Commentary: Continuing the Conversation
For the second year in a row, Alexandria is holding an unusual exhibit of art. Its purpose is both a celebration of creativity and the artist's own special vision, and an opening gambit to begin the conversation on what mental health is, what it means to have a mental illness and how those with intellectual and developmental disabilities see and deal with the world around them.
City Fire Department Celebrates EMS Week
May 20 to 26 is Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Week in Alexandria, emphasizing Learning Instructions For Emergencies or L.I.F.E.
Alexandria to Exceed Debt Limits
Officials say city is in no danger of losing credit rating.
Alexandria is on the verge of exceeding its own debt limit, and the city’s budget-advisory committee is warning that any additional borrowing could jeopardize the city’s credit rating.
Changes Coming to Penn-Daw
ow that comprehensive plan has been amended, development application is imminent.
Now that the county’s comprehensive plan has been changed to allow for higher density at the Penn-Daw Shopping Plaza, Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay says he expects Combined Properties to file an application for redevelopment any day.
'Xanadu' Is Zany Spoof of the 1980s
Signature's production should not be missed.
Don't bother telling “Xanadu” that's it's based on one of the worst movies of all time. It's already in on the joke, reinventing itself as an outlandishly zany spoof of the 1980 movie about a muse descended on skates from Mount Olympus to inspire the creation of a roller disco in Venice, Calif.
Braun Saves TC Boys’ Soccer in Regional Opener
Titans defeat Stuart in penalty-kick shootout.
T.C. Williams goalkeeper Nick Braun has two clutch saves in a Northern Region tournament victory against Stuart.
TC Rowers Gear up for National Championship
Coming off a solid performance at the Stotesbury Cup Regatta in Philadelphia this past weekend, the T.C. Williams crew team heads north once again this coming weekend to compete in the Scholastic Rowing Association of America’s National Championship Regatta in Camden, N.J.
On the Campaign Trail
The Beauregard small-area plan is shaping up to be one of the hottest election issues in this campaign cycles.
Council Notebook
The Alexandria Board of Zoning Appeals is facing a legal challenge to its recent decision on the waterfront, and city officials are denying them an opportunity to have legal counsel.
Candidates for Mayor Clash Over Environmental Impact of Watetrfront Plan
Report on health of Potomac River highlights differences between candidates.
A river runs through the candidate for mayor.
Governor Signs Voter ID Bills
McDonnell directs state to send every voter a new voter card before Election Day.
Gov. Robert McDonnell (R) signed watered-down versions of Virginia’s Republican-backed voter identification bills on Friday, adding the Commonwealth to the growing list of states adopting stricter voting standards.
City Attorney Says Board of Zoning Appeals Does Not Need Legal Representation
Rare lawsuit pits city officials against their own board.
What happens to members of city boards and commissions who get sued by the city government? It’s an awkward question, one that Alexandria now faces in the Alexandria Circuit Court.
Column: Living Longer, Sort of Prospering
Though my column has appeared in the newspaper as usual the last few weeks, I haven’t felt much like writing. Typically, I’m weeks ahead with my column inventory, having regularly found the time and inclination to put pen to paper and provide the prose you regular readers have come to expect.
LTA Cast Bids Adieu to “Witness for the Prosecution”
More than a few tears were shed as The Little Theatre of Alexandria continued its long tradition of hosting a closing night wrap party following the final performance of “Witness for the Prosecution.”
TC Boys’ Lightweight 8 Wins State Championship
The Brother’s Cup, a silver chalice that stands about two feet tall and is awarded annually to the fastest lightweight crew in the Commonwealth of Virginia, has a new home — T.C. Williams High School.
Future Teacher Honored
Jessica Raugitinane, a graduate of T.C. Williams High School, Alexandria, has been honored by the Alma Exley Scholarship Program, which promotes greater diversity in the teaching profession.
Bolling: Republican Party Is for Women
Jean Ann Bolling, wife of Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, was the keynote speaker at the Commonwealth Republican Women’s Club (CRWC) annual membership meeting May 3 at the Lloyd House on North Washington Street in Old Town, Alexandria. The reception recognizes those who work successfully for the Republican Party both locally and state-wide.
Calendar for May 16
E-mail announcements to the Gazette, gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Photos and artwork are encouraged. Deadline is Thursday at noon for the following week's paper. Call Steve Hibbard at 703-778-9412 with questions.
AHA!’s First Anniversary
Best-selling author Judith Viorst spoke to an audience of more than 200 on last month at the first anniversary celebration of At Home in Alexandria (AHA!). Viorst's remarks, which included readings from several of her published and award-winning poems and books, interpreted life's lessons in childhood, love, marriage, friendship and old age. The event was held at the Beth El Hebrew Congregation on Seminary Road in Alexandria. Above are AHA! Board Chair Carol Downs, Viorst (center) and AHA! Board Member Barbara Rosenfeld.
Students Perform at The Kennedy Center
An honor for George Washington Middle School.
Students with the George Washington Middle School Orchestra wowed audiences at the Kennedy Center April 30.