Gazette Packet Alexandria - The Connection Newspapers

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Gazette Packet Alexandria - The Connection Newspapers
Alexandria
      Gazette Packet
                               Serving Alexandria for over 200 years • A Connection Newspaper        October 1, 2021

                                  Founders Park is one
                                  of many recreational
                                  parks across the city.

                                  Newcomers &
Janet Barnett/Gazette Packet

                                  Community Guide
                                                                                         2021-2022
Gazette Packet Alexandria - The Connection Newspapers
McEnearney Associates has always had one motto in mind... not to be the biggest, but
  the best. For more than 40 years, our Associates have lived in and supported Alexandria,
  helping to build our town into the thriving community it is today. To learn more about our
  Associates and our firm, visit www.WeAreAlexandria.com

  #WeAreAlexandria

  Old Town | $3,200,000                                                                     Harborside | $2,150,000
  Unique opportunity to be the next steward of an expansive, historic home with a           This 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath treasure with triple exposures has the flow of an elegant
  private garden in the heart of Old Town. This 9-bedroom home offers nearly 7,000          single-family home. The quality of the craftsmanship & classic features are abundant
  SF of finished living space, with an additional 2,630 SF available in the unfinished      in this 3-level floor plan that works for both daily living & entertaining! Family room
  basement. Currently comprised of 3 separate units, it offers the possibility of rental    has floor-to-ceiling French doors that lead to a two level outdoor entertaining area
  income, multi-family living, or a conversion to one grand residence. 126 S Fairfax St     with a peek of the Potomac River. Two deeded parking spaces convey. 52 Wolfe St
  Lauren Bishop 202.361.5079                                                                Colleen Coopersmith 703.338.2930
  www.LaurenBishopHomes.com                                                                 www.ColleenCoopersmith.com

  Alexandria City | $1,225,000                                Alexandria City | $749,900                                  Old Town | $549,000
  Situated on a large 1/4 acre corner lot, the quality &      Amazing Opportunity! Spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bath             SE Quadrant! Perfectly updated condo in St. Asaph
  elegance of this house is apparent. Creatively expanded     split level home on a large lot. Primary bedroom with en-   Square. Rarely available 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit
  and improved upon to create 3 spacious bedrooms,            suite on main level and great natural light throughout.     with garage parking! Move-in ready and available
  4 full baths, elegant great room, nicely finished family    Spacious basement with wood-burning fireplace and           NOW! Convenient shopping, the waterfront and all that
  room and large screened porch. 613 Melrose St               large utility room for extra storage. 3602 Russell Road     Old Town has to offer! 800 S. St. Asaph Street #414
  Margaret Benghauser 703.989.6961                            Jen Walker 703.675.1566                                     Janet Caterson Price 703.622.5984
  Sarah King 703.864.5050                                     www.JenWalker.com                                           www.JanetPriceHomes.com

       OPEN SAT 10/2 & SUN 10/3, 2-4PM                                     OPEN SUN 10/3, 2-4PM                                             COMING SOON
                                Old Town                                                     Fords Landing                                               Old Town
                                $1,595,000                                                   $1,215,000                                                  $1,150,000
                                This 5-bedroom, 4.5-                                         Sparkling 3-bedroom,                                        The 2-story addition
                                bath home offers 4,000                                       2-bath home features                                        to this classic Yates
                                SF on 4 levels with                                          hardwood floors, 2 gas                                      Gardens home features
                                10-ft ceilings, a bright                                     fireplaces, handsome                                        a stunning eat-in
                                and updated high-end                                         moldings, custom built-                                     kitchen and light-filled
                                kitchen. The primary                                         ins, and a sunny stainless                                  primary bedroom
                                bedroom and en-suite is                                      kitchen. Luxurious                                          suite. With hard-to-
                                the entire second floor!                                     primary suite with                                          find 4 bedrooms and
                                2 parking spots, cozy                                        vaulted ceilings, multiple                                  3.5 baths, check it out
                                courtyard with tall trees,                                   closets, and expansive                                      early when it comes to
                                and a roof-top terrace                                       bath. Lovely deck and                                       market on October 5th!
                                with spectacular views.                                      off-street parking for 2                                    817 S Royal Street
                                712 Wythe Street                                             cars. 722 Battery Place
  Casey Shaw 703.718.6530                                     Babs Beckwith 703.627.5421                                  Sarah Bobbin 571.225.8716
  www.CaseyShawHomes.com                                      www.BabsBeckwith.com                                        www.817SouthRoyal.com

  Serving the Washington, DC Metro Area since 1980.
  703.549.9292 | 109 S. Pitt Street | Alexandria, VA 22314 | McEnearney.com
2 v Alexandria Gazette Packet v September 30 - October 6, 2021                                                                                   www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Gazette Packet Alexandria - The Connection Newspapers
Newcomers & Community Guide

                                                                                                                                         Photos by Jeanne Theismann/Gazette Packet
                                                                                                                                                                                     The Captain Rocky Versace Plaza and Viet-
                                                                                                                                                                                     nam Veterans Memorial honors the service
                                                                                                                                                                                     and sacrifice of the 68 men from Alexandria
                                                                                                                                                                                     who either died in Vietnam and the sur-
The Old Town Farmer Market is one of                                                                                                                                                 rounding area or remain missing in action.
several in the city to attract residents       The Old Town Farmers Market is considered the oldest continuous farmers market in                                                     The plaza is located in front of the Mount
and visitors from across the area.             the country with George Washington one of the first merchants.                                                                        Vernon Recreation Center in Del Ray.

Home, Sweet Home City continues pandemic rebound.
                   By Jeanne Theismann         down of a year ago, visitors are once again
                            Gazette Packet     walking the streets and enjoying the city’s
                                               bustling waterfront.

F
        or centuries, Alexandria has been         “Alexandria was a great place to grow up,”
        known primarily as the hometown of     said Thomas Hulfish III, a sixth generation
        George Washington, attracting histo-   Alexandrian whose first family member ar-
        ry aficionados from across the globe   rived as a Scottish sea captain in 1780. “I
to its cobblestone streets and lively water-   loved playing along the industrial water-
front.                                         front. Alexandria was here because of the
   As the city of nearly 160,000 slowly re-    river and when the railroad arrived it be-
bounds from the pandemic-induced shut-                  See Home, Sweet Home, Page 4

                                                                                               Founders Park is one of many recreational parks across the city.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Photo ACPS

Members of the 31st Masonic District gather in front of the Contrabands and Freed-
men Cemetery Memorial during the July 24 dedication of the site’s inclusion in the             The George Washington Masonic National Memorial, shown illuminated in the
African American Civil Rights Network.                                                         school colors of Alexandria City High School, is a city landmark.
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com                                                                                      Alexandria Gazette Packet v September 30 - October 6, 2021 v 3
Gazette Packet Alexandria - The Connection Newspapers
Newcomers & Community Guide

                                                                                                                               Home, Sweet Home
                                                                                                                               From Page 3
                                                                                                                               came a busy, busy town.”               “The best way to                       cluding his childhood friend Wil-
                                                                                                                                                                                                             lard Scott. But too many newcom-
                                                                                                                                 Hulfish is well-known around
                                                                                                                               the city after serving several years   enjoy Alexandria                       ers do not take the time to enjoy
                                                                                                                                                                                                             what makes Alexandria special.
                                      Photo contributed

                                                                                                                               as the chair of the Board of Ar-
                                                                                                                               chitectural Review. His interest in    is to join the                            “I know so many people who
                                                                                                                                                                                                             live here and really don’t know Al-

                                                                                       Photo contributed
                                                                                                                               historic architecture was inspired
                                                                                                                               by his parents, Polly Hulfish and      community.”                            exandria at all because they don’t
                                                                                                                                                                                                             do anything other than go to work
                                                                                                                               Thomas Hulfish Jr.                                 – Lifelong resident        in Washington and come home,”
                                                                                                                                 “My mother renovated or re-                             Tom Hulfish         Hulfish lamented. “The best way
                                                                                                                               stored 52 properties in Old Town                                              to enjoy Alexandria is to join the
Actor Chris Meloni of Law and                                                                                                  and later served on the BAR,”          duced the city’s first preservation    community. Do something. Join or-
Order: Special Victims Unit was                                                                                                Hulfish said. “My father was a         ordinance in 1946.”                    ganizations – churches, civic asso-
the captain and quarterback of                            Actress Casey Wilson is a                                                                                     Hulfish has seen many residents      ciations – anything to take part in
                                                                                                                               member of City Council and one
the 1978 undefeated St. Ste-                              1998 graduate of T.C. Wil-                                                                                  come and go over the years, in-
                                                                                                                               of two council members who pro-                                                      See Home, Sweet, Page 6
phen’s football team.                                     liams High School.
                                     Photo contributed

Actor Dermot Mulroney was
                                                                                                           Photo contributed

born in Alexandria in 1957.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Mark Mogle/Gazette Packet
                                      Photo contributed

                                                          Joe Namath talks with New
                                                          York Jets coach Weeb Ewbank
                                                          during Namath’s professional
                                                          NFL debut in Alexandria on Aug.
                                                          7, 1965. The Jets played their
Angus King (I-ME) was born and                            first preseason game against
raised in Alexandria and is a rel-                        the Houston Oilers at what was
                                                                                                                               The Holiday Boat Parade of Lights takes place on the Potomac River from DC to Alexandria.
ative of the late former mayor                            then George Washington High
and senator Patsy Ticer.                                  School.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Mark Mogle/Gazette Packet
                                                                                                           Photo contributed

Born Ellen Naomi Cohen in Alexandria, Mama Cass Elliot, center
back, was a 1961 graduate of George Washington High School.                                                                    The Scottish Walk parade is one of the city’s signature events and raises funds for the Campagna Center.
4 v Alexandria Gazette Packet v September 30 - October 6, 2021                                                                                                                                              www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Gazette Packet Alexandria - The Connection Newspapers
Newcomers Guide
                               Local Nonprofits
              M
                            any nonprofits in the city and           Kids pays for these relatively inexpensive
                            nearby need your help to con-            items in the hopes of preserving the dig-
 friend Wil-                                                         nity of the child. It helps children from all
                            tinue to rise to the need during
 y newcom-                                                           over the Mount Vernon area through small
                            the dual health and economic
me to enjoy                                                          acts of kindness. Alice’s Kids aliceskids.org
             crisis of the pandemic.
  special.                                                           703.746.8108 contact@aliceskids.org
                There are literally hundreds, probably
 eople who                                                              v At Home in Alexandria (AHA) is a
             thousands, of ways to give locally, financial-
 ’t know Al-                                                         nonprofit village that builds and sustains a
             ly, food and other goods, volunteer time.
  they don’t                                                         55+ community to successfully navigate ag-
             Here are a few ideas. Please let us know
 go to work                                                          ing. Together, we share activities, programs
             what we have missed.
 me home,”                                                           and services, including access to needed
e best way                                                           assistance. Our vision is for AHA to be an
 to join the
 ng. Join or-
                               Where to Give Locally                 advocate for older Alexandrians to live safe,
                                                                     active and connected lives. AHA is a mem-
  civic asso-                                                        bership organization, which means you pay
                v ALIVE! Alexandria; 2723 King St, Al-
 ake part in                                                         an annual membership fee that, in turn,
             exandria, VA 22302; 703-837-9300; ALIVE!
             serves thousands Alexandrians annually                  entitles you to request services from AHA
             with shelter; low-cost early childhood ed-              for an entire year. These services include
             ucation and childcare; financial help for               transportation, errands, technical support,
             rent, utilities, medical care and other criti-          light maintenance, organizing and declutter-
             cal needs; emergency food; and deliveries               ing, short-term pet or lawn care, and much
             of donated furniture and houseware. www.                more. 3139 Mt. Vernon Ave.Alexandria, VA
             alive-inc.org                                           22305-2669 (703) 231-0824 Email: aha@
                v Alice’s Kids (@alicewillhelp) aliceskids.          athomeinalexandria.org Website: www.ath-
             org P.O. Box 60, Mount Vernon, VA 22121                 omeinalexandria.org
             When a child is raised in poverty they suffer              v Animal Welfare League of Alexandria,
             both publicly and privately. When there is              703-746-4774, www.alexandriaanimals.org,
             no food in the refrigerator, no electricity or          Pet adoptions, spay and neuter assistance, ed-
                                                                     ucation and community service and outreach.
             heat, these are hardships that they can keep
                                                                        v ACT for Alexandria, 703-739-7778, www.
             hidden from their peers. But, when that                 actforalexandria.org, Nonprofit and donor ser-
             same child can’t afford to pay for the band             vices.
             field trip, a pair of glasses, a chorus outfit             v Alexandria Tutoring Consortium, 703-
             or a new pair of shoes, these are indignities           549-6670 ext. 119
             that are evident to their classmates. Alice’s                          See Give Locally, Page 9
          Mark Mogle/Gazette Packet
          Mark Mogle/Gazette Packet

 na Center.
                                      www.ConnectionNewspapers.com                                                    Alexandria Gazette Packet v September 30 - October 6, 2021 v 5
Gazette Packet Alexandria - The Connection Newspapers
Newcomers & Community Guide

                                                                                     Louise Krafft/Gazette Packet
Actor and 1983 T.C. Williams graduate Chip Esten returned to
Alexandria to perform a benefit concert for the Scholarship Fund
of Alexandria.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Photo contributed
                                                                                     Janet Barnett/Gazette Packet

                                                                                                                    Earl Lloyd (11), playing in an NBA championship game in 1955, made history as the first African
                                 Photo contributed

                                                                                                                    American to play in the NBA when he took to the court for the Washington Capitols on Oct. 31, 1950,
                                                                                                                    in Rochester, N.Y.

Academy Award winner Marcia                          Longtime resident Monte
                                                                                                                    Home, Sweet Home
                                                                                                                    From Page 4
Gay Harden got her theatrical                        Durham celebrated the one-                                     the community.”
start at the Little Theatre of                       year anniversary of his Salon                                     In addition to George Washing-
Alexandria.                                          Monte at the waterfront.                                       ton and Robert E. Lee, the city also
                                                                                                                    claims Jim Morrison, Mama Cass
                                                                                                                    Elliot, Chris Meloni, Chip Esten
                                                                                                                    and Casey Wilson as hometown
                                                                                                                    notables

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Louise Krafft/Gazette Packet
                                                                                                                       History buffs will know that
                                                                                                                    U.S. president Gerald Ford was a
                                                                                                                    longtime resident and that U-2 pi-
                                                                                                                    lot Francis Gary Powers lived here
                                                                                                                    after he was released from a Soviet
                                                                                                                    prison in 1962.
                                                                                                                       Earl Lloyd, who grew up in a
                                                                                     Photo contributed

                                                                                                                    segregated Alexandria, was the
                                                                                                                    first African American to break the
                                                                                                                    color barrier in the NBA in 1950.
                                                                                                                       But even sports buffs likely are
                                                                                                                    not aware that it was in Alexan-       Willard Scott was born in Alexandria and graduated from George
                                                                                                                    dria where NFL Hall of Famer Joe       Washington High School in 1951.
                                                                                                                    Namath made his pro football
Local boxer Troy Isley, center, represented the U.S. in the Tokyo                                                   debut on Aug. 7, 1965. Namath          But off the beaten paths of King        restaurants that have reopened
Olympics.                                                                                                           and the New York Jets took on          Street and Mount Vernon Avenue          and adapted to COVID-19 guide-
                                                                                                                    the Houston Oilers in a preseason      are attractions such as the Tomb of     lines.
                                                                                                                    game at what was then George           the Unknown Revolutionary War              The Birchmere in Arlandria has
                                                                                                                    Washington High School.                Soldier and the National Inventors      reopened for live performances
                                                                                                                       Namath had just signed the rich-    Hall of Fame.                           while a wide variety of classes are
                                                                                                                    est contract in pro football histo-      Another Alexandria landmark is        available for children and adults at
                                                                                                                    ry and as the Alexandria Gazette       the Captain Rocky Versace Plaza         The Little Theatre of Alexandria on
                                                                                                                    reported at the time, “the eyes of     and Vietnam Veterans Memorial.          Wolfe Street, where Dermot Mul-
                                                                                                                    the sports world will be focused on    Located in front of the Mount Ver-      roney and Academy Award winner
                                                                                     Photo contributed

                                                                                                                    Alexandria to see just how he fares    non Recreation Center, the plaza        Marcia Gay Harden honed their
                                                                                                                    against the play-for-pay boys.”        honors the 68 Alexandrians who          craft.
                                                                                                                       At 15.4 square miles, pre-pan-      lost their lives in the Vietnam War.       “It’s good to see the local busi-
                                                                                                                    demic Alexandria hosted nation-          King Street in Old Town and           nesses thrive and doing well
                                                                                                                    ally recognized events such as the     Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray          again,” Hulfish said. “I’ve enjoyed
                                                                                                                    Scottish Walk Weekend and Del          serve as the shopping and dining        Alexandria so very much. I’ve nev-
Olympic bronze medalist Noah Lyles began his track and field                                                        Ray’s Art on the Avenue, both of       hubs of the city. Both are lined        er thought about living anywhere
career as a student at T.C. Williams High School.                                                                   which are set to return this year.     with locally owned boutiques and        else.”
6 v Alexandria Gazette Packet v September 30 - October 6, 2021                                                                                                                                    www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Gazette Packet Alexandria - The Connection Newspapers
Photo contributed

can
1, 1950,
           Louise Krafft/Gazette Packet

 George

  reopened
D-19 guide-

landria has
 rformances
  classes are
nd adults at
exandria on
ermot Mul-
 ard winner
 oned their

 local busi-
doing well
 ve enjoyed
 h. I’ve nev-
g anywhere

                                          www.ConnectionNewspapers.com   Alexandria Gazette Packet v September 30 - October 6, 2021 v 7
Gazette Packet Alexandria - The Connection Newspapers
Newcomers & Community Guide
                                                                                                                                             Photos by Janet Barnett/Gazette Packet

The Alexandria City High School Jr. ROTC Honor Guard presents the colors as the
ACHS choir sings the National Anthem during the Constitution Week ceremony Sept.                Dave Embrey portrays a fifer from 1787 during the Constitution Week ceremony Sept.
20 at City Hall.                                                                                20 at City Hall.

‘We the People’
City commemorates
Constitution Week.
                    By Jeanne Theismann
                              Gazette Packet

S
         tudents from Alexandria City High
         School joined Mayor Justin Wilson
         Sept. 20 at City Hall to participate in
         the signing of a proclamation recog-
nizing Constitution Week, a week designat-
ed to promote the study and appreciation
of the document sometimes referred to as
“America’s birth certificate.”
   Constitution Week is held each year from
Sept. 17-23 with this year marking the coun-
try’s 234th anniversary. Written in 1787, the                                                   Mayor Justin Wilson signs a proclama-      DAR member Jane Ring participates in
document provides the framework of the                                                          tion celebrating Constitution Week Sept.   the Constitution Week ceremony Sept. 20
American government and upholds and pro-                                                        20 in council chambers at City Hall.       at City Hall.
tects American freedoms. Four Virginians
were crucial to the creation of the Constitu-      Vicky and Dave Embrey represent
tion: James Madison, George Mason, Thom-           Alexandrians from 1787, the year the
as Jefferson and George Washington.                U.S. Constitution was signed, during the
   Constitution Week was started by the            Constitution Week ceremony Sept. 20 at
Daughters of the American Revolution. In           City Hall.
1955, DAR petitioned Congress to set aside
Sept. 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the       dents from the Alexandria City High School
observance of Constitution Week. The res-          Jr. ROTC, the ACHS choir, fifer David Em-
olution was later adopted and signed into          brey, bell ringer Jane Ring and ACPS staff
public law on Aug. 2, 1956, by President           and board members.
Dwight D. Eisenhower.                                 Also attending was Thomas Roth III,
   The aims of Constitution Week are to            President of the George Washington Chap-
emphasize the responsibility of citizens to        ter of the Sons of the American Revolution
protect the Constitution, to educate people        as well as DAR members from five local
about the role of the Constitution and en-         DAR chapters: John Alexander, Mount Ver-
courage the study of historical events lead-       non, Kate Waller Barrett, Nelly Custis and
ing to the drafting of the Constitution in         Dr. Elisha Dick. Council member Amy Jack-
September of 1787.                                 son is a DAR member and also participated    Members of area chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution stand with
   Participating in the ceremony were stu-         in the ceremony.                             Mayor Justin Wilson as part of the Constitution Week ceremony Sept. 20 at City Hall.
8 v Alexandria Gazette Packet v September 30 - October 6, 2021                                                                                     www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Gazette Packet Alexandria - The Connection Newspapers
Newcomers Guide
             Give Locally                             8072,www.hopkinshouse.org,
                                                      school academy, family budgeting
                                                                                         Pre-

             From Page 5                              and literacy, family education and
                                                      youth summer enrichment camp, Ear-
              https://alexandriatutors.org/,          ly Childhood Learning Institute.
           Tutoring for Alexandria City Public
           Schools kindergarten and first grade          v Literacy Council of Northern
           students who are struggling to read.       Virginia, 703-237-0866, www.lcnv.
           Mission: To help Alexandria City Pub-      org, Teaches adults the basic skills of
           lic School students read on or above       reading, writing, speaking and under-
           grade level by the end of kindergar-       standing English.
           ten and first grade. Donate now to            v Friends of the Alexandria Men-
           fund its mission of making sure that       tal Health Center, an all-volunteer,
           every child in Alexandria can read         501(c)(3) nonprofit, serves as a safe-
           and succeed.                               ty net for clients of the CSB who en-
              v Assistance League of Northern         counter extraordinary or emergency
           Virginia is an all-volunteer nonprofit     financial needs. Able to devote more
           organization that feeds, clothes and       than 98 percent of the donations and
           educates children in need. As a result     grants to direct client support and
           of closures relating to the coronavi-      co-sponsorship of free public edu-
           rus, the organization has reshaped         cational programs. bit.ly/friendsoft-
           its Weekend Food For Kids program          heAMHC
           to assist the struggling families of the      v Neighborhood Health, 6677
           students we serve. Since April, Assis-     Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA
           tance League has provided 1031 gro-        22306. Partners with patients to treat
           cery store gift cards, valued at more      the whole person through medical,
           than $20,000, for four of the Title I      behavioral health and dental pro-
           schools that we serve in Fairfax and       grams. Ten clinics throughout re-
           Prince William Counties and the City       gion. Participating with all insurance
           of Alexandria. Contact info@alnv.org       including commercial, Medicare,
           or visit www.alnv.org                      and Medicaid, 703-535-5568, www.
              v Bethany House, 6121 Lincolnia         neighborhoodhealthva.org
           Rd #303, Alexandria, VA 22312; 703-           v Northern Virginia Family Ser-
           658-9500;        http://www.bhnv.org/;     vices, www.nvfs.org, Employment
mony Sept.Bethany House provides emergency            and job training, healthcare, hous-
           shelter and supportive services to vic-    ing, mental health, foster care and
           tims of domestic violence throughout       Healthy Families. 571-748-2500
           Northern Virginia and the surrounding         v Lorton Community Action Cen-
           DC metro communities.                      ter (LCAC) seeks to provide low-in-
              v The Campagna Center, 703-549-         come individuals, senior citizens, and
           0111,www.campagnacenter.org, Edu-          families residing in Fort Belvoir, Lor-
           cational and social development pro-       ton, Newington and other portions of
           grams for children, teens, and adults.     southeast Fairfax County with access
              v Carpenter’s Shelter, 703 548-         to basic needs and the opportunity to
           7500,www.carpentersshelter.org,            empower themselves through LCAC’s

                                                                                                THESE
           Homeless services and programs in-         self-sufficiency programs. https://lor-
           cluding education and case manage-         tonaction.org
           ment.                                         v Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Founda-
              v Center for Alexandria’s Chil-
           dren, 703-838-4381, www.centerfor-
                                                      tion helps homeless pets find their
                                                      way into loving homes through res-
                                                      cue and adoption. We offer same-day
                                                                                                FLOWERS
                                                                                                HAVE A LOT
           alexandriaschildren.org, Child abuse
           and neglect and parent support.            adoptions and two-week trial periods.
                                                      All pets are spayed or neutered prior
              v Child and Family Network Cen-

                                                                                                OF FIGHT
                                                      to adoption. lostdogrescue.org
           ters, 703-836- 0214, www.cfnc-on-
           line.org, Provides caring, high-qual-         v Mount Vernon At Home, 703-
           ity, free early education and related      303-4060,       www.mountvernonath-
           services to at-risk children and their
           families in their own neighborhoods
           to prepare them for success in school
                                                      ome.org. Mount Vernon At Home
                                                      membership helps connect senior
                                                      members of our community, neigh-
                                                                                                IN THEM.
           and life                                   bors helping neighbors with volunteer
                                                      support. Mount Vernon at Home has
                                                                                                The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End
              v Community Lodgings, Inc., 703-        stepped up its efforts to help mem-       Alzheimer’s® is full of flowers, each carried by
           549-4407 Transitional and affordable       bers stay safe, secure, and connect-      someone committed to ending this disease.
           housing, youth education, adult edu-       ed during the pandemic crisis. More       Because like flowers, our participants don’t stop
 pates in cation, bilingual staff assistance.         grocery shopping and errand services      when something’s in their way. They keep raising
ny Sept. 20 v The Community Foundation                to members; online activities and sup-    funds and awareness for a breakthrough in the
           of Northern Virginia, www.cfnova.          port for members to access these new
           org The Community Foundation for           technologies; members check in with       fight against Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.
           Northern Virginia works to respond         members by phone regularly; weekly
           to critical need and seed innovation       email newsletters with helpful, im-       It’s time to add your flower to the fight.
           in the region. Make grants in its focus    portant and enjoyable items to keep
           areas of interest while also bringing a    members connected during this time.
           spotlight on the benefits of communi-         v NAMI Northern Virginia (Na-
           ty philanthropists.                        tional Alliance on Mental Illness)
                                                                                                                               JOIN US AT
              v Computer C.O.R.E. 703-931-            works to raise awareness and provide                                   ALZ.ORG/WALK
           7346, www.computercore.org, Adult          education, advocacy, and support
           education, computer training and ca-       programs for people living with men-
           reer development. Email: info@com-         tal illness, families, students, educa-
           putercore.org                              tors, law enforcement, and the public
              v Comfort for America’s Uni-            throughout our neighborhoods. Many                       Additional Walks available. Find one near you at alz.org/walk
           formed Services (CAUSE) ensures            excellent programs. NAMI Northern
           that recuperating service members          Virginia serves Fairfax, Falls Church,
           have opportunities for recreation          Arlington, Alexandria, and Loudoun                                   OCTOBER 9 THE NATIONAL MALL
           and social interaction and receive         www.nami-northernvirginia.org/                                       OCTOBER 24 RESTON TOWN CENTER
           concrete signs of appreciation for all     HelpLine: 571-458.7310, Email:
           that they have done. Mailing address:      info@nami-nova.org
           4201 Wilson Blvd., #110-284, Arling-          v National Capital Food Bank,                                              2021 NATIONAL PRESENTING SPONSORS
           ton, VA 22203, CFC #33011, Phone           6833 Hill Park Drive, Lorton, serving
nd with    703-591-4965, cause-usa.org                all of Northern Virginia, (571) 482-
 City Hall. v Hopkins House, 703-549-                       See Give Locally, Page 11
             www.ConnectionNewspapers.com                                                                                          Alexandria Gazette Packet v September 30 - October 6, 2021 v 9
Gazette Packet Alexandria - The Connection Newspapers
Newcomers & Community Guide 2021-2022
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Alexandria

About the Alexandria Gazette
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Packet and Sister Papers in 2021
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            @AlexGazette
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             An independent, locally owned weekly
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      newspaper delivered
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Published by
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T
            his year, 2021 in the          IN THE MIDST of this,                Alexandria                                                                          ship paper, the Alexandria                                                                                       1606 King Street
            time of the pandemic,
            has been brutal for so
                                           we at the Gazette Packet
                                           and Connection still hear
                                                                                Gazette Packet                                       SeniorPage, Living
                                                                                                                                                      14
                                                                                                                                                                    Gazette Packet, and is one
                                                                                                                                                                    of the oldest continuously                                                          25 Cents
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Alexandria, Virginia 22314
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Free digital edition delivered to
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      your email box. Go to
            many. Life is vastly dif-      the call to continue to                                                                                                  publishing papers in the
                                                                                                                                            September 24, 2021
                                                                                  Serving Alexandria for over 200 years • A Connection Newspaper

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe
ferent than it was pre-pandemic.           serve our communities.                                                                                                   country, beginning publi-
   Families of all backgrounds are         We still seek to fulfill our                                                                                             cation in 1784.                                                                                              NEWS DEPARTMENT:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          gazette@connectionnewspapers.com
facing food insecurity and demand          mission by continuing                                                                                                       We suffered a trage-
at food pantries has skyrocketed.          to publish, even with re-                                                                                                dy recently here at the                                                                                       Editor & Publisher
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Mary Kimm
   Thousands of families could be          duced resources. It’s still                                                                                              papers, the unexpect-                                                                                    mkimm@connectionnewspapers.com
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      @MaryKimm
facing eviction.                           our mission to provide               ACPS Athletic Hall of Fame inductees unveil the Hall of Fame Wall Sept. 18 at
                                                                                                                                                                    ed death of our beloved
                                                                                                                                                                        Members of the 1956 George Washington High School state championship basketball
                                                                                                                                                                        team are inducted into the ACPS 2021 Athletic Hall of Fame Sept. 18 at Alexandria

   Many small businesses are still         information about where                                                                                                  Managing Editor Kemal
                                                                                                                                                                        City High School. Pictured are (l-r): John Welch, Jerry File, Eddie Dyson, Phil Yates
                                                                                Alexandria City High School.                                                            and George Coburn.                                                                                          Jeanne Theismann
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           jtheismann@connectionnewspapers.com
                                                                                                                ACPS Athletic Hall of Fame
in economic crisis, and some em-           to get help and how to                                                                                                   Kurspahic. He died of a
                                                                                                                                                     Members of the
                                                                                                                                                     1971 TC Wil-                                                                                                                    @TheismannMedia
                                                                                                                Class of 2020, 2021 newest inductees.liams football

ployees are facing unemployment.           help; to disseminate in-                                                                                                 stroke following minor
                                                                                                                                                     team prepare
                                                                                                                                                     to be inducted                                                     the postponement of last year’s event. A “wall
                                                                                                                                                     into the ACPS
                                                                                                                                                     Athletic Hall of
                                                                                                                                                                                           By Jeanne Theismann
                                                                                                                                                                                                    Gazette Packet      of fame” was unveiled revealing the plaques
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        dedicated to each individual inductee.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Janet Barnett, John Bordner,
   Local newspapers, including the         formation about the virus                                                                                                surgery.                                                                                                            Mark Mogle
                                                                                                                                                                        S
                                                                                                                                                     Fame Sept. 18 at           ports stars from across the city con-      Along with the ceremony on Saturday, in-
                                                                                                                                                     Alexandria City            verged on Alexandria City High          ductees were introduced during halftime of
                                                                                                                                                     High School.               School Sept. 18 as the Alexandria       the ACHS football game Friday evening, the               Contributing Photographers
Gazette Packet and the Connection          and efforts to stem its                                                                                                     Kemal Kurspahic was
                                                                                                                                                                                City School Board inducted its new-     first played under lights at a renovated Park-
                                                                                                                                                        Photos by
                                                                                                                                                      Janet Barnett
                                                                                                                                                                        est members into the ACPS Athletic Hall of
                                                                                                                                                                        Fame.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        er-Gray Stadium.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           The 2021 ACPS Athletic Hall of Fame
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             gazette@connectionnewspapers.com

                                                                                                                                                                    the legendary wartime
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        members include: Troy Bailey, Baseball, T.C.

                                           spread; to tell the stories
                                                                                                                                                                          A joint induction ceremony was held hon-

Newspapers, are facing an existen-
                                                                                                                                                      Gazette Packet
                                                                                                                                                                        oring both the class of 2020 and 2021 due to              See ACPS Athletic, on Page 4
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Shirley Ruhe
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Contributing Photographer and Writer
tial threat from the combination           of those who are helping,         Alexandria Couple Donates Edward R. Murrow                                             editor of the daily news-                                                                                gazette@connectionnewspapers.com
                                                                             World War II Microphone to the National Press Club
of nationwide downturn in news-            of those who are hungry;                                                                                                 paper in Sarajevo, Oslo-
                                                                             A                                                                                                                                                                                              Eden Brown, Bridgette Adu-Wadier
                                                                                            lexandria     residents

paper advertising that has been            of those who have got-                                                                                                   bodjenje. You can read
                                                                                            Renee Freedman and
                                                                                            Michael     Freedman,
                                                                                    past president of the Nation-
                                                                                    al Press Club, (left) and Na-
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Contributing Writers
worsening over several years, com-         ten sick with the virus, of                                                                                              some of the story of his                                                                                 gazette@connectionnewspapers.com
                                                                                    tional Press Club Executive
                                                                                    Director William McCarren
                                                                                    and Casey Murrow at the dis-

pounded by the economic crisis of          those who are caring for                                                                                                 life and how we came to
                                                                                    play of the Edward R. Murrow
                                                                                    microphone. Casey Murrow’s
                                                                                    father, broadcaster Edwin R.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Hope Nelson
                                                                                    Murrow, used this microphone
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Food Writer
coronavirus.                               the sick; and those who                                                                                                  be lucky enough to have
                                                                                    for his legendary radio broad-
                                                                                    casts from London rooftops
                                                                                    to describe live Germany air
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Legendary editor Kemal Kurspahic
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          died Sept. 17 at the age of 74.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                hope@kitchenrecessionista.com
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       @kitchenrecess
   We turned to GoFundMe at a              are performing essential                                                                                                 him in our newsroom
                                                                                    raids during World War II.
                                                                                    The Freedmans acquired and
                                                                                    donated the microphone for
                                                                                                                                       Legendary Editor
                                                                                    permanent display in the Ed-
                                                                                                                                       Kemal Kurspahic Dies,
critical point, and our readers an-        jobs, from grocery clerk                                                                                                 for decades in his obit-                                                                                             Michael Pope
                                                                                    ward R. Murrow room at the
                                                                                    National Press Club.                               Obituary Page 10
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Senior Reporter
swered, raising nearly $50,000 to          to firefighter to nurses                                                                                                 uary,    http://www.con-                                                                                       michaelleepope@gmail.com
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        @michaelleepope
get us through a terrible time until       and doctors. It’s still our                   ies. Tell us: how are you surviving                                        nectionnewspapers.com/
we received some PPP funding. We           mission to tell the stories of those in the pandemic?                                                        news/2021/sep/22/courage-jour-                                                                                                ADVERTISING:
thank all who gave, as well as all         working for social and racial jus-               We also publish notes about nalism/.                                                                                                                                                 For advertising information
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           sales@connectionnewspapers.com
who wished us well.                        tice, and battling income inequal- news and events from local busi-                                                                                                                                                                         703-778-9431
   Now, though, we are back to             ity in the time of COVID.                     nesses. Notes about openings, new CONTACT                                                                                                                                                      Debbie Funk
great difficulty. Revenue has not             Perhaps most of all, it is still our employees and anniversaries are For advertising and marketing                                                                                                                               Disply Advertising/National Sales

nearly rebounded to pre-pandem-            mission to deliver the local news welcome.                                                                       information, see www.connection-                                                                                            703-778-9444
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             debfunk@connectionnewspapers.com
                                                                                                                                                            newspapers.com/advertising email
ic levels, and we are going to need        you need, to help make sense of                  For many months, there were                                     sales@connectionnewspapers.com                                                                                               Tara Lloyd
more help to keep going. We have           what is happening in your com- no calendar listings in our papers.                                               or call 703-778-9431.                                                                                              Display Advertising, 703-740-7128
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              tlloyd@connectionnewspapers.com
applied for Rebuild VA funds, but          munity, to advocate for community Everything was cancelled. Now
                                           good, to provide a forum for dia- there is a return of many face-to- Send news to editors@connection-
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       David Griffin
the timing is uncertain and cer-                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Marketing Assistant
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tainly not when we needed it (in           logue on local concerns, and to re- face events. If you are planning an                                                                                                                                                                      703-778-9431
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the summer). We will renew calls           cord achievements, milestones and event, we appreciate getting notice Follow Us On Facebook: www.face-
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carry on.                                  ple’s lives. It is still our mission to event, and we encourage photos.                                                                                                                                                                       703-778-9431

                                           cover the normal news of the local                                                                           Follow Our Papers on Twitter
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bership program soon, so watch             communities.                                  paper, the Gazette, is published                                   com/FollowFairfax; @FollowFairfax                                                                                           Jerry Vernon
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working. https://www.gofundme.             community         events,     including ing the suburbs of Metropolitan                                          Gazette                                                                                                               Laurence Foong, John Heinly,
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com/f/save-americas-oldest-news-           births, engagements, weddings, Washington in Northern Virginia                                                                     — Mary Kimm                                                                                           Production Manager:
paper                                      anniversaries, awards and obituar- and Potomac, Md. This is our flag- mkimm@connectionnewspapers.com                                                                                                                                         Geovani Flores
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Editor Emeritus:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Mary Anne Weber

        Bulletin Board                                                                                                                                                         Let Us Know Your View                                                                                   CIRCULATION

                                               Chris Michael and interactive
                                                                                                                               Connection Newspapers welcomes views on any public issue.                                                                                           Circulation Manager:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Ann Oliver
      Submit civic/community an-                                                                                      Letters must be signed. Include home address and home and business numbers;                                                                          circulation@connectionnewspapers.com
   nouncements at ConnectionNews-              training and musical demos
   papers.com/Calendar.       Photos           will round out the festivities.                                                         we will only print your name and town name.
   and artwork welcome. Deadline               The AWLA will offer a Family                                                        Letters are routinely edited for length, libel, grammar,                                                                                         A Connection Newspaper
                                               Entertainment area, with ani-                                                                good taste, civility and factual errors.
   is Thursday at noon, at least two                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The Alexandria Gazette Packet is distributed weekly
                                               mal-focused crafts, games and                                                                                                                                                                                                  to selected homes in the City of Alexandria.
   weeks before the event.
                                               adoptable animals. The event                                                                              Send letters                                                                                                      Any owners or occupants of premises that do not

                                                                                                                                 Online www.connectionnewspapers.com/contact/letter/
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           wish to receive the paper can notify the publisher
                                               is also open to friendly, leashed                                                                                                                                                                                             by telephone at 703-778-9426 or by email to
   SUNDAY/OCT. 3                               pets. Visit AlexandriaLoveYour-                                                         By email: editors@connectionnewspapers.com                                                                                          circulation@connectionnewspapers.com, and the
   Alexandria Love Your Pet Day.               PetDay.com/Schedule.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           distributor will be notified to discontinue service.

      11 a.m. to 3 p.m. At Oronoco                                                                                                                              By mail to: Letters to the Editor The Connection
      Bay Park at 100 Madison St.,         SUNDAY/OCT. 3                                                                                                              1606 King St., Alexandria VA 22314
      Alexandria. Proceeds will go         Updated Garden Beds at Simpson
      to the Animal Welfare League           feature Native Plants. 12-1:30
                                                                                                                                          You can comment on our Facebook page or find us on Twitter
      of Alexandria (AWLA), which            p.m. 2021 Master Gardener                                                                              www.facebook.com/connectionnewspapers
      is organizing the event. The           Intern Project at Simpson Gar-                                                                              https://twitter.com/alexgazette
      festival will offer family-friend-
      ly entertainment and activities
                                             dens - located next to Eugene                                                                            https://twitter.com/mtvernongazette
                                             Simpson Stadium Park, 426 E                                                                                https://twitter.com/followfairfax
      throughout the day. Musical            Monroe Ave, Alexandria. Come
      acts Uno Dos Tres Andrés and           join Extension Master Gardener
      Rainbow Rock Band will head-                                                                               Never miss an issue, get a free digital subscription,
      line the main stage, magician                 See Bulletin, Page 18
                                                                                                                 http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe/
10 v Alexandria Gazette Packet v September 30 - October 6, 2021                                                                                                                                                                                                          www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
Q & A Sessions
for Alexandria’s
Nov. 2 Elections
   To increase public awareness of
the Nov. 2 elections in Alexandria,
the Seminary Ridge Civic Association
(SRCA) will hold two Question and
Answer sessions to introduce Alexan-
dria residents to the nine candidates
running for City Council and the two
candidates running for Mayor.
   The first forum (of two) in Octo-
ber will be held on Wednesday, Oct.
6 from 7 to 9 p.m. This will include
all nine City Council candidates to-
gether.
   The second Forum for the two
Mayoral Candidates will be on Tues-
day, Oct. 19 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Both sessions will be held on Zoom
using the webinar format. All Alex-
andrians are invited to participate to
become better aware of the candi-
dates and their positions on issues of
concern to Alexandria. For the Zoom
link to the Oct. 6 webinar, please visit
SRCA’s website homepage at: www.
seminaryridge.net

Give Locally
From Page 9
4770. Work with 450+ nonprofit
partners across the region, partners
who distribute an average of 88,000
meals daily. Together, provide more
than 30 million meals every year.
www.capitalareafoodbank.org
   v New Hope Housing, ending
homelessness in Northern Virgin-
ia by providing housing, offering
hope, and building community. We
currently offer various Housing Pro-
grams, and Support Services. 8407E
Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, VA
22309 www.newhopehousing.org/
how-to-help/donate/
   v Rebuilding Together Alexan-
dria, 703-836-1021, www.Rebuild-
ingTogetherAlex.org, Home repair
and maintenance for vulnerable vet-
erans, elderly, disabled and families
with children.
   v Senior Services of Alexandria,
703-836-4414, www.seniorservices-
alex.org, Support services for elders
enabling them to age with dignity.
   v Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN)
of Northern Virginia, 703-820-9001,
www.scanva.org, Parent education,
public education — re: child abuse
and court advocacy for abused and
neglected children.
   v United Community formerly
United Community Ministries; “Our vi-
sion and aspiration is to end multi-gen-
erational poverty. It’s a big aspiration;
but we know that together, it’s achiev-
able.” Donate, volunteer. 7511 Ford-
son Rd. Alexandria, VA 22306
  https://unitedcommunity.org/
  v Volunteer Alexandria, 123
N Alfred St., Alexandria, VA
22314; 703-836-2176; http://
volunteeralexandria.org;  Volun-
teer recruitment and placement,
court-referred community service
placement, community awareness
events, and volunteer manage-
ment training.
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com                Alexandria Gazette Packet v September 30 - October 6, 2021 v 11
Newcomers & Community Guide

Contaminated Legacy                                                                                                     From slave plantation to industrial pollution, a hidden history of North Old Town.
                   By Michael Lee Pope
                        GAZETTE PACKET

    T
               he shuttered power plant
               dominating the landscape
               in North Old Town has lay-
               ers of industrial pollution, a
    hidden history buried under the con-
    taminated soil of the Potomac River
    Generating Station. Even before the
    coal-fired power plant was constructed
    in 1949, the property was home to the
    American Chlorophyll Company and
    Potomac River Clay Works. That means
    the long and complicated task known
    as “remediating” the property could
    mean removing everything from coal
    ash and mercury to industrial fertilizer
    and hazardous metals.
       “What I’m most worried about is the
    process by which they dismantle the
    plant,” said Mary Harris, president of
    the North Old Town Independent Cit-

                                                                                                                                                               Library of Congress
    izens Association, who lives in neigh-

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Library of Congress
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Library of Congress
    boring Marina Towers. “The air emis-
    sions that will come from that are very
    concerning.”
       The land where the power plant is
    now located was once a slave plan-
    tation owned by the first rector of
    Christ Church, Townshend Dade. In           The Potomac Electric Power Company opened the Alexandria power plant in 1949 to provide power
    the 1920s, the area experienced rapid       to the Pentagon, parts of Maryland and the Rosslyn neighborhood of Arlington.                                                        This 1947 image shows the site where the power plant would be constructed a few years later.                                                                              The power plant had a magnetic fan that was part of the process of generating electricity.
    industrialization. The American Chlo-                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      June 24, 2017. It calls for housing, office
    rophyll Company set up operation on
    the spot where the power plant would
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              “What I’m most                                   space, retail and dining options as well as
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               open space and affordable housing. When
    later locate the coal pile. And the Po-
    tomac River Clay Works had an oper-
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              worried about is the                             the community was considering the plan in
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               the spring of 2017, Mayor Justin Wilson said
    ation on what is now the parking lot
    of the power plant. Neighbors in North
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              process by which they                            he had never seen a neighborhood be so fa-
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               vorable to growth and development. Since
    Old Town say they want all that con-                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      dismantle the plant.”                            that time, North Old Town has seen a num-
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      — Mary Harris,           ber of large scale projects and construction.
“It was a long, hard                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     North Old Town Independent            Now the pendulum may be swinging in the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               other direction as fears of overdevelopment
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Citizens Association
haul, and we had so                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            mount with each new block of residential
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               housing opens for sale.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              eventually led to a zoning change evicting
many obstacles. But                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               “There is an enormous amount of devel-

                                                                                                                                                                                                               Alexandria Local History Special Collections
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              the coal-fired power plant from the city.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            File photo 2020
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               opment that is happening all at once in that
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 “It was a long, hard haul, and we had so
the truth finally won.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       many obstacles,” said Elizabeth Chimento, a
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               area, more than I think we realized was go-
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               ing to happen all at once,” said Wilson. “Nor-
    — Elizabeth Chimento, North Old                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           North Old Town resident who led the fight.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              “But the truth finally won.”                     mally when we do these plans, we’re plan-
     Town resident who led the fight                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Chimento said when she first raised con-      ning around a 20 year or 30 year cycle. But it
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              cerns about the danger of pollution, city of-    happened all at once here because the mar-
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The shuttered coal-fired power plant at the Potomac River Generating Station on                                                                                                  ket was super hot and remains super hot.”
    taminated soil cleaned up rather than                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     ficials were reluctant to do anything about
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              North Royal Street has a long and sooty history.                                                                                                                                    Nevertheless, Wilson says, the future of
    capped in place and left where it is, a                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   it. That’s why she and Poul Hertel teamed
    common way to deal with these kinds                                                                                                                                                                                                                       dignitaries that Pepco realized it needed to     He added that the threat of air pollution                                      up with Tim Knight to finance that privately     North Old Town is an opportunity to match
    of heavily polluted sites.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                do something in 1940, and so the company would be handled by blowing the fly ash into                                           funded downwash study that eventually led        the new vitality to the south. The vision of
       “We are committed to a transparent                                                                                                                                                                                                                     purchased the 23-acre property in 1942 and the air at 60 mile an hour, a solution that led                                      to the plant closing. During that time, she      unobstructed public access along the water-
    community engagement process and                                                                                                                                                                                                                          started demolishing the industrial uses that to years of air pollution and toxic politics.                                      worked with Councilwoman Del Pepper and          front was a dream for decades, but now the
    to working with the community and                                                                                                                                                                                                                         were already on the site. He added that the                                                                                     Councilman Paul Smedberg to keep up the          2012 Waterfront Plan has finally made that
    city leaders on the redevelopment of                                                                                                                                                                                                                      war slowed down progress on the project, THE LONG BATTLE to close the power plant                                               pressure on Mirant, the Atlanta-based compa-     a reality. For now, that public access stops
    this site into a sustainable and inviting                                                                                                                                                                                                                 although he added that the final product started with a group of neighbors who were                                             ny that sued Alexandria to stop the rezoning.    when people hit North Old Town. When the
    mixed-use district of which we can all                                                                                                                                                                                                                    represented a huge step                                           sick and tired of coal dust                                      “We didn’t have a lot of unanimous sup-       power plant is demolished and redeveloped,
    be proud,” said Ella Hoffman, senior        This 1930 map from the Department of Agriculture Bureau of Public Roads shows the location of the future power plant as a spot                                                                                forward for Pepco and                                             collecting on their win-                                      port, to be quite honest, on council and with-   though, he says Alexandria will have an op-
    vice president of Hilco Redevelopment
    Partners, which is redeveloping the site.
                                                available for a park or golf course.                                                                                                                                                                          the region.                “But we persisted.”                    dowsills and patio furni-                                     in the community,” said Smedberg in 2012.        portunity to replicate the recent redevelop-
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 “This      investment,          — Paul Smedberg in 2012 ture and worrying about                                              “There were a lot of groups that thought we      ment that has transformed the southern half
                                                few years later, in 1940, the Potomac Electric      “To provide the facilities necessary to meet   a new power station is being constructed at                                                                which will enable the                                             the dangers of the pollu-                                     were crazy to pursue this, and we had coun-      of the city’s waterfront.
    SHORTLY AFTER the neighborhood              Power Company started looking at the site        the increasing demands of our customers,          Alexandria, Va., which will eventually have a                                                              company to continue to                                            tion. Eventually, they got                                    cil members who thought we were crazy for           “That whole area along the northern end
    moved from a rural agricultural area        for a potential coal-fired power plant. Com-     the company has embarked upon a construc-         capacity of 400,000 kilowatts.”                                                                            meet its responsibility of providing an ade- together and spent about $3,000 out of their                                       doing this. But we persisted.”                   of the waterfront is a missing link for the
    to an industrial zone, Alexandria an-       pany officials realized that the Benning Road    tion program of unprecedented magnitude,”           The dedication luncheon of the new plant                                                                 quate supply of electricity to its District of own money to hire a meteorologist to study                                                                                        city,” said Wilson. “There is no reason that
    nexed the property from Arlington in        Power Plant, built in 1907, and the Buzzards     wrote Pepco President Alfred Neal in a 1949       in October 1949 included 250 officials from                                                                Columbia and Maryland customers is the sulfur dioxide in the pollution that rained                                              REDEVELOPMENT OF THE power plant                 the same vitality and life that’s happening on
    1930 — an annexation that Arlington         Point Power Plant, built in 1933, would no       newspaper column. “In addition to expand-         Virginia, Maryland and the District of Co-                                                                 largest item in the company’s post-war ex- down on North Old Town known as “down-                                               will be guided by the Old Town North Small       the southern end of the waterfront cannot
    opposed in court, a fight they lost. A      longer meet the needs of the region.             ed transmission and distribution facilities,      lumbia. Neal explained to the assembled                                                                    pansion program,” Neal said.                   wash.” That led to a state investigation that                                    Area Plan, which City Council approved on        happen on the northern end.”
12 v Alexandria Gazette Packet v September 30 - October 6, 2021                                                                                               www.ConnectionNewspapers.com                                                                    www.ConnectionNewspapers.com                                                                                                                        Alexandria Gazette Packet v September 30 - October 6, 2021 v 13
Newcomers & Community Guide

                                                                           Courtesy AWLA                                                                                     Courtesy AWLA
AWLA staff member poses with an adoptable rabbit.                                              Two pups ready to head home with their new family.

Make Yourself at Home, With a New Pet
Animal Welfare League of Alexandria touches                                                        the AWLA’s Animal Services team, we
                                                                                                   also work to keep our community safe,
                                                                                                                                               mals in their own homes as foster families.
                                                                                                                                               The time they contribute annually equates to

the lives of thousands of animals every year.                                                      assisting trapped or injured wildlife,
                                                                                                   enforcing city ordinances about animal
                                                                                                                                               more than a dozen full-time staff and enhanc-
                                                                                                                                               es the level of care of animals in the facility.
                                                                                                   health and safety and supporting the        The AWLA is always welcoming more fos-

T
           he Animal Welfare League of Al-        The AWLA touches the lives of thousands      City in cases of animal abuse or neglect. The   ters and volunteers to help us continue to go
           exandria (AWLA) is a 501(c)(3)      of animals every year, which includes an-       AWLA also helps reconnect lost pets with        above and beyond for animals in need.
           nonprofit organization dedicated    imals looking to find new homes but also        their families, provides medical and behav-        The AWLA’s Fear Free-certified staff is
           to helping the pets and people of   owned pets in the city. Through services like   ioral assistance to the animals in our care     dedicated to the love and care of animals
our community. Located at 4101 Eisenhow-       our Community Pet Pantry, AniMeals sup-         and educates students and children about        in need and makes it their mission each and
er Avenue, the AWLA is contracted by the       plies for the pets of housebound seniors, pet   pet ownership and animal welfare.               every day to improve the lives of pets — and
City of Alexandria to provide animal control   vaccination clinics and spay/neuter vouch-        The AWLA is supported by a cadre of hun-      the people who love them.
and stray sheltering services, but thanks to   ers, we strive to prevent crises that might     dreds of volunteers who donate their time in       For more information about the AWLA,
the support of the community, we also of-      lead to a pet’s surrender before they occur     and out of the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter,      visit AlexandriaAnimals.org. To support our
fer adoption services, community assistance,   and help to keep animals where they belong      walking dogs, cleaning enclosures, providing    mission of helping animals and people, visit
humane education and so much more.             — at home, where they are loved. Through        administrative support and caring for ani-      AlexandriaAnimals.org/Donate.

                                                                 Courtesy DeSilva Studios                                                                         Courtesy DeSilva Studios
Adoptable cats have a variety of enrichment during their time at the AWLA.                     Adoptable pup enjoys his stay at the AWLA on his way to finding his new home.
14 v Alexandria Gazette Packet v September 30 - October 6, 2021                                                                                        www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Newcomers & Community Guide
                                                                                                                             Photos by Janet Barnett/Gazette Packet
                                                                                                                                                                             VARIETY
                                                                                                                                                                              STORE
                                                                                                                                                                                  Est. 1958

               Shannon Galey Ripley tosses a toy to K-9 Taz and Sgt. Kyle Russel
               Sept. 14 at Police Headquarters.
                                                                                                                                                                                 Experience
               Going to the Dogs
                                                                                                Shannon Galey Ripley, left, presents a check for $1,000 to Alexan-
                                                                                                dria Police Foundation Willem Polak and APF executive director                  the Nostalgia
                                                                                                Ginny Obranovich Sept. 14 at Police Headquarters. The donation is
                                                                                                to support the K-9 Unit of the Alexandria Police Department.                   of an old-time
               APF receives donation                                    Ripley and her husband John were prompted           The Foundation is now working with Rip-          Five & Dime Store
                                                                     with the idea of a yard sale from their 8-year-     ley to launch a year-long campaign called K-9
               for K-9 Unit.                                         old son, Keegan, who wanted to ensure that
                                                                     funds of the sale would go to the “dogs and of-
                                                                                                                         Cares. The campaign will focus on activities and
                                                                                                                         fundraising events for the Alexandria Police K-9
                                                                                                                                                                             “If we don’t have it,
                                      By Jeanne Theismann            ficers who need it.”                                Unit each month to help increase awareness of        you don’t need it.”
 tesy AWLA
                                                Gazette Packet          After making $500 from the sale and through      their mission and role in the community, as well
                                                                     neighborhood donations, the Ripley family           as provide additional funding to supplement             Hollin Hall

               A
                        family yard sale resulted in a $1,000 do-    matched the funds and worked with Pet Sup-          officer’s needs for caring for active and retired     Shopping Center
                        nation made Sept. 14 to the K-9 unit of      plies Plus in Franconia to provide eight care       canines.
                        the Alexandria Police Department.            packages for the K-9s including treats, toys and       “Growing up with seven German Shepherds           7902 Fort Hunt Rd.,
                  “As the daughter of a retired Federal Police Of-   supplies.                                           throughout my life, I know how special these
               ficer and sister of an active Police Sergeant, I am      “This donation is wonderful,” said APF chair-    working breeds are and how close their bonds
                                                                                                                                                                             Alexandria, VA 22308
 er families. incredibly proud of our City of Alexandria’s first     man Willem Polak. “We are very appreciative         are with the officers,” Ripley added. “Anything        703-765-4110
y equates to responders,” said Shannon Galey Ripley, who             for the consideration and the donation of the       we can do to help is small, in comparison to
 nd enhanc- presented the check to the Alexandria Police             Alexandria Police Foundation. This is the ex-       what these officers do daily.”                      hhvs@vacoxmail.com
 the facility. Foundation at police headquarters. “Especially        act action we are looking for that has a trick-        For more information or to make a donation,
  more fos- the K-9 Unit and their service to our community.”        le-down positive impact to the community.”          visit www.alexandriapolicefoundation.org
ntinue to go
need.
 ed staff is
 of animals
                       Same Company, Same Employees,
 n each and
 pets — and
                   Same Great Value - Now Celebrating 20 Years!
the AWLA,
upport our                   TWO POOR TEACHERS
eople, visit
                               Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling

                 • Electrical (ELE)                          Fully Insured & Class A Licensed
                 • Gas Fitting (GFC)                                    Since 1999
                                                                                                       10% down
                 • Heating Ventilation and Air                                                       nothing until the job
                   Conditioning (HVA)                                                                 is complete for the
                 • Plumbing (PLB)                                                                        past 17 years
                 • Residential Building (RBC)
                               Free Estimates                             703-999-2928
                                             Check if your contractor is licensed at the state level
                                                       http://www.DPOR.virginia.gov
lva Studios
ome.
                            Visit our website: www.twopoorteachers.com
               www.ConnectionNewspapers.com                                                                                           Alexandria Gazette Packet v September 30 - October 6, 2021 v 15
Newcomers & Community Guide
Offer to Buy River Farm Inches Up, But Declined by Seller
NOVA Parks is still                                                                                                                      Private ownership “will never happen,”
                                                                                                                                      Surovell said. Both the Virginia General As-
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      it in 1653 or 1654, the Goodhart Group real
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      estate listing states. Then George Washing-

part of the future at                                                                                                                 sembly and the Fairfax County Board of Su-
                                                                                                                                      pervisors have taken action aimed at making
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      ton bought it and made it part of his planta-
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      tion. Malcolm Matheson bought the proper-
                                                                                                                                      private development less likely.                                                ty in 1919 and remodeled the home, and in
River Farm.                                                                                                                              AHS said their vision all along has been to                                  1973, American Horticultural Society (AHS)
                          By Mike Salmon                                                                                              find the “best steward that meets our goals                                     board member and philanthropist Enid An-
                            The Connection
                                                                                                                                      of respecting the history of this beautiful                                     nenberg Haupt provided funds for the AHS
                                                                                                                                      property, conserving the greenspace, and                                        to purchase the property, the listing states.

O
                                                                                                                                      ideally allowing a level of public access to                                       But Haupt gave the money under the con-

                                                                                                    Photo by Mike Salmon\Connection
               n Sunday evening, Sept. 26, the
               American Horticultural Soci-                                                                                           the grounds.”                                                                   dition that AHS maintain ownership and al-
               ety voted against an offer from                                                                                           This isn’t something supported by local of-                                  low public access.
               NOVA Parks to purchase River                                                                                           ficials, neighbors or area historians, as seen                                     The farm is currently listed by The
Farm during a board meeting of the Amer-                                                                                              with all the picketing outside the gate and                                     Goodhart Group for $32,900,000 million.
ican Horticultural Society, but they are leav-                                                                                        public hearings in the past.                                                    The property has six bedrooms, six full baths
ing it open for more offers.                                                                                                             Board officials did acknowledge there is a                                   and four half baths, multiple garages, a cot-
   “The negotiations with NOVA Parks have                                                                                             prospective developer out there that is also                                    tage and carriage house. “The existing home
been a positive experience. The AHS board                                                                                             looking at two adjacent parcels for a “mas-                                     is currently being used as offices for the
has not been able to reach an agreement on                                                                                            sive residential and commercial complex on                                      American Horticultural Society, but as you
selling River Farm to NOVA Parks, so we must                                                                                          a proposed assemblage of 54 contiguous                                          step through the front door of the stately
decline the current offer,” said Board Chair                                                                                          acres along the Potomac,” they said.                                            manor house, it’s easy to envision its history
Terry Hayes. “I would like to thank NOVA                                                                                                 “Against the backdrop of this real and                                       as a private residence,” the listing states.
Parks Executive Director Paul Gilbert, Super-                                                                                         present threat, we believe that the efforts to                                     In September 2020, preservation sup-
                                                  Last May, neighbors were out in full force
visor Dan Storck, and others who have been                                                                                            protect River Farm must accelerate,” half of                                    porters submitted a 6,000 signature peti-
                                                  in front of River Farm.
in conversations with us over the past year                                                                                           the board said, and that protection comes                                       tion to save the property and a letter from
for their cooperative attitudes and support.”     (D-36th). There are 10 members on the                                               with a NOVA Parks deal.                                                         Chairman Jeff McKay to Governor Northam,
   The exact amount of the latest NOVA Parks      board and the other five have a different an-                                          Surovell agreed, “The board needs to start                                   calling it “a local institution in the Mount
offer is still at large, and when it comes to     gle. “As you know, we five members of the                                           talking with each other and make a deal                                         Vernon District, full of history, heritage, and
money and real estate, there are a lot of tight   AHS Board oppose the sale of River Farm,”                                           with NOVA Parks,” he said.                                                      natural beauty.”
lips. When asked about the offer, AHS did         the other five said, citing that the AHS is not                                        NOVA Parks is a government entity, and                                          In March 2021, the NOVA Parks, North-
release a non-descriptive statement though:       in need of the money as it has claimed. “Pub-                                       any purchase is with tax money. Half would                                      ern Virginia Conservation Trust, and their
“AHS will continue to look for alternatives to    lic examination of the published AHS finan-                                         be from the state coffers and half would be                                     partners made an offer to buy River Farm
provide for the appropriate steward for Riv-      cial statements has shown that AHS has no                                           local, said Surovell.                                                           in Mount Vernon, but the American Horti-
er Farm. As noted, we appreciate the coop-        financial need to sell River Farm,” the “don’t-                                                                                                                     cultural Society board of directors has voted
erative spirit of NOVA Parks and their desire     sell” members of the board said.                                                    Farm Has History                                                                to decline their offer, looking for their origi-
to help AHS in this endeavor,” according to a        In the end, noted Surovell, there are ease-                                         The 25-acre River Farm has a long history,                                   nal asking price of $32,900,000 million that
statement by one half of the board.               ments and a historic overlay that would                                             starting with Giles Brent Jr., and his wife, a                                  they need to keep the society in operation,
   Not so fast, said Senator Scott Surovell       make development nearly impossible.                                                 princess of the Piscataway tribe, who owned                                     AHS said at the time.

   Hollin Hills Heaven                                                    House + Garden tour makes sold-out return.
                    By Jeanne Theismann
                                 The Gazette

  T
                                                                                                                                                                  Photos by Janet Barnett/The Gazette

            he historic community of Hollin
            Hills played host to more than
            1,500 visitors during a sold-out
   House + Garden tour that featured 13
   of the 450 distinctive homes designed
   by noted mid-century modern architect
   Charles Goodman.
      The Marthas Road home of Ann and
   Richard Ward was one of the featured
   destinations on the Sept. 25 self-guided
   walking tour.
      “We are the third owners of the prop-
   erty,” said the Wards of the 1957-built
   home they have named Hilltop. “We be-
   lieve Hilltop is a pivotal and masterful       Attendees wait to tour the Ward home on Marthas Road home
   example of Goodman’s architectural and         as part of the Sept. 25 Hollin Hills House + Garden tour.
   artistic genius. His concepts and the prin-                                                                                         Visitors tour one of the
   ciples of design to which he adhered are       for its time, the neighborhood is now on the                                         living spaces in the Ward
   clearly manifested and reflected here.”        National Register of Historic Places and is a                                        home on Marthas Road.
      The Ward home, which has 140 win-           Virginia Landmark Historic District.
   dows, showcased an impressive art col-
   lection including several significant piec-
                                                     Presented by the Civic Association of Hol-
                                                  lin Hills, the House + Garden tour is the                                           “We believe Hilltop is a pivotal and
   es in an outdoor sculpture garden.
      With homes built between 1946 and
                                                  largest tour of mid-century homes on the
                                                  East coast. It is traditionally held every two                                      masterful example of Goodman’s
   1971, the Hollin Hills community was
   the brainchild of Goodman and develop-
                                                  years and returned this year after the 2020
                                                  tour was canceled due to the COVID-19 pan-                                          architectural and artistic genius.”
   er Charles Davenport. Groundbreaking           demic. www.hollinhillsmodern.com                                                                                                                      — Hollin Hills homeowners Ann and Richard Ward

16 v Alexandria Gazette Packet v September 30 - October 6, 2021                                                                                                                                                               www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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