Stories for July 2014

LTA Stages ‘Spamalot’

Musical comedy is based on “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.”

The Little Theater of Alexandria is staging the musical comedy “Spamalot” Aug. 2-23. The irreverent play, which won three Tony Awards, including the Tony for Best Musical in 2005, is adapted from the 1975 film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” It originally starred Tim Curry as King Arthur, David Hyde Pierce as Sir Robin and Hank Azaria as Sir Lancelot on Broadway.

Ireton Grad Cunningham To Play Lax at Rhodes College

Former Wolverine helped Cardinals win WCAC, VISAA titles.

Kendall Cunningham started her high school lacrosse career as a standout freshman at West Potomac. She transferred to Bishop Ireton prior to her sophomore season, and spent the next three years helping the Cardinals become a championship program.

History

Alexandrians vs. British Raiders – June 1814

At 5:30 on the evening of Tuesday, June 21, 1814, a number of Alexandria cavalrymen were sitting on their horses on a hill overlooking the village of Benedict, Md. on the Patuxent River, about 40 miles southeast of Washington. Below them, they could see several British barges and ships anchored in the river near the village.

Repairing People's Shoes

The counter was piled high with an assortment of shoes. Joe Johnson, owner of Bradlee Shoe Repair, was in the back trimming a sole on a men's cordovan loafer.

Commentary: Jefferson-Houston’s Journey through Re-Segregation

“Alexandria quietly is making plans for a model community-centered facility to replace its least integrated elementary school, Charles Houston,” The Washington Post reported in January 1968. “But present indications are that the new Jefferson-Houston Elementary School will be as segregated as the old one.” To what extent is today’s new school facility, the ongoing construction and failing academics a continuation of yesterday?

Seniors Struggling with Hunger

Senior Hunger is real, and, according to information provided by the Meals on Wheels Association, 8.8 million of America’s seniors or nearly 1 in 6 may not know where their next meal is coming from. Programs like Meals on Wheels are critical to solving this national crisis. In the State of Virginia over 124,000 seniors are struggling with hunger and only 22 percent are receiving help through Meals on Wheels.

Letter: Determining Cost Of Added Jobs

To the Editor: The examples given regarding people who will receive expanded coverage Medicaid are tragic and saddening. However, the figures given to substantiate the beneficial effects of expanded Medicaid coverage in Virginia appear to be whimsical.

Letter: Adopt A Block Works In Old Town

To the Editor: My husband and I moved into beautiful Old Town a few years ago. We purchased a rather shabby and old historic home in need of lots of love and repair. We have been blessed with caring neighbors on our block and we met some wonderful neighbors around the corner, the Huettner's who have become Adopt A Block captains with us.

Letter: Adding to Deficit Spending

To the Editor: Mary Kimm’s editorial encouraging Virginia’s legislature to expand Medicaid coverage because the federal government will foot the $3 billion bill ignores how the feds will foot the bill — by deficit spending. Revenues won’t cover this additional spending — it will go straight on top of the deficit for future generations to foot. The 30,000 jobs it will supposedly create — one for every 13 beneficiaries — is an egregious misdirection of resources.

Ireton Grad Cunningham to Play Lax at Rhodes College

Bishop Ireton grad Kendall Cunningham will play lacrosse at Rhodes College.

Foreign Nationals Immersed in Local Lifeguarding

For some, it starts out on two wheels.

Every day, Vasyl Smolii uses two different routes when he bikes to and from work at the Belle View pool in Alexandria. Coming down the hill on Belle View Boulevard is an easy ride in the morning but going back up in the evening is not as easy on the bicycle Smolii rents from his sponsor High Sierra Pools, an Arlington-based pool management company. "I must buy this bike for the summer," said 19-year-old Smolii from Ukraine.

Editorial: Finally, Marriage Rights Protected in Virginia

On July 28, 2014, in affirming that Virginia’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, Circuit Judge Henry F. Floyd writes: “We recognize that same-sex marriage makes some people deeply uncomfortable. However, inertia and apprehension are not legitimate bases for denying same-sex couples due process and equal protection of the laws.

Governor's Mansion, Confidential

Defense team in corruption case to detail crumbling McDonnell marriage.

When he takes the stand in his own defense, former Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell will read jurors an email that he wrote to his wife as their marriage was said to be crumbling.

TC Grad Schedler to Join Sister at Susquehanna University

Q&A: Former Titans guard fan of Beyoncé, Wizards.

T.C. Williams graduate Angie Schedler to play basketball at Susquehanna University.

Schedler To Join Sister at Susquehanna University

Former Titans guard fan of Beyoncé, Wizards.

Angie Schedler, a 2014 T.C. Williams High School graduate, was a four-year member of the school’s varsity girls’ basketball team. For two of those seasons, Schedler was teammates with her older sister, Sofie.

Pet Connection July 2014

Our readers submitted photos of their adorable pets.

Frodo and Sam have become best friends – sort of. My husband and I adopted Frodo from Home Alone Cat Rescue several years ago. He is part Maine Coon and part American Bobtail, with a funny short tail. He may have been mistreated by a previous owner because he is afraid of everything, especially ceiling fans. He quickly became comfortable in our home as an “only cat.”

'They Need One-on-One Attention'

AWLA connects animals with prospective adopters.

When the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria received a report that a lion was running loose in the community, its staff went to find it.

History: Blockade and Raids-1813

This is the third of a series of articles telling how Alexandrians were affected 200 years ago by the War of 1812.

Commentary: Reaching Seniors in New Ways

I am honored to begin my term as board chair for Senior Services of Alexandria.

Giant Foods Honors Friends of Guest House

Guest House’s “Week of Empowerment” is July 18-24.

Commentary: Come to School with Us

The beginning of a new school year is a little over a month away and I am looking forward to my first school opening as the superintendent of Alexandria City Public Schools.

Covert Matters: Rockets Red Glare

For the past week, I’ve been inundated with instant rocket reports slamming into Israel. The iPhone rings every few seconds that another town has been hit.

Letter: Example of City Hall Disdain

To The Editor: The May 21 article about your reporter asking to copy the table of contents of the city regulations and the city manager’s staff response was truly appalling. It was rude, condescending and arrogant, a thesaurus worth of negative words.

Letter: Find Home for Seaport Foundation

Letter to the Editor

The Safeway Four: Armed Robbers Sentenced

Three defendants sentenced to 35 years each; another sentenced to 12 years.

It was a crime that shocked Old Town, an armed robbery that rattled a neighborhood where most of the illicit activity is limited to petty theft from unlocked vehicles.

Across Northern Virginia, Men Pull Larger Paychecks than Women

Trend is more prominent in wealthier areas.

When Lola Arce de Quintela first moved to Oakton 20 years ago, she noticed something about the way men and women arranged their professional careers around their family lives in Northern Virginia. Men took high-powered jobs with large paychecks, while women often dropped out of the workforce to take care of growing families. If women had full-time jobs, she says, they would often select positions that were not as demanding so they could focus their time and attention on their children while husbands and fathers pulled in six-figure salaries.

A New Approach to Adoptions at AWLA

New Approach to Adoptions

People seeking to adopt animals from the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria may notice some changes in the shelter's approach to adoptions. By partnering with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to evaluate its adoption process, AWLA discovered that some of its previous policies and procedures were likely screening out people who could have been great adopters.

Week in Alexandria: 7/23/14

Highlights of the week in Alexandria.

Boat Club, City Strike Deal

Land-swap concludes decades of feuding between the two organizations.

The feud between the Boat Club and the city dates back for decades, a conflict that involved the city threatening the use of eminent domain and the Boat Club winning a case against the city at the Virginia Supreme Court.

Letter: Waste of City Resources

Along with all Alexandria residents, I recently received in the mail a brochure from the Alexandria Department of Transportation and Environmental Services, Resource Recovery Division. The purpose of the brochure was to provide information about the city's trash collection and recycling.

Puppies Destined for Important Work

Bred, donated and/or rescued for assistance dog training by paws4people.org, these "baby pictures" will be shared with the children and veterans matched with each dog.

Editorial: Tragic Consequences

Money lost by refusal to expand health coverage, but also life, health and livelihood.

The Virginia General Assembly’s refusal to expand Medicaid, extending health coverage to as many as 400,000 Virginians has resulted in the loss of about $1 billion in direct payments. But that understates the loss, failing to calculate the cost of the lost health of thousands of Virginians.

Give Blood, Give Back to Community

Paul VI Student Hosting Blood Drive in Clifton

Kiefer, a student at Paul VI Catholic School in Fairfax, is planning a second blood drive in Clifton in honor of his brother.

Julie’s Datery Debuts At Del Ray Farmers’ Market

Julie’s Datery began selling the dates at the Del Ray Farmers’ Market on Saturday, July 12.

Mount Vernon Nights

The Annandale Brass took the stage at Grist Mill Park to perform “A Slice of Americana” on Friday evening, July 11.

Life Lessons on the Water

Amy Zang directs sailing camp.

It was 9:45 a.m. in early July, and Amy Zang, who lives in Del Ray, was checking in the 141 campers sitting on the lawn waiting for their week of sailing instruction at the Washington Sailing Marina.

Q and A: Walton To Play Football at Fork Union Military Academy

KyReem Walton spent three seasons on the T.C. Williams varsity football team.

Car Wash For a Cause

There was no shortage of suds as volunteers for the Unity Day Festival washed cars in the parking lot of Advanced Auto Parts...

Alexandria Celebrates Its 265th

The City of Alexandria hosted its annual birthday celebration at Oronoco Bay Park on Saturday evening, July 12.

Alexandria Home Sales: June, 2014

In June 2014, 268 Alexandria homes sold between $2,200,000-$116,000

Alexandria Home Sales: June, 2014

Advising Senior Citizens

Carla Rollandini assists those in their “Golden Years.”

When she is not making her rounds and visiting sick patients and their families at the hospital, Carla Rollandini is working as a self-employed professional and began her endeavor of “Carla Care, Inc.” in 1993.

Commentary: Inova Alexandria Hospital Honored in National Surveys

Hot off the presses, the latest “Best Hospital” survey by U.S. News and World Report magazine hit newsstands this month, and I’m proud to announce that Inova Alexandria Hospital is again ranked among the nation’s best for providing highly skilled inpatient care. U.S. News ranked us #6 among hospitals in the Washington metro area, #8 in Virginia and a high-performer in six areas of clinical care (health.usnews.com/best-hospitals).

Letter: Wrong Starting Point

To the Editor

Letter: Focus on Academics, Not Lights

To the Editor

Letter: Partnerships Support School Success

To the Editor

Letter: ODBC’s Summer Decision

To the Editor

Alexandria in 1812

In June 1812, when the United States declared war on Great Britain and the War of 1812 began, what was Alexandria like?

Obituary: James Milton Higgins

Alexandria native James Milton Higgins died on July 7, 2014, after a hale and hearty 90 years of life.

The Making of an Author

David Vermont turns from legal briefs to a novel.

David Vermont, a workers compensation lawyer in Alexandria, never liked writing when he was younger. As a lawyer, writing 10 to 30 page briefs and proposals can be tedious. Now Vermont is also an author, with “The Last Confession of the Vampire Judas Iscariot” released in March and another book in the works.

Alexandria to Purchase Storied Waterfront Properties for $5 Million

Sale expected to seal Boat Club deal and open key part of waterfront.

City officials are on the verge of finalizing the sale of two slices of waterfront property, a $5 million purchase years in the making that will help seal a deal with the Old Dominion Boat Club and open up a key part of the waterfront to the public.

Transitway to the Future

Alexandria and Arlington set to break ground on region's first transitway with dedicated lanes.

This week, elected leaders and government officials from Alexandria and Arlington will turn swords into plowshares, setting aside their previous differences about the Crystal City Potomac Yard transitway and wielding ceremonial shovels to break ground.

TC Grad Walton to Play Football at Fork Union Military Academy

Q and A: Three-year varsity athlete helped Titans overcome 22-year playoff drought.

T.C. Williams graduate KyReem Walton will play football at Fork Union Military Academy.

Financial Education for College Students

Local experts offer budget tips to keep students out of debt.

As the summer wanes, many recent high school graduates are preparing to head to college. For those who are living away from home for the first time, this means newfound independence. But that freedom brings responsibility — especially when it comes to money.

Numbers Indicate Stable Market

June home listings climb, with slight dip in sales; average, median prices continue to inch up.

The Northern Virginia market recorded increased inventories, providing buyers with more choices. Nonetheless, buyers are challenged by affordability and accessing credit.

Dental Associates to Support Give Kids The World

Dental Associates of Northern Virginia, with six locations in Northern Virginia, has partnered with Give Kids The World, and named their joint initiative “Smiles for Hope.” Dental Associates of Northern Virginia will be fundraising for Give Kids The World throughout the year in support of its “Smiles for Hope” initiative.

Between Halves

At present, July 12th, I’m halfway, approximately, between my last CT Scan which showed a previously unseen silver-dollar sized growth in my lower left lung and my next CT Scan scheduled for August 6th, one month earlier than my usual three-month interval in order to make an evaluation sooner rather than later; to determine if this is new growth or nothing more than old growth that is now visible due to the combination of shrinking tumors and dissipating fluid opening up the viewing area, so to speak. Apparently, the chemotherapy drug, Alimta, with which I’ve been infused every three weeks since last September appears to be doing its hoped-for job: shrinkage.

Eight FCPS Students Win College-Sponsored Merit Scholarships

Eight Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) graduates from the class of 2014 have been named winners of college-sponsored scholarships by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). Recipients of college-sponsored scholarships from the NMSC, with their probable career fields in parentheses, are:

Editorial: Save a Little, Help Others Prepare for School

Virginia’s tax holiday on school supplies is a good reminder to donate supplies and dollars for children who need help arriving at school prepared.

Virginia’s tax holiday on school supplies and clothing is Aug. 1-3, and it makes sense to take advantage of the savings, and to spread the wealth around.

Obituary: Donald Burnette Beane

Donald Burnette Beane, 62, died on Friday, July 4, 2014, in Alexandria after a month-long illness. Beloved husband of Candace Withers Beane and adored father of Elizabeth Parker Beane. He is survived by his father Glenn P. Beane and numerous cousins.

Celebrating Independence Day and Diversity

City staff and volunteers welcomed campers and parents aboard NJL Flight #2014 by providing a summer camp for participants of all ages and abilities.

Grand Opening

Acme Mid-Century + Modern – a period furniture, art, and home goods boutique at 128 S. Royal St. – officially opened in its new location in the heart of Old Town’s shopping and dining district.

At the Grill and Behind the Counter at Jack's Place

"Heh Rick, the usual?" Jack Davis, the owner and cook at Jack's since 1996, slaps a Don's burger on the grill, a bacon cheeseburger with BBQ sauce named after a customer.

Free Dental Care

65 Alexandria-area residents received free service on Free Dentistry Day.

The United States Declares War-1812

On June 18, 1812, President James Madison took the nation to war.

Letter: Enable Public to Listen, Watch

Letter to the Editor

Column: Helping the Helper

George is many things … an Alexandria resident, a Norwegian, woodworker, boat watcher, singer and helper.

Police Investigate Sexual Assault

The Alexandria Police Department is investigating a sexual assault that occurred in the 5000 block of Dawes Avenue on Monday, June 23.

Moritz Named P&Z Acting Director

Karl W. Moritz has been appointed as acting director of Planning and Zoning for the City of Alexandria, effective July 7. Moritz succeeds Faroll Hamer, who is retiring.

Letter: $44 Million Monstrosity

Letter to the Editor

New Beginning for a Failiing School

New school year to bring massive changes for long troubled school.

Test scores that will be released later this year show Jefferson-Houston School is failing yet again, with scores declining dramatically in writing.

Classified Advertising July 9, 2014

Read the lastest ads here!

A New Work Order

Local designers help create organized and stylish home offices.

Whether it’s a nook, in the kitchen or a designated room, a home office is the place were ideas come to life. Local designers dish about the secrets to creating a workspace that is organized and functional yet stylish. “You’re going to spend a lot of time in it so aesthetics do matter,” said Patricia Tetro of BOWA in McLean.

You Can Run, But You Can’t Win?

Fairfax County fires attorney for winning city council seat.

Like many lifelong City of Fairfax residents, Nancy Fry Loftus is proud of her hometown’s character and charm — a Norman Rockwell postcard of small-town life in the heart of an increasingly urban, diverse and bustling region.

Not That I’ll Ever Be Out, But…

“Just when I thought I was out…they pull me back in.” Although this quote is from Michael Corleone from “The Godfather: Part III,” it very much characterizes my daily struggle being a terminal cancer patient; non small cell lung cancer, NSCLC, is like that, almost always. Even though I don’t want to think about the fact that I have cancer, or not let it affect my judgment on life – or perspective; or let it impede my path to a happier existence, more often than not, it does.

Editorial: Hurray for Full Day Mondays

Hoping that later start times for high schoolers follows quickly.

For decades, Fairfax County schools have sent elementary school students home after half a day on Mondays. This was never a good idea, and it has been more damaging to family schedules and student learning with the increase over the years of two-income households and greater economic diversity.

Annual Flushing Program Begins Sunday

Virginia American Water has scheduled its annual hydrant flushing to begin in Alexandria on Sunday, April 6, through the end of May.

John Marshall Bank Hires Kerry Donley

Kerry Donley has joined John Marshall Bank’s team of banking leaders.

Sherwood Hall On-Street Parking Preserved

Repaving and restriping began July 7.

The $474,000 Sherwood Hall Lane repaving and restriping project from Route 1 to Fort Hunt Road began Monday, and is expected to be completed within a month, according to Virginia Department of Transportation.

‘About a Girl’ at Capital Fringe Fest

Play got its start and support from Little Theatre of Alexandria.

Sex, Drugs and Texas 1985 — What’s not to like? A lot if you’re abused, pregnant and still in high school. That pretty much sums up “About a Girl,” which is set in the fictionalized town of Highland, Texas, and dramatizes what happens when everything you have been taught about the world is challenged.

Deputy City Manager Evans to Retire

Deputy City Manager Michele R. Evans is retiring after three decades of service to the City of Alexandria, effective Aug. 1.

World Cup Fever

Area soccer coaches, players share 2014 World Cup viewing experiences.

Garza is among the local residents who have closely followed the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

World Cup Fever

Area soccer coaches, players share 2014 World Cup viewing experiences.

Area soccer players and coaches have followed the 2014 World Cup closely.

Commentary: County Falling Behind on Its Housing Goals

On June 9, the Residential Studio Committee of the Fairfax County Planning Commission voted to recommend that the review of the Zoning Ordinance Amendment for Residential Studio Units be tabled. This recommendation will be voted on by the full Planning Commission at its July 24 meeting and it is almost certain that it will be adopted. After months of committee hearings and community meetings throughout the county, the RSU amendment will be quietly put to rest.

Commentary: Area Nonprofit Guides Entrepreneurs to Start-Up Success

For many working poor, the challenges of conquering the barriers to education, childcare and transportation are too great to overcome. Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS), the nonprofit known for providing food and shelter, health and dental access, and Head Start programs for more than 36,000 local residents a year, also is working to alleviate poverty with its innovative entrepreneurship program.

11,821,961 Pounds of Toxic Chemicals Dumped into Waterways

A group of citizens met in Founders Park on June 19 to advocate for the closure of loopholes in the Clean Water Act. At the event was Mayor William Euille as well as state Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-30). They were joined by Clean Water Action representative Andrew Fellows and Environment Virginia field manager Chris Brown. The speakers spoke regarding water pollution in Virginia and the actions needed to help stem the growing problem. The event also coincided with the release of Environment Virginia’s 2014 Wasting our Waterways Report.

Obituary: Elaine Shirley Miller Rosenberg

Elaine Shirley Miller Rosenberg, resident of Alexandria for 87 years died June 22, 2014. Born to Eva and Manny Miller, of Miller’s Hardware, and married to Jack Rosenberg, she is survived by sons Mark and Michael, daughter Penny of Pensacola, Fla., and brother, Sheldon Miller.

Creating Collages, Crowns and Even Dresses

Local artists turn paper into art.

Combining antiqued sheets of music and type-faced book pages with vibrantly hued paper, artist Brook Mowrey creates three-dimensional works that range from crowns and ball gowns to dolls and floral dresses. Her work shows that the use of paper can be varied and diverse.

School Notes: Alexandria

Educational accomplishments in brief.

Living Legends: ‘Connie’ West: A Life Committed to Alexandria

Decades of service on city boards, commissions and agencies.

If the city ever establishes an official position of Alexandria Amanuensis, 2014 Living Legends Converse “Connie” West would be a shoo-in for the job. He has documented and continues to record officially the business of numerous Alexandria organizations as their secretary. Currently, he is secretary of Agenda:Alexandria, the Holmes Run Park Committee (which he has also chaired), and the Alexandria Federation of Civic Associations.

Letter: Academics: Most Important Focus

To the Editor: Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) has instituted a great number of innovative programs at T.C. Williams that target students who are struggling academically by giving them the support they need to earn their diplomas.

Letter: Why Pit Neighbors Against Neighbors?

To the Editor: My name is Frances Colbert-Terrell and I have read with great interest the stories you have written and the letters you have published on the City of Alexandria’s proposal to allow sporting events at night at T.C. Williams High School.

Letter: Disrespectful

To The Editor: The common area around the rock and plaque which was dedicated by the City of Alexandria to its veterans and in honor of the deceased Alexandrian veterans on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 1979 is shameful.

Young Artists Honored

The Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority hosted an awards and appreciation reception on June 19 for youth artists and volunteers of the Youth Arts Festival in the Vola Lawson Lobby at City Hall.

Obituary: Heinz Kestermann

Heinz Kestermann, 83, died Feb. 15, 2014.

Focusing on Children with Autism

We recognize this Wednesday, April 2, as World Autism Day, taking a moment to raise awareness around the fastest growing developmental disability in the U.S. Autism incidence in the U.S., and in Northern Virginia in particular, is reaching astounding levels.

Climate Change Could Affect Drinking Water

Residents could see — and smell — a very different Potomac River by 2040.

Drinking cups of clear tap water could be a luxury people are less likely to take for granted in the near future as climate-change culprits affect the waterways — and water bills.

This Week in Alexandria

Highlights of this week in Alexandria.

St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School Graduates 119

The St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School Class of 2014 was collectively accepted to more than 170 colleges and universities, including 12 Ivy League acceptances.

Along the Postal Route

Mario Viray had already been at the post office for almost two hours pulling down the mail, which is sorting the first class mail into his 400 metal dividers with addresses. This constituted his delivery units for Route 105 in Rosemont.

Summer Health and Safety Hazards

Keeping danger at bay during warm weather months.

Summer comes but once a year. From picnics and days at the pool to backyard barbeques and day-long hikes, many people spend the season outdoors.

Look Out Below

I think I know what a rampaging bull feels like; and I don’t mean one on Wall Street, either. I mean one in the figurative sense: when one has a need, an overwhelming, unstoppable-type urge, to scratch that itch, to gratify that which has been delayed. What am I talking about? (You sound like my wife, Dina.) I am talking about food. More specifically, I am talking about a side effect I’ve been experiencing of late from the chemotherapy drug Alimta, with which I’ve been infused every three weeks since late September, 2013 (successfully I may add, given the shrinkage noted in my most recent CT Scan).

'Service Above Self'

Rotary Club contributes $90,000 to local nonprofits.

The Rotary Club of Alexandria, in partnership with the Alexandria Day Nursery and Children's Home, continued its decades-long tradition of awarding grants to local nonprofit organizations with the presentation of more than $90,000 to 32 organizations at the annual Contributions Day luncheon June 17 at Belle Haven Country Club.