Stories for August 2015

Stories for August 2015

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Monday, August 31

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Cartoon: City Council Castle

"Gulp."

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Alexandria: ‘Our Promise — That Every Student Succeeds’

Alexandria City Public Schools is quite literally on the move! Our students are showing clear growth based on our latest Standards of Learning (SOL) test data. The largest increases were seen in English and math, which were targeted focus areas during the past year.

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Alexandria Newcomers & Community Guide: Connect and Contribute

Business, service and civic groups lead community engagement.

It was Martin Luther King Jr. who said “Everybody can be great because anybody can serve.”

Honoring Living Legends of Alexandria

Since its founding in 1749, Alexandria has been home to Living Legends the likes of George Washington and his compatriots, war heroes, community leaders, good neighbors and the “Now Generation.”

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Alexandria: Road Projects in Region To Keep Traffic Moving

In Northern Virginia, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is working to keep up with growth in the area with transportation projects at both ends of the spectrum. Whether it’s a new highway overpass, intersection improvement, or high occupancy toll lanes, the goal at VDOT is to keep the traffic moving.

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Alexandria Snapshot: Carlyle House Historic Park

Brogan with owners David and Sarah Janette are seated at the corner of the Carlyle House. On the National Register of Historic Places, the building is the only stone 18th-century mansion in Alexandria. Daily tours of the house, exhibits and lectures reveal the life and times of John Carlyle in pre-Revolutionary Alexandria.

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Alexandria: There's No Place Like Home

Alexandria: From the waterfront to the West End.

Most visitors to Alexandria know the city as the hometown of such notables as George Washington and Robert E. Lee. With cobblestone streets and a lively waterfront, the city attracts more than three million visitors every year.

Friday, August 28

Mount Vernon: Welcome Home

Newcomers & Community Guide

Welcome to Alexandria! On behalf of my colleagues on City Council, I’d like to extend a warm welcome and thank you for choosing this historic community as your new home.

Volunteer Literacy Tutors Still Needed

For 89 Alexandria kindergarteners and first graders.

Think about your favorite book as a child. Go ahead, close your eyes, and remember all of the feelings and memories that it evokes. Do you feel proud because it was the first book you read on your own? Was it the first time that you felt connected to someone? Did it make you laugh or giggle? My favorite book as a child was ”Stellaluna” by Janell Cannon. It was the first time I felt transported to another world, and ever since then, I've been hooked.

In the Kitchen

Jones Makes Biscuits with Own Personalities

Two women stood with noses pressed to the window at Stomping Ground on Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray. "Oh, no," one of them said. "I didn't know it was closed on Monday. I've eaten here three times since they opened in May. I love their salads; they are so fresh." Disappointed, they head down the street looking for a second choice.

Thursday, August 27

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Alexandria People At Work: It’s All About the Milk

It was dark on the farm as Kinsley Coulter got up at 2 a.m. to load his truck and drive the 150 miles from Juniata County, Pa. to the Alexandria Farmer's market on Saturday.

Alexandria Snapshot: Back-to-School Supply Drive

The local chapter of the National Forum of Black Public Administrators (NFBPA) participates yearly with Alexandria City Public Schools in collecting items for an annual back-to-school supply drive. James Hunt is the president of the Alexandria Metro Chapter of NFBPA.

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Alexandria Seeks Cycling Spokespersons

Transportation Master Plan could shift gears in favor of cycling community.

Do cyclists in Alexandria ride in the road or on the sidewalk? How do cyclists riding the Mount Vernon trail pass through Alexandria?

Alexandria Snapshots: Early Start

Alexandria City Public Schools kicked off its week-long Kindergarten Prep (K-Prep) program and two-day Middle School Prep programs last week with the aim of having every child acclimated to their new environment and routines and ready for learning on the first day of school.

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Alexandria People: Celebrating Their Golden Anniversary

Deborah Dodge, then 17, wedded James W. Blackburn, Jr., then 18, on Aug. 27, 50 years ago at Christ Church in Rockville, Md., officiated by the Rev. Raymond P. Black.

Alexandria Neighborhoods: Taylor Run

The Washington Balalaika Society presented Peter Omelchenko in an interesting concert at the Lyceum.

Letter: Prudent Investments

Letter to the Editor

I would like to add some thoughts to the ongoing discussions about the city’s debt.

Letter: Appreciates Progress

Letter to the Editor

I’ve lived in Alexandria for 20 years, and there has been wonderful progress during this time.

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'The Eagles': Alexandria F.O.E. 871 Continues to Soar

The sign outside simply reads “F.O.E.” It is easy to miss when traveling along Cameron Street in the middle of Old Town. But for 110 years, members of Aerie 871 of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles have gathered here in friendship, fellowship and to reach out to those in need in the community.

Alexandria Home Sales: July, 2015

In July, 2015, 236 Alexandria homes sold between $2,495,000-$120,000.

Alexandria Home Sales: July, 2015

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Alexandria/Mount Vernon Weekend Fun: Aug. 28-Sept. 6

Events in Mount Vernon and Alexandria Va. this weekend.

Alexandria Neighborhood Outlook: Redeveloping and Reshaping Old Town

Some residents continue to harbor resentment.

As Alexandria moves forward with development plans that will reshape the waterfront, the last year in Old Town has been defined largely by a deep conflict between many residents of the historic district and local government.

Wednesday, August 26

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Alexandria: TC Field Hockey Dominates at Under the Lights Tournament

Titans motivated by 2014 season-ending loss to Woodson.

The T.C. Williams field hockey team went 4-0 during the Under the Lights tournament.

Column: 'Bulky Boy'

Although this title invokes the nickname of one of my three male cats – Andrew, to be specific – he is in fact not the point of th is column.

Monday, August 24

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From Foster Care to Founding Nonprofit ‘Acts of Random Kindness’

Fundraiser to benefit iCan program.

It’s unusual today for a 22-year-old to have a Master’s degree and to have founded a non-profit. It’s downright amazing if that young person spent much of her childhood homeless and hungry before spending her high school years in foster care in the city of Alexandria.

Thursday, August 20

Classified Advertising August 19, 2015

Read the latest ads here!

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Alexandria/Mount Vernon Weekend Fun: Aug. 21-30

Events in Alexandria and Mount Vernon, Va.

Wednesday, August 19

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Alexandria: State Final Appearance Gives Ireton Football ‘Sense of Purpose’

Cardinals return eight defensive starters, six offensive.

Bishop Ireton reached the VISAA Division 1 state championship game last season.

Column: Accommodate or Exacerbate

As a diagnosed-as-“terminal” cancer patient (is that better, Rebecca?), I feel I am due some accommodations. However, when offered or given, I am hesitant to accept (not always, though; I’ll be honest).

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Alexandria Obituary: Friends Remember John K. Severson

Owner of Al’s Steakhouse dies at 73.

His name wasn’t Al. But he would answer to it and even sign autographs with the name so many assumed was his. He was Johnny Severson, and for more than 50 years he was the man behind the legendary cheesesteak sandwiches at Al’s Steakhouse in Del Ray.

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Alexandria: Small Budget Threatens Arts' Commission Plans

Commission for the Arts Copes with Budget Squeeze

Massive budget cuts to the Alexandria Commission for the Arts has put a damper on some of the group’s hopes for 2016. According to Allison Nance, a member of the Commission for the Arts, last year Alexandria's Arts Commission received $200,000 from the city for public arts projects and other art projects around the city. However, in 2016, Nance says that funding dropped to zero.

Alexandria/Mount Vernon: Carucci Joins National Breast Center Foundation

Martha Carucci of Alexandria has been named program manager of National Breast Center Foundation.

Alexandria Brief: Living Legends Elects New Board Members

Several new members have been elected to the Living Legends of Alexandria’s board of directors. The new members add experience in nonprofit management, event management, nonprofit legal consulting, grant writing, fundraising and marketing.

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Column: Gumball Memories

Rebuilding Together Alexandria

Alexandria holds a lifetime of memories for Bernadette*. She is the last of three generations to call the city home.

Column: Sharing Lives through Friendly Visitor Program

Sharing Lives through Friendly Visitor Program

Our wonderful journey with the Friendly Visitor Program at Senior Services Alexandria began around two years ago.

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Alexandria People at Work: The Art of Making Bread

The oven is warming to 450 degrees. Lisa Parkinson has lined up the unbleached flour, yeast and milk beside the freshly chopped rosemary, basil and thyme.

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Alexandria: Living Legend Marga Fripp Strives To Empower Women

Living Legends of Alexandria is an ongoing 501(c)(3) photo-documentary project to identify, honor and chronicle the people making current history in Alexandria.

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Alexandria Snapshot: Future Legends

Families of students in the ACPS 3-5 Grade Summer Enrichment Program joined their children recently at an end-of-class celebration.

Letter: Importance Of History

Letter to the Editor

Can we blame all of America’s racism problems on any street appearance of the Confederate flag and other symbols? And purge them by removing any reminders?

Letter: Examine School Spending

Letter to the Editor

I am the owner and operator of Potomac River, Realtors, located near the King Street Metro Station.

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Cartoon: Old Marxistleninstein

Old Marxistleninstein

Obituary: Frances Dowdle Abbott "Smokie" Lyon

Frances Dowdle Abbott "Smokie" Lyon, 91, of Mt. Pleasant, S.C., died on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2015.

Letter: Why Not Run?

Letter to the Editor

I have been amazed at the number of conversations suggesting that Mayor Euille should simply “fall in line” and “endorse the primary winner.”

Letter: Parking Issue Not Insurmountable

Letter to the Editor

If one looks at Old Town streets, late at night on a weeknight, one will see plenty of street parking spaces available, thus there is plenty of spaces for resident street parking.

Letter: Neighbors And Parking

Letter to the Editor

Current council member Justin Wilson’s quest for obscure regulations found another one to redress.

Letter: It’s Five

Letter to the Editor

I would like to thank a recent letter to editor entitled “Overlooked” for correctly pointing out that I omitted Monique Miles when I endorsed Allison Silberberg, Townsend Van Fleet, Bob Wood and Fernando Torrez to reinstate Alexandria’s beauty.

Tuesday, August 18

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Checking the Back-to-School Healthcare Blocks

Local governments, clinics offer free immunizations for all and physical exams for the uninsured.

As the lazy days of summer wind down, beach trips, lemonade stands and lax bedtimes give way to alarm clocks, textbooks and backpacks. Public health officials say that a back-to-school list should include more than pencils and paper. For many, the first order of business is a well-child physical, a dental exam and required immunizations.

Editorial: Sea Changes in Policing?

Report offers blueprint for transforming aspects of policing, jail and services for people with mental illness.

Yesterday, for the first time in the history of Fairfax County Police Department, a Fairfax County Police officer was charged in a shooting death.

Alexandria: TSA Transports out of Arlington

Arlington’s loss of the Transportation Security Administration headquarters is Alexandria’s gain.

While Alexandria celebrates the recent Transportation Security Administration’s decision to move to West Eisenhower, Arlington struggles to recover from another blow to the county’s office vacancies. The 3,800-person headquarters will leave its Arlington location in 2018 to settle into the Victory Center.

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Alexandria/Arlington: Testing the Waters

Alexandria and Arlington begin discussions on potential shared pool.

Despite Alexandria swiping the TSA headquarters away from Arlington, the relationship remains cordial enough that the two have begun discussions around a shared Aquatic Center.

Friday, August 14

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Alexandria/Mount Vernon Weekend Fun: Aug. 14-23

Events near Alexandria and Mount Vernon Va.

Thursday, August 13

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Alexandria: In Between Patrick and Henry, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Await

Killer ESP stays true to its roots while growing into its own.

Walk down the block on the southern side of King Street, between the “Routes 1” – that is, the block between Patrick and Henry streets – and before long you’ll come upon a sandwich board offering up a plethora of interesting options.

Mount Vernon: ‘If You Believe’

Broadway concert to benefit cancer research.

Move over Julius Erving. There’s another “Dr. J” in town: international recording artist Negleatha Johnson, who hopes to slam dunk a benefit concert Aug. 16 following her sister’s diagnosis of a rare and aggressive cancer.

Alexandria: 30 Years for Armed Robbery

Brien Keith Hughes, 32, formerly of Alexandria, was sentenced Aug. 7 to 30 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release for convictions related to his role in two violent robberies where firearms were used.

Alexandria: Opportunities for ‘Creative Placemaking’

Looking at the future of the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Ask any local Alexandrian and they would agree, the Waterfront is one of the most vibrant and active neighborhoods in the city. This wasn’t always the case.

Alexandria: Police Investigate Robbery

The Alexandria Police Department is investigating the robbery of sweetFrog, a frozen yogurt shop located in the 500 block of S. Van Dorn Street.

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Alexandria: Backpacks, School Supplies and More

‘My Brother’s Keeper’ ministry hosts annual event.

The Alfred Street Baptist Church frequently steps in to meet community needs that can go unnoticed, and the thousands of youth returning to school without the supplies they need is no exception. In two weeks’ time, volunteers at the church filled more than a thousand backpacks for elementary, middle and high school students attending Alexandria City Public Schools.

Wednesday, August 12

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Alexandria: Former Centreville Assistant Matthie Takes Over at T.C. Williams

Titans will run hybrid wing-T offense.

T.C. Williams opens the season at Thomas Jefferson on Sept. 4.

Column: B.D. Versus A.D.

If my experiences as a cancer patient/ “terminal” “diagnosee” are at all typical, then the following generalization might in fact be true: certain situations and/or feelings that were once tolerated before diagnosis are nearly impossible to tolerate after diagnosis: traffic, waiting in lines, rudeness, compromise, sacrifice, delayed/deferred gratification, to list just a few. Life becomes so much more precious, that wasting some of it – or the perception of wasting some of it – on unpleasant, unrewarding, aggravating, stressful, menial tasks, obligations, duties, etc. becomes almost too much to bear; on a consistent basis, anyway.

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Cartoon: Windmill

From here I can't tell if it's friend,

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Alexandria: Luck O’ the Irish

Thousands attend Waterfront Park festival.

Thousands of attendees descended on Waterfront Park Aug. 8 for the annual Ballyshaners Irish Festival in Alexandria.

Alexandria Snapshot: One Love Festival

Harold and Sherman Harris, brothers of community activist Lenny Harris, attended the One Love Festival

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Alexandria: SOL Scores Improving

Gains at Jefferson-Houston; mixed results at TC.

The forecast calls for sunshine, but make no mistake it’s raining test scores these days, and improved numbers for schools are sprouting over town. The Virginia Department of Education has just released preliminary SOL test results for the 2014-2015 school year, and Alexandria City Public Schools show pass rates up across English, math, history and science.

Alexandria: All Lives Matter

(Of course)

All lives matter is the righteous reactionary retort to the now often shouted mantra of Black Lives Matter. This tit-for-tat, back-and-forth battle is the reason we cannot have meaningful discussions about race in America.

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Alexandria: Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming To Open

Woof Gang Bakery will welcome people and their pets for a grand opening event on Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Alexandria: A Hopeful Afternoon

Spreading awareness of ovarian cancer.

The survival rate of ovarian cancer is a grim 44 percent, and symptoms are described as obscure at best. But, early detection of the disease yields a survival rate of over 90 percent.

Letter: Problem Solver

Letter to the Editor

Now in my mid-70s, I have never voted for a Republican but I intend to vote for Bob Wood, a smart and personable candidate for City Council

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Letter: A Life = Future and One’s Future = Vision

Letter to the Editor

Law enforcement and the judicial system is based on the belief that all people are to be treated equally.

Alexandria Snapshot: The Time of Their Lives

Chadwick’s owner Trae Lamond and his wife Carolyn channel Dirty Dancing stars Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey as they get into the spirit of ‘80s night Aug. 8.

Letter: Price of Borrowing

Letter to the Editor

Whether these letter writers realize it or not, when they proudly point to Alexandria’s municipal bond rating, they haven’t read the fine print or connected the dots.

Tuesday, August 11

Home’s Makeover Enhances Family Life

With time constraints, Sun Design converts large, dated house into residence that satisfies everyone’s agenda.

Meet Roger Lataille, senior design consultant at Sun Design Remodeling and — more importantly — a remodeling resource homeowners turn to, and return to, whenever they need expert advice, hands-on support and commitment.

Editorial: 'Our Community Deserves Better'

Strongly worded recommendations for police on transparency and public trust; FCPD has miles to go.

Outrage over the shooting death of John Geer of Springfield on Aug. 29, 2013, by a Fairfax County Police officer led the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to form of the Ad Hoc Police Practice Review Commission, which began meeting in March 2015. The Communications Subcommittee was the first to give recommendations to the full commission, and the report pulled no punches.

Friday, August 7

Alexandria Snapshot: Friendship Firehouse Birthday

Alexandria Fire Chief Robert Dubè cut the ceremonial first piece of cake for the Friendship Fire Company's 241st birthday — established in 1774.

Thursday, August 6

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Alexandria/Mount Vernon Weekend Fun: Aug. 7-16

Events in Alexandria and Mount Vernon this weekend.

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Police Connect with Citizens at National Night Out

A murder, a non-fatal shooting, and mysterious “shots fired” calls around the Braddock Metro Area dampen National Night Out celebrations.

It's been a mixed week for law enforcement in the Braddock neighborhood.

Wednesday, August 5

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Clifton Resident Jacoby Commits to Naval Academy

Rising sophomore attackman/midfielder plays for Episcopal.

Episcopal rising sophomore Connor Jacoby is committed to play lacrosse at the Naval Academy.

Column: Back on Track

Having reread last week’s column a time or two now, I’ve realized that I neglected to update you regular readers – especially those of you who read my most recent pre- and post-scan columns: “Abyssful” Ignorance and Scant Know For Sure Anymore – on the previous week’s scan results. Once again, I have defied the odds – maybe statistics would be a better word?

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What I Did on My Summer Vacation — Built Rockets, Apps

TJHSST offers STEM courses to middle schoolers.

Inside W.T. Woodson High School in Fairfax, Jacob Parker is watching a cartoon on the computer, while his teacher Dan Trau walks around the room, answering questions from students.

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Helping Aging Parents

Event will highlight resources available for long-term care planning.

Antonio M. Taguba says his life changed forever during a family reunion in 2006, starting with an announcement from his mother.

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Teams in Training

Getting in shape while raising money for charity.

Rain poured from a gray March sky. Drenched racers wound their way through Washington, D.C. before spilling across the finish line at R.F.K. Stadium, their running shoes heavy and soaking wet.

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Alexandria: A Sweet Surprise

Bacon Brothers’ pop-up performance supports charities.

Through Kevin Bacon’s non-profit organization Six Degrees, he and other celebrities are making continual efforts to give back to the community through charitable and social opportunities to connect on a more personal level with the people and fans.

Alexandria: School Supplies Drive Underway

Alexandria City Public Schools’ Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Center and Community Partners for Children (CPC), an Alexandria nonprofit organization, kicked off their annual Back-to-School Drive for school supplies for students.

Letter: Leader or Sore Loser?

Letter to the Editor

He needs to decide whether his legacy will be that of leadership or that of a sore loser.

Lette: Adaptive Reuse of Ramsey Homes

Letter to the Editor

Next month, City Council will consider the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority appeal of the Parker Gray Board of Architectural Review’s unanimous denial of its request to demolish the 15-unit scattered-site public housing complex in the Parker Gray historic district, known as Ramsey Homes.

Letter: Thoughts on Confederacy

Letter to the Editor

On the question of how Alexandria can deal constructively with the remnants of the Confederacy:

Letter: Adaptive Reuse of Ramsey Homes

Letter to the Editor

Next month, City Council will consider the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority appeal of the Parker Gray Board of Architectural Review’s unanimous denial of its request to demolish the 15-unit scattered-site public housing complex in the Parker Gray historic district, known as Ramsey Homes. Some are framing this case as historic preservation versus affordable housing, implying it is a zero sum game. However, that is a false dichotomy as both aims can, and should, be achieved.

Letter: Examining Fiscal Policies

Letter to the Editor

A recent letter praised city officials for a good bond rating. Believing that a AAA Bond rating is a sign of how great the finances of the city are being run shows a basic lack of understanding of public financing. A Bond rating directly affects how much the city has to pay to borrow money and is an indication of the level of risk an investor assumes in providing that funding. In other words, the higher your Bond rating, the easier it is to borrow money. The current Alexandria administration has subscribed to a borrow, build and hope strategy and adjusted city fiscal policies to maintain or improve the city's Bond rating rather than make responsible decisions that buy down the city's debt and reduce the future burden on the city taxpayers.

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Alexandria: Shared Vision

Chairs of boards and commissions express unity in need for more affordable housing.

City Council may be gone for the summer, but the inner workings of the city government are just getting started.

Letter: City's Enviable Balance Sheet

Letter to the Editor

One Republican City Council candidate recently referred to “debt that continues to escalate at a problematic rate.” Another Republican City Council candidate last week asserted, falsely, that the council had revised its debt policy guidelines downward. An independent City Council candidate recently spoke of the city's “burdensome” debt. Unfortunately, the recently concluded mayoral primary was dominated by false assertions about Alexandria’s debt.

Letter: Where To Spend

Letter to the Editor

A self- congratulatory announcement from the city arrived via e-news about the low interest rates our triple A bond rating has earned us. According to the mayor, it’s all due to good management.

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Alexandria: Luck Be a Lady(burg)

Ladyburg bath and body apothecary opens in Old Town.

For Crystal and Fred Wellman, there was never any doubt that Alexandria is where they were meant to be.

Alexandria: News Briefs

Police Investigate Shooting

he Alexandria Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred in the 1000 block of First Street on Saturday, Aug. 1.

Alexandria: Schedule Changes at DASH

Schedule Changes at DASH

Letter: Deferred CIP Projects

Letter to the Editor

In response to my letter to the editor about the budget that was published last week in the Alexandria Gazette, Councilman Justin Wilson suggested that I was in error concerning the debt guidelines, and that these guidelines had not been altered. Mr. Wilson was indeed correct in that the city did not alter their debt guidelines in order to close the $31 million deficit on the operating budget.

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Alexandria: Help Sought in Missing Person

The Alexandria Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Reyam Abed.

The Alexandria Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Reyam Abed. She was last seen in the 5300 block of Essex Court around 3 p.m. on Aug. 3.

Alexandria: Newest National Landmark

The George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria was named by the National Park Service as one of four newly designated national historic landmarks on Tuesday, Aug. 4.

“The George Washington Masonic National Memorial stands among the most architecturally significant projects to honor George Washington and one of the boldest private efforts to memorialize him.

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Alexandria: Water Taxi Must Go On

Rain or shine.

Blast, blast … BLAST! Captain Alex Skubel is backing out the first water taxi of the day from the Port of Alexandria. "How many on board?"

Letter: City Can Do Better

Letter to the Editor

Over the past few days in our local news, I have read various opinions over an important topic facing our city: Can our city do better? I want to unequivocally state that I know we can do better. That is why I am running for Alexandria City Council. I have enjoyed this recent discussion because quite frankly, vigorous debate is missing from the halls of City Council. When one party controls all the seats on the council, it is far too easy to fall into “group think." Democracy functions best when ideas are thoroughly debated and vetted. When all viewpoints are heard, compromise can lead to great solutions. I call for more rigorous debate when we contemplate the future of our city.

Letter: Overlooked Candidate

Letter to the Editor

While I do not live in Alexandria I was in the west end of the city recently giving a contribution to City Council candidate Monique Miles from my organization, the Virginia Federation of Republican Women. I am sure Herve Aitken [“Is City ‘Well-Run,” letter, July 30-Aug. 5, Gazette Packet] did not mean to slight or forget her as he listed all the other Republicans in the race. Ms Miles is a wonderful representative on my organization

Letter: One Party Rule

Letter to the Editor

It’s difficult to understand the response of some of our local politicians to the voting outcome that put Allison Silberberg in the running to be the next mayor of Alexandra. Unless it’s just a knee jerk reaction to losing absolute power and absolute control … the greatest danger of one-party rule. And unlike the two-party madness across the river, our council and mayor have reacted most violently against their own residents. By exercising super majority votes that despite public discussion are set in advance.

Letter: Hearing from The President

Letter to the Editor

It isn't often that one receives an invitation to join the President of the United States on a conference call. Grassroots leaders, activists and many organizers around the country got to hear the President discuss an issue about which so many are concerned: The P5 +1 nuclear deal with Iran and what it means for our country and international communities throughout the world.

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Column: A Junior View of Senior Services

Commentary

When I began my internship at the Senior Services of Alexandria, I only really knew about the Meals on Wheels program, which I had volunteered at with my mom when I was much younger.

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Alexandria: Summer Crew Season Ends with Racing in Old Town

Rowing competition brings hundreds to the waterfront.

The Old Town waterfront came alive with hard-fought competition on Saturday morning, Aug. 1, as the Alexandria summer rowers competed in the Blue Plains Sprints, the annual end-of-season competition.

Letter: No Reason for Write-In

Letter to the Editor

If you live in affordable or low income housing, why would you possibly write-in a vote for the mayor? Under his leadership the AHRA housing stock has plummented in favor of market rate housing and soon gobs of relatively speaking, "affordable housing" apartments will soon go bye-bye in the Beauregard corridor and likely Arlandria. In a couple of years when the Waterfront is redeveloped, we'll have more tourists flocking to Old Town and the residents won't be able to leave their homes for fear of not being able to park unless they are lucky enough to have a driveway.