Stories for December 2012

Friday, December 21

Touching For Sure, But Not Always

Usually, but not always, when I show for my scheduled post-chemotherapy/post-scan appointment with my oncologist, I am physically examined (touching, feeling). Recently, due to some enhanced computer and facility upgrades, I was shown the actual scans, digitized. However, on more than one occasion over the last 18 months or so, after we discussed the results of my most recent CT Scan – and lab work, no physical exam was performed. Apparently, as I later learned, the good results from my scan sort of trumps any need to feel for physical manifestations.

How the Powerless Access Power

Immigrants make significant gains in influencing political system.

On Election Night Nov. 6, Keisy Chavez’s nerves were frayed. The Fairfax single mom had been campaigning hard for Democrats since the official launch of Latinos for Obama last April.

Instincts…

Forty-five months later, I am still dealing with feelings – as in still living, for which I am amazingly fortunate. However, those feelings seem to sometimes have a mind of their own, and accordingly tend to take over and rewire one’s brain (figuratively speaking).

Contractors Call Holidays Ideal Time to Ponder Remodeling Projects

Local contractors say that the holidays offer an opportunity to consider home renovations.

While the holidays can bring glad tidings and cheer, they can also spark an interest in remodeling, say some local contractors.

Thursday, December 20

An Alexandria Homecoming at the 9:30 Club

Two bands with T.C. Williams roots to celebrate the world still spinning this weekend.

Two Alexandria-based bands are joining forces for what's bound to be a feel-good show at the 9:30 Club this weekend. Virginia Coalition, a group of guys that have been making the rounds in rock clubs since their high school days at T.C. Williams and better known to their fans as VACO, are hosting Rock-A-Pocalypse on Saturday, Dec. 22.

Union of Pedestrians: Waterfront Plan Prompts Changes to Union Street

Union Street to become 'shared street.'

The first signs of change from the waterfront plan are about to sweep through Old Town, adding features city officials believe will make the thoroughfare more friendly to pedestrians who will walk along the redeveloped properties.

City Leaders Approve Plan to Demolish Jefferson-Houston and Construct New Facility

$45 million facility is seen as a way to revitalize long-struggling school.

The name “Jefferson-Houston” presents a paradox — a hyphenated marriage of slave-owner Thomas Jefferson and civil-rights leader Charles Houston.

Wednesday, December 19

Avoiding Jet Lag

Medical experts offer suggestions for those traveling across multiple time zones during the holidays.

Every December, Linda McDonald travels from her Oak Hill home to Stockton, Calif., to visit her family for Christmas. She tries to head west a few days before the holiday, but often leaves on Christmas Eve, and arrives feeling hazy and sluggish.

Cosmetic Dentistry for Children

Whether it’s to replace a tooth that was lost or broken during a hockey game or to create a Hollywood-smile before taking the stage for a school play, pediatric dentists say an increasing number of children are undergoing cosmetic dental procedures.

Present Needing to be Accounted For

As a stage IV non-small cell lung cancer diagnosee/patient/survivor/anomaly, living long--whether prospering or not, is not the simple and presumptive proposition I had anticipated. No more do I anticipate living the same number of years and in the same relative good health that my parents (both deceased), experienced well into their 80s. Now, my life revolves around my oncologist and the CT Scans and lab work that precede our recurring appointments.

A Life Lesson in Giving Back

An immigrant’s son becomes state delegate and introduces the Virginia DREAM Act.

My father was born in a small town in the Andes mountains region of Venezuela. He was one of 22 brothers and sisters from the same parents. At the age of 19 he came to this country with $280 in his pocket and the dream of a better life. He worked as a bus boy and waiter, learned English, and went to school. He graduated from Northern Virginia Community College when I was 5 years old. He then took one class a semester at George Mason University every year, until he graduated from college one month before I graduated from Robinson High School in Fairfax. As a result of his achieving the American Dream, my father was able to change the lives of my entire family in Latin America.

Children of Inmates Receive Holiday Gifts, Winter Coats

Thanks to the support of Toys for Tots and Operation Warm, the children of more than 50 Alexandria inmates received a holiday gift and, if needed, a new winter coat this season.

The Way We Were

A look back at 2012.

Dominated by a hard-fought City Council race and the ongoing battle over the waterfront, Alexandria citizens had no shortage of topics to debate over the last year.

Pay Now, Bye Later

Contrary to last week’s column, if I do pay for it now (things I can’t afford), then I’ll be so in debt later that I may end up saying “bye” anyway--from the stress of it. And if that were to happen; dying with a smile on my face, so to speak, would I be truly better off now anticipating that later was not going to be my problem? Do I want to be a modern day version of George Raft, the American actor from the 1930s and 40s best known for his portrayals of mobsters, who said about his Hollywood money: “I must have gone through $10 million during my career. Part of the loot went for gambling, part for horses and part for women. The rest I spent foolishly.”

DASH-ing All the Way

Employees of the DASH transit system pose for a photo with Santa (aka DASH driver Charles Johnson) in front of the King Street Trolley Dec. 15 to kick off a day of free photos with Santa at Market Square.

Salvation Army-Bell Ringing

Santa (aka Charles Johnson) joins Pomeroy, a 12-year-old Pomeranian rescue, during the Alexandria Rotary Club's day of service Dec. 15 for the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign in Market Square.

Bovine Intervention

Del Ray's Holy Cow, ACT partner for local charities.

With checkbook in hand, Bill Blackburn sat down Nov. 27 to write the first check payable to ACT for Alexandria as part of a partnership between the community foundation and the recently opened Holy Cow gourmet burger restaurant in Del Ray.

Neighbors

Taylor Run

ELECTION WRITE-INS A certain amount of dissatisfaction with our current political setup raised its head in write-in votes for the recent election.

Inova Dedicates Cancer Center

Facility named for supporters Joseph Viar Jr. and Bonnie Christ.

Inova Alexandria Hospital held a dedication ceremony Dec. 12 to officially name its cancer center in honor of longtime Alexandria residents Joseph Viar Jr. and Bonnie Christ in recognition of a $1.25 million Legacy of Life gift through Viar's estate.

Capitals at Blessed Sacrament School

Johansson Teaches Students about Hockey

Prior to becoming a Washington record holder in points and assists by a defenseman, Washington Capitals assistant coach Calle Johansson learned the basics of hockey playing the game in a parking lot with his father.

That's What Friends Are For

Firefighters and Friends annual toy drive to help 4,000 area children.

For 45 Head Start preschoolers, Christmas arrived a week early when they entered Penn Daw Fire and Rescue Station 11 Dec. 18 to select a toy of their choice from the thousands that had been collected as part of the 2012 Firefighters and Friends annual toy drive.

Column: When To Be Representative or Trustee?

Lessons #3 for serving and governing.

City Council members: What are you, representatives of the people or trustees for the people? Answer: You are both, but not at the same time; and only you can figure out the time to be one or the other.

Column: From Learning ABC’s …

Meeting Paola has been a life changing experience. I began working with Paola in February 2011 and it started out as mainly teaching her the English language.

Showing They Care

In response to the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Girl Scout Daisy/Brownie Troop 185 of Alexandria made cards during their troop meeting on Friday, Dec. 14.

Storage Village Donates Dinners

Storage Village said “Thank You” to its community by helping to ensure that each of its neighbors could enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.

Christmas Music at St. Elmo’s

Doris Justis, a part of the Metro D.C. folk scene for more than three decades, returns to St Elmo's on Dec. 22, to play Christmas songs, from 8-10 p.m. This will be a family friendly set and children are welcome.

Holiday Luncheon

Successful Aging in Alexandria hosted a festive holiday luncheon on Thursday, Dec. 13, for nearly 200 seniors at the First Baptist Church.

Titanic Success

T.C. teacher, student honored for community service.

The Titan pride of T.C. Williams High School filled the Dec. 11 meeting of the Alexandria Rotary Club as both a T.C. teacher and student were honored by the organization for their community service.

Legislators Are Not Gun Shy About Responding to Connecticut Shooting

Should access to guns be limited or expanded?

Last year's mass shooting at an elementary school in Connecticut has already prompted a heated debate about gun control in Virginia, where the upcoming session of the General Assembly is likely to feature a number of bills on both sides of the issue.

Tuesday, December 18

Immigrant Experience Guides Success

Delegate Mark L. Keam

Del. Mark Keam (D-35) is the first Korean American and the first Asian-born immigrant to serve in the Virginia General Assembly.

Immigrants Gain Influence in Virginia

Immigrants make significant gains in influencing political system.

On Election Night Nov. 6, Keisy Chavez’s nerves were frayed. The Fairfax single mom had been campaigning hard for Democrats since the official launch of Latinos for Obama last April.

Classified Advertising Dec. 19, 2012

Read the lastest ads here!

Enhanced Security Around Schools

FCPS releases message about Connecticut tragedy.

On Sunday, Dec. 16, Superintendent Jack Dale sent an email message to all FCPS families and employees. He said the Fairfax County Police Department will be increasing patrols and visibility this week around all FCPS schools, including elementary schools, in response to Friday's tragedy in Connecticut.

Monday, December 17

Going Casual for a Cause

Nearly 10,000 people and 130-plus organizations participate in Jeans Day 2012 to help end homelessness.

Nearly 10,000 residents representing 130 businesses, Fairfax County agencies, schools and organizations pulled on their favorite jeans Friday, Dec. 14 for the second annual Jeans Day—a powerful community initiative that aims to “Put the ZIP on Homelessness” through building awareness and fundraising.

Thursday, December 13

Classified Advertising Dec. 12, 2012

Read the latest ads here!

Editorial: Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas

Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas

We are a nation of immigrants, to invoke the title of John F. Kennedy’s posthumously published book; undeniably a nation descended from immigrants and a nation greatly augmented by immigration. From this perspective, with the first immigrants motivated by the search for religious freedom, even Christmas is a religious holiday of immigrants.

Business Matters

Two Alexandria landlords are vying for their properties to become the new home of the National Science Foundation, a prize the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership has identified as valuable goal for the city.

Council Notebook

They fought like cats and dogs. They pounded their fists of the dais at City Hall. On several occasions, they raised their voices at each other.

Historic Chapel at Virginia Theological Seminary Rises from the Ashes

Seminary reaches compromise with neighbors to retain ruins of historic chapel.

When God appears to Moses in the Book of Exodus, a bush is described to be on fire yet not consumed by flames. The same could be said for Immanuel Chapel at the Virginia Theological Seminary.

Upcoming Zoning Decision on Beauregard Pits Tenants Against Council

West End residents are 'frustrated and angry.'

As residents of the West End gathered this week to celebrate Human Rights Day, a spirit of defiance was in the air.

Wednesday, December 12

TC’s Bunduka Wins 126-Pound Title at NOVA Classic

Three Alexandria schools participated in the 2012 FinalAutoPrice.Com NOVA Classic Dec. 7 and 8 at Fairfax High School.

West Potomac Boys’ Basketball Rallies to Beat TC

Wolverines overcome 10-point fourth-quarter deficit against the Titans.

The West Potomac boys' basketball team defeated T.C. Williams, 54-51, on Dec. 11.

Neighborhoods: Taylor Run

Carrying on a tradition started by the late Marion Galland in the late ‘60s when she threw a party to thank all those who helped her win an election, Sherry Brown, Harlene Clayton, Vola Lawson, Lucy Thomson, Marian Van Landingham, Lois Walker and Krista Watters threw a party for several hundred active Alexandria women.

Neighborhoods: Old Town

Almost quietly, Old Town preservationists and collectors have become major players in the Washington Winter Show — perhaps the major antiques extravaganza in the Capital Region and a must go and see.

Students at Kennedy Center

Roxanne King and Kyra Smith, both 15, of Alexandria, were selected from more than 100 dancers to be part of the Kennedy Center’s tap performance, “JUBA! Masters of American Tap!” at the Eisenhower Theater on Dec. 7.

Women, Art and Shopping

Pottery, handcrafted clothing, scarves, hats, jewelry, purses were just a few of items on display and for sale at the annual Alexandria Commission for Women and the Friends of the Commission annual holiday gift market. Proceeds from the market benefit the Alexandria Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Programs. Toys were also collected for clients of the Alexandria Battered Women’s Shelter.

Crisis of Governance and Leadership

This is the third in a series of columns, coordinated by former council member Lonnie Rich, that includes other past city leaders writing on governance and politics. Alexandria’s reputation for good governance has been severely tarnished over the last few years in large part because there has been too little debate about issues of real concern to the community. There is absolutely no reason to believe that the situation will change for the better with the re-election of Mayor Euille and the election or re-election of six Democrats, the majority of whom seem to share Mr. Euille’s one-shoe-fits-all vision for Alexandria.

Multiple Benefits of Mentoring

This article was submitted by Leigh Hoyer and Luisa Reyes from Wright To Read, an educational program that promotes literacy through the tutoring and mentoring of elementary school students and through outreach to the Alexandria community. Mentee Roxana Lara spoke about the value of having a mentor: "Sometimes you can't find the right words to say, or maybe you just can't find the right way to say it. But I want to give thanks to someone who helped me so much in life. I am very grateful for Ms. Kathy's tutoring and mentoring. Now I am reading much better. I see things much differently than before, thanks to her."

Dallas, Not Washington

“Born and bred” in Alexandria, 70-year-old Elaine* loves the Del Ray home she has lived in for more than 50 years. Bought for $15,000 with her husband, it holds many great memories. Growing up, Elaine and her family lived in rental properties throughout the city, first on Powhatan, then Wythe, and finally on Walnut.

Chamber Hosts Newsmaker Business Lunch

Former U.S, Rep. Tom Davis was the guest speaker at the Mount Vernon-Lee Chambers Newsmaker Business lunch pn Thursday, Dec. 6 at the Belle Haven Country Club. Davis spoke of the ongoing political debate on the looming fiscal cliff and repercussions it may have locally. New members to the chamber — Sandy McMaster of Fischer McMaster Homes with McEnearney Real Estate, Tara Ghavam of Patient First, Jube Shiver of the Shiver Management Group and Tricia Mikos with the Mount Vernon Gazette — were introduced.

Volunteer Opportunities for Seniors

Senior Services of Alexandria is teaming with Volunteer Alexandria to spread the word about volunteer opportunities for seniors in our community. Both SSA and Volunteer Alexandria are committed to inspiring and mobilizing people to volunteer and build a better community for all Alexandrians, including our seniors since they are a vibrant part of our city.

Holiday Revels with a Safety Net

A serious backup, but seriously, make a plan ahead of time.

There is a little life in the economy this year, and that is quite likely to allow some to be the life of the party. You know the drill, the five-to-seven or six-to-eight drop-in happy hour, you've been invited to five of them, and you could attend an infinite number of these between now and the second day of 2013.

ACVA’s 2012 Superstar Awards

Washington introduced as new tourism chief.

The Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association presented the 2012 Superstar Awards at its December Tourism Marketing Forum Dec. 7 at Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, using the occasion to formally introduce Patricia R. Washington as the new president and CEO of the city's tourism agency. “I am excited to be in Alexandria,” Washington said.

Ringing in the Holidays

Fran Vaughan directed the advanced handbell choir at Browne Academy in a holiday concert on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 9, at the Beatley Library in Alexandria. The students performed a variety of holiday classics to a standing room only gathering. Students included Mustafa Beidas, Erika Walton, Hailey Chauncey, Kye Smith, Reese Gayle, BJ Ramkissoon, Danica King, Charles Nygeres, Isabella King, Jayla Muse, Madison Manning, Carson McKenzie and Cate and Ryan McGlynn.

Tree Lighting In Del Ray

Thousands of luminaries lit the walkways up and down Mount Vernon Avenue on Friday evening, Dec. 7. Neighbors and visitors gathered in the Del Ray Farmers Market parking lot at Oxford Avenue to watch Santa light the holiday tree. Kate Moran led those gathered in holiday songs. The tree was donated by Mike Anderson and thanks went out the Cathy Puskar for her help with decorating logistics.

Curtain Up

Everything old is new again at Old Town Theater.

For nearly a century, The Old Town Theater served as a venue for entertainment ranging from vaudevillian stage shows to silent films, puppet shows and contemporary Hollywood blockbusters. But after the marquee dimmed and the doors were boarded up earlier this year, the Alexandria landmark is once again ready for its close up.

Bazaar Benefits Kenyan School

English students at T.C. Williams High School, inspired by a presentation from the former headmaster of the Losengeli School in Kenya, John Isindu, held a fundraiser in the school cafeteria on Thursday afternoon, Dec. 6. The students chose to showcase an international bazaar featuring food, music, costumes and dance from their native countries.

Christmas in Camp

Fort Ward Museum & Historic Sites held its annual Christmas in Camp on Saturday afternoon, Dec. 8. The camp depicts army life during the winter of 1863. Historian and writer Kevin Rawlings appeared as the patriotic Santa depicted in an engraving by artist Thomas Nast.

Beauregard’s Human Rights Issue?

Upcoming zoning decision on Beauregard pits tenants against council.

As residents of the West End gathered this week to celebrate Human Rights Day, a spirit of defiance was in the air. Even though members of the Alexandria City Council have already approved the controversial Beauregard small-area plan, residents here are hoping that elected officials will hold off on rezoning the land until safeguards can be put into place to ensure low-income residents aren’t displaced by redevelopment.

Council Notebook

Saying Goodbye

Saying Goodbye They fought like cats and dogs. They pounded their fists of the dais at City Hall. On several occasions, they raised their voices at each other.

Rising from the Ashes

Seminary reaches compromise to retain ruins of historic chapel.

When God appears to Moses in the Book of Exodus, a bush is described to be on fire yet not consumed by flames. The same could be said for Immanuel Chapel at the Virginia Theological Seminary.

Friday, December 7

Classified Advertising Dec. 5, 2012

Read the latest ads here!

Thursday, December 6

‘Dreamgirls’

Nova Payton electrifies in Signature Theatre production.

Known for its magical staging of big Broadway productions, Signature Theatre has taken on Michael Bennett’s Tony Award winning “Dreamgirls” in a high-voltage production that leaves no doubt as to why Signature possesses a Tony of its own.

Bishop Ireton Boys’ Basketball Hoping to Surprise WCAC

Cardinals start season with wins against Episcopal, Fairfax.

The Bishop Ireton boys' basketball team defeated Fairfax, 73-53, on Dec. 3.

Immigration Assistance Organizations

A list of some local non-profit organizations that provide immigration assistance, also provided by Fairfax County at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/ell/organizations.htm.

Editorial: Holiday Revels With a Safety Net

A serious backup, but seriously, make a plan ahead of time.

You know the drill, the five-to-seven or six-to-eight drop-in happy hour, you've been invited to five of them, and you could attend an infinite number of these between now and the second day of 2013. And there are many other varieties of holiday festivities, many involving more than a drink or two. So make a plan.

Use of Food Stamps Skyrocketing in Northern Virginia

Program doubles in Arlington, triples in Fairfax and quadruples in Alexandria.

The use of food stamps is skyrocketing in Northern Virginia, and the spike isn’t just about the recession.

A New Direction for the Alexandria School System

Seven new School Board members augur change.

The past few years have been chaotic at the Beauregard Street headquarters of the Alexandria City Public School system, which has struggled to cope with failing test scores as a parade of administrators have come and gone.

Should Fairfax County Create New Transportation Impact Fee?

Gridlock at Kings Crossing creates movement for solution.

Nowhere is the idea of a transportation impact fee more popular than the clogged Route 1 corridor, where the Wal-Mart at Kings Crossing has added to the gridlock that has long plagued the region.

Raw Politics: Alexandria Officials to Roll Out Sewer Master Plan

Proposal would fund fix to lingering problems as well as handle demands of development.

Lately, it seems that city officials have their minds in the gutter — literally.

Week in Alexandria

After almost two decades as the chief prosecutor in Alexandria, Commonwealth’s Attorney Randy Sengel says he won’t run again in 2013.

Failing Alexandria School Waits for Turnaround

After years of failing test scores, Jefferson-Houston to select external turnaround partner.

More than a decade of failing test scores and a revolving door of administrators have taken their toll on Jefferson-Houston School, which the Virginia Department of Education was identified as a “priority school” back in August.

Wednesday, December 5

Annual JAMtech Inspires Students

Alexandria-based firm Carney, Inc. is showing local high school students interested in technology — including online gaming, graphics, computer programming and social media — how to turn their passion into careers.

Turkeys Needed for Holiday Distribution

250 gobblers needed for Rising Hope Christmas baskets.

Busy Sarah Heckman, sparkling with angelic calm as she goes about her duties at Rising Hope Mission Church, currently has no fears about her ability to distribute 350 Christmas turkeys to hungry Mount Vernon area families.

LTA’s ‘A Christmas Carol’

Opening night of the holiday classic welcomes families from the Georgetown Hospital Pediatric Oncology Center

It’s a tale as old as time: The miserly Ebeneezer Scrooge is ethically and emotionally transformed after being haunted by visits from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come in the Charles Dickens classic “A Christmas Carol,” now playing at The Little Theatre of Alexandria.

Designers Decorate Christmas Trees to Raise Funds

A few local designers are using their talent to bring holiday cheer to some local pediatric cancer patients.

Working Together on Toy Drive

Occasionally Cake partners with Firefighters and Friends Toy Drive.

When Sabrina Campbell volunteered to help put together a tribute to local police and firefighters, she had no idea the event would lead to a chance meeting with Capt. Willie Bailey, founder of the Firefighters and Friends Holiday Toy Drive.

Scottish Walk Celebrates 42 Years

Pipes, plaid and pageantry filled the streets of Old Town during the 42nd annual Scottish Walk Parade.

Celebrating St. Clement

The 68 students at St. Clement preschool and junior kindergarten donned their togas and headed down the hall to lunch on Tuesday, Dec. 4.

Neighborhood: Seminary Valley

The results are in for the Brookville-Seminary Valley Civic Association election, held this past October.

Shop ‘Til You Drop

Dec. 9 Holiday Market to benefit women’s programs.

More than 30 female artisans will showcase their crafts Dec. 9 at the 14th Annual Women’s Holiday Art Show in support of the City of Alexandria’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services.

Letter: Lack of Listening

To the Editor: I attended the first "What's next Alexandria" community dialogue meeting on Thursday, Nov. 15. Needless to say, this was not a "kumbaya" moment by some residents in attendance and I know I requested that the agenda be changed wherein Mayor Euille said "no" and another resident attempted to state that it appeared there would be no public input and no residents in attendance would be heard until several future meetings had been completed.

Old Town School for Dogs continues AWLA tradition.

As owner of The Old Town School for Dogs, Carlos Mejias can answer just about any canine question asked of him, save for one.