Alexandria Gazette Packet

Alexandria Gazette Packet

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Boats Light the Potomac in Annual Parade

The 13th Annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights lit up the Potomac River Dec. 1 as 40 boats cruised from the Washington waterfront to Old Town to compete in 11 categories in the traditional seafaring holiday display of lights.

Letter: Give Mason His Due

To the Editor: The Bill of Rights, one of the most important bulwarks of our freedoms, was the product of the wisdom and determination of George Mason IV of Gunston Hall, a proud native Alexandrian.

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Santa Paws

Old Town School for Dogs continues AWLA tradition.

As owner of The Old Town School for Dogs, Carlos Mejias can answer just about any canine question asked of him, save for one.

Alexandria & Mount Vernon Calendar: Nov. 29, 2012

E-mail announcements to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Photos and artwork are encouraged. Deadline is Thursday at noon.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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