TC’s Bunduka Wins 126-Pound Title at NOVA Classic
Three Alexandria schools participated in the 2012 FinalAutoPrice.Com NOVA Classic Dec. 7 and 8 at Fairfax High School.
West Potomac Boys’ Basketball Rallies to Beat TC
Wolverines overcome 10-point fourth-quarter deficit against the Titans.
The West Potomac boys' basketball team defeated T.C. Williams, 54-51, on Dec. 11.
Neighborhoods: Taylor Run
Carrying on a tradition started by the late Marion Galland in the late ‘60s when she threw a party to thank all those who helped her win an election, Sherry Brown, Harlene Clayton, Vola Lawson, Lucy Thomson, Marian Van Landingham, Lois Walker and Krista Watters threw a party for several hundred active Alexandria women.
Neighborhoods: Old Town
Almost quietly, Old Town preservationists and collectors have become major players in the Washington Winter Show — perhaps the major antiques extravaganza in the Capital Region and a must go and see.
Students at Kennedy Center
Roxanne King and Kyra Smith, both 15, of Alexandria, were selected from more than 100 dancers to be part of the Kennedy Center’s tap performance, “JUBA! Masters of American Tap!” at the Eisenhower Theater on Dec. 7.
Women, Art and Shopping
Pottery, handcrafted clothing, scarves, hats, jewelry, purses were just a few of items on display and for sale at the annual Alexandria Commission for Women and the Friends of the Commission annual holiday gift market. Proceeds from the market benefit the Alexandria Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Programs. Toys were also collected for clients of the Alexandria Battered Women’s Shelter.
Crisis of Governance and Leadership
This is the third in a series of columns, coordinated by former council member Lonnie Rich, that includes other past city leaders writing on governance and politics. Alexandria’s reputation for good governance has been severely tarnished over the last few years in large part because there has been too little debate about issues of real concern to the community. There is absolutely no reason to believe that the situation will change for the better with the re-election of Mayor Euille and the election or re-election of six Democrats, the majority of whom seem to share Mr. Euille’s one-shoe-fits-all vision for Alexandria.
Multiple Benefits of Mentoring
This article was submitted by Leigh Hoyer and Luisa Reyes from Wright To Read, an educational program that promotes literacy through the tutoring and mentoring of elementary school students and through outreach to the Alexandria community. Mentee Roxana Lara spoke about the value of having a mentor: "Sometimes you can't find the right words to say, or maybe you just can't find the right way to say it. But I want to give thanks to someone who helped me so much in life. I am very grateful for Ms. Kathy's tutoring and mentoring. Now I am reading much better. I see things much differently than before, thanks to her."
Dallas, Not Washington
Dallas, Not Washington
“Born and bred” in Alexandria, 70-year-old Elaine* loves the Del Ray home she has lived in for more than 50 years. Bought for $15,000 with her husband, it holds many great memories. Growing up, Elaine and her family lived in rental properties throughout the city, first on Powhatan, then Wythe, and finally on Walnut.
Chamber Hosts Newsmaker Business Lunch
Former U.S, Rep. Tom Davis was the guest speaker at the Mount Vernon-Lee Chambers Newsmaker Business lunch pn Thursday, Dec. 6 at the Belle Haven Country Club. Davis spoke of the ongoing political debate on the looming fiscal cliff and repercussions it may have locally. New members to the chamber — Sandy McMaster of Fischer McMaster Homes with McEnearney Real Estate, Tara Ghavam of Patient First, Jube Shiver of the Shiver Management Group and Tricia Mikos with the Mount Vernon Gazette — were introduced.
Volunteer Opportunities for Seniors
Senior Services of Alexandria is teaming with Volunteer Alexandria to spread the word about volunteer opportunities for seniors in our community. Both SSA and Volunteer Alexandria are committed to inspiring and mobilizing people to volunteer and build a better community for all Alexandrians, including our seniors since they are a vibrant part of our city.
Holiday Revels with a Safety Net
A serious backup, but seriously, make a plan ahead of time.
There is a little life in the economy this year, and that is quite likely to allow some to be the life of the party. You know the drill, the five-to-seven or six-to-eight drop-in happy hour, you've been invited to five of them, and you could attend an infinite number of these between now and the second day of 2013.
ACVA’s 2012 Superstar Awards
Washington introduced as new tourism chief.
The Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association presented the 2012 Superstar Awards at its December Tourism Marketing Forum Dec. 7 at Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, using the occasion to formally introduce Patricia R. Washington as the new president and CEO of the city's tourism agency. “I am excited to be in Alexandria,” Washington said.
Ringing in the Holidays
Fran Vaughan directed the advanced handbell choir at Browne Academy in a holiday concert on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 9, at the Beatley Library in Alexandria. The students performed a variety of holiday classics to a standing room only gathering. Students included Mustafa Beidas, Erika Walton, Hailey Chauncey, Kye Smith, Reese Gayle, BJ Ramkissoon, Danica King, Charles Nygeres, Isabella King, Jayla Muse, Madison Manning, Carson McKenzie and Cate and Ryan McGlynn.
Tree Lighting In Del Ray
Thousands of luminaries lit the walkways up and down Mount Vernon Avenue on Friday evening, Dec. 7. Neighbors and visitors gathered in the Del Ray Farmers Market parking lot at Oxford Avenue to watch Santa light the holiday tree. Kate Moran led those gathered in holiday songs. The tree was donated by Mike Anderson and thanks went out the Cathy Puskar for her help with decorating logistics.
Curtain Up
Everything old is new again at Old Town Theater.
For nearly a century, The Old Town Theater served as a venue for entertainment ranging from vaudevillian stage shows to silent films, puppet shows and contemporary Hollywood blockbusters. But after the marquee dimmed and the doors were boarded up earlier this year, the Alexandria landmark is once again ready for its close up.
Bazaar Benefits Kenyan School
English students at T.C. Williams High School, inspired by a presentation from the former headmaster of the Losengeli School in Kenya, John Isindu, held a fundraiser in the school cafeteria on Thursday afternoon, Dec. 6. The students chose to showcase an international bazaar featuring food, music, costumes and dance from their native countries.
Christmas in Camp
Fort Ward Museum & Historic Sites held its annual Christmas in Camp on Saturday afternoon, Dec. 8. The camp depicts army life during the winter of 1863. Historian and writer Kevin Rawlings appeared as the patriotic Santa depicted in an engraving by artist Thomas Nast.
Beauregard’s Human Rights Issue?
Upcoming zoning decision on Beauregard pits tenants against council.
As residents of the West End gathered this week to celebrate Human Rights Day, a spirit of defiance was in the air. Even though members of the Alexandria City Council have already approved the controversial Beauregard small-area plan, residents here are hoping that elected officials will hold off on rezoning the land until safeguards can be put into place to ensure low-income residents aren’t displaced by redevelopment.
Council Notebook
Saying Goodbye
Saying Goodbye They fought like cats and dogs. They pounded their fists of the dais at City Hall. On several occasions, they raised their voices at each other.