Spotlight on Child Safety
Upon becoming aware of "National Missing Children's Day," Margo Chisholm who heads Child Services in the Alexandria Public Library became its advocate in the City of Alexandria. Educational materials were shared throughout the City's schools, libraries and law enforcement offices.†The success of her efforts will be on display at the Beatley Central Library this coming Friday, May 25, throughout the afternoon.
Redskins Owner Backs Child Safety
Snyder’s commitment extends to locally-based center.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, a mixed private-government organization headquartered in Alexandria, has the enthusiastic support of Redskins owner Daniel Snyder.
Unleashed Creativity
Local artists test new material at Artomatic 2012
On Friday, May 18, an immense display of synchronized drumbeats and vibrant rhythms performed by Batala Washington hailed the grand opening of Artomatic 2012.
Letter: Where’s Data For New Trolley?
To the Editor: It’s time to take a closer look at the proposed free Del Ray trolley service to determine whether it’s politics or data-centric analysis that is driving this $700,000 project.
Letter: Stop Ignoring The Obvious
To the Editor: Last Friday night, the Alexandria Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) voted 6-1 to ask the city to provide them with independent legal counsel as they face the city's high priced legal team in court. The city government, led astray again by the City attorney, Mr. James Banks, is determined to fight both the citizens on the BZA and the citizens who correctly filed the petition which challenged city zoning actions on the waterfront. This is worth reviewing.
Letter: Bike Share Now Needs City Money
To the Editor: On May 14, I met with the other members of the Waterfront Commission. The city’s new bike share program headlined the docket. It seems that last October the City Council voted unanimously to authorize Alexandria to join the regional Capital Bike Share Network. Rich Baier’s pilot program was to be jump started using some $400,000 of federal grant funds so we wouldn’t ever have to pay anything. However, now we find out that on April 13, 2012 the Federal Highway Administration announced that federal funds could not be used for operating expenses associated with bike share programs. Therefore, the city intends to use $186,000 out of its Transportation Improvement budget to fund bike share’s operating expenses through Fiscal Year 2013. The actual cost of the bikes is $411,000 which is funded with two other grants. This latest information was not shared with the Waterfront Commission or anyone else for that matter until the Council Docket for May 22 was published. This total lack of transparency pales the imagination.
Letter: Best for Alexandria
To the Editor: I have been following with interest some of the letters and blogs about the various PACs that have been formed to endorse candidates for the June 12 Democratic primary for City Council (Disclosure: I am part of one of those PAC’s, Securing Alexandria’s Future). The genesis of these groups is the unprecedented nature of the election: (1) This is the first time in modern history that the general election will not be in May, but in November, which coincides with the presidential election and very high voter turnout; (2) It is the first time in my recollection that the contest to decide who become the Democratic nominees is being determined by a State-run primary, rather than a party-run caucus; (3) There has never been a contest for the Democratic nomination in which 14 qualified candidates have vied for six places on the ballot; and (4) The outcome of the Democratic primary will be highly determinative of who is likely to be serving on the next City Council (that is not a partisan comment, but it is one based on the political reality of the Alexandria electorate).
Letter: Add to City Greenery
To the Editor: There are many sites in Alexandria, especially in Old Town, which could benefit from the Congressional legislation urban Revitalization and Livable Communities Act. It couldn't come at a better time. There's a new sense of urgency to develop urban/suburban greenery, from pocket parks to miles-long green ways. This is a renewal of the 19th C. movement called "lungs of the City."
Letter: Moving in Right Direction
To the Editor: Imagine the perfect boyfriend (or whatever applies as your preference). Rich. Great family. Cultured. Shares your values. Educated. Treats you like a queen. The perfect boyfriend. Problem is, due to no fault of his own he’s not perfect for you right now. You’ve got problems that you need to resolve and as a result, you are not ready to receive him. This is my issue with the Beauregard Small Area Plan.
Letter: Greening of The Waterfront
To the Editor: Over the last week, the media and local activists have tried use an environmental group’s ranking of the Potomac as “America’s #1 Endangered River” as evidence against the City’s Waterfront Plan. To set the record straight: the Waterfront Plan comprehensively addresses the major threats to the health of the Potomac River. In fact, each of the Plan’s major initiatives will substantially reduce, not increase, negative impacts on the environment.
Letter: Learn How To Protect Children
To the Editor: Who could hurt a child? I don’t know, but many adults do hurt and exploit children for selfish reasons. Our children deserve our protection from predators and others who do not have their best interests at the forefront. Adults all share the common experience of childhood. Who among us has not felt vulnerable, alone, or betrayed as a child? Do you remember who hurt you as a child? Was it an adult or another child perhaps? How long did the pain linger in your heart and soul? I know that mine does to this day. Childhood hurts affect our adult behavior and may leave us under developed in body, mind and spirit. Childhood injury to body and mind can be minimized if adults use common sense and encourage children to take on the responsibility of personal safety. Children will grow into their own sense of personal safety with adults guiding and challenging them to think about situations, places, and people that are potentially harmful. Instead of not thinking about childhood personal safety, let’s empower them with courage and tools.
Letter: Working with Citizens
To the Editor: I appreciate the effort the Gazette has made to differentiate the four different slates that political action committees including Alexandrians for a Livable City support. You are doing the work that a local newspaper should do, educating the voters so that they may make informed decisions. I would appreciate your in-a-box list of how the candidates including incumbents stand on the disgraceful Beauregard Corridor Plan even more if you had put every incumbent in his correct box.
Letter: Mistaken Presumption?
To the Editor: As someone who has raised millions of charitable dollars, whose nonprofit management text The New York Times described as “one of the better,” I thank Rod Kuckro for his contribution to the Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club. He guessed wrong and payment is due.
Hershey’s Track & Field Meet
Hundreds of city children competed in the annual Hershey's Track and Field Program on Saturday, May 19 in the Parker Gray Stadium at T.C. Williams High School. The meet featured the 50, 100, 200, and 400-meter dash; 800 and 1600 meter run, 4 x 100 relay, softball throw and standing long jump. Winners can advance through District, Regional, State and National Competitions.
ALIVE! House Holds Sidewalk Sale
Volunteers arrived early at the ALIVE! House on South Payne Street on Saturday, May 19 to set up for the annual sidewalk sale.
At the Instrument Petting Zoo
The door of T.C. Williams High School opened Sunday, May 20 for the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra’s annual Children’s Arts Festival, Cosmic Quest. The Blackbox Theatre was transformed into an instrument petting zoo. The cafeteria offered art stations, reading centers, yoga and hand bell demonstrations. Two concerts were performed by members of ASO and featured selections from Holst’s Planets symphony. For more information about upcoming events visit www.alexsym.org or call 703-548-0885.
Gathering Highlights Waterfront
Annual Founders Park Community Association meeting attracts crowd.
Residents and concerned citizens gathered May 20 for the annual Founders Park Community association meeting to discuss issues affecting the park and the future of the Alexandria waterfront.
5k Race Raises Money for Field
Field to use rubberized turf safe for people with special needs.
The Kelley Cares Foundation hosted a 5k race May 19 to raise funds for a Miracle Field at the Nannie J. Lee Memorial Recreation Center.
Commentary: Making Progress: Transforming T.C. Williams High School
One thing that we all have agreed upon as a community, especially over the past few years, is that the success of T.C. Williams High School is a priority for our students and the City of Alexandria.
Commentary: A Day To Remember, Celebrate U.S. Heroes
When you walk down the ramp to enter Alexandria's American Legion Post 24 (at the base of the pole flying the American flag), a brass plaque to your left reads: “For God and Country. Erected to the memory of the Soldiers, Sailors and Marines from Alexandria, Virginia who gave their lives during the World War.” The names of the dead are listed.