books | ALXnow

Saving herself: Alexandria author kidnapped by Somali pirates to publish second book

Published January 9, 2023 at 3:30PM | Updated January 10, 2023 at 4:21PM

Jessica Buchanan, an Alexandria-based author, podcaster and motivational speaker, will publish her second book on Jan. 25, 2023. Buchanan was held captive for three months by Somali pirates rescued by SEAL Team Six. (Courtesy photo)

Getting rescued from Somali pirates by Navy SEALs is one thing, but at the end of the day Jessica Buchanan had to save herself.

An Ohio native, Buchanan was an aid worker in northern Somalia when she and fellow aid worker Poul Hagen Thisted were kidnapped in October 2011. With an untreated thyroid condition worsening, she was kept on a starvation diet and slept in the open desert for 93 days. She was rescued by a team of 24 U.S. Navy SEALs, and President Obama phoned Buchanan’s father to inform him on the news of her release.

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Harry Potter tour returning next week to Apothecary Museum in Old Town

By James Cullum

Published December 7, 2022 at 2:20PM

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum still has many of the original products that it sold throughout the 19th century (staff photo by James Cullum)

A magical apothecary tour will materialize in Old Town next week, just in time for the holidays.

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum (105-107 S. Fairfax Street) is hosting the annual event on Friday, Dec. 16, and fans of J.K. Rowling’s books can learn about her inspirations in the muggle field of botanical science. Visitors will learn about fumigating pastiles, sweet marjoram and cuttle fish bone, among others.

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Old Town Books answers: What are Alexandrians reading?

By Vernon Miles

Published October 20, 2022 at 11:15AM

Fully stocked bookshelf (image via Old Town Books/Facebook)

As Alexandria moves into fall, it’s likely locals will want to nurse a cup of hot coffee at their local shop or curl up at home on the couch with a good book. If you’re not sure what that book should be: Ally Kirkpatrick has a few ideas.

Kirkpatrick, owner of Old Town Books (130 S Royal Street), said in some ways Alexandria follows national trends on what’s popular, but there are other titles that catch on specifically with the local clientele.

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Harry Potter’s birthday tour coming back to Apothecary Museum in Old Town

By James Cullum

Published July 6, 2022 at 9:30AM

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum still has many of the original products that it sold throughout the 19th century (staff photo by James Cullum)

Children and adults who missed their Hogwarts letter can celebrate Harry Potter’s birthday with a special tour of the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum.

This July 31, the Apothecary Museum will celebrate its annual Harry Potter guided birthday tour with the 25th anniversary of J.K Rowlings’ first wizarding book, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.”

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Former ambassador to Ukraine trashes Trump, discusses memoir in Del Ray

By James Cullum

Published May 10, 2022 at 11:15AM | Updated May 10, 2022 at 4:50PM

Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch discusses her book, 'Lessons From The Edge' in Del Ray on May 9, 2022. (staff photo by James Cullum)

(Updated 4:50 p.m.) Under President Donald Trump, former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch says that America resembled repressive regimes she’d seen overseas.

On Monday (May 9), Yovanovitch spoke about her memoir “Lessons From The Edge” at Pat Miller Square in the heart of Del Ray. The book documents her 33-year Foreign Service career that culminated with her being fired by Trump as the ambassador to Ukraine and her congressional testimony during his first impeachment.

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There’s a ‘Goodnight Moon Room’ installation at the Torpedo Factory Art Center

By James Cullum

Published December 9, 2021 at 10:50AM | Updated February 11, 2022 at 10:49AM

The Goodnight Moon Room at the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Old Town, Alexandria. (staff photo by James Cullum)

(Updated on Feb. 11) Fans of the “Goodnight Moon” classic children’s book are in for a treat, as there’s a new Goodnight Moon Room installation at the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

The project in Studio 9 is led by longtime Torpedo Factory artist Lisa Schumaier, who said she wants to give visitors a literary hug.

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Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published November 30, 2021 at 5:00AM

The fight to preserve Douglass Cemetery — “While the location’s rich past and personal connection served as an emboldening force for Johnson, he said he’s sorry that anyone’s final resting place could wind up in such a dilapidated state.” [Alexandria Times]

Advice from Old Town Books’ Ally Kirkpatrick — “We talked to Ally Kirkpatrick, founder and owner of Old Town Books, about curling up with a good read when the weather gets cold and finding the perfect book to give as a gift.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

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Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published November 18, 2021 at 5:00AM

Old Town Books to open ‘Juniors’ pop-up shop — “Old Town Books is opening a winter pop-up shop called Old Town Books Juniors this month.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

Public invited to help lay wreaths at Alexandria National Cemetery Dec. 18 — “On Saturday, Dec. 18 — the same day as the wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery — there is another gathering planned for Alexandria National Cemetery.” [Zebra]

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Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published September 22, 2021 at 5:00AM

Alexandria seeks input on phase II revision of noise ordinance — “On May 15, the Alexandria City Council adopted phase I technical revisions of the City’s noise ordinance. The City is now seeking public input on a phase II revision that would address policy issues associated with land use, noise levels and changes with noise sources. The objective is to finalize this revision for Council consideration by the end of 2021.” [City of Alexandria]

Alexandria author writes book on 19th century Scottish migrant — “First-time author Ellen Hamilton has spent years working on the story of William Gregory, who settled here in Alexandria in 1807. Now, her first book, ‘A Scottish Migration to Alexandria’, is going into print.” [Alexandria Living]

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Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published July 26, 2021 at 5:00AM

The George Washington National Masonic Memorial in Old Town, Alexandria. (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Del Ray Italian restaurant to close — “Rosemarino D’Italia will close its doors after Wednesday, July 28 at its Alexandria location in Del Ray, after serving up Italian cuisine to its customers for the past eight years there, according to manager Edward Camacho.” [Alexandria Living]

Work starts on new Athleta store in Old Town — “Construction has started on the former La Tasca restaurant on King Street as the building owners make space for a store for Gap, Inc. athletic brand Athleta.” [Alexandria Living]

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Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published April 29, 2021 at 5:00AM

Pastor gives back to honor son’s cancer survival — “Porras, pastor at Beverley Hills Community UMC in Alexandria, is participating in the 10-week Man/Woman of the Year Campaign for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society in the DC metropolitan area.” [Patch]

Restaurant Revitalization Fund registration to open in Alexandria — “The Restaurant Revitalization Fund, part of the American Rescue Plan Act stimulus package, will provide emergency assistance for qualifying businesses with revenue losses related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible restaurants will receive funding to match their pandemic-related revenue loss:up to $5 million per physical location, or a total of $10 million per business. The funds will not have to be repaid as long as businesses use them for approved purposes by March 11, 2023.” [Patch]