Friday, July 27
Alexandria Mount Vernon Neighborhood 7/25/12
Taylor Run
In support of National Night Out, on Aug. 7, at 7:30 p.m., the Taylor Run Citizens' Association will be hosting an "Ice Cream Social" at 701 Upland Place.
Meet the Aces
Host families, sponsors celebrate Alexandria Aces.
The Alexandria Aces celebrated with their host families, coaches, corporate partners and fans at the second annual Meet the Aces dinner June 26 at Union Street Public House.
What about Meow?
King Street Cats raises awareness for shy and mature cats.
Mature and shy cats at animal shelters do not make immediate impressions, and are often overlooked by the young and outgoing. Through no fault of their own, these cats have a difficult time finding a loving home.
Alexandria/Mount Vernon Entertainment Calendar 7/25/12
Calendar Events
Pet Submission by Susan Dawson & Max Rotermund: Cinco de Mayo
Susan Dawson and Max Rotermund’s 3-year old cat Cinco (we got him on May 5) came from the pound, so they really don’t know what breed of cat he is.
The Four Mile Run Farmers & Artisans Market Seeks Performing Artists
The Office of the Arts, in partnership with the Alexandria Commission for the Arts, is inviting performing artists to participate in the “Call for performing artists.”
Tail-wagging Treasures Come To the Torpedo Factory Art Center
For those who give a whisker about all things furry, clay artists have dedicated handmade wares to the animal kingdom at the Torpedo Factory Art Center.
Obituary: Edward S. Kidd, Jr.
The Hon. Judge Edward S. Kidd, Jr., 81, died peacefully July 14, 2012.
AIDS Memorial Quilt Exhibition at Torpedo Factory
Twenty-five years in the making, the AIDS Memorial Quilt is the largest community art project in the world.
Alexandria Bulletin Board 7/25/12
Alexandria Bulletin Board Events
Letter: War Against Women
Thoughts on the current status of gender equality.
Title IX Marks 40 Years
Local Coaches Reflect on the Law’s Impact and Societal Changes
Forty years ago on June 23, President Richard Nixon signed into law a series of amendments known as Title IX that banned discrimination on the basis in “any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” However, the law is mainly known for its impact on high school and college sports.
Letter: Open for Public Involvement?
Thoughts on a lack of citizen input.
Art Project Coming To Your Door?
Alexandria artist, Linda Hesh, is hanging 3,000 white paper doorknob hangers on homes and businesses in the Del Ray and Potomac West areas of Alexandria. On several days leading up to Aug. 2, 2012, Hesh will have a crew of art enthusiasts help her to install her artwork titled “Art is...”
Thursday, July 26
Classified Advertising (July 25, 2012)
Read the lastest Classified, Employment and Home and Garden ads!
After Years of Construction, a New Jones Point Park Emerges from Orange Cones
Southernmost point of the District of Columbia gets a makeover.
Now, after more than a decade hidden behind a veil of orange cones, Jones Point Park is ready to once again take its place among the premier city parks.
Business Matters
Death may be one of those unavoidable things. But taxes? That’s another story.
Proposal for Waterfront Hotel Would More Than Double Density of Existing Development
Carr Hospitality presents concept to city even though zoning does not yet exist.
The vivid color images of a hotel on the waterfront offer a stark contrast to the dingy old warehouse currently occupying the northeast corner of Duke Street and Union Street.
Week in Alexandria
For more than a month, voters in the 45th District have been waiting for Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell to call a special election to fill the seat vacacted by former Del. David Englin (D-45), who resigned to put his family back together after announcing he had been unfaithful in his marriage.
Wednesday, July 25
Letters to the Editor Alexandria
Letters to the Editor
Union Street Celebrates Christmas in July
Summer celebration of Christmas
Setting Sail for Success
Seaport Foundation celebrates launch of the William Henry.
Shortly after Larry Sadler retired, a visit to a schooner moored along the waterfront prompted a friend to suggest that he consider volunteering at the Alexandria Seaport Foundation.
Meet the Aces
Host families, sponsors celebrate Alexandria Aces.
The Alexandria Aces celebrated with their host families, coaches, corporate partners and fans at the second annual Meet the Aces dinner June 26 at Union Street Public House.
Alexandria Bulletin Board for 7/25
Bulletin Board for Alexandria
News Briefs
Water Main Being Upgraded
Virginia American Water has started a water main upgrade on Trinity Drive in Alexandria that will enhance water quality, improve service reliability and increase flows for fire protection.
Column: A Life Worth Living, Still
It might be my age (as in getting older), or it might be the fact that I have cancer (you think?), but my brain and the related physical and mental tasks it coordinates are not exactly working at peak efficiency.
All Creatures Great and Small
Walk slated to benefit homeless animals.
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria will host the first-ever Alexandria Shelter Walk for Homeless Animals on Oct. 21 to raise awareness about pet overpopulation and the thousands of animals the AWLA cares for each year.
From News Star to Sheriff’s Star
For five years, I pestered Jane Watrel. At least three times a week — and sometimes more — I either emailed or telephoned her with news story suggestions. She never ignored me.
Keeping Families Safe
Disaster preparedness is something most of us prefer not to think about, but keeping our families safe and ready for any emergency should be job one.
Public Interest Vs. Absolute Discretion
Lack of transparency forces some to consider lawsuits just to get information.
Brook Besha is at his wit’s end. It’s been almost four years since the Fairfax County Police Department shot and killed his son. But even today, he still does not have access to the investigation conducted by the Arlington County Police Department.
Tuesday, July 24
Derek Lee, South Lakes Baseball, 1983
South Lakes slugger was drafted five times before playing for Minnesota Twins.
Derek Lee is remembered at South Lakes high school, and by those that watched him play baseball, for his ability to do one thing — swing the bat.
Taline Tahmassian, Langley Soccer, 2001
Langley star recorded 96 goals and before winning NCAA title at Santa Clara.
How good Taline Tahmassian was on the soccer field can be measured by the pages of old newspapers. Tahmassian and the Saxons could be seen celebrating in photographs while snappy headlines chronicled their victories in a week-by-week scrapbook of archived clippings.
Nate Friends, McLean Soccer, Basketball, 1991
Friends dominated the basketball court and soccer field to help McLean to several regional tournament appearances.
Chantilly coach Jim Smith was a relative unknown when he took over the reeling McLean High School boys basketball team back in 1989.
Editorial: Separate and Unequal?
If we don't believe that poor students are less innately talented, then the disparities in Northern Virginia are truly unfair.
The numbers are eye-popping. Latino students are 22 percent of Fairfax County Public Schools students, but 2.7 percent of the incoming Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology freshman class, the class of 2016. Of the 480 students, seven are black. That's 1.4 percent, while black students are 10 percent of the county school system.
Consumer Confidence on the Rise in Washington Region
Survey participants perceive regional economy better than broader national picture.
Consumer confidence is on the rise, according to results of a new survey by the Greater Washington Board of Trade.
Friday, July 20
Pedaling with Pals
Potomac Pedalers provides group rides for area cyclists.
Cyclists of all ages and ability levels can participate in group rides with the Potomac Pedalers.
TC Football Players Put in Work on ‘Green’ Day
Titans polish individual skills during offseason practice.
TC football coaches and players took part in their first of seven "green" practices on July 10 at Parker-Gray Stadium. "Green" days are part of the Virginia High School League’s offseason policy passed last season which allows coaches and players to work together in a non-team-oriented fashion
Alexandria Sports Briefs: Chinquapin Swimmer Breaks 34-year-old League Record
Ronan Lauinger breaks CSL's 25-yard breaststroke record.
Title IX Marks 40 Years
Local coaches reflect on the law’s impact and societal changes.
Title IX's impact is felt 40 years later.
Thursday, July 19
Developer Moves Forward with Plans to Redevelop Waterfront Property
Carr Hospitality seeks approval for concept even though zoning has yet to be approved.
One of the ghosts haunting the Alexandria waterfront is Samuel Cummings, international arms dealer who owned a warehouse now at the center of a controversial redevelopment proposal.
Reclusive Former Sheriff Dies; Mystery of His Wife’s Murder Remains Unsolved
After years on the public stage, Jim Dunning withdrew after the death of his wife.
James Herbert Dunning, the once popular sheriff who became increasingly reclusive after the mysterious 2003 murder of his wife, died last week at his home in Hilton Head, S.C.
Business Matters
One of the most distinctive buildings on the waterfront is about to be gutted and renovated.
Inaction May Cause Federal Officials to Create Health-Care Exchange for Virginia
January 2013 is the deadline for the commonwealth to create authority for exchange.
Virginia is suffering from deadline fever, although Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell is calling for a second opinion.
Week in Alexandria
As the race to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Democratic Sen. Jim Webb heads into the long hot political summer season, both candidates are trying to capture the attention of Northern Virginia voters.
Wednesday, July 18
Calendar
Through July 29 Peace Paper Project – Workshop & Exhibition. July 12 - 29, 2012. Reception July 12, 6 - 8 p.m.; during 2nd Thursday Art Night. Participants will use a portable paper making studio and fibers that hold significance (such as articles of clothing that one might have worn during chemo treatment, or part of a military uniform) to create hand made paper, and then create artwork onto this paper. Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union Street. Visit www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/APS/PeacePaper.htm.
Alexandria Home Sales: June, 2012
In June 2012, 245 Alexandria homes sold between $2,900,000-$90,000.
Alexandria Home Sales in June, 2012
Manager, 7 Players Represent Aces on All-Star Roster
The Alexandria Aces had seven players named to the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League all-star game, which was held July 11 at Shirley Povich Field in Bethesda. The Aces played for the American League All-Stars, who were led by Aces manager Corey Haines.
Rowers Begin 4th Week of Summer Crew
The 2012 Alexandria Summer Crew Program entered its fourth week of classes and training sessions this past Monday with nearly 130 rowers taking to the water at the Dee Campbell Boathouse in Old Town.
Alexandria Business Notes
The Alexandria/Arlington Resource Recovery Facility located in Alexandria, has been named the 2011 Large WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Facility of the Year in the combustion category by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in recognition of its strong environmental and safety performance record.
Inova Hospitals Short on Blood Supply
Inova Blood Donor Services, which supplies blood to 15 hospitals throughout Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., has issued a call for all eligible blood donors to donate as soon as possible due to a low inventory of blood supply.
Neighborhoods-Old Town
Old Town
Neighborhoods
Taylor Run
Letter: Boards, Commissions and Power Politics
To the Editor: The city’s boards and commissions have grown to total 76 and were mostly established in the 1980s.
Letter: Hold off Review of Hotel Proposal
The following letter was addressed to the Board of Architectural Review for the Old and Historic Alexandria District.
Alexandria Citizens Band Celebrates 100 Years
The Alexandria Citizens’ Swing Band took the stage and performed at Market Square on Friday, July 13.
Cooking Up a Safer Home
Carmen’s* home often smells of the wonderful flavor of beef, rice, and beans as she cooks her favorite El Salvadorian meal for her family.
Bookies and Bettors — and the Rising of Casinos
I was never any good at pitching pennies. I’ve never had any success at the few times I deigned to play the lottery.
Column: Circumstances Be Damned
If only it were as easy to actually live it as it is to write it. As much as I believe what I write, it’s still difficult to ignore certain facts (“the underlying diagnosis,” as I often refer to my diagnosis) and the feelings associated with it.
Fairfax County, VDOT File Suit Against EPA
New EPA rules will impact homeowners, developers and could cost taxpayers nearly $500 million.
Fairfax County and the state of Virginia filed a federal lawsuit Thursday, July 12, challenging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new storm water regulations for the Accotink watershed, claiming the agency’s requirements are costly, onerous and vastly exceed its legal authority.
President Comes to the Area
Obama rallies his supporters during the campaign stop at Centreville High.
Before President Barack Obama addressed the huge crowd inside Centreville High, Saturday afternoon, Jerry Foltz of Wellspring United Church of Christ gave the invocation.
Makara Selected as Torpedo Factory Artist of Year
Her solo exhibition, “Masks,” at Target Gallery.
Veteran Torpedo Factory artist Susan Makara was honored on Thursday, July 12, with an official award ceremony as the 2012 Artist of the Year.
Herrity, Hugo Respond to Obama’s Visit
Both Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) and Del. Tim Hugo (R-40) held a joint press conference Saturday afternoon, speaking to local Romney supporters prior to President Obama’s campaign rally at Centreville High. Said Herrity: "It was nice to see so many people from Little Rocky Run stop by and pick up Romney signs and stand with us."
Legacy x 3: Pat Barron, Nancy Reinke, and Marian Van Landingham Art Sale
Sale of Artwork by Renowned Art League Artists Kicks Off 30-Something Summer Series
As kick-off event for the "30-Something" Summer Series, artwork by renowned artists Pat Barron, Nancy Reinke, and Marian Van Landingham will be for sale July 19-21 at The Art League Gallery, with proceeds going to our Madison Annex Build-Out Project.
Finn Named New Director of ACPS Educational Facilities
Retired Navy Capt. William E. Finn has been appointed as the new educational facilities director for Alexandria City Public Schools effective July 1.
Obituary: Marian E. Nowland
Marian E. Nowland, 81, died on July 5, 2012.
Stained Glass Window Designer Celebrated at St. Paul’s
On Sunday, July 25, after the 10 a.m. service at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on South Pitt Street, a reception was held honoring renowned executor of stained glass windows, Rowan LeCompte.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Society Celebrates 20 Years
The members of Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Society hosted an ice cream social on June 24 in the assembly room at the tavern museum before adjourning to the ballroom for the annual meeting and election of new board members.
Special Delivery
Meals on Wheels expands to Saturday delivery.
It's a labor of love for Nancy and Buzzie Harris, who for the last year and a half have been delivering Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors as volunteers for Senior Services of Alexandria.
The Smoking Trail
New cigarette trafficking law aids enforcement.
Virginia has long been known as a tobacco-friendly state. Tobacco was one of the first major commercial products for New World European settlers, and the state remains one of the largest producers today. Virginia is also home to some of the cheapest cigarettes in the country.
Alexandria Food and Drink
Occasionally Cake is celebrating its three-year anniversary and handing out one free cupcake per person to all of its patrons.
Classified Advertising (July 18, 2012)
Read the latest Classifieds, Employment and Home and Garden ads!
Tuesday, July 17
In Search of a ‘Forever Home’
Humane Society of Fairfax working for animal and human welfare.
Look up Petfinder.com on your Internet browser page. It’s a site where animal welfare groups can promote animals they have available for adoption. Type in a town or zip code. Let’s use Alexandria as an example. Check "Cat" for "Type of Animal." Hit "Search."
Childhood Hobbies: Finding the Right Fit
Experts offer suggestions for choosing extracurricular activities for the fall.
While many are still basking in the lazy days of summer, Anna Faust is planning her 5-year-old son’s after-school activity schedule for the fall.
Editorial: Leaving Millions on the Table
Virginia should embrace opportunity for more health care coverage for poor residents.
Chances are that if you are reading this, you have employer-provided health insurance. While you might worry about the young adults in your family or the lower wage workers in your organization, you also know that if you are sick, you can go to the doctor.
So You Want To Act?
Tips from local actors.
One of the hardest things about starting any career is getting that first job. It’s no different with acting.
Strayer Honors Medina as Outstanding Alumna
Acknowledging the value of college degree for non-traditional students.
Long-time Alexandria resident Kathryn Medina is among the 40 percent of college students who are considered non-traditional — those who’ve gone back to school after employment.
‘Champion of Change’
Campagna Center’s Joy Trejo is among those honored at White House.
The White House’s “Champions of Change” highlights a different sector of educators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who are working to serve and strengthen their communities each week.
City Gallery “Call for Artists” Deadline
The Office of the Arts, in partnership with the Alexandria Commission for the Arts is putting out a “call for artists” for area visual artists to submit their work for display in the City’s galleries.
City of Alexandria Hosts 9th Annual Comcast Outdoor Film Festival
The City of Alexandria will host the ninth Annual Comcast Outdoor Film Festival on Friday, July 13 and Saturday, July 14 at Waterfront Park, 1A Prince St. Movies begin at approximately 8:30 p.m. (at dusk). Admission is free.
Thursday, July 12
Military Matters
American Legion hosts Kaine forum to address veterans issues.
Former Virginia governor and Democratic candidate for senate Tim Kaine met with veterans and active duty military members of American Legion Post 24 in Alexandria July 9 in a roundtable discussion focusing on unemployment and other issues facing service members and their families.
Wednesday, July 11
Freedmen’s Cemetery Statue Proposals on Display
Three proposals for statues to be added to the Contrabands’ and Freedmen’s Cemetery will be on display for public comment at the Durant Arts Center at 1605 Cameron Street until Aug. 6.
Restoring Power
Dominion and city’s strategy set priorities.
More than a million people were left powerless in northern Virginia after the Friday thunderstorm on June 29.
Students Work To Save Winkler Botanical Preserve
It’s been several years since the students in Mary Breslin’s seventh grade Science class first set foot in Winkler Botanical Preserve, and they haven’t been able to stay away since.
Unsung Heroes Honored
On the same Thursday morning that the U.S. Supreme Court made its momentous decision to let the Affordable Care Act stand, the Virginia Health Care Foundation was meeting in Richmond to honor heroes in health care and to celebrate the success of an effort to meet two goals of that act, to provide preventive care and primary health care to individuals who have not been able to receive it.
Soft Shell Crabs vs. Hot Dogs
I was introduced to soft shell crabs by a Greek restaurateur. I’ve thanked him ever since.
Hospital’s Stroke Treatment Exceeds National Guidelines
Not much keeps Peggy Kennedy down. In her six years on the job at an Old Town Starbucks, she’s never called in sick. A couple of Tylenol and she’s good to go. But as she worked the register on June 26, a strange feeling came over her and she had to sit down. Her perfect work attendance streak would soon be over.
Home Remodeling 101
Experts offer suggestions for a timely and efficient renovation.
Whether expanding a home or just remodeling an existing interior space, building projects can be daunting, especially if the goal is to be finished by a certain date. "If you wanted to get going on a project and your goal was to be done by Thanksgiving, the planning process and permit process is probably as long as the building process, but you don’t want to rush through those aspects of it and then wish you’d done something differently," said David Vogt of Case Design/Remodeling, Inc.
A Spiritual Journey: Yoga in Daily Life Goes to Rio+20
The eco-warriors carried signs painted with slogans. The Occupiers protested corporate excesses. Scientists, farmers, mayors, business executives, and think tanks — they all came to Rio de Janeiro for two weeks in June to participate in the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development.
Update on Transforming Mt. Vernon Community School
The transformation process for Mt. Vernon Community School began in April when Superintendent of Schools Dr. Morton Sherman appointed T. C. Williams High School Executive Associate Principal Peter Balas to lead that process.
Column: A Victim of My Own Circumstances
Outliving one’s prognosis leads to all sorts of twists and turns and treatment conundrums: the longer one lives, the fewer the treatment options.
Beat Heat, Reduce Carbon Pollution
To the Editor:
Classified Advertising (July 11, 2012)
Read the latest Classifieds, Home and Garden and Employment ads!
Tuesday, July 10
Editorial: Every Vote in Virginia Will Count
Top presidential donor zip codes in this area show Virginia is purple; Romney or Obama to be decided on Election Day.
If you wonder if presidential politics really matters in this area, consider that Northern Virginia and suburban Maryland hold some of the top zip codes for contributions to the two major party candidates.
Food & Drink
Teaism Unveils New Location
The first Teaism restaurant has opened in Alexandria. These locally-owned, Asian-inspired tea houses have been serving locals and tourists alike at three downtown locations since 1996. Originally conceived to showcase loose leaf teas from all across Asia, Teaism has refined its commitment to healthy dining in this new space. A new menu by Chef Alison Swope (New Heights, Santa Fe East, The Mark, Andale) features Okonomiyaki along with buckwheat and hempseed pancakes. Teaism serves organic meals made from scratch. Selected beers, sakes and wines – 15 different bottles–match the menu's bold Asian flavors. Teaism Old Town is located at 682 North St Asaph Street, Alexandria, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant opens at 7:30 a.m. Monday to Friday and at 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The restaurant closes at 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday evenings and at 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Obituary: Katherine Frances Smith
Katherine Frances Smith, formerly Katherine Frances Terlecky, born Sept. 22, 1945, died June 18, 2012.
Obituary: Thelma T. Thompson
Thelma T Thompson of Venice, Fla. formerly of Alexandria, died Monday, June 11, 2012.
Obituary: R. Tucker Winn
Tucker Winn, who was a Fairfax County Public School teacher for 25 years, died at Mount Vernon Hospital on June 23, 2012 of a stroke. She was 85 years old.
Who Sets Priorities?
To the Editor:
New Pastor at Messiah
Messiah Lutheran Church welcomes its new pastor, the Rev. Robert Lewis. The public is invited to meet him this Sunday July 8, at the 10 a.m. service. Messiah Lutheran Church is located at 6510 Ft. Hunt Road.
Local Delegates at DAR Convention
Members of the Mount Vernon Chapter based in Alexandria were in attendance at the 121st Continental Congress, the annual convention of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
Festival’s Success Has Organizers Looking Ahead
Aiming for more events in the Carlyle District.
Not only were the restaurants and wineries participating in the first Carlyle Food and Wine Festival on June 23 able to share their cuisine and products with local residents, they were also able to network and give back to the community as well.
New Watercolor Exhibit at River Farm
The paintings of Salon 8, a group of local watercolor artists, will be on display at the American Horticultural Society’s headquarters at River Farm through Sept. 25.
‘Alive with History’
Take a journey back in time to learn about the history of the Torpedo Factory. Bring a mask from home or make one at a Do-It-Yourself Station and wear it to the reception for Masks in the Target Gallery. Join The Art League Gallery for the reception for Genius Loci and the All-Media Membership Exhibit.
Celebrities Lead Master Classes for ACCT
The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities’ Alexandria City Community Theatre kicked off the summer programming season with Master Classes with two celebrities: Soul Food Series "Lemme" Darrin Dewitt Henson and Good Times "Thelma" Bern Nadette Stanis.
Olympic Day Celebration 2012
The spirit of Olympics was alive and thriving in the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities in June with the Olympic Day Celebration.
Paradise Endangered
To the Editor:
19th Century Vitriol
To the Editor:
Comment Sought on Field Name
The city is seeking public comment on a proposal to name the Lee Center Softball Field, located at 1108 Jefferson St., “The Kelley Cares Miracle Field.”
Board Appoints Student Liaisons
This week marked the beginning of a one-year term for two new student non-voting members of the School Board. In early June, the board voted to appoint two student liaisons, who competed for the slots through an application and interview process. Due to their credentials, Charlotte Clinger, a rising senior, and Edom Tesfa, a rising junior, were chosen from a group of nine potential student candidates to take on this major commitment.
Gorsuch Re-Elected Board Chairman
At its organizational meeting on July 2, the Alexandria School Board voted to re-elect Sheryl Gorsuch as chairman and Helen Morris as vice chairman for the remainder of 2012. The current board will serve through Dec. 31, after which members elected by City of Alexandria voters on Nov. 6 will take office.
Proposals for Freedmen’s Cemetery
The public is invited to meet the artists and view proposals for the Contrabands and Freedmen’s Cemetery sculpture on July 7 at the Durant Arts Center. The Alexandria Commission for the Arts and the Office of the Arts will host a reception from 5 - 6 p.m. at the Durant Arts Center, located at 1605 Cameron St.
Electronic Collars Not Leashworthy
The city has adopted an ordinance that excludes electronic collars and similar electronic devices as legal methods to physically restrain dogs in public. At its June 16 public hearing, the City Council voted unanimously in favor of the ordinance, which goes into effect on Sept. 1.
Monday, July 9
Guns from the South
July 1 marks lifting of 19-year restriction on hand gun purchases.
On July 1, the 19-year restriction on handgun purchases in Virginia became null and void. The measure was signed by Gov. Bob McDonnell Feb 28, and effectively allows an unlimited number of handgun purchases to individuals in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Walking Across America
On July 4, Alexandria resident Jennifer Cooper, 38, will celebrate the three-year anniversary of the start of her walk across the United States. To celebrate, she will fly from Alexandria to Wichita, Kansas, where she last left, to continue her trek to Los Angeles.
Carlyle Plaza and Alex Renew To Create ‘Green Block’
Architectural and environmental challenge leads to unique developmental project.
On June 16, city council voted 7-0 in approval of Carlyle Plaza and Alex Renew's "green block," or about 5 acres of proposed green space off of Eisenhower Avenue. The project confronts several architectural and environmental challenges to provide an open green space for the growing number of residents and workers in the Carlyle Towers area.
Powerless
Too much wind, too much heat, not enough electricity.
As of Monday morning, July 2, power returned to 11,000 locations in Alexandria, leaving 23,000 without electricity.
Legion Installs New Officers
Alexandria's Post 24 of the American Legion installed its 2012-2013 slate of officers and board members during a ceremony at the organization's headquarters in Old Town.
9th Asian Festival Celebrating the Year of the Dragon
Festival will take place July 21-22 at GMU.
This year, the 9th Asian Food and Tennis Festival is celebrating the year of dragon. The Festival is a two-day, free admission event to promote greater understanding of the Asian countries and cultures. It will be held at the George Mason University on July 21, Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on July 22, Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is open to the public.
'Service Above Self'
Rotary Club contributes $92,000 to local charities.
The Rotary Club of Alexandria, in partnership with the Alexandria Day Nursery and Children's Home, continued its decades-long tradition of awarding grants to local nonprofit organizations with the presentation of $92,000 to 32 organizations at the annual Contributions Day luncheon June 12 at Belle Haven Country Club.
Civil War Camp Final Muster
Friday afternoon, June 29, the 24 campers at the annual Fort Ward Civil War Camp finished lunch in the shade of the trees and regrouped for a final field drill.
Storm Damage
Pictures of storm damage
Opinion: New Laws, Assault on Freedom?
Voting restrictions, abortion restrictions, DUI restrictions, fewer gun restrictions, more go into effect July 1.
A plethora of new laws will go into effect in the Commonwealth on July 1, including restrictive new procedures for voting, and the loosening of multiple gun regulations.
Wednesday, July 4
Column: Writing On!
It was June ’09 when I published my first column in the Connection Newspapers about being diagnosed with cancer. It was actually a column detailing the diagnostic steps I had taken during the first few months of the year attempting to identify the pain I had initially felt under my right-side rib cage in late December.
Tuesday, July 3
Finding a Home for the Golden Years
Experts offer advice on choosing a retirement community.
When Jim Upp’s wife Jeannie died in 2006, the Fairfax senior citizen found himself surrounded by a lifetime of memories in the spacious home where the couple had raised three children.
Editorial: New Laws, Assault on Freedom?
oting restrictions, abortion restrictions, DUI restrictions, fewer gun restrictions, more go into effect July.
A plethora of new laws will go into effect in the Commonwealth on July 1, including restrictive new procedures for voting, and the loosening of multiple gun regulations.
Family, Friends Recall Marine’s ‘Restless Spirit’
Niall Coti-Sears killed in Afghanistan.
Niall Coti-Sears enjoyed playing Chopin, composing music, skiing, discussing philosophy, playing soccer, hiking, horseback riding, reading about physics and making others laugh. His loved ones knew him for his energetic, adventurous and positive spirit.
Family, Friends Recall Marine’s ‘Restless Spirit’
Niall Coti-Sears killed in Afghanistan.
Niall Coti-Sears enjoyed playing Chopin, composing music, skiing, discussing philosophy, playing soccer, hiking, horseback riding, reading about physics and making others laugh. His loved ones knew him for his energetic, adventurous and positive spirit.
Monday, July 2
Storms Leave 2 Dead, Power Out
At least two dead in Fairfax; 285,000 residents still without power after Friday night’s hurricane force winds.
Winds of more than 70 miles per hour swept through Fairfax County Friday night. Power went out as the storm blew into the area around 10:30 p.m. with hurricane force winds sounding like a freight train. The sound made some residents think a tornado was upon them, and many took refuge in basements.
Despite Failing Grade on Transparency, Law Enforcement Officials Resist Opening Access
Advocates for public access remain frustrated by persistent lack of transparency.
Back in March, Virginia received a failing grade from the State Integrity Investigation as the result of a systematic lack of transparency.