Alexandria Gazette Packet

Alexandria Gazette Packet

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Letter to the Editor: Support School Construction

Right now, Alexandria is facing the same issue as many other school districts: increasing enrollment. This year, ACPS enrollment jumped 5.8 percent, but this is not an anomaly; it’s a trend.

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Stearman: Helping Young and Old in Alexandria

He epitomizes spirit of volunteerism.

Lewis A. Stearman has supported Alexandria’s youth for almost 75 years. His passion for serving young people developed when, as a compassionate 16-year-old, he sent Valentine’s Day cards to patients at Children’s Hospital in Washington, D.C.

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Witnesses Recount Feb. 18 Shooting

Chief Cook offers condolences to Sellers family.

Alexandria Police Chief Earl Cook offered his condolences to the family of Taft Sellers in a Feb. 25 press conference that detailed the investigative process in place regarding the city's first police-related shooting since 2009.

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Higher Taxes, Cuts in Services

Young proposes $626.6 million budget.

An increase in property taxes along with cuts in services to Alexandria residents are part of the $626.6 million General Fund Operating Budget proposed Feb. 26 by City Manager Rashad Young for fiscal year 2014.

Column: Major Step Forward

The short 45-day 2013 General Assembly session was a roller coaster, but I am glad to have the privilege of representing our community and our values in Richmond.

Police Officer Seriously Injured

An Alexandria police officer is in critical condition after being shot during a traffic stop on Wednesday. Feb. 27.

Column: A Tough Transportation Vote

The 46-day legislative session drew to a close on Saturday, Feb. 23. As you know, transportation dominated the debate this session.

State May Takeover Struggling Alexandria School After Decade of Failure

Increasing pressure for progress at Jefferson-Houston School.

A decade of efforts to improve Jefferson-Houston School have failed, and now state leaders are increasing pressure on Alexandria City Public School leaders to turnaround the turnaround.

Picking A Pet

If we're honest, we can all admit we have a “type” as far as what we find attractive — in people and in dogs. Some of us go for big and brawny, others melt over dainty and petite.

Animal Welfare League Hires New Executive Director

Megan Webb to lead Vola Lawson Animal Shelter.

Megan Webb, an animal shelter professional with more than 15 years of management experience and extensive knowledge of both shelter and field operations, has been named the new executive director and chief executive officer of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. “Megan's knowledge and management expertise within the sheltering community will enhance the AWLA's growth and strengthen our relationships within the Alexandria community,” said AWLA board chairman Charlotte Hall in making the announcement.

The Coolest Cats

King Street Cats celebrates 10 years

The Alexandria-based no kill animal shelter King Street Cats has a lot to purr about in 2013. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the all-volunteer organization that services kitty lovers throughout the region.

Second Chances

AWLA's special funds help those most in need.

Many city residents are familiar with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria and the life-saving work that takes place at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter. Our generous donors and supporters are a testament to the compassion and generosity prevalent throughout Alexandria. Many animal lovers ask us how they can make the greatest impact and where our greatest area of need lies.

‘The Drawer Boy’

Canadian classic debuts at Port City Playhouse.

It was 40 years ago when a Toronto theater company crafted the basis of a play by sending a group of actors to live and work on the farms of Ontario. The experiment became a landmark in Canadian theater and was the inspiration for Michael Healey’s “The Drawer Boy,” now playing at Port City Playhouse.

Fun Dog Fitness

Hi! We are Teddy, Hobie, and Tessa (in that order) and live in Alexandria. Two years ago we all met down at ‘doggie beach’ by Ford’s Landing and immediately hit it off. Our mom’s were hanging out chatting, and we were having a ball chasing each other, roughhousing, and getting great exercise.

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Choosing a Summer Camp

Region offers programs to tempt children with interests ranging from sports to drama to science.

While most of Washington is braving the winter weather, April Toman has been planning for summer. At the top of her list: choosing a camp for her two children, Claire, who is in fifth grade, and Will, who is a second grader. “I start thinking about it in January,” said Toman, who lives in Alexandria. “I talk to my kids about what they are interested in taking. There are so many options and the popular camps fill up quickly.”

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