Friday, December 23
Track Meet for Alexandria School
In mid-November, middle school students from St. Rita Catholic School in Alexandria participated in the Catholic Youth Organization track meet in Prince William County.
Savoring Results of 2016’s Restaurant Debuts
2016 has been quite a busy year for the Alexandria food scene.
MetroStage Stages ‘Fully Committed’
One-man show stars Tom Story who channels 40 different characters at a New York restaurant.
MetroStage in Alexandria is staging the newly revised version of "Fully Committed" (following the successful Broadway run that closed in July) through Jan. 8, 2017.
Wednesday, December 21
Winners Named in Alexandria Door Decorating Contest
The Old Town Walled Garden Club announced the winners of the 49th annual Alexandria Holiday Door Decorating Contest in the Old and Historic District.
Local Alexandria Legal Team Teaches German Students
A globetrotting legal team from Alexandria continues to lecture on American jurisprudence.
Carpenter Shelter Project Approved in Alexandria
On Dec. 17, the City Council approved the final plans for the newly redeveloped Carpenter Shelter in North Old Town.
Deck the Halls in Alexandria
Children gather for Campagna Center’s annual tradition.
The Campagna Center’s version of Deck the Halls is more than a spirited holiday song.
A Very Special Christmas in Alexandria
ODBC hosts party for city children.
Santa Claus and his chief elf were on hand Dec. 15 as the Old Dominion Boat Club hosted its annual Christmas party for special education children from across the city.
Toyland in Alexandria
Members of the Psi Nu chapter of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity deliver toys to the main branch of Burke & Herbert Bank Dec. 16 on behalf of the 26th Community Toy Drive implemented by Volunteer Alexandria, the Department of Community and Human Services and COPS (Community Oriented Policing Section).
Alexandria Clerk of Courts: Voice of Reason
After 16 years as a deputy, Marion Jackson is officially Clerk of Courts in Alexandria General District Court.
First Night Alexandria
The 22nd Annual First Night Alexandria, a family-friendly New Year’s Eve party, takes over Old Town Alexandria on Dec. 31 with more than 150 performances at 24 indoor venues in Old Town and one in Del Ray, with live music, dancing and children’s activities.
New Alexandria Sheriff’s Deputies Sworn In
The Alexandria Sheriff’s Office recently welcomed seven new deputies to its ranks.
Alexandria Symphony Orchestra Names Executive Director
Frank to lead search for Kluge successor.
Paul A. Frank, founding principal of Paul A. Frank Consulting, has been named the new executive director of the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra.
Alexandria's Isley Ranked #1 in U.S.
After five back-to-back days of competition in Kansas City, Mo., T.C. Williams High School senior and Alexandria native Troy Isley emerged victorious at the U.S.A. Boxing National Championship on Saturday, Dec. 10, and was crowned the #1 National Champion in the 165-pound weight class.
Playing Secret Santa in Alexandria
The residents and associates of four local AvalonBay Communities, Inc. apartment buildings volunteered to play Secret Santa for children enrolled in Community Lodgings' after school program.
Bondareff Expands Pediatric Practice in Alexandria
Fifty-three years brings many changes.
Four-month-old Quinn Doren wiggles her toes and squirms on the table in the nursing area at Pediatric Associates of Alexandria.
Police and Clergy Pursue New Coalition in Alexandria
Looking to close gap between community services.
Public and religious leaders in Alexandria met Nov. 30 for a second Police-Clergy Breakfast seeking to bridge a disconnect between local law enforcement and religious institutions.
Having Fun While Reading Together in Alexandria
Mentor of The Month
Becky and I go to the library each week, pick out books, read together and have fun.
‘Share the Love’ for Meals on Wheels in Alexandria
Senior Services and Beyer Subaru team up.
Senior Services of Alexandria (SSA) and Beyer Subaru of Alexandria are teaming up again for the 9th Annual “Share the Love” Campaign to support Meals on Wheels.
Letter to the Editor: Encourage Visitors to Alexandria
Instead of spending its energy figuring out how to attract shoppers from the new MGM casino, the city should expend more effort considering how to keep people coming to what is perhaps its biggest annual attraction, the Scottish Walk.
Letter to the Editor: Give Alexandria Police More Support
It appears that almost every day the headlines in local papers indicate that a violent crime has been committed in Alexandria.
Letter to the Editor: Missed Opportunity at Jefferson-Houston in Alexandria
During its redistricting process the school board has neglected Jefferson-Houston — the city’s only non-accredited school and by some measures the third worst school in the entire state.
Letter to the Editor: Balancing Capital Improvement Projects in Alexandria
Last Thursday the Alexandria School Board approved a capital budget for $611.1 million over the next 10 years.
Alexandria Crime Report
The following incidents were reported by the Alexandria Police Department:
The following incidents were reported by the Alexandria Police Department:
$26,000 Raised for Market2Market's Rose Cruz in Alexandria
In the week since Rose Cruz, a restaurant employee, friend, neighbor, and mother of four died from injuries sustained after being struck by a vehicle, the Del Ray business community hosted a fundraiser that raised $26,221.35 for her family.
Apple Contest in Alexandria
Janet Cantwell, principal of St. Mary’s Catholic School, receives a $3,000 check on Monday, Dec. 19, from Mark Nicholson of Red Jacket Orchards, representing the U.S. Apple Association.
Christmas Mural in Alexandria
The 2016 Grace Episcopal School Christmas Mural was created by Grace students in Kindergarten – Grade 5.
Alexandrian in Ford's Theatre's “A Christmas Carol”
Wearing a red scarf in the front row, local fourth grader Jovani Morales-Shackelford, from MacArthur Elementary, is in Ford's Theatre's “A Christmas Carol” for the second year as Tiny Tim.
Bake Sale Fundraiser in Alexandria
On Dec. 2, classrooms were turned into bakeries as St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School held its 23rd annual fourth grade bake sale benefiting Children’s National Health System.
Man Dies from House Fire in Alexandria
On Saturday, Dec. 3, at approximately 3:47 p.m., Fairfax County Fire and Rescue units responded for reports of a house fire in the 3700 block of Logan Court.
New Hope Housing Receives Grant
New Hope Housing, a nonprofit organization that provides housing and shelter for families and single adults in Alexandria, Fairfax County, Falls Church and Arlington, was the recipient of a $7,500 grant awarded recently by the Dominion Foundation, the charitable arm of Dominion Resources.
Commentary: Quality Education at a Wise Cost
Winter break is good time for our high school seniors to focus on college.
Annual Pep Rally in Mount Vernon
Before the big game, West Point Cadets joined the military retirees at The Fairfax in the Mount Vernon area for their annual pep rally prior to the Army/Navy football game in Baltimore.
New Volunteer Coordinator at United Community Ministries
United Community Ministries recently hired April Love as its new volunteer and community relations coordinator.
Burgundy Farm Country Day School's 70th Anniversary
Sharon Bulova, chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay presented Burgundy Farm Country Day School's Head of School Jeff Sindler on Nov. 1 with a resolution recognizing Burgundy “for its 70th anniversary, noteworthy education of children and inestimable contributions to Fairfax County.”
A Collaborative Future for Arts in Alexandria
City approves Arts and Culture Master Plan.
Torpedo Factory artists turned out in force to the City Council meeting on Dec. 17 in a show of support for the artists’ institution.
Tuesday, December 20
From Ground Up in Alexandria
A few blocks away from where the Ramsey Homes are set to be redeveloped, the Alexandria Redevelopment And Housing Authority (ARHA) has set its eyes on the redevelopment of another neighborhood.
Fairfax County Sheriff’s Deputy Cleared in Fatal Shooting
Commonwealth’s Attorney: homicide was justified self-defense.
In a decision released Dec. 16, Commonwealth’s Attorney Ray Morrogh cleared Fairfax County Master Deputy Sheriff Patrick McPartlin of any criminal wrongdoing in the fatal shooting of Yovani Amaya Gomez that took place Aug. 15 outside Inova Fairfax Hospital.
Police Out to Catch Drunken Drivers in Fairfax County
Grant funds new DWI Enforcement Squad.
A new squad of police officers has started patrolling the county and they have only one mission: to combat impaired driving.
Monday, December 19
Holiday Grief
Workshop helps others deal with loss.
The holiday season is bittersweet for Jeanne Rorke.
Letter to the Editor: Protect the Consumer Protection Bureau
Consumer protection groups have grown increasingly concerned about Republican promises to cut back on financial regulations next year.
Commentary: Fairfax Police Reform Is Well Underway
I endorse the Connection Newspaper’s recent editorial on the progress Fairfax County has made implementing the recommendations of the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission, on which I had the honor of serving as chairman of the Use of Force Subcommittee.
Commentary: Congress Coming Together to Find and Fund Faster Cures
On Dec. 8, I joined with a bipartisan group of House and Senate members, and the Speaker of the House, as the Speaker signed the 21st Century Cures Act.
Friday, December 16
Feeding the Hungry in Alexandria
Boy Scouts of Troop 888 baked 54 fresh apple pies for distribution to the needy, by way of Rising Hope Mission Church, the Elks Club, and Christ House, who each used the donated pies to feed those in need.
Firefighters and Friends collects toys for Alexandria area children.
To the Rescue
Christmas arrived early for more than 250 children from local Head Start programs as they picked out toys and visited with Santa during the annual Firefighters and Friends to the Rescue toy drive distribution day Dec. 11 at Penn Daw Fire Station 11.
Office of Historic Alexandria honors local veterans
‘Dawn of Infamy’
Veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam gathered at American Legion Post 24 for a viewing of the Virginia World War I and World War II Commemoration Commission Tribute to Veterans ceremony Dec. 8, marking the 75th anniversary of the U.S. entry into World War II.
Shelter Seeks Animal Foster Parents
Program provides temporary homes.
Forty-eight animals at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria are looking for temporary homes.
Editorial: History in Police Reform Part 2
Civilian Review Panel — and they said it couldn’t be done ….
Last week, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to establish a Civilian Review Panel, part of a two-pronged concept of independent oversight of law enforcement recommended unanimously by the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.
Thursday, December 15
Ad Hoc Commission Recommendations: 88 Percent Implemented
Public Safety Committee hears from Recruitment, Diversity and Vetting subcommittee chair.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is well on its way to implementing all recommendations from the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission. At the Dec. 13 meeting of the board’s Public Safety Committee, they announced 88 percent of the commission recommendations have been implemented or are soon to be so.
Alexandria Home Sales: November, 2016
In November, 2016, 196 Alexandria homes sold between $1,915,000-$103,000.
Alexandria Home Sales: November, 2016
Wednesday, December 14
Keeping the Spirit Alive in Alexandria
Sons honored in Alexandria Sportsman's Club scholarship drive.
Rick Moon enjoyed country music, boating and being on the water.
Torpedoes Away
Concerns over Torpedo Factory leadership derail Arts and Cultural Master Plan discussion.
The Arts and Cultural Master Plan is a 36-page document outlining the city’s 10-year plan to develop priorities for allocating resources to Alexandria’s arts community. Yet, the entire discussion at the Dec. 13 City Council meeting centered on one sentence.
Classified Advertising December 14, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Stop Sewage in Potomac River? Just Takes Money
City speeds Oronoco Bay sewage review, but still 10 years away.
Every year, Alexandria dumps 11 million gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac through Outfall 001.
Monday, December 12
Free Holiday Cab Rides Help Prevent Drunk Driving
Combating that holiday period which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says is a “dangerous time to be on the road due to a high number of drunk drivers behind the wheel,” a local nonprofit organization will offer free cab rides to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area during the winter holidays.
New Catholic Bishop: To Listen and Learn
A ministry to the faithful and the community beyond.
The Most Rev. Michael Burbidge assumed full authority last week as the new bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington.
Open Floor Plan Provides Holiday Entertainment Solution
Open house helps homeowners looking for ideas.
It's one thing to talk a good game; quite another to put your ideas to the test by inviting a long list of perceptive critics to inspect your wares.
2017 Color of the Year: Greenery
Pantone says color will evoke reinvigoration.
When Reston-based interior designer Annie Elliott’s home office began to feel lackluster, she draped the windows with green Roman shades to infuse a burst of color into the muted space.
A Stylish, Budget-friendly Kitchen in Alexandria
Local homeowners transform their kitchen, without breaking the bank.
When Janet and Frank McDermott purchased their Alexandria home in 1997, it was already outdated.
Friday, December 9
Obituary: Chester William Fannon III
Chester William Fannon III (Chet) of Middleburg, Va. died peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016 with his wife, Kate Armfield Fannon and his sister, Heather Fannon Young by his side.
Obituary: Mary Ann Kinder
Mary Ann Kinder (ne Staroscik) died in her home on the evening of Dec. 1, 2016.
Letter to the Editor: Uncertainty Hurts Torpedo Factory
I brought my business to Alexandria because of the supportive and vibrant community I found at the Torpedo Factory Arts Center.
Letter to the Editor: Demolish First, Discuss Later at Jones Point?
This week we learned that the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) with the Alexandria Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee’s (BPAC) assistance is conducting a crowdfunding exercise to raise $50,000 to demolish two concrete barriers at the “unused parking lot” at Jones Point Park.
Corrections to Alexandria Gazette Packet
Corrections
Letter to the Editor: Celebrating George Mason
Happy 281st birthday to my great-great-great-great grandfather, George Mason IV of Gunston Hall.
Raising Over $75,000 in Alexandria
The Friends of UCM held its annual fundraising event, The Capitol Steps Benefit for UCM in the Madison Auditorium at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, and raised more than $75,000 for children, youth, and families in need.
Alexandria Commission Approves Patrick Henry Design
Unanimous approval for option A.1, despite community divide.
While neighbors and local parents are still divided over designs for the new Patrick Henry School, a plea from school principal Ingrid Bynum helped move the Planning Commission to support the School Board’s plans for the facility at its Dec. 6 meeting.
Ringing Out the Season in Alexandria
Trinity handbells concert December 11.
A black gloved hand scoops upward with a shiny brass bell. The white gloves are saved for performance to keep fingerprints from damaging the surface of the bells.
American Arabesque at Alexandria's Durant Arts Center
Alexandria’s inaugural American Arabesque, held Saturday, Dec. 3, animated the Durant Arts Center with Arabic music and food, arts and crafts, henna designs and calligraphy, and poetry readings by Wendi R. Kaplan, Alexandria’s poet laureate.
Quarterback Promotes ‘Phones Down. Touchdown.’ Initiative
Redskins’ quarterback urges region to put phones down while behind the wheel.
“If I get sacked in a game, I can get back up and move onto the next play — for the most part,” he said. “But when you text and drive, you might not get back up.”
Wednesday, December 7
Plaid Tidings in Old Town
46th Annual Scottish Walk Parade
Crowds lined the streets of Old Town December 3 for Alexandria’s 46th Annual Scottish Walk Parade.
Pier Pressure in Alexandria
Holiday Boat Parade lights up the Potomac
The competition was fierce as more than 45 boats lined up along the Alexandria waterfront Dec. 3 to participate in the 17th annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights.
Rally for Rose in Alexandria
Del Ray to host fundraiser for Cruz family.
The Del Ray Business Association will host a “Rally for Rose” fundraiser Dec. 13 for the family of Rosemarie Cruz, who died Dec. 4 from injuries sustained after being struck by a vehicle while crossing Mount Vernon Avenue at W. Glebe Road.
A Christmas Tradition in Alexandria
More than 100 area performers in upcoming “Christmas Revels.”
The Washington Revels, with a cast of more than 100 performers, all from the Washington D.C. area, has been performing large-scale theater with traditional music and dance since 1983.
Ongoing Legacy in Alexandria
Sixty years after leading Parker-Grey Men’s Basketball to state championship, Walter Griffin voted into ACPS Athletic Hall of Fame
Walter Griffin was an all star.
Recalling ‘Infamy’
Survivor recalls Pearl Harbor attack on 75th anniversary.
They said it couldn’t be done. There had never been anything like it in the history of warfare but with unmistakable red spheres visible on every wing, 353 Japanese planes descended undetected over the islands of Hawaii on a sleepy Sunday morning.
Classified Advertising December 7, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Homicide in North Old Town
Former Alexandria resident killed returning to neighborhood he grew up in.
There was more to Colby Dielle McClennon than a criminal record.
Supervisors Establish Fairfax County’s First Police Civilian Review Panel
As complement to police auditor, panel will review abuse and misconduct complaints.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted 9-1 on Tuesday, Dec. 6 to establish a Civilian Review Panel to provide oversight of Fairfax County Police and to hear complaints of police misconduct or abuse of authority.
Tuesday, December 6
Meet Chef Euripides at the Royal Restaurant in Alexandria
A community institution since 1904.
Richard Euripides, chef at the Royal Restaurant on N. Asaph Street, has boiled two packages of ribbed Zerega lasagna noodles for a customer favorite.
Commentary: Coming Together in Northern Virginia over Climate Change
As the Republican candidate in Virginia’s Eighth Congressional District, which leans hard left, I knew faced a steep challenge going into this November’s election.
Monday, December 5
Taking a Fantasy Flight to the North Pole from Northern Virginia
In spirit of season, community organizations and businesses donate hundreds of service hours and supplies.
One hundred twenty-five children with life-challenging illnesses, their families and a support team of doctors, nurses and volunteers, for a total of 216 people, arrived at Gate 7, Terminal D at Dulles International Airport, Dec. 3, and headed for the hottest destination of the season.
Saturday, December 3
Updated List of Shelters for the Homeless
Shelter Information
NVRC has updated the list of shelters for the homeless, drop in centers and winter shelters in the region: Visit http://www.novaregion.org/index.aspx?NID=174
Friday, December 2
Celebration of New Ministry in Alexandria
Historic Christ Church in Old Town Alexandria celebrated the new ministry of its 28th rector, the Rev. Noelle York-Simmons, at a special installation service Nov. 19.
Senior Selfies in Alexandria
For each selfie posted to Synergy’s Facebook page during Alzheimer’s Awareness month in September, the company donated $5 to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Police Arrest Husband for Murder in Alexandria
Fairfax County Police Major Crimes detectives have an Alexandria man in custody for fatally stabbing his wife in the 8400 block of Diablo Court.
Learning ASTEAM in Alexandria
The Northern Virginia Urban League (NOVAUL), in partnership with Smart Learning Solutions, hosted an ASTEAM (Aviation, Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) Fall Family Carnival on Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Charles Houston Recreation Center.
Alexandria Man Sentenced to 17 Years for Child Pornography
Lucas Aronson, 31, of Alexandria, was sentenced on Nov. 18 to 204 months in prison for production of child pornography, enticing minors to engage in sexually-explicit conduct online and recording the acts.
Troop 1906 at their Fall Court of Honor in Alexandria
Troop 1906 at their Fall Court of Honor in Alexandria
New Member in Mount Vernon
The Mount Vernon Evening Lions inducted Sue Smyth into their club, at its November dinner meeting.
LTA Stages ‘A Christmas Carol’ in Alexandria
Presents Charles Dickens' classic for a holiday tradition
The Little Theatre of Alexandria (LTA) is staging the Charles Dickens' classic, “A Christmas Carol,” just in time for the holidays — from Dec. 2-17
Column: People at Work in Alexandria
Making Thanksgiving Possible
Tables are piled high with canned green beans, boxes of stuffing and mashed potatoes, cans of broth and yams and marshmallows; “for some reason we got double marshmallows. But one of our volunteers says you have to put marshmallows on sweet potatoes."
Building Blocks For Success
Hopkins House celebrates 77 years.
Hopkins House kicked off its 77th year of serving the Alexandria community with an inaugural Preschool Scholarship Gala, an event that culminated a week-long celebration of the services and successes of the nonprofit community-based learning center.
Running a Fowl in Alexandria
Turkey Trot raises $5,000 for ALIVE!
More than 5,200 runners took to the streets of Del Ray Nov. 24 for the 41st annual Thanksgiving Day Alexandria Turkey Trot.