Stories for June 2016

Stories for June 2016

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Thursday, June 30

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Alexandria and Mount Vernon: Hundreds Pack Airplane Noise Meeting

Flight changes have caused deafening conditions at homes

At a meeting convened for community members to discuss airplane noise complaints, the irony of some struggling to hear over the sound of planes taxiing just outside the packed lounge at Reagan Washington National Airport’s historic Terminal A wasn’t lost on the audience of more than 300.

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Burke Resident to Open New Exhibition at Torpedo Factory in Alexandria

Kathleen Best Gillmann of Burke is set to open an exhibition of her paintings depicting coastal landscapes titled “Vision at Water’s Edge” beginning July 6 at the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria.

Wednesday, June 29

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Alexandria: Titan Red Wins 6th Annual Alumni Baseball Game

The team rosters brought together alumni players from as far back as 1968.

The T.C. Williams Baseball Boosters played host to the 6th annual T.C. Williams Alumni Baseball Game June 17 when players from Alexandria public high schools gathered at Simpson Field for the match-up between teams Titan Blue and Titan Red.

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Alexandria: ‘The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly’ of Ramsey Redevelopment

Council weighs options for Ramsey redevelopment.

Three of Alexandria’s top priorities are historic preservation, open space, and affordable housing. At the June 28 City Council meeting, a decision over the future of Ramsey Homes found these interests, and the council, pitted against each other.

Alexandria: Two Guilty Pleas in MS-13 Homicides

Love triangle and gangland hit go to court.

The two murders were unrelated, happening a month apart, but they share similarities.

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Alexandria: Disability Awareness Awards Honor Companies, Residents

Commission, Chamber praise recipients.

The Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities met with the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce at City Hall to recognize two local companies who have worked to improve the lives of those with disabilities, and two Alexandria residents for their experiences with disabilities and disabled students. Members of the City Council were in attendance as Mayor Allison Silberberg spoke to honor the recipients.

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Alexandria: Civil Air Patrol Trains Future Leaders

The hour is 1900 on Wednesday, June 24, at the Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center. Nearly 20 cadets, ages 12 to 17, step in opening formation.

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Alexandria: SSA Bids Farewell to Retiring Board Members

At its annual luncheon.

Senior Services of Alexandria held its 2016 Annual Meeting at Goodwin House Alexandria June 22, recognizing past and current board members and welcoming new ones to the organization.

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Alexandria: Police Chief Earl Cook To Retire in October

Earl Cook to step down Oct. 1.

After a 37-year career in law enforcement, Alexandria Police Chief Earl Cook has announced his retirement from the force effective Oct. 1.

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Alexandria: Brunch Raises Funds For Surgical Services

The Board of Lady Managers held its annual Spring brunch June 12 at the Union Street Public House Restaurant.

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Alexandria Snapshot: New Bus Line Planned to National Harbor

Starting in October, a new bus route could make it easier for Alexandrians to get to and from National Harbor and the new MGM Casino.

Alexandria Letter: Another View Of Davis

Letter to the Editor

At its June 13 meeting, two members of the Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Confederate Memorials and Street Names made mistaken statements about Jefferson Davis.

Alexandria Letter: Saint Jane?

Letter to the Editor

I hereby nominate Dr. Jane Grayson for sainthood. All those in favor, say “Aye!”… I was picking up records at Alexandria Hospital and, stopped by the Cancer Center to leave a note for Dr. Grayson just to say, “Hi!” and that I’m doing well.

Pool Preparedness: Tips to Get Pool Ready

From The Old Town Boutique District

As of last week, school is officially out. If I may borrow a line from Harold Hill … that means summer break with a capital B, that rhymes with P and that stands for Pool. Unlike the pool in “The Music Man,” the only trouble with the swimming pool is knowing what to bring. Here is the ideal packing list for a swell summer.

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Alexandria: Festive Times at Oronoco Bay Park

An estimated 10,000 people were expected to attend the fifth annual Vine on the Waterfront, formerly known as the Alexandria Food and Wine festival, at Oronoco Bay Park in Alexandria on Saturday, June 25.

Alexandria/Mount Vernon Column: Help Reduce Gun Violence

Commentary– Join effort in Congress.

I was moved and inspired last week by my colleagues — starting with the great civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis — who had the tenacity and creativity to launch a sit-in on the floor of the House of Representatives to demand a vote on solutions to gun violence.

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Junction: A Crossroads of New Food and Old Favorites

The new bakery and bistro aims to open shortly after Independence Day.

On the corner of Monroe and Mount Vernon avenues, a landmark building has been given new life.

Tuesday, June 28

Connection Families, Pet Connection

The Pet Connection, a twice-yearly special edition, will publish on July 27, and photos and stories of your pets with you and your family should be submitted by July 17.

Editorial: Getting Home Safely on Independence Day

Independence Day is a national celebration, and for many, that celebration includes alcohol. The summer overall and July 4 in particular are times of greater risk for drinking and driving.

Monday, June 27

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Online Classes Offer Flexible Options for Earning Credentials Outside the Classroom

Interested in learning to landscape your yard using sustainable practices?

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Tips for Memorable Family Vacations

As summer gets underway, vacation-bound families are packing their bags and heading out of town. Vacations often fly by — months of planning and anticipating can be over in the blink of an eye. With a little advanced planning and forethought, however, even a quick weekend trip or a visit to relatives can become meaningful and memorable.

Friday, June 24

Alexandria Police Chief Earl Cook Announces Retirement

City’s first African American Chief to step down Oct. 1.

After a 37-year career in law enforcement, Alexandria Police Chief Earl Cook has announced his retirement from the force effective Oct. 1.

Thursday, June 23

Alexandria Commentary: A Father/Daughter Bond

From the Old Town Boutique District

Many adults find choosing a great Father’s Day present for their dads perplexing.

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Alexandria: Class of 2016 Bids Farewell to T.C. Williams

Class of 2016 Graduation marks the school’s 50th anniversary and the end of Principal Dingle’s first year.

According to Principal Dr. Jesse Dingle, life at T.C. Williams High School is a kaleidoscope. It’s constantly moving and shifting, full of every imaginable form of diversity.

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Alexandria: SSSAS Graduates Look to Future

St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School celebrated the Commencement of the 115 members of the Class of 2016 on Saturday, June 11 on the grounds of Virginia Theological Seminary.

Wednesday, June 22

Alexandria: Puppy Boat

Animal Welfare League celebrates 70 years.

It was all paws on deck Sunday, June 12, as staff and supporters of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria were joined by dogs and a kitten for a trip up the Potomac on the Potomac Riverboat Company’s “Cherry Blossom.”

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Alexandria: Cutting Out City Council?

Backlash follows proposed changes to city’s charter.

In the span of one docket item, City Council voted to yield more approval powers to city staff, but were more wary of a proposal that would give final approval powers to the Planning Commission.

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Alexandria: King Street-Beauregard Street Improvement Begins

Project seeks to increase pedestrian safety and reduce commute time.

The Alexandria City Council met at the intersection of King Street and North Beauregard Street to hold a groundbreaking ceremony, signaling the start of improvements to be made at the crossroads.

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Alexandria Snapshot: Bike Safety

Alexandria Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee held a bike rodeo on Friday, June 10, at Polk Elementary School in conjunction with the school’s ice cream social.

Alexandria Letter: City Fails Its Citizens

Letter to the Editor

Over the years, I have corresponded with almost all departments within the City of Alexandria’s government.

Alexandria Letter: Thoughtful Decision-Making?

Letter to the Editor

Now you see it, now you don't. Our School Board has the ability to make decisions disappear almost overnight. Their recent magic was visible on our very first school tear down, Patrick Henry, when in fact all but the vote was necessary to pass option C1 — an option which was structurally compatible with the neighborhood, contained adequate green space and most importantly was neighborhood friendly with no bus privileges on Latham Street.

Alexandria Letter: Who Pays For Free Rides?

Letter to the Editor

Why is our city planning to provide free and expanded bus transportation to some commuters during the July surges when some Metro lines will be shut down?

Alexandria Letter: Another Reason Supporting Pool

Letter to the Editor

Advocates for Alexandria Aquatics mentioned several compelling reasons for spending a lot of city money for a 50 meter swimming pool at the Chinquapin Recreation Center adjacent to T.C. Williams’ High School, but missed the most compelling, even if slightly troubling one.

Alexandria Letter: Looking at Local Taxes

Letter to the Editor

As I paid my first half property taxes this week, I was shocked to realize they have gone up 36 percent since 2010.

Alexandria: Supporting Life With Cancer Center

Fraternal Order of the Eagles ALVA #871 secretary Jean Oliver, left, presents a check in the amount of $5,000 to Amy Richards, development director of the Life With Cancer Center.

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Alexandria: Market Square Hosts Vigil for Orlando

Community calls for action.

Moms Demand Action of Northern Virginia in collaboration with Northern Virginia Pride gathered a little over a hundred supporters in Market Square in Old Town Alexandria on June 15 to raise tea lights and remember the victims of the shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla.

Senior Experience with Senior Services of Alexandria

During the last three weeks of our high school career, we had the opportunity as T.C. Williams seniors to do an unpaid internship of our choosing.

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Alexandria Mentor of the Month

Making an Impact on Childhood Literacy

Of all the ways to spend a Sunday afternoon, teaching someone else’s children to read will not, on the surface, top most people’s list of priorities.

Alexandria Column: Local Maker Spotlight

From the Old Town Boutique District

The movement to shop small and support locally-owned businesses is alive and well in the DMV area, and that includes supporting the makers themselves.

Alexandria Column: Offering Translation Services for Adults in Need

Commentary-Community Lodgings

This is the second in a five-part series about Community Lodgings’ programs and services to the Alexandria community.

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Alexandria Column: Volunteering at Animal Shelter Still Rewarding

Dog lover Ellen Flynn sets record at 45 years.

If the thousands of dogs who have passed through the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter over the last four decades could talk, many would recall the calm voice and gentle hand of volunteer Ellen Flynn.

Alexandria Brief: Award To Honor Nicole Mittendorff

A new award has been established to honor former Fairfax firefighter and distance runner Nicole Mittendorff who died two months ago.

Alexandria Brief: Bank Robbery Suspect Arrested

The Alexandria Police Department has made an arrest in a robbery that occurred at the SunTrust Bank located at 2809 Mount Vernon Ave.

Alexandria/Mount Vernon Obituary: Cindee Jackson Cornelison

Cindee Jackson Cornelison, age 69, was born in Milwaukee, Wis. As the daughter of an Air Force officer, she grew up in Nebraska, Texas, Mississippi, Nevada and Alabama.

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Alexandria: A “View From Within” at Gallery Underground

Alexandria artist and retired pediatric occupational therapist Anna Schalk, 74, presented “View From Within,” her solo show in June at Gallery Underground in Crystal City.

Tuesday, June 21

Commentary: Congress Must Act to Stem Gun Violence Epidemic

Last week, America woke to what has become an all-too-common nightmare. A man driven by hate and armed with assault weapons carried out our nation’s worst mass shooting.

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Alexandria is Hemorrhaging Affordable Housing

Alexandria continues to lose affordable housing.

Living in Alexandria isn’t cheap and for many locals who need affordable housing, it seems to be getting more expensive by the day.

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Alexandria: WWII Veteran Dies at 95

Bill McNamara survived Normandy invasion.

At 15 years old, Bill McNamara was determined to join the U.S. Cavalry. But when he walked into the local armory one Friday night, he was told he was too young. Not to be dissuaded, he walked around the block, stepped back inside and this time gave his age as 18 to the recruiter. The year was 1936 and McNamara had joined what would become America’s Greatest Generation, one of thousands who left for battlefields half a world away never knowing if they would ever see home again.

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Alexandria: Minnie Howard Campus Reopens Emma’s Garden.

"The students are totally invested in this project, … they want to see it succeed and continue to grow … .”

T.C. Williams’ Minnie Howard Campus’ renovated courtyard, Emma’s Garden, officially reopened on June 9. The courtyard was renamed in 2010 and dedicated to late teacher Emma Cabrera, who died in an accident that school year. Biology teacher Benjamin Matthews along with local master gardener Susan Helper helped outline the project and received a $500 grant from the PTSA to aid in completing the renovation.

Free Independence Day Cab Rides Offered

Preparing to combat that U.S. holiday when, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 41 percent of all U.S. traffic deaths involve drunk drivers, free cab rides will be offered to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington Metropolitan area on Independence Day, July 4.

Friday, June 17

Alexandria Home Sales: May, 2016

In May, 2016, 287 Alexandria homes sold between $2,325,000-$136,100.

Alexandria Home Sales: May, 2016

Thursday, June 16

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Alexandria: Police Investigate Murder of Pierre Clark

A father reforming his life was killed less than one month after jail release.

The idea was to live big and double the stakes.

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Alexandria: TC Girls’ Soccer Falls to Cox in State Semifinals

Titans out-shoot Falcons 28-5 but fail to score.

The T.C. Williams girls' soccer team lost to Cox in the state semifinals.

Wednesday, June 15

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Alexandria People at Work: A Second Family at Sunrise

Every Alzheimer’s story is unique.

A yellow balloon zooms across the room. An arm reaches up from a wheelchair and bats it back across the room. The balloon flies faster and faster. "Go Hunter, you throw harder than anyone." Some of the residents are down the hall taking naps.

Alexandria: A Peace Plan

Confederate Memorials and Street Names Advisory Group completes recommendations.

The Civil War is over. The bitter, year-long argument over what to do about the Confederacy’s legacy in Alexandria seems to have ended with a report from the Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Confederate Memorials and Street Names.

Alexandria Letter: Dealing With Crime

Letter to the Editor

Last week the murder of Pierre Clark, in broad daylight a block from the new Belle Pre building, marked the third homicide in less than 12 months to occur within a narrow radius, just steps from Braddock Road Metro.

Alexandria Letter: Benefits of New Pool

Letter to the Editor

In a letter to the editor from last week’s edition of the Alexandria Gazette Packet [“Government Over-reach”], Jimm Roberts is critical about several things in Alexandria.

Alexandria Letter: Design Change Unsettling

Letter to the Editor

A lack of transparency and violations of trust are poisonous to community life.

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Alexandria Snapshot: Playing Catch

Blue plays Frisbee with Abby Desjardins at the dog park by the Windmill Hill Park area.

Alexandria Column: Making Lemonade

Commentary–Rebuilding Together Alexandria

With a homemade lemonade stand adorning the front yard and the basement playroom walls painted with green rolling hills and blue skies, it is evident that Ariel wants her three young children to grow up having a memorable and safe childhood. Ariel purchased the home she grew up in from her parents in 2014, when her parents moved only half a block away.

Classified Advertising June 15, 2016

Read the lastest ads here!

Editorial: Support for Police in Reforms

Police commission recommendations come to Board of Supervisors for approval, implementation.

In some ways, the Fairfax County Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission, brainchild of Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova, was a bit of a miracle.

Tuesday, June 14

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Considering Private School?

Small steps this summer can minimize stress of application process.

The school year has just come to an end … which means it’s the ideal time to prepare to apply to leading independent schools.

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The Gap Year Trend

The pros and cons of taking a break in academic studies before college.

2016 Lord and Lady Fairfax Honorees Selected

Celebrate Fairfax, Inc. named the 2016 Lords and Ladies Fairfax at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, June 7 at the Fairfax County Government Center.

Saturday, June 11

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State Tournament Roundup

W-L boys' soccer, Robinson girls', boys' lax among teams competing for titles.

The 6A state championships are being held today at Robinson and Lake Braddock.

Wednesday, June 8

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Alexandria: TC Girls’ Soccer to Face Cox Friday in State Semifinals

Titans lose to Battlefield in region championship game.

The T.C. Williams girls' soccer team will face Cox in the state semifinals on Friday.

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Octagonal Dream Home on the Market

Home's shape and large windows make it a sun-drenched space.

It was during a trip to California almost 20 years that McLean resident Susan Jordano first laid eyes on her dream home.

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Alexandria: Scholar-Athletes Honored

ASC awards $16,000 to high school seniors.

The Alexandria Sportsman’s Club presented $16,000 in scholarships to eight high school seniors at the 61st annual Athletes of the Year banquet May 25 at the Westin Hotel.

Classified Advertising June 8, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

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Potomac Yard Metro Project Moves Forward

Lingering doubts around parking surround Potomac Yard approval.

After years of planning, Potomac Yard Metro is starting to come together. But for many local residents, the arrival of the new Metro station comes with some remaining hurdles.

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Alexandria: Boat Club Hosts Luncheon for Children with Special Needs

The Old Dominion Boat Club held its annual spring cruise and luncheon for children with special needs in the city’s public schools.

Alexandria Letter: One-Party Rule Thrives

Letter to the Editor

Despite the fact that Alexandria is one of the most diverse cities in the entire country, we are totally absent leadership that embraces anything close to diversity in opinion.

Alexandria Letter: Government Over-reach

Letter to the Editor

It is very disheartening to discover the men and women elected to high office in Washington, D.C. have decided to set prices for hourly labor employed by privately owned businesses.

Alexandria Letter: Shopping Cart’s Return

Letter to the Editor

Over the Memorial Day weekend, I noticed an abandoned shopping cart behind Jefferson-Houston School, so after a few days I dragged it home and called the city’s service line.

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Alexandria Snapshot: Memorial Day Jazz Festival

The Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities held a Memorial Day Jazz Festival at the Lee Center in Alexandria. Local bands such as the Nitehawks and the U.S. Navy Band Commodores performed a variety of music and food trucks catered to audiences outside the venue. Visit AlexandriaVA.gov/Recreation for a calendar of upcoming events.

Alexandria Commentary: Summer Living In Old Town

Trends and tips to keep cool.

Summer living is easy except when it’s not. Trying to beat the heat of a Virginia summer sometimes feels like an effort in futility. This year it doesn’t have to be. The latest trends are guaranteed to make your summer as cool — literally and figuratively — as possible. Summer living is easy except when it’s not. Trying to beat the heat of a Virginia summer sometimes feels like an effort in futility. This year it doesn’t have to be. The latest trends are guaranteed to make your summer as cool — literally and figuratively — as possible.

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Alexandria Snapshot: Hometown Hero

Miller, who has lived in Del Ray for over 30 years, is often described as the “unofficial mayor of Del Ray.”

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City Takes Control of Alexandria’s Torpedo Factory

Temporary measure met with cautious optimism by artists.

On the surface of Alexandria’s arts community, but in the depths of city bureaucracy, major changes are underway at the Torpedo Factory, the arts facility right at the heart of Alexandria’s waterfront.

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Alexandria: Saluting Veterans

Market Square D-Day Commemoration

In remembrance of D-Day’s 72nd Anniversary, a commemoration ceremony was held at Market Square in Alexandria on Saturday, June 4.

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Alexandria Commentary: Returning Citizen or Just Plain Citizen

Returning After Incarceration

Securing a job, renting an apartment, voting in an election: things people without a felony conviction do with relative ease.

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Alexandria: Reach and Rise for Excellence

At Hammond Middle School.

The sky is truly the limit for the student participants of the Reach and Rise for Excellence (RARE) Program at Francis Hammond Middle School

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Alexandria: Teacher Retires After 40 Years

Cecelia Snyder leaves Old Town Montessori School.

After 20 years of teaching 3-6-year-olds at the Old Town Montessori School on S. Columbus Street and serving as its administrative director, Snyder is retiring.

Monday, June 6

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Alexandria: Irreverent Update of Anton Chekhov's ‘The Seagull’

Port City Playhouse presents "Stupid F#@*ing Bird."

The Port City Playhouse is presenting "Stupid F#@*ing Bird" by Aaron Posner June 10-25 in Alexandria.

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Alexandria Appetite: Port City’s Derecho Storms Back Into Town

Brewery is hosting annual release party on Friday and Saturday.

The origins of one of Port City Brewing’s most popular beers came from a rather unfortunate situation.

Friday, June 3

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Alexandria: TC Girls' Soccer to Face Battlefield for 6A North Championship

Freshman Bates' 2 goals lead Titans past Oakton in region semifinals.

The T.C. Williams girls' soccer team will face two-time defending state champion Battlefield tonight.

Thursday, June 2

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Fairfax County: High School Senior Addresses School Board on LGBT Issues

Board conducting community review of Family Life Education curriculum recommendations.

Bennett Shoop remembers first being bullied in second grade. He liked to dress all in black, wear weird shirts, be alternative in his outward expression.

Wednesday, June 1

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Vienna: Joel’s Story

After foster care experience: Architecting his own path.

Joel was taken into foster care when he was a high school junior, after reporting to a coach what was going on at home. Schools are “mandatory reporters,” and, as such, they are legally compelled to call social services in a case like Joel’s.

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Alexandria: Remembering D-Day

Caen Sister Cities committee to commemorate 72nd anniversary.

It was 80 years ago when Bill McNamara joined the National Guard in 1936. He was just 15 years old then and by the time he was 23, he was the youngest major in Europe, working for the Stars and Stripes newspaper and leading a six-man detachment across Omaha Beach on D-Day in 1944.

Alexandria: Trial of City Council Underway

City faces allegations of corruption in rezoning case.

329 N. Washington St. is a quintessential Old Town mansion. It’s a historic, four-story home facing the George Washington Parkway on one side and the the cobblestone Princess Street on the other. Unlike most Old Town homes, however, the property is currently at the heart of a lawsuit against the City Council with allegations of corruption within City Hall.

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Alexandria Veterans Honor Fallen Comrades and Retiring Commander

Lost but not forgotten.

There’s some laughter and chatting around the American Legion headquarters under Gatsby’s Tavern, but a heavy mood still weighs over the room.

Classified Advertising June 1 , 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Alexandria Column: This Memorial Day, Let's Build a WWI Memorial

Commentary

As many Americans around the country take a moment to relax with friends and family this Memorial Day, I hope they take a moment to pause over their grills and swimming pools to ponder what the holiday really represents.

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Alexandria Snapshot: Grand Opening

About a hundred well-wishers attended the ribbon-cutting at the new Holiday Inn at Carlyle on April 28. Also on-hand was the leadership from both the hotel’s owners, Wright Investment Properties, Inc. (WIP) and the capital investment firm AEW who financed the commencement project. From left are Mark Coltharp of WIP, Frank Cole of Eisenhower Partnership, Larry Wright Jr. of WIP, Mayor Allison Silberberg, Jonathan Martin of AEW, and David Martin of WIP.

Alexandria Obituary: Robert Martin Schwaner

Robert Martin Schwaner, born March 16, 1925, died at Goodwin House, Bailey’s Crossroads, on May 30, 2016. Born in Brooklyn, New York, to George and Mabel Schwaner, he served in the Marines in World War II and the Korean War.

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Alexandria: Tribute to Memorial Day

Lyles-Crouch concert salutes veterans.

With a flag-draped City Hall as their backdrop, fifth-grade students from Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy presented A Tribute to Memorial Day concert May 27 in Market Square.

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Alexandria: Tony “Da Beast” Suggs Writes Autobiography

He's still the champ.

Rows of people sat in plastic chairs in a gym. Each person wore the same dark green jumpsuit, some more faded with age than others, waiting for the guest speaker to arrive.

Alexandria Column: Be a Hometown Tourist

Commentary–Senior Services of Alexandria

Do you wait until you have visitors to check out the local sites? Most of us do — whether it is going into Washington, D.C. to visit the monuments and museums, or staying in Alexandria to walk around Old Town and Mt. Vernon.

Alexandria Letter: Rubber Stamping

Letter to the Editor

The Planning Commission should make a grand statement and resign en masse.

Alexandria Letter: Debate Ethics

Letter to the Editor

For the second time since the recent local election, Vice Mayor Justin Wilson abetted by his five council mates and the city attorney, have all together hijacked the mayor’s ethics program, thus essentially destroying totally any real meaningful progress toward making Alexandria an ethical model.

Alexandria Letter: Paving Over Green Space

Letter to the Editor

I found out May 11 that the City of Alexandria intends to place a 52-foot-long-by-6-foot-wide Capital Bikeshare Station holding 19 bike slots, a pay center and a large sign at the corner of Powhatan and Second streets, cementing over hundreds of square feet that is currently green space.

Alexandria Letter: Pending Betrayal

Letter to the Editor

Alexandria City Public Schools’ (ACPS) pending betrayal of its students and parents: ACPS is planning on redistricting to deal with the ACPS and the City Council's poor management of the schools and failure to get developers to contribute fairly to building new schools for building their new housing units.

Alexandria Letter: Totalitarian Response

Letter to the Editor

The interaction between the city government and citizens who choose to participate in public debate has never been more debased than it has become since our last local election.

Alexandria Letter: Scorched Earth Foreseen

Letter to the Editor

Ah, the sun and warmth did burst into Alexandria today, and gave fresh illumination to the disastrous clearing of trees on the riverfront below Windmill Hill Park.

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Alexandria: Kiosk Enhances Four-Mile Run

Eagle Scout-organized effort completes project.

It was 92 degrees and Thomas Pollack stood on the spot where the new Four Mile Run Wetlands Trail and Bike Trail meet in Four Mile Run Park.

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Alexandria People at Work: Singing Is Breathing

Voice coach Elizabeth Kluegel-Niblock starts with basics.

"So let's warm up." Elizabeth Kluegel-Niblock says, "we always start with a neutral vowel."

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Alexandria: Remembering the Fallen

Memorial Day ceremony honors local veterans.

Arlisa Smith was 13 years old when her older brother Johnny died while serving his country in Vietnam. On Monday, Smith returned to the Del Ray neighborhood they grew up in to see for the first time the memorial where his name is chiseled in stone beneath a gold star.

Alexandria: Board Decides Last Minute Reversal for Patrick Henry

School Board rejects advisory group’s recommendation and approves controversial design.

A few weeks ago, it seemed almost certain that the controversy over Patrick Henry Elementary School had been settled.

Staying Safe This Summer

Tips and precautions for avoiding warm-weather hazards.

The start of summer means pools and backyard grilling. It also means an increased risk of accidents and injuries.

Talk to Your Teens

Editorial

So much at stake as teens approach graduation and summer.

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Meet The Chef: London Curry's Naina Mohammed

Cameron Station restaurant offers regional specialties.

Naina Mohammed stirs a large pot of tomatoes, purple onions, fresh ginger, garlic bits and marsala — 15 different spices: "I use everything."

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Alexandria Appetite: Majestic Reopens With New Chef, Menu

After a facelift, the Majestic reopens with executive chef Gaby Hakman at the helm.

Walk past the exterior of the Majestic on King Street and at first glance, it seems nothing much has changed over the past several months.