Tuesday, January 31
Victims of Tribe-For-Rent Scam to Get $15 Million Payout in Settlement Agreement
15,000 Virginia victims get $6 million worth of predatory loans absolved, $9 million in cash awards.
The commercial features images of teepees and a tribal drumbeat. The company billed itself as having ties to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe in South Dakota. But Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring says that was nothing more than a fraud, a scheme he calls rent-a-tribe.
Submit Photos to Pet Gazette
The Pet Gazette, a twice-yearly special edition, will publish the last week of February, and photos and stories of your pets with you and your family should be submitted by Feb. 15.
In Session: Virginia Assembly Briefs
In Session: Virginia Assembly Briefs
To Move Or Not To Move: Local family moves mother into newly opened Kensington Falls Church.
One of the most heart-wrenching decisions that Denise Schossler, her two siblings and her 95-year-old mother had to make was whether or not to move her into an assisted living facility, leaving the home where she’s lived since 1954.
So Much Happening, Don’t Blink
Demonstrations at Dulles in reaction to travel ban; fast moving General Assembly lacks transparency; other key issues.
As this date approaches, the General Assembly has a serious transparency issue, as it continues to kill most proposed legislation with unrecorded voice votes in subcommittee, with no accountability or record of how members voted.
Arrest Made in Shooting at Police Car in Great Falls
Suspect first apprehended in Herndon for waiving a gun.
Just before midnight on Jan. 22, several shots were fired at a marked police cruiser from another vehicle in the Great Falls area, Fairfax County police said.
Fairfax: Board Approves 2018-2022 Capital Improvement Program
Five-year plan includes three new elementary schools and one new high school.
This year, Fairfax County Public Schools experienced one of the smallest annual enrollment increases in nearly a decade: 1,368 students, compared to the average of 2,400 since the 2008-09 school year, bringing the total to 187,202.
Anti-Immigration Ban Rallies Held at Dulles
Demonstrators, volunteer attorneys and elected officials welcome travelers, extend help detainees.
Demonstrations sprang up at airports around the United States over the weekend, following an Executive Order by President Donald Trump that blocks travelers from seven largely Muslim countries — Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Libya and Somalia — in the interests of more significant vetting and preventing would-be terrorists from entering the country.
Friday, January 27
Northside 10 Settles Into Alexandria Neighborhood
It’s true: Being the kid brother of an older, wiser sibling is difficult at times.
Alexandria Celebrates Washington’s Birthday
217 years ago our citizens celebrated the birth of the Father of Our Country with the first George Washington Birthday Parade through the streets of Alexandria.
Preparing for Women’s March
Women of Alexandria, with friends and family from out of town, gathered at Margaret Wohler's house to make signs for Saturday's Women's March.
Obituary: Nancy Pera
Nancy Pera, longtime resident of Alexandria, died in Greenville, S.C. on Jan. 20, 2017 at the Cascades residence where she lived in retirement.
Mentor of The Month
“I’m really surprised at the impact that Jose and his family have had on me,” said Todd Peterson, a Casa Chirilagua mentor.
Letter to the Editor: Afraid of Change?
Long ago I was told “with age comes understanding.”
Supporting Community-Engaged Policing
A safer Commonwealth, with laws that protect us and protect our basic dignity, is something for which lawmakers across the political spectrum strive.
Senior Services of Alexandria: Honoring Those Who Give Back to the Community
Senior Services hosts annual Generation-to-Generation Gala.
Senior Services of Alexandria will recognize two Alexandria families at its annual Generation-to-Generation Gala for their long-term commitment to giving back in the local community.
Column: Rebuilding Together Alexandria
2017 is bringing a lot of change to the world.
Letter to the Editor: New School Meets Critical Need
Last week, ACPS began a conversation with the community around the new West End School.
Letter to the Editor: How Many People?
I attended the ACA rally on Jan. 15 at the Charles Houston Center, which you profiled on the front page of the Jan. 19 Gazette.
Letter to the Editor: Poorly Serving Constituents
An open letter to U.S. Rep. Don Beyer.
Dear Congressman Beyer: I read that you would not attend the swearing in of our 45th president because you did not want to be part of "legitimizing Trump."
Letter to the Editor: Outstanding Leadership
I was thrilled to learn that U.S. Rep. Don Beyer will be the next to join the growing ranks of climate advocates in the Climate Solutions Caucus.
Letter to the Editor: Organize and Begin the Fight
Last week, many of us attended U.S. Rep. Don Beyer’s Town Hall where we were heartened and encouraged to see so many of our neighbors from all walks of life engaged, informed and ready to fight for a progressive future for our community, our state, and our country.
Letter to the Editor: Doomed from The Start
Laws are like sausages: if you like them, it’s best not to watch them being made
Letter to the Editor: Foregone Conclusion in Alexandria?
The mayor of Alexandria was right on target when she charged the City Council of acting in an undemocratic and draconian fashion after they recently voted to alter the city’s long standing “open mike” policy.
Hunger Free Alexandria Receives Bishop’s Award
Hunger Free Alexandria has been awarded the 2017 Bishop's Award for the establishment of the West End Pantry on Oct. 24, 2016 at Church of the Resurrection.
Thursday, January 26
Play Ball
Sportsman’s Club to host Nats VP Jan. 26
Damon Jones, of the the Washington Nationals, will be the guest speaker at the Alexandria Sportsman’s Club Jan. 26 at the Old Dominion Boat Club.
Tree Stewards Gather to Celebrate New Year
For a Tree Steward, having fun while protecting local trees is important.
Code of Silence
Reluctant witnesses at center of murder trial.
The conviction of the man accused of murdering Shakkan Elliot-Tibb may come down to the testimony of five witnesses putting their lives on the line to testify.
School Board Votes To Ease Redistricting Pain
School boundaries.
Chief Brown Sworn In
Citizens express support for new chief of police at swearing in ceremony.
Chief Michael Brown officially became Alexandria’s new chief of police on Jan 24.
Spicing Up the White House
Local celebrated as Trump’s press secretary
Newly minted White House press secretary Sean Spicer
Thrill of Victory
Locals celebrate Trump inauguration.
The Alexandria Republican City Committee celebrated the inauguration of President Donald Trump with a gala held Jan. 20 at the Old Dominion Boat Club.
Bipartisan Agreement Forged in House Panel on Reducing Suspended Driver’s Licenses
Republicans work with Cabinet officials to craft changes to let more people keep drivers licenses.
After Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe called on lawmakers to find a way to restore driver's licenses to people charged with crimes that had nothing to do with driving, Republicans responded. Now both sides are crafting a compromise that could end up being a hallmark of the 2017 session.
Wednesday, January 25
Inauguration Day Duty
Local officers provide security for inaugural events.
More than 100 officers from Fairfax County and the City of Alexandria reported for duty during the pre-dawn hours of Jan. 20 to help provide security during Inauguration Day activities in Washington, D.C.
2017 Brings in New Restaurants and Retail
Fourteen businesses sprouting up throughout the city.
As the new year rolls around, new businesses are springing up across Alexandria.
An Ambassador and an Enforcer
Working in traffic enforcement.
Cheryl Fuller has been a traffic enforcement officer for the City of Alexandria for 20 years.
Nominations Sought for Scholar-Athlete Honors
The National Capital Region Chapter of the National Football Foundation is accepting nominations for their 2017 Scholar-Athlete banquet.
Mental Illness Takes Center Stage in Richmond
Death of Fairfax County inmate among recent controversies prompting action.
The death of a woman who struggled with mental illness at the Fairfax County jail is among the many recent controversies in Virginia correctional facilities, a reform effort that spans from changing how deaths behind bars are investigated to how law-enforcement officers interact with suspects who suffer from mental illness.
In Session: Virginia Assembly Briefs
In Session: Virginia Assembly Briefs
Police Car Takes Fire while in Pursuit in Great Falls
Suspect first apprehended in Herndon for waving a gun.
Just before midnight on Jan. 22, several shots were fired at a marked police cruiser from another vehicle in the Great Falls area, Fairfax County police said.
Tuesday, January 24
Party-Line Vote Protects Child Labor at Tobacco Farms in Virginia
Republican-led House panel kills effort to craft new protections for kids in unrecorded vote.
In an unrecorded party-line vote, House Republicans killed a bill that would have cracked down on child labor at tobacco farms in Virginia.
Part I: A three-part series focusing on prisoner reentry in Northern Virginia.
Employment and housing prove to be major hurdles.
In Virginia, 38,000 citizens were incarcerated in 2016. Almost 90 percent of those released return home.
Commentary: What’s a Couple Thousand Bills, Anyway?
Jan. 11 marked the beginning of the 2017 General Assembly 46-day “short” session.
Tree Stewards of Arlington and Alexandria Gather To Celebrate New Year
For a Tree Steward, having fun while protecting local trees is important.
Monday, January 23
Editorial: America in Black & White
Growing up in America in the 1950s and 1960s, many children watched television only in black and white. Some children believed that the world beyond where they could see was only black and white, devoid of color even though their homes, their neighborhoods, their schools, their crayon boxes were filled with colors.
Letter to the Editor: Protesting Vote Suppression
I am fed up with gerrymandering and other tactics politicians use to stack the votes in their favor!
Letter to the Editor: Stopping Gerrymandering in Virginia
As the new legislative year begins in Richmond, I hope more voters will join the effort to stop gerrymandering in Virginia.
Opinion: Counting on Our Reps in Congress
Sound the call to action; resist changes that are against the values and beliefs of most Virginia voters.
While most voters in the United States did not vote for Donald Trump for president, it was all the more so here in Northern Virginia.
Nominations Sought for Scholar-Athlete Honors
The National Capital Region Chapter of the National Football Foundation is accepting nominations for their 2017 Scholar-Athlete banquet.
Friday, January 20
Mentor of The Month in Alexandria
Reaching for Excellence
The Concerned Citizens Network of Alexandria (CCNA) created the "Reach and Rise for Excellence" (RARE) after-school mentoring and tutoring program for Hammond Middle School students.
Commentary: Growing the State's Economy
Last week, the 2017 Virginia General Assembly session began with a call from Governor McAuliffe for us to work across partisan divides in order to help nurture the New Virginia Economy and make the Commonwealth a place that we all want to live in.
Letter to the Editor: Time Limits for All in Alexandria
Regarding City Council's recent vote to limit the number of speakers to 12 during the "open mic" comment period, (Gazette Packet, “Talking about Talking,” Jan. 12) with Mayor Silberberg voting "no," this major policy change deserves a public hearing and extending this matter to a broader group.
Letter to the Editor: T.C. Williams Lights Wouldn’t Disturb Neighbors
I believe that the fighting over the lighting over T.C Williams High School’s football field is ridiculous.
Letter to the Editor: Valuable Addition to Alexandria
The proposed Alexandria Veterans Commission will be a valuable means of coordinating the many contributions veterans are making to our city.
Letter to the Editor: Deplorable Decision by Rep. Don Beyer
U.S. Rep. Don Beyer’s rather deplorable decision to boycott the U.S. tradition of the peaceful transfer of power is disappointing.
Letter to the Editor: Mayoral Accomplishments in Alexandria
A year ago, my friend, Allison Silberberg, was sworn in as Alexandria’s new mayor. As I reflect on Allison’s first year as Mayor of Alexandria, it is remarkable what she has accomplished in 12 months.
Letter to the Editor: More Glass For Old Town Alexandria?
Several years ago, I advised the Alexandria City Council that the all-glass building at the Edmonson Plaza was totally out of place in the Old and Historic District, and that it served as a signal to use glass elsewhere in this district, specifically at the North and South Robinson Terminals.
Green: Color for Sewers and Boots in Alexandria
Bill Jones climbs into his white city truck and heads for 5375 Duke St. to respond to an emergency ticket.
On the Front Line: Alexandria deputies to serve at inauguration.
When inaugurations come around, members of the Alexandria Sheriff's Office are always on the front line.
Agenda:Alexandria
Experts to discuss impact of local election changes.
When Democrats Justin Wilson and Tim Lovain lost their City Council seats to Republicans Frank Fannon and Alicia Hughes in 2009, they put forth the proposal to move local elections from May to November, an initiative that passed the majority Democratic council in June of that same year.
Alexandria Crime Report
The following incidents were reported by the Alexandria Police Department.
The following incidents were reported by the Alexandria Police Department.
Commentary: Initiatives in the Legislature
Several of my bills are moving quickly in the General Assembly’s “short,” 45-day.
Commentary: On Krizek’s Agenda
The 2017 General Assembly is underway. This year is a “short session” and runs only 45 days, from Jan. 11 to Feb. 25.
Planning Affirms Murraygate Village in Mount Vernon
Five more units to stay.
Fairfax County’s Redevelopment and Housing Authority requested five more units for planned Murraygate Village, garden style apartments immediately west of the Mount Vernon Crossroads shopping center in the Hybla Valley area near Richmond Highway.
Thursday, January 19
Alexandria Home Sales: December, 2016
In December, 2016, 214 Alexandria homes sold between $3,100,000-$109,000.
Alexandria Home Sales: December, 2016
Ebbin Works Behind the Scenes to Cut a Deal on Sewer System
Accelerated timetable would bypass regulatory process in exchange for keeping state money.
Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-30) has been working behind the scenes with Sen. Richard Stuart (R-28) to cut a deal that would save state funding for Alexandria, which could be at risk if the city fails to clean up its sewer system by 2020.
Stepping Stone into the Future
Program provides work experience for veterans
Though the laboratory technicians at the Veterans Curation Program (VCP) work with archaeological collections of the past, the program is a stepping-stone into the future for each of them.
Former California Highway Patrol commander named new chief of police.
Michael Brown has been selected as Alexandria’s new chief of police.
Hosting a President for Lunch
Fireflies’ owner looks back on the day President Obama paid her restaurant a visit.
On one summer day in 2014, President Obama found his way to Fireflies in Del Ray for lunch.
Dairy Godmother Says Goodbye to Del Ray
Dairy Godmother frozen custard shop in Del Ray is closing their doors.
Raiders of the Lost Art
Robert Luther introduces himself as a treasure hunter, and next Tuesday, will auction a piece of ‘50’s art legend Stan Galli.
Wednesday, January 18
Senate Panel Kills Effort to Allow Drivers Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants
Supporters say they’ll continue to press the issue, citing concerns over safety.
Undocumented immigrants in Virginia will not be getting a driver’s license anytime soon, although advocates for the idea say they will keep pressing lawmakers on the issue.
Democrat Disunity
Alexandria Democrats unite to support ACA, but Warner draws fire for amendment vote.
As Republicans in Congress begin the process of repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA), more than 100 citizens from throughout the region rallied on Jan. 15 at the Charles Houston Recreation Center in support of affordable healthcare.
Crawley: $9.6 Million Gap in Proposed Budget
Despite 2 percent departmental cuts.
Superintendent Alvin Crawley’s proposed budget leaves Alexandria Public Schools’ with $9.6 million funding gap, even with 2 percent funding cuts to every school department.
West End School Revealed
Parents express support, but Beauregard future raises concerns from neighbors.
Office building will be retrofitted to become a school.
Tuesday, January 17
Online Virginia Lottery Sales? Don't Bet On It
House panel rejects bill that would allow for sale of lottery tickets over the internet.
A coalition of convenience store owners and religious conservatives worked to till an effort from the Virginia Lottery to allow for online gambling, thwarting an effort aimed at increasing sales among millennial gamblers. The bill, introduced by Del. Roxann Robinson (R-27), was defeated with an overwhelming vote by a House General Laws subcommittee Tuesday afternoon.
Fabric Place Basement Alexandria Grand Opening
Sponsored
Fabric Place Basement Alexandria celebrates their Grand Opening Saturday, January 21.
Monday, January 16
Senate Panel Approves Crackdown on Internet Lenders in Virginia
Bill would subject unregulated loans to rules that apply to consumer-finance loans.
The Wild West of online lending is about to become a little tamer. That’s because a state Senate panel narrowly approved a bill that would subject internet loans to the same restrictions that currently exist for consumer finance loans, a move that would cramp the anything-goes culture of online loans in Virginia.
Planning for Summer Camp
Local camp fairs help families navigate the maze of summer camp offerings.
In an effort to confront religious intolerance, a group of local middle school students will attend a camp aimed at bringing together children from different religions and giving them the chance to come together, make new friendships, visit houses of worship, learn about other traditions and practice dialogue to confront Islamophobia and Anti-Semitism.
Sunday, January 15
Opioid Treatment Service Jan. 17
Addiction Help
As you are well aware, the heroin and opioid dependency problem is growing across the nation, the Commonwealth, and our community is not being spared. The CSB has adjusted resources to help meet this critical demand for people seeking treatment; a new program begins soon. We need your help spreading the word about it. The CSB is holding an open forum for anyone who is seeking help for a loved one or knows of someone who might need help.
Friday, January 13
‘Expressions 2017’ Wall Calendar
Akiko Lloyd, a resident of the Fountains at Washington House in western Alexandria, used her basket weaving skills to become part of the “Expressions 2017” wall calendar.
Bishop Ireton's Model UN Team
Bishop Ireton’s 2015-16 Model UN Team won Best Small Delegation at the University of Virginia’s Model UN Conference.
Bagels, Pickles Take Center Stage at Del Ray Pop-Up
Two farmer’s market favorites find a temporary indoor home.
Friday, Jan. 20, may be listed as Inauguration Day on the calendar, but within the heart of Del Ray there’s another inauguration on the horizon that will hit closer to home: The grand opening of Salt | Bagel, a pop-up blending two Alexandria favorites in one spot.
‘Anything Goes’ at Little Theatre of Alexandria
Passengers sail on a cruise liner in Cole Porter's 1930s romantic comedy.
The Little Theatre of Alexandria (LTA) is staging Cole Porter's light-hearted, romantic comedy, "Anything Goes," from Jan. 14 to Feb. 4.
Alexandria Students Participate in CYO Track Meet
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. St. Rita's coach Lisa McNichols helped cheer on the over 50 participants from her group in this meet.
‘Elf, Jr.:’ A Story of Transformation at Aldersgate Church Community Theater
Family-friendly children's story is based on a movie and a Broadway show.
With a cast of 42 children, the Aldersgate Church Community Theater (ACCT) is staging "Elf, Jr.," based on the New Line Cinema hit, from Jan. 13 to Jan. 22.
Helping Shape the Future — Alexandria Mentor of The Month
As a public servant for the City of Alexandria, I have always taken great pride in providing exemplary customer service to the local citizens of this city.
Letter to the Editor: Alexandria, Don't Break This Promise
A hot issue for the past several years has been centered on T.C. Williams High School — specifically, placing lights on the Parker Gray Stadium which the Seminary Civic Association vehemently opposes.
New Life for Surrendered Pet in Alexandria
Emmanuel Lassiter loved his dog, Dino. An outgoing pit bull-Rottweiler mix who loved people, Dino was everything Lassiter could want in a dog. But he just couldn’t keep him.
Letter to the Editor: Alexandria Schools Need Accountability Audit
At a recent City Council hearing, we explained to Council the serious management and integrity issues of ACPS and the School Board specifically relating to budget matters, community relations, and compliance with legal requirements.
Letter to the Editor: Alexandria's Road Priorities
My wife and I have resided on South Pitt Street in Old Town Alexandria for almost 20 years. Over the past decade, we have seen the condition of the street in front of our house deteriorate steadily.
How Tech Can Enhance Seniors' Lives — Senior Services of Alexandria
Technology is all around us — just walk down the street and people are on their cell phones or other devices.
Thursday, January 12
Senators to Alexandria: Clean Up Your Act by 2020 or Lose State Funding
Lawmakers poo poo city efforts to flush raw sewage.
Members of the Virginia state Senate say they’re tired of hearing excuses about sewage from city officials in Alexandria, and they’re pushing ahead with a plan that one senator calls “the nuclear option.” This afternoon, the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee approved a bill that sets a firm deadline for Alexandria to clean up its act — 2020. If city officials are unable to stop dumping more than 10 million gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River every year, Alexandria would lose all state appropriations until the problem is fixed.
Bagels, Pickles Take Center Stage at Del Ray Pop-Up
Two farmer’s market favorites find a temporary indoor home.
The grand opening of Salt | Bagel, a pop-up blending two Alexandria favorites in one spot.
'Anything Goes' at Little Theater in Alexandria
Passengers sail on a cruise liner in Cole Porter's 1930s romantic comedy.
The Little Theatre of Alexandria (LTA) is staging Cole Porter's light-hearted, romantic comedy, "Anything Goes," from Jan. 14 to Feb. 4.
Predatory Lenders Work Behind the Scenes to Avoid Regulation and Evade the Law
Campaign contributions and political connections used to sidestep crackdown.
Predatory Loans in the Crossfire: Lawmakers conflicted about how to handle high-interest loans.
Wednesday, January 11
Letter to the Editor: Alexandria's Spending Priorities?
Several weeks ago, the Alexandria city manager was reminded during a Federation of Civic Associations meeting that the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) was in a state of flux, and that Alexandria should stop or postpone any construction of the planned $268 million Metro Station in Potomac Yard. His reply was that Metro was beginning to turn around.
Firefighters from Station 201 Read to Lyles-Crouch Elementary Students.
‘So, Who Has Ever Heard of a Turnip?’
The fire engine pulls up in front of Lyles-Crouch Elementary School on Friday morning and four firefighters jump out and head for the front door.
Letter to the Editor: Appreciates Crossing Light
On behalf of residents, I would like to thank the city Department of Transportation for the crossing light at the intersection of Gibbon and South Columbus streets which was greatly needed.
Letter to the Editor: Join In Women’s March
The Women’s March on Washington will take place on Jan. 21.
Letter to the Editor: No Conciliation, then Litigation in Alexandria
Citizens of Alexandria make no mistake; your participation and community discussion with any and all projects related to our schools is truly a waste of time.
Thomas Pollack advances to Eagle Scout
Twelve Years from Cub Scout to the Top
Thomas Pollack reached the end of a long journey on Saturday, Jan. 7 when he received his Eagle neckerchief in his Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony at the Army-Navy Country Club.
Landmark Mall: 1965 - 2017
While big plans move forward for Landmark Mall, small businesses prepare for the end.
After a long battle with vacancy, Alexandria’s Landmark Mall has died.
WMATA requests more funding from Alexandria.
Even with cuts to rail and bus service, the elimination of 500 more Metro employees, and fare increases, Metro is still asking Alexandria for $32.5 million more in FY2018 than they did in FY2017.
In From the Cold in Alexandria
Winter Shelter provides refuge.
As temperatures have dropped, the City of Alexandria’s Winter Shelter has kept its doors open to those who need warmth, food, and shelter.
Talking about Talking in Alexandria
City Council approves change to public comment procedures.
At the City Council meeting on Jan. 10, the City Council spent an hour discussing whether or not the City Council takes too long discussing things.
A New Start in Alexandria
Gary Sinise Foundation helps wounded veteran build smart home in Alexandria.
There are roughly 11,200 veterans living in Alexandria, according to the Military Times, and with the help of several national charities and actor Gary Sinise, this spring there will be one more.
Schedule of City of Alexandria Services for 2017 Martin Luther King Jr. Day
All City of Alexandria government offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 16, in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr., Day holiday. Virginia state offices will also be closed on Friday, Jan. 13, for Lee-Jackson Day.
Partnering to Reduce Northern Virginia Congestion
Legislators tour past, present and future transportation projects.
The blessing of traffic, Martin Nohe said, is that “there’s lots of great transportation projects to choose from.”
In Session: Briefs
It doesn’t take much rain to trigger Alexandria’s 19th century sewage system to start dumping raw sewage into the Potomac River — about 0.03 inches, to be precise.
Tuesday, January 10
New Year, New Order: Organizing an unruly linen closet
If retrieving an item from the top shelf of one’s linen closet sets off an avalanche of mismatched sheets and tattered towels, it might be time for a linen closet reorganization.
Commentary: Republican Repeal Plan Promises Health Care Chaos
Over the course of a normal week, my office receives thousands of letters, emails, phone calls, and tweets from Northern Virginians.
Editorial: About the Alexandria Gazette Packet
Happy New Year. We need your help in 2017.
Monday, January 9
Commentary: Alexandria’s Four Seasons of Giving
Alexandria is an amazingly generous community, not just during the holiday season.
Art and Poetry Live in Alexandria
As we wind up 2016 and launch into a new year, I think of the poetry and art that many Alexandrians have shared with us.
Letter to the Editor: Progress at Jefferson-Houston
I am a parent of a kindergartner and first grader at Jefferson-Houston School.
Letter to the Editor: Let's Talk to Each Other
It is 2017 and time for new year’s resolutions, or to think about what we resolve to do in the next year.
Letter to the Editor: Focusing on Veterans in Alexandria
Alexandria is home to a large active duty military, retired, and veteran population along with their families.
Letter to the Editor: Consider Source of Taxes
Wealth creation, the font from which all tax revenue flows, was conspicuously missing from the script capably crafted by Kathleen Burns in the Dec. 15 edition of the Gazette-Packet.
Alexandria Police Recruits Graduate
The Alexandria Police Department welcomed 26 recruit officers who graduated from the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy Basic Law Enforcement School on Dec. 21.
Speck Appointed to MWAA Board
David Speck, former Alexandria City Councilman and member of the Virginia House of Delegates, has been appointed by Gov. Terry McAuliffe to serve in the McAuliffe administration as a board member of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
Alexandria Police Captain Graduates from FBI Academy
Alexandria Police Captain Shirl Mammarella graduated from the FBI National Academy on Dec. 16, one of 225 graduates in the academy's 266th Session.
Eight Named as Living Legends of Alexandria
The Living Legends of Alexandria announced its 2017 recipients last month.
Alexandria Crime Report
The following incidents were reported by the Alexandria Police Department.
The following incidents were reported by the Alexandria Police Department.
Tips to Achieve New Year’s Resolutions in Alexandria
Advice on setting and reaching goals
Terry Garret wants to quit smoking. Timothy Noel Castle wants to get in shape. Larry Miller wants to stop procrastinating. And Pat Troy wants to do more for others.
Letter to the Editor: Fragile Habitat in Mount Vernon area
The National Park service has contracted with seven tree-cutting companies to remove trees along the Parkway from above Spout Run to Mount Vernon through March of 2017.
Fairfax Lawmakers’ Last Call for Input
More than 80 speak at General Assembly public hearing.
“We’re not letting teachers do their jobs,” was the plea from Jo Neuber of Vienna, Co-chair of the organization Class Size Counts.
Organizing a Home Office
Design ideas for workspace order.
Whether located in a basement, spare bedroom or kitchen corner, one of the keys to creating a functional home office is organization.
Friday, January 6
Proposed Teen Center Taking Shape in Alexandria
Charles Houston Recreation Center would expand teen-specific activities.
Charles Houston Recreation Center would expand teen-specific activities.
Happy New Year in Alexandria
First Night events draw thousands.
Revelers from around the world descended on Alexandria to ring in the new year as a midnight fireworks show ushered in 2017 and concluded the 22nd annual First Night Alexandria celebration.
Alexandria’s Four Seasons of Giving
Alexandria is an amazingly generous community, not just during the holiday season.
3 Ways To Bust New Year’s Resolutions
Diet got you down? Here are some places to break free.
Fess up — you’re not even a week into the New Year and already your diet has become bland and boring.
Thursday, January 5
In the Red
Schools, Metro, and infrastructure form trinity of 2017 city budget priorities.
Budget priorities
Washington Nationals Mascot Delivers Meals on Wheels
Abe Lincoln, the Washington Nationals mascot helps out Meals on Wheels.
Wednesday, January 4
Women’s Legislative Roundtable Previews Upcoming 2017 Legislative Session
Women’s Legislative Roundtable Previews Upcoming 2017 Legislative Session
Legal Services of Northern Virginia Launches Initiative
Legal Services of Northern Virginia Launches Initiative