Friday, May 27
Alexandria Obituary: Captain Ryan Wojtanowski
Poet Laureate suffers massive heart attack.
Captain Ryan Wojtanowski, longtime head captain of the Dandy Dinner Boats in Alexandria, died suddenly May 26 after suffering a massive heart attack.
Wednesday, May 25
A Mindful Family
Family mindfulness meditation practices can bring calm to a hectic day.
Every evening after dinner and bath time, Elizabeth Rees, a Mount Vernon mother of three, instructs her children to lie on the floor keeping as still as possible. With soft tones, she recites a phrase, slowly and purposefully. These moments of serenity allow her family to release the chaos of the day.
Inside the Alexandria Police Department: Graduation
An occasional series, drawn from the Alexandria Citizen’s Police Academy.
After 10 weeks of education in the role of the Alexandria Citizens’ Police Academy, 16 students graduated from the program.
Alexandria Resident Visited by Police After Redevelopment Criticism
After speaking out about Old Colony Inn, Marston visited by police.
Morrill “Bud” Marston is one of the residents who’d expressed dissatisfaction with the Old Colony Inn redevelopment, sometimes more vocally than his neighbors, but that’s never been uncommon at meetings surrounding new development in Old Town Alexandria.
Alexandria: Ethics Pledge Passes
Limited Code of Conduct and ethics reform.
For now, the Ethics Pledge battle is over. City Council received the Code of Conduct revisions and the proposed Ethics Pledge at its May 18 meeting, to be reviewed and to determine the next steps. But while Mayor Allison Silberberg had struggled for months to get reform pushed through opposition on the council, there was one last surprise: passing it.
Alexandria: GospelFest Seeks To End Hunger with Song
Alexandria-gospelFEST brings people together.
Alexandria inaugurated a two-day gospel fest on May 20-21 at the Dr. Oswald Durant Memorial Center on Cameron Street. Alexandria-gospelFEST showcased Alexandria’s heritage of gospel music.
Alexandria: Struggle and Survival at Beulah Baptist Church
Historic Highway Marker celebrates historic black Alexandria church.
Seven generations of pastors have passed through Beulah Baptist Church.
Alexandria: TC Girls’ Soccer Beats Chantilly in 11-Round PK Shootout
Titans advance to face Patriot in 6A North region quarterfinals.
The T.C. Williams girls' soccer team beat Chantilly on Tuesday.
Alexandria: Coldwell Banker Awards Top Associates
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage announced its top sales associates of 2015 at Blackwall Hitch in Old Town on Thursday, April 28.
Alexandria Snapshot: Volunteer Effort
More than 800 Rebuilding Together Alexandria volunteers spread out across the city on April 30 to provide free repairs and upgrades to more than 40 low-income homeowners during National Rebuilding Day, a national day of service with 10,000 volunteers nationwide focused on revitalizing communities.
Alexandria: Saints Girls’ Lax Beats BI in State Championship
St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes finishes season with 25-1 record.
The St. Stephen's & St. Agnes girls' lacrosse team won the state championship.
Alexandria Snapshot: New Deputies
Seven new deputies with the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office were sworn in on Thursday, May 19 at the Alexandria Courthouse.
Alexandria Snapshot: Recurring Extra Role
Five-year-old Alexandria City Public School student Reid Hershman, who is a kindergartener at Lyles-Crouch Elementary School in Old Town, has a recurring extra role on PBS’ Mercy Street season two.
Alexandria: Hotel’s New Design and Restaurant
Kimpton Morrison House in Old Town Alexandria officially reopened its doors May 17 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception to show off a new design and restaurant.
Alexandria: Girl Scout Earns Silver Award
Girl Scout Cadette, Alessandra (“Ally") DelDonna, recently earned her Silver Award.
Alexandria: Free Cone Day Benefits CFNC
Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day in Old Town — after 8,200 ice cream cones were scooped — raised $2,191.42 to support The Child & Family Network Centers (CFNC) on April 12.
Alexandria: Access National Bank Expanding into City
Access National Bank is expanding its branch network into Alexandria. The new office, located in the Carlyle District at 2050 Ballenger Ave. will open in late summer of 2016, pending customary approval by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
Alexandria Letter: Unwise Move
Letter to the Editor
Several weeks ago, I mentioned some of the most pressing reasons why a new Metro Station should not be built in Potomac Yard.
Alexandria Letter: Diminishing Discourse
Letter to the Editor
Alexandria civic discourse is not well, and appears to be growing worse over time. Increasingly, people are comparing public meetings to an orchestra recital that consists of a cacophony of screeching tuning noises, followed by a brief minute of rehearsed music.
Alexandria Letter: In Memory, In Tribute
Letter to the Editor
As often as I have written of Memorial Day, I think of those who do not understand the importance of those who have stood in the line of duty for their country.
Alexandria Letter: Fundamental Problem
Letter to the Editor
Soon you will notice a large, uninspiring hotel sprout at the north entrance to the City of Alexandria.
Alexandria Snapshot: Reminder
From cemeteries to front porches, American flags signal the commemoration of Memorial Day.
Editorial: Remembering on Memorial Day 2016
Observe a moment of silence.
On Memorial Day, we remember all of those who have died in military service, more than 400,000 in World War II, more than 30,000 in Korea, more than 50,000 in Vietnam.
Alexandria: Business Leader Roger Machanic Dies at 83
Business leader, philanthropist helped shape city.
His name may not be familiar, but anyone walking the streets of Alexandria has seen the influence of Roger Machanic, the real estate developer behind The Montgomery Center in North Old Town and The Crilley Warehouse Executive Office Suites.
Burke: Quashie’s OT Goal Gives Lake Braddock Conference 7 Title
Bruins beat T.C. Williams after surrendering pair of two-goal leads.
The Lake Braddock boys' soccer team won the Conference 7 championship.
Alexandria: Faces of the Fallen
Vietnam Memorial seeking photos of 13 local veterans.
The name of Capt. Humbert Roque "Rocky" Versace is among the more than 58,000 soldiers memorialized on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.
Alexandria: Student Receives Peter Williams Memorial Scholarship
OTAC award honors its past president.
West Potomac High School senior Jarrod Denham was awarded $500 as the second annual recipient of the Peter Williams Memorial Scholarship during Old Town Alexandria Connections’ May 11 luncheon meeting at Belle Haven Country Club.
Alexandria: C-SPAN Honors TC Student Documentary
Seniors explore for-profit prisons in America.
“Rubaiyat, Drew, and Jonathan? Worked with them for three years, and in those past three years I have seen them grow.”
Column: Packing for a Picnic in Alexandria
From The Old Town Boutique District
Yes, Virginia, there will be picnics in your life.
Alexandria Brief: UpCycle Now in Durant Arts Center
UpCycle Creative Reuse Center, a local Alexandria nonprofit, has moved to the Durant Arts Center, 1605 Cameron St. The new space has free parking, is handicap accessible and is located within a block of the King Street Metro.
Alexandria Brief: 30,000 Pounds of Paper Shredded
CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union members and residents from the Alexandria and Harrisonburg communities shredded more than 30,000 lbs. of paper at the credit union’s free, semi-annual community Shred Day event on April 16.
Alexandria Brief: Arrest in Belle Pre Way Homicide
Alexandria Police have charged a suspect with the homicide of Leon Williams, who died from injuries sustained during a shooting that occurred on Belle Pre Way on Oct. 7, 2015.
Alexandria Brief: Cava Grill’s Newest Location
Cava Grill recently opened its 16th restauraunt, located at 4513 Duke St., Alexandria.
Alexandria Brief: Burglar Sentenced to 10 Years Prison
Tonny Anthony Pitt, a 30-year-old resident of Washington, D.C., was sentenced on May 19 to serve 10 years in the penitentiary for statutory burglary while armed and 10 other counts. The case related to the burglary or vandalism of five different homes in Alexandria.
Alexandria/Mount Vernon Snapshot: Black History Month Celebration
The Metropolitan Youth Tap Ensemble of Metropolitan School of the Arts in Alexandria performed for the Black History Month Celebration by Music at NOVA at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center in Alexandria. Other entertainment included poetry, Martin Luther King, Jr. excerpt readings, NOVA Jazz Ensemble, NOVA Community Chorus and more.
Alexandria Snapshot: Street Painting Festival
La Bella Strada, Del Ray’s first street painting festival, was held Saturday, May 14. The event was hosted by the parents of students who attend Del Ray Montessori School.
Alexandria Appetite: Lift a Glass at Vine on the Waterfront
Annual food and wine festival returns to Oronoco Bay Park in June.
Ahh, summertime: The perfect season for sipping wine and sampling food alongside the Potomac River, nestled within the confines of Old Town’s Oronoco Bay Park.
Tuesday, May 24
Commentary: Mosquitos, Zika and a Healthy Summer
Zika virus spreads through the bite of infected Aedes mosquito, a type present in Virginia in summer.
As warm weather returns and the last days of school draw near, I’m sure that, like me, you’re looking forward to spending a lot of time outdoors this summer.
Friday, May 20
Alexandria Home Sales: April, 2016
In April, 2016, 231 Alexandria homes sold between $2,500,000-$83,000.
Alexandria Home Sales: April, 2016
3 Food Trucks to Wish For in Alexandria
Now that City Council has permitted trucks in several places around town, here are three to keep an eye out for over the coming months.
With the Alexandria City Council’s decision last week to allow food trucks at designated areas on West Street, King Street, and Eisenhower Avenue, some new menus may be rolling into town over the coming weeks and months.
Thursday, May 19
Inside the Alexandria Police Department: Self Defense
An occasional series, drawn from the Alexandria Citizen’s Police Academy.
The man arrives at the door. One second passes.
Alexandria: Remembering Ronald Kirby
Alexandria honors slain transportation expert.
Originally, the Woodrow Wilson bridge was going to be a car only bridge, like the old drawbridge it replaced.
Alexandria: Four Mile Run Restored
Natural habitats slowly return to Alexandria’s northern creek.
In the 1970s, Alexandria was desperate. Throughout the ’60s and ’70s, Four Mile Run along the city’s northern border with Arlington was flooding.
Alexandria: Gearing Up for Bike to Work Day
Local cyclists share tips for new riders.
On May 20, expect to see more Alexandria commuters leaving the cars in the garage. The annual “Bike to Work” day encourages commuters to try out a car-free lifestyle, and some local experts are ready with tips for new riders.
Inside AlexRenew
Early June eyed for AlexRenew field opening.
On the surface, the nearly completed park near the east end of Eisenhower Avenue looks like any soccer field.
Alexandria Snapshot: ‘RED Day’
Each year on May 12, Keller Williams Associates devote their time and energy to helping a local charitable organization.
Alexandria Snapshot: National Healthcare Decisions Day
Woodbine Rehabilitation and Healthcare host its annual National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 29 to inspire, educate and empower the public and providers about the importance of advance care planning.
Alexandria Snapshot: Boat Club Flag-Raising Ceremony
The Old Dominion Boat Club, a waterfront institution in Alexandria since 1880, celebrated the start of the boating season with its annual flag raising on Sunday, May 15.
Alexandria Letter: Addressing Airplane Noise
Letter to the Editor
The City of Alexandria shares the frustration expressed by Mr. Spar in his letter to the editor of April 29 regarding increased aircraft noise from flights out of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). I hope the following facts will clarify the city’s role in dealing with aircraft noise.
Alexandria Letter: Value of Bike Lanes
Letter to the Editor
As someone who bikes between Old Town and Chinquapin several times a week, I like having the bike lanes on King Street, and hope that they can be extended further West on King Street (and the road re-surfaced for a smoother ride).
Alexandria Letter: Irregularities Affect Trust
Letter to the Editor
As residents of Canal Way and Pitt Street Station followed, in good faith, the city process for participating in the Old Colony renovation decision, a series of irregularities occurred.
Alexandria Letter: Focus on Safety Appreciated
Letter to the Editor
Patrick Henry Project decisions in April raised serious questions about the Alexandria City School Board’s decision-making priorities.
Alexandria Letter: Preventable Child Deaths
Letter to the Editor
On Mother’s Day this year, I was once again reminded how lucky I am to have a healthy daughter who was able to overcome a scary battle with pneumonia when she was only a few weeks old.
Alexandria Letter: Citizens’ Role In Ethics
Letter to the Editor
Since the Alexandria City Council chooses not to engage in discourse concerning a Citizen’s Ethics Commission, an inspector general, or an ombudsman, how is Alexandria planning to handle its ethics infractions? Other jurisdictions have faced up to this challenge, yet Alexandria remains mired in timidity and hesitation where the oversight of ethics is concerned.
Alexandria: Fostering the Future Gala
New Orleans-themed evening raises $21,000.
The Fund for Alexandria’s Child held its annual Fostering the Future gala, raising more than $21,000 during an “Evening in the French Quarter” April 8 at the Hotel Monaco.
Happy Birthday At Home in Alexandria
Author Judith Viorst joins Alexandria celebration.
Award-winning author Judith Viorst was on hand May 17 as At Home in Alexandria celebrated five years as the city’s only aging-in-place “village,” a network of services that allows older residents to remain in their homes.
Alexandria: ACT Community BBQ Bash
3rd annual ‘No Speeches’ event celebrates local charities.
More than 260 people turned out May 16 for the third annual ACT for Alexandria Community BBQ Bash, an event to celebrate the philanthropic works of community organizations.
Alexandria: Honoring an Unsung Hero
APF donates K9 vest to French National Police.
The November 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris left 137 dead and more than 368 injured. One of those victims was Diesel, a 7-year-old Belgian Malinos police dog for RAID, France’s anti-terrorist police unit.
Alexandria Column: Giving Children Roots
Commentary–Rebuilding Together Alexandria
Despite the housing meltdown, homeownership remains an important investment tool for families and a source of long-term wealth.
Alexandria Mentor of the Month
Appreciating Milestones
Wright to Read provides volunteer-based one-on-one sustained literacy tutoring and mentoring relationships to City of Alexandria elementary school children in need, and collaborates with families, schools and community partners to create a comprehensive support network that guides each child to success.
Alexandria Brief: King-Beauregard Project to Begin
The City of Alexandria will soon begin the King-Beauregard Intersection Improvements Project which includes roadway and sidewalk improvements, as well as the construction of new medians and a 10-foot shared use path on portions of King Street.
Alexandria Brief: Two Indicted for Murder
On May 16, the Grand Jury for the City of Alexandria returned murder indictments against two men in the death of Eduardo Almandarez.
Alexandria Brief: Snapshot of Homelessness
The 2016 Annual Point-in-Time Count revealed 224 persons experiencing homelessness
Alexandria Brief: Fort Ward Park Improvements
The City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities in cooperation with the Department of Transportation and Environmental Services, will be repaving the existing loop road and parking areas at Fort Ward Park, 4301 West Braddock Road.
Alexandria/Mount Vernon Snapshot: Water Tables
Burgundy Farm Country Day School recently added a set of water tables to the Outdoor Classroom and Discovery Playground on campus.
Wednesday, May 18
Mentoring Guides Foster Care Alum
“If God doesn’t have a plan for you, have a plan for yourself.”
When foster children age out, that's when they need the most support. For Travis Parnell, he found a mentor in Keith Foxx, and he's hoping to pay it forward.
Language Immersion for Young Children
Experts tout the benefits of an early start
When Martha Davis’ daughter Alice was ready for kindergarten, she decided to enroll her in a Spanish language immersion program.
Commentary: No Easy Answers to School Funding Challenge
After months of hard work and consideration of public feedback, the Board of Supervisors adopted its budget for 2017 late last month.
Commentary: Who is my neighbor?
You might be amazed to learn who around you was once homeless. It could be the person cleaning your teeth at the dentists’ office. Or the barista making your skinny latte.
Commentary: In Prom Season, Safety First
While we are all proud of our children for their accomplishments, especially those with graduation on the horizon, we must remember that safety is still the number one priority.
Editorial: In Search of Diversified Revenue
Fairfax County residents can expect to see meals tax question on November ballots.
The Meals Tax may be on Virginia ballots this November.
Alexandria: TC Softball Earns First Region Berth in More Than 10 Years
Pitcher Stone leads Titans to victory over Mount Vernon.
The T.C. Williams softball team defeated Mount Vernon 2-1 on Monday.
Classified Advertising May 18 , 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Tuesday, May 17
Meals Tax? Ballot Possibility
Board of Supervisors potentially set to approve meals tax ballot question on June 7.
A majority of The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voiced support last week for including a Meals Tax Referendum as part of the 2016 General Election.
Monday, May 16
Alexandria: Kluge Bids Farewell
Maestro Kim Allen Kluge preferred to tell well-wishers “To be continued.”
He refused to say goodbye. Although it was his final concert as music director of the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, Maestro Kim Allen Kluge preferred to tell well-wishers “To be continued.”
Thursday, May 12
Alexandria Letter: Lack of Bike Lane Use
Letter to the Editor
On June 12, 1911 land in the Rosemont Neighborhood of Alexandria was deeded to the Rosemont Development Company.
Alexandria Letter: Disregarding Citizens?
Letter to the Editor
In addition to suffering through some ill-fated decisions by this City Council, we are now seeing end runs without any public discourse whatsoever.
Alexandria Letter: Hidden Agenda Behind Project?
Letter to the Editor
Meetings for the construction/remodeling of the Patrick Henry Recreation Center (PHRC) began around 2004, headed by the Patrick Henry Parent Advisory Board.
Alexandria Column: Staying Healthy, Staying Happy
Commentary–Senior Services of Alexandria
The President has declared May to be both Older Americans and Mental Health month, making it a perfect time to focus on promoting the mental health of older adults. It is estimated that 20 percent of people age 55 years or older experience some type of mental health concern.
Alexandria Column: Rooftop Drama
Commentary–AWLA
Brendan Barb knew that becoming an Animal Services officer for the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) would be a challenge.
Alexandria Snapshot: Eagle Scout Award
Boy Scout Colin Dickens earns his Eagle Scout award, becoming the first to do so from Alfred Street Baptist Church’s Troop 133.
Alexandria Brief: Food Truck Locations Approved
After a long battle at the Parking and Traffic Board, the proposed locations for Alexandria’s Food Trucks made it’s way to City Council on May 10 with the two locations in North Old Town removed.
Alexandria: ‘Lemonaide Day’ To Be Held May 21
Youths from all over Alexandria will put up lemonade stands on Saturday, May 21, as part of a day-long effort to raise money to benefit nonprofits supporting at-risk children in Alexandria.
Alexandria Snapshot: A Wild Visitor
A female Turkey hen stayed around most of the afternoon on May 5 on Skyhill Road enjoying some of the lush green grass. Deer, fox and coyotes have been seen in the Seminary Walk park too.
Alexandria: Two Cents Worth
Where the city’s tax increase is going.
When the city manager presented his proposed budget to the City Council, it came with a one cent tax increase.
Alexandria: Responding to Metro Delays and Closures
City leadership and ridership look at upcoming Metro changes.
It's frustrating but necessary.
Inside the Alexandria Police Department: Street to Cell
An occasional series, drawn from the Alexandria Citizen’s Police Academy.
Whether it’s being pulled over for a traffic violation or being directed around the site of a crash, virtually every Alexandrian has had some interaction with the Alexandria Police Department’s Traffic Section.
Alexandria: Stamp Out Hunger
Letter carriers food drive set for May 14.
The 2016 Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, sponsored by the National Association of Letter Carriers and the U.S. Postal Service, will take place Saturday, May 14 throughout the City of Alexandria.The 2016 Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, sponsored by the National Association of Letter Carriers and the U.S. Postal Service, will take place Saturday, May 14 throughout the City of Alexandria.
Alexandria Snapshot: Aloha
As part of its worldwide voyage, the Hawaiian canoe Hōkūleʻa will make a two-day stop in Old Town Alexandria. Tours of the canoe and dockside outreach will be offered by crew members May 15 at Waterfront Park from 3 to 5 p.m. and May 16 at the City Marina from 1 to 5 p.m. The visit is part of the Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage, which will cover 47,000 nautical miles, 85 ports and 26 nations. For more information or to track the voyage, visit www.hokulea.com.
Wednesday, May 11
Commentary: Stop County’s ‘One Size Fits All’ Zoning Proposal
In the next few months, the Board of Supervisors plans to approve a “one size fits all” zoning ordinance amendment that would guide redevelopment throughout the urbanizing areas of the county for decades.
Commentary: America’s Anti-Trafficking Efforts …
... Hollow victories for public accolade.
Each day there is more media on the human trafficking scourge in America with heart-wrenching stories about women, men, and children who are forced, defrauded, or coerced into exploitation.
Local Designer Honored for Remodeling Reston Townhouse
Home transformation gives family of five more living space.
Mina Fies, CEO of Synergy Design and Construction, was recognized for remodeling a Reston townhouse that was built in 1968.
Creating Space for Family Oasis or Outdoor Entertaining
Local designers unveil recent projects and offer tips.
Lured outside by rising temperatures and blue skies, homeowners are deciding that it’s time to spruce up patios, gardens and other outdoor living spaces. Local tastemakers are hard at work transforming winter-worn al fresco spaces into lively oases in time for a season of warm-weather entertaining.
Police to Continue Improving Transparency
Public Safety Committee reviews recommendations for police use of force and communications; vote scheduled for June 21.
Fairfax County Supervisors and the Public Safety Committee met Tuesday May 10 to review police use of force and communications policy recommendations from the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) and Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.
Alexandria: TC Boys’ Lax Earns First Region Tournament Berth Since 2011
Titans beat West Potomac in first home playoff game since 2007.
The T.C. Williams boys' lacrosse team beat West Potomac 18-3 on Monday.
Alexandria Appetite: New Farmer’s Market Takes Root in North Old Town
The small but mighty market is emerging from its preview weeks and ready for an all-year presence.
Tucked neatly into the small parking lot on the outskirts of Montgomery Park, a smattering of farm vendors have started selling their wares. For just a few hours last Thursday, the all-week rain took a little break as neighbors celebrated the launch of the North Old Town Farmer’s Market.
Monday, May 9
Women Help Build New Homes
Northern Virginia women help Habitat for Humanity, NOVA build houses for two local families during National Women Build Week.
More than 50 women from across Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria donned hard hats, tool belts and work gloves and, with caulk guns and saws in hand, got to work on two single-family, three bedroom houses Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia is building for two local families in Fairfax.
Women Help Build New Homes
Northern Virginia women help Habitat for Humanity, NOVA build houses for two local families during National Women Build Week.
More than 50 women from across Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria donned hard hats, tool belts and work gloves and, with caulk guns and saws in hand, got to work on two single-family, three bedroom houses Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia is building for two local families in Fairfax.
Thursday, May 5
Alexandria: TC Boys’ Soccer Secures No. 2 Seed in Conference 7
Bonilla Sosa’s 2 goals lead Titans past Woodson.
The T.C. Williams boys' soccer team defeated Woodson 2-1 on Monday.
Inside the Alexandria Police Department: Specialists in Action
An occasional series, drawn from the Alexandria Citizen’s Police Academy.
In 1989, a hostage situation was unfolding at 316 Hopkins Court. A man trying to collect on a drug debt had taken hostages at gunpoint inside a house and the Special Operations Team (S.O.T.) was called out to the site in response.
Alexandria: Opposition to Old Colony Inn Proposal Turns Personal
Has it gone too far?
After nearly a full year of back and forth through boards, commissions, and community engagement, the Old Colony Inn is one step away from redevelopment. Hot on the developer’s heels, however, were local neighbors objecting to the zone transition allowances by staff.
Alexandria: Design Supported as Patrick Henry Moves Forward
N. Latham Street controversy resolved; auditorium questions loom.
After a series of back and forths between the School Board, an advisory group, and project staff, Patrick Henry Elementary School is moving forward with a compromise that seems to have satisfied most parties. Questions and concerns remain about the site, including a looming discussion about the exclusion of an auditorium from the design, but at the April 27 meeting of the Patrick Henry Advisory Group, the group agreed to support the Option C.1 design.
Alexandria: Accomplice in Beverley Park Homicide Sentenced
Teen’s attorney details background of abuse.
On April 28, the family of Jose Luis Ferman Perez met the girl who was at least partially responsible for his death. The defendant, 16-year-old Leidi Granados Gutierrez, is one of three MS-13 affiliated suspects connected with last year’s Nov. 9 homicide of Jose Luis Ferman Perez.
Alexandria: Health Coach Writes ‘The Karma Sense Eating Plan’
Alexandrian Dave Hellman focuses on food and wellbeing.
In his new book, “The Karma Sense Eating Plan,” Dave Hellman, an Alexandria tech entrepreneur / health coach, shows readers how to cultivate mindful eating habits through combining food-related activities and performing good deeds.
Alexandria Letter: Preserving History, More than a Month
Letter to the Editor
May is Historic Preservation month, and I want to make it a meaningful month for Preservation in Alexandria.
Alexandria Letter: Patrick Henry – Auditorium Matters
Letter to the Editor
Alexandria is about to make a multi-million dollar, much-needed investment in the West End to build the new Patrick Henry K-8 School and Recreation Center.
Alexandria Letter: Recipe for Disaster?
Letter to the Editor
It seems that incidents on the Metro System are on the rise, and most of them can be attributed to little to no dedicated maintenance and a poorly funded operation over the past 40 years.
Alexandria Letter: Food Trucks Not the Problem
Letter to the Editor
I am eager to see food trucks in Old Town and I think the concerns by the local businesses are two separate problems.
Alexandria: The Father of Mother’s Day
Fraternal Order of the Eagles leader credited for national holiday.
In the late 1800s, Frank Hering was the University of Notre Dame’s star quarterback, coach and captain of the football team before becoming a history professor and the school’s first athletic director. But even if his name is not familiar, mothers everywhere will be celebrated this weekend with the holiday he championed more than 100 years ago.
Alexandria: Kim Allen Kluge to Conduct Farewell ASO Performance
“It’s very gratifying to look back and see what the ASO has accomplished." — Maestro Kim Allen Kluge
For 28 years, Kim Allen Kluge has held the baton for the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, his energy pulsing before signaling the opening downbeat for each performance. With his charismatic enthusiasm, he brought national acclaim to the fledgling community orchestra he transformed nearly three decades ago.
Alexandria: Speck Named to Top 400
Financial advisor among nation’s best.
David Speck, managing director of Investments for the Speck-Caudron Investment Group of Wells Fargo Advisors in Alexandria, has been named one of the top 400 financial advisors in the country by the Financial Times. This is the second year that the former City Councilman and member of the Virginia House of Delegates has been recognized by the Financial Times.
Alexandria Column: May Is Older Americans Month
Commentary–Senior Services of Alexandria
May is a month of fresh beginnings with flowers in bloom, blazing a trail of color around the city. May is also when we celebrate Older Americans Month by acknowledging older adults as a growing and increasingly vital part of our country.
Column: Mother’s Day in Alexandria
From Old Town Boutique District
France, India, Ethiopia, Peru, the United States — Mother’s Day is universal.
Alexandria Brief: Police Investigate Bank Robbery
The Alexandria Police Department is investigating the robbery of a Wells Fargo Bank located at 1711 Fern St. On Thursday, April 28, at 11:40 a.m., a man entered the bank and passed the teller a note. He demanded money, the teller complied and the suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.
Alexandria Brief: Business Settles Civil Fraud Allegations
Agape Health Management, Inc., which operates under the name Agape Adult Day Healthcare Center, in Alexandria, has agreed to pay $385,917 to settle federal and state civil fraud allegations that claimed Agape submitted false claims for reimbursement to the Virginia Medicaid Program.
Alexandria Letter: Rebuilding Patrick Henry
Letter to the Editor
I am a West End resident living near Patrick Henry School who strongly supports arts education in our schools because it has such a high value, both in terms of helping children enjoy school and because, as the research shows, arts education stimulates creativity, helps children learn new skills and improve their academic performance.
Free Cab Rides on Cinco de Mayo
Preparing to combat that time of year when, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over one-third (33.8 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 this Thursday and on the Mexican holiday, Cinco de Mayo, May 5.
Letter: Taking Care of Our Mother Earth
To the Editor
There are many of us, so many that our yards can no longer be dominated by grass and plants that do not feed us or our local population of insects.
Fine Arts Festival Returns May 21-22
Festival at Reston Town Center features more than 200 national artists, dance performances, family art-making activities and more.
Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) presents their 25th annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, offering authentic art and experiences for all tastes and ages on May 21 and 22 at Reston Town Center.
Working to End the Longest Day
Event to raise awareness and funds for research programs of Alzheimer’s Association.
Emily Rusch says her mother died a slow and heartbreaking death from Alzheimer’s Disease. The experience felt continuous and excruciating.
Farmers Markets in Fairfax County
Fairfax County’s Farmers Markets opened in May. There are 11 locations of the county’s Park Authority’s Farmers Markets.
Wednesday, May 4
Commentary: Breaking the Cycle of Crime with Treatment Instead of Jail
Fairfax County Budget Invests $3.89 Million in “Diversion First”
One in five adults in the U.S. experience mental illness, and more than half did not receive treatment within the past year.
Alexandria: MetroStage Presents ‘Black Pearl Sings!’
Play set in 1930s Depression-era features 19 American folk and spiritual songs.
MetroStage is presenting "Black Pearl Sings!" by playwright Frank Higgins now through May 29.
Alexandria Appetite: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at These 3 Spots
Whether Mexican or Tex-Mex, these restaurants will hit the spot.
To be sure, Cinco de Mayo’s origins are often misunderstood in the United States. Often incorrectly referred to as Mexico’s independence day, the fifth of May is actually the anniversary of the Mexican army’s victory against France in 1862. (Mexico’s independence day is actually in September — a date not nearly as well-known in America.)
Tuesday, May 3
Classified Advertising May 4 , 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Monday, May 2
County Budget Approved
Bulova calls the budget a “booster shot.”
When the Board of Supervisors approved the budget on Tuesday, April 26, they increased taxes by about $300 for the average homeowner and increased funding for schools by 5 percent.
Summer STEM Camps at Three Area Schools
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is partnering with SySTEMic Solutions, Northern Virginia Community College's regional K-16 STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) outreach initiative, to host STEM camps at three schools this summer.
Alexandria: Sail Away the Summer
Amy Zang says this year all of the Flying Scots were painted in the fall and are looking beautiful.