Alexandria & Mount Vernon Calendar: Nov. 29, 2012
E-mail announcements to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Photos and artwork are encouraged. Deadline is Thursday at noon.
Letter: Offering Some Healthy Corrections
I was pleased to see the Mount Vernon Gazette cover the recent American Association of University Women (AAUW) showing of the movie “Food, Inc.” with a panel discussion in which I took part (“Taste Trumps Nutrition,” Nov. 23), however, several corrections to the article are in order.
Scottish Walk Weekend Events
The 42nd Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend kicks off the holiday season Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.
Brief: Alexandria Black History Museum to Host Kwanzaa Celebration Program
The Alexandria Black History Museum and Culture Kingdom Kids will host a Kwanzaa Celebration program on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Museum. The cost of admission for this event is $5.
Obituary: Hansel "Hank" Mundy
Hansel "Hank" Mundy died on Nov. 25, 2012 in Alexandria.
Letter: Lessons from School Board Election
In Alexandria you have to know the players to understand the scorecard. The city's campaign finance records reveal that Alan Hilburg contributed $500 to Helen Morris's successful 2009 School Board run. A year later, Mr. Hilburg was given a $12,000 a month consulting contract to advise ACPS on communications issues. Given ACPS’s many public relations gaffes in the past few years, the newly elected School Board may want to take a closer look at the school system’s use of consultants.
Letter: An Early Scottish Christmas Walk?
Advent is from Dec. 2 through Dec. 24. Christmas begins on Dec. 25. So why is the Scottish Christmas Walk on Dec. 1?
Letter: Focus on Jefferson-Houston
The Gazette Packet’s story [“New Direction for Schools,” Nov. 22] relied on the overquoted, yet curiously ignored public relations expert Alan Hilburg's recent editorial lament. Hilburg's letter to the editor expressed sadness upon hearing of School Board Vice Chair Helen Morris' electoral passing. Morris like several past and present Jefferson-Houston PTA presidents are the architects of the school's academic decline.
Letter: No Basis For Complaint
In response to the recent letter to the editor: “Sermonizing At Poll Site,” I am compelled to take issue with Ms. Downs who complained about a normal function in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Community. As precinct captain at Temple Beth El and a parishioner at Blessed Sacrament, there is absolutely no basis for this outrageous complaint.
Mike Oliver: A Volunteer for All Seasons
Santa is in his blood, which he’s donated over 35 gallons.
One does not often get to sit down in a chair next to Santa Claus; the usual seat is in his lap. But Mike Oliver, who is Santa’s number one helper in Alexandria, took time during a respite after the busy Christmas rush to be interviewed about the numerous activities that led to his selection as an Alexandria Living Legend.
Black Friday Shoppers in Old Town
Black Friday Shoppers were busy in Old Town the day after Thanksgiving.
Ginzler Receives 1st National Spirit Award
Currently the senior director of the Center for Supportive Services at the Jewish Council for the Aging in Rockville, Md., Elinor Ginzler was presented with the At Home Alexandria’s 1st National Spirit Award last month.
TC Girls’ Basketball Still Gunning for West Springfield
Titans start season with just nine players on the roster.
The T.C. Williams girls' basketball team is in search of the program's first district title since 2009.
Soprano Voice Radiates along Waterfront
Impromptu singing gathers audiences.
The sound emanating from King Street in the area of Old Town Alexandria will cause people to stop in their tracks and turn their heads.
10th Annual Toast to Hope Raises $65,000
Event supports SCAN’s local child abuse prevention programs.
More than 270 people turned out Nov. 17 for the 10th annual Toast to Hope, a garden-party themed gala that raised more than $65,000 for SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now) of Northern Virginia, a local nonprofit that leads child abuse prevention efforts across the region.
Building for Success
Commonwealth Academy dedicates new Lower School.
Parents, prospective parents, educational professionals and neighbors joined Mayor Bill Euille, Police Chief Earl Cook and Fire Chief Adam Thiel Nov. 13 as Commonwealth Academy officially dedicated its new Lower School.
Desperately Seeking Santas
Black Fire Service Professionals to host annual toy drive.
The Black Fire Service Professionals of Alexandria are looking for donations from community partners in preparation for its 12th annual holiday toy party for underprivileged and at-risk children.
Bows, Baskets and Bikes
ACVA launches “Alexandria Cares” corporate service program.
Holiday spirits were high as the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association launched Alexandria Cares, a corporate community service program in partnership with the nonprofit Get Out and Give Back to offer corporate groups the opportunity to include service projects in their Alexandria-based business meetings.
Column: SSA Kicks Off Friendly Visitor Program
Column: On Oct. 24, Senior Services of Alexandria kicked off its Friendly Visitors Program with the support of Alexandria’s Mayor Bill Euille and members of the faith community from Old Presbyterian Meeting House and Downtown Baptist.
Column: Sometimes, Just Vote and Move on
Column: Process is very important — indeed critical. It is important to democratic self-government that the people know how and when they can participate.