Stories for November 2020

The Other Alexandria: They Served Their Country – Davis and Shanklin Families

For many African Americans who served in the military, it was an honor to put on the United States Uniform and represent their country, but it was also a pride in seeing their own families look up to them as men and no longer as boys.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Virginia Lost Its Claim to ‘First’ Thanksgiving

No institution stands in command of the language more so than its newspapers.

Head of the Class in Alexandria

School board votes to change names of T.C., Maury schools

Following months of heated debate, the Alexandria School Board voted Nov. 23 to rename two city schools, including T.C. Williams High School of “Remember the Titans” film fame.

Appetite: Despite Challenging Year, Gratitude Abounds for Alexandria Restaurant Owners

There’s no getting around the fact that this year has been an incredibly challenging one for restaurants and their owners.

Thanking Those Who Serve in Alexandria

SSA holds drive-through volunteer appreciation event

The warm temperatures and sunny skies of an Indian Summer day provided the perfect backdrop for Senior Services of Alexandria to hold its annual Meals on Wheels volunteer appreciation luncheon as an outdoor drive-through event Nov. 6 at the First Baptist Church of Alexandria.

2020 Alexandria Film Festival Awards Top Honors at Virtual Ceremony

Oscar Winner and Oscar Nominated Directors Among Honorees

Seven awards were presented at the 2020 Alexandria Film Festival Awards Ceremony, attended virtually by all winning filmmakers from Los Angeles to Israel.

Where to Give Locally: Alexandria/Mount Vernon Nonprofits

Many nonprofits in the city and nearby need your help to continue to rise to the need during the dual health and economic crisis of the pandemic.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Virtual ‘Unseriousness’?

Notice that none of the men in the split screen photo are wearing neckties, which would not be the case with in-person meetings.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: ‘These Kids Need To Be IN School’

I grew up with an absent father and an abusive mother.

Opinion: Column: A Question of Time

Let us presume, for the sake of this column, that I only have papillary thyroid cancer stage IV, and that my years as a non small cell lung cancer patient, also stage IV, are over.

Seniors and the Flu

Getting vaccinated can reduce hospital visits and admissions during anticipated shortage due to COVID-19

While shopping for dinner on a recent Wednesday afternoon, Roger Whitehead spotted a sign near the pharmacy of a grocery store near his home in Alexandria.

Artifacts Tell the Nation’s Story at the New Army Museum

The display cases, first-hand accounts and newsreel footage showcased in the museum.

In 1861, when the Civil War was just starting, Capt. Josiah Sawell was attacked by a pro-secession mob while passing through Baltimore with the 6th Massachusetts Volunteer infantry.

The Potomac River, a Stalling Recovery?

Cleaner than it was in 2011 when it got a D, but “its recovery is plateauing.”

While the Potomac River is clearly not what the Washington Post in 1951 called an “open sewer,” for the first time in a decade, the river’s health has declined, reported the Potomac Conservancy last month, falling from a grade of B to B- and still unsafe for swimming or fishing.

Expunging the Record

Democrats are divided on how to clear charges and convictions.

House Democrats and Senate Democrats are deadlocked over how people accused of minor crimes should be able to clear their records, a clash that has stalled action for now on one of the most important criminal-justice reform efforts on the agenda for Democrats now that they have seized control of the General Assembly.

Remembering Harry Covert

Noted journalist, relief worker, dies at 80

Harry Covert was a proud, born and bred Virginian.

Holiday Celebrations COVID-Style

Dealing with separation from family and friends

The decision to spend holidays away from loved ones can be a necessity during the coronavirus pandemic.

Safety Tips for Thanksgiving in Time of Covid

As the Thanksgiving and winter holidays approach, many residents may be wondering how to celebrate safely this season.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: In-Person Class: More Focused, Engaged

I am writing in response to the article titled “Addressing the Demands of Virtual University Classrooms ” published in your newspaper on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020.

Talking Turkey, ‘Respectable’ Birds

Virginia has around 180,000 turkeys, elusive in the woods and fields.

Alan Warburton did a double take when he spotted a wild turkey ambling across his Mount Vernon yard in the Tauxemont community in April.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: “Forest-in-a-Can?”

Regarding post-construction stream project plantings, boasting "2,300 new trees and thousands of new shrubs" along post-construction Taylor Run, of various species that collectively bear no fidelity to a known natural community let alone the habitat it is replacing, does not constitute a functional natural forest community.

Hometown Heroes

Veterans Day ceremony honors veterans, Gold Star families

It was the war to end all wars.

Alexandria Shop Small Week Nov. 27-Dec. 6

Holiday promotion supports local businesses.

Small Business Saturday, a movement that began 10 years ago in an effort to drive holiday shoppers to small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, has expanded into the first Alexandria Shop Small Week.

‘Honoring Those Who Have Served’

Commonwealth Academy honors veterans

Students at Commonwealth Academy paid tribute to veterans Nov. 11 by placing American flags outside the school in Del Ray.

100 Miles for Hope

American Legion marks Veterans Day, celebrates virtual challenge

Members of American Legion Post 24 gathered Nov. 11 to mark Veterans Day and celebrate the completion of the 100 Miles for Hope challenge, a virtual 100-mile walk/run/ride that began Aug. 3 and ran through Veterans Day.

Spike in Covid Cases Leads to New Restrictions in Alexandria

The City of Alexandria and the Alexandria Health Department (AHD) remind everyone that you are safest at home.

Opinion: Commentary: America Voted in Favor of Refugees and Immigrants

America has decidedly voted in favor of refugees and immigrants in this 2020 election, showing their support with the victory of President-Elect Joe Biden, and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris, who ran on campaign promises to restore the asylum system, increase the annual cap of refugee arrivals to 125,000, and end the discriminatory travel bans.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Let’s Pardon All Turkeys

Next week, President Trump will take a break from brooding over his election loss to pardon two turkeys.

Giving Thanks in Alexandria

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Thanksgiving will look different this year from years past.

Alexandria Turkey Trot Goes Virtual

Race continues to support ALIVE!

The 45th annual Alexandria Turkey Trot, a Thanksgiving Day tradition that draws more than 6,000 runners to the streets of Del Ray, is moving to a virtual format for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Appetite: 4 Alexandria Restaurant Options for a Socially Distant Thanksgiving

It’s been an oft-repeated refrain this autumn: Thanksgiving is going to look a little different this year.

Thanksgiving Through the Years

From war and pandemic to claptrap and taffeta, the evolution of the holiday in Alexandria.

The story of Thanksgiving is fake news riddled with misinformation and fraud.

Opinion: Column: I'm Here to Report

As my brother, Richard, has often said: "If the oncologist is happy, then I'm happy."

Addressing the Demands of Virtual University Classrooms

Marymount psychology professor offers solution to distance learning obstacles

For some students and professors, the loss of in-person contact has disrupted higher education and the experiences that often accompany it.

People, Parks, and Pandemics

It happened from the very beginning, as shopping centers, gyms and restaurants closed in the last half of March and news spread about the pandemic: people started gathering in parks.

School Building Closed? Try a Park

Families across Northern Virginia are challenged with online education.

The Other Alexandria: A Teacher Made A Difference – Joseph (Joe) Lovelace

It was March 27, 1943 at 5 a.m., when Andrew Lovelace died at his son’s home at 611 North West Street.

Alexandria Business Punched by Pandemic Pivots to Survive

Sweet Root Village running pop up markets, helping the hungry

It was the end of the summer and many in Alexandria had been homebound far too long.

Appetite: Wooboi Chicken Sizzles Into Old Town Alexandria

The first thing you need to know about Wooboi Chicken: The restaurant takes its spices seriously.

Operation Warm in Alexandria

Winter coats donated to families in need

More than 700 new coats and thousands of books were given to Alexandria children and families in need as part of the Firefighters and Friends to the Rescue annual coat drive.

Alexandria Symphony Orchestra: “Sure on This Shining Night”

ASO brings virtual message of hope and healing to Alexandria and beyond

The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra (ASO) in collaboration with the Alexandria Choral Society will release a virtual winter concert later this month featuring ASO musicians and a guest appearance by ACS singers.

Opinion: Commentary: Honoring Our Veterans

Henry Dorton, Commander, American Legion Post 24

Seven decades ago, in 1950, brave Americans defended a far-off land that was under attack.

‘We’ve Got to Unite This Country’

John Warner recalls WWII service, political career

Former U.S. Senator John Warner, a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, was the featured speaker at the Nov. 10 meeting of the Alexandria Rotary Club.

A Salute to Veterans in Alexandria

For more than 100 years, America has been honoring its veterans on November 11, marking the date in 1918 when the Armistice with Germany went into effect as the sound of artillery went silent along the Western Front in France.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: About the Boat Club, Alexandrians Need to Know

Alexandria taxpayers have a lot invested in the Old Dominion Boat Club’s plans for building a dock for boat slips in front of their new clubhouse.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Trumpism Shows Way Forward for Republicans?

Contrary to former Republican Del. David Ramadan's insistence that Republicans have to "denounce Trumpism" and go back to the "basic conservative principles" which cost them several elections, especially with Mitt Romney as their 2012 candidate, Trump's stronger than expected showing shows them the way forward is by reaching out to the very constituencies conservatives in the past ignored.

Being There

How much virtual participation it too much?

Advocates for open government worry about too much virtual participation. Virginia Press Association executive director Betsy Edwards says the law is designed to make sure the public and the press have an opportunity to ask members of the Planning Commission why they voted against a zoning change and or why the mayor voted for a bike lane. She worried that unlimited virtual participation would limit availability to the public and the press to ask questions and get answers.

Opinion: Column: As Second Opinions Go...

...it was first rate.

Thanksgiving Decor in the Era of Covid-19

Creating dining elegance at a distance

Naomi Patterson’s Thanksgiving table is usually set with linen dinner napkins, cleaned and starched, and her wedding china, ecru with a platinum border.

Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber Restaurant of the Week: Mamma’s Kitchen

Mamma’s Kitchen, located at 7601 Fordson Road, is the passion of chef/owner Marianna Johnides, where she brings wonderfully flavored Mediterranean cuisine to Alexandria, made from the freshest, most delicious ingredients prepared in simple, accessible ways.

Wildlife in Trouble? Experienced Team to the Rescue

The call from distraught Alexandria city employees was urgent.

Seth Goldman to be Featured Speaker

Jack Moline lecture set for Nov. 8

Seth Goldman, founder of Eat the Change, will be the featured speaker Nov. 8 at the annual Rabbi Jack Moline lecture series.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Just a Few Thoughts

So as I walk and drive around town, I find several things curious.

Taste For Giving Set for Nov. 14

Fundraiser goes virtual to support local nonprofits

The Rotary Club of Alexandria’s Taste For Giving, an annual fundraiser that supports dozens of local charities providing crucial services throughout the city, will be held virtually this year due to COVID-19 restrictions on large social gatherings.

Happy Halloween in Alexandria

A rare Blue Moon illuminated Halloween 2020, a quieter affair than in pre-pandemic days that saw families and neighbors mark the holiday with socially distanced gatherings.

Appetite: Hangry Panda, Food Trucks Navigate New Avenues

It’s no secret that times are tough across the restaurant industry nationwide.

Opinion: Commentary: Legislators Revised the Budget to Address Many Needs

Land conservation funds could potentially be used to help purchase and preserve River Farm.

Part 3 of a series.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Why Is Dino Drudi Always the One?

Why am I always the one ending up critiquing Michael Pope's articles.

Alexandria Unofficial Election Results

Alexandrian Documents the History of U Street

Filmmaker Jane Pittman returns to Alexandria Film Festival.

Alexandria Film Festival

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Kindness During a Very Difficult Year

The lines to vote early at the Springfield-Franconia Government Center were a 3-4 hour wait every day for two weeks.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: A Generation Capable of Change

What kind of world do you want to live in, a world where you have no problems or issues to fix in your community?

Opinion: Column: Better Late Than Never...

...to get a second opinion about one's first cancer; especially if there's now a second cancer to consider.

Assistance League of Northern Virginia Helps Meet Needs for Local Families

Assistance League of Northern Virginia distributed another 400 $20 grocery gift cards in October to families at the six schools that normally would have received the Weekend Food for Kids food bags.

Decompressing after a Divisive Election

Limit time on social media or watching post-election coverage

The moments that stretched her to her professional limits came immediately after the 2016 presidential election.

The Pandemic Election

Virginia voters support Biden, Warner and a new redistricting commission.

Twenty years ago, Virginia was a red state. Republicans scored Virginia's electoral votes in every presidential election since LBJ was reelected in 1964. Republicans held both U.S. Senate seats. The Grand Old Party had all the statewide offices, a majority of the congressional delegation and both chambers of the General Assembly. That was the environment when Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, both Democrats, ran for governor and lieutenant governor.

Matrix, Sunlight Discussed at Fairfax County Public Safety Committee

Community, advocacy groups and police give more than 2,500 suggestions on police reform; Governor signs reform bills from special session

Police reform includes improving morale for police officers.

Don’t Get Burned When Buying Firewood This Fall

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) advises consumers to measure deliveries of firewood to ensure they receive the full value of their purchase.

Scouting for Food Nov. 14

Things have changed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Scouting for Food on Nov. 14