Tuesday, March 31
Police Captain Graduates from FBI Academy
Captain Graham H. McGowan is the Fairfax County Police Department’s latest graduate of the FBI’s National Academy, which has just completed its 259th session.
Girl Scouts Troop 3651 Raise Money for Honor Flights
Film and presentations explain the importance of getting veterans to Washington D.C. to see their monuments.
Girl Scout Troop 3651 organized a screening of the moving Honor Flight, and invited two World War II veterans, Howard Jester and George Hanna, to speak to the audience after the film.
Friday, March 27
Editorial: Good, Bad and Ugly
A look at recently ended session of the Virginia General Assembly.
The 2015 session of the Virginia General Assembly came to an end last week, and some of the biggest news was about what it did not do.
Thursday, March 26
Letter: Too Much Talk of Lawsuits
Letter to the Editor
Can you believe it? Mayor Euille has declared another legal war.
Leibig of Alexandria Teaches Digital Evidence in Jamaica
Local attorney to lecture in Wales and Canada later this year.
In the fifth in a series of lectures at foreign law schools, local attorney and former Alexandria public defender Chris Leibig traveled to Kingston, Jamaica to speak at the Norman Manley Law School about digital evidence.
Column: Alexandria Recreation Center, Twist to St. Paddy’s Day
Commentary
The City of Alexandria’s Nannie J. Lee Memorial Recreation Center rocked the green on St. Patrick’s Day. From little leprechauns in tutus, green eggs and nuggets, not ham, marshmallows dripped in green chocolate and green popcorn, participants from Youth Achieving Greatness put a twist into St. Paddy’s Day.
Letter: Next Journey for Seaport Foundation
Letter to the Editor
Tucked away in Robinson Terminal Warehouse, where they have been building boats and changing lives, the Alexandria Seaport Foundation has been part of lower Duke Street’s landscape for over 10 years. Graham Holdings Company, landlord to ASF, has been helping the Foundation prepare financially for the move over the past year. ASF will relocate at the end of March to the James McIlhenny Seaport Center, its handcrafted timber frame perched along the Potomac River, adjacent to Founders Park.
Letter: Still Much To Be Done
Letter to the Editor
On behalf of Virginia Fair Share, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the City Council of Alexandria.
Letter: Thanks from The Ballyshaners
Letter to the Editor
The Ballyshaners enjoyed hosting our 34th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in Alexandria on March 7.
Letter: Is Safety A Priority?
Letter to the Editor
As most of us know, the three basic tenants of local government are the health, welfare and safety of its residents.
Column: Filling the Gap
Why should young people volunteer? Isn't that something only seniors do? Not at all. Young people who volunteer gain valuable insight into the inner workings of their communities and are able to obtain a wider perspective by supporting the diverse missions of nonprofit organizations. Volunteering is more than just a few hours of free labor; it's an opportunity for networking, skill building and individual growth.
Column: Senior Services of Alexandria Introduce New Program for Seniors: ‘Groceries to Go’
Senior Services of Alexandria has a new service for seniors as part of its Senior Nutrition Program called "Groceries to Go." This service is for seniors 60 and over who live in the City of Alexandria and have a difficult time grocery shopping on their own.
Column: Working Together for the Alexandria Community
Commentary
On Wednesday, March 25, the Alexandria Council of Human Service Organizations (ACHSO) released its recently completed report “Meeting Needs Today: A Needs Assessment of the Alexandria Human Services System” — an update of the last needs assessment in 2008. This is the second in a series of studies commissioned by ACHSO following last year’s “Return on Investment: Alexandria Nonprofit Impact Report.” Both studies can be downloaded at: www.achsova.org.
Obituary: William Anderson Payne
Obituary
William Anderson Payne, 93, a native Alexandrian, died Friday, March 13, 2015. He retired from Southern Railway after 42 years of service, was an active member of The Fraternal Order of Eagles and was a member of the Andrew Jackson Lodge #120, A.F.&A.M.
Obituary: Michael Graves
Obituary
The architect and designer of the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library, Michael Graves, died from natural causes on March 12, 2015.
Obituary: Gloria June Miles Hanback
Obituary
On March 20, 2015, Alexandria lost one of its long-time residents.
Norfolk: Transloading Changes
By letter on March 19, Norfolk Southern Corporation advised the City of Alexandria that it plans to make changes to its ethanol transloading facility in the West End area of Alexandria.
News Brief: Arrest in 7-11 Robbery
The Alexandria Police Department arrested a 30-year-old Washington D.C. man on March 18 for a robbery that occurred at the 7-11 convenience store located in the 4600 block of Kenmore Avenue on Dec. 11, 2014. He is currently awaiting extradition from Washington D.C.
Brief: Quintanilla Sentenced To Serve 21 Years
On March 19, in the Alexandria Circuit Court, Jose M. Quintanilla, 44, was sentenced on one count of forcible sodomy, two counts of aggravated sexual battery, three counts of production of child pornography, two counts of possession of child pornography and two counts of indecent liberties with a minor.
Alexandria: Negotiation for Budget Funds
Schools and city clash over continued budget gap.
The deadline for proposing a tax rate increase for fiscal year 2016 passed on March 17 without any update from the city, meaning the funding in the current budget is all of the funding that will be available. For Alexandria police officers and city employees, that means a pay increase and additional career opportunities inside their departments. For Alexandria public schools, who were hoping a last minute decision to raise the tax rate might be enough to cover the $3 million gap between the school’s budget and the city manager’s proposed budget, the news means budget discussions between now and May are going to be tense.
Mt. Vernon: NOVA's Scholarships Provide Security Net
In 2011, Mount Vernon resident Dr. Glenn B. Fatzinger and his daughter Jennifer created a pair of scholarships to memorialize their wife and mother Harriet H. Fatzinger. Harriet was an elder and chair of the Congregational Care Council at Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church, where she helped co-founded a regular Friday-night fellowship program called Agape Reservoir that continues to serve individuals with special needs in the Mount Vernon Area.
Alexandria: Defending Champion T.C. Williams Titans Looking for Offense
T.C. Williams must find way to score without standout Williamson.
Late in Tuesday's match against Centreville, Sebastian Hendi thought back to last season, when the T.C. Williams boys’ soccer team would blast the ball ahead to Eryk Williamson and let the talented striker do what he does best: put the ball in the net and help the Titans win.
Wednesday, March 25
Alexandria: Defending Champion Titans Looking for Offense
T.C. Williams boys' soccer must find way to score without standout Williamson.
The T.C. Williams boys' soccer team has a different look following its state championship run in 2014.
Virginia Bronze In Concert
Virginia Bronze performed to a crowd of more than 200 at the Masonic Auditorium on King Street on Sunday, March 17.
Marking International Women’s Day in Alexandria
Ten Thousand VIllages sales benefit Alexandria’s domestic abuse program.
Thirteen-year-old Sage Boucher knew it was International Women’s Day on March 8. She alerted her family to the fact when she checked her social media in the morning: “Tumblr had it, and I always check Google graphics first thing because if something is going on, the graphic will hint at it.” They were going to get cupcakes to celebrate.
Column: Mentor of The Month
Commentary
“I hate it. I don’t want to read it anymore.” That was Arianna’s first reaction to “Runny Babbit” by Shel Silverstein.
Elizabeth Kluegel and Lewis Freeman In Concert
Elizabeth Kluegel and Lewis Freeman sing Donizetti: Don Pasquale duet, at the Rock Spring Concert series on Feb. 8 entitled “What is This Thing Called Love?"
Alexandria: Getting Ready for Best Bib & Tucker Ball
This year the Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Society is putting on Gadsby’s Best Bib & Tucker Ball - Black & White Masquerade on Saturday, April 11. The term Best Bib and Tucker refers to one’s best clothes and was first used in 1747 in the translation of the Marquis d'Argens' “New Memoirs Establishing a True Knowledge of Mankind:” "The Country-woman minds nothing on Sundays so much as her best Bib and Tucker."
Alexandria Delays, Costs In Severance Trial
Motions and delays continued in the ongoing pre-trial for Charles Severance, accused of three murders in Alexandria.
Notes from the Producer: ‘The Island’ Returns to MetroStage.
I have wanted to bring “The Island” back to our stage since 1991 when it was first produced in our little storefront on Duke Street. Original cast member Doug Brown has returned to the role of Winston 24 years later. In the theatre, time really does fly.
Pennies for Patients: Alexandria's MacArthur students raise $8,443.17.
MacArthur students raise $8,443.17.
With the support of family, friends, and teachers, the students of Douglas MacArthur Elementary were able to raise $8,443.17 during their three-week Pennies for Patients campaign. MacArthur students collected pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters to benefit the work of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
People at Work: A Day of Cleaning Teeth
A Day of Cleaning Teeth — and bringing down blood pressure.
"Open wide." Sidney Siewert offers her patient sunglasses because the light is bright and “so that the minty grit doesn't get in her eyeballs.” Siewert is a dental hygienist for Dr. Daniel Cassidy on Duke Street. She begins with a periodontal exam. "I'm checking her gums. We do this every couple of years so we can keep track of patterns." Cassidy stops by for a short chat. "How are her gums?" So far, so good. Siewert proceeds to the scaling of Tiny Colby's teeth that she says takes most of the hour appointment. "This is to clean the tartar from the teeth," Siewert said.
Alexandria: Fighting Fires Without Firefighters
Fire Station 210: No firefighters until 2016?
Fire Station 210 is one of the newest and nicest buildings around the Van Dorn Metro area. It is full three-story building with four operation bays and a training tower. Except it doesn’t have any firefighters. Currently the facility is staffed by emergency medical technicians. Acting City Manager Mark Jinks said that, while the original plan was to have the facility be fully staffed by the end of 2015, “that process could be pushed back to the end of 2016.”
Alexandria: Fun with 18th Century Science
The Virginia Society for the Promotion of Useful Knowledge met on Sunday, March 22, at the Apothecary Shop in Alexandria. The society is led by science educator and living history instructor Dean Howarth and is comprised of students attending McLean High School. Each student studies the life and work of an 18th century thinker and reenacts that individual.
Alexandria: Making 19,970 Packets — and Saving Lives
Temple Beth El hosts rehydration packet project.
“At my table this morning there was a massage therapist from Old Town; he came with a girl who had just been accepted to medical school,” said Dave Ingold, a volunteer from Emmanuel on the Hill Church who had been there all day.
Column: Health Matters More
I realize money doesn’t buy happiness, although I wouldn’t mind renting it.
Fairfax County Town Hall Budget Meeting Scheduled in Franconia
Supervisor Jeff McKay (D-Lee) and Fairfax County School Board chairman Tammy Derenak-Kaufax were scheduled host one of the last town hall meetings for the advertised FY2016 county budget on March 25 at the Franconia Governmental Center in Alexandria.
Tuesday, March 24
Virginia Housing Expo Draws Crowds
Home-ownership, rental opportunities and related services dominate the event at Herndon High.
“Those most in need of these services and resources benefit the most when we can bring so many providers and organizations together in this one-stop shop format.”
Letter: A Cornerstone in Danger
Letter to the Editor:
We are a community that values education. We’re known nationwide for our world-class education system. And for good reason: with outstanding teachers, motivated students, and active leadership, we have every right to take pride in the top-tier education that our community has asked for.
Friday, March 20
First Meeting Scheduled for Ad Hoc Police Commission
With endorsement, albeit non-unanimous, from the Board of Supervisors, the ad hoc commission organized by Board Chairman Sharon Bulova to review Fairfax County Police Department practices will hold its first meeting March 23.
Special Enrollment Period for Affordable Care Act Open
NVFS and Healthworks are resources for area residents through April 30.
Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) will be providing free enrollment assistance and educational material to Virginia families and individuals that qualify for the Affordable Care Act Special Enrollment Period from March 15-April 30.
Alexandria/Mt Vernon Weekend Entertainment: 03/20/15
Thursday-Saturday/March 19-21
Thursday, March 19
Alexandria Home Sales: February, 2015
In February, 2015, 138 Alexandria homes sold between $4,020,000-$119,900.
Alexandria Home Sales: February, 2015
People At Work: ‘Have To Choose To Believe’
McCoart and Brock minister at Emmanuel Episcopal.
The Rev. Charles C. McCoart Jr. (Chuck) tosses a dog treat to Brock, his 120-pound German shepherd, takes a final gulp of diet soda and slips the Lenten purple stoll over his white robe. This is the Second Sunday of Lent and the Family Service at Emmanuel Episcopal Church on Russell Road where McCoart has been since June 2013. He has welcomed 55 new families into the church since then. He says today there will be a children's message where he will compare a climbing wall that has handholds and footholds to what it is like following God — ascending higher — sometimes it's scary, sometimes it's tiring or exciting but it's worth it in the end.
Alexandria: Aldersgate Stages "Pride and Prejudice"
Presents Jane Austen's tale of manners, love and misunderstanding in class-conscious England.
Aldersgate Church Community Theater (ACCT) is putting on "Pride and Prejudice," Jane Austen's classic tale of manners, love and misunderstanding in class-conscious England in the early 19th century. Directed by Mary Ayala-Bush, the show runs through March 29.
Alexandria: Developing in the City
One hotel property opens, another remains stalled.
While developments at one Carr hotel property in Alexandria remains stalled due to an impending decision by Virginia’s Supreme Court, another Carr property opened across town.
Alexandria Police Briefs: 03/19/15
A young man was found dead in the 2800 block of Park Center Drive. The 17-year-old male was found discovered at 7:45 a.m. on March 13 in a back corner of a local apartment complex.
Mount Vernon: BI Girls’ Lax Now 'The Hunted'
Defending Champion BI Girls’ Lax open seasons with win over Georgetown Visitation.
After a three-goal performance against Georgetown Visitation on Tuesday, including the game-winner with 5:44 remaining, Bishop Ireton senior Kelly Mathews tried to describe the difference between the Cardinals’ outlook in 2014, and how they approach things now after winning WCAC and state championships last season.
Hawkins Steps Down From Alexandria EDP
Landrum named acting CEO.
Val Hawkins, credited with luring the National Science Foundation Headquarters away from its longtime home in Ballston, stepped down effective March 15 as president and CEO of the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership.
There’s No Place Like Home, Alexandria
Carroll takes the helm at Inova Alexandria.
When Susan Turner Carroll, the recently named CEO of Inova Alexandria Hospital, says she is from Alexandria, she means it.
Alexandria: IB to the Rescue?
Jefferson-Houston to expand International Baccalaureate program.
Alexandria’s unaccredited Jefferson-Houston elementary and middle school is expanding its International Baccalaureate (IB) program to the full school in hopes of reforming the school’s image. Jefferson-Houston will be the first and only school in the Alexandria school system to have a full International Baccalaureate program.
Alexandria: Waterfront Developer Muddies Public Relations
Residents, council members disparage company’s email.
A select group of Waterfront residents received an unexpected email from EYA, the developer currently set to redevelop the Robinson Terminal South site.
Barging In On the Alexandria Waterfront
Contractor gives residents and developers assessment of haul route options.
Construction is a dirty business. During the redevelopment of the current Robinson Terminal South site, 15,000 cubic yards of dirt will have to be brought to the site to raise it above flood level, and then 55,000 cubic yards will have to be removed to facilitate construction of an underground parking garage.
West Potomac Cadet CSM Kelia Aardema Wins "Commander's Award"
West Potomac Cadet CSM Kelia Aardema
Column: Family Matters, Prevent Colon Cancer for Self and Loved Ones
Commentary
It may never feel like a “good time” to have a colonoscopy. You might have already used the excuse that the preparation day before a colonoscopy is unpleasant and cuts into your busy schedule — and then you put it off another year. But momentary discomfort or inconvenience is a small price to pay for saving your life.
Alexandria: 2015 Generation to Generation Gala
Senior Services of Alexandria hosted its annual Generation to Generation Gala on Feb. 28 at the Mark Hilton Hotel.
Obituary: Larry Myron Wheeler
Obituary
Larry Myron Wheeler, Lt. Col USMC (Ret. Reserves), died March 5, 2015 at Hospice Savannah.
Column: The Buck Stops with Us
Commentary
Earlier this month, I was one of a group of teachers who met with senators on the Hill to weigh-in on the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind also known as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).
Column: Young at Heart, Rebuilding Together Alexandria
Commentary
We spend a lot of our time helping limited income elderly and disabled residents remain homeowners. By making repairs and upgrades to their homes, we are able to keep homes safer, healthier and more affordable for aging seniors so they can remain in them.
Obituary: Julia Anne Perry Pattie
Obituary
Julia Anne Perry Pattie, age 103, of Alexandria, died March 11, 2015. She was born May 16, 1911 in Orange, Va., to Frank B. Perry and Lula Inez Perry.
Letter: Leadership Suggestion
Letter to the Editor
I am somewhat elated and thankful for the letter printed Feb. 5, "Don't Complain, Help Fix," responding to an earlier letter printed Jan. 29, "Vision for the City" regarding our acting city manager Mark Jinks.
Letter: Thank You, Mr. McLean
Letter to the Editor
The following letter is addressed to Alexandria resident Scott McLean.
Letter: TC Field Lights Still a Bad Idea
Letter to the Editor
Over the last year, the Alexandria School Board and concerned citizens have spent a great deal of time in trying to investigate and comment on this issue.
Letter: United We Win, Divided We Fail
Letter to the Editor
William Goff hit a homerun in my eyes when he pointed out in his letter that we are losing neighborhood battles one by one because we’re only seeing these issues through local eyes rather than being proud of and caring for all of Alexandria. Bill Euille ran on a “One Alexandria” mantra, but since then it’s been anything but one Alexandria.
Letter: We’re in Trouble
Letter to the Editor
Uh oh. We’re in trouble. All three Democratic contenders for mayor believe a new metro is necessary.
Column: The Top 20: A 2015 Legislative Summary – Part II
Commentary
This is Part II of my column regarding the Top 20 legislative highlights from the 2015 General Assembly session. Last week, I discussed the top 7. Here are the rest.
Letter: Be Part of the Solution
Letter to the Editor
The schools in the Mount Vernon and Lee communities are scheduled to receive $150 million worth of renovations and facility improvements over the next five years.
Homeowner Shoots Burglary Suspect in Mount Vernon area of Alexandria
Charges are pending an investigation for a 27-year-old northern Virginia man who was shot while allegedly attempting to enter a private residence on the 5700 block of Lenore Lane in Alexandria, according to Fairfax County Police.
Wednesday, March 18
Where are Fort Hunt Spanish Immersion graduates now?
Many graduates of the Fort Hunt Spanish immersion program have continued learning the language through middle and high school. Some have gone on to study abroad in Spanish language countries, while others found the language to be helpful in their careers.
Mount Vernon: FHES Spanish Immersion Program Marks 25th Anniversary
From the Fort Hunt Elementary School PTA’s bi-weekly publication, El Zorro.
Over the past two-and-a-half decades, about 1,000 Fort Hunt students have moved on from their primary schooling years having learned more than just the three Rs. They also came away speaking Spanish.
Surovell Kicks Off Senate Campaign
Mount Vernon residents Lyn Snodgrass, Alan Edelstein and Jim Seeley engaged Del. Scott Surovell (D-44) in a banquet room of The Landing restaurant in Woodbridge.
Letter: Hold WMATA Board Accountable
Letter to the Editor
The Washington Metropolitan Transportation Authority (WMATA) which runs Metrorail and Metrobus recently called off its executive director search after three finalists withdrew and the board deadlocked over priorities in the face of continuing fare hikes, deteriorating service and deadly safety lapses.
Obituary: Laurel Schultz
Obituary
Laurel Schultz, 67, died March 14, 2015. She was born in Barbourville, Ky., but lived in Alexandria most of her life. She was a popular hair stylist for many years, working at Twisters Salon the past 23 years.
Alexandria: Bishop Ireton Girls’ Lax Now ‘The Hunted’
Cardinals open season with win over Georgetown Visitation.
The Bishop Ireton girls' lacrosse team defeated Georgetown Visitation 11-9 on Tuesday.
Column: Money Matters
It always does, and there always are; especially if you have to work for a living and cancer is a part of that living.
Tuesday, March 17
The Right Fit: Choosing a Summer Camp
How parents can ensure positive summer experiences for their children.
Though the official start of spring is still days away and the frigidity of winter is still recent on the minds of many, Janelle Wright, a Potomac, Md., mother of two, has already mapped out the summer for her children.
Editorial: On Police Information and Secrecy
Time for change in public access to police information.
The first meeting of the Fairfax County Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission will take place next Monday, March 23, and it comes with hope for real change.
Friday, March 13
Alexandria Real Estate: Top Sales in January, 2015
In January 2015, 126 Alexandria homes sold between $2,700,000-$127,000.
Alexandria Real Estate: Top Sales in January, 2015
TC Trio Competes at State Gymnastics Meet
Three members of the T.C. Williams gymnastics team received the opportunity to compete in the VHSL individual state meet as alternates on March 8 at Patriot High School.
New York Bound
Negro Ensemble Company selects local playwright.
Alexandria resident and playwright McKenya Dilworth will be one step closer to realizing some of her biggest dreams on Sunday, March 29.
Celebrating the Persian New Year
The Nowruz Festival will be held March 15 at John Carlyle Square Park in Alexandria.
Following 3,000 years of customs and traditions, the colorful Nowruz Festival — the Persian New Year celebration — will be held Sunday, March 15 at the John Carlyle Square Park near the King Street Metro in Alexandria.
Obituary: Mary Ellen Feeney
Mary Ellen Feeney, a fourth generation Alexandrian, passed away peacefully March 9, 2015, in her home of 64 years on Richmond Lane. She was 89.
Sports Briefs: Track 03/11/15
The T.C. Williams boys' indoor track team won the state championship on Monday and Tuesday at the Boo Williams Sportsplex in Hampton.
Column: Small Step on Long Road to Ethics Reform
Virginians deserve to know that their leaders are ethical and honest, both from their actions and the rules that govern those actions. For the second year in a row, the General Assembly has taken a small step in the right direction, but our Commonwealth needs real and substantive change.
Inside the Police Academy
Local police officers, deputy sheriffs gain perspective at the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy.
One of the doors in the regional law enforcement training academy opens to the view of a run-down apartment interior.
Congressman Beyer Visits T.C. Williams High School
T.C. Williams High School Student Peter Eckel quietly confided that when he wrote the email to his congressman’s office, it was originally as a joke.
Chamber Hosts Legislative Breakfast
Officials discuss top state, local issues.
The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce hosted members of City Council and the Virginia General Assembly at its annual Legislative Breakfast March 10 at the Hotel Monaco.
Let It Snow: Mail Carrier
Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night keeps Liz Garcia from the completion of her appointed rounds.
First Shots Fired in Mayoral Race
Democratic candidates define their issues.
With campaigns kicking off in late February and early March, the mayoral election season has begun in Alexandria.
Bishop Ireton Senior In All-Star Game
Senior Ice Hockey Captain, Ryan Scott, represented the Bishop Ireton Cardinals at the 2015 Northern Virginia Scholastic Hockey League (NVSHL) All-Star Game on Feb. 18 at the Ashburn Ice House.
Hunting Potholes: If residents call, city will fix them.
How To Help: Call Click Connect hotline at 703-746-4357 to report potholes.
As many Alexandrians would likely attest, 2015’s February was the coldest the city has faced since 1979.
Letter: Business As Usual?
Letter to the Editor
So you want to be elected/re-elected to Alexandria Council and Mayor.
Letter: Taking Control
Letter to the Editor
Several months ago I wrote an article in this publication asking “Who are the constituents of our law making body, the City Council?”
Letter: Milestone for Folk Music
Letter to the Editor
Focus Alexandria is one of the many arts providers in Alexandria that fly under the radar screen.
Alexandria News Briefs: 03/11/15
City Council will hold a special public hearing to discuss the proposed $647.9 million operating budget and $815 million All Funds budget.
Salute to Women Awards
Eleven women will be recognized for their accomplishments in civic life at the Alexandria’s Commission for Women’s 35th Annual Salute to Women Awards.
Mount Vernon Fire Reports
Smoking Materials Cause House Fire
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded to a house fire on Feb. 18, at approximately 8:30 p.m., in the Alexandria area of Fairfax County. The single-family home is located at 9005 Chickawane Court.
Obituary: Maurice Bernard Silverman
Obituary
Born June 17, 1923, at 1424 Crotona Park East, Bronx, N.Y., to Roumanian immigrants Meyer and Bessie Itzkowitz Silverman, Maurice Bernard Silverman died March 4, 2015.
Obituary: Claire Louise Gregory
Obituary
Claire Gregory, a passionate defender of human rights, longtime Alexandria resident and ardent Cubs fan, died Jan. 21, 2015 at the age of 54.
Letter: It’s One Alexandria
Letter to the Editor
Frankly I am tired of reading the letters to the editors in the local newspapers each week dragging myself through all the “City Council does nothing right” screeds.
Mount Vernon Author Pens ‘Presidents in Crisis’
Michael Bohn applies his first-hand experience in the White House.
The first time Mount Vernon author Michael K. Bohn put his pen to paper, it wasn’t to draft one of his six books.
United Community Ministries Names Officers
United Community Ministries (UCM) elected new officers and five new directors at its annual meeting in December. Officers elected for 2015 are: Christiane Gigi Hyland, Esq., board chair; Charles O’Connor, vice chair; Joseph Conti, treasurer; and Janet Heddesheimer, secretary. Joining the UCM board are: Abigail Arms, Diane Brooks, Suzy Coffey, Claudia Creo, and Kenneth Disselkoen. The new members joined the board as Charles King, 2014 vice chair, retired from service.
Matching Students with Tutors
Building Better Futures at TC.
The bell rings at 3:15 pm, reverberating off the hallways. School is out at T.C. Williams High School, and a few students start filtering into the library for tutoring assistance under the Building Better Futures (BBF) program supported since its inception in 2003 by the Campagna Center.
Thursday, March 12
Home Improvements Earn Remodeling Awards
Four Sun Design remodeling projects named Washington-area “Contractor of the Year” winners.
It’s been a good year for Sun Design Remodeling. In January, the full-service design/build remodeler won four “Contractor of the Year” awards from the Washington, D.C. chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). Then, in February, an already locally-honored gourmet kitchen was named category best (“kitchen above $150k”) in the 10-state southeastern region.
Luxury Apartments Popping Up All Over Northern Virginia
Renters want resort-like amenities and access to transportation.
After a long, hard day at work, Jordan Coleman comes home to a large apartment with modern amenities, including a 24-hour concierge, ample living space, a state–of-the-art fitness center and a pool. The apartment features high-end appliances and finishes as well as an open, flowing layout and large walk-in closets. Coleman – a lawyer and Capitol Hill staffer – shares the pricey rent with a friend. The complex is owned by Avalon, which has properties in Arlington, Fairfax, Herndon, Falls Church, Tysons Corner and Vienna, Virginia, as well as Bethesda, Maryland, and Washington.
Historic Virginia in Gardens
This year’s tour includes a rare private look at special properties in Fairfax County, Old Town Alexandria and Leesburg.
The Virginia Historic Garden Tour is an 8-day event that stretches across the Commonwealth. Each spring visitors are welcomed to over 250 of Virginia's most beautiful gardens, homes and historic landmarks.
Centreville Clock Tower Thrift Shop Now Offering Consignment
Northern Virginia Family Service is now offering furniture consignment at its Clock Tower Thrift Shop in Centreville at 6301 Centreville Crest Lane, between Advance Auto Parts and Minnieland Academy.
Telegraph Road Widening Completed in Alexandria
Though the morning of the ribbon-cutting was damp and chilly, Supervisor Jeff McKay (D-Lee) said he was thankful the ceremony was scheduled for Wednesday rather than Thursday.
Wednesday, March 11
Alexandria Welcomes Zombie Apocalypse Survivors
The mayor welcomed Rick Grimes and others from the AMC show “The Walking Dead” to the city. Grimes entered the city on March 1 and has expressed an interest in joining local law enforcement. In the show, based on a comic series by Robert Kirkman, Alexandria is a safe-zone relatively protected from apocalyptic horrors.
Hunting Alexandria's Potholes
Over the winter, Alexandria received 18 inches of snow, higher than the 15 inch average, which has also left Alexandria with larger than average potholes.
Congressman in the Alexandria Classroom
After student inquiry, Beyer visits T.C. Williams High School.
T.C. Williams High School Student Peter Eckel quietly confided that when he wrote the email to his congressman’s office, it was originally as a joke. He hadn’t expected a response, and certainly didn’t expect Representative Don Beyer to show up at his school on March 10 to give his class and other students a brief explanation of life in Congress and answer their questions.
National Honor for Alexandria Educator
Ana Bonilla-Galdamez named National Social Worker of the Year
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has selected Alexandria Social Worker Bonilla-Galdamez at the recipient of its 2014 National Social Worker of the Year.
Column: How Lucky Am I
You’ll note there’s no question mark after the “I.”
Paving the Way in Alexandria
Basketball pioneer Earl Lloyd dies at 86
When Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier in 1947, he did it under the glare of a national spotlight. Three years later, on a snowy evening in 1950, a similar but quieter revolution took place when a black man stepped onto a court in Rochester, N.Y., marking the first time an African American had played for an NBA team. That man was Earl Lloyd.
Presenting 5th Season of the Hammond Hammerheads in Alexandria
The Hammond Hammerheads joined blues artist and musician Curtis Blues for a musical assembly and concert on Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 25 at the middle school.
Thursday, March 5
Rising Hope Mission Church in Mount Vernon Hosts Nightly Shelters
At 7 p.m. doors to Rising Hope Mission Church open for guests to sign in. Promptly at 7:10, volunteers begin serving dinner. On a chilly, rainy, mid-December night, the volunteers from Aldersgate United Methodist Church prepare beef steak with gravy, beans and corn for about 20 homeless individuals.
Fairfax County hosts first Inmate Resource Fair.
They’re hoping the third time will be a charm: 34-year-old Demeterius Spann of the Richmond Highway area of Alexandria and 29-year-old Nydale Sheppard of Reston have each been incarcerated three times.
1965 Luther Jackson graduates from Springfield and Alexandria remember the county’s only African American high school.
Florence King was pretty impressed with her school bus driver. The Alexandria resident grew up on Old Telegraph Road and rode the bus to both Drew Smith Elementary School in Gum Springs and Luther Jackson High School, prior to desegregation. King graduated from Luther Jackson in 1965.
Wednesday, March 4
Duncan Visits Patrick Henry Pre-K
Students in Patrick Henry Elementary School’s pre-kindergarten were building with their blocks and learning how to write letters when their Feb. 25 morning was interrupted by a room full of men and women in suits.
Column: General Assembly Adjourns Sine Die
Commentary
The 2015 session of the General Assembly has officially adjourned. Bills I introduced that now await Governor McAuliffe's signature include legislation on issues from job placement and hospital patients' rights to tax refunds and ethics reform.
Column: Sole-Searching
There’s no denying the emotional fact that the CT Scan results I received and wrote about last week were a bit of a disappointment.
Duncan Visits Alexandria's Patrick Henry Pre-K
Secretary of Education and others express support for Alexandria’s early childhood development.
In a crowded corner of the Patrick Henry Elementary School Library, Duncan heaped praise on Patrick Henry Elementary School’s pre-kindergarten education program while expressing his frustrations at a nationwide lack of similar programs.
Alexandria Budget Winners and Losers
Acting city manager presents budget proposal to City Council
When Acting City Manager Mark Jinks presented Alexandria City Council with the $647.9 million proposed budget, the generally positive reception was tempered with the knowledge that many departments would not be receiving the funding they had requested.