Alexandria Letter: A Solution That Isn’t
Letter to the Editor
Growing up, I had two pre-k teachers: Mrs. Cook, who was kind and theone you could tell anything to, and Miss Lurton, the focused, learneddisciplinarian. If you were lucky to go to preschool, I bet you remember your teachers too. They were often the first adults outside your family you grew to depend on and trust.
Alexandria: Former Deputy Fire Chief Dies
Michael Conner dies at 68.
Each October during National Fire Prevention Week, a solemn ceremony takes place at Ivy Hill Cemetery where a Roll Call of the Fallen is taken to honor firefighters who have given their lives protecting the citizens of Alexandria. This year’s ceremony will take on new meaning when the toll of a bell rings out for Michael Conner, the former deputy fire chief whose recruit class first dedicated Ivy Hill’s Circle of Honor in 1970.
Alexandria Column: Aging Well in Alexandria
Commentary–Senior Services of Alexandria
Many of us love Alexandria and want to stay as we grow older. When considering their needs and hopes as they age, many Alexandrians may think about the health services offered in their community or nearby. In fact, to be able to remain independent for as long as possible, older residents must rely on many other community features.
Alexandria Column: Budget Seeks To Improve Preschool
Commentary–School Board
Preschool is the critical piece to serving Alexandria City’s student population. For our English Language Learners, it can provide a setting that they start to learn to speak, read and write in English. For our Special Education community, it can provide an opportunity for identification and early services. For our Free and Reduced Lunch populations, it can provide the resources for growth and health of our most in need population. For our typical learners, it provides a diverse environment that familiarizes them with the school setting.
Alexandria: Bishop Ireton Girls’ Lax Improves to 6-0
The Bishop Ireton girls' lacrosse team is off to a 6-0 start.
Alexandria: TC Boys’ Lacrosse Beats West Potomac
The T.C. Williams boys' lacrosse team beat West Potomac on Tuesday.
Editorial: Money to Treat Addiction, Mental Health Issues
Affordable Care Act could pay for help, better health for 100,000 uninsured people in Virginia with mental illness or addiction issues.
Poor people without health insurance in Virginia are being unnecessarily tortured, in some cases to death, by a General Assembly that refuses to expand Medicaid.
Commentary: Congress Must Act on the Growing Opioid Epidemic
Our nation is in the midst of an exploding opioid epidemic.
Commentary: Progress on Ad Hoc Commission Recommendations
Thoughtfulness and deliberation should not be construed as resistance or foot dragging.
A tremendous amount of progress has already taken place to implement many of these recommendations.
Fairfax Connector Considering Service Changes, Seeks Public Input
Fairfax Connector is proposing service changes for implementation in June 2016.
Sex Trafficking Young Victims in Northern Virginia
Federal funds for gang task force expire April 1.
The first article in an occasional series on human sexual trafficking in Northern Virginia.
Eating Smart
Profile: Jean Janssen, force behind area’s Smart Markets.
Food shoppers should take their collective hats off to Jean Janssen. She is the motivating spirit behind the area’s Smart Markets
Letter: Where is Civilian review Panel?
To the Editor
Last October, the 40 strong Ad Hoc Commission to Review Police Procedures, set up by Chairman Bulova and her Board of Supervisors (BOS), unanimously adopted a large number of recommendations, which they submitted to the BOS.
Centreville Snapshot: Southwestern Youth Association Honors Volunteers
On March 5, 2016, the Southwestern Youth Association (SYA) held its annual Volunteer of the Year Awards Casino Night at the Chantilly National Golf and Country Club. The Executive Board of Directors presented the awards.
Alexandria Snapshot: Generation to Generation Gala
Senior Services of Alexandria hosted its annual Generation to Generation Gala March 12 at the Hilton Mark Center Alexandria. The 2016 honorees included Sue Goodhart and Allison Goodhart DuShuttle, and Kitty, Mike, Kirby and Keely Porterfield. H. Arthur Sauer was awarded with SSA’s first Special Service Award. For more information about SSA’s programs and services go to seniorservicesalex.org.
Alexandria: Wiggle Toes Plié Through the Morning
People at Work
The warm up music begins from the corner. "Are you ready?" Jessica Petchenick, instructor at Tiny Dancers on S. Washington Street, asks, "Can you dance with your eyes?" Moms and leotard-bedecked children blink at each other. "Can you dance with your nose?" Noses wiggle including five mothers and one father who has accompanied his daughter to today's Wiggle Toes class for 2-3 year olds. After wiggling ears and patting tummies, at last the answer is "You dance with your feet."
Alexandria/Mount Vernon Weekend Fun: March 25-April 3
Entertainment
Events in Alexandria and Mount Vernon, Va.
Alexandria: Abed Takes Over as TC Head Boys’ Soccer Coach
Titans improve to 2-0 with victory over Gar-Field.
The T.C. Williams boys' soccer team is off to a 2-0 start.
Alexandria Snapshot: Fighting Fire
Flames were visible Sunday night at 5845 Monticello Road near Huntington Station in the Alexandria section of Fairfax County. The fire was held fast on neighborhood fences by firemen of the Pen Daw Fire Station led by Captain Pitman.
Mount Vernon Column: The State Budget – More for Schools, the Disabled, State Troopers
Commentary
Last week, I covered the good news in the state budget for the 36th Senate District. This week, I am detailing some of the important features of the state budget that help the entire state.