Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ March 19-25, 2020 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

March 19, 2020Mount Vernon’s Hometown Newspaper • A Connection Newspaper

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By Holly Dougherty

Lee Mount Vernon Chamber

Executive Director

The impact of theCoronavirus on thetourism industry inNorthern Virginia

will be in the billions of dollars,”said Barry Biggar, President andCEO of Visit Fairfax speaking to theMount Vernon Lee Chamber at theMarch Business Breakfast.

Biggar joined with SupervisorDan Stork, (D-Mount Vernon), toupdate the Chamber on the resultsof a recent study of visitor desti-nations in South Fairfax Countybut began his remarks with whatwas on everyone’s mind – theCoronavirus.

Noting the travel ban from Eu-ropean countries Biggar said,“Twenty-nine percent of the Euro-pean travelers to Northern Virginiacome in the month of March. Nowthat is all gone.”

Biggar shared the economic im-pact of tourism in Fairfax Countysaying that it generates $3.472billion annually and supports33,330 jobs with a payroll of $763million.

“Fairfax County ranks first inNorthern Virginia jurisdictions fortourism income and South Countyis the ‘soul of tourism’ in the

County,” said Biggar.“The Coronavirus is having an

impact on the tourism industrysimilar to the effect of 9/11, butwe are resilient and will comeback,” Biggar said.

Supervisor Stork outlined themain purposes of his Tourism TaskForce, that has been meeting forthe past year, are to identify waysto support and leverage the tour-ism sites in South County.

“Connecting tourism sites tocommunicate and collaborate forshared success is a main objective

of the task force,” said Storck.“Along with creating positivebranding and placemaking forRichmond Highway.”

“Our goal is to increase smallbusiness revenues and Countytaxes from hospitality, tourism andrecreation,” said Storck.

The task force will work withVisit Fairfax to provide moreonline promotions for local attrac-tions and implement a dynamicbooking platform that allows col-laboration between the tourismsites and local hotels.

By Mike Salmon

The Connection

A sign on the door at Primo’sFamily Restaurant says or-der out only, similar to

most of the restaurants in theMount Vernon area, but startingthe day after St. Patrick’s Day,Primo’s started offering delivery aswell. It was new ground for thiswell-known eatery in the BelleView Shopping Center, but desper-ate times require desperate mea-sures.

They didn’t go out and hire anyextras, management just assignedto of the wait staff who had somefree time, since no one was com-ing in to dine anymore.

A few doors down at The Vir-

ginia Florist, the delivery proce-dure was a little different. Flow-ers will be left at the door to mini-mize contact, and thwart thespread of the coronavirus, andthere are three florists on duty in-stead of their usual four. “It’s beenslower but we’re still open,” saidCharlotte Simmons, who has be-come a pro at making her ownhand sanitizer too. She mixes it 91percent rubbing alcohol and nine

percent aloe vera, according to arecipe she found online. “It’s realeasy,” she said.

On a day when the FairfaxCounty Board of Supervisors votedto enact a “declaration of a localstate of emergency in response tocoronavirus (COVID-19),” life isvery different around the county.The declaration “outlines the ac-tion we take,” said Chairman Jeff

Coronavirus Impact on NorthernVirginia Tourism Industry in the Billions

“

Holly Dougherty (center) Chamber Executive Director,welcomes Supervisor Dan Stork (left) and Barry Biggar,Visit Fairfax (right) to the Chamber’s March BusinessBreakfast.

Representing the four Baywood hotel properties onRichmond Highway were (left to right) Briante White,Towneplace Suites; Estele Velasquez, Candlewood Suites;Kelsey Knutson, TownePlace Suites; Janel Ward, Candle-wood Suites.

New members welcomed at the March Business Breakfastwere (left to right) John Breheny, Laurel Hill Sports Com-plex LLC; Monica Taylor, Recovery Program Solutions ofVirginia; Marianne Marlowe, MWM Consulting Inc.; JimCarmalt; Felicia Garry, TriNet; Andrew Reed, Reed Consult-ing Services LLC. They were introduced by Mark Murray,Fort Belvoir Swim Team, Chamber President.

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Mount Vernon Restaurants are Adapting Carry out anddelivery continue.

Primo’s is still serving carryout at the counter, and juststarted delivering.

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2 v Mount Vernon Gazette v March 19-25, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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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

Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ March 19-25, 2020 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

By Mike Salmon

The Gazette

Stopping for a pedestrian or bicyclist in thecrosswalk may be Driving 101 for most driv-ers, but not all. It’s become such an issue,Del. Kay Kory (D-38) partnered with Del.

Ken Plum (D-36) to address the issue with HouseBill 1705. That bill was among seven bills passedrecently to increase the safety for pedestrians andbicyclists across the state.

Kory has been working on a crosswalk bill since2011, and finally found an opportunity to get itpassed with new Democratic majorities in office.“There were no objections,” she said.

The bill contains language that clarifies the dutiesof vehicle drivers to stop when yielding to pedestri-ans at clearly marked crosswalks, whether atmidblock or at the end of any block; any regularpedestrian crossing included in the prolongation ofthe lateral boundary lines of the adjacent sidewalkat the end of a block; or any intersection when thedriver is approaching on a highway where the maxi-mum speed limit is not more than 35 miles per hour.

“It’s a big issue,” said Shawn Newman of the FairfaxAdvocates for Better Bicycling (FABB). “We’ve had anumber of incidents,” he added, noting that cyclistsand pedestrians are “vulnerable road users.”

Plum got some safety ideas from Reston cyclistBruce Wright who discussed the unsafe situation atthe W&OD Trail and Wiehle Avenue. “Some peoplestop and some people don’t stop,” Plum said. WithHB 1705, he’s looking at the educational function togo along with enforcement. It’s not all about penal-izing. “We’re trying to educate people as well,” hesaid. Kory mentioned the possibility of signs at thecrosswalks, or looking into other methods that sig-nal drivers. In Charlottesville, she said, they use aflashing light at crosswalks. “I think it makes sense,I want to look into it,” she said,

Senator Scott Surovell sponsored another vulner-able road users bill (SB 437) that increases the pen-alty for drivers who carelessly injure or kill a vulner-able road user and also prohibits using bike lanes topass other vehicles.

Other bills included HB 874 by Del. Jeffrey M.Bourne (D-71) which prohibits any person from hold-ing a handheld personal communications devicewhile driving a motor vehicle.

SB 871, Sen. David Marsden’s bill, clarifies the ruleson e-bikes and helps ensure e-bikes have a place inthe future of Virginia’s transportation mix. Plum alsosponsored HB 886 that continues the State TrailsAdvisory Committee’s work to improve our state-wide trail network through 2027.

HB 1442, the Automated photo speed enforcementbill will give localities a new tool to help preventspeeding-related crashes in school zones and high-way work zones.

FABB calls the bills “a slew of important and bi-partisan bills that will make bicycling in Fairfax andacross the state safer and more enjoyable.” AlthoughFABB is a local group, they want to highlight bikeissues across the state. “We work very closely withother bike and pedestrian groups across the state,”Newman said.

At the county Board of Supervisors meeting, agroup of bicyclists made their presence knownwhen the bills were passed. “They were justthrilled,” said Kory.

With bicycling events gaining popularity in Fairfax County, such as the Tour De MountVernon here at the Workhouse in Lorton, lawmakers are looking for ways to increasesafety for bicyclists and pedestrians.

House Passes Bike andPedestrian Bills Aimed at SafetyNew Assemblymakeup allows formore safety legislation.

Speed Photo EnforcementComes to Virginia

HB 1442 authorizes state and local law-enforcement agen-cies to operate photo speed monitoring devices, defined in thebill, in or around school crossing zones and highway workzones for the purpose of recording images of vehicles that aretraveling at speeds of at least 10 miles per hour above theposted school crossing zone or highway work zone speed limitwithin such school crossing zone or highway work zone whensuch zone is indicated by conspicuously placed signs display-ing the maximum speed limit and that such photo speedmonitoring devices are used in the area. The bill provides thatthe operator of a vehicle shall be liable for a monetary civilpenalty, not to exceed $100, if such vehicle is found to betraveling at speeds of at least 10 miles per hour above theposted highway work zone or school crossing zone speed limitby the photo speed monitoring device.

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By Susan Laume

The Gazette

“Animal sheltersacross the re-gion are prepar-

ing to take care of pets, staffand the public during theCOVID-19 outbreak”, FairfaxCounty Animal Shelter Direc-tor, Dr Karen Diviney, told Con-nection on Monday, March 16.The Fairfax shelter has releasedits public update on servicesand programs All area sheltersare making plans and all are intouch to assure preparedness.

The public should have nofear for the wellbeing of shel-ter animals during the healthcrisis. Their care is “first andforemost”, said Diviney. “TheFairfax County Animal Shelterstaff is cross-trained in clean-ing, medicating, feeding andexercising; including the shel-ter managers.” The operationcould sustain itself even withthe up to 20 percent absencerate that could be possible incoming weeks. The shelter alsohas a robust volunteer pro-gram, with more than 300 ac-tive and dedicated volunteers.Those volunteers will continueto serve, unless they become illor are exposed to someone whois ill. Said Michael Gatsos,who’s been volunteering for ayear walking shelter dogs,“Gotta help the puppies.”

Diviney stated they wouldtake good care of animals intheir custody by keeping staffand volunteers healthy, bymeans of minimizing the num-ber of public visitors in thebuilding. For example, last Sat-urday, about 400 people visitedthe shelter on West Ox Road inFairfax. Such mass grouping inthe shelter public areas doesnot provide for the social dis-tancing recommended byhealth officials. Therefore, the

shelter will make some adjust-ments to require essential ser-vices by appointment.

Fairfax County residents,wishing to adopt, surrender,turn in a stray animal, or pickup their own strayed animal,will need to make an on-lineappointment by emailing theshelter atanimalshelter@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Will animals in need of a newhome have a longer wait foradoption without walk in visi-tors? Diviney says there areample adoption appointmentslots available, up to 90 ap-pointments per week. TheFairfax shelter normally has 45- 60 adoptions in a typicalweek. Potential adopters areencouraged to view the avail-able pets on-line through theshelter’s web page and make anappointment to see pets of in-terest. Emailing is recom-mended, although calling foran appointment is available forthose without email capabilityat 703-830-1100.

The shelter’s website alsomay provide some ideas forparents seeking to keep chil-dren occupied during theschool closure. The shelterpage, in the “volunteer, foster,donate” section lists nineprojects for kids. While theshelter is not accepting directdonations of items until at leastApril 15, projects can be under-taken now and held for laterdonation. Those looking forother ways to help the shelterwill find its Amazon wish listin the same donations sectionand can order and arrangemailing to the shelter.

Finally, Diviney points outthat this may be a very goodtime to adopt a new pet. Fami-lies are at home to help the petadjust to its new home and anew pet may provide a wel-come positive distraction.

Robert Reed enjoys the company and a walkingassist from canine friends.

Animal Shelters AdjustPrograms for COVID-19

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4 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ March 19-25, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

By Mercia Hobson

The Connection

On Tuesday, March 17, duringa special meeting of theFairfax County Board of Su-pervisors, at which a quorum

was present and voting, all ten supervisors,considered and approved a resolution of aDeclaration of Local Emergency Manage-ment effective immediately, March 17,2020, in response to the coronavirus(COVID-19).

Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay (D) openedthe emergency session. “As people can see,we are spacing, in adherence with CDC(Center for Disease Control) guidelines, andwe have limited skeleton staff here todaybecause frankly, our folks are working hardout there in the community to make sureour community remainssafe. What you will seeat the dais today, youcan see us, but also withus, of course, we have afull board here, all tenmembers, SupervisorWalkinshaw and Super-visor Alcorn, and be-cause of the spacing, aredown here in front ofus.” McKay read theresolution and made amotion to approve. ViceChairman Gross (D)took the role of Chair-man.

Before the supervisorsvoted on the resolutionand during board con-sideration of the Decla-ration of a Local State ofEmergency, County At-torney Elizabeth D.Teare said that underVirginia code, the Dec-laration of Local Emer-gency would be signed by County Execu-tive Bryan Hill as the Director of EmergencyManagement and as defined in code provi-sion. “The Board of Supervisors’ role is toconfirm the issuance of that Declaration ofEmergency and essentially approve it andconsent to it,” Teare said.

According to Gross, this was the sameprocedure used for natural disasters. What-ever the cause, the Board had to ratify whatthe County Executive does. “We (the Boardof Supervisors) don’t have individual pow-ers to create, to do that. It’s all devolvedupon the County Executive,” said Supervi-sor Gross.

Supervisor Walter L. Alcorn (D- HunterMill) asked what the Board’s role was interms of oversight. Teare said the issuanceof a Declaration of Local Emergency set an

Emergency Operations Plan in motion. Italso facilitated applications for federal andstate disaster planning efforts, among otherthings. “And really, the third bullet point thatI would add is that it serves as the founda-tional document for additional actions if any,that the Board may wish to take to addressthis emergency. It sort of sets the stage foranything you might wish to do with regardto this emergency going forward.”

ANOTHER BENEFIT or value to the dec-laration said John W. Foust (D-Dranesville)was that it sent a message to the commu-nity that this was an emergency situation.“This is all hands on deck,” Supervisor Foustsaid.

Calling the attention of new members ofthe Board, Gross said that the Board did

not have nearly as much authority “as somepeople thought” it did. She underlined theBoard’s limit. “The Mayor of the Districtof Columbia is able to do a lot of things, asthe mayor. People think we should be ableto do the same thing. And that’s not thecase. By making this declaration, theCounty Executive is the person who isempowered to make some of those deci-sions, but it shows that he has the backingof the Board.”

Gross cited as an example that the Boarddid not have the authority to close down astore. “We can’t do that,” she said. How-ever, the Board could go to the County Ex-ecutive who could make the decision, “per-haps,” she said. “We’re also at the mercy ofthe governor, who has taken a tremendouslead in Virginia, in addressing this emer-gency,” she said.

Summarizing what the Declaration of anEmergency would do, Chairman McKaysaid: “What this does is allows the CountyExecutive obviously authorizes him to acton behalf of the Board in several ways. Itdoes not allow him (County ExecutiveBryan Hill, as the Director of EmergencyManagement ) to do anything that’s incon-sistent with state law or orders that thegovernor has put out. And so I just want to

be clear, on the idea of ordering a storeclosed, that’s not something that the Countywould be doing. If the governor made thatdeclaration, obviously, that’s something weall would be adhering to. But we don’t makethat determination.”

After recognizing County staff for all theirefforts and thanking them, ChairmanMcKay said, “I don’t believe that there’s anybetter place in this country or this world tomake it through trying times than in FairfaxCounty. I think we have to reflect on thestarting point that we have here with ourresources, with our county staff, with ourengaged community, with our business com-munity with really everyone who is pitch-ing in to help... We will have battle scarswithout a doubt... And so while there’s alot of uncertainty, and we’re declaring anemergency today, there should be a lot ofsatisfaction and knowing that we are wellresourced and ready to take this on.”

GROSS called the motion. “All those in fa-vor of the motion, please say aye. ‘Aye’. Anyopposed say, nay. That motion carries.”

In his release later that evening, Chair-man McKay said, “This declaration is veryimportant for small businesses. Now that ourjurisdiction is officially under ‘emergency’status, they can apply for emergency loansfrom the Small Business Administration.”

Resolution empowersCounty Executive tomake decisions.

Supervisors Declare State of Emergency

Screenshot

Sitting six feet apart, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors considers and unanimously approves a resolutionof a Declaration of Local Emergency Management effective immediately, March 17, 2020, in response to thecoronavirus (COVID-19).

Fairfax CountyLatest UpdateMarch 17: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Daily Update,

Posted at 5:30 p.m. A summary of recent newsabout COVID-19 for March 17, 2020:

LATEST DATA❖ March 17: New Presumptive Positive Cases

Today: 2❖ Total Presumptive Positive Cases: 12❖ (Health District includes Fairfax County, City of

Fairfax, City of Falls Church and towns withinthe County)Source: Fairfax County Emergency Information

Bonnie Hobbs/The Connection

Jeff McKay

“I don’t believe thatthere’s any better placein this country or thisworld to make it throughtrying times than inFairfax County.”

—Jeffrey C. McKay, Chairman,Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ March 19-25, 2020 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Manassas/Classic Springs $649,90012835 Classic Springs Drive

Is this huge 2 level Rambler all for me? 4BRs, 3.5BAs, 2 car garage, front & side porches & covered porch in the rear. Almost 4500 SF under roof, including about 3100 finished. Main level has Brazilian hdwds plus carpeting in the BRs. 10’ ceilings w/crown molding, 6 panel doors, DBL pane windows & extra wide

hallways & doors. Stunning kitchen w/dark cherry cabinets, SS appliances & dark granite counters. The bedrooms are spacious-the master bedrm has a huge walk-in closet & a magnificent master bath. The lower level has a 4th BR & 3rd full BA, large family rm & approximately 1400 SF for storage/workshops & walks out to an incredible bkyd backing to woods. You have to see this home to believe it. It’s stunning!!!

Thinking of Buying or Selling your home in 2020!!Give Rex Reiley a call – 703-409-4784

Alex/Mt. Zephyr $489,9008541 Mt. Zephyr Dr.

Great price for this lovely two level solid all-brick home with garage on 1/3 acre in Mt. Vernon community. 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths. Renovated eat-in kitchen, spacious and open, with sliding glass doors to private backyard.

Charming front living room with ample windows, and wood burning fireplace with white, colonial style mantel. Spacious lower level has finished family room w/ 2nd fireplace and a bonus workroom. Conveniently located near Ft. Belvoir (10 mins), GW Parkway and Potomac River, Old Town Alexandria, Pentagon, and D.C

Mt. Vernon/Wessynton $764,9003102 Cunningham Drive

Gorgeous, newly renovated 4 Bedroom, 3 BA contem-porary home in sought after waterfront community of Wessynton, 1 car garage, new deck, .34 acre lot. Large, spectacular new kitchen w/all the bells & whistles. Beau-

tiful new bathrooms. Separate dining room. Living room w/fireplace. Large picture windows on back wall overlook private wooded setting. Family Room w/nice wood paneled ceiling. Wessynton amenities include tennis courts, swimming pool, walking paths, & boat ramp on Little Hunting Creek which flows to the Potomac River. Located just a half mile from Mount Vernon Estate & the GW Parkway, it is a mere 10 minutes to Ft. Belvoir, 20 mins to Old Town, & 30 mins to D.C.

Alex/Randall Estates $660,0002215 Shiver Dr.

Charming 2 level Rambler w/finished, walkout lower level, backing to a huge yard that reaches out to a rustic, lovely creek & woodland oasis. Nature is at your doorstep! Main level living w/3 bedrooms, 2 updated baths, stunning hdwd floors, 6 panel doors & custom wood blinds compliment the living & dining rooms.

An updated kitchen w/granite & SS appliances. Stand at your kitchen sink & soak in the beauty of your views of the bkyd, creek and woods. Downstairs offers a huge family rm, 3rd full bath, a den, huge storage & workshop area. Plenty of room for a 4th bedroom if needed. Minutes to Old town, Alexandria along the scenic GW Pkwy, 15 minutes south to Ft. Belvoir. You won’t find a quality home like this – It’s a bargain!

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Alex/ Woodleigh Woods $698,5003709 Maryland Street

Welcome to this stunning 4BR, 3BA, 2 car garage, contempo-rary-complete w/a gorgeous court yard out front & a large deck & hot tub which overlooks a beautifully landscaped back yard. Numerous updates to include: kitchen w/granite counters & SS appliances, recently replaced DBL pane, energy efficient

windows, freshly painted interior, & all 3 baths. The kitchen, dining & living rooms all face out back & have a wall of picture windows looking out at the deck, hot tub & fenced back yard. The lower level offers a 4th BR, 3rd full bath & family room that opens out to the court yard. As you walk thru this home you marvel at the open contemporary design that makes you feel like you are one w/your environment. Walkable ¼ mile to Mt. Vernon bike/walking trail along the Potomac. Five minutes to Ft. Belvoir (S), 15 minutes to Old Town (N), 25 minutes to National Airport (N), all along the scenic GW Pkwy, each season gives you beautiful views.

Alex/Riverside Estates $619,0003026 Battersea Lane

Riverside Estates, the Biggest Bang for your Buck!! This large Virginia model offers 5BRs, 3 updated Baths, a gor-geous upgraded kitchen w/granite counters, cherry cabinets & 12” ceramic tile flooring. Beautiful hardwood floors on the

main level plus upgraded, energy efficient DBL pane windows throughout. The electric panel had major upgrades in 2008, & the deck was rebuilt in 2016 it looks out at the beautifully landscaped back yard com-plete w/a new privacy fence & underground sprinkler system. Don’t miss the 2 car garage as well – Check out the competition, then come talk with us. We’re always ready to reach out with a helping hand.

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Alex/Riverside Estates $579,9008501 Wagon Wheel Road

Beautifully updated 4BR, 3BA Split with carport – 2500+s. ft. on a large landscaped .3 acre lot with fenced-in backyard. Freshly painted interiornew-ly refinished hardwood floors throughout the

main level. Large frmily room and wood burning FPL on lower level with a refin-ished bath, and two large utility rooms. Perfect for a workshop/storage. You can’t find a better value or neighborhood for this price! 5 mins to Ft. Belvoir, (S), and 15 mins to Old town (N) along the beautiful GW Pkwy!

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Opinion

By Kerrie Wilson

CEO Cornerstone

Like you, this past week was spent assessingrisk and evaluating business options, tryingto determine the best course of action in the

face of COVID-19 for my family, and for the peoplewe serve at Cornerstones through the many dedi-cated employees and volunteers who make our workpossible.

No doubt, you have already read posts by non-profit, philanthropic, and government agencies. Thisis going to be an unprecedented event in our nation’shistory, and every person, family, business and insti-tution is called on to consider what they can con-tribute for the greater good. We are in this together.

Here’s a start. If you were well-organized and hadthe means to stock up on cleaning supplies and handsanitizers, consider what your family needs for thenext couple of weeks and donate the rest to a safetynet organization. Cornerstones and other front-linenonprofits are open for business. We need to wipedown the doors and keyboards, disinfect the kitchen,meal service counters and dining tables, andchildren’s play space and cots.

AT CORNERSTONES, we are taking the health andsafety of our employees seriously, but our businesscompels us to look out for the “rest of them.” When-ever you hear “first responder,” remember that’s notjust our critical public safety and health officers. It’salso the social workers, teachers, health care work-ers, community organizers from nonprofit and gov-ernment agencies on the front lines in any crisis.

Many people who turn to Cornerstones have jobsthat can’t provide work at home or alternative sched-ule; they don’t receive paid leave benefits and mustgo to work or lose their job, even if they are at risk.Or maybe ignore self-care because they need a pay-check to face an urgent issue today.

Early last week, worried parents began callingCornerstones about securing a safe place for theiryoung children, or a location where school-agedyouth can access the internet, keep up with class-

room work, eat lunch, and be under the watchfuleye of a caring adult. These hardworking parentsdon’t have telecommuting options. Then began thedesperate calls from people already living on the edge- families and individuals who are behind in rent andnow facing the stress and fear of losing hours, theirjobs, and more. In that same period, I spoke with aCornerstones care manager and her client, who of-fered a rather humbling perspective on this crisis.For some in our community, this is just anothertrauma to endure – homelessness and poverty,chronic illness, racism, and lack of hope. It is goodto look through others’ eyes from time to time.

TODAY, there are 100+ homeless men, women, andchildren staying at our Embry Rucker CommunityShelter in Reston, or on a mat or cot in our winteroverflow and hypothermia programs. These individu-als don’t have the same options for self-quarantineor social distancing when one is dependent on resi-dential facilities like shelters. And Cornerstones,county social workers, and nursing staff are rightthere with them, providing daily care and support.

As a business leader, I’m trying to make sense ofthe official guidance, while balancing public healthand individual risks against the greater good of ourdaily work. It has not been easy.

I hope for now we have “gotten it right” with themany modifications Cornerstones has made to mini-mize risk while sustaining basic needs.

If you have the flexibility to work from home or inan office space that allows for social distancing, Ihope you’ll do your part to minimize additional ex-posure to yourself and those around you. And as youconsider the greater good, please do what you canto check on elderly or school-aged neighbors whomay need a watchful eye, a meal, or other support.Be prepared to pitch-in with financial support tononprofits that have to stretch tight budgets and staffresources to keep serving our community.

And most importantly, please take care of you andyour loved ones and remember those who need ourhelp, are ill and will be diagnosed, and those whotake on additional risk during this time.

A Time to Look Through Others’ Eyes

Mount Vernon Restaurants are AdaptingFrom Page 1

McKay (D) during the special session the morningof March 17. “This sets an emergency operation planin motion,” added Elizabeth Teare, county attorney.

One item the Board of Supervisors pointed out thatwas available to everyone was the Community Emer-gency Response Guide that is full of all kinds of pre-

cautions. In the guide, there is a section on “shelter-ing in place.” Reason number three for sheltering inplace is for “chemical, biological, or radiological con-taminants released accidentally or intentionally intothe environment,” and it says to “follow your emer-gency plan,” but does not mention getting food.

See Mount Vernon, Page 14

6 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ March 19-25, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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Opinion

By Del. Paul Krizek

Together, as a community, a Com-monwealth, and a nation, we areall facing a truly unprecedentedsituation. The global coronavirus

pandemic is affecting all of our families, ourhouses of worship, charities and businesses,our communities — our very way of life. Dur-ing this time, I want to let you know that yourelected leaders are working tirelessly togetherto keep open the channels of communication,mostly via social media (Facebook, Twitter andemail) and newspapers like this. We are com-mitted to updating you on what’s happeningand what you should and can do. As theCoronavirus (COVID-19) situation continuesto evolve, we are in communication with theGovernor’s office and state health officials tomonitor and disseminate developments of theoutbreak.

First and foremost, my heart goes out to any-one who’s been impacted by the virus, bothdirectly and indirectly. My thoughts are espe-cially with those who are sick, to whom I ex-tend my heartfelt wishes for a full recovery.

Like many of you, I am especially concernedfor our elderly, like my parents who live withme. And, I am truly inspired by the selflesshealthcare workers, emergency responders,and government and charity workers who areon the front lines working tirelessly to care forpeople in need and keep us as safe as possible.

I also want to alert you to the many scamscirculating out there. As the coronavirus pub-lic health emergency continues, scam artistsare taking advantage of the situation. This in-cludes everything from selling products thatsupposedly will prevent, treat or cure the vi-rus, to asking for donations to aid people whoare sick. These are some tips and ways to pro-tect yourself from coronavirus scams:

❖Ignore any offers, online or otherwise, forcoronavirus vaccines, prevention, treatment orcure.

❖Be wary of an email that claims to be fromthe U.S. Center of Disease Control or the WorldHealth Organization. Visit these twoorganization’s websites directly to get the lat-est information.

❖Do not click on any links from unknownsources. This could lead to downloading a vi-

rus on your computer or phone.❖Thoroughly research any organizations or

charities purporting to be raising funds for vic-tims of the coronavirus.

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

Read more about price gouging, how to stayaware and how to report scams on the FairfaxCounty Emergency Information site at https://fairfaxcountyemergency.wpcomstaging.com/.

In these turbulent days ahead, I encourageyou to stay calm and careful, curtail your in-teractions with others, and practice excellentpersonal hygiene behavior. As the Governorsaid on Tuesday, “I am asking Virginians to bea part of the solution.” It is imperative that weslow the spread of the virus so as not to over-whelm our healthcare system and provide thetime necessary to better combat it and treatthe illness. Virginians are resilient, adaptable,and have the expertise to overcome this crisis.I am confident that we will get through thistogether.

You can follow me on Facebook and Twitter,along with my colleagues, for the latest stateand local news.

We Are Here For YouPandemic is affecting our families, our houses of worship, charitiesand businesses, our communities — our very way of life.

See Surovell, Page 7

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 as

required by our constitution, andwe are prepared for a recession.

Virginia has its largest cash re-serves in the history of the Com-monwealth – over $2 billion. Wehave been building this reserveboth because of constitutionallyrequired deposits to our RevenueReserve or “Rainy Day” Fund, butalso because analysts have beenwarning us about a likely recessionfor years even though until lastweek, we were in the longest eco-nomic expansion in American his-tory.

Our outside bond rating agen-cies have been warning us thatmuch of American economic

growth has been generated by gov-ernment stimulus versus underly-ing solid economic fundamentals.For example, the Trump tax cutsfrom 2017 and additional federalgovernment spending accountedfor about 1.1% of the country’sGross Domestic Product over thelast three years. Some of Virginia’sproductivity was generated by the$1 billion annually investedthrough Medicaid Expansion.

There have been warning signspresent 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 bud-geted and planned for a recessionwith significant reserves.

While legislators are beginningto talk among ourselves and withthe Governor’s Office about nextsteps, the Governor has significantauthority to make budgetary de-cisions without legislative ap-proval if revenues do not meetforecasts. There some actions thatcould require a special sessionsuch as unemployment benefit

Unprecedented Virus CrisisCash reserveswill help bufferthe comingrecession.

Conflict ofInterest

Dear Editor:Last Saturday, State Senators

Scott Surovell and Adam Ebbinand Delegate Paul Krizek con-ducted a town meeting onFACEBOOK in which they receivedsubmitted questions and answeredsome of them. The meeting wasdifficult to follow on line becausethe signal often stopped and wasdifficult to find to resume watch-ing.

I asked the question below di-rected to Senator Surovell but

can’t say for sure whether he re-plied to it given the transmissiondifficulties. ...

This week, Senator Surovell an-nounced on his Facebook page thatthe General Assembly just ap-pointed a new judge in Prince Wil-liam County. This announcementeducated his constituents to thefact that State Court Judges in Vir-ginia are appointed by membersof the General Assembly. What hisconstituents are unlikely to knowis that Senator Surovell activelysolicits clients on his law practicewebsite by identifying himself asa State Senator and stating that hislaw practice focuses on “DWI/traf-

fic defense, consumer law, per-sonal injury, family law, and ap-peals.” See link at end. Each ofthese categories is typically adju-dicated before the very State Courtjudges Senator Surovell plays arole in appointing and reappoint-ing. It should not be necessary toenact legislation to curtail what isso obviously a conflict of interest..... I daresay no constituent wouldwant to enter a Virginia courtroomwith their lawyer only to discoverthat the opposing counsel is amember of the General Assemblywho played a role in appointingthe very judge who will decidetheir case.

My question for SenatorSurovell is: Will you pledge todayto your constituents that you willno longer represent clients beforeState Court Judges you play a rolein appointing and reappointing?And, so long as you are affiliatedwith your law firm, will you seeto it that no other attorney in yourlaw firm engages in the same prac-tice? https://surovellfirm.com/at-torney/scott-a-surovell/

I look forward to reading Sena-tor Surovell’s response in a futureGazette edition, hopefully in thenear future.

H. Jay SpiegelMount Vernon

Letter to the Editor

Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ March 19-25, 2020 ❖ 7www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Opinion

From Page 6

Surovellextensions, temporary Medicaidexpansions, limitations on liabil-ity, minimum income payments orsick leave expansions. We will seewhere things go.

Unfortunately, the final budgethas some important policychanges in it which are now likelyin jeopardy. It assumed three-per-cent revenue growth which al-lowed for a two percent pay in-crease for teachers in the first yearand a two percent increase in thesecond year, plus a two percentbonus for state employees this yearand a two percent raise next yearalong with increased State Troopercompensation. It also contained anhistoric $84 million investment inearly childhood education, $46million for new school counselors,and $180 million in school con-struction, plus $80 million in freecommunity college tuition for theGovernor’s “G3” program for lowincome students studying certainfields.

Overall, Fairfax County waspoised to receive an additional$185 million for K-12 over the nexttwo years, Prince William is bud-geted for $122 million andStafford $56 million. This could be

in jeopardy if revenues fail. Wealso budgeted major investmentsin higher education, increases inMedicaid reimbursements andwater quality funding.

The budget also contained sev-eral of my requests for the 36thDistrict prerogatives. First, it re-quires the Commonwealth to col-laborate with Fairfax and PrinceWilliam Counties to study the ex-tension of the Blue Line from theFranconia-Springfield Station toLorton, Woodbridge, PotomacMills and potentially Quantico.Second, the budget funds the cre-ation of the Prince William CountyPublic Defender’s Office creatingtwenty-five new attorney positionsalong with ten support staff. Third,there is a $3 million grant for theU.S. Army Museum which wassaved largely due to the efforts ofDel. Mark Sickles.

The budget also funds my re-quest to remove a barge fromBelmont Bay which is a navigationhazard. It also included my requestto restore two staffing positions atMason Neck State Park and to re-quire the Virginia State Parks tocollaborate with Stafford CountyPublic Schools on a new environ-

See Surovell, Page 14

8 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ March 19-25, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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

703-765-4110hhvs@vacoxmail.com

See Fairfax County, Page 9

News

COVID-19 continues to bea fast-moving event. Thisweekend, we have been

continuing to evaluate our optionsgoing forward with the health andwell-being of our students, em-ployees, and community remain-ing the top priority. In consider-ation of these developments, FCPSis announcing the following ac-tions:

❖All FCPS school buildings areclosed until further notice. Fooddistribution at FCPS sites will con-tinue as scheduled. More detailsabout the food program are below.

❖With the school buildingsclosed, the laptop distributionscheduled for Monday, March 16,is postponed.

❖All FCPS administrative officesare closed until further notice.

❖Only essential personnel asdefined by FCPS program manag-ers and supervisors will be askedto report to work until further no-tice. All other employees will workremotely. It is expected that all

FCPS personnel reporting to workwill practice social distancing tothe greatest extent possible.

Grab-and-Go Breakfast andLunch; New Locations Added

Beginning, March 16, FCPS isexpanding the grab-and-go fooddistribution sites to a total of 18locations. The food distribution isset up outside the schools. Break-fast will be served from 8-10:30a.m. and lunch from 10:30 a.m. –2 p.m.

FCPS is providing grab and gomeals at no cost for students at 18sites. We are coordinating withcommunity partners to ensure thelocations and timing of food cen-ters and pantries are being com-municated with FCPS families.

All FCPS students (regardless ofage) are eligible for free grab andgo breakfast and lunch. The foodmust be received directly by a stu-dent or paying adult. Adults maypay $2 for their meals.

All eighteen sites are availableto pick up breakfast or lunch.Thefood distribution is set up outsidethe schools. Breakfast will beserved from 8 a.m. – 10:30a.m. and lunch from 10:30 a.m. –2 p.m. at the locations listed be-low:

New sites serving food begin-ning tomorrow, March 17:

Bren Mar Park ES, 6344 BerylRd, Alexandria

Cameron ES, 3434 CampbellDr., Alexandria

Forest Edge ES, 1501 BecontreeLn., Reston

Glen Forest ES, 5829 Glen For-est Dr., Falls Church

Herndon ES, 630 DranesvilleRd., Herndon

Hollin Meadows ES, 2310Nordok Pl., Alexandria

Irving MS, 8100 Old Keene MillRd., Springfield

Coates ES, 2480 River Birch Rd.,Herndon

Parklawn ES, 4116 BraddockRd., Alexandria

Pine Spring ES, 7607 WillowLn., Falls Church

South County HS, 8700 LaurelCrest Drive, Lorton

Original Sites Will Continue:Annandale Terrace ES, 7604

Herald St.,Bailey’s Primary ES, 6111

Knollwood Dr., Falls ChurchBraddock ES, 7825 Heritage

Dr.,AnnandaleBrookfield ES, 4200 Lees Corner

Fairfax County Public SchoolBuildings Closed Until Further Notice

At Crestwood Elementary School in Springfield, Wednes-day, March 18: Ginger Swiger handing out breakfast toKevin and Bridny Serrano.

Pho

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At Crestwood Elementary School in Springfield, Wednes-day, March 18: Ketsana Phonemany, Ginger Swiger andJuz Kaur handed out free breakfast to area students.

Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ March 19-25, 2020 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Fairfax County Public SchoolBuildings Closed Until Further Notice

News

From Page 8

Rd, ChantillyBurke School, 9645 Burke Lake

Rd., BurkeCentre Ridge ES, 14400 New

Braddock Rd., CentrevilleCrestwood ES, 6010 Hanover

Ave., SpringfieldCunningham Park ES, 1001 Park

St., ViennaDogwood ES, 12300 Glade Dr.,

RestonGarfield ES, 7101 Old Keene

Mill Rd., SpringfieldGraham Road Community Cen-

ter, 3036 Graham Rd., Falls ChurchFort Belvoir Upper ES, 5980

Meeres Rd., Fort BelvoirHutchison ES, 13209 Parcher

Ave., HerndonHybla Valley ES, 3415 Lockheed

Blvd., AlexandriaLondon Towne ES, 6100 Stone

Rd., CentrevilleMount Vernon Woods ES, 4015

Fielding St., AlexandriaProvidence ES, 3616

Jermantown Rd., FairfaxWeyanoke ES, 6520 Braddock

Rd., Alexandria

Fairfax County Public Schools isexpanding the number of grab andgo meal sites beginning Wednes-day, March 18. A total of 38 siteswill serve food to FCPS students.

In addition to the sites currentlyproviding grab and go meals, theseschool locations will also be serv-ing food. Breakfast will be servedfrom 8 to 10:30 a.m. and lunchwill be served from 10:30 a.m. to2 p.m. at the following locations:

Bucknell Elementary School,6925 University Dr., Alexandria

FCPS Energy Zone Office, 6840

Industrial Dr., SpringfieldFalls Church High School, 7521

Jaguar Trail, Falls ChurchLorton Station Elementary

School, 9298 Lewis Chapel Road,Lorton

(Twain MS will not be a graband go site on March 18)

In addition to school sites, fiveadditional sites located in the com-munity will serve as pop-up loca-tions. The sites will serve bothbreakfast and lunch during thedesignated times beginningWednesday, March 18:

Audubon Park, 7955 AudubonAve., Alexandria, from 10 a.m. to10:30 a.m.

Bailey’s Community Center,5920 Summers Lane, Falls Church,from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Gum Springs Community Cen-ter, 8100 Fordson Road, Alexandria,from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

James Lee Community Center,2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church,from 12 noon to 12:30 p.m.

Willston Multicultural Center,6131 Willston Dr, Falls Church,from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

See Bulletin, Page 12

Submit civic/community announce-ments at ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos and artwork welcome.Deadline is Thursday at noon, at leasttwo weeks before event.

CORONAVIRUS INFO CENTERFairfax County activated a Joint

Information Center in response to theNovel Coronavirus (COVID-19) onMarch 13.

❖Fairfax County HealthDepartment COVID-19 webpage– www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/novel-coronavirus

❖Emergency Information Blog (youcan subscribe by email or follow byRSS) – www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergency/blog

❖Coronavirus (COVID-19) CallCenter – The community may call703-267-3511 with questions. Thecall center is open from 9 a.m. until 9p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.weekends.

❖Residents may also text FFXCOVID to888777 to receive updates fromFairfax County about COVID-19.

❖Twitter – @fairfaxcounty and@fairfaxhealth

❖Facebook – www.facebook.com/fairfaxcounty andwww.facebook.com/fairfaxcountyhealth

CLOSURES DUE TO COVID-19Effective Monday, March 16, Fairfax

County park (indoor), library andother community facilities will beclosed for two weeks. The impactedfacilities include recreation(RECenters), nature, community,resource and teen centers, as well asgolf courses, historic sites and(permitted use of) athletic fields andpicnic shelters. The county has alsoclosed all senior center and adult dayhealth care facilities. Some of thesefacilities will be used as mealdistribution centers to serve thecommunity as needed. As thecoronavirus situation continues tounfold the status of these facilitieswill be continuously re-evaluated.

❖Learn more about COVID-19 on theHealth Department Coronavirus(COVID-19) Webpage: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/novel-coronavirus

❖Call 703-267-3511 with questions. Thecall center is open from 9:30 a.m.until 9 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m.to 5 p.m. on weekends

❖Residents may also text FFXCOVID to888777 to receive updates fromFairfax County about COVID-19

Bulletin Board

❖Follow the Fairfax County GovernmentFacebook Page and HealthDepartment Facebook Page

❖Follow @fairfaxcounty and@fairfaxhealth on Twitter

SATURDAY/APRIL 4CASA Info Session. 11 a.m. to 12

p.m. At Fairfax CASA Office, 4103Chain Bridge Road, Suite 200,Fairfax. Fairfax Court AppointedSpecial Advocates (CASA) providesvolunteer advocates to abused andneglected children referred by the

Fairfax County Juvenile andDomestic Relations Court. The firststep to becoming a CASA volunteer isto attend an information session.RSVP to sgoldberg@casafairfax.orgas space is limited. Ed. Note: couldbe cancelled.

SUNDAY/MAY 17Psychic Fair. 9-5 p.m. At Arlington-

Fairfax Elks Lodge, 8421 ArlingtonBoulevard, Fairfax. Psychic Fair forboth those who are serious and forthose who are just curious. Event canbe a life-changing experience or just

a fun time Many of the best psychics,mediums, healers, and readers of alltypes, along with related arts andcrafts vendors from Virginia and thesurrounding areas. Note: 75% oftables offer some type of readings,25% of tables offer related arts,crafts, books, oils, crystals, sage,herbs. information, jewelry, etc.There will be 44 vendors, All underone roof, all in one room, indoorevent, free parking. Cost: $5 inadvance $10 at the door. Visit thewebsite: https://va-psychic-fair-2020.eventbrite.com

SUPPORT GROUPSParent Support Partners, a service

of the Healthy Minds Fairfaxinitiative, are all parents who havereceived training and are qualitied tooffer education, support andassistance at no cost to families orcaregivers. They provide reliableinformation that families can use indecision-making and are familiarwith services and resources that canhelp families in distress. Visit

10 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ March 19-25, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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 athope@kitchenrecessionista.com.

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. Contactboxoffice@bravespiritstheatre.com 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.

Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ March 19-25, 2020 ❖ 11www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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”is a celebration of love set to themusic of the Go-Go’s. Based on SirPhilip Sidney’s Arcadia, the royalfamily risks losing their “beat” andmust journey to discover the key totheir realm’s survival. Like in mostmusicals, it may have been in themthe whole time. With hits like, “WeGot The Beat,” “Mad About You,”“Vacation,” and “Our Lips areSealed,” you’ll be dancing along inyour seat. Tickets $30/$40. Fortickets, 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.March Flora/Fauna features artworkfrom members that explores plantand animal life, and the delicatebalance of the natural world. Theyare thrilled to be partnering with TheEnchanted Florist, who will be creatingfloral arrangements 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’s

annual exhibition and art sale,March150, returns to Target Galleryfor the 10th year. Proceeds benefitfuture 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 FactoryArt Center, 105 N. Union St.,Alexandria. The Art League’sacclaimed local sommelier curates anartistic wine-tasting experienceinspired by the art in The Art League’sgallery. Enjoy the party and discountson wine and artwork that night.Admission: $45. Call 703-683-2323 orvisit 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 production

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

is specifically designed for babies andyoung toddlers.www.artsonthehorizon.org/by-the-seashore-2020 or call 571-549-1270.

MARCH 20 TO APRIL 12Cherry Blossom Rides with

Pedego Electric Bikes. Departs10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. At PedegoAlexandria, 210 North Lee St.,Alexandria. Pedego Electric Bikes willoffer two to three-hour guided toursfrom Old Town to the cherryblossoms, including riding throughEast Potomac Park. Pedego bikesoffer an up-close-and-personal viewof the blossoms, without the exertionof regular bikes or the stress of trafficand parking. Helmets and bike locksare included. Credit card and ID arerequired for rentals. Arrive 30minutes prior to the departure time.Contact Pedego Alexandria to reservea private group tour. Admission: $69per bike ($10 for passenger riders).Call 571-312-5168 or visit thewebsite: pedegoalexandria.com

BEGINNING MARCH 21Cruise to the Cherry Blossoms.

Saturdays and Sundays, departing at11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m.,2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and5:30 p.m. Departs from theAlexandria Marina, 1 Cameron St.,Alexandria. Admission: starting at$18 one-way; $32 round-trip foradults. Traverse the Potomac Riverfrom Old Town Alexandria and cruisepast the cherry blossoms inWashington, D.C. on the WashingtonMonuments Cruise from PotomacRiverboat Company by Hornblower.View and listen to the history of theiconic monuments, memorials andbridges as the D.C. region awakens to

spring. See beautiful cherry blossomtrees as you glide past Hains Pointand head onward to Georgetown.Call 888-809-7109 or visit thewebsite: potomacriverboatco.com

SATURDAY/MARCH 21Scholarship Jazz Brunch. 11 a.m. to

2 p.m. At The Carlyle Club, 2050Ballenger Ave., Alexandria.Sponsored by NOVA Section, NCNW,National Council of Negro Women,Inc. Tickets: $60.00. Visitwww.novancnw.org or contactSharon Goode at 703-399-1112.

Women’s History Bike Ride. 1 to3:30 p.m. At Market Square, 301 KingStreet, Alexandria. Celebrate Women’sHistory Month by riding to sitesassociated with women’s suffrage andAlexandrian women who served ingovernment. This family-friendly rideis organized by Alexandria’s Bicycleand Pedestrian Advisory Committee,Alexandria Celebrates Women and theAlexandria Spokeswomen. Costumesfrom 1920 are encouraged as aredecorations in the colors of thewomen’s suffrage movement: purple,gold and white. Details andregistration at bit.ly/ALXwomenshistory. Admission: Free

Country-Western Dance. 6-9:30 p.m.At Lincolnia Senior Center, 4710North Chambliss Street, Alexandria.The Northern Virginia Country-Western Dance Association will holda benefit dance. There will be apotluck dinner (please bring a dish toshare) and no lessons. A DJ providesmusic. Couples and singles of all ageswelcome. Admission $20 per person.No free passes. Net proceeds from thedance go to our annual benefit.Smoke-free, alcohol-free. BYOrefreshments. Fundraiser raffles. Formore details see www.nvcwda.org .

12 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ March 19-25, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

By Jeanne Theismann

The Gazette

The Alexandria City Councilscheduled an emergency meet-ing March 18 to considerCOVID-19 status, response and

recovery initiatives following a news con-ference by Virginia Governor RalphNortham declaring a public health emer-gency across the Commonwealth.

In his March 17 order, Northam an-nounced that restaurants, fitness centersand theaters are prohibited from operatingwith more than 10 customers present. Vio-lation of the order is a criminal offense al-though businesses may continue to providecarry-out and delivery options.

“This is unchartered territory,” said“Mango” Mike Anderson, partner in theHomeGrown Restaurant Group that oper-ates six restaurants in Alexandria. “We’retrying to figure out how to survive, but alot of places are not going to make it.

As of Monday, Anderson indefinitelyclosed his newest restaurant, Whiskey &Oyster, in the Carlyle District, and is cut-ting staff at other restaurants.

“With the exception of Whiskey & Oys-ter, all of our other places are geared to-wards delivery,” said Anderson, whose res-taurants include Pork Barrel BBQ, Holy Cow,the Sushi Bar, Sweet Fire Donna’s and Te-quila & Taco. “We have set up safe, non-contact pick-up tents so customers can pickup food from their car. There has been arun on grocery stores so we want to fill anyneed that is there yet do everything we canto keep our staff and customers safe.”

As of March 18, 77 individuals have testedpositive for the virus across the state, withfive of those located in Alexandria. The Al-exandria Health Department joinedNortham in urging residents to comply withnew federal guidelines not to gather ingroups of more than 10 and for people olderthan 65 to self-quarantine.

Residents are advised to check with re-tailers and grocery stores for any amendedhours of operation and to practice social dis-tancing. In grocery stores, use non-cashforms of payment whenever possible andwash all fruits, vegetables and other ex-posed foods with dish soap and water priorto consumption. Wash or sanitize handsimmediately after handling cash or paymentdevices.

“Our business has been down about 35percent,” said Alexandria Cupcake ownerAdnan Hamidi. “But it’s too hard to gaugethe long-term fallout since the city has beenabsolutely dead. We are still open and of-fering curbside pick up and waving deliv-ery fees with a minimum purchase of $25.”

On Wednesday, Amazon announced adonation of $1 million to kick-start collabo-rative emergency COVID-19 response fundsto benefit the four largest local communityfoundations across the Greater Washington

region who are working to support vulner-able populations disproportionately im-pacted amid the coronavirus outbreak, in-cluding ACT for Alexandria.

ACT for Alexandria, Arlington Commu-nity Foundation, Community Foundation forNorthern Virginia and the Greater Washing-ton Community Foundation will each usethese funds for grants to nonprofits address-ing food insecurity, shelter and providingemergency financial assistance. In the nearterm, ACT will prioritize efforts that focuson the needs of children and youth, low-wage workers, seniors and immigrants.

Dominion Energy Charitable Foundationis committing $1 million to aid COVID-19relief efforts both for national organizations,such as the American Red Cross, as well asaddress local needs.

Dominion has suspended all service dis-connections for nonpayment. Residentialcustomers previously disconnected due tonon-payment may contact the company forassistance reconnecting service.

Small business owners like Anderson areworking to find a balance between payingsalaries and operating costs while keepingstaff and customers safe.

“We’re trying to figure out the financesthat will allow us to keep the doors openand survive until the end,” Anderson said.“It won’t be pretty but we’re hanging inthere and just trying to figure out how tomake it to the other end.”

As Alexandrians are staying at home andpracticing social distancing, Visit Alexandrialaunched a new web hub called ALX atHome, which connects residents and nearby

visitors with Alexandria restaurants, shopsand attractions.

The website offers curbside beer-to-go to FaceTime shopping, and nu-merous ways to support the independentbusinesses.

ALX at Home features:Restaurant offerings, such as Chop

Shop Taco’s Home Meal deal that includesdinner for 4-5 people, zero-contact paymentand pickup, a $25 gift card and two rolls oftoilet paper, and Bastille’s special menu forcurbside take out with select wine bottlesalso available for $25.

Retail offerings, including ARWorkshop’s DIY kits to go and Old TownBooks’ Writer’s Retreat care packages, vir-tual author workshops and more.

Attraction offerings such as virtualtours and a “Ride it Out” bike rental pro-

gram from Unlimited Biking.Cocktail Corner for Happy Hour at

home with instructional videos from TheHour boutique.

Puppy Love, bringing a daily dose ofcuteness from Alexandria’s four-leggedfriends.

To learn more visit ALXAtHome.com.Del Ray Business Association is also high-

lighting connections between small businessand customers during the crisis.

“Any time a restaurant or a small busi-ness closes, so many customers come for-ward to say how much they wish they couldhave helped,” said Del Ray Business Asso-ciation President Sue Kovalsky. “These areunprecedented times, and our businessowners are leading the way in respondingto this rapidly changing situation, alwaysprioritizing the health and safety of theircustomers. We need to rally around our lo-cal businesses so they stay in business.”

See www.visitdelray.com for ideas andoffers.

For more information about the COVID-19 coronavirus, visit alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus.

‘Unchartered Territory’Local businesses struggle amid COVID-19 pandemic. Food for Alexandria

Students and FamiliesAlexandria Public Schools is continuing to

provide food at no cost for any child and anyfamily who needs it during the school closures.There are two ways to access food while schoolsare closed.

Individual Meals to Go: Any child - whether ornot they are eligible for Free or Reduced PriceMeals - can pick up a meal to go in a bag. Stopby the Chinquapin Drive side of T.C. WilliamsHigh School (door 14) between 8 a.m. and 1p.m. to pick up a meal-to-go (8 a.m. - 10 a.m. forbreakfast and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m for lunch). Youdo not need to fill out any forms to pick up ameal-to-go.

Family Meal Packs: You can order a familymeal pack online and pick it up at the drivethrough pick-up point outside ChinquapinRecreation Center (Chinquapin Drive side of T.C.Williams High School, door 14) between 8 a.m.and 1 p.m the following day. If transportation isan issue, please remember to check the box torequest free meal delivery. Fill out the form torequest a family meal pack.www.acps.k12.va.us/emergency-mealform

Food Resources in the City of Alexandria: Forfood pantry locations and schedules in Alexan-dria, visit www.hungerfreealexandria.comor call*703-662-1067.

News

Photo contributed

Several restaurants are offering curbside ordering and pick up, includ-ing Sweet Fire Donna’s In the Carlyle District.

Bulletin Board

From Page 9

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/healthymindsfairfaxor www.nami-northernvirginia.org/parent-peer-support.html.

Shepherd’s Center of Fairfax-Burkesponsors a monthly meeting on the 2ndTuesday of each month, noon-1:30 p.m., forcaregivers to learn and to share with othersexperiencing similar challenges. Beforeattending, contact the facilitator, EileenThompson at 703-451-8626 oreileen.thompson1@gmail.com.

Haven of Northern Virginia providessupport, compassion, information andresources to the bereaved and seriously ill.To become a Haven volunteer, please call703-941-7000 to request an orientation.

Volunteers must complete a 30-hour trainingand commit to one year of service answeringHaven phones (2.5 hours weekly). Nexttraining is scheduled for fall 2017.

ONGOINGSTEM Professionals Needed. Volunteers are

needed to assist K-12 STEM teachers innorthern Virginia as part of the AmericanAssociation for the Advancement of Science’sSTEM Volunteer Program,stemvolunteers.org, during the 2019-20school year, beginning in September. Pleasecontact Don Rea at 571-551-2488 ordonaldrea@aol.com.

Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ March 19-25, 2020 ❖ 13www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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

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14 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ March 19-25, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

From Page 7

Surovellmental education program at Widewater

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 atscott@scottsurovell.org.

Mount VernonRestaurants areAdaptingFrom Page 5

Ordering Out Is InJennifer Perine is a resident of Belle

View that is a fan of take out foods,so the fact that all the restaurantsaround her changed their policies wasnot a big deal for her. The apartmentcomplex she lives in did post recom-mendations for the residents. “I go outmuch less,” she said.

Down the street from Belle View atRiver Bend Bistro, they’ve changedtheir operations too. It’s take-out only,and if a customer needs the foodbrought out to the car, they’ll do thattoo. “We’ll pop out to the parking lotif they need it,” said bartender ChrisShelton.

Gov. Ralph Northam (D-Va.) de-clared a state of emergency for thecommonwealth a few days earlier, butfell short of closing restaurants. Therestaurant owners in Mount Vernonare keeping an eye on the announce-ments that come out periodically.

“Governor Northam is also urginglocalities and nonprofits to limit largepublic events, effective immediately.Localities should make these decisionsin coordination with their local healthdepartments and the Virginia Depart-ment of Health,” the declarationstated.

On March 17, Northam tweaked hisinitial plan with rulings to restrictpublic gatherings to 10 people orfewer, including at restaurants, pro-tecting high-risk Virginians, increasedsupport for affected employers andemployees, closing DMV offices, de-laying court rulings on evictions andsuspending utility service disconnec-tions for 60 days.

As far as the food service industry,Northam also encouraged restaurantsto continue carryout and takeawayoptions only, his document stated.

News

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

Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ March 19-25, 2020 ❖ 15www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

ALEXANDRIA TOYOTA

WELCOME TO ALEXANDRIA TOYOTA’SPERSONALIZED CAR CARE EXPERIENCE

FOR YOUR TOYOTA

16 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ March 19-25, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com