Stories for April 2021

Gum Springs Historical Marker Replaced

Third sign in a location not likely to be wiped out by a car.

Gum Springs sign

Seven Republicans Running for Governor

May 8 convention to determine direction of party heading into November.

Republicans haven’t won a statewide race since 2009, when Attorney General Bob McDonnell received 59 percent of the vote against Democrat Creigh Deeds. Since then, Republicans have been shut out of the Executive Mansion. Ken Cuccinelli lost to Terry McAuliffe in 2013, and Ed Gillespie lost to Ralph Northam in 2017. Now Republicans are about to determine their statewide candidates in a May 8 convention, which will take place at 37 locations.

Opinion: Column: "My Thoughts to Your Thoughts"

You know the expression: "Can't walk and chew gum at the same time,” a disparaging characterization of a person, company or municipality unable to multi-task or even task at all?

Early Voting Begins for the June 8 Democratic Primary in Virginia

Early voting began on Friday, April 23 for the June 8 Democratic Primary in Virginia.

Free Cinco de Mayo Lyft Rides to Prevent Drunk Driving

While stating unequivocally that “we’re all safer at home” this Cinco de Mayo during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, a local nonprofit organization today announced that – as a “necessary safety net” to next month’s high-risk, high-alcohol consumption period – free safe rides will be offered to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area on Cinco de Mayo (May 5th).

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Captain’s Row at its Breaking Point

Historic Captain’s Row is at its breaking point and requests from the residents to the Mayor and City Council have fallen on deaf ears.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Ecstatic About Silberberg

As a longtime City of Alexandria resident, I am ecstatic that Allison Silberberg has chosen to run for Mayor – and here’s why.

AlexRenew Proposes Second Rate Increase to Fund Alexandria’s Clean Waterways Future

Alexandria Renew Enterprises, the wastewater authority serving Alexandria, is proposing a two-year sewer rate increase to help fund its RiverRenew program that will minimize combined sewer overflows into the City’s waterways, and ongoing upgrades at its wastewater treatment facility.

The Final Countdown in Alexandria

Spring2Action online giving day set for April 28

Spring2Action, Alexandria’s annual online day of giving, officially begins April 28 and will run for 24 hours to raise funds for nonprofits across the city.

The Great Outdoors in Alexandria

Warm weather attracts outdoor diners.

April showers are bringing out more than spring flowers.

The Heat is On

Candidates for governor make Alexandria campaign stops.

Candidates vying for both the Democratic and Republican nominations for Virginia governor have made Alexandria a stop on the campaign trail, signifying the influence of Northern Virginia in statewide politics.

Appetite: 4 Alexandria Eateries to Pack a Picnic

With the latest cold snap behind us, it’s time to turn to picnics.

Opinion: Commentary: Joseph McCoy: Lynched in Alexandria, April 23, 1897

Audrey P. Davis, Director, Alexandria Black History Museum

Americans are attached to their phones.

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria Conducts First Onsite Surgery in New Veterinary and Event Vehicle

Biscuit, an eight-year-old gray and white cat, was the first animal to undergo surgery at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) in the new Mobile Veterinary and Event vehicle on Tuesday, April 20.

Style After Retirement

Great fashion sense is possible at any stage.

At 78, Winifred Rosenberg has always been known for her impeccable style and taste.

When it’s Time to Downsize

Suggestions for transitioning to a new living community

The decision to trade the comfort of home where you’ve lived for years and transition to retirement can evoke a range of emotions.

Alexandria Police Department Provides Crime Summary For 2020

The Alexandria Police Department reports that Part I (more serious) crimes climbed 19.14 percent in 2020 compared to 2019, mainly due to increases in stolen vehicles and larcenies.

Stop Waiting — Start Donating

Blood donors suffering from COVID fatigue; visit www.inovablood.org/donate-blood/

Just a few minutes of your time can save a life.

Little Theatre of Alexandria Presents “The Belle of Amherst”

Explores the eccentric and obscure life of poet Emily Dickinson

It’s 1883 in Amherst, Massachusetts.

Two-Front Primary

Self-styled 'aggressive progressive' wages statewide campaign while defending House seat

Northern Virginia has one of the most competitive Democratic primaries for the House of Delegates this year, a race that's complicated by an incumbent who's seeking reelection while also seeking a statewide office. Del. Mark Levine (D-45) will be appearing twice on the ballot, once toward the top of the ticket for lieutenant governor and then again for reelection to the House seat that he's held since his first election in 2015.

Opinion: Column: Wanna Take A Chance?

I'm sort of invoking Southwest Airlines here, but not exactly.

Helping Children Improve Their Writing

Practical suggestions for boosting skills

When Stacie Dougherty read an essay that her seventh grade son wrote for a Language Arts writing assignment, she became concerned.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Supporting Allison Silberberg

Allison Silberberg is our City’s best choice for mayor.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Who Should Pay Reparations?

In attempting to advance a case for reparations, Elisabeth Vodola blurs what should be a bright line between the U.S. and Britain.

Departmental Progressive Club to Host Candidate Forum April 20

The Departmental Progressive Club will host a mayoral and city council candidates’ forum April 20th at 7 p.m. via Zoom.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Mayor Wilson Doesn’t Deserve Attacks

We served on City Council with both Mayor Justin Wilson and former Mayor Allison Silberberg, who issued a statement on March 25, announcing her candidacy for Mayor.

T.C., Maury Schools Renamed

ACPS opens student contest to design new Titan logo

The Alexandria City Public School board voted unanimously April 8 to change the name of T.C. Williams High School to Alexandria City High School.

Opinion: Commentary: Road Diet, Mumble Strips, Speed Enforcement

Proposed safety fixes for GW Parkway, which can be incredibly dangerous for motorists and pedestrians alike.

The George Washington Parkway is a scenic and vital thoroughfare running through the 30th District.

The Other Alexandria: He Had Their Backs: Harold Bell ‘Inside Sports’

Harold Bell was the first African American to host and produce his own Sports Talk Radio show, “Inside Sports,” in Washington, D.C. from 1972 through the 1990s.

Board Approves Historic Zoning for River Farm in Mount Vernon

Annenberg Foundation reasserts intent on restrictions, requirements of grant.

Signs have been posted in front of American Horticultural Society headquarters that say the property is closed to the public, said Katherine Ward, of the Mount Vernon Council of Citizens’ Associations.

Giving Alexandria’s Wildlife a Second Chance

This is National Animal Care & Control Appreciation Week.

It’s the time of year when Alexandria’s wildlife comes to life — foraging, making nests and raising their young.

A Lasting Legacy: Former Fort Ward Museum director Wanda Dowell dies at 91

It was in 1965 that Wanda Dowell filled out an application to work for the City of Alexandria.

Running for Second in Command

Thirteen candidates are running for lieutenant governor in Virginia.

Seven Democrats and six Republicans are trying to secure their parties' nomination to be the candidate for lieutenant governor on the November ballot.

Conversion Work is Kicking Off at the Former Mount Vernon Tennis Club

A workforce development and training center is needed in this part of Mount Vernon.

Opinion: Column: Hitting The Nail on the Head

What are all these "Toe Nail Clipper" emails I receive nearly every day?

Opinion: Commentary: Earth Day – Then and Now

Fifty-one years ago, in 1970, the first Earth Day took place on April 22.

HomeLifeStyle: Kitchen Trends for 2021

Local designers say bold colors and durable materials are popular.

As the command station for many households, kitchens are for more than just cooking.

Results of Arlington and Montgomery County Collaboration on Airplane Noise

Contractor proposes randomizing approaching flight path to share the noise of disturbing DCA flight tracks; testing underway

Local officials in Arlington and Montgomery counties continue their collaborative efforts following upticks in their communities' airplane noise complaints as aircraft approach and depart Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, DCA, located in Arlington County.

Earl Lloyd Statue Unveiled

Trailblazer broke the color barrier of the NBA

Under the glare of a national spotlight, Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier for Major League Baseball in 1947.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: New Voting Rights Act in Virginia: Changes for Alexandria?

Just recently a federal judge ruled that the “at large” method Virginia Beach uses to elect Council Members is illegal and can’t be used in future elections as It violates the Voting Rights Act, which in turn dilutes the voting power of the minorities.

Biden Visits Alexandria Vaccination Site

Announces April 19 for expanded eligibility for all

President Joe Biden made a visit April 6 to a Neighborhood Health vaccination clinic at Virginia Theological Seminary, using the occasion to announce the expansion of COVID-19 vaccine eligibility.

Alexandria Sportsman’s Club to Host Sportswriter Shapiro

Virtual meeting to be held April 21

Len Shapiro, the Pulitzer Prize-nominated sportswriter, editor and columnist for more than 40 years for the Washington Post, will be the featured speaker for the April 21st meeting of the Alexandria Sportsman’s Club.

Opinion: Commentary: Black History and Economic Case for Reparations

Alexandria's outstanding Black History resources will soon be tested by a post-pandemic surge in educational travel, augmented by Americans (and others) who learned belatedly from last summer's events that their own traditional schooling had omitted some central truths about U.S. history.

Appetite: Restaurants, Breweries Bloom with New Growth This Springtime in Alexandria

As the weather warms up and the dogwoods begin to blossom, it seems a perfect time to celebrate spring – and all the outdoor dining it entails.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Leave Lee District Name

I am writing to respond to Mike Salmon’s recent article in the Springfield Connection concerning a Zoom meeting held by Lee District supervisor Rodney Lusk about the possibility of renaming the Lee District.

Opinion: Column: Being Driven Only Slightly Crazy

So this is what it's like to be out of the house and driving around: mask on, surgical gloves in the console, hand sanitizer in the glove box; not so different than before my two Covid-19 vaccinations.

Estate Planning During Pandemic

With the nation sadly surpassing 500,000 Covid-related deaths, mortality is much more on the mind of many.

Two Lawsuits Threaten Virginia Public Schools

Appellants ask courts to halt implementation of Student Transgender Policies; local FCPS Pride reacts

The outcome of two lawsuits filed in Circuit Courts the last week in March threatens the treatment of transgender students in all Virginia school divisions, including Fairfax County Public Schools.

Lucky Thirteen

June 8 primary will feature more than a dozen Democrats running for six seats

Recent years have seen a dramatic shift in city politics. Three years ago, the incumbent mayor was unseated in an election where two incumbent City Council members were turned out of office. Now three of the six seats on the council are open, and 13 candidates are running for six seats.

Transformative Rail Agreement in Virginia

On Tuesday, March 30, Governor Ralph Northam announced that the Commonwealth finalized agreements with Amtrak, CSX, and Virginia Railway Express, launching a $3.7 billion investment to expand and improve passenger, commuter, and freight rail in Virginia and create a vital connection in America’s national rail network between the Northeast and Southeast corridors.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Seifeldein Endorses Jennifer Carroll Foy for Governor

As Virginia works to recover from the COVID-19 crisis that robbed us of loved ones, shuttered businesses, and hurt countless Virginian families across our Commonwealth, we face two distinct choices: do we look forward, or do we look back?

Appetite: ESP Tea and Coffee Brings New Faces and Focus to King Street in Alexandria

About two months ago, King Street saw the rebirth of a familiar coffee shop with a renewed name, all set to rise from the ashes.

The Other Alexandria: The Women Who Sparked His Career – Dr. Michael D. Casey

There is a common saying that a woman is always behind a successful man.

Joining Forces Against Hate

Local legislators part of newly formed Asian American and Pacific Islanders Caucus

Last week, local delegates Mark L. Keam (D-35) and Kathy KL Tran (D-42) joined other Virginia General Assembly members with Asian American heritage to speak out against violence against Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

Opinion: Column: Good News Travels Slowly

Sure enough, the email from my oncologist didn't arrive in my inbox before we left for the weekend away on Friday.

Stones Tribute Band Won’t Leave the Piggy Bank “Shattered, Shattered”

Tribute bands have the look and the sound but not the price.

Stones tribute band