Pictured above: Our very own Open Space author, Lori Welch Brown, is one of six local artists participating in Nepenthe Gallery’s Winter Solstice Local Artists Exhibit. She’s not just a fantastic writer but a talented abstract artist. You can check out her work at the Gallery located in Hollin Hall at 7918 Fort Hunt Road.

By Bob Tagert

Well…we made it through January without freezing to death. The last half of month has been quite a ride for sure. I can’t believe that the snow that fell almost three weeks ago is still on the ground as I write this. I grew up here in the 1960’s and the Potomac River froze solid most every year. I haven’t seen it quite as solid as this last third of January has shown. However, as our climate continues to change, tomorrow, January 29th temps will be 60 degrees and hold that for the entire week. It is a ‘wait and see’!

We hope you enjoy this month’s issue. Sarah Becker tackles a hot topic these days and highlights some history of Immigration in A Bit of history. Our Personality Profile highlights our new Mayor, Aliya Gaskin. Mayor Gaskin made history as the first Black female and possibly the youngest Mayor to be elected in Alexandria. In Last Word, Miriam Kramer writes about Romantasy: Onyx Storm and the Empyrean Series. Grapevine’s Matt Fitzsimmons shifts gears, and introduces us to Charlottesville’s North American Sake Brewery, while in Exploring Virginia Wines, Doug Fabbioli writes about “chasing the romance” in the vineyard. Tim Long addresses the rumor of the craft beer trend coming to an end in Let’s Get Crafty and Chef Glenn gives us a recipe for romance with his crab mousse stuffed flounder in Let’s Eat. With Mardi Gras right around the corner, RT’s Restaurant’s Cajun cuisine is the subject matter in Dining Out. Molly Winans and her staff provided their interview with two-time Centurian, David Sites as he spent EVERY day on the water AGAIN in 2024 in From the Bay. You may recognize his name. We have featured his amazing photographs of the Bay on the cover over the years. Congratulations David! In To the Blue Ridge, Julie Reardon breathes a hint of spring with the opening of the point-to-point season i.e. thoroughbred racing in Hunt Country. The February Road Trip took us back to Shadow Mountain Escape in Jewel Hollow in Page County, VA. If you are looking for a romantic place to celebrate the day of hearts, this is the place. It will soon be the shoulder season in the Islands and Caribbean Connection takes a close look at Jamaica. In Open Space our very own Cupid, Lori Welch Brown examines Valentine’s Day. This and much more await inside these pages.

The winter months are usually pretty low key but everything George Washington dominates the month of February with several events leading up to the nationally recognized George Washington Birthday Parade that takes place on the 15^th with several events before and after on that day. Check out the calendar in this issue for more information.

We also celebrate Black History month in February. At the time of this writing, we didn’t have any detailed information on local events but we do know that a few of the events include Washington Revels Jubilee Voices Concert on February 16th and a special “Lost Alexandria” tour at Lee-Fendall House and Carlyle House on February 22^nd. You should be able to find more information on these events and more in the days to come at visitalexandria.com/events.

I am looking forward to watching Six Nations Rugby for the next 5 weeks. If you aren’t familiar with the game, this would be a good time to develop a new passion and join in the fun. It’s a fantastic sport. You can find us at Murphy’s or O’Connell’s here on King Street.

I have been told that I shouldn’t make any reference to anything partisan since the OTC has kept it a policy to take a neutral stance since the beginning. However, I know so many people who will be adversely affected by the actions of the current administrations edict that I am compelled to ask that those of you who feel the same way not to give in to the outrageousness. Let’s do what we can within the boundaries of the law to make every effort to stick to our beliefs and in the process help those most affected.

Off the band wagon and on to thanking each and every one of you who pick up this publication both in print and online each month and wishing you all a very happy Valentine’s Day!

Tommy Mooney: Grand Marshall for St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

On March 1st, the Ballyshaners 42nd Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place in Old Town Alexandria. Residents and tourists are encouraged to come early to enjoy the events at one of the DC area’s first and finest parades. There are events that take place all during the day. They can be found at www.ballyshaners.org. All events are free to the public.

This year’s Grand Marshall is Tommy Mooney, owner of Muphy’s Grand Irish Pub. I have known Tommy since 1978 and watched him grow up with the business and expand the Murphy’s experience all the way down to Virginia Beach. Look for our March issue to read a Personality Profile on Mooney and his many successes over the years.

The Old Town Crier congratulates Tommy on his role as the Grand Marshall and are looking forward to seeing him in the parade!