE KRAFFT
Frank Krafft, a native and lifelong resident of Alexandria, Virginia, and World War II Navy veteran, celebrated his 100th birthday on September 16, 2024. Frank and his wife Polly raised nine children in Alexandria, where they were deeply involved with Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and devoted to humanitarian efforts for underprivileged children worldwide.
In 1952, Frank took over his father’s business Krafft Murphy Company, a successful commercial wall and ceiling plastering business lo-
cated in Alexandria, which operated until his retirement in 1999. Even after stepping back from business, Frank and Polly continued their international humanitarian fundraising work.
His work projects included the original Air and Space Museum including the MAX Theater, the National Academy of Science’s Auditorium, portions of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the US Capital dome restoration, renovations on the Hirschhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the Kennedy Center, Constitution Hall, National Cathedral, remodel of John
and Jacqueline Kennedy’s Wexford Estate and many shopping malls in the DC area.
Frank’s son Bill Krafft and his company renovated the first section of the Pentagon that was hit on 9/11. Frank’s connection to Alexandria is a lifelong one. He attended St. Mary’s grade school. As a boy, he and his brother Joe became passionate about sailing. They built a Penguin and frequently raced on the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River. Frank also became a Senior Oarsman at the Old Dominion Boat
Photo: Krafft Family Collection
Frank Krafft
Photos: John Canery
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.
CAT IN A BOX
RIGHT: Five-month-old Kismet is taking a cat nap in her favorite bed. I fostered Kismet and her two littermates for a cat rescue. When the others got adopted, I kept her.
—Vineeta
Anand Alexandria
SAKURA
Female, Age 2 (has manageable health issue)
Gentle, shy, loving girl came all the way from Kuwait to nd a quiet, calm home where love can blossom.
PEPA
Female, Age 6 months
Loving, happy kitten wants to be adopted with a playful feline friend.
Our three-yearold cat Luna loves playing in boxes and hiding in
KALA
Rare orange female, Age 1
Stunning, shy girl needs quiet, patient home so she can acclimate to human affection.
Female, Age 4
Relaxed, gentle young girl knows exactly how to be your “one and only” best friend
The next time your cat finds his or her way into a boxy predicament, snap a photo and send it to us. If we publish it, you will win a $25 gift card to an area retailer or restaurant. Be sure to include your cat’s name, your name, and your home address in case you win (so we can mail you your prize!). Please send to editor@thezebrapress.com with CAT IN A BOX in the subject line, along with a descriptive sentence or two.
OBSIDIAN (“OBI”)
THE LAST WORD
crews, as the JOHNSTON slid below the waves.
Adopt this purrfect kitten (loving, snuggly, playful!) with one of his irresistible siblings.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 64
GUERNSEY
Female, Age 5 months
Petite baby girl was found outside and dreams of warm home with another kitty friend - let us
HANDSOME (OLDER CATS ARE OUTSTANDING!)
The carriers USS GAMBIER BAY (CVE 73) and USS SAINT LO (CVE 63), destroyer HOEL (DD 533), and the tiny destroyer escort SAMUEL B. ROBERTS (DE 413) all went down, their surviving crews adrift in the sea for three days until they were rescued. Many were attacked by sharks.
Male, Age 12
Staff say I am the perfect cat - a loyal, lap-snuggling gentleman with endless love to give.
KING
bered by the giant Japanese force, yet the determined little tin cans fired their little guns and torpedoes in a desperate effort to protect the valuable carriers. Planes dived and weaved at the Japanese ships like swarms of flies. Rain squalls and smoke often obscured the battle scene. The JOHNSTON and several other ships of Taffy 3 were pounded mercilessly for over three hours by the massive Japanese guns twice the size of the Americans’.
The last anyone saw of Commander Evans he was standing on the stern of a smoldering and sinking JOHNSTON, uniform shirt ripped and torn from his body, hand, face, and chest bleeding, and still shouting firing orders to his gun
Admiral Kurita, whose Task Force had taken so many severe blows from the ships and planes of Taffy 3 despite the mauling he gave the ships of Taffy 3, decided to save his remaining ships to protect the Japanese homeland. He turned his force and sailed away from the plucky, smoldering Americans.
The Battle of Leyte Gulf was a U.S. victory because of the sheer, visceral, and unflagging spirit of U.S. sailors through smoke, bullets, steel, blood and, final-
ly, sharks. It happened 80 years ago this month. You probably never heard about it. But that’s OK. James Carville did. The sailors who were there did. Their families did.
And their sacrifice has been passed down to a new generation of sailors.
Marcus Fisk is a retired Navy Captain, Naval Academy graduate, sometime actor, sculptor, screenwriter, pick-up soccer player, and playwright. He and his wife Pamela are former residents of Alexandria who moved to Connecticut, where they traveled the New England shore in their 42 Grand Banks Trawler ADAGIO. They are now living a grand adventure in France— new language, new culture, new chapter.
LEFT: Here’s Lefty enjoying his afternoon nap.
—Tina Cohen Alexandria
RIGHT:
box caves that the kids call “Cat City.”
—Lynne Davies Alexandria
CENTENARIAN
vilian Conservation Corps (CCC) under Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal program before serving as a steward and museum technician at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate for over 50 years. He and his late wife Pearly were married for 76 years, and Funderburk takes great pride in his four children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
These centenarians were born during a transformative era in Alexandria’s history. The early 1920s were a time of rapid change in the city, with the growth of industries and the expansion
KRAFFT
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 67
Frank built two family homes in Alexandria and lived very near two of his brothers. As the youngest of seven children he is the last one living. Two of his sisters lived to 103 and 104 and his brothers 94 and 96.
In 1969, Frank and Polly founded “Our Little Brothers and Sisters,” a fundraising organization that has been a vital source of support for Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH), a charity that aids underprivileged children which began in Mexico and expanded into 9 different Latin American
of infrastructure. In 1923 and 1924, Alexandria, like much of the nation, was grappling with the aftermath of World War I while simultaneously embracing new technologies like the automobile, which revolutionized daily life.
The local community was
and Caribbean countries over the years.
When he started fundraising for NPH, he connected with Fannon Printing, a local Alexandria company run by Jimmy and Mary Ellis Fannon. For many years, he used their printing services for his successful direct mail fundraising. And during this time one of the Mexican orphans, who was living with Frank and Polly, was successfully trained in the printing business.
Frank’s 100th birthday is a milestone that reflects not only a long and fulfilling life but also an enduring legacy of generosity and service to his family, his community and underprivileged children around the world.
also experiencing a cultural shift as the city moved towards modernization, with the opening of schools and businesses that would shape its future. The individuals honored at the ceremony have witnessed—and, in many cases, contributed to—these remarkable
LAFAYETTE
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21
the Marquis de Lafayette’s visit with the following events:
October 5 & 6: Walking Tours
Old Town Alexandria, 10 a.m. & 2 p.m.
$15 / $30 includes book
Join public historian Elizabeth Reese, author of Marquis de Lafayette Returns, A Tour of America’s National Capital Region, on a 90-minute walking tour
changes. The evening concluded with a final performance by the Alexandria Citizens Band, a fitting end to a celebration of those who have lived through and shaped Alexandria’s rich history. The event not only honored the city’s oldest resi-
retracing Lafayette’s steps from his 1824 visit. The tours are coordinated by the Alexandria-Coen Sister City Committee.
October 16: Lecture and Book Signing
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 7:30-9 p.m.
$15 / $12 for Historic Alexandria Members & Volunteers
Join Elizabeth Reese for a lecture followed by a reception and book signing.
October 17: Period Dinner
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
dents but also brought the community together to reflect on the lasting impact of these centenarians. Their stories serve as living links to the past, offering invaluable wisdom and experiences that continue to shape Alexandria’s future.
$150
Join the Marquis de Lafayette for a dinner and reception. Learn about his life and time in Alexandria in 1824. Co-sponsored by American Friends of Lafayette.
The 2024 Historic Alexandria Christmas ornament commemorates Lafayette’s visit to Alexandria. Later this year, the ornament will be available at alexandriava.gov/shop and Historic Alexandria Museums.
Find out more about these events at alexandriava.gov/ historic
FAR LEFT: Mayor Justin Wilson giving Lois Madoline Cross Brooks her certificate.
LEFT: The final performance by the Alexandria Citizens Band.
