Stories for February 2013

Thursday, February 28

Bishop Ireton Beats Potomac School in VISAA Playoffs

Cardinals earned first trip to WCAC semifinals by beating Gonzaga.

Bishop Ireton boys' basketball coach Neil Berkman called the Cardinals' win over Gonzaga a "program-changer."

Alexandria Entertainment Calendar Feb. 27

Entertainment calendar for the Alexandria and Mount Vernon areas.

Vercessi’s Latest Novel Highlights Local Sites

Pursuing a cold case.

Retired Navy captain and local author George Vercessi highlights the Alexandria area in his latest novel “NCIS Agent Jerzy Shore.”

Bike-N-Roll on All DASH Buses

Alexandria Transit Company mechanics and Sportworks contractors spent this past weekend installing new bike racks on the 53 DASH buses that had not been equipped with them.

Barkley Square Opens Pet Spaaah

Barkley Square Pet Spaaah has opened at the former location of Dogspaw Grooming in Falls Church.

Letter to the Editor: Derry Will Be Missed

Bob Feldkamp’s very nice memorial to Frederic Wolcott (Derry) Bancroft, which appeared in the Gazette Packet – Neighborhoods – old Town (Feb. 21) was much appreciated.

Letter to the Editor: Embrace Civic Duties

I am a proud 16-year citizen of Alexandria. One of the things I love most about living here is the city’s commitment to creating a caring environment and fulfilling the needs of its citizens.

Letter to the Editor: Saluting Members Of Santa Claus’s Yacht Club

Approximately 20 years ago, members of Santa Claus’s Yacht Club entered the lives of many families who reside in the city of Alexandria.

Letter to the Editor: Worthy of Preservation?

I live on a block adjoining the one with the ramshackle building which once housed the Carver Nursery School.

Letter to the Editor: Encourage Riding Bikes

Over the last few weeks there have been several articles about registering and charging fees for bikes in the city. Given the logic and questionable application of the economic concept of free rider(s), why stop at registering just bicycles?

Letter to the Editor: Support School Construction

Right now, Alexandria is facing the same issue as many other school districts: increasing enrollment. This year, ACPS enrollment jumped 5.8 percent, but this is not an anomaly; it’s a trend.

Stearman: Helping Young and Old in Alexandria

He epitomizes spirit of volunteerism.

Lewis A. Stearman has supported Alexandria’s youth for almost 75 years. His passion for serving young people developed when, as a compassionate 16-year-old, he sent Valentine’s Day cards to patients at Children’s Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Witnesses Recount Feb. 18 Shooting

Chief Cook offers condolences to Sellers family.

Alexandria Police Chief Earl Cook offered his condolences to the family of Taft Sellers in a Feb. 25 press conference that detailed the investigative process in place regarding the city's first police-related shooting since 2009.

Higher Taxes, Cuts in Services

Young proposes $626.6 million budget.

An increase in property taxes along with cuts in services to Alexandria residents are part of the $626.6 million General Fund Operating Budget proposed Feb. 26 by City Manager Rashad Young for fiscal year 2014.

Column: Major Step Forward

The short 45-day 2013 General Assembly session was a roller coaster, but I am glad to have the privilege of representing our community and our values in Richmond.

Police Officer Seriously Injured

An Alexandria police officer is in critical condition after being shot during a traffic stop on Wednesday. Feb. 27.

Column: A Tough Transportation Vote

The 46-day legislative session drew to a close on Saturday, Feb. 23. As you know, transportation dominated the debate this session.

Classified Advertising Feb. 27, 2013

Read the latest ads here!

State May Takeover Struggling Alexandria School After Decade of Failure

Increasing pressure for progress at Jefferson-Houston School.

A decade of efforts to improve Jefferson-Houston School have failed, and now state leaders are increasing pressure on Alexandria City Public School leaders to turnaround the turnaround.

Wednesday, February 27

Picking A Pet

If we're honest, we can all admit we have a “type” as far as what we find attractive — in people and in dogs. Some of us go for big and brawny, others melt over dainty and petite.

Animal Welfare League Hires New Executive Director

Megan Webb to lead Vola Lawson Animal Shelter.

Megan Webb, an animal shelter professional with more than 15 years of management experience and extensive knowledge of both shelter and field operations, has been named the new executive director and chief executive officer of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. “Megan's knowledge and management expertise within the sheltering community will enhance the AWLA's growth and strengthen our relationships within the Alexandria community,” said AWLA board chairman Charlotte Hall in making the announcement.

The Coolest Cats

King Street Cats celebrates 10 years

The Alexandria-based no kill animal shelter King Street Cats has a lot to purr about in 2013. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the all-volunteer organization that services kitty lovers throughout the region.

Second Chances

AWLA's special funds help those most in need.

Many city residents are familiar with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria and the life-saving work that takes place at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter. Our generous donors and supporters are a testament to the compassion and generosity prevalent throughout Alexandria. Many animal lovers ask us how they can make the greatest impact and where our greatest area of need lies.

‘The Drawer Boy’

Canadian classic debuts at Port City Playhouse.

It was 40 years ago when a Toronto theater company crafted the basis of a play by sending a group of actors to live and work on the farms of Ontario. The experiment became a landmark in Canadian theater and was the inspiration for Michael Healey’s “The Drawer Boy,” now playing at Port City Playhouse.

Local Girl Scout Troops Celebrate World Thinking Day

Each year on Feb. 22, World Thinking Day, U.S. Girl Scouts honor their sister Girl Guides and Girl Scouts by taking time to give thanks for their international friendships and remember that Girl Scouts of the USA is part of a global community — one of nearly 150 countries that are members of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. The Girl Scout troops of Mount Vernon celebrated Thinking Day this year at Wesley United Methodist Church. Each troop represented a country of their choosing and shared what they learned with their fellow scouts.

Fun Dog Fitness

Hi! We are Teddy, Hobie, and Tessa (in that order) and live in Alexandria. Two years ago we all met down at ‘doggie beach’ by Ford’s Landing and immediately hit it off. Our mom’s were hanging out chatting, and we were having a ball chasing each other, roughhousing, and getting great exercise.

Saturday, February 23

Classified Advertising Feb. 20, 2013

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Friday, February 22

Column: Definition of “Slippery Slope”

Figuratively speaking, of course. That definition being: a late stage cancer patient/survivor previously characterized as “terminal” awaiting the results of their most recent diagnostic scan. A scan that will indicate whether the tumors have grown, moved or God forbid, appeared somewhere new. If your life hung in the balance before the scan, waiting for results of this however-many-months-interval-scan will most assuredly loosen your figurative grip on your equilibrium and your most literal grip on your sanity. This is a domain, unlike the one referred to in one of the more infamous Seinfeld episodes, that one cannot master. To invoke and slightly rework Dan Patrick’s “catch” phrase: You can’t stop it, you can only hope to contain it.

Choosing a Summer Camp

Region offers programs to tempt children with interests ranging from sports to drama to science.

While most of Washington is braving the winter weather, April Toman has been planning for summer. At the top of her list: choosing a camp for her two children, Claire, who is in fifth grade, and Will, who is a second grader. “I start thinking about it in January,” said Toman, who lives in Alexandria. “I talk to my kids about what they are interested in taking. There are so many options and the popular camps fill up quickly.”

Learning From the Past

What some area schools are doing to celebrate Black History Month.

The sound of steel drums vibrates through the air of a crowded auditorium in Potomac, Md. In McLean, elementary school girls share their understanding of the struggles of Rosa Parks. A group of second graders from Alexandria treks to downtown Washington to see the massive memorial statue of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

Thursday, February 21

Alexandria Police Shield Information on Officer-Involved Shooting

Law-enforcement officials use exemption to withhold incident report.

Why did Alexandria police officers kill Taft Sellars?

Alexandria City Council Poised to Rezone Waterfront

City manager declines to talk about developers interested in the waterfront.

Can City Manager Rashad Young name any developer who is interested in the waterfront?

Wednesday, February 20

TC Girls’ Basketball Wins Patriot District Championship

Titans beat Woodson for first district title since 2009.

The Titans' season ends in regional quarterfinals.

MetroStage Garners 7 Helen Hayes Nominations.

Griffin named a “Helen’s Star.”

Theatre Washington has announced the nominations for the 2013 Helen Hayes Awards with Alexandria’s MetroStage Theater among the 25 theatre companies nominated in 26 categories.

Entertainment Calendar Wednesday, Feb. 20

Entertainment calendar for the Alexandria and Mount Vernon area.

Debbie Bendorf, 38, Loses Cancer Fight

Cancer doesn’t care if a person is a wife and mother loved by friends and family, is only 38 and isn’t finished living, yet.

Living Legends Dash to Win

A number of Living Legends of Alexandria rode a Dash Trolley in Monday’s George Washington Birthday Parade.

God AND Doughnuts

The coming of Lent is announced differently in different places...

Neighborhoods: Old Town

A MAN TO REMEMBER - Derry Bancroft left us forever this unforgiving winter. No he didn't. Can't happen. Won't happen. He wouldn't do this to us so soon.

Letter to the Editor: ‘What Next, City Council?’

The Feb. 15 letter from the city manager describing the city’s plan to amend the zoning ordinance and re-vote the Waterfront Plan is an unfortunate example of things to come in city government.

Letter to the Editor: So Much for Transparency

No sooner had the Washington Post announced that its two warehouses were for sale than Bingo … council announces that they have had one of their “back room” executive sessions wherein they decided to alter the zoning code on the waterfront. All this with two court cases yet to be decided.

Letter to the Editor: Teachers Deserve Better Salaries

In a recent letter to the editor Richard Vis takes issue with Sen. Barker's contention that a 3 percent increase in teacher salaries would help close the gap in student achievement.

Letter to the Editor: Beauregard Plan’s Benefits

I am writing in response to the article, “Beauregard Waiting Game," which attempted to describe the impact of future redevelopment in the Beauregard area on existing residents, yet failed to include some important facts.

Letter to the Editor: Don’t Disconnect Parents from Schools

The Alexandria PTA Council, on behalf of its 3,000 members (parents, teachers and students) throughout the city, is writing to express our strong opposition to the “Opportunity Education Institution” legislation recently adopted by the state Senate (SB1324) and House of Delegates (HB 2096) and awaiting Governor McDonnell’s signature.

Letter to the Editor: Pre-emptive Strike?

The announcement at the mayor’ news conference last week that the waterfront plan must be enacted at once is not about making an urgently needed land use decision.

Letter to the Editor: Need To Help Students Now

I fully back the decision for the takeover of Jefferson Houston Elementary School. This used to be a wonderful school with good teachers and good leaders, not to say the teachers and leaders today are not good, but there has been such a turnover in the last few years.

Community Covenant

Scouts from Pack 301 pose for photos at the community covenant.

Honoring the Greatest Generation

Post 24 veterans pay respects to Iwo Jima survivors.

Representatives of American Legion Post 24 in Alexandria visited with World War II veterans in Arlington Feb. 15 during a reunion of survivors of the Battle of Iwo Jima.

And the Winner Is …

Greener Cleaner voted 'Heart of Del Ray.'

The votes are in and Greener Cleaner has been named the 2013 “Heart of Del Ray,” an annual award presented during the Valentine's Day holiday by the Del Ray Business Association.

Gadson Addresses Annual Breakfast

Janet Barnett receives Distinguished Service Award.

The Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association held its annual breakfast Feb. 18 at the Holiday Inn and Suites in Old Town in the traditional kick-off to the city's George Washington Birthday Parade celebrations.

Column: Seniors Get Lesson on Heart Health

Senior Services of Alexandria teamed up with Inova Alexandria Hospital for their February speaker series on "Heart Health and Fitness for Seniors."

Column: State Must Clarify Its Takeover of Schools

Virginia ranks third in the nation in the education we provide students. However, there are some schools that year after year cannot attain accreditation. I agree something needs to be done to address this issue, as all students deserve a quality education.

Column: Criminalizing Of a Child

Time has come to pay attention to an age of accountability. Adults must seriously realize that boys and girls of 10 are categorically and truly children. No matter race, creed, color or national origin or anything else, they are of tender age.

Alexandria Bulletin Board Wednesday, Feb. 20

Alexandria bulletin board for February through June.

Column: Lots of Moving Parts Remain

Thanks to all of you who attended one of the town meetings in Mount Vernon or Old Town on Saturday. It’s always good to hear what’s on your mind, and your input helps me represent you better.

Tuesday, February 19

Alexandria Home Sales: January, 2013

In January 2013, 108 Alexandria homes sold between $1,100,000-$90,000.

Alexandria Home Sales: January, 2013

Wakefield Topples TC in Northern Region Tournament

Warriors beat Titans for first time since 1996.

The Wakefield boys' basketball team will face Langley in the region quarterfinals.

Thursday, February 14

Classified Advertising Feb. 13, 2013

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Beauregard Waiting Game: Half the Affordable Housing Units Are a Decade Away

Supporters of the plan praise set-aside units; opponents fear complacency and inaction.

For the thousands of people who live in low-slung garden apartments on the West End, the future is an ever-present worry.

Wednesday, February 13

George Washington Weekend

Birthday Bash

Thousands will join in the revelry for the 281st anniversary of George Washington’s birth in his hometown of Alexandria. The city celebrates the General’s birthday throughout the month of February with more than a dozen festive events, including the George Washington birthday parade, free admission to historic sites, popular walking tours, 18th-century dance classes, Madeira wine tastings, and even a cherry-themed competition among local restaurants.

Alexandria Calendar February-April

Alexandria calendar for February through April

Editorial: On Transportation

Compromise, in the works, should include indexing the gas tax to inflation.

Virginia needs more options, not fewer, in developing revenue to pay for roads and transportation. Compromise on a plan to increase transportation revenue should not include making Virginia the only state in the nation without a gas tax. The current, ridiculously low gas tax should be indexed to inflation. The last thing the commonwealth needs is to do away with an existing, major source of money for roads.

Healthy School Award

Marine Corps Marathon mascots Miles and Molly, MCM Director Rick Nealis, Mount Vernon Community School Principal Peter Balas, Larry McMarlin of Sodexo and U.S. Marines from Marine Corps Base Quantico gather for the presentation of the Healthy School Award to the students of Mount Vernon Community School.

Letter to the Editor: Spread Word On CHDs

February is Heart Month, during which the public will undoubtedly hear a lot of information about how to keep our hearts healthy and prevent heart disease — the number one killer of Americans.

Letter to the Editor: School Takeover Is Necessary

I believe the legislature took a step in the right direction when it decided to require the state to take over schools which lose their accreditation.

Letter to the Editor: Praising Hospital Policy

On behalf of the Alexandria Childhood Obesity Action Network’s Breastfeeding Promotion Committee, we would like to publicly thank Inova Alexandria Hospital for encouraging exclusive breastfeeding in their hospital.

Remembering Paramedic Joshua A. Weissman

The City of Alexandria Fire Department hosted a Remembrance Ceremony honoring Paramedic Joshua A. Weissman on Friday, Feb. 8, at the newly renamed Joshua A. Weissman Professional Development Center at 1108 Jefferson St.

'Catch the Wave'

Renner celebrated as chamber board chairman.

With a theme of “Catch the Wave,” the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce officially celebrated John J. Renner II as its incoming board chairman Feb. 9 at the annual Chairman's Gala.

International Infusion

Alexandria designer creates inviting home for passionate world travelers.

>Blending an eclectic mix of home accessories and furnishings to create a harmonious and tasteful interior can pose a decorating conundrum for many homeowners.

Washington: ‘First in the Hearts of His Countrymen’

George Washington, “The Father of our Country,” actively promoted prosperity, political and economic freedom for Alexandrians. In so doing, he sowed the seeds that grew to fruition in the winning of the country’s independence from Great Britain and establishing the Constitution.

Column: Wrangling State Budget, Transportation

Crossover occurred last week — all remaining House bills went to the Senate, and all Senate bills went to the House. It was a busy week, with big topics discussed from SB 259 to budget and transportation.

Column: Expanding Health care Coverage

In Virginia almost one million men and women go without health insurance. That is one million people who cannot afford to get a check-up when they feel sick, who cannot fill prescriptions after injury or emergency treatment, and who are one serious illness away from bankruptcy.

Column: 500 Turn Out for Bryan Porter

Launching campaign for Commonwealth’s Attorney.

In one of the more memorable trials in Alexandria’s Circuit Court, the young lawyer was making his first major murder prosecution. In a blue business suit, power tie and sporting new cufflinks he cut the figure of a veteran trial lawyer.

Column: Listen to the Other Side of the Argument

Last week I had the opportunity to spend two days in Richmond discussing legislation with our local delegation and other members of the General Assembly. Two of the leading topics being discussed were the transportation funding plans and State Senate redistricting.

She’s Promoter-of-the-Arts-in Chief

Del Ray Artisans welcomes city’s new arts director.

The arts community turned out in force Feb. 8 to officially welcome Diane Ruggiero to Alexandria as the new director of the Office of the Arts.

Column: Creating Youth Master Plan

Students from both campuses of T.C. Williams High School (King Street Campus and Satellite) were present Saturday, Feb. 9 participating in a forum designed to engage youth in discussions about issues that they care about and affect them within the community. Their input, ideas, thoughts and feedback will go into what is called a Youth Master Plan.

Celebrating the Maestro

ASO concerts marks 25th anniversary of Kim Allen Kluge.

Showcasing talent from throughout the city, the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra celebrated the 25th anniversary of Maestro Kim Allen Kluge with a weekend of concerts Feb. 9 and 10 that featured the world premiere of River Poem, an original piece by Kluge and his wife Kathryn Vassar Kluge.

Motorola donates $15,000 to Police Foundation.

Alexandria Police Chief Earl Cook was joined by Mayor Bill Euille Jan. 24 as the Alexandria Police Foundation was presented a check for $15,000 on behalf of the Motorola Solutions Foundation's Public Safety and Security Institute to benefit the police foundation's memorial fund.

Friday, February 8

Classified Advertising Feb. 6, 2013

Read the latest ad here!

Thursday, February 7

Preserving Mental Health as People Age

Experts say diet, exercise and mental stimulation are key.

“Exercise [is] the ‘lifestyle’ factor with the strongest effect. A number of different research groups have found benefits of aerobic exercise on both brain structure and function and on cognitive performance.” — Pamela Greenwood, Ph.D., George Mason University

Wrecking Ball Budget Includes Four New Schools in the Coming Decade

Three elementary schools to be demolished; one new school at a site to be determined.

Over the course of the next decade, Alexandria school superintendent Morton Sherman wants to spend $357 million in an ambitious plan of demolition and construction - replacing existing facilities with new buildings and adding a new school.

Expanding the First Aid Battlefield Toward Mental Health

Legislators to consider $2 million for Mental Health First Aid.

The idea of first aid dates back to Order of St. John, a medieval society of knights that offered training in how to treat common battlefield injuries.

Week in Alexandria

Two properties at the heart of Alexandria’s controversial waterfront plan went on the market this week, opening a new chapter in the ongoing saga about redevelopment in Old Town.

Huntington Residents Remain Unprotected in the Face of Flooding

$30 million floodwall is at least two years away.

Fairfax County voters may have approved a $30 million floodwall for Huntington, but neighbors in this working-class neighborhood don’t seem particularly satisfied.

Wednesday, February 6

Public Information Comes at a Price in Arlington

Billing system includes $30 charge for six-line summary of secret investigation.

Want a booking photo in a high profile case? Prepare to pay $24.

February Is Heart Month

Diet and fitness experts offer suggestions for maintaining a healthy heart.

When Mary Elizabeth O’Conner enters a supermarket, she is careful stay within the outer perimeters of the store. “Most grocery stores are designed so that the healthiest and non-processed food, like fresh vegetables and meat are kept on the outer edges,” she said. She looks for heart-healthy foods like whole grains and fresh fruit.

Column: A Complicated Answer

And a further explanation and corollary to last week’s column: “A Simple Question,” which attempted to sort through my reactions to being asked an extremely innocent, appropriate, well-intended and always appreciated courtesy: “How are you?” and the problem that it sometimes causes me. That problem being: a question which had it not been asked would then not require an answer. An answer that I’ll always give, but not before I’ve given it some thought, which if I hadn’t thought about, wouldn’t have bothered me in the least

Inspiration For a Poem

Poem by Geri Baldwin

Lake Braddock’s Butler Too Much for TC

Senior totals 29 points, 22 rebounds in OT victory.

The Lake Braddock girls' basketball team on Tuesday beat T.C. Williams for the second time this season.

Column: Maestro’s Musings

It’s hard to believe that it's my 25th anniversary as Music Director of the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra. The centerpiece of my anniversary year will be the world premiere of an epic symphonic piece composed by yours truly and my wife, Kathryn Vassar Kluge.

Alexandria Entertainment Calendar

Entertainment Calendar for February.

The Final Countdown

Remembering the Space Shuttle Columbia.

He was just 16 minutes from home. As a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia, Arlington native David Brown was going through final landing preparations aboard STS-107 to conclude what for 16 days had been a routine mission. At 9 a.m. on Feb. 1, 2003, that changed.

Beating the Winter Blues

Locals offer suggestions for finding cheer during the cold-weather doldrums

When the snow falls and temperatures drop, but you can’t hit the slopes, there are still plenty of indoor options for fending off the doldrums.

Column: Martin’s Artistry Makes Its Mark on Alexandria

From businessman to activist to volunteering.

David M. Martin moved from Delaware to Alexandria in 1981, intrigued by the quality of life along the Potomac. In his bags were the beginnings of an artistic career in jewelry design. He also brought with him a strong interest in helping the people around him.

MidAtlantic Erg Sprints Fills TC

School on Saturday morning, Feb. 2, for the 2013 MidAtlantic Erg Sprints. More than 100 events throughout the day were scheduled and completed by junior, college, masters and adaptive rowers.

For Those Who Serve

World's largest USO facility opens at Fort Belvoir.

Less than two years ago, it was just an overgrown lot in the shadows of Fort Belvoir Community Hospital. But on Feb. 5, the world's largest USO facility welcomed the community with a grand opening celebration of the new USO Warrior and Family Center.

Obituaries

Dudley Barber

Dudley Barber, 86, of Mount Pleasant, S.C., husband of the late Lois Jane Barber died Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013 at his home.

Letter to the Editor: Raises for Teachers

In the Alexandria Gazette's Packet article titled "Raises for Teachers?" in the Jan. 17, 2013 newspaper, it states that "State Sen. George Barker (D-39) hopes that his Senate colleagues will agree to a 3 percent raise in teachers' salaries this year. Barker said increasing teacher salaries will help close achievement gaps in Virginia." Which one? Student achievement or teacher achievement?

Letter to the Editor: Bicyclists’ Fair Share

Imagine my surprise when an environmentalist policy wonk in D.C. emailed me to note my appearance, along with Justin Wilson, on radio WAMU. The subject was Alexandria’s considering bike registration and fees.

Letter to the Editor: Address Gun Violence

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports 31, 672 firearms deaths during 2012. That is far an away more firearm deaths than in any other western democracy.

Letter to the Editor: Help City’s Young People

It takes a village to raise a child. That’s why I’m urging you to add your voice to an exciting plan to secure the future of our city’s children and youth.

18th Century Knowledge Showcased

Dr. John Page (Dean Howarth) and members of the Virginia Society for the Promotion of Useful Knowledge informed and entertained visitors at the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Shop on Saturday afternoon, Feb. 2.

Leading the Charge

Gadson to keynote Friendship Veterans Breakfast.

Colonel Gregory Gadson, Garrison Commander at Fort Belvoir, will be the featured speaker at the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association Breakfast Feb. 18 to kick off a day of events in honor of George Washington's birthday.

Column: George Washington, Father of the American Mule

George Washington was not only the “father of our country” but also of the American Mule. General Washington was a renowned far and wide as a horseman, but also an innovative farmer. Surprising to many is his special interest in mules.

Column: Washington’s Decision To Mandate Inoculation of Troops

One of the most significant decisions that General Washington made during the Revolutionary War was to inoculate the army against smallpox. Without doing so, it is not likely that Washington could have kept his army in the field.

Building on a Successful Past for a Promising Future

The YMCA Alexandria plans another rich program of activities for 2013 in an ongoing dedication to its overarching cause: caring for community. Although many Alexandrians may think of it as another “swim and gym” facility — and it is a great place to do laps and enhance strength and cardiovascular fitness — our local YMCA offers so much more.

Column: Generations of Parents and Children Making a Difference

An old Chinese proverb says “If you want happiness for a lifetime — help the next generation.” According to that proverb the honorees at this year’s Senior Services of Alexandria (SSA) Gala will all have a full lifetime of happiness to look forward to.

Column: Transportation Requires Regional Approach

Alexandria is not an island. It is a group of communities inside a geographic area in a region in a state in a country. It is necessary to connect these communities from within the city and from without the city. In order to do, this regional cooperation is essential.

Column: Seeing Forward Movement on Variety of Bills

The General Assembly has been as busy as ever this past week as we approach crossover and I wanted to take a moment to send you a brief update on what is going on here in the capital as well as tell you about an upcoming event back in the 45th District.