Friday, June 28
SSSAS Grad Reed Preparing for All-American Game
Attacker finished prep career with 475 goals.
Lacrosse standout Carly Reed will attend the University of North Carolina.
Thursday, June 27
Housing's Roaring Rebound?
In February, Patricia Stack, a broker with Weichert Realtors, held an open house for a single-family home for sale in Vienna just listed for $739,000. Within three hours, more than 70 people toured the home.
Housing’s Roaring Rebound?
Pent-up demand creates seller’s market for Northern Virginia real estate.
In February, Patricia Stack, a broker with Weichert Realtors, held an open house for a single-family home for sale in Vienna just listed for $739,000. Within three hours, more than 70 people toured the home. “The home went under contract substantially above list price,” Stack said. “2013 has started with a bang in Northern Virginia real estate. In fact, it appears to be a market more like 2005-2006 than anything we've seen since,” Stack said.
Alexandria Calendar of Events
Summer Classes. Art at the Center, 2804 Sherwood Hall Lane. Children ages 6-10 can participate.
Chamber Awards Spotlight Acts of Valor
Laboy, Weismann among honorees for heroism.
The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce recognized first responders from the Alexandria Police Department, Fire Department and Office of the Sheriff at the 27th Annual Valor Awards held June 13 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Legion Installs New Officers
Glassman to lead veterans organization.
Vietnam veteran Jim Glassman was sworn in as the new Commander of American Legion Post 24 in Alexandria during a June 12 ceremony to install the organization's 2013-2014 slate of offices and board members.
Hall of Fame Dedicated at Center
The lobby at the Charles Houston Recreation Center was bursting with guests for the dedication and unveiling ceremony of the new Charles Houston Mural and Hall of Fame on Saturday afternoon, June 22.
Soccer Clinic Benefits Shelter
Boys and girls from across Alexandria came out for Virginia's first Kicking4Hunger soccer clinic on June 15 at Ben Brenman Park. In lieu of an admission fee, the children, ages 6-11, were encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for Carpenter’s Shelter in Alexandria.
Thousands Attend Food and Wine Fest
2nd annual Food and Wine Festival attracts thousands.
More than 5,000 people attended the second annual Alexandria Food and Wine Festival June 22, which was held in the Carlyle District of Alexandria.
Let the Music Play
10th anniversary Garden Party cultivates ASO support.
The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra's 10th annual Garden Party drew more than 175 people to the Belle Haven home of Isin and George E. Ludlow June 20 in an event that capped the 25th anniversary celebration of Maestro Kim Allen Kluge.
Letter: Unaware of Federal Law?
To the Editor: Your story of June 20 by reporter Michael Lee Pope, headlined “An Alternative for Alternative B,” raises some very serious concerns about the planning process in Alexandria.
That ‘Small Town Vibe’
Seventh Annual Del Ray Music Festival draws crowds
Hensley Field is one of the city's most popular recreation sites, with three baseball fields and one multi-purpose field nestled between the Capital Beltway and Eisenhower Avenue just west of Cameron Run. But that may change soon.
Opinon: Covert Matters
Alexandria’s Welcome Mat for Mr. Snowden
Aw shucks. Just when it looked like Alexandria would be “home” to another spy he’s slipped through the grasp of authorities.
Opinion: So Long, Farewell …
Senior Services of Alexandria
After five and half years, I will be leaving my position as executive director of Senior Services of Alexandria at the end of this month. It has been my sincere pleasure and a true honor to serve in this capacity.
Letter to the Editor: J-H Appreciates Community Support
Jefferson-Houston is a school community with great pride and promise. Amid the difficult moments we have faced over the past year, we have felt great support from so many community members who have reached out to us with their time and expertise. They have poured their hearts and minds into teaching and mentoring our children, and for that, the Jefferson-Houston community is truly grateful.
Letter to the Editor: Need To Address Running Tracks
You will be pleased to know that Alexandria School system students performed well at the Hershey Track and Field Event on June 22. The 4x100 team from Mount Vernon Recreation Center was barely edged out and took second place. The team from Charles Houston Recreation Center finished in third place. An Alexandria student also took first place in the long jump. They should be commended.
Letter to the Editor: Open Space Vigilance
Normally, ribbon-cutting ceremonies are very mundane events to draw attention to a new supermarket or the naming or re-naming of a street. But sometimes they can be a red-letter day, worthy of acclaim and attention for the efforts the event is trying to celebrate.
Editorial: Careful While Going Faster
If you have driven on the new 495 Express Lanes, you might wonder if the people who decided to raise the speed limit to 65 have driven on them.
Santantonio Joins McEnearney
Wendy Santantonio has joined McEnearney Associates Inc. Realtors as a Realtor in its Alexandria office. Santantonio grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and graduated from Miami University with a B.S. in business. In 2000, she became an Alexandria resident.
Editorial: Calling All Pets
The Pet Gazette, a bi-annual themed edition, will publish July 24.
Alexandria School Notes
Throughout Volunteer Appreciation Week, Alexandria public schools recognized their outstanding volunteers.
Landmark Neighborhood Braces for Drastic Redevelopment
11-acre site to become urban village with retail, residential and entertainment.
When West End resident Daniel Daughtry's watch broke, he did the same thing people across the country do — he headed for the local mall.
Bike to the Future: Alexandria Rewrites Rulebook for Cyclists
Bicycles will now be allowed on sidewalks outside core business zone.
Do bicycles belong on the street or on the sidewalk?
Wednesday, June 26
Column: No Shame in Crying
Nor is it a crying shame. But something has changed, dare I say affected my tear duct production. I can’t say with certainty – or even specify a particular moment in time for sure – when the tears began to flow more easily, but I’ll guess the change occurred sometime on or around February 27, 2009, the day I first met my oncologist; the day I was diagnosed with a terminal disease, stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), “prognosed” to live 13 months to two years. If that kind of shocking, terminal-type news doesn’t upset your apple cart – permanently, “You’re a better man than I am, Gunga Din.” And so it has, as reflected in my frequent “salty discharge” (to quote Jerry Seinfeld).
Editorial: Ready for Your Pet’s Close-up?
The Pet Connection, a bi-annual themed edition, will publish July 24. We invite you to send us stories about your pets, photos of you and/or your family with your cats, dogs, hamsters, snakes, lizards, frogs, rabbits, or whatever other creatures share your home or yard with you.
Monday, June 24
Housing’s Roaring Rebound?
Pent-up demand creates seller’s market for Northern Virginia real estate.
In February, Patricia Stack, a broker with Weichert Realtors, held an open house for a single-family home for sale in Vienna just listed for $739,000. Within three hours, more than 70 people toured the home.
Thursday, June 20
Classified Advertising June 19, 2013
Read the latest ads here!
Identity Theft a Real Threat
Thanks to the generosity of BB&T Bank through its Lighthouse Program, Senior Services of Alexandria wrapped up its 2012/2013 speaker series with a special session on a topic that everyone thinks will never affect them — identity theft and fraudulent schemes.
SSSAS Graduates Class of 2013
St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School celebrated the Commencement of the 111 members of the Class of 2013 on Saturday, June 8.
Calendar-Alexandria and Mount Vernon
Ongoing Summer Classes. Art at the Center, 2804 Sherwood Hall Lane. Children ages 6-10 can participate. Register at www.artatthecenter.org or 703-201-1250. Student Design Competition. Come see Woodlawn transformed from a historic house museum into a comfortable and stylish home for 21st century living. Through Sunday, June 16. $20. Call 703-780-4000.
Little Leaguers Visit Cooperstown
Alexandria Little League ballplayers, aged 9-11, traveled to Cooperstown, N.Y., this past weekend, playing a series of exhibition games and experiencing the history of the birthplace of America’s pastime.
Obituary: Henley Lyman Guild
Henley Lyman Guild died on Friday, June 7, 2013. His family is thankful for his long life and for many enjoyable times spent together with him, and especially for recent precious moments in his company.
What Students Have Taught Us
Good Morning. On behalf of the students and staff of TC Williams High School I would like to welcome our distinguished guests, our parents, families, friends and most important, our graduates from the class of 2013.
Obituary: Mildred ‘Millie’ Lynn Herrman
Mildred Lynn Herrman,”Millie”, 77, Pawley’s Island, S.C., died on May 30, 2013, at Waccamaw Hospital surrounded by loved ones.
Local Kayaker Goes Out on Top
Malakoff achieves U.S. Junior National Kayaking championship.
As Eliza Malakoff raced through the water and over the finish line, she couldn’t help but be overwhelmed with emotion. After all the hours of training, the six days a week of paddling, the weekly visits to the weight room, and the daily commutes to Bethesda from her home in Alexandria, Malakoff had just become the women’s slalom kayaking U.S. Junior Olympic champion.
Letter: Train To Help In Emergencies
To the Editor: The National Capital Region’s 3rd annual Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Convention, hosted by the Fairfax County CERT Team, will take place June 28-29 at the Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale Campus.
Letter: Unconvinced by City’s Promises
To the Editor:
Once upon a time, we had a wonderful block, full of everything including our own little park with picnic benches, a basketball court, a swimming pool, a parking lot that dead-ended into the park, keeping our children safe, and a recreation center that entertains many different venues. Now all that is going away, torn from the residents, torn from the community.
Letter: No Room for Food Trucks
To the Editor: We do not need food trucks on the streets of Alexandria. We have plenty of food outlets, restaurants, along King and Washington streets.
Commentary: Vitriolic Political Campaign
Covert Matters
What can be better than putting the kibosh on a man of the cloth, especially if that clergyman is an aficionado of the old time religion? That's happening and devotees of separation of church and state have broadened its meaning. Making progress? Indeed.
Recreation
Recreation
Letter: Help Keep Tree Lights On
To the Editor: I am very pleased to announce that the tree lights on King street will remain on this time of the year next year if we can match the contingency Council led by Del Pepper set aside to use for this purpose.
Different Journeys
Hello parents, teachers, distinguished guests, and hello Class of 2013. Let’s congratulate ourselves on graduating from the best public high school in Alexandria!
TC Is Different
Good morning family, teachers, administrators, and fellow graduates of the T.C. Williams class of 2013! I’m honored and very nervous to be speaking to you all today. A little background: they don’t tell you that you’re going to officially be giving one of these speeches until about two days before graduation. To prepare for this speech, I did what any teenager would do — I searched “best high school graduation speeches” on YouTube, and procrastinated for an hour or so by watching other people’s speeches
Class of 2013: Drivers of New Spirit at TC
Have you ever wondered what spirit it took, what determination, what drive … or maybe desperation … to load up all your belongings and your family on a Conestoga Wagon and head westward?
Sports
Summer Crew Registration This Saturday
Sign-ups for the 2013 Alexandria Summer Crew Program will be held Saturday, June 22 from 8-10 a.m. at the Dee Campbell Boathouse at 1 Madison Street in Old Town.
Girls Fastpitch Champions Crowned
The Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities' Sports Section held its Girl's Fastpitch Softball Championship games on Saturday, June 15 at the Witter Recreational Park Softball Field. The National League championship was won by the Gators with a 15 – 5 win over the Dolphins The Gators advanced to the championship defeating the Sunchasers 12 -8 while the Dolphins slipped by the Force 14 – 13 in the bottom of the sixth inning. In the American League championship, the Hurricanes defeated the Terps 12 – 5. This season there were over 185 girls participating the Rookie, National and American Leagues. The league’s sponsors for the were the Giant Food Stores on Edsell Road, First Street and Monroe Avenue and the Sports Authority at Potomac Yard.
Editorial: Discussion Necessary to Ensure Safety
Reducing drug-and-alcohol-related fatalities.
The pages and covers of most of this week’s Connection Newspapers including the Gazette Packet show the joy and accomplishment associated with high school graduation. The day celebrates graduates who accomplished much just by finishing, graduates headed to college and more.
Northern Virginia Democrats Spoiling for a Fight Against Republican Incumbents
13 first-time candidates ready to take on incumbents across the region.
He may be taking the summer off from his role as host of the Daily Show, but Jon Stewart is playing an important role in the Democrats’ campaign for the House of Delegates this fall.
Combat Veteran Takes on Former City Councilman in House of Delegates Race
First-time candidate challenges freshman delegate.
Jeffrey Engle is no stranger to combat. The Army veteran spent 11 years in the service, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Now that he has taken a medical retirement from the military, he's ready for a different kind of fight.
Alexandria Leaders Search for Alternative to Alternative B
City officials to reconfigure design for Potomac Yard Metro station.
For years, city officials and Deleware-based CPYR have been planning to build a Metro station known as Alternative B — a design that would allow direct access from land owned by the developer to a new Metro station.
Wednesday, June 19
Express Lanes Construction Could Impact Travel on I-95
As the construction on the 95 Express Lanes project increases over the summer, motorists traveling to Virginia Beach, the Outer Banks in North Carolina as well as other points south should be aware that the HOV lanes will be closed overnight on weekdays and occasional weekends throughout the summer, and there will be intermittent lane closures overnight for steel erection and other work, making travel on the general purpose lanes challenging. In addition to the 95 Express Lanes project, there is also a shoulder improvement project underway on I-95 in Prince William County and a BRAC-related ramp work from the HOV lanes to the Fort Belvoir North Area that may impact travel.
South County Middle Celebrates First Anniversary
The new school praised as “cornerstone of the community.”
After just one year, the South County Middle School Mustangs are already charging ahead toward a bright future: On Sept. 4, 2012, the school opened, boasting long, shiny hallways and advanced technological equipment. It recently commemorated its one-year anniversary with a ceremony involving the staff, members of the student body, members of the superintendent’s office, and members of the Board of Supervisors. Staff members donned matching polos with the school’s logo on it, and speakers wore shirts that had the school’s name and “The Only Solution” printed on the back.
Summer Camps from Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks, part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission is offering a variety of camps this summer for tots to teens — and some for parents and grandparents to participate — at all skill levels and at locations across the county. Details about all Montgomery Parks camps are available online at www.MontgomeryParks.org/Camps where visitors can search offerings by age, location, camp type and weeks.
Monday, June 17
From Police Officer to Prosecutor
Bryan Porter prepares for Commonwealth’s Attorney race.
Sitting in the audience with 600 peers and colleagues at the Spring 2013 Institute of the Virginia Commonwealth Attorney’s Association, Alexandria Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Bryan Porter, 43, heard a description being read of the award-winner of the prestigious 2013 Von Schuch Award. Without forewarning, he suddenly realized he was the chosen recipient of this prosecutorial distinction which is analogous to the “Who’s Who” of the most respected prosecutors in Virginia. “It’s very humbling to know you’ve been recognized by your peers,” Porter said.
Thursday, June 13
Classified Advertising June 12, 2013
Read the lastest ads here!
Column: Full Circle
I hope it’s not a wrap though. I’d like to continue rolling along just like I rolled into college in late August, 1972, matriculating to the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland. Oddly/coincidentally enough, there have been and continue to be some recent occurrences in my life that hearken back to yesteryear, the olden days of the early 1970s, when I freshmen-oriented myself to a major university for the first time.
Designing a Colorful World
Local interior design experts offer suggestions for choosing paint colors for one’s home.
Choosing paint for one’s home can be a daunting task. Colors often look different on paint chips and fan decks than they do on interior walls. What are some of the secrets to making the right choices? Local interior designers offer suggestions.
Rock the Pink at Occoquan
The two day event featured over one hundred teams, with hundreds of players participating in the fundraiser. The goal was to raise $50,000 for breast cancer research.
Alexandria Bulletin
Alexandria Bulletin
Alexandria School Notes
New student registration for T.C. Williams High School will take place 8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 24 through 28. Schedule registration appointments for students entering grades nine and 10 by calling the T.C. Williams Minnie Howard Campus, 3801 W. Braddock Road, at 703-824-6755. Schedule appointments for students entering grades 11 and 12 by calling the main campus, 3330 King St., at 703-824-6800. Children born outside the U.S. or who speak another language at home should register from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., no appointments necessary, at the English Language Learners Office, 4701 Seminary Road.
Military Notes
Army Cadet Hannah K. Martins has received the George C. Marshall Award during an awards ceremony at the Marshall Center, Virginia Military Institute in Lexington
Evening Star Takes Top Honors
Competing at Taste of Del Ray.
Chef Jim Jeffords of the Evening Star restaurant received top awards at the annual Taste of Del Ray on Sunday afternoon, June 9. Jeffords’ creation was a tomato sorbet with orange zest and a basil and banyuls vinaigrette.
People Notes
The City of Alexandria, Alexandria Renew Enterprises (formerly the Alexandria Sanitation Authority) and the Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission have announced that Danielle Fidler is the winner of this year’s Ellen Pickering Environmental Excellence Award.
Historic Alexandria Foundation Hosts Garden Party
The Historic Alexandria Foundation held its annual meeting and garden party on Sunday afternoon, June 9, in the garden of Sally Murray.
Commentary: Speeding Leads to Driving School Refresher Class
OK, I admit it. I was sentenced to driving school by a Wytheville County judge for speeding on Interstate 81. Yikes.
‘Twentieth Century’ a wild ride at LTA
Oscar Jaffe has a problem. Following a string of flops, the theatrical impresario is desperate to find a financial backer, a hot script and a dazzling leading lady. He finds all three aboard the Twentieth Century, a luxury train and the latest comedy farce now playing at The Little Theatre of Alexandria.
Miracle League Ends Season with Festivities
The 2013 Spring Miracle Baseball League completed its season June 1 at the Kelley Cares Miracle Field with Uncle Slam from the Potomac Nationals baseball team on hand for the closing game festivities.
Letter: Alexandria’s Gentrification
Letter to the Editor:
On June 6, the Giant Food stores located on Beauregard Street and at Bradlee Shopping Center closed. A little less than six months prior, ditto for the Magruders in Seminary Plaza, when the local chain went out of business. And there was nary a word of lamentation in the local press.
Letter: Thoughts on Food Trucks
Letter to the Editor:
These are some thoughts and questions on the advent of food trucks in Alexandria.
Alexandria Business Notes
John McManus, senior vice president, Community Banking for Virginia Commerce Bank, was named Committee Chairman of the Year for 2012 from the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce.
Letter: Haig’s Statement Was Distorted
Letter to the Editor:
In the June 6-12 Gazette Packet, Katy Cannady challenged Councilmember Justin Wilson for "jokingly addressing Vice Mayor Alison Silverberg as 'Alexander Haig' while she was presiding at a Council meeting" during the Mayor's brief absence.
Letter: Lack of Transparency
Letter to the Editor:
At the last meeting of the Federation of Civic Associations, I was flabbergasted that a long-time and well-respected city employee had been tapped by the city manager to present a new concept which endorsed putting food trucks on our already overly crowded streets.
Alexandria Calendar of Events
Ongoing Summer Classes. Art at the Center, 2804 Sherwood Hall Lane. Children ages 6-10 can participate. Register at www.artatthecenter.org or 703-201-1250. Theater Performance. MetroStage, 1201 N. Royal St., presents “Ghost-Writer.” Performances are Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. through Sunday, June 16. Tickets are $45-$55; $25/student. Visit www.metrostage.org or 703-548-9044 for tickets.
Firefighters Praise Two Jefferson-Houston Students
Jefferson-Houston students receive AFD certificate of appreciation
Firefighters from Stations 208 and 209 paid a visit to Jefferson-Houston Elementary School June 12 to present a certificate of appreciation to a brother and sister for their composed handling of a 911 emergency call during a life-threatening situation.
Wheel Day in North Ridge
North Ridge Citizens' Association hosted the Annual Wheel Day parade on Sunday afternoon, May 26 on Old Dominion Drive in Beverly Hills.
Neighborhoods
Taylor Run
WHISTLE-BLOWING Current news about a whistle-blower reminds me of my brief appearance in that role many years ago (BC — Before Computers) when I surprised myself, a Booz Allen consultant, and a Dun & Bradstreet vice-president.
Letter: Reinstate Dedicated Funds
The Alexandria Chapter of the NAACP has been paying close attention to the ongoing issue with City Council and the removal of the dedicated funding for affordable housing and the open space fund. In an effort to express our concerns we wrote this letter a few weeks ago and sent it to the Mayor and the members of City Council. We hope that the letter can be shared with your subscribing community. Thank you for your consideration.
Storyteller Ellouise Schoettler to perform on Flag Day
Storyteller Ellouise Schoettler will perform her one-woman show, “Arlington National Cemetery: My Forever Home,” at the Athenaeum on Flag Day, June 14, at 7 p.m. “Arlington National Cemetery: My Forever Home” tells the story of how Schoettler began exploring the stories of those buried with her 3-year-old daughter, Gretchen, and husband James A. Schoettler, M.D., who served as chief of psychiatry at Andrews Air Force Base during the Vietnam era. Her husband was buried at Arlington National Cemetery last August.
Uncommon Valor
Chamber to honor first responders; Weissman posthumously receives Gold Medal.
The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce will recognize 21 first responders from the Alexandria Police Department, Fire Department and Office of the Sheriff at the 27th Annual Valor Awards to be held June 13 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
So ‘Un-Virginia Like’
It may be too early for some to think a Virginia governor may have to resign before his term is completed. It could happen.
Educators Receive CARE Awards
Mayor William Euille and Del. Rob Krupicka set the stage for a lively and warm gathering of Commonwealth Academy parents, faculty, and friends at the 2013 CARE Awards (Commonwealth Academy Recognition of Outstanding Educators Awards) on April 25 at The Westin Alexandria.
Collateral Damage
Several cars damaged by drunk driver.
Four unoccupied vehicles suffered significant damage when they were struck by a drunk driver at the intersection of Payne and Wilkes streets in Old Town on the evening of June 5.
Bishop Ireton Awarded at Cappies Gala
Props and special effects recognized
Area schools garnered a variety of awards at the 14th annual Cappies Gala, Sunday night, June 9, at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Bishop Ireton High School won two Cappies.
Wednesday, June 12
On the Campaign Trail
Turnout for Tuesday's primary was abysmally low, with only 140,000 participating in the voting.
Establishment Wins Democratic Primary
State senators beat out first-time candidates for lieutenant governor and attorney general.
Two first-time candidates had a hard time beating back the establishment this week, as two state senators won the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor and attorney general Tuesday night.
Senior Volunteers to Help all Ages
Before heading to the home of the 83-year-old woman she visits each week, Diane Stoy calls to make sure her friend is up for a visit. The answer is almost always yes.
Senior Services of Alexandria Provides Resources and Education to the Aging
If you ask the folks at Senior Services of Alexandria, a nonprofit organization that provides direct services and programs to the city’s aging population, Alexandria is a great place to be a senior. Both Janet Barnett, Senior Services’ executive director, and Mary Lee Anderson, SSA’s Senior Resource Center director, agree that Alexandria’s government and nonprofit partners are committed to caring for the city’s aging population. “We are a very caring community,” said Barnett. “Alexandria is a good place to be and there are services available…it’s a win-win for all ages.”
Thursday, June 6
Alexandria and Mount Vernon Events Calendar
Alexandria and Mount Vernon Events Calendar
‘Ghost-Writer’ Extended to June 16
Playwright joins cast for Talk Back.
Michael Hollinger, the playwright behind “Ghost-Writer,” paid a visit to Alexandria to see the MetroStage production of his play and participate in a Talk Back following the June 1 performance.
Panel to Evaluate Middle Schools
School Board creates committee to take a look at reorganization.
Consider the scenario: Two eight-grade students get into a fight in the cafeteria of Hammond Middle School.
Dreams Taken Away: Julian Dawkins Remembered as Hard Worker with Sense of Humor
Arlington Sheriff's deputy charged with murdering 22-year-old Alexandria man.
Just a few hours after Alexandria police charged an Arlington Sheriff's deputy with murdering Julian Dawkins, hundreds of friends and relatives packed Antioch Baptist Church on Queen Street for an emotional funeral.
Wednesday, June 5
21st Annual Alexandria Armenian Festival
Market Square was filled with music and dance as the Alexandria Armenia festival got underway on Saturday afternoon, June 1.
Calling All ‘Alex Babies'
Inova Alexandria Hospital hosts Mother's Day event.
The call went out to all ‘Alex Babies;” 650 responded. On May 4, the babies and their families gathered for a Mother’s Day Party at Inova Alexandria Hospital.
Wine on the Water Fundraiser Benefits ASF Programs
The Alexandria Seaport Foundation held its third annual Wine on the Water fundraiser June 1 to benefit the ASF programs for at-risk and disadvantaged youth. “Through our apprenticeship programs, we change lives,” said ASF board member Kelli Back, who introduced new executive director Mari Lou Livingood to the crowd gathered at the foundation's boat building workshop in Old Town. Attendees enjoyed a wine tasting s
The Sushi Bar opens in Del Ray
Sushi Bard for Adults Only Opens
The Sushi Bar, featuring cuisine by award-winning Master Chef Saran “Peter” Kannasute, officially opened its doors June 4 on Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray. With a lounge-like atmosphere and intimate decor, owners Mike Anderson and Bill Blackburn decided to make the restaurant adults-only, a concept that has drawn some criticism.
Focused on Veterans
U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) and U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-8-ILL), with American Legion Post 24 Commander Bill Aramony, hosted a discussion with nearly 80 veterans, business leaders and support organizations last month at the Post on Kaine's first bill, the Troop Talent Act, and the next steps for the bipartisan legislation.
Living Legends
Joann Miller: Encouraging Women To Get Involved
In 1967 Alexandria won the luck of the draw. Ed Miller received orders to report to the Pentagon after his posting as an Air Force attaché in Italy.
Undersheriff Tony Davis Retires
Colleagues praise his service
Following a law enforcement career spanning more than 30 years, Alexandria Undersheriff Tony Davis was feted June 3 at a retirement luncheon in his honor attended by more than 100 friends, family members and colleagues.
Neighborhood
LIBRARY NEWS
Extolling Strength of Character
Middle school students at Saint Rita School learned firsthand on May 30, how belief in God and strength of character can carry one through the most difficult situations.
RTA Receives $1 Million Grant
Rebuilding Together Alexandria, a volunteer-based, non-profit organization that preserves affordable housing and revitalizes communities, received $1 million from the City of Alexandria’s Office of Housing.
Column: Consider a Sleep Study To Improve Your Health
If you’re like me, a poor night of sleep can wreak havoc on your day. The occasional sleepless night is no big deal. But for the 40 million Americans who suffer sleep disorders, the havoc can be far greater: lack of sleep can result in health problems like impaired concentration, memory loss, headaches, depression, and emotional and social problems.
RTA and AARP Join in Pilot Program
Rebuilding Together Alexandria is joining forces with AARP on a new pilot to help more homeowners age-in-place.
Letter to the Editor: Tattered Ensign
The American Flag flying on the front of the U.S. District Courthouse is, and has been for at least the last month, in a very sad condition.
Letter to the Editor: Play Ball!
Baseball continues to be one of America’s favorite sports, and games are everywhere in the D.C. area, with the Nationals being a favorite. To bring the wooden-bat flavor up close and personal, come see the Alexandria Aces play during June and July at the Frank E. Mann Memorial Field at Four Mile Run Park.
Letter to the Editor: Nothing Like Haig
The May 30 Gazette Packet describes how Councilmember Justin Wilson jokingly addressing Vice Mayor Allison Silberberg as “Alexander Haig” while she was presiding at a Council meeting during a short absence by the Mayor. Wilson then turned to the audience and continued to joke that he was old enough to remember Haig.
Livingood Takes Helm at ASF
Mari Lou Livingood has been named the new executive director of the Alexandria Seaport Foundation, replacing Kent Barnekov, who stepped down earlier this year.
Protecting Against Identity Theft
Thanks to the generosity of BB&T Bank, Senior Services of Alexandria will end its 2012/2013 Speaker Series with a special event focusing on “Protecting Against Identity Theft and Fraudulent Schemes.” This event will be held on Wednesday, June 12 from 9:30 a.m. – noon at the Charles Beatley Central Library at 5005 Duke Street in Alexandria.
Column: Full of Bread Pudding Memories
Mary* has lived all her life in Alexandria; as a child on Madison and West Streets and when she married, she simply “moved around the corner” to Payne Street. As the eldest sibling of eight, Mary fondly remembers family gatherings at home, especially when those gatherings included indulging in her mother’s homemade bread pudding.
Column: Dealing with Violence and Its Aftermath
In the aftermath of Tucson, Aurora and Newtown, there was an explosion of interest in keeping our citizens safe by somehow having better mental health care, and providing reasonable gun control.
Alexandria School Notes
Information on students from Alexandria.
Business Notes
Information on Alexandria businesses.
Two Join RTA’s Board of Directors
Rebuilding Together Alexandria added two new board members last month.
Amanda Chandler, an Alexandria native, has served the community by volunteering for various local and national non-profits, including the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria and Foster Care Alumni of America.
Signature revives classic Sondheim
For Bobby, the word marriage is actually a sentence — a jail sentence. A perpetual bachelor, he is turning 35 and surrounded by five married couples who all have an opinion about his lifestyle in the Stephen Sondheim musical “Company,” now playing at Signature Theatre.
‘Age in Place’ to Satisfy Evolving Needs
A common “aging in place” transition involves adding an accessible master suite to the first floor.
Many couples are seizing the opportunity to transform their beloved home into a space that fits their specific short- and long-term needs.
Office of Senior Adult Programs promotes fitness for all aspects of senior life.
With six different senior centers, senior citizens (considered ages 55 and older) of Arlington County have plenty of opportunities to exercise their minds, bodies and souls.
Tuesday, June 4
And the Winners Are …
Cappies Gala on Sunday, June 9, at Kennedy Center.
The 14th Annual Cappies Gala will take place at 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 9, in the 2,400-seat Concert Hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Monday, June 3
Alexandria Relay for Life 2013
The T.C. Williams National Honor Society and Athletic Department hosted for the first time in Alexandria the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, May 18-19, 2013.