Creating a Harmonious Family Life
Local experts offer tips for keeping your family happy.
As Elizabeth Rees drove her daughter and two of her daughter’s friends to a library reading group recently, the Alexandria mother of three admits that she felt like a chauffeur at first. But she had a change of heart after hearing sounds of laughter.
Q&A with Brooke Curran
After witnessing the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, Brooke Curran decided that she would embark on a mission to impact the lives of others. After recreationally running 10 miles each day, Curran made it her goal to run 50 marathons in all 50 states, seven marathons in each continent, and each of the five major marathons. Curran has successfully accomplished all these goals while raising money to fund more than 20 local charities with her Alexandria-based nonprofit, RunningBrooke.
Young Proposes $634.8 Million Budget
City Manager Rashad Young submitted his proposal for a $634.8 million General Fund Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2015 before City Council Tuesday, Feb. 25, reflecting an increase of 1.6 percent over last year's budget while maintaining current real estate and personal property tax rates. “Expenditures are growing at a faster rate than revenue,” said Young in detailing his proposed budget during a press briefing earlier in the day. “The challenge always is how to put together this big jigsaw puzzle to meet the needs of the different constituencies and stakeholder groups.”
Obituary: Thomas Edward Braswell, Jr.
Thomas Edward ("Ed") Braswell, Jr., died in Alexandria on Feb. 23, 2014, at the age of 93. Mr. Braswell served as chairman of the Alexandria Planning Commission for over 30 years, beginning in the 1960s. In that role, Mr. Braswell was a key figure in the preservation of the historic character of Old Town Alexandria, as well as its historic homes and neighborhoods. In particular, Mr. Braswell worked to defeat the "Beggs Plan," an urban renewal initiative in the 1960s that would have bulldozed several blocks of historic buildings on King Street, as well as most of historic neighborhood north of King Street in the vicinity of City Hall. Mr. Braswell assisted in the creation of Alexandria's Board of Architectural Review and the enactment of strict height limitations on new development, both of which have been instrumental in the preservation of Old Town Alexandria's historic character.
Treasuring Alexandrians’ Health at the YMCA
Offering an array of activities for every age group, YMCA Alexandria continued in 2013 to serve as a center for wellness in our community and plans another rich program of services for 2014. Activities available to members — from infants to nonagenarians — include personal and group cardiovascular training and weightlifting; aquatics and a youth swim team (the Sea Dragons); aerobics, pilates, zumba, yoga, ballet, and cycling; as well as day care, after-school care, and teen leadership opportunities.
Putting the Spotlight on City’s African American History
Char McCargo Bah has a passion for Alexandria’s African American history and genealogy. Through her research, speaking, and writing on this topic, she has made a lasting contribution to the city. Bah has researched and reported on the background of Alexandria’s African American Community for more than 30 years. She had a pivotal role in the publication of “African Americans of Alexandria Virginia – Beacons of Light in the Twentieth Century” (History Press, 2013), which she co-authored with four other volunteers.
Pioneering through Life’s Obstacles
One of America’s greatest assets is an enduring belief that we can all be more and achieve more. It’s this pioneering spirit and optimism that I find even among those who have little. I was reminded of this recently by a special client of Rebuilding Together Alexandria named Darrin*. He is a life-long Alexandrian with a big frame, big smile, and a big heart to match. Over the years, he worked hard as a landscaper to provide for his six children that range in age from late teens to toddler. The work took its toll on his body especially his knees. Now after several surgeries, he has limited mobility and has been forced to go on disability.
Counting the Days
In real life, murders and other crimes are not unraveled within a 60-minute television show. This is no truer than in Alexandria where the unbelievable is still incomprehensible, astounding and unresolved. Those involved with criminal investigations have difficult tasks; be assured there are no quitting times when shifts are completed.
Making a Difference in Haiti
Haiti is a naturally beautiful paradise nestled amongst the irony of extreme squalor and abject poverty. Much of its natural beauty has been destroyed by self-imposed deforestation that only intensified after the earthquake of 2010.
Obituary: Caroline Stackhouse Weiner
Caroline Stackhouse Weiner, the school counselor at St. Bernadette School in Springfield, died unexpectedly on Feb. 4 at her home in Alexandria. She was 32 years old and wife to Justin Matthew Weiner and the mother of sons Brock, 5 and Cullen, 2; and 3-week-old daughter Caroline.
Community Mourns Loss of Ruthanne Giammittorio Lodato
When John and Debbi Kelly decided it was time for their two young children to study music, there was no question that their neighbor on Ridge Road would be the family's piano teacher. What they didn't realize was just how much that teacher would become a part of their lives — and their living room.
Livingood To Keynote Friendship Firehouse Breakfast
Wilson “Bill” Livingood, Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Representatives for 17 years until his retirement in 2011, will deliver the keynote address at the Friendship Veterans Firehouse Association annual breakfast to kick off the citywide series of events celebrating George Washington's birthday on Feb. 17.
Generations of Families To Be Honored at Gala
Senior Services of Alexandria’s Generation to Generation Gala — highlighting families in Alexandria whose dedication and passion for giving back to the community are passed down from generation to generation — will take place on Saturday, March 29 at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center.
Fuse Box Lighting Up the Wammie Awards
Five teenagers from Alexandria up for Best New Artist at this year's Wammie awards Sunday, Feb. 16.
Among the eight acts up for new artist of the year at this year's Washington Area Music Association Wammie Awards, most won't have to worry about getting up for high school the next morning. Fuse Box, five talented musicians who discovered their love of music at a young age, have been playing together in some form or another for several years, and as a fully-fledged band for nearly four years.
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.
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