Zebra Press April 2024

THE EPITOME OF ELEGANCE & MODERN COMFORT CRAFTED BY BLUESTONE BUILDERS

Indulge in the extraordinary. This home is situated on a 9,000 sq ft lot and has 7 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, ELEVATOR and ROOF DECK. Welcomed by a lighted staircase, covered porch and beautiful entry foyer. Enjoy a functional layout and unique floor plan offering open living spaces for entertaining or quiet family weekends at home. Guests are welcomed to a spacious entry foyer and open light-filled main level. The main level layout offers so many options: main level bedroom with full bath OR home office; formal dining room or den/ study; breakfast, or, casual family room ... multi-functional! T he kitchen boasts an oversized island, Sub Zero refrigerator, pot filler, drawer microwave, Italian stove. To include ample counter space, cabinetry and breakfast room that enjoys a double sided gas fireplace with the living room. Beautiful sets of French doors open to the custom bluestone patio. Al fresco dining and entertaining is easy with the outdoor kitchen: built-in grill and beverage refrigerator. Enjoy evenings by the fire table in the shadow of the illuminated Masonic Temple and unwind to the gentle sound of the water feature. There is a rear entry into the kitchen as well as a side entry to a mud room with built-ins and a convenient half bath.

There is an elevator from the Basement level to the 3 upper levels. The primary suite is a retreat with vaulted ceilings, walk-in closet and second closet space, spa-like bathroom with soaking tub, oversized shower and double vanity. Two bedrooms share a Jack & Jill bath. A fourth bedroom has an en-suite bath & vaulted ceilings. Laundry room is on the primary bedroom level. The third level with full bath is versatile: it is the perfect party room with staircase to roof deck or a bedroom suite! The open staircase leads

to a ROOFTOP deck with panoramic views of the DMV! The perfect spot for fireworks or rooftop beverages overlooking the city! Finished lower level has 9’ ceilings, a recreation room which can easily accommodate a pool table, large sectional, game table-ideal for hosting gatherings or movie nights. The walk-in pantry could also be outfitted to be a wine cellar!

The au pair suite with exterior entrance and natural light can also function as a work out room or home office- there is a full bath as well. The house has 4 zones of HVAC for each floor. Alley access and 4 off-street parking spaces. ADU above garage OR garage w/storage are OPTIONS available. Convenient to King St Metro, Reagan Airport , shops and restaurants in Old Town & Del Ray.

PUBLISHER'S NOTE

It’s Spring!! Along with cherry blossoms and longer days, it means Alexandrians are about to wrap their arms around every nonprofit in town for the annual marathon day of giving known as Spring2Action. Celebrating its 14th anniversary, this online fundraising event on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, is an indispensable platform for local nonprofits to engage the community and raise critical funds. The goal is to engage 10,000 donors to raise $2.5M (yes, in ONE day!) for the 175 participating organizations.

“By coming together to support local nonprofits, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of our neighbors and build a stronger, more resilient Alexandria for generations to come,” says ACT for Alex-

Mary Wadland

andria CEO Heather Peeler. “Every donation, no matter the size, has the power to create positive change and transform lives,” she adds.

While the official Giving Day is April 24, Early Giving starts April 10 with donations accepted online at

www.Spring2ACTion.org. Donors can search by organization name or cause and donate through their mobile phone, tablet, or computer.

It’s a big deal, and Zebra is behind it all the way. Please give to your favorite charities and follow us on social media that day when we update the public on the climbing tote board tally.

And one more thing, please support the ALX Dog Walk on Saturday, April 20 (dog or no dog—it’s a blast of a day and a great cause) and come out and see us—we’ll have a tent there and be giving away Zebra dog bandanas!

Now get your favorite beverage, curl up in a comfortable chair, and we hope you enjoy our April edition.

Around the World With Zebra

STAFF

Sara

Z-TV

David McClure Director, Producer, Consultant david@thezebrapress.com

Video Hosts Virginia Amos virginia.amos@gmail.com

703-261-3957

Kelli Goel kelli@thezebrapress.com

Susan Mulligan Fleischman susan@thezebrapress.com

Murrell Smith murrell@thezebrapress.com

Steve Houk shhouk7@gmail.com

Ralph Peluso ralphpeluso@verizon.net

Cary Kelly cary@caryinthekitchen.com

Here

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.

On the Cover:

Photo: Deb Sherwood Deb Sherwood of Annapolis travels with Zebra too!

she is enjoying Seabrook Island in Charleston, SC, with the Good News in Alexandria. Way to go, Deb!

The ALX Dog Walk brings hundreds of dogs and their people together for a fun day to raise money to beautify Alexandria. (photo courtesy of the ALX Dog Walk)

DASH Celebrates 40 Years

Last month, DASH celebrated 40 years in service, and it has grown with Alexandria.

“DASH is a shining example of how public transportation can improve the lives of residents and contribute to a thriving city,” said Mayor Justin Wilson. “Congratulations to DASH on this milestone anniversary, and here’s to many more years of success.”

In four decades, DASH has evolved and adapted its routes and offerings to meet

the changing needs of our community. Currently, the company offers fare-free service with a growing fleet

of electric buses, reflecting Alexandria’s commitment to sustainability and equitable access for all.

Clerk of Court Opens Office in West

On March 12, a new Clerk of Court Office branch opened in the West End. It is at the Pepper Community Resource Center (4850 Mark Center Dr.). The new location will only be open on Tuesdays and Fridays, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

End

Many of the same services offered at the Courthouse will be available there. These include marriage licenses, notary qualifications, concealed handgun permit applications (and free trigger locks), certified copies of circuit court records, land records research, and payment of court costs and fines.

Persons With Disabilities Commission Seeks Award Nominations

BY KEVIN DAURAY

The Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities (ACPD) announced last month that applications are available for its annual awards ceremony. The deadline to submit applications and nominations is April 30.

Each year, the Commission recognizes individuals and businesses that make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities.

Three awards will be presented during the 2024 ceremony. The first, a scholar-

ship honoring the late T.C. Williams football star Gerry Bertier, will be given to a deserving student with a disability seeking a college education.

The Outstanding Advocate Award named in honor of the late John Duty Col-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 57

ALEXANDRIA RESIDENT ISTHE NEW COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR FOR VOLUNTEERS OFAMERICA

Raytevia Evans, an Alexandria resident, is the new communications director for Volunteers of America National Services. Evans will be responsible for leading the organization’s media relations. She will also help to strengthen its reach across the country. Its website describes Volunteers of America as “a movement organized to reach and uplift people and bring them to the knowledge and active service of God.” It “serves people and communities in need and creates opportunities for people to

experience the joy of serving others.”

Prior to this position, Evans worked for the Alexandria Fire Department as the senior public information officer.

Dianna Campagna to Lead Long & Foster

Dianna Campagna has been named the managing broker at Long & Foster Real Estate’s Old Town Alexandria, Alexandria/Kingstowne Centre, and Kingstowne offices. Campagna most recently served as the sales manager at these locations. She’s been invaluable to Long & Foster’s team for many years, supporting its agents in their careers and collaborating across the company on strategic recruitment and retention initiatives.

“I’m honored to lead the talented real estate professionals at Long & Foster’s Old Town Alexandria, Alexandria/Kingstowne Centre, and Kingstowne offices,” said Campagna. “Long & Foster’s commitment to its agents and their success aligns with my focus on helping agents achieve their best for them-

selves and their clients, and I’m excited for all we can achieve in the years to come.”

Campagna has a lifelong love of real estate, first entering the business in high school in Alexandria. She joined Long & Foster in the early 1990s as its assistant manager. A competitive franchise recruited her away to their team, which she led as its principal broker and manager before leaving to work in real estate coaching, training, and recruiting nationwide.

Photo courtesy VOANS Raytevia Evans

Photo: Long & Foster Dianne Campagna

Courtesy photo

Photo: Lucelle O'Flaherty Deputy Clerks Avashaye Wanzer, Rose Yong, Jessica FeblesLee with Clerk of Court Greg Parks and Deputy Clerks Ben Ortiz, and Jenny Baru.

DESIGNER BOBBY BERKVISITSALEXANDRIA

Design expert

Berk spent nine seasons on the hit Netflix series. VIP guests got to view the townhome models and meet the famous interior designer. Left to right: Stephanie Lynch, Tri Pointe Homes vice president of community experience; Bobby Berk.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Welcome to our new spotlight on Z-Staff. We receive numerous requests to “get to know the Zebra staff,” which inspired us to launch this new monthly feature, gleaning a few fun facts about one staffer per month.

Debby Critchley

Zebra Job: Food Editor, Calendar Editor, Senior Editor, other duties as assigned

Hometown: Chicago, Il

School/s: Niles West HS, Case Western Reserve (Cleveland), University of Nebraska (Omaha)

Pets: My sweet Beo (Beowulf), a rescue American Eskimo

Favorite Ice Cream: Chocolate chip and vanilla because you can add all sorts of toppings or use in a root beer float!

Favorite Movies: Love Actually

Favorite Song: Too many but Carlos Santana and Springsteen are on my “turn up the volume” list

Favorite Food: Everything, especially anything Asian

Last Vacation You Took: European cruise!!!

Favorite Alexandria Spot: My sofa in the den

3 Things on Bucket List: Visit Antarctica, go to a family reunion, pay off my mortgage

What would you wish for as a superhero power: Grant good health to those that need it!

“Sound Stroll” Offers Multisensory Immersion in Shakespeare

BY SUSAN MCLAIN SULLIVAN

The two young software engineers arrived on bicycles at Old Town’s Torpedo Factory Art Center on a recent weekend anticipating a walk among the visual arts studio. However, when they stepped into the center’s elevator, they saw a notice for a “Sound Stroll” at Target Gallery and headed to the main floor to check it out. What they discovered had them scratching their heads over words from Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets, at once fa-

miliar but distant, in the immersive artistic experience.

Shakespeare’s Garden Sound Stroll is billed as “an immersive sound stroll through his sonnets, soliloquies, and scenes,” and is a small and techy presentation. Immediately, the two bicyclists said it prompted them to try to place the lines they viewed on illuminated screens to the correct Shakespeare sonnets, soliloquies, and scenes they each had studied during their high school years.

Evan Tung, 23,

Shakespeare’s

Stroll is an exhibit at the Target Gallery in the Torpedo Factory Art Center. The exhibit runs through May 26.

Evan Tung (left) and Prashant Shankar watch and listen to the Shakespeare’s Garden immersive storytelling through technology and projected designs.

SHAKESPEARE AROUND TOWN

April Blooms with Shakespeare Readings and Poetry Month Celebrations

BY SUSAN MCLAIN SULLIVAN

In some high school English classrooms, April is a natural month for the reading of the works of William Shakespeare. Not only is it the month of his birth in April 1564 but also of his death in April 1616. Coincidentally, both blessed events occurred in the same location of Stratfordupon-Avon where historic records at Holy Trinity Church bear witness—and the monument. The month of April also stands sentry in the mid-second semester as students who are now reaching for the culmination of their school year. The annual testing season— final exams and presentations, VA Standards of Learning, and Advanced Placement testing—looms as large as Hamlet’s father’s ghost to both students and teachers.

On the “Holy Hill” of Episcopal High School in Alexandria, long-time English teacher and Shakespeare expert J. Whittelsey (Whit) Morgan shows a measured response to traditional Shakespeare celebrations. In his classroom, and his Advanced English Seminar titled Shakespeare: Page, Stage, and Screen, Morgan does not appear overexcited about April being Shakespeare’s birthday—but his students are intrigued and all looked up from their plays when he announced The Bard’s birthday and death anniversary are indeed celebrated the third week of April.

No one questions Mr. Morgan, who is among several faculty members who live on campus near the students who see him almost daily around campus. They know Morgan’s wealth of knowledge of his life’s work involves Shakespeare and that he probably knows Shakespeare’s biographical facts as well as his own family’s.

Still, one student excitedly questions, “Really?!” as Morgan pulls down a helium balloon from the corner of his upstairs classroom and unwraps a package of scones and powdered do-

nuts to mark the occasion. In reality, the class is celebrating the first day of return from spring break at the 130-acre campus filled at capacity with 440 boarding students from 31 states, the District of Columbia, and 16 countries.

There are no special birthday celebrations in Morgan’s 24/7-Shakespeare class which is offered as Shakespeare Seminar I and Shakespeare Seminar II (Seminar I is not a prerequisite to Seminar II.) The course’s curriculum is spelled out in its title: the Page (in-depth text study), the Stage (acting out scenes in class and at-

tending as many performances of The Bard’s works around the D.C. Metro area—except for a possible out-of-town performance at Blackfriars Theater in Stanton, Va.) and the Screen (viewing recordings of plays in class).

Unlike other English classes that read just scenes from plays or limit their reading to one full Shakespeare play each year, Morgan and his students study four to five plays a semester—they pore over the language, unearth the subtlety of word choices and meanings, and compare the interrelated themes that Shake-

speare desired to bring to his audiences’ attentions.

“I’m all Shakespeare, so I don’t crank it up before the (April) 23rd,” he laughed. Since his arrival on Episcopal’s campus 37 years ago, his colleagues and his students have come to know Morgan as more than a Shakespeare buff or trivia nerd.

During his undergraduate and graduate years at the University of North Carolina, Morgan served as a teaching assistant for seven summers which included study abroad at Oxford. He estimates seeing 110 productions for which he and groups of students would travel to London and Stratford-upon-Avon for performanc-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 48

ABOVE LEFT: Mr. Morgan draws a Maypole on the whiteboard to explain the symbolism and young girls dancing during springtime festivals celebrating fertility.

ABOVE RIGHT: Morgan offers comments to students about a recent test before launching into the setting of a play.

LEFT: Students in the Shakespeare Seminar interact with Mr. Morgan during a class discussion.

Photos: Susan McLain Sullivan

SHAKESPEARE AROUND TOWN Students Express Appreciation for Opening Up Shakespeare’s World

BY SUSAN MCLAIN SULLIVAN

How can one measure Shakespeare’s ability to capture raw human life experiences in his works or to engage—even the young and the hesitant—in the pleasure of sublime language and drama experienced around the world?

Enjoying a class in a subject is one thing but being inspired to pursue study or even to choose a career in the field (or directly related area) is quite another. Such gifted teaching highlights the powerful impact of a passionate and superbly knowledgeable teacher who can nurture the imagination of each student.

Current and former stu dents of J. Whittelsey (Whit) Morgan were eager to share how Morgan’s teaching, Mr. Morgan to them—ignited the fire. They took time to share with The Zebra their appreciation of Morgan and how their teacher opened up William Shakespeare’s world in verse, directing, and staging and how it is already influencing them.

Nineteen-year-old Bennie Wang, a 2023 graduate of Episcopal High School and a freshman at Stanford University, is interested in majoring in political science and economics and minoring in music. During his first semester last fall, Wang “snatched one of the last spots to audition” and was admitted to StanShakes. In the fall, Bennie played Juliet in a scene from Romeo and Juliet ; in the winter, he was Antonio in Twelfth Night This spring, he plays Lucius in an adaptation of Titus Andronicus called Titus Andronicus…and Zombies!

Mr. Morgan’s “Shakespeare class will serve as a reminder to me to embrace momentary chance,” said Wang, who noted how fortunate he felt to enroll in two of Morgan’s classes during the second semester of his senior year at EHS. “The English program allowed me to explore subjects related to my interest in history and politics through new lenses.

“I have consistently heard praise from other students of

Mr. Morgan’s Shakespeare course. But, besides three plays from middle school, and early high school English class, I knew no other Shakespeare. So, in my last semester, I decided to give it a shot,” explained Bennie, sharing a profoundly moving production of King Lear that he and fellow students saw at the Shakespeare Theatre Company starring Patrick Page executing the lead role of Lear. The reading of the play is a cornerstone of Morgan’s Shakespeare Seminar II.

“We hear (actor Patrick) Page’s howling cry-scream. He then carries Cordelia on stage, wounded-soldier style, cleverly recalling an earlier moment when Page carries the carcass of a hunted wolf…It was the only time I have cried watching theater; it was the strongest goosebumps that I felt,” he said. “In a similar way that Page commands the stage, Mr. Morgan commands the classroom.”

Wang elaborated on how that looked inside the classroom. “The Shakespeare class mostly consists of following along with an audio recording of the play with Mr. Morgan stopping the recording now and then to offer explanation and commentary. Despite such a plain class structure, Mr. Morgan brings an incision into the text coupled with a breadth of emotional response, so much so that I am (was) often transported into the position of an actor working with a seasoned director in his class. I am sure my classmates feel the same. Throughout all of high school, the Shakespeare class is the only class that I have been in at Episcopal in which no student is furtively on Instagram or shopping on Amazon,” he added.

Admitting to a similar transformative experience, Esther Hwang, 20, who is a sophomore at the University of Michigan studying The-

atre Design and Production, is pursuing opportunities to engage with Shakespearean theater. Last summer, she participated in the Prague Shakespeare’s Company summer intensive program in Prague. She admitted that when she enrolled in Mr. Morgan’s Shakespeare elective in her senior year, it was due to “glowing reviews” she had heard and confessed she “held the typical teenager’s perception that Shakespeare was rather dull.”

“To my surprise, my perspective underwent a radical transformation within the first semester. I was cured of blindness through the Godspell of Shakespeare Mr. Morgan taught. It was a revelation that compelled me to delve deeper into Shakespeare’s world… Mr. Morgan’s passion for Shakespeare is infectious.

“His deep knowledge of Shakespearean literature, coupled with his engaging teaching style, genuine enthusiasm, witty humor, and impressive expertise in the subject, created a dynamic learning environment that inspired and challenged me while keeping Shakespeare’s interest alive.”

Savanna Zumbado, 23, who is studying at New York University for her BFA

in Drama with a focus on Acting, credited Morgan’s Shakespeare teaching with opening “a whole new world for me.”

“Everything he taught felt like nuggets of gold,” she added. “His enthusiasm was infectious and I caught the bug from him.”

Those kinds of compliments from EHS graduates are not lost on Nate Bastos, 18, who is currently a senior, lucked into a Shakespeare Seminar in his junior year, only to be lured back in senior year for a second Shakespeare class with a different line up of plays in its curriculum. Bastos said that Morgan is the “type of teacher who will enjoy your own ‘ah ha’ moment equally if not more than you do.”

“An additional comment I would make is that Shakespeare can feel very daunting and almost incomprehensible. I felt the same way, but it only takes a one-hour class with Mr. Morgan to realize that you can do this. And if you are willing to stick with it and continue learning with Mr. Morgan, you will find yourself loving a different form of literature, joking with your friends about Shakespeare after class, and you will even find some pretty sweet life advice.”

ABOVE: Seminar students celebrate an early birthday party for William Shakespeare after learning more about Shakespeare’s biography.

LEFT: Students in the Shakespeare Seminar respond to Mr. Morgan during a class discussion.

Photos: Susan McLain Sullivan

“Interstellar Influencer,” the Latest Waterfront Park Art Installation Is Out of This World

BY LIZ BASTOS

Patrick Coye, owner of Patrick’s Painting , and his team have painted and fixed a lot of things. Fresh coats for commercial buildings and private residences? Check. Pressure washing? Check. Restoring wood decking? Check. Wallpapering? Check. Home improve-

ment and remodeling? Check.

Now Coye can add to his list of happy customers the City of Alexandria, a pair of internationally famous Brooklyn artists, and…an asteroid Coye’s team painted the ground mural for the asteroid-starring terstellar Influencer (Make An Impact), the sixth in the Site See temporary public art installations at Old Town’s Waterfront Park.

Created by the award-

winning artist/architect duo Leslie Chang and Jason Klimoski of STUDIOKCA , Interstellar Influencer uses a 600-pound dramatically hand-hammered metal orb, strobing red LED lights, and mist to represent the fiery asteroid that left the “85-kilometer-wide, 1.5-kilometer-deep crater… that helped to shape the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed .”  BAM.

Did you know this?

This Zebra writer sure didn’t know that 35 million years ago an asteroid crashed near what today is Alexandria and created the Chesapeake Bay ! What a gap in the education of a native DMV-er! Hooray for educational, municipal art! Asked if he had also just

learned about our (now favorite) asteroid and impact crater, Coye said, “Right? Wow! It’s fascinating to think about.” It puts Washington, DC, in perspective and explains how this whole area fits into deep geologic time.

Leslie Chang of STUDIOKCA explained for the city’s Site See webpage, “We want this representation of the asteroid and its impact to raise awareness of the fragility of our shared existence on this planet and the extraordinary (and sometimes extraterrestrial) foundation of our modern cities and waterways.” Klimoski added, “We all share this one planet and live within the history of events that shaped it. Sometimes you have to look at it from the point of view of an asteroid hurtling through space 35,000,000 years ago to appreciate just how incredible it is we’re here at all.”

It is incredible. Without that asteroid, some 35 million years later, we wouldn’t have a deep Potomac River port on which our nation’s capital was built. The city has cool, cosmic origins. Coye said, “I was so glad my team of guys were able to be a part of interpreting this.”

“Can you imagine the time-lapse on a time frame like that ?” said Coye’s project manager Jose Belmonte, joking as he shared with Zebra the link to the time-lapse video of the team painting

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

All photo Patrick Coye, except where noted.

ABOVE: Coye’s team measuring to the artists’ specifications.

LEFT: Painting inside the lines, so carefully.

ABOVE: Coye, and detailed corner work being done by a team member.

RIGHT: The site is transformed and finally ready for the delivery of the asteroid!

BELOW: And, touchdown!

Photo; Liz Bastos

Galactic Panther Gallery: A Hub of Creativity and Culture in Old Town Alexandria

BREWINGA NEW CULTURE OFTEA,ART,AND MUSIC

BY ELIZA NELA

Nestled within the vibrant streets of Old Town Alexandria lies a hidden gem that embodies the essence of creativity, community, and culture. The Galactic Panther Gallery on 1303 King St welcomes artists, comedians, musicians, and more from all over the country, but it’s so much more than just a venue.

Founded by Erik Muendel and Eli Pollard, this gallery is not just a space to display art; it’s a sanctuary where individuals come together to explore their innermost passions and connect with likeminded souls.

“I originally found out about Galactic Panther, I think , about a year and a half ago. At the time, there was an open mic at ESP, the coffee shop. So, I went, and it was great. Two or three weeks later, they had shifted to Galactic Panther,” said Alex Haskel, a 25-yearold Jewish poet. “So, I performed there too, and I’ve been going

pretty much every Sunday since then.

“It’s really a special experience to find a community of supportive artists who are either finding their own voice or they’re just practicing,” he added. “It’s really important for me to have this out-

let where I can be my alter ego and share my thoughts with people. I’ve had people come up to me afterward and say they’re connected with what I say, and that’s really meaningful.”

Now more than ever, with the tumultuous affairs across the

world, the space Erik and Eli have brought to the community is crucial.

“My Jewish identity is central to my art, and I feel safe and embraced at the Galactic, which celebrates identities of all flavors,” Haskel told Zebra Press. “There’s been a lot to process since October 7. I’m beyond grateful for Galactic to open that space for me and everyone.”

The journey of Galactic Panther Gallery traces back to the humble beginnings of ESP, when Muendel purchased it from the previous owner. When asked why he bought the café, Muendel said, “Even though my wife and I have lived here for a while, we didn’t know Old Town that well, which is often the case for many people. We have our favorite spots and we stick to them. ESP was one of those places we liked, so we wanted to keep it going when the owner was selling it.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 40

Erik Muendel at the Galactic Panther Gallery during closing hours.

Alex Haskel on open mic night at Galactic Panther.

ESP Cafe. From left to right: Erik Muendel, Natasha Wanzer, and Casey Brewer.

The eclectic art covers the gallery’s walls with a mix of modern to ancient art depicting tradition and modernity.

Photos: Eliza Nela

VETERANS CORNER

By Donna Reuss

Honoring Gold Star Spouses

BY DONNA REUSS

On Memorial Day each year, we honor the members of our military who gave their lives for their country, either directly in conflict or from injuries sustained in battle. But behind each of these service members is a family that also paid a heavy price with the loss of their loved one. Today, the Gold Star symbolizes the spouses and family members of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

April 5 is Gold Star Spouses Day. The first observance was in December 2010, as Gold Star Wives Day; 92% of military spouses are female. In 2012, the U.S. Senate designated Gold Star Wives Day to be recognized annually on April 5. The title eventually evolved to Gold Star Spouses Day to be more inclusive.

The “gold star” tradition dates back to World War I. Army Captain Robert Queisser, 5th Ohio Infantry, a father with two sons fighting in Europe, patented and hung the first recorded blue star banner in his window in 1917. Other families began displaying star banners, with a blue star for each child in active military service. If a service member was killed in action or died from injuries, a gold star replaced the blue, signifying to the community the price the family had paid for the cause of freedom. These families became known as Gold Star Families.

The banner tradition continued through World War II. Before the end of the war, the Gold Star Wives Association was established to connect spouses with others who had experienced the same kind of loss. The group held its first meeting on April 5, 1945.

Gold Star Spouses are entitled to a number of benefits. In addition to tax-free survivor’s payments, these may include education, home loans, assistance for funeral arrangements including transportation and burial, and protections such as life insurance. The Department of Defense (DoD) lays out the criteria to determine who is eligible to receive which benefits and under what conditions.

Married” law.

The American Legion is urging support of this legislation. You can add your support by asking your representatives to pass this bill. An easy way is through VoterVoice (votervoice.net/AmericanLegion/ home). Sign in as an Advocate or your appropriate Legion affiliation, and click on the legislation. The site provides a pre-scripted message you can send as written or edit. Enter your zip code, and the message will be sent to your Congressional representatives. You need not be a member of the American Legion to use VoterVoice

An excellent resource for information about Gold Star benefits is “A Survivor’s Guide to Benefits: Taking Care of Our Families” at www. militaryonesource.mil . Other organizations, such as Gold Star Wives of America Inc., aid and support surviving spouses and children. Or contact the applicable military service:

• Air Force Families Forever: (866) 299-0596

• Army’s Survivor Outreach Services: (833) 313-1960

• Coast Guard Gold Star Program: (202) 795-6637

• Marine Corps’ Long Term Assistance Program: (866) 210-3421

• Navy Gold Star Program: (888) 509-8759

Veteran Service Officers (VSO) can also provide help or guidance. American Legion Post 24 VSOs host quarterly veteran claims clinics at the Post home at 400 Cameron St in Old Town. The next clinic is on April 20 from 9 am-12 pm. Or email them at VSO24@outlook.com

Gold Star Spouses Day lets Gold Star families know we remember their sacrifice and grieve with them, giving them a sense of comfort and helping them feel less alone. If you know or are close to a Gold Star Spouse, reach out and ensure they have access to the resources and benefits to which they have a right.

However, current law requires that many of these benefits be terminated should the widowed spouse remarry before age 55. Approximately 95% of military spouses are females under 35 years old. These young survivors, who have already experienced a tragic loss, must choose between continuing financial assistance and the stability and happiness a new relationship may afford them and their children. These benefits are entitlements earned through sacrifice, not a “hand-out” to hold the survivor over until they move on.

The Love Lives On Act , H.R. 3651, is bipartisan legislation designed to allow Gold Star Spouses who remarry before age 55 to retain criti-

cal survivor benefits. It will eliminate the age limit, allow remarried spouses to retain education benefits and Commissary and Exchange privileges, regain TRICARE medical benefits should the subsequent marriage end, and abolish the outdated “Hold Themselves Out to be

If you are a veteran, a 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.

Photos: The American Legion Emblem catalog

ABOVE LEFt: The Blue Star signifies an active-duty family member serving in the Armed Forces during periods of hostility in which the US is engaged.

ABOVE RIGHT: : A Gold Star replaces the Blue Star in the event the service member is killed in action, dies from wounds sustained, or in military training accidents.

Photo: Bruce Andersen

Gold Star banner, Whiteley Hall, Texas A&M University

Zebra Book Club Poll Results

The members have chosen. Eight books received the most votes in a recent poll of the Zebra Book Club (ZBC) members in Alexandria, VA. 30 titles were suggested on the ballot, but eight took top honors. They are:

• Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride (March-April)

• The Women by Kristin Hannah (April-May)

• Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (May-June)

• The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese (June-July)

• The Wager by David Grann (July-Au-

gust)

• Prequel by Rachel Maddow (AugustSeptember)

• Land of Milk and Honey by C. Pam Zhang (September-October)

• Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson

The ZBC started in 2020 during the pandemic by the Zebra Press “Good News in Alexandria” magazine. New members are always welcome to join via Facebook (Zebra Book Club) or reach out via email to editor@thezebrapress.com to be added to the ZBC mailing list.

Rev Up Your Engines— It’s Time to Get Out of Town!

INTERVIEW BY SHENISE FOSTER

Travel is my passion, so when I attended this year’s Travel & Adventure Show in Washington DC, I was excited to see the travel hosts of the popular WETA PBS show, Get Out of Town, live and in person. The theme of Laurita and Lauren Portee’s show is to take their viewers on a weekly road trip that is within a short drive from Washington, DC. The ladies’ show satisfies the wanderlust urge while providing an itinerary that can be replicated by any traveler. During the interview, I had the pleasure of learning about the mother & daughter duo’s love of travel and got a sneak peek into what season two of their show has in store.

Zebra: How did you first get the travel bug?

Laurita: That’s a great question! As a family we always traveled, but one trip that really solidified our love for travel was when Lauren turned 16 and we took a motherdaughter trip with another mom and her daughter on a two-week vacation to France. Our adventure started in Paris, then we traveled down to the south of France and finished the journey back in Paris. That is when Lauren and I discovered that we were really good travel buddies.

Lauren: I agree with my mom, I caught the travel bug by taking family trips on a yearly basis. Even if the trips were not out of the country, they would be out of the state. I was also fortunate to take a few international trips when I was younger and I just loved being in the airport and on the plane.

Zebra: What would you describe as your travel style?

Laurita: I would say that

we are very relaxed travelers and can go with the flow. We don’t get flustered when the plans might change, we just move on to Plan B. When it comes to my accommodations, Lauren and I differ on this. I like to stay in an Airbnb or a quaint bed and breakfast that is off the beaten path. I love getting to know the owners of the establishment or learn a little history about the location I’m staying at.

Lauren: Our travel style is relaxed, but I would also say that it depends on the trip. If I’m going to the beach or a place where there is a spa, I’m not going to plan as much. If I’m going to a big city that has a lot to do, I will plan a lot more and have a detailed trip itinerary. Deciding between a hostel, bed and breakfast, or a hotel, I would definitely choose the hotel every time. I enjoy staying in ho-

put together a sizzle reel to pitch the show. The tape was then sent to the executives and about a month later we got the show. Now, when I hear and see us on the TV or in a magazine ad it’s truly surreal.

Zebra: Season 2 of your show is scheduled to premier on April 15, are there any sneak peeks you can share with the readers?

Laurita: We are just delighted and blessed to be

vice is to bring an extension cord. I’ve learned that when staying in an Air BnB or bed & breakfast there are not enough outlets to for you to charge your devices. I actually just keep one in my suitcase so that I’m always prepared.

Lauren: My tip would be to travel with someone who can make you laugh. There is nothing worse than being on a trip and not laughing.

Zebra: What is one destination in the DMV that everyone should visit? Why?

tels during my travels so I can experience all of their amenities.

Zebra: What sparked the idea for your WETA PBS show, Get Out of Town?

Laurita: Nothing we thought of! I was approached by a WETA PBS producer I knew from coaching his boys and he knew that I was a PBS junkie. One of my favorite shows to watch is “If You Lived Here” and being aware of that he wanted to talk to me about a new show that WETA wanted to create. I really thought he just wanted my opinion and over coffee he asked if the show would be something that Lauren and I would enjoy doing together. At first, I was surprised, but quickly responded that yes, we would be honored to be considered to do the show.

After that, WETA came to my house and filmed Lauren and I in order to

picked up for a second season. In this upcoming season, we go to Williamsburg, VA, which is a place that I have been to many times. I was excited to try something new that we never have done before and the filming of this episode did not disappoint.

Lauren: A sneak peek that I can share is during our Williamsburg trip one of things that pushed me out of my comfort zone was trying colonial food for the first time. The peanut butter soup that I tried was something that I would have never ordered on my own and I actually enjoyed it. I was skeptical at first but now I can say that I have eaten a colonial meal and can check that off of my bucket list.

Zebra: What’s one piece of travel advice you would give to someone who is looking to Get Out of Town?

Laurita: Check the weather, that way you can be prepared to have everything that you may need. As Lauren says “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just improper clothing.” My second piece of ad-

Laurita: A cool place to check out is the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum in DC that is located off of New York Avenue. I was mesmerized by all the different shapes and sizes of bonsai trees that they have on display.

Lauren: The National Museum of African American History & Culture is a must-see historical attraction in DC. It’s such a groundbreaking museum and I learn something new every time that I visit. The food in the cafeteria is absolutely delicious and you can try different types cuisines from across the African diaspora.

Zebra: What’s next for Lauren & Laurita?

Lauren: We are still in the process of filming season two of Get Out of Town . We have about four more episodes to go before we wrap the season. In the meantime, readers can catch up on season one on PBS.

Zebra readers can keep up to date with Laurita & Lauren’s Get Out of Town adventures by visiting the WETA PBS website (weta. org/watch/shows/get-outtown) or by following the station on the following social media platforms: Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Photo: WETA PBS

Get Out of Town Travel Hosts Laurita & Lauren Portee

Photo: WETA PBS

OBITUARIES

Nancy

Wells Macklin

Nancy Wells Macklin died peacefully at Goodwin House in Alexandria, Virginia, on January 6, 2024. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Daniel Keenan Macklin of Tontogany, Ohio, and her parents, Virginia and Joseph Wells.

Nancy was born on September 2, 1929, and raised in Zanesville, Ohio, along with her younger sister Sally. She graduated from Lash High School in 1947 and Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, in 1951. In 1950, she married Dan, the love of her life. They had six children and remained happily married for 59 years. While Dan served in the Marine Corps and their family grew, they moved often, living in Ohio, Indiana, Minnesota, North Carolina, and California until settling permanently in Alexandria, Virginia.

In 1964, Nancy, Dan, and Marilyn Hansen formed Macklin-Hansen Real Estate, of which Nancy was the Secretary-Treasurer. Nancy enjoyed a successful career as a broker of commercial and residential properties in and around Old Town. She was fascinated by Alexandria’s history and architecture and loved her profession so well that she continued working into her 80s.

Nancy was an active member of Grace Episcopal Church for decades and treasured her community. She chaired the United Way campaign in 1982, served on the Advisory Board of Christmas in April, was a member of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, tutored schoolchildren, delivered food with

Meals on Wheels, and volunteered at Carpenter’s Shelter.

Nancy valued her friends, playing bridge and tennis, attending book club, hosting parties and picnics, and traveling around the globe with them. She practiced yoga and, with Dan, bicycled frequently along the Potomac River. Nancy was fun-loving and adventurous. In her 80s, she parasailed in the Florida Keys and went up in a hot air balloon.

Nancy was a devoted and proud mother of six children. Her great pleasure was being

Tally Louise Tripp

Tally Louise Tripp (MA, MSW, LCSW, LICSW ATR-BC, CTT), an internationally recognized art therapist who brought healing, understanding, and connection to those she taught and mentored around the world, died on December 6, 2023, in Alexandria, VA.

Tally was known widely in the art therapy community and among her hundreds of former students as an inspiring, engaged, and much-loved educator. Her work also profoundly impacted her local community through the George Washington University Art Therapy Clinic, a ground-breaking hands-on student training facility that opened in 2008 and provided affordable art therapy sessions to local and regional communities. As Founding Director of the Clinic, Tally was intimately involved in the creation and organization of the Clinic, and she directly supervised a vast number of students who benefited from Tally’s decades of experience working with clients in her thriving private practice.

Tally had a deep and abiding connection to Africa and its people, a love that began with a four-month-long National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) sojourn in Kenya after she graduated from Roanoke College in 1979. She re-engaged with this love beginning in 2014 when she began leading groups of her George Washington University students on study abroad courses (teaching them how to adapt art therapy for use

by other cultures) at the Bokamoso Youth Foundation in the township of Winterveldt in South Africa (near Pretoria).

After she retired from George Washington University, Tally fully engaged in her international work in Africa, particular-

surrounded by her large family. She, Dan, and her sister Sally ensured annual family reunions in numerous locations beginning in the early 1970s. A highlight was a trip to Tuscany in 2000 to celebrate Nancy and Dan’s 50 th wedding anniversary.

Nancy intuitively knew what makes for a fulfilling, happy life: purpose, physical and mental activity, lifelong learning, grace and optimism under pressure, gratitude, and, above all, holding family and friends close.

When asked recently for advice for her grandchildren, she responded, “Enjoy your life.” Nancy led the way, sharing her bright spirit by smiling often, laughing easily, and exuding kindness.

Nancy is survived by her sister Sally Wells of Washington, DC, son Dr. Daniel Macklin of Jacksonville, FL, daughter Kelly Macklin of Boyce, VA, daughter Katie Macklin of Alexandria, VA, son Jeff Macklin of Santa Barbara, CA, daughter Sally Macklin of Alexandria, VA, daughter Amy Macklin of Atlanta, GA, their spouses, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 13, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church , 3601 Russell Road, Alexandria, VA, 22305. Tel: 703-549-1980.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Nancy’s memory may be made to Carpenter’s Shelter in Alexandria, VA, Senior Services of Alexandria , or Grace Episcopal Church in Alexandria, VA

ly through the Common Threads Project, where she was the Director of Training. She also worked with the Global Alliance for Africa Therapeutic Arts Program and, most recently, with the Nigerian Internationally Displaced Persons Diaspora Support Group (NIDSG). Her work with these and other international groups frequently took her around the world to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Croatia, Nigeria, and Nepal.

Tally’s adventurous spirit was ever present when she traveled, and she took every opportunity on her far-flung travels to explore new regions and their people. In the days leading up to her work for Common Threads in Katmandu, Nepal, she hired two guides to take her on a multi-day hike in the foothills of the Himalayas. She became fast friends with her guides, other trekkers, and the residents she met in tea houses along her route. Although she had to hike in monsoon conditions and pick off leeches that occasionally hitched a ride on her ankles, Tally still judged the experience as one of her life’s peak experiences.

Tally received many awards during her career, including the 2023 International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) Distinguished Achievement Award. In 2017, she was named an ISSTD Fellow

CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

Courtesy of the Macklin family

Nancy Wells Macklin

Photo courtesy of the family

Tally Louise Tripp

Windsor of Old Town Closes Doors after 43 Years

Through floods, recessions, and everything imaginable, Windsor of Old Town Salon & Day Spa and The Gentlemen’s Quarters have clipped and colored generations of Alexandrians for over four decades on Union Street.

— Winston Churchill

“It has been an experience that we will cherish forever,” said Donna and Steven Windsor, mother and son owners. “We have loved our time at 107 S. Union Street, but like many others before us, it has become too challenging for us to continue with all of the expenses.”

However, long-time customers can relax. There is some good news. On April 1, Donna and Steven, along with the rest of their team, including Erika, Margot, Elizabeth, Touria, and Fifi, are moving just a few blocks away to join the staff at the Sugarhouse Day Spa and Salon at 111 N. Alfred Street.

“Our team is very thankful and excited to be able

to continue all of our exceptional Barbershop, Salon, Nail and Spa Services, as well as introduce you to Sugarhouse’s array of MediSpa Treatments,” says Ste-

the asteroid’s arrival was not a surprise. It had a set date to arrive in Alexandria from the STUDIOKCA fabrication studio in New York.

To start, Coye’s team had to prepare the space. The asphalt pad at the Waterfront Park was thickly layered with mud from the recent forever rains. It needed to be power washed and then allowed to dry, but of course, the weather had other plans. Finally, a dry spell, a perfectly cool and sunny spring day, and Coye’s team locked

On the ground, lines had to be drawn to visually represent the reverberation of impact, and a bullseye sketched where the asteroid would rest. Coye’s team had basic specs from the artists, but the specific site geometry was theirs to math and map out.

“My team enjoyed being creative and precise with this,” Coye said. Coye’s teams of painters and handymen are working artists too.

Their medium? First, a specially formulated Sherwin Williams durable floor-coating paint (for the concentric circles of white and dark, stormy-blue). Later, metallic spray paints in gold and silver were added for accents; the spray cans were wield-

ven.

For booking appointments, call (703) 549-9940 or visit www.sugarhousedayspa.com

ed with exactness by veteran Patrick’s Painting team member Nick Pickering.

It was not the work of a moment. It took a week, working from dawn to dusk, for the team of three painters to finish the mural to their artistic standards.

Diane Ruggiero, Deputy Director of the Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities Department for the City of Alexandria Office of the Arts said, “Patrick and his team have been great to work with. They’ve been helping to paint the murals for Site See since 2021. Each project’s role is different – each year, they paint the background, and some years, like this year, they paint more of the mural design.”

She continued, “They are very helpful in ensuring that we do everything correctly (using proper paint, using the right amount, and ensuring the color match). But we love that they are always up for something new, like helping to paint the concentric circles for Interstellar Influencer. They take great attention to detail, and the outcome is always wonderful.”

(Follow the city’s Instagram for a rain check. Because: Forever rains in Alexandria.)

Photo: Windsor of Old Town Donna and Steven Windsor in front of their iconic sign at Windsor of Old Town and The Gentleman’s

BY NINA TISARA

On Sand and Stone

BY NINA TISARA

Often I am amazed by what I don’t know. On the bright side, each thing I don’t know is a doorway to learning something new. Sand painting is an example.

Backstory

In November 2023, my friend and artist Sharmila Karamchandani was invited to create a sand painting outside the gate of the residence of Madam Vice President Kamala Harris in celebration of Diwali.

According to Wikipedia, Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights. Variations of Diwali are also celebrated in other Indian religions. It sym-

bolizes the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.” It’s also a recognition of the impermanence of all things.

Sharmila and I met in 2007. We were students in a class offered by Empowered Women International (EWI), a nonprofit founded in 2001 by Marga Fripp to teach entrepreneurial skills to immigrant women artists so they might be able to support themselves through their art. Marga herself immigrated to America from Romania to access lifesaving medical treatment for her son. She was 27 years old. She did not know a word of English when she arrived.

Marga was recognized as a Living Legend of Alexandria in 2015 for founding EWI, which was headquartered in Alexandria. She now lives in western North Carolina, where she runs Marga Fripp Studio and The Pollinators Foundation, a nonprofit she created in 2023 for wellness and social healing.

tion on Columbia Pike in 2023.

As part of the recent Columbia Pike Documentary Project, A World in a Zip Code, at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Arlington, interviews by Sush and project director Lloyd Wolf accompanied the photographs in the exhibit. The project documents the people who live and work in the multi-cultural neighborhood of Columbia Pike.

Sush received the Woman of Vision award from Arlington County in 2018. In 2019, she was appointed Commissioner for the Virginia Commission for the Arts, representing the 8th Congressional District of Virginia.

Around the time I took the class, I transformed from a photographer to a mosaic artist who mainly worked with unglazed porcelain. There is a big difference between painting in sand and working with stone-like porcelain, not only in materials but in philosophy.

Sand or stone? Interesting to contemplate. Through research, I learned that Native American Indians and Indigenous Australians also practice the art of sand painting.

I was accepted as a student despite being neither an immigrant nor an emerging artist. During that class, Marga encouraged me to turn my vision for Living Legends of Alexandria into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Along the way I met some very talented artists, including Sharmila.

In a 2018 story in the Fairfax Times, Sharmila explained, “Besides being a lead trainer with EWI, I run my graphic design business, teach graphic design, teach art workshops in the community, and stay involved in inspiring and educating entrepreneurs and aspiring artists.”

Sharmila designed my recently

published books, Little Pine’s Halloween and Memories and Musings-a Memoir. And, as I said earlier, in November she created a sand painting to welcome guests to a Diwali celebration at the home of Vice President Harris.

Another of EWI’s graduates, artist and writer Sushmita (Sush) Mazumdar, ran a children’s Family Legends program for Living Legends of Alexandria to help children document their family stories through handmade books. In 2013, she opened Studio Pause in Arlington, inviting everyday people to make time for creativity and community. She opened a second loca-

Painting in sand honors the transitory nature of life. It recognizes and celebrates non-permanence. The value is in creating the design and then letting it go, returning the elements to the earth.

Mosaics, conversely, are often valued for their permanence. Sixteen hundred-year-old mosaics unearthed during excavations of the ancient Stratonikeia, Turkey, are being introduced to encourage tourism through conservation studies.

I found Sharmila’s sand painting design so beautiful I wanted to find a way to replicate it for my garden, not in sand but as a weather-resistant painting. I envisioned it set in the ground in front of my statue of the seated Buddha. Sharmila encouraged me to turn the design into a mosaic—a marriage of sorts of the two art forms.

It’s taking a village, but I’m on my way. My son Steven did the research and found a plastic that will withstand the weather to use as a substrate. Son-in-law Tom cut it into a 2-foot diameter circle. Sharmila drew the design. I am working on creating a mosaic from the design, with others in my family offering suggestions for improvements.

I accept that this mosaic won’t last thousands of years, but it will, I hope, last as long as I live here.

Mosaic Artist/Photographer Nina Tisara is the founder of Living Legends of Alexandra.

Photo: Sharmila Karamchandani ABOVE: Sharmila Karamchandani and sand painting.

The peacock mosaic, 24” diameter, I am making to live in my garden. I used weather-resistant backing, waterproof glue and sanded grout. I estimate needing another 4-6 hours of cleaning excess grout and glue before it’s done.

View from a mosaic found in the ancient city of Stratonikeia.

Photo: Nina Tisara

Photo source unclear, from online sources.

Changing the Perception of Women as Innovators With Local Outreach

BY JANE PLITT

Get ready, Alexandrians, to combine the ALX Dog Walk on April 20 with Discovery! Bring your kids (and your dogs) and participate in the Dr. Gladys West GPS Challenge. (GPS is handy just in case your beloved dog isn’t a guide dog!) This enlightening opportunity is brought to you by the Alexandria-based National Center of Women’s Innovations (NCWI) and Rosy Riveters.

Look for NCWI’s table and come away with a special human treat that is not plastic, as well as a greater appreciation for the complicated mathematics Dr. West had to apply to map the world, which is squishy

and not round! Our educational module will also be displayed on April 6 and June 22 as our community celebrates the 275 ALX preview and the Portside Festival. See you there!

At the City of Alexandria-sponsored March 10 Lyceum talk “Forgotten Women Who Changed the World of Healthcare,” I shared the examples of multiple women researchers who changed our healthcare. The most powerful point was the role of collegial sharing, sometimes resulting in the success of the research, as demonstrated by Dr. Katalin Kariko, a pathblazer pursuing mRNA research who met Dr. Drew Weisman, a respected vaccine researcher, at a water fountain. Their meet-up led ultimately to their joint receipt of the 2023 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine because their work enabled the COVID-19 vaccine, saving millions of lives. However, that meet-up was happenstance and not formally en-

couraged by the University of Pennsylvania, which refused to give Kariko a lab, tenure, or a salary higher than $60,000.

The 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry went to two women, Drs. Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna, who met at a Puerto Rico cafe and started sharing their efforts in Crispr-Cas9, a method to edit DNA. Charpentier was working in Europe on noting how bacteria made molecules of RNA that recognized the genes of attacking viruses. But she needed an expert on RNA molecules, which was Doudna. By working together, these researchers have now enabled the Crisper-Cas9 technology, whose potential is to cure sick cell anemia, hereditary blindness, or other genetic diseases.

Yet, a huge fight is taking place over the patent rights between two competing groups. It’s too bad these groups don’t work together like Charpentier and Doudna did. These stories illustrate the vital need for NCWI to showcase such women and their achievements be-

cause institutional leadership often claims their work.

That’s why we are ever grateful to our amazing team of volunteers who research, promote the stories, and turn their work into STEM educational lessons. For more information, go to our Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages.

Former Alexandria resident Mary Glerum learned of NCWI from John Marshall’s Jen Ferrara in the spring of 2023. Mary recalls, “When Jen posted about a new Alexandria nonprofit with a dual mission to showcase forgotten women innovators and encourage youth to pursue careers in STEM, I immediately wanted to get involved .” Mary now lives in Richmond, VA, and has a 20+ year career in marketing and technology, with a daughter with career aspirations in STEM.

Mary’s experience in “all things digital” dovetailed with NCWI’s first-year needs, from generating awareness of the organization via social media to promoting NCWI’s Inaugural Gala event. In addition, Mary helped with on-

line gala ticket sales, created a social media communications calendar, and launched NCWI’s YouTube channel.

“Historically, women make up less than 20% of the tech workforce in the U.S. As I’ve been fortunate to work for innovative companies and learn from amazing leaders, I am passionate about giving back,” Mary states.

Originally from Michigan, Mary started her career at nonprofits, then transitioned into digital product management at various companies. She is the Founder & CEO of blu-M, a firm specializing in digital transformation, product creation, and technology solutions.

Says Mary, “I am proud to help NCWI showcase the forgotten accomplishments of women and inspire the next generation of women innovators.” We are ever grateful to Mary and her team. Join our team!!! jane@womensinnovations.org or 757-656-9870

Courtesy photos/images

Jane

Photos courtesy of NCWI

ABOVE LEFT: Jane with Lucelle O’Flaherty, NCWI Secretary, and Jim Bruen at the March 10 Lyceum presentation.

ABOVE RIGHT: Jane Plitt and Julie Chapman, NCWI Honor Advisor member and ALX Dog Walk Chair.

LEFT: Mary Glerum

The Alexandria Archives

“Buried Ships of Robinson Landing” Exhibit – Opening April 6

FROM THE OFFICE OF HISTORIC ALEXANDRIA

For the first time, see three scale models of historic ships at the location where archaeologists first discovered their hull remains. View ship construction through the eyes of archaeologists in the new exhibit from Alexandria Archaeology, Buried Ships of Robinson Landing. A ribbon cutting for the exhibit takes place on April 6 at the corner of the Strand and Pioneer Mill Way.

In 2018, archaeologists excavated the three historic vessels from the Robinson Landing site on the same block as the new exhibit. Through an exciting partnership with the Robinson Landing Property Owners Association, Alexandria Archaeology has the unique opportunity to shine a light on this site’s history. These innovative scale models show what

these ship remnants would have looked like in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Archaeologists use these digital and physical models to compare ship construction and to answer questions about the age and use of the vessels. The exhibit is viewable from the sidewalk through the end of the year.

Currently bounded by Duke, Wolfe, and S. Union Streets and the Potomac River, only the northwest corner of the block existed as dry land when a young George Washington mapped this area in 1748.

This point of land was called Point Lumley, one of the two original deep-water landings in Alexandria. The same late 18th and early 19thcentury banking-out process that created new land along Alexandria’s waterfront created the remainder of the block.

The remains of the three actual ships are now stored in a pond in a manner that preserves the possibility of future study and conservation when adequate funding and/or a location for permanent storage or display is available. You can learn

THE RUST DIFFERENCE

Putting

more about the Historic Ship Stabilization Project at alexandriava.gov/ archaeology/historic-ship-stabilization. Planning for the storage of the historic ship timbers began shortly after the ships were discovered in 2018. The implementation and fieldwork phase began in January 2021 and was completed in May 2022.

The three ships were probably buried on this block after their prime as sea-going vessels. The ships served as fill in the process of extending the city’s shoreline into the Potomac. By 1780, The Strand, a 21-foot wide alley running north-south, was built atop the wharf structures. Alexandrians filled in most of the block. The outline of the original Point Lumley had disappeared by the turn of the 19th century, but the construction of wharves and filling in of the shore continued to take place at least into the 1840s.

This is a rendering of the exhibit from Quatrefoil, not a photo of the exhibit itself.

Photo: Quatrefoil

Exhibit logo

Sam & Tom Rust

Can’t Miss Activities at Del Ray Dog Fest

Celebrate spring and our four-legged friends at the 2nd Annual Del Ray Dog Fest on Sunday, April 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at George Washing ton Middle School.

This fun, outdoor event will include dog-centered activi ties, live music, ven dors, and food, show casing the wide variety of dog-friendly resources in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria.

Here are Zebra’s picks for can’t miss activities during the inaugural event:

Pups n Poses: Start the day with some zen. Yoga in Del Ray will host a specialized yoga class for dogs and their humans.

Fashion Show: Is your pup ready to strut on the catwalk? Show off your pup’s best look and compete to see who gets crowned Best Dressed. After the fashion show, don’t forget to snap a pose at the photo booth sponsored by Ting.

Luring Course: Test your pup’s performance, speed, agility, and endurance — and give them a chance to show off their instincts — with a “mock hunt.”

Distracted Dog Race: Can your dog make it through an entire walk without chasing a squirrel? Put their training skills to the test with a fun Distracted Dog Race hosted by Passionate ly Pets, featuring distractions like stinky treats, squeaking toys and rolling balls

Canine Fitness Course: off your pet’s skills (and get training tips!) during a canine fitness, conditioning, and confi dence course with Wholistic Hound Academy, Alexandria’s first and only training and learning center for people and their dogs.

Kids’ Zone: This event is fun for the whole family. Kids can start their festival with Storytime with PD the Pug, get their face painted, play some yard games and create a dog themed original masterpiece on canvas with The Del Ray Montessori School

Rescue Row: Meet adoptable animals and learn about fostering and volunteer opportunities from local animal rescues and

Enjoy live music by Rook Richards while your best friend explores

CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

Del Ray Docket

April 4

First Thursday

Along Mount Vernon Avenue

6 p.m. to dusk

First Thursday, Del Ray’s monthly street festival, kicks off with First Thursday: How Does Your Garden Grow, to benefit the Alexandria Boys & Girls Club. Visit Mount Vernon Avenue for live music, themed activities, and more. For more information, visit visitdelray.com

April 5-27

Same But Different Art Exhibit

Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue

To celebrate International Diversity Month, this exhibit highlights the beauty and richness of diversity through artists’ interpretations of the concept Same But Different, which explores notions of identity, distinctions and similarities in our natural and manmade world. Learn more at delrayartisans.org.

April 6, 13, 20, 27

Del Ray Farmers’ Market

The Pat Miller Neighborhood Square, Oxford & Mount Vernon Avenues

8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

This year-round market — named one of the best in the state — features fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheeses, bread, fresh pasta, baked goods, cut flowers, and more.

April 13

Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market

Mount Vernon & East Bellefonte Avenues

9 a.m. to 2 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 delrayvintageflea.com.

April 14

Del Ray Dog Fest

George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mount Vernon Avenue

11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The 2nd Annual Del Ray Dog Fest is an outdoor festival celebrating dogs, their owners, and the Del Ray community! This event will include dog-centered activities, dog menu items, live music, vendors and food from 11am- 3pm. Following the event, there will be a “Yappy Hour” for owners and their pets at participating restaurants. This DRBA event is sponsored by The Peele Group. For tickets, visit visitdelray.com.

April 21

Del Ray GardenFest

Colasanto Park, Mt. Vernon & Commonwealth Avenues

12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Presented by the Del Ray Citizens’ Association, Del Ray’s annual gardening festival is a fun, free, educational afternoon of garden-centric demonstrations, informational booths, and interactive activities. Learn more at delrayalx.wixsite.com/gardenfest

April 24-27

Spring Book Sale at Duncan Library

2501 Commonwealth Ave.

The Friends of Duncan Library’s spring book sale helps support the purchase of books, programming, materials, community events, equipment and more for Duncan Library. Complete details at friendsofduncanlibrary.org

May 2

First Thursday: Dog Days in Del Ray

Along Mount Vernon Avenue

6 p.m. to dusk

Bring your four-legged friends along for this free, outdoor street festival featuring live music, themed activities, and more. For more information, visit www.visitdelray.com

Photos: DRBA

The Del Ray Dog Fest returns April 14.

Wholistic Hound Academy’s Sandy Modell guides dogs through an obstacle course during Del Ray Dog Fest.

Del Ray Farmers’ Market Kids’ Club Spotlights

Del Ray Chefs

The Del Ray Farmers’ Market’s popular Power of Produce (POP) Kids’ Club returns in April with a twist – each month, chefs from Del Ray restaurants will host cooking demonstrations for kids highlighting seasonal fruits and vegetables.

“The Del Ray Farmer’s Market has been a foundation for Del Ray’s business district and enticing our residents to patronize our great local businesses.” said Del Ray Farmers’ Market founder and manager Pat Miller. “We hope that having market shoppers learn about our restaurants will reinforce our bonds with the Del Ray business community.” Restaurants slated to host cooking demonstrations for the POP Club are Taqueria Poblano, Matt &

DOG FEST

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

the Off-Leash Puppy Playground. Richards’ eclectic mix of influences include John Mayer, Rob Thomas, Jason Isbell, Chris Stapleton, Stevie Wonder, and Kenny Loggins.

VIP (Very Important Pup!)

Access: New this year is an exclusive VIP option — in addition to giving your pup early access to the fun with a smaller crowd, VIP tickets include a special Del Ray Dog Fest tote bag with extra goodies and entry to the VIP raffle.

Give Back: The ticketed event benefits the Aussie Rescue of the Mid-Atlan-

Tony’s All Day Kitchen + Bar, District Biscuit Company, Pork Barrel BBQ, and Del Ray Pizzeria.

The POP Club helps connect children with local farmers to educate them about nutrition, food, farming, and community, and is free and open to all children ages 4-12. The second Saturday of each month from April through September, children can stop by the POP Club tent on Oxford Avenue during market hours. After completing the activity, children will receive a $5 voucher from the Del Ray Farmers Market that can be used to purchase local fruits and vegetables.

“Learning recipes and watching cooking demonstrations is a great way for kids to learn about seasonal and local fresh

fruits and vegetables. It will also help our community learn the philosophies and cooking techniques of our local restaurants,” said POP Club organizer and founder Jeff O’Hara.

Named one of the best farmers’ markets in the state, the Del Ray Farmers’ Market was founded in 1994 and features fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheeses, breads, fresh pasta, baked goods, cut flowers, and more. In 2023, the Del Ray Farmer’s Market received the Heart of Del Ray, an annual award given to the business or organization that best represents the heart of the Del Ray community.

The year-round market takes place every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at The Pat Miller Neighborhood Square, located

tic, a local rescue started in Del Ray that is an allvolunteer, foster-based rescue made up of Australian Shepherd owners. Learn more at aussierescueofthemidatlantic.org

Yappy Hours: Continue the celebration with Yappy Hour after the event, and check out the dogfriendly dining destinations in Del Ray! From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., select restaurants will offer food &

at the intersection of Oxford and Mount Vernon Avenue in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria. For more informa-

tion and to register for the POP Club, visit delrayfarmersmarket.com/ kidsclub-2024.

drink specials for pups and their humans. The celebration wraps up with an after-party from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Gustave Boulangerie et le Jardin.

The Del Ray Dog Fest is hosted by the Del Ray Business Association and presented by The Peele Group. Get your tickets and more information @ delray_dogfest and www. visitdelray.com

Photo: DRBA Taqueria Poblano owner Jeff Wallingford demonstrates how to make salsa at a 2023 POP Club. The demonstration was so popular that it inspired the 2024 POP Club line-up, which will feature a full summer of cooking demonstrations for children by Del Ray chefs using farmers’ market produce.

Photo: DRBA

2024 Del Ray Dog Fest art by Alexandra Schmeling Fine Art.

LIVING LEGENDS

Living Legend Kate Moran

BY SHIRLEY RUHE

Kate Moran couldn’t decide which way to go. Lucky for Del Ray she made the decision she did. Moran grew up in Alexandria and was an active member of the drama department at Alexandria City High School. At the same time she took another elective, called Human Resources, which taught students about basic teaching methods and paired them with students at Jefferson Houston elementary school with special needs. “I helped him with reading and writing. It was a great experience. I learned some of the basics of teaching.” When deciding what to major in after high school, Moran struggled to decide whether she wanted to focus on her love of teaching or the stage.

Moran eventually decided to major in theatre at Catholic University and after graduation headed off to Europe with three friends from high school, “…to see the world. But when I came back I had to get a real job.” She ended up taking on a teaching assistant position at Naomi L. Brooks Elementary (formerly Maury Elementary) in a class for elementary aged students who qualified for special education services. She then applied and was accepted into an accelerated master’s program at the University of Virginia where she received her Master’s in Special Education from the University of Virginia in 2002.

Moran completed her student teaching practicum in Loudoun County and was later hired for a full-time teaching position upon receiving her masters. Her first teaching positions was working with middle school students at Harper Park Middle School in Loudoun County. While in this position Moran developed and implemented a school-wide behavior program for any student

NOMINATE

who qualified for special education services. Through this program’s development and work, “back when this was fairly new” the school was able to reduce the suspension rate in half the first year and did not have to send any students to private placements.

After teaching in the classroom for 6 years, Moran was ready for a new challenge, and left Loudoun to work as a special education Coordinator with the Alexandria City Public Schools. Moran worked as a secondary level coordinator for the first few years and then coordinated the K-12 Life Skills program, which supported students with intellectual disabilities. Moran then applied and was accepted for a position at the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), where she remains today. Moran has developed policy letters and guidance and oversees State’s special education programs as an Educa-

tion Program Specialist and State Lead. While working at the OSEP, Moran completed her dissertation and received a Doctorate in Special Education Leadership from George Mason University in 2014.

In addition to her experience with education, Moran is a wellestablished singer-songwriter in the DC/MD/VA (DMV) area. She began a successful local music festival in Del Ray (2007), the Del Ray Music Festival, and performed with her pop band, the Kate Moran Band, in and around the DMV area for years. She released an EP and a single with the Kate Moran Band.

She then started her award-winning Rainbow Rock Band where she performs in the DMV and as far away as New York. Her mother Patty, when available, serves as Pattycake Patty in the band.

Dr. Kate furthered her dream when she began the Rainbow Rock Collection, “Rockin the

Rainbow to kids in need all over the world!” a non-profit devoted to meeting the needs of children in her neighborhood and beyond. One specific collection, close to her heart, is the Coat for Kids which partners with the Alexandria Department of Human Services to collect coats for kids in foster care. She founded the Tot Rock Fest in 2015 to support those activities, as well as highlighting the awesome children’s music in the DMV music scene.

Moran and her mother cochair the Nancy Dunning Memorial Garden Committee to create a peaceful garden in her aunt’s memory. “When my aunt was murdered in 2003, I wanted to keep all the things she did going for her legacy. She did the Halloween Parade, volunteered at the Carpenter’s Shelter, and so much in the background to support and help all these events in the community.” At Christmas Kate and Patty help fill the 1,000 luminaries lining the Avenue, put them out and light them in memory of her aunt and Patty’s sister, and Kate has been the host for the Del Ray Holiday Kick-off recounting her aunt’s many accomplishments and leading the families in holiday songs.

Moran along with her mother received a Star Award from the Del Ray Business Association for their years of dedicated work in organizing, supporting, volunteering, fundraising and making a difference in Del Ray. Moran has received the National Parenting Products Award, National Mom’s Choice Gold Award as well as Family’s Choice Gold Award, U.S. Department of Education Peer Recognition Customer Service Award, and has served as a Governor on the Washington D.C. Chapter of the Recording Academy, supporting children’s musicians in the DMV.

A LIVING LEGEND IN ALEXANDRIA BY APRIL 30

You must know someone who you think is a Living Legend in Alexandria. Someone whose dedicated efforts have impacted Alexandria in a positive way? Someone whose efforts inspire others? Someone who deserves to be recognized for their outstanding and lasting contributions to our community?

Visit alexandrialegends.org/ nominations-form/ to nominate that person. Nominations for Alexandria Living Legends are now open through April 30, 2024. To see who has already been inducted, visit alexandrialegends.org

TIPS FOR HELPING YOUR NOMINEES GET SELECTED

Pay attention: Do you know someone who is “the youngest,” “the oldest,” or “the first” in the category of giving back? Is there someone for whom you could craft a sentence that best describes how they stand out based on one or more exemplary and lasting contributions that have significantly impacted Alexandria’s quality of life? (Mention all their contributions, but also focus on one or two “sound bites.”)

Engage your nominee in the process: Let your nominee know

Photo: Steven Halperson/Tisara Photography

Kate Moran and her mother, Patty Moran

Photo: Mary Wadland

The Legends of Alexandria were honored to serve as the Grand Marshalls of the 2024 George Washington Birthday Parade. The Legends who carried the banner were accompanied by a massive, decorated float with our Legends riding there, which was crafted and donated by Alexandria Legends Jason and Loren Yates. The group was so engaging that it was awarded First Prize in Community Spirit by the GW Birthday Celebration Committee.

for her outstanding clinical work and teaching on dissociation and dissociative disorders. In 2014, she was awarded the Potomac Art Therapy Association Professional Scholarship Award for her excellence in professional scholarship and her commitment to art therapy education, supervision, and the promotion of the art therapy field.

As dozens of her friends, colleagues, and family members have said in one way or another, Tally illuminated every room she entered. She exuded a genuine warmth, and her sense of childlike wonder, her interest in every moment of life given to her, and the sheer and unfiltered openness with which she approached every experience was a way of living that allowed her to fully take in what life offered with deep appreciation, joy, and connection. This was particularly true when she engaged with the natural world through her backpacking and wilderness experiences.

It was this spirit and love of the outdoors that took Tally to the top of Mount Kenya during her post-college NOLS adventure in 1979, up the Inca Trail in Peru to Machu Picchu on her second NOLS adventure in 1987, and to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in 2012 for her 57th birthday—a lifelong goal. To see a photograph of Tally taken during one of these adventures, surrounded by her fellow trekkers, face smeared with sunblock and the grime of the trail, is to see someone truly in harmony with life’s most joyous possibilities. Tally had an innate understanding that every moment of life is precious and, as such, worthy of her full attention. And her joyous lust for life was contagious and inspiring to everyone who knew her.

Tally was born at Women’s Hospital in New York City on April 9, 1955, and adopted at birth by Dr. Wil-

liam Henry Tripp (a young OBGYN resident at the hospital) and his wife Joy Lawless Tripp. The young family later adopted a son, Richard Tripp, and moved to West Hartford, CT. In 2018, Tally reconnected with her birth mother for the first time and, as a result, forged a close relationship with her large biological family, which she deeply cherished. Tally, her husband, and her adult children were embraced by her newfound birth family, and they celebrated last Christmas together along with her 91-year-old birth mother.

Tally attended Renbrook School in West Hartford, CT and the prestigious Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, CT. She attended Roanoke College in Roanoke, VA (1975 - 1979), a choice she made partially for its proximity to the foothills between the Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountains, which allowed quick access to the region’s numerous backpacking trails.

Tally is survived by her husband, Mark Morrow, whom she married June 4, 1988, and two daughters, Olivia Tripp Morrow and Camille Louise Tripp Morrow; a brother, Richard Tripp; and her newfound biological family, including her mother Janet Maxwell Foster Berne and her siblings Cheryl Ann Mallen, Andrew Keith Berne, and Christopher Russell Berne.

A celebration of her life will be April 13, 2024, at 11 AM at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2911 Cameron Mills Road, Alexandria, VA 22302 with a reception immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Tally’s memory to one of the organizations to which she gave so much of herself: the Common Threads Project (commonthreadsproject.org/ ), the Nigerian Internationally Displaced Persons Diaspora Support Group ( crowdfunder.co.uk/p/ nidsg-1191702), or Therapeutic Arts Program of the Global Alliance for Africa (globalallianceafrica.org/).

BY GOVERNOR BURKE

Beginning at the turn of the 20th century, and in business through the 1930s, the Lee Street Ice House provided Alexandria’s residents and businesses with ice, before people had access to refrigerators. It sold hundreds of thousands of pounds each year. There were two ice houses in the city. The Lee Street location still has its historic look and sign. What happened to the second ice house on Commerce Street? The property is occupied by Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats. See photo on page 29.

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 above, we will reveal what it is and where it is in our next issue, along with a new one for you to ponder.

Photo by Governor Burke

Photo: Unknown/Unseen Old Town Facebook group

‘New Views in Old Town’ Installations to Unveil this Cherry Blossom Season

BY DANIYA TAMENDAROVA AND SARA KOHN, ALEXANDRIA BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION

Alexandria’s Waterfront Park is host to the sixth “Site See: New Views in Old Town” public art installation. We sat down with Meika Daus and Diane Ruggiero at the City of Alexandria Office of the Arts to catch up on this popular project.

A bit of history: In 2012, the Alexandria City Council adopted a policy to grow the City’s public art into an engaging program that would reflect Alexandria’s history, people, cultural identity, and future aspirations. The City commissioned a Public Art Implementation Plan, approved by City Council in December 2014.

The idea of temporary public art installations at the waterfront began in 2016, with the first installation in 2019. Since then, a procession of memorable, moving, evocative sitespecific installations sprung up by the river’s edge, each one touching on something about Alexandria that

a meteor hit this area and reshaped its future—our past and present— impacting the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed and the flow of its rivers. This installation will take viewers back 35 million years when a meteor hit this area and reshaped its future—our past and present—impacting the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed and the flow of its rivers.

The waterfront is a temporary host to the Site See series. Major flood mitigation construction will begin here in 2025. Given the popularity of the series, the Office of the Arts is working with other City departments to find another home for the installations while construction is ongoing.

called out to the artists—its history, its people, its geography.

The new installation was unveiled on March 25 and closes in November, just before the holiday tree goes

Celebrate Earth Day 2024 in Alexandria Throughout the Month of April

BY ABC, CITY OF ALEXANDRIA T&ES, AND ECO-CITY ALEXANDRIA

Join the City of Alexandria and the Alexandria Beautification Commission in celebrating Earth Day 2024 throughout the month of April with in-person and virtual events. See details at alexandriava.gov/earthday; a sustainable world starts with all of us!

Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of global events involving one billion people in more than 193 countries. Alexandria’s Earth Month theme for 2024 is “I am an Eco-City Superhero.” Some of this year’s events include:

• Stream Cleanup at the Living Shoreline, Windmill Hill Park: April 6th, 9-11am

• Spring Garden Market at River Farm: April 12-13, 9-3pm

• Reading of the Earth Month & Arbor Day Proclamation, Tree

Planting, and ACPS Student Art

Showcase at City Hall: Saturday, April 13th, 8:30-9:30am

• ALX Dog Walk and Sustainability Festival, Oronoco Bay Park: April 20 th, 7-11am

CONTINUED ON PAGE 41

up. Interstellar Influencer (Make an Impact) by Jason Klimoski and Lesley Chang (STUDIOKCA) takes viewers back 35 million years when

To learn more about public art in Alexandria, check out the public art location tool through the Public Art Archive. The public is invited to add to the maps when they stumble across a great mural or art piece in their walks through their neighborhoods (see alexandriava.gov/PublicArt).

YOU CAN INCREASE HABITATWITH A LAWN OF NATIVE PLANTS

BY KEN KRUPA AND ELEANOR QUIGLEY, ABC

The 1960s standard for a front yard was a “smooth, closely shaven surface of grass.” Now we admire yards with a variety of planting beds, bushes, and shade trees. To make our yards more environmentally productive, let’s rethink the lawn. By changing the standard, we can have fluttering butterflies and nurture desirable insects. We can even make our neighbors jealous!

Native plants need less water, fertilizer and mowing than turf grass. Here are some suggestions:

Dwarf Cinquefoil (Potentilla canadensis) stands up to moderate foot traffic and drought. Likes full to part sun and has yellow flowers in Spring. Grows 2-4-inches tall. In drought, it wilts and then springs back after a rain.

Pennsylvania Sedge (Carex pensylvanica) a shade-tolerant, grass-like plant that forms

dense, carpet-like groundcover. Plant in partial to full shade in moist, well-drained soil. Needs watering during dry spells.

Narrow-leaved Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium) a perennial with vio-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 33

Photos courtesy @transplantedtatar

On left is the powerful 2023 Site See installation, “Two Boxes of Oranges and Admonia Jackson,” by Nina Cooke John of Studio Cooke John. On right is the new 2024 installation. “Interstellar Influencer” (Make an Impact) by Jason Klimoski and Lesley Chang of StudioKCA.

Photo courtesy City of Alexandria Alexandria City Council and citizens plant a tree during Earth Day 2023.

Photo courtesy Deana Crumbling Lawn area of blooming Dwarf Cinquefoil.

Z-vironment

What Makes Alexandria Beautiful: Tree Edition

BY STEVE COHEN, ABC

Alexandria is the home of a “State Champion” Star Magnolia tree which is beautiful this time of year. The tree is located at Wilkes & Hamilton (600 S. Hamilton Lane) near the Alexandria National Cemetery. The botanical name is Magnolia Stellata and this particular magnolia species produces distinctive blooms with clusters of long petals. It features

extremely fragrant star-shaped snowwhite flowers in early spring, upright and multi-stemmed with neat foliage. Typically, the Star Magnolia will grow to be about 15-20 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 10 feet and a low canopy. Magnolias grow at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 80 years or more! Please check out this beauty in our neighborhood!

THINKTWICE BEFORE PAINTING HISTORIC BRICKS (OR DON’T DO ITATALL)

BY LEAH BANCHERI, ABC

Have you noticed the latest trend in the suburbs?

Drive around and you’ll see houses with freshly painted bright white brick facades. While it may seem like a harmless upgrade, there’s a catch—this trend may cause serious problems for your home over time.

Bricks are trusty building blocks made of clay and sand. They are typically held together with lime mortar. Thanks to their natural materiality, bricks are porous and need to breathe. Not only does this make them great insulators and fire retardants, but they are also practically maintenance free.

At first glance, painting a brick wall might seem like an easy way to spruce things up without much hassle. But it’s the complete opposite. When you paint over bricks, especially historic ones, you prevent them from expanding and contracting properly. This

traps moisture, the ultimate enemy of historic structures. Painting bricks suffocates them, leading to degradation over time. Cracks and crumbles start showing up, letting water seep into your home. And once this process starts, removing the paint and restoring bricks to their original condition becomes impossible.

Alexandria Beautification Commission’s 2024 Awards Season to Launch April 5

BY YANIQUE REVERS, ABC

The Alexandria Beautification Commission (ABC) is gearing up for its highly anticipated 2024 awards season, set to kick off on April 5. As the city prepares for its annual celebration of landscaping, architecture, and sustainable environmental practices that create a healthier community, residents and businesses will have the opportunity to showcase their contributions to the city’s quality of life.

The nomination process for property beautification submissions is straightforward and inclusive. Residents, businesses and community spaces are encouraged to nominate their properties or those they admire in various categories. The categories are as follows:

• Residential Beautification

• Excellence in Architecture

• Community Beautification

• Commercial Beautification

This year, balconies viewable from

public roads are eligible for nominations too.

Nominations can only be submitted online through the ABC website (alexandriava.gov/Beautification).

The submission form link will be available on April 5. Each submission should include relevant photographs and a brief description highlighting the unique features that meet each category’s requirements.

The submission deadline is May 24. Following the nomination period, ABC will carefully review each submission to determine the winners in each category. All submissions will be notified of their status by June 28

For more information and to submit nominations, please visit the ABC website at alexandriava.gov/ Beautification or email us at alexandriabeautifcation@gmail.com

To stay informed about beauty in our area, follow ABC at:

Instagram: @beautifulalx

Facebook: facebook.com/AlexandriaBeautification/

Photo courtesy Yanique Revers Indulge in delicious delights at Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats, Alexandria’s Beautification Awards Winner for Commercial in 2023!

Photo courtesy @cohen9497.

The State Champion Star Magnolia tree, located at Wilkes St & Hamilton Lane, is beautiful in the spring!

Photo courtesy Leah Bancheri.

Painted and unpainted bricks on King Street.

BY DEBBY CRITCHLEY

FOODIE

Hungry?

I’m sitting here listening to the wind blowing around my house and wondering where spring went to. It sounds like March is going out as a lion, not a lamb. March brought a combination of heat and cold weather. April is looking good, promising warm weather. Cherry blossoms are past peak bloom while red buds and dogwoods are ready to pop. Also looking good are some of the happenings around town.

Coming events

Opening soon is The Kiln Restaurant at Hotel Heron, 699 Prince St., the new hotel’s flagship restaurant. It gets its name from an open hearth in the eatery. The all-day restaurant will feature beloved classics “skillfully reimagined with a contemporary twist, as well as locally inspired dishes that celebrate the best of the Chesapeake Bay and beyond.” Dishes will be “infused with open flame, smoke, and char over the embers of the open-hearth grill.” Hours at the new restaurant will be 7 am to 10 pm. The 134- room hotel, part of the Aparium Hotel Group, will also include a rooftop bar in addition to Kiln, which will be located on the ground floor.

Atlas Brew Works is planning to open during Memorial Day weekend. The brew-

ery is located at 2429 Mandeville Lane in the Carlyle Crossing neighborhood. As mentioned in February and March 2023, the brewery, with a production capacity of 2,000 barrels, and tap room will offer food from Andy’s Pizza.

Benny Diforza’s Pizza, 1504 Mt. Vernon Ave., has new pizza toppings this month. Stop in for a slice or a pie. The Masters topped with pancetta, red peppers, shredded cheddar, and hot honey celebrates the golf tournament. The vegetarian special, the Duchess, is topped with with shaved brussel sprouts, red onions, and pesto.

Reworking existing establishments

Piece Out, 2419 Mt. Vernon Ave., is almost open. The Ponzis have been renovating the location for almost a year and includes expanding into the space next door left empty by Body Logic.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

The addi-

Courtesy photo Rendering of Kiln at the Heron Hotel

Photo courtesy of Atlas Brew Works The Ponzi IPA at Atlas Brewery

Photo: Debby Critchley

Piece Out is opening soon!

Le Jardin Beer Garden Opens at Gustave Boulangerie

BY LIZ BASTOS

Francophiles, rejoice! A corner of France is in Del Ray!

Owned by husbandand-wife team Karim Mashmour and Ibtissam Lhadi, Gustave Boulangerie serves craveable croissants, quiche, croque madames, and Illy coffee. Now, beer and wine are served in the adjoining Gustave Le Jardin beer garden, which has a bocce court, picnic tables, a sandbox for kids, and a dog park.

Gustave Le Jardin had its Del Ray Business Association ribbon-cutting celebration on March 9, a day when the lyric to the Cole Porter song “I Love Paris…in the springtime, when it drizzles” was apropos. It poured.

Still, it was a bonjour. Mayor Justin Wilson sampled pastries. Vice Mayor Amy Jackson braved the rain in a bright pink jacket. Councilwoman Alyia

Gaskins greeted friends. A la mode was Councilman’s Kirk McPike’s chapeau . Long-time Del Ray Business Association board member Gayle Reuter said, “We’re thrilled about this place opening up! The rain is like good luck on a wedding day.”

The inspiration for Gustave was Mashmour’s childhood in Belfort, a small city in northeastern France on the German border, known for its bou-

langeries, beer gardens, and quality of life.

Mashmour remembers that, by 6 or 7 years old, kids were sent to the local boulangerie to get their family’s pain quotidien . “I would tear off le quignon [the heel of the baguette] and eat it, even though it made my dad mad.” The bread was “fragrant and still warm from the oven.”

From the humble quignon , a career was born. After years as a French bread master, in 2017 Mashmour came to D.C. to oversee the opening of the famed Boulangerie Christophe. He later became general manager of Tatte at Capitol Crossing.

Of the couple’s first business venture, Mashmour said, “We chose Del Ray because it’s a family neighborhood. We wanted Gustave to be a family gathering place with a distinctly French way of being.”

They’ve done it. Open

CONTINUED ON PAGE 33

More Patios, More Fun

All photos: Liz Bastos

Les baguettes, s’il vous plait!

The ribbon cutting, with Mashmour, Lhadi, and 8-monthold Aiden, flanked by Mayor Justin Wilson and Vice Mayor Amy Jackson.

Raspberry Croissants are a Zebra favorite (because they’re striped!)

tional space will contain a bar area and an additional dining area as well as dart boards and shuffleboard courts. One of the specialty pizzas includes the Detroitstyle with crispy edges. The menu expanded to include lots of Italian dishes, earning a loyal following. Chef Johnny Mohl is working on expanding the menu with seasonal offerings. According to their website, “Our new expanded space is still in testing phase! We’re planning a few more soft openings and slowly expanding the menu—aiming for a full open in April!”

Long time favorite, Marino’s Pizza & Subs at 3100 Richmond Highway is becoming Omar’s Pitas & Platters. Talat Omar, the new owner, is transitioning

to a carry-out Middle Eastern restaurant. The carryout will be open 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, Sunday through Thursday, and 11:00 am to 1:00 am, Friday and Saturday. The menu will feature grilled meats, vegetarian offerings, pitas, and rice platters with a variety of toppings. We were saddened when Sunday in Saigon closed but it will be reopening as L’italiano Vero featuring dining and a bar. There is no other information at this time.

Just across the river

Have you considered having a meal at nearby MGM National Harbor? You ought

to, there’s a lot to like. Restaurants ring the casino and surround the Conservatory and offer a variety of delicious food. Ginger provides a menu featuring a tour of Asia with Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Korean and Japanese dishes. Menu favorites include Vietnamese spring rolls, Panang curry, soft-shell crab fried rice, and house-style live lobster. Enjpy their $8.88 Tikki cocktails every Monday through Thursday. Acclaimed chefs, hometown MD favorites, brothers Bryan and Michael Voltaggio bring their innovative cooking style to Voltaggio

Photo: Google Maps

Pitas and Platters

Photo: Debby Critchley Steamed Siu Mai of shrimp and chicken and Sichuan Spiced Dumplings at Ginger.

Photo: Courtesy of Votaggio Brothers Steakhouse

drinks at Voltaggio Brothers Steakhouse

LE JARDIN

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

the door and immediately, it’s the continent. French pop and Edith Piaf play. The barista sings out, “Bonjour!” The staff are in the navy stripe top, la marinière, embroidered with a red heart. “Customers love these shirts so much,” Lhadi said. “I’ve been asked to start selling them!”

French teacher Elodie Guillon will be hosting French conversation groups here monthly, starting March 23. When asked, “Why Gustave?” she responded Gallic-ly, definitively, “Because it’s French And the owners are lovely.”

“I’m a family person,” Lladi said. “I want Gustave

FOODIE NEWS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32

Brothers Steak House. The restaurant menu features both familiar and nuanced offerings such as dry-aged beef cuts and riffs on classic steakhouse fare including shrimp cocktail, wedge salad, and a twice baked potato Stop by on Throw ‘Em Back Thursdays, with its weekly special offerings of a range of sweet and savory lobsters, mussels, clams and more. Osteria Costa brings a taste of the Amalfi Coast with a variety of wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas,

to be where everyone feels welcomed.” She was thrilled that even in the recent rain, kids continued to play in Le Jardin’s sandbox. “They just enjoy life!” she said.

Lhadi, originally from Morocco, plans Le Jardin’s summer menu of French-

Mediterranean specialties. “The merguez sausage sandwich equals the South of France,” she said. “And la tarte tropézienne,” Mashmour added. It’s a brioche filled with creme diplomat and was a favorite of Brigitte Bardot, the O.G. French girl herself.

Zebra predicts that this summer, because of Gustave Boulangerie and Le Jardin Beer Garden, the Mt. Vernon and Del Ray Ave. in-

fresh seafood, and Italian spirits. Enjoy their Sunday bottomless food and drinks brunch, complete with entertainment. The first Sun-

PLANTS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

let springtime blooms that grows best in full to partial sun.

Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica), small, succulent perennial plant that grows in full sun to part shade. Its narrow leaves produce

small pale pink flowers in Spring, forming extensive ground cover. Plant in Fall. Plant bare spots or remove areas of turf and plant a combination of our native plant suggestions after the last frost and they will creep into your existing lawn.  Delay first mowing until June 1st (“No Mow May”) to encourage the roots and

day of every month features Praise 104.1 for special Gospel Performances from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Bellagio Patisserie enchants you with their elegant and delicious sweet treats. Offerings include Strawberry Passion Chocolate bars, Milk Chocolate Mago Chili, and Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate. More peanut butter and dark chocolate please.

Until next time, eat well and enjoy.

Do you have a bit of Foodie Newz to share? Hit me up at debbyc@thezebrapress. com.

It’s love at first sight at the Bellagio Patisserie

spread of Spring blooming plants. Set your mower to 3 to 4-inches above ground.

Bonus: Alexandria will give you a Stormwater Utility Fee Credit for this type of planting! Email  stormwater@alexandria.gov for eligibility requirements and apply when the application process opens again in December 2024.

tersection will be one of the best intersections in the city to participate in the French art that is the enjoyment of life.

127 North Washington Street Old Town Alexandria 703-548-4661

www.lerefugealexandria.com

Old Town’s Longest Running Family-Owned French Restaurant

Photo: Debby Critchley

Osteria Costa served Fig & Prosciutto Pizza and Pompeii Shrimp in a spicy broth over polenta

Lhadi presents a box of canelés and a smile.

Le Jardin is open just in time for Alexandria’s spring.

Photo: Debby Critchley

Scene Around Town

Photos by Lucelle O’Flaherty

ABOVE: Deirdre Kelly Lavrakas with her 2 Tibetian Terriers, MICK & RONAN, at Ft. Ward.

ABOVE: Alexandria Central Rotary donated $3000 to ComputerCore at Glory Days Restaurant. President Fitsum Habtemariam, Rotary District Governor Dr. Elisabeth Johnson, Rotary Club President-Elect Todd Ruopp, Deputy Executive Director of Seaport Foundation, ComputerCore Executive Director Donna Walker James, Living Legend Col James Paige, and many others were in attendance.

ABOVE: Bridget Kelliher with her newborn on baby’s first election day, Super Tuesday at Polk Elementary Precinct.

LEFT: Steve Houk, Susan Engles, and Sara Dudley Brown celebrated their birthdays this month at the Zebra Staff meeting.

ABOVE: Benny DiForza Pizza had their ribbon-cutting on March 1 at 1504 Mt. Vernon Ave. in Del Ray. The huge pizza is 28 inches in diameter!

BELOW: The Macklin sisters celebrate their mother, Nancy Macklin.

LEFT: Living Legend Rosa Bryd with her sister Ellen Nelson at the City Council Chamber for Proclamation for Women’s History Month.

RIGHT: Jill Diederich with MILLIE, an 18-month-old Labradoodle adopted from Wolf Trap Animal Rescue.

LEFT; Rick Schneider, former attorney, opened Magpie ReclamationsVintage Furniture behind Kiskadee, 202 E. Curtis Ave in Del Ray.

LEFT: Marcia Newman, of DMV Dog Training and Boarding, offers a treat in Del Ray. (DMVDogs.com

ABOVE: Four local authors discuss books at Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen StreetRalph Peluso, Back Stories; Jeffrey James Higgins, Moderator; Nathan Toronto, Rise of Ahrik; John Wasowicz, Old Town Mysteries; Ed Moser, The Lost History of the Capitol.

Unleash the Third Annual

BY LES MACHADO

On Saturday, April 20, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., hundreds of walkers, both the fourlegged kind and their two-legged human pals, will again gather at Oronoco Bay Park in Old Town Alexandria for the Third Annual ALX Dog Walk, the ultimate dog walk event/celebration in the District, Maryland, and Virginia area. As in past years, the walk serves two purposes: a fun gathering for dogs and their owners while raising awareness about recycling, sustainability, and becoming plastic free.

“At our core, we believe in the power of positive community engagement and education to drive positive change,” said Julie Chapman, Founder and Chair of ALX Dog Walk. “Our dog walk, alongside our extensive out-

reach and initiatives, aims to ceive and address plastic pollution

The dog walk will kick off Park with remarks by Channel cee Chuck Bell and Alexandria

At 8:15 a.m., participants (and their two-mile walk down historic along the Waterfront Walk Bay Park.

For the second year, employees cious Dog Treats will lead the positive experience for our about participating again” said lo. “It was a great opportunity know this organization exists, have people put a face with

Memories of Two Great Days,

All photos by Lucelle Mary Wadland, Susan Fleischman and

ABOVE: Recycled/Upcycled Costume Competition Participant

LEFT: Debby Critchley and BAO at the Smooch Your Pooch Kissing Booth!

ABOVE: A young too (for the day).

RIGHT TOP: Walkers through the Old Town

RIGHT BOTTOM: Along waterfront humans stop at this custom

the FUN At The Annual ALX Dog Walk!

to change the way people perpollution and sustainability.”

at 8:00 a.m. at Oronoco Bay Channel 4 meteorologist and emAlexandria Mayor Justin Wilson. (and their owners) will begin historic Union St, looping back before returning to Oronoco employees from Pawfectly Delithe walk. “Last year was such a team and they are so excited said co-founder Anne Tuccilopportunity for them to let other people exists, to carry our banner and the organization, and to ex-

pose our business to a wider group of people.”

Following the dog walk, Del Ray’s The Dog Store will award $100 gift cards in six categories on the main stage at Oronoco Bay Park: (1) funniest personality; (2) best groomed; (3) twinsie (dog that most resembles its owner); (4) best upcycled/recycled costume; (5) biggest ears; and (6) fluffiest tail. The Dog Store’s Annabell Bivens said that it was a no brainer to partner with ALX Dog Walk for the third consecutive year: “It’s right in line with what we like to do; focusing on the sustainable aspects of pet ownership, like brands that offer a recycling program for packaging, only use responsibly raised proteins in their food with transparent sourcing, and are thoughtful about their environmental impact.”

Before and after the walk, participants will have an opportunity to visit the Sustainability Festival, a diverse

range of public, private, and nonprofit organizations showcasing sustainable products, services, and programs. “The Sustainability Festival is a great way to promote awareness and inspire action,” Chapman said. “The ALX Dog Walk’s annual walk is a ‘platform for good.’ We strive to lift up organizations that help us achieve our mission of promoting plastic-free and sustainable living.”

Two of those organizations are The Greenery, which makes coffee that is sustainable for the body, mind, and planet by sourcing beans through a farmer-focused cooperative in Guatemala and composting all grounds, togo cups, and lids, and Holistic Hair, which has been recognized as a Green Circle Salon through its recycling of up to 95 percent of salon waste, including hair clippings,

CONTINUED ON PAGE 38

Days, with More to Come!

Lucelle O'Flaherty, Susan Mulligan

Kris Gilbertson

young girl with a dog tat-

Walkers weave around and Town waterfront.

Along

Town and dogs alike can

water station.

ABOVE: Channel 4 meteorologist and emcee Chuck Bell.

DOG WALK

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

Other organizations at the Sustainability Festival include The National Park Service’s “Bark Ranger Program,” which promotes conservation in the national parks in a fun and creative way by emphasizing responsible pet ownership through the program’s principles: “B” - Bag waste; “A” - Always keep your dog on a leash; “R” - Respect wildlife; “K”Know where you can go,” and the Plastic Pollution Coalition, whose dedicated advocacy and awareness campaigns play a pivotal role in fostering positive change, urging both individuals and businesses to reconsider their plastic consumption habits.

A new addition to this year’s ALX Dog Walk is the Spring2ACTion Nonprofit Village, where local organizations can educate the public about their missions in advance of a 24-hour charitable giving event starting on April 24. In addition to the host, ACT for Alexandria, other invitees include Arts on the Horizon, Alexandria Police Foundation, Alexandria Singers, All Ages Read Together, Carpenter’s Shelter, Child & Family Network Centers, Cook for Vets, Fort Hunt Preschool, Housing Alexandria, Neighborhood Health, National Center of Women’s Innovations, Old Presbyterian Meeting House, and Stop Child Abuse Now. As a bonus, the organizations will be using environmentally friendly, plastic-free/recycled plastic tables, thus promoting both charitable giving and sustainable practices within the community.

In addition to visiting the Sustainability Festival and the Spring2ACTion Nonprofit Village, walkers can purchase baked items from The Board of Lady Managers of Inova Hospital, and get a free cup of coffee from The Greenery (if you bring your own sustainable coffee cup). There will also be a dog tattoo artist, a dog obstacle course, a dog kissing booth, a selfie Instagram photo booth, and composting bins throughout the park.

Sarah Chittenden, Creative Director at The Dog Store, added that the store is sponsoring the raffle of a gift basket filled with over $450 of sustainable dog goods, with all proceeds donated to the ALX Dog Walk. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time, in person or by calling the store ($3 each or 5 for $10), or at the ALX Dog Walk. The winning ticket will be drawn at the ALX Dog Walk.

All ALX Dog Walk registered participants will receive a drawstring canvas backpack that includes a dog-walk t-shirt, dog bandana, metal straw, and other sustainable dog/ human treats. They can be picked up the morning of April 20, starting at 7:00 a.m. at Oronoco Bay Park, or

CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

ABOVE: : ALX Dog Walk founder Julie Chapman presents a $10,000 check to the Potomac Conservancy, the region’s top advocate for clean water and ecosystem preservation along the Potomac River.

RIGHT: ALX Dog Walk Participant

ABOVE: Recycled/ Upcycled Competition Participants.

ABOVE: There are plenty of great photos to shoot at the ALX Dog Walk like this pooch who looks like he stopped and asked his owner to take a selfie for him.

RIGHT: DIGGER is a Member of the Walk’s 2024 Doggie Outreach Pack and also a Volunteer of the Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail.

aluminum hair foils and used color tubes, and leftover color mixtures.

ABOVE: Dogs playing with bubbles.

ABOVE: Lucelle O’Flaherty, Kay K, and Friend.

LEFT: ALX Dog Walk participants.

BELOW: Zebra’s Mary Wadland and ALX Dog Walk Founder and Chair Julie Chapman.

DOG WALK

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38

the prior Wednesday (April 17), during the pre-event check-in at The Greenery on 1023 Queen Street, between 12:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

The ALX Dog Walk, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, organizes the annual dog walk to build community, have fun, and educate citizens across the DMV about plastic-free and sustainable living while also helping to beautify the City of Alexandria and protect its environment. With the funds raised from the annual dog walk event, ALX Dog Walk provides financial support to other nonprofit programs that directly help extend its mission,

and helps to beautify the City of Alexandria.

The approximate $35,000 in net proceeds from last year’s walk resulted in a $10,000 contribution to The Potomac Conservancy’s Today’s Seeds for Tomorrow’s Trees program, to help conserve riverside lands and keep the Potomac River vibrant; a $1,000 donation to the Plastic Pollution Coalition, to continue its critical work to stop plastic production at its source; funding the development of a sustainable/plastic-free event table planning toolkit; sponsoring ALX Bark Bingo, a city-wide awareness campaign; adopting one bench in a local Alexandria park; and providing 20 free plastic/litter pick-up kits to Alexandria residents and businesses.

2024 ALX Dog Walk sponsors include NBC4 Washington, WTOP news, the Alexan-

dria Zebra, Robyn Porter Realtor, Morgan Stanley, The Dog Store, Posh Pets, United States Senate Federal Credit Union, Chippin pet food and treats, Veterinary Emergency Group, Paradigm Management, Dominion Energy, Movement Mortgage, Monster Organics, Elpaw Veterinary Clinic, ten thousand villages, and ting Internet.

Chapman said that, although the event caters to dogs and their owners, everybody is welcome: “If you don’t have a dog, no problem. There are lots of fun things to do, its great fun dog watching, and there are many opportunities to learn. It’s gonna be a tail waggin’ fun time!”

Register at www.alxdogwalk.com . Follow @alxdogwalk on Instagram, facebook, and X.

ABOVE: Most of the ALX Dog Walk happens alongside the picturesque Old Town Alexandria waterfront.

RIGHT: Dog Walk: Plastic Pollution Coalition.

ABOVE:: Congressman Don Beyer with his family pup

RIGHT: This Standard Poodle was a standout in the crowd and quickly drew a mini fan club.

GALACTIC PANTHER

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

“I only knew grocery store tea before ESP. Now, I’ve totally immersed myself in tea. I’m trying to create a tea culture here in Alexandria. There’s something special about it.  We have an amazing selection at ESP. We even serve some of the teas here at the Gallery.”

After speaking to Muendel and attending gallery events, it became clear that the thread through it all was Erik’s love of tea.

However, Erik’s vision extended beyond tea culture. Drawn to the eclectic charm of Old Town, he felt a magnetic pull towards preserving and enhancing

IMMERSION

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

and Prashant Shankar, 22 , listened intently as invisible actors recited short lines of text that floated across five scroll-like screens.

Printed in pastel shades, the text was accompanied by dramatic voiceovers but did not identify which of Shakespeare’s works was being performed (a brochure does identify the sources). Both Tung and Shankar, software engineers who work for Amazon in Arlington and Herndon, respectively, said they found the experience intriguing.

“I can see some word patterns,” said Tung, a recent graduate of Arizona State in Tempe who recently moved to Arlington to work for Amazon. He and Shankar biked from Pentagon City to see the peak of cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin before heading back across the

Potomac River to Old Town on a warm and sunny springlike afternoon. They hardly expected to be transported to 1600s England.

“We saw the sign in the elevators and thought this was a main event,” Tung added, noting with a smile the small, enclosed venue, which was unoccupied except for them and Dezi Ver, a Torpedo Factory gallery monitor who was seated silently behind a small desk, scrolling on his phone. An exhibit brochure said the Shakespeare's Garden Sound Stroll is presented in part nership with the City of Alexandria Office of the Arts and Virginia Tech’s Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology, and lists five installation selections ranging from scenes from As You Like It and The Merchant of Venice to pairings of six sonnets, and the “spatial audio” from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The Hilton Alexandria Mark Center is listed as the sponsor.

Indeed, the garden sound

the unique essence of ESP. Its hip ambiance, reminiscent of cultural hotspots in Atlanta and San Francisco, captured Erik’s imagination.

The transformation of the venue and subsequent opening of Galactic Panther began with the infusion of art into ESP’s space, featuring the captivating works of artists like Eli Pollard, now a co-owner of Galactic. The synergy between Erik’s affinity for West Virginia’s art scene and his passion for Old Town Alexandria laid the groundwork for Galactic Panther Gallery.

“It became clear that we needed more space because the open mic nights

were becoming so popular at ESP. I thought there was something special about the growing community, and I knew I had to get more space. And the art I had decorating the walls, people kept asking if it was for sale, which gave me the idea to open a gallery. There was such demand for it, and it allowed up-and-coming artists to break through.”

Galactic Panther Gallery officially opened its doors in August 2021, unveiling a haven where art aficionados, performers, and seekers of creative expression converge. From open mic nights to photography exhibitions curated by Erik himself, the gallery quickly

stroll offers an interesting solo experience as well with its four ambient “Garden Soundscapes” created by processing field recordings of nature, including a babbling brook, wind creaking noises, a field of cicadas, a woodpecker pecking, and a robin singing. The exhibit is a mix of light and sound with musical harmonies and textures offered as the collaborative effort of Virginia Tech’s Center for Humanities, School of Performing Arts, School of Visual Arts, and the Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology (CAT) through a grant from the Voice and Speech Trainers Association and a group of recording, light, lighting design, and production managers. Originally, Shakespeare’s Garden was presented in The Cube at Virginia Tech in 2018.

“I think it’s fun to guess what plays they’re from—but I think I need to be reading more Shakespeare,” laughed Shankar, a recent graduate from the University of Michigan who attended Troy High

became a melting pot of artistic talent and cultural exchange.

Erik’s philosophy revolves around nurturing a sense of community and providing a platform for emerging artists to flourish. Central to his vision is freedom of expression and inclusivity.

While the gallery refrains from engaging in overt activism, it embraces the diversity of voices and perspectives, encouraging dialogue and mutual respect. In Erik’s words, it’s about allowing art to speak for itself and providing a space where authenticity is at the forefront.

A commitment to community relevance and creativity guides the selection process for artists and workshop leaders at Galactic Panther Gallery. From sound baths to jewelrymaking workshops, each event is curated to resonate with the eclectic tastes of the community and support budding talents.

As Galactic Panther Gallery continues to evolve, Erik remains steadfast in his dedication to the growing, vibrant artistic community. With each exhibition, workshop, and performance, the gallery cements its position as a cultural cornerstone in Old Town Alexandria, a testament to Erik and Eli’s unwavering passion for art, culture, and community.

School in Troy, Michigan for four years before heading to college. “When you start working on your degree courses, you tend to focus only on those things and you kind of have to seek these things out.”

Shankar said his high school teachers were “good” at teaching Shakespeare and smiled at the memory of once knowing a few of Shakespeare’s classics fairly well.

“It is kind of hard to read Shakespeare (in high school) but they helped us understand the language and analyze symbols. Without a good teacher, you would not even notice some of the symbols,” he added thoughtfully.

“This exhibit really reminded me of high school—the last time we read Shakespeare, studying one play each year of high school—Romeo & Juliet, Julius Caesar, Hamlet, and The Tempest,” Shankar explained, noting that after his Advanced Placement English classes “our school had a month after our AP tests and

they let us relax a little bit with Shakespeare.”

As he listened to Shankar list the plays, Tung said he had also studied Romeo & Juliet as a freshman at his hometown high school in Seattle, followed by Macbeth, then Hamlet, and AP English classes as well. Noting the number of cultural opportunities in his new home in the D.C. area, Tung said he has discovered many opportunities like the Shakespeare's Garden program, that made it easy to enjoy the fine arts here.

The Shakespeare’s Garden Sound Stroll at the Torpedo Factory (105 N. Union St.) is located near the spiral staircase. The exhibit runs from Feb. 5 to May 26, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. visitalexandria. com/events/shakespearesgarden-an-immersive-soundstroll-through-his-sonnets-soliloquies-and-scenes/ Read student’s experiences studying Shakespeare on pages 8 and 10.

Camilla Mancilla, the wife of Felipe Pino, has a permanent display of her art at the Gallery. Her deeply complex structures were inspired by her architectural background.

Galactic Panther Staff and Alexandria community members take part in a gong fu cha tea workshop led by owner Erik Muendel.

Native Plant Sale on Quaker Lane Is Back

It’s time for the Spring 2024 Northern Alexandria Native Plant Sale on Saturday, April 27!

For over 20 years, Parkfairfax residents Scott Knudsen and his wife Jennifer Pease have thrown “native plant parties”— hosting vendors from all over the Mid-Atlantic region and inviting everyone in our D.C. metro region to come and broaden his or her ecological perspective—twice a year.

Last year’s spring sale was the most successful of all previous 38 sales, with over 1,000 people stopping by to pick up over 5,000 native plants from the ten vendors hosted.

On April 27, from 9 AM to 2 PM, eleven vendors from Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and D.C. will gather to sell native perennials, shrubs, and trees for sun or shade in the parking lot of the Church of St. Clement at 1701 N. Quaker Lane.

Parking can be found about the neighborhood and will be allowed at Christ the King, the church across the street from St. Clement on Oakcrest Drive. Live music will be provided by local guitarist Jim Sheats.

Admission is free and all are welcome! For a listing of the 11 vendors and contact information to order specific plants from any of them ahead of time, visit www. NorthernAlexandriaNa -

EARTH DAY

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

• Del Ray Gardenfest at 2207 Mount Vernon Avenue: April 21st, noon4pm. The Ellen Pickering Award recipient will be awarded at this event.

• Eco-City Festival at NoVA Community College (5000 Dawes Ave): May 11th, 10-1pm

We can’t wait to start celebrating, so we are launching into April with Bingo! Join us in being environmentally friendly by completing a bingo card and enter into a drawing for environmentally focused giveaways. More details @alexandriavates and @ecocityalx.

tivePlantSale.org.

Additional information can be found at www.face-

book.com/NorthernAlexandriaNativePlantSale. The sale is entirely organized and run by volunteers.

Questions? Contact Scott Knudsen at 571-232-0375 or cscottknudsen@ gmail.com.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME FREE AT THE LARGEST SALE OF NATIVE PLANTS IN THE WASHINGTON D.C. METRO AREA!

NORTHERN ALEXANDRIA NATIVE PLANT SALE

Photos: Scott Knudsen

BOOK OF THE MONTH 5 STRIPES

A No-Nonsense Reflection On “Accidental” Achievements

One thing that has become remarkably evident during my ten years of penning the Book of the Month series and interviewing over one hundred area authors is the long-term influence that primary school educators have on their students. A simple assignment, whether in math, science, or English, that creates a positive impression may lay dormant with a student for a long time. Eventually, when acted upon, for those with the drive to write, the result is usually a refreshing perspective on a topic for the reader and a cathartic exercise for the author.

Eileen Cassidy Rivera’s work, Hard Talk, is an honest, refreshing and insightful roadmap that may serve as a catalyst for future writers and the new generation of professionals entering the business world.

Rivera said in a recent interview, “Ever since I was young, I’ve wanted to write a book. My first writing project was when I was ten years old. While in fifth grade, I wrote an original script for a funny Thanksgiving play.”

Unfortunately, a family relocation deprived Rivera of seeing her words come to life in a performance, but she did not let go of her passion for writing.

“Over the years, I’ve channeled my joy of writing through articles and blogs on a variety of topics, from my journey of getting two hip replacements, advocating about issues near and dear to my heart, such as

the need to support public education, helping immigrant families and their children and how to align policies to narrow the achievement gap in our education system.”

In Hard Talk , Rivera astutely details this comprehensive jour-

one of perseverance and resilience. I learned to trust myself and my instincts, overcome self-doubt and vulnerabilities.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

you would like to nominate them. If possible, meet with them at home and have them pull out all their awards and certificates of accomplishment over a lifetime of service.

Provide specific detail: Dig up nominee accomplishments and awards,

ney, fashioning business, and personal experiences and accomplishments into an easily understood outline for managing your career and whatever comes at you in life. Eileen will tell you when asked, “Lord only knows, I have had my share of hard talks.

“I start my story when I was at a crossroads, both personally and professionally, how I managed a new career, dealt with a painful divorce, and navigated being a successful working mom in a male-dominated industry. My story is

particularly including dates and titles. Awards can be big or small and are not mandatory, but help to pinpoint the date and type of Legend-making contributions the individual has made to Alexandria.

Throw in the kitchen sink! No matter how wellknown your nominee is in the city, the selections committee can only go by what you, the nominator(s), put on paper and submit to the

The author used this hard conversation (talk) approach to drive for and ultimately achieve a major change in GOVCON leadership thinking. The result was the integration of corporate communications across the enterprise. Having the hard talk, asking the hard questions, and getting your voice heard is not trivial. Rivera cleverly knits personal and professional stories for working through challenges, dilemmas, and roadblocks into Hard Talk

Eileen will tell you she did not write this book for the money but rather for the satisfaction of getting her story out, replete with several sage messages. She advises those aspiring to write a book to focus on something they are passionate about, get a mentor, and set a deadline.

Every industry needs diverse, talented, and passionate people, especially those just starting out. Worldwide industries are filled with complex challenges. Do not fear taking on such a challenge.

Hard Talk can help government contractor executives look at every corporate function in new ways. Each department is potentially a “powerhouse” function. Fourth, challenge leadership teams to have the courage and confidence to show appreciation or provide that sometimes needed pat on the back. And, of course, to all out there in the workplace who have been told to “tone it down” or “don’t be so bold”: remain brave, passionate, authentic, and yourself. Businesses need more employees who do not shy away from delivering the “hard talk.”

Eileen Cassidy Rivera was born in Milwaukee, WI, and reared in Rochester, NY. She holds a BA and an MBA from American University. Rivera has also studied at the Kennedy School of Government and the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico. Eileen has served three years on the Alexandria School Board, on the boards of several area nonprofits, and as a volunteer for the Alexandria Medical Corps.

Currently, Eileen is enjoy-

Ralph Peluso

Review: Hard Talk–

Confessions of an Accidental Marketing and Communications

Professional

Author: Eileen Cassidy

Rivera

Publisher: Government Marketing Press

Reviewed by: Ralph Peluso, Literary Editor

Zebra Rating: 5 Stripes

ing her role as VP for Maximus, a leading public relations and communications company. She added, “I am fortunate to have a fantastic family, three great kids, Kyle, Carmen, and Drew, and a supportive husband, Andy, who encouraged me to write my first book. I’m also grateful and lucky to live in the vibrant community of Del Ray, Alexandria.”

Hard Talk is a terrific crossover between a personal memoir and a professional guide for success in the business world. There are valuable lessons and tips on how to make a difference, assess and apply your skills, and get yourself heard. At some point, each of us has to deliver the Hard Talk. ZEBRA–A

SOLID HARD-TALKING 5 STRIPES

committee. So, send everything you have!

Re-nominate: We encourage re-nominations. If your nominee did not make it on other tries, apply the above tips, send much more information, and consider activities they have been involved in since their nomination.

Spread the word: Living Legends of Alexandria seeks a large pool of nominees, so please spread the

word to your places of worship, favorite nonprofits, advocacy groups, and extended families. Think especially of people who humbly contribute day after day and who can and should be recognized.

Note: Nominees need not reside in the City of Alexandria but must satisfy the required criteria. Only single individuals or a team of two persons working together are eligible to be

nominated.

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.

Photo courtesy of the author

Eileen Cassidy Rivera

Courtesy photo

ON VIEW at MOVIES

Six Degrees of Separation from Dune—and Kevin Bacon

BY KELLY MACCONOMY

You know the theory made famous in the 1993 film adaptation of John Guare’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 1990 play Six Degrees of Separation? The premise is that all people are separated by six or fewer social connections. The film starred Will Smith, who portrays a real-life huckster who convinces people that he is the son of Sidney Poitier. Somehow, the social theory segued to six degrees of separation from Kevin Bacon, becoming something of a viral parlor game among film fans, even before going viral was a good thing.

As a Duner, I’ve been asked a lot if it’s compulsory to see Dune (2021) to enjoy Dune Part 2 in theaters now. The answer is absolutely. The second film starts where the first left off, making it advisable to rewatch Dune (Part 1) as a refresher to appreciate this expansive cinematic masterpiece fully. Dune Part 2 is as sweeping cinematographically as Lawrence of Arabia , making it metaphorically one degree of separation from Dune - not merely due to all that sand but equating it with one of the top film achievements of all time. Dune 1984 is also one degree from Lawrence of Arabia, as José Ferrer starred in both epic films.

If you cannot stream Dune on Hulu or Max, free with a subscription, it screens on TNT occasionally. Until then, what to watch…? At Z Movies thought that it would be diverting to celebrate the drop of Dune Part 2 last month with a six-degree examination of corollary must-see films involving Dune actors. There’s no excuse for not seeing David Lean’s 1962 resplendent epic Lawrence of Arabia , winner of seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

BELOW: The Two Pauls: Kyle MacLachlan as Paul in Dune (1984) and Timothée Chalamet as Paul in Dune (2021) and Dune Part 2 (2024).

Let’s begin with Paul Atreides, inscrutably portrayed by Timothée Chalamet. Kyle McLaughlin was Paul in the 1984 original Dune campy cult classic, impeccably yet quirkily directed by former Alexandrian David Lynch.  Chalamet’s Bacon score is two. Chalamet was in Greta Gerwig’s delightful 2017 Lady Bird and 2019 Little Women (talk about remake overdose!), making him one degree of separation from Barbie as well. Laurie Metcalf, Oscar-nominated for her supporting actress performance, starred in Lady Bird . She was also a supporting cast member in JKF with Kevin Bacon. At Z Movies recommends Gerwig-directed films. And if you haven’t seen Barbie yet, what are you waiting for?

Christopher Walken joins the cast

of Dune Part 2 as Emperor Shaddam with a Bacon score of 2. Walken starred with the late Chris Penn in At Close Range, who was in Footloose with Bacon. It also gives him a Dune 1984 separation score of one, as Ferrer also played Emperor Shaddam. Actually, this gives Walken a separate Bacon score of 4 as Ferrer was the father

of the late actor Miguel Ferrer, who starred in Revenge with Kevin Costner, who starred in JFK with Bacon. Then there’s Miguel’s one degree of separation from Dune 1984, other than his dad, as he starred in the 1990-1991 small-screen sensation Twin Peaks, directed by and star-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 51

Courtesy photos

LEFT: The humongous sandworms of the planet Arrakis (aka Dune) upstage the lowly subterranean nematodal terrorists of Lone Pine, California in Tremors - a fun campy Bacon comedy/horror mutation flick.

Courtesy photos

ABOVE: Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides duels a psychopathic Feyd-Rutha, skillfully played by Austin Butler, for the honor of Chani (Zendaya) in Duel Part 2.

LEFT: You can get a Bacon score of 1 by attending the Bacon Brothers concert at the Birchmere July 19 & 20. Be sure to post about it!

Courtesy photos

ABOVE: Peter O’Toole stars in the 1961 epic David Lean film masterpiece Lawrence of Arabia. The film has a Dune score of 1 for sand, 2 for Dune 1984 per co-star José Ferrer, and a Bacon score of 4 via his son Miguel.

Courtesy photos

The original film of the graphic novel adaptation of Frank Herbert’s novel Dune, directed by former Alexandrian David Lynch, stars Kyle MacLachlan, Sean Young, and Sting.

Vocal Recital with Joélle Harvey, Soprano

Saturday, April 13 at 7:00 p.m.

Theatre

By Jordan Wright

“Penelope” - A Modernday Myth Breathes Fresh Air at Signature Theatre

BY JORDAN WRIGHT

A solitary woman stands on Ithaca’s shoreline await ing the dawn. Casting her eyes out over the Ioni an Sea, she looks for his ship –a sign her husband, leg endary com mander and war hero, is returning from a battle long over. Anoth er day, another year, a de cade hoping for Odysseus’

return. Penelope (Jessica Phillips) speaks of the soldiers – noisy, uncouth men who have set up tents in her

trying to oust them.

Penelope is lyricist and composer Alex Bechtel’s own odyssey to bring this much celebrated character to life. Directed by Eva Steinmetz who also contributed to the book with Bechtel and Grace McLean, its evolution into a modernized love story of a faithful and patient wife are easily identifiable. Here we

BY JORDAN WRIGHT

• The Nance – 1st Stage – April 4 –21 – www.1stStage.org

• Little Shop of Horrors –Ford’s Theatre – through May 18www.Fords.org

• A Jumping Off Point – Round House Theatre – April 10 – May 5 –www.RoundhouseTheatre.org

Islander: A New Musical –Olney Theatre Center – April 11 –April 28 – www.OlneyTheater.org

• Penelope – Signature Theatre –through April 13 –www.SigTheatre.org

Unknown Soldier – Arena Stage –through May 5 –www.ArenaStage.org

Amm(I)gone - Woolly Mammoth –April 20 – May 12 –www.WoollyMammoth.net

• Nancy – Mosaic Theatre – through April 21 – www.MosaicTheater.org

Off the Page – Arts on the Horizon – April 5, 6, and 7 at Theatre on the Run and April 20 and 21 at The Lyceum in Alexandria – A non-verbal theatre company for children 0–6 years old. www.artsonthehorizon. org/offthepage.html

Hair – Signature Theatre – April 17 –July 7 – www.Sigtheatre.org

Message in a Bottle – Kennedy Center – April 9 – April 21 –www.Kennedy-Center-org

The Illusionists – Kennedy Center –April 23 – April 28 –www.Kennedy-Center.org

At the Wedding Of – Studio Theatre –through April 21 –www.StudioTheatre.org

• Beauty and the Beast –Toby’s Dinner Theatre – through June 16 – www.TobysDinnerTheatre.com

Surviving Grace – Providence Players of Fairfax – April 12 – April 27 –www.ProvidencePlayers.org

Webster’s Bitch – Keegan Theatre –April 6 – May 5 –www.KeeganTheatre.com

• Hester Street – Theatre J – through April 21 – www.TheatreJ.org

Murder on the Orient Express –through April 13 –www.TheLittleTheatre.com

• Chicks in Heaven – Creative Cauldron – April 3 – April 28 –www.CreativeCauldron.org

Loving v Virginia – Virginia Opera Company – May 3 and 4 –www.VAOpera.org

Smokey Robinson Live –The Theater at MGM National Harbor – April 12 only –www.BoxOfficeTicketSales.com

Jessica Phillips in Penelope

It’s pARTy, pARTy, pARTy On, DMV! ARTOMATIC IS BAAAACKAND BETTERTHAN EVER!!!

BY KELLY MACCONOMY

Spring and longer days have finally arrived. Petalpalooza’d out already? Looking for some indoorsy diversions? Need a quick cure for spring fever? One word: ARTOMATIC!

After a virtual COVID hiatus and venue relocation back to DC for the first time since 2009, this mecca of magic makers has resumed its moveable visceral feast for the senses in time to celebrate its 25th anniversary pARTy. Traditionally held in various upcycled vacant spaces around the DMV, the ever-expansive pop-up art happening of all art happenings headed downtown to M Street, N.W. ARTOMATIC is an art festival on steroids. More than just a maker’s fest. Think Burning Man for seven weeks but without the bonfire. Or everyman’s Art Basel without the Miami heat.

Part art festival. Part theater. Part stage. Part circus. ARTOMATIC was established by artist George Koch in 1999 as an alternative creative safe space offering local artists an opportunity to be represented in an open, unrestricted venue. Open means no

jurying, no judging, no criteria, no call to entry limited to a set amount of submissions predicated upon a theme. And sometimes no walls. It’s all art all the time - by the people, for the people, and free for the people. Admission, that is.

ARTOMATIC is now attracting artists and performers from around the world. Artwork is vastly diverse, selling at all price points. An unfettered dose of Democracy is just what the DMV, and the rest of the world, can use about now. Freedom of expression is the primary precept of creativity. ARTOMATIC 2024 is making gone wild! The experience isn’t limited to viewership. Hands-on visitor creativity is practically de rigeur. Weave, paint, craft, mold, throw, craft - no limits and NO RULZ rules. There’s even a sewing station on the fifth floor for those tempted to textile.

Without a curator, the ARTOMATIC free-for-all leans marvelously toward chaotic expression, as styles and ability may vary from dabbler

Art NewZ& EventZ

to dilettante, sea soned working professional to undiscovered Basquiats. If it’s artfully educated curation you seek, the National Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum are a short circulator or Metro ride away. But we’re all here to pARTy, to create and to appreciate the art all around us, as well as all around town. Alexandria artists are well-represented at ARTOMATIC 2024. While some are self-taught, many are trained artists and art teachers themselves.

one-thousand multiple makers occupying art, along with film, dance, live music, performance, staged readings, poetry, and storytelling, you’ll need to plan for revisiting ARTOMATIC over and over again. Hours are Wednesday and Thursday 5-9pm, Friday and Saturday noon to midnight, and Sunday noon to 9pm through April 28. Check www.artomatic.org for schedules of events and more information.

for the new exhibit, Same But Different. Curated by Linar Artuk-Boegel and Barbara Cooper, this exhibit celebrates diversity in the natural and man-made world. In conjunction with First Thursdays in Del Ray, the gallery will be open April 4 until 9pm.

Come for a sneak preview and first dibs on the art for sale while engaging in a family-friendly activity inspired by the event theme How Does Your Garden Grow? Artists of all ages and abilities will decorate upcycled seed starter containers and go home with a transplant garden pot, potting soil, and diverse perennial and annual seeds to get that summer garden kickstarted.

Other activities at Del Ray Artisans in April include a Mix and Match Upcycled Earrings Workshop, a Meditative Art Mandalas Workshop, a Same But Different themed Gel Printing Workshop, Del Ray Urban Sketchers at St. Elmo’s Pub, Life Drawing Sessions, Partners in Art Evenings, Playing with Resin Workshop, and Nature Journaling Club. Check the DRA website for registration and further information. Same

Given there are seven floors of around 300,000 square feet of space in an up-cycled downtown Golden Triangle office building, and over

If you are looking for something artsy to do this side of the moat in Alexandria, there’s no shortage of pARTay! On April 5 at Del Ray Artisans on Mount Vernon Avenue from 7-9 pm there’s an opening reception

But Different is on exhibit through April 27.

Meantime, heading from Del Ray to Old Town, be sure to stop by Printmaker’s, Inc. in Studio 14 of the Torpedo Factory Art Center. Landscapes, Townscapes, and Peoplescapes, a solo show of relief prints by John Gosling, is on view through April 29, 2024. His lococentric linocuts and woodcuts are inspired by the juxtaposition of the light-anddark tonal contrast technique called chiaroscuro, famously used by such art universe giants as Caravaggio and Leonardo Da Vinci, Goya, Rem-

Photo Principle Gallery DC Autumn by Canadian artist Mark Lagué on exhibit as part of the 30th anniversary celebration at the Principle Gallery in Old Town.

Photo Kelly MacConomy

Will It Go Round in Circles?, 13” x 13” framed stained glass and mirror mixed media by Eileen M. O’Brien on exhibit at ARTOMATIC 2024.

Photo Gordon Frank

Digital photography artist Gordon Thomas Frank, a regular exhibiting artist at Del Ray Artisans, welcomes visitors to his ARTOMATIC Booth #6126 on view at 2100 M St., N.W., D.C. now through April 28, 2024.

Photo Joyous Photography

This fabulously elegant upcycled velvet coat, fit for a queen, modeled and designed by Cheryl VanderMolen Newway of Perfect Mistakes, can be yours along with other costumes and wall art, in addition to her paintings, hand-painted silk and tie-dye wearables on exhibit in ARTOMATIC booths 5001, 514, and 829. Cheryl exhibits at Del Ray Artisans and has a studio at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton.

Photo Galactic Panther My I’m With Cancelled T Shirt, Mixed Media, by Hannah Hanski, part of the new Americulture exhibit at Galactic Panther.

CURRENT THROUGH MAY 26

Shakespeare’s Garden:

An Immersive Sound Stroll Through His Sonnets, Soliloquies, and Scenes

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Torpedo Factory Art Center, Target Gallery

105 N. Union St.

Meander through Shakespeare’s Garden to experience his works through immersive imagery and soundscapes. Explore the garden’s multiple layers of rich sound through ambient Garden soundscapes, and step into the texts of Shakespeare to hear recordings of his sonnets, soliloquies, and scenes reimagined and performed by Virginia Tech students.

Three installations (2, 3, & 4) project Shakespearean texts and integrate images: blooming flowers, cool rains, and a windy moonlit evening. Composed soundscapes include field recordings of nature that harmonize into rhythms and textures. Imagery and sound continuously loop. Linger, revisit, and explore to hear the complete texts and soundscapes. Pick up a gallery handout when you visit or go to https://torpedofactory. org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/ Brochure-Shakespeares-Garden.pdf

APRIL 1

Live Celtic Music!

7:00-8:30 pm

Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum

201 South Washington St.

The Alexandria Sister Cities Committee presents critically acclaimed Bagpiper Craig Weir live at The Lyceum. Craig Weir will provide readings from his book, Weir’s World: Mapping My Musical Memoirs, play some tunes on the bagpipes, and perform songs that fit his stories from around the world. To close the event and learn more from the crowd Craig will provide a question and answer sharing his experiences and connection with Alexandria. Opportunities for book purchases, book signings, and CD

purchases will be provided. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Free, $10 donation encouraged for light refreshments. https:// shop.alexandriava.gov/EventPurchase. aspx?dateselected=4/1/2024

APRIL 4-MAY 12

Japanese Inspiration

The Athenaeum

201 Prince St.

To complement

Washington’s festivities celebrating the Japanese cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin, the Athenaeum Gallery is featuring the work of three local contemporary artists whose work is influenced and guided by traditional Japanese art. Sean Doonan is an illustrator whose fanciful posters are inspired by Japanese mythology, anime, video games, and pop culture.

David Gootnick creates lacy and delicate designs out of wood using an ancient Japanese artform called Kumiko. And Yoshiko Ratliff’s paintings are bold, but intricately detailed representations of Japanese characters and Kimonos.

APRIL 5

Chameleon Theater Collective presents Ordinary Days

7:00 pm-10:00 pm

The Athenaeum

201 Prince St.

Join a delightful evening with the Chameleon Theater Collective as four New Yorkers intersect on their way through the mundanity and the magic of the everyday. Get ready to be swept away by the beautiful music and heartwarming story of Ordinary Days by Adam Gwon. The show is sure to leave you feeling inspired and uplifted. $20

APRIL 6

All Lit Up Like a Japanese Lantern: The Japanese Aesthetic in Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House

10: 00 am-12:30 pm

Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House 9000 Richmond Hwy

By 1941, the year Pope-Leighey House was completed, Frank Lloyd Wright had studied Japan for almost a half-century. He had become a serious collector of woodblock prints–even writing a book on the subject–and had won acclaim for his design of the Tokyo Imperial Hotel, one of the few buildings to survive the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. On this special tour, visitors will discover how the famous American architect incorporated his love of Japanese art, architecture, and philosophy into Usonian homes, and how this East Asian influence shines in Wright’s Pope-Leighey House.

APRIL 6

“Buried Ships of Robinson Landing” Windowfront Exhibit

12:00 pm-4:00 pm, Ribbon-cutting at 1:00 pm Archaeology on the Waterfront Robinson Landing Gallery at the corner of the Strand and Pioneer Mill Way

The scale models of the three Robinson Landing ships will be on view in the new

“Buried Ships of Robinson Landing” windowfront exhibit. In 2018, archaeologists excavated the three historic vessels from the Robinson Landing Site, on the same block as the new exhibit. The scale models show what these ships may have looked like in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Archaeologists will join City officials to speak on the exhibit’s debut. Free

APRIL 9

NSO at Mt. Vernon

7:00 pm

George Washington’s Mount Vernon

3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy

Listen to chamber music performed by members of the National Symphony Orchestra during this three-part concert series and learn about the music and instruments that George Washington enjoyed most.

All concerts will begin at 7 p.m. and are followed at 8 p.m. by a reception of champagne and chocolates with the musicians. Tickets can be purchased for the entire series or individually.

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APRIL 13

The Grandest Congress: The French and Indian War in Alexandria

12:00 pm-4:00 pm

Carlyle House

121 N. Fairfax St.

Spring, 1755: Major General Edward Braddock, Commander-in-Chief of His Majesty’s Forces in North America, landed in Alexandria on March 26th to assume command of all North American military forces. He lodged at the grandest dwelling in town, Carlyle House. While staying at Carlyle House, Braddock convened a meeting of five colonial governors. Among Braddock’s objectives was to secure funding for his upcoming campaign against the French. Carlyle called this gathering “the Grandest Congress … ever known on the Continent.” Visitors to the Carlyle House will experience Braddock’s visit and the French and Indian War firsthand through costumed interpreters. Hands on activities will be available. Girl Scouts can complete their requirements for Celebrating Community by participating in this program. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is suggested.

APRIL 18

Lecture: The Brutal Truth of 1315 Duke Street Revealed: The 1837 Case of Dorcas Allen 7:00 pm-8:00 pm

Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum

201 South Washington St.

Learn about Dorcas Allen, a woman living with her husband and four children as a free Black woman in Washington D.C. She was enslaved by James Birch, imprisoned in Alexandria, and tried for the murder of her two youngest children. A jury acquitted her by reason of insanity and, with John Quincy Adams’ assistance, she regained her freedom. This is a story of African American agency in the most desperate of circumstances, when an enslaved mother feels death is better for her children than life in bondage. Proceeds from the event support Freedom House Museum. $15 per person, $12 for volunteers and members of Historic Alexandria

APRIL 20-21

Animal Family Day at Mount Vernon 10:00 am-3:30 pm

George Washington’s Mount Vernon 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy Enjoy family activities, story times, and the opportunity to see sheep, oxen, and horses during Animal Family Day at Mount Vernon.

APRIL 12-13

2024 Spring Garden Market at River Farm

9:00 am-3:00 pm

American Horticultural Society’s River Farm

7931 E. Boulevard Dr.

Celebrate the start of gardening season with the American Horticultural Society’s annual Spring Garden Market at River Farm.

This much-anticipated outdoor event, one of River Farm’s largest and most popular fundraisers, brings together plant, seed and garden accessory retailers, nature-focused artists and authors, gardening experts, food vendors, and fun for the whole family. Proceeds directly contribute to the maintenance, beautification, and preservation of River Farm. For vendor and sponsorship inquiries, contact plantsale@ahsgardening.org

Learn about Mount Vernon’s animals and the jobs they performed in the 18th century. Hear stories about the enslaved people who cared for the animals, such as Giles, a coachman, Peter Hardiman, a horse groom, and Kitty, a dairymaid. This program is included with Mount Vernon admission and is free for Mount Vernon members.

APRIL 20

ALX Dog Walk

7:00 am-11:00 am

Oronoco Bay Park

100 Madison St.

Welcome to the third annual ALX Dog Walk, the ultimate annual dog walk event/celebration in the District, Maryland, and Virginia area! It’s a tail-wagging fun way to promote plastic-free/sustainable living! 500+ adorable pooches and countless humans will come out for a beautiful 2-mile walk down historic Union St, returning along the Waterfront Walk to Oronoco Bay Park for a morning celebration filled with music, bubbles, kids and dog activities, an awesome goodie bag, dog magician, treats, a dog competition with prizes, and lots of belly rubs! NBC Washington’s Meteorologist Chuck Bell will Emcee the event, representatives from PawfectlyDeliciousDogTreats.org will help to lead the Walk, and The Lady Managers of Inova Hospital will again host a delicious bake sale! Plus, in collaboration with USO Metro, we will host up to 200 members of the military!

APRIL 20

Old Town Alexandria Historic Homes & Gardens Tour

10:00 am-4:00 pm

Begins at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Rectory

411 Duke St.

Overlooking the Potomac River with views of our nation’s capital, Old Town Alexandria radiates charm while safeguarding its rich historic roots. Founded in 1749, Alexandria was a major seaport prior to

the Revolutionary War, was occupied by Union troops during the Civil War, and was a torpedo production site during World War II. In 1946, Alexandria was the third city in the country to establish a historic district to preserve its architectural heritage. This easy walking tour of Old Town Alexandria includes private townhomes and secluded gardens located along the tree lined streets of the historic district. In addition, the tour ticket includes admission to two Garden Club of Virginia restoration projects within a short driving distance of the tour area – George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Green Spring Gardens.

APRIL 20

Garden Day Tours

11:00 am-3:00 pm

Carlyle House

121 N. Fairfax St.

Join open house style tours of the garden at Carlyle House as part of the Historic Garden Week in Virginia. Experts will be on hand to answer questions about working within the confines of a historic garden in an ever changing climate. Tours are continuous throughout the day. No reservations are required.

APRIL 20

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Society Spring Fling

6:30 pm-10:00 pm

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum

134 North Royal St.

Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant spirit of Alexandria as they celebrate in the “Rooms Where it Happened.” As the night unfolds, lose yourself in the soulful rhythms of the renowned

Yvette Spears Jazz Quorum, performing live in our historic Ballroom. In the Assembly Room, discover a treasure trove of unique experiences and items in a silent auction, each piece representative the community’s extraordinary businesses, remarkable history, and commitment to historic preservation. Savor a selection of regional hor d’oeuvres and a range of beverages. Wander through the museum and its charming courtyard, where history and camaraderie intertwine, creating an atmosphere of celebration and preservation. Tickets at https://www.gadsbystavernmuseum.us/events/springfling2024

APRIL 21

Girl Scout Garden Day

11:00 am-3:00 pm

Carlyle House

121 N. Fairfax St.

Carlyle’s garden in the spring is the perfect time learn about all the flowers and trees we have in our recreated garden. Scouts will complete activities that will help them earn a variety of Scout badges including:

Daisy Journey: Welcome to the Daisy Flower Garden, Brownie badge: Bugs, Junior badges: Flowers & Gardener, and Cadette badge: Trees. Registration is required for scouts only. Leaders will be contacted via email to confirm the number of chaperones. Program is nonrefundable and will be rescheduled if weather is inclement.

APRIL 26-27

Historic Plant & Garden Sale at Mount Vernon

9:00 am-3:00 pm

George Washington’s Mount Vernon 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy Shop for heirloom vegetables, herbs, and annual flowers—plus, native perennials, trees, and shrubs grown in Mount Vernon’s greenhouses. Members get 10% off their purchases and can shop one day early, on April 26, from 12 pm– 6 pm. A time slot must be reserved online for member preview day. Only one reservation is required per member household.

Credit Cards Only (No Cash)

APRIL 27

Storytime Saturday/ Sábado de cuentos

10:00 am and 2:00 pm

Carlyle House

121 N. Fairfax St.

Gather under our trees and read Call Me Tree in both English and Spanish. A tree themed activity will follow the reading. No registration required. Reúnanse bajo nuestros árboles y lean Call Me Tree tanto en inglés como en español. Una actividad temática de árboles seguirá a la lectura. No es necesario registrarse.

APRIL 28

PNC Parkway Classic

8:00 am

Lace up your running shoes for the 2023 PNC Parkway Classic. The Parkway Classic 5K course starts and finishes at Oronoco Bay Park with a scenic and one-of-a-kind course through historic Old Town, Alexandria. The 10-miler starts at George Washington’s Mount Vernon and finishes at Oronoco Bay Park with a scenic point-to-point course down the George Washington Memorial Parkway and through Old Town. The 600-meter Kid’s Dash is designed for kids 12 and under (one parent is welcome to run alongside their little ones; no registration required). Each Dash participant will receive a special race bib and a finisher medal. There will be a limited number of Kid’s Dash spots, so register early. Register at https://www.parkwayclassic.com/

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APRIL 27

Historic Cemetery Tour

1:00 pm-2:30 pm

Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex

Intersection of Hamilton & Wilkes St.

Discover an extraordinary walking expedition through the historical Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex. Delve into the lives of remarkable individuals laid to rest here who share a profound connection to the esteemed Lee-Fendall House. This exclusive tour will lead you to gravesites not typically covered in the regular tours, where captivating tales of duels, cavalry battles, encounters with the Marquis de Lafayette, and numerous other intriguing narratives await. All proceeds from the tour directly benefit the preservation and maintenance of the Lee-Fendall House. Tickets are $20 per person and must be purchased in advance. The tour is limited

READINGS

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es and study opportunities, growing his expertise in all things Shakespeare.

Shortly after earning his master’s degree in English, Morgan joined the Episcopal High School staff where his fountain of knowledge is tapped with every discussion. Among his professional highlights is academic consulting for the famous Folger’s Shakespeare Library in D.C. (Morgan helped develop some of the teaching resources that public and private school teachers from around the world can connect to through the Folg-

to 25 participants and lasts approximately one hour. Members receive a $5 discount. Parking is available on Hamilton Ave.

MAY 4-5

Revolutionary War Weekend at George Washington’s Mount Vernon

9:00 am-5:00 pm

George Washington’s Mount Vernon

3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy

Step back in time during a Revolutionary War encampment at Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon’s serene 12-acre field transforms into a battleground as Continentals, Redcoats, and Hessians conduct military drills, demonstrations, and engage in 18th-century tacticals. Visit with camp followers and walk through a recreation of George Washington’s War Tent. Revolutionary War Weekend is included with admission on May 4-5, 2024, and is free for Mount Vernon members.

er’s website “Teach” link.)

Recently, he helped edit a publication by an international scholar who wrote a book titled Beyond Genius that explores how remarkable minds—“game-changing intellects”—such as Einstein’s and Shakespeare’s surpass the genius category of thinkers.

When asked how he succeeds in selling Shakespeare as a writer deserving of a “beyond genius” category to students, Morgan goes straight to the stage: “For me, it would be to go to the play (text) and have fun with it and get kids on their feet.”

Returning to the early Shakespeare birthday party/return from spring break class, Morgan opened with

MAY 4

Alexandria Art Show & Craft Spring

Fair: Mother’s Day Celebration

11:00 am-5:00 pm

John Carlyle Square

300 John Carlyle St.

Discover an array of handcrafted marvels from over 90 artisans and crafters,

independent consultants and other small businesses, tailor-made for celebrating Mother’s Day. Immerse yourself in the world of creativity, support local artisans, and find that unique, heartfelt gift that will make this Mother’s Day truly special. Join us for a day of artful joy! Free admission. Pet friendly. Rain or shine event

a review of a recent short response test on King Lear.

“The line spoken by Cordelia, ‘No cause, no cause,’” Morgan offered the returning students to open the day’s discussion. “Cordelia is responding to Lear’s line to her, ‘If you have poison, I will drink it.’”

Morgan’s eyebrows arch as his hands fly up above his head. He reminds the students of the egregious behavior of the father and how Cordelia maintains a sympathetic understanding toward her aged father who destroyed his family as he seeks his line of succession among his three daughters.

“Lear’s suggesting she has every right to have cause!”

Morgan exclaimed, then shifted to a portentous tone

as he looked from student to student. “It is a sublime moment of forgiveness.” With that, Morgan suggests students remember this scene as they and their parents grow old and age. “It will happen,” he added. The students nodded. They perceived that their teacher was alerting them to a serious theme: Shakespeare’s use of common, relatable life circumstances.

With that, Morgan announced it was time to move from that tragedy and on to the “Metaphors of Comedy” starting with the Maypole festivals and a comedy that connects to King Lear in its playful questioning of parentage: “It raises the issue of legitimacy again!”

Class laughter and smiles

all around.

All eyes were on Mr. Morgan as he drew a colorful Maypole on the whiteboard and asked how many students remember participating in Maypoles during elementary and middle school years. The hands fly up as the teacher shares that “people used to call this play Beatrice and Benedict!”

As the closing bell rang, the students picked up their books and said, “Thanks, Mr. Morgan!” as they headed to their next class while Homeroom students waited to enter the sunny classroom filled with Shakespeare images and student collages.

HIGH SCHOOLERSVISIT MOTHER-DAUGHTERARTIST SHOW

More than 25 art students from West Potomac High School recently visited Nepenthe Gallery where they heard from local artist Marsha Staiger and her daughter, Melissa Staiger, from Brooklyn, New York.

Marsha is an acrylic painter who has been working from her studio at The Torpedo Factory for over 21 years and is a longstanding teacher at The Art League School. After painting for many years, Marsha says, “I love to paint. I love color. My process is a meditation and a struggle.”

Melissa teaches at Pratt Institute and Adelphi University in New York. She says of her Rainbow Roll series on display at Nepenthe,

“I am trying to find something similar to a chord in music, different colors, textures, surfaces coming together in a harmony.”

Through conversation

and questions, the students learned from the motherdaughter duo about what inspires their art, their processes and journeys through art.

Nepenthe Gallery is located in the Hollin Hall Shopping Center at 7918 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria VA 22308 — www.nepenthegallery.com.

Courtesy photo

ABOVE: West Potomac students at Nepenthe Gallery.

LEFT: Mother and daughter artists, Marsha and Melissa Staigel at the Nepenthe Gallery.

Photo: Anne Fafara

Giving Back News

Alexandria Women for Good Excels in Its Mission

BY SUSAN MCLAIN SULLIVAN

When Laura Turner shows up on the doorstep of an aspiring nonprofit in Alexandria with a check valued in the thousands, she is often met with cheers and hugs.

To her surprise, a rousing recent serenade of gratitude offered by the board and members of The Alexandria Singers went far and above the usual, adding harmony and stage quality expected of “The Washington D.C.’s Metro Area’s Premier Pops Chorus.”

As a member of the leadership team Alexandria Women for Good , Turner, a software sales director at Talroo, also enjoys the continuing success of AWfG, now more than 155 women, whose hearts and wallets support Alexandria’s nonprofit community. Turner and the three members of AWfG’s Leadership Team, Laura Herron, Janice Nichols, and Lee Platt, who are all introduced on the AWfG website, share an expanding sense of accomplishment with four quarterly presentations of a check for nonprofits making a difference for other Alexandrian citizens. In its first full year of operation in 2023, the AWfG individual members bestowed over $38,000 in supportive funding on four

deserving nonprofit groups that engage in daily outreach to every age group in Alexandria. membership@ grapevine.org

In 2022, and fairly new to Alexandria, Turner helped organize AWfG as a networking organization that helps women in Alexandria build connections and enrich their professional and personal lives while doing good for the greater community. The group attracts new members online through the grapevine. It comes together once every

quarter to network, donate, learn about local nonprofits, and vote on which ones to support. AWfG’s first selected recipient of community lodgings received $6,720 and surpassed AWfG’s first-time fundraising goal of $5,000, reaching 134% of its targeted amount.

Since that first AWfG contribution, donations have increased and nonprofit recipients have diversified. AWfG checks in 2023 were awarded each quarter: First Quarter, the Carpenter Shelter ($9,700); Second Quarter, Together We Bake ($11,000); Third Quarter, The Child and Family Network ($10, 500); and Fourth Quarter, The Alexandria Singers ($10,300).

“It’s a testament to our members and to the women who are inspired to contribute,” explained Turner, adding that every member agrees to contribute a monthly amount when joining the organization. “We are super-appreciative of all of the nonprofits supporting our community.”

One glance at the AWF website reflects the growing enthusiasm shared by its members who post the amount raised to a quarterly goal. Within the last few days, its 2024 First Quarter Goal of $11,000 showed $10,425 already raised with “95% achieved and 22 days to go.” Turner shared that the nonprofit recipient will be determined when the first quarter closes on April 3.

To learn more about AWG, visit https://rb.gy/mjglpz

Photos courtesy AWfG

Holding the check are Kellie Trepkowski, Lee Platt from The Alexandria Singers, Laura Turner, and Diane Smith from The Alexandria Singers. They are surrounded by The Alexandria Singers and board members, before being serenaded as a thank you for the AWfG donation.

Alexandria Women for Good donated $10,650 to The Child and Family Network Centers. Pictured from left are Laura Herron, Barbara McLaughlin from Child and Family Network Centers, Laura Turner, Erika Keough.

Alexandria Women for Good has another donation to share! $11,000 went to Together We Bake. From left, Meghan McClelland, Nancy McLernon, Erika Keough, Julie Duszak, Laura Turner, Laura Herron, and in front, Colida Johnson.

Giving Back News

Friends of Guest House Receives $2M Grant

BY KEVIN DAURAY

Friends of Guest House has been in existence for 50 years. The nonprofit organization, based in Alexandria, helps formerly incarcerated women return to society. Friends of Guest House was recently given a $2 million grant by Mackenzie Scott’s Yield Giving fund.

Last spring, Yield Giving held an open call for entries for organizations whose sole purpose is to support individuals and families in improving their well-being. More than 6,000 applicants from around the country applied for what was originally a $1 million award. Ultimately, 250 were chosen. Guest House received a very high score during the selection process. As a result, it was awarded $2 million.

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ring David Lynch.

You likely know Rebecca Ferguson from her three appearances as Ilsa Faust in the Mission Impossible film franchise. Aside from Dune and Dune Part 2 , Ferguson is best known for her beguiling role in the ever-uplifting The Last Showman and her deliciously mortifying persona as the soul-sucking Rose the Hat in The Shining sequel adaption, Stephen King’s Dr. Sleep. Had it not been pushed back to March 2024 from its original December 2023 scheduled release due to the actors’ and screenwriters’ strike, Dune Part 2 would most likely have pushed the Barbenheimer portmanteau into a wormhole.

It’s hard to second guess how Dune Part 2 would have fared against the meta of Oppenheimer regarding Best Director and Best Picture. Dune won six Oscars in 2022, mostly those same categories won by Oppenheimer this year, and received ten nominations in that year, including Best Picture. Dunkirk , directed by Christopher Nolan, should have won Best Picture in 2018 over The Shape of Water. It’s likely that Academy voters leaned toward Oppenheimer as a representative of a stellar body of work as much as an acknowledgment of an individual film achievement. Those same

pact of our organization over the past five decades. We are deeply grateful for this extraordinary gesture of support that will enable us to strengthen our programs, reach more women in need, and create lasting positive change in our community.”

She described the grant as “a lifesaver.” It arrives at the perfect time for Guest House. The award will help make its mission “more sustainable,” she said.

In a newsletter announcement released on March 19, Executive Director Sonja Allen said, “This

voters could easily have decided that Dune won six Oscars two years ago, so let Oppie get the gold.

Next year may prove to be the year of the sand dunes, a popular Best Picture motif. The dune-infused  The English Patient scored nine Oscars and 12 nominations in 2017. How to get to Bacon or Dune? It’s three degrees to Dune : Ralph Fiennes starred in this WWII period ill-fated romance saga filmed in Tunisia - lots of sand dunes. Fiennes as Gareth Mallory, aka M, the head of MI6 in the last few Bond franchise films beginning with Skyfall, has a Dune score of one. Javier Bardem played the psychotic villain Raoul Silva to perfection. In Dune as Stilgar, the leader of the Fremen, he upstages in practically every scene save those focused upon Chalamet, who manages to keep his shirt on—sorry, ladies and gents.

Actually, Ralph Fiennes earns another Dune score of one and an Alexandria score of one, which gives him a Bacon score of one in addition to a five. Fiennes has had a long-term relationship with the English actress Francesca Annis, who played Lady Jessica in Dune 1984. His role as the future M in Skyfall gives him a Bacon score of 5. Fiennes is currently starring as MacBeth in MacBeth at the Shakespeare Theater in DC, six miles, or degrees of separation, from the Birch-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 59

transformative grant from Mackenzie Scott’s Yield Giving is a testament

Over 5,000 women have participated in Guest House’s programs for the last five decades. While the award is a reason for the nonprofit to celebrate, it still depends on donations from the community, both big and small, to operate. Are you interested in giving? Visit friendsofguesthouse.org/ways-to-give.

the dedication and im-

Use your Smile to Change the World.

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

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

to

Photo courtesy Friends of Guest House

Friends of Guest House received a $2 million grant. Pictured is one of the organization’s properties on East Luray Avenue.

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

Alfred Street Baptist Church

301 South Alfred Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 683-2222

Prayer Services via Youtube Live:

Saturday at 6:00pm, Sunday at 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

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 Worship: Identical Services at 9:30a & 11a

Sunday Groups: 9:30a & 11a

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

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.

If you want your House of Worship listed, please editor@ thezebrapress.com or call 703-224-8911

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

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.

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 22304 (703) 671-8557

fairlingtonumc.org

Sunday Morning Eucharist and Prayer (Chapel) at 9:00 AM

Sanctuary Worship at 11:00 AM, also live on Fairlington UMC YouTube channel

Family, adult, youth and children's program information is available on the website

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

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 6:30 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 inperson 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

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

Sunday Service at 10 a.m. can be found online

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 11 am, in person and online (opmh.org) Christian education, adults and children, 9:30-10:30am Childcare available 250th anniversary reunion weekend, June 23-26, 2022 (for details see opmh.org/250th)

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.

It Takes All of Us to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse

BY MICHELLE SMITH HOWARD, PRESIDENT AND CEO, KIDS’ FIRST YEARS

Since 1983, April has been designated as National Child Abuse Prevention Month to raise awareness and prevent child abuse in the United States. The Center for Alexandria’s Children’s Child Advocacy Center (CAC) wants to shine a spotlight in 2024 on preventing child sexual abuse by sharing strategies for how adults can talk to their young children about healthy affection and healthy touch.

When parents and caregivers show love and encouragement to babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, they lay a strong foundation of trust and belonging in the child. Healthy touches that foster warmth and belonging are essential to developing a child’s sense of being loved, protected, and safe.

“We believe that protecting children is an adult’s responsibility, and we are committed to providing education and training so adults will have a better understanding of healthy behaviors at various ages for the young children in their care,” said Terri Cheshire, Program Director at CAC.

CAC Educational Programs

In addition to providing free resources for parents, guardians, and caregivers, CAC also offers free training programs in English

and Spanish that can be conducted online or in person for any interested individual or group in Alexandria:

Healthy Touch is a one-hour session that teaches guidelines for healthy touch and safe, respectful ways to interact with children. “For example, adults should get a child’s consent to hug or kiss a relative,” said Olivia Weinel, Family Advocate for CAC. “Instead of saying ‘Give Uncle Jim a hug,’ it’s more respectful to ask, ‘Would you like to give Uncle Jim a hug?’ That way, if the child is uncomfortable with showing affection for any reason –

even just being shy – the child has the option to say no.”

Stewards of Children is a 2 to 2.5-hour session with materials created by Darkness to Light. This nonprofit empowers adults to prevent child sexual abuse. Participants will engage in interactive conversations with other adults about this topic and learn how to enact prevention policies where children live, learn, and play. Also, attendees will be able to recognize and react to boundary violations and suspected child abuse and disclosures.

Investigating Cases of Child Sexual Abuse

When an incident or suspicion of child sexual abuse needs to be reported, the Child Advocacy Center in Alexandria is a safe place where kids and teens can talk about things that have happened to them. The CAC at the Center for Alexandria’s Children provides neutral, child-friendly support through a Bilingual Family Advocate and a Forensic Interviewer. Also, the CAC is a place where a multidisciplinary team (MDT) of child abuse professionals investigate reports of abuse or crimes against children. MDT partners include:

• Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services

• Center for Alexandria’s Children

• Community Services Board (Center for Children & Families)

• Child Protective Services

• Sexual Assault Center

• Alexandria Police Department

• City Attorney’s Office

• Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney

• Inova Health System

• Alexandria Health Department

“All of these partners work together to simplify the process so

CONTINUED ON PAGE 55

Photos/graphics: KFY

April is Global Volunteer Month

BY MARION BRUNKEN, VOLUNTEER ALEXANDRIA

Global Volunteer Month is a time to celebrate volunteers and inspire volunteerism around the globe. In Alexandria, we celebrate volunteering in many ways. On Saturday morning, April 27, Volunteer Alexandria will recognize outstanding volunteers nominated by our nonprofit partners as another way to show their appreciation.

“Volunteers are the Heart of Alexandria” is an annual volunteer recognition event to thank and celebrate hundreds of vol-

unteers in our community. All volunteers have donated their time and talents to help someone else.

“Without volunteers, our

hard-working nonprofits would not be able to fulfill their missions, and we couldn’t do what we do to serve our most vulnerable residents,” said Mayor Justin

Events to Support Volunteerism

Join us for Beer Bingo and fun in Del Ray. Piece Out Del Ray and St. Elmo’s are hosting events to support volunteerism during Spring2ACTion. A variety of activities will take place between April 15 and 22. District Biscuits and Lost Boy Cider encourage customers to round up their payments to support volunteerism. Visit volunteeralexandria.org/event-overview for details on all events. Visit spring2action.org/volunteer-alexandria.

Volunteer Opportunities

This month, we are focusing on Board Service.

Every nonprofit organization is governed by a board of directors that loses members each year. You might be surprised to learn that your skills, experiences, network, connections, and passion to serve qualify you as an ideal board member.

Wilson. “The donation of time, talents, and skills of our community’s volunteers makes Alexandria a better place for all of us.”

Thanking volunteers for their service and work is essential and gives them a sense of belonging and appreciation. If you are interested in being part of this event, please email us at mail@ volunteeralexandria.org or donate at secure.givelively.org/donate/volunteer-alexandria

Thank you to our sponsors: The Jen Walker Team, Dominion Energy, The Zebra Press, and the City of Alexandria.

Board and committee members generally get along well with others and offer financial expertise, personal experience, professional skills, and access to a variety of resources. Serving on a board requires strong leadership, commitment to the organization’s mission, and time. Boards of Directors can expect to provide fiscal oversight, fundraising, strategic planning, and personnel actions in addition to regularly showing up.

When you consider joining a board:

• Learn more about the organization’s mission and vision, programs, services, challenges, and financial health

• Talk with current board members to learn about the culture and environment

• Evaluate the need for your skills and experiences

• Serve on a committee first to learn more about the culture of the NPO, supporters, and staff

• Support the organization’s initiatives

• Refresh your resume and prepare for an interview

Visit VolunteerAlexandria.org to register and get involved. Nonprofits currently seeking new board members:

Arts on the Horizon | Social Services Advisory Board | Ten Thousand Villages Alexandria | The Child and Family Network Centers | The Spitfire Club | Volunteer Alexandria

Graphic and images: Vol ALX

the subject line and a descriptive sentence or two.

ART NEWZ

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45

brandt, and Vermeer. Stop by to meet John and his fellow printmakers at the working studio on the first floor.

Across the street and up two blocks from the Torpedo Factory, the Principle Gallery is celebrating 30 years in the historic Gilpin House at 208 King Street. The anniversary exhibit features a group show representing many of the finest artists pioneering modern realism. Popular Principle artists from around the world are exhibiting new work on view until April 22. From Mark Lagué’s DC Autumn Capitol capture to Larry Preston’s Donuts and Coffee still life, there is something for all tastes.

On Sunday, April 7, further up King Street and around the corner in the new Nepenthe Old Town Wine Gallery at 108 N. Asaph Street, Christine Mason Miller will be discussing her mixed-media artwork from 12-3pm. Her work will be on exhibit at the Fort Hunt Road main Nepenthe Gallery space with the

LEFT:

—Belle

ABOVE: PHIL’s New Year’s resolution was to get fit... fit in this box!

—Setsuko Kamotani and Aaron Steininger, Alexandria

LEFT: PAULIE PARKER

never met a box he did not love. No matter how many fancy homes we

-

very first April ART + WINE + CHEESE Thursday evening, April 4, from 6 - 7:30pm. Subsequent monthly AWC Thursday Art soirées follow with the oil paintings of JoEllen Murphy on April 11 and Gary Fisher’s abstract landscape paintings on April 18. Nepenthe will also host an ART + FLOWERS event on April 25, spotlighting the Waynewood Garden Club pairing of their floral arrangements as a complement to the curated

CONTINUED ON PAGE 65

that a child doesn’t have to explain their experience of abuse over and over to different people,” said Terri Cheshire. “This collaborative approach is embodied in our HeartWork theme because it takes heart, it takes work, and it takes all of us to end child abuse.”

Tips to Facilitate Healthy Sexual Development in Young Children

• Encourage the child to use correct terminology to describe body parts. By using the correct terms, as opposed to made-up names, the child is better able to explain what happened if an incident of abuse needs to be reported.

• Teach kids about the difference between comfortable/appropriate touch and uncomfortable/unacceptable touch; avoid the terms “good touch/bad touch” as it’s very normal for young children to explore/touch their own bodies.

• Model comfortable touch by not forcing hugs or kisses.

• Let children know they can be private about their own nudity.

• Model the importance of privacy during bathing and toileting.

• Use everyday opportunities to teach fundamentals of sexuality and give simple, direct answers to any questions the child asks.

• Talk about boundaries and how to respect other people’s privacy.

Build Strong Relationships with The Basics

Kids’ First Years and its dedicated community partners like CAC believe in the power of The Basics – five science-based parenting and caregiving principles that can be adapted for children of any age from newborn to age five. The Basics can help all children reach their full potential. In addition, the simple yet powerful activities that parents and caregivers can incorporate into a child’s day-today routine help to build healthy, vital parent/child relationships.

Want to learn more?

• For information about resources and educational programs available through the Child Advocacy Center, visit centerforalexandriaschildren. org

• The Child Abuse Hotline is 703-746-5800

• Visit kidsfirstyears.org/ basics to learn more about The Basics

gift him. —Kristal Parker, Alexandria

Photo Cheryl VanderMolen Neway ARTOMATIC is seven floors of art makers and making art for all ages. Add your personal touch to a weaving or massive wall painting. The fifth floor even has a sewing center set up by textile/fiber creator and Ar

tomatic Advisory Board member Cheryl VanderMolen Neway.

Empowering Women: Alexandria Chamber of Commerce Celebrates International Women’s Day

FROM THE CHAMBER ALX

On March 8, 2024, the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted the Women’s Leadership Forum at The Westin Alexandria, a vibrant morning program designed to foster discussion, inspiration, and professional development. This event, coinciding with International Women’s Day, aimed to unite individuals at all stages of their careers, creating a platform for empowerment and growth.

The agenda was thoughtfully curated to maximize engagement and learning opportunities. Attendees were welcomed with a buffet breakfast and the chance to network, fostering connections vital for personal and professional growth.

The highlight of the morning was a candid discussion among a diverse panel of accomplished women who shared their journeys, challenges, and triumphs, inspiring attendees with their stories of resilience and success.

Among the esteemed speakers were:

Lois Cook: A trailblazer in women’s football, Lois shared her journey from aspiring NFL player to advocate for women’s sports empowerment. Her dedication to growing the game both on and off the field serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes everywhere.

Maria Elizabeth: As the founder of Salon deZEN in Old Town, Maria exemplifies entrepreneurial excellence and community leadership. Her commitment to supporting her team and community underscores the importance of fostering environments where individuals can thrive.

Peggy Fox: With a distinguished career in journalism and now as a Spokesperson and External Affairs Manager with Dominion Energy, Peggy embodies the power of effective communication and community engagement. Her journey from

Emmy-winning journalist to corporate leader highlights the diverse paths to success available to women in today’s workforce.

LaJuanna Russell: As President & CEO of Business Management Associates, LaJuanna’s journey from humble beginnings to leading a multi-million-dollar business is a testament to her visionary leadership and dedication to excellence. Her expertise in human resource management and commitment to diversity and inclusion serve as guiding principles for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Stephanie Wright : CoFounder and Executive Director of Together We Bake, Stephanie’s passion for empowering women through employment and skills training is truly inspiring. Her dedication to creating opportunities for women to thrive is a testament to the transformative power of community-based initiatives.

Following the panel discussion, attendees had the opportunity to network further over coffee, fostering connections and exchanging laughter, insights and professional development tips & opportunities.

To cap off the energizing and enlightening morning, attendees engaged in an interactive discussion with the panelists, delving deeper into topics such as leadership, entrepreneurship, and the future of women in the workforce.

The Women’s Leadership Forum hosted by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce served as a powerful reminder of the importance of celebrating and uplifting women in all aspects of society. By providing a platform for dialogue, inspiration, and professional development, events like these play a crucial role in driving positive change and fostering a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

Photos: Chamber ALX

From left, Nikita Montgomery, Lois Cook, LaJuanna Russell, Stephanie Wright, Maria Elizabeth, and Peggy Fox.

Lajuanna Russell presents during the Women’s Leadership Forum. Chamber ALX presented the forum to a packed house.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 44

find Penelope as a real-life wife displaying emotions ranging from frustration to anger and longing to sentimentality. Prominent is her famed fidelity to a man we never meet.

Paige Hathaway ’s simple set design focuses on our heroine in front of a background of curvilinear dunes changing colors from dawn to sunset.

Onstage are a quintet of musicians – on piano Ben Moss, on percussion

Erika Johnson, on violin Jennifer Rickard, on viola Imelda Tecson Juarez and on cello Susanna Mendlow

It’s an impressive group and the glue that holds the piece together. The songs and the instrumentals reflect Pe-

DISABILITIES

nelope’s ever-changing mood swings that range from frantic to riotously funny (Bourbon is her medicine of choice) to contempla-

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

lins III, who spearheaded numerous advocacy organizations in the DC Metro area, will be presented

tive and, in her most desperate moments, a cry for guidance from Athena the Greek goddess of wisdom and war.

Told in modern vernacular, the patient Penelope becomes a relatable “every” woman.  As in the myth, her time at the loom and the

to an individual who champions equal opportunity for people with disabilities.

undoing of her work each night so as not to complete a piece, become a metaphor for unrequited love. The beautiful ballad “Weaving” is about longing and a love unfinished.

This 75-minute production has 21 numbers – one calypso number, ballads,

In partnership with the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, the ACPD will present the Commitment to Disability Award. This award recognizes an Alexandria business that takes special care to educate employees about the needs of customers with disabilities and makes special accommodations for those customers.

and a bit of rock – 14 of those sung by Phillips. But it’s the ballads that stick with you, that and Phillips’ ability to bring life and believability to the character. With a rich background in musical theater, both on and off Broadway and on national tour in Dear Evan Hansen, Phillips knows her craft well, offering up a riveting range of emotions. Based on the writings of Homer’s The Odyssey, this production has recently been extended, reflecting both its success and appeal.

With Costume Design by Danielle Preston and Lighting Design by Jesse Belsky

Through April 28 in the ARK Theatre at Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue in Shirlington Village, Arlington, VA 22208. For tickets and information call the box office at 703 8209771 or visit www.SigTheatre.org

The awards reception is scheduled for Wednesday, June 26 at 5 p.m. at the American Physical Therapy Association (3030 Potomac Ave.). To learn more about the ACPD and each of the awards, visit alexandriava.gov/ACPD. Write to lpatish@thechamberalx.com to submit a nomination for the Commitment to Disability Award.

Photos: Daniel Rader

Jessica Phillips in Penelope

ACHS English Educator Receives Prestigious $25,000 Milken National Award During Surprise Ceremony

BY LES MACHADO

When Eva Irwin, who teaches over 100 students in five sections of 11th Grade English at Alexandria City High School, learned there would be a last-minute assembly at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19, she assumed the honoree would be somebody famous, especially after seeing Dr. Melanie KayWyatt, the Alexandria City Public Schools Superintendent, and Dr. Lisa Coons, the Virginia State Superintendent of Public Instruction, in the packed gymnasium.

“We heard all sorts of crazy things, like Denzel Washington was coming today,” said Irwin with a laugh. “Honestly, that would have been pretty cool.”

What the assembled students, educators, and attendees found pretty cool was a surprise announcement by Lowell Milken, founder of the Milken Educator Awards and chairman and co-founder of the Milken Family Foundation, that Irwin had been awarded the prestigious $25,000 Educator Award, making her the first Milken Educator Award recipient in the history of Alexandria City Public Schools. A visibly

emotional Irwin marveled at her selection: “I’m so honored. I think there are so many amazing educators here that are so deserving of an award like this. I’m so honored that they see such potential in me.”

The Milken Educator Awards is the nation’s preeminent teacher recognition initiative, provid-

ing public acknowledgement and financial awards of $25,000 to outstanding K-12 teachers, principals, and specialists who are furthering excellence in education. Along with the financial prize, recipients will join the national Milken Educator Network, a growing group of professionals across diverse roles and disciplines working to shape the future of education.

“Educators have the most important job in our nation, and indeed, the world: to prepare every student to advance successfully to the next stage of learning and life,” said Lowell Milken. “During her short time at Alexandria City High School, Eva Irwin’s dedication and leadership are commendable and making a positive impact on students, colleagues and the community. We are proud to welcome Eva to the Milken Educator Network and look forward to seeing her accomplish even greater things in the future to advance educators and students.”

Irwin will join other honorees at the all-expenses-paid Milken Educator Awards Forum in Los Angeles in June 2024, where she will network with her new colleagues

as well as veteran Milken Educators and other education leaders about how to broaden their impact on K-12 education. Honorees also receive powerful mentorship opportunities for expanded leadership roles that strengthen education practice and policy.

The Milken Family Foundation’s website states that educators cannot apply and are unaware of their candidacy. Candidates are sourced through a confidential selection process and then reviewed by blue ribbon panels appointed by state departments of education. Factors include exceptional educational talent as evidenced by effective instructional practices and student learning results in the classroom and school; exemplary educational accomplishments beyond the classroom that provide models of excellence for the profession; individuals whose contributions to education are largely unheralded yet worthy of the spotlight; early to mid-career educators who offer strong longrange potential for professional and policy leadership; and engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues and the community.

According to a press release issued by the Milken Family Foundation, Irwin was selected because

Eva Irwin speaks to the assembled crowd in the ACHS gymnasium.

Eva Irwin flanked by Dr. Lisa Coons, Virginia Department of Education (left) and ACPS Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt (right) Also pictured is School Board Chair Michelle Rief in the blue coat. Lowell Milken stands next to her.

Photos: Les Machado Eva Irwin in reflection after the ceremony honoring her.

Photo: Les Machado

Lowell Milken of the Milken Foundation announces Eva Irwin as the recipient of the Milken Educator Award.

AWARD

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 58

her intentionality, positivity, enthusiasm, and solutions-oriented approach help her meet the individual needs of students both in her classroom and throughout the school. In only her first year (2022-23) at ACHS, 75 percent of students passed the state English exam and 82 percent passed the state writing exam, both up from 68 percent in 202122 and above state and district rates.

Irwin also serves as the substitute assistant principal, the Grade 11 English team professional learning community lead, the English department’s representative on the Staff Advisory Council, a member of the school’s Culture and Climate Committee, and chair of an advisory committee working to oversee and improve the school’s fourth period block geared towards targeted, needsbased instruction. As an assistant coach, Irwin helped lead the varsity volleyball team to a state championship in 2022 and serves as the head coach for the junior varsity team.

The $25,000 cash award is unrestricted. Some recipients have spent the funds on their children’s or their own continuing education, financing dream field trips, establishing scholarships, and even adopting children.

Irwin, who graduated from Washington and Jefferson College in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development and Education, said that she will use the mon-

Z MOVIES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 51

mere in Alexandria. That’s a Bacon score of 1.

Moving along, here goes:

Dune 1984 is both one degree and two degrees from Dune as well as two degrees from Kevin Bacon. How?

Sean Young played Chani in Dune 1984, the role now played by Zendaya who was also in The Greatest Showman with Rebecca Ferguson. So that’s the first one and second two. Chani was her next starring role after Blade Runner, another must-see film classic and one of At Z Movies’ all-time favorites along with Lawrence of Arabia - and Dune

Young starred with Kevin Costner in his breakaway role as Tom Farrell in No Way Out , filmed in Alexandria. Young’s character Susan’s townhouse filming location is at 101 Quay Street

ey to pay off the loans used to obtain a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Virginia Tech in 2021, and that doing so will allow her the freedom to pursue a Doctorate.

“We are blessed with outstanding teachers in Virginia, and Eva Irwin at Alexandria City High School is one of the best in the nation,” said Dr. Coons. “It is great to see her receive the recognition she deserves and that we could all celebrate her achievement. She is a great representative for Virginia teachers across the Commonwealth.”

To date, the Milken Family Foundation has awarded over $1,225,000 to Virginia teachers, and close to $75 million in individual financial prizes nationwide. It will recognize its 3,000 educator later in 2024.

Since Virginia joined the Milken Educator Awards program in 1999, more than four dozen Virginia educators have been recognized by the Milken Family Foundation. Other area recipients have included Philip Bigler, a teacher at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (1999); Colin Brown, an Assistant Principal at Washington Lee High School in Arlington (2001); Deborah L. Tyler, Principal at Pine Spring Elementary School in Falls Church (2004); and Ann Lam Wong, a teacher at West Springfield High School (2009); and Elizabeth (Galinis) Cannon, a Hayfield Secondary School teacher (2013). That select fraternity now has a new member.

in Old Town. You can see the waterfront park when Scott Pritchard, played by Will Patton, picks up Susan for an event. Costner can be seen standing on Fairfax Street by the patio fence door (still there), giving Gene Hackman the crook eye. Costner, as you know, starred in JFK with Bacon, giving Young a Bacon score of two.

I could have played the Tremors card right off the bat to achieve six degrees of separation from Dune to Kevin Bacon in one move. But that wouldn’t have been as much film fun.

And you all wouldn’t have so many entertaining movies to screen waiting for the chance to view Dune before heading to an IMAX theater near you to catch Dune Part 2 . Do yourself a favor and see it on the largest screen format at a theater near you.

You’ll thank me later!

BRICKS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

But there’s a smarter way! Instead of painting, consider a professional brick stain. These stains get absorbed into the porous brick, making them stronger. The best part? Stains won’t peel and need little to no upkeep. But

be careful, don’t use a stain on bricks that have already been sealed, painted, or damaged.

Keep in mind that a Certificate of Appropriateness is required for painting previously unpainted masonry for all homes located within the historic districts. All repointing or repair must also be reviewed and approved

by staff.

So, if you’re eyeing that paintbrush for your historic house, think twice— the damage is no small matter. Choosing the right path now will save you future headaches and keep your home looking great for years to come!

Students Then, Tutors Now

The Alexandria Tutoring Consortium (ATC) is deeply engrained in Alexandria’s community. “We have been helping children in Alexandria learn to read for the last 26 years,” says

Lisa Jacobs, Executive Director at ACT. “During our history,” she continued, “Our incredible tutor volunteers have devoted over 100,000 hours of time. In fact, many of our tutors were once

THEN AND NOW

Jamel Veney

elementary students right here in Alexandria, but they are now giving back to the community where they were raised!”

In the 90s, Jamel Veney was a student at Mount Vernon Elementary School. In the photo on the right, she is circled in yellow, donning stripes, and posing with her classmates. As an adult, Jamel returns to Mount Vernon twice weekly to read with her Book Buddy. “I became a Book Buddy because I had a reading tutor in first grade, she helped me learn to read, and I still keep up with her son. She was a volunteer at Mount Vernon Elementary and worked with me one-on-one. I was a slow reader and it’s funny because now I am complimented for my reading comprehension. I think it’s because I learned to pay close attention to words. I had to sound them out, write them down, and memorize them. Now, at work, I am given contracts and other dense text to read because I’m very good with detail.”

Steve Cornwell

Steve Cornwell attended George Mason Elementary six decades ago and now tutors at Samuel Tucker Elementary. As a first grader at George Mason Elementary School in 1961, Steve remembers having “a self-directed, graduated reading program. As you mastered each level you then moved up to the next more challenging one. I was always eager to read about new adventures and characters and expand my reading skills. I hope to instill that enthusiasm for reading with my students.”

Maxie Witkin

Maxie Witkin as a third grader (left) at George Mason Elementary School, and now as a tutor at the very same school. “Walking through George Mason’s front door after 55 years brought a flood of memories. The library stairs where I once stood for a photo as a safety patrol, the cafeteria where if it was Friday, it was fish sticks, and my Book Buddy’s classroom, which I believe was also my 3rdgrade homeroom.”

Tammy Adams

Tammy as a 3rd grader (right) at Jefferson-Houston when it was a K-3 school. Now, Tammy tutors at Jefferson-Houston, which has expanded to a K-8 school. Tammy explained, “The original Jefferson-Houston was a pod school for kindergarten through third grade and only one level. I am excited to volunteer at my former elementary school where my early education was started and nourished. Go Tigers!”

Luisa Lancetti

Six-year-old Luisa Lancetti was an elementary student at Charles Barrett and is now a tutor at Charles Barrett Elementary. “I find it very rewarding to tutor at Charles Barrett...I remember the front steps seemed so high back then; now, I can easily climb them two at a time. Much has changed in terms of the diversity of the student body, the languages spoken, as well as the different challenges faced by young students today. But one thing remains a constant—learning to read is essential. And I am happy to do my small part as an ATC tutor.”

Amy and Lisa Schumaier

In the first picture, Amy is on the left and Lisa is on the right. The girls had just come from the Lyles-Crouch winter performance of the Nutcracker. Lisa performed as a rat and Amy was a snowflake.

Amy (above right and Lisa Schumaier are sisters who attended Lyles-Crouch as children, and now they are both ATC tutors. Amy shared that learning to read was a struggle for her. She says, “I love seeing the kids in the tutoring program improving and taking pride in their accomplishments. If I can help a child pick up the skills it takes to enjoy reading, and we can both have some fun doing it, my life is enhanced!”

Doug Garthoff

Lisa shared that she treasured her time at LylesCrouch, and she credits her love of reading to her first-grade teacher, Miss Boyd. Lisa said, “Miss Boyd taught us carefully through phonics with a lot of fun and love mixed in. Most of the kids in my first-grade class had not gone to kindergarten and were starting from square one.” Lisa says, “I have been a tutor for many years, and I just love being there when that reading spark kicks in, and all of a sudden, they realize they can read anything!” Amy tutors at Mount Vernon and Lisa tutors at Jefferson-Houston.

Catherine Kitchell

Catherine Kitchell as a sixth grader at George Mason Elementary School, and tutoring today at Charles Barrett. “The best part of tutoring, besides the adorableness of the children, is the positivity of everyone involved—the teachers, the tutors, the children. Tutoring is about hope for children in the future being able to make the best world possible,” says Catherine.

Doug Garthoff now tutors at Cora Kelly, but as a child, he attended Mount Vernon Elementary. Doug grew up in Del Ray and went to the only public elementary school there at the time, Mount Vernon Elementary. He shared how one of his teachers taught his class to play chess and “how special it felt to be taught something that was fun and extra.” He says learning chess led him to read books about improving his game. He also recalled the kindness of a teacher who gently corrected his mispronunciation of a word while reading a passage. “The teacher’s correction was made skillfully, alleviating my embarrassment, and—just possibly—teaching me that it’s okay to make a mistake as long as you correct it and learn from it,” he added.

Tom Kemler

Tom Kemler attended Lee School and then Lyles-Crouch starting in fourth grade. He now tutors at Samuel Tucker. Asked what is different these days from his childhood, Tom said, “Students today are encouraged to embrace their individuality and express themselves more than they did back in my day. But the thing that is timeless is the youthful enthusiasm that first graders exude and their sense of wonderment about the world.”

Do You Have Two Hours a Month?

If you can spare two hours each month to drive an older neighbor to an appointment, we welcome your participation!

www.athomeinalexandria.org

aha@athomeinalexandria.org

703.231.0824

MARYANNE BEATTY

Senior Services Spring Events – Something for Everyone!

BY MARYANNE BEATTY

Spring is here and it is time to have fun, get moving and learn how to protect yourself and safely age in place. SSA’s monthly Senior Living in Alexandria events will have something for everyone!

SSA’s April 25 event is a fun one with the Red Hill Garden Club showing attendees how to create simple and pretty floral arrangements using spring flowers. This is a popular event and fills up quickly so make sure you register soon! The event takes place at Goodwin Living’s senior community – The View at 5000 Fairbanks Avenue in Alexandria on April 25 at 10:00 am.

Flowers and containers will be provided—just bring your creative spirit.

On May 23, SSA is cohosting the Senior Health and Fitness Fair, along with the Successful Aging Committee, at the Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson Street. The event starts at 10 am with a program by Inova’s Alexandria Hospital on how to stay healthy as we age.

After the formal program, there will be breakout sessions including blood pressure and Glaucoma screenings; healthy food demonstration; movement exercises and more. There will also be literature from area organizations with information about upcoming programs and activities. This event is a great way to kick off spring, get moving and create new habits as we can get out more and enjoy the beautiful spring in our area.

ABOVE:

LEFT:

BELOW:

The last event on SSA’s schedule is Senior Law Day, taking place on Saturday, June 8, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm at the First Baptist Church at 2932 King Street. SSA collaborates with the Alexandria Bar Association on this annual event with this year’s theme of “Protecting Ourselves as We Age.” There will be speakers talking about scams; things to consider when choosing to age in place; and a review of the legal documents that every-

one should have including wills, power of attorney and advance directive. At this event, we also have community leaders with information on all aspects of aging.

All of SSA’s events are free and open to the public. We just ask that you register in advance by emailing events@seniorservicesalex. org or call the office at 703836-4414, ext. 110. We hope to see you at one or more event!

Photos: Senior Services

The Senior Health and Fitness Fair

Senior Law Day presenters

Floral arranging at the Red Hill Garden Club

SENIOR SERVICES OFALEXANDRIA DRAWS RECORD CROWDTOANNUAL GALA

BY JUDITH FOGEL

Three hundred fifty-five of Alexandria’s movers and shakers filled the Westin Alexandria Old Town ballroom on Saturday, March 16, to enjoy dinner and dancing while spotlighting Senior Services’ 56 years of serving the city of Alexan-

dria. Christopher Wright, the board of directors chair, greeted the room, saying, “Our mission is fostering independence and self-sufficiency, enabling seniors within the city to age with dignity.” He praised the “army of volunteers” who make it all happen.

In addition to providing

DO YOU HAVE YOUR CARD?

If you are a senior (over 60) that lives or works in Alexandria, you qualify for a card. And if you are a business and want to offer special deals to seniors, you are eligible to participate. if you want your business added or to get a card, please contact Senior Services at 703- 836-4414, ext. 110 or email development@seniorservicesalex.org

The first one gets the oyster, the second gets the shell.

— Andrew Carnegie

Meals on Wheels 365 days a year to Alexandria’s seniors in need, Senior Services of Alexandria (SSA) reaches out to non-English speaking residents and has hired staff who are fluent in Spanish and Amharic. SSA also offers glaucoma screenings, fall prevention lectures, and exercise classes to keep se-

niors engaged, active, and socially connected. “We have a fairly large segment of the population that is sixty and older and many of them live alone. About 7,000 seniors live by themselves. We have a population of older adults who are getting increasingly fragile,” SSA Executive Director Mary Lee

Anderson told The Zebra. “Because we are a somewhat transient community, a lot of them don’t have that network of family that you might have if you were in a small town such as I grew up. So they really rely on the community to help them age in place.” (See expanded story online at thezebra.org)

Senior Services of Alexandria would like to thank the Alexandria Community for making this year’s Annual Gala an overwhelming success! We are grateful to all of our sponsors, donors, volunteers and supporters for their generosity.

A special thank you to Benchmark at Alexandria, our Presenting Sponsor for this year’s Gala. The Westin Alexandria Old Town provided a fabulous venue and Creative Liquid created videos that brought the honorees’ stories to life.

To our honorees, Debra Collins, Brenda and Lucky Elliott and Donnan Chancellor Wintermute, thank you for supporting residents of all ages and your contributions to making Alexandria such a caring community. For photos, visit our website and/or our Facebook page.

Debra Collins Brenda & Lucky Elliott Donnan Chancellor Wintermute

ABOVE: Mary Lee Anderson, Senior Services of Alexandria executive director with Christopher Wright, chair, SSA board of directors.

Photos: Lucelle O’Flaherty

ABOVE: Left to right: SSA Service Award Honoree Donnan Chancellor Wintermute; Presenting Sponsor Doug Buttner, Senior Executive Director, Benchmark at Alexandria; SSA Service Award Honorees Brenda and Lawrence “Lucky” Elliott; SSA Board Chair Christopher Wright; former Deputy City Manager Debra Collins.

ABOVE: Brenda & Lucky Elliott were honored with the 2024 Services Award at the Senior Services Gala.

ABOVE: Benchmark presenting Sponsors: Doug Buttner, Senior Executive Director, Benchmark at Alexandria, Clint Lawhorn; Director of Community Relations, and more.

RIGHT: Marta Ishmael, Mark Roth, former SSA board president.

ABOVE: Senior Services of Alexandria Staff Tanya Edwards, Katie Klingler, Tytiana White. Back row: Wilder Escobedo and Lindsay Hemphill.

ABOVE RIGHT: Arthur Sauer, recipient of the 2016 SSA Service Award and former board member dancing with Janet Barnett, former executive director of Senior Services of Alexandria.

IN THE DIRT

BY RAY GREENSTREET

Creating a Buzz: How to Cultivate a Bee-Friendly Garden

Recently, there has been a growing awareness of the decline in pollinator populations, particularly bees. As essential contributors to our ecosystem, bees are crucial in pollinating crops and wild plants. However, the loss of bee colonies significantly threatens our food supply and natural habitats. The good news is that we can all support these vital insects by creating beefriendly gardens right in our backyards. Here are some practical tips and suggestions for expanding your garden space to accommodate bees and other essential pollinators:

Choose Bee-Friendly Plants: The first step in establishing a bee-friendly garden is to choose the right plants. When planning your garden, consider including various trees, shrubs, perennials, and annual flowers to attract a diverse range of pollinators. Aim for diverse flowers that appeal to bees, including native wildflowers, herbs, and flowering fruits and vegetables.

To accommodate the immense diversity of pollinators — we have 19 species of native bumblebees alone! — you can plant a variety of flower shapes and colors. It’s better to plant in clumps so bees can easily find the plant they need. The key is cultivating different plants that bloom through each part of the season so pollinators always have nectar and pollen to eat.

Bees are attracted to flowers with blue, yellow, and purple hues, so incorporate these colors into your garden palette, and your garden will attract them.

Plant for Continuous Bloom: Select plants with varying bloom times to ensure a continuous source of nectar and pollen throughout the growing season. Herbs that flower, native wildflowers, berries, and flowering fruits and vegetables are all excellent choices for attracting bees to your garden.

Plant Native Species: Native plants benefit pollinators and the environment! Be sure to incorporate native plants into your garden landscape, as they are well adapted to the local climate and provide valuable resources for native pollinators. Native plants also support diverse wildlife and help create resilient ecosystems.

Create Habitat Diversity: Include a variety of flowering plants, shrubs, and trees in your garden to attract a diverse range of pollinators. Planting in clusters or groupings can make it easier for bees to forage and

navigate within your garden space.

Provide Water Sources: But it’s not just about the types of flowers you plant – providing essential resources like water and shelter is equally important to creating a pollinator garden. Bees need access to fresh water for drinking and cooling, especially during hot and dry periods, so setting up a shallow dish with floating objects like corks or rocks will provide them with a safe drinking spot.

Create Nesting Sites: Creating a “bee house” in your yard, similar to a birdhouse but with small tunnels drilled throughout, offers solitary bee species a place to nest and lay their young. These structures mimic natural nesting sites and can help support local bee populations. Install bee houses or nesting boxes in

your garden or around the perimeter so they’re close to their food source.

Avoid Pesticides: Maintaining a pesticide-free environment is crucial for the health of pollinators. Minimize the use of pesticides in your garden, as these chemicals can harm bees and other beneficial insects. It’s best to use these products sparingly, practice integrated pest management techniques, and opt for natural alternatives whenever possible. Additionally, keeping a portion of your yard “wild” provides pollinators with undisturbed nesting sites and foraging areas.

Involve Kids: Teaching children about pollinators’ importance and engaging them in gardening activities can foster a deeper appreciation for nature and conservation.

Encourage kids to plant pollinator-friendly flowers in their garden plots or containers and allow them to observe bees and butterflies in action. Creating habitats for pollinators supports their populations and adds beauty and vibrancy to your outdoor space.

Creating a bee-friendly garden is a rewarding endeavor and a crucial step in supporting pollinators and preserving biodiversity. By following these simple steps and committing to support pollinators in your garden, you can positively impact the health of our environment and ensure a thriving ecosystem for generations to come. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your gardening tools, and join the effort to create bee-friendly gardens that buzz with life and vitality.

All photos: Greenstreet Gardens

REAL ESTATE BEAT

Veterans Affairs (VA) Loan Assumptions

WHATTHEYAREAND HOWTHEYWORK

BY LYSSA SEWARD

Hello Alexandrians! Happy spring – a truly amazing season in our area!

The local real estate market is fast and furious, even though mortgage interest rates are in the mid- to high-six percents at the typing of this article.

Absolutely we are currently in a seller’s market. Nothing lasts forever and the market is always fickle, fluid and fluctuating. Seasonally, we tend to experience a slowdown after Memorial Day, making for a more balanced and healthy market between buyers and sellers. This month, we are covering a subject that many homebuyers are hoping for and curious about.

While these VA Loan assumptions do exist, they are not easy to come by and due to our current seller market, many sellers will have zero interest in marketing this assumption feature. These loans can have balances with interest rates as low as 2.5 percent depending on when they were purchased.

ART NEWZ

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 55

gallery artwork on view.

Be sure to head back to Upper King Street at 1303 this month to catch the latest group show on exhibit at the eclectic and über progressive Galactic Panther Gallery. Americulture opened last month, throwing a pARTy heARTy opening reception with, appropriately, live Blues, Gospel, and Funk music performed by Saturday Night Specials. Americulture focuses upon depictions of the contemporary cultural mindset featuring 14 artists “riffing” upon a zeitgeist born in the USA. Influences

What are sellers’ objections to offering assumability of their mortgages:

1. The VA Loan assumption process can take 60-150+ days to close depending on the speed of the servicer holding the loan. Sellers are reticent to wait many months for their proceeds.

2. If a non-VA buyer assumes the mortgage, the seller will lose all or a portion of their VA eligibility (eligibility dependent).

You read that correctly, a non-VA buyer can technically assume a VA Loan.

are discerned from current Americana: TV, film, comics, cartoons, musical movements, and dance crazes. The exhibition comprises a wide variety of thematic creativity expressed in all mediamixed and otherwise, including fiber, sculpture, drawing, prints, and paintings.

Coming SOON! It’s time to calendar the Second Annual Party- pARTAy- for the Arts! In celebration of the 275th anniversary of Alexandria this first art show held at the Canal Center and Gallery in 2024 is happening Saturday, April 27 from 11am to 7 pm. The soirée and gallery exhibit theme (on exhibit through 6/9/24) is What does Alexandria mean to me?

Photo Cheryl VanderMolen Neway ARTOMATIC is BaaaAAAaaack!

The ultimate pARTy has something for everyone. And what’s a pARTy without music, dancing, and the requisite Disco Ball. Yes, Virginia, there is an art to Disco.

Here are some additional challenges that buyers face regarding assuming these VA Loans:

1. If you must move in a timely fashion, waiting for the VA assumption approval process may be prohibitive. These assumptions are processed by administrative personnel, and the financial servicing company makes very little money for these assumptions. They are in no great rush to make these happen.

2. The difference between the current mortgage balance and the agreed upon

purchase price must be paid in liquid funds (cash). The VA will not allow a 2nd mortgage to be financed unless it is also assumable, and at the time of this article, there are no such loans offered in the current mortgage marketplace.

3. For example, if the current mortgage balance is $600,000.00, the sales price is $800,000.00, the buyer(s) would need to bring $200,000 to closing in cash.

4. Competition can and will be fierce if a seller is offering an assumption and the listing price may escalate.

5. The new buyer will have to maintain the exact amount of principal and interest as the current lien holder. Taxes and Insurance numbers will vary. The buyer must also pay a portion of the VA funding fee.

6. These loans can only be assumed by the occupant and cannot be co-signed with a non-occupant.

The bottom line is that

these assumptions are highly desirable and, in a more balanced market, can and will become more popular and viable.

Can we assist you in navigating your next chapter with caring and skilled representation? The Seward Group would be honored to help you, a family member, or friend with any of your real estate needs.

THE LAST WORD

BY MARCUS FISK

…Turn, Turn, Turn…

BY MARCUS FISK

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

“Turn, Turn, Turn” — The Byrds

I heard that song again a few days ago and it took me way, way back to another era – another epoch in America’s long emotional trek from subservient colony to an evolving, rocking and rolling republic.

In October 1965 a fusion rock/folk group on the rise, The Byrds, released a song titled “Turn, Turn, Turn.” It became a huge hit and landed as #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 charts on 4 December of that year.

That release wasn’t the first version. It had originally been popularized in

musician circles in 1962 by the late folksinger Pete Seeger who took the lyrics from the third chapter of the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible. He rearranged some of the lines from that text and added the chorus “Turn, Turn, Turn,” to reflect the changes occurring in the country. He also added the final lyric of “I swear it’s not too late,” as a plea for peace around the world.

When Seeger sent it to his music publisher, the response was, “Pete, can’t you write another song like “Goodnight Irene?” I can’t sell or promote these protest songs.” Seeger mailed back, “Then you better get another songwriter. This is the only kind of song I know how to write.”

The first recording of Seeger’s arrangement was done by the Limelighters, a popular folk trio on their album Folk Matinee. Then it found its way onto Judy Collins’ 3rd album in 1963.

The Byrds, originally comprising David Crosby, Gene Clark, Michael Clarke, Chris Hillman, and Jim (later “Roger”) McGuinn, performed their new hit on television shows like the Ed Sullivan Show, Shindig , Where the Action Is, and Hollywood A Go Go and their album sold over 500,000 copies.

It became a new anthem for a new generation. The year it was released was the first major infusion of 125,000 troops to a little-known country called Vietnam, men were burning their draft cards in protest to the war, young white Americans from the North were riding busses with African Americans in the South as civil rights protests were expanding across the country, President Johnson’s Great Society reforms were shaking-up the status quo – especially in the American South, and music was moving from happy-golucky dance tunes to poetic twists on the fate of the nation. Never mind the lyrics were 2000 years old, the time was ripe for a protest song to take hold and the Byrds became a new voice reflecting a definite mood shift in the nation.

…A time to be born, a time

to die A time to plant, a time to reap A time to kill, a time to heal A time to laugh, a time to weep

The song touched a nerve in America during the 1960s and 70s. The country was racing chaotically in all directions and anyone living during that time could easily compare it to today’s America. The late 60s became a firestorm where politics, religion, and beliefs were not just evolving but crashing into one another. Lines were drawn; streets were no longer designed to move people and commerce, but instead became the avenues for protest, confrontation, and violence; opposing groups ignored the traffic lanes and ran head-on into one another.

The times reached a peak in the summer of

is watching,” the emotional cleft tore a great people apart and we all felt it. It didn’t matter what side of the political spectrum you were on, the turbulence that summer of 1968 divided friends, co-workers, and even families, and it took nearly 30 years for the cultural wound to heal.

A time of love, a time of hate

A time of war, a time of peace

A time you may embrace A time to refrain from embracing

Hearing those lyrics again all these years later caught me off-guard. They are timeless, and like the biblical text the song came from, they could easily stand today — or at any time — especially in times of turmoil. But they don’t stand for protest alone. The lyrics reflect a strong grasp of the need to provide balance and restore hope when darkness seems all too present — in 2024.

A time to gain, a time to lose

A time to rend, a time to sew A time for love, a time for hate

A time for peace, I swear it’s not too late

1968 during the Presidential Campaign between Richard Nixon and Hubert Humphrey. Nixon was the “law and order” Republican candidate espousing conservative messages that harkened back to the 1950s America. Humphrey, the Democrat candidate and leader of the liberal arm of that party, found himself hamstrung with supporting President Johnson’s Vietnam policies in the face of growing anti-war sentiment within the Democratic party.

The philosophical split in the party that summer erupted during the Democratic Convention. The anti-war sentiment had severed the party and the protests and chaos that surrounded the convention hall led to violent clashes between protesters and the Chicago Police. When protesters chanted “The whole world

To everything, turn, turn, turn

There is a season, turn, turn, turn And a time to every purpose under heaven.

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.

Training Your New Puppy? Start with Empathy

ENCOURAGES OWNERSTO LETTHEIR DOG BEA DOG,THENTEACH OUR HUMANWAYS

BY SUSAN MULLIGAN FLEISCHMAN

When Kathy Callahan was 12 years old, she finally got the dog she’d been begging for, and as part of the agreement with her parents, she signed up to get him trained. Off she went to a trainer who made her yank on a choke chain to get him to stop pulling, stand on the leash, and bellow NO with militant authority so he would listen. Even though this coercion was standard practice at the time (and sadly lingers), to young Callahan it felt very wrong.

“After that class I never trained with Baxter again, because it felt sad and mean,” Callahan said. “What a shame. Twelveyear-old me would have adored the kind of positive training I do today!”

Now a professional dog trainer in Alexandria, Callahan’s approach reflects a paradigm shift in the dog training industry toward force-free training. The success of positive reinforcement is indisputable, and the movement away from fear and coercion toward empathy and connection is gaining real momentum. Callahan is a learned practitioner and shows how to

We busy humans can easily get into a pattern of paying the most attention to our puppies when they’ve caused trouble. When they are acting exactly as we’d wish them to — lying peacefully on the dog bed while we cook, keeping four feet on the floor when guests arrive — our attention stays focused on the cooking or the guests. But if pup starts jumping up on folks, chewing the chair leg, or biting somebody’s clothes, suddenly we find time to interact with her. I beg you to reverse that dynamic. Tune in and notice when your puppy is doing what you’d love to see more of. Do it enough, and you’ll start seeing a whole lot more of the behavior you want.

Excerpt from Welcoming Your Puppy From Planet Dog

apply this concept to puppyhood with her signature humor and warmth in her newest book, Welcoming Your Puppy From Planet Dog

She likens adopting a puppy to kidnapping a baby from another planet. She reminds readers that the instinctive behavior of dogs, e.g., sniffing, chewing, biting, digging, barking, is just that: instinct. On Planet Dog, sleeping takes place lumped together with littermates, exploration and learning happens through the mouth and teeth, and dirt and grass are for running, jumping, and digging. They play till they drop and then they sleep.

Callahan teaches owners to work with, rather than against, those natural instincts. She guides her clients to meet their dogs’ needs, and their own, by asking what kind of play do they need, and how does that fit within the household? She teaches clients to focus on training that will make their life easier with their dog, such as how not to barge through the door, how not to bark at or jump on people who come to the door, how not to knock the bowl out of their hands.

“Dogs are sentient beings, just

CONTINUED ON PAGE 69

Photos: Kathy Callahan

Author Kathy Callahan with one of the 200+ puppies she’s fostered over the years.

Under Aunt Mojo’s steady example, the puppies learn that a good sit yields praise and treats more quickly.

The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.

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.

Training Time

By Sandy Modell

Is My Dog Stubborn?

BY SANDY MODELL

CHLOE & HANDSOME (must be adopted together)

Chloe, female, age 4, Handsome, male, age 12. Bonded pair of loyal friends seek quiet home with purrson who’s got lots of time for love.

HAGRID

Happy, joyful young boy healed from car collision and seeks forever home.

MOCHA FLUFF

Sometimes, clients tell me their dogs are “stubborn” or “won’t listen.” They say they ask them to do something, and their dog turns and walks away. Or, they call them to come, but they don’t. That certainly sounds like a stubborn dog, right? Well, if they were human, probably so. But they are dogs, and what looks to us like a dog being defiant or refusing to cooperate out of spite may, in reality, be a dog who is having trouble understanding what we are asking, or maybe they didn’t hear us clearly, or the environment made it difficult for them to focus on the task at hand.

Stunning former feral loves kitty friends (adopt him with a friend!) and seeks patient purrson to help him blossom.

LANA & LINDY

Age 11 months, adopt these sisters together

Quiet, lovely pair of young beauties dream of peaceful, kid-free home together with you

Remember, English is not a dog’s first or second language. It means our cues must be clear enough for them to understand us. Dogs are more in tune with our body language, so we start with hand signals or work to get the behavior before we even name it and put it on a verbal cue. Otherwise, there is a tendency to repeat the verbal cue over and over again, which, unfortunately, can lead to what is known in science as “learned irrelevance.”

time in. As you gradually increase to more distracting environments, the value of your reinforcers and your reinforcement rate must also increase.

Amazingly handsome boy with excellent manners likes taking walks on his leash!

PETUNIA

Female, Age 10 months

Shy little girl loves to snuggle with kitty friends - adopt her with a

Saying the cue repeatedly or using it in praise, such as “good down” or “good come!” weakens the association between the cue and the behavior. We teach our clients to avoid repeating the cue, which is hard for humans as we are very verbal animals. When training dogs, sometimes less talking leads to a better understanding by the learner.

Kibble rewards might work great inside your home, but outside, chicken, cheese, hotdogs, or tripe will be much more memorable to your dog and increase the likelihood that they will repeat the behavior. When a dog “blows us off,” it is likely due to not having enough value in the behavior for the dog to do it or do it reliably. Other contributing factors include one or all of the three “D’s”:

for that long. Or maybe there are too many distractions. Try going back to one-minute duration and see what happens. If they remain in a down, reward them with multiple treats and make it easier for them to be successful. Never jerk them back down or push their butts down, and don’t get mad or have an angry tone. That’s the old-fashioned way of training used before we understood how dogs think and learn.

GUMDROP

Male, Age 8 months (adopt him with one of his best friends here!)

Big, joyful kitten boy loves life and can hardly contain his enthusiasm!

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Where You Can Meet Your New Furry Friend(S!)

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Reinforcement drives behavior, which is valid for both humans and dogs. For example, what if you worked on an important project and stayed up nights researching and writing, but after submitting it, you received no feedback, accolades, or recognition? Maybe you won’t spend the same amount of time and energy getting it done next time.

Dogs are the same in this regard. That is why it is essential to start your training in no- or low-distracting environments, like the room your dog spends the most

• Distraction—too many competing reinforcers. These may be environmental factors, such as other dogs, squirrels, people, a bush, or a leaf. This is where the importance of high-value reinforcers comes in. Reinforce your dog over and over again until the behavior is reliable both inside and outside your home, with no distractions and with many distractions.

• Duration—for example, working on stays for too long. Your dog gets up after being in a down stay for two minutes. Instead of thinking that your dog is stubborn when they get up, think that maybe they are struggling with staying in one place

• Distance —when training a rock-solid recall, start in a non-distracting environment and start close by taking only one step back as you call your dog to you. Reward heavily every time they come to you, and always use high-value treats when training a recall. Gradually increase your distance and your distractions. We can train a reliable recall using reinforcements instead of shock collars. And we make it much more fun! Training should be fun, so always add some play to your training sessions. Play is an excellent reinforcer of behaviors. In a 2017 study on playful activities after training sessions, researchers found that play improved a dog’s training

Photo: Sandy Modell Joey

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like humans,” said Callahan. “Fear-based training is not relationship-building. It’s a one-way street where the human makes all the decisions and turns the dog into a robot, there to cater to the human with no regard for the dog’s needs and wants.”

Believe it or not, the positive reinforcement concept was born in the care and training of marine mammals. Think about it – how do you put a choke collar on a dolphin? You don’t! Two (of many) pioneers in this industry who inspired Callahan are Karen Pryor and Kathy Sdao, former marine mammal trainers who applied the positive reinforcement methods on dogs. This positive training model uses rewards and empathy to teach animals how to coexist in peace and harmony with their humans.

Callahan entered the training world through the back door. After a career in publishing, she and her husband raised two daughters alongside their evolving pack of dogs, with three or four at a time. She worked as a preschool teacher and began fostering dogs at home. Eventually she left teaching and expanded her fostering to include pregnant mamas and their litters. To date, she’s fostered over two hundred dogs (and counting).

She recognized the need

REVIEWS OF WELCOMINGYOUR

PUPPY FROM PLANET DOG

“This is an amazing, absolute must-have book for new puppy owners. Kathy Callahan’s exceptionally readable writing style combines scientifically sound guidance with humor and empathy.”

—Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, author of The Power of Positive Dog Training

“THIS is the evolution of all puppy books…the single most important read puppy families can get.”

—Kim Brophey, CDBC, CPDT-KA, author of Meet Your Dog

for positive training with the foster adopters. “The new owners would reach out and say, help, the puppy is chewing, barking, jumping, etc.” Callahan was eager to help them work through these typical problem phases so the families could return to the joy of raising a puppy. “I realized how far apart expectation and reality were for them,” Callahan said. After several teary consultations at various kitchen tables, she knew she wanted to help create a terrific dynamic in this interspecies relationship. So she embarked on the path to becoming a certified trainer with her own business.

Callahan was looking for training resources for her clients but couldn’t quite find the book she wished for.

Author Toni Morrison said, “If there’s a book that you

TRAINING TIME

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 68

retention for 24 hours. And that was in 2017. We now know that giving your dog play breaks during training can enhance their training retention even more.

So, next time you think your dog is stubborn or defiant, think about what you can do instead to set your dog up for success. It could

be changing the environment, upping the reinforcer, being clear with your cues, moving closer to your dog, or just taking a break and giving your pup a belly rub or playing a game of tug or fetch.

Sandy Modell, CPDT-KA, is the Founder, Owner, and Head of Training of Wholistic Hound Academy, Alexandria’s award-winning, premier canine training and learning center -- offering

want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” Inspired by her experiences with adoptive foster parents and informed by the latest science findings in the dog industry, Welcoming Your Puppy From Planet Dog emerged. Part of Callahan’s goal is to empower people to embrace the basic message of positive, empathetic training so they don’t need to call a trainer every time the puppy or adolescent dog begins to display unwanted behavior. “I want them to trust their own empathetic gut and say, ‘I wonder what my dog is thinking?’ Then come up with their own solutions.”

Welcoming Your Puppy

From Planet Dog is an engaging, comprehensive approach to positively adding a new puppy to your home. The book begins well before the puppy arrives and guides the reader through setting up their home and village. Callahan spends time on managing expectations for the first week, then goes into the heart of puppyhood: socialization, training, and behavior. There are actionable, triedand-true tips as well as tons of situational advice, as Callahan generously shares her wealth of experience. It’s a resource the new puppy parent (and any dog owner, really) will reach for time and time again.

classes and private lessons in puppy training, adolescent and adult foundation and life skills, behavior modification, agility, nose work, sports and fitness, kids and dogs, pre-pet planning and selection. Classes are starting soon! Visit www.wholistichound.com to enroll in our programs, like us on Facebook.com/ wholistichound, and follow us on Instagram at Instagram.com/wholistichound.

“Disguised by its cheeky title, there is seminal in- formation in this beautiful book.”

—Dr. Ian Dunbar, author of Barking Up the Right Tree “A must-read.”

—Marc Bekoff, PhD, author of The Emotional Lives of Animals and Dogs Demystified

“This short-yet-powerful handbook spells out all the puppy essentials in a fast and funny read.”

—Justine Chater Schuurmans, CPDT-KA, LFDM-K, author of The Dial Method

“I cannot put this book down! This is the most practical puppy resource I’ve ever seen. It’s full of empathy-driven and ethologically informed strategies.”

—

Marlene O’Neill Laberge, FT-CBT Therapist

“One of the few reads I’ve found to really prepare people before their puppies come home.”

—Helen St. Pierre, CDBC, CPDT-KSA, founder of Old Dogs Go To Helen

“This fresh voice is just what today’s puppy owners need. She knows exactly what they’re going through, and exactly what they need to hear.”

—Nancy Kerns, editor of Whole Dog Journal

Photos: Kathy Callahan

Designating a main living area as the “Puppy Apartment” gives a new pup two key things: 1) your companionship, and 2) “yes” choices you can reward.

On Planet Dog, this is nap time. And nighttime. And nap time again. No wonder being all alone in a crate feels scary at first!

Sunday, April 14 at 11am to 3 pm

George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mount Vernon Ave.

Join the Del Ray community for an outdoor festival celebrating dogs and their owners! This event will include dog-centered activities, dog menu items, live music, vendors and food. Finish the day with Yappy Hour at participating Del Ray restaurants.

Hosted by

Presented by

visitdelray.com