Thursday, January 30
Confused and then Infused
Since March 6, 2009, nearly five years now, save for nine months when I was taking an oral chemotherapy medication at home, every three weeks I have been infused with some sort of chemotherapy drug. In that time, I have certainly become familiar and fairly well-known to the various staff at The Infusion Center. What follows is the most recent exchange with the receptionist in Oncology, as best as I can recall it.
Debate Over School Budget Continues
Later start times, class size among topics at School Board public hearing.
Later start times, class size, and cuts to needs-based staffing were major themes of the testimony given at the Jan. 27 public hearing on Superintendent Karen Garza’s proposed budget.
Board Cites Lack of Funds for School Renovations
Aging schools collide with increasing student enrollments.
While the 2015 to 2019 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) passed at the Fairfax County Public School Board meeting on Thursday, Jan. 3, many board members expressed concerns with the program.
Alexandria Fire Chief Takes Role as Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security
Adam Thiel to leave Alexandria and join McAuliffe administration.
When Adam Thiel became chief of the Alexandria Fire Department in 2007, he took over an agency that was clinging to the past — and not just the antiques at the Friendship Firehouse Museum.
Jim Moran: The $15 Million Congressman
During his years in Congress, Moran raised and spent about $1 million each campaign cycle.
One of the first things that happened after U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) announced he would not be running for reelection this year was that he cancelled a fundraising event.
Hotel Virginia on the Alexandria Waterfront
City Council approves 120-room hotel on waterfront.
The Alexandria waterfront plan is like the 1970s Eagles hit, "Hotel California." You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.
Wednesday, January 29
TC Gymnastics Places Third at W-L Invitational
Titans compete as team for first time this season.
T.C. Williams' Holland Cathey placed third in the all-around competition during the W-L Invite on Jan. 25.
Letter: Where's School System's Focus?
To the Editor
Letter: Costly Expantion
To the Editor
Letter: Learn About CHD
To the Editor
Letter: Lights Would Benefit Students
To the Editor
Explore Offerings at City’s Recreation Centers
Winter classes and club activities are underway at most of the city’s recreation centers.
The Day Virginia Cried
Whatever the facts prove to be, federal corruption charges leveled against Virginia's 71st governor are nothing short of astonishing. No such thing has ever occurred in the state known as the "Mother of Presidents."
Thursday, January 23
Classified Advertising January 22, 2014
Read the latest ads here!
Wednesday, January 22
Barrett Teacher Receives Presidential Award
Charles Barrett Elementary School Math Teacher Stephanie Chlebus is one of 102 mathematics and science teachers named as recipients of the 2012 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. A panel of scientists, mathematicians and educators selected the winners following an initial selection process done at the state level.
State Budget Considerations Begin
Last week, U.S. Rep. Jim Moran of Virginia’s 8th District announced he would not seek re-election. For 23 years he has ably represented the progressive values of the people of Northern Virginia.
Two New Deputies in the Alexandria Sheriff's Office
Two new deputies have joined the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office. On Thursday, Jan. 16, the recruits received their badges and credentials and then were sworn in at the Alexandria Courthouse by Clerk of the Circuit Court Edward Semonian
How To Keep One’s Financial Affairs in Order
Plan, plan, plan — it’s never too early. This was the mantra at last week’s Senior Speaker Series event: Planning for your Family’s Future, sponsored by Senior Services of Alexandria and ACT for Alexandria. Temple Beth El Hebrew Congregation hosted a crowd or more than 100 for a panel discussion about the steps we all need to take to protect our assets and put our legal affairs in order.
A Chaplain, a Clown, a Magician
In a world besieged with serious issues, problems and tragedies, Theodore White provides a special touch that impacts those around him in positive ways. White has served as a volunteer chaplain at Inova Alexandria Hospital since the early 1990s.
Letter: Comparing Winter Road Maintenance
To the Editor: After driving some 70 miles today (Tuesday, Jan. 21), I found Alexandria's snow removal/road treatments was disappointing.
Proclamation Celebrates Harry Lee and Robert E. Lee
The following proclamation was issued by Mayor William Euille on Jan. 10.
SSSAS Latin Students Excel
A group of St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School classics students took home more than 100 awards at the annual Virginia Junior Classical League state convention, held in Richmond in November. During the convention, junior Daniel Marshall was elected VJCL vice president, becoming the third state officer in a row from SSSAS.
Into the Budget Fray
Bulova highlights accomplishments, challenges in annual address.
Despite the lingering impact of an anemic economy, and the regional ripple effects of federal sequestration, Fairfax County residents will see some concrete signs of progress this year.
Editorial: Extend Health Coverage in Virginia
Standing on what is essentially scorched earth, Republicans in the Virginia General Assembly have condemned hundreds of thousands of poor Virginians to living without health coverage even though it would be fully funded by Federal money for the next three years, and with Virginia paying 10 percent after five years.
Friends Forever
Since it had been more than a few months, today I summoned up the courage to Google my long-time friend and fellow stage IV lung cancer survivor, Suzanne. Suzanne and I had been years out of touch (for no real reason other than initiative and the geographic consideration that she lived in Barnstable, Ma. and I live in Burtonsville, Md.) and recently back in touch – due to our identical cancer diagnoses. I learned that she had succumbed to her disease back in October, 2013. We last had contact electronically back in the summer. She was extremely weak then, she said, too weak to talk, so e-mailing was best. In that e-mail, ultimately her last, she wrote that the most recent chemotherapy drug with which she was infused was no longer effective and that her oncologist had no other drugs left to recommend. Not that she said it in so many words, but at that point her prognosis was grim. She offered that her two boys were with her and from them she would gain great comfort. The news was very unsettling to me and I was afraid that this e-mail might be our last – and so it was.
Council Escapes History Buffs
A couple of weeks ago news broke that Councilman Justin Wilson, of historical Del Ray, the city's sin capital a century ago, introduced a bill that some old-timers thought would banish naming city streets for Confederate generals who many consider heroes. Second reading on Mr. Wilson's proposal is scheduled this Saturday (Jan. 25). Along with the no naming, council will also eliminate an old ordinance preventing lewd co-habitation in the city. No squawks on this.
Letter to the Editor: Reconsider Fee Increase
I was recently made aware of the fact that ACPS was raising the fees for community use of school facilities. Why ACPS would do this without considering the full spectrum of implications is mind-boggling. An email was sent out by Alexandria Little League stating that they were canceling their six-week winter baseball clinic due to the inflated prices.
Two-Alarm Apartment Fire Displaces Family
The Alexandria Fire Department, assisted by Arlington County, Fairfax County, and Metro Washington Airports Authority Fire Departments, responded to the report of smoke and fire showing from a top floor balcony of a townhouse on Jan. 19 at approximately 11:20 a.m.
Free Tax Preparation for Qualifying Residents
The City of Alexandria is offering free tax preparation to qualifying residents. Taxpayers are eligible if their income is below approximately $35,000 for individuals and $51,000 for families. Expert volunteers from Community Tax Aid, Inc. will ensure that taxpayers apply for all applicable credits and deductions, especially the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit, which people often don’t realize they are eligible to receive.
Obituary: Ronald Alan Bordeaux
Ronald A. Bordeaux, 51, of Washington, D.C., died on Jan. 15, 2014. Before moving into northwest D.C. over 10 years ago, he and his family lived in Arlington then Alexandria for over 15 years. A native of Peoria, Illinois and a graduate of Harvard Law School, Mr. Bordeaux was a distinguished international tax partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers for nearly two decades. All who knew him will long remember his powerful intellect, his boundless curiosity and his great zest for all things tax, tennis, and family.
In Memory of Robert Steidl
Robert Steidl was born on Aug. 14, 1940 in Linz, Austria. Linz was occupied by the Nazi German party at that time and Robert’s family had the courage to give safe haven in their home to the Jews who were being hunted down. Robert had an early memory of an American soldier who was stationed in Linz after the Nazis were gone.
Friday, January 17
Alexandria Home Sales: December, 2013
In December 2013, 183 Alexandria homes sold between $1,950,000-$110,000.
Alexandria Home Sales: December, 2013
Thursday, January 16
Classified Advertising January 15, 2014
Read the latest ads here!
Virginia Supreme Court Opens Access to Audio Recordings of Oral Arguments
Policy change overturns blackout instituted in 2008.
Members of the Virginia Supreme Court have a New Year’s Resolution — become more transparent.
Wednesday, January 15
T.C. Williams Gymnastics Hoping for Team Success
Titans have grown from Girard’s solo act during freshman season.
The T.C. Williams gymnastics team has four competitors this season after having just one two years ago.
Tags from the Edge
Under the cover of darkness, soldiers and civilian contractors are taking to the walls of the Kandahar military base in Afghanistan. They're using spray paint and stencils, along with their sense of humor and expression, to make the beige concrete walls a little more colorful.
Alexandria Registrar Tom Parkins' Retirement
Alexandria Registrar Tom Parkins, second from right, was given a bi-partisan send off into retirement Dec. 12 as the Alexandria Democratic Committee and the Alexandria Republican City Committee came together at Port City Brewing Company to honor Parkins' 13 years of overseeing elections in the city.
Sailing into Writing
Stephen Ryan authors “The Madonna Files.”
Stephen Ryan insisted on Landini Brothers on King Street to discuss his new book “The Madonna Files.” The city of Alexandria has a strong hold on the newly minted author’s soul. But like most people who grow up in the same town it was not always that way.
Mary Matalin Book Signing
Matalin and her husband James Carville were at the Barnes & Noble at 3651 Jefferson Davis Hwy. on Saturday, Jan. 11.
Obituary:Frances Bliss Simmons
Frances Bliss Simmons, 89, of Alexandria, died on Nov. 13, 2013, at Mount Vernon Hospital surrounded by her family.
Obituary: Thomas Y. Johnson
Thomas Y. Johnson, 88, of Alexandria, died on Jan. 13, 2014 at Woodbine Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.Mr. Johnson was a former volunteer at Alexandria Volunteer Fire Department, a member of the Potomac Truck and Engine Company #2, and a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge #38.
Bittersweet Gathering
Sherry Party pays tribute to founders Vola Lawson and Lois Walker.
More than 150 women from throughout the community gathered together Dec. 15 for the 43rd annual Women's Sherry Party, an evening made bittersweet by the recent passing of two of the event's founders. "It's hard to believe Vola and Lois are not here," said vice Mayor Allison Silberberg of Vola Lawson and Lois Walker. "I can still see Vola sitting in her usual chair and Lois checking everyone in at the door."
From Late Night Comedy to Your Bedroom
Why the General Assembly matters more in Virginia than most states.
The Virginia General Assembly began its annual session last week on Jan. 8. The actions of the Virginia General Assembly matter more to localities than it would in many other states. In Virginia, localities have only the power specifically granted by the General Assembly, the Dillon rule. So, for example, Montgomery County and Prince Georges County in Maryland recently voted to increase the minimum wage in those localities. They didn’t need permission from Maryland General Assembly to do so. Arlington and Alexandria might be inclined to follow suit (the District government also voted to increase the minimum wage) but do not have that power.
In Case Someone Is Wondering
I don’t mind being alive, really I don’t. Occasionally though, I receive well-intended inquiries – electronic and otherwise, from people (who know my cancer story) who are sort of wondering if perhaps I’m not. When people haven’t heard from me in a while – and this is a category of people with whom I don’t have regular/recurring interactions, but rather a group of people who reach out and attempt to touch me (figuratively speaking) every three or four months or so – there is a presumption on their part that my silence (so far as they know) is not in fact golden, but rather ominous, as in the cancer might have won and yours truly didn’t. And when I respond, their pleasure/relief at my not having succumbed to the disease is quite positive, generally speaking. Their honesty and joy in learning that I’m still alive is both rewarding and gratifying. Rewarding in that they care and gratifying in that I must be doing something right which enables me to sustain myself through a very difficult set of medical circumstances: stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer, the terminal kind (is there any other kind?).
Let Sun Shine on Virginia’s Financial Disclosure Laws
State legislators turn attention to ethics in wake of McDonnell gift scandal.
As members of the Virginia General Assembly convene for the first time since last February, legislators are stampeding to introduce ethics legislation in response to the gift scandal which engulfed then Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R). The revelations last spring about numerous undisclosed gifts and purported loans from businessman Jonnie Williams to McDonnell — including a $6,500 Rolex watch engraved to the "71st Governor of Virginia" and $35,000 in gifts and catering for his daughters’ weddings — shined a spotlight on Virginia’s porous financial disclosure laws.
Summer Camp: Start Planning Now
Applications for many camps open in January.
The frigid January temperatures can make summer feel like a distant fantasy of sunscreen and popsicles, but it’s actually not that far away. If you have children who want to attend camp after the current school year ends, now is the time to start planning, said experts. In fact, registration for many camps begins this month.
Thursday, January 9
Classified Advertising January 8, 2014
Read the latest ads here!
First Night Welcomes 2014
Fireworks and Fun Hunt highlight New Year's Eve celebration.
Revelers from as far away as Paris celebrated the New Year in Alexandria as a dazzling display of fireworks lit up the waterfront to signal the arrival of 2014.
Association of Retirees Elects Officers
Dutzman honored for 15 years of service.
More than 70 members and guests joined Police Chief Earl Cook and Fire Chief Adam Thiel in attending the annual Alexandria Retired Police, Fire and Sheriff's Association holiday celebration Dec. 12, where the 2014 officers were sworn in for the coming year.
‘Curtain Up!’
Edelen shines in Signature Theatre production of "Gypsy."
She was always more tease than strip, and ever since she first shared the stage with Tessie the Tassel Twirler in the 1920s, she was determined to be famous for more than feathers and falsies. She was Gypsy Rose Lee, the queen of burlesque, whose 1959 memoirs inspired the award-winning Broadway musical "Gypsy," now playing at Shirlington’s Signature Theatre.
Alexandria's New Book Shelf
DreamDog Foundation creates citywide literacy program.
Passionate about sharing the gift of reading, the DreamDog Foundation intends to get books into the hands of every child in need in the City of Alexandria through its new literacy program called Alexandria's Book Shelf.
Wednesday, January 8
Living With My Decisions
On multiple occasions throughout my nearly five years of being treated for stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer, my oncologist has given me opportunities to stop and/or take a break from my treatment, or to consider alternatives to the normal protocols – for the expressed (literally) purpose of sustaining/enhancing the unexpected, above-average quality of life I have mostly experienced during my nearly non-stop, every three-week chemotherapy infusions which began in early March, 2009. The goal being to enable me to enjoy my life and not be subjected to/beaten down by the ravaging and debilitating effects of chemotherapy.
Kitchen Organization for the New Year
Local organizers, designers and culinary experts offer smart tips for making space and clearing clutter.
If organizing an unruly kitchen, one where there never seems to be enough space for storage containers and pots and pans, is on your list of resolutions this year, the project might be less daunting than you think. From creating a system for grouping spices to keeping plates in easy reach, local experts share secrets for a well-maintained kitchen. Hang pots and pans inside pantry doors, says Sallie Kjos of GreyHunt Interiors in Chantilly. "It organizes them, but decoratively can look effective."
Top Designs of 2013
Local builders look back on their most impressive spaces.
From outdoor patios with the comforts of indoor family rooms to a stark white bathroom replete with Carrara marble flooring, local designers said they’ve created some spectacular living spaces in 2013. Their personal favorites may be surprising, and include a lot of kitchens and bathrooms.
Trendiest Color for 2014: Radiant Orchid
Local designers offer tips on using this exotic hue tastefully and share their own color predictions.
It has been called exotic, vibrant and even magical. Now it has been named the 2014 color of the year: orchid, or radiant orchid to be exact.
ColumnL Planning for Your Family’s Future
Believe it or not, you have an estate. In fact, nearly everyone does. Your estate is comprised of everything you own — your car, home, other real estate, checking and savings accounts, investments, life insurance, furniture and personal possessions. No matter how large or how modest, everyone has an estate — and, as the old saying goes, you can’t take it with you.
Commentary: Christine Candio, RN, FACHE/CEO, Inova Alexandria Hospital
2014 promises to be a year of significant change in the healthcare landscape. Most notably, the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) “individual mandate” takes effect, requiring Americans to obtain health insurance by March 31 (or pay a penalty).
Week in Alexandria: 1/08/14
Highlights from this week in Alexandria.
Decriminalizing Suicide
General Assembly to consider abolishing common-law crime of suicide.
Suicide is illegal in Virginia, one of the few states that has not yet abolished the English common-law tradition of criminalizing the act of intentionally causing one's own death.
Twisted Psychology
TC teacher sentenced to year for inappropriate contact with female students.
TC teacher sentenced to year for inappropriate contact with female students.
Style and Harmony on a Bookshelf
Clever ideas for organizing bookcases.
Whether one’s bookshelves house a literary library or a mixture of photos and media equipment, most do double or triple storage duty. Because bookshelves are multifunctional, however, it is easy to end up with a chaotic and unorganized space.
Setting the Tone
First redevelopment proposal of waterfront plan heads to City Council.
Developer Carr City Centers wants to build the Cummings Hotel, a five-story building with 120 hotel rooms, a restaurant and a meeting room.
Bathroom Organization for New Year
Simple strategies for storing bathroom essentials.
Cluttered bathrooms where the medicine cabinet contains everything from batteries to old toothbrushes and a linen closet where towels and sheets are intermingled with flashlights and scrub brushes can be the bane of anyone’s existence. However, a new year can offer a fresh start in one of the most-used rooms in one’s home.
Taylor Run Neighborhood
Caroling and the bird census at Taylor Run Neighborhood.
New Leadership for Democrats
Clarence Tony elected chairman of the Alexandria Democratic Committee.
Only a few weeks ago, Democrats swept all five of Virginia's statewide offices — largely with the help of organizations from Northern Virginia.
Lower Level Offers Multi-generational Solution
Remodeling a dark basement gives family spaces for grandparents on extended visits and play room for everyone.
Eric and Tina Park, both physicians, were already quite busy 10 years ago when they purchased a 3,400 square foot two-level neo-Colonial near McLean.
Letter: Lack of Common Sense
To the Editor
Letter: Signs of Safer Times
To the Editor
Letter: Culture of Arrogance
To the Editor
Letter: Arbitrary Cancellations
To the Editor
Letter: Possible Misperception
To the Editor
Association of Retirees Elects Officers
Dutzman honored for 15 years of service.
More than 70 members and guests joined Police Chief Earl Cook and Fire Chief Adam Thiel in attending the annual Alexandria Retired Police, Fire and Sheriff's Association holiday celebration Dec. 12, where the 2014 officers were sworn in for the coming year.
Alexandria's New Book Shelf
DreamDog Foundation creates citywide literacy program.
Passionate about sharing the gift of reading, the DreamDog Foundation intends to get books into the hands of every child in need in the City of Alexandria through its new literacy program called Alexandria's Book Shelf.
Alexandria Bulletin Board for 1/8/14
Winter Programs offered in Alexandria.
Alexandria Calendar for 1/8/14
The Alexandria Calendar for 1/8/14
Thursday, January 2
Classified Advertising January 1, 2014
Read the latest ads here!
Wednesday, January 1
‘Task Force Smile’ To Help Critically Ill Military Children
Effort begins with Walter Reed.
For more than a decade, Alexandria resident and Realtor Linda Wolf has been collecting toys for hospitalized children in the Washington D.C.- metropolitan area.
Julie Crenshaw Van Fleet Dies at 61
Longtime Old Town resident Julie Crenshaw Van Fleet died Dec. 18, 2013 at her home in Alexandria.
Ceramic Therapy for a Wounded Warrior
Like many Wounded Warriors from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, Meadows suffers from traumatic brain injury. He is currently an active-duty patient in the TBI unit of the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital.
Santa's Helpers
BFSPA makes holidays bright for area children.
BFSPA makes holidays bright for area children.
Looking to Hear from Readers in New Year
As local, weekly newspapers, the Gazette Packet’s mission is to deliver news readers need close to home, to help readers enjoy great local places and events, to advocate for community good, to call attention to unmet needs, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record milestones and events in community and people’s lives.
Alexandria Bulletin Board for 1/1/14
Alexandria Bulletin Board for 1/1/14.
Letter: More People, More Cars
To the Editor
Letter: Targeting Seniors
To the Editor
Letter: Focus On Education
To the Editor
Letter: A Waterfront Parable
To the Editor
Letter: Importance of Compomise
To the Editor
Holiday Cheer Spreads to Homebound Seniors
Senior Services of Alexandria’s elves were spreading holiday cheer to homebound Alexandria’s seniors.
Letter: City Did Not Listen
To the editor
More Challenges For Metro Station
Series of setbacks have delayed Environmental Impact Study of Potomac Yard station.
The future is uncertain for the Potomac Yard Metro station, a long-planned stop on the blue and yellow lines between the Braddock Road station and the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport station.
Looking at the Year Ahead
In looking ahead for what Alexandria will be facing in 2014, a number of issues have carried forward from last year.
Alexandria Calendar for 1/1/14
Alexandria calendar for 1/1/14.
Firefighters and Friends collect more than 3,500 toys for area children.
Christmas came a few days early for more than 100 children from local Head Start programs as they picked out toys during the annual Firefighters and Friends to the Rescue toy drive Dec. 17 at Penn Daw Station 11.