Stories for January 2021

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Abolishing the Death Penalty: Liberal Legislative Twist?

Why am I always the one who has to write letters like this challenging the latest liberal legislative twist?

In the Kitchen: Anything You Want During Alexandria Restaurant Week

It’s a cold Monday morning Jan. 25, but Frank and Nancy Camm are on their lunch excursion to pick up their favorite pizza at Mia’s on King Street during Alexandria’s Restaurant Week.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: The Flaws of Landmark

Citizens of Alexandria, the Inova Hospital has decided to pull up stakes and move the hospital to the Landmark area of Alexandria to build a twin tower state of the art hospital of 230 beds, complete with a trauma center, a medical office building as well as 2,500 residential units including some retail.

Short-term Animal Guests Bring Joy to Those Who Foster Them

Picture this: You’re sitting comfortably on the couch, working on your laptop computer from home, as five tiny kittens purr and cuddle on your lap, vying for your attention.

‘We Are Still Here’

Nonprofits adapt during pandemic with virtual events and services, PPP loans, and ingenuity.

In the grip of the Covid-19 pandemic, nonprofits have provided a lifeline to Alexandrians across the city.

Regional Travel Survey Shows Benefits of Walkable, Transit-Oriented Places

Coalition for Smarter Grown shares Council of Government’s report highlights on walkable, transit-oriented places like Alexandria and Arlington.

Biking and Walking: “Among the key findings of the survey has been the growth in biking and walking in the core jurisdictions of DC, Arlington, and Alexandria. It has also indicated that activity centers with a focused mix of jobs and housing also have higher rates of walking and biking,” said Stewart Schwartz, Executive Director of the Coalition for Smarter Growth.

Opinion: Commentary: In Virginia: Vaccines & COVID Recovery

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH), health care professionals, and Virginia’s Medical Reserve Corps continue to work overtime to care for those afflicted with COVID-19.

Obituary: Julian Wilson Everly Sr.

Funeral home scion dies at 89

The Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home is one of the oldest businesses in Alexandria, dating back to 1849, when Benjamin Wheatley opened for business on the waterfront.

Tightening Criteria for Entering into Gang Database

Gang Task Force use of DataWalk under scrutiny

On Oct. 2, 2018, Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force selected DataWalk as their analytical platform to support its fight against gangs according to a headline on BUSINESS WIRE.

Fully Baked

Alexandria senator leads effort to legalize marijuana in Virginia.

The so-called "war on drugs" was a failure, locking up generations of Black men and tearing Black families apart. Now lawmakers in Richmond are finally coming around to realizing the damage that the prohibition against marijuana caused in minority communities. Last year members of the General Assembly approved legislation decriminalizing marijuana. This year, they may be on the verge of legalizing recreational use of marijuana — ending the failed war on drugs and adopting new equity measures to address some of the damage it caused.

Opinion: Column: Reoriented

Or to quote my high school baseball coach: "Reorientated."

Sorority Sisters Celebrate Vice President Kamala Harris

Joy, tears and hope about this historic moment in history

Wearing their sorority’s signature strand of pearls and clothing in shades of pink and green, Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) sorority members Martha Coleman and Shirley Dickerson Taylor were filled with awe and jubilation as they watched their sorority sister and fellow Historically Black College and University (HBCU) alum Kamala Harris, sworn in as Vice President of the United States.

Questioning Racially-Biased Gang Database

Activists: Residents can be entered into GangNet merely for living in neighborhoods where gang activity takes place.

With no recourse for review, a nebulous definition of gang membership led an activist, an immigration advocate, and a Virginia legislator to fight for change.

Opinion: Editorial: We Still Need Your Help

Thank you to hundreds who have supported us financially, and with warm words of encouragement

In 2009, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and after a year-long journey of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, I have been fine.

Salt Enhances Safety; Can Harm Environment

Salt season is upon us.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: The Plus of a Progressive Prosecutor

I wish to address concerns raised by a previous letter to the editor concerning inadequacies of Progressive Prosecutors due to their lack of experiencing previous decades where crime was higher.

‘We Are Devastated’ in Alexandria

Atlantis Family Restaurant closing after 38 years

Long before celebrity chefs invaded the local culinary scene, there were Bill and Jim Patrianakos, who opened an unassuming restaurant in 1983 in an effort to provide quality food at reasonable prices.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Many of Taylor Run Trees Slated for Euthanasia Are 100+ Years Old

If you use relevant soils data to calculate phosphorus savings from the City’s planned $10 million “restorations” of Taylor Run, Strawberry Run, and Lucky Run, rather than using the strange assumptions that the City does, these projects would achieve less than a fourth of the environmental benefit that the City claims.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Vote for Sarah Brady Elementary School

Why not recognize our teachers and rename the Maury Elementary School for a former Alexandria Elementary Public School teacher who gained national prominence promoting public safety for all Americans?

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Remembering T.C. Williams

In the aftermath of the controversial decision of the Alexandria School Board in late November to change the name of T.C. Williams High School, I think it is important to remember why the school was named after him.

“I Commend Them All”

Alexandria Sheriff’s Office spearheads 14th Street Bridge closing during inauguration.

Sheriff Dana Lawhorne led a contingent of local deputies from the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office in handling the traffic closures at the 14th Street Bridge in support of security efforts for the Presidential Inauguration in coordination with the Virginia Department of Transportation and Virginia State Police.

Honoring the Legacy in Alexandria

Churches distribute food for MLK Day.

U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) joined volunteers at Shiloh Baptist Church in Old Town for a free food distribution as part of the annual MLK Day of Service Jan. 18.

The Identity Project in Alexandria

Poll to Select New Names for T.C. and Maury Opens

The first poll to canvas opinion on a selection of potential new names for T.C. Williams High School and Matthew Maury Elementary School opens to the public today.

Alexandria Police Investigate Serious Motor Vehicle Crash

The Alexandria Police Department continues to investigate a serious motor vehicle crash that occurred on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021, at approximately 2:30 p.m., in a parking lot in the 200 block of S. Van Dorn Street.

Appetite: Get Ready for Alexandria Winter Restaurant Week – To Go

After last summer’s Alexandria Restaurant Week, you know the drill by now: Instead of simply offering dine-in deals, restaurants are offering up takeout or curbside options as well.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Acute Inadequacies of Stormwater System

With the acute inadequacies in the City’s stormwater system coming sharply into focus in the last two years, it has become apparent that when the City introduced the Storm Water Use Fee in 2018 it cynically and quietly moved personnel costs from the general fund to this new income stream.

Motorcyclist Killed on Beltway

At 12:51 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 8, Virginia State Police responded to a crash on the southbound side of Interstate 495 near the 54.8 mile marker.

Upcoming Actions on Enhanced Gun Safety Legislation in Virginia

Del. Patrick Hope (D-47), who chairs the House Public Safety Committee, said after gun safety bills passed subcommittee today, that on Friday the full committee will be taking up legislation to continue to prevent gun violence.

Opinion: Column: Cancer and Covid...

…don't exactly go together like milk and cookies.

Blood Donations Needed

Since 1970, blood donors have been recognized in the month of January during National Blood Donor Month.

Helping Children Navigate Anxiety

Sharing feelings, listening without judgement during current political turmoil

As communities cope with the shock of daunting images of the recent riot at the U.S. Capitol, the mental health toll on children and teens can be significant but go unnoticed, say local therapists.

Killing the Death Penalty

Lawmakers consider bill to abolish capital punishment in Virginia

Virginia has executed people longer than any other state, a tradition that stretches back into colonial days when Captain George Kendall was executed for treason. Over the years, the commonwealth has executed more than 1,300 people. Now, Virginia may be about to join 22 other states that have abolished the death penalty.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Old Enough To Know Better?

Many of these Progressive Prosecutors for Justice are younger, several swept into office over more moderate Democrats, so may not recall how crime tripled in a decade in the late 60s and 70s.

All in Vein, Shots into Alexandria Arms

Gov. Northam on hand as city enters Phase 1B of COVID-19 vaccinations

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam was on hand as vaccinations began Jan. 12 for Alexandria City Public School employees with ACPS Superintendent Gregory Hutchings among the first to receive the initial dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

Vote to Boost Alexandria Black History Museum Project

Museum’s Moss Kendrix collection one of Top 10 Endangered Artifacts

Moss Kendrix was known as the father of Black Public Relations, a prominent figure who founded the Moss H. Kendrix Organization in Washington, D.C. in 1948 to promote diversity in advertising.

Opinion: Commentary: NPV Compact: Affront To Virginians, Danger To Our Nation

Alexandria’s State Sen. Adam Ebbin and Del. Mark Levine swore to uphold the US and Virginia Constitutions.

Master Bath Gets Minor Overhaul with Major Impact

Simple changes add storage and light.

When the owners of a condominium in a high-rise building in Alexandria decided to give their master bathroom an update, they knew that the basic footprint of the space could not be altered.

The Other Alexandria: Highlighting 2020

The Other Alexandria’s column has covered many heartwarming articles during this most difficult year and the end of another decade.

Appetite: Stomping Ground Owner to Launch New Eatery with Mae’s Market and Café in Alexandria

Sometimes, the time is right even when it doesn’t seem like the time is right at all.

Alexandria Restaurant Week To-Go Adds Takeout Dinner Deal for Single Diners

60+ restaurants to participate Jan. 22 – Feb. 7, 2021

For an extended two-week period, more than 60 restaurants in Alexandria, Virginia, will offer a $49 takeout, delivery or curbside pick-up dinner for two during Alexandria Restaurant Week To-Go, Jan. 22 – Feb. 7, 2021.

Democrats Laud Bickford’s Service on Arlington Electoral Board

The Arlington County Democratic Committee on Wednesday, Jan. 6, approved a resolution commending Charlene Bickford, Chair of the Arlington County Electoral Board, who is retiring from the Board after 23 years of service with distinction.

Opinion: Column: In Effect, a Trade

Incurable but treatable non small cell lung cancer, stage IV for incurable but treatable papillary thyroid cancer stage IV.

Alexandria Sportsman’s Club to Host Nats’ Mark Scialabba

Assistant GM to preview upcoming season

Mark Scialabba, Assistant General Manager, Player Development for the Washington Nationals, will be the featured speaker during a webinar presentation for the Jan. 20 Alexandria Sportsman’s Club meeting.

Privatized Incarceration

Alexandria senator leads fight against profiting from prisoners

Housing inmates in Virginia prisons costs the state about $70 a day for each inmate. But the private sector can do it a lot cheaper, about $50 a day. Lawmakers are about to debate whether that's a savings they can afford.

Virginia House Democrats Release Agenda for Upcoming Session

The House legislative agenda will focus on three key areas for the upcoming legislative session: Protecting Families; Keeping Virginia Healthy; Rebuilding Our Economy Stronger

“Caregiving at a Glance – Tips, Hints, and Aha Moments”

The COVID-19 outbreak has forced all of us to face the possibility that caregiving and crisis can strike at any moment.

AHC Inc. of Arlington Receives Excellence in Housing Affordability Award By Urban Land Institute Washington

AHC Inc., an Arlington developer of low-income housing, was recently honored with the 2020 Excellence in Housing Affordability Award from Urban Land Institute (ULI) Washington, a district council of the national nonprofit.

Alexandria Hometown Heroes

Local residents win cars for community work

Two Alexandria women were presented with a Mazda MX-5 Miata 100th Anniversary Special Edition sportscar Dec. 15, 2020, as part of the Mazda Heroes: Honoring the Human Spirit program.

Run, Walk & Roll Challenge in Alexandria

American Legion to host virtual 24-mile challenge

With the city’s annual George Washington Birthday Parade on hold for this year, Alexandria’s American Legion Post 24 is hosting a commemorative virtual event to honor the nation’s first commander-in-chief.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Are You Concerned About Pedestrian Safety?

Alexandria Families For Safe Streets (AFSS) is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization.

Make It or Break It: What is Your New Year’s Resolution, Alexandria?

A New Year's resolution is a tradition in which a person resolves to continue good practices, change an undesired behavior, accomplish a personal goal, or otherwise improve their life at the start of the New Year.

Obituary: Ray Cobean

Longtime ODBC, ASC member dies at 90

Ray Bell Cobean, a longtime member of the Old Dominion Boat Club and the Alexandria Sportsman’s Club, died Dec. 18, 2020, at the age of 90.

Appetite: Off the Menu: Alexandria Restaurant News and Notes

Permanent restaurant closures, temporary shutdowns for renovations AND a winter showcase of local restaurants (and their takeout fare): It’s been a busy week since the new year began.

Kids and Pets: More Time for Best Friends

Families throughout the area adopted pets in record numbers during 2020 as a reaction to Covid-19 restrictions.

Opinion: Column: New Year, Old Problem: Cancer

As I sit and write here, with too much time on my hands, I can't help but consider my lot in life.

Gentle and Subtle Resolutions for 2021

Try small, simple and achievable goals

For 2021, local mental health professionals advise being gentle with yourself when creating the daily schedules and resolutions that often come with the beginning of the New Year.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Virginia Progressive Prosecutors Call for Criminal Justice Reforms

Reforms advocated for by the group include expungement of criminal records, an end to mandatory minimum sentences, an end to cash bail, abolition of the death penalty, and an end to “three strikes” felony enhancement for larceny offenses.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Heroes of Our Time

In 1940, when the British Royal Air Force (RAF) was fighting the air war in the skies over England, Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister at the time made the following statement referring to the RAF pilots:

Essential Leave

Advocates for paid sick days try to build support among Virginia Senate Democrats

Before the pandemic hit, Senate Democrats stopped a proposal requiring businesses to offer paid sick days. During the pandemic, they rejected it again during a special session. Now as lawmakers prepare for the upcoming General Assembly session, advocates are hoping they've finally got a strategy to persuade reluctant Senate Democrats to approve a new law increasing the number of workers in Virginia who have access to paid sick days.