Thursday, August 28
Classified Advertising August 27, 2014
Read the latest ads here!
Alexandria Home Sales: July, 2014
In July 2014, 233 Alexandria homes sold between $2,575,000-$85,000.
Alexandria Home Sales: July, 2014
Wednesday, August 27
About the Connection
As your local, weekly newspaper, the Connection’s mission is to deliver the local news you need, to try to make sense of what is happening in your community, to gather information about the best things in and near your community, to advocate for community good, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record achievements, milestones and events in the community and people’s lives.
T.C. Williams Field Hockey Wins Pool C Championship at UTL Tourney
Titans finish 3-0-1, outscore opponents 10-0.
T.C. Williams will face Falls Church on Aug. 29
Editorial: Back to School - Good Steps, Good Intentions
The first day of school in Fairfax County is Tuesday, Sept. 2, but Monday, Sept. 8 is the beginning of something important. For the first time in decades, elementary school students will have a full day of school on Mondays instead of being sent home hours early. This action makes so much sense in for families with children in elementary school. The ability of Superintendent Karen Garza to facilitate this change to go into effect right away is remarkable, and we hope a promise for more changes ahead.
Newcomers Guide: Area Nonprofits
A list of nonprofits in the community.
A list of nonprofits in the community.
Wednesday, August 20
T.C. Williams Football Looking to Build on 2013 Playoff Berth
Coach Randolph: Titans lacking senior leadership.
The T.C. Williams football team will open the season against Dunbar on Sept. 6.
Letter: Test of Time In Design
Letter to the Editor
Is Mayor Euille serious when he stated he was "not opposed to glass and steel" when discussing new buildings to replace the Robinson Terminal ? ("Identity Crisis," front page, July 31)
Letter: Is New Building Enough?
Letter to the Editor
As the new Jefferson-Houston school building gets rave reviews and is about to open its doors to students this fall, I watch with anticipation to see over the next year (or years) whether a new building is enough to attract families, diversify the student body, and change the tide of the past 10 to 11 years of failing to meet testing benchmarks. The School Board would counter that it is not just the new building.
Letter: Animal Waste Fouls Water
Letter to the Editor
Recently the drinking water of 400,000 Toledo residents was fouled by animal waste. With unfettered growth of animal agriculture and ineffective discharge regulations, it will happen again in our own state.
Letter: A Matter Of Trust
Letter to the Editor
This month’s troubling events in Ferguson, Mo., give our entire nation pause. As the mayor of a broad and diverse city, I am proud of Alexandria’s accomplishments as a community and our tradition of passionate but peaceful approaches to difficult issues.
Letter: Ways To Improve Pedestrian Safety
Letter to the Editor
While reading of Mr. Farooq's tale in the Gazette's "Safety at a Crossroads" article, I could not help but nod my head in assent every few lines.
Letter: Avoid Stone Dust Surface
Letter to the Editor
Since 2009, a group of Mount Vernon residents has worked together expending thousands of hours of volunteer time and many thousands of dollars in an effort to create an off-leash dog area (OLDA) at Westgrove Park. The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) allowed the OLDA to initially be established on an interim basis upon approval by the Planning Commission and payment of $3,000 as a contribution toward installation of a peripheral fence.
Mt. Vernon: Children’s Issues Dominate Hispanic Town Hall
On Saturday, Aug. 16, I held my third town hall meeting of the year and my first ever Hispanic Community Town Hall. I was also joined by the first Democratic elected Latino State Delegate — Alfonso Lopez — who represents South Arlington and Bailey's Crossroads.
Alexandria: Titans 6th Grade Boys Team Takes National Title
Team brings home National Travel Basketball Association 2014 Championship title.
During the week of July 20 through July 28, the Alexandria Titans 6th and 9th grade teams traveled to Myrtle Beach, S.C. to participate in the National Travel Basketball Association Nationals Championship Tournament.
Alexandria: On the Road Again
Longtime director heads back to sunny Florida.
When Rich Baier came to Alexandria in 2000, the city had few bike lanes and no BikeShare. Monroe Avenue Bridge was a twisted jag that created gridlock on Jefferson Davis Highway. The idea of dedicated lanes for transit would have seemed alien. Now the longtime director of the Alexandria Department of Transportation and Environmental Services is stepping down to take a position as director of public works for Sumpter County, Fla.
Alexandria: Letters
Test of Time In Design
Is Mayor Euille serious when he stated he was "not opposed to glass and steel" when discussing new buildings to replace the Robinson Terminal ? ("Identity Crisis," front page, July 31)
Alexandria: Generation-to-Generation Volunteering
Senior Services of Alexandria's volunteers — both young and old — have been delivering Meals on Wheels seven days a week throughout the summer months.
Battle of Bladensburg – August 1814
This is the seventh of a series of articles telling how Alexandrians were affected 200 years ago by the War of 1812. For earlier articles in this series, go to alexandriagazette.com.
On Aug. 18, 1814, authorities in Washington learned that British warships were sailing up the Patuxent River in considerable force. Was Washington their target? Taking no chances, the authorities immediately ordered the District of Columbia militiamen, including the Alexandria Brigade under General Robert Young, to report for duty.
Alexandria: Inspiring Minds
Inventor of digital camera visits Camp Invention.
Steve Sasson was just 25 years old and beginning to work his way up at the Eastman Kodak Company when he got an assignment from his supervisor: build an electronic camera using a charge coupled device. The result — U.S. patent number 4,131,919 — earned Sasson induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame for what is known today as the digital camera.
Editorial: Accountability for Police in Northern Virginia
There is more transparency in the police shooting in Ferguson last week than in police shootings in Northern Virginia.
This is not Ferguson, and tanks do not roll down the streets of Northern Virginia driven by police officers pointing sniper rifles at residents.
Removing Barriers to College
Local services help students complete college paperwork, remove barriers.
LaQuita King relocated across the state from Chesapeake, Va., to Alexandria in the summer of 2013, moving into an apartment with her aunt and three cousins. King had just graduated from high school and was looking forward to taking classes at Northern Virginia Community College. So far, that hasn’t happened.
All Write For Now
And so it goes, every three months or so; a CT Scan, a week or so of waiting, and then a face-to-face appointment with my oncologist to learn/discuss the results. Thankfully, the results continue to be amazing. My doctor has told me that I’m his third miracle; stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer patients generally don’t live beyond two years. I’m in year six.
Thursday, August 14
Potential Rivals Circling Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille in Advance of Democratic Primary
Kerry Donely and Vice Mayor Allison Silberberg consider primary challenges.
Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille's poor performance in the congressional primary to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) is calling into question his ability to lead the city, opening the door to talk about former Mayor Kerry Donley challenging Euille in next year's Democratic primary. That possibility has encouraged talk about Vice Mayor Allison Silberberg possibly entering the race as a candidate who would oppose the kind of large-scale development that Euille and Donley both support.
Wednesday, August 13
Take Precautions against Rabies
Animal Shelter offers advice to reduce the risk.
Rabies is a deadly virus that infects animals and may be a risk to humans, as well. The most commonly reported rabid animals in Fairfax County include foxes, raccoons, skunks, and bats. But even pets aren’t automatically immune to this disease and must be vaccinated against it.
Heads Up Football Flourishing in Fairfax County
Program reduces concussion risk by teaching players to take the “head” out of tackling.
It wasn’t that long ago when youth football coaches believed a player’s toughness was measured by his ability to play through the pain. Concussions and other serious injuries were just “part of the game.”
Organized for School Year
Local organizers offer suggestions on dealing with the summer mess.
When summer comes to a grinding halt in a few weeks, a new school year will begin. From alarm clocks and school bells to piles of homework assignments and sports schedules, maintaining a coordinated household can be difficult, however. Local organizers are offering simple suggestions to help make the transition from summer to the start of the school year seamless.
Homelessness: Source of Trauma for Children
Nearly 700 children live in emergency homeless shelters in Fairfax County at some point during the year.
Summer vacation is wrapping up; kids everywhere are gearing up for the return to school. Stores are filled with school supplies; back-to-school advertising fills our TVs, radio and mailboxes. Many families are hustling from store to store getting supplies, backpacks, clothes and haircuts. As children, while we hated to see summer end, we fondly remember the yearly ritual and the excitement and anticipation of getting all those new things.
Alexandria: Poetry
Selfless Dedication
Like red blood cells, women’s equality flows through Alice Paul’s veins, her pulse beat a women’s right to vote, her fervor, women’s equality
Need Help with Repairs?
Trust and pride are two reasons that people — especially seniors — don’t always reach out to us to help them with home repairs. But it’s for those very reasons that people should. Rebuilding Together Alexandria is a nonprofit that focuses on neighbors helping neighbors.
Helping Children To Get Ready for School
At Inova Alexandria Hospital, our staff is collecting school supplies to help area children arrive at school in September prepared to hit the books. We’ve teamed up with Alexandria City Public Schools’ (ACPS) Family and Community Engagement Center and the non-profit Community Partners for Children for the 23rd annual ACPS School Supply Drive.
Helping Seniors and Their Pets
Two of Alexandria’s service organizations, Senior Services of Alexandria and the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA), have developed a unique partnership to help the area’s senior citizens.
New Board To Lead Volunteer Alexandria
Volunteer Alexandria has added new members to its board of directors which will be led by President Frank Fannon and Vice President David Chamowitz.
Police Warn of ‘Spoofing’ Fraud
The Alexandria Police Department is warning citizens that one or more suspects have been fraudulently “spoofing” the City of Alexandria Non-Emergency Line phone number to demand money and threaten arrest if payment is not made.
Classified Advertising August 13, 2014
Read the latest ads here!
Friday, August 8
Carving Up Tomorrow’s Meal
It was early afternoon, and Matt Ruble was putting out the third tray of freshly-cut applewood bacon for the day.
Thursday, August 7
Death Investigation
Police Department Conducts Death Investigation The Alexandria Police Department is conducting a death investigation.
Elizabeth Taylor Dunn Hooff
Elizabeth Taylor Dunn Hooff, 97, died at The Goodwin House, Bailey’s Crossroads, in Falls Church on Friday, Aug. 1, 2014.
Rollout Leaves Bad Taste
Pilot program for food trucks off to rocky start.
When Christine Bernstein noticed Rockland's barbecue truck parked at Founder's Park along Union Street one recent Sunday, she knew something was wrong.
Rowers End Summer Season by Taking on Coaches
After an intense competition that saw the lead change several times, the Alexandria crew coaches pulled off a last-minute, one second defeat of their students at the Aug. 2 Blue Plains Sprints in front of the Dee Campbell boathouse. This competition was the final race of the Sprints, a series of rowing competitions on the Potomac Waterfront that mark the end of summer crew season in Alexandria.
A Successful Life through Serving Others
Tricia Rodgers, a public health advocate among many roles.
Community service is a core value of Tricia Rodgers. Her family and her high school instilled in Rodgers the importance of volunteering and civic engagement.
Letter: Loss of Trees
To the Editor
Letter: Inferior Replacement
To the Editor
Letter: Encouraging Some Sacrifice
To the Editor
Letter: Benefit Math Misses a Factor
To the Editor
Letter: Contempt For Citizens?
To the Editor
Letter: Lacks Sense Of Place
To the Editor
Letter: Congratulations On OLDA Success
To the Editor
Hollin Meadows Staff Volunteer To Bring Writing Nights
“W is for Writing Nights” will be the title of a student-authored alphabet book created by Hollin Meadows rising Kindergarten through Grade 3 students during eight weekly Monday night writing lessons at Sherwood Regional Library, June 30-Aug. 18.
Income Growth in Fairfax and Alexandria Lags Behind State and National Averages
Loudoun is the one bright spot in the region.
Paycheck growth in Fairfax County and the city of Alexandria are lagging behind the state and the nation, according to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Wednesday, August 6
Crime Solvers Hold 5K, Raise Money
In the second year, the race has gained momentum, more runners, and two vendors.
Early Saturday morning, runners and walkers alike descended onto Fairfax Government Center for the second annual Crime Solvers 5K and helped raise money for Fairfax Crime Solvers. “[We’re] just a partnership to keep our community safe,” Fairfax County Crime Solvers President and Chairman, Jody Donaldson said.
Police Conduct Training Exercise
Landmark Mall was the site of a joint Alexandria and Arlington Police training exercise on Wednesday morning, July 30.
Preventing Sports Injuries
How to keep kids safe while they’re having fun.
As students prepare to return to school, one activity many look forward to is sports. While the benefits of athletic activities are numerous, however, so are injuries.
Marking 240th Anniversary Of Friendship Firehouse
The 100 block of N. Alfred Street was closed off early on Saturday morning, Aug. 2, for the annual Friendship Firehouse anniversary festival.
Editorial: Brightening Outlook for End of Summer
Local pleasures to offset discouraging news.
The news here has been a bit discouraging, and that’s without considering the human tragedy and disaster of several different international situations.
The British and the Slaves – July 1814
This is the fifth of a series of articles telling how Alexandrians were affected 200 years ago by the War of 1812. For earlier articles in this series, go to alexandriagazette.com.
Two Views on Mentoring at Community Lodgings
In 2011, Community Lodgings decided to set up two mentor groups for the teens participating in the After-School program.
The ‘Divine’ Miss M’s’
Each of the personages I’m recalling deserves individual stories. Their services to Alexandria have meant a great deal to not only the government structure but to each and every citizen.
Foster Care for Animals
Danielle Cook can’t remember the last time she slept uninterrupted through the night. She has lots of mouths to feed — newborn kittens and puppies, depending on her for survival.
Obit: Holly Victoria Burnett
Holly Victoria Burnett, a diabetic who struggled for many years to battle the irregularities of her blood glucose readings, died in her Arlington home on July 19, 2014. She was 49 years old.
Brightening Outlook for End of Summer
Local pleasures to offset discouraging news.
The news here has been a bit discouraging, and that’s without considering the human tragedy and disaster of several different international situations.
Friday, August 1
A Night at the Aquarium for Fairfax Youth
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington members take a private overnight tour of Baltimore's National Aquarium.
Ten students from the Fairfax branch (Murraygate chapter) of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington got a sneak peak of Shark Week by spending the night among them at the Baltimore Aquarium at the seaport in Baltimore. They spent a “night at the museum” as part of the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) program sponsored by COX Communications last Friday, July 25.