Stories for February 2021

Little Theatre of Alexandria Presents ‘The Revolutionists’

Show runs in-person from Feb. 27 to March 20, 2021

The Little Theatre of Alexandria is presenting a live, in-person showing of “The Revolutionists,” written by Lauren Gunderson, from Feb. 27 to March 20, 2021.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Taylor Run and Vietnam Analogies

To while away the hours hibernating during Covid-19, my wife and I have watched Ken Burns’ award winning documentary “Vietnam.”

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Missing: Conservative Voice in Black Community

As a black female the question I am often asked is, “When did you know you were a Republican”?

Alexandria Sheriff’s Office Remembers Seniors on Valentine’s Day

The Sheriff’s Office teamed up with Senior Services of Alexandria to deliver special Valentine’s Day goodie bags to those receiving Meals on Wheels.

Cats Pliny and Humboldt

Pliny and Humboldt perch in their cat condo in Alexandria while keeping a close eye on the Roomba making its way across the room. (No exceptions to building height limits were required for this condo.)

People Will Look Like Their Pets in Alexandria

People will look like their pets.

Departmental Progressive Club Food Drive

Donations collected for Alive!, ARHA

Members of the Departmental Progressive Club held a food and gift card drive Feb. 20 to collect non-perishable items for local families.

Alexandria Police Department K-9 Czekaj Dies; Served from 2012-2019

Retired Alexandria Police Department K-9 Czekaj has died.

Alexandria Council Approves the Heritage Project

Vote is unanimous on Old Town development.

The controversial Heritage at Old Town development project will move forward following unanimous approval by the Alexandria City Council at its Feb. 20 public hearing.

‘Fear Free’ Approach Helps Reduce Shelter Animals’ Stress in Alexandria

Toffee, a six-year-old tricolored Chihuahua/rat terrier mix, cowered in the very back of a crate in her kennel at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA).

Pawsitive Partners in Arlandria

Volunteers care for feral cat colony

Ever since Devon Cain was a young girl, she has loved cats.

Ivan Raiklin Speaks to Local Republican Women

The Commonwealth Republican Women’s Club (CRWC) hosted Ivan Raiklin as its guest speaker in February.

Appetite: 4 Black-Owned Alexandria Eateries to Add to Your Feast

Let’s get one thing out of the way up front: There are many, many more Black-owned restaurants, cafes and eateries in and around Alexandria than this humble column can contain.

Opinion: Commentary: Inland Flooding

Facing storm intensities far beyond what our infrastructure was designed to handle

With one week remaining in the 2021 legislative session, Senators and Delegates are putting the finishing touches on legislation, and preparing to head home to the districts they represent in Richmond and throughout the year.

Opinion: Column: Not That I Don’t Understand, But...

...So this is what the process is like trying to schedule a Covid-19 vaccination.

Virginia Is for Pet Lovers, Too

Cosmetics testing, research dogs/cats, dangerous dogs, pet store employees come under scrutiny

The 2021 Virginia General Assembly had only six companion animal-related bills before it this session; a small number compared to the roughly two dozen during the 2020 session, and a dozen in 2019.

The Value of Intergenerational Relationships

The lives of both youth and seniors are enhanced by meaningful connections.

Bringing seniors and youth together for meaningful relationships can be mutually beneficial.

Rotary Club of Alexandria Awards $10,000 Grant to Alexandria ACT Now COVID-19 Response Fund

Opinion: Commentary: Bringing Virginia into the Light

Abolishing the death penalty, steps to end Jim-Crow era ban on felony voting and more recent ban on gay marriage

The last week of the 2021 General Assembly Session has arrived and it will prove to be an exciting time with many big issues on the agenda.

Controlling Gun Violence

After assault weapons stumble, lawmakers limit guns at polling places and government buildings.

Fulfilling their campaign promises to take action against gun violence, Democrats in the General Assembly are sending Gov. Ralph Northam several gun-violence prevention bills.

At Dog Parks, the Clean-Up Bag is a Must

Walks are important for the family dog, but so is scooping the poop.

Scooping the Poop

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Damp the Stormwater Fees

The Alexandria City Council is rushing to double the annual stormwater fees on Feb. 20 to $280 for the typical single-family homeowner by 2022, and then nearly double that to $540 by 2031.

Queen Bee’s Priebe Victim of Car Theft in Alexandria

Police investigate incident during gas stop in Old Town

It was Super Bowl Sunday and Allison Priebe had her hands full with things to do.

Heart of Del Ray

Dolce & Bean presented with 2021 award

The Del Ray Business Association presented Dolce & Bean with the 2021 "Heart of Del Award" on Feb. 12.

Thinking Small in Alexandria

Bill Reagan helps local businesses flourish.

Bill Reagan is not a very good salesman.

Senior Services of Alexandria’s Virtual ‘Stay-at-Home’ Gala

March 13, 6:30 – 8 p.m.

“Celebrating SSA’s Work for Alexandria’s Older Adults”

Nominations Open to Celebrate Women in Alexandria

2021 awards to honor women on front lines of pandemic

Nominations are now open for the 2021 Alexandria Celebrates Women Awards.

Alexandrians Have Heart

Food and clothing drive supports local charities

More than 50 people braved the ice and freezing temperatures Feb. 13 to participate in the 13th annual Alexandrians Have Heart clothing and food drive sponsored by former City Councilman Frank Fannon.

Obituary: Charlotte Ross

Beloved crossing guard dies at 95

For 50 years, Charlotte Ross was a fixture at the intersection of Polk Avenue and North Pegram Street, shepherding generations of students to safety as a crossing guard at James K. Polk Elementary School.

Sweet Home Alexandria

Alive! collects housewares for those in need.

Alive! collected dozens of boxes of new and gently used housewares during a drive-by donation day Feb. 6 at Fairlington United Methodist Church.

Appetite: Off the Menu: Alexandria Restaurant News and Notes

New eateries, renovated restaurants, decade-old breweries and wine with felines: It’s just another month in Alexandria’s food and drink scene.

The Other Alexandria: A Special Valentine – Karen Hubbard Suggs

Every Valentine’s Day, Karen Hubbard Suggs and her sister, Faye A. Hubbard, would take a moment to remember their parents’ wedding day.

The Strange Career of Felon Disenfranchisement

Amendment targets Jacksonian-era restriction weaponized during Jim Crow.

Felons have been prohibited from voting in Virginia since 1830, when the "right to suffrage" was denied "to any person convicted of any infamous offense." But it was during the era of Jim Crow that felon disenfranchisement became weaponized to prevent Black voters from influencing elections.

Opinion: Column: If Michael Corleone Had Lung Cancer

"Just when I thought I was out ... they pull me back in."

Leveling the Playing Field in School

Advocating for children with special needs or learning disabilities

When Lisa Lightner's son Kevin was two years old, she discovered that he would need special learning support in school.

From Mount Vernon High School to the NFL

ASC to host David Knight Feb. 17.

David Knight, a 1969 graduate of Mount Vernon High School who went on to play wide receiver for the New York Jets in the National Football League, will be the featured speaker via Zoom at the Feb. 17 meeting of the Alexandria Sportsman’s Club.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Find Blocks Adjacent to Historic District to Add in Alexandria

“Let’s call these concessions what they are — bribes,” remonstrated a resident opposed to the Heritage megaproject.

All You Need is Love in Alexandria

Couples share the secret of working together.

It takes a brave soul to go into business with your other half.

CVS to Offer COVID-19 Vaccine

Limited locations to begin Feb. 11

Beginning Feb. 11, Virginians will be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at select CVS locations across the state.

Obituary: Charles R. Hooff III

Real Estate developer dies at 80

Alexandria native and real estate magnate Charles Hooff III, principal broker of the firm that bears his name, died Feb. 1 at the age of 80.

Appetite: Three Alexandria Restaurants You’ll Love This Valentine’s Day

Love is in the air – and what better way to show your adoration than with a special restaurant menu for Valentine’s Day?

Best of the Best in Alexandria

Two TC seniors win full scholarships to attend college

When T.C. Williams High School senior Natnael Asegdew was 6 years old, he moved to the United States from Ethiopia and his parents had one purpose in mind: to ensure their two children received a quality education.

Editorial: Send Pet Photos

The Pet Gazette, a twice-yearly special edition, will publish the last week of February, and photos and stories of your pets with you and your family should be submitted by Friday, Feb. 19.

Opinion: Column: “Clinical Correlation Suggested”

Means what exactly?

Black History and Regional Parks

In many ways, the history of Northern Virginia is the history of America.

New Community with Park-Like Environment in McLean

Park Grove neighborhood inspired by former National Parks Director George Hartzog

A former public servant’s creative vision and dedication to preserving parklands was the inspiration behind a new residential area in Northern Virginia.

Editorial: Send in Pet Photos for Pet Connection

The Pet Connection, a twice-yearly special edition, will publish the last week of February, and photos and stories of your pets with you and your family should be submitted by Friday, Feb. 19, 2021.

Opinion: Commentary: 296 Bills Passed in the Senate Now Move to the House

Last Friday, Feb. 5, the General Assembly reached “Crossover” the point where all bills must have passed their house of origin to continue on their legislative journey.

Absentee Minded

Lawmakers consider bill to assign absentee ballots to precincts where voters live.

On election night, Democrats were shocked by how well Donald Trump was performing in Alexandria. As returns were posted online, concerns were rising among supporters of Joe Biden as the incumbent was outperforming expectations at precinct after precinct.

The Other Alexandria: Dress for Success – Businessman William “Sonny” Duke

On Dec. 22, 2020 at the Inova Hospital in Leesburg, Va., one of Alexandria’s successful African American businessmen succumbed to Covid-19.

CVS to Offer COVID-19 Vaccine

Limited locations to begin Feb. 11

Beginning Feb. 11, Virginians will be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at select CVS locations across the state.

Black History Month in Alexandria

Black History Month includes virtual and physically distanced events celebrating Alexandria African American history throughout the month of February.

Appetite: St. Elmo’s Comes to Old Town Alexandria (with Cocktails)

Just in time for a January cold snap, Old Town North has gotten a little bit warmer.

Opinion: Commentary: Preventing Illegal Evictions and Security in State Buildings

If one tuned into the Senate floor stream for the first time last week, they might think much of the Senate’s work is solely focused on dealing with the actions of just one member -- Sen. Amanda Chase (R-Chesterfield).

Alexandria Planning Commission Approves Heritage of Old Town

Redevelopment plan goes to Council Feb. 20

By unanimous 7-0 vote, the Planning Commission approved The Heritage of Old Town project, a 750-unit development in the Southwest quadrant of the Historic District of Old Town.

Alexandria City Parking Officer Bonds Dies from COVID-19

PEO was 21-year veteran

The Alexandria Police Department announced the loss of Parking Enforcement Officer Edward Bonds, who died Jan. 28 from complications of Covid-19.

License to Chill in Alexandria

Residents enjoy first snow of the season

It wasn’t Snowmageddon, but when snow fell on the area Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, it was the most snow the region has seen since 2018.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Save the Trees

During her mayoralty, Allison Silberberg made improving the city's tree canopy a priority.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Stop the Clearcutting of Taylor Run

We must stop the clearcutting of Taylor Run.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Idea for Old Inova Alexandria Hospital

This letter is in response to a previous letter with the title "The Flaws of Landmark."

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Moral and Professional Failures

An environmentally destructive and unnecessarily costly plan trumped up primarily by two city officials in the city Transportation & Environmental Services (TES) department fails on moral and professional grounds.

Wellbeing: When a Loved One Is Hospitalized with Covid-19

Coping with separation and uncertainty

For years, being able to talk with his mother, Carole Isaacs, nearly every day was a gift that Marc Stern treasured, so when he was unable to reach her for several days, he became concerned.

Sealing the Record

House and Senate Democrats disagree on how old convictions should be expunged.

For people haunted by a conviction for felony drug possession or misdemeanor disorderly conduct, a debate now happening in the Virginia General Assembly is one that could have dramatic consequences for finding a place to live or landing a job. Lawmakers are considering legislation that would allow those people to seal their criminal record, expunging old convictions and helping them wipe the slate clean. But Democrats are bitterly divided over how to accomplish that goal.

The quick-stop lifestyle could be here to stay.

Delivery trucks are not a new thing to area neighborhoods, but with the pandemic and the stay-at-home lifestyle many have adopted over the last 10 years, everyone delivers these days.