The Role of The American Legion
It was 95 years ago, on March 15, 1919, when members of the American Expeditionary Forces convened in Paris, France for the first American Legion caucus. The American Legion was born. The Legion evolved from a group of war-weary veterans of World War I into one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the United States. Today, our membership stands at over 2.5 million in 14,000 posts worldwide. In The American Legion, a veteran was a veteran regardless of whether they were enlisted or commissioned, black or white, male or female. In fact, women Legionnaires were able to vote for Legion national commander before they could legally vote for the president of the United States The American Legion focuses on service to all veterans, service members and communities. It is about principles, not politics.
License to Chill
March came in like a lion, with Mother Nature dumping several inches of snow on the region March 3 as city governments and local schools closed in the wake of yet another storm that brought life across Alexandria to a crawl. “I am not a fan of this weather but thought I would try and get some enjoyment out of this last storm,” said @Home Real Estate and Design Center Realtor Christine Sennott. “My boyfriend and I packed on our winter gear and went for a walk about town. The streets were desolate with random residents shoveling walk ways and an occasional barking dog the only sound to be heard.” With snow totals ranging from 2.5 to 8 inches, the latest round of winter weather brought icy conditions and subfreezing temperatures to Alexandria just days after sunshine bathed the city's annual St. Patrick's Day parade.
SSA Speaker Series Highlights Things To Do
Spring is almost here! It’s time to think about getting out and exploring what our wonderful city has to offer in the way of recreation and cultural activities. There is something for everyone, especially for seniors. If you are curious about what’s out there, come to Senior Services of Alexandria’s next speaker series event to hear from Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities and Alexandria Library about special programs for seniors. This free program will be held at Chinquapin Recreation Center at 3210 King St. on March 12 from 9:30 a.m. – noon. Light refreshments will be served and free parking is available.
Commentary: Have You Scheduled Your Colonoscopy?
Colonoscopies save lives. Just ask Audrey Marcoe. The 83-year old Alexandria resident underwent a colonoscopy in December at Inova Alexandria Hospital due to a severe bout of anemia that left her exhausted and significantly underweight. Her doctors suspected she might be bleeding into her colon. The exam revealed a large cancerous tumor on her ascending colon that was likely causing her anemia. She would need surgery to remove it. “I was surprised at this, truthfully,” she said. “I just never thought I’d get it.” Cancers of the colon and rectum — part of the body’s digestive system — are unfortunately rather common, especially among Americans age 50 and older. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), colorectal cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer among men and women combined. It will cause an estimated 50,000 deaths this year alone. Fortunately, those numbers have been declining for the last two decades thanks to proper screening, increased disease awareness (remember TV anchorwoman Katie Couric’s colonoscopy on the “Today” show?) and advances in treatments and surgical techniques.
Making Mentoring Matter
It’s hard to believe that Erika Stratmann and Jenny have only known each other for a little over a year. Whenever they get together, they talk non-stop about everything and anything under the sun, from career opportunities to when Jenny’s going to be able to get her driver’s license. Jenny’s really excited to learn how to drive, even though she still has a few years to wait.
By George!
The questions were fast and furious as nearly 100 local Boy and Girl Scouts slated to march in Alexandria's Washington's Birthday Parade met with President George Washington (Alexandria re-creator Don De Haven) during a Feb. 16 reception at the Old Dominion Boat Club.
Chamber Hosts Business of Baseball Forum
The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce and the Washington Nationals hosted a sold-out breakfast Feb. 12, offering a behind the scenes look at the nuances of running a Major League Baseball team. Keynote speaker Marla Lerner Tanenbaum, one of the principal owners of the Nationals, highlighted the relationship the team has with the Dream Foundation and supporting the community immediately surrounding the stadium.
Reading the Judge's Mail
Over time a lot of notes have been taken in courthouses, jails, political meetings and other venues where intellect sometimes is off the bubble.
Creating a Harmonious Family Life
Local experts offer tips for keeping your family happy.
As Elizabeth Rees drove her daughter and two of her daughter’s friends to a library reading group recently, the Alexandria mother of three admits that she felt like a chauffeur at first. But she had a change of heart after hearing sounds of laughter.
Virginia Laws Help Local Governments Conceal 911 Calls from Public
Police agencies refuse to release audio from 911 calls, prompting questions about transparency.
When city officials in Alexandria released the audio of a 911 call in a high-profile murder case, many people interpreted the move as a step forward for transparency in a commonwealth known for opaque government.
Letter to the Editor: A Call to Action: Jefferson-Houston School’s Future
Within the next few weeks the Alexandria City Public School (ACPS) Board plans to decide on a way forward for Jefferson-Houston (JH) School. The School Board discussed three options at its Feb. 20 meeting for the school’s future. You may be saying, I don’t have a child in school, why should I care? Because the city (and you as a tax payer) has invested $44 million for a new JH school building to open this fall which will double the school’s capacity. Meanwhile, everyone is working hard to reverse more than a decade of low achievement.
Brief: Back to Two Middle Schools
Following a six-month study by its Middle Schools for Tomorrow Workgroup, the Alexandria School Board unanimously approved restructuring the city’s five middle schools on two campuses back into two middle schools. As part of a plan to improve student achievement, George Washington Middle School would be formed from the current GW 1 and 2 middle schools and Francis C. Hammond Middle School would be formed from the current Hammond 1, 2 and 3 middle schools.
‘To Honor Our Beginnings’
Since the Center for Alexandria’s Children opened in 2007, a number of dedicated individuals has kept its child abuse education and prevention programs running, growing and thriving. Three of these individuals will be honored at its Fifth Annual Gala Benefit on Friday, Feb. 28, at Virtue Feed & Grain in Old Town. The organization hopes to raise more than $120,000 at the gala, which is its biggest fundraising event of the year. Center staff, volunteers and affiliates will take some time at the event to honor some key players in the Center’s history.
Brief: Memorial Fund To Honor Lawson
For the last 20 years, The Walk to Fight Breast Cancer has helped support mammograms and other diagnostic screening for Alexandria women who are uninsured or not adequately insured. To honor the Walk’s founder, Vola Lawson, who died in December 2013, the Walk will be renamed. A fund has been created in her memory, the Vola Lawson Breast Cancer Memorial Fund. Since its inception in 1994, the Walk has helped more than 8,000 uninsured Alexandria women receive free mammograms and other diagnostic screenings.
Synetic Theater Offers Street Theater Camp
Synetic Theater and dog & pony dc are teaming up to offer a week-long intensive course in street theater for high school and college students at Synetic's new studio space in Crystal City. It runs March 10-15 and costs $350. Classes will culminate on Saturday, March 15 with public performances that take students from Crystal City to Freedom Plaza in the District. “This year, we are very excited to be working with dog & pony theater,” said Camp Director Elena Velasco. “They use social media and are very focused on audience reaction and audience relationships.” She added, “With dog & pony, it will be how we can invite the audience into the action ... How do we incorporate that into social media — Twitter, texting — how can we expand that performance circle.” Under the guidance of senior Synetic teachers and artists from dog & pony dc, students will study the disciplines of collaborative creation. Street theater offers a means of honing one's skills as an actor, and performers use their craft to empower their community and transform public spaces into arenas of artistic exchange.
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