Friday, November 30
Alexandria & Mount Vernon Calendar: Nov. 29, 2012
E-mail announcements to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Photos and artwork are encouraged. Deadline is Thursday at noon.
Letter: Offering Some Healthy Corrections
I was pleased to see the Mount Vernon Gazette cover the recent American Association of University Women (AAUW) showing of the movie “Food, Inc.” with a panel discussion in which I took part (“Taste Trumps Nutrition,” Nov. 23), however, several corrections to the article are in order.
Scottish Walk Weekend Events
The 42nd Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend kicks off the holiday season Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.
Brief: Alexandria Black History Museum to Host Kwanzaa Celebration Program
The Alexandria Black History Museum and Culture Kingdom Kids will host a Kwanzaa Celebration program on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Museum. The cost of admission for this event is $5.
Obituary: Hansel "Hank" Mundy
Hansel "Hank" Mundy died on Nov. 25, 2012 in Alexandria.
Letter: Lessons from School Board Election
In Alexandria you have to know the players to understand the scorecard. The city's campaign finance records reveal that Alan Hilburg contributed $500 to Helen Morris's successful 2009 School Board run. A year later, Mr. Hilburg was given a $12,000 a month consulting contract to advise ACPS on communications issues. Given ACPS’s many public relations gaffes in the past few years, the newly elected School Board may want to take a closer look at the school system’s use of consultants.
Letter: An Early Scottish Christmas Walk?
Advent is from Dec. 2 through Dec. 24. Christmas begins on Dec. 25. So why is the Scottish Christmas Walk on Dec. 1?
Letter: Focus on Jefferson-Houston
The Gazette Packet’s story [“New Direction for Schools,” Nov. 22] relied on the overquoted, yet curiously ignored public relations expert Alan Hilburg's recent editorial lament. Hilburg's letter to the editor expressed sadness upon hearing of School Board Vice Chair Helen Morris' electoral passing. Morris like several past and present Jefferson-Houston PTA presidents are the architects of the school's academic decline.
Letter: No Basis For Complaint
In response to the recent letter to the editor: “Sermonizing At Poll Site,” I am compelled to take issue with Ms. Downs who complained about a normal function in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Community. As precinct captain at Temple Beth El and a parishioner at Blessed Sacrament, there is absolutely no basis for this outrageous complaint.
Mike Oliver: A Volunteer for All Seasons
Santa is in his blood, which he’s donated over 35 gallons.
One does not often get to sit down in a chair next to Santa Claus; the usual seat is in his lap. But Mike Oliver, who is Santa’s number one helper in Alexandria, took time during a respite after the busy Christmas rush to be interviewed about the numerous activities that led to his selection as an Alexandria Living Legend.
Thursday, November 29
Black Friday Shoppers in Old Town
Black Friday Shoppers were busy in Old Town the day after Thanksgiving.
Ginzler Receives 1st National Spirit Award
Currently the senior director of the Center for Supportive Services at the Jewish Council for the Aging in Rockville, Md., Elinor Ginzler was presented with the At Home Alexandria’s 1st National Spirit Award last month.
TC Girls’ Basketball Still Gunning for West Springfield
Titans start season with just nine players on the roster.
The T.C. Williams girls' basketball team is in search of the program's first district title since 2009.
Soprano Voice Radiates along Waterfront
Impromptu singing gathers audiences.
The sound emanating from King Street in the area of Old Town Alexandria will cause people to stop in their tracks and turn their heads.
10th Annual Toast to Hope Raises $65,000
Event supports SCAN’s local child abuse prevention programs.
More than 270 people turned out Nov. 17 for the 10th annual Toast to Hope, a garden-party themed gala that raised more than $65,000 for SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now) of Northern Virginia, a local nonprofit that leads child abuse prevention efforts across the region.
Building for Success
Commonwealth Academy dedicates new Lower School.
Parents, prospective parents, educational professionals and neighbors joined Mayor Bill Euille, Police Chief Earl Cook and Fire Chief Adam Thiel Nov. 13 as Commonwealth Academy officially dedicated its new Lower School.
Desperately Seeking Santas
Black Fire Service Professionals to host annual toy drive.
The Black Fire Service Professionals of Alexandria are looking for donations from community partners in preparation for its 12th annual holiday toy party for underprivileged and at-risk children.
Bows, Baskets and Bikes
ACVA launches “Alexandria Cares” corporate service program.
Holiday spirits were high as the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association launched Alexandria Cares, a corporate community service program in partnership with the nonprofit Get Out and Give Back to offer corporate groups the opportunity to include service projects in their Alexandria-based business meetings.
Column: SSA Kicks Off Friendly Visitor Program
Column: On Oct. 24, Senior Services of Alexandria kicked off its Friendly Visitors Program with the support of Alexandria’s Mayor Bill Euille and members of the faith community from Old Presbyterian Meeting House and Downtown Baptist.
Column: Sometimes, Just Vote and Move on
Column: Process is very important — indeed critical. It is important to democratic self-government that the people know how and when they can participate.
Column: A History of Healthcare Excellence
Column: Exactly 140 years ago this month – December 1872 – a woman of remarkable spirit, compassion and vision called upon a group of friends to help her open a hospital in the City of Alexandria.
Alexandria’s Own Fashion Archivist
An Old Town native with vintage style helps others keep their memories alive.
Siobhan “Bunny” McDonough grew up running through the alleys on Prince Street, playing games with her brothers and living it up as a tomboy.
Dancers To Perform in ‘Billy Elliot,’ ‘Nutcracker’
Dancers from Just Dance Studio in Alexandria will make their dance debut at Kennedy Center and Hippodrome Theatre in Baltimore this month.
Opinion: Immigrants and Today’s Faith Response
The presence of increasing numbers of immigrants is a challenge to the Fairfax County faith community commitments. The challenge is to be a faith community with open arms.
Editorial: Learning in a Global Community
Students in Fairfax County speak 160 languages.
This week our ongoing series about immigration in Fairfax County takes a look at county schools, and some of the joys and challenges of having a diverse student body that speaks as many as 160 different languages at home.
Council Notebook
The late campaign may be a thing of the past. But the debate about taxes lingers.
A More Perfect Union? Council to Consider Drastic Changes to Old Town Street
Automobiles, bicyclists and pedestrians to share the road.
Union Street was the city’s first waterfront plan, a public works project funded by wealthy landowners to extend the city east into the river in the 1780s.
Wednesday, November 28
Classified Advertising Nov. 28,2012
Read the latest ads here!
Capitals Alumni Bondra, Burton Host Hockey School
Washington Capitals alumni Peter Bondra and Nelson Burton and mascot Slapshot visited Alexandria Country Day School in Alexandria on Wednesday, Nov. 7, for the fifth Capitals Hockey School assembly of the 2012-13 school year.
Luminous Evening
Lights sparkled throughout Market Square as the holiday tree was lit on Friday evening, Nov. 23.
Fundraiser Yields 126 Thanksgiving Dinners
More than 75 Keller Williams Realty Old Town staff and friends volunteered on Tuesday, Nov. 20, to sort, bag and deliver 126 complete Thanksgiving dinners to families in Alexandria.
Tuesday, November 27
Uranium Money Spreads Across Virginia in Radioactive Debate
Upcoming General Assembly session to feature effort to lift ban on uranium mining.
The uranium deposits under the farmlands of Pittsylvania County are miles away from Northern Virginia, but the debate about what happens there is shaping up to be one of the hottest issues of the upcoming General Assembly session.
Friday, November 23
Classified Advertising Nov 21, 2012
Read the lastest ads here!
Thursday, November 22
Chairman Moran Steps Down, Endorses Herring to Succeed Him
Former Alexandria delegate hands torch to current Alexandria delegate.
As chairman of the Democratic Party of Virginia, Brian Moran couldn’t have had a better year.
Wednesday, November 21
Caring for Seniors
Just a few years ago, one phone call changed our lives forever. As parents of two young girls, we were busy with our lives — work, preschool, plans for summer vacation: the usual daily routine. The call that turned our lives upside down came from the neighbor of my mother-in-law in Florida. They were concerned that she had been getting lost while driving to the store, and wanted to be sure we knew there was a serious problem. Just a few weeks later, I found myself visiting assisted living and retirement communities in Alexandria and helping her move back up north. Together, we navigated a whole new world of estate planning, Medicare, military benefits and memory loss. Increasingly, we turned to friends who had been through similar experiences with their parents for advice, guidance and support. We learned that we live in a great area for seniors and uncovered many resources available to our family. It took a lot of time and patience, but eventually we felt like “experts” in the field.
The Importance of Giving Back
It’s hard to believe that 140 years have passed since Julia Johns brought together a group of forward-thinking women to open a hospital in Alexandria. Much has changed over the last century and a half, but one thing remains constant: the overwhelming support Inova Alexandria Hospital has received from our dedicated community. Giving back is both a privilege and a perpetuation of the good we see all around us. Whether it is programs within our hospital, or partnering with local organizations on community health and wellness initiatives, we are involved in a wide range of opportunities to advance healthcare for those who need it most. With Thanksgiving approaching, it’s a good time to take stock of some of the ways we brought this commitment to life in 2012: * October’s Walk to Fight Breast Cancer, which we sponsor in partnership with the City of Alexandria and the Inova Alexandria Hospital Foundation, attracted 900 participants. Proceeds benefit the Alexandria Breast Cancer Walk Fund at Inova Alexandria Hospital, which provides mammograms to uninsured women or those in financial need. Since the walk began in 1994, more than 7,000 women have been helped thanks to the generous support of sponsors, walkers and their pledges.
Help Scouts Collect Food for Needy
A Scouting for Food collection will be held on Saturday, Nov. 10. In 2011, 2,620 Scouts in the area collected mor than 64,000 pounds of canned and non-perishable food and delivered it to ALIVE, UCM and Koinonia for distribution among people in need locally. This year, each Scout unit is assigned a local neighborhood for collection; the unit will drop off Scouting for Food bags on Saturday, Nov. 3 and pick them up on Saturday, Nov. 10.
As Sandy Rolls In, Still Plan to Vote
Variety of choices in political landscape.
Hurricane Sandy means that the week preceding the election will not be what we were expecting. This editorial is being written Sunday night, Oct. 28, as forecasters predict five inches of rain and 65-mile-per-hour winds over the next two days. With some predicting that power could take a week or more to restore, we have to worry about the likely condition of the Eastern seaboard will be on Election Day, Nov. 6. Absentee voting in person had been cancelled for Monday, and most government offices were closed in anticipation of the storm. What will this mean for voter turnout, for access to voting places on Election Day? We don't believe that there are significant numbers of undecided voters in Northern Virginia. There are voters who know who they would vote for if they did vote, but they might not be committed to voting if circumstances are difficult. The outcome of the national election, both who will be president and which party controls the U.S. Senate and by what margin, could depend on voter turnout in Virginia. Make a commitment to have your vote counted, no matter how many days you might be without electricity. We are not endorsing candidates for elected office this year. We do recommend that voters support local bond questions for investments in libraries, schools, transportation, parks, stormwater management and public safety.
Alexandria Home Sales: October, 2012
In October 2012, 144 Alexandria homes sold between $1,730,000-$86,500.
Alexandria Home Sales in October, 2012
Week in Alexandria
Looking for the perfect holiday gift? King Street Gardens Park Foundation chairman Rodger Digilio has an idea — buy a brick.
Tuesday, November 20
Buy Now, Pay Later
Meaning: If I’m terminal, why deprive myself because of cost? If, in fact, I’m only living once – as the old saying goes, and somewhat less of a life than I had anticipated, shouldn’t I, at the very least, “Pull my pants down and slide on the ice,” as prescribed by Dr. Sidney Freedman in an episode of M*A*S*H, way back when?
Brief: Police Investigate Attempted Robbery at Bank of America
Alexandria Police are investigating an attempted bank robbery that occurred at the Bank of America, located at 600 N. Washington St.
What the Dickens?
MetroStage continues ‘Broadway Christmas Carol’ tradition.
Oh come, all ye faithful fans of musical theater. For the third year running, MetroStage is staging the wickedly funny “A Broadway Christmas Carol,” an irreverent musical take on the classic novel by Charles Dickens.
A magical time of year
Magicians to entertain children with free show Dec. 5 while helping the Alexandria branch of the Salvation Army.
There's something special about the holiday season, between the sparkling lights, frosted windows, endless baked goodies and the wonder that anything is possible. That same feeling of awe makes it the perfect time of year for a magic show, and that's precisely the sentiment that led Ring 50, the local chapter of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, to host a magic show for area children.
Alexandria Calendar: Nov. 21, 2012
Upcoming events and activities
Sustainability in Action
Annual Students for Sustainability Conference offers ways to improve environment.
About 150 students from 21 high schools and middle schools in the D.C. area, Baltimore and Richmond, along with 33 students visiting from Asia who were traveling with the East-West Exchange Center in American schools, participated in the fifth annual Students for Sustainability Conference (S4S) hosted by St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School on Thursday, Nov. 13.
Brief: Synagogue Celebrates 10 Years with Rabbi
Beth El Hebrew Congregation at 3830 Seminary Road in Alexandria, hosted a gala on Saturday evening, Nov. 17, to honor Rabbi Brett Isserow on his 10th anniversary as rabbi for the congregation.
Deputies Deliver Thanksgiving Meals
Community Relations Deputy Valarie Wright delivered several boxes of nonperishable canned and dry goods to ALIVE!’s food program as part of an annual Alexandria Sheriff’s Office tradition.
Brief: Fitness on the Run and Friends Raise More Than $5,000
Will feed more than 70 families for Thanksgiving.
Fitness on the Run, a fitness studio in Old Town Alexandria, chose to benefit the Carpenter’s Shelter in its Thanksgiving fitness and food donation challenge, “Fit for Food.”
Fall Park Clean-up Day a Success
The Del Ray Dog Owner’s Group held its Fall Clean-up and Tree Planting Day at the Simpson Dog Park on Nov. 4.
Obituary: Joyce Graham Henderson
Joyce Graham Henderson, most recently of Ripton, Vt. died in Burlington, Vt. early on Friday, Nov. 2, 2012 at the age of 60.
Neighborhoods
What's happening in the neighborhood.
Letter: What’s Next?
The first public meeting to kickoff “What’s Next Alexandria”, the city’s ambitious campaign to drive more citizens to a web-based engagement process and to help restore trust between the city and its residents was probably a wash.
Letter: Balance Learning With Socializing
I don’t think inclusion classes should be eliminated, but maybe reducing the amount of time per day in these classes from 80 percent to 50 percent would be beneficial.
Walking To Support ALIVE! House
The second annual East End Congregations Walk supported ALIVE! House in the 25th Fannie Mae Help the Homeless program was held on Nov. 4.
Hope for the Holidays
Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign to run through Dec. 24.
The familiar sound of the Salvation Army bell is again being heard as volunteers take to the streets of Alexandria for the 2012 Red Kettle campaign.
Play Ball
Kelley Cares Miracle Field dedicated for athletes with special needs.
The t-shirts being handed out by volunteers said it all: “A miracle happened in Alexandria, Virginia on November 17, 2102” as the new Kelley Cares Miracle Field was dedicated and officially opened for play.
Armstrong Hailed as Leader of Year
Chamber honors chef, local businesses.
Cathal Armstrong was honored Nov. 13 by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce as the 2012 Business Leader of the Year.
Editorial: Be Part of Children's Gazette Packet
Deadline approaches for special edition.
During the last week of each year, The Gazette Packet devotes its entire issue to the creativity of local students and children. The results are always remarkable. It is a keepsake edition for many families.
Column: The TC Transformation Story: Past, Present and Future
Many have long believed the excellence of T.C. Williams to be a fact. However, in March 2010, our community received a very different message from the U.S. and Virginia departments of education. Referring to end-of-course Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments from the 2007-09 school years, the U.S. Department of Education designated T.C. Williams High School as a Persistently Lowest Achieving (PLA) school, among the lowest 5 percent of Title I eligible schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Column: Lessons for Serving and Governing
An inaugural column.
This is the first in a series of columns, coordinated by former council member Lonnie Rich, that will also include other past city leaders writing on governance and politics.
Column: Caregivers: The Selfless Citizens
The caregivers are husbands, wives, daughters, sons, other relatives and friends. ... These good people are unsung heroes who do not seek praise and glory, but the community should never ignore their hard work.
Board of Lady Managers Celebrates 140 Years
Old and new friends enjoy day of food, shopping and fashion to benefit Inova Alexandria Hospital.
The Board of Lady Managers was celebrating 140 years of dedication.
Alexandria Bulletin Board: Nov. 21, 2012
Upcoming events
Brief: Run for Shelter Raises $30,000
The 3rd annual Run for Shelter will be held Nov. 23, 2013.
Obtituray: Evelyn Virginia Bird Linton
Evelyn Virginia Bird Linton, 90, died Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012.
Opinion: Embracing Our Diversity
If you can ever find the time to attend a federal naturalization ceremony in Fairfax County for new citizens, do it. It reinvigorates one’s patriotism and reminds us all how lucky we are to be Americans.
Opinion: Celebrating Diversity Through Culture
So, when people from different countries, diverse cultures, and dissimilar values migrate to United States, they try to adjust and adapt to the new culture. But the onus should also be on American people to welcome them, to make them comfortable and feel at home. What do we do to create awareness about different cultures? Unfortunately, I have not seen much effort on the part of the government.
Editorial: Diversity Growing
Tune in to our series on immigration.
This week, the Connection kicks off a series about immigration, diversity and the growing population of foreign-born residents in Fairfax County. County reporter Victoria Ross opens with a story that captures vignettes and statistics of the changing population. It is a topic consistent with the original Thanksgiving story. More than 28 percent of Fairfax County's population is foreign born; that's 317,000 residents.
Independent School Admissions: Interviews and Teacher Recommendations
Admissions officers at local schools offer insight into the application process.
Mark Fischer sat with his parents in the plush reception area of one of the region’s elite independent schools, biting his fingernails and tapping his left foot while waiting to speak with an admissions officer for the interview portion of his application.
Friday, November 16
Thanksgiving Centerpiece Ideas: Flowers Not Required
Floral design pros share secrets to creating swoon-worthy centerpieces.
While the turkey is often the star of a Thanksgiving dinner table, a nonedible focal point can play a leading role in creating an elegant dinner table aesthetic. From lush floral arrangements to designs without blooms, three local floral design pros offer ideas for spectacular centerpieces that can be replicated easily at home.
Thursday, November 15
Editorial: Shop Locally, Give Locally
Small business Saturday isn't enough; don't wait until then, and don't stop after that.
An effort to support locally owned businesses has resulted in the recognition of Small Business Saturday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year that is Nov. 24. Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is a day of national zeal for shopping. Presumably the next day shoppers can focus on local shopping.
TC Boys’ Basketball Has Big Shoes To Fill
Titans must overcome the loss of key seniors.
The T.C. Williams boys' basketball team won the Patriot District championship last season.
How Crandal Mackey Fought Vice
“In Shotgun Justice: One Prosecutor’s Crusade Against Crime and Corruption in Alexandria & Arlington,” Pope has come up with 126 pages of facts worthy of inclusion in all schools, public and private.
Entertainment Brief: A Nation at War at Presidential Salon
The date is Nov.18, 1812 and the nation has been at war with England since June. Join President James Madison on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012 to discuss the progress of the war, with updates on the Army and Navy situation.
Entertainment Brief: ‘A Broadway Christmas Carol’
MetroStage holiday classic opens Nov. 15.
“A Broadway Christmas Carol” plays from Nov. 15-Dec. 23 at MetroStage, 1201 N. Royal St. For tickets or more information, call 703-548-9044 or visit www.metrostage.org.
Entertainment Brief: Del Ray Celebrate 17th Annual Artisans Holiday Market
The 17th Annual Del Ray Artisans Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market offers unique handmade crafts from local artists including pottery/ceramics, photography, jewelry, cloth, paper crafts, and fused glass.
Entertainment Brief: Ten Thousand Villages Gives Back to Community
Globally conscious DC-area residents have known for years that when they buy gifts from Ten Thousand Villages — a non-profit, fair trade retail store in Old Town, Alexandria — they are actually “giving twice.”
‘I Voted My Heart’
First-time voter for president waited long time to perform his civic duty.
Nov. 6, 2012 was an important day for 74-year-old Pablo A. Rodriguez. He dressed himself up in a grey suit and a white shirt in the morning, then went to Agudas Achim Congregation with his son-in-law and grandson to cast his ballots.
Letter: Smokers: Ready To Quit?
Thursday, Nov. 15 marks the 37th annual Great American Smokeout sponsored by the American Cancer Society. The Smokeout encourages smokers to use the date to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day.
Letter: Thanks for Civic Participation
As I was collecting the yard signs this past Wednesday, I was struck by this thought. I thought about our fellow citizens that expressed themselves by running in the municipal and school board elections.
Letter: Election Creates Community Loss
Tuesday’s election had a very serious shortcoming … one of the hardest working, most innovative, most caring, most committed ACPS Board members, Helen Morris, didn’t get reelected.
Letter: Is City Hall Listening?
Once again Alexandria elected officials and city staff are "playing head games" with citizens and planning their first "community dialogue" meeting with city residents in order to listen to citizens and hear what we have been telling them what we want for the past several years as it relates to development and transportation issues.
Letter: Was Honored To Serve
It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your city councilman since July 2009. Unfortunately that will come to an end on Dec. 31, 2012 as the votes did not go my way in Tuesday's election.
Letter: Analyzing Voting Results
How is it that the official election results show the City Council’s top vote-getter Allison Silberberg with only 12.30 percent when she got almost 7,000 more votes than Andrew Macdonald with 39.91 percent in losing to Mayor Euille?
Letter: A Matter Of Respect
Veterans Day is often taken for granted; too many don’t give a thought about what it means. The freedom so many hold so dearly and yet so close to heart came from the many who gave their lives for our country.
Holiday Shopping at Elder Crafters of Alexandria
The shop is open Monday-Friday, 12-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
Hadeed Holds 7th Annual Coat Drive
Nov. 17 collection to benefit ChildHelp.
This year's drive will be held Saturday, Nov. 17 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 3206 Duke Street. Donors can schedule coat donation pick-ups from Nov. 1 to Nov. 17 by calling the Hadeed Carpet offices at 703-836-1111.
Shop 'Til You Drop
Score Black Friday steals and deals locally.
Coordinated by the Shop Local Alexandria project and the Old Town Boutique District, more than 50 of Alexandria's independently owned shops will be participating in this year's Black Friday promotion.
Looking for Gift Ideas?
The 2012 T.C. Williams Holiday Craft Fair will feature 45 vendors offering a variety of gift ideas.
You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby
March 4 is a great day. That’s the day, back in 1970, when Willa* moved from Jamaica to the States, following many of her friends who had done so in the ‘60s. First living in Fairfax, Willa and her husband moved to northwest D.C. after he joined her here in 1976.
Making a Difference
ACT for Alexandria (ACT) joins community foundations across the country in celebrating National Community Foundations Week Nov. 12-18 to recognize our role in promoting charitable giving and engagement to build a stronger Alexandria.
Wednesday, November 14
Classified Advertising Nov. 14, 2012
Read the lastest ads here!
Friday, November 9
Column: Weight For It
This reference is not about pounds, per se. It is about the two largest tumors in my lungs, inoperable in that they are located between the two halves which make up the whole lung.
Thursday, November 8
Classified Advertising Nov. 7, 2012
Read the latest ads here!
TC Football Ends Season with 4-Game Winning Streak
Titans beat West Potomac in OT in regular season finale.
The T.C. Williams football team finished 5-5 after a 1-5 start.
Review: Living Legends 2012 Exhibition at Barnes & Noble
I have a digital camera…it’s easy to take pictures… I set it on “idiot proof” and shoot portraits to capture special people in my life. Some end up in “the cloud;” lots still live on my camera.
Soul Survivors
Port City Playhouse stages “The Soul Collector.”
In a throwback to 1970s television hits like “Sanford and Son,” “Chico and the Man” and “All in the Family,” Port City Playhouse's latest production of “The Soul Collector” tells the story of two African-American sanitation workers living in a cramped apartment in Cleveland.
Entertainment Brief: Kluge Makes National Gallery of Art Debut
An original score composed by Alexandria Symphony Orchestra maestro Kim Allen Kluge and his wife Kathryn Vassar Kluge will debut Nov. 10 as The National Gallery of Art presents a ciné-concert of films by Alice Guy Blaché.
18th Annual Evening in the Heart of Alexandria
Volunteer Alexandria honored Patty Moran and Lyles Carr at the annual Evening in the Heart of Alexandria reception and live auction on Friday evening, Nov. 2, at Gadsby’s Tavern.
Thanksgiving at the Alexandria Elks Lodge
Thanksgiving dinner were served to senior citizens on Saturday afternoon, Nov. 3.
Del Ray Delivers on Halloween
Costumes filled the racks in the community room at the Mount Vernon Community Center on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 27.
Nightmare on Alfred Street
The Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority hosted a Halloween haunting in the greens and alleyway in the 800 block of N. Alfred Street on Oct. 31.
Sticker Shock
During Saturday's Sticker Shock activity, teams of youth and adults visited 60 retailers in Alexandria to place "Stop" stickers on alcohol products.
Sheriff’s Office Honors Volunteers
The Alexandria Sheriff’s Office paid tribute to its volunteers at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 25.
Rowers Help Clean Up Shore
A group of nearly 40 rowers, parents and other volunteers gathered at Oronoco Park in Old Town last month for the Alexandria Crew Boosters’ 2nd Annual Waterfront Clean-Up Day.
Racing for Superheroes
Event benefits local nonprofit organizations.
From children wearing superhero capes to costume-clad adults to tots in strollers, participants took to the streets of Arlington last month to raise money for charity as part of the fourth annual Acumen Solutions Race for a Cause 8K and One-Mile Fun Run.
Obituary: Madeline Lindsey Green
Madeline Lindsey Green, 69, of Alexandria, died on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012 at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C.
Obituary: William V. Baldwin
William V. Baldwin, born July 3, 1922 in Hopewell, Va. died Nov. 4, 2012.
Christ House Gets Face Lift
Christ House, a transitional shelter for homeless men received a long overdue face lift last month.
Alexandria School Board To Get Seven New Members
One School Board incumbent ousted as voters select new direction for school system.
The past few years have been some of the most turbulent in the history of Alexandria City Public Schools, which was blasted in a recent audit as having a budget office with a “dysfunctional environment.”
Alexandria City Council Election Returns: Precinct By Precinct
How the candidates ranked in all of the city's voting precincts.
A listing of which candidates won which precincts.
Democrats Sweep Alexandria City Election
Moving local elections from May to November helped solidify one-party rule.
Three years ago, “Plunkee the Elephant” helped an independent and a Republican unseat two incumbent Democrats on the Alexandria City Council.
Week in Alexandria
Here’s a dilemma that will soon be facing the next City Council: Where to place the new Metro station at Potomac Yard.
Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille Elected to Fourth Term
Democratic incumbent wins handily against independent challenger.
Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille hasn’t been in a competitive election since 2003, when he was first elected mayor against Republican Bill Cleveland and independent Townsend Van Fleet.
Wednesday, November 7
Locals Join All-Star Line-up at Metro Cooking Show
Area specialty food entrepreneurs among the attractions at the 2012 Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show.
When celebrity chefs and Food Network stars were in Washington last weekend for what has become a Super Bowl for foodies (Giada De Laurentiis, Jacques Pepin, Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons and The Chew’s Michael Symon and Carla Hall were just some of the famous faces), some area culinary enthusiasts joined them as well.
Alexandria School Notes: Nov. 7, 2012
School notes
Alexandria Military Notes: Nov. 7, 2012
Military notes
Alexandria Bulletin Board: Nov. 7, 2012
Upcoming events
Alexandria/Mount Vernon Calendar: Nov. 7, 2012
Upcoming events and activities
Foundation Supports Small Business Center
The Virginia Commerce Bank Foundation awarded $3,000 on Oct. 26 to the Alexandria Small Business Development Center as part of a 2012 Platinum sponsorship.
Business Brief: Trigiani Joins 2012 Leaders in Law
Lucia Anna Trigiani, a principal with MercerTrigiani law firm, has been named “Leader of the Year” by the 2012 class of “Leaders in the Law,” a group of distinguished Virginia attorneys who have made significant contributions to the practice of law.
Letter: Virginia First in Thanksgiving
We Virginians can rightly claim our forebears first celebrated and established the custom of celebrating Thanksgiving on these shores.
Letter: Consider Ward Format
The City Council election affirmed that most Alexandria voters are far and away Democrats; not Republicans.
Letter: Sermonizing At Poll Site?
I am writing to express my outrage at the voting atmosphere this morning [Nov. 6] at my polling place in Alexandria at the Blessed Sacrament Church on 1427 W. Braddock Road.
Hometown Title & Escrow Opens
Clarke joins firm as branch manager.
Hometown Title and Escrow, LLC celebrated the opening of its new offices in Courthouse Square Sept. 21 with a reception that also marked the announcement that Kellye Curtis Clarke has joined the company as partner and branch manager of the Alexandria office.
Hit or Myth: Is There a Post-Election Real Estate Boom?
We hear it all the time: the real estate market in the metro area really picks up after national elections, especially in Presidential election years. But is that really true? Here are the basics.
Alexandria Business Notes: Nov. 7, 2012
Inc. magazine today ranked Old Town IT 444th on the 2012 Inc. 500, a listing of the fastest growing private companies in the United States.
Area Votes for Obama, Kaine, House Incumbents
President Barack Obama wins second term, Kaine wins Senate seat, Moran, Wolf, Connolly re-elected.
In a bitter and historically expensive battle, President Barack Obama defeated Gov. Mitt Romney, winning a second term Tuesday after grabbing the key swing state of Virginia after midnight. With the addition of the Commonwealth’s 13 electoral votes – as well as those of Colorado, Iowa, New Hampshire and Wisconsin – Obama sailed over the electoral cliff with the critical 270 electoral votes he needed for victory.
Tuesday, November 6
Different Perspective
Visiting journalist from Nicaragua interviews voters in Northern Virginia.
Virginia citizens came out to vote early this morning to elect their next president after a campaign in which the candidates of the Republican and Democratic party spent at least $2 billion in search of votes.
Friday, November 2
Column: Hands of Time
On the one hand, I want to take note every month on the 27th as yet one more notch on my living-with-cancer belt. On the other hand, maybe I don’t need a belt to be notching but rather a life to be living. Perhaps it’s time, nearly 44 months post-diagnosis – at press time, to stop counting backwards and try more living forwards.
Thursday, November 1
TC’s Girma, Brown Qualify for XC Regionals
Lake Braddock wins boys’, girls’ Patriot District XC titles.
The T.C. Williams boys' cross country team had two runners qualify for regionals.
Entertainment Brief: Refugees from Slavery: Contrabands in Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia
The National Park Service and the Office of Historic Alexandria will co-sponsor a program called Refugees from Slavery: Contrabands in Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012, at the Alexandria Black History Museum from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Alexandria/Mount Vernon Calendar: Oct. 31, 2012
Upcoming events and activities
Entertainment Brief: Upheaval at Target
In celebration of Fotoweek DC, the Target Gallery hosts a juried photography exhibition that explores the theme Upheaval, whether in our own lives or throughout the world.
Obituary: Ernest (Ernie) J. Colton
Ernest (Ernie) J. Colton, 96, of Springfield, died on Oct. 25, 2012 at Greensprings Retirement Community’s Renaissance Gardens.
Fighting for Public Housing Tenants
Dorothy Turner and Gwen Menefee-Smith have helped city progress from its early integration roots.
The two women, both public housing tenants themselves earlier in life, worked tirelessly to improve the quality of living for Alexandria low income and minority residents.
Dressed up for Halloween
Del Ray cancelled its 16th annual Halloween Parade but held the haunted house decorating contest this past weekend.
Alexandria Bulletin Board: Oct. 31, 2012
Upcoming events
Brief: Help Scouts Collect Food for Needy
A Scouting for Food collection will be held on Saturday, Nov. 10.
Alexandria Voters to Determine Direction of City Government
Growth, development, taxes and spending are the hot-button issues dividing candidates.
Are voters pleased with the recent direction of city government, which has dramatically increased the amount of density available to developers in recent years?