Alexandria Gazette Packet 25 Cents

Serving Alexandria for over 200 years • A Connection Newspaper March 18, 2021 Seeing Double Alexandria delegate is one of four House Janet Barnett/Gazette Packet members whose name will be on the ballot twice.

By Michael Lee Pope GAZETTE PACKET

he ballot for the Demo- cratic primary in June Photo by Michael Lee Pope/Gazette Packet might cause you to do a double take. Del. Mark T Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson gives an elbow bump Levine (D-45) will be on the ballot twice, once running for reelection greeting to a student in the honors earth science class at T.C. against primary challenger Eliza- Williams High School March 16. beth Bennett-Parker and then again against seven other candidates for lieutenant governor. Levine and Welcome Back three other House members will be doing double duty, asking voters Schools Superintendent Dr. to reject their primary opponents T.C. students Gregory Hutchings Jr. wel- for seats they would vacate if they comed back the returning stu- win stateside office. It’s a tricky resume dents, along with T.C. Principal balancing act caused by an unprec- Peter Balas, Mayor Justin Wil- edented situation that will require in-person son and ACPS School Board nuanced messaging to voters. The Democratic primary on June 8 will include elections for gov- Chair Meagan Alderton. “When a candidate runs for two classes. “It’s exciting to see our stu- offices at the same time, they’re ernor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, House of Delegates and City Council. dents again and see so much of sending two messages: I want By Jeanne Theismann our staff back,” said Balas, who something better than what I Normally House members move Gazette Packet noted that 475 T.C. students have and I’m not sure I’m going over to the Senate before they arrived that morning for in-per- to be able I’m going to get it,” attempt a statewide campaign. ne year after class- son classes. “The students are said Stephen Farnsworth, po- The current generation of House es were abruptly getting used to their new envi- litical science professor at the Democrats is particularly ambi- suspended due to ronment but as time goes by it University of Mary Washington. tious though, especially after un- Othe Covid-19 pan- will be their new normal.” “I suppose a politician can say, seating the Republican majority demic, students at T.C. Wil- The return of students at T.C. ‘I’m so good you can vote for me and seizing control of the Gen- liams High School returned was part of the final week of twice.’ But I’m not sure many eral Assembly last year. Perhaps for in-person studies March 16 ACPS students resuming in-per- Elizabeth voters are going to receive that Mark Levine more importantly, though, the with social distancing practic- son classes with more than Bennett-Parker message all that enthusiastical- House incumbents who filed for es now the new normal at the 4,000 students returning to ly.” statewide office in June were planning for a separate King Street campus. schools across the city. Levine is not alone. In the race for lieutenant gov- House primary in August, which is what happened 10 Alexandria City Public See Welcome, on Page 3 ernor, Del. Elizabeth Guzman (D-31) has three op- years ago during the last redistricting cycle. ponents in the primary for the House seat she would “It’s not what I planned. But I think I’ve been a damn leave if elected lieutenant governor. Del. Lee Carter good delegate, and I think my constituents agree,” (D-50) has two primary opponents for the House dis- said Levine. “I plan to win both seats and then resign trict he would be resigning from if elected governor. the delegate seat with plenty of time to have a special And Del. Jay Jones (D-89) has a primary opponent to election before the next General Assembly session.” keep the seat he would leave if elected attorney gen- The Census data used to draw new districts for eral. All four of these House incumbents will need to the House of Delegates was supposed to arrive by figure out how to sell them- the end of March, providing selves to voters twice for for enough time for the new two different seats. “This district deserves Redistricting Commission to “These candidates are on draw new maps before an the progressive end of the someone who is fully August primary. But delays Democratic umbrella,” said caused by the pandemic have Quentin Kidd, a political focused on them.” pushed the data delivery to science professor at Chris- — Vice Mayor Elizabeth Bennett-Parker the end of September, just a topher Newport University. few weeks before the Novem- “In a very safe Democratic ber general election. That district, the risk they would run in a primary is some- compressed timeline forced all the House candidates T.C. Williams High School teacher Cecelia Baggott, right, one on their left challenging them. But if they’re far running for statewide office into an unanticipated sit- welcomes ACPS Superintendent Dr. Gregory Hutchings Jr. and enough left themselves, it’s probably a safe risk.” uation of appearing twice on the same ballot in June. School Board Chair Meagan Alderton to her classroom during “This district deserves someone who is fully focused the return of in-person classes March 16. THE DUAL CAMPAIGN is a rarity in Virginia politics. 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2 v Alexandria Gazette Packet v March 18-24, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News

Charles Nelson Happy 90th Birthday becomes nonagenarian.

By Jeanne Theismann “Dad was a father figure in the Gazette Packet neighborhood,” said Gail Nelson. “We call him the “I remember he had this pick-up n March 11 it was of- truck and all the little guys in the ‘GOAT’ because ficial: Charles Nelson neighborhood would come and sit Janet Barnett/Gazette Packet became a nonagenar- in the back and dad would just talk he’s the greatest Oian celebrating his with them. 90th birthday with family at his So many of them didn’t have of all time.” home in Alexandria. dads so he was the neighborhood — Shaye Nelson on “Granddaddy is a wonderful dad and mom was the neighbor- her grandfather man,” said granddaughter Shaye hood mom.” Charles Nelson’s Nelson. “He has always been there Gail Nelson also praised her fa- 90th birthday for the family and always put us as ther for his humble nature. his priority. We call him the ‘GOAT’ “My dad is a very humble man,” because he’s the greatest of all Gail Nelson said. “He grew up in to support his family.” time.” humble beginnings and is still Nelson, a veteran of the U.S. Air Nelson’s daughter Gail praised humble to this day. As a provider, Force, was simple in his advice for Charles Nelson, center, celebrates his 90th birthday her father and recalled his role as father, teacher, guidance -- any- others: “Obey your parents and March 11 at his home in Alexandria with daughter Gail the “neighborhood dad.” thing that you needed he was there stay out of trouble.” Nelson and granddaughter Shaye Nelson. Welcome Back Photos by Janet Barnett/Gazette Packet From Page 1 “Today is the big test,” Hutch- ings said. “Today is the most num- ber of students returning at one time. But we have put together a lot of health and safety mitigations that are working in our favor and believe we are providing a safe en- vironment for our young people.” T.C. Williams High School Tuesday marked the return of opened its doors to students general education students across March 16 for in-person classes. all grade levels who have opted for the hybrid program including two More than 15,500 students are days a week in-person schooling. enrolled in ACPS schools repre- T.C. Williams High School students return to campus March 16 after more than a year of virtual They joined their fellow classmates senting more than 145 countries learning. who transitioned back to school and speaking 132 languages. The buildings in the prior two weeks. 18 city schools are comprised been challenging for our students “Finally, we are back in our of two middle schools, two K-8 and a year of sacrifices. But today school buildings with most of our schools, a pre-K school and T.C. is a day of celebration and an op- kids,” said Hutchings, who added Williams High School. portunity for us to pay tribute to that about 60 percent of staff re- “It’s been a tough year for ev- our educators, support staff as well turned to the buildings for in-per- erybody,” said Wilson, whose two as our families who have sacrificed son classes. “Not all are back children attend ACPS schools. “It’s so much over the past year.” right now but l am really looking forward to the rest of this year as more of our young people return. It’s exciting as we are beginning to do our planning for the summer and having conversations about what the fall looks like.” Social distancing practices are in place for students as are inter- nal procedures on how to respond should a student or teacher test positive for Covid-19. “We have protocols in place that have made it possible for students and staff to return,” Hutchings said. “If we have a positive in our schools, we know how to respond. Unfortunately, we did have a cou- ple of students and staff members test positive in the past couple of weeks and we have been able to effectively put those protocols into Mayor Justin Wilson talks with students in the honors earth ACPS Superintendent Dr. Gregory Hutchings Jr. outside T.C. Wil- practice.” science class March 16 at T.C. Williams High School. liams High School on the return of in-person classes March 16. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet v March 18-24, 2021 v 3 Opinion Alexandria Gazette Packet

www.AlexandriaGazette.com Hard to Overstate Accomplishments @AlexGazette An independent, locally owned weekly newspaper delivered By Sen. Adam Ebbin to homes and businesses. Hudson to pass this bill the ACLU, and NARAL and allows for resentencing and Published by to allow tenants to re- Virginia, I introduced release of those convicted under Local Media Connection LLC he General Assembly ceive damages after an this bill to repeal a the prohibition. Due to the short 1606 King Street officially adjourned illegal eviction. The bill medically unnecessary session and limited lead-up time, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 “sine die” on Monday, expedites the timeline and potentially harmful portions of this bill are subject to Free digital edition delivered to your email box. Go to TMarch 1, wrapping up in which hearings to barrier to patient-cen- review this summer and a second connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe a high-pressure session which remedy illegal evictions tered-care for those vote next year. caps one of the most progressive, v NEWS DEPARTMENT: are heard, and allows seeking genetic coun- SJR270 - Same Gender Mar- [email protected] accomplishment-filled two year for tenants to receive 4 seling. riage Ban Repeal. Editor & Publisher legislative cycles in Virginia’s his- months rent or $5,000, Ebbin v SB1381 - Banning Repeals the now inoperable ban Mary Kimm tory. It is hard to overstate what [email protected] whichever is greater as Guns in State Buildings on same sex marriage in the Vir- @MaryKimm the new majorities in Virginia well as reasonable at- and Capitol Square. ginia Constitution and replaces it Jeanne Theismann have accomplished, and how much torney’s fees. Working with Moms Demand with an affirmative right to marry [email protected] more work is needed to create a v SB1309 - Flood Water Assis- Action, I passed a bill to codify a regardless of gender. The amend- @TheismannMedia fair, safe, and successful Common- tance Funding. current state policy to ban firearms ment must be passed again next Janet Barnett, John Bordner, Mark Mogle wealth for all. This year I passed At the request of the City of Al- in state buildings and expand the year and then by the voters in or- Contributing Photographers five bills, which are headed to the exandria, I passed a bill to allow ban to Richmond’s Capitol Square. der to go into effect. [email protected] Governor’s desk, and one Consti- localities to use their local flood v SB1406 - Legalizing Adult Democrats passed additional Shirley Ruhe Contributing Photographer and Writer tutional Amendment, which will water assistance for short-term, Cannabis Use in 2024. legislation critical to moving Vir- [email protected] need to pass again next year be- stop-gap projects to protect neigh- Eliminates penalties for personal ginia forward, including: Eden Brown, Bridgette Adu-Wadier fore being approved by the voters. borhoods and homes from inland possession of marijuana for those SB1197, Locke, establishes the Contributing Writers [email protected] These include: flooding, provided that the proj- 21 and older in 2024 (it is cur- housing opportunity tax credit, v SB1215 - Statutory Penalties ects are in alignment with the lo- rently a $25 fine under legislation which will help more low-income Hope Nelson Food Writer for Unlawful Evictions. calities long-term flood mitigation I passed last year), creates a regu- families obtain and maintain sta- [email protected] In order to address the stun- plan. lated adult-use market for canna- ble housing. @kitchenrecess ning number of illegal evictions v SB1178 - Repealing the Ge- bis centered on building wealth for SB1387, Boysko/Lopez, requires Michael Pope Senior Reporter which occurred during COVID-19, netic Counseling “Conscience those damaged by the prohibition, higher education institutions to [email protected] I worked with the Virginia Pover- Clause.” expunges certain criminal records consider undocumented immi- @michaelleepope ty Law Center and Delegate Sally At the request of a constituent, for the possession of marijuana, See Hard to, Page 10 ADVERTISING: For advertising information [email protected] 703-778-9431 We Still Need Your Help Debbie Funk Disply Advertising/National Sales 703-778-9444 Covid has posed an existential ty, learning to “pivot,” obituaries, try to convince you how important [email protected] We all need Tara Lloyd threat to continue the community how to get vaccinated and beyond. they are between now and then. Display Advertising, 703-740-7128 community service that has been ongoing since We bring you details about covid, Recent story on the race for Gover- [email protected] 1784. testing and vaccination with a nor: http://www.connectionnews- David Griffin Marketing Assistant Every family has faced unprece- local and personal view. Recent papers.com/news/2021/mar/12/ 703-778-9431 newspapers; dented disruption between schools column: http://www.connection- mcauliffe-picks-support-alexan- [email protected] being closed and the advent of newspapers.com/news/2021/ dria/ Classified & Employment community Advertising distance learning; work is remote, mar/12/johnson-and-johnson-jab- Perhaps you are more concerned 703-778-9431 except for those people who must lubber-run-arlington-count/ about schools, teachers, students newspapers go out to jobs and the risks that An election critical to Virginia is and holding elected officials ac- Publisher Jerry Vernon entails. Every business has been coming up this fall. Do you know countable for your children’s edu- 703-549-0004 need your help. challenged; many have closed; that the Democratic primary is cation, teacher safety and return- [email protected] some have been mortally wound- June 8? That Republicans choose ing to the classroom. Recent story Art/Design: Laurence Foong, John Heinly, year later, Covid continues ed. Thousands of local people their candidates for Governor, on schools: http://www.connec- Ali Khaligh have died, with tens of thousands Lieutenant Governor, Attorney tionnewspapers.com/news/2021/ Production Manager: to be the most compelling, Geovani Flores most local issue that we having been ill with Covid. We General and some delegates at a mar/03/-person-and-home-class- A Editor Emeritus: face. have produced dozens of stories May 8 convention? If you think one-community-reston/ Mary Anne Weber Here at the Gazette Packet, about struggles of food insecuri- state elections don’t matter, we’ll See We Still Need, Page 10 CIRCULATION Circulation Manager: Ann Oliver Beyer Highlights American Rescue Plan Benefits [email protected] Let Us Know Your View Connection Newspapers welcomes A Connection Newspaper ast week, Representative The pain and suffering of this pandemic have not views on any public issue. Don Beyer (D-VA) voted to been evenly distributed, and the American Rescue Letters must be signed. Include home address The Alexandria Gazette Packet is distributed weekly to selected homes in the City of Alexandria. Lpass the landmark Ameri- Plan will get aid to those who need it most as quickly and home and business numbers; Any owners or occupants of premises that do not we will only print your name and town name. wish to receive the paper can notify the publisher can Rescue Plan and send it to as possible. The assistance in this bill is going to be by telephone at 703-778-9426 or by email to President Biden’s desk for sig- huge for communities in Northern Virginia, the whole Letters are routinely edited for length, libel, grammar, [email protected], and the distributor will be notified to discontinue service. nature. Today Beyer highlight- Commonwealth, and across the country.” good taste, civility and factual errors. Send letters ed the legislation’s infusion of The pandemic and economic crisis have had a se- Online www.connectionnewspapers.com/contact/letter resources for Virginia families vere impact on Virginia: By email: [email protected] and communities. Since the pandemic began, more than 595,000 Vir- By mail to: Letters to the Editor The Connection “This pandemic and the his- Beyer ginians have been infected with COVID-19 and more 1606 King St., Alexandria VA 22314 toric economic crisis it caused inflicted untold hard- than 10,000 have died; You can comment on our ship, but help is on the way,” said Beyer. “On the day The unemployment rate in Virginia is 5.3%, up from Facebook page or find us on Twitter we passed it, I said my vote for the American Rescue 2.5% before the pandemic, with 300,000 fewer Vir- www.facebook.com/connectionnewspapers Plan was the most consequential vote I had ever cast. ginians employed https://twitter.com/alexgazette Now people are beginning to see why we pushed so 503,000 adults – 9% of all adults in the state – re- https://twitter.com/mtvernongazette hard to get a big, ambitious relief bill through Con- port not having enough food to eat, including 308,000 https://twitter.com/followfairfax gress. See Beyer Highlights, Page 5 4 v Alexandria Gazette Packet v March 18-24, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Opinion Define Your Alexandria VA RIETY Gazette Packet Work Hours, Getting My Covid Shot: Income STORE www.AlexandriaGazette.com @AlexGazette Advertising Sales Est. 1958 An independent, locally owned weekly Proud To Be an Alexandrian newspaper delivered to homes and businesses. By Mark S. Allen Print and Digital Published by I thought, something was going to go wrong. Local Media Connection LLC But not a problem to the man at the table. He called 1606 King Street he Republican in me was ready for everything out to another volunteer to check the “other list,” Part Time sales positions Alexandria, Virginia 22314 to be screwed up. After all, I had registered which turned out to be a list of names recently added available in Alexandria Free digital edition delivered to weeks ago for a Covid-19 vaccine through the to “the list.” I suspected (though I don’t really know) your email box. Go to T Goal: connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe Alexandria Health Department. I had heard nothing. that I was the beneficiary of some doses that suddenly Increase print and digital And when it was announced that all local health de- opened up. Hence the lucky email with the appoint- advertising partnerships with local businesses throughout Alexan- NEWS DEPARTMENT: partment lists had been merged into one statewide [email protected] ment in an hour that started this whole adventure. dria. list, I was even more convinced that I had been lost in I was handed an orange slip of paper and pointed to Skills: Experience Editor & Publisher a bureaucratic maze. Ability to meet and build di- Mary Kimm the school doors, which opened into the vast gymna- alogue with on site decision mak- [email protected] I know folks who are more eager than me to get @MaryKimm sium. There were scores of people there, yet the place ers through email, phone and face the Nostalgia vaccinated as fast as possible. Trying other jurisdic- was neither crowded nor chaotic. The bleachers were to face contact as pandemic sub- Jeanne Theismann [email protected] tions. Scouting out drugstore sites. Scouring the inter- packed away and the gym floor was covered with ta- sides. Requires desire and ability of an old-time @TheismannMedia net. I just figured my time would come. After all, my bles. It felt as if I had walked into a trade show. Maybe to develop new friends who will become customers as you build Janet Barnett, John Bordner, only qualification is that I’m 66 years old and slightly it was an AARP meeting after all. Then suddenly I re- Five & Dime Store Mark Mogle trust, learning how to match their Contributing Photographers overweight. There are lots of first responders, front- membered the last time I was in a school gymnasium needs with our benefits through [email protected] line health providers and essential workers far more to get a vaccine — back in the 1960s for my polio email, phone and in person visits “If we don’t have it, Shirley Ruhe deserving than me. shot. as the pandemic subsides. Contributing Photographer and Writer you don’t need it.” [email protected] But two weeks ago I unexpectedly received an email Upon turning in my orange slip, instead of being Profile: Perfect for sales savvy re- from the Health Department. It said I should “click handed a ballot like on Election Day I was directed tirees or young parents who wish Eden Brown, Bridgette Adu-Wadier Contributing Writers here” to schedule a vaccine appointment. Surprised to table 27, where one volunteer was standing with to develop supplemental income Hollin Hall [email protected] but still skeptical – worried that it might be a scam -- I arm raised to indicate readiness. I started to take a while balancing time with family Shopping Center needs and interests; and, have Hope Nelson clicked anyway, expecting to be told that an appoint- picture of the whole impressive operation but saw the Food Writer passion for community involve- [email protected] ment might be available in a few weeks or months. “no photography” sign. Since I was directed to table ment. 7902 Fort Hunt Rd., @kitchenrecess But to my surprise, there was an appointment avail- 27, I know there were at least that many tables set up. Benefits: Competitive base and Alexandria, VA 22308 Michael Pope able in one hour. That’s right: One hour. I jumped at There I sat with two men wearing white shirts with Senior Reporter commissions, work from home or [email protected] the chance, printed the confirming email, and drove patches from the Alexandria Fire Department. I had Old Town office, free parking, de- 703-765-4110 @michaelleepope to George Washington Middle School. come prepared as instructed, so it was easy for the fine your hours and income. ADVERTISING: There I was met by a one young volunteer who man on the left to roll up my left sleeve and prep my [email protected] For advertising information Call Jerry: 703.549.0004 [email protected] asked if I had a smartphone. Thankfully, she didn’t left arm while the other grabbed my attention. He 703-778-9431 ask how smart the operator of said phone was, but I firmly but in a friendly manner insisted that I look di- Debbie Funk sensed she suspected some degree of incompetence rectly at him and the card in his hands. He must have Disply Advertising/National Sales 703-778-9444 when she cheerily suggested that there were volun- sensed my fear of shots. Not a fear of vaccination: just [email protected] teers aplenty to help me. Determined to navigate the a fear of the shot experience. Tara Lloyd signup process on my own (and unwilling to concede The man on the right focused me on my upcoming Display Advertising, 703-740-7128 [email protected] my senior status) I managed to find the appropriate schedule. He said I would get a follow-up email soon website and enter the requested information. My only David Griffin offering appointments for the second shot. (The next Marketing Assistant trouble was the bright sun of a glorious late winter day I did). He handed me the information card and let 703-778-9431 [email protected] day and my own fat fingers typing on the tiny iPhone me know that I needed to wait around for 15 minutes keypad (see reference to “slightly overweight” above). Classified & Employment or so to be sure I had no immediate adverse reaction. Advertising More than once I was approached by a happy young I didn’t. I didn’t even feel the “jab.” Ninety minutes 703-778-9431 volunteer offering help, all with smiles as bright as the from getting the lucky email the whole process was

Publisher yellow vests they wore that looked as if they’d been over. The Band-Aid on my left shoulder and the card Jerry Vernon borrowed from a construction crew. in my right hand were my only proof that the shot 703-549-0004 [email protected] The website asked a lot of personal questions. Once even happened. Art/Design: again the conservative in me awakened, questioning As I worked my way out the back of the gym and Laurence Foong, John Heinly, whether all of this personal information was really around the police tape, I was met with yet another Ali Khaligh Production Manager: necessary. But the choice was simple: information or happy volunteer. This time I paid attention to the Alex- Geovani Flores vaccination. The answer was clear. The government andria Health Department identification card around Editor Emeritus: already knows everything about me anyway. her neck as she asked me if I needed help or direction. Mary Anne Weber So with the questionnaire complete, I was ushered “No,” I said. “I’m on the way out.” But I couldn’t help CIRCULATION around yellow police tape to the entry doors of the asking: “Are you a health department employee?” Circulation Manager: school gym, with everyone carefully social distancing Ann Oliver “No,” she said. “just an ordinary Alexandria citizen [email protected] along the way. I did notice that the crowd was pret- trying to help get the world back to normal.” Hearing ty much my age, as if I had stumbled into an AARP that still makes me want to cry – and swell with pride A Connection Newspaper convention. The line, with folks separated by distance to be an Alexandrian. The Alexandria Gazette Packet is distributed weekly markers on the ground, moved quickly and efficiently. Government gets a bad rap all the time. And there’s to selected homes in the City of Alexandria. Any owners or occupants of premises that do not The process felt a lot like going to vote. As I got to the plenty of reason to be critical. But we need to give wish to receive the paper can notify the publisher by telephone at 703-778-9426 or by email to front (within two minutes at most) I was asked to give credit when credit is due. Kudos to all who are help- [email protected], and the my name to another capable volunteer sitting behind ing to put shots in arms in such a methodical and effi- distributor will be notified to discontinue service. a folding table. My name was not on “the list.” Finally, cient way. I’ll see them again in a few days. Beyer Highlights American Rescue Plan Benefits

From Page 4 caught up on rent. hoods with targeted state and local adults living with children. 15% An estimated 1,929,000 adults – relief for Virginia families, commu- of all Virginia adults living with 31% of all adults across the Com- nities, and small businesses: children report that the children monwealth – report having diffi- $4.431 billion in fiscal relief for in their household do not have culty covering normal household the Commonwealth of Virginia; enough to eat. expenses. $2.913 billion in local fiscal re- An estimated 267,000 Virginia President Biden’s American Res- lief to local governments, includ- renters or 14% of renters are not cue Plan will save lives and liveli- See Beyer Highlights, Page 9 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet v March 18-24, 2021 v 5 News Passing The History On – Lois Diggs Davis Many African American families in Alexandria, have family ties back to pre-and- post-Civil War era. One of these families is the Diggs family.

By Char McCargo Bah of the former Mayor of Alexandria, William D. Euille. Shavonne will soon step into her ack in 2014, the City of Alexan- great aunt’s shoes as the family historian. dria honored the descendants of Although she lives in Atlanta, Georgia, she the Freedmen’s Cemetery located welcomes that role as the keeper of her Vir- at Washington and Church Street. ginia family’s history. B Photos courtesy Lois Diggs Davis Most of the individuals that are buried there Lois Diggs Davis was born on Dec. 18, fled from slavery or persecution during the 1941 to Julian Diggs and Mabel Gaskins. civil war. Some of the family members that Julian had thirteen children: Lois, Thomas, came to Alexandria were William Henry Frederick, Irving, William, Richard, Michael, Diggs, Lois Diggs Davis’ paternal second David, Norman Shanklin, Julian Jr., James, great-grandfather and his John and Mary. Lois’ family lived at sever- The Other family. al locations in Alexandria, which included Alexandria During the research pro- 1445 Duke Street from the time Lois was cess in 2008, Lois and her born until she was five-years old. brother, Frederick were Then her family moved to 1015 Quaker interviewed about their family history. The Lane and from there, they moved to the rear family history interview had an impact on of 107 Woods Lane and then finally to their Lois. She decided to pursue her family his- new home at 3407 Woods Ave., where Lois tory in order to bring her family together for Lois Diggs Davis Shavonne Diggs Perry lived for fifty-seven years. She retired five family reunions. She also wanted to share years ago as director of corporate sponsor- the 150-year-old history of the Diggs family people. After the reunions, she put togeth- their Diggs family to the Virginia family and ship and conventions of the National Com- in Alexandria. er family stories and pictures and produced to attend the Diggs’ reunions. munity Pharmacist Association in Alexan- In 2012, Lois gave her first family reunion a photo narrative book on their family. Out Now at the age of seventy-nine, Lois is dria, Va. at Richard’s house – Lois’ brother. of her love for her family history, she posted training her great niece, Shavonne Diggs After losing several of her siblings, Lois There were about 65 people. Then the fol- their stories on social media. She received Perry, the granddaughter of Lois’ deceased feels a strong need for their family history to lowing year, another family reunion and 150 emails from unknown relatives throughout brother, Julian Diggs and his deceased wife, be passed down to the next generation. people attended. In 2014, there were 300 the United States that wanted to connect Frances Euille Diggs. Frances is the cousin See Passing The History, Page 9

Alan & Barbara Anderson H. Arthur Sauer

Senior Services of Alexandria would like to thank all of our 2021 Gala, Raffle and Silent Auction sponsors, donors and volunteers for their generous support to making SSA’s first “Virtual” Gala an overwhelming success! Since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, we have all come together as a community to ensure that homebound, isolated older adults are receiving the services and programs they need to remain safe in their homes. We were pleased that we could pay tribute to our honorees – Barbara Anderson, Esq., Honorable William “Bill” Euille, and Eugene “Gene” Steuerle for their work in the community; and to Kate Garvey, Director of the City’s Community and Human Services for her leadership during the pandemic. A very special thanks to Vanessa and Warner Moore of Unwined and Revel for their special Raffle donation, the Westin Old Town Alexandria for their support in providing delicious dinner entrees, wine and signature cocktails to attendees, and to Creative Liquid for the production of the beautiful honoree videos. SSA is grateful for this support in our 53rd year of service in the city of Alexandria for older adults!

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Alan & Barbara Anderson Aarondale Retirement and Assisted Living and AARP AUTO-GRIP, Inc. Paul Spring Retirement Community Focus Data Solutions McEnearney Associates, Inc. Caudron Megary Blackburn Wealth Management Group Inova Health System H. Arthur Sauer Everly-Wheatley Funerals and Cremation John Marshall Bank Woodbine Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center The Goodhart Group Jane and Richard Marcus Goodwin House, Inc. The Honorable Del & Dr. F. J. Pepper JBG Smith Reunions KWC CPA Mark N. Roth Gregg and Monica Murphy Silverado Alexandria Memory Care Community Sunrise of Old Town Simpson Development Co. Thomas J. Fannon and Sons, Inc. Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh, P.C. Deborah O. Wells

6 v Alexandria Gazette Packet v March 18-24, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Entertainment Off the Menu: Restaurant News and Notes By Hope Nelson its hours to stay open lat- Gazette Packet er, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and will offer lunch and his week marks a dinner. What’s more: The year since Alex- café recently procured its andria’s covid-19 of the former Mayor of Alexandria, William license to serve beer and lockdown rules D. Euille. Shavonne will soon step into herT wine, so lift a glass to Ab- went into effect, sparking great aunt’s shoes as the family historian. yssinia’s expanded menu a year of pivoting, chang- Although she lives in Atlanta, Georgia, she (and hours) … and then ing and adapting. Curbside welcomes that role as the keeper of her Vir- wash it down with a cup and to-go orders sailed off ginia family’s history. of joe. 720 Jefferson St. the charts while in-per- Lois Diggs Davis was born on Dec. 18, son ceased, then slowly 1941 to Julian Diggs and Mabel Gaskins. Uncle C’s Chicken and returned in the new world Julian had thirteen children: Lois, Thomas, Uncle C’s Chicken and Waffles, “Where sweet Waffles Opens order. While things are Frederick, Irving, William, Richard, Michael, meets savory.” on Richmond Highway certainly not yet “normal” David, Norman Shanklin, Julian Jr., James, Since its opening several weeks again – far from it – time contin- for al fresco dining in Old Town John and Mary. Lois’ family lived at sever- ago, Uncle C’s Chicken and Waffles ues to march on, – will also be open for dining be- al locations in Alexandria, which included has taken Richmond Highway by and the city’s eater- ginning this weekend, weather 1445 Duke Street from the time Lois was storm. Appetite ies continue to con- permitting. Bring some cold hard born until she was five-years old. From a multitude of chicken and tour to fit the times. dollar bills – this soft reopening is Then her family moved to 1015 Quaker waffle selections to fried chicken From openings to renovations to cash-only. Not up for an in-person Lane and from there, they moved to the rear with cornbread to a number of expanded menus, here are a few visit? Yunnan by Potomac will also of 107 Woods Lane and then finally to their seafood choices, Uncle C’s has you notes from around the city this continue offering takeout and de- new home at 3407 Woods Ave., where Lois covered. Hankering for something month. livery service. 814 N. Fairfax St. lived for fifty-seven years. She retired five sweet? Try the banana pudding, years ago as director of corporate sponsor- strawberry cheesecake or peach Yunnan by Potomac to Reopen Abyssinia Market and Café ship and conventions of the National Com- cobbler to cap off the meal. 6308 March 20 to Offer Lunch and Dinner munity Pharmacist Association in Alexan- Richmond Highway. The city’s only Yunnan-style How about some injera to go dria, Va. noodle house will reopen Satur- with your cup of coffee? Abyssin- Hope Nelson is the author of “Clas- After losing several of her siblings, Lois sic Restaurants of Alexandria” and day after a three-month closure ia Market faithful, rejoice: Soon, a feels a strong need for their family history to owns the Kitchen Recessionista blog, for renovations. While the inside feast of Ethiopian food will make located at www.kitchenrecessionista. From Yunnan on the Potomac’s Facebook page: Do you see that? be passed down to the next generation. its way to the café. How soon? “That’s how high our level of excitement is for the reopening,” See Passing The History, Page 9space has gotten a facelift, the out- com. Email her any time at door seating area – a hidden gem This weekend the shop will adjust [email protected]. Saturday, March 20.

Seeing Double Same Company, Same Employees, From Page 1 Same Great Value - Now Celebrating 20 Years! on them,” said Bennett-Parker in “I plan to win a written statement. “I’ve been both races and serving the residents of the 45th TWO POOR TEACHERS district on City Council and on re- then resign the gional bodies, and I want to keep Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling serving them as delegate.” delegate seat with APPEARING TWICE on the same ballot is not unprecedented in plenty of time to American politics. Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman ran for re- have a special election to his Senate seat while simultaneously running for vice election before president in 2000. Here in Virgin- ia, Republican Del. Glenn Davis the next General (R-84) was able to hold on to his House seat while running an un- Assembly.” successful campaign for lieutenant — Del. Mark Levine (D-45) governor in 2017, although he did not face a primary opponent in on the statewide race and giving that House election so his name up their existing seat. Former Del. did not appear on the ballot twice. Jennifer Carroll Foy (D-2) resigned Political strategists say the dynam- from her House seat to focus on her • Electrical (ELE) Fully Insured & Class A Licensed ics of waging a two-front political campaign for governor, and Del. • Gas Fitting (GFC) Since 1999 campaign are a nightmare. Hala Ayala (D-51) is not seeking 10% down • Heating Ventilation and Air nothing until the job “It’s a very dangerous situation reelection so she can focus on her for them, which is why people hav- campaign for lieutenant governor. Conditioning (HVA) is complete for the en’t done it in the past. I’m not sure Del. Sam Rasoul (D-11) lucked out • Plumbing (PLB) past 17 years that anybody would have done it by not having a primary opponent • Residential Building (RBC) this year if they had known what for his House seat so far, which the rules were at the start,” said means his name won’t appear Democratic strategist Ben Tribbett. twice on the ballot twice because Free Estimates 703-999-2928 “Who wants to be asked to prom to of his campaign for lieutenant gov- Check if your contractor is licensed at the state level be the second choice?” ernor. For those House incumbents http://www.DPOR.virginia.gov Some House members have who are now forced into a difficult Visit our website: www.twopoorteachers.com solved the problem by focusing See Seeing Double, Page 10 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet v March 18-24, 2021 v 7 Legals Legals News NOTICE OF PROPOSED REAL PROPERTY TAX INCREASE

This notice is required by State law. The City Council has authorized a Animal Welfare League of proposed real estate tax rate for advertising purposes of $1.130 per $100 of assessed value. The tax rate may not exceed $1.130, it could be less, and it will not be set until May 5, 2021. Alexandria Transports 50 Cats The City of Alexandria proposes to increase the current property tax levies. Rescue mission helps 1. Assessment Increase: Total assessed value of real property, excluding additional assessments for new construction, or improvement to property, exceeds last overwhelmed Texas year’s total assessed value of real property by 1.66 percent.

2. Lowered Rate Necessary to Offset Increased Assessment: The tax rate which shelters seeing a surge would levy the same amount of real estate tax as last year, when multiplied by the new total assessed value of real estate with the exclusions mentioned of surrendered pets. above, would be $1.120 per $100 of assessed value. This rate will be known as the “lowered tax rate.” n Saturday, March 13, the Animal Welfare 3. Effective Rate Increase: The City of Alexandria proposes to advertise a tax rate League of Alexandria (AWLA) brought in 50 of $1.130 per $100 of assessed value. The difference between the lowered tax Ocats from eight individual animal shelters in rate and the advertised tax rate would be $0.01 per $100, or a 0.90 percent Texas, still recovering from the devastating February increase. This difference will be known as the “effective tax rate increase.” In- dividual property taxes may, however, increase at a percentage greater than or snowstorms and subsequent power outages. Many of less than the above percentage. these Texas facilities are now experiencing a surge of surrendered pets, and by transporting animals who 4. Proposed Total Budget Increase: Based on the proposed real property tax rate were already in these shelters to Virginia, these orga- and changes in other revenues, the total budget of the City of Alexandria (includ- nizations can better address the continued need for ing the General Fund and all Special Revenue grant funds and other sources) will exceed last year’s by 8.0 percent. care and assist even more homeless animals. “We received a request from the Human Animal 5. The City proposes to continue an additional tax rate of $0.20 per $100 for all Support Services (HASS) national network asking properties that have been classified in the Tier I Potomac Yard Metrorail Station if shelters were able to take in homeless animals, to Special Services District. make room for Texas shelters to care for the influx of animals they were seeing,” said AWLA Executive A public hearing on the effective increase will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. The hearing shall be open to the public. The governing body shall pro- Director Stella Hanly. “We knew the plans were still vide persons desiring to be heard an opportunity to present oral testimony within coming together, but we also knew we had to help.” On Saturday, March 13, the Animal Welfare such reasonable time limits as shall be determined by the governing body. The biggest hurdle was making sure a vehicle could League of Alexandria (AWLA) brought in 50 cats safely transport that many cats. While the AWLA from eight individual animal shelters in Texas. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic emergency, the April 17, 2021 Tax Rate Pub- owns several vehicles for day-to-day shelter use, none lic Hearing meeting of the City Council is being held electronically pursuant to at the AWLA, where they will undergo general and Virginia Code Section 2.2-3708.2(A)(3), the Continuity of Government ordinance is equipped with fixed cages for that many animals. adopted by the City Council on June 20, 2020 or Section 4-0.01(g) in HB29 and Luckily, one AWLA volunteer, a retired naval engineer, veterinary evaluation before being made available for HB30, enacted by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly (Virginia Acts of Assembly had the solution, and in a matter of days, he created a adoption. The remaining 30 cats have gone to other Ch. 1283 and 1289), to undertake essential business. All the members of the City removable rig that could be placed in one of the AW- local shelters and rescues, including the Animal Wel- Council and staff are participating from remote locations through Zoom Webinar. LA’s vans that could accommodate travel crates for up fare League of Arlington, Loudoun County Animal This meeting is being held electronically, unless a determination is made that it is to 50 cats. Two additional AWLA volunteers offered Services, Four Paws Rescue and Helping Homeless safe enough to be held in person in the City Council Chamber at 301 King Street, Alexandria, VA. The meeting can be accessed by the public through: Zoom hyper- up their time to make the 14-hour round trip drive Felines. link (below), broadcasted live on the government channel 70, and streaming on the to Tennessee, where they would meet with a HASS To see the cats brought to the AWLA and learn how City’s website. representative to pick up the traveling cats. to meet them, either virtually or in-person, visit Alex- City Council Public Hearing: “This mission was quite the venture from the start,” andriaAnimals.org/Adopt. The Webinar will open at 9:00 AM to allow individuals to join while the Public Hear- said Katie DeMent, AWLA’s Director of Operations and After the return trip of more than seven hours, ing will begin at approximately 9:30 AM. liaison for this effort. “In less than two weeks, we’d transport volunteer Kerin Ord said, “Seeing cats in Registration link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qr1F8U00RuK_7gi- connected with Texas shelter liaison, worked with their condos at the AWLA, kittens playing with toys, yUUpHAQ other local shelters and rescues to determine who many cats just reaching out for pats and attention … Webinar ID: 944 4159 8494 could take in cats, found volunteers ready to take on They seemed to realize that all was good from here Webinar Passcode: 971241 this long-haul drive and outfitted our van so we’ll also on, and with the resilience of animals, had quickly Dial-in number: 301 715 8592 be able to use it to help even more animals in the fu- gotten over their long journey.” Speaker’s Form: https://survey.alexandriava.gov/s3/2020-VIRTUAL-City-Coun- ture. We asked a lot of our team, but they all worked Along with transporting these 50 cats on March cil-Speakers-Form together so that we’ll be able to help these Texas facil- 13, the AWLA also took in 40 dogs of varying ages Those wishing to address Council should submit a Speaker’s Form. Submission of ities and all of these homeless cats.” and breeds, working with True & Faithful Rescue Mis- written statements is encouraged. Please sign up after the docket is created and In addition to facilitating the transport, the AWLA sion to assist under-resourced shelters in Florida and you are able to verify the meeting date on the City’s website. If the docket is not served as a local hub to connect many of the cats Texas. Like the 20 cats, these dogs will also be made posted, you will have to return at a later date to complete the speaker’s form in available for adoption once they undergo medical and order to speak at a Council meeting. with shelters and rescues in the region. Twenty of the cats, ranging from 6 months to 5 years old, stayed behavioral assessments. Public Comment will be received at this meeting: All persons wishing to speak before City Council must complete a Speaker’s Form (see link above). If Announcements Announcements you have a prepared statement or written comments for the record, you may email it to the City Clerk at [email protected]. Speakers are encouraged to submit their written comments to the City Clerk. When your name is called to speak, the Zoom host will prompt you to unmute your microphone. If you are par- ticipating via smartphone, press *6 to mute/unmute your microphone. You will be called on by your name or the last 4 digits of your phone number when it is your turn to speak. When you are finished speaking or at 3 minutes (whichever comes first), you will be muted again. If you would like to submit a written comment, you may use the “Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Input” form: https://www.research.net/r/ AlexandriaVA-FY2022BudgetInput

Individuals with disabilities who require assistance or special arrangements to par- ticipate in the City Council meeting may call the City Clerk and Clerk of Council’s Office at 703.746.4550 (TTY/TDD 838.5056). We request that you provide a 48- hour notice so that the proper arrangements may be made. City Council meetings are closed-captioned for the hearing impaired. Individuals requiring translation services should contact the City Clerk and Clerk of Council at gloria.sitton@alex- andriava.gov or at 703.746.4550. We request that you provide 24 to 48 hour notice so that the proper arrangements may be made. Please specify the language for translation when you make the request.

8 v Alexandria Gazette Packet v March 18-24, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Legals Legals News Classified NOTICE OF PROPOSED REAL PROPERTY WWW.CONNECTIONNEWSPAPERS.COM TAX INCREASE To Advertise in This Paper, Call by Monday 11:00 am 703-778-9411 This notice is required by State law. The City Council has authorized a Passing The proposed real estate tax rate for advertising purposes of $1.130 per Obituary Obituary Announcements Announcements $100 of assessed value. The tax rate may not exceed $1.130, it could be less, and it will not be set until May 5, 2021. History On Daniel, Marion E., age 97 From Page 6 The City of Alexandria proposes to increase the current property tax levies. DOB: 03/29/1923 in Alexandria VA Her second great-grandfather, DOD: 01/20/2021 in Seaford, DE 1. Assessment Increase: Total assessed value of real property, excluding additional William Henry Diggs was born On Wednesday, January 20, 2021 in Seaford, DE. Beloved assessments for new construction, or improvement to property, exceeds last around 1821, and made his way mother of Ann Peterson(James), Garnett McKenzie and year’s total assessed value of real property by 1.66 percent. Greta Daniel; grandmother of Shaukim Smith (Eugene), to Alexandria with his family from Ann Dyer(Shelby), James Peterson, Jr, Valeria Craft(Carl) 2. Lowered Rate Necessary to Offset Increased Assessment: The tax rate which Prince William, Va., just before the and Annamaria Coles(Rufus). She is also survived by great would levy the same amount of real estate tax as last year, when multiplied civil war began. He made a bet- grandchildren, great great grandchildren and a host of by the new total assessed value of real estate with the exclusions mentioned ter life for himself and his family. other relatives and friends. The Family will receive friends in the chapel of Greene Funeral Home, 814 Franklin St, Alexandria VA 22314 on above, would be $1.120 per $100 of assessed value. This rate will be known as In 1865, he was listed in Alexan- Saturday, March 20, 2021 from 10am until time of service at 11am. COVID 19 the “lowered tax rate.” dria’s property tax list as paying restrictions including social distancing will be observed and masks are required. Interment in Arlington National Cemetery on April 22, 2021 at 1:00pm. 3. Effective Rate Increase: The City of Alexandria proposes to advertise a tax rate fifty dollars on his house. Stories of of $1.130 per $100 of assessed value. The difference between the lowered tax William and his descendants in the rate and the advertised tax rate would be $0.01 per $100, or a 0.90 percent last 156 years can now be shared Announcements Announcements increase. This difference will be known as the “effective tax rate increase.” In- among his twenty-first century de- dividual property taxes may, however, increase at a percentage greater than or scendants because of the work his less than the above percentage. second great-granddaughter Lois 4. Proposed Total Budget Increase: Based on the proposed real property tax rate has done. and changes in other revenues, the total budget of the City of Alexandria (includ- Her second great-grandfather Announcements Announcements ing the General Fund and all Special Revenue grant funds and other sources) will took a great risk to be free before exceed last year’s by 8.0 percent. the Civil War. After earning his freedom, he became a property 5. The City proposes to continue an additional tax rate of $0.20 per $100 for all properties that have been classified in the Tier I Potomac Yard Metrorail Station owner. William believed in educat- Special Services District. ing his children. That was a great legacy to leave his family. William’s A public hearing on the effective increase will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2021, descendants are proud to have him at 9:30 a.m. The hearing shall be open to the public. The governing body shall pro- as their ancestor. vide persons desiring to be heard an opportunity to present oral testimony within such reasonable time limits as shall be determined by the governing body. Char McCargo Bah is a published author, freelance writer, independent Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic emergency, the April 17, 2021 Tax Rate Pub- lic Hearing meeting of the City Council is being held electronically pursuant to historian, genealogist and a Living Virginia Code Section 2.2-3708.2(A)(3), the Continuity of Government ordinance Legend of Alexandria. She maintains adopted by the City Council on June 20, 2020 or Section 4-0.01(g) in HB29 and two blogs, http://www.theotheral- exandria.com and http://www.find- HB30, enacted by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly (Virginia Acts of Assembly Announcements Announcements Ch. 1283 and 1289), to undertake essential business. All the members of the City ingthingsforu.com. Council and staff are participating from remote locations through Zoom Webinar. This meeting is being held electronically, unless a determination is made that it is safe enough to be held in person in the City Council Chamber at 301 King Street, Beyer Alexandria, VA. The meeting can be accessed by the public through: Zoom hyper- link (below), broadcasted live on the government channel 70, and streaming on the Highlights City’s website. Announcements Announcements City Council Public Hearing: From Page 5 The Webinar will open at 9:00 AM to allow individuals to join while the Public Hear- ing will begin at approximately 9:30 AM. ing an estimated $59.38 million for Alexandria Registration link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qr1F8U00RuK_7gi- $45.93 million for Arlington yUUpHAQ $13.28 million for Falls Church Webinar ID: 944 4159 8494 Webinar Passcode: 971241 $222.56 million for Fairfax Dial-in number: 301 715 8592 County More than $2.187 billion in re- Speaker’s Form: https://survey.alexandriava.gov/s3/2020-VIRTUAL-City-Coun- lief for Virginia K-12 schools; cil-Speakers-Form Economic impact payments of Those wishing to address Council should submit a Speaker’s Form. Submission of up to $1,400 per person for more written statements is encouraged. Please sign up after the docket is created and you are able to verify the meeting date on the City’s website. If the docket is not than 5,118,900 Virginia adults posted, you will have to return at a later date to complete the speaker’s form in and 1,884,700 children. This is 82 order to speak at a Council meeting. percent of all adults in the state and 81 percent of all children in Public Comment will be received at this meeting: All persons wishing to the state. Additional relief of up speak before City Council must complete a Speaker’s Form (see link above). If Announcements Announcements you have a prepared statement or written comments for the record, you may email to $1,600 per child through the it to the City Clerk at [email protected]. Speakers are encouraged Child Tax Credit to the families of to submit their written comments to the City Clerk. When your name is called to 1,591,000 children, lifting 85,000 speak, the Zoom host will prompt you to unmute your microphone. If you are par- Virginia children out of poverty; ticipating via smartphone, press *6 to mute/unmute your microphone. You will be Additional relief of up to nearly called on by your name or the last 4 digits of your phone number when it is your $1,000 through the Earned Income turn to speak. When you are finished speaking or at 3 minutes (whichever comes first), you will be muted again. If you would like to submit a written comment, you Tax Credit to 419,000 childless Vir- may use the “Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Input” form: https://www.research.net/r/ ginia workers, including many on AlexandriaVA-FY2022BudgetInput the frontline; and Marketplace health insurance Individuals with disabilities who require assistance or special arrangements to par- premiums that are $1,503 lower ticipate in the City Council meeting may call the City Clerk and Clerk of Council’s Office at 703.746.4550 (TTY/TDD 838.5056). We request that you provide a 48- per month for a 60-year old Vir- hour notice so that the proper arrangements may be made. City Council meetings ginia couple earning $75,000 per are closed-captioned for the hearing impaired. Individuals requiring translation year. An expert is someone who knows some services should contact the City Clerk and Clerk of Council at gloria.sitton@alex- Beyer serves on the House Com- of the worst mistakes that can be made andriava.gov or at 703.746.4550. We request that you provide 24 to 48 hour notice mittee on Ways and Means, which in his subject and how to avoid them. so that the proper arrangements may be made. Please specify the language for drafted portions of the American translation when you make the request. -Werner Heisenberg Rescue Plan’s legislative text. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet v March 18-24, 2021 v 9 A Shot in News the Arm Business Hard to Overstate Accomplishments By KENNETH B. LOURIE Directory From Page 4 Literally and figuratively. After a year or so SJ272, Locke/Herring, restores voting living the pandemic life; staying at home/quaran- WWW.CONNECTIONNEWSPAPERS.COM grants who qualify for in-state tuition to rights to persons convicted of a felony once tining, wearing a mask, social distancing, washing similarly qualify for any available financial their sentence has been completed. The res- my hands and watching the death toll from Call 703-549-0004 aid and other educational benefits. olution will need to pass the 2022 General covid-19 top 500,000 - in the United States alone, for advertising information HB2040, Hudson, strengthens protections Assembly, then will head to a voter refer- I recently became of the lucky ones to have been for persons receiving unemployment bene- endum. injected with a vaccine. I have to wait another two weeks to get my second shot. No worries. I fits. SB1252, McPike, ends new coal tax cred- have some protection now, but according to Dr. ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL SB1469, Barker/Herring, creates the Opi- its on January 1, 2022. Fauci, the second/follow up shot increases one’s oid Abatement Authority, which will be in HB1965, Bagby, establishes low emission protection “tenfold.” It wouldn’t exactly be foolish charge of distributing funds received from and zero emission standards for vehicles to throw caution to the wind - and reintegrate back lawsuit settlements, court orders, and other starting in model year 2025. into society (depending upon where you live), but agreements to communities affected by the it seems premature and irresponsible to risk being All this work, and so much more was stupid when in another two weeks, I could be opioid crisis. accomplished in a hectic six weeks. This smart. SB1165, Surovell/Mullin, abolishes the year has been exceptionally challenging for My wife, Dina, also recently shot, has been death penalty. everyone, with so many long-established very smart all along, especially as it concerns my SB1261, Edwards, provides more judges inequities laid bare, and novel strains on actual standing in the world. (Moreover, she has on the Court of Appeals so Virginians can ex- our government and society. Even in this no plans to step out until she receives her second ercise their constitutional right to a speedy climate, we made bold strides forward, and shot.) Belonging in the special comorbidity group; LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING presumably, a 66-year old with cancer/weakened trial, as well as providing all cases with an will continue to listen to those we serve to immune system, I presented a very appealing target appellate process. do better, and root out those issues still yet for the virus. I mean, my immune system is already HB1992, Murphy, removes the ability for uncovered and unaddressed in our Com- compromised and with occasional breathing prob- convicted domestic abusers to own or pur- monwealth. lems side-effected by my thyroid cancer medica- chase firearms for 3 years after conviction. tion, I was potentially easy pickins. As such, Dina refused to give me passage out of our house. Victor Laszlow had a better chance of leaving Casablanca We Still Need Your Help than I did of leaving Burtonsville. Summer Cleanup... But soon it appears I will have my own “letters From Page 4 high, grow more, choose nature. of transit.” However, Dina has already informed You need local newspapers. Local newspa- http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/ me that I won’t be returning to my former pers still need your help. news/2021/mar/15/go-green-go-native/ errand-running ways. She intends to continue v Fairfax County Planning Commission Rec- ordering food online from the grocery store - and We at the Gazette Packet/Local Media ommends Denial of Flag Limitations http:// then drive to pick it up contact-less in their parking Connection are so grateful for the 500 peo- www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2021/ lot. Actually, I might be allowed to go that far since ple who have pitched in more than $38,000 mar/11/fairfax-county-planning-commis- I’d be remaining in the car and still wearing a mask to get us this far. It has made all the differ- sion-recommends-deni/ while popping the trunk and keeping my distance v Commentary: Step into Nature for Im- as the groceries are loaded into the boot. We’ll ence. Many more people have helped by sharing our appeal, by telling us why our ef- proved Health http://www.connectionnewspa- see; we’re still negotiating. But definitely not until pers.com/news/2021/mar/11/opinion-com- forts matter to them. You send a letter to the I receive my second shot. In the interim, I imagine mentary-step-nature-improved-health/ our lives will change very little. Thanks to the vac- editor here: www.connectionnewspapers. v Should Lee District Be Renamed? http:// cine though, there is hope that once again, I’ll be com/contact/letter/ www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2021/ able to interact with people, places and things. We are more than $10,000 short of our mar/11/conversation-started-rename-lee-dis- But return I shall and relieved I will be. How- Patios & Drainage original Go-Fund-Me goal. And we are going trict-fairfax-c/ ever, having lung cancer, and/or thyroid cancer Your neighborhood company since 1987 v Faith Ringgold Monographic Exhibi- which has metastasized to the lungs, in the midst to need more to keep going. Soon you will hear about our membership plan. tion to Open at Glenstone in Potomac http:// of a pandemic with a virus that often locates in the 703-772-0500 www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2021/ lungs and creates breathing/pulmonary problems In the meantime, we hope if you haven’t mar/11/faith-ringgold-monographic-exhibi- - even with the two shots, is still as scary and risky contributed that you will consider doing so tion-open-glensto/ as it gets, especially if you’re of a certain age as I now. And if you have contributed, we hope v Who Is Getting Vaccinated in Montgomery am. In two weeks, I’ll have received my booster J.E.S. Services County? http://www.connectionnewspapers. shot, and I’ll have a lot less to worry about, thank- you will consider doing so again. And please com/news/2021/mar/11/who-getting-vacci- fully. And for a cancer patient still undergoing Free Estimates - Fully Licensed & Insured share ... nated-montgomery-county/ treatment with a less than a “normal” life expec- • Planting & Landscaping Design https://www.gofundme.com/f/ v Supervisors Foust and Alcorn on Years 1 tancy anticipated, being fully vaccinated is as good • Drainage & Water Problems • Concrete Driveways, Replacement or New save-americas-oldest-newspaper and 2: COVID-19 as it gets. And I suppose I can live with that, live — Mary Kimm • Patios and Walks • Masonry Work or Dry Laid http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/ being the operative word. • Paver, Flagstone, Brick, any style you choose Having cancer, irrespective of the type, your news/2021/mar/10/fairfax-county-supervi- • Retaining walls of all types A few other recent stories that you might diagnosis/prognosis, is pretty damn difficult. It sors-foust-and-alcorn-years-/ All work Guaranteed find of interest: v impacts every facet of your life. The thought (your Vice President Harris Visits Fibre Space v Honoring Women on Front Lines of Pan- reality) is never far from your conscious mind. And in Alexandria http://www.connectionnews- demic http://www.connectionnewspapers. once you become a member of this less than ex- papers.com/news/2021/mar/06/vice-presi- com/news/2021/mar/12/honoring-wom- clusive club (more every day, unfortunately), a club dent-harris-visits-fibre-space-alexandri/ en-front-lines-pandemic/ v that nobody wants to join, there are more risks Wellbeing: A Schedule Can Anchor Your v Alexandria Republicans Expect Candi- to your life than you ever imagined, and many Day dates to Declare Soon http://www.connection- more for which you have absolutely no awareness. How creating a daily routine can ease anxiety Having an external complication, like a virus, with newspapers.com/news/2021/mar/15/alexan- during times of uncertainty http://www.con- dria-republicans-expect-candidates-declare-s/ nectionnewspapers.com/news/2021/mar/04/ variants that seem to spread rapidly; which have v now infected infected over 30,000,000 Americans, Go Green, Go Native: Mow less, mow wellbeing-schedule-can-anchor-your-day/ and an infection for which there’s no specific cure, and seems to have its greatest negative impact on Seeing Double people exactly like me (age and disease) is about as foreboding as it could possibly be. And with no From Page 7 ing instead for a remote-voting convention place to hide, other than in your own home - with situation, some strategists say the best strat- on May 8 with three dozen polling locations no visitors allowed, a precaution most recom- egy may be to localize the argument. across the state. As for the rest of the Demo- mended (to invoke the syntax of Hercule Poirot, “the greatest detective in the world”) has made “If I were Mark Levine, I would say to catic primary ballot, so far no candidates many of us impatient and perhaps a bit tense. I voters that it would be good for Alexandria have stepped forward to challenge the in- can, as many healthcare professionals have said, for me to become lieutenant governor,” said cumbent mayor or the incumbent common- almost see the light. Hopefully, it will be July 4th Trevor Southerland, former executive direc- wealth’s attorney. So those races will not of this year as the President has suggested and not tor of the House Democratic Caucus. “But appear on the ballot. Sean Casey is the only July 4th of next year. if I don’t win that primary, it would also be Democratic candidate to announce for sher- Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative for good for Alexandria to still have my senior- iff so far, so that race won’t be on the ballot The Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers. ity in the House.” Republicans have chosen either unless another Democratic candidate against conducting a statewide primary, opt- emerges before the March 25 deadline. 10 v Alexandria Gazette Packet v March 18-24, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com SJ272, Locke/Herring, restores voting rights to persons convicted of a felony once their sentence has been completed. The res- olution will need to pass the 2022 General Assembly, then will head to a voter refer- endum. SB1252, McPike, ends new coal tax cred- its on January 1, 2022. HB1965, Bagby, establishes low emission and zero emission standards for vehicles starting in model year 2025. All this work, and so much more was accomplished in a hectic six weeks. This year has been exceptionally challenging for everyone, with so many long-established inequities laid bare, and novel strains on our government and society. Even in this climate, we made bold strides forward, and will continue to listen to those we serve to do better, and root out those issues still yet uncovered and unaddressed in our Com- monwealth.

high, grow more, choose nature. http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/ news/2021/mar/15/go-green-go-native/ v Fairfax County Planning Commission Rec- ommends Denial of Flag Limitations http:// www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2021/ mar/11/fairfax-county-planning-commis- sion-recommends-deni/ v Commentary: Step into Nature for Im- proved Health http://www.connectionnewspa- pers.com/news/2021/mar/11/opinion-com- mentary-step-nature-improved-health/ v Should Lee District Be Renamed? http:// www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2021/ mar/11/conversation-started-rename-lee-dis- trict-fairfax-c/ v Faith Ringgold Monographic Exhibi- tion to Open at Glenstone in Potomac http:// www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2021/ mar/11/faith-ringgold-monographic-exhibi- tion-open-glensto/ v Who Is Getting Vaccinated in Montgomery County? http://www.connectionnewspapers. com/news/2021/mar/11/who-getting-vacci- nated-montgomery-county/ v Supervisors Foust and Alcorn on Years 1 and 2: COVID-19 http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/ news/2021/mar/10/fairfax-county-supervi- sors-foust-and-alcorn-years-/ v Vice President Harris Visits Fibre Space in Alexandria http://www.connectionnews- papers.com/news/2021/mar/06/vice-presi- dent-harris-visits-fibre-space-alexandri/ v Wellbeing: A Schedule Can Anchor Your Day How creating a daily routine can ease anxiety during times of uncertainty http://www.con- nectionnewspapers.com/news/2021/mar/04/ wellbeing-schedule-can-anchor-your-day/

ing instead for a remote-voting convention on May 8 with three dozen polling locations across the state. As for the rest of the Demo- catic primary ballot, so far no candidates have stepped forward to challenge the in- cumbent mayor or the incumbent common- wealth’s attorney. So those races will not appear on the ballot. Sean Casey is the only Democratic candidate to announce for sher- iff so far, so that race won’t be on the ballot either unless another Democratic candidate emerges before the March 25 deadline. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet v March 18-24, 2021 v 11 McEnearney Associates has always had one motto in mind... not to be the biggest, but the best. For more than 40 years, our Associates have lived in and supported Alexandria, helping to build our town into the thriving community it is today. To learn more about our Associates and our firm, visitwww.WeAreAlexandria.com #WeAreAlexandria

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Serving the Washington, DC Metro Area since 1980. 703.549.9292 | 109 S. Pitt Street | Alexandria, VA 22314 | McEnearney.com 12 v Alexandria Gazette Packet v March 18-24, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com