Alexandria: People vs Parks on Potomac Yard Impact
Draft Environmental Impact Statement details Potomac Yard Metro impact on parks and neighbors
The Potomac Yard Metro plan moves forward with the release of a draft Environmental Impact Statement developed by the City of Alexandria alongside the Federal Transit Administration and the National Park Service.
Selling Alexandria's City Hall
A costly repair bill for City Hall creates discussion of potential public/private partnership.
Facing a $53 million heating ventilation and air conditioning price tag for City Hall, some on the City Council have begun questioning the wisdom of continuing to operate in City Hall. At a City Council Work Session on March 17, discussion became heated after Mayor William Euille said he had his own ideas for the future of the building and referred to the City Hall property as “a pot of gold.”
Alexandria: Compromise on Waterfront Barging
After a long tug-of-war between local residents and waterfront property developer EYA, acting City Manager Mark Jinks announced an agreement with EYA to use barging instead of trucking to transport materials to and from the South Robinson Terminal development.
Some Gave All: Police Memorial in Alexandria Dedicated to Fallen Officers
Police memorial dedicated to fallen officers.
Judy Birney was just 12 years old when her father, youth detective Conrad Birney, was killed responding to a bank robbery in 1972. She went on to follow in her father’s footsteps, serving as an Alexandria police officer until 1999. On March 28, she joined more than 350 people for the dedication of the Alexandria Fallen Officers Memorial honoring the sacrifice of her father and 17 others who died in the line of duty.
Obituary: ‘The Original Ballyshaner,’ Judge O'Flaherty
Judge Daniel O’Flaherty dies at 89.
To anyone appearing in his courtroom, his name invoked fear. But those who knew Judge Daniel O’Flaherty, knew him as a kind and quiet man, a proud Irishman devoted to his family and the City of Alexandria.
Maestro’s Musings: ‘Dare to Think Heroically’ Opening Night
The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra will perform a pair of concerts titled "Dare to Think Heroically" on Saturday, April 11 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 12 at 3 p.m. at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 4915 E Campus Dr. This is the fourth concert program in a season-long celebration of the theme "Dare To..."
Preview: MetroStage Presents ‘The Island’
Play depicts human dignity and justice during the 1970s Apartheid.
As part of the 30th anniversary season, MetroStage in Alexandria is staging "The Island" now through April 26. The highly charged two-person play is set on Robben Island, South Africa, and depicts the plight of two political prisoners, John and Winston, as they perform labor by day and rehearse Sophocles’ "Antigone" by night.
Letter: Choose ‘No Build’ For Potomac Yard
Letter to the Editor
Recently, there have been a number of briefings regarding the proposed Metro Station in Potomac Yard. At every one of these briefings, City staff described the four alternatives that were under consideration (now reduced to two). Alternative A, which will cost about $209 million, is adjacent to Potomac Greens, and Alternative B, which is calculated to be $268 million, is very close to the Potomac Yards mall, but is also on a scenic easement owned by the National Park service. Neither location will be outfitted with a Kiss-and-Ride lot, so potential riders must walk to these locations. This may be difficult for some, especially for the handicapped.
Letter: Make Veterans Day School Holiday
Letter to the Editor
I was disappointed to read that the Fairfax County School Board voted against an amendment making Veterans Day a school holiday.
Letter: Viable Options May Cost City
Letter to the Editor
When someone says he or she favors a Metro on Potomac Yard, the next question needs to be, “Which one?”
Column: Join in Fight against Child Abuse
Commentary
A report of child abuse is made every 10 seconds in our country, one of the worst records among industrialized nations that results in the death of between four and seven children each day. These tragic fatalities are just the tip of the “iceberg” of consequences our community faces due to child victimization.
‘Your Life Is Today and Tomorrow’
Residents of local senior living communities share their experiences.
“I didn’t want to come here,” said Bill Woessner, referring to Brightview Assisted Living Community in Great Falls. “That’s right,” agreed Sheila, his wife of more than 50 years, with plenty of her native Scottish brogue to be heard in her voice. “He really didn’t. We have a lovely house here in Great Falls and I don’t think he was ready to budge. But how long after we got here did that change?” she turned to her husband and asked. “At least a day,” he laughingly replied. “Seriously,” said Bill Woessner, “it probably wasn’t more than the first 48 hours.”
Creative Aging Festival Coming in May
Includes 114 performances, poetry readings, art exhibits, lectures, classes and more.
A Creative Aging Festival will take place throughout the month of May at 100-plus local venues in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria. The month-long festival includes 114 performances, poetry readings, art exhibits, lectures, classes and more.
County Adult Centers Offer Seniors Activities, Social Interaction
In 2014, the attendance at Fairfax County senior centers was 277,342.
At the Kingstowne Center for Active Adults, volunteer Frank Bauer sees zumba and yoga classes “flowing into the main room sometimes,” he says, revealing how popular those classes are at the center, which caters to seniors 55 and older. This Kingstowne center, one of 14 senior centers throughout Fairfax County, offers classes and activities to keep seniors active.
Column: Manifest Destiny
I wouldn’t say I have symptoms (why would I say that? If I said that, I’d have to admit that cancer is having an effect on me.
Fit for the Golden Years
Fitness programs for seniors are part of a trend.
One night each week, Sue Thompson can be found dribbling a basketball down the court, leading her team, the Nova United, to victory. Thompson, who is in her 60s, is one of the youngest players in her league, the National Senior Women’s Basketball Association.
72-year-old Filmmaker Debuts Alzheimer’s Documentary
When Barbara Klutinis’ husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s she had no idea how she was going to get through the ordeal ahead of her. After joining a support group and hearing the stories of others going through the same thing, Klutinis realized she was not alone. Inspired by the experience, she decided to make a documentary about the lives of couples coping with the disease. The film, “The Sum Total of Our Memory: Facing Alzheimer’s Together,” will screen at the NOVA International Film Festival Friday, April 17, 1 p.m., at the Angelika Film Center in Fairfax.
Helping Hands
Senior Services of Alexandria
Five years ago, Mary Lee Anderson was asked if she could help Senior Services of Alexandria set up an information database. Since that time, what was supposed to be a part-time commitment has turned into a second career for the international telecommunications corporate executive.