By Barbara Leary On a Saturday inside the Cornerstone Craftsman workshop, a group of Alexandria teens is finishing the seams on the drywall sheets they hung earlier. Under Lead Instructor Rene Merino’s watchful eye, they take turns applying the mud and setting the tape, smoothing the rough edges to create a foundation for what will come next. It’s a metaphor for the work of Cornerstone Craftsman, the early-stage Alexandria nonprofit organization recently recognized as the 2025 “Rising Star” at the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce’s Best in Business Awards. The brainchild of Executive Director Roberto Gomez, Cornerstone Craftsman works with youth from low-income backgrounds to smooth their rough edges and help them acquire the foundational skills for stable, rewarding careers in the building trades. Through its innovative pre-apprenticeship program, which combines technical instruction and hands-on learning with mentoring and support services, the organization is on a mission to break the cycle of generational poverty. As the Rising Star award demonstrates, the community is taking note. “It’s more than an award,” says Gomez. “It’s the business community saying that these young people matter, that they are the future of our workforce. That belief in the kids, and our mission, makes the Chamber’s recognition especially meaningful.” An Idea Whose Time Is Now That mission aligns with a workforce need that is growing more urgent. A recent survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America found that 94% of contractors are finding it difficult to fill open positions. Meanwhile, young people are rethinking what success looks like after high school. As they weigh the rising cost of college and the threat of AI-driven job disruption, more of them are turning to technical education programs as a result, and for good reason: The trades offer stable, living wages and ample opportunities for growth. “All…
Pictured above: Together We Bake Co-Founder Tricia Sabatini, Executive Director Tricia Allen and Program Alumna and Shipping and Fulfillment Associate Reina Carranza By Elizabeth Hughes “The door never closes,” says Together We Bake (TWB) Executive Director Tricia Allen. It was in 2012 that the nonprofit launched its mission here in the Alexandria community. Many of you may know TWB for its cookies and granola, sold at outlets like Whole Foods. However, there is more to this success story than super-yummy baked goods.nThese days, the much-lauded organization is launching a metric-based plan for 2030.nThe Plan includes expansion of economic opportunity, a strengthening of community resilience through a “third space” (additional real estate), service to more women, and a scaling of social enterprise (production of TWB products that create a sustainable revenue stream). Let’s look at history. The goal at inception for Together We Bake was focused and simple: to teach women at-risk food preparation and food safety job skills in a kitchen and communal environment. The organization also baked goods to be shipped to patrons (again, we’re talking about the aforementioned and delicious cookies, etc.), so that was another skill set that participants received – shipping, fulfillment, and customer service. ServSafe Certification and soft people talents were part of this effort provided by the nonprofit’s visionaries, including Co-Founder Tricia Sabatini. Next, there was job placement in the food services and hospitality sectors. Over time, Together We Bake took hold locally and occupied space in The Common Good at 212 S. Washington Street, which is part of The Old Town Community Church. To this day, the space is shared with other charities and organizations, including a school for children diagnosed with autism. It includes offices, a fully-functioning work kitchen, and meeting space with a television and WiFi. All participants were paired one…
By Lauren Evoy Davis You’re holding your 90-year-old mother’s hand, and her breathing is slow. She seems to be unconscious, and you’re not sure she can hear you. You’re wondering if you’re doing this right, caregiving at the end of life. This can be a profoundly loving but overwhelming experience. That’s exactly why Ann M. Thompson (under pen name Grace Amani) wrote “The End-of-Life Caregivers’ Pocket Guide.” As someone who has cared for her parents through terminal illness and who is trained as an end-of-life doula, Ann, who lives in Silver Spring, Maryland, knows how tough caregiving can be. But she also knows how helpful it is to have clear, compassionate advice to lean on. “There is a huge need for practical information about how to take care of someone who is near the end of life, without exhausting yourself or neglecting your needs and personal responsibilities,” Ann says. With nearly 53 million people in the United States serving as caregivers, many of whom are supporting terminally ill loved ones with little to no guidance, this compact guide fills a critical void. Ann distills decades of experience into clear language that demystifies the dying process and equips caregivers to face it with knowledge and compassion. Whether you’re just beginning this journey or deep in its challenges, this guide sorts out the complex emotions and practicalities of end-of-life care—because no one should have to do this alone. What makes this book different? Provides Clarity: Organized for quick reference, it empowers caregivers during emotionally overwhelming moments. Bridges clinical and emotional care: It explains what to expect physically, emotionally, and spiritually, without medical jargon. Addresses a cultural gap: In a society often unprepared to talk about death, this book gently opens the conversation. Ann’s Journey to Becoming a Death Doula Ann and her…
By Elizabeth Hughes Whether you’re looking to class up your wardrobe or to find that perfect gift, Old Town boutiques don’t disappoint. They cater to discerning locals and visitors, offering premium goods that you may not find anywhere else. So, with the annual Sidewalk Sale returning this month, OTC sent me out to spotlight places to shop local and the tastemakers that run them. 3 SISTERS 213 King Street This King Street destination is a woman and family-owned business operated by siblings Stella, Athina, and Stavroulla, who say that they were inspired by their refugee mother, Andrea. The boutique showcases feminine apparel like maxi-dresses and tops. Accessories are accessible with the boutique’s Milan Luxe sunglasses priced at $16. (I bought a pair while researching this story. I couldn’t help myself.) The team at 3 Sisters shared with me that they often extend Sidewalk Sale discount pricing into Sunday, so mark your calendars. DASH’S OF OLD TOWN 1114 King Street If you’re seeking sartorial armor, consider a visit to Dash’s of Old Town. Featuring finely-tailored men’s suits and other menswear imported from Italy or custom made, Dash’s sets itself apart from department stores. Focused on individualized attention, the boutique offers in-person meetings and wardrobe consultancy by appointment only. Proprietor Victor Dash confirms that he works closely with Pentagon officials, lobbyists, and other DMV luminaries to tailor looks based on ensemble sets. These pieces seamlessly go from being camera-ready for a press conference in the morning to casually-cool for a clambake in the evening. At deadline, Mr. Dash and his team say that they are looking into a having a presence at The Sidewalk Sale. ENCORE CONSIGNMENT 119 S. Fairfax Street If you’re on the hunt for haute brands like Chanel, Ferragamo, and Hermes without the haute price tags,…
Photo above courtesy of Chukwudinma Anthony Nsofor (aka Chudi) By Lani Gering I have been wracking my brain trying to remember when I first met Leah. Am thinking that it has been at least 10 years ago when a mutual friend of ours introduced us while we were having cocktails at the same watering hole. At that time, we didn’t really talk about what she did for a living but I do remember being very impressed that she made earrings out of discarded guitar strings. I love people that are creative about repurposing everyday items that would otherwise end up in a landfill. In these last 10 or so years, we see each other fairly often at that same watering hole and, obviously, I found out early on that she indeed makes jewelry for a living. I have been blessed with two pair over the years, both gifts from our mutual friend. The first pair I had were so loved by another good friend that I gave them to her – not sure what I was thinking when I did that since I clearly could have sent her straight to the source but…it made her very happy so it was worth it. My next pair were given to me for my 70th birthday almost 2 years ago and I wore them almost daily until I lost one a few months ago. I kept thinking it would show up but, no such luck. However, I ran into Leah at our “place” a couple of weeks ago and while we were talking over a glass of wine, I told her of the demise. She very matter-of-factly told me to bring her the remaining earring and she would see what she could do to recreate it. Keep in mind that all of her…
By Bob Tagert This month’s business profile is bitter sweet. Imagine Artwear, one of Old Town’s first and best retailers is retiring and closing her brick-and-mortar location at 1124 King Street. I first met Carol when we were in the now defunct Old Town Business Association. Her contributions have been many to this community. Imagine Artwear is one of the great success stories in Old Town Alexandria and Carol Supplee has worked tirelessly behind the scenes with the city and business groups over the years. I started the Old Town Crier in January of 1988 and when Carol bought her store in 1992, she began advertising with us and has every month since. It love success stories in Old Town, but it took a lot of hard work. Carol first discovered the American crafts world as she pursued a journalism and history degree at Northwestern University and that is where her interest in hand crafted art emerged. “My Mom loved to sew and she was very good at it. She made all of the clothes for her three daughters and she taught me to sew as well,” says Supplee. Carol’s Grandmother’s last name was Penland as in the name of the Penland School of Crafts established in the early 1920’s in North Carolina and is the largest and oldest professional craft schools in the United States. Carol married and when her husband was transferred to Virginia she came along and transferred to George Washington University to continue her education and graduated with a degree in Art History and a Masters in Museology. In 1976 Carol worked for the American Freedom Train to commemorate the United States Bicentennial. The train itself consisted of 10 display cars each representing a segment of American history. Her job was to select all of the…
By Lani Gering “Irish foods and specialty cheese, you say? You have gruyere from two-time World Cheese Champion Michael Spycher and black pudding?” These questions and all others who are looking for legitimate “specialty” cheeses from around the USA and Europe can be addressed by Fergus Kennedy and Mike Bapstisa at Ripe Specialty Foods here in Alexandria. Ripe Specialty Foods has been offering cheeses, meats and other food products sourced from small farms and dairies that import directly to them for about 15 years. You won’t find their offerings in any of the mainstream grocery stores. Their clients are specialty shops the likes of Cheestique in Del Ray, Unwined in Bellview Shopping Center, La Fromagerie in Old Town, Arrowine and Corso in Arlington and the newly opened The Cut in Hollin Hill Shopping Center – next to River Bend Bistro. Fergus Kennedy has been selling Irish foods and smoked salmon to Irish bars and restaurants in the DMV since the beginning and incorporated Irish cheeses when asked by a local restaurateur if he could procure some specific cheeses as well. The following – taken directly for their website http://www.ripespecialty.com – gives you a much better description of what they do than I could write: “Ripe Specialty Foods is a distributor of artisanal cheeses, meats, and fine Irish provisions located just outside of DC in Alexandria, VA. You can find our food in nearly every Irish bar in the DMV, as well as in many specialty food shops and restaurants. We began when Fergus Kennedy started connecting Irish bars with traditional Irish fare like black and white pudding, smoked salmon, bacon, sausage rolls, Crunchie bars, and Tayto crisps. One day, a customer asked Fergus if he could get Cashel Blue for his bar. Fergus tracked it down and became a cheese…
By Meg Mullery Sensory overload. What happens when entering one of the five Crème de la Crème specialty stores. Earthy scents emanate from a massive array of candles in charming pottery holders. Rugs, placemats, and tablecloths in rich tones, jewelry handcrafted by local artisans, delight the eye and invite further exploration. And then there’s the soothing background music with an Edith Piaf vibe. November marks Crème de la Crème’s 24th year at its first and flagship location in Middleburg, Virginia. Fast forward 24 years and last April marked the Grand Opening of the fifth Crème de la Crème in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. During the intervening years, co-owners Tara and Ben Wegdam remained busy opening two additional Virginia stores, in Richmond and Leesburg, and ventured into Maryland with a store in Frederick. Complementing the brick and mortar locations is a popular online presence. Both Tara and Ben know retail. For Tara, it’s in her DNA. She grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, watching her parents, and before that grandparents, own and operate The French Shoppe, a successful local clothing boutique. Along with the opportunity to learn the nuts and bolts of retail, her mother instilled in young Tara an appreciation of nature. Walks in the woods identifying wildflowers and pointing out fascinating insects inspired incorporating a cicada into the Crème de la Crème’s logo. And the cicada pays homage to Tara’s beloved South of France where replicas of cicadas, symbols of good luck and happiness, hang at entrances to homes, hallways and kitchens. Tara visited France frequently as a young girl. She moved to her favorite city Paris through an exchange program with Hollins College. At the same time, Ben decided to do a semester at the Sorbonne, taking advantage of an exchange program with the Erasmus University in…
Scott Elkins may be the best dressed man in Old Town. Known for his distinctive sport coats and trademark bow ties, Scott is a fixture on King Street. At age 84, he recently put the finishing touches on yet another commercial real estate investment for a client, something that he has been doing for more than 35 years as a partner in Elkins Lane Realty Advisors, LLC, a full-service boutique firm with offices in Old Town. You can check out his real estate blog at https://elkins-lane.com/wphome/news/. But what few know is that before his success in commercial real estate, Scott was one of the premier commercial bankers in Northern Virginia. Years spent in commercial banking have given Elkins a perspective in real estate sales that is indeed unique. “Scott’s broad base of commercial banking experience is a real boost to making certain the deal gets done,” said Rick Lane, his business partner who himself had a first career as a practicing attorney. Back in the 1980s, Scott found himself working at what was then First American Bank, in a small office with a phone (which has no reason to ring at the time). As the Senior Commercial Lending Officer, he pioneered lending to government contractors, who before then were considered to be high risk. With Scott providing his innovative approach, he soon landed BDM International as the first to break this barrier to bank financing, Scott’s success soon caught the eye of Richmond-based Sovran Bank, which recruited him to develop commercial lending in the DC area, up to that time considered nothing more than a bedroom community for the military and government establishment. One of the early successes was with American Management Systems in Rosslyn, founded by three former Pentagon officials and destined to become one of the top government…
Pictured Above: Owners – Kristin Cowan and Adam Patterson By Lani Gering For all of you cat lovers out there, this place is the bomb. If you love cats, food and wine, it is a small slice of heaven. The brainchild of Kristin Cowan and Adam Patterson, Mount Purrnon opened just as the pandemic hit making it a bit of a rough start. Obviously, they persevered and have built a successful enterprise. Mount Purrnon was inspired by Kristin and Adam’s visit to a Cat Café in North Carolina. She was in the FBI at the time and decided she had had it with the environment she worked in and wanted to pursue something she could love – cats, wine and history. She is now living her dream. What is a Cat Café? It is part café and bar and part lounge area with cats and a cat adoption center. The café and bar areas are separate from the lounge. This makes it a place that both cat lovers and guests who just want to have something to eat and drink can go together. There is much more to do at Mount Purrnon besides drinking wine and playing with the cats. They have an array of games and books available along with free WiFi to take advantage of. In addition to Wine Tasting Wednesday, Cats and Tarot on Fridays and Cat Yoga, they also host special events on a regular basis – wine and food pairings, trivia nights, tea parties and even ghost story nights. This month as we celebrate Pride Month, they are hosting Drag Bingo Night with Cats on the 21st from 6 to 8 pm. Be sure to check it out on their website. Mount Purrnon is embraced by the real Mount Vernon and there are several historical…
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