Thursday, March 30
Diversion First in Wait-and-See Mode
Handcuffed by budget constraints in proposed budget, Diversion First may see some relief.
Editorial Opinion: Expand Medicaid Now
Virginia has missed out on $10 billion, 30,000 jobs and care for 400,000 citizens.
Bacon and Bureaucracy in Alexandria
City and State legislators talk sewage, BIDs, and development over breakfast.
Taxes, Fees and Alexandria City Spending
Budget session focuses on “Livable, Green and Prospering City.”
Wednesday, March 29
Fairfax County Breaks Ground on Huntington Levee
$30 million project will protect community from flooding.
Tuesday, March 28
Next for Pipeline Playwrights: ‘Around the Snake Turn’
Play by Patricia Connelly about West African practice of trokosi, or sex slaves.
Monday, March 27
Community Policing, Not Sanctuary, in Fairfax County
Resurgent gang activity also discussed at Public Safety Committee.
ACCT Presents ‘Connecticut Yankee’ Play in Alexandria
Mark Twain farce about American who is transported back to 6th century England.
Ease Yoga and Café Offers Senior Discount in Del Ray
Newest business to participate in Silver Service Card.
Thursday, March 23
Friday, March 17
Alexandria Home Sales: February, 2017
In February, 2017, 145 Alexandria homes sold between $1,925,000-$110,000.
Alexandria Home Sales: February, 2017
Thursday, March 16
Free St. Patrick’s Day Lyft Rides Offered in Area
Preparing to combat that time of year when, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly one-third of all U.S. traffic deaths are caused by drunk drivers, free Lyft rides will be offered to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area next Friday, March 17, 2017 (St. Patrick’s Day).
Area Social Justice Network Hosts Richmond Wrap-Up
Some successes, some defeats, and a partisan rallying call for 2017 elections.
The 2017 Legislative Session of the Virginia General Assembly was adjourned on Saturday, Feb. 15.
Committed to Peacemaking
Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County reception honors activists and advocates.
Suraya Sadeed said hearing more than 20 stories of students promoting peace in and out of their schools made her believe “there is still hope for a brighter future.”
Wednesday, March 15
Practice Makes Perfect
Local educators share strategies for getting children to practice music.
When Linda Gulyn’s son entered high school and asked to quit his clarinet lessons, the Arlington mother of four declined his request.
Over 50 and Playing Basketball
Women's NOVA Fifty and Over Basketball League enjoy friendships and travel.
If you're over 50 and a woman, you're never too old to play basketball.
First Taste of Working World
Teen Job Fairs begin this weekend.
Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) said his first job working at a pool over the summer formed a lot of his work ethic.
Optimistic About State of Hospitality
Panelists at Northern Virginia Chamber Forum discuss state of hospitality under the new administration.
The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce gathered some heavy hitters to offer their thoughts and answer questions from a standing-room-only audience at the “State of Hospitality Under the New Administration” symposium on March 6.
Letter to the Editor: Support Libraries
At a time when Alexandrians are eager to proclaim their city an open and welcoming one, let's keep in mind our wonderful libraries.
Letter to the Editor: Best Use of City Funds?
Many third world countries would be ashamed of the condition of paving in Alexandria.
Commentary: Academic Success
It’s about science, not luck.
Did you know that kids who move more do better in school?
Letter to the Editor: What Are Costs Of Illegal Immigration?
Vic Glasberg’s “Resist Complicity” letter [Gazette Packet, Feb. 28] urges local officials and news editors to “resist complicity” in federal enforcement of our country’s immigration laws, which he considers “perverse, counterproductive, and discriminatory.”
GOP Lieutenant Governor Candidates To Debate in Arlington
The Republican Women of Northern Virginia will host a Republican Lieutenant Governor debate on Thursday, March 30, at 7 p.m. at the Army Navy Country Club, in Arlington.
Slover Inducted into Regional Football Hall of Fame
Mac Slover, regional program director of the Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities, was inducted into the Northern Virginia Football Hall of Fame at the 27th Annual Awards Banquet held on March 5 at the McLean Hilton Hotel.
Bonding in Alexandria
Unity Basketball Tournament brings police and return citizens together.
People of all walks of life ate together, prayed together and played together on March 11 at George Washington Middle School.
All in the Family
SSA honors community service.
A record crowd gathered March 4 at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center as Senior Services of Alexandria held its 2017 Generation to Generation Gala to recognize two Alexandria families for their long-term commitment to giving back to the Alexandria community.
The Music Man
ASO executive director Paul Frank dies at 76.
A conductor’s podium was as much an office for Paul Frank as was the traditional CEO corner suite.
Charting His Course
ASF apprentice builds for the future.
For nine months, Jay Helinksi worked as an apprentice with the Alexandria Seaport Foundation.
The Mailman
One of city’s first African American mailmen, and longtime civic activist, dies.
Even for those who didn't know his name, Arthur Martin Nelson was the face of the community.
Death or Resurrection?
Church’s offer on affordable housing needs additional city support.
The future of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection’s slated affordable housing project hangs in the air while City Council decides on the FY2018 budget.
Her First Solo Exhibit
Mashayekhi presents “Extraordinary Ordinary, A Photography Medley.”
Artist Azita Mashayekhi is inviting the Alexandria community and beyond to her photography exhibit at the Montebello Condominiums Community Center/Café, through March 17, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Paint by Numbers
New study shows Torpedo Factory as top ranked city attraction.
The Torpedo Factory is the biggest attraction in Alexandria to people already in the Torpedo Factory — it’s getting people there that’s the trouble.
Above and Beyond
Council exceeds city manager’s recommended maximum tax rate.
In a year of new fees and a proposed real estate tax increase, the Alexandria City Council upped the ante by surpassing the recommended maximum tax rate to provide more funding to city schools.
Tuesday, March 14
Pipeline Playwrights' Next Reading
"The Men My Mother Loved" by Soo-Jin Lee at Alexandria's MetroStage on March 20.
Pipeline Playwrights will present its next reading of the world premiere play, "The Men My Mother Loved," by Soo-Jin Lee on Monday, March 20, at 7:30 p.m. at MetroStage in Alexandria.
Japanese Hibachi Experiences Blend Entertainment with Dinner.
This week’s cold snap may have shaken most of the cherry blossoms loose, but the month-long celebration of the United States’ friendship with Japan continues apace.
Commentary: Congratulations, But What Does ACT Do Again?
As the new director of development at ACT for Alexandria, I was excited to begin sharing the news with my friends about my new job and this fantastic organization.
Commentary: What To Do with All That Energy
Well, something's happening and it's got people’s passion stirring!
Mentor of The Month
Finding Joy in Reading
In late 2015, I began looking for volunteer opportunities as a way to give back to my community.
Commentary: A Day Without Whining
What do women really want? If you live in our area, the obvious answer is a day off from work.
Area Filmmakers at Bethesda Film Fest
Films include art of painting with wax, history of collard greens, and a doctor walking the line of his own morality.
The fifth annual Bethesda Film Fest will take place on Friday and Saturday, March 17-18, and will feature five short documentaries made by local filmmakers.
Local Filmmakers at Bethesda Film Fest
Films include art of painting with wax, history of collard greens, and a doctor walking the line of his own morality.
Filmmakers from Alexandria, Arlington
Thursday, March 9
Stop Bullying Federal Workers
Republicans hold control of all three branches of government, and therefore have a responsibility to lead the civil service that employs millions of Americans, and every American relies upon for myriad services.
Arrests Follow Alexandria Cell Phone Robberies
The Alexandria Police Department has been investigating robberies of cell phones that occurred recently in Alexandria.
Alexandria Faith Community Sees Underbelly of Housing Shortage
Another church adds testimony to City Council.
Another church has written to City Council about the human need stemming from the city’s lack of affordable housing.
Obituary: Bob Michel, Longtime Congressman
To many, Bob Michel will be remembered as the longtime Illinois congressman and skilled politician who served for 38 years in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Workshop To Support Caregivers: Senior Services of Alexandria
Senior Services of Alexandria (SSA) receives calls regularly from family members who are struggling to care for their loved ones.
Letter to the Editor: Budget in Alexandria City Council’s Hands
On Feb. 21, I presented City Council and the public with proposed city operating and capital budgets for the fiscal year beginning July 1, and a proposed capital improvement program (CIP) for the next decade.
Letter to the Editor: Prioritize Minnie Howard
We write on behalf of the Capacity Committee of the T.C. Williams High School Instructional Leadership Team (ILT).
Letter to the Editor: Another ‘Special Tax Zone’
In a few weeks, the Alexandria City Council will be considering the formulation of a Business Improvement District (BID) in Old Town.
Living Legends Celebrates 10 Years
Donley, Euille among 2017 honorees.
Former Alexandria mayors Kerry Donley and Bill Euille are among the Class of 2017 Living Legends of Alexandria who will be honored at the organization’s 10th anniversary Meet the Legends reception March 16 at the George Washington Masonic Memorial.
Portner's Brewhouse Reopening This Week
Portner Brewhouse Reopens
Wednesday, March 8
Reflecting on Politics
A progressive Vermonter in Old Town
Progressive Chester Kasnowski comes to Old Town
People at Work
A plumbers work in Old Town, Alexandria
Luck of the Irish
Ballyshaners host 36th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
St. Patrick's Day parade in Old Town, Alexandria
Educating Customers Is Key to Success
New manager joining Two Poor Teachers after 18 years in business.
It’s been 18 years since Ken Nies co-founded Two Poor Teachers, LLC, but the kitchen and bath remodelling company isn’t resting on its laurels.
Tour Area Gardens
Garden Club of Virginia hosts 84th Annual Historic Garden Week.
During the last eight days of April every year nearly 26,000 visitors tour homes and gardens across Virginia.
Tuesday, March 7
Old Town Prepares for Historic Garden Week
Part of state-wide event.
Five Old Town Alexandria homes and gardens will open to the public on April 22 as part of the 84th Historic Garden Week.
From Split-Level to Neoclassical
Conversion wins regional “Contractor of the Year” award.
Converting a circa 1960's split-level into a spacious neoclassical-style residence has won Sun Design Remodeling a regional “Contractor of the Year” award from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.
Kitchen Design Trends to Expect in 2017
Local designers share popular design ideas.
Those looking for kitchen design ideas have a new source of inspiration: the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s (NKBA) list of trends for 2017.
Monday, March 6
Obituary: Virginia ‘Bunny’ Jacob
Realtor, preservationist.
Virginia Lee Galloway Jacob, the longtime Alexandria Realtor, community activist and preservationist known as "Bunny," died Feb. 16 after an extended illness. She was 91.
People At Work: Hart Behind the Scenes
Delivering new trash cans, solving problems
Excell Hart checks the orders that have come in since yesterday. He will head out in "my Cadillac" to issue out a new trash container on S. Royal Street and deliver one on N. Alfred where they have never had one.
New Executive Chef at BRABO
BRABO hired French native Sebastien Rondier as executive chef to its kitchen on King St.
In Music Competition
Lea Morris of Alexandria made the cut in the folk/acoustic, soul category and is now a finalist to perform in a live concert performed by the competition’s finalists on Friday, March 3 at 7:30 p.m. at Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club, 7719 Wisconsin Ave. in downtown Bethesda.
Hitting the Road: Looking back on the 2017 General Assembly Session
Commentary
Just as the frenetic pace of Session seemed to ebb, the activity picked up in the final week with a hustle and bustle of a different sort.
Letter to the Editor: Looking from Both Sides
Kerry Carter’s commentary article “Love Tr---s Hate” really attracted my attention.
Letter to the Editor: Time for a Change
As a lifelong Democrat and progressive, I, and many of my neighbors, are pleased to see Del. Mark Levine challenged in his bid to represent us in the House of Delegates.
Letter to the Editor: Backyard Treasure
Where’s Waldo? Or maybe I should say where is Alexandria?
Letter to the Editor: Experience Beau Soir
For about the past decade and a half, the Old Presbyterian Meeting House has been hosting events called “Concerts with a Cause” several times a year.
Preparing for State Contest
Seven members of the Carl Sandburg Middle School Chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) will join more than 700 other family and consumer sciences students to participate in Virginia FCCLA’s Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) Events Contest and State Leadership and Recognition Conference, April 6-9, in Virginia Beach.
Del Ray Chili Cook Off
The chili and the competition were hot at the Del Ray Citizens Association’s annual Chili Cook Off!
STAR Award
Del Ray Business Association President Bill Blackburn and DRBA Board Member Gayle Reuter present the business association's 2016 STAR Award in the public service category to Alexandria Police Deputy Chief Dianne Gittins.
‘Mitten Tree’
The students of Grace Episcopal School in Alexandria give to the families of the New Neighbors English Language Learner (ELL) program by collecting cold weather gear for the “Mitten Tree.”
Friday, March 3
National English Honor Society Inductees
T.C. Williams High School held its annual induction ceremony of the school’s chapter of the National English Honor Society (NEHS) on Jan. 31.
Honoring Three Mentors
Tribute is part of Black History Month.
40 years of mentoring Alexandria’s youth through public service with an awards event honoring three African-American living legends: Lawrence “Lucky” Elliott, Traverse Gray and Jackie Mason.
The United States Air Force Band's Chamber Players Series
Sponsored
The United States Air Force Band's Chamber Players Series FREE CONCERTS Every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. March 7 – April 25.
Thursday, March 2
Strategic Plan Part 3: Well-Managed Government
Plan calls for flexible funding and greater accessibility.
Alexandria strategic plan.
Rotary Club Donates Books to John Adams Students
Alexandria West Rotary Club donates books
Character and Courage
Tilelli honors service of Washington, first responders.
Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association
$1 Million in Assistance
Faith coalition straining to help make housing affordable.
Several institutions in Alexandria’s faith community are pushing City Council to increase spending on affordable housing in the FY2018 city budget.
Wednesday, March 1
Sponsored: The GWU Graduate School of Education & Human Development
Sponsored
The GW-Fairfax Partnership Program is a cooperative, special education teacher preparation program between The George Washington University (GW) and Fairfax County Public Schools resulting in teacher licensure and a master’s degree in special education.