Tuesday, April 30
Charles Esten: From Alexandria to 'Nashville'
May 3 show at the Durant Arts Center features Esten's new, original songs, benefits The Alexandria Scholarship Fund.
"Now that I'm in Nashville the thing that I'm loving the most is co-writing. You walk into the room and you shake hands with someone you've never met before and you walk out four hours later and you've got this thing … sharing ideas and everything, it's almost magical, like a miracle." — Charles "Chip" Esten of ABC's hit show "Nashville"
Friday, April 26
Entertainment 4/24/2013 AX
Calendar
‘Pacific Pulse’ Nicholaus Aman attempts to express the nature of the Pacific coast through his solo exhibition, Pacific Pulse, at Alexandria's Artspace 109 Gallery, will be on display through May 11. Gallery hours are: Tuesday through Friday noon-5 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sundays noon-5 p.m.
‘Six Degrees of Separation’
Kevin Bacon is nowhere to be found. Instead, it’s Sidney Poitier that brings together friends and strangers in “Six Degrees of Separation,” now playing at Port City Playhouse. The popular “six degrees of separation” theory explores the premise that everyone in the world is connected to everyone else by a chain of no more than six acquaintances, and Port City Playhouse brings playwright John Guare’s smart dialogue to life in a thoughtfully-executed production that showcases a stellar ensemble cast.
‘Ghost-Writer’ at MetroStage
“Ghost-Writer” opens this week at MetroStage, and we are looking forward to this exceptional play by a very popular contemporary playwright, Michael Hollinger, with one of our favorite directors and three of DC’s finest actors. It is a play about the act (or art) of creation, always an intriguing topic, with a little mystery, history and touch of a love story mixed in.
Classified Advertising April 24, 2013
Read the lastest ads here!
Thursday, April 25
Schools
School Notes
Email announcements to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Thursday at noon. Photos are welcome. The following Washington and Lee students have earned dean's list status for the recently ended fall 2012 term: Tyler Gehrs, a member of the class of 2013; Caleb Russell, a member of the class of 2014; Caroline Schmidt, a member of the class of 2013 and Russell Schmidt, a member of the class of 2016.
Housing Market: ‘Sell and Buy’ 4/24/2013
Sustained low interest rates and rising prices have energized the marketplace.
The local real estate market is thriving, with Realtors reporting multiple offers on homes in some areas and dwindling inventory of homes for sale. At least two things are contributing to this change in the market.
Neighborhood
Taylor Run
KEIRA MORAN Our neighbor Keira Moran has decided to accept a scholarship to the music industries program at the University of Miami's Frost School of Music. 1, 243 musicians entered videos of their performing original music to Frost. Fifty of those students were called down to audition; Keira was one of the 12 who were chosen for the program.
Urban League Presents Annual Scholarship Awards
Morgan Lataillade of T.C. Williams High School; Beatrice Williams of C.D. Hylton High School, Zoel Stackhouse of Forest Park High School, Gabriela Alvarez of Dominion High School, Kristian Welch of Tuscarora High School, N'Dri N'Cho of Washington-Lee High School, Javier Mery of Potomac Falls High School, Tyrone Simpson of South County Secondary School, Nathaniel Smith of Lake Braddock Secondary School, and Osasenaga Aghayere of South Lakes High School were honored with $5,000 scholarships at the 23rd annual Northern Virginia Urban League Community Service Scholarship Awards Dinner on Friday, April 19, at the McLean Hilton in Tysons Corner.
Editorial: Connection Guide to Parks Wins ‘Best in Show’
Investigative reporting, in depth coverage, education writing, photography, art, design, sports, garner Virginia Press Association honors.
The Connection Newspapers won dozens of awards from the Virginia Press Association, with winners announced on Saturday, April 20, in Norfolk.
Athenaeum Wants Your Vote to Fund Restoration in Online Contest
Leaders at the Old Town landmark suggest voting early and often.
Do you love the Athenaeum? If the answer is yes, executive director Catherine Aselford is asking for your vote.
Celebrating Creative Spirit, Sharing Experiences
Commentary
For the third year in a row, Alexandria will celebrate the connection between the creative spirit and mental health by displaying the art works of people whose lives have been affected by mental illness, substance abuse disorders or intellectual disabilities. Some of these works of art are playful, some stark, some beautiful, and some so sad and disturbing, they stop the viewer in his or her tracks. Through their pieces, these artists are sharing not only their hopes and dreams, but their pain and fear and their own personal stories. The telling of their stories is just part of what should be a community-wide conversation about mental health and the often long and bumpy road to recovery.
Bulletin Board
Absentee Voting Opens On Tuesday June 11, there will be a Democratic Primary for Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General. Absentee voting for the primary begins on Friday, April 26. Many Alexandria voters are eligible to vote absentee, but relatively few take advantage of this option. Qualifying circumstances: commute and work for 11 of the 13 hours the polls are open; caregiver for a confined family member; unable to go to the polls in person on Election Day because of an illness or disability; or will be absent from Alexandria on Election Day because of personal business, work, school, or vacation. To learn more about these, and other circumstances in which absentee voting is an appropriate option, visit alexandriava.gov/Elections and click on “Absentee Voting,” or call 703-746-4050.
Newly Elected School Board Members Clash Over Raises for Teachers
Now budget heads to City Hall, where council members will determine appropriation.
School Board members traditionally try to present a unified front to City Hall, where members of the Alexandria City Council have the final say over how much money is transferred to the Beauregard Street headquarters of Alexandria City Public Schools.
Alexandria Set to Exceed Debt Ceiling, Raising Concerns About Bond Rating
City leaders say borrowing is necessary to finance future of Alexandria.
Alexandria is about to hit the roof, literally.
Business Matters
Del Ray is known as the place where Main Street still exists. Now it's also a place where adults can eat sushi without the threat of hearing a crying baby.
Council Notebook
Once upon a midnight dreary, while Alexandria Poet Laureate Amy Young pondered weak and weary.
Wednesday, April 24
T.C. Williams Baseball Falls from First Place
Titans shut out by struggling Annandale.
Titans bounce back with a win over West Springfield.
Farina Promoted to Regional Role
Kim Farina has assumed the role of regional vice president at Weichert, Realtors. Farina will be responsible for the management and growth of eight Weichert sales offices that are located in Montgomery and Prince George counties in Maryland, as well as the District of Columbia.
Butcher Shop Celebrates 5 Years
Owner to introduce Del Ray “Anniversary Sausage.”
“Let's Meat On The Avenue,” an English-styled butcher shop in Del Ray, will celebrate its five years in business on Saturday, April 27, with the introduction of a special anniversary product.
Residents Spring2Action For Local Charities
Online giving day generates $659,591 for local charities.
For the second year in a row, the afterschool program Casa Chirilagua was the top winner April 17 in Spring2Action, a 24-hour online giving day sponsored by ACT for Alexandria and ACTion Alexandria.
Obituary: Kay Kinsey
Kay Cecile Kinsey died early Monday morning, April 22, 2013, after a long illness. Kay was born in Greenville, S.C., on Dec. 19, 1937.
Obituary: David S. Cammack
David Shoemaker Cammack, 85 of Alexandria, died peacefully on Sunday, April 7, 2013. Born on Dec. 4, 1927 in Washington D. C., he was the son of John Edmund Cammack and Martha Louise Newman Cammack.
Award-winning Chef To Head Del Ray's Sushi Bar
The tension was palpable. Only two chefs remained in the Hatsume Festival Master Chef competition in Delray Beach, Fla. Like the popular Iron Chef television show it was based on, competitors had one hour to prepare an appetizer, entrée and dessert using one common ingredient, in this case ginger.
Celebrating Earth Day in Alexandria
The City of Alexandria hosted the 20th annual Earth Day and Arbor Day celebration on Saturday, April 20, at Ben Brenman Park. The festival included the third annual Up-cycling Showcase.
Obituary: Irene M. Collier
Irene Byrne McAndrew (Prendergast) Collier, of Washington, D.C., died on March 11, 2013, in Richland, Wash., at the age of 73, of natural causes related to dementia and juvenile diabetes.
Celebration Time in Centreville
International Music and Dance Fiesta is April 27.
A variety of ethnic songs, dances, food and fun are on tap for the third annual Centreville International Music and Dance Fiesta. It’s slated for Saturday, April 27, from 7-10 p.m., at Centreville United Methodist Church, 6400 Old Centreville Road.
Letter to the Editor: Ideal of Equality
The Boy Scouts are among the many organizations that help make Alexandria such a fine place to live and grow. Civic, religious, and educational organizations sponsor troops across the city, some dating far back in the century since Scouting began.
Inaugural Tours At Ivy Hill Cemetery
Saturday, April 20, saw the first annual public tours of Ivy Hill Cemetery, located on King Street not far from Janney’s Lane. Organized by a ninth-generation native of Alexandria, Lucy Burke Goddin, visitors were met at graveside by interpreters in period garb who offered introductions to the selected "permanent residents."
Letter to the Editor: Focus on Needs Not Wants
Taxpayer funds should not subsidize any private company, no matter how much City Hall and special interest groups want its services. To do so requires all taxpayers to assume a business risk without benefitting as shareholders from the company’s profits.
Rotary Honors Lee Stewart
Lee Stewart, a senior at Episcopal High School, was presented the Community Service Award by the Rotary Club of Alexandria at the club's weekly luncheon April 16 at Belle Haven Country Club. A life-long Alexandrian, Stewart was recognized for her leadership with Martha's Table as well as her fundraising efforts to support EHS's partner school in Kenya. Additionally, she spearheaded fundraising efforts to build a partner school building in Palto, Haiti.
Entertainment
Calendar
‘Pacific Pulse’ Nicholaus Aman attempts to express the nature of the Pacific coast through his solo exhibition, Pacific Pulse, at Alexandria's Artspace 109 Gallery. The Pacific Pulse exhibition will be on display through May 11. Artspace 109 is located at 109 North Fairfax Street, 3rd Floor Alexandria. Gallery hours are: Tuesday through Friday noon-5 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sundays noon-5 p.m.
Letter to the Editor: Scholarship Fund of Alexandria Says Farewell to Yowell
Novelist Paul Auster wrote that the best one can do in life is to “leave the world a little better than you found it.” On June 30, after 10 years as the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria’s Executive Director Susan Yowell will leave the organization a lot better than when she arrived a decade ago.
GW Parkway Classic
Amid heightened security, runners honor Boston, Laboy.
In the wake of the recent terror attacks at the Boston Marathon, security was stepped up April 21 as more than 6,000 runners took to the streets of Alexandria in the 29th annual GW Parkway Classic.
Letter to the Editor: Losing Pools
Drip, drip, drip — that’s the sound of Alexandria’s pools going down the drain. Lee — closed. Ewald — closed. Colasanto — closed. Warwick — proposed to close in just over two months. That leaves Old Town and Chinquapin as the only two major public pools in the city — and those will be gone in 5 to 10 years.
Letter to the Editor: Myths about Bikeshare
I am writing in response to recent letters criticizing the Capital Bikeshare (CaBi) program in the Alexandria Gazette Packet. Myths about CaBi seem to be spreading and I'd like to set the record straight.
Letter to the Editor: How City Counts Parking Spaces
As the City Council moves forward with plans for waterfront development and considers other issues that impact resident parking, such as allowing for food trucks, I feel compelled to reiterate the parking concerns residents have in Old Town.
Letter to the Editor: Police Ignore Multiple Calls
All day and night on Sunday April 21, a car on the 300 block of Wythe had its alarm blaring and lights flashing until almost midnight. Hundreds of residents in the north end of Alexandria could not sleep.
South County Soccer Club Bonds in Bermuda
While other Elite Clubs National League soccer teams took a well-deserved break, one team went on the trip of a lifetime. FC Virginia U14s traveled to Bermuda over the Easter holiday, having the opportunity to experience island life while also playing against the full Bermuda women’s national team, and a high school team from Florida.
Letter to the Editor: Defending Dog Park
A correction to the April 18 Letter to Editor, "Protect the Park" from small special events.
Letter to the Editor: Founders Park Threatened
High-rise development on this waterfront parcel was staved off in 1979 as the result of concerted efforts by nearby residents and Ellen Pickering, among others.
Letter to the Editor: Protect the Protectors
As City Council ponders the budget, and the changes to healthcare and pension plans that will hurt police officers and firefighters, let’s remember Orwell’s words, “We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm.”
Banquet Celebrates African American Women
S.T.O.M.P. (Sisters Touching Others thru Mentoring and Prayer) hosted its first awards banquet on March 24, at the Hampton Inn, Alexandria. The event’s theme was: “Celebrating African American Women: Honoring Our Elders” and was planned in celebration of Women’s History Month and specifically designed to highlight the contributions of African American women to their community.
Law Firm’s Principals Receive State Award
David S. Mercer and Lucia Anna “Pia” Trigiani, principals of MercerTrigiani law firm, received the 2013 Traver Scholar Award for their efforts in real estate legal education.
Column: SSA’s ‘Friendly Visitors’ Spread Good Cheer to City’s Seniors
Senior Services of Alexandria’s Friendly Visitors Program is in full swing providing companionship to more than 30 Alexandria seniors. The program, which was officially launched, in October 2012 has taken off and the number of matches are increasing daily.
Column: Join Fight Against Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Spring has finally arrived and the school year is entering its last few months. High school seniors around the country are already looking forward to prom and the final summer before starting college or a career.
Column: Calling all Alex Babies
Are you an Alex baby? Were you, your children, or grandchildren born at Inova Alexandria Hospital? If so, we want you to celebrate with us at our first-ever Alex Baby Reunion/Mother’s Day Celebration at Inova Alexandria Hospital on Saturday, May 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Institute to Honor Emerging Black Leaders
On Tuesday, May 7, the Virginia Leadership Institute (VLI) will hold its “Top 10 Under 40” awards, to honor 10 of the region’s rising young African-American leaders in business, community involvement and politics.
Tuesday, April 23
Letter: Protect The Park
To the Editor: Despite a recent proposal by the city to the contrary, Founders Park should not be used for private events.
Mayors for Meals
Hundreds of volunteers help keep seniors fed.
Mayor Bill Euille joined other mayors and elected officials across the nation in delivering meals to homebound seniors March 21 as part of Mayors for Meals, a component of the March for Meals Campaign of the Meals on Wheels Association of America and Senior Services of Alexandria.
Friday, April 19
Classified Advertising April 17, 2013
Read the latest ads here!
‘Castle’ To Give Way to Playscape Highlighting Nature
Beverley Hills Church Preschool playground being transformed.
After being on hold for more than four years, the renovation and revitalization of Alexandria’s Beverley Hills Church Preschool playground is officially underway. On Wednesday, April 17, the playground fundraising committee is participating in Act for Alexandria’s Spring2ACTion, a day devoted to online advertising and fundraising for non-profit organizations in the city of Alexandria, according to the preschool’s former director Sissy Walker.
Bulletin Board
Email announcements to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Thursday by noon. Photos welcome. National Child Abuse Prevention Month Events SafeAssured Child Identification. SafeAssured ID Kits provide families with vital information needed by law enforcement and the media to immediately broadcast information unique to a missing child. Open to the public.
What To Know about Retirement
Senior Services of Alexandria
There was a full house at the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library for Senior Services of Alexandria’s recent speaker series event about “Planning for and Making the Most of your Retirement.” There are many issues to consider and it can all be a bit overwhelming, but attendees walked away with valuable resources from a dynamic panel of local experts.
Candlelight Vigil for Gun Violence Victims
A candlelight vigil for the victims of gun violence and to demand action from Congress on gun violence prevention legislation was held Saturday, April 13, in Market Square. The candlelight vigil was sponsored by Organizing for Action and Alexandria’s Concerned Citizens against Gun Violence.
Letter: DASH Service Hits New Low
To the Editor: Those of us who use DASH to travel to the Metro as part of our commute downtown are used to the unreliability of the service. On any given day a bus can arrive at a stop three minutes ahead of schedule, or 10 minutes behind.
Letter: Explain ‘Worst’
To the Editor: As a property owner and taxpayer on the West End, I continue to hear about the impending doom and gloom of the FY14 budget on city services. Many of us are concerned about the city’s tax rate, what services will be cut and how this will impact future projects to improve traffic, safety and education.
Letters: Special Treat For Group Home
To the Editor: On Monday, March 18, our City of Alexandria group home was informed late in the day that we would be undergoing repairs early the next day. The residents and staff would not be allowed in the home while these repairs were being made.
Letter: Where Best To Invest?
To the Editor: On April 4, the Alexandria Gazette Packet reported that 27 people in the Central Administration of the Alexandria City Public School system — with its student population of just 13,000 — made a total of $3.6 million, or an average of over $133,000 each.
Letter: Bloated Bureaucracy
To the Editor: I am glad to see the Alexandria Gazette Packet finally exposing the bloated and costly bureaucracy in the City of Alexandria public school system. This has been a vexing problem for many years, going back to when the controversial consolidation plan of the three high schools was implemented in 1971.
Letter: Being Forced Out
To the Editor: Are we good enough to work in Alexandria, but not good enough to live here? My wife and I clean homes in Alexandria.
Letter: Silence Means Approval
To the Editor: It has come to my attention that the city has approached the Founders Park Community Association for approval to use Founders Park for large and small events, public, commercial and private. Please contact the Founders Park Board and City Council to let them know your feelings about such use of Founders Park.
West End Rezoned
Council approves plan to demolish thousands of garden apartments.
Like many of the residents who live along Beauregard Street, Salam Jawad is unsure about the future. Since he came to America last year, he's been trying to find his way in a new culture and a new environment.
Giving for Boston
Alexandria nonprofit leaders Spring to Action to help Boston victims.
What happens when tragedy strikes? Alexandria springs into action. With Monday's Boston bombing looming over the week, organizers of Alexandria's annual Giving Day scrambled to find some way to respond by Wednesday — the daylong online philanthropy event known as Spring2ACTion.
Week in Alexandria
Security Classic The terrorist attack on the Boston Marathon this week has altered plans for the Parkway Classic this weekend, creating a need for a heightened security presence in Alexandria. The Parkway Classic, now in its 29th year, has a historic route along the George Washington Memorial Parkway and a capped field size.
Neighborhood
Taylor Run
The Taylor Run Citizens’ Association (TRCA) will hold its Annual Spring Meeting on Thursday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m. in the Theatre of the George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive.
Two Merit Finalists at Bishop Ireton
Two seniors at Bishop Ireton High School were named finalists in the National Merit and National Achievement Scholarship Programs. Anna Rapp has been named a finalist in the National Merit Scholarship program.
Alexandria Home Sales: March, 2013
In March 2013, 189 Alexandria homes sold between $3,200,000-$111,000.
Alexandria Home Sales: March, 2013
Credit Union Participates in Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run
On Sunday, April 7, CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union, headquartered in Alexandria, was an event sponsor for the seventh consecutive year for the 41st Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run. The credit union provided volunteers, runners, and walkers from its membership and staff.
Inmates Earn GEDs, Certifications
Sheriff Dana Lawhorne and his staff hosted a ceremony March 21 to honor the educational accomplishments of 14 inmates at the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center. Guest speaker Pastor Louis Whiting of My Father’s House Christian Ministries addressed the graduates, inmates and staff, and shared his thoughts on faith and conflict.
SSSAS Students Inspired by ARTStravaganza
At the 10th Annual ARTStravaganza on March 21, St. Stephen's & St. Agnes Lower School students experienced a day devoted to the visual and performing arts. Twenty-one professional artists joined SSSAS teachers and Upper and Middle School students in sharing their passion and knowledge with students in junior kindergarten through fifth grade.
Thursday, April 18
Editorial: Value-added Evaluation?
TJ admissions illustrate growing gap between “haves” and “have-nots.”
More than 181,000 students attend Fairfax County Public Schools. So why do the 480 students who were accepted for next year’s freshman class at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology seem so important? Fairfax County Public Schools have a single elite magnet school, Thomas Jefferson, and TJ is frequently referred to as the top high school in the country. Dramatic disparity in the makeup of admissions at TJ is an indicator of disparity in early identification of students as gifted and talented, of access to advanced classes and enrichment, and in the basic education that the Fairfax County Public school system offers to all of its students.
Hunting Towers Sold
New owners tell city leaders they will preserve affordable housing.
For years, people who live in the twin towers at the southern edge of Old Town have lived with a sense of dread.
Alexandria Leaders Engage in Risky Business at Potomac Yard
City taxpayers are about to assume financial risk for new Metro station.
Alexandria taxpayers are about to gamble on the future, rolling the dice on development at a former railroad yard to fund a new Metro station.
Coalition Wages War on Brick Sidewalks in Old Town
Group calls for action now, before more brick sidewalks are installed in new development.
They may be charming, but many people say Alexandria's brick sidewalks have become a dangerous burden. Now they are asking City Hall to do something about it.
Wednesday, April 17
Column: A False Sense of Security
Not that there’s anything wrong with that; in fact, as a four-year, stage IV, non-small-cell lung cancer survivor, it’s amazing to have any security, false or otherwise, whatsoever.
‘We Have Not Forgotten’
Residents rally in Vienna to support stricter gun control measures.
Less than six miles from the National Rifle Association (NRA) headquarters in Fairfax, more than 100 people gathered on the Vienna Town Green Saturday, April 13, to urge Congress to support stricter gun control measures.
Marymount Professor, McLean Resident Named Virginia Counselor Educator of the Year
A Marymount University professor was honored recently for her work to educate and train school counselors.
Countdown to College Decision Day
Local college counselors offer advice on making the right choice.
As the May 1 national college decision day looms, the day students must shell out hefty deposits to secure their spots at colleges and universities, students like Daniels are feeling pressure.
The Lyin' Tamer
ACVA hosts body language expert.
More than 90 people enjoyed a morning of motivation, education and comedy from best-selling author and NBC Today Show body language expert Janine Driver at the 5th annual Breakfast and Blossoms event March 27 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Old Town.
Tuesday, April 16
Obituaries
Donald D. Fowler
Donald D. Fowler, a former World Bank executive, died at his home in Alexandria, on April 2, 2013. He was 100 years old.
Smoke Causes Evacuation
The Alexandria Fire Department responded to a report of smoke coming from the basement boiler room of a two-story commercial building in the 100 block of East Del Ray Avenue at 3:08 p.m., Friday, April 5. Arriving firefighters found moderate smoke conditions coming from a side stairwell leading to the basement.
Editorial: Voting Again
Every year is election year in Virginia, and it’s a bit much.
The most hotly contested race for statewide office in Virginia, the Republican contest for lieutenant governor, will be decided at a statewide convention on May 18. That’s about a month from now.
Monday, April 15
What If Everyone Gave on One Day: Imagine the Possibilities
Commentary
Alexandria is fortunate to be one of the most giving communities anywhere in America. In fact, according to Convio, we consistently rank in the top 1 percent for online donations of any community in the country.
Tartan Day in Market Square
A day to recognize the achievements and contributions made by Scottish Americans to the U.S., known as Tartan Day, was celebrated on Saturday, April 6, at Market Square in Alexandria.
The Power of One
Spring2Action 24-hour online fundraiser set for April 17
Dawnielle Miller wasn’t sure what to expect. As co-founder and executive director of the nonprofit Casa Chirilagua, she was hoping to raise $15,000 during last year’s Spring2Action online giving day. She sent out emails and spread the word among supporters. And then she waited.
On Economic Frontline
McDonnell appoints Wood to Military Commission.
Gov. Bob McDonnell has appointed Alexandria resident Lt. Gen. John R. (Bob) Wood (ret.) to Virginia's newly formed Commission on Military Installations and Defense Activities. “I am most concerned about preserving jobs here in Virginia,” said Wood, a graduate of T.C. Williams High School and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Making the Best of It
When Hurricane Sandy sent a tree slicing through her Vicar Lane home last October, Donnan Wintermute expected a long rebuilding process. What she didn't expect was her contractor to begin using the tarp over her roof as a canvas in an effort to cheer her up.
Networking for Good
WEBA Happy Hour raises funds for Laboy family.
The West End Business Association turned its April 4 monthly networking Happy Hour into a fundraiser for Alexandria Police Officer Peter Laboy and presented a check for $500 to Suzanne Laboy to kick off a year-long commitment to raise money for the injured officer and his family. “My family and I are overwhelmed at the generosity of the community,” said Suzanne Laboy after being presented a check from WEBA president Peter Baldwin at the Hawthorn Suites Hotel.
Second Chances
The right thing to do.
Consider these facts: One in 31 Americans is in prison or jail or on probation or parole. Some 2,000 citizens have managed to find jobs in northern Virginia and this is a low seven percent increase over last year.
Bulletin Board AX
Email announcements to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Thursday by noon. Photos welcome. National Child Abuse Prevention Month Events SafeAssured Child Identification. SafeAssured ID Kits provide families with vital information needed by law enforcement and the media to immediately broadcast information unique to a missing child. Open to the public. For more information, visit http://www.safeassured-id.com/. Saturday, April 13, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at William Ramsey Recreation Center Saturday, April 27, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at Charles Houston Recreation Center. Darkness to Light’s (D2L) Stewards of Children. Training for parents and caregivers in the ways to better prevent, recognize and respond to child sexual abuse. Childcare and pizza provided. Reservations limited. To register, go to: cacstewardsofchildrentraining.eventbrite.com/ Friday, April 19, 3- 6 p.m. at The Center for Alexandria’s Children, 1900 N. Beauregard St., Suite 200 Tuesday, April 30, 3– 6 p.m. at The Center for Alexandria’s Children, 1900 N. Beauregard St., Suite 200
Saluting ‘Allies in Prevention’
Lori Morris honored for child abuse prevention work.
Alexandria's Lori Morris was honored by Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) at the 11th Annual Allies in Prevention Awards luncheon April 2 at Maggiano's at Tysons Galleria. Morris was one of five Northern Virginia individuals recognized by SCAN and its Allies in Prevention Coalition as a local hero for her commitment to prevent child abuse and neglect.
Saturday, April 13
Thousands of Families are Living with Uncertainty on the West End
City Council to consider plan that would demolish hundreds of low-end garden apartments.
On the windswept streets of the city's West End, many poor and Latino residents say they are living with a sense of uncertainty.
Friday, April 12
Grandest Congress at Historic Carlyle House
British flags fluttered against the façade of the historic Carlyle House as re-enactors set the stage for a living history dramatization of the meeting held here on April 14, 1755. Inside the house 258 years ago, Major General Edward Braddock, Commander of His Majesty’s Forces in North America met with governors of the five colonies, Massachusetts Bay, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia to plan and finance a military campaign to defeat the French forces at the forks of the Ohio River near Fort Duquesne.
60th Opening Day at Little Simpson Field
Alexandria Little League held its 2013 opening day ceremony on Saturday morning, April 6, at Little Simpson Field. In honor of the 60th anniversary of the Alexandria League, the Washington Nationals mascot Screech the Eagle was on hand to greet the players and coaches as they entered the field.
Alexandria Real Estate: Top Sales for February 2013
In February 2013, 142 Alexandria homes sold between $1,900,000-$90,000.
Alexandria Real Estate: Top Sales for February 2013
The Wiz Opens Friday at TC
The T.C. Williams Drama Department will present "The Wiz", a musical retelling of “The Wizard of Oz” set against an urban background to music with a mixture of rock, gospel and soul.
Poem
Art Like That Of an Artist
An artist’s work - yet not known - Like the Little and Big Dipper stars above Throughout our Old Town Alexandria Trees of bright lights dispelling the darkness Like the sky’s far-flung stars that one can only wish upon Heartfelt of hope, vision and dreams within. — Geri Baldwin, Alexandria
Letter: Letters to the Editor-Overlooked Probation Office
To the Editor: Over the years, the Alexandria Gazette Packet has published many favorable articles about our Police Department and the Sheriff’s Office. They are both excellent agencies and certainly deserving of the accolades provided by the countless stories, editorials and letters to the editor. However, there is another law enforcement agency in the city that has labored in relative obscurity, the Alexandria Office of Probation and Parole.
Letter: Letters to the Editor-Practical Considerations On Tree Lights
To the Editor: There are compelling practical and aesthetic reasons to take the lights down from the trees on King Street at the beginning of April. First of all, once the trees have their leaves, the leaves will obscure the lights.
Letter: Letters to the Editor-Underspending On Capital Needs
To the Editor: The April 8 meeting of the Del Ray Citizens Association explored a major reason why the city’s tax rate and our taxes are going up again this year and why they will probably continue to go up in the future. The short answer is the city’s capital budget, or its investment in new and existing public facilities.
Letter: Letters to the Editor-Libraries, Parks And Bikes
To the Editor: The City of Alexandria intends to expand the Bikeshare program at the expense of libraries and parks that benefit all residents. It is expected that 960,000 people will visit Alexandria’s libraries in 2014; this is 53 times the number of Bikeshare members in the region. Yet, the city is cutting libraries by $93,000 and giving Bikeshare $120,000.
Letter: Letters to the Editor-Stand With Working Families
Saturday is “D” day for thousands of Alexandria residents living in the Beauregard neighborhood. In this case, “D” doesn’t just stand for “decision,” it also stands for “development” and “displacement.”
Classified Advertising April 10, 2013
Read the lastest ads here!
Thursday, April 11
AM Calendar 4/10/2013
‘Pacific Pulse’ Nicholaus Aman attempts to express the nature of the Pacific coast through his solo exhibition, Pacific Pulse, at Alexandria's Artspace 109 Gallery. The Pacific Pulse exhibition will be on display through May 11. Artspace 109 is located at 109 North Fairfax Street, 3rd Floor Alexandria. Gallery hours are: Tuesday through Friday noon-5 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sundays noon-5 p.m.
Maestro Musings
The Red Violin Comes to the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra
On April 20 and 21, the Alexandria Symphony’s Be the Music...The Music of Empowerment concerts will features popular violin virtuoso Elizabeth Pitcairn. Ms. Pitcairn is famous not only for her ability to mesmerize audiences with her playing, but also for the instrument she owns and plays: the legendary Red Mendelssohn Stradivarius that inspired both the book and movie The Red Violin.
Risky Business
City taxpayers are about to assume financial risk for new Metro station.
Alexandria taxpayers are about to gamble on the future, rolling the dice on development at a former railroad yard to fund a new Metro station. City officials are expecting Potomac Yard to generate $1 billion worth of revenue in the next three decades, an expansion of the tax base that would help fund construction of a Metro station that could open its doors as early as 2018. But that plan comes with significant risk.
Hunting Towers Sold
New owners tell city leaders they will preserve affordable housing.
For years, people who live in the twin towers at the southern edge of Old Town have lived with a sense of dread. That's because their landlord is the Virginia Department of Transportation, which purchased the buildings during construction of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.
War on the Waterfront
Iron Ladies file another lawsuit challenging city's efforts to upzone three sites.
When the dispute between Old Town and City Hall was at its height last year, 20th Century Fox movie "Iron Lady" was in the theaters celebrating the life of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. So when Old Town residents April Burke, Beth Gibney and Marie Kux filed a lawsuit against the city, the trio was dubbed the "Iron Ladies" — a tip of the hat to the steely determination of the former prime minister.
Neighborhood
Taylor Run
CELEBRATING CHUCK Lots and lots of people went to Putnam Place on Saturday to celebrate the 56th birthday of Chuck Linderman. Children Corinne and Will had organized the party, Corinne all the way from Salt Lake City where she works as an engineer for GE.
Vivian M. Gorham
Obituary
Vivian M. Gorham, 89, died on April 3, 2013, in Woodbridge, Va. A native of Alexandria, Vivian was born to Harvey J. and Delia C. Millan on Aug. 30, 1923.
GWMS To Present ‘Once on This Island’
George Washington Middle School dramatic arts students will be performing “Once on This Island,” a musical retelling of “The Little Mermaid” based on the 1985 novel “My Love, My Love; or, The Peasant Girl” by Rosa Guy, set in the French Antilles in the Caribbean Sea.
Wednesday, April 10
Positive Reactions to Huchler’s Promotion
New deputy police chief praised inside and beyond city.
The Alexandria Police Department recently named a new deputy chief, David Huchler, to its ranks. Huchler, 44, is a 21-year veteran of the department and a respected choice outside the department as well.
Friday, April 5
Classified Advertising April 3, 2013
Read the latest ads here!
Thursday, April 4
Alexandria City Public Schools Administration Costs $3.6 million a Year
Administrators pull down competitive salaries for Northern Virginia.
In the classic Depression era tune "Nice Work if You Can Get It," Ira Gershwin describes "a man who only lives for making money" as one who "lives a life that isn't necessarily sunny." Here in Alexandria, the sun is not always shining on the Alexandria Public Schools central administration headquarters on Beauregard Street. But it is raining cash.
Wednesday, April 3
SSSAS Girls’ Lax Ends Losing Streak Against Bryn Mawr
Saints extend winning streak to 25 games dating back to 2012.
The St. Stephen's & St. Agnes girls' lacrosse team improved to 8-0 win a win over Bryn Mawr.
Alexandria and Mount Vernon Calendar April 3
Information on entertainment events going on in Alexandria and Mount Vernon
Alexandria School Notes April 3
School notes for Alexandria natives.
Mapping Alexandria in Poems and Pictures
MAPP your city! Alexandria City Poet Laureate Amy Young is calling all residents of Alexandria to submit poems and artwork to help MAPP (Mapping Alexandria in Poems and Pictures) Alexandria.
Easter Bunny Spreads Cheer at Hospital
Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne and members of his office accompanied the Easter Bunny, portrayed by Winchester Sheriff Leonard Millholland, to Inova Alexandria Hospital on Wednesday, March 27, for the Office’s annual visit.
Kick Butts Day
On Kick Butts Day, March 20, more than 40 Alexandria youth, supported by adults, celebrated the day by conducting Operation Storefront, where they filled out surveys on the amount of tobacco advertising in over 60 local stores.
English Honor Society Induction
T.C. Williams High School held its inaugural Induction Ceremony of the school’s chapter of the National English Honor Society. Thirty-two students, three faculty members, and the keynote speaker were inducted on Feb. 13.
Neighborhood: Taylor Run April 3
David O'Brien, our neighbor who is an expert in installing public health management systems, has returned from Ghana, which he describes as having a beautiful countryside and hospitable and friendly people.
Living Legends: Lord and Brown Help Shape This City
They share an artistic vision and a volunteer spirit.
One is an accomplished architect, the other an award-winning photographic artist. Together Marlin G. Lord and Kathryn A. Brown transform the world around them and give tangible evidence to the philosophy of Johann Friedrich von Schiller: “He who has done the best for his own time has lived for all times.”
From T.C. Williams Dropout to Ph.D.
Injured from an accident with heavy machinery and left with a broken back, Roderic Brame went back to school. He was admitted to Radford University were he completed a B.S in geology and a M.S. in science education.
Del Ray Variety Store Opens
After months of canvassing neighbors and businesses in Del Ray, the Del Ray Variety Store held a grand opening on Saturday morning, March 30.
Kids at Play
CFNC hosts Super Science Saturday.
The Child and Family Network Centers hosted a hands-on Super Science Saturday March 14 at the CFNC Birchmere headquarters on Mount Vernon Avenue.
Alexandria Bulletin Board April 3
Information on events taking place in Alexandria.
Letter to the Editor: Governing Behind Closed Doors
On March 16, the Alexandria City Council passed controversial and sweeping planning changes that are already the subject of litigation. The city passed these changes to transform an honest policy disagreement into Through the Looking Glass litigation tactics, where nothing is as it appears to be.
Letter to the Editor: Budget’s Effect On Officers
I am Sean McGowan, executive director of the Virginia Police Benevolent Association. I am a retired Alexandria police officer, having served 25 years in the department.
Letter to the Editor: Sharing the Joy Of Easter
The beauty of giving shines brighter than one can speak of.
Planning for Retirement
Everyone looks forward to the “golden years,” when you reached the point where you can enjoy all that life has to offer and not worry about all that comes with reaching that phase of your life.
Column: Protecting the Antibiotic Arsenal
Since the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1928, antibiotics have served an essential role in helping the body’s immune system fight infections caused by bacteria. They are prescribed to treat myriad illnesses like pneumonia, strep throat, and urinary tract infections.
Donate Dresses for Prom ‘Princesses’
The eighth annual Princess for a Night project is collecting dry-cleaned formal dresses, shoes, handbags, jewelry, unused make-up (for example, sample cosmetics), and shopping bags now through Friday, May 11.
Park To Host Earth Day Events
Celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 20 at Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Brenman Park Drive, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Help Shelter on Free Cone Day
On Tuesday April 9, Ben & Jerry’s across the nation will host its annual Free Cone Day.
Join Spring2ACTion on April 17
On April 17, 95 of Alexandria’s nonprofit organizations are enlisting the community to raise money for local causes during Spring2ACTion, a 24-hour online giving drive. Also known as Alexandria’s Giving Day, Spring2ACTion, is hosted by ACT for Alexandria and ACTion Alexandria.
Tuesday, April 2
Local Researchers Address ‘Concussion Culture’
Education and proper health care are keys.
With the impending warmer weather comes an increased number of children participating in outdoor activities. Some local health care professionals and researchers are issuing words of caution.
Monday, April 1
Fairfax County’s Homeless Population Declines 12 Percent
Emphasis on rapid re-housing, prevention keys to success.
Despite economic obstacles and fallout from across-the-board sequester cuts, Fairfax County’s number of homeless individuals declined 12 percent decline in the past year, and 26 percent since 2007.