Preserving Mental Health as People Age
Experts say diet, exercise and mental stimulation are key.
“Exercise [is] the ‘lifestyle’ factor with the strongest effect. A number of different research groups have found benefits of aerobic exercise on both brain structure and function and on cognitive performance.” — Pamela Greenwood, Ph.D., George Mason University
Expanding the First Aid Battlefield Toward Mental Health
Legislators to consider $2 million for Mental Health First Aid.
The idea of first aid dates back to Order of St. John, a medieval society of knights that offered training in how to treat common battlefield injuries.
Wrecking Ball Budget Includes Four New Schools in the Coming Decade
Three elementary schools to be demolished; one new school at a site to be determined.
Over the course of the next decade, Alexandria school superintendent Morton Sherman wants to spend $357 million in an ambitious plan of demolition and construction - replacing existing facilities with new buildings and adding a new school.
Week in Alexandria
Two properties at the heart of Alexandria’s controversial waterfront plan went on the market this week, opening a new chapter in the ongoing saga about redevelopment in Old Town.
Huntington Residents Remain Unprotected in the Face of Flooding
$30 million floodwall is at least two years away.
Fairfax County voters may have approved a $30 million floodwall for Huntington, but neighbors in this working-class neighborhood don’t seem particularly satisfied.
Public Information Comes at a Price in Arlington
Billing system includes $30 charge for six-line summary of secret investigation.
Want a booking photo in a high profile case? Prepare to pay $24.
February Is Heart Month
Diet and fitness experts offer suggestions for maintaining a healthy heart.
When Mary Elizabeth O’Conner enters a supermarket, she is careful stay within the outer perimeters of the store. “Most grocery stores are designed so that the healthiest and non-processed food, like fresh vegetables and meat are kept on the outer edges,” she said. She looks for heart-healthy foods like whole grains and fresh fruit.
Column: A Complicated Answer
And a further explanation and corollary to last week’s column: “A Simple Question,” which attempted to sort through my reactions to being asked an extremely innocent, appropriate, well-intended and always appreciated courtesy: “How are you?” and the problem that it sometimes causes me. That problem being: a question which had it not been asked would then not require an answer. An answer that I’ll always give, but not before I’ve given it some thought, which if I hadn’t thought about, wouldn’t have bothered me in the least
Inspiration For a Poem
Poem by Geri Baldwin
Lake Braddock’s Butler Too Much for TC
Senior totals 29 points, 22 rebounds in OT victory.
The Lake Braddock girls' basketball team on Tuesday beat T.C. Williams for the second time this season.
Column: Maestro’s Musings
It’s hard to believe that it's my 25th anniversary as Music Director of the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra. The centerpiece of my anniversary year will be the world premiere of an epic symphonic piece composed by yours truly and my wife, Kathryn Vassar Kluge.
Alexandria Entertainment Calendar
Entertainment Calendar for February.
The Final Countdown
Remembering the Space Shuttle Columbia.
He was just 16 minutes from home. As a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia, Arlington native David Brown was going through final landing preparations aboard STS-107 to conclude what for 16 days had been a routine mission. At 9 a.m. on Feb. 1, 2003, that changed.
Beating the Winter Blues
Locals offer suggestions for finding cheer during the cold-weather doldrums
When the snow falls and temperatures drop, but you can’t hit the slopes, there are still plenty of indoor options for fending off the doldrums.
Column: Martin’s Artistry Makes Its Mark on Alexandria
From businessman to activist to volunteering.
David M. Martin moved from Delaware to Alexandria in 1981, intrigued by the quality of life along the Potomac. In his bags were the beginnings of an artistic career in jewelry design. He also brought with him a strong interest in helping the people around him.
MidAtlantic Erg Sprints Fills TC
School on Saturday morning, Feb. 2, for the 2013 MidAtlantic Erg Sprints. More than 100 events throughout the day were scheduled and completed by junior, college, masters and adaptive rowers.
For Those Who Serve
World's largest USO facility opens at Fort Belvoir.
Less than two years ago, it was just an overgrown lot in the shadows of Fort Belvoir Community Hospital. But on Feb. 5, the world's largest USO facility welcomed the community with a grand opening celebration of the new USO Warrior and Family Center.
Obituaries
Dudley Barber
Dudley Barber, 86, of Mount Pleasant, S.C., husband of the late Lois Jane Barber died Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013 at his home.
Letter to the Editor: Raises for Teachers
In the Alexandria Gazette's Packet article titled "Raises for Teachers?" in the Jan. 17, 2013 newspaper, it states that "State Sen. George Barker (D-39) hopes that his Senate colleagues will agree to a 3 percent raise in teachers' salaries this year. Barker said increasing teacher salaries will help close achievement gaps in Virginia." Which one? Student achievement or teacher achievement?
Letter to the Editor: Bicyclists’ Fair Share
Imagine my surprise when an environmentalist policy wonk in D.C. emailed me to note my appearance, along with Justin Wilson, on radio WAMU. The subject was Alexandria’s considering bike registration and fees.