Stories for May 2021

Animals From Across the Country Find Homes in Alexandria

Life wasn’t full of hope for an eight-year-old shepherd mix known as Henry.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Voting for City Council: Some Advice

When Alexandria voters go to the polls on June 8, they must vote for members of the City Council who have contributed favorably to our overall welfare.

Alexandria Council Approves 2022 Budget

SROs removed against ACPS recommendation

The Alexandria City Council formally approved City Manager Mark Jinks’ proposed $770.7 million operating budget for 2022, which eliminates funding for School Resource Officers in Alexandria City Public Schools.

First Master Gardener to Receive Alexandria Environmental Award

Joyce Hylton received the City of Alexandria Ellen Pickering Environmental Service Award Tuesday, May 11 at the virtual City Council Legislative meeting.

Appetite: 4 Alexandria Restaurants to Supply Your Memorial Day Cookout

Let’s face it: It’s been a year of cooking at home.

Play Ball! in Alexandria

Aces return as Fannon takes ownership

Summer baseball is back as the Alexandria Aces return for their 13th season as part of the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League.

Remembering Rose Berler

Longtime civic activist dies at 95

Gardening was a passion for Rose Berler, who won numerous awards for the Lincolnia Hills garden she first began tending in 1958.

Obituary: Steve Gresham

Noted architect, community leader dies at 70

Steve Gresham was known for many things: his intellect, his wit, his love of classic rock and the vast collection of his trademark bow ties.

Buttigieg Visits National Airport to Discuss Immigration

On the heels of the Biden administration’s decision to redesignate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and Mary Kay Henry, International President of the two million-member Service Employees International Union (SEIU) held an immigration roundtable discussion on Tuesday with 32BJ SEIU’s airport workers at National Airport (DCA).

John Warner, Former Secretary of the Navy, United States Senator from Virginia, Dies

Sharing official statements on the life of John Warner.

The River Farm Deal, Moving Closer to Reality?

River Farm moves forward

Following the Money

City Council candidates raise money from friends and supporters.

Running a campaign for the Alexandria City Council isn't cheap. Former Mayor Bill Euille says he often advises potential candidates they'll need to raise $20,000 to $30,000 just to get through the primary and then twice that for the general election.

Opinion: Column: Philosophically Meandering

As I discussed a few weeks back, having all this time off/apart from cancer-related activities is unsettling in a peculiar way.

Senior Living: Just Can’t Wait to Get Back on the Road Again

Vaccinated Seniors plan vacations, trips to reunite with family

Sifting through photos of rafting trips through Labyrinth Canyon on the tranquil waters of the Green River and hiking in the Needles district of Utah’s Canyonlands National Park, Arlene Richter recalls her past travels as she begins planning for new adventures.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Rebuilding Trust in Our Elected Leaders in Alexandria? Who Didn’t Sign?

In the past three years, [some] City of Alexandria residents have experienced a trust deficit with the City’s bureaucratic staff, and with its elected City Council members.

Knock Your Stalks Off in Alexandria

Community gardens grow in popularity.

With warmer temperatures settling in across the region, gardeners have taken to the outdoors, with community gardens growing in popularity across the city.

Undaunted Valor: Story of Rocky Versace Unveiled on Armed Forces Day

With less than two weeks remaining in his second tour of duty, Rocky Versace was looking forward to returning home to Alexandria.

Appetite: Old Ice House Gets New Life in Alexandria with Goodies Frozen Custard and Treats

Summertime is about to get a lot sweeter.

The Other Alexandria: The Other History of Fishtown – Dogan Family

The weather in May of 1861 was cooler than usual and that affected many of the outside businesses in Alexandria; this was especially true with the Fish Wharf.

Bob & Edith’s Family-Run Diner to Open in Old Town Alexandria, Their 6th Location

Bob & Edith’s Diner today announced the coming of a sixth location of the family-run diner in Old Town Alexandria.

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria Assists Dozens of Families at First Community Wellness Event

On Saturday, May 15, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) hosted its first, physically distant Pets & People Community Wellness Event at the Ruby Tucker Family Center.

Where to Put Affordable Housing in Alexandria?

City Council candidates disagree about co-locating with schools, accessory dwelling units

When Alexandria housing officials first considered the idea of putting affordable housing over a new fire station in Potomac Yard, Housing Director Helen McIlvaine joked that her office would eventually become known throughout the region for putting “stuff on top of stuff.”

Convention Done, Primary Ahead

Republicans get a head start in the general election; Democrats still fighting each other

The way Democrats talk about Donald Trump, you'd think he was on the ballot in 2021. And in many ways, he is. The former president may be out of the White House and kicked off of social media, but he's still eager to see himself as a kingmaker.

Obituary: Nicholas (Nick) M. Horrock, 84

Nicholas M. Horrock, a distinguished journalist for many of the nation’s great newspapers, died of heart failure on Sunday, April 18 at his home in Alexandria, Va.

Opinion: Column: A True Sense of Insecurity

From the moment you hear the word cancer spoken in your direction – from your new best friend, an oncologist with whom you've had zero previous interaction, you are transported to a new reality.

Memorial to Suffragist Women Dedicated in Lorton

To educate, inspire, empower present and future generations

For more than seven decades, millions of American women sought the right to vote.

How to Keep Children, Teens Safe Online

With children and teens spending so much time online, parents and caregivers need to know how to help them be safe from predators.

Celebrating Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Importance emphasized in context of recent discrimination and hate crimes.

Educational videos and online trivia questions, organized by the school's Asian-Pacific Islander Heritage Committee, are giving Montgomery College students an opportunity for reflection, while food, music and film offer students at Marymount University in Arlington a glimpse of a different culture.

Opinion: Commentary: Nominate Mark Herring for Re-Election on June 8

The June 8 Democratic primary is an opportunity to vote for fairness and justice for everyone by supporting Attorney General Mark Herring.

New Memorial in Lorton Tells a Story Largely Untold

The Turning Point Suffragist Memorial

“Herstory” was made on May 16 when around 100 Northern Virginians applauded the ribbon cutting officially opening the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial in Lorton, a project 13 years in the making.

People at Work: Small Business Flourishes in Alexandria Despite Pandemic

Everyone loves a good success story, especially during the pandemic.

Women’s Clinic Opens in West End of Alexandria

Inova expands women’s health, sexual assault and trafficking services.

Elected officials from throughout the region gathered in Alexandria’s West End May 8 to celebrate the opening of two new Inova Health System community health clinics that will focus on women’s health and medical evaluations for sexual assault and human trafficking survivors.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: For Added Road Fat

Even if I don't agree, I can at least respect candidates who defend the Seminary Road "diet."

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Endorsing for Mayor

Dear Alexandria Voters in the Democratic Primary, We have all been active participants and very engaged observers in the governing of this city.

Muslims Mark the End of Ramadan

Fasting, prayers and charity observed

Muslims around the world began marking the end of Ramadan last week with the arrival of the festival of Eid al-Fitr, a tradition that dates back more than 1,400 years.

Remembering the Fallen in Alexandria

Law enforcement honored as part of National Police Week

A somber crowd gathered at Alexandria Police Headquarters May 10 for a wreath laying ceremony to remember the fallen officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Appetite: Off the Menu: Alexandria Restaurant News and Notes

Closures and openings – sometimes with one restaurant over the course of several days! – is the theme of the moment in the Alexandria food scene.

NPS Shares Road Diet Plan for GW Parkway

Virtual meeting on May 10 gives road users a voice; more than 700 people have commented.

GW Parkway

Opinion: Column: A False Sense of Security

As previously referred to in a recent column, even though I am hardly cancer-free, nonetheless I am cancer interruptus for the next four weeks.

Opinion: Commentary: Respecting the Feelings of 'Other’

When I was in elementary school back in the ’80s, I came to school after celebrating Eid and closed my sweaty hands into fists.

Biking and Trail Use Continues to Grow in Northern Virginia

Pit Stop gathering is out, but Bike to Work Day is still on for May 21.

It’s been 20 years since Bike to Work Day began, and it grows each year, showing that there is another side to commuting that uses no gas, has health benefits and is fun, even if it’s only one day a year for many.

HomeLifeStyle: Elevating the Bathroom

Ideas for budget and luxury bathrooms

Sometimes regarded as a strictly functional space, bathrooms might bring to mind brushing and flossing rather than style and comfort.

New Charitable Event Kicked Off Mental Health Awareness Month

Kicking off Mental Health Awareness Month, a new golf tournament hosted by Alliance Executive Search and CBRE on May 3 raised more than $26,000 to benefit PRS, a leading behavioral health nonprofit serving Northern Virginia.

Treasury Launches State and Local Covid Relief Funds

U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine applauded the Treasury Department’s launch of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, established by the American Rescue Plan Act.

Gutter Politics

City Council candidates campaign on fixing Alexandria's flooding problem.

None of the candidates for Alexandria City Council are for flooding, which has swamped the city's aging infrastructure in recent years as a series of major storm events have repeatedly submerged parts of Alexandria.

Muse Condominiums Grand Opening This Month

Knife-Wielding Man in Assault at Dar Al-Hijrah Mosque

Man is charged with hate crime after lunging at guard

Shortly before Monday’s afternoon prayer at the Dar al Hirjah Islamic Center near Seven Corners in Fairfax County, a man who was not part of the Muslim community began harassing those outside the entrance of the mosque waiting to pray.

The Other Alexandria: If These Walls Could Talk – Roberts Chapel Methodist Church

If you were a Black Methodist in Alexandria, Virginia in 1830, you probably would be a member of Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Allison Silberberg Is the One

I am writing to express my concern about the future of Alexandria.

Opinion: Commentary: City Council Candidates: Do Your Homework on Affordable Housing

As a homeowner and city resident, I support our aspiration to be a just and inclusive community by ensuring that we have affordable housing opportunities for residents of all income levels.

Opinion: Commentary: What President Biden's American Jobs Plan Means to Virginia

The Biden administration recently released its American Jobs Plan which includes 2.25 billion dollars of national investment in infrastructure and services.

Celebrating Mother’s Day in Alexandria

Spreading the joy of celebrating our mothers

Anna Jarvis was a well-known social activist and community organizer in Northern Virginia during the Civil War.

Mount Vernon Bike Trail Resurfacing Work Temporarily Closes Trail

Missing segments of this trail will be part of a bigger project.

Mount Vernon Bike Trail

Opinion: Column: Cats in the Belfry

Have I mentioned in print lately that we, resident owners of "Belly Acres" in Burtonsville, are back to being a five-indoor-cat household?

Wellbeing: Meeting Increased Mental Health Needs

Affordable treatment options highlighted during National Mental Health Month

Resulting from the tumultuous and emotionally charged past year, there's been an uptick in reported mental health conditions.

City Election: Yo Yo Road Diet

Four Democrats support four lanes on Seminary Road.

The lingering resentment over Seminary Road bike lanes comes with a price tag, somewhere between $300,000 and $700,000 — a cost four City Council candidates say they’re willing to pay for returning four lanes of traffic to the street.

Dissenting American Horticultural Society Board Members Told to Be Silent

Nova Parks offers a second proposal to purchase River Farm from AHS.

Five members of the American Horticultural Society’s board of directors – half of the voting members of the board, they say – voiced public opposition to the proposed sale of River Farm.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Allison Silberberg: Mayor of the People

This is a critical election in Alexandria’s history with very important decisions at stake.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Silberberg is Leader to Bring Authenticity to the Alexandria Mayor’s Office

Upon moving to the region 37 years ago, I made the careful decision to locate in the City of Alexandria.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Endorsing Creative, Clear-eyed Leadership in Alexandria

The past year has tested Alexandria.

Alexandria City Council Approves Police Review Board

Civilian oversight group to begin July 1

At its public hearing on April 17, the Alexandria City Council voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance establishing a Community Policing Review Board, which will go into effect July 1.

‘A Long-Awaited Journey’ in Alexandria

Demolition begins at MacArthur Elementary.

After years of planning, demolition began April 26 at Douglas MacArthur Elementary School in preparation for a new school to open sometime in 2023.

‘Hanged by a Mob’

City remembers 1897 lynching victim Joseph McCoy

It was April 23, 1897, and the front page of newspapers across the region carried the news of the latest lynching in the area – the slaying of 18-year-old Joseph McCoy, who had been accused of assaulting the 9-year-old daughter of his employer.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Alexandria City Council Takes Right Step Toward Serving Our Communities of Color

As a longtime resident of Alexandria City and the lead organizer at Tenants and Workers United, I write to commend the Alexandria City Council for their move to allocate funding for the creation of a Community Police Review Board.

Got Drugs?

City holds Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

Alexandria held its National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day April 24 with members of the Alexandria Police Department and Alexandria Sheriff’s Office staffing special collection sites across the city.

Appetite: Get Some Fresh Air: 3 Spots for Al Fresco Dining in Alexandria

Outdoor dining has been a necessity for restaurant-goers over the past year, but now that the weather is warming up (hello, surprise 85-degree April days!), it’s becoming a luxury, as well.

Second Chances Benefit the Whole Community

Toby Pendergrass opens the 13th Second Chance virtual fundraising breakfast on Thursday, April 22.