alexandria gazette packet -...

Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ March 19-25, 2020 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Address Service Requested

To: 1604 King St.,

Alexandria, VA 22314

Attention

Postmaster:

Time-sensitive

material.

PRSRT STD

U.S. Postage

PAID

Alexandria, VA

Permit #482

25 Cents

Gazette PacketServing Alexandria for over 200 years • A Connection Newspaper

Alexandria

March 19, 2020

By Jeanne Theismann

Gazette Packet

The Alexandria CityCouncil scheduled anemergency meetingMarch 18 to consider

COVID-19 status, response andrecovery initiatives following anews conference by Virginia Gov-ernor Ralph Northam declaring apublic health emergency acrossthe Commonwealth.

In his March 17 order, Northamannounced that restaurants, fit-ness centers and theaters are pro-hibited from operating with morethan 10 customers present. Viola-tion of the order is a criminal of-fense although businesses maycontinue to provide carry-out anddelivery options.

“This is unchartered territory,”said “Mango” Mike Anderson,partner in the HomeGrown Res-taurant Group that operates sixrestaurants in Alexandria. “We’retrying to figure out how to survive,but a lot of places are not going tomake it.

As of Monday, Anderson indefi-nitely closed his newest restau-rant, Whiskey & Oyster, in theCarlyle District, and is cutting staffat other restaurants.

“With the exception of Whiskey& Oyster, all of our other placesare geared towards delivery,” saidAnderson, whose restaurants in-clude Pork Barrel BBQ, Holy Cow,the Sushi Bar, Sweet Fire Donna’sand Tequila & Taco. “We have setup safe, non-contact pick-up tentsso customers can pick up foodfrom their car. There has been arun on grocery stores so we wantto fill any need that is there yet doeverything we can to keep our staffand customers safe.”

As of March 18, 77 individualshave tested positive for the virusacross the state, with five of thoselocated in Alexandria. The Alex-andria Health Department joinedNortham in urging residents tocomply with new federal guide-lines not to gather in groups ofmore than 10 and for people olderthan 65 to self-quarantine.

Residents are advised to checkwith retailers and grocery storesfor any amended hours of opera-tion and to practice social distanc-

ing. In grocery stores, use non-cash forms of payment wheneverpossible and wash all fruits, veg-etables and other exposed foodswith dish soap and water prior toconsumption. Wash or sanitizehands immediately after handlingcash or payment devices.

“Our business has been downabout 35 percent,” said AlexandriaCupcake owner Adnan Hamidi.“But it’s too hard to gauge thelong-term fallout since the city hasbeen absolutely dead. We are stillopen and offering curbside pick upand waving delivery fees with aminimum purchase of $25.”

On Wednesday, Amazon an-nounced a donation of $1 millionto kick-start collaborative emer-gency COVID-19 response funds tobenefit the four largest local com-munity foundations across theGreater Washington region whoare working to support vulnerablepopulations disproportionatelyimpacted amid the coronavirusoutbreak, including ACT for Alex-andria.

ACT for Alexandria, ArlingtonCommunity Foundation, Commu-nity Foundation for Northern Vir-ginia and the Greater WashingtonCommunity Foundation will eachuse these funds for grants tononprofits addressing food insecu-rity, shelter and providing emer-gency financial assistance. In thenear term, ACT will prioritize ef-

forts that focus on the needs ofchildren and youth, low-wageworkers, seniors and immigrants.

Dominion Energy CharitableFoundation is committing $1 mil-lion to aid COVID-19 relief effortsboth for national organizations,such as the American Red Cross,as well as address local needs.

Dominion has suspended all ser-vice disconnections for nonpay-ment. Residential customers previ-ously disconnected due to non-pay-ment may contact the company forassistance reconnecting service.

Small business owners likeAnderson are working to find abalance between paying salariesand operating costs while keepingstaff and customers safe.

“We’re trying to figure out thefinances that will allow us to keepthe doors open and survive untilthe end,” Anderson said. “It won’tbe pretty but we’re hanging inthere and just trying to figure outhow to make it to the other end.”

As Alexandrians are staying athome and practicing social dis-tancing, Visit Alexandria launcheda new web hub called ALX atHome, which connects residentsand nearby visitors with Alexan-dria restaurants, shops and attrac-tions.

The website offers curbsidebeer-to-go to FaceTime shopping,and numerous ways to support theindependent businesses.

ALX at Home features:Restaurant offerings, such

as Chop Shop Taco’s Home Mealdeal that includes dinner for 4-5people, zero-contact payment andpickup, a $25 gift card and tworolls of toilet paper, and Bastille’sspecial menu for curbside take outwith select wine bottles also avail-able for $25.

Retail offerings, including ARWorkshop’s DIY kits to go and OldTown Books’ Writer’s Retreat carepackages, virtual author work-shops and more.

Attraction offerings suchas virtual tours and a “Ride itOut” bike rental program fromUnlimited Biking.

Cocktail Corner for HappyHour at home with instructionalvideos from The Hour boutique.

Puppy Love, bringing a dailydose of cuteness from Alexandria’sfour-legged friends.

To learn more visitALXAtHome.com.

Del Ray Business Association isalso highlighting connections be-

tween small business and custom-ers during the crisis.

“Any time a restaurant or a smallbusiness closes, so many custom-ers come forward to say how muchthey wish they could have helped,”said Del Ray Business AssociationPresident Sue Kovalsky. “These areunprecedented times, and ourbusiness owners are leading theway in responding to this rapidlychanging situation, always priori-tizing the health and safety of theircustomers. We need to rallyaround our local businesses sothey stay in business.”

See www.visitdelray.com forideas and offers.

For more information about theCOVID-19 coronavirus, visitalexandriava.gov/Coronavirus.

‘Unchartered Territory’ Local businesses struggleamid COVID-19 pandemic.

Food for Studentsand Families

Alexandria Public Schools is continu-ing to provide food at no cost for anychild and any family who needs it dur-ing the school closures. There are twoways to access food while schools areclosed.

Individual Meals to Go: Any child -whether or not they are eligible for Freeor Reduced Price Meals - can pick up ameal to go in a bag. Stop by the Chin-quapin Drive side of T.C. Williams HighSchool (door 14) between 8 a.m. and 1p.m. to pick up a meal-to-go (8 a.m. - 10a.m. for breakfast and 11 a.m. to 1 p.mfor lunch). You do not need to fill outany forms to pick up a meal-to-go.

Family Meal Packs: You can order afamily meal pack online and pick it upat the drive through pick-up point out-side Chinquapin Recreation Center(Chinquapin Drive side of T.C. WilliamsHigh School, door 14) between 8 a.m.and 1 p.m the following day. If transpor-tation is an issue, please remember tocheck the box to request free meal de-livery. Fill out the form to request afamily meal pack. www.acps.k12.va.us/emergency-mealform

Food Resources in the City of Alexan-dria: For food pantry locations andschedules in Alexandria, visitwww.hungerfreealexandria.comor call*703-662-1067.

Several restaurants are offering curbside ordering and pick up, including Sweet FireDonna’s In the Carlyle District.

Pho

to

co

ntributed

3

Equal Housing Opportunity

The HayesWood Homes Team is in the midst of our busiest month in 20 years. We are working every single day with our contractors to get homes ready for the market - we manage everything for you. Our dozens of buyers are taking advantage of all-time low interest rates. The Amazon Effect has reduced the number of online Alexandria homes to a handful. The truly great value is knowing what is not yet on the market and we have the

most extensive list of Coming Soon listings in the industry. WE KNOW. WE CARE. WE WORK.

Chris Hayes & Gordon WoodLifetime Top ProducersChris: 703.944.7737 | Gordon: [email protected] | HayesWoodHomes.com109 S Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314#WeAreAlexandria

201 N . Quaker LaneAlexandria City100 years old$1,800,000

FOR SALE

22 E Masonic View AvenueRosemont Park

2 blocks to Metro$1,325,000

CONTRACT PENDING

903 Commonwealth AvenueRosemont Park

Walk to 2 Metros$589,900

FOR SALE

6613 Ridgeway DriveSpringfield$669,000

CONTRACT PENDING

4217 Peachtree PlaceVauxcleuse

Walk to Alexandria Hospital$1,500,000

CONTRACT PENDING

Contact HayesWood Homes and we will help you with your biggest investment... and reduce your stress.

HayesWood Homes“THE” TEAM FOR ALEXANDRIA REAL ESTATE!

3623 Drews CourtMount Vernon

$830,000

SOLD

7812 Friars CourtMount Vernon

$589,000

CONTRACT PENDING

6 E Chapman StreetRosemont Park

Blocks to 2 Metros$769,000

SOLD

5216 Old Mill RoadMount Vernon

$875,000

SOLD

2210 Collingwood RoadFort Hunt$715,000

SOLD

8832 Fort Hunt RoadFort Hunt$475,000

SOLD

1716 W Abingdon Dr #302Potowmack Crossing

$280,000

SOLD

505 E. Braddock Rd #107Colecroft

$1,850/month

RENTED

4170 Governor Yeardly LaneChancery Square

$633,750

SOLD

12328 Malvern WayBristow

$383,000

SOLD

MARCH 2020 ACTIVITY

2 v Alexandria Gazette Packet v March 19-25, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com


News

By Jeanne Theismann

Gazette Packet

Former Alexandria Chiefof Police CharlesSamarra died March 17following a three-month

battle with a brain tumor. He was74.

Samarra served as Chief of Po-lice for 16 years from 1990-2006.Prior to his tenure in Alexandria,

he spent 23 yearswith the District ofColumbia’s Metro-politan Police De-

partment retiring as AssistantChief.

“Charlie was a leader in publicsafety, not just in Alexandria butthroughout the region,” saidformer Police Chief David Baker,a close friend who served withSamarra both in DC and Alexan-dria. “He was respected for his in-tellect, integrity, vision and com-passion for the people that workedfor him.”

Samarra was born Aug. 14,1945. He lived in Marbury, Md.,and was in a rehabilitation centerin La Plata, Md., at the time of hisdeath following complicationsfrom surgery.

“From state-of-the-art technol-ogy to affirmative action, Charlietransformed every unit that he

went to,” Baker added. “He heldsome of the most prestigious posi-tions in DC, rising to AssistantChief because of his commitmentto excellence.”

Assistant Chief of Police DonHayes said in a statement: “[ChiefSamarra] brought with him exten-sive police experience and was a

Former Chief Samarra Dies at 74Led APD from1990-2006.

Former Alexandria Chief of PoliceCharles Samarra died March 17 atthe age of 74.

Former Alexandria Chief of Police Charles Samarra, second from right, diedMarch 17 following a three-month battle with a brain tumor. He was 74.

respected public safety leader inthe region. During his tenure withthe City he improved officer train-ing, professional development,leadership and the department’sbudgetary performance. He wasinnovative in his approach to po-licing and brought our departmentinto the 21st century.”

Samarra is survived by his wifeMary and son Chad.

“I have known Charlie since1980,” Baker said. “He was ateacher, leader, mentor and friendall wrapped into one. This is a tre-mendous loss.”

Memorial service and funeralarrangements are pending.

Obituary

All five of Inova HealthSystem’s hospitals havebeen rated with 5 out of

5 stars in the most recent Centersfor Medicare & Medicaid Services(CMS) Five-Star Quality RatingSystem report.

Inova is the only health systemin the country comprising morethan 3 hospitals where all are 5star rated.

A CMS five-star quality rating isbased on extensive data that mea-sures patient experience, infectionrates, readmissions and mortality.

Inova Health System’s 5 Starhospitals are Inova Fairfax, InovaFair Oaks, Inova Alexandria, InovaMount Vernon and Inova Loudoun

Hospital.CMS, the top health agency of

the federal government, createdthe Five-Star Quality Rating Sys-tem as an evidence-based evalua-tion reflecting a hospital’s stan-dard of care. The rating system isbased on quality measurementsthat have real meaning for patienthealth and well-being, includingsafety, timeliness and effectivenessof care.

“A relentless focus on our pa-tients and putting their needs atthe center of every aspect of ourwork at Inova has earned this ex-clusive CMS recognition. I am in-credibly proud of our team mem-bers and their commitment to

safety, clinical excellence and de-livery of an exceptional experienceevery time, every touch.” said J.Stephen Jones, MD, President andChief Executive Officer, Inova.

CMS hospital rating results, in-cluding up to 51 patient qualitymeasures, are accessible on itsHospital Compare page. The re-source was created to help con-sumers, their families, andcaregivers compare and evaluatehospital quality to set expectationsand better inform their decisionabout a healthcare provider.

About Inova:Inova is Northern Virginia’s

leading nonprofit healthcare pro-

All Five Inova Hospitals Earn Highest CMS Five-Star Quality Ratingvider, recognized in 2019 by U.S.News & World Report, whichnamed Inova Fairfax Hospital the#1 hospital in the Washington, DCregion.

All five Inova hospitals wereawarded ‘A’ grades for the fall 2019Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades,recognizing Inova’s achievementsin protecting patients from harmand providing safer healthcare.Each of Inova’s five hospitals hold5-star ratings from the Centers forMedicare and Medicaid Services(CMS), distinguishing Inova as thehighest rated large health systemin the U.S.

Our mission is to provide world-class healthcare – every time, ev-

ery touch – to each person in ev-ery community we have the privi-lege to serve.

Inova’s 18,000 team membersserve more than 2 million indi-viduals annually through an inte-grated network of hospitals, pri-mary and specialty care practices,emergency and urgent care cen-ters, outpatient services and des-tination institutes. Inova is hometo Northern Virginia’s only Level1 Trauma Center and Level 4 Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit. Its hos-pitals have a total of 1,800 li-censed beds.

More information and statisticsabout Inova can be found atwww.inova.org.

See Bulletin, Page 5

Submit civic/community an-nouncements atConnectionNewspapers.com/Calen-dar. Photos and artwork welcome.Deadline is Thursday at noon, atleast two weeks before event.

2020 CENSUS EFFORTSCouncilman Canek Aguirre is

encouraging residents toparticipate in Census volunteerefforts to raise awareness aboutthe 2020 Census and reachAlexandria’s hard-to-countpopulations. Aguirre serves asChair of the City of Alexandria’s

Bulletin Board

Complete Count Committee. A list ofupcoming volunteer opportunitiescan be found below:

❖2020 Census Information Session –Saturday, March 28, 3 p.m., BarrettBranch Library, 717 Queen Street,Alexandria.

❖2020 Census Information Session –Monday, March 30, 7 p.m., DuncanBranch Library, 2501 CommonwealthAvenue, Alexandria.

❖2020 Census Information Session –Saturday, April 11, 11 a.m., BurkeBranch Library, 4701 Seminary Road,Alexandria.

SATURDAY/MARCH 21

CASA Info Session. 9 a.m. At MarthaWashington Library, 6614 Fort HuntRoad, Alexandria. Fairfax CourtAppointed Special Advocates (CASA)provides volunteer advocates toabused and neglected childrenreferred by the Fairfax CountyJuvenile and Domestic RelationsCourt. The first step to becoming aCASA volunteer is to attend aninformation session. RSVP [email protected] as space islimited. Note: check for cancellation.

THURSDAY/MARCH 26Community Meeting. 6-8 p.m. At

T.C. Williams High School Cafeteria,

3330 King Street, Alexandria.Community Meeting and Open Housefor The High School Project. Anupdate regarding ideas emergingaround future programming and theuse of the site. Note: check forcancellation.

MONDAY/MARCH 28ADU Community Meeting. 7.p.m. At

the Beatley Library, 5005 DukeStreet, Alexandria. The City ofAlexandria will begin a series ofcommunity meetings to informresidents about accessory dwellingunits (ADUs) and ask for feedback onhow to implement a successful ADU

program. Part of the outreachefforts will also include a shortsurvey that will launch to gaugeresident opinions on ADUimplementation options. A thirdmeeting to discuss the findings ofthe initial open houses and surveywill be held in early April. AnADU, commonly referred to as an“in-law apartment” or “grannyflat” is a second, separate livingunit. ADUs can be built byconverting a basement into anapartment, adding an addition toan existing house, building anapartment over a garage,

4 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ March 19-25, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

People

Friday the 13th was a lucky nightfor local charities as the Alexan-dria Central Rotary Club held itssecond annual Sips For Saints

Fundraiser March 13 at The Atrium in OldTown.

The event featured food and beveragetastings from dozens of local restaurantsalong with raffle prizes from Alexandriaretailers.

Irish step dancers from the O’Neill JamesSchool of Irish Dance provided entertain-ment.

Proceeds from the evening support the

Sips For Saints Rotary Central holds fundraiser for localcharities just before group restrictions.

Alexandria Town Crier Ben Fiore-Walker, second from left, joins MarieHuddle, Joan Renner and John Coles at the Sips For Saints fundraiserMarch 13 at The Atrium.

Enjoying the Alexandria Central Rotary Club’s March 13 Sips For Saintsfundraiser are Ronal Butler, Alexandria Symphony Orchestra conductorJames Ross, Vera Jones, Nyree Wright and Martha Lloyd.

mission and charitable projects of the Alex-andria Central Rotary Foundation. Thoseinclude promoting peace and conflict reso-lution, the prevention and treatment of dis-ease, maternal and child health, literacy,providing clean water and sanitation, anddeveloping economic opportunity for thosein need.

Alexandria’s newest Rotary club wasfounded in 2018 and meets Wednesday eve-nings at Glory Days Grill.www.alexcentralrotary.org

—Jeanne Theismann

Tempo Restaurant ownerWendy Albert participatesin Sips For Saints March13 at The Atrium.

Dancers from the O’Neill JamesSchool of Irish Dance entertain

the crowd at Sips For SaintsMarch 13 at The Atrium

Dr. Elisabeth Palmer-Johnson, Marian Pegram and Paul Kentes get in theIrish spirit at the second annual Sips For Saints fundraiser sponsored bythe Alexandria Central Rotary Club March 13 at The Atrium.

Paul Kentes, right, checks the raffle ticket of a guest at Sips For SaintsMarch 13 at The Atrium.

Photos by

Janet Barnett

Gazette Packet


News

Avoiding Scams and MisinformationRemain vigilant for scams related to

COVID-19. You may receive fake phone callsor emails with malicious attachments orlinks to fraudulent websites, to try to trickyou into revealing sensitive information ordonating to fraudulent charities or causes.

Exercise caution in handling any emailwith a COVID-19-related subject line, at-tachment, or hyperlink, and be wary of so-cial media pleas, texts, or calls related toCOVID-19. Do not reveal personal or sensi-tive information in email, and do not re-spond to email solicitations for this infor-

mation.Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited

emails from unofficial sources, and be waryof email attachments.

Use trusted sources, such as governmentwebsites ending in .GOV likecoronavirus.gov (CDC), vdh.virginia.gov,and alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus.

Verify a charity’s authenticity before mak-ing donations.

Businesses and organizations should re-view information about risk managementrelated to COVID-19.

For Questions about CoronavirusFor questions about COVID-19, call the

Alexandria COVID-19 Information Line at703.746.4988, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6p.m.

Virginia residents can also call the Virginia

Department of Health public informationline, 877-ASK-VDH3, for questions aboutthe novel coronavirus situation.

If you have chest pain or shortness ofbreath, call or text 911.

Bulletin Board

From Page 3


converting an existing detached garage, orbuilding a new backyard cottage. An ADU isdistinguished from renting out part of a housebecause it is a totally separate living unit, with aseparate entrance, bathroom, and kitchen. Formore information, visit the project webpage athttps://tinyurl.com/AlexADU or contact SamShelby, Urban Planner, 703-746-3865. Note:check for cancellation.

FREE TAX PREPARATIONThe City of Alexandria is offering free tax

preparation to qualifying residents. Taxpayersare eligible if their income is belowapproximately $35,000 for individuals and$55,000 for families. Expert volunteers fromCommunity Tax Aid, Inc. will ensure thattaxpayers apply for all applicable credits anddeductions — especially the Earned Income TaxCredit and the Child Tax Credit, which peopleoften don’t realize they are eligible to receive.Sessions will be held on Saturdays from 9 a.m.to noon, and Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m.,from now through April 11, at the Departmentof Community and Human Services (2525


www.AlexandriaGazette.com

@AlexGazette

An independent, locally owned weeklynewspaper delivered

to homes and businesses.Published by

Local Media Connection LLC

1606 King StreetAlexandria, Virginia 22314

Free digital edition delivered toyour email box. Go to

connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe

NEWS DEPARTMENT:[email protected]

Editor & PublisherMary Kimm

[email protected]@MaryKimm

Jean CardProduction Editor

[email protected]

Jeanne [email protected]

@TheismannMedia

Janet Barnett, John Bordner,Mark Mogle

Contributing [email protected]

Shirley RuheContributing Photographer and [email protected]

Eden Brown, Michael Pope,Hope Nelson

Contributing [email protected]

ADVERTISING:For advertising information

[email protected]

Debbie FunkDisply Advertising/National Sales

[email protected]

Tara LloydDisplay Advertising, 703-740-7128

[email protected]

David GriffinMarketing Assistant

[email protected]

Classified & EmploymentAdvertising703-778-9431

PublisherJerry Vernon

[email protected]

Art/Design:Laurence Foong, John Heinly,

Ali KhalighProduction Manager:

Geovani Flores

Editor Emeritus:Mary Anne Weber

CIRCULATIONCirculation Manager:

Ann [email protected]

A Connection Newspaper

The Alexandria Gazette Packet is distributed weeklyto selected homes in the City of Alexandria.

Any owners or occupants of premises that do notwish to receive the paper can notify the publisher

by telephone at 703-778-9426 or by email [email protected], and thedistributor will be notified to discontinue service.

Gazette PacketAlexandria

Opinion

By Kerrie Wilson

CEO Cornerstone

Like you, this past week was spent assessing risk and evaluating businessoptions, trying to determine the bestcourse of action in the face of COVID-

19 for my family, and for the people we serveat Cornerstones through the many dedicatedemployees and volunteers who make our workpossible.

No doubt, you have already read posts bynonprofit, philanthropic, and governmentagencies. This is going to be an unprecedentedevent in our nation’s history, and every per-son, family, business and institution is calledon to consider what they can contrib-ute for the greater good. We are inthis together.

Here’s a start. If you were well-or-ganized and had the means to stock up oncleaning supplies and hand sanitizers, considerwhat your family needs for the next couple ofweeks and donate the rest to a safety net or-ganization. Cornerstones and other front-linenonprofits are open for business. We need towipe down the doors and keyboards, disinfectthe kitchen, meal service counters and diningtables, and children’s play space and cots.

AT CORNERSTONES, we are taking thehealth and safety of our employees seriously,but our business compels us to look out forthe “rest of them.” Whenever you hear “firstresponder,” remember that’s not just our criti-

cal public safety and health officers. It’s alsothe social workers, teachers, health care work-ers, community organizers from nonprofit andgovernment agencies on the front lines in anycrisis.

Many people who turn to Cornerstones havejobs that can’t provide work at home or alter-native schedule; they don’t receive paid leavebenefits and must go to work or lose their job,even if they are at risk. Or maybe ignore self-care because they need a paycheck to face anurgent issue today.

Early last week, worried parents began call-ing Cornerstones about securing a safe placefor their young children, or a location whereschool-aged youth can access the internet, keep

up with classroom work, eat lunch,and be under the watchful eye of acaring adult. These hardworking par-ents don’t have telecommuting op-

tions. Then began the desperate calls frompeople already living on the edge - families andindividuals who are behind in rent and nowfacing the stress and fear of losing hours, theirjobs, and more. In that same period, I spokewith a Cornerstones care manager and her cli-ent, who offered a rather humbling perspec-tive on this crisis. For some in our community,this is just another trauma to endure –homelessness and poverty, chronic illness, rac-ism, and lack of hope. It is good to look throughothers’ eyes from time to time.

TODAY, there are 100+ homeless men,women, and children staying at our Embry

Rucker Community Shelter in Reston, or on amat or cot in our winter overflow and hypoth-ermia programs. These individuals don’t havethe same options for self-quarantine or socialdistancing when one is dependent on residen-tial facilities like shelters. And Cornerstones,county social workers, and nursing staff areright there with them, providing daily care andsupport.

As a business leader, I’m trying to make senseof the official guidance, while balancing pub-lic health and individual risks against thegreater good of our daily work. It has not beeneasy.

I hope for now we have “gotten it right”with the many modifications Cornerstones hasmade to minimize risk while sustaining basicneeds.

If you have the flexibility to work from homeor in an office space that allows for social dis-tancing, I hope you’ll do your part to minimizeadditional exposure to yourself and thosearound you. And as you consider the greatergood, please do what you can to check on eld-erly or school-aged neighbors who may needa watchful eye, a meal, or other support. Beprepared to pitch-in with financial support tononprofits that have to stretch tight budgetsand staff resources to keep serving our com-munity.

And most importantly, please take care ofyou and your loved ones and remember thosewho need our help, are ill and will be diag-nosed, and those who take on additional riskduring this time.

A Time to Look Through Others’ Eyes

Commentary

By Sen. Scott Surovell

(D-36)

On Thursday, we passedthe Senate Budget andnearly as soon as it was

passed, the coronavirus situationexploded. While this virus crisis isunprecedented, our budget waswell-structured and balanced asrequired by our constitution, andwe are prepared for a recession.

Virginia has its largest cash reserves in thehistory of the Commonwealth – over $2 bil-lion. We have been building this reserve bothbecause of constitutionally required depositsto our Revenue Reserve or “Rainy Day” Fund,but also because analysts have been warningus about a likely recession for years eventhough until last week, we were in the longesteconomic expansion in American history.

Our outside bond rating agencies have beenwarning us that much of American economicgrowth has been generated by governmentstimulus versus underlying solid economic fun-damentals. For example, the Trump tax cutsfrom 2017 and additional federal governmentspending accounted for about 1.1% of thecountry’s Gross Domestic Product over the lastthree years. Some of Virginia’s productivity wasgenerated by the $1 billion annually invested

through Medicaid Expansion.There have been warning signs

present for the last twelve months.For example, the “inverted yield”curve – when short term moneycan be borrowed at higher inter-est rates than long term money -has predicted every recent reces-sion. The American yield curveinverted in January, and the mar-kets briefly paused and then wenton speculating. We cautiously

budgeted and planned for a recession with sig-nificant reserves.

While legislators are beginning to talk amongourselves and with the Governor’s Office aboutnext steps, the Governor has significant author-ity to make budgetary decisions without legis-lative approval if revenues do not meet fore-casts. There some actions that could require aspecial session such as unemployment benefitextensions, temporary Medicaid expansions,limitations on liability, minimum income pay-ments or sick leave expansions. We will seewhere things go.

Unfortunately, the final budget has someimportant policy changes in it which are nowlikely in jeopardy. It assumed three-percentrevenue growth which allowed for a two per-cent pay increase for teachers in the first yearand a two percent increase in the second year,

plus a two percent bonus for state employeesthis year and a two percent raise next yearalong with increased State Trooper compen-sation. It also contained an historic $84 mil-lion investment in early childhood education,$46 million for new school counselors, and$180 million in school construction, plus $80million in free community college tuition forthe Governor’s “G3” program for low incomestudents studying certain fields.

Overall, Fairfax County was poised to receivean additional $185 million for K-12 over thenext two years, Prince William is budgeted for$122 million and Stafford $56 million. Thiscould be in jeopardy if revenues fail. We alsobudgeted major investments in higher educa-tion, increases in Medicaid reimbursementsand water quality funding.

The budget also contained several of my re-quests for the 36th District prerogatives. First,it requires the Commonwealth to collaboratewith Fairfax and Prince William Counties tostudy the extension of the Blue Line from theFranconia-Springfield Station to Lorton,Woodbridge, Potomac Mills and potentiallyQuantico. Second, the budget funds the creationof the Prince William County Public Defender’s

Cash reserves willhelp buffer thecoming recession.

Unprecedented Virus Crisis

See Virus Crisis, Page 7


VARIETYSTORE

Est. 1958

Experiencethe Nostalgiaof an old-time

Five & Dime Store

“If we don’t have it,you don’t need it.”

Hollin HallShopping Center

7902 Fort Hunt Rd.,Alexandria, VA 22308

[email protected]

By Del. Paul Krizek

Together, as a com-munity, a Common-wealth, and a na-tion, we are all fac-

ing a truly unprec-edented situ-ation. The global coronaviruspandemic is affecting all of ourfamilies, our houses of wor-ship, charities and businesses,our communities — our veryway of life. During this time, I want to letyou know that your elected leaders areworking tirelessly together to keep open thechannels of communication, mostly via so-cial media (Facebook, Twitter and email)and newspapers like this. We are commit-ted to updating you on what’s happeningand what you should and can do. As theCoronavirus (COVID-19) situation contin-ues to evolve, we are in communicationwith the Governor’s office and state healthofficials to monitor and disseminate devel-opments of the outbreak.

First and foremost, my heart goes out toanyone who’s been impacted by the virus,both directly and indirectly. My thoughtsare especially with those who are sick, towhom I extend my heartfelt wishes for afull recovery. Like many of you, I am espe-cially concerned for our elderly, like my

parents who live with me.And, I am truly inspired by theselfless healthcare workers,emergency responders, andgovernment and charity work-ers who are on the front linesworking tirelessly to care forpeople in need and keep us assafe as possible.

I also want to alert you to themany scams circulating outthere. As the coronavirus pub-

lic health emergency continues, scam art-ists are taking advantage of the situation.This includes everything from selling prod-ucts that supposedly will prevent, treat orcure the virus, to asking for donations toaid people who are sick. These are sometips and ways to protect yourself fromcoronavirus scams:

❖ Ignore any offers, online or otherwise,for coronavirus vaccines, prevention, treat-ment or cure.

❖ Be wary of an email that claims to befrom the U.S. Center of Disease Control orthe World Health Organization. Visit thesetwo organization’s websites directly to getthe latest information.

❖ Do not click on any links from unknownsources. This could lead to downloading avirus on your computer or phone.

❖ Thoroughly research any organizations

or charities purporting to be raising fundsfor victims of the coronavirus.

❖ Look out for “investment opportunities”surrounding the coronavirus.

Read more about price gouging, how tostay aware and how to report scams onthe Fairfax County Emergency Informa-tion site at https://fairfaxcountyemergency.wpcomstaging.com/

In these turbulent days ahead, I encour-age you to stay calm and careful, curtailyour interactions with others, and practiceexcellent personal hygiene behavior. As the

Pandemic is affecting our families, our housesof worship, charities and businesses,our communities — our very way of life.

We Are Here For YouOpinion

Governor said on Tuesday, “I am asking Vir-ginians to be a part of the solution.” It isimperative that we slow the spread of thevirus so as not to overwhelm our healthcaresystem and provide the time necessary tobetter combat it and treat the illness. Vir-ginians are resilient, adaptable, and havethe expertise to overcome this crisis. I amconfident that we will get through this to-gether.

You can follow me on Facebook and Twit-ter, along with my colleagues, for the lateststate and local news.

From Page 6

Office creating twenty-five new attorneypositions along with ten support staff. Third,there is a $3 million grant for the U.S. ArmyMuseum which was saved largely due to theefforts of Del. Mark Sickles.

The budget also funds my request to re-move a barge from Belmont Bay which is anavigation hazard. It also included my re-quest to restore two staffing positions atMason Neck State Park and to require theVirginia State Parks to collaborate withStafford County Public Schools on a new

environmental education program atWidewater State Park.

The Governor is continuing to take ac-tions to make more testing for COVID-19available and coordinate our response tothis crisis. Please stay tuned to my twitterfeed (www.twitter.com/ssurovell), officialFacebook (www.facebook.com/surovell)and my blog, The Dixie Pig(scottsurovell.blogspot.com), where I willpost continued updates.

Please stay safe over the coming weeksand if you have any questions, feedback orideas, please email me [email protected].

Virus Crisis


News

❖On March 17, the Governor and the State HealthCommissioner issued an order declaring a publichealth emergency in Virginia and prohibiting restau-rants, fitness centers, and theaters from operatingwith more than 10 customers present. Violation ofthe order is a criminal offense. Businesses may con-tinue to provide carry-out and delivery options.

❖On March 17, Governor Northam recommendedthat individuals with chronic health conditions orage 65 or older should self-quarantine, because theyare at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. He encouraged neighbors and friends to stay intouch and regularly check in with high-risk individu-als.

❖On March 16, President Trump issued a recom-mendation calling on Americans to follow the direc-tion of state and local authorities. The White Houserecommendation also includes staying home whensick; working from home whenever possible; avoid-

ing social gatherings of more than 10 people; avoid-ing discretionary travel and shopping trips; andavoiding eating or drinking in restaurants, bars andpublic food courts. The recommendation encouragesthe use of drive-through, pickup or delivery optionswhen patronizing local businesses.

❖Individuals should modify regular activities inpublic by practicing social distancing by maintain-ing six feet of personal space whenever possible, andfrequently wash their hands and use hand sanitizer.Individuals should also utilize alternative greetingsto handshakes, such as elbow bumps or bows.

❖City employees are working remotely to the ex-tent feasible while maintaining core services. The Cityencourages all employers to maximize telework op-portunities for employees whenever possible, bothto increase social distancing and to help reduce theimpact of school closures.

https://www.alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus

Social Distancing andOther Coronavirus Guidelines

From Page 5

Bulletin Board


Mount Vernon Ave.). Persons seekingtax preparation assistance will beseen on a first-come, first-servedbasis, and electronic filing will beprovided. Spanish-speakingvolunteers will be available. Thefollowing documentation is required:a social security card for each familymember; photo ID for the taxpayer(and spouse, if filing jointly); W-2forms and other source of income

records; receipts or records forexpenses such as child care andeducation; and, if possible, a copy oflast year’s tax return. Note: check forcancellation.

GRANT HELPS SCHOOLGeorge Washington Middle School

in Alexandria received an $11,000grant as part of No Kid HungryVirginia’s recent $32,000 investment

across the state to support alternativeschool breakfast models, knownnationwide as Breakfast After the Bellprograms. Accessing traditionalbreakfast service in the cafeteriabefore the start of the school day canbe challenging for youth. BreakfastAfter the Bell provides breakfast in away that’s more convenient tostudents, resulting in more studentsstarting their day off eating a


News

By Mike Salmon

The Connection

Stopping for a pedestrian orbicyclist in the crosswalkmay be Driving 101 for most

drivers, but not all. It’s becomesuch an issue, Del. Kay Kory (D-38) partnered with Del. Ken Plum(D-36) to address the issue withHouse Bill 1705. That bill wasamong seven bills passed recentlyto increase the safety for pedestri-ans and bicyclists across the state.

Kory has been working on acrosswalk bill since 2011, and fi-nally found an opportunity to getit passed with new Democraticmajorities in office. “There wereno objections,” she said.

The bill contains language thatclarifies the duties of vehicle driv-ers to stop when yielding to pe-destrians at clearly marked cross-walks, whether at midblock or atthe end of any block; any regularpedestrian crossing included in theprolongation of the lateral bound-ary lines of the adjacent sidewalkat the end of a block; or any inter-section when the driver is ap-proaching on a highway where the

maximum speed limit is not morethan 35 miles per hour.

“It’s a big issue,” said ShawnNewman of the Fairfax Advocatesfor Better Bicycling (FABB). “We’vehad a number of incidents,” headded, noting that cyclists andpedestrians are “vulnerable roadusers.”

Plum got some safety ideas fromReston cyclist Bruce Wright whodiscussed the unsafe situation atthe W&OD Trail and Wiehle Av-enue. “Some people stop and somepeople don’t stop,” Plum said.With HB 1705, he’s looking at theeducational function to go alongwith enforcement. It’s not all aboutpenalizing. “We’re trying to edu-cate people as well,” he said.

Kory mentioned the possibilityof signs at the crosswalks, or look-ing into other methods that signaldrivers. In Charlottesville, shesaid, they use a flashing light atcrosswalks. “I think it makes sense,I want to look into it,” she said,

Senator Scott Surovell spon-sored another vulnerable road us-ers bill (SB 437) that increases thepenalty for drivers who carelessly

With bicycling events gaining popularity in FairfaxCounty, such as the Tour De Mount Vernon here at theWorkhouse in Lorton, lawmakers are looking for ways toincrease safety for bicyclists and pedestrians.

House Passes Bike andPedestrian Bills Aimed at SafetyNew Assembly makeup allowsfor more safety legislation.

Speed Photo EnforcementComes to Virginia

HB 1442 authorizes state and locallaw-enforcement agencies to operatephoto speed monitoring devices, de-fined in the bill, in or around schoolcrossing zones and highway work zonesfor the purpose of recording images ofvehicles that are traveling at speeds ofat least 10 miles per hour above theposted school crossing zone or highwaywork zone speed limit within suchschool crossing zone or highway workzone when such zone is indicated by

conspicuously placed signs displayingthe maximum speed limit and that suchphoto speed monitoring devices areused in the area. The bill provides thatthe operator of a vehicle shall be liablefor a monetary civil penalty, not to ex-ceed $100, if such vehicle is found to betraveling at speeds of at least 10 milesper hour above the posted highwaywork zone or school crossing zone speedlimit by the photo speed monitoringdevice.

Pho

to

by M

ike Salm

on

/T

he C

on

nectio

n

See House Passes, Page 14


Entertainment

By Hope Nelson

The Gazette

For Rob Krupicka, it’s atime of highs and lowsin the restaurant busi-ness: The excitement of

launching a new concept quicklybecame overshadowed by thetrepidation of navigating hospital-ity in the time of coronavirus. Asthe familiar Sugar Shack reinventsitself as the plant-based Elizabeth’s

Counter, uncer-tainty rules theday – even asmany in the com-

munity are excited to try the newmenu.

“One one hand, it’s exciting toroll out something new that cus-tomers have told us they’re excitedabout,” Krupicka said. “On theother hand, I’m looking at my salesnumbers trying to figure out if Ican keep my stores open.”

Restaurants and cafes operateon a razor-thin margin on a goodday. To add a sweeping vacuum ofsales such as the coronavirus hasbrought to the mix is a recipe for

discomfort at best, disaster atworst. Already Krupicka has tem-porarily suspended operations athis store in the District.

“None of those are fun decisions;they’re the kind of decisions youmake when you don’t have achoice,” he said. “We went fromhaving two weeks of amazinglygood catering sales ... to havingcatering business die this lastweek.”

But despite the downturn,Krupicka says, Elizabeth’sCounter’s transformation contin-ues. Contrary to what some mighthave thought, the doughnuts thatmade Sugar Shack such a sweet-tooth mecca are remaining – in-deed, just this week, an Irish-whis-key-filled variety was available forSt. Patrick’s Day – and will bejoined by a plethora of other, moresavory, menu options, with a veg-leaning flair.

“We’ve been thinking about add-ing a food concept for over a year.After a lot of research and time,we came to the conclusion thatplant-based was the right answerfor us,” he said.

While the soft-open menu willevolve and grow as Elizabeth’sCounter settles in over the nextfew weeks, there are plenty of op-tions at the outset to whet the ap-petite.

“We’re starting out with somegreat burgers and bowls that arejust fantastic,” Krupicka said.

Included in the mix: TheHanson’s Burger, a Beyond pattywith pickles, griddled onions, aioli

many ways to feast on Elizabeth’sCounter’s offerings while still stay-ing safe. Too, there are manythings customers can do to keeprestaurants on their feet while fac-ing down widespread economicstruggles.

“Keep buying. What I’m tellingfolks is … if you’re worried aboutkeeping your social distance,which we should all be followingthat instruction, then order itonline, order it on UberEats … ororder it on our website and comepick it up. We’ll either do curbsidefor you or you come in and it willalready be packaged for you,” hesaid.

In the meantime, Krupicka says,they’re just taking it day by day.

“I don’t think any restaurantknows what to expect right now.We’re trying to survive, make sureour staff is OK, make sure our cus-tomers are OK,” he said.

Hope Nelson is the author of “ClassicRestaurants of Alexandria” and ownsthe Kitchen Recessionista blog, locatedat www.kitchenrecessionista.com. Emailher any time [email protected].

Amid Economic Crisis, Elizabeth’sCounter Brings Sweet, Savory Hope

IF YOU GOElizabeth’s Counter, 804 N. Henry St.Hours (may fluctuate as circumstances change): 6 a.m.-noon

Monday-Tuesday; 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday.Try this: “I would order the Brussels sprouts bowl,” says owner

Rob Krupicka, highlighting the bowl that brings a hint of sweetalong with the savory. “We basically took the famous Brusselssprouts that Captain Gregory’s has been serving for four years andturned it into a bowl.”

and more; and the Down Home, avegan fried chicken sandwich withpickles and slaw. Add some Brus-sels sprouts (a recipe on loan fromsibling Captain Gregory’s) or somefries and the meal is complete.

“I’ve mostly heard really positivefeedback from people who are ex-cited to have a fast-casual plant-based place to go,” Krupicka said.

And in this time of social dis-tancing, Krupicka says there are

APPETITE

See Calendar, Page 11

Editor’s Note: Be aware that manyevents could be cancelled as precautionto the spread of COVID-19. Please checkbefore heading to events.

Submit entertainment announce-ments atwww.connectionnewspapers.com/Cal-endar/. The deadline is noon on Friday.Photos/artwork encouraged.

ONGOINGPlant Clinic. March 17 to Oct. 27,

Tuesdays from 7-8:30 p.m. At BeatleyCentral Library, 5005 Duke Street,Alexandria. Extension MasterGardeners are staffing a plant clinicevery Tuesday evening, beginningMarch 17 and ending October 27. Aplant clinic is a place to get lawn andgardening advice, help in dealingwith plant diseases and insect pests,soil test kits, and free flower andvegetable seeds.

“The King’s Shadow.” Now thru April19. 8 p.m. At The Lab atConvergence, 1819 N. Quaker Lane,Alexandria. In this season,Shakespeare’s Histories: “The King’sShadow” runs January 2nd - April19th, 2020; “Richard the Second”runs January 2 - April 18, 2020;“Henry the Fourth, Part 1” runsJanuary 30 - April 18, 2020; “Henrythe Fourth, Part 2” runs February 13- April 19, 2020; and “Henry theFifth” runs March 12 - April 19,2020. These plays follow the troubledpassing of the English crown fromthe philosopher King Richard II, tothe conqueror King Henry IV, to hisrogue son, Prince Hal. With hisfather’s deeds looming over him, Halindulges in a reckless adolescencethat tarnishes his reputation. Butwhen the time comes to rule, Hal

must take control of how history willremember him, unite his country,and become the legendary KingHenry V. Tickets are $35. [email protected] orwww.bravespiritstheatre.com.

Life Drawing Sessions. Now thruDec. 9. At Del Ray Artisans, 2704Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria.Looking for a chance to hone yourfigure drawing skills? Del Ray

Artisans offers a range of open lifedrawing sessions for just thispurpose. Just drop in for the sessionand bring your supplies to draw orpaint the live models. Fee rangesfrom $8-$12. All skill levels arewelcome. Visit DelRayArtisans.org/life-drawing

Tell Me a Story Art Exhibit. March6-29. Opening reception Friday,March 6 from 7-9 p.m. At Del Ray

Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount VernonAve., Alexandria. Have you everlooked at a piece of art and yourimagination immediately starts towander? Narrative art tells a story,either as a moment in an ongoingstory or as a sequence of eventsunfolding over time. A picture isworth a thousand words; Tell Me aStory will take you on an imaginativejourney. Gallery hours are: Thursdays

12-6 p.m., Fridays 12-9 p.m.,Saturdays 12-9 p.m., and Sundays12-6 p.m.

The gallery is free, open to the public,and accessible. Visitwww.DelRayArtisans.org/exhibits.

Student Art Exhibit. Now thru March28. At the Gallery at Convergence,1801 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria.The Alexandria All City High SchoolArt Exhibition hosted by theConvergence Arts Initiative returnsFeb. 7 – March 28 for its fifth year.2020’s experience will feature 90Alexandria high school studentsrepresenting six high schoolsincluding public, private, andindependent spanning over 10different mediums of art. Returningfor 2020’s collaborative event arestudents from Bishop Ireton,Episcopal High School, T.C. Williams,St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School,Commonwealth Academy, and TheHoward Gardner School. ArtistsReception: Friday, Feb. 21 from 7 – 9p.m.

BEGINNING MARCH 1Water Taxi to the Wharf. Departs

from the Alexandria Marina, 1Cameron St., Alexandria. Mondaythrough Sunday, beginning March 1.Cruise from Old Town Alexandria toWashington, D.C., to stroll among thecherry blossoms and take part inevents of the National CherryBlossom Festival, including theBlossom Kite Festival. PotomacRiverboat Company by Hornbloweroffers a 25-minute direct water taxifrom Old Town to The Wharfdevelopment in D.C. From the dockat The Wharf, it is a 10-minute walkto the cherry blossoms at the TidalBasin. The water taxi docks at the

Calendar

Celebrating DiversityMarch 30-May 3, at Scope Gallery, 105 North Union Street, Ground

Floor, Studio 19 of the Torpedo Factory, Alexandria. Scope will be join-ing in this year’s BunnyFest at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, a celebrationof bunnies, displaying rabbit-ware and bunny sculptural pieces. The April11 event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., hoppily highlights the art-istry of long-eared friends and includes live demonstrations, hands-onactivities and visiting rabbits from Friends of Rabbits Rescue. Hours areMonday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 9 andFriday, April 10 are late-night closings of 9 p.m. Call Scope Gallery at 703-548-6288, visit www.scopegallery.org.

Marsha Lederman (Arling-ton, VA),”Flora” withunderglaze painting.

“By the Seashore”March 20 to April 4, Wednesdays thru Saturdays, 10 a.m.; 10:30 a.m.; 11:30 a.m.

At the Convergence Main Building, 1801 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria. “By the Sea-shore” takes us on a magical journey to a place children love to visit — the beach!Young audience members are invited to explore all the amazing things we find onthe shore, in the ocean, and in the sky; from birds and fish, to sand and water, andeverything in-between. Using an imaginative mix of puppetry, movement, and sound,this sensory-filled production is specifically designed for babies and young toddlers.Tickets are $8. Discounts for groups and active duty military families are available.Purchase tickets here: http://www.artsonthehorizon.org/by-the-seashore-2020 orcall 571-549-1270.

Arts on the Horizon presents “By theSeashore” from March 20 to April 4.


From Page 10

Entertainment

“Henry the Fifth” will be performed March 14 to April 19at the Lab at Convergence in Alexandria.

“Henry the Fifth”March 14 to April 19, presented by Brave Spirits Theatre at the Lab at Conver-

gence, 1819 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria. The final chapter of The King’s Shadowis about to begin. “Henry the Fifth” completes the first season in Brave SpiritsTheatre’s two-year project to stage Shakespeare’s eight history plays about the Warsof the Roses. During a tumultuous period of less than 100 years, England experi-enced civil war and political upheaval as the throne switched hands nine times.Shakespeare dramatized these events over the course of his career in eight remark-able plays: Richard the Second, Henry the Fourth Part 1, Henry the Fourth Part 2,Henry the Fifth, Henry the Sixth Part 1, Henry the Sixth Part 2, Henry the SixthPart 3, and Richard the Third. From March 14 through April 19, audiences can seethese first four plays, The King’s Shadow, in repertory. Richard the Second, Henrythe Fourth Part 1, Henry the Fourth Part 2, and Henry the Fifth follow the troubledpassing of the English crown from the philosopher King Richard II, to the conquerorKing Henry IV, to his rogue son, Prince Hal. But when the time comes to rule, Halmust take control of how history will remember him, unite his country, and becomethe legendary King Henry V. Tickets are $35. Visit www.bravespiritstheatre.com

Transit Pier, 950 Wharf St. SW, nearthe Tidal Basin, the National Mall,Hains Point and a Capital Bikesharestation. Departures beginning at 6:40a.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.weekends; Admission: starting at $13one-way; $21 round-trip foradults.Call 888-809-7109; Visitpotomacriverboatco.com

NOW THRU MARCH 23“Head Over Heels.” 8 p.m. At Ainslie

Arts Center | 3900 West BraddockRoad, Alexandria. “Head Over Heels” isa celebration of love set to the music ofthe Go-Go’s. Based on Sir PhilipSidney’s Arcadia, the royal family riskslosing their “beat” and must journey todiscover the key to their realm’ssurvival. Like in most musicals, it mayhave been in them the whole time.With hits like, “We Got The Beat,”“Mad About You,” “Vacation,” and“Our Lips are Sealed,” you’ll bedancing along in your seat. Tickets$30/$40. For tickets, visit https://www.monumentaltheatre.org/shows-events

NOW THRU APRIL 5March Flora/Fauna Exhibition. At

The Art League Gallery, 105 N. UnionStreet, Alexandria. Meet the artistsand art patrons at the openingreception March 12 from 6:30 – 8p.m. The Art League is ushering inSpring with two nature-themedexhibits guaranteed to delight thesenses and inspire creative fun. MarchFlora/Fauna features artwork frommembers that explores plant andanimal life, and the delicate balanceof the natural world. They are thrilledto be partnering with The EnchantedFlorist, who will be creating floralarrangements to compliment theexhibit and fill the gallery with a hintof spring. The arrangements will beavailable for sale, with 10 percent ofthe proceeds going to supportOutreach programming. Outside theLines is a dynamic, interactive exhibitcreated by illustrator and Art Leagueinstructor Chris Bonnell. For it, hereimagines popular D.C. andAlexandria landmarks taken over bylush plants and fantastical animals.Visit the website:

https://www.theartleague.org/blog/2020/01/16/march-flora-fauna-exhibit/

MARCH 13 TO 31March150 Special Exhibition and

Art Sale. At Target Gallery, theTorpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N.Union Street, Alexandria. SneakPeek: Friday, March 13 – Saturday,March 14 until 5 p.m. Opening & ArtParty: Saturday, March 14; 7 – 10p.m. with VIP access beginning at 6p.m. Torpedo Factory Art Center’sannual exhibition and art sale,March150, returns to Target Galleryfor the 10th year. Proceeds benefit

future exhibitions and programs atTarget Gallery and the Art Center. Allwork in the exhibition is created ongallery-supplied 10” x 10” panels andis priced at $150. About 200 originalworks are created by artists of everyability from the greater metropolitanarea. Professional, emerging andamateur artists participate withartworks featuring a diversity oftopics and media, including painting,photography, etching, mixed-media,fiber and more.

MARCH 14 TO APRIL 19“Henry the Fifth.” Presented by Brave

Spirits Theatre at the Lab atConvergence, 1819 N. Quaker Lane,Alexandria. The final chapter of TheKing’s Shadow is about to begin.“Henry the Fifth” completes the firstseason in Brave Spirits Theatre’s two-year project to stage Shakespeare’seight history plays about the Wars ofthe Roses. Tickets are $35. Visitwww.bravespiritstheatre.com

FRIDAY/MARCH 20Art on the Vine. 7 to 10 p.m. At The

Art League Gallery, Torpedo Factory

Art Center, 105 N. Union St.,Alexandria. The Art League’sacclaimed local sommelier curates anartistic wine-tasting experienceinspired by the art in The ArtLeague’s gallery. Enjoy the party anddiscounts on wine and artwork thatnight. Admission: $45. Call 703-683-2323 or visit the website:theartleague.org

MARCH 20 TO APRIL 4“By the Seashore.” Wednesdays thru

Saturdays, 10 a.m.; 10:30 a.m.;11:30 a.m. At the Convergence MainBuilding, 1801 N. Quaker Lane,Alexandria. “By the Seashore” takesus on a magical journey to a placechildren love to visit — the beach!Young audience members are invitedto explore all the amazing things wefind on the shore, in the ocean, andin the sky; from birds and fish, tosand and water. Using an imaginativemix of puppetry, movement, andsound, this sensory-filled productionis specifically designed for babies andyoung toddlers.www.artsonthehorizon.org/by-the-seashore-2020 or call 571-549-1270.

Editor’s Note: Be aware that many eventscould be cancelled as precaution to the spreadof COVID-19. Please check before heading toevents.


By Mike Salmon

The Gazette Packet

When Fort Hunt resi-dent JoeWright left the office to gethis lunch the other day, hesaw a can floating in a creek

right off the Potomac River, and since he isthe “SUPGarbageman,” it was only naturalthat he’d stop, launch his paddleboard intothe creek and retrieve the can. While he wasat it, he got a few other pieces of trash fromthe waters too. That’s what self-proclaimedSUP Garbagemen do.

“If I hadn’t forgotten my lunch, I wouldn’thave seen that,” he said. “I usually have myboard with me just in case.”

Since last May, Wright has made clean-ing up garbage out of the Potomac Riverhis mission. When he’s not working, that’show he spends the remaining daylight hours

a couple days a week, on a stand-uppaddleboard, retrieving garbage out of thePotomac River, and its tributaries aroundMount Vernon and National Airport. “It’snever ending,” he said.

“It’s your trash, I just pick it up,” is hisjingle on the website. He’s not looking fornotoriety or fame, he just wants trash re-duction to be the focus. His mission: “Haultrash out of our waterways and raise aware-ness by sharing my finds with the world,”he says on his website. “I want people tosee anyone can do it,” he said.

SUP, for “stand-up paddleboard,” canpresent a challenge, but Wright has onlyfallen once when the rudder hit somethingunderwater. He wears a wetsuit in thecolder months and noted that he doesn’tget that wet, but every once in a while thewater does wash over the surface of theboard. This April will be his first Earth Day,

but he doesn’t have big plans. Afterall, be-ing the garbageman is a full time Earth Dayrole. “I think I just live Earth Day,” he said.

Wright’s efforts with trash have attractedsome outside attention as well. Some seehim on the water and think he’s just pad-dling around, and maybe fishing in thewarmer months, but somehow the company“Werner Paddles,” got word, and sent hima paddle, and a sponsorship. “They’vereached out to me,” he said, and all he hasto do is to attach their link to his web posts.Werner has a healthy waters section in theircompany and Wright’s efforts go right alongwith that. Werner is also linked to the Si-erra Club, American Rivers, AmericanWhitewaters and other outdoor organiza-tions. “Taking responsibility to protect theplaces we paddle, we created our HealthyWaters initiative,” Werner said.

Somehow, the folks at the French Em-bassy in Washington, D.C. heard about himtoo, and made him a “G7 Eco Citizen.”Wright met with the French ambassadorPhilippe Etienne in December. In the pic-

ture of Wright with the ambassador, Wrightis wearing the G7 AWAKE watch, which isa 100% sustainable product made from re-cycled fishing nets that was worn by Presi-dent Emmanuel Macron and world leadersat the G7 summit.

In addition to his international recogni-tion, Wright has nearly 1,000 followers onhis social media channels, and uses socialmedia as a platform for his efforts. He hasa website, Facebook and Instagram ac-counts. Several online publications have runstories about him, and others are usingvideo as well.

Wright wouldn’t call himself an environ-mentalist, and didn’t grow up in a “green,”house, but he does date his efforts back towalks around the neighborhood in Floridawhere he grew up. His mother would pointout trash, and link each piece of trash tothe letter it started with, so this was a read-ing lesson as well. “That made me realizehow much trash is on the ground,” he said.

On instagram, SUP.Garbage.ManOnline www.supgarbageman.org

Local Resident Moonlights as a Floating Trash PickerCleaning up the Potomac got Joe Wrightinternational recognition.

Off the shore with a view of Mount Vernon, Joe Wright scans the river for trash.

Joe Wright of Fort Hunt, G7 eco-citizen winner, meetsAmbassador Philippe Etienne and receives G7 AWAKEwatch for his sustainability efforts in the Potomac River.

Photos by Mike Salmon

The Gazette Packet

News

It’s easier outon the river inwarmerweather, buthe has a wetsuit for thecolder months.

Back at the marina in Mount Vernon, the trash from the riveradds up.


By Marilyn Campbell

The Connection

From school closures to travel bans, the rapidspread of coronavirus has led to a time of un-precedented uncertainty. Feelings of anxiety

and fear are rampant, particularly in children, sayeducators. Helping them feel grounded and havingopen and honest conversations can soothe feelingsof angst.

“Stick to routines and schedules when possible,”said Karen Kunz, Middle School Counselor at St.Stephen’s & St. Agnes School. “Children thrive withclear structure and schedules. Even with school clo-sures, start to imagine what a schedule might looklike at home.”

A child’s age will affect the approach that a parentmight take. “Keep in mind, depending on their de-velopmental level, children will comprehend and beconcerned about different things regarding thecoronavirus,” said Linda McKenna Gulyn, Ph.D., pro-fessor of psychology at Marymount University.

Those who are of kindergarten age or youngermight feel an unrealistic fear of the virus because ofthe ego-centrism and magical thinking which arecommon for that age group, says Gulyn.

“School-aged children probably have a concreteunderstanding of how this virus is transmitted andunderstand well the importance of washing theirhands,” said Gulyn. “Their frustration will come fromrefraining from favorite activities such as sports ormusic events, school, or socializing in groups of kids.”

Assuring children that there will be a return tonormalcy soon and answering their questions hon-estly, logically and respectfully isthe approach Gulyn suggests.

“Teenagers understand the ba-sics of the virus, but they could getcaught up with myths associatedwith coronavirus, especially be-cause there is a lot of true and falseinformation online,” she said. “I’veobserved that in my own teenagesons. Monitor and discuss whatthey are hearing and help themlearn to distinguish fact from fic-tion about corona.”

For this age group, living with aheightened level of uncertaintycan evoke strong emotions. “Teenswill be very frustrated and an-noyed by restrictions placed on group activities thatthey love, especially those that involve time withpeers,” said Gulyn. “Be sympathetic to your teenabout those frustrations.”

“For older children, monitor the amount of socialmedia and internet access they are consuming,”added Kunz. “Social media sites can easily aggra-vate and heighten anxiety and worry by sharing mis-information.”

While information about the virus is moving rap-idly and details are evolving, maintaining a sense ofnormalcy can be challenging. “Stay calm and carryon, said Susan DeLaurentis, Director of Counselingand the Lower School Counselor at St. Stephen’s &St. Agnes School. “Modeling calm and reasoned re-actions to stressful events help children manage theirown anxiety. They look to parents and other adults

to see their verbal and non-verbal reactions, and willoften follow suit.”

“School nurses, school counselors, school psycholo-gists, and school social workers can support thesediscussions and follow up with students who mayneed additional support,” added Lucy H. Caldwell,director of news and Information, Fairfax CountyPublic Schools (FCPS). “In addition to talking withchildren about the importance of washing hands, cov-

ering coughs and sneezes.”When discussing COVID-19,

stick to basic facts in a develop-mentally appropriate fashion, ad-vises DeLaurentis. “Reassure yourchildren that we are doing exactlywhat we should do right now,” shesaid. “Also, using the fact that chil-dren don’t seem to be as affectedby the virus is a fact that can bereassuring to children.”

“As a parent or caregiver, yourfirst concern is about how to pro-tect and take care of your childrenand family, added Kurt Larrick, As-sistant Director of the ArlingtonCounty Department of Human

Services “Some basic knowledge is a great place tostart.” It can be comforting to highlight the actionsthat children can take to protect themselves, sug-gests DeLaurentis. “Emphasize what children cancontrol in the situations they are in,” she said. “Theycan wash their hands, and even turning that into agame or a competition for younger students can helpthem find some joy in a stressful situation.”

Find a balance between staying informed and in-formation overload and monitor the amount of timechildren are exposed to news about COVID-19, saysDeLaurentis.

“Younger children often cannot comprehend theinformation they hear on the news,” she said. “Theymay misunderstand or misinterpret the news theyhear, and often this misinformation can lead to morefear and anxiety.”

Talking to Children about CoronavirusSharing developmentallyappropriate informationcan ease fears.

Turning hand washing and the use ofhand sanitizer into a game or a compe-tition for younger students can helpthem find joy in a stressful situation,says Susan DeLaurentis of St. Stephen’s& St. Agnes School.

“Social media sitescan easily aggravateand heightenanxiety and worryby sharingmisinformation.”— Karen Kunz, Middle SchoolCounselor, St. Stephen’s & St.

Agnes School

Pho

to

by M

arilyn

C

am

pbell


Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative forThe Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers.

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

In a peculiar way, my cancer treatment and all has sort of gotten lost in the coronavirus talk. With so many changes to our regular lifestyle occurring on a daily basis, it feels as if nothing else matters. Granted, one’s health is the most important consideration, but now the talk is about everybody’s health. Nevertheless, how do I throw caution to the wind and interact with my environment when doing so might endanger the very stability I’ve worked over 11 years to main-tain? I mean, I have to live my life, but will there be a cost to do so? I realize that the good of the many outweigh the good of the few but Spock was speaking from outer space. How do I, while in and out of treatment down here on Earth not worry about myself?

I realize life will go on for almost all of us, but will there be consequences for those unable to secure proper care? Will decisions be made about allocating resources because demand has far outstripped supply? How does life for cancer

paradigm where so many people might need some kind of medical care? Will there even be enough health care professionals to administer the kind of life-sustaining treatment many of us seriously-diagnosed patients have come to expect and need?

Unfortunately, only time will tell, and there may very well be little of it in the interim, during which we can anticipate and plan accordingly. So many decisions will likely be made by the powers that be that might not exactly consider my set of cancer circumstances. In a way, I might be collateral damage. There simply might not be enough room and medicine and staff and all to accommodate my needs. It’s nothing personal. It’s just business, or rather the lack thereof. With so much of the world’s population affected while going about their usual and customary routine, who, what, where and how will there be any prioritization? Moreover, what about people who are already sick and challenged by a weak-ened immune system (like yours truly), will the competition from newly diagnosed coronavirus patients overwhelm our health care system?

I can’t assume that life will go on as it always has. That would seem to be incredibly naive. I need to proactively make the necessary arrange-ments and/or contingency plans. I can’t presume that being a cancer patient will always get me through the door. I’d like to think I take priority. But it might not be about priority, it might be about availability and a dwindling supply not able to keep up with demand.

Still, going down this rabbit hole of fear, anxi-ety and worry doesn’t help either. As I have since the date of original diagnosis, back in late Febru-ary, 2009, I need to make the best of a bad/chal-lenging situation. I need to roll with the punches and be prepared for any eventuality and take the good with the bad and vice versa. Normal left the building a long time ago for me. The problem is that building to which I metaphorically refer is the very building where I get my ongoing medical treatment. And though I don’t anticipate being kept away from that building, the reality is that it’s out of my control.

As with anticipating the results of CT scans and lab results, all in good time, or bad. I need to keep the same positive attitude as I always have because though I might be at greater risk than many of you regular readers, we are all at risk, apparently. As such, if there is indeed anything to be gained by so many people being so similarly affected, the reality is that there are strength in those numbers and even though it may feel that right now the whole world is upside down, things eventually will right themselves. They always do. I just hope I’m still smiling when the dust settles.

Feeling Pale By Comparison

From Page 9

House Passes BikeAnd Pedestrian BillsAimed at Safety

Bulletin Board

From Page 3

injure or kill a vulnerable road user and alsoprohibits using bike lanes to pass other ve-hicles.

Other bills included HB 874 by Del. Jef-frey M. Bourne (D-71) which prohibits anyperson from holding a handheld personalcommunications device while driving amotor vehicle.

SB 871, Sen. David Marsden’s bill, clari-fies the rules on e-bikes and helps ensuree-bikes have a place in the future ofVirginia’s transportation mix. Plum alsosponsored HB 886 that continues the StateTrails Advisory Committee’s work to im-prove our state-wide trail network through2027.

HB 1442, the Automated photo speedenforcement bill will give localities a newtool to help prevent speeding-relatedcrashes in school zones and highway workzones.

FABB calls the bills “a slew of importantand bipartisan bills that will make bicyclingin Fairfax and across the state safer andmore enjoyable.” Although FABB is a localgroup, they want to highlight bike issuesacross the state. “We work very closely withother bike and pedestrian groups across thestate,” Newman said.

At the county Board of Supervisors meet-ing, a group of bicyclists made their pres-ence known when the bills were passed.“They were just thrilled,” said Kory.

nutritious meal. The new Breakfast After theBell program utilizes a model called SecondChance Breakfast and gives George WashingtonMiddle School an opportunity to pick upbreakfast before the first instructional bell, atthe start of first period and between first andsecond period each school day.

SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION BEGINSRegistration for 2020 Summer Camps offered by the

City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation,Parks and Cultural Activities has begun.Registration will be available online, or in-person at the Lee Center (1108 Jefferson St.).

The 2020 Summer of Smiles Summer Camp Guideis available online, and free printed brochureswill be available in all City of Alexandriarecreation centers and library branches. Theguide contains more than 75 camp optionsavailable to youth ages 2 to 17, including sports;creative arts; computers; nature; performingarts; cooking; excursions; Science, Technology,Engineering and Math (STEM); CampAdventure; and Out of School Time and classiccamps. To register for summer camps and otherrecreation activities, classes and programs, visitalexandriava.gov/Recreation or contact theRegistration and Reservation Office at 703-746-5414.

LIBRARY CANCELS KANOPY STREAMINGOn April 30, 2020, Alexandria Library customers

will no longer have access to the “Kanopy” on-demand film streaming service. The Librarybegan offering the service in July 2018 due topublic demand for download movie streamingservices. They were offering customers 10 titlesper month “free” at a pay-per-use cost of $2 tothe Library for videos that played longer than 4minutes. They soon incurred extremely highcosts. Additional and continual changes withinKanopy’s price packaging structure have made itdifficult for the Library to continue offering theservice. For more, Digital Services Librarian,Cara Sonnier at [email protected]


ALEXANDRIA TOYOTA

WELCOME TO ALEXANDRIA TOYOTA’SPERSONALIZED CAR CARE EXPERIENCE

FOR YOUR TOYOTA

16 v Alexandria Gazette Packet v March 19-25, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

McEnearney Associates has always had one motto in mind... not to be the biggest, but the best. This year marks our 39th year in Alexandria, and we are celebrating our investment in 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

Serving the Washington, DC Metro Area since 1980. 703.549.9292 | 109 S. Pitt Street | Alexandria, VA 22314 | McEnearney.com

Babs Beckwith 703.627.5421www.BabsBeckwith.com

Old Town$1,139,000Fabulous Potomac River views from this sophisticated 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath brick townhouse set in a lovely enclave. Light filled rooms,

hardwood floors, 2 fireplaces, main floor bedroom, and family room with French doors opening to the brick patio. Generous living room with river vista adjoins the dining room.

Cindy Clemmer/Craig Schuck 703.966.0403 www.clemmerandschuckhomes.com

Cameron Station$889,000Just Listed! Alexandria’s Thriving West End! Sparkling Alexandrian/Stony Hurst model! 3 levels, 4 bedrooms,

3.5 baths. Den walks out to private patio. Entertainment kitchen & great room walks out to deck! En-suite master with awesome bath! 2-car garage with driveway parking, too! 4912 John Ticer Drive

Kristen Jones 703.851.2556 www.KristenJones.com

Fords Landing$1,639,000Beautiful 2,660 SF end unit brick townhome features 3 bedrooms, 2 full, 2 half baths and a spacious 2 car garage. All in

the sought-after waterfront community of Fords Landing. Just steps to the Potomac, parks and all the shopping and dining King Street has to offer. Contact Kristen for a private virtual tour!

Belle Haven | $1,455,000Modern design meets historical architec-ture in this spacious 3-level, 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath, colonial home with 2-car garage. Landscaped, fenced back yard, patio and deck. Close to Old Town, airport and Amazon HQ. 1904 Belle Haven RoadSusan Craft 703.216.4501www.SusanCraft.com

Alexandria | $899,9005-bedroom, 3.5-bath home in the heart of Alexandria City! 4 bedrooms/2 baths upstairs and large rec room with bed and bath on walk-out lower level. Family room and kitchen overlooking private yard. Large deck and fabulous yard! Jen Walker 703.675.1566www.JenWalker.com

Beverley Estates | $980,000Remodeled and expanded home with gorgeous kitchen, big family room, four real bedrooms plus office, living room, dining room, two remodeled full baths, screened porch, patio and flat backyard. George Mason Elementary. Leslie Wilder 703.798.7226www.3wilders.com

Rosemont Park | $825,000Circa 1920, this 3-bedroom, 3-bath Rosemont farm house is waiting to be returned to its original condition. Located on a quiet side street, yet right around the corner from Braddock Metro. Minutes from Del Ray & Old Town shops & restaurants.Betty Mallon 703.989.8548www.BettyMallon.com

Del Ray | $879,9003-bedroom, 1.5-bath detached home. Charming screened porch opens to light-filled home. Spacious living room leads to dining room and kitchen. Private landscaped yard with deck & slate patio. A short walk to “The Avenue.” Jen Walker 703.675.1566www.JenWalker.com

Braddock Heights | $879,000Spacious, open concept living. Lots of windows allow for sunlight to stream in with a great view of the backyard: flat and fully fenced. 4 bedrooms and 2 baths on two levels. All new carpet on lower level. Walk to George Mason Elementary.Laurel Conger 703.577.6899 www.LaurelConger.com

Waynewood | $829,000This 5-bedroom, 3-bath house on a corner lot is generous in size with lovely features throughout. Nice hardwoods on upper level, recessed lighting, 3 fireplaces, bonus room on lower level and a garage! Walk to two parks and bike path.Tracy Dunn 571.212.3658 www.tracybdunn.com

Alexandria | $684,900Picture perfect 3-bedroom, 2-bath brick cottage on a large corner lot. Features updated kitchen, living room with wood-burning fireplace, two renovated baths and gorgeous hardwoods. Large yard with raised deck platform. Wendy Santantonio 703.625.8802 www.WendySantantonio.com

Babs Beckwith 703.627.5421www.BabsBeckwith.com

Old Town$852,500Charming 1790 historic 2 bedroom, 2 updated bath home in the heart of Old Town offers renovated stainless chef’s kitchen,

original floors, fireplace, skylights, and custom built-ins. Master suite with vaulted ceiling and custom cabinetry. Spacious family room with French doors open to a sunny brick patio and garden.

OPEN SUN 3/22, 2-4

alexandria gazette packet -...

Documents