Wednesday, September 30
Editorial: Changing Perspective on Death Penalty
Evolving standards will eclipse the death penalty entirely at some point in the future.
It’s sad to see senseless death as a response to senseless death. Alfred R. Prieto is not a sympathetic figure, a serial killer who was on death row in California when DNA connected him to murders and rapes in Reston and Arlington that took place in 1988. He is scheduled for execution this week, at 9 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1.
Friday, September 25
Alexandria/Mount Vernon Weekend Fun: Sept. 25-Oct. 4
Events in Alexandria City and Mount Vernon, Va.
Alexandria Appetite: Prost! Oktoberfest Brings Out the Best in Beer
For Port City Brewing Co., Oktoberfest is only beginning of busy season.
You can set your watch by it year after year, September after September.
Alexandria Snapshot: Crossing Prince Street
4:50 p.m., Friday, Sept. 18: Crossing Prince Street in Old town Alexandria.
Column: Revitalization Includes Small Neighborhood Parks
A mom pushing a stroller with a toddler skipping beside her is an image that stays with me following our day in the park.
Column: Join in Robust Walkathon
Calling all seniors to lace up your sneakers for the annual Fall Robust Walkathon.
Column: Volunteer as Literacy Tutor
32 Alexandria kindergarteners and first graders still in need of tutors.
In just a few short weeks in October, 93 eager Alexandria City Public School kindergarten and first grade students will meet their one-on-one literacy tutor for the year.
Letter: Do Not Erase History
Letter to the Editor
I wrote a letter to the editor in July advocating the removal of Appomattox, the bronze statue of a Confederate soldier, from its position of prominence at South Washington and Prince Streets to a spot that does not imply city or Commonwealth sympathy to the Confederate cause.
Letter: Address Disrespect
Letter to the Editor
City Council did not crown itself with glory at its Sept. 12 meeting.
Letter: Time for a Change
Letter to the Editor
I would like to offer my comments regarding Mayor Euille’s decision to run a write-in candidacy for Mayor.
Letter: Maintain Progress
Letter to the Editor
There is a great quote from the West Wing TV show that goes, "If they're shooting at you, you must be doing something right."
Letter: Success, Not Stagnation
Letter to the Editor
I am writing to voice my concerns for The Alexandria Democratic Committee.
Letter: Predictable Obsession
Letter to the Editor
Alexandria “Mayor and Developer for Life” Euille’s write-in campaign for the upcoming November elections has brought out revealing comments from former mayor Kerry Donley and others in their corner.
Letter: Consider School Board
Letter to the Editor
The school year has started and as many Alexandrians are getting to know the student’s teachers and principals, they should also be getting to know their School Board members as well.
Letter: Reason for Leaving Democratic Committee
Letter to the Editor
Earlier this year when I decided to run in the primary for delegate, I did so as the next step in my decades-long commitment to our city and to ensuring every member of our community can participate fully in our economy and society.
Alexandria: Celebrating Constitution Week
DAR, students celebrate Constitution Week.
Students from across Alexandria gathered at City Hall Sept. 21 to participate in the signing of a proclamation to kick off Constitution Week, a week designated to promote the study and appreciation of the document sometimes referred to as “America’s birth certificate.”
Alexandria: Michael Routhouska New Principal at Ramsay Elementary
For some of us there are defining moments in our lives that forever color who we will be.
Thursday, September 24
Alexandria People at Work: It’s All About the Pan
Mauviel copper saucepans and fry pans hang on pegs across the wall in back of the counter at La Cuisine on Cameron Street.
Alexandria: Cross-Training Plan Ignites Controversy
Medics and chief clash over Dual-Role plan.
Councilman Justin Wilson is choking on a fruit chew.
Alexandria: New Plaque in Parkfairfax Honors Vola and David Lawson
There’s no shortage of memorials in Alexandria to Vola Lawson. There’s the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter in West Eisenhower.
Alexandria: City Council Candidates Go West
Candidates debate future of the West End.
Landmark Mall. BRAC 133. Overcrowded schools. Crumbling infrastructure.
Letter: What Happened To One Alexandria?
Letter to the Editor
If Bill Euille is trying to repeat what Republican Frank Mann did in the early ‘70s, and win a write-in campaign for mayor, he has a big challenge ahead of him as Frank Mann only needed 4,122 to win a May Election.
Alexandria Home Sales: August, 2015
In August, 2015, 235 Alexandria homes sold between $3,875,000-$109,900.
Alexandria Home Sales: August, 2015
Wednesday, September 23
Alexandria: Mount Vernon Football To Host T.C. Williams in Conference 7 Matchup
Majors 2-1 after beating TJ, Titans 1-2 after loss to Westfield.
The T.C. Williams football team will travel to face Mount Vernon on Friday, Sept. 25.
Friday, September 18
Help for Long-Term Caregivers
AARP Virginia and the Organization of Chinese American Women will sponsor event next week.
Those embarking on a long-term caregiving journey will have an opportunity to receive support and learn about the services available to them in Northern Virginia. AARP Virginia and the Organization of Chinese American Women will sponsor an event called, “Caregiving Wisdom from an Ancient Sage,” on Sept. 22, 7 p.m., at the Shirlington Library in Arlington and again on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 7.p.m., at the George Mason Regional Library in Annandale.
Wednesday, September 16
First Round in the Fight for Alexandria's City Council
The long table at the front of the Departmental Progressive Club in Old Town was packed with candidates...
Tear Downs in Alexandria
Council approves demolition of 226 The Strand, overturns decision to preserve Ramsey Homes.
Despite two different and controversial discussions in City Council: Ramsey Homes and 226 The Strand are coming down.
Alexandria Appetite: 4 Scenes From Alexandria’s Restaurant Week
Annual summertime deal allows diners to taste eateries’ menus at a fraction of the price.
Every year near the end of summer, Alexandria’s Restaurant Week offers diners a prix fixe menu at some of the city’s best restaurants for a great price — generally, $35 per person or per couple depending on the establishment.
Saturday, September 12
Vienna: Oakton Defense Smothers T.C. Williams
Cougars force four turnovers in shutout of Titans.
The Oakton football team defeated T.C. Williams 24-0 on Friday.
Thursday, September 10
Alexandria/Mount Vernon Weekend Fun: Sept. 11-20
Events in Alexandria City and the Mount Vernon area of Fairfax County, Va.
Obituary: Nancy K. Beavers
Nancy K. Beavers, 63, of Alexandria, died at INOVA Alexandria Hospital on Aug. 30, 2015.
Letter: Two Different Sets of Rules?
Letter to the Editor
We write in full support of the Parker Gray Board of Architectural Review’s denial of the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA) request to demolish Ramsey Homes and urge City Council to deny ARHA’s appeal.
Letter: Enormous Challenges
Letter to the Editor
Since high school at T.C. Williams, Bob Wood has demonstrated the many qualities of leadership, high moral character, positive interactions with people and competency in all endeavors.
Column: Importance of Senior Planning
Commentary
Families change. People get married. Some people stay married and some people do not.
Column: SOL Success at TC and Patrick Henry
Commentary
The school year has started and the staff is ready for a new year. But more good news is rolling in from last school year. T.C. Williams High School and Patrick Henry Elementary School will both be Fully Accredited in 2015-16. While ACPS will not have confirmation about the accreditation status of other schools until the end of October, the news also looks to be better all round for them too.
Column: The Power of Collective Impact
Commentary
As Alexandria welcomes in the start of a new school year, this new beginning also provides an opportunity to remind us that a child’s success in school and life is inextricably linked to what happens inside and outside of the school building.
Letter: Equal Treatment
Letter to the Editor
Public entities like the Alexandria Redevelopment Housing Authority (ARHA) must be held to the same, if not to a higher standard, than the general public.
Column: Covert Matters
Mr. Write-in Bolts His Party
Not since 1961 has a write-in Alexandria City Council candidate managed a victory. That person was a beloved community, political and business leader Frank Mann. He died at 86 in 2007.
Column: Civic Involvement
Secret weapon for veteran reintegration.
I’m proud to say that my life is centered around helping veterans reconnect to their community. When I retired from the Army just 18 months ago, I had no understanding of civilian life or how my family and I would reintegrate into a civilian community or connect to our chosen home of Alexandria.
Wednesday, September 9
Alexandria: City’s Democrats Face Civil War
Euille officially announces write-in campaign.
When Mayor William Euille officially announced his pursuit of a write-in campaign for reelection at a Sept. 7 rally, he referred to the Dylan Thomas poem about a man who believes his work is unfulfilled.
Alexandria: Giant Opens in Potomac Yard
New store replaces Monroe Avenue location, which is now closed.
The location is new but be prepared to see many familiar faces at the Potomac Yard Giant grocery store, which opened for business Sept. 4.
Alexandria: Calhoun Hams Celebrating 35 Years At Farmers’ Market
Tom Calhoun first opened his Calhoun Hams/Meat Market in 1980 at the Alexandria Farmers’ Market at Market Square in Old Town. It continues as a mainstay of the Saturday market today.
Alexandria People at Work: Helping Customers Be Successful
A spurt of water cascades over pots of lenten roses as Scott Sutherland walks down the rows of plants at Greenstreet Gardens on King Street.
Alexandria Gets Inked
Final approval rests with council.
Twenty years ago, James Marlowe said it wouldn’t be possible, but by the end of the year Old Town may have its first tattoo parlor.
Alexandria: The South Won't Rise Again
Council votes for further restrictions on Confederate flags.
There are at least 33 streets in Alexandria clearly named after Confederate military leaders, but potentially twice that many that may be related but without a clear historical record.
Alexandria: Hauling is Causing Trouble in Old Town
Carr Hospitality faces criticism over trucks in Old Town.
The jackhammers are loud, but Old Town residents can yell even louder. After years of fighting against the development of Carr Hospitality’s Indigo Hotel by residents of Alexandria’s Waterfront, there was little reason to think the opposition would suddenly quiet with construction underway.
‘Remodeled Home Tour’
A 3,700-square-foot, four-bedroom center hall Colonial renovated in phases over nearly two decades will be featured in a “Remodeled Home Tour” sponsored by Sun Design Remodeling.
Thursday, September 3
Summer Camp: One-on-One with Alexandria Shelter Animals
Commentary
Some Alexandria youths headed off to day camp this summer didn't learn anything about baseball or boating. They spent their hours getting to know the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter on Eisenhower Avenue and learning a little more about animals.
Column: Now Hiring
The importance of employment for Alexandria’s homeless population.
Imagine having to choose between paying rent and feeding your family tonight.
Alexandria Brief: Backpacks for Brighter Futures
The Child & Family Network Centers (CFNC), a nonprofit provider of free preschool and wraparound services to the children of the working poor, hosted its first annual Backpacks for Brighter Futures event on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2015.
Alexandria Brief: Free Cleanings, Exams for Military
On Thursday, Sept. 10, Kathleen Mullaney DDS at 700 North Fairfax St., Suite 230, will join businesses across the country in observing Freedom Day USA, a national Thank You Movement for members of the military and their families, along with veterans.
Alexandria Resident Writes Children's Book
“Polly Peacock and the Pink Flamingos” explores self-acceptance.
Alexandria resident and account executive Emilie Bair’s new children’s book “Polly Peacock and the Pink Flamingos,” teaching children about self-acceptance, was released nationwide in August.
Alexandria: Learn How To Dance in the Rain
Joyce Rawlings teaches to persevere.
If it has to do with families in Alexandria, Joyce Rawlings was (and is) there! Her volunteer and professional work has led to myriad parent, school and community initiatives and to her selection as a 2015 Living Legend of Alexandria.
Little Theater of Alexandria Stages ‘Laughing Stock’
This play-within-a-play comedy promises tons of chuckles.
The Little Theater of Alexandria (LTA) is staging "Laughing Stock," a play-within-a-play, from Sept. 5-26.
Alexandria People at Work: Artist Clarke Says The Painting Takes Over
Lesley Clarke brushes an amber brown across the large canvas in Studio 341 in the Alexandria Torpedo Factory.
Close Call with West Nile for Alexandria
Observant citizens prompt removal of mosquito breeding ground
With construction for the Indigo Hotel occurring in the area, it might have been easy to dismiss the pit of standing water at the corner of Duke and The Strand.
Alexandria: Redistricting Starts for Public Schools
ACPS chooses J.R. Reingold & Associates Inc. as its redistricting partner.
With a whimper rather than a bang, redistricting has started for Alexandria Public Schools. On Aug. 24, Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) selected J.R. Reingold & Associates Inc. as a partner for its redistricting process.
Alexandria: New Defibrillators around City
Area incident inspires expansion.
In January, Judge Thomas J. Kelly Jr. in Arlington saved a man’s life.
Alexandria: Skirmishes over Business Proposals in Del Ray
Planning Commission navigates through conflicts.
Within an hour of returning to session: businesses, the public, and the Planning Commission were at odds. After a two-month summer break, it was business as usual in the Sept. 1 Alexandria Planning Commission meeting, where some big changes for small businesses were proposed in Del Ray. All three of the proposals centered around the growth of businesses and a school in Del Ray.
Alexandria: 'Young At Art' Senior Exhibit Celebrates 29 Years
When artist Wilda Gadzik finally got around to taking a formal art class as a resident of Goodwin House, it wasn’t her familiar paintbrush she was told to reach for. Instead, the 87-year-old was handed a pencil.
Alexandria Brief: Cafe To Support Nonprofits
Founders David Clapp and Dave Nicholas of Alexandria Restaurant Partners (ARP) have entered into a partnership with ACT for Alexandria, a community foundation that serves to increase charitable investment in Alexandria.
Alexandria: ‘Building Better Futures’
Campagna Center receives $25,000 SunTrust grant.
Dan O’Neill, president and CEO of SunTrust Greater Washington/Maryland Division, presented a check for $25,000 on behalf of the SunTrust Foundation to The Campagna Center’s Building Better Futures program for at-risk teens. “Our partnership with The Campagna Center goes back ma
Alexandria: Hume Springs Park Playground Getting Makeover
In partnership between RunningBrooke and the City of Alexandria Parks and Recreation Department, the Hume Springs Park playground, located at 100 Dale St. in Arlandria, will be transformed.
Letter: Focus on Governance
Letter to the Editor
It’s time for some Alexandria residents and local politicians to admit we don’t live in a Banana Republic.
Letter: Time to Tack Against the Wind
Letter to the Editor
It is rare to receive a letter complimenting a letter, but that’s what just happened, when I received an email from someone who has lived in Alexandria for 30 years and who understands politics and political consequences better than I.
Letter: Determined Republicans
Letter to the Editor
On the front page of your last issue you describe Republican candidate for Council Van Fleet as the “leading spokesperson for residents of Old Town.”
Letter: Council and Confederacy
Letter to the Editor
As part of Alexandria’s Commemoration of the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War, in June, Kim Holien gave a compelling talk about Civil War officers, six Union and six Confederate, for whom some of our west end streets were named; it noted that both sides included thorough rascals.
Alexandria Brief: Portraits To Be Added to The Lyceum
The board of directors of Living Legends of Alexandria is providing a gift of Living Legend portraits to the Office of Historic Alexandria which will be part of its permanent collection.
Alexandria: TC Williams Volleyball Led by FirstYear Coach DeSain
Titans reached Conference 7 final last season.
AJ DeSain is in his first season as T.C. Williams volleyball head coach.
Wednesday, September 2
Workplace Fitness
Employer-based health and wellness programs are good for business.
It’s Wednesday afternoon and a cohort of George Mason University staff, students and faculty hit the pavement. Clad in attire ranging from running shorts and brightly colored sneakers to neutral walking shoes and business suits, the group takes part in “Who’s Walking Wednesdays,” part of an initiative to get moving for health and wellness.
Alexandria Brief: Sally Richards Joins SCAN
Sally Richards has accepted the position of SCAN’s director of development and will begin on Sept. 8.
Letter: Benefits of Redevelopment
Letter to the Editor
Vernon Miles of the Alexandria Gazette Packet wrote a significant article about redevelopment in Old Town.
Letter: Time for ‘New Blood’
Letter to the Editor
This will reply to the letter in your Aug. 20 edition asking “[w]hat is it about Euille’s candidacy that so concerns the vice mayor’s supporters?”
Letter: Not All Are Opposed
Letter to the Editor
I need to respond to your front page article in the Aug. 27, 2015 Alexandria Gazette Packet "Redeveloping and Reshaping Old Town."
Letter: Voices of Reason
Letter to the Editor
In 1998, I established my residence in Old Town, Alexandria, and have grown to love this charming city, although recently the City Council’s political bickering has challenged my enthusiasm.
Letter: Protect Historic Public Housing
Letter to the Editor
Do Alexandria’s historic districts mean anything? That is the question that City Council will answer Sept. 12 when it decides whether to uphold or overturn the Parker Gray Board of Architectural Review’s unanimous decision to reject the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority’s (ARHA) request to demolish Ramsey Homes on 600 block of North Patrick Street.
Letter: Demand Action For Gun Sense
Letter to the Editor
Virginia is now known as the state where murder is broadcast on live TV. A disgruntled former station employee shot and killed reporter Alison Parker, 24, and her cameraman, Adam Ward, 27, in Moneta.
Alexandria Brief: Become 5 Millionth Trolley Rider
The Alexandria Transit Company (DASH) anticipates reaching its milestone of carrying 5 million King Street Trolley riders since the service started in 2008.
Obituary: Ora Lee Mudd Mason
Ora Lee Mudd Mason, 90, of Lorton, died Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015 at her home.
Tuesday, September 1
Editorial: How to Vote; It Matters
Voting begins in two weeks, Sept. 18.
Election Day is Nov. 3, and on that day, virtually every state and local office is on the ballot. In-person absentee voting begins Sept. 18, barely two weeks from now.