Stories for December 2020

Abstract Art from Alexandria

By Pepper Lantz, 1st grade, Alexandria Country Day School.

Two Million Lights in a Dark Winter

An Insider’s View on the Bull Run Festival of Lights; open through Jan. 10, and maybe more

The Bull Run Festival of Lights is the largest light show in the Washington Metropolitan area, and this winter it is more popular than ever before.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Support Students with Extreme Financial Need this Holiday Season.

With the holiday season upon us, gifts, giving and generosity are on everyone’s mind, even and especially in a year like no other.

Republican Women in Alexandria Install New Officers for 2021

The Commonwealth Republican Women’s Club of Alexandria installed its 2021 officers during its December meeting on Zoom.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Virginia’s Voters Should Decide

This letter is in response to the December 16, 2020 Alexandria Gazette article “Dropping Out of the Electoral College” about a bill before the General Assembly to have Virginia join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: We Need More Than 10% Affordable Housing

Thank you, Councilman Seifeldein, for standing up for making developers do more to provide affordable housing.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Slow Down on ADUs

The Alexandria Federation of Civic Associations (AFCA) is compelled to address policy being drafted by the Department of Planning and Zoning for City Council's consideration that will make accessory dwelling units (ADUs) a by-right use for single-family parcels.

To the Rescue in Alexandria

Firefighters and Friends hold West End toy drive, distribute toys to children in need

Firefighters and Friends to the Rescue continued its annual toy drive with a scaled-down distribution day Dec. 19 at My Father’s House Christian Church International.

Delivering Smiles in Alexandria

Red Hill Garden Club delivers 200 arrangements to Meals On Wheels

Members of the Red Hill Garden Club delivered 200 handcrafted floral arrangements to Senior Services of Alexandria Dec. 17 to be included with meals for the city’s Meals On Wheels recipients during the holidays.

Highest Single Family Sale in Old Town Alexandria

Mary Ellen Rotondo of McEnearney Associates represented the seller and Janet Caterson Price of McEnearney Associates represented the buyer of 217 South Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.

The Other Alexandria: ‘40 Plus Years of Giving Scholarships’ – Parker-Gray Alumni

Parker-Gray High School celebrates their 100th Anniversary this year.

The Other Alexandria: Running for the Bull Dogs – Marian Stanfield

The early education of African Americans in Alexandria centered on reading, writing, arithmetic and recreation.

Landmark Deal in Alexandria

Hospital to relocate to site of old shopping mall in West End

In a landmark move that could have repercussions for generations to come, city leaders are striking a deal with Inova to relocate the Alexandria hospital to the site of the old mall on the West End.

Appetite: Last-Minute Stocking Stuffers to Support Alexandria Restaurants

Let’s face it: Sometimes, you find yourself at Christmas Eve Eve and still have yet to procure a gift or two for some loved ones on your list.

Two Dogs, One Family Add Up to Joy for Everyone

“I think that’s our takeaway from 2020 — to take better care of the vulnerable among us.”

It’s never too late in life to find love. Even for senior dogs.

Needy Puppy Leads to a New Life

Stella Hanly begins tenure at Animal Welfare League of Alexandria just before the pandemic changes everything

Fifteen years ago, Stella Hanly worked as a software consultant for a global corporation.

Opinion: Column: Trip, and Hopefully Not a Fall

Having recently returned from a driving sojourn through the South, with stops and stays in North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida, visiting four sets of friends in those three states, I can say with certainty that wearing masks, social distancing and common sense consideration for your fellow citizen were not nearly so accepted as we had hoped.

Surviving Christmas Day in Solitude

Ideas for coping with being alone on the holiday

While Christmas Day will be different and difficult for many this year, it will be especially difficult for seniors who live alone and will be in solitude because of COVID-19 risks.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Cutting Pollution for Our Health

Ella Kissi-Debrah had severe asthma, frequently visiting the ER with cardiac and respiratory arrest.

Opinion: Editorial: Merry Christmas

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

The pages of the Connection (including the Alexandria Gazette Packet, the Mount Vernon Gazette, the Potomac Almanac and the Centre View) are usually full of holiday spirit, beginning before Thanksgiving.

Appealing Bad Rulings

Lawmakers to consider expanding appeals court, providing new oversight to judges.

Virginia is the only state in the country that does not guarantee a right to appeal, allowing circuit court judges to make decisions with little oversight or scrutiny. Critics have been calling for reform ever since the Court of Appeals was first created in 1985. The Supreme Court of Virginia recommended an appeal of right as a "long term goal" in 2018. Now, Gov. Ralph Northam says he wants lawmakers to add four judges and support staff "to ensure the court can hear more appeals cases in a timely manner under an increasing workload."

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Not in Alexandria

Upon seeing the photo of the Alexandria Adult Detention Center on the front page of last week's Alexandria Gazette, one could assume something newsworthy had recently occurred at the jail.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: It’s Ingenious. Or Ingenuous?

The National Park Foundation honored U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) for his leadership in dedicating $9.5 billion to redress maintenance backlogs at our national parks.

There’s No Place Like Home in Fairlington

Affordable housing project breaks ground

Construction of The Waypoint of Fairlington officially kicked off Dec. 9 with a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the affordable housing development on the site of a former parking lot of Fairlington Presbyterian Church.

Toys for Tots in Alexandria

Thousands of toys donated for local families

Alexandria Fire Chief Corey Smedley was on hand at AFD headquarters Dec. 10 to receive more than 2,000 toys collected as part of the U.S. Marine Corps’ annual Toys for Tots campaign.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Leave Christmas Decorations Up

Christmas decorations around Alexandria look especially beautiful this year, with so many families at home this month.

Candyland: Rocket Fizz Opens in Fairlington Centre

The phrase “excited as a kid in a candy store” took on new meaning as Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shop opened its doors Dec. 11 among the shops in Fairlington Centre.

Alexandria Symphony Orchestra Shares Virtual Message of Hope and Healing

Releases ‘Sure on This Shining Night’

The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra (ASO) in collaboration with the Alexandria Choral Society (ACS) has released its virtual winter concert featuring ASO musicians and a guest appearance by Alexandria Choral Society singers.

New Partnership Helps Alexandria Residents Facing Eviction

ALIVE! with support from an ACT for Alexandria Resilience Fund grant is working in partnership with the Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance, Legal Services of Northern Virginia, and Lazarus Ministry Christ Church to stand up the Alexandria Eviction Prevention Program (AEPP).

Appetite: 4 Alexandria Restaurants Ready With Your Christmas Meal

Some years, the thrill in the kitchen is gone.

‘Too Blessed to be Stressed’

Jim Henson dies of lung cancer at 84

Jim Henson was a man-about-town, known for his dapper dressing, infectious smile and engaging personality.

‘The Miracle of Lights’

Hanukkah observed Dec. 10-18

Menorahs are lit, dreidels are spun and latkes are served as Jewish families across the city celebrate Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival that began Dec. 10 and runs through Dec. 18.

Extension Programs Pivot, Operate Better Than Ever in Arlington and Alexandria

“Sit back, find a comfy seat and get ready for some excitement.”

Unusual and Quirky Items Sell at Area Gift Stores

Consignment shops and estate sale hubs in the Mount Vernon corridor.

Gift Shops

Dropping Out of the Electoral College

Lawmakers to consider joining National Popular Vote Compact

Virginia may be on the verge of dropping out of the Electoral College, joining a National Popular Vote Compact in an effort to ditch a presidential election system critics say is outdated and undemocratic.

Opinion: Column: Three Strikes...

...and now I'm out – of the Handel's Messiah sweepstakes.

Virginia Master Naturalist Program Graduates Spring Class

The 2020 Spring class of Virginia Master Naturalists (VMN) graduated, finally, in a Zoom ceremony on Dec. 14.

A Holiday Season Reimagined

The pandemic leads to altered and new traditions.

When schools adjourn for winter break, the anticipation of a COVID-19 pandemic holiday season will become a reality.

Living Legends of Alexandria: The Dynamic Duo

Ginny and Richard Obranovich at the helm of APF

The Alexandria Police Foundation was originally founded in 2002 to provide health insurance for retiring police K9 dogs.

‘Love Is All You Need’ in Alexandria

Mural celebrates KSMET businesses

Long before the trendy boutiques and celebrity chef restaurants came to town, upper King Street was lined with used car dealers and empty storefronts and considered by many a sketchy part of the city.

In the Kitchen in Alexandria: Small Business Changes Course in Middle of Pandemic

Mindy’s delivery dinners spread like wildfire in Del Ray

Erin White has just returned from delivering 50 boxed chicken kabobs, couscous salad and cornbread lunches to hospital workers at Inova Alexandria Hospital on Nov. 17.

Scholarship Fund of Alexandria Women’s Holiday Soirée Raises $16,000

Local students with financial need rely on community support more than ever.

The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria held its annual Women’s Holiday Soiree virtually on Dec. 3 to celebrate women and the power of community.

Holiday Art Walk Kicks Off in Old Town Alexandria

Lamp posts adorned with work from local artists

From the river to the rails, King Street is adorned in its holiday best as lamp posts have been brought to life with a display of art work as part of the first Old Town Holiday Lamp Post Art Walk.

Appetite: Support Restaurants By Ordering Delivery in Alexandria

To give restaurants an extra boost while still staying home, order from establishments that offer their own delivery service.

When it comes to restaurant food delivery, there are two schools of thought: Spend all your dining-out money at the restaurant itself, or spread the wealth by ordering through a delivery service like GrubHub or UberEats.

The Other Alexandria: ‘Getting Ready to Cast My Vote’ – Cassie Reddick Whitmore

The 14th Amendment became law in 1919, making it possible for all adults to vote, but Virginia did not ratify the 19th Amendment until 1952.

Absurd Leverage

Lawmakers to reconsider mandatory minimum for assaulting law enforcement

Earlier this year, lawmakers rejected a bill that would have ditched the mandatory minimum sentence for assaulting a law-enforcement officer. Now the General Assembly is about to consider the issue again.

What Does It Cost to Buy a Dog?

Virginia observes Puppy Mill Awareness Month

Second article in series.

National Park Foundation Hero Award for Sen. Warner

Award for his efforts to pass the Great American Outdoors Act

Monday, Dec. 7, at an outdoor and socially-distanced ceremony at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) was awarded the National Park Foundation’s Hero Award by Foundation President, Will Shafroth.

Christmas Casual or Go All Out?

As with many traditions, the pandemic is altering celebrations.

Opinion: Column: “Medican’t” Take It Anymore

The non-stop – or so it seems, television advertising letting all of us viewers know that the 2020 Medicare Open Enrollment window is about to slam shut is nearly over.

For Whom the Bell Tolls in Alexandria

Red Kettle Campaign runs through Dec. 24

The familiar sound of holiday bells can be heard across the region as the Salvation Army continues its annual Red Kettle Campaign with new safety measures in place amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

GenOn Site in Alexandria Sold

North Old Town site slated for mixed use development

The Potomac River Generating Station, a shuttered coal-fired power plant in North Old Town, has been sold to Hilco Redevelopment Partners and is slated for redevelopment in a move that city officials hope will provide housing, jobs and improved public space along the Potomac River.

‘A Hard Year for Fundraising’ in Alexandria

Board of Lady Managers raises $30k for Inova Alexandria

The runway was dark this year as the Board of Lady Managers, known for its annual Fashion Show, Luncheon and Silent Auction, instead held what it billed as a “non-event,” raising $30,000 as part of an ongoing financial pledge to Inova Alexandria Hospital.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Meaning of ‘Discover’?

Dino Drudi claims (letter, November 25th) that Christopher Columbus’ discovery of the Western Hemisphere “galvanized Europe in a way that led to emigration, commerce, and colonization.”

Opinion: Commentary: True Impact of Alexandria’s Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend

This year will mark the first time in 50 years that the sound of bagpipes won’t be heard in the heart of old town Alexandria on the first Saturday in December.

Alexandria Black History Museum to host Free Zoom Kwanzaa How-to Workshop

The Alexandria Black History Museum will present its annual Kwanzaa How-to Workshop, virtually, on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.

Vaccinations Made Easy at Drive-In Clinics for Pets

At a time when vaccines are top of people’s minds, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria is offering a new way for the community to make sure their pets don’t miss their own critical medical treatments.

Lyles-Crouch Student Andras Is Out of This World

For all those who hold a fascination with outer space, the chance to ask a question to an astronaut on the International Space Station is beyond their wildest dreams.

Little Theatre of Alexandria Presents “A Christmas Carol”

During Covid-19, the show will be seen through live acting, animation, and virtual reality.

Continuing with its holiday tradition (with Covid-19 restrictions), the Little Theatre of Alexandria (LTA) is presenting Charles Dickens’ classic, “A Christmas Carol,” from Dec. 4-19, 2020 through live acting, animation, and virtual reality.

Opinion: Commentary: Proposed Cuts to WMATA Would Be Devastating

Leaders must step up.

The reality of proposed cuts to our Metrorail and Metrobus service in the absence of a rescue package is now clear.

Editorial: Time to Send Art for Children’s Gazette

Like everything else, the Children's Gazette will be different in 2020.

Drawing the Line

Newly created redistricting commission zooms toward new maps in 2021

Now that voters have approved a constitutional amendment creating a new redistricting commission, the pieces have already started falling into place for how the commission will work and who will serve on it.

Museum showcases display cases, first hand accounts, newsreel footage and more.

Inside the Army museum

Have Yourself a Sober Little Christmas

Batting addictions during the holidays

With the holidays come an increase in imbibing.

Editorial: Time to Send Art for Children’s Connection

Like everything else, the Children's Connection will be different in 2020.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Covid Alerts Via Mobile?

Given the evolving COVID-19 restrictions and guidance in response to another wave of infections, I believe I have an idea for information proliferation.