Stories for October 2015

Stories for October 2015

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Friday, October 30

SoberRide for Halloween

The Washington Regional Alcohol Program will provide free cab rides to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington Metropolitan area on Halloween evening, this Saturday, Oct. 31.

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Alexandria: Chamber Business Awards 2015

Grant Thornton’s Sastry honored as Business Leader of the Year.

Srikant Sastry, National Managing principal of Advisory Services for Grant Thornton LLP, was named the 2015 Business Leader of the Year as the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce honored the best of businesses across the city Oct. 21 at the George Washington Masonic Memorial.

Thursday, October 29

Editorial: Vote Nov. 3

Read Election coverage at www.ConnectionNewspapers.com.

If you live in a district with a hotly contested race, you definitely know from the contents of your mailbox that there is an Election coming up.

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Alexandria/Mount Vernon Halloween Weekend Fun: Oct. 30-Nov. 8

Events in Alexandria and Mount Vernon, Va.

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Alexandria: Panel on Uninsured Hosts Health Fair

Coverage gap remains issue for some low-income and unemployed.

For the past year, members of the Mayor’s Advisory Panel on the Uninsured have been meeting to discuss how they can help Alexandrians caught in the so-called “Coverage Gap.”

Alexandria: American Legion Seeks Oratorical Contestants

Deadline for submissions is Nov. 8.

Alexandria’s Post 24 of the American Legion is seeking applications for the National High School Oratorical contest.

Letter: Evaluate Bike Lanes

Letter to the Editor

It's rare to see a bicycle rider using the King Street bike lanes.

Letter: A Positive Difference

Letter to the Editor

City Council candidate Townsend A. (“Van”) Van Fleet is both a proven leader and a team player.

Letter: Money’s Effect on Campaign?

Letter to the Editor

The Mayor and City Council campaign spending reports for the month of September that were released on Oct. 15 say much about where Alexandria campaigns are headed.

Letter: Focus on Housing

Letter to the Editor

I knew the moment I spoke with Monique Miles about her candidacy for Alexandria City Council and her vision for the city that I would support her campaign.

Letter: Clear Choice

Letter to the Editor

“Follow the money” is a aphorism in American politics that comes out of the Nixon scandals of the 1960s.

Letter: Experience Matters

Letter to the Editor

Last month I celebrated my 70th birthday.I have spent my entire life living, working and serving in the City of Alexandria, and I sometimes feel like I can never fully express how much I care about this community without coming across as corny.

Letter: No Chance to Debate

Letter to the Editor

Recently, the Alexandria Chamber claimed the “voters of Alexandria are entitled to a debate where they can hear from both candidates, side-by-side, at the same time … (to) independently evaluate each candidate’s ideas, visions for the city and how they intend to lead.”

Letter: A Pivotal Election

Letter to the Editor

Nov. 3 is election day for our Alexandria, and it is a pivotal election.

Letter: Traits for School Board

Letter to the Editor

This might be entitled: “Margaret Lorber is a Good Choice for School Board.” Margaret Lorber grew up in a family of educators and learned early on about how well-run schools should work.

Letter: Campaign Distortions

Letter to the Editor

Alexandrians should be tired by now of the daily unsupported attacks on Allison Silberberg based on votes taken out of context and distortions of her public policy views.

Letter: Break With the Past

Letter to the Editor

If there was ever a time to refresh our City Council, it’s now. Regardless of your political preferences, be bold. Replace the same-think, city congesting mayor and council incumbents; bring in Silberberg, Wood, Van Fleet, Miles and Torrez.

Letter: City Council Decision-making

Letter to the Editor

At the last council meeting, City Council once again clearly demonstrated they are listening … to the developers but not the citizens of this community.

Letter: Choices Made

Letter to the Editor

Twelve years a mayor, and what has this incumbent wrought?

Letter: Public Policy Advocate

Letter to the Editor

My wife and I have lived in Olde Towne for 25 years, interrupted by a 2 and a half year assignment to Chicago.

Letter: Understands Education

Letter to the Editor

The undersigned writers will complete their terms on the Alexandria City School Board at the end of 2015.

Letter: Serving the Community

Letter to the Editor

I write today to ask my fellow Alexandrians to cast their ballot this Nov. 3 for Willie Bailey for City Council.

Letter: Need Trust in Candidate

Letter to the Editor

One of the inherent problems in politics is corruption. Not just of money, nor of cheating on spouses, but of breaking one’s word.

Letter: Extensive Experience

Letter to the Editor

As president/CEO of Hopkins House, I don’t often “endorse” candidates for political office.

Letter: Hand-Picked Advisory Group?

Letter to the Editor

The City of Alexandria chose seven community representatives for the Old Town North Small Area Plan Advisory Group.

Letter: Time To Start a New Day

Letter to the Editor

Apparently Alexandria’s good old boy network has decided that the only way to win the mayoral race is to sling mud at the Democratic candidate, Allison Silberberg and disparage her abilities and accomplishments.

Letter: Opposes Bad Development

Letter to the Editor

“Back to the Past” [Letter, Gazette Packet], written by Jody Manor in your Oct. 22 edition, is a complete mischaracterization of “Van” Van Fleet’s beliefs and actions.

Letter: ‘Nightmare on Union Street’

Letter to the Editor

At the Robinson Terminal North City Council hearing on Oct. 17, I fell through yet another cosmic bunny hole at city hall.

Letter: Total Commitment

Letter to the Editor

My decision to run for School Board was not predicated on my children's education or experience in school but rather on an incident which occurred at my place of employment.

Letter: Speaking Up For Neediest

Letter to the Editor

I had the pleasure of serving with Ronnie Campbell on the School Board of Alexandria City Public Schools from 2006-09.

Letter: Champion for Education

Letter to the Editor

A couple of weeks ago, our nine-year-old daughter, Carmen, looked at our mail and saw a flyer we received from the Write-In Euille campaign, asserting “our kids can’t afford Allison Silberberg to be their Mayor.”

Letter: Level of Maturity

Letter to the Editor

There have been numerous comments in regard to Allison Silberberg’s experience. In my opinion Ms. Silberberg possesses the experience, wisdom, humility and compassion to be a wonderful mayor and lead us into a new era.

Letter: Fought for Residents’ Health

Letter to the Editor

All across our city Alexandrians are discussing and imagining what might replace the GenOn plant and its 25 acres of premium property on the Potomac River.

Letter: Focus on Families

Letter to the Editor

The next 3 years are critical for our schools.

Letter: An Independent’s Choices

Letter to the Editor

As the only Independent candidate running to win a seat on City Council, I have chosen to identify and endorse the candidates I believe will best serve the needs of Alexandria.

Letter: Spending Problems

Letter to the Editor

I attended the Old Town and North Old Town candidates’ forum on Oct. 14. Justin Wilson’s heated rebuttal of Mr. Van Fleet’s desire to cut spending while meeting our actual needs, did not come off as well in the room as the Gazette’s description would make readers believe.

Letter: Rooting for the Home Team

Letter to the Editor

In all athletic competitions, from the kindergarten Peewees level, to the adults engaged in professional sports, there are penalties for “unsportsman-like conduct.”

Letter: Proven, Strong Leadership

Letter to the Editor

Bill Euille has given strong leadership as Alexandria’s mayor.

Letter: Whom Do You Trust?

Letter to the Editor

Before the June mayoral primary all three Democratic candidates signed a pledge to honor the primary results and not run independently.

Column: A Halloween ‘Shock’ for Alexandrians

Commentary: Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria (SAPCA)

This Halloween, cases of beer and other alcoholic beverages often popular among teens will be wearing “costumes;” well, maybe not costumes, but small red stickers that resemble stop signs.

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Column: First Class of City’s Senior Academy

Senior Services of Alexandria

The Oct. 13 City Council meeting began with a wonderful ceremony led by Mayor Bill Euille as he and members of the City Council paid tribute to the first graduating class of the Senior Academy.

Commentary: Is It Smart or Dumb Growth for Alexandria?

Politicians claim we can improve our fiscal health by promoting more development. When the red ink turns up we are told to “grow ourselves out of debt.”

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Column: Time To Prep for Winter

Commentary

As the days get shorter, our Rebuilding Together Alexandria volunteers are scurrying around the city to get ready for winter.

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AWLA: Inside World of Guinea Pigs

Dozens turned over to Alexandria Shelter every year.

Life at Alexandria’s Vola Lawson Animal Shelter is about more than cuddly cats and adorable dogs. A variety of “small animals” — rabbits, ferrets, turtles, snakes, even the occasional chicken — make up the shelter’s diverse community. And then there are the guinea pigs, each with its own personality.

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors-Sully: Kathy Smith (D)

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Fairfax County Board of Supervisors-Sully: John Guevara (R)

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Fairfax County Board of Supervisors-Mason: Mollie Loeffler (I)

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Fairfax County Board of Supervisors-Mason: Penelope A. “Penny” Gross (D)

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School Board-Alexandria District C: Ronnie Campbell

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School Board-Mason: Sandy Evans

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Wednesday, October 28

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Mount Vernon: Lisenby Helps West Potomac Overcome Early Miscue

Receiver catches two touchdown passes in win over T.C. Williams

The West Potomac football team defeated T.C. Williams 42-18 on Oct. 24.

Classified Advertising October 28 , 2015

Read the lastest ads here!

State Senate-District 39: Joe Murray (R)

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State Senate-District 39: George Lincoln Barker (D)

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State Senate-District 37: Dave Marsden (D)

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State Senate-District 37: Dave Bergman (R)

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State Senate-District 36: Scott A. Surovell (D)

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State Senate-District 36: Gerald “Jerry” Foreman (R)

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State Senate-District 35: Terrence Modglin (I)

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State Senate-District 34: J.C. “Chap” Petersen (D)

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Alexandria: T.C. Williams Field Hockey Wins First Conference Title Since 1995

Titans beat Woodson 3-0 in conference final, improve to 18-1.

The T.C. Williams field hockey team on Oct. 26 won its first conference/district championship since 1995

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Alexandria: Party at Patrick Henry

McAuliffe announces Virginia SOL results at formerly not-fully-accredited Patrick Henry Elementary.

In the first few minutes of his visit to Patrick Henry Elementary School, Gov. Terry McAuliffe took student Natasha Maldonado’s hand, looked her in the eyes, and begged her to keep doing well on her Standards of Learning (SOL) tests. “Keep passing those tests, all right?” he asked, “We need you.”

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Clinton Takes Alexandria's Market Square

One day after Benghazi hearings, Hillary Clinton hosts rally in Alexandria.

It’s 1:25, five minutes before Hillary Clinton is set to take the stage, and the crowd is getting anxious.

State Senate-District 33: Jennifer Wexton (D)

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State Senate-District 32: Janet Howell (D)

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State Senate-District 31: George V. Forakis (R)

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State Senate-District 30: Adam P. Ebbin (D)

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Tuesday, October 27

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Helping Homeless Build New Lives

Cardinal Bank and George Mason Mortgage donate $10,000 to HomeAid Northern Virginia.

Cardinal Bank (NASDAQ: CFNL) announced that the Cardinal Community Fund and George Mason Mortgage, LLC, have awarded $10,000 to HomeAid Northern Virginia.

School Board–Alexandria District C: Daria Dillard

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Monday, October 26

School Board-Fairfax County Sully: Tom Wilson

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School Board-Fairfax County Sully: Karen Keys-Gamarra

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School Board-Fairfax County Providence: Dalia Palchik

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School Board-Fairfax County Providence: Patty Reed

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School Board-Fairfax County Mount Vernon: Anthony Stacy

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School Board-Fairfax County Mount Vernon: Karen Corbett Sanders

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School Board-Fairfax County Lee District: Tamara Derenak Kaufax

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School Board-Fairfax County Hunter Mill: Mark Wilkinson

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School Board-Fairfax County Hunter Mill: Pat Hynes

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School Board-Fairfax County Dranesville: Pete Kurzenhauser

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School Board-Fairfax County Braddock: Megan O. McLaughlin

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School Board-Fairfax County At Large: Ryan McElveen

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School Board-Fairfax County At Large: Jeanette Hough

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School Board-Fairfax County At Large: Dr. R. E. ”Bob” Copeland

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School Board-Fairfax County At Large: Theodore J. “Ted” Velkoff

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School Board-Fairfax County At Large: Ilryong Moon

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School Board-Fairfax County At-Large: Burnette G. Scarboro

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School Board-Fairfax County At-Large: Omar Fateh

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School Board-Fairfax County At-Large: Manar Jean-Jacques

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House of Delegates-District 53: Marcus B. Simon (D)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates-District 48: Rip Sullivan (D)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates-District 47: Patrick A. Hope (D)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates-District 46: Charniele L. Herring (D)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates-District 43: Anna Urman (R)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates-District 42: David Albo (R)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates-District 40: Timothy D. Hugo (R)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates-District 40: Jerry Foltz (D)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates-District 37: David Bulova (D)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates-District 34: Kathleen Murphy (D)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates-District 34: Craig A. Parisot (R)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates–District 43: Mark Sickles (D)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates–District 43: Paul J. McIlvaine (I)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates–District 44: Paul Krizek (D)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates–District 46: Sean Lenehan (R)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates–District 49: Alfonso Lopez (D)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

School Board–Alexandria District A: Hal Cardwell

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School Board–Alexandria District A: Karen A. Graf

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School Board–Alexandria District B: Mimi Goff

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School Board–Alexandria District C: Patricia Hennig

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School Board–Alexandria District B: Margaret Lorber

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School Board–Alexandria District B: Veronica Nolan

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School Board–Alexandria District B: Cindy Anderson

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School Board–Alexandria District B: Kelly Carmichael Booz

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School Board–Alexandria District C: Christopher J. Lewis

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School Board–Alexandria District C: Ramee Gentry

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Saturday, October 24

LTA Presents ‘The Tale of the Allergist's Wife’

Comedy offers blend of New York and Jewish humor.

The Little Theatre of Alexandria (LTA) is presenting "The Tale of the Allergist's Wife," a comedy written by Charles Busch, from Oct. 24 to Nov. 14. The play revolves around Marjorie Taub, a middle-aged Upper West Side doctor’s wife, who is devoted to mornings at the Whitney Museum, afternoons at the Museum of Modern Art and evenings at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

Friday, October 23

Alexandria Schools Pass SOL Tests … Mostly

Alexandria City Public Schools got test scores back from the 2014-2015 Standards of Learning (SOL) tests, and for the most part, it’s a report card to hang on the refrigerator.

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Alexandria: ‘The Math Doesn’t Add Up’

Fights over debt and development heats up in final council debate.

The light at the end of the campaign tunnel is within sight. Alexandria’s City Council candidates fought their last debate of the campaign season on Oct. 14 at the Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center hosted by the Old Town North Civic Association.

Alexandria: Computer, Firearm Experts Testify in Severance Trial

The first few days of the trial of Charles Severance were marked by passionate arguments from the defense and prosecution, culminating in the emotional testimony of the sole witness to one of the murders. However, as the trial enters its third week, the long work of piecing together the evidence begins.

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Alexandria: Searching Out Talent

Dingle at TC.

If you see a couple whizzing past on the Mount Vernon trail, do a double take, because it just may be Dr. Jesse Dingle, the new principal of T.C. Williams High School, and his wife, out for their morning run.

Letter: Why Quiet On Crime?

Letter to the Editor

Early this month, Leon Williams was fatally wounded on Belle Pre Way, in the middle of a new mixed-use development steps from Braddock Metro station.

Letter: Time for Change

Letter to the Editor

Mayor Bill Euille lacks the moral compass to lead Alexandria again. He lost the Democratic primaries in June to Vice Mayor Allison Silberberg.

Letter: Nice Vs. Needed

Letter to the Editor

Bill Eiulle was defeated in the Democrat primary, but now is campaigning as "A Proven Democrat for Mayor." How ethical is this?

Letter: Money and Governing

Letter to the Editor

Now that I’ve stopped laughing, it’s time to put pen to paper and reply to Mayor Euille’s comment in your Oct. 8 edition that “It takes money to run campaigns.

Letter: Need Two- Party Council

Letter to the Editor

In a few weeks Alexandrians will have the opportunity to return to a two-party democracy with the Nov. 3 City Council elections.

Letter: Taxes and Transparency

Letter to the Editor

My latest tax bill includes a breakdown of Alexandria City expenditures, intended to make me feel better as I write my check.

Letter: Where Are Our U.S. Senators?

Letter to the Editor

The conspicuous silence in Alexandria’s mayoral race rests with our two Democratic Senators Kaine and Warner.

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Letter: Support Women’s Voices Theater

This fall the Washington metro area has seen more than 50 professional theatres produce more than 50 world premiere plays and musicals by more than 50 female playwrights as part of the Women’s Voices Theater Festival.

Letter: Democratic Values

Letter to the Editor

I’ve been a lifelong Democrat. I am a Democrat because of my values, not the other way around.

Letter: Back to The Past?

Letter to the Editor

Are we the only ones confused by candidate Van Fleet’s mixed messages on business development?

Letter: Hindering Affordable Housing?

Letter to the Editor

On her website, Vice Mayor Allison Silberberg states that she would like to “support nonprofit developers who want to invest in our city’s affordable, workforce housing.” I agree.

Letter: Whose Interests?

Letter to the Editor

Many thanks to Ernie Lehmann [Letter, “Follow the Money,” Gazette packet, Oct. 15-21] for pointing us to the Virginia Public Access Project (www.VPAP.org/commitees).

Letter: Moneyed Special Interests

Letter to the Editor

In a recent letter to this paper, Mindy Lyle questions Ms. Silberberg’s judgement by suggesting absurdly that her opposition to development was essentially a failure to reach a consensus with her fellow council members.

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Alexandria: 3 Top Restaurants for Carb-Loading Before Big Race

In advance of this weekend’s Marine Corps Marathon, here are three of the city’s best spots for getting your starch on.

For many area athletes, it’s all over but the shouting — and the running of 26.2 miles during Sunday’s Marine Corps Marathon.

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Alexandria People at Work: Every Kitchen’s a Challenge

Shawna Dillon's mother let her pick out the furniture for her bedroom and rearrange it when she was 7 years old and, "I've always, always wanted to be an interior designer."

State Senate–District 31: Barbara Favola (D)

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State Senate–District 35: Richard “Dick” Saslaw (D)

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City Council-Alexandria: Phil Cefaratti

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City Council-Alexandria: Willie F. Bailey Sr.

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City Council-Alexandria: John Taylor Chapman

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City Council-Alexandria: Timothy Lovain

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City Council-Alexandria: Monique A. Miles

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City Council-Alexandria: Redella S. “Del” Pepper

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City Council-Alexandria: Fernando Torrez

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City Council-Alexandria: Townsend A. “Van” Van Fleet

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Candidate for city council Q&A

City Council-Alexandria: Justin Wilson

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Candidate for city council

Mayoral Candidate–Alexandria: Bill Euille

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Candidate for Mayor of the City of Alexandria

Mayoral Candidate–Alexandria: Allison Silberberg

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Candidate for Mayor of the City of Alexandria

Thursday, October 22

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Alexandria/Mount Vernon Weekend Fun: Oct. 23-Nov. 1

Events in Alexandria and Mount Vernon, Va.

Wednesday, October 21

Classified Advertising October 21 , 2015

Read the latest ads here!

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Alexandria: T.C. Williams Field Hockey Advances to Conference 7 Semifinals

Titans beat Annandale, improve to 16-1 with 12th straight victory.

The T.C. Williams field hockey team beat Annandale 3-0 on Tuesday.

Friday, October 16

Alexandria Home Sales: September, 2015

In September, 2015, 221 Alexandria homes sold between $3,200,000-$124,742.

Alexandria Home Sales: September, 2015

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Alexandria Snapshot: Art on the Avenue

Crowds attended the rescheduled Art on the Avenue, Saturday, Oct. 10. The event celebrated its 20th year.

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Alexandria Snapshot: Art Safari

This year's papier-mâché' theme for Art Safari at the Torpedo Factory on Saturday, Oct. 10, was the giraffe. Staff members and patrons worked on its assembly.

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Alexandria Snapshot: King Street Art Festival

The 13th Annual King Street Art Festival was held Sept. 19, filling the street with booths and visitors.

Thursday, October 15

Former Alexandria Teacher Pens ‘Skyline Ducks’

Retired Alexandria teacher Joy Peeler pens first children’s book.

Retired Alexandria teacher Joy Peeler released her first children’s book “Skyline Ducks” based on the true story about what happens when the residents of Skyline Plaza Condominium in Falls Church find a mother duck and her nine fuzzy ducklings swimming in their pool one spring day.

Letter: Qualities of Leadership

Letter to the Editor

Meet Allison: Experience, leadership, integrity, nision, fiscally responsible, thoughtful listener, inclusive.

Letter: Right Skills at Right Time

Letter to the Editor

I have lived in Alexandria most of my adult life.

Letter: ‘This Is Your City’

Letter to the Editor

I will vote for Bob Wood for City Council because the enormous challenges our city now face requires a council team that fully understands large scale, complex projects, and knows how to direct them.

Letter: Deserving of Election

Letter to the Editor

The debates for the six positions on City Council have been interesting and comforting.

Letter: Questions on Issues

Letter to the Editor

You offer many ideas but very few specifics. Elaboration would be very helpful.

Letter: Complicit In Spending

Letter to the Editor

In her campaign materials, her speeches, and during candidate forums, Candidate for Mayor Allison Silberberg has been very outspoken about the increase in our city’s debt.

Letter: Follow the Money

Letter to the Editor

This week should tell the story of what and who are behind the write-in campaign for mayor being conducted by Bill Euille.

Letter: Environmental Stands

Letter to the Editor

I have been proud of the leadership by the City of Alexandria on environmental issues. Since the adoption of the Eco-City Charter in 2008, the council has made great progress in making Alexandria a more sustainable community and reducing our impact.

Letter: Criminal Act Not Political

Letter to the Editor

Q; Is stealing or defacing political competitors' campaign signs a form of "early voting?"

Letter: Motivation For Running

Letter to the Editor

While reading the informative interviews with Allison Silberberg and Bill Euille on page 1 of last week's Gazette-Packet, I was brought up short by the following quote from Euille: "... it has nothing to do with ego.

Column: Deliver Groceries to Seniors

Commentary: Senior Services of Alexandria

“I am very appreciative of this service,” said Lee, a current “Groceries to Go” Client.

Alexandria Brief: New Mixed-Use Community Opens

Alexandria city officials along with representatives from The JBG Companies celebrated on Oct. 7 the grand opening of Notch 8, JBG’s newest mixed-use apartment community in Potomac Yard.

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Alexandria: Remembering the Fallen

Ivy Hill ceremony honors fire and EMS personnel.

Alexandria’s fallen firefighters and EMS personnel were remembered by members of the city’s first responder and law enforcement agencies at a memorial service and wreath laying ceremony Oct. 9 at Ivy Hill Cemetery as part of the annual National Fire Prevention Week ceremonies.

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Alexandria/Mount Vernon Weekend Fun: Oct. 16-25

Events in Alexandria and Mount Vernon, Va.

Editorial: Closer Look at School Spending

Report: Local schools spend less to educate more challenging students.

Since Fiscal Year 2009, Alexandria Public Schools has reduced per pupil spending by 13.3 percent, adjusted for inflation.

Wednesday, October 14

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Chairman Candidates Offer Stark Differences

Anti-taxer Arthur Purves challenging incumbent Chairman Sharon Bulova.

Sharon Bulova is exactly where she wants to be. “I believe in local government. It’s where the rubber hits the road, and where you’re closest to your constituents,” said Bulova, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, the top elected official in Fairfax County.

Classified Advertising October 14 , 2015

Read the latest ads here!

Alexandria Sportsman’s Club to Host Redskins Night

Roy Jefferson is featured speaker Oct. 20.

Famed Washington Redskins wide receiver Roy Jefferson will be the featured speaker at the Alexandria Sportsman’s Club’s annual Redskins Night Oct. 20 at the Old Dominion Boat Club.

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Alexandria: Preparing City for National Spotlight

Visit Alexandria plans for upcoming PBS drama “Mercy Street.”

Forget Lady Mary and the Grantham’s of Downton Abbey. A new PBS drama based in Civil War Alexandria will make its premier in January and Visit Alexandria is preparing the city for its close up in the national spotlight.

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Alexandria People at Work: A Personal Cup of Coffee

Sumatra beans giving off steam bounced out of the roaster and into the cooling tray.

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Alexandria's Immanuel Church: More Than a Building

The Archbishop of Canterbury visits Alexandria for consecration of new Immanuel Church.

“To the glory of God, this chapel burned.”

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Alexandria: New Leader at Minnie Howard

Upbringing shapes Kennetra Wood.

Where is Kennetra Wood, the new academic principal on T.C. Williams’ Minnie Howard campus, from?

Alexandria: Second Murder in Braddock Neighborhood

Police silent on investigations.

A second homicide hit Alexandria’s Braddock neighborhood last week, but so far, Alexandria Police have nothing to say about either investigation.

Alexandria: Key Witness Opens Severance Trial

Prosecution begins arguments.

Nancy Dunning, a real estate agent in Del Ray and wife of an Alexandria Sheriff.

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Alexandria: Sonoma Cellar Opens in Old Town

“We are passionate about bringing Sonoma County and Virginia wine to the D.C. area."

There is something new to “wine” about in Alexandria: Rick and Elizabeth Myllenbeck welcomed customers to Sonoma Cellar, a wine tasting room and bistro in Old Town, to celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception Sept. 30.

Friday, October 9

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Alexandria/Mount Vernon Weekend Fun: Oct. 9-18

Events in Alexandria, Va.

Thursday, October 8

Alexandria Snapshot: House Sparrow

12:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 6: A house sparrow keeps watch from a cottage window in Northridge.

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Alexandria Sportsman’s Club Honors Athletes of the Month

The Alexandria Sportsman’s Club continued its decades-long tradition of opening the year with High School Coaches Night Sept. 22 as the organization presented the Athlete of the Month Awards to three high school student-athletes.

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Alexandria Celebrates Banned Book Weeks

Athenaeum Read Out celebrates the right to read.

The Athenaeum hosted a Read Out Sept. 29 as part of Banned Books Week 2015, an annual event designed to celebrate the freedom to read.

Alexandria: Mayoral Showdown

Democratic candidate Allison Silberberg faces write-in challenge from Mayor William Euille.

Once a month, Vice Mayor Allison Silberberg hosts a coffee meetup where she talks informally with any members of the public who arrive.

Wednesday, October 7

Classified Advertising October 7 , 2015

Read the latest ads here!

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Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria Celebrates Collaboration

Mayor announces free health clinic to be held Nov. 16.

At Alexandria’s Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria, many volunteers from many backgrounds gave their time and joined forces to solve problems some Alexandrians did not even know they had.

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Raise the Roof: RTA Hosts Fundraiser

RTA hosts annual fundraiser.

A competitive cornhole tournament helped “raise the roof” as Rebuilding Together Alexandria held its annual fundraiser Sept. 24 at Port City Brewing.

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Alexandria: New Heights Approved for Oakville Triangle

Building height restrictions along Route 1 traded for affordable housing and park renovations.

For visitors to Alexandria from Arlington or D.C., Route 1 serves as the first gateway into the city.

Severance Trial Begins in Alexandria

The six week trial of Charles Severance, accused of three homicides in Alexandria, began in Fairfax County on Oct. 5.

Alexandria: What’s in a Write-in Name?

City’s Electoral Board to determine “intent of the vote.”

Despite being dead for 10 years now, Rosa Parks is virtually uncontested on the Democratic ticket for mayor of Alexandria.

Alexandria: Keep Moving Forward

Euille: Keep moving forward.

William Euille has a legacy.

Letter: Need Ward System for Council

Letter to the Editor

A frequent question that I get is about the City of Alexandria's convoluted voting process, which is the only jurisdiction in Virginia that has its City Council members elected "at large" rather than by wards.

Letter: Understanding Sewer Rates

Letter to the Editor

My neighbors sometimes tell me that their monthly wastewater treatment bills seem to be taking a bigger bite out of their family budget.

Letter: Contribution Disclosures

Letter to the Editor

After writing about the new “Developer Party” in Alexandria I found the Virginia State Board of Elections website where all candidates must periodically file reports of all contributions over $100.

Letter: A Disappointing Turn-around

Letter to the Editor

As resident of the West Taylor Run neighborhood, John Chapman and his neighborhood constituents had a vested interest in the outcome of the Woodbine Care Center located off King Street.

Letter: Stance on Immigration?

Letter to the Editor

Decades ago, the Republican Party welcomed immigrants to our shores. In 1988, the Republican platform stated clearly “We welcome those from other lands who bring to America their ideals and industry.”

Letter: No Longer Impartial?

Letter to the Editor

City Code of Ordinances, Title 2, Chapter 4, Article A, Section 2-4-7 states that every person appointed by the City Council to any committee shall take an oath to “… impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent on me …”

Letter: ‘Our Acres Of Diamonds’

Letter to the Editor

The quality of our lives is most affected by local government.

Letter: 24 Skills And Reasons

Letter to the Editor

I am, Lynnwood Campbell, a long-time resident of Alexandria and former nine-year member of the Alexandria City Public School Board.

Letter: Chart a New Course

Letter to the Editor

We are just one month away from an important mayoral election in which we have the chance to chart a new course for Alexandria.

Letter: What’s the Problem?

Letter to the Editor

I read with interest “Cycling through Solutions” in the Oct. 1 edition. It is so typical of this city to have to devise a “Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan” to “fix” what you call a “problem” with the Mount Vernon Trail running through Old Town.

Letter: A Safer City

Letter to the Editor

I am glad that the Alexandria Gazette Packet is covering the city’s update to its Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan.

Letter: Pause, Re-think

Letter to the Editor

Neal Learner [Letter, “Need Smart Development,” Oct. 1-7] points out that he forewarned that something like a car crashing into the first Potomac Yard building near Monroe Avenue Bridge would happen and now it has.

Letter: The Experience Argument

Recently, the cadre of hard-edged political supporters of current Mayor Euille have attempted to use the argument of “lack of experience” to disqualify Democratic Primary winner Allison Silberberg.

Letter: Poison Pill of Democracy

Letter to the Editor

Waterfront Commission member Dennis Auld’s letter [“Two Are Too Old Town-Centric,” Oct. 1-7] was yet another partisan attack all to common since Alexandria became a one-party city in 2012.

Letter: They Care For Entire City

Letter to the Editor

This will reply to the letter written by Dennis Auld in your Oct. 1 edition which is subjective, illogical, partially untruthful and indirectly praises the candidacies of “Van” Van Fleet and Bob Wood.

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Alexandria Appetite: At Teaism, a Plethora of Meatless Options

The restaurant in north Old Town offers many choices for veggie-lovers.

It’s a good time to be vegetarian in the United States.

Tuesday, October 6

More than 800 Compete in Northern Virginia Senior Olympics

Pickleball closes out two-weeks of Olympic events

With more than 40 events ranging from Scrabble to shotput, the Senior Olympics was conducted across Northern Virginia at two dozen locations ranging from Loudoun Country to Arlington and around Fairfax; 819 Northern Virginia seniors participated in this year’s games.

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Overcoming downsizing decorating dilemmas

Downsizing can present some furnishings and decorating dilemmas? What do we keep? What will work in new spaces? How do I make some rooms multi-functional? And what about all that memorabilia?

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It Takes a Village

Local groups help seniors socialize, manage everyday tasks.

When Penelope Roberts, 73, of Alexandria, Virginia, had knee replacement surgery last month, she knew she would be out of commission for several weeks.

Editorial: Vote Now to Avoid the Earthquake

Early voting available for most voters now; vote by Nov. 3.

The news is all about Donald, Hilary, Bernie, Carlie, Joe and Jeb. That’s next year, November 2016. The election in less than a month matters here in Northern Virginia. What are your priorities?

Friday, October 2

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Column: To Be Young, Gifted and Black … Consumers

Commentary

Alexandria was represented at the 45th Annual Black Congressional Caucus Foundation To Be Young, Gifted and Black Braintrust with students and faculty from NOVA Community College.

Letter: Appreciate City’s Status

Letter to the Editor

It is election time in Alexandria. It is hard to miss.

Letter: Who Knows Best To Govern?

Letter to the Editor

I read with utter disgust that Mayor Euille is pursuing a write-in campaign and that his supporters are multiplying this arrogance by claiming Vice Mayor Silberberg “lacks experience and is not ready” [“City’s Democrats Face Civil War,” Gazette Packet, Sept. 10].

Letter: Consider City’s Future

Letter to the Editor

Having been active in Alexandria for the past 15 years, it has been clear that the city has faced its fair share of challenges, including many outside of its control. We have seen our quality of life erode at the edges because of the differences between the city’s revenues and expenditures.

Letter: Man of Integrity

Letter to the Editor

I encourage citizens of Alexandria to vote for Townsend A. "Van" Van Fleet for City Council.

Letter: Term Limits? Elections Matter

Letter to the Editor

Years ago when term limits were all the rage, the national President of the League of Women Voters, Becky Caine, said on one of the Sunday talk shows, “We have terms limits. They’re called elections.”

Letter: A Request to All Candidates

Letter to the Editor

When you and your supporters put your campaign signs in the median strips of Alexandria's streets, please do not put them opposite a left turn lane at an intersection, where they can obscure the turning driver's view of oncoming traffic.

Letter: Keep Ticketing The Bicyclists

Letter to the Editor

I enthusiastically support the City of Alexandria Police Department’s stepped up enforcement of our local traffic laws as they apply to bicyclists.

Letter: Change Status Quo

Letter to the Editor

Politics as usual is failing us on both the local and national levels.

Letter: Say Goodbye to The Euille Way

Letter to the Editor

Don’t get hooked by Mayor Euille’s write-in campaign for mayor.

Letter: Need Smart Development

Letter to the Editor

Jonathan Krall presents an interesting dilemma in his call for progressives to step forward and vote for city candidates who are working for Alexandria’s success rather than stagnation (Gazette letters, Sept. 24-30, 2015).

Letter: Working Together?

Letter to the Editor

Your recent article in the Alexandria Gazette Packet, “City Council Hopefuls Debate Issues,” contained the most revealing question of “Who [he or she] is most excited to serve on City Council with.”

Letter: Council’s Role In Enrollment?

Letter to the Editor

Board’s failure to build enough school capacity several decades ago with the result that today’s schools are overcrowded.

Letter: Two Are Too Old Town-centric

Letter to the Editor

In relation to Mr. Wood and Mr. van Fleet’s position on the Waterfront Plan, two issues stand out in regards to their viewpoints.

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Richard ‘Dick’ Moose, At Home Alexandria Co-Founder, Dies

Helped launch At Home Alexandria.

The idea was hatched over breakfast at The Royal Restaurant. In 2008, Dick Moose had just read a news article about an organization in Boston called Beacon Hill Village.

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Recalling Life of ‘Dr. Bob’ Wineland

WW II veteran Robert Wineland dies at 91.

When 20-year-old U.S. Army Medic Robert Wineland arrived in the village of Laudersfeld, the wooded countryside of far eastern Belgium was relatively peaceful, a quiet buffer zone disrupted only by occasional artillery fire and brief skirmishes between opposing infantry patrols.

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Alexandriava.gov 2.0

City reveals redesign for its website.

City Manager Mark Jinks remembered a time when the City of Alexandria was considered the leader in its municipal website.

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Alexandria: City Offers Plans To Resolve Cyclist and Pedestrian Concerns

City hopes to reconcile longstanding feud between pedestrians and cyclists.

The Mount Vernon Trail runs 18 miles, from Arlington to Mount Vernon in Fairfax.

Alexandria: ‘Significant Oversight’

Write-In Euille Campaign faces state-level campaign violations.

“NOTICE: Individuals or groups who use this sample ballot for their own purposes must replace the above authorization line with their own.”

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Alexandria: Aldersgate Church Community Theater Presents ‘The Miracle Worker’

Tells the classic story of blind and deaf Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan.

Aldersgate Church Community Theater (ACCT) is presenting "The Miracle Worker," the story written by William Gibson about the blind and deaf Helen Keller and her teacher Annie Sullivan, from Oct. 2-17 at the church located at 1301 Collingwood Road in Alexandria.

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In the Kitchen: Carluccio’s Chef Celia Keeps it Simple, Fresh, Italian...

Carluccio’s Chef Alfio Celia juggles an industrial stove full of boiling kettles, one for the eggs that will go in the Nicoise salad and one for the chicken that will be brined for the chicken salad.

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MetroStage in Alexandria Presents ‘Uprising’

Show is part of the Women’s Voices Theater Festival, now through Oct. 25.

MetroStage in Alexandria will open its 2015-16 season with the premiere of “Uprising” by Atlanta playwright Gabrielle Fulton as part of the Women’s Voices Theater Festival, now through Oct 25.

Thursday, October 1

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Alexandria: Episcopal RB Blair-May Torches Bishop Ireton

Maroon defense dominates Cardinals in 21-0 win.

Episcopal defeated Bishop Ireton 21-0 last week.