Neighbohood
Seminary Valley
Several of our young neighbors have been “treading the boards” this summer. At the Little Theatre of Alexandria, Zachary Frank, Sam Jones and Ben Ribler are finishing up their run this Saturday, Aug. 18 as members of the “Sweeney Todd” cast. Zach and Ben had featured roles as Pirelli the Barber and as Toby, respectively, while Sam rounded out a top-notch ensemble. You might be able to snag a ticket: go to www.thelittletheatre.org for more information. The day after the show closes, Zach and Sam will head to college, at William and Mary and Christopher Newport University, respectively, and Ben will start his senior year at T.C. Williams High School. Another T.C. Williams student, Charlotte Torres, deserves a shout-out, having just finished performing in “Urinetown”, a production of the Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts in Washington D.C.
Military
Military Notes
Marine Corps Pfc. Michael P. Davis, son of Natasha L. Ayers of Centreville, and Eric K. Woods, of Alexandria, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C. Marine Corps Pvt. Catherine E. Miller, sister of Kevin F. Miller of Alexandria, Va., recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C.
Letters to the Editor
Not Listening Or Not Agreeing?
To the Editor: I read with great interest the thoughtful letter recently co-authored by Gant Redmon about the state of politics and governance in Alexandria. Although it has been over 17 years since I changed parties, I was a beneficiary of his efforts so when I write to offer an alternative perspective to Gant’s concerns about the dominance of the Democratic Party in Alexandria it in no way lessens my respect for him or my genuine friendship with him.
About City’s Financial Future
To the Editor: In his Aug. 2 critique of Macdonald’s letter, Mark Williams asserts the following: rating agencies don’t consider tax hikes when considering a city’s credit rating; that the mayor “has no unilateral role in establishing the city’s taxable base budget or levy rate;” Macdonald’s mischaracterized Alexandria’s fiscal prognosis as being somewhat “negative;” and finally says Macdonald “may not appreciate” how Alexandria’s capital improvements are actually financed.
Important Debates
To the Editor: Mayor Euille has now declined an invitation from a consortium of West End Civic Associations to attend a debate with his opponent, Andrew Macdonald, on any one of three dates suggested by the debate organizers. His campaign manager states in the letter of rejection that “Mayor Euille’s campaign plans to host events and meet with residents of the West End of the City over the next couple of months.” That clearly says that the Mayor has time to campaign only at venues attended by supporters. When the Mayor’s campaign is the host, obviously the attendees will be present at his invitation. Just the fact of being his guests will stifle meaningful discussion.
Ballyshaners’ Irish Festival
The Ballyshaners hosted their annual Irish Festival on Saturday, Aug. 11 at Waterfront Park. Music and dance filled the stage throughout the afternoon and evening as visitors wandered through the numerous vendor stalls offering Celtic treasures. Local politicians also purchased booths in support of candidates in the upcoming elections.
Calendar
Alexandria Harmonizers Concert. 7:30-8:30 p.m. The Alexandria Harmonizers, men's barbershop group, perform a variety of musical harmony. Sit around Market Square on bench seating, or bring a folding chair to enjoy the music. Market Square, 301 King St. Call 703-746-5592.
$30,000 to Community Lodgings
Walmart funds after-school programs for teens
No sooner had Community Lodgings Executive Director Bonnie Baxley been presented a check for $30,000 from Walmart store manager William Hunsucker, she asked for more. “Do you have any tents?” she queried as those gathered Aug. 8 at the Community Lodgings Fifer Family Learning Center laughed. “We just found out that we need one more tent for an upcoming event and everyone knows I'm not shy about letting people know what we need.”
Inmates’ Educational Efforts Praised
The Alexandria Sheriff’s Office hosted a graduation ceremony July 19 to honor the recent educational accomplishments of 14 inmates at the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center. Sheriff Dana Lawhorne congratulated the inmates not only for their special achievements but for challenging themselves and investing in their future.
Mayhem and Marathons
LTA performance raises $7,500 for local charities.
The madness and mayhem, not to mention the meat pies, were the theme of the night as Brooke Curran and ACT's Running Brooke Fund raised more than $7,500 for local charities including ACTion Alexandria, Community Lodgings, The Reading Connection, Child and Family Network Centers and Girls on the Run at a special benefit performance of “Sweeney Todd” Aug. 7 at The Little Theatre of Alexandria. “This is an incredible cause,” said Elizabeth Luchessi, a Running Brooke Fund supporter and sponsor of the LTA performance. “It's really great seeing the traction that Brooke is getting and all the impact she is having on the community.” In attendance were representatives from Curran's beneficiary organizations, including Community Lodgings executive director Bonnie Baxley. “We are so grateful to Brooke for all she has done to support us,” Baxley said.
Mayhem and Marathons
LTA performance raises $7,500 for local charities.
The madness and mayhem, not to mention the meat pies, were the theme of the night as Brooke Curran and ACT's Running Brooke Fund raised more than $7,500 for local charities including ACTion Alexandria, Community Lodgings, The Reading Connection, Child and Family Network Centers and Girls on the Run at a special benefit performance of “Sweeney Todd” Aug. 7 at The Little Theatre of Alexandria. “This is an incredible cause,” said Elizabeth Luchessi, a Running Brooke Fund supporter and sponsor of the LTA performance. “It's really great seeing the traction that Brooke is getting and all the impact she is having on the community.” In attendance were representatives from Curran's beneficiary organizations, including Community Lodgings executive director Bonnie Baxley. “We are so grateful to Brooke for all she has done to support us,” Baxley said.
Video Receives Public Relations Award
A video of Virginia’s legal leaders discussing the issue of attorneys and substance abuse received a Capital Merit Award during the 65th Virginia Public Relations Awards ceremony held in May at The Jefferson Hotel.
Journey of Hope
T.C. grad cycles 4,000 miles for disability awareness.
As the strains of Bruce Springsteen's “Born in the USA” blared out over crowd, more than 50 friends, family members and fellow T.C. Williams graduates gathered on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Aug. 5 to watch Alexandria's Louis Barnett cross the finish line in the 25th Annual Journey of Hope bike ride across America.
Tiny Dancers Receives Top Honors
Tiny Dancers, located on S. Washington Street in Old Town, has been voted “Best Ballet or Dance Studio”' in the July 2012 issue of Washington Family Magazine. This is the third year in a row that the company has received this award.
Poetry AX 8/15/2012
3 poems about The Athenaeum's current art show
Video
- NewsTalk Segment 25 comments