Senior Housing Options: Something for Everyone
Senior Services of Alexandria (SSA) and At Home in Alexandria (AHA) cosponsored a speaker series event about Senior Housing: New & Innovative Solutions at Charles Beatley Library last Wednesday.The overflow crowd heard from a panelist of experts on the different types of senior housing options ranging from the “Village” concept, to modifying your existing home, to moving into a senior complex that provides needed amenities. Deciding to make a change in your housing situation can be very stressful, and this session offered straight talk about viable options.
Incorporating Math and Science Into a Child’s Day
Simple suggestions for supporting math and science learning.
Maria Kennedy was driving her 5-year-old son to pre-school when he asked a question that stunned her. "Mommy, why is the sun following us?" Kennedy, who says she was stuck in rush-hour traffic and running late for work wasn’t sure how to respond.
Pioneering through Life’s Obstacles
One of America’s greatest assets is an enduring belief that we can all be more and achieve more. It’s this pioneering spirit and optimism that I find even among those who have little. I was reminded of this recently by a special client of Rebuilding Together Alexandria named Darrin*. He is a life-long Alexandrian with a big frame, big smile, and a big heart to match. Over the years, he worked hard as a landscaper to provide for his six children that range in age from late teens to toddler. The work took its toll on his body especially his knees. Now after several surgeries, he has limited mobility and has been forced to go on disability.
Counting the Days
In real life, murders and other crimes are not unraveled within a 60-minute television show. This is no truer than in Alexandria where the unbelievable is still incomprehensible, astounding and unresolved. Those involved with criminal investigations have difficult tasks; be assured there are no quitting times when shifts are completed.
World Record Set at MidAtlantic Erg Sprints
A new world indoor rowing record was set in Alexandria at the 29th MidAtlantic Erg Sprints, which was held in the Gerry Bertier Gymnasium at T.C. Williams High School on Saturday, Feb. 1. The record was set by Tom Darling of the Cambridge Boat Club in Massachusetts. Competing in the 2000-meter race for veteran men age 55-59, Darling blasted the hinges off the previous world record by covering the distance in a time of 6:12.6, which was over six seconds faster than the previous record of 6:18.6 set by Dick Cashin in 2009.
Obituary: Louis A. Ham
Louis A. Ham of Alexandria died on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014, at the age of 102. A longtime resident of Annandale, Lou was born Dec. 27, 1911 to Russell and Martha Ham in Charlottesville, Va. Lou married his childhood sweetheart, Myrtle French on Sept. 6, 1935. They were married for 55 years prior to her death.
Editorial: Fundamental Freedom To Choose To Marry
Virginia is historically slow in extending rights.
In 1967, Virginia was one of 16 states that banned interracial marriage and had criminal penalties for violators. Mildred Jeter, an African-American woman, and Richard Loving a white man, married in 1958, were convicted and banished from living in Virginia for 25 years to avoid serving a one-year prison sentence
Maestro Musings: Inspired: ‘Rhapsody for Lily’
A friend recently shared with me, "When a child is born you celebrate not only the birth of the child, but also the birth of father and mother." The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra's upcoming Valentine's Day themed concerts on Feb. 15 and 16 at the Rachel M Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center are extraordinary concerts for me, and extra-personal ones, as I conduct these programs as a new father, and will be premiering an original work composed by me and my wife Kathryn, inspired by the birth of our child.
Letter: Correcting Error on Mental Health Services
Fairfax County serving more people now.
A Feb. 11 editorial by Mary Kimm, referencing reporting by Michael Pope, makes an incorrect assertion that our services to people with mental illness in Fairfax County have been “dramatically cut back.”
Covert Matters: A Killer on the Loose
No one wants to consider that a serial killer is running loose in Alexandria, particularly in the genteel and vibrant area known as Del Ray.
History: George Washington -- Whiskey Distiller
One of the little realized facts about George Washington was that in many ways he was a renaissance man. From our history books we know him as the Father of our Country, for his military leadership in the war for independence and as our first President.
History: George Washington Started a World War
Few individuals in history can be said to have caused a world war; however, George Washington could lay claim to being one of them. In 1753 the French alliance with Indian tribes in the Ohio region had become a serious threat to the British colonies, especially Virginia.
History: Founding Father for St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Cemetery
After securing American independence, many of General Washington’s staff from the Continental Army moved to Alexandria to be near their old commander. One of Washington’s closest friends was his Aide de Camp, Col. John Fitzgerald, who served with him throughout the Revolutionary War.
History: George Washington -- Master of Guile and Deceit
The oft told legend is that George Washington could not tell a lie. The reality is that General Washington proved to be a master of guile and deceit. These qualities are among the principle reasons America won the War of Independence.
History: Washington’s Military Credentials
In 1755, amid the French and Indian War, Major General Edward Braddock came to Alexandria as commander in chief of the British forces in North America. His immediate objective was capturing the French stronghold at Ft. Duquesne (now Pittsburgh). He left Alexandria with about 2,000 British regulars, 700 colonial militiamen, and a long train of supplies.
Richmond Report: Ethics Reform Falls Short
An ethics reform package passed the Virginia Senate on Monday. Unfortunately, the bill lacks teeth and is only a small step toward restoring public confidence in state government.
Making a Difference in Haiti
Haiti is a naturally beautiful paradise nestled amongst the irony of extreme squalor and abject poverty. Much of its natural beauty has been destroyed by self-imposed deforestation that only intensified after the earthquake of 2010.
Assessing Alexandria: City Officials Mail Annual Valentines to Homeowners
Residential properties increase 5 percent; commercial properties increase 2 percent.
Homeowners across Alexandria will be receiving their annual Valentine from City Hall this week, an assessment of their property that will be used to issue a tax bill later this year.
Letter to the Editor: ACPS CIP
To the Editor: Alexandrians should be skeptical of the 2015-2024 Capital Improvement Program budget approved by the Alexandria School Board on Feb. 6. The board proposes to spend over $18 million of taxpayer money to fund the school system’s constantly changing capital priorities and the rationale is often questionable.
Letter to the Editor: The Music Plays On
Dedicated to Ruthann Lodato Do not stand and weep at her grave Tho’ tears fall down our cheeks in a hush As come the memories that we save Flowing through us in a rush