Alexandria Times
Vol. 17, No.34 Alexandria’s only independent hometown newspaper. AUGUST 26, 2021 Uncovering buried history Carlyle “Connie” Ring dies at 90
Former city councilor spent 60 years shaping politics in Alexan- dria BY CODY MELLO-KLEIN
Carlyle “Connie” Ring, a former Re- publican city councilor and member of the Alexandria School Board, died on Aug. 19. He was 90. Ring helped define the local Republi- can party with moderate views molded in the image of former Virginia Gov. Lin- wood Holton. Ring was known by political allies and rivals alike for his ability to work across the aisle and for his persistence in raising the Republican party’s profile in Alexandria. After chairing the Alexandria Re- PHOTO/GLENN EUGSTER publican City Committee from 1961 to Fort Ward was the fifth largest fort Union forces built to help defend Washington, D.C. during the Civil War. 1968, Ring jumped into city service him- self. From 1969 to 1978, he served on the City makes progress in honoring Fort sters in the air, empty them and cart them away Ward Park, but residents are calling for without the special use permits necessary to do so. SEE RING | 13 more “It was everything from yard waste to garbage BY OLIVIA ANDERSON from city hall,” Eugster said. “ … It became a catch- all for all kinds of things.” Glenn Eugster’s first introduction to Fort Ward Eusgter developed a deep curiosity about the Park occurred at 5 a.m. when he awoke one morning place that served as a hosting site for these city in 2006 to shrill beeping sounds outside his window. trucks, ultimately leading to his discovery of the He peered outside and, upon further investiga- rich history behind Fort Ward Park, a former Union tion, learned that the noises were coming from city Army installation built in 1861 during the Civil War. maintenance vehicles. Over the next few weeks, “When I started to poke around in the mainte- Eugster noticed a number of garbage dumpsters and solid waste transfer trucks that would lift the dump- SEE FORT WARD | 6
INSIDE ACPS Close to Home Real Talk School Board approves vaccine Historic Old Town home is full of sto- Track the changing “fundamen- and testing mandate for staff. ries and designed for entertaining. tals“ of real estate. Page 11 Page 17 Page 25 PHOTO/STEVEN HALPERSON 2 | AUGUST 26, 2021 ALEXANDRIA TIMES
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NoVa Mayors and Chairs issue Afghan refugee statement ~~ Canine Special Health Needs Care ~ ~ Northern Virginia mayors statement reads. “We wel- ty DevelopmentExtra Council. patience may be required to adopt Flash. At and chairs, including Alex- come our new neighbors and The statementage Puppiesis 4,signed he byis require energetic, surgery and sometimes. needs encouragement “Sarah’s Fund” to andria Mayor Justin Wilson, wish them much success as representatives from providesthe City Shelter pets with needed procedures. released a statement Tuesday they transition to a new life of Alexandria; Fairfax Coun- slow down. expressing support for Af- here in the region and across ty; Prince William County; This puppy will soon undergo an operation to repair ghan refugees’ entry into the the United States.” Loudoun County; Arling- United States. The statement goes on to ton County; City“pulmonicHe’s of Fairfax; lost a stenosis”, leg, but with gained donations perspective from Alexandrians. on what’s “Citizens of Northern Vir- recommend three main refu- City of Falls Church; City of ~ Chihuahua Dulce ~ important; be Little happy snaggle-toothed each Carl, day, at just and six pounds, love will those warm your heart ginia are following with great gee resettlement agencies for Manassas; City ofYour Manas five-dollar- donation adds to Sarah’s Fund and around you. Flashand yourwell lap. knowsCarl focuses this on the credo,finest things and in life, hopesnaps, snacks concern and compassion the those looking to help. They sas Park; Town oftogether Dumfries; with contributionsand of baskingothers, in the ensures sun. that evacuation of Afghan refu- include Lutheran Social Ser- Town of Herndon; Townfor ofa home of his own to share the love. gees by the brave men and vices, Catholic Charities Mi- Leesburg; Town of Middlemedical- careA cheerful is therefellow, he when just wants needed. to be with you, to go along women of our Armed Forces gration and Refugee Services burg and Town of Vienna. if dogs are allowed. He easily fits inside your jacket on the coldest of and civilian agencies,” the and the Ethiopian Communi- [email protected] MORE iNF oINFORMATION about alexa ABOUTdays, SARAH’SN happilydria’ your FUND,S best adoptable friend. PLEASE CALL 703-746-4774petS, plea OR VISITSe viUSS ATit www. www.alexandriaanimals.org.ALExANDRIAANIMALSMeet Carl! .ORg/DONATE AlexandriaAnimals.org/Adopt-By-Appointment Speak Easy welcomes city historian 703-746-4774 t THHANaNKk YyouOU Dan Lee THANK YOU This month, the Alexan- long-silenced voices in the players in AlexandriaTheThe AlexandriaAlexandria histo- AnimalAnimal Shelter’sShelter’s PetPet of of the the Diann Carlson dria Times’ podcast Speak city’s historic narrative. Lee ry. WeekWeek isis sponsoredsponsored byby DiannDiann Hicks,Hicks Carlson,finding Easy features city historian sat down with Times Editor Listen to episodes of Weichert Old Town Dan Lee. Cody Mello-Klein to talk Speak Easy onfinding Spotify,homes Applehomes for pets for andpets humans,andRealtors humans, alike. alike. Since joining the Office about his upbringing in Ger- Podcasts and Audible, or on 703-628-2440 of Historic Alexandria in many, his work in the De- the Times’ website at https://www.diannhicks.com 2013, Lee has helped ex- partment of Defense’s POW/ alextimes.com/2021/04/ “Because everyone pand the city’s emphasis on MIA office and some of the speak-easy/ deserves a home.” Black history and include lesser known chapters and [email protected] 4 | AUGUST 26, 2021 ALEXANDRIA TIMES WEEKLY BRIEFING ARHA to give away school supplies The Alexandria Re- ply giveaway on Sunday In partnership with Houston Recreation Center vaccination clinic for stu- development and Hous- that will include athletic Firefighters & Friends to from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and dents ages 12 and up. The ing Authority is hosting a wear and free haircuts, ac- the Rescue, the event will Samuel Tucker Elementary Charles Houston event will backpack and school sup- cording to a news release. take place at the Charles School from 2 to 4 p.m. offer free haircuts. Both Families will be able to will offer ice cream. pick up free face masks, and For more information, the Samuel Tucker loca- visit http://www.arha.us/. tion will offer a COVID-19 [email protected] ACPS returns in person
PHOTOS/ACPS Top: A second-grade student gets right to work on the first day of school for ACPS. Bottom: Students wait in line at Mount Vernon Community School. WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM AUGUST 26, 2021 | 5
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PHOTOS/GLENN EUGSTER City archeologists unearthed a damaged coffin beneath the trail leading up to the city maintenance yard in 2012.
FORT WARD FROM | 1 dents out of their homes. ad hoc committee at the me’ — no, this park is one first saw it in 2006, but res- This newfound aware- time, said the process was park, it’s owned by the city, idents and descendants of nance yard, because the ness of the fort’s layered very public. so getting somebody to say, the area’s Black community gate was often unlocked, history both angered and “Our meetings were ‘Not mine’ is not the an- are arguing that the fight I noticed graves out there emboldened Eugster, who open, advertised. I asked swer,” Fulton said. to preserve the park is no- surrounded by all kinds of subsequently joined forces that the city put on the web- Fulton said the hope was where near over. debris,” Eugster said, not- with several neighbors and site everything we generat- that this MOU would elim- According to Eugster, ing that two of the graves the Fort Ward Museum to ed, and people attended. A inate the wild goose chase a number of issues remain belonged to Clara Shorts brainstorm ways to protect, response to the plan nat- that ensued whenever res- unresolved within the park. Adams, who was very prom- preserve and, most impor- urally evolved out of the Q idents contacted a depart- Excessive stormwater has inent in the formation of the tantly, respect the park. and As and the interests of ment to resolve problems led to the deterioration of Oakland Baptist Church, “History is about the the individuals involved,” at Fort Ward and were told many gravesites. Also, the and her husband Robert Ad- living and the dead. I think Fulton said. that a particular depart- city recently removed a ams. “I thought, ‘Holy Cow, Alexandria tries to do a re- The result was a robust ment could only help with temporary wood and rope ‘what is this?’” ally good job with the living management plan that certain aspects. barrier meant to provide For one, it was the tangi- piece, but somebody needs called for a four-agency Several years later, prog- protection for the burial ble sign that a vibrant com- to speak for the dead,” Eug- memorandum of under- ress has been made and Fort site of an unknown person. munity of freed Black peo- ster, who currently manag- standing which required Ward Park doesn’t look the ple had existed there after es The Fort Ward Observer periodic communication way it did when Eugster SEE FORT WARD | 8 settling in the area around Facebook page, said. between the Department of 1865, once the war ended Following many commu- Recreation, Parks and Cul- and the Union abandoned nity discussions, letters to tural Activities, the Office History is about the the fort. The community council and even an article of Historic Alexandria, the living and the dead. I was called Seminary, locat- in the Washington Post, the Department of Transpor- ed near the Virginia Theo- city eventually authorized tation and Environmental think Alexandria tries to do a logical Seminary that is still the formation of a citizen’s Services and the Depart- really good job with the living active today. ad hoc committee on Fort ment of General Services The city of Alexandria Ward wherein members when an issue fell outside piece, but somebody needs bought the properties in created and implemented the scope of any one agen- to speak for the dead.” the early 1960s, renamed a management plan for the cy’s jurisdiction. – Glenn Eugster, the area Fort Ward Park and park. “This deniability thing resident forced many existing resi- Tom Fulton, chair of the of, ‘Well I can’t, that’s not WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM T:9.3" AUGUST 26, 2021 | 7
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FORT WARD FROM | 6 gun engaging in renewed involve regular scheduled conversations about how upkeep of the grassy areas Other unmarked graves to address the “increasing around the park and reg- have been found within Fort concern in the community” ular communication with Ward Park, too, including regarding the protection of the Fort Ward Museum an unidentified coffin un- Fort Ward Park, Fulton said. about future projects that derneath the maintenance For Eugster, the issue will take place on Fort Ward yard in April 2012. Former isn’t so much a legal imper- grounds. city archeologist Pamela ative as it is a moral one. “There are certain stan- Cressey said that the grave “Issues come up here dards to be addressed be- was likely cut by the park about the legality of, ‘Why cause of the historic nature road post-1980. can’t we put something on of the park, so we coordi- “Unfortunately, most of top of a grave? It’s legal to nate any maintenance ac- the coffin and all traces of do so,’” Eugster said. “But tivities with [them],” Wil- human remains were de- when you put faces on some liams said. stroyed at some point in the of these issues, especially The city recently worked past. All that remains today the graves, it’s not a matter in collaboration with the is two thirds of the bottom of whether [something] can Office of Historic Alexan- of the coffin. The head and go where they’re propos- dria to plant more than shoulder area of the bottom ing it; it’s a matter of doing 75 trees in the park as a of the coffin is completely it right and making sure way to address the current missing,” Cressey told the you’re not further burying trees’ declining health and Fort Ward Observer at the other graves.” encourage plant diversity. time. The city maintains that Together, they identified Fulton said that resi- efforts are underway to pre- appropriate areas to plant dents now are calling for serve the park and provide that did not impact areas of the city to do more to honor proper, respectful upkeep. cultural or historical signif- these unmarked graves. The RPCA Natural Resources icance. Seminary Hill Association, Division Chief Bob Williams Currently, Williams said PHOTO/GLENN EUGSTER on which he serves as vice said that the city’s upcom- The marked grave of Clara Adams is surrounded by several other Wear a mask. president, has recently be- ing maintenance efforts SEE FORT WARD | 10 unmarked graves, one of which is likely her husband, Robert.
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Protect Yourself & Your Community. The Alexandria Times encourages all residents to get the COVID-19 vaccine when available. #VaxALX WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM AUGUST 26, 2021 | 9
Compass Cares: Back to School Edition
It’s officially back to school season! As local students make their way back to class, we encourage you to get involved in making sure our students have a healthy and successful school year.
To partake in the Alexandria City Public School’s donation drive, please scan the code below! They accept donations in the form of school supplies or monetary gifts throughout the year - and we thank you in advance for helping support our community.
- Your Alexandria Real Estate Experts
The Goodhart Group The Rivkin Group [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Homes of Alexandria Team [email protected] Pia Taylor [email protected] [email protected]
Compass is a licensed real estate brokerage that abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Compass is licensed as Compass Real Estate in DC and as Compass in Virginia and Maryland. 1006 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 | 703.277.2152 10 | AUGUST 26, 2021 ALEXANDRIA TIMES
FORT WARD FROM | 8 The city is also working time, and in this case, the is the city’s recent engage- Handyman Services on a Fort Ward Interpreta- pace of change has some ment in discussions about Division of Maid Services, Inc. the city’s most significant tive Plan to expand inter- residents feeling simultane- the type of fencing that project involves moving the pretation of the site and ously hopeful and worried. should protect the burial • Bathrooms • Painting location of a playground, better honor the park’s deep Joyce Casey Sanchez, areas from adjacent park ac- • Plumbing • Electrical tivities, Sanchez acknowl- • Carpentry • Drywall Repair which has consisted of mul- history. whose ancestors on both • Kitchen • Power Washing tiple conversations with Interpretative elements sides of her family are tied to edged, but that’s not where community members and include museum enhance- Fort Ward, has relatives who it should end. stakeholders. ments like restructuring are buried at both the Jack- The need to “keep push- Maid Services Inc. “[We’re bringing that] exhibit spaces to discuss son family site, purchased ing” is particularly apt in • Weekly • Apartments to the table so that we are “The Fort” community and by James F. Jackson in 1884, this case, when many who • Bi-Weekly • Condominiums meeting not only the com- updating an introductory and the Oakland Baptist don’t live in the area may • Monthly • Townhouses munity needs but also we’re film to provide a more com- Church site, purchased by not be as aware of Fort • One Time • Single Homes addressing the concerns, prehensive history; the cre- Samuel Javins in 1879. Ward’s profound history as whether it be a transpor- ation of a commemoration The third-generation some of the longtime resi- Office: tation issue, stormwater space on the site for visitors Alexandrian said she is dents. 703-560-6243 issue or historical issue,” to reflect on the struggles concerned about the pres- “For the older descen- Cell and Text: Williams said. “We want to of those who built the com- ervation of the gravesites, dants who have lived here, 703 629-9977 make sure that everyone is munity; wayside panels to especially those that are un- they know how important Bruce Elton engaged so we don’t make reinforce the overall “Bas- marked. the park is because it’s a Owner maidservicesinc.com any missteps when the con- tions of Freedom” theme “[The city is] slowly symbol of what happened struction actually starts.” while also providing detail getting things done, and I and how people lived back on the site’s cultural her- think overall they’re try- in the 1800s up until the itage and 10 historic site ing to preserve as much as city took over the park,” Alexandria Times’ markers that draw attention they can, but because of the Sanchez said. “So, it needs Cause of the Month to specific locations or ar- amount of houses and fami- to be integrated in such a eas of significance that visi- lies that lived there, I’m not way that the history will tors might not otherwise be sure if there are graves in always be remembered and able to recognize. other areas,” Sanchez said. documented.” But progress often takes One small step forward [email protected]
Help Alexandria’s First Graders Learn to Read! Last year, Alexandria Tutoring Consortium helped 86% of its 155 first grade students finish the year reading on grade level with 100% making significant progress! This achieve- ment was made possible by 176 volunteer tutors in over 7,600 individual Zoom sessions with first graders.
Repeated studies show that pandemic-wrought learning disruptions have left behind more students and achievement gaps have widened. Alexandria Tutoring is expanding in 2021-2022 to help close these gaps and help more children
WeWe need need youryour help! help! Donate to our Back-to-School campaign at https://alexan- driatutors.org/ or by sending a check to Alexandria Tutoring Consortium at 323 S. Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Your gift will go directly to helping an Alexandria child learn to read.
Become a tutor! Tutors commit to working with a student one to two times/week for 35 minutes, October through May, during the school day. At this time, tutoring is ex- pected to be in-person. ATC provides training and support. Contact Executive Director Lisa Jacobs at ljacobs@alexan- PHOTO/GLENN EUGSTER driatutors.org or 703-549-6670, x119 for more information. Residents visit the city maintence yard after its renovation. WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM AUGUST 26, 2021 | 11 School Board approves vaccine and testing requirement for staff
Board divided on timeline of mandate It’s not a perfect science; it’s not BY OLIVIA ANDERSON going to be as robust as the Sept. Alexandria City Pub- lic Schools staff members 20 implementation, but to me, at the must receive the COVID-19 vaccine or undergo weekly point we can even detect one or two testing this upcoming year, after the School Board de- cases that we might not have otherwise cided on such measures detected, why don’t we give that a try?” in a split vote at a special called meeting on Aug. 19. – Christopher Suarez, School Board member Employees will have to COURTESY PHOTO submit proof of vaccina- Chistopher Suarez tion by Aug. 27 and manda- tory testing of unvaccinat- ed employees will begin on is vaccinated. According to ly undergo the processes of need to occur,” Hutchings can have accurate data in Aug. 30. ACPS, 62% of staff volun- procurement, training and said. “I don’t think that it regards to this matter.” The vaccine mandate tarily reported receiving examining the database for is unreasonable for us to “We’re talking about came just five days before vaccines as of May 2021. who has been vaccinated have the time to be able thousands of people that the Aug. 24 in-person start Suarez proposed that and tested. to procure the appropriate we’re trying to collect this of the 2021-2022 school those who do not report “These are all the data third party vendors to get information for and we’ve year, and while the general back within the next few points we’re going to have the systems in place in re- got to have the appropriate decision was agreed upon, days should get tested the to make the informed de- gards to training and to up- the specifics of the time- first week of school. cisions that are going to load this information so we SEE SCHOOL BOARD | 12 line created a sharp divide “It’s not a perfect sci- among the board, pushing ence; it’s not going to be as the final decision to about robust as the Sept. 20 im- 10:30 p.m. plementation, but to me, at Initially, ACPS Superin- the point we can even de- WHY RIDE tendent Dr. Gregory Hutch- tect one or two cases that ings, Ed.D. recommended we might not have other- Sept. 7 as the deadline for wise detected, why don’t staff to submit proof of we give that a try,” Suarez vaccination and Sept. 20 said. “ … If [Sept. 20] is the as the start date for week- first data point of testing ly testing. However, board we have, that’s two weeks member Christopher Su- where there are possible arez expressed concerns cases we could have detect- So you can try that about the dates that subse- ed.” quently prompted several Samuel W. Tucker Ele- new coee shop. rounds of amendments and mentary School, which be- a lengthy discussion among gan classes on Aug. 9., al- We’re increasing bus frequency, board members about how ready reported one positive improving connections and going the district could feasibly case of COVID-19, accord- fare-free! implement a robust system ing to ACPS. while also proceeding in a Hutchings, in response, Discover the New DASH Network at way that addresses safety said that the recommen- dashbus.com/newnetwork. concerns. dation stems from a desire Suarez advocated for to establish specific logis- earlier dates by expediting tics that ensure efficacy of the results of a previously the data-collection system. sent staff survey to gain a The Sept. 20 date would al- more complete sense of who low staff to more effective- 12 | AUGUST 26, 2021 ALEXANDRIA TIMES
SCHOOL BOARD FROM | 11 All we could do from tonight is say, systems in order for that to work effectively,” Hutch- ‘We’re requiring all this data to do it.’ It ings added. “The sense of urgency for us is there. It is would be a motion with no teeth because there.” Board member Ramee we would not have the ability to actually Gentry noted that staff provide any accountability with it.” would not be able to pro- vide data along with the – Ramee Gentry, School Board member Aug. 30 date. COURTESY PHOTO “All we could do from to- Ramee Gentry night is say, ‘We’re requir- ing all this data to do it.’ It would be a motion with no workers on Aug. 5. mitigation that is truly ro- Aug. 27 and Aug. 30 propos- teeth because we would not The conversation kept bust that’s really weeding al was approved in a narrow have the ability to actually circling back to the pos- out a lot of these infec- 5-4 vote, with board mem- provide any accountability sibility of an accelerated tions, especially with the bers Gentry, Veronica No- with it,” Gentry said. timetable, which Suarez Delta variant,” Suarez said. lan, Chair Meagan Alder- Gentry also pointed out maintained would not be “ … I view this as being ton and Heather Thornton that conversations about a “knee jerk reaction” but methodical – methodically dissenting. vaccine requirements are rather a way to proactively looking at the data, look- Gentry proposed an new, with President Joe increase safety mitigations ing at the situation we’re amendment that directed Biden announcing a vac- and provide reassurance in, and trying to think of staff to “provide updates cine mandate for federal among the community. the best possible solution to the board should any ad- workers on July 29 and Vir- “I think something can under these very difficult justments be anticipated,” ginia Gov. Ralph Northam be done, and the data shows circumstances.” which passed unanimously. COURTESY PHOTO following suit for state that the vaccine is the only Ultimately, Suarez’s [email protected] Dr. Gregory Hutchings Ed.D.
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RING FROM | 1 still a segregated city, and state delegate, said. “… He Ring fought to desegregate stayed with it until he felt he I mean this in the nicest possible School Board before join- the city’s school and expand had made his case as best he way: He was a bulldog. When he ing City Council in 1979 and voting rights, even going so could, and sometimes he got serving three terms until far as to sue the local board everyone to agree and some- felt that there was something that 1988. Ring would go on to of elections. His lawsuit re- times not, but you always could done, changed, improved, he was run unsuccessfully for mayor sulted in the city adopting knew what motivated him. always really prepared and he articulated in 1988 against incumbent a standardized registration And that was a sense that why he felt the way he did in ways that Mayor Jim Moran, a good form. there was something that friend, in a campaign that fo- When there was some- needed to be done better.” were persuasive and he stuck with it.” cused on reducing taxes and thing that needed to be As committed to his caus- – David Speck, city spending. fixed, Ring was there with a es as he was to the law, Ring former city councilor Ring was born on May 25, lawyer’s attention to detail made a name for himself at 1931 in upstate New York, and gift of persuasion as well a time when the Republican where he attended Hamilton as an idealist’s tenacity and party still had a strong po- I will miss his commitment who worked alongside Ring College and graduated sum- deep belief in politics as a litical presence in the city. to Alexandria, but the most as a Republican before join- ma cum laude. He went on force for change. In 1982, Alexandria had the important thing that I will ing the Democratic party in to graduate from Duke Uni- “I mean this in the nicest most elected Republicans of miss is what he represented: 1995, said. versity School of Law in 1956 possible way: He was a bull- any city in Virginia, as pol- honor, decency, compassion A self-described “straight and moved to Alexandria the dog. When he felt that there iticians like Ring and fellow and the genuine will to make arrow” and self-identified same year to begin his career was something that could be former state Senators and everything he undertook just in law. done, changed, improved, he City Councilors Bob Calhoun a little bit better,” Speck, SEE RING | 15 After moving to the city, was always really prepared and Wiley Mitchell brought Ring quickly became active and he articulated why he moderate views and an em- in the community and in felt the way he did in ways phasis on compromise to the shaping city policy, even pri- that were persuasive and he political process. or to his career in politics. stuck with it,” David Speck, “He was a good man, At the time, Alexandria was a former city councilor and and I will miss his insights,
Back Schoolto If your child is entering 7th grade they must have the Meningitis, HPV, and Tdap vaccines in order to enroll. Talk to your doctor and vaccinate them now!
PHOTO/LUCELLE FLAHERTY Jane and Connie Ring at the celebration of the Commonwealth Republican Women’s Club’s 60th anni- versary. 14 | AUGUST 26, 2021 ALEXANDRIA TIMES
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RING FROM | 13 recruiting and precinct op- make you just feel absolutely erations. His efforts helped like part of the family,” Be- Rockefeller Republican, ac- find and recruit Republicans navage said. cording to his Living Leg- in every precinct, even at Active in local politics ends of Alexandria entry, times when party member- even while he lived in Good- Ring’s strength as a politi- ship was stagnant. win House, a life plan com- cian and community mem- “Connie was sort of the munity for older adults, Ring ber was in his ability to glue that held the party to- was involved and voiced his bridge the ideological divide gether through some rough concerns during the 2018 without losing track of his years,” Benavage, who Ring special use permit process September 11 - 25, 2021 own values. helped recruit, said. for an affordable housing “He was just an ingrati- “He was very influential. project at the former site This Pulitzer Prize winning drama, which also won the Tony Award for Best Play, is set in the segregated 1950s, where we ating individual. He never … There were very few Re- of the Church of the Res- meet Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball star now compromised position, but publican events that Connie urrection, which neighbors scraping by as a sanitation worker. Fences explores the walls he would certainly listen to did not support monetari- Goodwin House. Benavage we build around ourselves and our loved ones, while also illu- people, and that makes a big ly as well as with his sharp recalled walking around the minating one family’s struggles in a racist society. difference,” Pete Benavage, mind,” Mike Holm, a lawyer development site of the St. *All patrons are required to wear a mask (even if vaccinated) for the duration of the performance. Show disclaimer: This production contains adult themes and strong language. the current chair of the Alex- and former Republican can- James Plaza apartment com- andria Republican City Com- didate for City Council, said. plex with Ring in order to The Little Theatre of Alexandria mittee, said. “He’s someone that you’d go better understand the proj- 600 Wolfe Street | http://thelittletheatre.com/ Ring’s capacity for compro- to in confidence. He was held ect firsthand. mise helped him greatly when, in very high esteem.” For Ring, community ser- in 1970, Holton appointed Frank Fannon, the most vice was a lifelong commit- Ring as commissioner on uni- recent Republican to serve ment not based on grabbing form state laws. Ring served in on City Council in Alexan- headlines but on finding 2021-2022 that capacity for more than 40 dria, agreed. ways to improve one’s com- years, with a focus on infor- “Connie was a true lead- munity. Season mation technology. er in Alexandria through his “Happiness really comes During his time in the years of service to our com- from being of service to the Subscriptions on sale now! role, Ring helped shepherd munity. He was always avail- community,” Ring told Liv- many laws into existence, able to share [his] thoughts ing Legends of Alexandria. including the Uniform Com- and advice when needed,” “A lot can be accomplished puter Information Transac- Fannon said. “He had in- by being in the background OCT 2 & 3 tions Act in 2000. The law, credible institutional knowl- and sharing the limelight Beethoven’s Ninth which was passed in Mary- edge and was always a great with others. Grab the lime- with the Alexandria Choral Society land and Virginia, aims to resource to consult with on light too soon and you can address the issue of uniform, controversial issues.” stumble.” valid online contracts. Ring was also known for Ring is survived by his 6 & 7 “The art of politics is com- the welcoming attitude that wife, Jane, and children, Rusty, NOV promise,” Ring said when he he and his wife Jane, who is Roddy, Donna and Libby. Pictures at an Exhibition was inducted into Living Leg- also a Living Legends of Al- The memorial service is In partnership with the ends of Alexandria in 2011. exandria honoree, brought to set for 11 a.m. on Friday at Alexandria Film Festival “If there is any secret to my politics and his work in the Westminster Presbyterian community. Church. Masks are required success with uniform state 17 & 19 laws it is my ability to bring “He always had a smile on for the in-person service, DEC people together and develop his face, and it didn’t matter and Westminster is also pro- Home for the Holidays consensus. Always we must if you were the lowliest cap- viding a virtual service on with the Alexandria Choral Society and BalletNOVA find common ground.” tain of a precinct or recruit its website: https://wpc-alex. Locally, Ring worked as in the Republican party: He org/connie-ring-memori- chair of the ARCC to revamp and Jane would always invite al-service. FEB 12 & 13 [email protected] and expand the local GOP’s everyone to their home and Rachmoninov Rhapsody with Sara Daneshpour, piano If there is any secret to my success with uniform state laws it is my ability to APR 23 & 24 Barber & Brahms bring people together and develop consensus. with Dylana Jenson, violin Always we must find common ground.” – Carlyle “Connie” Ring, late City Councilor (703) 548-0885 • www.alexsym.org 16 | AUGUST 26, 2021 ALEXANDRIA TIMES Obituaries Thomas Henry Birdsong, III: Deborah Cureton Deborah “Debbie” Cureton passed away A father’s legacy of kindness peacefully at home on the morning of Aug. 15 after a Thomas Henry Birdsong, on the Suffolk School Board, courageous battle against III, 94, died on Aug. 20, 2021. as president of the Junior pancreatic cancer. She is He was an only child and Chamber of Commerce, as survived by her husband, predeceased by his parents, president of the local chapter Kenneth Cureton; her sisters T.H. Birdsong, Jr., and of Randolph-Macon Alumni, Donna Garth and Regan Virginia Wishart Birdsong; president of the Lions Club, Laughlin, and her nieces and by both his first wife, on the board of Main Street Nikki Hughes, Casey Garth, Annette Jones Birdsong and United Methodist Church Courtney Garth, Rachael his second wife, Constance and as chairman of the Laughlin and Maggie Bradshaw Birdsong. Community Fund. Laughlin. COURTESY PHOTO He had a loving blended In 1965, Mr. Birdsong Debbie was born in family. He is survived by became executive vice Bluefield, West Virginia in An avid traveler, his wife, Jane M. Birdsong, president and general September 1953 to Colonel Debbie ventured through and his children, Thomas H. manager of the southwest Irvin and Mrs. Rita Hylton. Europe, Cambodia, Bhutan, Birdsong, IV, Virginia Corinne operations of Birdsong Debbie lived in various Africa, South America and Birdsong Winburn and Peanuts, headquartered in COURTESY PHOTO places in the U.S., Germany Antarctica. Her love of Warren L. Birdsong (Penny); Gorman, Texas. While in and Liberia with her cycling led her to explore grandchildren, Thomas Mills Texas, he served on many and Education Advisory father’s military assignments many regions of the U.S. Winburn, Christianna Mills associations and engaged in Committee and director of before the family settled in Her cultural interests Johnson, and Japheth Saecker, many community activities the West Texas Chamber of Springfield, Virginia. She inspired her to volunteer Jr.; and great-grandchildren, such as helping to establish Commerce. graduated from Virginia at the Kennedy Center and Henry, Emaline and George and finance the Birdsong Upon retirement from his Tech with a bachelors degree Carlyle House in Old Town Johnson. Also surviving is Women’s Center at the peanut company responsibilities in accounting and began Alexandria. Her compassion one stepdaughter, Susan F. Harris Methodist Hospital in Texas, he moved to White her career with the federal for animals was expressed in Smither, and her children, in Stephenville. He was Stone, Virginia and later he and government as an auditor countless hours of service at Gretchen M. Smither, Benjamin a charter member of the his wife moved to Rappahannock with GAO. She held inspector the King Street Cats shelter H. Smither (Melanie); great- Cross Timbers Fine Arts Westminster Canterbury general positions with in Alexandria. Contributions grandson, Maxwell H. Smither, Council. He was active in where he was involved with increasing responsibilities at may be made in Debbie’s and stepson, Richard H. First United Methodist organizations such as Historic the Federal Home Loan Bank honor to this shelter or your Bradshaw. Church, the NCNB Bank and Christ Church, Chesapeake Board, GSA and NSF, where favorite animal welfare He attended Suffolk High Tarleton State University all Academy, Rappahannock Art she completed her career as organization. Services will School and was a graduate in Stephenville, Texas. While Center and the Virginia Quality assistant inspector general be private. Arrangements of Randolph-Macon College, active at Tarleton he was a Life program. for audits. She was a member will be handled by Old class of ’49, in Ashland, member of the President’s A trustee emeritus of of the Senior Executive Town Funeral Choices in Virginia, with a degree in Club, trustee emeritus of the Randolph-Macon College, Service and was awarded the Alexandria, Virginia. Visit history and government. He Tarleton State Foundation, Mr. Birdsong served on the Presidential Rank Award for www.funeralchoices.com for served two years in the U.S. established the Endowed board for two terms from Meritorious Executive. more information. Navy, active duty, during Scholarship in Hydrology and 1981 to 1994 and 1995 to 2001 World War II. He entered endowed the arts program. including a term as vice chair ensure the college’s future Award for humble service to the peanut business in 1949 He was presented the of the board. He served on the by establishing a charitable others. with Birdsong Peanuts in Conservation Businessman executive committee of the unitrust that has become part He had a full and Suffolk, Virginia and spent Award by the Upper Leon Boydton Society and board of the college’s endowment. In meaningful life in all that he his entire 72-year career Soil and Water Conservation of directors of the Society honor of his business, civic and did. He was generous with his with the company and was District in 2000. He served Alumni. He and Birdsong philanthropic contributions, time and resources to many the chairman at his death. four terms as president of Peanuts were significant in 2003 he was awarded an individuals and charitable In 2000, he was inducted the Southwestern Shellers donors to the Birdsong Honorary Doctor of Law endeavors. To all of his into the Peanut Hall of Fame Association; chairman of the Field House, Birdsong Hall Degree from the college. family and friends and the by the American Peanut National Peanut Council; (dormitory), Birdsong Café, He was bestowed one of communities where he lived, Council for his “outstanding he served on the Ex-Officio Birdsong Peaks of Excellence the college’s highest honors – he was a kind, thoughtful and contributions” to the peanut Advisory Board Long-Range Center, Birdsong Townhomes, The Algernon Sydney Sullivan loving man who will be dearly industry. Planning for the National improvements to the athletic and Mary Mildred Sullivan missed. A native of Suffolk, Mr. Peanut Council; he served on facilities and other projects. Birdsong served the Suffolk the Advisory Council for the He financially supported community in many ways. Secretary of Agriculture at several students in order for To submit an obituary, email He served on the board of the the Federal level; chairman of them to attend Randolph- Margaret Stevens at [email protected] Old Dominion Boy Scouts, Southwest Peanut Research Macon College. He helped WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM AUGUST 26, 2021 | 17 CLOSE TO HOME HOME PROFILE
PHOTO/CODY MELLO-KLEIN The walkway leading to the John and Gwen Mullen’s home is shaded by a natural arch of holly trees. A storied past The Mullens’ Wilkes Street home is full of family history and fond memories
BY CODY MELLO-KLEIN
When the holiday season swings around, John and ture, curated redesigns and items that have long-lasting Gwen Mullen’s Old Town home becomes a beacon for the familial connections, the Mullens have taken a house entire neighborhood. Snow might be falling outside, but that was in disrepair and, with the help of a few friends, inside their Wilkes Street home, the singing and celebrat- turned it into a home that has hosted 46 years’ worth of ing keeps things warm. holiday parties as well as diplomats, senators and at least The Mullens’ holiday party is only one day out of the one prime minister. year, but their home maintains the warmth of an open hearth throughout the year. Between the antique furni- SEE MULLEN | 18 18 | AUGUST 26, 2021 ALEXANDRIA TIMES
HOME PROFILE MULLEN FROM | 17
The Mullens’ introduc- It’s been a great joy tion to their Wilkes Street home came in 1977, when living here. It has been a they were looking for a new warm and wonderful home, house in Old Town. Gwen had just given birth to their but it is a mix of things son, Edward, and their home at the time, which was lo- that are important to us.” cated on 427 S. Lee St., was – John Mullen beginning to become a little tight on space. The house on Wilkes Street was originally part of a thing of a “commune,” with The builder and contrac- much larger plot of land, with a motorcycle even parked in tor were able to fix up much a yard that stretched all the the living room. of the home, so that by the 915 King St, Alexandria way to Fairfax Street. How- Gwen found out the house time the Mullens moved in 703-684-1435 ever, a builder had acquired was on the market from a in 1977, the house was much the yard in order to build friend who lived across the more livable. There were his dream house and, in the street from the Wilkes Street practical changes – the ra- process, got an option on the home. She leapt on it. diators were removed and original house as well, which “I just went right over replaced with a forced air “had fallen, as so many had, there and said, ‘Hello, Roger. system – but also aesthetic into disrepair,” John said. I’m going to buy this house.’ updates to keep the historic According to John and Gwen, And he said, ‘I want you to the home had become some- have it,’” Gwen said. SEE MULLEN | 19
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(Don’t delay! Our calendar is filling up fast!) PHOTO/CODY MELLO-KLEIN Parts of the Mullen's home date back to before the Civil War. WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM AUGUST 26, 2021 | 19
HOME PROFILE MULLEN FROM | 18 he and Gwen went into the massive wooden writing desk tray peaceful pastoral scenes “That was a sheath from process with a vague idea of in the living room has been and were made by John’s Chief Oshkosh – Oshkosh, character of the structure. what they wanted but found in John’s family for 150 years, great grandmother. Wisconsin – and that was The “beautiful old floor” that the dealer, after visiting and a framed quilt from his One item in particular, his,” Mullen noted. “My an- was sanded and finished but their house only once, was family sits behind the bed in which sits framed in the liv- cestor, who was an Indian largely untouched, Gwen able to select specific pieces the master bedroom. Several ing room, would be enough agent among many other said. that ended up enhancing the paintings, laid in intricate to spark any historian’s in- According to John, many space. golden-brown frames, por- terest. SEE MULLEN | 21 of the changes they made The antique living room early on, whether to the couch, for example, sits structure or design, were against the far wall, across “more practical than any- from the fireplace that the thing else.” Mullens use throughout the “We’re both musical, so winter, but it is a striking we wanted a piano. We had piece of eye candy with its a lot of hand-me-downs in warm pinkish hue. It con- the family. There was a glass trasts the cool blues of an an- front bookcase over [in the tique armchair and foot stool entrance hallway] and we combo placed against the op- had sleep sofas [in the living posite wall, creating a blend room],” John said. of colors that works because Eventually, the Mullens’ of their opposition. son put them in touch with an “Who would have thought antique dealer in Richmond, that you would find this col- who helped them pinpoint or [for a couch]? And we just the exact stylistic touches love it,” Gwen said. that would bring their home Not everything came from to life. John admitted that the antique dealer, though. A
PHOTO/CODY MELLO-KLEIN This sheath was given to John's ancestor by Chief Oshkosh, chief of the Menominee tribe in Wisconsin. 20 | AUGUST 26, 2021 ALEXANDRIA TIMES
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HOME PROFILE
PHOTO/CODY MELLO-KLEIN Gwen found the dining room table at a South Carolina furniture warehouse.
PHOTO/CODY MELLO-KLEIN John and Gwen are both music lovers, so a piano was a must-have when they moved in.
MULLEN FROM | 19 ter bedroom both date back stylish first impression. Ac- to before the Civil War. The cording to Gwen, at the right kinds of things well before house has been expanded time of year, the trees are Wisconsin was a state, in- several times since then: The full of red berries – and “vo- herited that and he got a first half of the dining room racious robins” that come to medal from George the Third was added in the 20th centu- eat them, John said. of Great Britain that is in ry, and the Mullens doubled The changes that the COURTESY PHOTO the museum in Green Bay. the size of that room and Mullens made to the dining The kitchen was expanded and now allows for better circulation of They’d love this, but they ar- greatly enlarged the kitchen room and kitchen have had foot traffic, particularly during the annual holiday party. en’t gonna get it.” in 2003 and 2004. In order to the most significant impact Almost every item has expand the kitchen, the Mul- and have helped make the said, ‘Ok, John, we’re taking history attached to it, wheth- lens had part of the house Mullens’ home even better this,’” Gwen said. Union Square er it came from an antique attached to their neighbor’s for entertaining, which has John’s work for Depart- Union Square salutes the warehouse in Richmond or home so that it is no longer been central to their lives ment of State and involve- efforts our doctors, nurses has been passed down in freestanding. That particu- and the life of the house. By ment in the world of inter- and first responders John’s family for more than lar change ended up cutting expanding the kitchen, the national diplomacy for the fighting Covid-19. Find us online at a century. And the books short a stone horse alley that heavy foot traffic that occurs United States Agency for Visit Alexandria Unique venues stacked on bookshelves previously ran all the way during the Mullens’ holiday International Development Union and on Wedding Wire. throughout the home, some along the eastern side of the parties can now flow freely and Gwen’s work for the of which also date back to the house. through the house. Alexandria Tutoring Con- Square Civil War, mean the Mullens’ Outside, the Mullens have The long, elegant wooden sortium and various local Elegant, spacious, 19th c. home is overflowing with a shockingly large back yard table at the center of the ex- nonprofits has led to some ballroom in the heart of stories. for a home in Old Town, due tended dining room has also notable guests sitting at that Old Town-the perfect place “Obviously, we want- in part to the fact that it was become vital for the Mul- table. for entertaining. ed bookcases and we’ve got part of a larger piece of prop- lens’ many dinner parties. “What is wonderful about Now accepting other bookcases [through- erty. After discovering the table this [dining room] is that fall & winter bookings. at a furniture warehouse in we have had wonderful din- out] the house and too many “I actually have a power Find us online atVisit books to put in the bookcas- mower,” John said proudly. South Carolina, Gwen said ner parties here. It’s not just Alexandria Unique venues and es,” John laughed. In the front, an extend- she ran up and jumped on the family,” John said. “At this on Wedding Wire. The house itself has a ed brick walkway leading to table to call “dibs.” table we have had a former 571-263-9805 history to match. The living the house through a natural “I ran up to this table and [email protected] room and second floor mas- bridge of holly trees makes a I [threw myself on it], and I SEE MULLEN | 22 22 | AUGUST 26, 2021 ALEXANDRIA TIMES
HOME PROFILE
What is wonderful about this [dining room] is that we have had wonderful dinner parties here. It’s not just family. At this table we have had a former prime minister, probably at least five ambassadors and United States senators. Mark Warner comes over sometimes.” – John Mullen
MULLEN FROM | 21 ing to have a participatory Christmas party and that prime minister, probably at Santa Claus would come,” least five ambassadors and John said. “We got one of United States senators. Mark the neighbors to dress up as Warner comes over some- Santa Claus. … There were times.” puppet shows, there was Between the two of them, singing.” John and Gwen have shak- Gwen oversees the sing- en a lot of hands and made ing, which involves four- a sizable impact on Alexan- part harmonies and ranges dria and abroad, and their beyond just carols, while home is just as much a testa- John has taken to writing ment to those achievements. plays – many of which dip A framed photo of Gwen’s into political satire – that induction into Living Leg- are performed by the chil- ends of Alexandria hangs dren and adults. on the wall of an upstairs The performances and bedroom-turned-office, company – not to mention right alongside a photo of the Mullens’ Peabody Punch, former New Zealand Prime based on a recipe from Mas- Minister John Key honoring sachusetts – have helped John as an officer in the New fill the Mullens’ house with Zealand Order of Merit. Ac- warmth and holiday cheer cording to John, his work on for the last 46 years. Al- a business council for New though the pandemic put a Zealand helped smooth halt to the 2020 holiday par- over relationships between ty, the feeling of that party the U.S. and New Zealand has not left a home that is at a time when the air was already full of stories. tense. “It’s been a great joy liv- However, the Mullens’ ing here,” John said. “… It dinner parties play second has been a warm and won- fiddle to their famous holi- derful home, but it is a mix day parties. of things that are important “We love to sing, and to us.” Love theso we wine decided you're we were withgo- [email protected] Where you can find the perfect abstract painting for your home & the perfect bottle of wine for your life! PHOTO/CODY MELLO-KLEIN Top: The living room is full of antiques and family heirlooms, including a writing desk that has been in 108 N. Patrick Street, John's family for 150 years. Alexandria Va We have ‘grab and go’ Consider our event space for your next bridal Bottom: Since the house was at one time part of a larger property, the back yard is bigger than that of winegallery108.com many Old Town homes. celebration and shop with us for exclusivegrocery items too! wines and thoughtful wedding gifts.
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SCHEDULE A TOUR AT DylanVACondos.com © Copyright 2021 Dylan. Renderings, building elevations, depictions of amenities, drawings and floor plans of the condominium and units are for marketing/illustrative purposes only and are not part of the basis of the contract between Seller (i.e., the Declarant) and Purchasers. They do not necessarily reflect actual dimensions and configurations. Features, finishes, and prices are subject to change without notice. Certain features are available in select units and are subject to change. The specifications, room dimensions, and features shown in the unit floor plan are approximate and are for marketing/illustrative purposes only. Square footage totals and room dimensions provided may not be relied upon as definitive, are subject to modifications without notice, and may differ from the actual square footage and dimensions delivered. Actual layout, room dimensions, window sizes and locations, and steps to grade may vary and are subject to modifications without notice. The units, as constructed, may differ somewhat from the floor plan. The actual dimensions of condominium units will be as described in the condominium declaration and as shown on the Condominium Plats and Plans, recorded or to be recorded among the Land Records for the City of Alexandria, Virginia. References to ‘FORTIS’ and/or ‘The Fortis Companies’ refer to The Fortis Companies LLC. The Fortis Companies LLC’s development affiliates build homes in Virginia and across the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Individual projects are developed by FORTIS-affiliated partners and/or entities, and all representations regarding the development, construction, or sale of any project or property refers to those affiliates. Dylan is being developed and sold by 2551 Main Line LLC, the “Declarant” of the condominium project. No representations regarding the development, construction or sale of any portion of the Dylan community is made by The Fortis Companies LLC or any FORTIS affiliate except 2551 Main Line LLC. Sales of Units in the Dylan Condominium shall be managed by The Mayhood Company, agent for 2551 Main Line LLC. Buyers should carefully review their purchase and sales agreement before purchasing. The condominium was registered by the Common Interest Community Board in May 2021. WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM AUGUST 26, 2021 | 25 REAL TALK The “fundamentals” of real estate Understanding property al ingredients piecemeal as as a commodity helps pricing allows. By exercising scale market expecta- this practice of “hedging,” tions they create a buffer from the BY ELLIS DUNCAN current market pricing of those individual ingredients To understand fully the and, in effect, retain the abil- nature of real estate avail- ity to price their product com- ability and pricing, I believe petitively on the store shelf. that it is important to under- Real estate is exactly like stand the difference between any other major traded com- ELLIS product and commodity. This modity, such as silver, wheat, DUNCAN will seem obvious to most, orange juice and pork bellies: but I am constantly surprised It is closely tied to the “fun- until 2008. Then the feder- by people expecting the mar- damentals.” When a freeze is al government determined ket to act how they wish it threatening Florida, orange that the lenders were out of would, instead of accepting juice prices soar. If the grow- control and clamped down the fact that the market is ing season for grains is bless- hard. It became mandatory unpredictable and then ad- ed with ample rain fall, then for a home sale to be backed justing to it accordingly. the price of wheat and most up by a recent comparable A product is a compilation other grains falls. sale in the same neighbor- of ingredients all with vary- The D.C. area real estate hood. Without the ability for FILE PHOTO ing fundamentals affecting market experienced doubling families and individuals to "Hedging" creates a buffer from current pricing of individual ingre- pricing, but the successful prices every 10 years over dients, allowing marketers to price products competitively on the marketers buy the individu- a 50-year period from 1958 SEE REAL TALK | 26 shelf.
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Run in Sept, Oct, Nov, and Dec 2020 WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM AUGUST 26, 2021 | 27 Times ARTS Livinq “Reminiscence;” An ambitious yet convoluted near-future noir
BY RICHARD ROEPER logged city or watching Nick’s clients enter their It’s “The Maltese Falcon” memories via a circular stag- meets “Inception” some- ing area. Things remain in- where in the “Vanilla Sky” teresting when Nick is sum- on the way to “Chinatown” moned by the D.A. to use his in the inventive and ambi- machine to access the memo- tious yet wildly convoluted ries of possible suspects. But and ultimately disappointing then the coincidences start sci-fi noir “Reminiscence,” piling up, and we’re plunged which careens this way and into convoluted subplots that before running off the involving a land baron and rails. his apparently insane wife, The talented writer-di- sniveling son and mistress, rector Lisa Joy is a prime with whom he also has a son. creative force behind HBO’s There’s also a crime kingpin “Westworld,” and she clearly who peddles a highly addic- knows this kind of sci-fi ter- tive new drug and a nasty en- ritory. There are moments of forcer who was nearly burned breathtaking beauty and fas- to death for skimming from cinating weirdness in Joy’s his boss and is now on a mis- feature directorial debut, but sion to kill Nick, for reasons the screenplay veers down far too complicated to ex- so many different paths and plain. It’s a lot. never quite comes together, PHOTO/WARNER BROTHERS By this point, Mae has dis- all on the way to a coda that Hugh Jackman stars as Nick Bannister in "Reminiscence." appeared, and our poor sap should pack an emotional Nick is obsessed with finding punch but feels tacked-on isolated, dry patch of real es- have turned the device into a sizes up this dame and sees out what happened to her, and underwhelming. tate in the city. thriving business for misera- her for the femme fatale she even as Watts keeps telling Hugh Jackman’s Nick While serving in the ble Miamians who make reg- surely is. But from the mo- him to let it go because Mae Bannister provides the grav- military, Nick pioneered an ular visits so they can access ment Nick sets eyes on Mae, was nothing but trouble and el-voiced narration for a interrogation technique by their favorite memories, as he’s a goner. Suddenly our most likely a scam artist. story set in near-future Mi- which he would attach a de- the machine makes them feel gruff and damaged loner Every time “Reminiscence” ami and New Orleans, some vice to the subject’s cranium, as if they’re inside the mo- is making his own memo- brings in a new character or years after an unspecified immerse them in some sort ment for the very first time. ries, falling in love with this introduces another wrinkle, global war left the citizenry of water-based solution and One night after closing, mysterious nightclub croon- the plot becomes that much literally knee-deep in water. turn up the dials on a device a ravishing redhead named er who all too conveniently more tangled, to the point Most of the streets are now that would allow Nick to ac- Mae (Rebecca Ferguson) walked into his life, almost where we’re ready for Nick to canals, and it’s so unbearably cess their memories. These comes knocking and says she as if she had an agenda of her just shut down his machine hot that virtually everyone days, Nick and his partner, lost her keys and is hoping own. and live in the moment. Even sleeps all day and nothing Watts (Thandiwe Newton), for a quick session in the ma- The special effects in when it’s blazing hot and the ever happens until after sun- a former sharpshooter who chine so she can figure out “Reminiscence” are pretty taxis are now water taxis, set. Meanwhile, the wealth- served with Nick and has a where she left them. “Call a spectacular, whether we’re there’s a lot going on in dys- iest land barons live on an serious drinking problem, locksmith,” says Watts, who swooping over the water- topian Miami. 28 | AUGUST 26, 2021 ALEXANDRIA TIMES HOMES Gardening for the future Assess how you can scapes, but also make a pos- Soil kits can be obtained prepare your garden to itive impact on our environ- through Virginia Tech's soil make a positive environ- ment? test lab services at the Alex- mental impact “One of our first and pri- andria Extension Office, the BY KIM DAVIS mary concerns should be the Master Gardeners of North- health of our soil,” Kirsten ern Virginia website and at August is typically one Conrad, extension agent and area garden centers and hard- of the hottest and muggiest agriculture and natural ses- ware stores. months in what is not so lov- ources-horticulture specialist Development in our area ingly called “the swamp” of for the Virginia Cooperative has created increasingly high Washington, D.C. This year Extension, said. “Soil in our percentages of impermeable has proved no exception. We area tends to consist of dense hardscapes including roof- have seen rapid, torrential sandy clay with a thin veneer tops, patios, streets and side- rainfall comparable to trop- of topsoil that creates erosion walks. This, in addition to ical storms. In addition, we problems particularly in yards heavy clay soil that is slow to have watched as the upper with sloping topography.” drain, causes increased ero- northwest experienced the Conrad recommends sev- sion of lawns and garden soil. hottest temperatures on re- eral options climate-con- Conrad suggested gar- cord, fires continually ravage scious gardeners can im- deners first take a keen look parts of the West Coast with plement to ensure more at their green spaces after smoke screens extending as environmentally friendly rainfall. Pooling water indi- far as the Atlantic, serious gardens. cates poor drainage and low drought hit the southwest “Lawns take a toll on the infiltration rates into the soil. and coastal waters silently environment due to heavy If you see standing water in seeped beneath buildings and use of water resources, pol- your lawn for more than a few COURTESY PHOTO homes undermining their lution of waterways due to hours, it likely requires more Soil tests that provide levels of pH acidity and alkalinity are a great stability, causing collapse and fertilizers and damage to extreme action. It might be way to gather information about your yard’s current conditions. loss of life. pollinators and other wildlife worthwhile to talk with a pro- As nature continues to from herbicide and pesticide fessional landscaper about Gardeners of Northern Vir- loss of trees in our area, the change, experts in the field applications,” Conrad said. options. ginia’s “Tried and True Na- campaign is selling a vari- of gardening and horticulture “One solution is to consider According to Conrad, tive Plantings” list. Residents ety of oak, poplar, sycamore are urging us to rethink our reducing the amount of space time-honored practices, can also view these plantings and elm trees that will grow personal garden spaces, not devoted to turf grass.” such as introducing organic in person at gardens through- and mature into canopy cov- only for our enjoyment but for Conrad noted families can matter into lawns that have out Alexandria, including at er for generations to come. the ecological impact to the set aside areas for children weak growth by aerating and Simpson Gardens, Fairlington For more information, email planet as well. With fall ap- and pets, but by expanding applying organic compost; Community Center and Bon [email protected] or proaching, now is a good time garden beds to include trees installing a rain garden or a Air Park. [email protected]. to assess how we can adapt and shrubs, perennials, sum- bioretention area to collect Science tells us that trees Conrad noted that the of- the green spaces around our mer annuals, vegetables and rainwater runoff; and in- play a huge role in the car- ficial USDA Hardiness Zone homes to better help our en- herbs, we provide more root stalling swales, yard drains bon cycle. They convert CO2 charts have not changed, but vironment. structure to the garden thus and French drains to collect in the air to oxygen, through that Northern Virginia is al- The topic has been weigh- reducing erosion and creating and quickly move water away the process of photosynthe- ready experiencing weather ing on my mind as I survey better microclimates for our from homes and garden beds, sis, and in this way, they can patterns native to more tra- our backyard. Garden plant- plants. are worth considering. be looked at as a natural reg- ditionally southern climates. ings, light sources and water Plants provide our gardens Conrad said consistent- ulator of carbon dioxide lev- So, when searching for plant- patterns have continued to with color, texture and stun- ly or frequently wet soils in els. The more trees, the less ings for your gardens, it might change and evolve. Erosion ning visual displays, but they low areas can also provide carbon dioxide in the atmo- be prudent to begin looking at due to ever-increasing wa- will not flourish unless we gardeners with the perfect sphere and the more oxygen. warm-weather planting op- ter drainage has caused mis- ensure a healthy, nourishing opportunity to expand beds If you are considering adding tions. placed plantings to wither foundation. A starting point with native Virginia mois- a new tree to your garden this “Now is the time to lean in and grass that once thrived to for that process is to gather ture-loving plants, turning a fall, the North Ridge Tree and pivot into how our gar- resemble a mangy dog. important information about problem into a beautiful bed Canopy Campaign, a non- dens can thrive into the fu- So, how can we use this our yard’s current conditions, that attracts bees, butterflies profit organization headed ture,” Conrad said. time wisely to assess and starting with a soil test that and birds. There are many at- by Alexandrians Lynn Gas prepare our gardens for the provides levels of pH acidity tractive native wetland plant and Jane Seward, has curat- The writer is a member of the approaching winter solstice and alkalinity, nutrient levels species that thrive in poorly ed a list of 10 native trees Hunting Creek Garden Club and and spring that will not only and fertilizer recommenda- drained, wet soils, some of for sale during the month. formerly served as both president address our changing land- tions. which can be found on Master Driven to augment the recent and vice president of the club. WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM AUGUST 26, 2021 | 29 CALENDAR will play a virtual live concert visitalexandriava.com/event/ during the extended hours. The FRONT PARK Experience the AUGUST 27 on Facebook. Fronting the trio personalized-paracord-brace- gallery capacity is limited to 15 Old Town Cocktail Week kick-off is James Bazen, who has been lets/18168/ people at any one time. with cocktail tasting and snacks ATHENAEUM SEASON KICK- active in the Baltimore/Wash- Time: Noon to 9 p.m. provided by competing bartenders OFF Celebrate the beginning of ington music scene since 1985 Location: 2704 Mt. Vernon Ave. from popular local establish- the Athenaeum season with a and played with many bands in- SEPTEMBER 2 Information: https:// ments. Find out who will win the performance from Jane Franklin cluding the GoGo Symphony, the alextimes.com/?post_ Judges’ Choice and cast your vote Dance at the Northern Virginia Beat Hotel, the Crimestoppers YOGA ON THE MAGNOLIA type=mec-events&p=66630&pre- for the People’s Choice award. Fine Arts Association. The event and Cathy Ponton King. The trio TERRACE Enjoy an evening of view_id=66630&preview_non- Tickets are $55 per person. features three unique dance also features guitarist Bob Butta Vinyasa flow yoga on the Carlyle ce=8c4e2702fd&_thumbnail_ Time: 5 to 8 p.m. performances followed by a and bassist Scott Giambusso, House’s Magnolia Terrace. The id=66631&preview=true Location: 1A Prince St. question and answer session. who have performed a variety of class will begin by building heat Information: https://www.visital- The first is “Family Photos” jazz, pop and Latin music at var- with sun salutations before SEPTEMBER 9 exandriava.com/event/art-on-the- with music by Steve Rogers, ious clubs and restaurants such progressing to balance, deep rocks-at-waterfront-park/18241/ where dances are paired with as Laporta’s in Alexandria. stretching and finally relaxing GADSBY’S TAVERN MUSEUM projections, images from the Time: 6 to 7 p.m. meditation. SOCIETY VIRTUAL TRIVIA SEPTEMBER 16 performer's childhood or from Location: Virtual Time: 5:30 p.m. NIGHT Test your knowledge of a past generation. The second, Information: https://apps.alex- Location: 121 N. Fairfax St. American history, the presidents LOVE FRENCH FILMS AND “Forty+”, presents a new dance andriava.gov/Calendar/Detail. Information: https://www. and the American workforce COCKTAILS? WE DO TOO! Join by Roxann Morgan Rowley fea- aspx?si=34905 visitalexandriava.com/event/ throughout the years in honor the Alexandria-Caen Sister City turing dancers over the age of yoga-on-the-magnolia-ter- of Labor Day. Beverages are Committee in virtually viewing 40 and examines ideas of resil- PERSONALIZED PARACORD race/18200/ permitted and prizes will be and discussing the 2019 French ience. The final performance is BRACELETS Learn how to use awarded to the winners. Tickets action thriller, "Le Chant du Loup" called “Tales of Moria,” includes paracord to create intricate, per- SEPTEMBER 3 are $20 per household. (The Wolf's Call). There will be a choreography by Philip Baraoid- sonalized bracelets. Guests will Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m. cocktail demo prior to the movie an and explores the concept of meet in a professional jewelry STIGMA Art Exhibit Opening Location: 134 N. Royal St. showing and subsequent discus- fate meddling in relationships. A studio and decorate metal, cop- Day Visit Del Ray Artisans gallery Information: https:// sion of its characters and the livestream link will be available per or brass with whatever words to view the STIGMA art exhibit, alextimes.com/events/ military context. Movie is avail- for those unable to attend in or symbols they choose. Open to showcasing various represen- gadsbys-tavern-museum-so- able on Netflix. Zoom details and person. ages 8+. Wine and beer will be tations of stigma like mental ciety-virtual-trivia-night/?pre- cocktail recipe will be sent a few Time: 7:30 p.m. provided for adults. Shared tools health disorders, HIV, homeless- view_id=67012&preview_non- days prior to the event. Tickets Location: 201 Prince St. and equipment are sanitized ness and bullying. Local adult ce=e87b0d2492&_thumbnail_ are $6 per person. Information: https://janefrank- between uses; workstations are artists and high school students id=67013&preview=true Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m. lin.com/kick-off separated by plexiglass. express their perspectives on Location: Virtual Time: 6 to 8 p.m. the concept of stigma and how SEPTEMBER 10 Information: https://apps.alex- JAMES BAZEN TRIO IN CON- Location: 1112 King St. it can be overcome. Reserve andriava.gov/Calendar/Detail. CERT The James Bazen Trio Information: https://www. a ticket for a half-hour viewing ART ON THE ROCKS AT WATER- aspx?si=37783
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Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Homeowners, renters,and condo coverages are written through non-affi liated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Motorcycle andATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2020. © 2020 GEICO. 20_541475041 30 | AUGUST 26, 2021 ALEXANDRIA TIMES Our View Time for a true vaccine Opinion mandate “Where the press is free and every man is able to read, all is safe.” It’s time that the “requirement” for city employees to receive the - Thomas Jefferson COVID-19 vaccine become a true requirement. On Aug. 19, Alexandria’s School Board approved the proposal of Al- Photo of the Week exandria City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Gregory Hutchings, Ed.D. that school staff be “required” to receive the vaccine. But with no penalty for those who declined, it actually wasn’t a requirement at all, only a suggestion. Then, the next day, the City of Alexandria issued a release stat- ing that ACPS and the city are “joining together to implement a COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirement for all City govern- ment and ACPS school staff.” All city employees will be required to provide proof of vaccination. Those who can’t or decline to do so will be subject to weekly testing. This was a positive step that reinforced the message from ACPS and is helpful because there’s certainly a subset of people who will do something if they’re told it’s a requirement. We will leave it to the psychologists to determine how significant a factor this is. Unfortunately, the city’s requirement has no more teeth than that of ACPS, as there’s no penalty for not complying. As for testing, which is what city employees who decline to be vaccinated would be required to get each week at taxpayer expense PHOTO/ANDREW DUNBAR – that’s simply not enough. In the midst of another COVID-19 surge, Children head for their bus on Tuesday after the first day of school at while Alexandria remains in the high transmission category, weekly Francis C. Hammond Middle School. testing needs to be done of all staff and students anyway to prevent asymptomatic carriers from spreading the virus. Universal vaccination of those eligible to receive it, along with Rename Lee Street ASAP masks and frequent testing, is the combination that should prevent To the editor: renaming controversial streets will widespread outbreaks of COVID-19 during the 2021-22 school year As an avid reader of these not lead to ping-ponging petitions and among other city workers. opinion pages, I can’t help but to rename the street, because once And it’s the vaccination piece that is key to keeping school doors notice that the commentary on changed to something like Water open for the entirety of this school year. It can’t be overstated how renaming Lee Street has coalesced Street, it will no longer qualify vital it is that all school workers, both staff and contract employees, around a particular side of the for the city’s lower threshold for receive the COVID-19 vaccine. issue. Allow me to offer a different controversial names. We’ve had It’s easy to talk a good game about equity. In schools, equity should view: We should rename Lee Street constitutional arguments that mean putting every possible measure in place to increase learning as soon as possible. sound like veiled threats of frivolous and academic performance for all students. Nothing ACPS leadership The arguments of the pro-Lee litigation – no, the long-deceased could do this year would go more toward that goal than a true vaccine crowd have been both imaginative Lee does not have a constitutional requirement. in scope and creative in their right to continue to have a street It’s students of color, as ACPS’ own data showed, who suffered most obfuscation of America’s original named after him, and neither do from the all-virtual instruction that took place at the end of the 2019- sin. We’ve been asked to engage you. 20 school year and for most of the 2020-21 year. The achievement gap in a fan-fictionesque meditation Let’s take a step back here, widened, and performance relative to prior years declined the most on whether Lee would have been a folks. Should our city’s places of among disabled and minority students. Nazi – as if “well, at least he wasn’t honor really be named for people Fortunately, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted full a Nazi” should be our standard for whose failings require this much approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine on Monday. street naming. explaining away and after-the-fact “While this and other vaccines have met the FDA’s rigorous, scien- Our residents and tourists of justification? No one disputes the tific standards for emergency use authorization, as the first FDA-ap- Asian descent have been invited need to acknowledge and remember proved COVID-19 vaccine, the public can be very confident that this to pretend the street really honors our city’s, and indeed our country’s, vaccine meets the high standards for safety, effectiveness, and man- them: the old “it’s really Bruce troubled history. But we don’t need ufacturing quality the FDA requires of an approved product,” Acting Lee Street” argument. We have to name streets after Confederate FDC Commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock said. had faulty procedural arguments generals to do that, any more While employers may have been on shaky legal ground in issuing of looming administrative chaos. a true mandate prior to the vaccine receiving full FDA approval, that No, the city’s 25% threshold for SEE CLARK | 31 ambiguity is now gone. The opinions expressed in letters and columns are those of the writers only and do SEE OUR VIEW | 32 not reflect the views, nor receive the endorsement, of the Alexandria Times. WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM AUGUST 26, 2021 | 31
Street renaming process is Ethical Reflections undemocratic with Rev. Ian Markham To the editor: has decided on a so-called The new city initiative on “pilot program” to allow The logic behind reparations street renaming reminds me the renaming of up to three Virginia Theological Seminary gener- Those who were enslaved were never paid that about 20 years ago, as Confederate streets if 25% of ated significant interest recently with its for their labor. All the compensation they president of the Seminary residents request it. decision to make direct payments to de- deserved was denied to them. And as a re- Hill Association, I helped This means that a scendants of those who were enslaved or sult, their estates were denied that compen- residents change a street minority with a petition worked under the humiliation of Jim Crow sation. Those who worked under Jim Crow named so confusingly that can require three-fourths of laws. Having designated $1.7 million for a laws were paid much less than their white even the fire department had their neighbors to change reparations fund, the proceeds are paid out counterparts. It is theft – in the technical trouble finding it. In dealing their street name and annually to those who are descendants of sense of taking that which is not yours – to with the city staff at that time accept another that the the exploited. deny the compensation to those who did the I discovered that the policy petitioners propose. This is The question we received repeatedly was work and, given these people are no longer for naming or renaming without regard to imposing this: No other institution is making direct with us, to their estates. streets was to adopt the burdensome requirements on payments to descendants, so why are you? The evils of slavery and segregation are names of Confederate all residents to change names A thought exercise may be much greater than just the de- soldiers. Staff recommended on dozens if not hundreds helpful to explore this. Let me nial of compensation for labor. “Ivor Lane.” Later it was of mailing designations, stress that this is not intended Human lives were captured, discovered that Ivor was an documents and other items. to provide an analogy with the herded onto ships, whipped, ex- Alexandria “Johnny Reb” On its face, this pilot clearly is evil of chattel slavery; instead, ploited, humiliated and treated who was killed early in the undemocratic. it is simply exploring circum- like a commodity. It is import- Civil War while hotdogging One bad policy by the stances under which a person ant that the evil of racism is on the battlements. But Ivor city need not be followed or organization might feel obli- recognized, but this should be Lane remains. by another. Changing gated to pay into an estate. on top of the simple argument That policy was Confederate street names Imagine that you are having that human lives provided their misguided and likely had is a worthy objective. To do a rather lovely swimming pool, REV. IAN labor and their estates, under racist motivations. The city it other than by a majority tennis courts, or a small gym MARKHAM slavery, were not compensated currently has a method decision is unwise and will built in your back yard. Let us at all and, under Jim Crow, were whereby 75% of residents on lead to neighborhood discord further imagine that the builder you have not compensated adequately. a street may petition for a and dissension. chosen to do this work dies just after he has It is axiomatic in a democratic mar- name change. Now city hall, -Jack Sullivan, finished the work but before you have had ket economy, functioning under law, that without any citizen input, Alexandria the opportunity to pay the outstanding bal- we honor this simple principle that labor ance for the work. Would you feel obligated should be compensated. Even if you are very to pay into his estate? rich and don’t need the money, you still ex- CLARK FROM | 30 have led to the continued This thought exercise is easy. I am sure pect to be compensated if you do the work. enslavement of millions the overwhelming majority of persons In addition, one expects a cash payment; than we need to remember of human beings should would answer in the affirmative. The work it is not for others to determine that the Benjamin Thomas and the permanently disgrace has been done; the builder’s descendants compensation should go to “education” or city’s sad history of lynching and condemn his name in deserve the benefits of the builder’s labor. “community development.” by naming a street after his the eyes of any American It would be simply right to pay the balance One worry remains. Surely, this is im- lynchers. Or to remember citizen who values their and make sure it goes into his estate. practical? Granted, the first step will be imprisoned suffragists by own freedom. Now, imagine that, perhaps because small. This is the case at Virginia Theolog- erecting a monument to The days when it was there was no legal obligation to pay into the ical Seminary. The payments are very puny their torturers. Let’s be more acceptable to elide over the estate, no payment was made. Let us further compared with the exploitation. But the forthright in our choices as a human tragedy that was imagine that 50 years later, your grandchil- first step establishes a principle. The first community than that. slavery with the snide fig dren are now living in the house with this step determines a direction. It has also been argued leaf of “states’ rights” are delightful complex in the back yard. Let us America’s greatness could be realized that we should keep the over. So are the days when further imagine that one day, as the current in this moment provided we start thinking Lee name to honor certain it was acceptable to honor occupant is working out in the gym, the about this issue with greater moral clarity. other perceived qualities slavers, whether because doorbell rings and a young person is stand- We need to show the world we believe the of the man or his family. of or in spite of their slaver ing there. She explains that her grandfather fundamental, apolitical, axiom of a market The latter is essentially a status. Stripping the Lee built the complex in the back yard and that economy: Those who labor should be com- variation of the Bruce Lee name from our city’s places he was never paid for this work. How should pensated, and part of that compensation argument to just pretend of honor will be a step the grandchild now react? can be part of their estates when they die. it’s named after someone toward acknowledging this It is unlikely that they can simply pay the Virginia Theological Seminary is showing else. To be clear: The reality. Let’s do so without bill outright. But wouldn’t most people feel how that is possible. undeniable fact that Robert further delay. that there is an obligation to least try and E. Lee took up a cause -Helen Mayer Clark, make amends in some small way? The writer is dean of Virginia which, if successful, would Alexandria This is the key principle of reparations. Theological Seminary. 32 | AUGUST 26, 2021 OUT OF THE ATTIC ALEXANDRIA TIMES
Denise Dunbar New marker dedicated to suffragists Publisher & Executive Editor [email protected] On Nov. 27, 1917, Judge Ed- and Dora Lewis. On day seven, mund Waddill Jr. ruled that 32 the prison officials force-fed Cody Mello-Klein women arrested for protesting them. Lewis wrote that five Editor for the right to vote should be people seized her and held [email protected] released from the Occoquan her down. The doctor forced a
Workhouse. Today, the City tube down her throat. “I (was) Olivia Anderson Reporter of Alexandria will commemo- gasping and suffocating with [email protected] rate those women with a new the agony of it,” she said. marker on the site of that rul- On Nov. 17, Judge Wad- Katherine Hapgood ing, the corner of South Saint dill ordered a writ of habeas Intern Asaph and Prince streets. The corpus seeking the release of [email protected] cause of the women helped the suffragists undergoing to galvanize the fight to give the rigid disciplinary treat- Margaret Stevens Sales Director women the right to vote, and ment at Occoquan. The judge [email protected] their experience at Occoquan set the hearing for Nov. 27 at highlighted the injustice United States District Court PHOTO/OFFICE OF HISTORIC ALEXANDRIA Patrice V. Culligan women faced in their strug- for the Eastern District of Vir- Publisher Emerita gle. The dedication took place ginia in Alexandria. sentences in the Washington lumbia workhouse at nearby [email protected] at 9 a.m. The hearing started nine District Jail. Occoquan, Virginia. The wom- During their imprison- days after the Night of Ter- News of the Night of Ter- en were subjected to undue ment at the Occoquan Work- ror, in the small courtroom ror sparked protests across ADVERTISING hardships and torture, result- house, the women were sub- in Alexandria. The suffragists the country. In March 1918, ing in the infamous November Margaret Stevens jected to undue hardships were transported from Oc- four months after the Night 14, 1917 “Night of Terror.” A [email protected] and torture, resulting in the coquan and filed into court of Terror, a judge ruled that number of women prisoners Marty DeVine infamous “Night of Terror” in Alexandria one by one, the suffragists had been ille- were threatened, beaten and [email protected] on Nov. 14, 1917. Many of the shocking some of the specta- gally arrested, convicted and hurled against walls and floors. Patrice V. Culligan women prisoners were threat- tors with their emaciated ap- detained in the Occoquan A few days later, force feedings [email protected] ened, beaten and hurled pearance. Many were so weak Workhouse. began. The suffragist prison- against walls and floors. Pris- they had to lie on the court- The marker reads: ers were eventually freed from on guards forced suffragist room benches. Suffragist Prisoners at Oc- Occoquan following a hearing Tina Franco Office Administrator Lucy Burns to stand all night The judge ruled in favor coquan: In November 1917, 32 in Alexandria’s federal court- [email protected] with her arms shackled to the of the women, saying the suffragists were arrested in house. ceiling of her cell. suffragists could be paroled Washington, D.C. for allegedly Some women refused to pending appeal. Most of the “blocking traffic” on a Penn- Out of the Attic is provided GRAPHIC DESIGNER eat the worm-laden food they suffragists insisted on serv- sylvania Avenue sidewalk. They by the Office of Historic Alex- Chelsea West were given, including Burns ing out the remainder of their were sent to the District of Co- andria. [email protected]
CONTRIBUTORS OUR VIEW FROM | 30 the private sector. The will undoubtedly be push- one thing. Putting the safe- Alexa Epitropoulos COVID-19 vaccine should back from public employee ty and learning of children Kim Gilliam Various vaccines are re- now be no different. unions over a true vaccine first requires action. It’s Allison Hageman quired of school children With a fully approved mandate like this, but city time to remove the quota- Dawn Hoiem before they enroll at all lev- COVID-19 vaccine now leaders need to have the tion marks from the exist- Louise Krafft els, including college. Vac- available, it’s time for a courage to put the city’s ing COVID-19 vaccination Sarah Liu cines are required through- true “get vaccinated or lose children first. “requirement” in Alexan- Dr. Vivek Sinha out government and in your job” mandate. There Talking about equity is dria. Jordan Wright
ALEXTIMES LLC Weekly Poll Denise Dunbar Managing Partner Last Week This Week Take the poll at alextimes.com The Ariail family Do you think Alexandria City Public School teachers How did the first day of school go for your child? Suzanne Brock and staff should have to get a COVID-19 vaccine? A) Great, they were so glad to be back in the classroom! William Dunbar 42% All except those with a medical condition that would B) We had trouble with the bus but otherwise good. HOW TO REACH US excuse it. C) Not so great. 110 S. Pitt St. 38% Yes. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-739-0001 (main) 18% No. 703-739-0120 (fax) 2% I'm not sure. www.alextimes.com WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM AUGUST 26, 2021 | 33 Weekly Words DEATH NOTICES DENNIS SULLIVAN JR. (89), formerly of Alexandria, Aug. 8, 2021
WILLIAM WINSTON JR. (98), formerly of Alexandria, Aug. 9, 2021
PAUL MOORE (63), of Alexandria, Aug. 15, 2021
SHIRLEY WHEBY (80), formerly of Alexandria, Aug. 15, 2021
ROBERT BROPHY (93), of Alexandria, Aug, 16. 2021
ROY ROBERTSON JR. (71), formerly of Alexandria, Aug. 17, 2021
CARLYLE RING (90), of Alexandria, Aug, 19. 2021 Solutions from last week last Solutions from
SUNDAY PUZZLE by Paul Coulter, edited by David Steinberg ACROSS 55 Fixes, as a contest 99 Saweetie's genre 18 "Fresh Air" airer 67 Bed board 1 "Dear old" parent 56 Trumpeting birds 102 Lease signatory 20 Salad made of mozzarella, 68 LP player 4 One may love you uncondi- 57 Holed up 103 Nissan brand tomatoes and basil 69 Some whalers tionally 58 German sausage 106 Mystery 22 "Read Across America" org. 73 Carried 7 Splendid assortment 60 Auction offering 110 Upturned, as a box 23 Afflicts 74 Work on something? 12 Ardor 61 Enjoying a summer afternoon 111 *Be discouraging about 27 Roll on a golf course? 75 Way of dressing 16 Empire State higher ed. ... or what each starred clue's 114 Bust makers 30 Wheel for a Jeep, perhaps 77 Cherokee ritual designed to system answer has been doing, 115 Japanese comics 31 Good ones may take you in bring precipitation 17 "Absolutely right!" based on its altered word 116 Call for 32 Cupid's projectile 79 "I solved the problem!" 19 Assess and three letters above it? 117 Steal answers from 33 Goddess of the hunt 80 Noncoms above cpls. 20 What makes a reader pause 67 "Be quiet!" 118 Alternatively 34 Couple's possessive 81 "We have a problem!" 21 *Seem less impressive 70 Shape that sounds like a 119 Animal in a roundup 35 Actress Taylor-Joy 82 Advanced degree? 24 Many Yemenis Zodiac sign 120 Cancels, with "out" 36 Soviet spy grp. 84 Means (to) 25 Krypton, e.g. 71 "All systems go" 121 Flock female 37 Negative aspect 85 Up to, in ads 26 Rite-minded person? 72 Credits as a source 38 Element that Marie Curie 86 Debtor's promise 27 Victors' plunder 76 One making things up DOWN co-discovered 93 All the rage 28 Krypton, e.g. 78 Rock's ___ Leppard 1 Twofold 40 Mel of many voices 94 Butte's bigger relative 29 "Malcolm X" director Spike 79 French for "friend" 2 "___ Karenina" 41 Star Wars program (Abbr.) 96 Kidney-related 30 Team spirit 80 Outlay that cannot be recov- 3 Extremely eager (to) 42 Backboard attachment 97 Boat that a tugboat may tug 31 Feeling blue ered 4 Treaties 44 Jason's ship 98 Battling 34 Trees symbolizing strength 83 *Worried about a monster 5 Comedian Philips 45 "Check this out!" 99 Prepares to write a book report 37 Most vulgar under your bed, say 6 Fill-in worker 48 "___ Brockovich" 100 One may carry a crumb 39 Baby bed 87 DIY handicrafts site 7 Have the same opinion 49 Could really play a sport 101 Queen, e.g., in chess 41 Like a cappella pieces 88 Easy two-pointer 8 Bring up 50 Blow off steam? 102 Color quality 42 Word before "hazard" or 89 Princess with a cinnamon 9 Reddish coat 52 Aspiring atty.'s exam 103 Buggy terrain? "hog" bun hairstyle 10 Before now 57 Iron Man's possessive 104 Ashes holder 43 Guitar attachment 90 Texter's "Then again ..." 11 Longing 58 Stir-fry pan 105 Ariz. neighbor 46 Shrunken Asian sea 91 Authentic 12 Founder of an ancient Persian 59 Robin's friar friend 107 Balloon or snowball 47 *Inexperienced 92 Discreetly, informally religion 62 Mary ___ Lincoln 108 Brood 51 Renaissance woman seen at 94 Cry to a team of sled dogs 13 Online thread 63 Some Louisianans 109 "Take your pick" the Louvre 95 Turn red, perhaps 14 Mosey 64 ___ and puffed 111 Afternoon hrs. 53 Battering ___ 96 Events with bulls and horses 15 Girl from Scotland 65 Make dirty 112 Cheerios grain 54 Son of a son, in a name 97 Sweetie 16 Fuel additive maker 66 More upscale 113 Diminutive 34 | AUGUST 26, 2021 ALEXANDRIA TIMES Classifieds Webinar. Office at 703.746.4550 (TTY/TDD PUBLIC NOTICE 838-5056). We request that you Electronic access will be provided provide a 48-hour notice so that whether the meetings are in per- the proper arrangements may be son or electronic. The Planning made. Commission and City Council ALEXANDRIA PLANNING Public Hearings can be accessed The following item description COMMISSION & CITY by the public through the live has been revised for consider- COUNCIL broadcast on the government ation. All other previously adver- SEPTEMBER 2021 Channel 70 and streaming on tised items for the above hearings the City's website. Electronic remain the same: The items described below will be participation is also available via heard by the Planning Commis- Zoom by registering to attend Zoning Text Amendment #2021- sion and the City Council on the hearings via the following 00003 the dates and times listed below. registration links: Zoning Ordinance Practical NOTICE: Some of the items Updates listed below may be placed on a Planning Commission (Public (A) Initiation of a Text Amend- consent calendar. A consent item Hearing Webinar): ment; and (B) Public Hearing and will be approved at the beginning The Webinar will open at 6:30 Consideration of a Text Amend- of the meeting without discussion PM to allow individuals to join, ment to the Zoning Ordinance unless someone asks that it be while the Planning Commission to amend sections 1-400, 7-203, taken off the consent calendar hearing will begin at approxi- 7-2501 and 11-1302 to correct and considered separately. The mately 7:00 PM. technical errors; to amend Planning Commission reserves various sections of Article II to the right to recess and continue Registration Link: https:// correct technical errors in defini- the public hearing to a future zoomus/webinar/register/WN_ tions, define accessory building date. For further information, LRu6crgQPCWMX5Fp0581w and clarify definitions related to call the Department of Planning accessory uses and structures, & Zoning at 703.746.4666 or visit Zoom Audio Conference: floor area, open space and trellis- alexandriava.gov/dockets. Dial in: 301-715-8592 es; to amend various sections of Webinar ID: 989 1325 0274 Articles IV to clarify lot require- ALEXANDRIA PLANNING Password: 421484 ments and bulk and open space COMMISSION regulations for mixed use build- THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, City Council (Public Hearing ings; to amend section 6-403 to 2021 Webinar): allow solar energy systems as 7:00 PM, CITY HALL mechanical equipment not sub- CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER Registration Link: https:// ject to maximum height limits; to 301 KING STREET zoomus/webinar/register/WN_ amend various sections of Article ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA ZKDq8Jb2QViSnkR8RR8qxw VII to clarify language related to 22314 accessory uses and structures and Zoom Audio Conference: home occupations, to allow elec- ALEXANDRIA CITY COUNCIL Dial in: 301-715-8592 tric vehicle charging structures in SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, Webinar ID: 962 6490 0151 required yards, to allow perme- 2021 Password: 470146 able driveways to access accesso- 9:30 AM, CITY HALL ry buildings containing accessory CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER Public comment will be received dwellings, to repeal limitations 301 KING STREET at the meetings. The public may on aesthetic guidelines governing ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA submit comments in advance wireless facilities and to pro- 22314 to Planning & Zoning staff at hibit the use of tall trellises as [email protected] for fences; to amend section 8-200 to If it is determined to not be safe the Planning Commission hear- allow tandem parking for small enough to meet in person due ing, to the City Clerk at Gloria. multifamily dwellings; to amend to the COVID-19 Pandemic [email protected] for the various sections of Article XI, Di- emergency, these meetings will City Council hearing, or make vision C to establish procedures be held electronically. If held public comments on the day of for the Board of Zoning Appeals electronically, the meetings are either hearing. to extend zones for split-zoned being held pursuant to Virginia properties and to amend section Code Section 2.2-3708.2(A)(3) For reasonable disability accom- 13-114 to reflect recommenda- and the Continuity of Govern- modation for the Planning Com- tions by the Virginia Department ment ordinance adopted by the mission hearing, contact Jackie of Environmental Quality, as City Council on June 20, 2020 to Cato at jackie.cato@alexandriava. part of the 2020 Chesapeake Bay undertake essential business and gov or 703.746.3810, Virginia Audit and required under the members of the public bodies and Relay 711. For reasonable disabili- Virginia Administrative Code. staff will be participating from ty accommodation for the City Staff: City of Alexandria, Depart- remote locations through a Zoom Council hearing, please call the ment of Planning & Zoning City Clerk and Clerk of Council's WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM AUGUST 26, 2021 | 35 Classifieds
lishing special assessments (the also be accessed by the public posted here - https://alexandria. Council must complete a Speaker's PUBLIC NOTICE “Special Assessments”) on the real through the live broadcast on the granicus.com/ViewPublisher. form (see link above). If you have VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT property within the CDA District government channel 70, stream- php?view_id=57. If the docket is a prepared statement or written COURT OF SPOTSYLVANIA to support the financing of the Im- ing on the City’s website, and not posted, you will have to return comments for the record, you COUNTY provements, and (e) approving the can be accessed via Zoom by the at a later date to complete the may email it to the City Clerk methodology for apportioning the following link or phone number speaker’s form in order to speak at at gloria.sitton@alexandriava. IN THE MATTER OF THE Special Assessments among the and login information: the City Council meeting. gov. Speakers are encouraged to ADOPTION OF A CHILD TO BE parcels of real property compris- Registration link: https://zoom. Public Comment will be received submit their written comments to KNOWN AS Scarlett Elaine Unger ing the CDA District. A complete us/webinar/register/WN_ZKDq- at this meeting. All persons the City Clerk. (Birth Certificate Number 145-16- copy of the Ordinance is on file in 8Jb2QViSnkR8RR8qxw wishing to speak before City 031915 Registered in the Common- the City Clerk’s office. Dial-in number: 301-715-8592 wealth of Virginia) BY Matthew The public hearing, which may Webinar ID: 962 6490 0151 Unger AND Jessica Lynne Unger be continued or adjourned, will Webinar Passcode: 470146 Adoption No. CA 21-25 be held on September 18, 2021, at The object of this proceeding is to 9:30 A.M., local time, or as soon If you use the Zoom Webinar 6À}>ÊV VÊ iÛiÀ>}iÊ ÌÀÊÕÌ ÀÌÞÊÊUÊÊÜÜÜ°>LV°ÛÀ}>°}ÛÊÊUÊÊÓä£ÊiÀÌ>}iÊ,>`ÊÊUÊÊ,V `]Ê6ÊÓÎÓÓäÊÊUÊÊnää®ÊxxÓÎÓää effectuate a step parent adoption. thereafter as the matter may be application, please be sure you Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority • www.abc.virginia.gov • 2901 Hermitage Road • Richmond, VA 23220 • (800) 552-3200 RETAIL LICENSE APPLICATION—PART 2 (POSTING AND PUBLISHING) heard, in the City Council Cham- have updated the application to RETAIL LICENSE APPLICATION—PART 2 (POSTING AND PUBLISHING) ORDERED that JEREMY PUBLISHING NOTICE ber of the Alexandria City Hall, the latest version for best results. PUBLISHING NOTICE MICHAEL RUNALDUE appear Please publish the following item in the legal notice section of your newspaper. Please refer to the instructions provided on page 9. Please publish the following item in the legal notice section of your newspaper. Please refer to the instructions provided on page 9. before this Court on the 28th day 301 King Street, Alexandria, Vir- If you are unable to access Zoom, ginia, and via electronic means. please use the Dial-In number to of Sept. at 9:00 o’clock and indicate [Full name(s) of owner(s):] ______Akeno Sushi Bar LLC Members of City Council and staff OcheIf generaland partnership,Eboyna enterEnterprises partners’ names orInc name of partnership. If LP, LLP, LLC or corporation, enter his attitude toward the step parent access the meeting. [Full name(s) of owner(s):] ______name as recorded with the State Corporation Commission. If association or tax-exempt private club, If generalenter name.partnership, Only if a entersole proprietor, partners’ enter names first, or middle name and of lastpartnership. name. If LP, LLP, LLC or corporation, enter adoption action or otherwise do will participate either in person or Zoom Registration Form: If you name as recorded with the State Corporation Commission. If association or tax-exempt private club, Trading as: ______Akenoenter Sushi name. Only Bar if a sole and proprietor, Thai enter first, middle and last name. from a remote location through wish to use Zoom to watch this (trade name) what is necessary to protect her Samurai Hibachi & Sushi Bar Trading as: ______a video conference call on Zoom. meeting or to address City Coun- ______6550 Little River Tpke interest herein. (trade name) If a determination is made that it cil, you must register first. Those (exact street address where business will trade) 4603 Duke Street is not safe to meet in person due ______Alexandria MEMORIAL SERVICE wishing to address City Council (exact street(city/town) address where business will trade) to the COVID-19 pandemic, the should also submit a Speaker’s Alexandria 22312-1443 ______Fairfax Virginia ______The memorial service for Mary (county) (state) (zip + 4) meeting will be held fully virtual Form using the link below. (city/town) Louise Palmer (1920-2020) will City of Alexandria 22304-2505 through the Zoom link below. All Speaker’s Form: Those wishing to ______The above establishment is applying to Ì iÊ VIRGINIA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGEVirginia ______CONTROLÊ ®Ê 1/",/9 ______now be held Tuesday, September (county) (state) (zip + 4) interested persons may appear and address City Council should sub- Êfor aÊ ______Wine and Beer On Premises______and Mixed Beverage_Êlicense 7th, 2021 at 10:00 AM in the (type[s] of license[s] applied for) present their views at such time mit a Speaker’s Form. Submission The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY Goodwin House Alexandria to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. and place. Anyone planning to of written statements is encour- Wine and Beer On Premises and Mixed Beverage chapel (4800 Fillmore Ave,, Alex- for a ______license (type[s]______of license[s] applied for) attend in person and needing as- aged. Please sign up after the (name and title of owner/partner/officer authorizing advertisement) andria, VA 22311). sistance or accommodation under docket is created and you are able to sell orNOTE: manufacture Objections alcoholicto the issuance beverages. of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing
the Americans with Disabilities to verify the meeting date on the Arcell Mitchell II, President LEGAL NOTICE ______date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov Act should call the City Clerk at City’s website. The docket with a (name and title of owner/partner/officer authorizing advertisement) or 800-552-3200. (703) 746-4550. The meeting can link to the Speaker’s Form shall be NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing
date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov
or 800-552-3200.näxxÓÊÀiÛ°ÊäÇÉÓä£n®° This is an official state document. All information contained or submitted therein is public information. Please Retail License Application, page 11 refer to privacy statement (pg. 3) regarding personal/tax information. Reference instructions (provided separately)Êwith questions. NOTICE OF PUBLIC Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority • www.abc.virginia.gov • 2901 Hermitage Road • Richmond, VA 23220 • (800) 552-3200 HEARING Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority • www.abc.virginia.gov • 2901 Hermitage Road • Richmond, VA 23220 • (800) 552-3200 RETAIL LICENSE APPLICATION—PART 2 (POSTING AND PUBLISHING) RETAIL LICENSE APPLICATION—PART 2 (POSTING AND PUBLISHING) PUBLISHING NOTICE 805-52i (rev. 07/2018). This is an official state document. All information contained or submitted therein is public information. Please Retail License Application, page 11 refer to privacy statement (pg. 3) regarding personal/tax information. ReferencePUBLISHING instructions (provided NOTICE separately) with questions. Please publish the following item in the legal notice section of your newspaper. Please refer to the instructions provided on page 9. Notice is hereby given that Please publish the following item in the legal notice section of your newspaper. Please refer to the instructions provided on page 9. the City Council of the City of
Alexandria, Virginia (the “City”), [Full name(s) of owner(s):] ______Aslin Beer Company Oche and Eboyna Enterprises Inc [Full name(s) of owner(s):] ______If general partnership, enter partners’ names or name of partnership. If LP, LLP, LLC or corporation, enter If general partnership, enter partners’ names or name of partnership. If LP, LLP, LLC or corporation, enter name as recorded with the State Corporation Commission. If association or tax-exempt private club, will hold a public hearing on an name as recorded with the State Corporation Commission. If association or tax-exempt private club, enter name. Only if a sole proprietor, enter first, middle and last name. ordinance (the “Ordinance”) (a) enter name. Only if a sole proprietor, enter first, middle and last name. Trading as: ______Aslin Beer Company Samurai Hibachi & Sushi Bar Trading as: ______(trade name) creating the Landmark Com- (trade name)
______4603 Duke Street munity Development Authority 841 847 S Pickett St ______(exact street address where business will trade) (the “CDA”) for the purpose of (exact street address where business will trade) ______Alexandria Alexandria ______(city/town) financing various infrastructure (city/town)
______Virginia ______22304-4605 City of Alexandria 22304-2505 improvements (the “Improve- Alexandria ______Virginia ______(county) (state) (zip + 4) ments”) in connection with the (county) (state) (zip + 4) The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY development and redevelopment The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a ______Wine and Beer On and Off Premises/Keg______Permit Mixed Beverage Restaurant _ license Wine and Beer On Premises and Mixed Beverage for a ______license of an approximately 52-acre site in (type[s] of license[s] applied for) (type[s] of license[s] applied for) the City’s West End, formerly the to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Landmark Mall, into a mixed-use Arcell Mitchell II, President ______Andrew Kelley Owner ______(name and title of owner/partner/officer authorizing advertisement) development featuring residential, (name and title of owner/partner/officer authorizing advertisement)
hotel, commercial, medical and NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing
retail components, (b) establish- date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov
ing the boundaries of the CDA or 800-552-3200. or 800-552-3200. district (the “CDA District”), (c) approving a plan of financing for
805-52i (rev. 07/2018). This is an official state document. All information contained or submitted therein is public information. Please Retail License Application, page 11 805-52i (rev. 07/2018). This is an official state document. All information contained or submitted therein is public information. Please Retail License Application, page 11 the Improvements, (d) estab- refer to privacy statement (pg. 3) regarding personal/tax information. Reference instructions (provided separately) with questions. refer to privacy statement (pg. 3) regarding personal/tax information. Reference instructions (provided separately) with questions. 36 | AUGUST 26, 2021 ALEXANDRIA TIMES
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