Thursday, November 26
“Fairfax County’s Founding Fathers” Revisited at History Conference
The 11th annual Fairfax County History Conference was held Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Sherwood Community Center in Fairfax, titled “Fairfax County’s Founding Fathers - Part I.”
Classified Advertising November 25, 2015
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Wednesday, November 25
Alexandria: Bishop Ireton Football Loses in State Championship Game
Cardinals fall to Benedictine in second straight state final.
The Bishop Ireton football team lost to Benedictine 35-6 on Saturday.
Tuesday, November 24
Editorial: Celebrate, Shop, Dine Locally
Every day can be “small business day.”
There is a joy to participating in community traditions and celebrations during the holidays, from walking along a sidewalk with the streets decked out for the holidays, to shopping in local stores, to being greeted by someone likely to be the owner of the store, to finding gifts that are not mass-produced
Transportation Strategy Update Launched
NVTA launches work on a six-year TransAction program.
Members of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) chose an appropriate location to announce the launch of the organization’s TransAction update efforts last week.
Creating Great Families Through Adoption
More than 800 children in foster care in Virginia are ready and waiting to be adopted.
November is National Adoption Awareness Month. With that in mind, meet two families expanded through adoption; two families whose kids describe their family as "awesome."
860 Virginia Children Need Homes
“Parental rights terminated.” “Available for adoption.” “Floundering in an imperfect system.” These words describe many children who are currently living in foster care in Virginia.
Alexandria: Del Ray Celebrates 40th Turkey Trot
Defending champions Michael Wardian and Susanna Sullivan will return to Del Ray Nov. 26 in an attempt to defend their titles in the 40th anniversary of the Alexandria Turkey Trot.
Alexandria: TSA Move’s Insecurity
In the middle of a year of ups, the latest down came as a bit of a shock to the Eisenhower Partnership.
Alexandria Brief: Redistricting Pushed Back
The redistricting of Alexandria’s Public Schools, originally slated to go into effect for the 2016-2017 school year, may be delayed until the 2017-2018 school year.
Alexandria: The Gospel of the Berg
Neighborhood gathers in prayer for victims of violence.
The courtyards of the Berg neighborhood were busy late on Nov. 20 with chants of “Victory is Mine.” More than 50 residents and visitors came together to honor the local victims of violence, with more filtering in as the night went on.
Alexandria: Legacy of Euille
A celebration of accomplishments.
Over the last 12 years in office, Mayor William Euille has won a fair share of friends, and they nearly all showed up to the Mayor’s Legacy Reception at the Carlyle Club on Nov. 23.
Alexandria People at Work: Owens Found His Passion
It was the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Justin Owens, butcher and one of the managers at Society Fair, said, "Today starts the crazy four days. People woke up this morning and realized Thursday is Thanksgiving and we have been getting panicked phone calls asking if it is too late to order their Thanksgiving dinners."
Letter: Easing Congestion
Letter to the Editor
Every afternoon, Route 1 traffic is generally backed up at Henry Street, which is a one way road going south.
Letter: Thanksgiving in Virginia
Letter to the Editor
Virginians can rightly claim our forebears first celebrated and established the custom of celebrating Thanksgiving on these shores.
Letter: Tour Bus Issue
Letter to the Editor
I recently was a houseguest on the 200 block of S. Lee Street in Alexandria.
Letter: Correct Totals
Letter to the Editor
I appreciate your running my letter making sense of the statistics and I know how hard it is to transcribe from my handwritten letters.
Letter: Major Events Need Parking
Letter to the Editor
Today I am writing in reference to our newest school building. The building that was built to hold more than 700 students.
Alexandria: Annual Holiday Door Decorating Judging
An Old Town tradition will get underway the week of Dec. 6, when residents of the Old and Historic District of Alexandria will display their holiday spirit on their doors and a team of judges from the Old Town Walled Garden Club will select the winners of the 48th Annual Holiday Door Decorating Contest.
Alexandria: Soul Providers
SSA volunteers honored.
Senior Services of Alexandria held its Volunteer Appreciation luncheon Nov. 12 at the Durant Center, recognizing volunteers from across the city and honoring individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the well-being of seniors through SSA programs.
Alexandria: ‘La Dolce Vita’
AHA honors senior advocate Sultane.
Senior advocate Amber Nightingale Sultane, state associate director for AARP Virginia, was presented with the Community Spirit award by At Home in Alexandria at the organization’s fourth annual benefit Nov. 8 at Laporta’s Restaurant.
Thanksgiving in Alexandria
Please pass the Jollof Rice, injera, shiro,and turkey.
Kadijatu “Katie” Sesay has been in the U.S. for 12 years. She is a nursing student at Chamberlain College of Nursing in Arlington and lives in Alexandria.
Column: Morning Mindfulness and Gratitude
Commentary
Mindfulness is a serious discipline for me. It’s hard work and I can only manage it for a little while at a time. I try to be aware of the many, many technologies in my life, some small, others big, things I could not begin to replicate on my own.
For Alexandria's Buzz Bakeshop, Fresh New Season
Maggie Austin takes helm as culinary director of newly renovated Buzz Bakeshop.
There’s a new buzz at Buzz these days.
Quiet Riot: ‘C’mon Feel the Noise’
County passes new noise ordinance, will revisit effectiveness in 18 months.
The Board of Supervisors is at peace with the county’s new Noise Ordinance.
Thursday, November 19
Classified Advertising November 18, 2015
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Letter: Appreciating Mayor Euille
Letter to the Editor
Now that the vitriolic Democratic mayoral campaign is over and the leader baton is soon to pass to another, it behooves us all to recognize the extraordinary contribution that Bill Euille has made to the City of Alexandria.
Letter: Superb Prosecution
Letter to the Editor
In support of family and friends, I sat through the Severance trial and came away with impressions that go beyond what has been reported.
Letter: New Mayor, Same Council
Letter to the Editor
It is amazing to me that the residents of Alexandria ousted Mayor Euille only to reelect the same City Council representatives.
Letter: From Vision To Reality
Letter to the Editor
Typically a school system must solely focus on dealing with the latest crisis or simply keeping everything running relatively smoothly.
Letter: Looking at Election Results
Letter to the Editor
On Friday, Nov. 6, the election results were certified and published by Wednesday, Nov. 11. A close look at the election details yields some interesting insights.
Letter: Expect More Cars
Letter to the Editor
The proponents of Potomac Yard are correct that a rapid transit hub is essential to attracting many Class A office tenants and helping to ensure a vibrant mix of uses at Potomac Yard.
Letter: Busing Inconsistency
Letter to the Editor
I am the grandmother and daycare of two children, enrolled at James K. Polk.
Alexandria Brief: Local Teams To Join in 5K
On Sunday, Nov. 22, more than 100 local students from 8 Alexandria schools will complete the Girls on the Run 5K presented by Innovation Health. The event is the culmination of a 10-week youth development program designed to help pre-adolescent girls gain important life skills.
Alexandria People at Work: Knowing Customers and Beers
Will Bruder opens a tap at Rustico on Slater Lane. Beer slides down the side of the Pilsner glass. "This is very much a neighborhood beer bar," Bruder said. Eight bar stools are full at 4 p.m. on a Tuesday.
Alexandria: Eisenhower’s Latest Battle
Transportation, development, and questions of authority precede approval of Eisenhower West Small Area Plan.
Eisenhower East is a experiencing a bit of a renaissance. The AMC Hoffman is one of the city’s most popular theaters and hosted the premier of “Mercy Street.”
Lewis: Civil Rights Fight Not Over
Civil Rights icon addresses students for TC’s 50th anniversary.
In the middle of Civil Rights movement, young Americans turned towards civil rights leaders like John Lewis for leadership and advice.
Alexandria: New Faces on School Board Face Old Problems
Newcomers brace for coming budget and redistricting battles.
While incumbents held onto the City Council, the 2015 Alexandria election is bringing some new faces to the Alexandria School Board.
Alexandria: St. Joseph Catholic Church Celebrates Its 100th Anniversary
The Rev. Michael Thompson had a problem. Sunday, Nov. 15, was the 100-year anniversary of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Alexandria.
Alexandria Home Sales: October, 2015
In October, 2015, 171 Alexandria homes sold between $2,100,000-$95,000.
Alexandria Home Sales: October, 2015
Editorial: Holidays Are About Giving
The holidays are about giving, and giving thanks. The holidays are about children and family. The holidays are about sharing, about joy.
Friday, November 13
Alexandria/Arlington: Neighborhood Health Offers Health Care Safety Net
Community health center provides comprehensive primary care, dental care, and behavioral health services.
Dr. Basim Khan walks toward the door of the Casey Clinic of Neighborhood Health in Alexandria’s West End, stopping to greet two of his patients by name: “Hey, how is your foot?”
Thursday, November 12
Meet the Chef: Alexandria's Evening Star Cafe
Menu accesses all flavors in user friendly experience.
"Smell the nutty aroma of the brown butter." Foam quickly bubbles up the sides of the saucepan as Keith Cabot, executive chef at Evening Star Cafe on Mount Vernon, adds the cold liquid to the caramelized hot butter cooked on high heat.
Wednesday, November 11
Letter: Supporting This New Day
Letter to the Editor
Although I will not be one of the Alexandria City Council Members during this next term, I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to the many voters who cast their ballots for me, and who supported me in so many other ways.
Letter: Need Ethics Commission
Letter to the Editor
The single most important lesson to be taken from the Nov. 3 election, it seems to me, is that Allison Silberberg’s message of good governance, transparency and ethical conduct resonated with a lot of people of all political stripes.
Letter: Parsing Democracy
Letter to the Editor
Unless Alexandria drops the at-large voting format for City Council elections, then we must confront the sad phenomenon that our local Democratic Party is frustrating representational democracy.
Letter: Still One-Party Political Machine
Letter to the Editor
Tuesday’s Alexandria elections’ results featured the winning mayoral candidate.
Letter: Prohibit Signs On Public Property
Letter to the Editor
Once again our beautiful City of Alexandria has been defaced by thousands of signs promoting candidates for mayor, City Council, State Senate and state House of Delegates.
Letter: Political Littering
Letter to the Editor
Now that it has been three days since the polls closed for this year’s elctions, it should be extremely embarrassing for all the local candidates that promised to make Alexandria a nicer place to live to see the streets still littered with their campaign signs
Alexandria: T.C. Williams Field Hockey Headed to State Tournament
Titans to face Frank W. Cox in semifinals Friday.
The T.C. Williams field hockey team will play Frank W. Cox in the state semifinals on Friday.
Letter: With Faith, Love and Hope
Letter to the Editor
As often as I have written of Veterans Day, I think of those who not know the reason or understand the meaning of our country honoring veterans on this day.
Classified Advertising November 11, 2015
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Alexandria Snapshot: Story Time Night
Nov. 5 marked the third annual Story Time Night at Stratford Landing Elementary. This free, literacy building event put on by the PTA draws local celebrities as story tellers.
Alexandria Brief: Gateway to Affordable Housing
Currently a strip mall, the 5.3 acre site at the corner of Beauregard and King streets could soon become part of Alexandria’s push to regain affordable housing units.
Alexandria: Residents Oppose Plans To Truck Contaminated Soil
Plans to truck contaminated soil face pushback from citizens.
There is no Alexandria gas manufacturing facility at the corner of N. Lee and Oronoco Street anymore.
Alexandria Brief: Third Murder Reported
Jose Luis Ferman Perez, 24, of Alexandria, was found murdered in Beverly Park on Nov. 9.
In Memoriam: Peggy Ward Barber
Departed her Earthly life 19 years ago on November 9, 1996.
Alexandria People at Work: Schildge Receives Sammie Award
Adam Schildge straps on his helmet, hops on his bicycle and heads the 7.2 miles from his house in Del Rey to his office at the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) down by the Navy Yard in D.C.
Alexandria CPA John Renner Receives State Award
John Renner, CPA, of Alexandria has been named Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants’ (VSCPA) 2015 Outstanding Member of the Year.
Alexandria: Students Receive Van Fleet Scholarships
The winners of the Van Fleet Government Scholarship competition received their awards on Sunday, Oct. 25, in a ceremony at O’Connell’s restaurant in Old Town.
Essay: Lessons from a Campaign Volunteer
While volunteering with the Van Fleet campaign for Alexandria City Council, I gained valuable insight into the political campaign process. Collaborating directly with Van Fleet also gave me the opportunity to learn about him as an individual and get to know the issues he was most vehement about.
Alexandria Brief: Supporting TC Graduates
At the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria’s Annual Breakfast, Jack Taylor of Jack Taylor’s Alexandria Toyota/Scion surprised the crowd with the announcement of a gift of $50,000 in honor of T.C. Williams High School’s 50th anniversary.
Alexandria Snapshot: Band Receives Fun Stuff Award
The Del Ray-based Rainbow Rock Band was selected as a winner of a Parents’ Choice Fun Stuff Award.
Alexandria Snapshot: They Came, They Saw, They Conquered
A group of St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School classics students bonded with their peers and won awards at the 62nd Annual National Junior Classical League Convention held at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas last summer.
Alexandria: Family Legends Takes Part in Festival
As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, writer/artist/educator Sushmita Mazumdar led a six-session Family Legend Bookmaking Workshop for children participating in "Book Club" at the Cora Kelly Recreation Center, 25 West Reed Ave.
Alexandria Snapshot: Halloween in Del Ray
More than 8000 residents participated in the 18th annual Del Ray Halloween Parade on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 25. This year set a record for stroller and best pet costume entries.
Alexandria Snapshot: World War II Veterans
Tom Hook, right, and Col. Kim Ching, center, pose for a photo with Maj. John Bordner, USAF (ret.) at the Veterans Day luncheon of the Rotary Club of Alexandria Nov. 10 at Belle Haven Country Club. Bordner, a 1986 graduate of the Air Force Academy with more than 3,800 military flight hours, was the club’s featured speaker on the 60th anniversary of the U-2 spy plane.
Alexandria: Capitol Post Celebrates Veterans Day at Port City Brewery
More than 100 people turned out Nov. 10 for the Veterans Day Eve celebration hosted by The Capitol Post at Port City Brewery,
Alexandria: Remembering the Fallen
Friends of Rocky Versace host 14th annual Veterans Day ceremony.
The Friends of Rocky Versace hosted the 14th annual Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 11 at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center.
Alexandria: ‘Visionary Veterans’ Opens at USPTO
USPTO exhibit showcases veteran inventors.
More than 16 million Americans served their country in uniform during World War II. Some fresh out of high school, they left behind the farms and factories of their cities and small towns to sacrifice for the nation.
Column: Wise Beyond Her Years
Rebuilding Together Alexandria
In addition to dispensing wise advice, Eileen keeps busy by going to the senior center every day.
Column: Mentor of The Month–Mentoring to Friendship
Wright to Read provides volunteer-based one-on-one sustained literacy tutoring and mentoring relationships to City of Alexandria elementary school children in need, and collaborates with families, schools and community partners to create a comprehensive support network that guides each child to success.
Column: Importance of Community Engagement
Commentary
Last Friday, ACPS had a community event to launch the 5-year strategic plan called ACPS 2020.
Alexandria/Mount Vernon Snapshot: Time Pressure
Brigid Schulte visited Burgundy Farm Country Day School for the 2015 Lois and Eric Sevareid Forum Nov. 3 to discuss time pressure on parents and the research she did in this area for her bestselling book “Overwhelmed: Work, Love & Play when No One has the Time.”
Alexandria: ‘Mercy Street’
Film Festival debuts PBS series.
Actresses and producers from the Alexandria-based PBS series “Mercy Street” walked the red carpet prior to a screening of the Civil War-era drama to kick off the Alexandria Film Festival Nov. 5 at the AMC Hoffman Theaters.
Monday, November 9
Fairfax To End Veteran Homelessness
Every veteran has a story, and a path to housing.
Jameel Mubaarik of Reston is a 63-year-old Army veteran and mechanical engineer, a former Reston homeowner.
Families' Memories Emerge After Verdict in Alexandria Murders
Charles Severance found guilty on all counts.
The jury had been dismissed over the weekend, but it barely took an hour of discussion on Nov. 2 to come back with a verdict in the case of Charles Severance, accused of three murders in Alexandria: guilty on all 10 counts.
Sunday, November 8
Alexandria: Church Members Offer Random Acts of Kindness
Yates Carwash and Detail Center patrons receive random acts of kindness.
North Henry Street’s Yates Carwash and Detail Center got a special visit from members of Alfred Street Baptist Church (ASBC), who arrived early Saturday morning to deliver an unexpected surprise to patrons and employees.
Alexandria: Veterans McNamara, Foley to be Honored for Service
World War II veterans William McNamara and Warden Foley will be honored with the Distinguished Patriots Award at the Chamber of Commerce Salute to Veterans breakfast Nov. 12 at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate.
Alexandria People At Work: 32 Years of Cooking and Singing
It is 8:30 on Friday night and the customers look expectedly toward the kitchen.
Friday, November 6
Karl's Overtime Goal Gives Westfield Field Hockey Team Region Championship
Bulldogs will face loser of today's 6A South final in state semis Nov. 13.
The Westfield field hockey team defeated T.C. Williams 1-0 in overtime Thursday to win the 6A North region championship.
Alexandria Film Festival: Full Schedule
The Alexandria Film Festival will present 62 featured films for the 9th annual festival, to be held Nov. 5-8 at AMC Hoffman 22 Theatre and Beatley Central Library in Alexandria.
Column: Finding Your Passion
And leaving your legacy.
I think everyone strives to find their passion — whether in their professional work life or an outside interest.
Column: Honor and Remember Veterans
Commentary
While we set aside Nov. 11 as a special day to honor and remember our veterans, we should continuously endeavor to serve our veterans as well as they have served their nation.
Alexandria Brief: Increased Traffic Safety Enforcement
In conjunction with the Fall 2015 “Street Smart” campaign, the Alexandria Police Department is conducting increased enforcement of traffic safety laws.
Alexandria: Port City Chili Brawl This Sunday
The 2015 Port City Chili Brawl will take place this weekend, with Chef Eric Reid of the Reserve and Chad Sparrow from Mason Social warring for bragging rights for the cold weather staple and brew-lovers companion.
Thursday, November 5
Coming: Children’s Connection 2015
Get ready to send your submissions soon.
During the last week of each year, The Connection devotes its entire issue to the creativity of local students and children.
Alexandria Appetite: Three Spots for a Cozy Sunday Brunch
As autumn takes hold and the air gets chillier, warm up with these hearty brunch options.
By now, it’s no secret: Alexandrians love a good Sunday brunch. Whether it’s eggs Benedict, French toast, a hearty sandwich, or a good mimosa, a quick look around proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that brunch is a popular activity citywide.
Wednesday, November 4
Alexandria: T.C. Williams Field Hockey Secures State Berth
Titans will face Westfield in region championship game.
The T.C. Williams field hockey team beat Fairfax 1-0 on Tuesday in the 6A North region semifinals.
It’s Mayor Silberberg in Alexandria
A “new day” for Silberberg marks end of era for Mayor Euille.
In the mayoral race, Vice Mayor and Democratic candidate Allison Silberberg unseated incumbent Mayor William “Bill” Euille, who after his loss in the Democratic primary, waged a write-in campaign.
Democrats Claim Victories in Local Elections
But General Assembly stays in the red column.
“We didn’t win the war tonight, but we did come out ahead in some of the important local battles, and that’s a good start.”
Monday, November 2
Fairfax Library Foundation Raises $197,000 at A Library Jubilee
The Fairfax Library Foundation hosted A Library Jubilee! Soiree in the Stacks on Saturday, Oct. 17 at Woodrow Wilson Library in Falls Church.