Tuesday, February 28
Beware Early Allergy Season
Experts offer suggestions for preventing and treating allergy symptoms.
Those experiencing Itchy, watery eyes and seemingly endless sneezing know that spring allergy season is getting an early start this year thanks to this season’s mild winter weather.
Prayer Vigil at ICE Office
Rising Hope pastor speaks about arrests outside church.
On the morning of Feb. 8, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers showed up across the street from Rising Hope Mission Church on Russell Road in the Mount Vernon area of Alexandria.
Chief to Release Name of Officer in Herndon Shooting
Risk assessment is complete.
The risk assessment of the officer involved in the fatal Jan. 16 shooting of Mohammad Azim Doudzai is now finished, according to a Feb. 24 release from Fairfax County Police.
U.S. Marshals Warn Public of Jury Duty Phone Scams
The U.S. Marshals Service is warning the public of a nationwide telephone scam involving individuals claiming to be U.S. marshals, court officers or law enforcement officials seeking to collect a fine in lieu of arrest for failing to report for jury duty.
Editorial: Good, Bad and Missed Opportunities
Results of the 2017 session of the General Assembly.
GOOD THINGS Progress in funding mental health and addressing the opioid epidemic on multiple levels were among the successes of the 2017 General Assembly session.
Monday, February 27
LTA Stages ‘Key for Two’
British farce with situational and physical humor.
The Little Theatre of Alexandria (LTA) is staging "Key for Two" from Feb. 25 to March 18.
Commentary: Get Involved in Politics
As the regular 2017 Virginia legislative session comes to a close I have to admit that this session has been one of the most interesting that I have experienced.
Getting Ready for National Rebuilding Day
Rebuilding Together Alexandria
As National Rebuilding Day 2017 approaches, on Saturday, April 29, Rebuilding Together Alexandria staff is busily prepping 40 teams for a city-wide day of volunteerism, a day in which thousands of volunteers across the country partake.
Commentary: Progress on Mental Health Reforms
A robust legislative agenda seeking to improve Virginia’s approach to mental health crises emerged this year from the Joint Subcommittee Studying Mental Health Services.
Letter to the Editor: Pedestrians, Be Alert
I read with great interest your excellent article about pedestrian safety. I hope your readers will take the time to read this letter as it conveys some very important additional points.
Letter to the Editor: Resist Complicity
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued two official memos, dated Feb. 20, 2017, implementing the president’s Executive Orders on internal enforcement and “border security.”
Letter to the Editor: Preserve History
The annual Presidents Day Parade marches right by my home on the 300 block Queen Street, near North Royal Street, in the heart of Old Town. I invite you to come by our block and take a look, where a modern day revolutionary battle is raging.
Letter to the Editor: City’s Failure to Control Traffic
Why can’t we solve the problem of cars blocking traffic at some of our key intersections during the peak traffic hours in the morning and evenings?
Letter to the Editor: The Value of Espionage
John A. Nagy’s recent book “George Washington’s Secret Spy War” claims that the general’s skill as a spymaster acquired during the French and Indian War won the War for Independence.
Letter to the Editor: A Woman Who Makes A Difference
Throughout the history of the U.S., communities continually change and evolve.
Letter to the Editor: Can’t Anyone Say ‘No’?
When it comes to governments, especially our city government, there are always more needs than money to address them.
Grendel and Angel
A year ago (Valentine’s Day weekend 2016) our kids arrived back home from a sleepover to find a large cardboard box. "We got you some treats,” we said, “they’re very tasty.”
Esne
In April 2017, Esne, "son" of Alexandria residents Max Rotermund and Susan Dawson, will turn 20 years old.
Mirabelle
Mirabelle, a dressage-trained Thoroughbred mare, keeps an eye on things out in Accokeek, Md., where her owner, Michel Gauthier, stables her so he can make the quick trip across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge for a ride or to give lessons.
Groucho and Gordy
We recently adopted best friends, Groucho and Gordy, from the barn where I keep my horse. They are now warm and happy Alexandria residents.
Guiness and Cannoli
Our 12-year-old lab mix Guinness relaxing with "her" own pet, our 6-year-old cat Cannoli; they are best of friends.
A Dog’s Best Friend: The Doggie Sports Club
Morgan jumps over the 12" hurdle and sniffs Tayler Hudson's hand, looking for his dog treat.
Local Author Produces Sequel
Jerzy Shore returns in “Saving Leo Kleinman.”
George Vercessi, a longtime Alexandria resident, published a sequel to his cold case mystery “NCIS Agent Jerzy Shore,” continuing the adventures of NCIS agent Jerzy Shore.
By George!
George Washington Birthday parade returns after two-year absence.
Wearing t-shirts and shorts, a crowd of thousands turned out for the City of Alexandria’s George Washington Birthday Parade, which made its return after a two-year absence due to extreme weather conditions.
Leaders of the Pack
SSA gala to honor family community service.
The proverb “charity begins at home” describes the family of 100-year-old William Charity and the decades of community service inspired by the patriarch’s example of service to others.
A Little More For the City?
Proposed city budget includes tax, fees, and debt increases.
Check between the cushions on your sofa for loose change, because the city could use some help.
Obituary: Ann Oneida Jones Dempsey
Obituary: Ann Oneida Jones Dempsey
Obituary: Donald Patrick Eggleston
Obituary: Donald Patrick Eggleston
Saturday, February 25
Browne Names New Administrator
Bryan Jackson will become the new Head of Lower School at Browne Academy, effective July 2017.
Friday, February 24
Help Repair Mount Vernon Trail
Sathiya Kannan, a Girl Scout from Reston, will be repairing one of the bridges on the Mount Vernon Trail in Alexandria on Saturday, March 25, as a Silver Award Project for scouting.
George Washington's Birthday Parade
Celebrating at the 285th George Washington's Birthday Parade are Ron Rigby, Henry Dorton of the American Legion Post 24, former Mayor Bill Euille and Council member Willie Bailey.
Thursday, February 23
'A Very Present Presence'
MetroStage hosts Pipeline Playwrights' first reading.
The new Pipeline Playwrights group in Alexandria is kicking off its 2017 inaugural series with "A Very Present Presence"
Meggrolls Moves from Food Truck to King Street Home
Meggrolls Food Truck
Hats off to CAC
Gala to honor ACT, Sengel.
ACT, the city’s primary resource for the prevention, investigation and treatment of child abuse.
Witness Protection
Spate of witness intimidations and a murder could result in new Witness Protection Program.
Officials looking into possible witness protection program
Tuesday, February 21
Matching Pets to Their Owners
Animal shelters’ counselors help families find the right fit when seeking a pet adoption.
Natasha had been abandoned and was wandering the streets of Arlington under the blaze of a hot summer sun when she was rescued and taken to a local shelter.
Lawmaker Work Group to Examine Virginia Predatory Lending
Panel to investigate internet loans, car-title loans and open-end lines of credit.
The growing chorus of criticism about predatory lending in Virginia may not have prompted lawmakers to start passing laws to crack down on the industry. But it has accomplished one thing, formation of a work group.
In Session: Virginia Assembly Briefs
Robert Johnson of Woodbridge understands the mental health crisis from a personal perspective.
A Record Year for Alzheimer’s Association
Alzheimer’s Association of the National Capital Region honors its supporters.
Megan Newman told her story at the Alzheimer’s Association “Wall of Hope” reception at Tysons Corner on Feb. 9. She was only 18, a senior in high school, when her mother started to ask the same question more than once.
Opinion: Budget Season in Fairfax County
Attend a town hall meeting and express your priorities.
Alexandria and Arlington each have a meals tax, both enacted without a referendum because as urban forms of government in Virginia, their local elected bodies were authorized to enact the tax legislatively.
Monday, February 20
The Connection HomeLifeStyle Real Estate and Remodeling Focus
Sponsored
This special focus will use the award-winning Connection Newspapers’ resources to illustrate the benefits of buying and listing homes for sale this summer.
Friday, February 17
‘China In My Eyes’ Opens on NOVA Campus
Just in time for the Chinese New Year, the Alexandria Campus Library in partnership with the Confucius Institute at George Mason University opened a photography exhibit titled “China in My Eyes” on Feb. 1.
Mid-Atlantic Erg Sprints Returns to T.C. Williams
Records set in premier rowing competition.
Athletes from Alexandria Community Rowing were among those setting records at the 2017 Mid-Atlantic Erg Sprints held Feb. 4 at T.C. Williams High School.
Yoga for 50-Plus in Alexandria
Learning to improve strength and balance.
Yoga in Alexandria is plentiful and evolving. There’s something for everyone.
Alexandria Sportsman’s Club to Host Dan Steinberg
Washington Post sports columnist Dan Steinberg will be the guest speaker at the Feb. 21 meeting of the Alexandria Sportsman’s Club.
Cherries, George Washington, and Today's Alexandria
This is the fourth in a series of articles about the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee's February events.
Commentary: No Sunlight on Fracking
In addition to jobs and the economy, Virginia’s future is predicated on how we meet our energy needs.
Obituary: Mary Frances Cheatham Seeger
Mary Frances Cheatham Seeger, 90, died Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017 in Alexandria.
Commentary: Elections Matter
As a member of the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee, I support fair, open and efficient elections, which are fundamental to the maintenance of bedrock democratic principles.
Commentary: Love Tr---s Hate
Last Fall the Alexandria City Council officially declared that, in response to the election of Donald Trump, our burg rejects all forms of hate and will henceforth be known as a “hate free zone.”
To the Editor: Costs Keep Adding Up
The debacle of Patrick Henry Elementary School continues — just when you think this project cannot get any worse — the School Board transfers $5.7 million from another project (Polk) to pay for cost overruns at Patrick Henry.
Dealing Up ‘The Gin Game’ in Alexandria
MetroStage presents 1978 Pulitzer-prize winning classic.
MetroStage in Alexandria is staging the 1978 Pulitzer prize-winning classic, "The Gin Game," which has an all-black cast, now through March 12.
Letter to the Editor: Appreciative Leaders
It was an honor having a chance to meet our U.S. Sen. Mark Warner on a evening of a little shopping at a nearby CVS.
Letter to the Editor: Support Alexandria Police in Budget
On Feb. 21, the city manager will present the 2018 city budget to the City Council. In the next four months, a number of budget alterations and adjustments will occur prior to July 1, when the budget goes into effect.
Letter to the Editor: Teaching Where to Cross
I would like to jump in on the crossing guard story [“Hands Held High,” Gazette Packet, Feb. 9].
Alexandria Home Sales: January, 2017
In January, 2017, 131 Alexandria homes sold between $2,725,000-$110,000.
Alexandria Home Sales: January, 2017
Thursday, February 16
TC Inducts Five into its Athletic Hall of Fame
Alexandria City Public Schools inducted five outstanding athletes into the Athletic Hall of Fame
Feeling ICE's Chill
The tone in Alexandria regarding immigration is one of apprehension and fear of harassment and deportation.
A Million More
Delays result in another $1 million loan request for Ramsey Homes redevelopment.
More money requested for the Ramsey Homes redevelopment.
Take Advantage of these Restaurant Week Deals
Restaurant Week in Alexandria
Pipeline Playwrights Hosts Inaugural Series
A new Pipeline Playwrights group in Alexandria has launched its 2017 inaugural series with four new plays by four women writers.
Era of the Iron Fist: How Did Democrats Rule the House of Delegates?
Democrats complain about Republican heavy-handedness, but were they any better?
Democrats complain that Republicans are sidelining their bills without much consideration. But were Democrats any better when they had control of the House of Delegates?
Wednesday, February 15
Give that Couch a New Life
ALIVE! assists low-income families with furniture program.
Each week people contact ALIVE! to donate furniture and others contact them with furniture requests.
Prisoner Resource Fair Offers a Head Start
Easing the transition from jail to the community.
This is the first prisoner Resource Fair held by the Alexandria Sheriff's Office for prisoners who are scheduled to be released within several months.
The New Normal
Stagnant assessment values
Locally assessed real property assessments increased 2.07 percent in Alexandria.
Impact of an Accident
Vehicle crashes in Alexandria.
False Prophets
Dr. Larry Sabato assesses where polling and analytics went wrong in 2016 election.
Dr. Larry Sabato and the election.
Stabilizing the City's Affordable Housing Crisis
At its Jan 28 public hearing, the City Council adopted the FY2017 through 2022 Strategic Plan.
Editorial: Ending Gerrymandering Important to Region
Efforts appear dead for this session, but elections later this year provide new opportunities.
While three bills that could have reined in the runaway gerrymandering in Virginia made it through the Virginia Senate to crossover, they died on Tuesday morning in a House subcommittee, despite some vocal Republican support.
In Session: Virginia General Assembly Briefs
Ghost of Carter Glass
Meet state Sen. Carter Glass of Lynchburg.
Chief Still Withholding Officer’s Name in Fatal Herndon Shooting
Temporary restraining order to not release name vacated by judge.
Fairfax County chief of police Edwin Roessler has yet to release the name of the 16-year veteran officer who fatally shot Mohammad Azim Doudzai, 32, at his Herndon-area home on Jan. 16 this year.
Improve Driver Laws, Reduce Road Deaths
Virginia’s highway safety report card.
Clifton resident Debbie Sausville represented Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) at a recent Capitol Hill news conference where Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (Advocates) issued “report cards” rating all 50 states and the District of Columbia on their progress toward adopting 15 optimal laws that scientific studies, data analysis and real world experience show are effective at preventing death and injury on roadways.
Fairfax County Executive Proposes $4.10 Billion Budget
Calls for no increase in real estate taxes; falls $61 million short of schools’ request.
An exercise in “triage and trade-offs” was how Mount Vernon District Supervisor Daniel Storck described the FY 2018 budget as proposed by County Executive Ed Long to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Feb. 14.
Celebrating Black History Month
Educators say these lessons are urgently needed in current racial climate.
Even though Elavie Ndura knows that it is a daunting challenge to help children grasp the entirety of the African American experience in the shortest month of the year, each February she and other educators give it their best effort.
Friday, February 10
Marching to Valentine’s Day
Bloom Fresh Flowers at 625 S. Washington St. is putting a fresh spin on the Million Women's March on D.C. to celebrate Valentine's Day.
A ‘Big Weekend’ Celebrating Washington’s Birthday
This is the third in a series of articles about the George Washington Birthday Celebration. For more information, please visit www.washingtonbirthday.com.
Commentary: Choosing One’s Future
Nearly two weeks ago just across the Potomac, the United States inaugurated its 45th president – Donald J. Trump. It took only seven days for his Administration to put forth and sign an executive order that barred Syrian refugees indefinitely and blocked entry into the U.S. for citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.
Commentary: Plank in the Progressive Eye
Donald Trump has a lot of people worrying about “alternative facts.” Rightfully so. But I also worry about progressives who seem to think their facts don’t come from a world of alternatives.
Commentary: First Amendment Is Alive and Well
“Congress shall make no law … abridging … the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Commentary: Bill Would Hinder Municipal Broadband Program
Our future, at least part of it, exists on the internet.
Mini-Moves to Fight Winter Blues
Did you know even a short burst of exercise can not only boost your mood, but it helps activate your brain, too?
Commentary: What Do We Do with a Problem Like Alexandria?
Re-imagining the city.
There’s that guy at the intersection of South Washington and Prince Streets in Old Town who is causing problems for a lot of people.
Letter to the Editor: Another Hotel?
A group of investors have recently held meetings in the Durant Center with some home owners as well as absentee house owners on Harvard Street attending.
Letter to the Editor: Alexandria as a ‘Sanctuary City’
Looking around the U.S. the concept of “sanctuary city” has a range of definitions.
Letter to the Editor: Washington and the Poet
When George Washington was appointed by the Continental Congress in 1775 to take command of the fledgling American military forces, a young lady in Providence felt compelled to compose a patriotic poem and send it to him at his headquarters in Cambridge across the Charles River from Boston, then occupied by the British.
Mentor of The Week: A Cross-Cultural Connection
Rebecca and Elodie met through the SOHO program back in 2014.
Signing Day at T.C. Williams
12 T.C. students sign on to play football at colleges.
After a year of hard work and last minute victories, T.C. Williams High School Football Team made it to the playoffs for the second time in the last 26 years.
Obituary: W. Jeff Knicely
Obituary: W. Jeff Knicely
Thursday, February 9
Commemorating Brotherhood
Universal Lodge #1 celebrates 172 years in Alexandria.
Freemasons in Alexandria.
Setting Goals via the Five-Year Plan
Alexandria’s Five Year Plan starts at foot of King Street.
The city's five-year plan.
EatsPlace Café Aims to Join Works of Art
The DC-based restaurant “pop-uppery” has set up shop at the Torpedo Factory.
EatsPlace Cafe in the Torpedo Factory.
Tilelli to Keynote Friendship Firehouse Breakfast
Event Kicks off the George Washington Celebration
Gen. John H. Tilelli (ret.) will be the keynote speaker at the Feb. 20 Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association annual breakfast.
The Full Monte
Wedding Showcase to feature “Say Yes to the Dress” host Durham.
Monte Durham, co-host and fashion director of TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta,” will be the featured guest at the first annual Alexandria Wedding Showcase Feb. 19 at The Westin Alexandria.
Hands Held High for 44 Years
Cora Reed has been a school crossing guard for the Alexandria Public Schools for nearly 44 years.
Wednesday, February 8
The Journey to the Other Side of the Street in Arlington: Part III
Concluding a three-part series focusing on prisoner reentry in Northern Virginia.
Lavonne Williams and Michael Diffley sit sharing an afternoon cup of coffee, remembering their journey.
Arlington, Alexandria Construct Bigger and Better ‘Bridges’
Local safety net organization helped 500 people last year.
Like any other Alexandria mother, Amina Amir was bursting with pride that her daughter would be graduating from high school this spring, with plans to go to college, and that her son is in the U.S. Navy in California.
Tuesday, February 7
Virginia General Assembly Chugs Along through Crossover
On Tuesday, the General Assembly passed “Crossover,” the session halfway point by which each chamber must complete work on its own bills and begin considering legislation passed by the other body.
MATHCOUNTS Winners Announced
Top area teams, students advance to Virginia state competition.
The Northern Virginia Regional MATHCOUNTS Competition was held on Saturday, Feb. 4, at George Mason University.
Volunteer Events & Opportunities
Volunteer Events & Opportunities
Honoring the Past and Present
A home with both a rich history and modern conveniences is on the market in Fairfax.
When Betsy Rutkowski purchased her Fairfax home, she was drawn to its rich history and the childhood memories which it evoked.
City House, Country House
Home offers sunny interior and bucolic surroundings.
European craftsmanship, a free-flowing floor plan and light-filled rooms characterize a home that was designed according to the vision of a local jurist.
Fireplace as Focal Point
A hearth is in demand for cold weather.
“Fireplaces have never fallen out of favor,” said David Foster, president of Foster Remodeling Solutions.
In Session: Virginia Assembly Briefs
The backlog of untested rape kits has received a lot of media attention in recent years, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have been working to find ways to process all that evidence. But that’s not the only problem with rape kits. Many of them are them are simply thrown away.
Friday, February 3
Nicecream to Add Some Factory Flair to King Street in Alexandria
Amid the blocks of bustling King Street, a new factory is preparing to open. But it doesn’t need an industrial permit to hawk its wares.
All In for ‘The Gin Game’ at Alexandria's MetroStage
Notes from The Producer
The next production at MetroStage is “The Gin Game,” a Pulitzer Prize winning classic play by D. L. Coburn, opening Feb. 2 and running through March 12.
Alexandria Council Briefs
Council Approves Strategic Plan
The year is 2022, and Alexandria is a city with a thriving waterfront and plenty of affordable housing for everybody in need.
Crime Reports: The following incidents were reported by the Alexandria Police Department.
The following incidents were reported by the Alexandria Police Department.
See Washington's Alexandria
Washington's Birthday
This is the second in a series of articles about the George Washington Birthday Celebration.
A Farewell to Landmark Mall
Hailed as the largest shopping center in northern Virginia when it opened in 1965, Landmark Mall was set to close on Jan. 31 long after most chain stores fled.
Letter to the Editor: Same Old, Same Old
I expected better. Instead of demanding the removal of impediments, large and small, that hobble the creation of wealth, the Democratic Party faithful who gathered recently in Alexandria clamored to keep the Federal trough full.
Letter to the Editor: Disappointed by Coverage
I've been a weekly reader of the Alexandria Gazette for many years. I was shocked when I saw the headline, and then read the story, titled, "Democratic Disunity", in your Jan. 19, issue.
Letter to the Editor: Losing Sight of City's History?
In reading the letter from Mr. Van Fleet, I could not help but think there will now be three projects all in the same few blocks, all large, and all at the same time.
Letter to the Editor: The Fight Begins
As we enter the first week of the new administration, Congress has made their number one priority diminishing access to health care.
Letter to the Editor: A Man of Integrity in Alexandria
I congratulate Congressman Beyer for his decision not to attend the inauguration of the 45th President of the United States.
Exploring Senior Housing — Senior Services of Alexandria
Most older adults say they plan to “age in place” in their community, but very few have seriously considered whether this is a realistic option.
Thursday, February 2
ASO Presents All-Mozart Concert
All-Mozart Concert
Prisoner Reentry: Some Solutions
Local programs, services help ex-offenders.
Ex-offenders may face stigma, lack of family support, inadequate life skills suitable for making it on "the outside" and difficulty getting and retaining employment.
McCrary Creates the Score, Directs 'The Prodigal Son'
John McCrary, director of Music and Liturgy at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on W. Braddock Road, gears up for the Feb. 24 concert.
New Lines, Old Problems
School Board approves redistricting plan 9a.
For the first time since 1999, the Alexandria Elementary School boundaries are shifting.
Of Lives Lost
Maximum sentence in murder case ignites brawl in courthouse.
Rashad Lonzell “Snap” Adkins found guilty of second degree murder of Shakkan Elliot-Tibbs in 2015 and a related weapons charge, so the jury gave him the maximum penalty of 43 years in prison with no chance of parole.
Belmont to lead DRBA
Dennis Belmont, a resident and small business owner in the Del Ray community, was elected president of the Del Ray Business Association at the organization’s Jan. 16 meeting.
Kaine Among Boys and Girls Club Gala Honorees
Benefit to be held February 10
U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine will be among those honored Feb. 10 at this year’s Dunbar Alexandria-Olympic Boys and Girls Club annual fundraiser.
Affordable Housing: 'Still Ground Zero'
Mixed progress since 2013 Housing Master Plan.
While the city has implemented some measures from its plan to expand affordable housing, other measures remain undone.
Wednesday, February 1
Angry Birds on the Road: Lawmakers to Crack Down on On-the-Road Screen Time
Texting while driving is already illegal, but what about all the other screen time?
Lawmakers in Richmond are a bunch of angry birds, frustrated at existing law they believe does not solve the problem of drivers devoting their attention to their handheld screen instead of the road.
Angry Birds on the Road: Lawmakers Want to Crack Down on Screen Time
Texting while driving is already illegal, but what about Facebook and Twitter?
Lawmakers in Richmond are a bunch of angry birds, frustrated at existing law they believe does not solve the problem of drivers devoting their attention to their handheld screen instead of the road.
Senate Proposes Alexandria Sewer Overflow Deadline
The Virginia Senate has advanced legislation to establish an extremely aggressive timeline for the City of Alexandria to address concerns over its Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO).