Alexandria: The Unlikely Republican
Hernick
Republican candidate Charles Hernick meets at Commonwealth Joe’s, a coffee shop in Pentagon City so new it hasn’t even had its official opening. It’s populated almost exclusively by millennials, and Hernick fits right in. When asked about the political issues that matter to them, the students and baristas at Commonwealth Joe’s all answer that climate change and combating student debt are their key voting issues. It’s a liberal atmosphere, but that doesn’t stop Hernick from trying to win them over.
Alexandria: Money Talks
Citizens unite over city budget priorities.
Above all else, Alexandrians want a healthier and more transit accessible city, and they’re willing to pay for it. At a meeting on Oct. 13 at Patrick Henry Elementary School, the city’s FY2018 budget process kicked off with an opportunity for the 50 citizens present to voice their thoughts on what parts of the budget merited further investment.
Alexandria Appetite: Food and Drink Events Abound
Some snippets from the Alexandria restaurant scene over the coming month.
Autumn is in full swing, and with the season comes a passel of activities in the food and beverage scene across the city (and beyond). Here are some items to put on your docket in the coming weeks.
Alexandria People at Work: Neighborhood Pharmacy Cares for Its Community
Over 1,000 look-alike white bottles line the shelves, cram the nooks and crannies and sit in the refrigerator at Neighborhood Pharmacy on Mt. Vernon Street in Del Ray. Stacey Swartz, pharmacist and co-owner, has operated the independent pharmacy for eight years since she bought the space from Show of Hands. "Monday is the busiest day of the week," she says, "with all of the things piled up from the weekend."
Alexandria Letter: Statue’s Stewards
Letter to the Editor
An open letter to the public regarding the Appomattox Statue from the Mary Custis Lee-17th Virginia Regiment Chapter #7 United Daughters of the Confederacy.
Alexandria Letter: Thank You to Trader Joe's
Letter to the Editor
T.C. Williams High School takes this opportunity to thank Trader Joe's in Old Town for its donation of 400 handled bags to help us with one of our start-of-school classroom distribution projects. This is just another example of the wonderful community that we call Alexandria City.
Alexandria Letter: Lacking Accountability
Letter to the Editor
I am sure you are aware of the discord related to the development at the Patrick Henry School and Rec Center. The ACPS and School Board chose Option A1 over the advisory committee's recommendation of C1 claiming it was cheaper.
Alexandria: Helping Hands
Donley, volunteers to be honored Oct. 26.
Former Mayor Kerry Donley will be among those honored for their service to the community at the 22nd annual Volunteers are the Heart of Alexandria awards ceremony Oct. 26 at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Alexandria: Frank Fannon III Dies
Fourth generation Alexandrian dies at 82.
Since 1846, the Fannon name has been virtually synonymous with Alexandria and no one was prouder of that than Frank Fannon III.
Free Halloween Car Rides Offered in Area
As a means of making the Washington-metropolitan area’s roadways a little less frightening this Halloween, free cab rides will be offered to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 29.
Oak Hill Remodeled Home Tour Set for Nov. 5
Gourmet kitchen, spa master bath among spotlight features in makeover.
A circa 1980's center hall Colonial enhanced by a gourmet kitchen, a spacious spa bath and a lower-level guest suite will be featured in a “Remodeled Home Tour” sponsored by Sun Design Remodeling on Saturday, Nov. 5.
Showcase Home Offers Design Inspiration
DC Design House was transformed by local designers to raise money for charity.
Those in search of interior design ideas now have a source of new inspirations, at least temporarily. The 2016 DC Design House is now open to the public and runs through Oct. 30.
Home Improvements for the Holidays
Local contractors say there is time to spruce up your house and yard.
Changing temperatures and falling leaves are a signal the holidays are near. From Thanksgiving through the New Year, homes are filled with guests and schedules are stacked with parties. Getting one’s home guest ready by the holidays may be daunting, but it’s doable with proper planning and realistic expectations, say local contractors.
Alexandria Home Sales: September, 2016
In September, 2016, 196 Alexandria homes sold between $4,685,000-$102,990.
Alexandria Home Sales: September, 2016
Alexandria: ODBC Men Win Occoquan Challenge
Stiff breezes from the remnants of Hurricane Matthew did not deter the men from the Old Dominion Boat Club (ODBC) first 8 crew team as they swept a field of 12 upper class boats to win the 2016 Occoquan Challenge Regatta on Sunday, Oct. 9.
Alexandria: Carson, Napoli Wed
Carl E. “Forthe” Carson IV and Megan Marjan Napoli were married at St. Michael’s Catholic Church by Father Tom Donaldson on Sept. 16, 2016 in Chicago, Ill. A wedding reception and dinner followed at the History Museum of Chicago.
Alexandria: School Redistricting Forums Begin
Reading between the lines.
After 17 years of static school lines, Alexandria City Public Schools is making motions to begin the process of redistricting. By the start of the 2018 school year, new school lines that incorporate two new schools and other expansion projects will cause shifts in school populations across the city.
Alexandria: Domestic Homicide on Duke Street
In the middle of October, as police were attending events to commemorate and raise awareness for domestic violence month, Alexandria experienced its first domestic homicide of 2016.
Alexandria: National Award for Police Officer
After tragedy, Evans works to transform his community.
Alexandria Police Officer Bennie Evans was one of 12 police officers from across the country to receive the Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Services in Community Policing. Evans, a regular at any event where the community interacts with the city or police, was noted for his voluntary participation in police and local non-profit projects and for his successful de-escalation of numerous calls about violence and attempted suicide.
Alexandria People at Work: Shaping Her Life, Her Art
Renee Altman wedges off a large chunk of high-fired stoneware clay and puts it on the workbench. "It's like kneading dough. I usually do this 100 times." Altman owns The Clay Queen Pottery on Mt. Vernon Avenue.