VIP Alexandria Magazine | March 2023

THE LUCK + LEGACY ISSUE

SERVING ALEXANDRIA, VA + SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES

The journey through life is full of firsts. Most are exciting, some are scary but many times they are bit of both. We are here to help you navigate your journey and make those firsts a little more exciting and a lot less scary.

Phone: 703-548-2320

Fax: 703-684-1885

Email: info@alexlighting.com Business Hours:

Mon-Fri: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

Sat: 9:00AM - 3:00PM

SCHEDULE CLIENT MEETINGS AT THE ELECTRIC CAFE!

VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 2

PUBLISHER / OWNER

KELLIE GUNDERMAN

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

CRYSTAL MOSSER ANDERSON

EDITOR

ANDREW GATES

ACCOUNTS MANAGER

MEGAN CRESCIO

WRITERS

BRIAN ACTON

AMY EGGERS

KATIE KISSAL

DAWN KLAVON

LIESEL SCHMIDT

PHOTOGRAPHERS

LUCIA SMITH

JONATHAN THORPE

DISTRIBUTION

TL DISTRIBUTION

Heritage. It’s an important part of who we are from even before the time we’re born. Heritage also shapes who we become as we get older. The need to know where you’re from, who your people are and what their stories are is all part of being human and craving connection. All of us want to know where we belong and who we belong to.

As someone who can trace the roots of my family tree back to Ireland, I celebrate the richness of that history— the struggles, the adversities and the triumphs. As a people, the Irish show an indomitable spirit and an ability to rise above, to rebuild and redefine themselves, a courage that has seen them through hundreds of years of oppression. I’m proud of that heritage and, living in Alexandria, I love feeling the connection that our beautiful city shares with Ireland—as well as the incredible diversity of the people who live here in this melting pot that celebrates our differences.

With the advent of March comes St. Patrick’s Day and the incredible Ballyshanner’s parade. We welcome you to learn more about Daniel O’Connell’s deeply authentic history and how the iconic Old Town restaurant came to be. As we celebrate that unique story, we at VIP also extend a heartfelt go raibh maith agat to Niamh O’Donovan, the GM of O’Connell’s who was one of the very first supporters of the magazine and our powerful cover model this month!

Ours is a publication that, much like the city of Alexandria, honors the uniqueness of the people and places we feature in our pages. All of us have a story. All of us have heritage to share.

Slàinte,

Kellie Gunderman, Owner/Publisher

MICHAEL NASH DESIGN, BUILD + HOMES PRESENTS:

Creating Open Spaces

After contracting with Michael Nash, a local homeowner watched as his vision came to life. But creating an open floor plan within an older home was not without its challenges. The redesign took time, dedication and a lot of creativity.

As someone with a background in the construction industry, the owner of a Centex townhome whose first floor was closed off and lacked the openness he wanted to see knew that creating an open floorplan was possible—with the removal of a few walls and the reworking of some spaces. “He wanted to explore taking all interior walls out and create an open flow between the kitchen, dining and living spaces, with a massive kitchen,” says Sonny Nazemian, Master Designer of Kitchen/Bath at Michaela Nash Design, Build & Homes.

After contracting with Michael Nash, the homeowner watched as his vision came to life. Initially, the home’s living room at the front adjoined a small, boxed-in formal dining room, and a structural wall separated the kitchen at the back

of the house from the front living space. “It was all too choppy and too separated for their daily lives,” Nazemian notes. “What they envisioned was much more open and useful to how they live in their home.”

The challenges in creating the open floor plan out of the existing one came from various factors. The floor was built on a concrete slab, and the partition wall was load-bearing. The HVAC system was also located on the second floor, with the supply and return ducts all boxed in columns in living spaces on the first floor. Opening the areas meant eliminating the bearing partition walls, relocating all supply and return ducts from the box columns, running a gas line from the exterior meter for the new stove, and cutting the concrete

slab to relocate all plumbing and electrical for the new kitchen island.

The plan was to combine all of the spaces of the entire first level and create an open floor plan, relocating the new, larger kitchen at the front of the townhouse and constructing a large island in the middle of the space to accommodate ample group seating. The old kitchen at the back of the home was converted into a casual family room with seating facing a coved wall with a linear fireplace, shiplap boarding and a built-in, recessed TV. The old, glued floor was replaced with a more contemporary LVT flooring, and the space was lit with new LED lighting.

This new open floorplan reveals what an amazing total overhaul has been accomplished and how happy the family is now spending time on this floor of their home. It works much better for their needs and how they live, and they are incredibly pleased with the outcome.”

- SONNY NAZAMIEN, MASTER DESIGNER

Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry was installed on the south wall of the kitchen with upgraded appliances, and lighting was installed in the cabinets. The newly built island was covered with a gorgeous quartz countertop with a waterfall edge on one end, and the addition of three pendant lights brightened the space.

“The design team spent a great deal of time with the couple for details such as color scheme, backsplash design, countertop slab and floor design to determine what they wanted their new space to look like and to make that vision a reality,” says Nazemian. “Now, the island stands tall in the middle of this amazing kitchen, and the living spaces are open to one another. This new open floorplan reveals what an amazing total overhaul has been accomplished and how happy the family is now spending time on this floor of their home. It works much better for their needs and how they live, and they are incredibly pleased with the outcome.”

Story by Liesel Schmidt

Anyone who’s ever been a kid knows that, as a child, you’re not exactly preoccupied with dental health. If anything, you’re scheming how to get out of brushing your teeth. Raising your child’s awareness of good oral hygiene is important, so try to do it in a way that’s fun and will stay with them. Here are a few “fun facts” about teeth that will help your kids take better care of their smiles.

Did you know…?

The enamel on your teeth is actually the hardest bone in your body. Believe it or not, your skeletal bones have nothing on tooth enamel. The protection that your enamel provides as the covering of your teeth is the reason teeth last so long. Enamel also defends the inner part of the tooth called the dentin. Maintaining and taking care of your enamel means brushing your teeth regularly—once at night and once in the morning—and not biting into hard objects. In other words, avoid the ice chewing and crunching on hard candies.

Over the course of your life, your mouth generates around 25,000 gallons of saliva. Got spit? Amazingly enough, that 25,000 gallons of saliva is the same as the amount of water in a standard Olympic-sized swimming pool. All that spit serves a vital purpose beyond keeping your mouth moist: saliva contains essential minerals that protect the enamel on your teeth and help avoid decay.

Baby teeth start growing in the gums prior to birth. As a baby develops before birth, his or her teeth also start growing and forming under the surface of the gums. This growth accounts for the “itchy gums” that kids experience before baby teeth sprout. A child’s mouth has 20 baby teeth, compared to 32 permanent teeth in adults.

The amount of bacteria in your mouth outnumbers the population of the entire world. As big a number as that is, it doesn’t have to be a problem. Brushing your teeth regularly between meals will help keep the bad bacteria that causes tooth decay and cavities at bay and protect against it.

No one has teeth the same as anyone else. Look at your teeth in the mirror and pay attention to the teeth of the people around you. You’ll see that yours are not like anyone else’s. Teeth are as individual as fingerprints. No two people—even people who are related—have identical teeth, which makes them a great identification tool, as does the enamel that protects them and makes them last forever.

MARCH 2023

MARCH 4

St. Patrick's Day Parade in Old Town

101 S. Alfred St., Alexandria

12:30-2pm

Held annually on the first Saturday in March, the Parade has grown to being the largest one-day event in Old Town Alexandria. Featuring pipe bands, Irish dance schools, community groups, and a host of other musicians and performers. www.ballyshaners.org/parade.html

MARCH 5

Comedy Night

Hops N Shine, 3410 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria

7-8:30pm

Laughs are free on draft every Sunday! Doors at 6pm and the show starts at 7pm. Seating is available first come, first serve. Every week a new local comic is featured. Any comic including brave newcomers (or seasoned standups) who are interested in entertaining the crowd for Del Ray’s favorite comedy night should arrive early to sign up! Learn more: www.hopsnshine.com/events

MARCH 8

Women In Business (WEBA)

The Garden - 5380 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite C Alexandria

6-8:30pm

Join the West End Business Association (WEBA) for its First Annual Women's History Month Celebration! Featuring Alexandria City Leaders, Small Business Owners, Non-Profits, and Guests. Your ticket includes (2) drink tickets, networking hour and a panel discussion. Register: www.alexandriaweba.com

FEBRUARY 9

MARCH 9

Trivia Night

Barkhaus, 529 E. Howell Ave., Alexandria

6:30-8:30pm

Think you're smarter than your dog? Come find out at DC's first dog friendly trivia night! Hosted the last Tuesday of every month at Barkhaus! Be sure to come hungry, thirsty and ready to compete for a grand prize! Reservations are required to play.

Register: www.brewskisbarkhaus.com

MARCH 11

Lena's 2nd Annual Meatball Madness

Lena's Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap, 401 East Braddock Road, Alexandria 11am-1:30pm

In honor of National Meatball Day, gather your winning team of four to see if you can balance Lena's Giant Meatball on a spoon without dropping it in record time. Unleash your inner elementary school relay race skills in this tournament!

Reserve your team: www.eventbrite.com

MARCH 12

Celebrations of the Land: Inspired by River Farm

River Farm, 7931 E. Boulevard Drive, Alexandria

1-3pm

Group show by Nova Plein Air Artists at the beautiful historic property formerly owned by George Washington. Now home to the American Horticultural Society, it offers lovely gardens and beautiful river views. Many of the paintings in this show were painted on site at River Farm and all are for sale.

www.novapleinair.com

MARCH 13

CareerCon: A Post-Grad Masterclass

Northern Virginia Community College (Alexandria Campus - Fine Arts Building), 5000 Dawes Ave, Alexandria

8:30am-12pm

Whether you are about to graduate from high school or already pursuing higher education, this program is for you! This new program will connect Alexandria’s students with professionals working in industries of interest. Students will learn about the state of their future industries as well as essential curriculum skills for adult life.

Free Registration: www.thechamberalx.com/event/careercon

MARCH 16

Jeopurrdy Night: Trivia with CATS

Mount Purrnon Cat Cafe + Wine Bar, 109 S. Alfred St, Alexandria 6-8pm

One hour of Jeopardy-style trivia - with adoptable rescue cats. www. mtpurrnoncatcafe.com

MARCH 17 - APRIL 17

Still Fresh Group Exhibition

Principle Gallery, 208 King Street, Alexandria

6-8:30pm

Visit this local art gallery for their new show: “Still Fresh.” Featuring beautiful artwork like Hanging Lemons by Pamela Carroll, Sponge Cake V by Jason Pfeiffer and Touching Play by Anna Wypych. www.principlegallery.com/alexandria

MARCH 17

Lucky's St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl

Various locations

4-10pm

Join the luckiest bar crawl ever. Two days of fun - pay once and crawl both days! Complimentary drinks, stadium party cup, food specials and more! Tickets: www.crawlwith.us/alexandria/stpattys

MARCH 18

Guinness Six Nations Viewing Party

Daniel O'Connell's, 112 King Street, Alexandria

All Day

Visit Alexandria's "Home of Six Nations" Rugby for Round 5. Doors open 15 minutes before kick-off.

Learn more: www.danieloconnells.com/events/

MARCH 24

Women's Leadership Forum

The Westin Alexandria, 400 Courthouse Square, Alexandria

7:45-10:30am

An interactive, “straight talk” discussion filled with inspiration and insight as we explore this topic and more. Presented by The Goodhart Group. Register: www.thechamberalx.com/event/womens-leadership-forum

MARCH 25

Senior Services of Alexandria Annual Gala

The Westin Alexandria, 400 Courthouse Square, Alexandria

7:45-10:30am

SSA’s 55th anniversary. Celebrating the positive impact they have on the lives of Alexandria’s older adults.

Learn More: www.seniorservicesalex.org/news/gala

CRAFTERNOONS W/ SMIVA

SUNDAY, MARCH 5 | 3-5PM

Knitting 101: Virginia-Grown Cotton Washcloth

W/ KAREN HOAGLAND

We'll learn the basics of casting on, the knit stitch, the purl stitch, binding off, and the basics of reading a knitting pattern.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15 | 5-7PM

Room Spray + Candle Making Workshop

W/ BEEZ WAX & CO

Make your own eco-friendly room and linen spray and soy candle with essential oils! Bianca will guide you step-by-step on the proper scent mixing, wax pouring and how to care for your products. You will take home your very own room spray and candle to match that you made yourself. All materials included.

THURSDAY, MARCH 16 | 5-7PM

All Things Green: DIY Succulent Workshop

W/ FERN & FOLLY

You'll learn how to arrange and care for your succulents in a miniature landscaped terrarium.

SATURDAY, MARCH 18 | 3-5PM

Sip + Sew: Quilted Computer Sleeve

W/ SHANIKQUA BURKS

In this International Women's Day-themed workshop, you will learn how to sew a computer sleeve.

SATURDAY, MARCH 25 | 11AM-1PM

Powerful Women Quotes: Hand Lettering 101

W/ BIG GIRL PRESS

Celebrate International Women's History Month with Chandra Osann of Big Girl Press!

SATURDAY, MARCH 25 | 3-5PM

DIY Flower Tiles Workshop

W/ SO MANY FLOWERS

In this workshop, Briana of So Many Flowers will guide you step-by-step for techniques for pressing flowers, how to lay the flowers out, and care tips for their creations.

VIP 2023 RED LADIES CELEBRATION

VIP Alexandria Magazine hosted a black-tie event at Alexandria Lighting + Design to celebrate Alexandria's Most Inspiring Women of 2023 (lovingly referred to as "The Red Ladies"). The evening also served as a fundraiser for the Amerian Heart Association. Guests enjoyed a red carpet, red wine bar by Unwined + Revel, catered hors d'oeuvres by La Fiamma Italian Kitchen, live music by DJ Lanie B and a silent auction with donations by King's Jewelry, The Hair Managerie, Lush Interior Design, Wild Gardenia Boutique + The DC Boat Show.

Photography by Lucia Smith

4 TIPS ON IMPROVING SELF-EFFICACY

Story by Katie Kissal, Kissal Communications, LLC

Self-efficacy is the belief one has about their abilities and capabilities, big and small. It is developed through childhood experiences and

Self-efficacy affects your beliefs, motivation, and aspiration in facing challenges and achieving goals. According to Dr. Lauren Fisher of Del Ray Psych & Wellness, you can improve self-efficacy at any age. We teamed up to share the following tips to help improve one’s self-efficacy:

1. IDENTIFY YOUR STRETCH ZONE

There are three zones of personal achievement: comfort, stretch, and panic. Highly-productive people work in the stretch zone—taking reasonable chances and being resilient and willing to persevere through setbacks.

2. SET SIMPLE GOALS

Set reasonable goals, approaching them one at a time. Satisfaction with their success will help motivate them to set more goals.

3. LOOK PAST SHORT-TERM LOSSES

Develop the ability to learn from an adverse event, make necessary changes, and move on.

4. REFRAME OBSTACLES

Reframing is a powerful tool for changing negative thoughts and attitudes into positive ones. For example: “I am not smart enough to take that class” can be adjusted to “I am looking forward to the challenge of this class and learning something new.”

WE CAN HELP TELL YOUR STORY BY...

FROM DESERTS TO MOUNTAINTOPS Jessica Buchanan

RESCUED SOMALI PIRATE KIDNAPPING VICTIM OVERCOMES, INSPIRES + IGNITES

Story by Dawn Klavon | Photography by Shanen Bussey

IF I GET KIDNAPPED ON THIS TRIP, WILL YOU COME AND GET ME?

On October 25, 2011, American Jessica Buchanan left her home in Hargeisa, Somalia headed on a business trip for her job with a Danish non-governmental organization developing mine awareness programs in the country.

But Buchanan and a colleague were kidnapped — at gunpoint — and held for ransom by a band of Somali pirates. She was imprisoned, held outdoors in filthy conditions and terrorized by more than two dozen gangsters, facing starvation and deteriorating health. After 93 days, on January 25, 2012, US Navy SEALs rescued Buchanan and her Danish colleague, who were airlifted to safety.

“It changed the trajectory of my life,” says Buchanan. “It allowed me to learn [about] myself in a way that I don’t think I would have ever [been able to] had the opportunity [not happened and] had I not been faced with such a tremendous obstacle.”

Buchanan went on to find accolades and achievements. She wrote a NY Times best-selling personal account of her ordeal and was named one of the "150 Women Who Will Shake the World" by Newsweek. Her story was the most highly-viewed 60 Minutes episode to air, to date. She is a sought-after speaker, inspiring audiences to access resilience within their own life-changing events.

Her text to her husband, Erik, was prophetic.

“It changed the trajectory of my life. It allowed me to learn about myself in a way that I don’t think I would have ever been able to had the opportunity not happened and had I not been faced with such a tremendous obstacle.”

- JESSICA BUCHANAN

“I crave connection and that’s my superpower,” she says. “I find it so much more interesting and exciting and gratifying to collaborate than to do something on my own.”

Her latest collaboration is a new book, Deserts to Mountaintops: Our Collective Journey to (re)Claiming our Voice. The anthology is a collection of memoirs authored by Buchanan and 25 other women who have experienced hardship and are journeying from the desert of survival.

“I first heard Jess's kidnapping story on a podcast. Her resilience and her commitment to healing both herself and others most impressed me,” says Andrea Birskovich, a contributor to Deserts to Mountaintops.

Topics of the book’s contributors vary, but the common denominator comes down to tales of resilience and strength. Buchanan skillfully mentored contributors to articulate their stories.

“She's just really good at pulling the wisdom out and helping you play around with [the pieces of the story] until they're little golden nuggets,” says contributor Lonna Whiting, who

wrote about her journey as a caregiver to her mother battling Alzheimer’s.

Buchanan also co-hosts a popular women’s conversational podcast, We Should Talk About That, where she and Jessica Kidwell address uncomfortable topics rarely discussed. It ranks in the top 1% of the 2.6 million airing shows.

For now, the married mom of two focuses on family, her new book, speaking engagements and the podcast. And in each, she is nudged to dwell on inclusivity and equality.

“I finally understand where I’m at in my story,” she says. “I have just figured out how to tell that narrative from a place that feels authentic and true to me.”

To learn more, visit www.jessbuchanan.com.

“The podcast is my attempt at connection and building community and I think we’ve done that."

- JESSICA

“I crave connection and that’s my superpower. I find it so much more interesting and exciting and gratifying to collaborate than to do something on my own.”

The Women’s Board of the American Heart Association recently hosted the 75th Annual Affair of the Heart Luncheon and Fashion Show. This event raised funds aimed at reducing heart disease and stroke. Together, we are a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.

Photography by Lucia Smith

can easily achieve a Spring-time feel by adding some flowersreal or faux - to your home

Flowers are almost essential in your foyer or entryway. Don’t have room for a table? Try a wall pocket or hanging mason jars. These can look modern, rustic or provincial. If using faux flowers, make sure to dust them.

Another must-have are flowers on your dining table. If you’re anything like me, this area becomes a catch-all for any and everything. However, when you take the time to add an arrangement or centerpiece, you’ll be less likely to "junk it up." And who doesn’t like walking into a dining room with a clean table and a beautiful focal point? This is especially important when you have unexpected guests.

Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, Whole Foods and Fresh Market are great sources for fresh flowers. For wholesale flowers, try Middle Atlantic Wholesale Florist on Wheeler Avenue.

A great way to keep real flowers fresh is to change the water and snip off the bottom of the stems. Periodically snipping the stems opens up the cells to allow more fresh water to reach the flowers. This is especially helpful with tulips, daffodils and hyacinth.

Amy Sills Eggers is a Realtor® with Coldwell Banker in Alexandria with a background in floral and botanical design as well as home staging.

STORY + PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY EGGERS

"Refreshing your home for Spring can feel like a huge stressor, especially when it means peeling back the layers of winter and dust. But worry not! You

that will brighten your vibe."

THE DANIEL O'CONNELL'S STORY

Story by Liesel Schmidt | Photograph by Jonathan Thorpe

"OLD TOWN IS STEEPED IN HISTORY... IT IS A BEAUTIFUL PART OF AMERICA, AND WE FELT IT WAS THE PERFECT PLACE TO CREATE A RESTAURANT THAT BROUGHT A TASTE OF IRELAND."

- JOHN BRENNAN

- CHARLOTTE HALL

Much like its namesake, O’Connell’s is neither ordinary nor forgettable. “O’Connell’s was created to be an ancient Irish setting run as a modern Irish bar,” says Brennan, who bought out O’Sullivan’s shares in 2018 and now runs the restaurant with his wife, Margaret, and their family. “As you walk in the door, you can see aspects of Dublin, Waterford, Kilkenny and Galway, putting Ireland right in the heart of King Street.”

With its fireplace and four bars, the interior of O’Connell’s offers a cozy, pub-like ambiance perfectly complimented by its antique features—as well as its four snugs. “The history of the snug began in Ireland in the late 19th Century,” explains General Manager, Níamh O’Donovan. “Snugs were small, private rooms or areas which typically had access to the bar

and a frosted glass window set above head height. A higher price was normally paid for beer in a snug, and nobody could look in and see who was occupying the snug. Snugs were advantageous because women could drink hidden from the public eye, and they were also often used for private meetings in addition to being a favorite of clergymen. Take your pick of the snugs at O’Connell’s and let us know if you feel the presence of Tommy Shelby or Grace Burgess.”

Atmosphere is extremely important at O’Connell’s, as are the service, the entertainment and, of course, the food and drinks. “We have live music four nights a week, offering the best Irish traditional sessions and local talent in the DMV, which brings something for everyone,” says O’Donovan. “Everyone who steps in through the doors is greeted like an old friend who has come back into town for the weekend. The staff at O'Connell’s is another reason people come back time and time again. We truly are family here, and it shows. Every staff member is an essential worker and has an essential job making sure our guests have the best experience on every visit.”

Adds Brennan, “O’Connell’s is a real, authentic Irish bar—a home away from home. Our doors are open, and we welcome all to come in and enjoy some real Irish hospitality. Our wonderful staff [is] there to make sure your every need is taken care of and the concept behind O’Connell’s was that we would be somewhat different in styles of cuisine—not your typical Irish bar.”

Offering a menu of signature dishes that includes a wide variety of Irish staples and top sellers such as shepherd’s pie, fish 'n chips and chicken curry, O’Connell’s also explores unique twists like their Irish egg rolls and famous Whiskey sizzler, which provides the option of shrimp, chicken or tofu. Other menu favorites include the O'Connell's beef burger and the Reuben sandwich.

The local home of Six Nations Rugby, O’Connell’s broadcasts the games and is truly devoted to the grueling sport. “Rugby is important to our Irish identity and is the fastestgrowing sport in the USA,” says O’Donovan. “We are proud sponsors of Alexandria Rugby, Fort Hunt Warriors Rugby, Washington Irish RFC and Old Glory DC Rugby Youth, and we’re passionate about supporting all our youth clubs. In fact, Alexandria Rugby was formed in one of our snugs in 2006, so you could say O'Connell’s was a founding member of Alexandria Rugby. We show all games of Six Nations throughout O'Connell’s on all our TVs, and doors open 15 minutes before kickoff. If you haven't experienced Six Nations Rugby at O'Connell's yet, it should be on your ‘to do’ list. And you never know who you might bump into. We always enjoy when former Irish Captain Mick Galwey comes into town to support us and everything Irish rugby.”

O’CONNELL’S IS A REAL, AUTHENTIC IRISH BAR

Additionally, O’Connell’s is a proud supporter of the Ballyshanners. “The Ballyshanners, which means ‘Old Towner’ in Irish, is an organization that was founded by Pat Troy in 1980 with the sole purpose of organizing the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Old Town, Alexandria,” explains O’Donovan. “The organization’s mission has always been to promote and preserve Irish history and culture within our community. We at O'Connell’s have always been huge supporters of the Ballyshanners and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, as the parade brings thousands of visitors to our beautiful city, celebrating the deep and long history between Ireland and the US and celebrating all of our Irish roots. Our connection to the Ballyshanners and the parade, in fact, is such that our owner, John Brennan, was the 2020 St. Patrick’s Day Parade grand marshal.”

Holding the honor of serving as grand marshal of the Ballyshanner’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2023, Charlotte Hall’s notoriety as the unofficial “Queen of King Street” makes her the perfect choice for the role. “I am honored to be selected as this year's grand marshal,” says Hall, who has served as the CEO of Old Town Business for the past three years. “I was selected for my community involvement during

the pandemic, which included managing a team to spearhead vaccine clinics for the small business community and their employees. I also worked with a team of people that consisted of business owners, AEDP, the City, Visit Alexandria, the health department, the fire department, and others to help our small business community survive and thrive. In addition, I worked to maintain and expand outdoor dining throughout Old Town and orchestrated first the temporary and then the permanent closure of the 100 block of King Street. During the pandemic, we highlighted the Sidewalk Sale and Small Business Saturday by doing a temporary closure of the street blocks, including the 100 block of South Royal and the 700 through 1100 blocks of King Street, to bring better exposure to our retailers who activated their sidewalks.”

In its 18th year of serving the community of Alexandria, O’Connell’s is still Old Town’s door to Ireland, a place where one can walk in and feel the magic of the beautiful country and its heritage.

As the March Issue of VIP was going to print, Niamh O'Donovan was selected by the Ballyshaners to be the co-emcee of the St. Patrick's Day Parade. She will be sharing this honor with Kenny Mitchell, owner of Old Town's Lighthorse, who proudly hails from Dublin.

Our exper ienced tr ainer s at our pr of essional at hle tic tr aining facility ar e her e t o help you accomplish amazing f eats and achieve your per f or mance goals!

CONCERT SERI E S

Rockin’ The Vine Since ‘99!

The 2023 All-Star Lineup

May 27 - The Reflex (80s)

June 3 - Def Leggend (Def Leppard) & Screaming Monkeys

June 10 - Kelly Bell Band (Phat Blues & Rock) & Elizabeth's Furnace

June 17 - The Classic Rock Experience (70s Arena Rock)

June 24 - Doc Marten & the Flannels (90s)

July 1 - The Legwarmers (80s)

July 8 - HighNoon (Southern Rock)

July 15 - White Ford Bronco (90s)

July 22 - The British Invasion (60s British Rock)

July 29 - Boat House Row (Yacht Rock) & Calgary

August 5 - Groovalicious (70s Disco)

August 12 - So Fetch! (2000s)

August 19 - Gonzo's Nose (Party/Hits)

August 26 - Amish Outlaws (Party/Hits)

September 2 - Delta Spur, The Rowdy Ace Band & Sela Campbell (Country)

September 9 - Slippery When Wet (Bon Jovi) & Todd Brooks & Pour Decisions

September 16 - Bruce In The USA (Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band)

September 23 - 7 Bridge s (Eagles) & Billy T. Wilde Band

September 30 - The New Romanc e (80s)

No outside alcohol is permitted on

For tickets, tent rentals & more info: www.tararaconcerts.com

Proceeds from the Tarara Summer Concert Series supports the Bow Tie Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Bow Tie Fund supports the arts and advancing education with a focus on single-parent households.

Galentine's Day at Whiskey & Oyster

W/ CHRISTINA CALLOWAY | @SHARPANDSOUNDSTYLE

VIP was proud to treat local fashion influencer, Christina Calloway, to a Galentine's Day celebration at Whiskey and Oyster. The event included a special menu, including Lemon Blueberry Beignets and Benedicts, a Mimosa Bar and photo booths, gift bags for everyone, speciality cocktails and mocktails, & more! This was a special day dedicated to celebrating friendship.

Photography by Lucia Smith

Rose

THE GUARDIANS OF MT. ETNA'S VINEYARDS

BROUGHT TO YOU BY UNWINED STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN ACTON

For me, the chilled seafood tower is the height of fine dining. Maybe it’s a bit of nostalgia, since the restaurants that do it best are those that are delightfully retro—the sorts of places that fuss over their martini or steak tartare, where the servers are probably wearing a jacket, or where sauces such as Béarnaise, Bordelaise, Poivrade, (or preferably) Américaine are still plentiful. But, perhaps there’s something more to it. A chilled seafood tower is simple and direct. It celebrates the quality of the ingredient, providing little chance for inferior product to hide behind artifice. It’s also let’s face it, hedonistic and indulgent. And, hey, who doesn’t want to feel like a million bucks from time to time?

But, what to drink? Given the scene I’ve described, one could, of course, go the full Mad Men route and pile on the martinis. I prefer to keep my wits about me, however. The seafood tower, after all, is best consumed as part of a leisurely lunch that stretches on, paying no mind to normal conventions for proper mealtimes. The martini rather demands to be the center of attention, requiring prompt consumption before it warms, and it is the tower that is the star for us here. No, instead, for me it has got to be a crisp dry white wine that is reminiscent of the sea. Chablis, Muscadet, or Assyrtiko of proper stature would all be satisfying. Today, however, I’d like to recommend something different: a Carricante from Sicily’s Mount Etna, in particular I Custodi Etna Bianco "Ante" 2018 ($40).

Carricante is an ancient white grape variety that is indigenous to Sicily and now flourishes mainly in small pockets of high elevation vineyards on Mount Etna (typically between 950 and 1,050 meters above sea level). Its name translates loosely to “load the cart,” referring, presumably, to the variety’s tendency to have high yields. When the vines struggle in the poor volcanic soils and cooler eastern and southern sites of Mount Etna, where the region’s chief red variety Nerello Mascalese often fails to ripen, they can yield what is arguably one of Italy’s truly great white wines—wines that are long lived and intensely saline, marked by aromas of oyster shell, iodine, and white flowers. As the wines age, they tend to take on flinty, petrol-like aromas reminiscent of fine aged Riesling. Unlike other Sicilian white varieties such as Grillo or Moscato Bianco, which figured in Marsala and passito wines respectively, Carricante has always had a history of being produced as a dry still wine—perhaps a testament to its quality, not to malign the other varieties.

Mario and Manuela Paoluzi, as the name I Custodi suggests, consider themselves keepers or guardians of Etna’s great vineyards. They take it as their task to preserve the land and maintain the traditions of its people. Their farming practices are of course certified organic and many of the vines that they tend are quite old (up to 250 years old) and ungrafted. Their Etna Bianco “Ante” is sourced from a single vineyard at 900 meters of elevation on the eastern slope of Mount Etna. It is 90% Carricante, with the balance split between grapes like Grecanico and Minella. The 1.6 hectares of vines planted in this site (the oldest being 40 years of age) are head-trained bush vines. The grapes are hand harvested as late as possible to ensure ripeness and to bring the variety’s notable acidity into check. The wine is fermented with native yeasts and spends a year and a half in stainless tanks.

is present in your seafood tower, however. It’s the squeeze of lemon you’ll no longer need. Today’s recipe, should you need one, hails from Traditional Irish Cooking by the doyen of Irish cooking, Darina Allen. Allen has long run the stalwart Ballymaloe Cookery School in County Cork. Think Alice Waters meets Jaques Pepin. Trust me, with this paring, you’ll be reminded just how lucky you are.

A PLATE OF IRISH SHELLFISH

Where shellfish are concerned, Ireland has always had an embarrassment of riches which we have taken for granted, indeed undervalued, for centuries. At Ballymaloe House this selection of delicious Irish shellfish delights guests from all over the world, and is not difficult to prepare. Note that roghans and palourdes are types of clam. Serves 6 as a substantial starter.

ALL OR MOST OF THESE:

• 6 sea urchins (Paracentrotus lividus)

What results in the glass is a beguiling aroma of crushed oyster shells, green apple, wet stones, lime zest, and subtle smoke. The palate is tense and mineral with blasts of lemon and under ripe apricot. As one friend remarked, however, you don’t even have to drink this wine. To smell it is enough. I totally agree with that, but it is also just the thing to match the interplay of salty, briny, and luxuriousness that

• 18 Dublin Bay prawns (Nephrops norvegicus) or 24 shrimps (Palaemon serratus)

• periwinkles (Littorina litterea)

• 18 mussels (Mytilus edulis)

• 12 palourdes (Venerupis pullastra)

• 18 roghans (Venus verrucosa)

• 18 cockles (Cerastoderma edule)

• 6 native Irish oysters (Ostrea edulis)

GARNISH

• homemade mayonnaise

• 6 lemon segments

• sprigs of wild watercress or fennel

• seaweed (optional)

Cook the sea urchins in boiling salted water (allow 1 tablespoon salt to 1.1 litres/2 pints water) for 4–5 minutes. Remove and allow to get cold.

Next cook the prawns. Bring the water to the boil and add the salt. Remove the heads of the prawns and, with the underside of the prawn uppermost, tug the little fan-shaped tail at either side and carefully draw out the trail. (The trail

in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Cover with a folded tea towel or a lid and put the pan on a low heat for a few minutes. Remove the shellfish as soon as they open (if any refuse to open, discard them). Keep the liquid which will exude from the shellfish as they open: it’s wonderful for fish soup or a sauce to be served with shellfish.

Remove the beards from the mussels and discard one shell; loosen the mussel from the remaining shell so that the guests won’t have to tussle with their fork. Remove the outer round and ‘exhaust pipes’ (siphons) from the palourdes and roghans and discard one shell. Nothing needs to be removed from the cockles, but discard one shell also.

When the sea urchins are cold, scrape the prickles off the top with a spoon or brush, then tap the centre with the bowl of a teaspoon; the shell usually cracks like an egg, so the centre can be lifted out. Be careful not to lose any of the precious juices and make sure to remove any splinters of shell from the centre.

is the intestine, so it is very important to remove it before cooking regardless of whether the prawns are to be shelled or not.)

Put the prawns into the boiling salted water and as soon as the water returns to the boil, test a prawn to see if it is cooked. When it is, remove the prawns immediately. Very large ones may take 30 seconds to 1 minute more. Allow the prawns to cool in a single layer and then remove the shells. Do not cook too many prawns together, or they may overcook before the water even comes back to the boil.

COOK THE PERIWINKLES.

If the shrimps are live, cook them in boiling salted water also for 2–3 minutes, or until the shells have changed colour from grey to bright orangey pink. If there is any trace of black on the heads, cook them for a little longer. Drain and allow to cool in a single layer.

Wash the mussels, palourdes, roghans and cockles and check that all the shells are tightly closed. They can then all be opened in the same manner. Spread the shells in a single layer

It will be necessary to provide a teaspoon for eating the sea urchins and a fingerbowl should also be provided if the guests are to peel the shrimps or prawns themselves.

Not long before serving, open the oysters. Arrange the shellfish on a large white plate. Place a tiny bowl of homemade mayonnaise in the centre and garnish with the lemon segments and herbs.

This year, VIP joined forces with Salon deZEN to bring local women the ultimate Galentine's Day event! Guests enjoyed libations by Lost Boy Cider, pastries by Duck Donuts, pink-a-book hair extensions by Salon deZEN, a size-inclusive fashion boutiqeu pop-up by Wild Gardenia Boutique, body piercings by Creative Chaos Body Care and more! More than 100 local women stopped by the vevent, which served as a fundraiser for the American Heart Association.

Photography by Lucia Smith

Give. Learn. Engage.

Carpenter House Rebuilds

STORY BY DAWN KLAVON | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CARPENTER HOUSE

Alexandria's Carpenter House has served the community since 1988, offering shelter to the most under-resourced residents in the community. Clients have low incomes and the majority face the challenges of job loss, reduced work hours, accumulated debt, domestic violence, lack of family support, mental illness, substance abuse, prior incarceration or history of eviction.

"Our mission is to help those experiencing homelessness to achieve sustainable independence through shelter, guidance, education and advocacy," Smith says.

Carpenter's Shelter works toward racial equity in housing by sheltering, stabilizing and transitioning residents into sustainable, independent lives and advocating for more affordable housing in the community.

A Cold Night, A Warm Bed

The shelter's mission began in 1982 on a cold winter night when Father Tony Casey of Blessed Sacrament Church in Alexandria found a man sleeping in his car and another asleep in the doorway of the church. Casey welcomed the two men into the church and allowed them to spend the night. The next night, the men came back.

Blessed Sacrament's basement provided shelter to those in need during the winter for six years until the day the building was torn down. With the shelter gone and the demand growing for beds, a small group of dedicated individuals founded Carpenter's Shelter in 1988. With the help of two volunteers and ten cots, Casey opened the church's basement to those needing shelter from harsh winter weather.

Alexandria’s Rebuilds Lives

Since its inception, Carpenter's Shelter has become a leader in finding solutions to prevent and ultimately end homelessness. The shelter's comprehensive services meet the immediate needs of individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The shelter offers a continuum of essential support programs, which allow clients to work toward permanent homes. The shelter is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, serving more than 600 children and adults yearly.

Carpenter's case management staff worked closely with one such resident named Omar, who achieved his goal of permanent housing.

"Initially, the thing I liked the most, after being homeless for so long, was having a mattress to sleep on," he says in an interview published on the Carpenter's Shelter website. "As time went on, I started to realize once I secured housing, I could go on to pursue my dream of earning my degree in engineering. I'm now very grateful for the stability and having my own place!"

“Every day, there’s something great happening here to help change somebody’s life for the better. That’s what Carpenter Shelter truly encapsulates."

-Jamila Smith Community Relations Manager

More Resources to Help

Carpenter's Shelter endeavors to reach more and help more. In 2020, the organization completed the extensive "New Heights" redevelopment of their property, including a purpose-built emergency residential shelter called David's Place, ten permanent supportive housing units and 87 affordable housing units owned and managed by their partner, the Alexandria Housing Development Corporation. The new building will provide the infrastructure for Carpenter's Shelter to meet community needs for decades to come.

Case managers are assigned to clients to compassionately guide them toward resources and services to help get residents back on their feet. Even after residents leave the shelter, they still have access to funded programs to ensure they are on the best trajectory as they transition to their new homes.

"I love what Carpenter's Shelter stands for," says Marlene Clement, an Alexandria resident and volunteer with the organization, impressed by the myriad of services available. "It's a fullservice shelter that gives the whole enchilada!"

Ways to Serve

Carpenter's Shelter is a community-driven organization that depends heavily on support from its neighbors. Volunteering is one way to support the shelter. Over 1,200 people serve in one way or another.

"The great thing about volunteering with the shelter is our volunteers get complete autonomy regarding how often they volunteer," Smith said. "Volunteering is a great way to not only give back to the community but also to give something to yourself — that feeling of helping someone."

Carpenter's Shelter provides a multitude of ways for volunteers to get involved. The shelter always needs support, from serving meals to families and engaging with children to working at the front desk.

"Volunteering is a great way to not only give back to the community but also to give something to yourself — that feeling of helping someone."

"I like helping people. I love seeing another human being in a good space," says Clement, a contract vendor relations manager who has volunteered extensively with Carpenter's Shelter since 2009. "You can change a person's life at that moment just by being kind to them."

In addition to serving at the shelter, people can support the shelter by providing donations. Fundraising is the primary way Carpenter's Shelter reaches its annual budget.

Family Shelter

Carpenter's Shelter believes no child deserves to be homeless. Every action the 501(C)3 non-profit takes aims to strengthen homeless families to live successfully in the community, out of poverty and as productive community members.

While living in the shelter, children are encouraged to continue being children. From 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, all children attend school or daycare. Many children participate

I was able to have a safe place to have shelter and I was able to concentrate on the next steps. I'm back on track— and I have Carpenter's Shelter and the people of Alexandria to thank for this."

Community Partners

Carpenter's Shelter is fortunate to partner with generous community businesses to support its mission. Daniel O'Connell's Irish Restaurant and Bar is one of many businesses that give back to the community through the shelter.

"O'Connell's has been a huge supporter and advocate for the shelter," Smith says. "They have been extremely supportive of our efforts to end homelessness in our community."

As Carpenter's Shelter celebrates its 35th anniversary in Alexandria, staff assures they will continue to offer help to change lives for the positive.

in after-school care. Volunteers facilitate children's activities each night while their parents attend programs like parenting and financial literacy classes. Carpenter's Shelter works diligently to ensure every child is given the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their housing situation.

"I'd never been through this process, so I didn't know what to expect," says shelter resident Ronshetta Martin, who moved to Carpenter's Shelter with her elementary schoolage daughter. "It was very safe, very warm [and] welcoming. They were respectful and tried to make you feel at home." Martin spoke about the organization in a video interview on the Carpenter's Shelter website.

Changing Lives, One at a Time

Brent Richards became homeless after being released from prison for a white-collar crime. Starting over with no ID or safety net made re-establishing his life challenging.

"Carpenter's Shelter is an extremely worthwhile organization," says Richards. "It made a difference because

"The beautiful thing about Carpenter['s] Shelter," says Smith, "is we truly do provide a comprehensive set of solutions to all the issues that cause homelessness."

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, please visit www.carpentersshelter.org/volunteer

To raise additional funds and awareness for VIP's Go Red for Women fundraiser, Ten Thousand Villages kindly hosted a Galentine's Day event with 10% of sales being donated to the DC Chapter of the American Heart Association. Guests were treated to wine by Wine Gallery 108 as the manager of the store and 2023 "VIP Red Lady," Kate McMahon, shared the Ten Thousand Village's fair trade mission.

“I think people know that we’re a global maker-to-market [organization], but I don’t think people often know that we’re a non-profit. We carry the name Ten Thousand Villages because we want to support our artisans. We’re a part of that network and incredibly proud to be part of it.” - Kate

McMahon

Photography by Lucia Smith

B L O WN GL A S S

These beautiful Phoenician blown glass goblets are handmade by artisans of Hebron Glass & Ceramic Factory. Recycled bottles are smashed into pieces and melted. Substances are added to the molten glass, creating a range of colors making each piece unique.

The "Cheers!" of Del Ray

To say that the George Vintage & Design store is just a new retail location on Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray would be a sorry understatement. Yes, it’s retail and yes, it’s new-ish, but what owner Teri Brake has created reaches far beyond just a place to browse and buy cool vintage stuff.

When you walk in, a striking lady with a slight Texan accent greets you. She's the owner, Teri, who spent her whole life loving the mid-century modern aesthetic. She’s typically working with customers or rearranging some section of her store, which sells modern furniture, art and home goods spanning the 1930s to 1970s. Now, add a fashionable selection of retail giftware to the mix, such as super cute hostess gifts, olive wood charcuterie boards, candles and hooked yarn pillows.

Teri, a USAF Persian Gulf vet and former floral designer, is a one-woman show along with her ridiculously-adorable King Charles Cavalier Spaniel sidekick, George - the store’s namesake, also inspired by our nation’s first president. From her vintage store to a dog named after George Washington living on Mt. Vernon Avenue, one can see her love of history in her every choice.

While I personally love all things mid-century modern (and that is what I imagined this debut blog to be about), there’s a more engaging story going on here beyond the furniture. Teri has added a vibrancy to Del Ray that captures the bohemian, independent and unique vibe of the community. She opened the George in a pop-up location along Mt. Vernon Avenue in the summer of 2022. Very quickly, she moved to a more permanent space at 2210 Mt. Vernon Avenue - right across from the former Kiskadee location. Don’t get too comfy with this address though. Teri is rapidly expanding and growing out of the store, but intends to stay in Del Ray.

When you walk in, you get a sense of warmth. Music plays through a vintage sound system, which makes it feel like you’re visiting someone’s home. Teri’s eye for bringing in and arranging pieces in a manner that doesn’t feel too store-like and sterile is impeccable. You want to sit at the tables, try out the chairs and imagine them in your home. The George consistently sells iconic mid-century pieces from the likes of Herman Miller, Florence Knoll, Eames, Lane and more. If these names mean nothing to you, you’d very likely recognize their designs. Teri brings these lofty works down to Earth, making them feel more accessible and enjoyable than museum pieces. Everything is so unique that it’s highly unlikely you’ll ever see the same item twice at her location. In fact, she turns about 75% of the store over (sells the bulk of

her inventory) on a weekly basis. That is to say, if you like it, get it, because it probably won’t be around for long.

Teri chose Del Ray as the location for her store because she felt the neighborhood was “fiercely local.” That was a big appeal to her. She thinks the residents of Del Ray are fantastic and now has about 40 "regulars" who come in on a weekly basis to peruse the latest offerings. Vintage shopping is like treasure hunting in a sense that you never know what’s waiting for you to discover. The George has deservedly become the retail “Cheers” of Del Ray.

While most of the store’s items are mid-century modern, there are a few curated pieces that aren’t, but are still amazing. Everything is incredibly distinctive and has value. Customers recognize this. The DC metro area has always been infiltrated by overly-educated people with more acronyms after their names than alphabet soup. Educated people know their collectibles. They know Teri isn’t selling junk and they know her prices are accurate and fair.

Literally within the first 10 minutes of opening her doors for the first time, a Del Ray couple bought a glass-top table set with lucite egg-shaped chairs. There’s almost a sense of sending a baby bird away from the nest, but her customers become family. More recently, a near-mint condition 1962 Eames lounger lasted a mere 24 hours before going home with its lucky new owner. As pleasing as the actual brick and mortar store is, the George’s Instagram account is also extremely robust. More pieces have sold than you can imagine just as they’re posted by Teri, as there are no official online sales. Again, if you like it, get it. And look often.

Much like the neighborhood Farmers’ Market, the George has become a routine stop to visit once a week. For example, while I was there, a woman was in town from California to care for her mother and was eager to visit for something different.

To quote Teri, “It’s an activity for a lot of citizens of Del Ray and that’s what gets me on the road at 5:00 am.” Yes, she has a big truck and travels near and far to source her inventory. For the record, she won’t tell you her sources, nor should she, so don’t ask.

Teri has brought a sense of excitement, style and sophistication to Mt. Vernon Avenue and I can’t wait to see what’s to come.

VIP SUPERDAD

john taylor chapman

Story by Liesel Schmidt

John Taylor Chapman wears many hats in his professional life: elected official to the Alexandria City Council, owner of Manumission Tour Company, and community use specialist for Fairfax County Public Schools. In his personal life, Chapman fills the role of husband to his wife of four years, Monika, and father to a three-year-old son, John II.

Three years in, fatherhood has proven to be unlike anything else in his life. “It is exciting seeing my son grow up and experience life,” Chapman says. “It is also a bit intimidating, trying to make the perfect daily decisions that can affect his life: medical decisions, educational decisions, even decisions around what activities to involve him in at this age.”

Even in as much time as his work requires, Chapman feels that he is doing something important not only for the community around him but for his son. “I hope my council work improves the city and environment that he is going to grow up in,” Chapman notes, “I also hope that, as he grows up here, my son can know and understand the history of African Americans in the area of the country and how their contributions led to the community we have today. That is what my work with Manumission—and the African American Heritage Trail—is all about.

“A group of community historians just finished up the southern portion—which consists of 19 stops—of the African American Heritage Trail,” he continues. “This group

came together right before the pandemic to design a selfguided tour of African American history connected to the waterfront. My work with Manumission Tour Company helped mainly with the northern portion, pulling together sites and stories that contributed to the trail.”

As his son grows from toddlerhood and becomes his own person, Chapman hopes to raise a child who, above else, knows that he is loved. “I want him to always feel that from me and know I wanted the best for him. He’s taught me so much—I like to enjoy playtime. Our once-a-week tradition is to sneak in some chocolate milk for breakfast, which his mom forbids,” Chapman says with a laugh.

“i hope... my son can know and understand the history of african americans in the area of the country and how their contributions led to the community we have today."

- john chapman