Alexandria Local

No Butts About It: Ramparts Shifts to “No Smoking” Policy

The gang of regulars at Ramparts had a friendly wager going: How long would it take Butch Shunk to return after his vow to never again set foot in the popular Alexandria watering hole after its sudden shift to a no smoking policy on Easter Sunday? Some said three months but in the end it only took three days for the loyal customer to be back in his customary place at the end of the bar.

Community Lodgings Celebrates 25 Years, Raises $40,000

More than 170 people turned out April 15 for the 7th annual “Spring Forward to Union Street,” a fundraiser to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Community Lodgings that also recognized program participant Harriet Owusu for her exceptional strides in attaining self-sufficiency.

Winifred Reilly Tracy Dies

Winifred Reilly Tracy died on April 11, at her home in Alexandria, of complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

Column: Seminary Valley

The West End is about to receive a great upgrade with the installation of a new playing field at Francis C. Hammond Middle School.

Letter: Expertise Needed

Prior to the April 10 meeting of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors (BOS), the meeting agenda listed an agenda item beginning on page 303 concerning a BOS vote to approve or turn down a new charter for the County's Tree Commission.

Letter: True Community Business

I am writing to thank the Harvey family for everything they've done in the 20 years or so that we've lived in the Fort Hunt area, fully aware that they had done the same things for years before we arrived.

Letter: Neighbor Mourned

My neighbor and friend, Gen. William H. Montcrief, Jr, passed this week at 90 years old.

Letter: Just the Facts

ACPS facts ... no politics, nothing personal, no rhetoric:

Letter: A Perfect Symphony

The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) marathon meeting on April 12 was a textbook perfect picture of collaborative decision-making at its best — equitable and obliging.

Letter: Too Late

I cannot understand why Mayor Euille thinks that VDOT should give Hunting Towers to the City of Alexandria.

Letter: Sound of Change

If the explosive eruption of Krakotoa in 1883 was a “sound heard ‘round the world,” the cheering you heard on Friday morning at 1 a.m., after the Board of Zoning Appeals reversed a City decision that prevented citizens from protesting a major waterfront zoning decision last January was heard all over Alexandria.

Alexandria Gazette Packet