Alexandria Local

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Slow Down on ADUs

The Alexandria Federation of Civic Associations (AFCA) is compelled to address policy being drafted by the Department of Planning and Zoning for City Council's consideration that will make accessory dwelling units (ADUs) a by-right use for single-family parcels.

To the Rescue in Alexandria

Firefighters and Friends hold West End toy drive, distribute toys to children in need

Firefighters and Friends to the Rescue continued its annual toy drive with a scaled-down distribution day Dec. 19 at My Father’s House Christian Church International.

Delivering Smiles in Alexandria

Red Hill Garden Club delivers 200 arrangements to Meals On Wheels

Members of the Red Hill Garden Club delivered 200 handcrafted floral arrangements to Senior Services of Alexandria Dec. 17 to be included with meals for the city’s Meals On Wheels recipients during the holidays.

Highest Single Family Sale in Old Town Alexandria

Mary Ellen Rotondo of McEnearney Associates represented the seller and Janet Caterson Price of McEnearney Associates represented the buyer of 217 South Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.

The Other Alexandria: ‘40 Plus Years of Giving Scholarships’ – Parker-Gray Alumni

Parker-Gray High School celebrates their 100th Anniversary this year.

The Other Alexandria: Running for the Bull Dogs – Marian Stanfield

The early education of African Americans in Alexandria centered on reading, writing, arithmetic and recreation.

Landmark Deal in Alexandria

Hospital to relocate to site of old shopping mall in West End

In a landmark move that could have repercussions for generations to come, city leaders are striking a deal with Inova to relocate the Alexandria hospital to the site of the old mall on the West End.

Appetite: Last-Minute Stocking Stuffers to Support Alexandria Restaurants

Let’s face it: Sometimes, you find yourself at Christmas Eve Eve and still have yet to procure a gift or two for some loved ones on your list.

Two Dogs, One Family Add Up to Joy for Everyone

“I think that’s our takeaway from 2020 — to take better care of the vulnerable among us.”

It’s never too late in life to find love. Even for senior dogs.

Needy Puppy Leads to a New Life

Stella Hanly begins tenure at Animal Welfare League of Alexandria just before the pandemic changes everything

Fifteen years ago, Stella Hanly worked as a software consultant for a global corporation.

Opinion: Column: Trip, and Hopefully Not a Fall

Having recently returned from a driving sojourn through the South, with stops and stays in North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida, visiting four sets of friends in those three states, I can say with certainty that wearing masks, social distancing and common sense consideration for your fellow citizen were not nearly so accepted as we had hoped.

Surviving Christmas Day in Solitude

Ideas for coping with being alone on the holiday

While Christmas Day will be different and difficult for many this year, it will be especially difficult for seniors who live alone and will be in solitude because of COVID-19 risks.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Cutting Pollution for Our Health

Ella Kissi-Debrah had severe asthma, frequently visiting the ER with cardiac and respiratory arrest.

Opinion: Editorial: Merry Christmas

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

The pages of the Connection (including the Alexandria Gazette Packet, the Mount Vernon Gazette, the Potomac Almanac and the Centre View) are usually full of holiday spirit, beginning before Thanksgiving.

Appealing Bad Rulings

Lawmakers to consider expanding appeals court, providing new oversight to judges.

Virginia is the only state in the country that does not guarantee a right to appeal, allowing circuit court judges to make decisions with little oversight or scrutiny. Critics have been calling for reform ever since the Court of Appeals was first created in 1985. The Supreme Court of Virginia recommended an appeal of right as a "long term goal" in 2018. Now, Gov. Ralph Northam says he wants lawmakers to add four judges and support staff "to ensure the court can hear more appeals cases in a timely manner under an increasing workload."

Alexandria Gazette Packet