Wednesday, August 31
Alexandria: The Royal Mile
Bike for Good hauls fresh fruit and vegetables from City Hall to those in need.
Seven bicyclists worked their way in a convoy up Royal Street on Aug. 17. Wagons trailed behind the bikes, each loaded with corn or tomatoes or fruit.
Alexandria: Helping To Ensure Success
While local Alexandria children got their haircuts and balloon animals from a clown at the Charles Houston Recreation Center, they had their eyes on the table full of backpacks.
Albright Visits Alexandria
Albright visits Alexandria Democratic headquarters.
After a few minutes of greeting Democratic supporters and talking about her experiences with Hillary Clinton, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright walked into a secluded side room.
Alexandria People at Work: Recruiting as Match-Making
TorchLight Hire: Number 621 out of 5,000 fastest growing private companies.
Heidi Parsont says, "I've always been a connector. So, 12 years ago I randomly ended up in sales/business development and built relationships with companies.
Alexandria Boxing Club Honors Silver Medalist
Community celebrates Shakur Stevenson’s success.
The Alexandria Boxing Club, at 901 Wythe St., became a center of community pride and celebration on Aug. 23.
Alexandria: Focusing on Back-to-School Safety
The week before Alexandria City Public School opened for the new school year, the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office conducted “Are You Ready for School?,” an operational campaign to increase the safety of students coming and going to school.
Alexandria: Police K9’s Receive Body Armor
The Alexandria Police Department K9’s Chance, Gage, XigXag, Trajan, and Zara have received ballistic and stab-protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 ’s Chance, Gage, and XigXag’s vests were sponsored by the Alexandria Police Foundation and Pamela Verick of Alexandria and are embroidered with the sentiment “In honor of the Alexandria Police Citizen’s Academy.”
Alexandria Column: Enter ‘Young at Art’ Exhibition
30th annual juried art show for artists 55-plus.
Young at Art will celebrate its 30th anniversary this October at the Durant Arts Center in Alexandria. Senior Services of Alexandria (SSA) and the Goodwin House Foundation are co-sponsoring this event, which showcases the talented works of senior artists in the Washington Metropolitan Area.
Alexandria Column: Finding Happiness on a Dare
Commentary–Rebuilding Together Alexandria
Originally from Raleigh, N.C., Rebecca* was in Alexandria visiting a friend in the ‘60s. While the two girls were out on the town one evening, her friend dared her to ask out a member of the band that was playing in the club. Rebecca accepted the dare. That band member became her husband and Alexandria became her new home.
From Old Town Boutique District: How to Consign Clothes
Transitioning to Fall, here are tips on closet cleaning and what one should consign.
We’re all guilty – That pair of heels you had to have, that designer handbag that was too good of a deal to pass up, you only to wear it once, or maybe even never (gasp!). Maybe you have a closet full of threads you loved last season, but you’re feeling a little lackluster about them this go around? Sound familiar?
Letter: Does He Bite?
Letter to the Editor
Well, they're finally over! Suffering through the breathless NBC "coverage" of Olympic "sports," many of which few of us have ever heard of, involving Zika-virus and Rio-mugging avoidance tips, inane commentary, and tedious "up-close and personals" punctuated by the occasional showing of an actual event and immediate post-race interviews with "heroes" gasping for breath, I wondered about the origins of the ridiculous habit of winning athletes appearing to take a bite out of their medal before the cameras.
Alexandria Appetite: 3 Spots to Get a Great Beer Around Town
Whether watching a game or enjoying an after-work happy hour, these spots won’t disappoint.
Ready to kick back with friends or catch the big game? Here are three spots with great beer lists — and great food, too.
Editorial: Take One Action to Prevent Suicide
Suicide Prevention Week is Sept. 5-13, #MindsMatter
As school begins, we are accustomed to safety warnings. Slow down driving, watch for students along the roads, near schools and perhaps behaving unpredictably near intersections. Buckle seat belts. Wear bicycle helmets. Avoid distracted driving.
Thursday, August 25
Vienna/Oakton Nonprofits: Making Community Work
Making Community Work
Caring for an Ill Spouse?
The Well Spouse Association, a national nonprofit which provides peer support to those caring for a chronically ill or disabled spouse, has free support groups in various northern Virginia locations. For more information, go to www.wellspouse.org or call 800-838-0879.
Welcoming Business Community in Northern Virginia
Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce welcomes newcomers to the area.
I am pleased to welcome you to Northern Virginia on behalf of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce (Northern Virginia Chamber) and the regional business community. The Northern Virginia Chamber is The Voice of Business in Northern Virginia, representing nearly 700 member companies which in total employ more than 500,000 members of our regional community.
Helping to End and Prevent Homelessness
Nonprofits around Northern Virginia help with chronic homelessness, homeless families, victims of domestic violence, homeless youth and more.
Nonprofits around Northern Virginia help with chronic homelessness, homeless families, victims of domestic violence, homeless youth and more.
How to Vote in Alexandria
The Alexandria ballot will include President and Vice President of the United States, U.S. House of Representatives (Eighth Congressional District), and two proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution.
About the Connection
As your local, weekly newspaper, the Connection’s mission is to deliver the local news you need, to try to make sense of what is happening in your community, to gather information about the best things in and around your community, to advocate for community good, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record achievements, milestones and events in the community and people’s lives.
Alexandria: Local Rowing Team Makes a Splash
As the world watched the U.S. Women’s coxed 8 dominate in Rio this summer, the local women of Alexandria Community Rowing (ACR) club’s competitive sweep team have steadily earned their own gold in local, regional, and national regattas.
Alexandria: What’s Shaking Old Town?
Neighbors rattled by Robinson Terminal South demolition.
Robinson Terminal South is going through demolition, and neighbors say they can feel it. While developer EYA proved that the vibrations from construction work falls within the standard set by City Council, local residents argued that a stricter standard be put in place.
Expanding Scope of Alexandria’s Public Art Projects
“We’re looking at things like traffic boxes, but do we want to do more or look at other projects?”
Traffic Control boxes are metal containers. They help make sure the traffic lights run smoothly, but they’ve never been accused of being beautiful.
Upcoming Trials in Alexandria
Commonwealth Attorney's Office braces for a flurry of murder trials.
Fall 2016 and early 2017 are scheduled to be a busy time for the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office.
Alexandria Column: Neglected Dog Left to Die
Animal Welfare League offering reward for information.
On Sunday, Aug. 14, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) was contacted by a couple who had discovered a dog abandoned in a crate under a bush on Patrick Street in Old Town Alexandria. The crate was dirty, containing feces and urine.
Alexandria: Old Dominion Boat Club Hosts Sailing Regatta
The Old Dominion Boat Club, drawing on its 135-year history, held its first ODBC Cup Invitational Regatta on Saturday, Aug. 20. The highlight of the races was the international division featuring crews from Great Britain, Australia, Canada and the United States. The USA sailboat won the four-race series on the Potomac.
Alexandria Letter: Missed Opportunity
Letter to the Editor
Your tepid response to letter writer Mark C. Williams' call (Aug. 18-24, 2016) to suppress opinion — "The Gazette Packet frequently publishes letters with which it disagrees" — missed an opportunity to address a larger issue, namely, the function of letters to the editor in a democratic society as a forum for the free expression of ideas and opinions.
Alexandria Letter: Ticket Cyclists?
Letter to the Editor
I am surprised that one person's proposed solution to the bicyclist "problem" in Old Town is to ticket cyclists for running stop signs.
Alexandria Letter: Flooding Unresolved
Letter to the Editor
Just recently, a great deal of interest has been shown in investigating the after effects of the flooding of Ellicott City, Md.
Alexandria Column: Officer Jim Bazzle – At Parade Rest
Commentary
I attended Maury Elementary School in the late 1960s. The neighborhood, the school, the people, were like a page right out of Mayberry.
Alexandria: Eyewitnesses to History
WWII veterans gather for V-J Day celebration.
At 91-years-old, Air Force Col. Kim Ching (ret.) was the youngster among World War II veterans who gathered Aug. 20 at American Legion Post 24 in Old Town to commemorate Victory Over Japan Day, otherwise known as V-J Day.
Alexandria: Gomez Memorial Service Planned
A Funeral Mass celebrating the life of Roland Branford Gomez has been scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 27 at 11 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1427 W. Braddock Road. Gomez died Aug. 11 at the age of 86.
Column: Rio Shows Why Investing in Clean Water Is Necessary
Commentary–Alexandria Renew Enterprises
Recently, U.S. Olympic marathon swimmer Haley Anderson discussed with NPR her 6.2-mile open-water swim off Copacabana Beach at the Rio games. One point of discussion: swimming for more than two hours in heavily polluted water during which Anderson expected to swallow several mouthfuls of water.
Alexandria/Mount Vernon: Centipedes To Compete in Patriot Run
The George Washington Patriot Run, co-sponsored by Mount Vernon and the Alexandria George Washington Birthday Committee, will be held on Sunday, Sept. 11, and will feature an opportunity for entrants to run in teams known as Centipedes.
Alexandria/Mount Vernon: MSA Names New Board Members
Metropolitan School of the Arts of Alexandria recently expanded its Alexandria/Kingstowne campus to include its Academy and studio classes, upon closing its Lorton campus.
Wednesday, August 24
Column: Women’s Equality Day Is 96 Years Young
In four years, celebrate centennial of 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave women the right to vote.
On Aug. 26, 2016, our nation celebrates the Women’s Equality Day for the 96th time.
Alexandria: TC Gone Cyber
T.C. Williams students learn about the digital industry at summer camp.
This summer at T.C. Williams High School students ditched the endless hours of free time at home for something different. From July 11-22, TC hosted a summer Cybercamp for rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. The camp was free of charge and hosted approximately 30 students participated.
Friday, August 19
Alexandria Home Sales: July, 2016
In July, 2016, 258 Alexandria homes sold between $3,765,000-$90,000.
Home Sales in July, 2016
Thursday, August 18
Alexandria: Solar Panel Program Continues
Alexandria kicks off second year of its Solarize program.
three goals: to highlight the city priorities and for solar energy, so educate consumers on the price accessibility of greener energy options, and to help Alexandria citizens through the often technical and sometimes foreboding process of adding solar panels to a home.
Alexandria: City Schools’ Testing Scores on the Rise
Despite a few fumbles.
The Standards of Learning (SOL) test results are in, and for the most part, Alexandria City Public Schools has passed. The Virginia Department of Education released the data for the testing results in Alexandria over three years, showing a steady increase in both reading and science categories.
Alexandria: ‘Play Ball’ Initiative
Alexandria Summer Camp ends with baseball event.
Mac Slover, the regional program director for Alexandria’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Activities, loves baseball.
Wednesday, August 17
Alexandria Obituary: Remembering Roland Branford Gomez
Award-winning theater veteran dies at 86.
It may have been Shakespeare who said “all the world’s a stage” but it was Roland Branford Gomez who lived it. A child actor since his first role on the New York radio program Coast to Coast at the age of 6, Gomez was a tour de force in the Washington theater scene from the minute he arrived in Northern Virginia in 1968.
Alexandria Obituary: Tim Ahern Dies Suddenly at 68
Navy veteran was participating in charity bike ride.
Tim Ahern, chairman of the board of Agenda:Alexandria and a past president of the North Ridge Citizens Association, died suddenly Aug. 6 while participating in a charity bike ride to raise funds for multiple sclerosis. He was 68 years old.
Alexandria Obituary: Tim Ahern Dies Suddenly at 68
Navy veteran was participating in charity bike ride.
Tim Ahern, chairman of the board of Agenda:Alexandria and a past president of the North Ridge Citizens Association, died suddenly Aug. 6 while participating in a charity bike ride to raise funds for multiple sclerosis. He was 68 years old.
Alexandria: Virtuosos for Veterans
The Medical Musical Group and actor Michael York perform celebration of America’s veterans.
The performance had a mix of themes, from Shakespeare to Star Wars to Downton Abbey, but through it all the Medical Orchestra and hosts kept the key focus on celebrating America’s veterans. On Aug. 14, the Medical Musical Group (MMG) came together with actor Michael York and others to perform a salute to veterans and their families at the Schlesinger Concert Hall.
Alexandria People at Work: Jones Reinvents Himself at 60
Not a choice: what he was meant to do.
Guy Jones hunches over his clay board panel in Studio 337 working on a pen and ink commission of a guy's dad in Vietnam. "The father is standing there in his uniform but had adorned himself with a beautiful red flower. His son wanted to catch that spin of his father." Jones says he has several pictures of the father as examples and will create a new image. "I sketched the face this morning. By tomorrow I should have it knocked out."Guy Jones hunches over his clay board panel in Studio 337 working on a pen and ink commission of a guy's dad in Vietnam. "The father is standing there in his uniform but had adorned himself with a beautiful red flower. His son wanted to catch that spin of his father." Jones says he has several pictures of the father as examples and will create a new image. "I sketched the face this morning. By tomorrow I should have it knocked out."
Alexandria Letter: Disservice to the City
Letter to the Editor
Last week (Aug. 11 edition), you ran a letter concerning Jefferson Davis.
Alexandria Letter: Questionable Data
Letter to the Editor
A recent letter pointed to questionable data the city is using to support decisions. An example cited was the inflated number of Bikeshare members.
Alexandria Letter: On Naming City Streets
Letter to the Editor
The name of the Jefferson Davis Highway should be changed. It needs to be pointed out that slavery was not "widely viewed as a normal institution" (Gazette, Aug. 11) in America.
Alexandria Letter: Ticket Cyclists
Letter to the Editor
When I attempt to cross Union Street from my home, I do so slowly, since I cannot see approaching traffic due to buildings that block my view.
Alexandria Letter: Preserve Neighborhood
Letter to the Editor
In response to a letter submitted in the Aug. 4 Gazette, I would like to make comments regarding the proposed new hotel at the corner of Harvard and King streets.
Alexandria Column: Thanks to Summer Volunteers
Commentary–Senior Services of Alexandria
Despite the heat, Senior Services of Alexandria’s volunteers are out serving the community by delivering Meals on Wheels and Groceries to Go; seeing seniors every week for friendly visits; and delivering free pet food for animals of seniors in need through our “Animeals” program.
From Old Town Boutique District: Not Gone on Vacation Yet?
Tips on how to pack for a last minute stress free getaway.
Look at the calendar, folks. We’re halfway through August and sadly, summer is winding down.
Classified Advertising August 17, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Tuesday, August 16
Editorial – Election 2016: Much at Stake Nationally, Locally
Possible record turnout should motivate more early voting.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8, and in some ways that seems like it can’t possibly come soon enough.
Alexandria: Carlyle House – A Tale of America in the Making
The Carlyle House, located at 121 North Fairfax Street, opened as a museum in 1976, and was the first historic house to open during the Bicentennial year. Recently, it celebrated its 40th anniversary of that event this July with an open house at no cost to the public. With that, Alexandria also celebrated its founding in 1749.
Alexandria Appetite: 3 Spots to Pencil in for Restaurant Week
The city’s offerings are their most diverse ever.
Alexandria’s summertime Restaurant Week is back in action for another season, and diners will find plenty of options that are sure to appeal to every appetite. Here are three to be sure to try.
Create a Back-to-School Game Plan
Educators tell how to make the transition less jarring.
As a single mother of a fifth grade student, Christine Schull is already making back-to-school preparations.
Considering a Private School?
Educational consultants can help families navigate application process.
For families considering an independent school for the 2017-2018 school year, the admissions process begins this fall. From essays and interviews to school visits and standardized tests, the process for getting into kindergarten may feel nearly as daunting as applying to college.
Thursday, August 11
Stars of Summer
Northern Virginia Swimming League holds individual championships
Olympic swimming started with an expected bang in its opening weekend in Río, with Katie Ledecky and the men’s four by 100 freestyle relay, that included Michael Phelps in the second leg, captured gold medals for Team USA.
Ginny Thrasher's Golden Gun
Springfield’s Ginny Thrasher wins Olympic gold in air rifle.
Before she left for the Río Olympics, 19-year-old sharpshooter Ginny Thrasher of Springfield was just looking to get experience in her first games. “I was looking more towards 2020 as a realistic option,” she had said.
Wednesday, August 10
Mount Vernon: Anderson Named SLES Scholarship Winner
The Stratford Landing Elementary School PTA has announced its 2016 scholarship winner: Kelsey Anderson, a Stratford alumnus who recently graduated from Episcopal High School. Anderson held a 4.35 GPA and her work gained accolades from many faculty members.
Alexandria Brief: Hearing Set for Arrested WMATA Officer
Nicholas Young, a Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority officer, was arrested Aug. 3 for allegedly providing material support to ISIS. Young, a Fairfax resident, appeared briefly in Alexandria’s Eastern District Courthouse where his defense waived his preliminary hearing. Young’s next court date is scheduled for Aug. 11 at 2 p.m.
Alexandria: Paws to Read
Encouraging confidence in reading through puppies.
Maggie doesn’t talk back. Caroline Schofield, a second grader, can read to Maggie without judgment or being corrected. Maggie lays next to Caroline, occasionally wagging her tail and resting her head against the girl’s left while Caroline reads from a book.
Alexandria: Seniors at the Wheel
Accident highlights need for alternative travel options for elderly.
According to police, at 10 a.m. on Aug. 2, Leonard Wainstein, a 92-year-old Fairfax resident, was looking for a parking spot at a bank in Old Town Alexandria.
Alexandria Snapshot: Friendship Firehouse Festival
The crowd arrives early for the Friendship Firehouse celebration Aug. 6.
Alexandria People at Work: The Many Faces of Firefighting
On a normal day Durant Cephers would be working at Firehouse 206 on Seminary Road. But it is Aug. 6 and he is on S. Albert Street at the Friendship Firehouse 150th anniversary event.
Kelvin Terrell writes “Karma: The War of Love.”
His first romance novel.
Alexandria actor/producer Kelvin Terrell hopes to use profits from his first novel “Karma: The War of Love” to start a scholarship foundation for the city’s youth.
Alexandria Letter: Keep Jefferson Davis Highway
Letter to the Editor
As an Alexandria citizen (who hails originally from Chicago and believes in Lincoln’s malice toward none sentiments about the war), and a long-serving soldier and a Civil War historian, I want to add some historical perspective toward the importance of the eternal memorial of our Civil War history around Alexandria.
Alexandria Letter: A More Business Friendly City
Letter to the Editor
At almost every ribbon cutting we attend, we hear from business owners about the challenges they faced in getting their doors open.
Alexandria Letter: Not Very Surprising
Letter to the Editor
So, the Robinson's Terminal developer cannot see making money building his hotel despite all the concessions he got from the city.
Janet Barnett: ‘Get Involved in Community Service’
Offering advice for those seeking to be active in the city.
Janet Barnett likes being involved in her community. She caught the bug when her children, Susan and Louis, were in the Alexandria school system and she became a volunteer for the PTA. “I didn’t have as many opportunities then as I do now,” she said.
Alexandria: Barbara Ross Dies
Former deputy director of Planning and Zoning helped shape city.
Barbara Ross, former deputy director of the Department of Planning and Zoning, died Aug. 9 at her home in Alexandria. She was 70 years old.
Alexandria Column: Spreading Love and Lifts
Commentary–Rebuilding Together Alexandria
Carole’s father suffered from a neuromuscular disease and was living alone in his three-story Alexandria home.
Alexandria Column: How To Shop a Sidewalk Sale
From the Old Town Boutique District
Get ready to bargain shop, Alexandria! It is that time of year again, time for the Seventh Annual Alexandria Sidewalk Sale Aug. 13 and 14.
Alexandria Mentor of the Month
Through Children’s Eyes
In early 2015, we were matched with Angie and Jeremy through Wright to Read. We had no idea what an adventure we had signed up for.
Alexandria Column: Squad of Volunteers Arrives with a Vroom
Commentary–AWLA
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) welcomes all kinds of volunteer help, but some assistance arrives with extra fanfare.
Notes From The Producer: MetroStage Prepares New Season
It is always exciting to announce a new season of plays and musicals, and this season will include a world premiere musical, a brand new show for the holidays, and two classic American plays, all featuring the great actors you expect to see on our stage. We open with “Blackberry Daze,” a world premiere musical adapted from a bestselling novel by Ruth P. Watson.
Alexandria Appetite: A Home Away from Home in Heart of Del Ray
At Front Porch: Kick back, relax, and have a snack and a beer.
Walk down Mount Vernon Avenue on any summertime weekend, and if the weather’s even remotely nice, you’re sure to see a crowd congregating on a patio two doors down from the Evening Star Café.
Tuesday, August 9
Alexandria: A Home with a View
Alexandria abode has remained in the same family since 1923.
Among the stately homes in Alexandria's Rosemont neighborhood, nestled between Del Ray and Old Town, is a testament to one family’s predilection for entertaining.
Stylish Solutions for Organized Homes
Practical and chic ideas for making a home back-to-school ready.
Before school begins later this month, taking the time to organize home and school supplies can take the stress out of the transition from a laid-back summer to a structured, schedule-driven school year. Local home design and organizational experts share ideas to help parents add practical organizational tools to their home without sacrificing their sense of style.
Commentary: Responding to the Zika Threat
There have been 50 reported cases of Zika in Virginia, all linked to foreign travel, as of early August.
Last week, for the first time ever, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was forced to issue a domestic travel warning to pregnant women planning to visit Miami, a popular getaway destination.
Editorial: Laser Focus on Safety
While Metro lapses can’t be excused, it’s much safer than driving; maintenance-related safety issues also plague area bridges and roads.
Intense scrutiny on the safety and maintenance record of the Washington region’s Metro system is resulting in continuing revelation of lapses, and ongoing inconvenience with repair schedules shutting down entire lines and the end of late night service.
Monday, August 8
Alexandria: Youths Uncover Historic Artifacts
Camp at Fort Word Park uncovers history.
Fourteen youths, aged 12 to 15, recently participated in the Alexandria Archaeology Summer Camp, where they excavated a Post-Civil War African American community at Fort Ward Park.
Alexandria: Youths Uncover Historic Artifacts
Camp at Fort Word Park uncovers history.
Fourteen youths, aged 12 to 15, recently participated in the Alexandria Archaeology Summer Camp, where they excavated a Post-Civil War African American community at Fort Ward Park.
Thursday, August 4
Staying Fit and Healthy on Vacation
Advance planning is key to maintaining a healthy diet and fitness on the road.
Listening to Christian Elliot describe part of a recent vacation that he took with his wife, Nina, you might think he was attending a fitness bootcamp.
Alexandria Column: Inspiring Greatness
Event highlights importance of community, respect and love.
On a warm Friday night in June of this year, The Untouchables male youth organization of Alexandria hosted, what could possibly be, its first annual Lock-In. The young Untouchables and several mentors spent the night at the Charles Houston Recreation Center. The chosen theme for this event was "Inspiring Greatness."
Wednesday, August 3
Alexandria: Robinson Terminal North Reconsidered
Developers say plans for Old Town warehouse no longer economically viable.
Rooney Properties and CityInterests are reconsidering their options at Robinson Terminal North.
Alexandria Celebrates National Night Out
Law enforcement and community come together for a night of celebration.
There was a tense moment between law enforcement and a member of the local community on National Night Out in Alexandria.
Alexandria Survives Metro Mayhem
Reviewing a month of metro-shutdowns.
July was rough for the metro in Alexandria, but the city has emerged through the worst of it. Between July 5 and 18, Surges 3 and 4 involved complete line shutdowns between Reagan National Airport and Braddock Road, then in the other direction between Reagan National Airport and Pentagon City. The latter didn’t take place in Alexandria, but kept commuters from using the Metro to get to Washington D.C.
Alexandria: Teen’s Presidential Business
One hundred years of American elections at one Alexandria table.
It’s election season in America, but Trump and Hillary aren’t the only campaign pins showing up in Old Town Alexandria. Outside Big Wheel Bikes on The Strand, 14-year-old Diego Antonio Moore has a table full of election pins promoting candidates from Eisenhower to Obama.
Alexandria: Local Red Cross Blood Supplies Critically Low
Donate now.
Blood has a shelf life of 42 days, but in the Washington D.C. area, all available units are being snatched up within five days.
Alexandria Obituary: Colgate Selden Prentice
Colgate Selden Prentice (“Coke”) died on July 28, 2016, in Medford, N.J., with his three children by his side. Born on Jan. 10, 1924 in Newport News to a southern mother and Yankee father, Coke spent much of his childhood in Tidewater. He lived in Alexandria from 1951 to 1990.
Alexandria: Fighting Fire with Fun
Friendship Firehouse events kick off fundraising efforts.
He may not be Willy Wonka, but Dave Borghesani knows his chocolate. As chocolate history research manager at Mars Chocolate North America, Borghesani travels the country telling the story of the role chocolate has played in society for more than 3,500 years.
Alexandria/Mount Vernon Weekend Fun: Aug. 5-14
Entertainment
Events in Alexandria and Mount Vernon, Va.
Alexandria: Sharing Lifestyle That Keeps Her Young
Everyday is a 10 out of 10 for Annie Scheppach.
Annie Scheppach does not look her age. She looks almost two decades younger.
Editorial: An Open Letter to Readers and More
Buy an ad in our annual Newcomers and Community Guide, please.
Has your organization been featured in the Connection Newspapers, or the Alexandria Gazette Packet or the Mount Vernon Gazette or the Centre View or the Potomac Almanac?
Alexandria People at Work: Campolieta Thinks Outside the Piano
Daniel Campolieta remembers when he was about four years old his mother attached numbers with masking tape to the keys on a little plastic keyboard. "She wrote out the accompanying numbers for my favorite songs in a book — like the Ninja Turtles theme song." Campolieta's mother was a piano teacher and noticed he seemed to like it so his piano career started from there.
Alexandria Column: Providing Some Tips for Back-To-School Shopping
From The Old Town Boutique District
It just about time for those school bells to start ringing once again. To get you and your family ready for the new school year, here are some tricks and trends to help guide you through back-to-school clothing shopping.
Alexandria Column: Why Mentors Matter
Commentary–The Urban Alliance
Think back to that first “real” job you had.
Alexandria Letter: Solve Tour Bus Issue
Letter to the Editor
Isn’t it about time that our great city solve its current tour bus crisis by banning tour buses on our old and narrow streets in the Old and Historic District?
Alexandria Letter: Time for Hard Choices
Letter to the Editor
What will it take to get Council to understand — and act — on the fact that their cycle of spending more money than we have — to pay for discretionary services we cannot afford — and then raising taxes — is killing our city?
Alexandria Letter: Importance of Neighborhoods
Letter to the Editor
At present Alexandria is going through a process to develop a set of “Strategic Plan Goals” for 2016-2022.
Alexandria Letter: Planting Trees Too Closely?
Letter to the Editor
There has been much new construction around the city in the past few years.
Alexandria Letter: Evaluate Each Felon
Letter to the Editor
I am disappointed in the Alexandria Gazette Packet’s editorial stance [“Voting for Former Felons and Others,” July 21], joining our current governor’s campaign to restore voting rights to 206,000 convicted felons.
Alexandria Letter: Attend Irish Festival
Letter to the Editor
The Ballyshaners are thrilled to be hosting the Irish Festival on Saturday, Aug. 13 at Waterfront Park.
Alexandria Letter: Another Hotel?
Letter to the Editor
A proposed 6- or 7- story 124-room hotel Plan 1 has been submitted to Planning and Zoning on June of this year by developers to be built at 1617 and 1711 King Street in the Upper King street area, a few blocks from the King Street Metro station.
Alexandria Letter: Support Local Police
Letter to the Editor
Recently an Alexandria Police Department (APD) officer was denied service at a local restaurant in Alexandria solely because she was in uniform and the restaurant’s chef took umbrage with that fact and refused to cook her order.
Alexandria Letter: Council Needs Discipline
Letter to the Editor
Each time I pick up the newspaper I become more depressed. This city is poorly managed. Council is hugely committed to the affordable housing cause.
Alexandria Letter: Abuse of Power
Letter to the Editor
I commend the Alexandria Gazette Packet for drawing so cogent a nexus between tax and rent increases, complete with charts which scare off many a local weekly.
Alexandria Poetry Conversations: ‘The Peace of Wild Things’
Hello Alexandria! I am thrilled to have been appointed as the Poet Laureate of Alexandria.
Tuesday, August 2
Alexandria Appetite: 3 Gold-Medal Spots to Watch the Olympics
Looking for a restaurant to whet your appetite while you cheer on the USA? Here are three at the top of the list.
After the usual four-year absence, Summer Olympics mania is ready for liftoff again. Looking for a change of scenery to watch your favorite sports? Here are three restaurants that are sure to be gold-medal bets.
Passion to Excel in STEM Field
CORE Foundations hosts Summer Camp for area children.
At most summer camps, children are encouraged to step away from their screens and head outdoors. But for the campers enrolled in a program conducted by Core Foundations, a local nonprofit that encourages children to follow their passions in STEM fields, it was all about learning how to innovate with technology.
Monday, August 1
Alexandria: Resurrecting Fort Ward
Committee pieces together the controversial history of historic Alexandria site.
Alexandria’s Fort Ward has a long history, but resources to commemorate that history are limited.