Stories for September 2016

Stories for September 2016

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Thursday, September 29

Alexandria Letter: Memorials’ Purpose

Letter to the Editor

My grandmother and her lady friends used to carry buckets of water and soap to scrub city grime off the pedestal of the Appomattox Statue, a statue now deemed offensive by the politically correct neighbors with whom we dwell in this city.

Alexandria Letter: Re-ignite Civil War?

Letter to the Editor

My family settled in New Kent County, Va., in 1656. More than 100 of my extended family served as Confederate soldiers during the War Between the States; and many of them died in the war — including my own

Alexandria Letter: Much To Learn From the Past

Letter to the Editor

The Alexandria Gazette-Packet coverage of the Appomattox Statue controversy, Sept. 22, 2016, quotes an eloquent statement by Councilman Chapman that the statue where it stands is a "terrific teaching point that we are not all equal yet."

Alexandria Letter: All Deserve Remembrance

Letter to the Editor

I find the City Council’s ill-advised unanimous vote to move the Appomattox statue and the remarks by some councilmembers at the time offensive.

Alexandria Letter: Putting History In Context

Letter to the Editor

Unless people have been living under a rock, it must be clear to our citizens that there is a movement in today’s culture to erase Confederate symbols and history.

Alexandria: Huchler Named Acting Chief

Head of Investigations appointed temporary chief of police.

Deputy Chief David Huchler was named acting chief of police for the City of Alexandria, effective Oct. 2. Huchler succeeds Chief Earl Cook, who is retiring.

Alexandria: John Warner Chooses Clinton

With Democratic Vice Presidential Candidate Tim Kaine joining him at Charles Houston Recreation Center on Wednesday, Sept. 28, Republican former U.S. Sen. John Warner, former chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and former Secretary of the U.S. Navy, endorsed Democratic Candidate Hillary Clinton, citing his experience working with her in the Senate Armed Services Committee.

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What to Know about Affordable Housing in Alexandria

Problems and opportunities.

A second grade teacher in Alexandria public schools makes roughly $22 per hour. A first-rank police officer in the city earns $23 per hour.

Alexandria: Go West

The Campagna Center leadership considers move out of Old Town.

The Campagna Center leadership is investigating the possibility of selling its property at 418 S. Washington St. and relocating to a new location in the West End to better suit its mission. The Alexandria-based non-profit focuses on providing educational and social development programs for the city’s underserved populations.

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Alexandria: All Eyes on Braddock

Two major housing redevelopments coming to Braddock neighborhood.

Two of the city’s biggest upcoming affordable housing redevelopment projects are located two blocks apart.

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Alexandria People at Work: Chef Couple Cooking through 26 Years at Tempo

Sharing cooking duties.

"First I give the lobster a shower." Serge Albert puts the 1.5 pound Maine lobster under running water to get off "whatever is on there." Today he is making Linguine alla Aragosta, one of the customer favorites at Tempo on Duke Street. "We have one customer who comes in twice a week and orders it,” he said.

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Alexandria: Homes Tour Diamond Jubilee

Benefit raises funds for Inova Alexandria hospital.

More than 225 people turned out Sept. 23 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Historic Alexandria Homes Tour at the Diamond Jubilee Party held at Jack Taylor’s Toyota.

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Alexandria: Seaport Day 2016

Waterfront event showcases maritime history.

Handmade wooden boats, and an “anything that floats” race on the Potomac River and a 12-foot white skiff that served as a blank canvas for children were all part of the festivities as the Alexandria Seaport Foundation hosted its annual Seaport Day Sept. 17 at Waterfront Park.

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Alexandria: Season for Getting Involved in Variety of Activities

Breast cancer walk among things to do this fall.

While Sept. 22 signaled the first official day of autumn, it is the month of October when sweater weather moves in and a canvas of colorful leaves begins to blanket the city.

Wednesday, September 28

Editorial: Independent Police Auditor Marks History

Kudos to Board of Supervisors for unanimous approval of independent police auditor; now on to the Civilian Review Panel.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to create the position and office of independent police auditor on Tuesday, Sept. 20, creating the first civilian, independent oversight of law enforcement in Fairfax County. The unanimous vote demonstrated the board’s commitment to the ongoing process that began early in 2015 when Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova established the 32-member Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.

Monday, September 26

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Alexandria Theater: A Curse Leaves Inhabitants Hopelessly Stupid

ACCT stages Neil Simon's "Fools"

Aldersgate Church Community Theater (ACCT) is presenting Neil Simon's comic fable, "Fools," from Sept. 30 through Oct. 16.

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Alexandria Appetite: It’s a Family Affair at Thanida Thai

Newcomer in space formerly owned by Thailand Royal Street has brought a taste of Thailand to North Old Town.

Walk past the location of the most recent restaurant addition at 835 N. Royal St., and it’s easy to miss the facelift from years past. What was long the venerable Thailand Royal Street, and then the erstwhile Casa Felipe, has once again taken up the Thai mantle — only under new leadership, with a new name, and with big plans for the future.

Saturday, September 24

Walk to Prevent Suicide

Walk supports survivors of suicide loss and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

The Out of the Darkness Walks are American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s largest fundraiser, producing millions for suicide prevention programs, and works to unite those who have been affected by suicide, and create communities that are “smart about mental health.”

Homework Overload

Some educators say less can be more, stress balance when it comes to homework.

Paula DeMarco dreads one time of day the most: weekday evenings at 5:30. It’s the time she has set aside for her children begin their homework. That means no screen time, music or other distractions.

‘Sextortion’ Victims Are Mostly Men

Photos, video used to demand money from victims.

Detectives of the Major Crimes Division of Fairfax County Police report a trend in an unsavory type of financial scam. Sexual extortion scams, commonly referred to as “sextortion,” involve meeting someone the victim believes is a real person online who coaxes him or her into feeling a sense of connection and intimacy, and then sending risque photos or video.

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First Lady Comes to GMU, Campaigns for Clinton

Speaks on Hillary Clintons 'lifelong record of public service.'

Excitement filled the air when First Lady Michelle Obama addressed an enthusiastic crowd, last Friday, Sept. 16, at GMU’s Johnson Center. Speaking on behalf of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, she urged everyone to vote and called Clinton the only qualified candidate in the race.

Friday, September 23

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Alexandria: Summa Cum Laude Sponsor Award

At the 2016 National Junior Classical League Convention held at Indiana University in July, St. Stephen's & St. Agnes Upper School Latin Teacher Ian Hochberg was awarded the Summa Cum Laude Sponsor Award for his service at the local, state, and national levels of the Junior Classical League (JCL).

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Alexandria Snapshot: Service Dogs Take a Plunge

Canine Partners for Life, based out of Cochranville, Pa., is a nationally growing organization.

Alexandria Letter: Enforce All Traffic Rules

Letter to the Editor

Believe it or not (and contrary to popular opinion) the Virginia Department of Transportation says that motorists and bicyclists are governed by the same laws regarding traffic regulations. In fact, no distinction is made for automobiles, trucks, tractor-trailers, motorcycles or bicycles, which are all treated equally.

Alexandria Letter: Scapegoating Confederate Heritage

Letter to the Editor

At the Sept. 17 public hearing on the Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Confederate Memorials and Street Names, I asked City Council to pass a resolution expressing Alexandrians’ shock and dismay at the murder of nine people in Charleston, S.C., in June 2015, conveying our sympathy for their loss, and sending our condolences.

Alexandria Letter: Disruption For Two Years

Letter to the Editor

With upcoming plans to reconfigure the bus and parking area of the King Street Metrorail lot, this end of Olde Towne will be very difficult to enter into our city.

Alexandria Letter: History’s Lessons

Letter to the Editor

Your council voted unanimously to approve changing the name of Jefferson Davis Highway. Do you, your council or anyone who testified know anything about Jefferson Davis?

Thursday, September 22

Alexandria Letter: Who’s Watching School Board?

Letter to the Editor

The ACPS School Board, except for the newly elected members, are incapable of managing its budget of almost $300 million.

Alexandria Letter: Of Times Past

Letter to the Editor

In August 2016 a friend of mine Joy Peeler of Longwood, Fla. was visiting my husband and I in Hendersonville, N.C. Joy elected to accompany me to Rochelle, Va. to attend my Aunt Elizabeth Fisher’s 95th birthday on her farm.

Alexandria People at Work: Stetanova’s Secret – Plenty of Coffee

Kremena Stetanova opens the Caboose Cafe and Bakery on Mt. Vernon in Del Ray Monday and Thursday and leaves at 2:30 p.m. Other days are regular hours. "Well first I turn on the lights and make sure there is plenty of coffee. That's the biggest thing, then put out the muffins."

Alexandria Snapshot: Learn To Be Energy Smart

A new retail showroom and lab — The Energy House and Solutions Center — opened Sept. 10 at 4603A Eisenhower Ave. It showcases state-of-the-art products for weatherization, insulation, solar, HVAC and more. The center also offers plans to save money and simple steps to become energy efficient. See http://energyhouse.us/ solutions-center.

Alexandria: The Battle Without End

20 feet of space and 127 years of controversy.

One hundred and twenty-seven years ago, the Rev. G.H. Norton thought the Appomattox Confederate statue would help close the wounds of the Civil War.

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Alexandria: Swann-Daingerfield Hosts Nursing School’s 40th Reunion

The elegant Federal style mansion on the corner of Prince and S. Columbus streets has also been called stylistically “Italianate,” “Second Empire,” “Greek Revival” and “almost Spanish Baroque.”

Alexandria Snapshot: Adding a Swamp Chestnut Oak

Mayor Allison Silberberg and Dr. Richard T. Olsen, director of the National Arboretum which donated the Swamp Chestnut Oak to the city, plant it in Oronoco Bay Park on Monday, Sept. 19.

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Alexandria Obituary: Barbara Fox Mason

The founder and former executive director of The Child and Family Network Centers (CFNC), Barbara Fox Mason, died on Sunday, Sept. 4, 2016. For 26 years, Mason worked to create programs beyond preschool services for poor and underserved communities in Alexandria and Arlington.

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Alexandria: Preserving the Preserve

Jodie Smolik leads Winkler Botanical Preserve.

By her own account Jodie Smolik is a very fortunate woman.

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Alexandria: Paving the Way for Stormwater Fee

New fee for residential and commercial properties to be based on permeability.

It might be time to plant some more trees and green up the home. A new stormwater service fee proposed by city staff could be directly tied to the permeability of residential and commercial properties. The fee is the proposed solution to an unfunded mandate by the state requiring one quarter of the city retrofitted for stormwater treatment by 2028.

Alexandria: Last Stop

Sandy Modell retires from DASH.

Thirty-two years after she started driving buses part time in Harrisonburg in college, Sandy Modell is retiring from her position as CEO and general manager of DASH, the Alexandria transit company. For 28 years, Modell led DASH through massive expansions. Since Modell started, the company has grown from one million passengers on 17 buses to four million passengers across 85 buses.

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Alexandria: ‘A Labor of Love’

Historic Homes Tour celebrates 75 years.

The Dr. William Brown House, considered one of Old Town’s most prominent and historic homes, will be one of six homes featured Sept. 24 in the 75th annual Historic Alexandria Homes Tour benefitting the Twig Junior Auxiliary of Inova Alexandria Hospital.

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Alexandria: Playground Volunteer Day Spotlights Park Revitalization

RunningBrooke spearheads park cleanup.

The wheels were set in motion back in April, when Brooke Curran solicited 400 donors to participate in Spring2Action to help fund the revitalization of Taney Avenue Park.

Alexandria Snapshot: Protest

Ray Deakins protests Sept. 21 the decision of Alexandria City Council to petition the Virginia General Assembly for permission to remove the Appomattox Statue from the intersection of Prince and Washington streets.

Column: Homemade Stew

Commentary – Rebuilding Together Alexandria

When you walk in the front door there is the familiar smell of a special stew, made with honey, warming on the stove. Sixty-eight-year-old Stan has lived in his home near the Braddock Metro neighborhood his entire life; he was actually born in it.

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Column: Alexandria’s Poetry Fence

Poetry Conversations

Some fences enclose, some simply stand without evident function. Some fences provide protection, privacy, or announce a boundary. Renee Adams shows us that indeed good fences make good neighbors.

Wednesday, September 21

Classified Advertising September 21, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

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Alexandria Appetite: 2 Restaurants Hidden in Plain Sight

Finding these gems requires a bit of searching, but the result is worth it.

Tucked away amid retail shops, barbershops, and numerous other storefronts, some of the city’s restaurant gems are a bit tricky to uncover. But the result is worth the search. Here are two of Alexandria’s best strip-mall selections.

Tuesday, September 20

Fairfax Raises $521,509 for MDA

Letter to the Editor

For over 30 years, during Labor Day Weekend, the men and women of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, in conjunction with the Fairfax County Professional FireFighters and Paramedics - IAFF Local 2068 and the personnel in the Department of Public Safety Communications, have collected for the Greater Washington Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) during the Fill the Boot Campaign.

Monday, September 19

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Alexandria: Musical Enhances Historical Romantic Mystery

MetroStage stages "Blackberry Daze."

MetroStage in Alexandria is staging the world premiere musical of "Blackberry Daze" now through Oct. 9.

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Alexandria: An Ode to ‘Steel Magnolias’

LTA’s play centers on Louisiana women who bond and gossip at local beauty shop.

The Little Theatre of Alexandria (LTA) is staging "Steel Magnolias" now to Oct. 1. The play features a group of Louisiana women as they bond and gossip at a local beauty shop while following the marriage and motherhood of one of the customer's daughters.

Friday, September 16

Alexandria Home Sales: August, 2016

In August, 2016, 217 Alexandria homes sold between $1,710,000-$120,000.

Alexandria Home Sales: August, 2016

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Alexandria: Remembering POWs and MIAs

“Rocky” Versace among six Vietnam veterans still considered MIA.

The strains of “God Bless America” were the last words anyone would hear from Capt. Humbert “Rocky” Versace before he was executed Sept. 26, 1963, while a prisoner of war in Vietnam. Versace, whose remains have never been found, is one of six Alexandrians listed as Missing in Action from the Vietnam War.

Alexandria Letter: Laws Against Public Karaoke

Letter to the Editor

As a resident of Old Town for over 20 years, and a musician, I love live music. And Krista Clouse has a beautiful voice. So why does she, or anyone, need recorded music blaring on the street?

Alexandria Letter: Wilson Pledge Appreciated

Letter to the Editor

Kudos and thanks to Councilman Wilson for his Sept. 2016 Council Connection newsletter pledge (Confederate History): “… a modern Alexandria should focus not just on what should be removed or renamed, but how to portray a more accurate and fair telling of our history.”

Alexandria Letter: Uninsured Get Pushed Out

Letter to the Editor

Councilmember Tim Lovain’s “We Must Help Alexandria’s Uninsured with Healthcare Costs” brings to mind Lord Woodhouselee’s dictum, “Democracy will last ‘til the people realize they can vote themselves benefits from the public treasury.”

Alexandria Letter: Issues Not Attacks

Letter to the Editor

My wife and I were slow in deciding our votes in the upcoming presidential election.

Alexandria: Meet the Coaches

Longerbeam, Barger to talk about upcoming season.

As T.C. Williams’ head football coach, Jimmy Longerbeam is the new kid in town and will talk about the upcoming season at the Alexandria Sportsman’s Club annual High School Football Coaches Night Sept. 20 at the Old Dominion Boat Club.

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Alexandria: Last Minute Donation Saves Dog

Arrielle is one lucky puppy.

By all accounts, Arielle should be dead. The black-haired, big-eared German Shepherd suffered from dens aplasia, a condition in which the first vertebrae of the neck does not form properly and the instability creates damage along the spinal cord.

Alexandria Snapshot: Grand Opening

Mayor Allison Silberberg joints the Sifakis family for the grand opening of The Italian Place at 621 Wythe St. The market, owned by Adrianna Penachio Sifakis, opened in North Old Town on Sept. 8. The Italian Place is a gourmet Italian market serving sub sandwiches, pastas, Italian wines, gift baskets and other Italian themed foods and gifts.

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Alexandria People At Work: Listening to Her Patrons

Talking Books librarian provides concierge-style service.

The green caterpillar inches along a tree branch toward a juicy looking leaf.

Thursday, September 15

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Alexandria: 37 Years Later, Chief Cook Retires

Chief of Police Cook reflects on his service to his city.

For as long as he can remember, Chief of Police Earl Cook wanted to be a police officer. At the end of September, Cook will retire and go back to being a civilian for the first time in 37 years.

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Alexandria Snapshot: Constitution Week

Mayor Allison Silberberg celebrated Constitution Week on Monday, Sept. 12, with students from Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy, Samuel W. Tucker, Mt. Vernon Community School and Jefferson-Houston.

Council Notebook

While the City Council officially received the report from the Ad Hoc Committee on Confederate Street names at the Sept. 13 City Council meeting, the unanimous decision of the council was to save discussion for Saturday, Sept. 17 public hearing.

Alexandria Police Body Camera Timeline Slips

More police officers is budget priority.

Police in Arlington started wearing body cameras on Aug. 29, and in June the Fairfax County Board voted to approve an 18-month research period for concerns about privacy with regards to body cameras. In D.C. police have been using body cameras for a year. But while Alexandria’s neighbors move forward with body camera usage and related policies, the city has pushed the body camera pilot program back until the fiscal year 2018-19.

Alexandria Column: The Need To Plan

Commentary – Senior Services of Alexandria

“I’ll get around to it.” Nearly everyone says it, and with good intentions at that. Planning for the future can be tedious or even unpleasant to some but it is a key, first step towards taking control of your destiny. What legal and financial considerations should I address? What documents do I need? Why is this important, and what happens if I do nothing?

Alexandria Column: A Fashionable Fall

What’s on trend this season.

The change in seasons is quickly approaching. School doors are opening and all the swimming pools will soon be drained.

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Alexandria Column: There, Their, and They’re

A Mentoring Story

Wright to Read provides volunteer-based one-on-one sustained literacy tutoring and mentoring relationships to City of Alexandria elementary school children in need, and collaborates with families, schools and community partners to create a support network that guides each child to success.

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Alexandria/Mount Vernon: Golf Classic Benefits Veterans

Belle Haven tournament raises funds.

The third annual Patriots Day Golf Classic was held Sept. 9 at Belle Haven Country Club, raising funds for local veterans organizations in remembrance of those who perished in the 9-11 terrorist attacks as well as to honor those serving their country and working as first responders and emergency rescue personnel.

Wednesday, September 14

Suicide Prevention: Everyone’s Business

Letter to the Editor

On behalf of the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia (SPAN), I thank you for the Connection’s compassionate and informative editorial printed in observance of Suicide Prevention Week, titled Take One Action to Prevent Suicide.

What’s Permissible When Planning a Home Renovation?

Complete due diligence upfront to research any ordinances or restrictions that may affect the project.

Unfortunately, homeowners and contractors often forget important steps during this project feasibility phase, which sometimes leads to wasted time and money or abandoned projects. To ensure you sidestep those mistakes, start with this checklist to look into to help minimize setbacks while planning and executing your next renovation.

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Vienna Sunroom Brings Light, Awards

Family entertainment suite, larger breakfast area, private second level decking among stand-out custom features

To Sanjay and Deepika Sardana, who have occupied a Colonial style-home in Vienna for 14 years, the great achievement of their new sunroom addition is how well it meets their requirements regarding views, available light and interior design.

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Comfort Zone

Local furniture maker combines style and comfort

John W. Smith treks through a maze of sleek chairs and stately sofas in a large, sunlit showroom tucked in an industrial warehouse center in Fairfax. He pauses at a dining chair, upholstered in beige linen and framed with espresso hardwood.

Classified Advertising September 14, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Friday, September 9

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Alexandria: ‘We Will Never Forget’

City to mark 15th anniversary of 9-11 attacks.

It was an unimaginable act of terrorism that took the lives of 13 Alexandria residents on Sept. 11, 2001. On Saturday, Sept. 10, the City of Alexandria will hold a ceremony to mark the 15th anniversary of what remains the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history.

Wednesday, September 7

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La Bienvenida a Alexandria

McAuliffe visits Alexandria’s International Academy on first day of school.

The students arrived at T.C. Williams High School by school bus or by car. Gov.r Terry McAuliffe arrived via helicopter parked on the lawn.

Alexandria: Police Investigate Rape over Labor Day Weekend

According to Alexandria Police, a 24-year-old woman said she was raped by a man with a gun at the pool she worked at in the 200 block of South Pickett Street. The incident happened on Sept. 3 and was reported to police around 2 p.m. The woman is a lifeguard at the pool. No other people were present during the incident.

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Alexandria: New Chapter for Port City Brewing Company

The mayor, the governor, and the CEO of a brewing company walk into a bar …

Port City Brewing Company, an Alexandria-based brewery, is making a major step to increase its manufacturing capacity with the help of state and city funds.

Alexandria: Responding to Hepatitis Outbreak

Exposures have ended, but symptoms may still manifest.

Anyone who dined at Tropical Smoothie Cafe around Aug. 9 may still be at risk for Hepatitis A. According to the Virginia Department of Health, a Hepatitis A outbreak has been traced to imported strawberries served at Tropical Smoothie Cafe. As of Sept. 2, there have been 37 cases in Northern Virginia, but experts say that number could still rise.

Alexandria: Arrest Amplifies Questions about City’s Noise Ordinances

Old Town opera singer arrested.

Busking is the act of performing in public, typically singing or playing music, in exchange for a gratuity. Anyone visiting Old Town Alexandria late at night has likely seen buskers along King Street, whether they’re playing folk songs on guitar or hymnals on a glass harp. While buskers are a staple of Old Town for many, Alexandria has a history of struggling with their presence in the developing city.

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Alexandria Snapshot: New Deputies Sworn In

Clerk of the Circuit Court Edward Semonian administered the oath of office on Monday, Aug. 29, to the Alexandria Sheriff's Office’s new recruits in a courtroom ceremony.

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Alexandria People at Work: Gonzalez Creates Art as a Team

"O.K. everyone, out on the field." Arms grab trumpets, clarinets, with a shoulder harness for the drum. Band members head out the door, down the steps and onto the end of the football field at T. C. Williams High School on a hot first school day of the year.

Alexandria: Faces of Hunger

Stories from a church’s “pop-up” grocery.

Third in a series on childhood hunger in Alexandria.

Alexandria Letter: Forgotten Pedestrians

Letter to the Editor

Just recently, the Redfin Corporation ranked Arlington as the third in a list of the 10 most walkable communities in the country.

Alexandria Letter: Must Our Elections Be This Way?

Letter to the Editor

Well this is another election year and it seems like it never fails to be everywhere. In print, on the screen and airwaves, both in the USA and other places, but even now it is worse with the internet. Being so difficult to avoid makes it sickening.

Alexandria Letter: Democrats’ Focus

Letter to the Editor

Local politicians have been given their talking points in the presidential contest, but none more risible than Vice President Biden’s former economic advisor who parrots the liberal line about Democrats’ economic policies helping the poor and middle class.

Alexandria Letter: Unusual Enforcement?

Letter to the Editor

Krista Monique Clouse, a talented and award-winning opera singer, has been singing on the streets of Old Town Alexandria for the past six years.

Alexandria Column: Help for Alexandria’s Uninsured

Commentary

There is a widespread misimpression that the Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”) basically guaranteed health insurance for all Americans. Sadly, that is not the case, especially here in Virginia.

Alexandria Column: Changing Lives, One Mentor at a Time

Commentary – Changing Lives, One Mentor at a Time

This week, students across Alexandria – and across our country – are “back to school,” a phrase which undoubtedly conjures up a wide range of emotions, images, and memories. Think: first day jitters, school lunches, and homework. For me, though, “back to school” invokes the image a unique type of person: a mentor.

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Alexandria Column: Providing Affordable Housing

Making a difference to 44 Alexandrians.

"I'm sorry. We have nothing available right now." I hear this end of a phone conversation from our property manager, Erika Orozco, several times a day. When other staff members answer the phone they often find themselves listening to a caller plead with them to find an apartment. Sometimes the caller is single, and sometimes they are part of a family of six or more. Always, the desperation in their voice is unmistakable.

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Alexandria/Mount Vernon: Revolutionary New Race

Join in George Washington Patriot Run this Sunday.

Thanks to Lockheed Martin’s sponsorship, runners will have the opportunity to participate in the first-ever USA Track & Field-certified road race to enter the historic property at George Washington’s Mount Vernon.

Alexandria/Mount Vernon Column: Who Are Our Patriots?

Commentary

For many months, a group of Alexandria citizens have been working with officials at Mount Vernon Estate to create a run that celebrates patriotism at the George Washington Patriot Run (10/5k).

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Leibig: Crime Novelist and Legal Defender

Christopher Leibig is well versed in the business of law. He is listed as one of the top 20 criminal attorneys in the country and practices his profession in Alexandria and other jurisdictions hereabout.

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Alexandria: Neighborhood Health Receives $10,000

Dan Haskins and Richard Merritt, co-chairs of the Alliance for Alexandria's Uninsured, presented a check for $10,000.

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Suicide Loss ‘Club’

Commentary

When I was 15 years old, I received my first “membership card” to suicide loss. I got the platinum membership card because not only was my loss to suicide, but it was also a parent.