New Food for Spring
When Dara Yaffe Lyubinsky was growing up in Potomac she always enjoyed cooking, whether it was with her family and friends, or for her synagogue. Today, she’s passionate about cooking fresh, seasonal meals. Lyubinsky, like many chefs and culinary enthusiasts, is looking forward to strolling through farmers markets and creating fanciful spring dishes with the season’s freshest bounty, especially as she prepares to return to D.C. from New York. However, she and other chefs are making the most of the available spring produce even if warm weather seems a like a distant dream.
Underscoring Importance of Early Education
U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Rep. Jim Moran, and U.S. Sen. Mark Warner visited The Child and Family Network Centers’ West End facility on March 7 to discuss President Obama’s 2015 budget proposal to invest in high quality early education for all children. Duncan, Sebelius, Moran and Warner received a tour of CFNC’s site and met with the children in their classrooms.
Let the Music Play
In support of students enrolled in music classes throughout the city, First Night Alexandria announced contributions to the music programs at three Alexandria City Public schools. During a recent pyramid concert performed by the bands, orchestras and choirs of Francis Hammond and George Washington Middle Schools and T.C. Williams High School, First Night Alexandria presented contributions totaling $3,000 to support the music programs at the three schools.
Virginia Bluebells: Native Spring Beauty
Carpets of bluebells coming soon to a park near you.
The Virginia Bluebells are coming. In early Spring, these native wildflowers will burst into bloom profusely throughout much of the Washington area. Botanically named Mertensia virginica, one of a number of species of Mertensia, Virginia Bluebells can be found in many moist, woodland areas, especially along streams and rivers. Depending on the weather, they first appear in early April as light pink buds, and then open into several shades of pink, blue and even white. In some areas along the local rivers they bloom in stunning profusion, creating a veritable carpet of color.
‘Sea Surface Full of Clouds’
WMPA, NOVA Community Chorus to debut work of local composer.
At a recent rehearsal of the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic, composer Lawrence Edward Ries observed the orchestra as it performed his cantata “Sea Surface Full of Clouds.”
Neighborhood
ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATIONS The Irish Breakfast Band, a group of local musicians, held a lively session at St. Elmo's Coffee Pub on Mt. Vernon Avenue on the evening of Monday, March 17.
Letter to the Editor: True Cost of Medicaid Expansion
To the Editor: State Sen. Adam Ebbin’s constituent report highlighted the proposed state Medicaid expansion which has forced a special session because the legislature’s two houses, under the control of different parties, cannot reach agreement. In this liberal state senate district, most constituents likely support Senator Ebbin’s stance.
‘Carmen’ Comes to Area
Virginia Opera brings "Carmen" to Center for the Arts.
Virginia Opera, the Official Opera Company of the Commonwealth of Virginia, will present Georges Bizet’s sultry tragedy about opera’s most famous femme fatale, "Carmen." The opera has enthralled audiences for more than a century and is one of the most popular. "Carmen" follows Don José and his ill-fated obsession with the alluring Carmen who tosses him aside for another man leading to jealous rage.
African American Heritage Tour Stops in Alexandria
“Welcome to Alexandria,” called out the Alexandria Town Crier as 200-plus visitors stepped out of four tour buses at the Charles Houston Recreation Center last month.
Kicking Off the 19th Annual Kick Butts Day
Nearly 30 members of the Influence Club at T.C. Williams High School participated in a walking tobacco audit of local stores on March 19.
‘Goal Is To Spot Kids in Crisis’
Police, others take suicide prevention training.
Although there have been four recent incidents of teen suicides in Fairfax County, the Police Department has planned to offer Suicide Awareness and Intervention Training for its officers since October 2013.
Obit: Elsie Taylor Jordan Dies at 87
Family, friends mourn community activist and leader.
Elsie Taylor Jordan (Ms. Elsie) died peacefully at the age of 87 surrounded by her family at the Birmingham Green long-term care facility in Manassas on Feb. 7, 2014.
March for Meals: Bringing Attention To Senior Hunger
Mayor Bill Euille, City Council members Del Pepper and John Chapman and a team of Senior Services of Alexandria volunteers delivered meals to homebound seniors as part of the Meals on Wheels Association of America’s “March for Meals” Campaign.
Charles ‘Tony’ Gee Joins LLA Board
When Charles "Tony" Gee’s appointment to the Living Legends of Alexandria board of directors was announced, LLA President Pam St. Clair told the board, “When Tony was called to say he had been selected as a 2014 Living Legend he said ‘Thank you’ in his first breath and ‘How can I help?’ in the second.”
Spring Fun: The Ninja Gym
Looking for something a step up from the traditional gym? Urban Evolution in Alexandria offers parkour classes for ages 6 and up.
Creating a Bridge to Employment
ServiceSource assists people with a range of disabilities.
He attributes his turnaround to ServiceSource, a non-profit organization that provides a range of support and opportunities for people with a broad spectrum of disabilities, including a program for wounded veterans.
State of the Art
Organizations make 2014 a year to celebrate.
Now known as The Old Town Theatre, the historic venue on King Street leads a list of more than 16 arts organizations celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2014.
Celebrating Inclusion
Board of Supervisors Names March Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Inclusion Month.
The Board of Supervisors has designated March "Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Inclusion Month" in Fairfax County. Both those with disabilities and those without have their lives enriched when people with disabilities are fully included in the community. This special month seeks to help those with disabilities find ways to be involved in the community, and bring awareness to others of these engaged neighbors.
Alexandria Home Sales: February, 2014
In February 2014, 103 Alexandria homes sold between $3,025,000-$91,000.
Alexandria Home Sales: February, 2014
Commentary: Let’s Be Fair about Route 1
As we’re about to see the Route 1 widening project get underway, it’s worth a review of what brought the need to widen the road in the first place. Contrary to what some of us are given to understand, Fort Belvoir’s growth under the Base Realignment and Closure did not bring about the need to widen Route 1. It did, however, play a critical role in getting the project funded.