Tuesday, September 30
New Voter Identification Requirements
There are new requirements for voter identification that voters must bring with them to the polling place.
Junior Committee: Work Horses
Young local equestriennes anchor Washington International Horse Show.
Mary Elizabeth Cordia of Alexandria Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is the leading metropolitan indoor horse show in the U.S. This six-day event is held annually in October at Verizon Center in Washington, DC.
Thursday, September 25
Letter: Poor Site for Recycling Plant
Your article headlined, "Sound Argument," shows the sound reasons this junkyard must be rejected by the City Council. This dispute is not about recycling.
Letter: Action-oriented Leaders
Ed Gillespie's campaign continues to lack substance. I hope that Virginia can see through the empty words and instead vote for the candidate who provides real action and real results – Mark Warner.
War of 1812 – Who Won?
After the British left Washington and Alexandria, their good luck changed. On Sept. 12-14, 1814, the Americans defeated them at Baltimore and on Jan. 8, 1815, defeated them again at New Orleans. Even before the Battle of New Orleans, the British had had enough of the war. In Ghent, Belgium on Dec. 24, 1814, they and American negotiators signed a treaty to end it. The U.S. Senate ratified the treaty, and President Madison signed it on Feb. 16, 1815. The War of 1812 finally was over.
Seniors and Their Pets
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria and Senior Services of Alexandria recently partnered for an event, “Senior and Their Pets,” at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter.
It’s All Relative
“Three Sistahs” returns to MetroStage.
It’s the third funeral in as many years for Olive, Marsha and Irene, sisters brought together by tragedy in “Three Sistahs,” a poignant tale of family relationships now playing at MetroStage Theatre.
The Power of One
Volunteers making a difference.
It only takes one volunteer to make a difference in someone’s life. This was the inspirational message shared at Senior Services of Alexandria’s recent annual Volunteer Luncheon, hosted by the Fountains at Washington House.
Maestro’s Musings
‘Dare to…’ Opening Night
I am very excited about the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra's opening night concert on Saturday, September 27th at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center.
Search for Hannah Graham Expands
UVA second year Hannah Graham last seen on Sept. 13.
Hannah Graham, University of Virginia sophomore and alumna of West Potomac High School, has been missing since the early morning hours of Saturday, Sept. 13.
Police Arrest Six for DWI
Alexandria police conducted a DWI enforcement effort to deter and apprehend intoxicated drivers from 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, to 5:30a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21.
The Glass Half Full
Tom* is just that kind of person — the odds may seem stacked against him but he still sees the good and positive in the world around him. As a retired Navy electrical engineer, Tom hails from a family of service members. His oldest brother is in the Air Force, the next is another Navy veteran, his younger brother is a Marine veteran, and his father was an Army photographer in the Korean War.
Coping with Loss of a Pet
For many who are pet owners, grieving the loss of a companion animal can be more of a challenge than any human loss people have faced. One of the main reasons for this is that your animal was such a major part of your life, daily routine, and existence.
73rd Annual TWIG Historic Homes Tour
Six historic Alexandria homes are featured on the 73rd annual TWIG Home Tour on Saturday, Sept. 27. The tour includes a recently restored home on the National Register of Historic Places that was home of George Lewis Seaton.
ASC Huddles with High School Football Coaches
Ireton’s Smith named Athlete of the Month.
With the new school year under way, the Alexandria Sportsman’s Club kicked off the fall sports season Sept. 16 at the ASC High School Football Coaches Night.
Miracle League Opens Fall Season
Brayden Kemp was all smiles as he stepped up to the plate at the Kelley Cares Miracle Field Friday night. Wearing the colors of his newly adopted hometown Washington Nationals, the 8-year-old was taking his first at-bat as a participant in the Miracle League of Alexandria.
Board of Supervisors Approves 50+ Community Action Plan
Vote is “the beginning, not the end” for Herrity.
Supervisor Pat Herrity’s so-called “Silver Tsunami” population in Fairfax County isn’t getting any younger. The data haven’t changed: the amount of people over 50 should increase by 40 percent between 2005 and 2030, and those 70 and older should shoot up 80 percent in the same period.
Patching City’s Potholes
A matter of teamwork.
Earplugs in, yellow vests zipped up and protective eyewear in place. A large white knob on the back of the protective helmet adjusts it to an individual’s head size. The 65 -pound jackhammer blasts into the 6 x6 foot square of asphalt at the High and Orchard intersection in Alexandria.
Supervisors Break Ground on New Public Safety Headquarters
The Fairfax County Police and Fire Departments are getting a new home. On Tuesday, Sept. 16, Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova and Supervisor John Cook broke ground on what will be a $142 million, eight-story headquarters.
Council Notebook
Should Prince Street and Cameron Street have bike lanes? That's a question that city officials will be asking city residents starting Sept. 30. That's the date of the first community meeting on a proposal that would add bike lanes to the two major Old Town corridors, one eastbound and the other westbound.
Parents Support Fired Coach
Background check yields three-year suspension from USA Swimming team meets.
Young swim team members and their parents staged a sit-in protest at the YMCA on Wednesday, Sept. 17, when they arrived for the first training session of the season to find their head coach had failed a police background check and been fired.
Wednesday, September 24
Post-Chemo Weak
For the past year, every three weeks I have been infused with a chemotherapy drug called Alimta, “the last miracle drug,” to quote my oncologist, and a drug with which I hadn’t previously been infused.
Editorial: Deadly Medicaid Debacle
Literally killing poor people who could have health care, while refusing to give Virginia’s economy a boost.
The poor people of Virginia are so seriously harmed by the actions of the Virginia General Assembly in refusing to expand Medicaid at little additional cost to the Commonwealth that those harmed should have some legal recourse.
Friday, September 19
Behind the Counter with a Smile
Serving breakfast and lunch at Firehook Bakery.
"We know a lot of customers every day. We have a big smile ready and already know what they want. So we get their order going before they even get to the counter. Good morning Hosea," Suyapa Flores says as Hosea walks over to the order counter beside the window filled with small pecan pies, morning glory muffins and elephant ears. She explains Hosea always comes in around 11 a.m. and orders an apple scone or a whole-wheat bagel and an espresso.
Sound Argument
Proposed recycling facility faces public backlash.
Tucked away behind the Alexandria Police Department, an empty lot along Wheeler Avenue has become the focal point in a skirmish between local residents and the developers of a proposed recycling facility.
Alexandria’s Oldest Boxing Club on the Ropes
City seeks to recoup its recreation costs.
The fate of Alexandria’s oldest free boxing club hangs in the balance this week after the city hammered out a conciliatory deal to begin withdrawing its financial support. For the first time in its 30-year history the boxing club will no longer be completely free. Members over 18 and all non-Alexandria city residents will now have to pay. The club will also have to pay rent to the city.
Search for Hannah Graham Continues
West Potomac Alumna, UVA second year student, last seen on Sept. 13
Hannah Graham, University of Virginia sophomore and alumna of West Potomac High School, has been missing since the early morning hours of Saturday, Sept. 13.
Thursday, September 18
Classified Advertising September 17, 2014
Read the latest ads here!
Alexandria Home Sales: August, 2014
In August 2014, 213 Alexandria homes sold between $3,195,000-$120,000.
Alexandria Home Sales: August, 2014
Police Warn of Motorcycle Thefts on the West End
The Alexandria Police Department has noticed a rise in thefts of motorcycles in Alexandria, specifically at the west end of the City of Alexandria.
Beautification Summer Youth Employment
The summer for ARHA (Alexandria Redevelopment & Housing Authority) was more eventful than usual because of the increase of the number of youth workers assigned to the agency by the City of Alexandria Joblink program.
More Mothers Choosing to Breastfeed at Inova
I love it when a plan comes together. Last year in this space, I told you about Inova Alexandria Hospital’s initiative to promote the best possible beginning for newborns and their mothers by encouraging exclusive breastfeeding.
Deer Archery Program Enters Sixth Season
Continued overabundance brings bow-hunters back to parks.
Even at 72, the animated Disney classic “Bambi” can still soften the hardest hearts when it comes to appreciating the innocence and natural beauty of deer. But the reality in Fairfax County is that an unnaturally high density of Bambis and mothers of Bambi is an ongoing threat to biodiversity and road safety.
‘Bring Hannah Home’
There will be a prayer vigil for Hannah Elizabeth Graham, Thursday, Sept. 18, 7 p.m. at Aldersgate UMC, 1301 Collingwood Road. All in the community are invited to participate.
Wednesday, September 17
A Different Path to a 4-year Degree
NOVA’s Guaranteed Admissions Program gives students opportunities to attend their dream schools.
Noor Naveed immigrated to the United States from Pakistan with her family shortly after the 9/11 attacks. The family settled in Northern Virginia and, years later, Naveed graduated from Hayfield Secondary School in Alexandria. She dreams of becoming the first person in her family to graduate from college.
Friday, September 12
Alexandria Real Estate: Top Sales in July 2014
In July 2014, 233 Alexandria homes sold between $2,575,000-$85,000.
Alexandria Real Estate: Top Sales in July 2014
Thursday, September 11
Classified Advertising September 10, 2014
Read the latest ads here!
Obituary: Frances Perry Jernigan
Frances Perry Jernigan, longtime resident of Alexandria, died at age 90 on Aug. 5, 2014. Her final months were peaceful, spent in the home built by her husband and son in 1977. From her kitchen window, she had a ringside seat for viewing the bird feeders and wildlife in her beloved patch of suburban woodland.
TC’s Athleticism Leads to Victory over Dunbar ins Season Opener
Senior kicker Smith becomes first female to score for Titans.
The T.C. Williams football team opened the 2014 season with a win over Dunbar.
Board of Supervisors Approves 2014 Budget Carryover Package
FCPS full-day Mondays at discussion forefront.
When students at the 142 public elementary schools around Fairfax County stayed there the full day on Monday -- the first time in about four decades -- they likely weren’t worried about the cost. That’s between the school board and board of supervisors. Grown-up stuff.
‘Recession Ripple Persists’ at Realtors’ Summit
Private sector job growth key to strengthening regional economy, housing demand.
“There’s no question the primary economic driver of this region has always been Uncle Sam,” said David Versal, senior research associate at the George Mason University Center for Regional Analysis. “That said, we’re not Detroit.”
Wednesday, September 10
Editorial: Change Is Coming, Right?
Legislators on changing the culture of cash and gifts in Virginia: Crickets.
With former Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife Maureen facing what could be decades in prison after their convictions for corruption, a reasonable person might reasonably expect that members of the General Assembly would be gearing up to make some big changes.
Monday, September 8
The Broad-winged Hawks Are Coming
Every Autumn, in addition to literally billions of songbirds, a million or more avian raptors (hawks, eagles, and falcons) migrate from their nesting and breeding areas all over North America to their winter homes, mostly in Central and South America. Raptor enthusiasts and hawk counters often head for mountain ridges and other concentration points in hopes of seeing some of the birds fly by.
Thursday, September 4
Classified Advertising September 3, 2014
Read the latest ads here!
Taking On the ‘Silver Tsunami’
Herrity to present 50+ Plan to Board of Supervisors next week.
“It’s here,” said Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield). “We’re already living in it.” Between 2005 and 2030, the number of individuals 50 and older is projected to grow by 40 percent in Fairfax County and the number 70 and older is projected to grow by 80 percent. Herrity attributes the changes to both the aging of Baby Boomers, and the general increase in life expectancy.
Senior Centers in Fairfax County
A list of senior centers in Fairfax County.
Quilting Studio Adds to Dream Home
At 72, Wanda Rogers engages in an early American craft she first learned from her grandmother.
Quilting takes patience; ditto the steps entailed in setting up a quilting studio all of one's own. Such are the reflections of Wanda Rogers, 72, who is now tapering off a 51-year professional career, and increasing precious hours spent in the pursuit of a mountain-state handicraft she learned from her mother and grandmother.
New Yorker Discussion Group
Members enjoy intellectual stimulation, camaraderie over long term.
There was a time when 83-year-old Bob Kanchuger spent most Friday mornings on a 30-mile bike ride with friends.
Newcomers Guide: Year-round Festivals 2014-2015
A list of annual community events in the area.
A list of annual community events in the area.
Wednesday, September 3
$12 Million Suit Against Fairfax County Police
2013 shooting victim’s family seeks damages in wrongful death case.
The year-long silence surrounding the police shooting of John Geer has been broken — but not by Fairfax County Police or the U.S. Department of Justice. John Geer was shot to death by Fairfax County Police on Aug. 29, 2013.
Bishop Ireton’s Sofield to Play Lacrosse at North Carolina
Q&A: Cardinal co-captain named 2014 WCAC Player of the Year.
Charlotte Sofield led the Bishop Ireton girls' lacrosse team to the 2014 WCAC championship and the VISAA state title.
