Board of Supervisors Approves 50+ Community Action Plan
Vote is “the beginning, not the end” for Herrity.
Supervisor Pat Herrity’s so-called “Silver Tsunami” population in Fairfax County isn’t getting any younger. The data haven’t changed: the amount of people over 50 should increase by 40 percent between 2005 and 2030, and those 70 and older should shoot up 80 percent in the same period.
Patching City’s Potholes
A matter of teamwork.
Earplugs in, yellow vests zipped up and protective eyewear in place. A large white knob on the back of the protective helmet adjusts it to an individual’s head size. The 65 -pound jackhammer blasts into the 6 x6 foot square of asphalt at the High and Orchard intersection in Alexandria.
Supervisors Break Ground on New Public Safety Headquarters
The Fairfax County Police and Fire Departments are getting a new home. On Tuesday, Sept. 16, Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova and Supervisor John Cook broke ground on what will be a $142 million, eight-story headquarters.
Council Notebook
Should Prince Street and Cameron Street have bike lanes? That's a question that city officials will be asking city residents starting Sept. 30. That's the date of the first community meeting on a proposal that would add bike lanes to the two major Old Town corridors, one eastbound and the other westbound.
Parents Support Fired Coach
Background check yields three-year suspension from USA Swimming team meets.
Young swim team members and their parents staged a sit-in protest at the YMCA on Wednesday, Sept. 17, when they arrived for the first training session of the season to find their head coach had failed a police background check and been fired.
Post-Chemo Weak
For the past year, every three weeks I have been infused with a chemotherapy drug called Alimta, “the last miracle drug,” to quote my oncologist, and a drug with which I hadn’t previously been infused.
Editorial: Deadly Medicaid Debacle
Literally killing poor people who could have health care, while refusing to give Virginia’s economy a boost.
The poor people of Virginia are so seriously harmed by the actions of the Virginia General Assembly in refusing to expand Medicaid at little additional cost to the Commonwealth that those harmed should have some legal recourse.
Behind the Counter with a Smile
Serving breakfast and lunch at Firehook Bakery.
"We know a lot of customers every day. We have a big smile ready and already know what they want. So we get their order going before they even get to the counter. Good morning Hosea," Suyapa Flores says as Hosea walks over to the order counter beside the window filled with small pecan pies, morning glory muffins and elephant ears. She explains Hosea always comes in around 11 a.m. and orders an apple scone or a whole-wheat bagel and an espresso.
Sound Argument
Proposed recycling facility faces public backlash.
Tucked away behind the Alexandria Police Department, an empty lot along Wheeler Avenue has become the focal point in a skirmish between local residents and the developers of a proposed recycling facility.
Alexandria’s Oldest Boxing Club on the Ropes
City seeks to recoup its recreation costs.
The fate of Alexandria’s oldest free boxing club hangs in the balance this week after the city hammered out a conciliatory deal to begin withdrawing its financial support. For the first time in its 30-year history the boxing club will no longer be completely free. Members over 18 and all non-Alexandria city residents will now have to pay. The club will also have to pay rent to the city.
Search for Hannah Graham Continues
West Potomac Alumna, UVA second year student, last seen on Sept. 13
Hannah Graham, University of Virginia sophomore and alumna of West Potomac High School, has been missing since the early morning hours of Saturday, Sept. 13.
Classified Advertising September 17, 2014
Read the latest ads here!
Alexandria Home Sales: August, 2014
In August 2014, 213 Alexandria homes sold between $3,195,000-$120,000.
Alexandria Home Sales: August, 2014
Police Warn of Motorcycle Thefts on the West End
The Alexandria Police Department has noticed a rise in thefts of motorcycles in Alexandria, specifically at the west end of the City of Alexandria.
Beautification Summer Youth Employment
The summer for ARHA (Alexandria Redevelopment & Housing Authority) was more eventful than usual because of the increase of the number of youth workers assigned to the agency by the City of Alexandria Joblink program.
More Mothers Choosing to Breastfeed at Inova
I love it when a plan comes together. Last year in this space, I told you about Inova Alexandria Hospital’s initiative to promote the best possible beginning for newborns and their mothers by encouraging exclusive breastfeeding.
Deer Archery Program Enters Sixth Season
Continued overabundance brings bow-hunters back to parks.
Even at 72, the animated Disney classic “Bambi” can still soften the hardest hearts when it comes to appreciating the innocence and natural beauty of deer. But the reality in Fairfax County is that an unnaturally high density of Bambis and mothers of Bambi is an ongoing threat to biodiversity and road safety.
‘Bring Hannah Home’
There will be a prayer vigil for Hannah Elizabeth Graham, Thursday, Sept. 18, 7 p.m. at Aldersgate UMC, 1301 Collingwood Road. All in the community are invited to participate.

