Friday, November 28
St. Mary’s School in Alexandria Hosts Christmas Bazaar
St. Mary’s School held its annual Christmas Bazaar at the school on Green Street on Saturday, Nov. 22.
Wreaths Across America in Alexandria
For the third year, St. Rita American Heritage Girls Troop VA1381 is participating in Wreaths Across America to honor the nation's veterans and their families on Dec. 13, by laying wreaths on the gravesites in Alexandria National Cemetery for Christmas.
Hope for the Holidays in Alexandria
’Tis the season of giving: of gifts, of parties and of thanks. But what should be a time of hope and happiness too often can be a time of despair for Alexandria’s vulnerable and low income families.
Clarification
Last week’s story, “I Wanted a Better Life,” on the life of Nelson Greene Sr., should have included credit to Sarah Becker for her Living Legends profile of Mr. Greene which was incorporated in the Nov. 20 Gazette Packet article.
Six-Billion Reasons To Persevere in Alexandria
Mentoring
“Can you read me the answer you came up with?” “Six-million …” “Wait … look again.” “Oh yeah! Six-billion…” “Did you ever think you would be able to do a math problem that would have an answer in the billions?”
Commentary: Giving Thanks for Anti-Hunger Programs in Alexandria
Working to keep children fed.
When I was a kid, Thanksgiving meant stuffing myself beyond the point of comfort, flitting gleefully between turkey, casseroles, sweet potatoes, dinner rolls, and of course pie. The object was to eat to the point of needing to loosen the belt, and then wait a few hours until there was room to start all over again with leftovers.
Covert Matters: Alexandrians Can Be Thankful
Here in the Commonwealth of Virginia, just to pick an argument with our northern colleagues, the first Thanksgiving between the Pilgrims, colonists, settlers and Indians was held on Dec. 4, 1621 at Berkeley Plantation in Charles City County, Va.
Wednesday, November 26
Alexandria Domestic Violence Shelters Offer Relief Year-round
Local nonprofits Bethany House and ALIVE face challenges during holiday season.
“I thought if I loved him enough, he would change.” Jasmine Witcher, interim executive director for the Bethany House domestic violence shelter, says she hears these words all the time.
The Great Gadsby in Alexandria
A weekend at Alexandria’s Gadsby Tavern
Supposedly, The Hunt Ball at the historic Gadsby’s Tavern in Alexandria took place the evening of Nov. 22, 2014. But inside, there was nothing to indicate it was not Nov. 22, 1800.
Alexandria: Lawsuit Over Rezoning Hits City Council
Neighbors oppose change allowing restaurant.
A lawsuit against the City Council by local residents claims that the rezoning of a residence on Princess and Washington streets, allowing it to become a restaurant, deprived the residents of equal protection of the laws.
People At Work: Crafting a Floral Centerpiece in Alexandria
The art of flower arrangement
Scott Marchand puts hanging amaryllis in the green foam oasis rings. “See how it is giving it a kind of cascading look. I put my greens in first, “ he says. “This is going to be an open, airy floral arrangement in fall tones as a centerpiece for a table.
Alexandria Letter to the Editor: Einstein in Old Town
In the dusky early evening hours of Nov. 19, no fewer than four parallel universes collided on the corner of Pitt and Cameron in an astronomically rare incident, known informally as a “multi-modal mash-up.”
Alexandria Letter to the Editor: Education, Not Facilities
Mr. Roberts is right [“Bullies in High Office,” Letters, Gazette packet, Nov. 20]. “The bullies running Alexandria … have recruited another member to their cabal: School Board President Karen Graf….”
Alexandria Letter to the Editor: A Vegan Thanksgiving
This week, President Obama will pardon two turkeys to promote the turkey industry. Every one of us can exercise that same pardon power by choosing a nonviolent Thanksgiving observance.
Glory Days in Alexandria
ASC celebrates Old Oaken Bucket rivalry.
From George Washington High School’s opening in 1935 until 1968, Thanksgiving mornings were synonymous with the pinnacle matchup of Virginia high school football. Residents and visitors braved plummeting temperatures and postponed culinary preparations to attend the grand spectacle of talent and grit known as the Old Oaken Bucket rivalry between GW and Arlington’s Washington-Lee High School.
Alexandria Letter to the Editor: The Best of Old and Historic District?
The Board of Architectural Review (BAR) of the Old and Historic District conducted its third concept review work session of the North Robinson Terminal development this past week.
Alexandria Letter to the Editor: A Better Life … But Not Today?
I was moved and humbled by the tribute to Nelson Greene Sr. on the front page of the Nov. 20 edition of the Alexandria Gazette Packet. It served as a subtle reminder of the city’s morally corrupt treatment of the African American community even after passage of the Civil Rights Act.
Giving Thanks by Giving Back in Alexandria
For 10 years before each Thanksgiving, Nathan Carter has been on a mission. With the help of his mother and siblings, he provides free turkeys to low-income residents of Alexandria as a way of giving thanks and giving back.
TC Hosts Holiday Craft Show in Alexandria
Girls from the TC varsity softball team greeted shoppers to the annual school craft fair on Saturday, Nov. 22. More than 40 artists and craftsmen set up booths in the school cafeteria offering a selection of home and gift ideas.
Column: ‘Shrinkage’
Not exactly “like a frightened turtle” as “similed” on a long-ago Seinfeld episode by Jerry himself; this shrinkage is the good kind, the kind you hope a radiological oncologist characterizes when viewing your CT Scan (computed tomography).
(Alexandria) Thanksgiving Q&A: Family Time Important to BI’s Faddoul
Junior finished with 28 goals, 16 assists during fall soccer season.
Bishop Ireton junior Joey Faddoul scored 28 goals in the fall.
Tuesday, November 25
“Shrinkage”
Not exactly “like a frightened turtle” as “similed” on a long-ago Seinfeld episode by Jerry himself; this shrinkage is the good kind, the kind you hope a radiological oncologist characterizes when viewing your CT Scan (computed tomography). Specifically, the exact kind of scan I get every three months to assess and evaluate the tumors, and fluid, in my stage IV, non-small cell cancer-affected lungs.
Encouraging Girls to Pursue STEM
Holy Child will host female speakers in science, technology, engineering and math fields.
When Trish Whitcomb’s daughter Colleen began to express an interest in engineering, she and her husband were at a loss as to how to foster her academic and career aspirations.
Education on Wheels
Mobile classroom brings tutoring to students.
When Chris Sexton noticed her 10-year-old son was having educational difficulties, she searched for ways to help him. She found a solution in what she calls a “magic school bus.” The bus driver, and teacher, was Anne Thomas of Alexandria.
November Raises Awareness and Celebrates Caregivers
Resources available for people living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
Mary Driver-Downs has been one of the primary caregivers for her mother-in-law, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, for the past six years. It has been a difficult journey, but one she says is well worth it.
Literary Essay Collection Explores Life-Changing Travels
Local authors discuss unexpected adventures.
A group of local writers contributed to a collection of literary travel essays, Destinations & Discoveries, which was released earlier this month. Meghan O’Neill edited the collection.
Turkey Carving 101
Local chefs offer advice for slicing the star of the Thanksgiving table.
Few things symbolize Thanksgiving like a whole roasted turkey on a platter, but when it’s time for dinner, neatly sliced pieces of meat look even more appealing. Whether it’s sliced at the table or in kitchen, turkey carving can be a daunting task, however. A few local chefs share their favorite turkey-carving methods to create an impressive holiday platter.
Editorial: Holidays Are About Giving
Give thanks and share; tens of thousands of families around us are in need.
The holidays are about giving, and giving thanks. The holidays are about children and family. The holidays are about sharing, about joy. The holidays are about being thankful and about faith and appreciation. The holidays are about alleviating suffering for others. Surrounded by the bounty in so many neighborhoods in Northern Virginia, many of us see little signs of the massive unmet needs here. But in Fairfax County Public Schools, more than 52,000 of the students are poor enough to receive free or subsidized meals, a significant measure of poverty.
Monday, November 24
Letter to the Editor Alexandria:Bullies in High Office
I am beginning to wonder if our small, deep-in-debt city is taking on the smarmy political patina of Chicago or, worse, of Detroit.
Thursday, November 20
Alexandria: Caring for Animals
A loud meow hangs in the air as the brown tabby struggles against the small needle inserted in his hind leg. Deidre Seifried, animal care technician, says, "This blood test is part of the intake procedure that also includes vaccines if necessary, inserting a microchip and a ‘snap detail’ physical exam. It starts with the mouth, nose and goes all the way to the end of the tail.
Alexandria: Bench to Bedside
Collegiate inventors show off cutting edge technology at Alexandria conference.
At his table at the Collegiate Inventor’s Conference, Keith Hearon from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology had a variety of plastic objects on display next to a bowl full of oranges.
Alexandria: Preparing for Next School Budget
Alexandria Public Schools staff meet with local community to discuss the future of the budget
At a public forum on the Alexandria City Public Schools’ (ACPS) Budget, parents and local citizens split into groups and were asked what programs were needed for the children.
Alexandria: News briefs
The Supreme Court of Virginia has agreed to hear the appeal in the Alexandria waterfront litigation. Two years ago, Old Town residents April Burke, Beth Gibney and Marie Kux filed a lawsuit against the city challenging the waterfront plan. In a decision announced Nov 6, the court said that it will hear arguments that challenge the dismissal of their case.
T.C. Williams Senior Girma Places Sixth at States
T.C. Williams senior Anteneh Girma competed at the state meet on Nov. 15.
Alexandria Home Sales: October, 2014
In October 2014, 186 Alexandria homes sold between $2,700,000-$118,000.
Alexandria Home Sales: October, 2014
Alexandria: 19th Annual Art Safari
“Can you find the owl painting, the lizard sculpture, and what kind of lizard is it, what color is the dinosaur, in ‘Cathedral Gaggle’ how many geese do you see?” These were just a few questions on the Art League Gallery Scavenger Hunt at annual Art Safari last month in the Torpedo Factory Art Center.
Alexandria: ‘I Wanted A Better Life’
Civil Rights pioneer Nelson Greene Sr. dies at 100.
When Nelson Greene Sr. came to Alexandria in 1953, blacks were the target of racial discrimination, schools were segregated and a poll tax was required to vote.
Alexandria: Local Public Defenders Make Their Cases Abroad
Lecturing on criminal defense in the Bahamas.
Regardless of the crime, when it comes to defendants everyone gets an attorney.
Editorial: Why Does Alexandria Celebrate Birthday of George Washington?
Generations of Americans from every corner of this country revere George Washington as the Father of his Country.
Alexandria: Pets To Line Up with Santa
Come early December, a few well-chosen volunteers at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) will put on a fake beard, hat and a bright red suit and head over to the Olde Towne School for Dogs in Old Town Alexandria to take a shift as Santa for some of the area’s most treasured pets.
Alexandria Brief : Christ Church Celebrates Ministry of Retiring Rector
On Sunday, Nov. 23, at the 10 a.m. service, the Rev. Pierce Klemmt will preach his final sermon at Christ Church, Alexandria, before retiring.
Alexandria: Co-creating Cable TV Show
From theater to cable.
Former Alexandrian Thomas Kail had his first brush with the media while on an Alexandria youth league soccer team.
Renovation Keeps Rolling at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria
New wing showcased at Nov. 14 ribbon-cutting.
Thomas Jefferson senior Thomas Rogers is big on the laser cutter. “You can cut anything you want,” said the McLean resident, “like exact designs on sheet metal.” Rogers was enthusiastic about the device, but wouldn’t fire it up during the Nov. 14 tour of the Science and Technology Governor’s School’s new two-story wing with 14 research spaces.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors makes two rail-facilitating moves; Arlington ends streetcar project.
As the Silver Line Metororail project progresses towards its second phase opening date of 2018, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors are helping pave the way.
Wednesday, November 19
Column: And The “Scancer” Is…
Unknown at this date – Saturday, November 15. In fact, it will be six days from now until we’ll know the results. As it is always scheduled, a week or so after my quarterly CT Scan, we will have our usual follow-up, face-to-face appointment with my oncologist.
Thursday, November 13
Alexandria: Honoring Veterans
Bugler Brent Anderson called the Veterans Day ceremony to assembly and attention at the Mount Vernon Community Center on Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 11
Alexandria Living Legends: Charles Eugene ‘Tony’ Gee
Civic leader, businessman and pastor.
Charles Eugene “Tony” Gee is more than just legendary. He was a pioneering African American business leader during a period of profound social change in Alexandria and played a critical role in the economic development of lower King Street.
Letter to the Editor: Overseeing Construction
At the behest of its citizens, Alexandria decided to appoint an “Ad-Hoc Monitoring Group for Waterfront Construction.”
Letter to the Editor: Actions Speak Louder Than Words
The Alexandria Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) is acting to improve safety across the city, with a recent focus in Old Town.
Letter to the Editor: Sports over Scholarship?
Who wouldn’t like to look around at their finances and find a loose $545,000 floating around? The Alexandria School Board did recently and was delighted to spend it right away — not on children’s education — but on tennis courts. I am not sure the taxpayers of Alexandria should be so happy about this “lucky find.
Letter to the Editor: Celebrating Thanksgiving
Virginians can rightly claim our forebears first celebrated and established the custom of celebrating Thanksgiving on these shores.
Letter to the Editor: More Cost To Businesses
The city continues to unearth new sources of revenue on the back of its citizens.
Letter to the Editor: Protect Proffers
On Nov. 15, Alexandria's City Council will consider a development application for 100 S. Pickett Street where a bowling alley is currently located.
Alexandria: Obituary
Marie Elizabeth Krafft, Aug.15, 1956 - Nov. 9, 2014
Marie Elizabeth Krafft, the Martin A. Schwartz Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Florida State University, 58, of Tallahassee, Fla, died Nov. 9, 2014 after a two-year long struggle with brain cancer.
Alexandria: From Leaf Piles to Mulch
Trucks vacuum up autumn’s droppings.
The gray vacuum hose weaves back and forth across the pile of leaves like an elephant trunk searching for a peanut.
Alexandria: Union Soldier Revisits Fort
Local historian takes on role of civil war veteran for a tour.
Fort Ward doesn’t do as good a job holding out Southerners as it used to.
Alexandria: Flood of Sewage
Burst water line on South Jordan Street results in flooding of 14 homes.
Helping a crew remove his water-damaged belongings from his 89-year-old mother’s home was not how Guy Foster, discharged from the Navy in 1969, had planned on spending his Veterans Day.
Alexandria:Found Money
School Board votes to fund increased cost of TC tennis courts. jump
The six tennis courts at T.C. Williams High School will not cost $800,000 as originally planned.
Alexandria: Straight from the Heart
First Christian Church of Alexandria hosted its annual holiday art and craft fair on Saturday, Nov. 8, in the church hall.
Alexandria: Friends Mourn Death of David Abshire
Ambassador and public policy leader dies.
For a career spent around the world, David Abshire always considered Alexandria home.
Alexandria Honors Veterans Week
U.S. Rep-elect Don Beyer joined city officials in kicking off the Alexandria Honors Veterans week at a reception Nov. 10 at the Lyceum.
Alexandria: The Right Stuff
Astronaut Buzz Aldrin salutes USPTO veterans.
It was one small step taken 45 years ago. Around the world, eyes were collectively riveted to grainy pictures on a television screen while others gazed up at the sky in wonder and awe.
Opinion: Thanksgiving Help for Those in Need
Roll up those sleeves and help.
This week is the week to jump in to help the many organizations that will help needy families through the holidays. Here are a few ideas of how to help, but the opportunities are limitless.
Senior Services:Preparing for Important Conversations can Make all the Difference
As young adults, my brothers and I would always groan when our mother insisted on talking about her end-of-life plans.
Commentary: It’s the Simple Things for Many Seniors
One of the best parts of my job is meeting so many interesting, nice people in our great city.
Commentary:Blame Local Governance for Police Secrecy
Police shootings where civilians are killed (or wounded) are assumed to occur while protecting the public-at-large, as well as the officer(s) involved. When the public seeks to learn the circumstances of such shootings, police officials lock up the files and send out their spokesperson to say they can reveal nothing, forever.
Commentary:A New Chapter: Goodbyes Are Never Easy
Since coming to Inova Alexandria Hospital as chief executive officer nearly 7 years ago, I have been privileged to lead our dedicated physicians, nurses, staff and volunteers in providing the best quality care to this community.
Alexandria: Hopkins House Celebrates 75 Years
Learning center helps shape youngsters’ futures.
With a mission to “Build the foundation for the future,” Hopkins House in Alexandria celebrated 75 years of success on Nov.1.
Wednesday, November 12
Editorial: Thanksgiving Help for Those in Need
Roll up those sleeves and help.
This week is the week to jump in to help the many organizations that will help needy families through the holidays. Here are a few ideas of how to help, but the opportunities are limitless. More than 236,000 people living in the area do not have access to enough food to sustain an active, healthy life for all members of their households, according to Catholic Charities. That is to say, more than a quarter of a million people, including many children, go hungry on a regular basis.
Column: Excuse Me
Early on during my indoctrination/assimilation into the cancer-patient world in which I now reside, I remember asking a fellow cancer patient/friend if I could use cancer as an excuse for whatever it was needed excusing (directly or indirectly related), and she said: absolutely, “blame the cancer.”
Thursday, November 6
Donate to Scouting for Food Drive
Area Boy Scouts and scores of volunteers are preparing for the annual Scouting For Food Drive on Saturday, Nov. 8.
Keeping the Line Moving
Serving up pizza at TC.
A bell rings out, and students hustle to the cafeteria line at T.C. Williams High School for the first lunch period of the day. Stella Napper stands behind her pizza line ready to replace the large metal pans when the pizza has disappeared.
Obituary: Andree Georgette Lecureux
Andree G. Lecureux, 90, restaurateur died October 24, 2014 due to cancer at Leewood Nursing home. She was an Alexandria resident for 52 years.
Obituary: John R. Labovitz
John R. Labovitz, Washington lawyer and a leading constitutional law authority on Presidential Impeachment died peacefully in his sleep from natural causes on Oct. 3, 2014, at his residence in Washington, D.C. He was 70.
Letter: Waterfront Success
A recent letter to the editor claims that this City Council got it wrong, and that the “waterfront is about to be turned into one egregious redevelopment disaster.”
Letter: Let Sun Shine In
Many Citizens of the City of Alexandria are not fully aware of what the "Sunshine Act" actually delineates.
Letter: Playing Budget Ball
I have to tip my sweat-stained Alexandria Aces baseball cap to the city manager.
Letter: Minimize Signage
Harris Teeter is a great addition to our community.
The Torpedo Bike
Inspired by history and supported by the Alexandria Commission of the Arts, Torpedo Factory sculptor Christopher Erney created a “Torpedo Bike.”
Luncheon Benefits Hospital
The Board of Lady Managers of the Inova Alexandria Hospital hosted its annual Fashion show, luncheon and silent auction on Friday, Oct. 31, at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center.
Wicked Fun
ACPS students make Halloween visit to the White House.
Forget South Lee Street in Old Town. For 44 fifth-graders from Patrick Henry Elementary School, the White House was the place to be on Halloween.
Veterans Day: Faces of the Fallen
Vietnam Memorial seeking photos of local veterans.
Along with more than 58,000 other soldiers, the name of Capt. Humbert Roque "Rocky" Versace is memorialized on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Clifton residents to hold open-house tour of newly remodeled homes for the benefit of local widow.
Neighbors help each other. That's what communities have always been about. Long-time Clifton resident Bob Gallagher is rallying his friends and peers to help his neighbor Elsa Armendaris.
Cookbook Offers Hearty Dinners
Local chefs use seasonal produce to create new dishes.
When the weather turns chilly and the produce at farmers’ markets change from bright orange tomatoes to thick skinned squash and pumpkins, Dorothy Myers faces a culinary conundrum.
Veterans Day: Alexandria Honors Veterans Week
Nov. 9-16 schedule of events
Alexandria Honors Veterans Week will kick off a series of events to honor and celebrate the service of local veterans.
Natural Treatments for Anxiety
Experts say complementary medical treatments can help relieve anxiety and other mental disorders.
When 35-year-old Andrea Evenson decided to try meditation, exercise and yoga to deal with her anxiety, she had already been on a myriad of anti-anxiety medications.
Veterans Day: Leading the Charge
McMahan spearheads veterans business unit.
In June of 2001, Emily McMahan was a newly commissioned military police officer and recent graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Column: November Is Adoption Month
Here’s how to help find a forever family for children and teens waiting in foster care.
If you are lucky, you don't know what it's like to live in the precarious limbo that defines foster care in this country.
Column: Friendly Visitor Senior Services of Alexandria
Senior Services of Alexandria's Friendly Visitor Program matches socially isolated seniors in the City of Alexandria with volunteers for weekly visits.
Man Arrested For Robbery
The Alexandria Police Department has charged an 18-year-old Alexandria man with robbery and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
Playfest Returns
The Morning Bishop Theatre Playhouse, Inc., the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority and Alexandria City Public Schools: Center for the Arts are collaborating to bring Playfest, an annual arts event held in the City of Alexandria since 2011, to various locations in the community on Nov. 12-13.
T.C. Williams Boys’ XC Qualifies for Regionals
Titan senior Girma places fourth at Conference 7 meet.
The T.C. Williams boys' cross country team qualified for regionals.
Wednesday, November 5
HOT Topic
Fairfax County Fire & Rescue invites the media for Hands-On Training.
Rob Schoenberger is pretty good with a 15-foot extendable camera. Its built-in microphone and powerful lights come in handy, paired with a Delsar seismic sensor device, when trying to locate people trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building.
Column: Dos, Don’ts and What-Ifs
Instinctively, I am not the most open-to-new-ideas/new-things kind of person. However, an unexpected diagnosis of stage IV, non small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at age 54 and a half – along with its equally unexpected “13-month to two-year prognosis,” changes a few things.
Northern Virginia Democrats Hold Their Ground
In uneasy election, Beyer takes 8th district, but leaves Senate too close to call.
Despite the election still being too close to call, U.S. Sen. Mark Warner gave his supporters at the Doubletree Hotel in Crystal City a full smile and a victory speech. With less than 1 percent of the vote favoring Warner over his Republican challenger Ed Gillespie, the question is whether or not Gillespie will ask for a recount. But if this was troubling Warner as much as it was the Democrats gathered the night of Nov 4, he didn’t show it.