22 minute read
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
EVENT KEY
Arts
Food & Dining
Family-Friendly
Historic/Educational
Live Music
Nightlife
Pet-Friendly
Recreation & Outdoor
Shopping
Theater
Workshop
Cameron Run Ice & Lights, Nov. 20 – Jan 9 | PHOTO COURTESY OF NOVA PARKS
FALL 2020 Calendar of Events
November
Art on the Avenue Ongoing
The 25th Annual Art on the Avenue festival has moved to a virtual format for 2020. The event launched on Oct. 3 and will be running through the holiday season. The event will feature more than 150 artists, virtual experiences and a wide range of opportunities to support local artists and connect as a creative community while social distancing.
artontheavenue.org
Christmas at Gaylord National Ongoing
In past years, we’ve seen amazing things at the Gaylord National, from acres of decorations to holiday activities. While things might be tweaked this year for physical distancing, we’re sure it will be amazing. Visit the event website to stay updated on the program lineup for this year’s Christmas on the Potomac.
The Gaylord National, 201 Waterfront St., National Harbor, christmasatgaylordnational.marriott.com
Election Day Nov. 3 | 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.
General election for U.S. president and vice president, U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. To find your polling station and the most up to date information visit alexandriava.gov/ Elections if you live in the City of Alexandria or fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/ if you live in Fairfax County. Look up the location of your polling place at elections.virginia.gov/registration.
Due to ongoing concerns about the spread of COVID-19, some of the events listed here may move online, be postponed or be canceled. Keep an eye on alexandrialivingmagazine.com for an updated events calendar or check in with event organizers before heading out this fall!
Belle of Amherst Nov. 6 – 22
A one-woman show by William Luce, that explores the life of Emily Dickinson, one of America’s most enigmatic, eccentric and beloved poets. Drawing largely from Emily’s poetry and letters, this play places us inside the mind of a true American nonconformist. Only 45 people will be able to attend each performance and CDC guidelines will be followed. All performances are free.
The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St., thelittletheatre.com
NOV
8
Yoga & Mimosas Nov. 7, Dec. 5 | 9 a.m.
Join the Carlyle Vitality Initiative for a series of instructor-led yoga classes. Free mimosas will be provided by Trademark Drink & Eat and a brunch menu will be available after class. The cost is $5 per person, per class and attendees must bring their own yoga mat, water and follow COVID-19 guidelines. Space is limited so RSVP at cvievents@outlook.com. Attendees are encouraged to drink responsibly.
Trademark Drink & Eat, 2080 Jamieson Ave., alexandriava.gov/carlyle
The Parkway Classic Nov. 7 | 5k Nov. 8 | 10 miler
This year the Pacer’s Running PNC Parkway Classic is allowing runners to participate from their own neighborhoods. In addition, they are working on options for a safe way for runners to participate in the more traditional race.
Visit the race website for the most up to date information on the event and how to participate.
Virtual Paint Class with Kellie Sansone
Nov. 8 | 7 p.m.
Join Alexandria Living Magazine and local watercolor artist Kellie Sansone for a virtual painting class, where participants will paint an Alexandria-themed scene. A portion of proceeds will benefit Volunteer Alexandria, a local organization that matches volunteers of all ages with opportunities here in Alexandria. The cost of your ticket includes supplies in addition to the class.
Tickets are available through madeinalx.com
Under the Same Roof: Enslaved and Free Servants at the Lee-Fendall House Nov. 7 | 2 p.m.
Explore the Lee-Fendall House through the stories of the enslaved and free African Americans who lived and worked in the home as domestic servants, both before and after the Civil War. This tour presents a fuller story of the many people who shaped this house over the course of its history. Tickets are $10, members of Lee-Fendall House are admitted free. Space is limited so advance tickets are recommended.
Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, 614 Oronoco St., leefendallhouse.org
American Horticultural Society (AHS) Virtual Garden Party Nov. 8 | 4 p.m.
The American Horticultural Society (AHS) will transform its annual fall fundraising gala into a live virtual “garden party”
JANET CATERSON PRICE
Celebrating 25 years of service in the residential real estate industry, each year ranking among the top Northern Virginia Realtors.
NVAR Lifetime Top Producer Alexandria Real Estate Specialist 703.622.5984 | janetpricehomes.com | janet@janetpricehomes.com
“Janet Price is the best! She worked with us on the sale of our house and the purchase of another house. In every respect, she TOTALLY EXCEEDED our expectations! We had talked with Janet several times over a number of years about selling our house and finally decided to do so in 2020 – just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit and everything shut down. Janet’s tremendous knowledge and expertise became quite evident as she helped us navigate the sale of our house and the purchase of another house during such an unprecedented time. Janet is a true professional. She is honest, hardworking, organized, and both proactive and patient. She was always available (I mean ALWAYS!) to provide information and answer questions and provided great advice and creative solutions to any issues that arose. Her expertise and can-do approach were critical to the success of both the sale and purchase transactions. “Above and beyond” does not come close to describing Janet’s efforts on our behalf. From preparing our house for sale through to closing as well as purchase and closing on another house, she consistently provided outstanding service. We highly recommend Janet to anyone looking to sell or buy a house!” - Janet and Lee F.
109 S. PITT STREET, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314 | WWW.MCENERNEY.COM | 703.549.9292 | EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
ART IS smart!
register today!
Winter Break Art Camps Drop-in Classes & Holiday Workshops Weekly Classes in the Studio or Live Online
private bookings too!
Outdoor Classes & Parties Live Virtual Birthday Parties Mobile Classes for Schools & Pods
art kits supplies gift cards
JILLIAN KECK HOGAN REAL EST A TE GROUP
109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 I 703.549.9292 | Equal Housing Opportunity
event – “Celebrating Together: Arriving Home.” Friends and supporters from around the country are invited to join AHS for an afternoon of seasonal style and entertaining inspiration, fall gardening and home decorating tips and tricks. It will feature nationally (and internationally) known lifestyle experts James Farmer and Monte Durham. A mixologist will whip up specialty cocktails, and there will also be a surprise celebrity guest with a royal connection.
ahsgardening.org/gardenparty
Mount Vernon Salutes Veterans Nov. 11 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
All active-duty military, veterans and retired military will receive free admission at Mount Vernon. Throughout the day, visitors can write a thank you letter to an active duty service member in the Vaughan Lobby. Honored guests are also invited to place a flower at Washington’s Tomb. Visit the Smith Auditorium at 11 a.m. for a performance by the Harmony Heritage Singers. A concert by the United States Air Force Strings Orchestra will take place at 3 p.m. Lady Washington will also be on site to greet veterans. Veterans and their families will receive 10 percent off at the food court, Mount Vernon Inn and the Shops at Mount Vernon.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., mountvernon.org
Carlyle House Architecture Tour Nov. 12 and Dec. 10 | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Carlyle House is one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture on the East Coast. Join historians for a one-hour tour of Carlyle House solely focused on the architecture and restoration of Carlyle House. Reservations are required, as space is limited. All COVID-related procedures will be in place during this tour.
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St., novaparks.com/parks/carlyle-house-historic-park
Paula Poundstone Nov. 13, 14 and 15 | 7:30 p.m.
Join renowned comedian, author, lecturer, host and actress, Paula Poundstone for an evening of laughter and wit. She has won an American Comedy Award for Best Female Standup Comic and has appeared on numerous television and radio shows. Tickets are $55.
The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., birchmere.com
Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market Nov. 14 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Join Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market for their last market of the 2020 season! Find hidden treasures from dozens of vendors.
NOV
27-28
PHOTO BY SAM KITTNER FOR VISIT ALEXANDRIA
Black Friday and Small Business Saturday
Nov. 27, 28
This holiday season, make a special effort to support Alexandria’s local, familyowned businesses for the best presents! On Black Friday, Nov. 27, wander the shops of Old Town, Del Ray and beyond for special discounts, giveaways and events. Shop local small businesses for more deals and discounts on Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28. For more information on the deals, discounts and more go to visitalexandriava.com.
visitalexandriava.com Trademark Drink + Eat, 2080 Jamieson Ave.,
DIY & Brunch Series: Clay Mask and Makeup Foundation Education Nov. 14 | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
SkinScholars (skinscholars.com) will create a fun-filled experience as they teach you how to create your own clay face mask, followed by makeup foundation education by Tres Belle Beauty, LLC. Brunch is a separate purchase through Trademark Drink & Eat and special brunch menu, based on the event series will be available after class. All materials are provided. Cost is $10 per participant per class. City of Alexandria, The Carlyle Council and the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership.
Sponsored by the Carlyle Vitality Initiative: alexandriava.gov/carlyle
PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER
Alexandria has grown from a small town in the 18th century to a bustling small city in the 21st century. Join Carlyle House Historic Park staff for a tour of Alexandria as they explore various architecture styles that adorn the city streets and make it one of the best places to live and work. Reservations are required as space is limited. All COVID-19 procedures will be in place during this tour. Please wear comfortable shoes for this 90-minute guided tour. Tour is held rain or shine unless there is severe weather. $15 per person.
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St., novaparks.com/parks/carlyle-house-historic-park
Tell Me Your Name Nov. 17, Dec. 15 | 4 – 5 p.m.
Join Carlyle House Historic Park staff for a tour focusing on the experiences of the enslaved community at Carlyle House and his plantations. The guided tour will explore the historical context of slavery in 18th century Alexandria and the importance of ongoing research efforts to connect with descendants. Reservations are required as space is limited. All COVID-19 procedures will be in place during this tour. $10 per person.
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St., novaparks.com/parks/carlyle-house-historic-park
Twilight & Tipple Fall & Winter Evening Tours! Nov. 19, Dec. 15 | 6 p.m.
Experience Frank Lloyd Wright’s PopeLeighey House by twilight. This tour series is a chance to see one of Wright’s houses illuminated against a night sky, bringing a whole new dimension and radiance to the typical tour experience. PopeLeighey House staff only offer a few tours a year in the evening, so seize this great
opportunity today. Grab a drink, which is included in the price of your ticket, and take an informative and fun open-house tour with plenty of time to take stunning photos. Tickets are $35.
Pope-Leighey House, 9000 Richmond Hwy., woodlawnpopeleighey.org
PHOTO COURTESY OF NOVA PARKS
Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run Nov. 20 – Jan 9 | 5 – 10 p.m.
Enjoy food, shopping and lots of holiday lights and cheer in the Winter Village! Ice skating reservations must be made ahead online for one-hour time slots. Ice & Lights will have a few extra safety precautions this year, including requirements for physical distancing, sanitation and masks. For more information and tickets visit the event website.
Cameron Run, 4001 Eisenhower Ave., novaparks.com/ events/ice-lights
Stories in the Architecture Nov. 21 | 2 p.m.
Venture behind the scenes, from the basement to the attic, and explore the history of the Lee-Fendall House through its architecture. Changes in style and home technology have all left their mark on the home, from when it was built in 1785 through its continued use as a home in the 20th century. This tour includes parts of the house that are not regularly open to the public. Tickets are $10, members of Lee-Fendall House are admitted free. Space is limited so advance tickets are recommended.
Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, 614 Oronoco St., leefendallhouse.org
Green Family Walking Tour Nov. 22 | 3:30 – 5 p.m.
In the early 19th century, William Green started the Green Furniture factory in Alexandria and by 1823 his son, James, had taken over. James expanded his father’s factory and established himself as
Carlyle House | PHOTO BY M. ENRIQUEZ FOR VISIT ALEXANDRIA
a prominent Alexandrian through building and operating Green’s Mansion House Hotel. Join Carlyle House Historic Park on a tour to learn about James Green and his family’s life here in Alexandria. Reservations are required as space is limited. Please wear comfortable shoes for this 1.5-hour guided tour. Tour is held rain or shine unless there is severe weather. Masks are required. Tickets are $15 per person.
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St., novaparks.com/parks/carlyle-house-historic-park
A Christmas Carol Nov. 28 – Dec. 19
A new, updated version of a holiday classic, perfect for unusual times. Only 45 people will be able to attend each performance and CDC guidelines will be followed. All performances are free.
The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St., thelittletheatre.com
Holiday Kissing Ball Workshop Dec. 3 | 6:30 p.m. Dec. 6 | 2 p.m.
Learn how to create your own traditional holiday kissing ball using fresh boxwood from the Lee-Fendall garden. The cost to participate is $20 per person. All materials are provided. Space is limited to 10 participants per workshop.
Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, 614 Oronoco St., leefendallhouse.org
DIY & Brunch Sewing Class Dec. 5 | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Join the Carlyle Vitality Initiative for their DIY & Brunch Series and learn how to sew with Sew So Fab. Choose to sew your own scarf, pet bandana or bowtie. All materials are provided. Cost is $10 per participant per class. Brunch is a separate purchase through Trademark Drink & Eat and a special brunch menu, based on the event series, will be available after class.
Trademark Drink + Eat, 2080 Jamieson Ave., alexandriava.gov/carlyle
Holiday Candlelight Tours December 5, 12 and 19 | 5 – 8 p.m.
Celebrate the holiday season with evening candlelight tours of the Lee-Fendall House decked out in Victorian splendor. An antique toy exhibit will also be on view. Space is limited and reservations are required. Face masks and social distancing will be in place throughout the tour. Tickets are $8 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-13.
Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, 614 Oronoco St., leefendallhouse.org
Colonial Winter Nights Dec. 5, 12 | 5 – 8 p.m.
Experience the holiday season with Carlyle House focusing on how the Carlyles and their enslaved workers observed the holidays during the 18th century. Stay tuned for updates about live music. Be sure to check out last minute deals in the Museum Shop. Space is limited and reservations are required. Tours are offered on the half hour. All COVID-19 procedures will be in place during this tour. Tickets are $8 per adult and $3 per child (ages 6-13).
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St., novaparks.com/parks/carlyle-house-historic-park
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109 S. Pitt St, Alexandria, VA 22314 | 703.549.9292 | McEnearney.com | Equal Housing Opportunity
Gordon Lightfoot Dec. 6 | 7:30 p.m.
Join highly acclaimed folk, folk-rock and country music singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot as he performs on the Birchmere stage. Lightfoot’s hits include “Sundown,” “Carefree Highway,” and “Rainy Day People.” Tickets are $95.
The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., birchmere.com
A Victorian Christmas Dec. 12 |10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Experience the wonder of the season by visiting the Lee-Fendall House for a family-friendly Victorian Christmas. Enjoy traditional décor, music, seasonal crafts, a visit by Santa and more. Timed tickets are available through advance registration. The House will be following all recommended health requirements, including face masks and social distancing. Tickets are $8 for adults and $12 for children ages 2-12.
Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, 614 Oronoco St., leefendallhouse.org
PHOTO COURTESY OF MOUNT VERNON
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon Dec. 18 – 19 | 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Kick off the holiday season with sparkling fireworks overlooking the Potomac River. Visit with re-enactors throughout the estate. See how 18th century chocolate was made. Visit our holiday guest, Aladdin the camel. Warm up by the bonfire with hot chocolate or cider. Visit museum exhibits. Shop for holiday gifts at The Shops at Mount Vernon. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Tickets start at $20 for members and $22 for non-members.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., mountvernon.org
Mansion House Christmas Dec. 18, 19 | 5 – 8 p.m.
Discover how Christmas was celebrated when the Green family lived at Carlyle House and the Mansion House Hotel was being used as a Civil War hospital. Stay tuned for updates about live music. Be sure to check out last minute deals in the Museum Shop. Tours offered on the first floor with timed entry on the hour and half hour. Space is limited and reservations are required. All COVID-19 procedures will be in place during this tour. Tickets are $8 per adult and $3 per child (ages 6-13).
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St., novaparks.com/parks/carlyle-house-historic-park
Waterskiing Santa Dec. 24 | 1 p.m.
Stand along the waterfront and watch Santa and his merry crew waterski into historic Old Town Alexandria during this beloved annual holiday tradition.
Old Town Alexandria Waterfront, 1 King St., waterskiingsanta.com
Holiday Open House Dec. 31 | 5 – 8 p.m.
Wrap up your year with a visit to Carlyle House on New Year’s Eve. Guests will learn about holiday traditions of old, some which we still enjoy today. Stay tuned for updates about live music. Be sure to check out the Museum Shop Clearance Sale. Tours offered on the first floor with timed entry on the hour and half hour. Space is limited and reservations are required. All COVID-19 procedures will be in place during this tour. Tickets are $8 per adult and $3 per child (ages 6-13).
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St., novaparks.com/parks/carlyle-house-historic-park
Artful Living
LUXURY CONDOMINIUMS COMING SOON FROM THE $800’s TO $2.9M
The Colonel in the Attic
BY ANN CAMERON SIEGAL
As ramifications of COVID-19 shutdowns threaten my usual long list of blessings this Thanksgiving, one real smile-maker still warms my heart. In May, dozens of Alexandrians came together online via Nextdoor.com to help me solve a decades-old mystery in less than 24 hours.
In 1986, after my mother’s passing, my husband and I found a World War II uniform hanging on a peg in the attic of her Green Street home. The uniform had no ID, but its dozen colorful military ribbons and six overseas service bars suggested some very impressive service.
Mom was a WWII Army nurse, so we assumed it belonged to a relative or friend. In a nearby trunk, her own carefully preserved Army uniform, hats and unlabeled black and white photos from her service days spoke to a life I knew little about.
PHOTOS BY ANN CAMERON SIEGAL
Vowing to do more research later, we tucked the mystery uniform into mom’s trunk for storage.
Well-intentioned promises took a back seat though as children and life’s twists vied for our immediate attention. The trunk sat forgotten until this spring when shutdowns prompted us and many others to use our free time for purging long-stored stuff.
Hauling the trunk out, we found both uniforms looking as if they’d been stored yesterday.
Our youngest daughter, researching what each award on the mystery uniform represented, discovered that this officer served in both WWI and WWII.
The ribbons represented the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, the WWI Mexican Border campaign medal (1916-1917) and an Asiatic Pacific medal with five stars from WWII. There were also Victory ribbons from both World Wars, and the Philippines Liberation Medal (1 Star). Combining those with the
Statue of Liberty shoulder patch of the 77th Infantry Division, our thoughts of a family member being the possible owner evaporated.
The next logical step was to find whomever mom purchased the house from in 1964. With the lockdown, obvious research venues such as the land records office and libraries were closed. And needed sales records didn’t show up in our online searches.
So, on May 17, I posted a notice on Del Ray’s Nextdoor.com message board: “Hoping to connect local family to a piece of their history,” I wrote, accompanied by a photo of the uniform.
With lightning speed, several dozen strangers-to-us chimed in, each drawing from their own expertise and hunches. Historians, genealogists, real estate agents and out-of-the-box thinkers all worked like a cheerful cohesive team, quickly pulling the missing pieces together while cheering each other on.
A military historian, cross-referencing his resources for WWI and WWII awards, determined that our soldier had to be born before 1899 to make it to Mexico and reach senior rank by WWII.
The very defined series of decorations led him to three local possibilities, one being Colonel Royal L. Gervais (1895 -1967) interred in Arlington National Cemetery. Simultaneously, an ancestry buff found partial online records for my mom’s house showing a John M. Gervais living there from 1950-52. Then, the historian found a report that in 1949, Royal Leonard Gervais left the same Green Street address to travel aboard the USAT “Thomas Barry” bound for Germany.
“Found him!” he posted on May 18. I could almost feel hugs and high fives as online kudos were joyfully shared.
Research continued. A family tree on Ancestry.com included Royal L. Gervais, but I was crestfallen after seeing the site’s owner hadn’t logged on in over a year. I sent an inquiry anyway and surprisingly got a same-day response saying, “That was my great grandfather,” from the tree’s manager. He later said something just told him to check Ancestry that day.
After telling him of our collective efforts via Nextdoor, he responded, "I am amazed at the speed and diligence of the community research — perhaps my favorite part of this story!"
We’ve learned so much more about The Colonel in the Attic since May, but one big question loomed. Why was his uniform in the Green Street attic for 36 years?
Alexandria’s land records office reopened Aug. 31. Assisted by helpful staffers there, I discovered my mom purchased her home directly from Col. Gervais, who purchased it in 1950 as an investment property. I can just see them sharing war stories across the settlement table!
When the 100-plus folks tracking the mystery were updated on this find, one wrote, “I'm glad the City offices weren't open because it gave us all this fun little story/hunt to follow along with.”
On Sept. 13, 2020, Colonel Royal Gervais’s uniform — after residing in an attic through 14 years of tenants and 22 years of my mom’s ownership, then in our closet for 34 years — was returned in person to members of his family as they shared photos and memories of the Colonel with us.
I know nothing about the politics, creeds or lifestyles of any of those who participated in this incredible project. I just know that it feels like a huge, caring, extended family came together quickly and efficiently to free the amazing Colonel in the Attic and begin to tell his story.
Above: Col. Royal L. Gervais' uniform returns to family members — great granddaughter Kris Eyler of Haymarket, Va., grandson Bill Gervais of North Carolina and great grandson Todd Ebert of Falls Church.
