Alexandria Lawyer Saves Innocent Man from Death Row
“It took a team of people hundreds of hours to save one life. If we hadn’t taken this case, he’d be dead.”
Alfred Dewayne Brown loves the Alexandria Waterfront. He enjoys visiting the shops and restaurants in Old Town and meeting the family of his Alexandrian lawyer, Brian Stolarz. Brown is closer with Stolarz than most clients are with their attorneys. The two are good friends and even have matching tattoos: scales of justice. Brown has the number “154” written above his, because Brown is the 154th inmate on death row to be exonerated. If it weren’t for Stolarz, Brown would be dead.
Alexandria People At Work: New Boutique Opens in City
Elizabeth Todd picks up the phone. "Hey, we just got in this great Veronica Beard classic jacket with a zip-in dickey — just your style. Do you want me to hold it for you?" Todd says she has a loyal client base and she calls to let them know what has just arrived. "I get to know who needs comfortable shoes to walk in on the Hill." Todd has just opened the Hive, described as a luxury lifestyle and clothing boutique, at 301 Cameron St.
Alexandria: Historic Christ Church Welcomes New Rector
From Atlanta to Alexandria.
Alexandria welcomed the Rev. Noelle York-Simmons, the 28th rector of the 243-year-old Christ Church, in September. She’s the first female rector, and among the youngest at 40 or under, in the church’s history of attending to the spiritual needs of U.S. presidents to the very poor and everyone in between.
Alexandria Living Legends: Their Leadership Preserved Gadsby’s Tavern
Foley and McNamara ensured Post 24’s historic gift to the city.
In the early 20th century, Gadsby’s Tavern and the adjoining City Hotel were in such a dilapidated condition that the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City made an offer to purchase some of the woodwork, including the ballroom, to preserve its history because the destruction of these buildings seemed imminent. The buildings were prominent in the 18th century as a meeting place for patriots of the revolution, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Each of the first five presidents of the United States was entertained there.
Alexandria: Raise the Roof
$50,000 raised for low-income residents.
More than 160 people turned out Sept. 22 for Rebuilding Together Alexandria’s Raise the Roof fundraiser at Port City Brewery, raising more than $50,000 to help low-income residents in the city.
Alexandria: Fire Department Celebrates 150 Years
Gala to raise funds for antique equipment restoration.
In 1774, the Friendship Fire Company was established as the first volunteer fire company in Alexandria. George Washington was a member of the company and purchased the city its first fire engine in 1775. But it wasn’t until 1866 when Joseph Young, at a rate of $70 per month, became the city’s first paid firefighter thus marking the birth of the Alexandria Fire Department.
Alexandria: Free Health Fair for Uninsured Returns Nov. 5
Number of partners joining the Health Fair effort soars.
This year, with many more sponsors, Arlene Hewitt, Richard Merritt, Dan Hawkins, Bill Euille, Mary Anne Weber, Dr. John Klousia, Canek Aguirre, Eduardo Mantilla-Torres, and Jamie Conrad have cobbled together another free health fair for the uninsured. Some of them are part of the Alliance for Alexandria’s Uninsured, a lead partner and staffer of the Planning Committee for the fair. They see a difference between last year’s fair and this year’s: last year, there were five or six sponsors: this year there are 54 ... and counting.
Alexandria Appetite: BurgerFi Sets Up Shop in Old Town
With its opening last week, local co-owners celebrate a homecoming.
Peer down the 100 block of North Pitt Street and it’s easy to spot a new neighbor. The erstwhile Pat Troy’s Ireland’s Own, shuttered for several years, now has new life in the form of the city’s first BurgerFi. Open since Sept. 26, the locally owned franchise has begun to generate quite a bit of foot traffic — and prelaunch interest, too, with would-be customers peeking in the front door in anticipation. But you haven’t missed a grand opening event, franchise co-owner David Landry says.
Alexandria: Huchler Named Acting Chief
Head of Investigations appointed temporary chief of police.
Deputy Chief David Huchler was named acting chief of police for the City of Alexandria, effective Oct. 2. Huchler succeeds Chief Earl Cook, who is retiring.
Alexandria: John Warner Chooses Clinton
With Democratic Vice Presidential Candidate Tim Kaine joining him at Charles Houston Recreation Center on Wednesday, Sept. 28, Republican former U.S. Sen. John Warner, former chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and former Secretary of the U.S. Navy, endorsed Democratic Candidate Hillary Clinton, citing his experience working with her in the Senate Armed Services Committee.
What to Know about Affordable Housing in Alexandria
Problems and opportunities.
A second grade teacher in Alexandria public schools makes roughly $22 per hour. A first-rank police officer in the city earns $23 per hour.
Alexandria: Go West
The Campagna Center leadership considers move out of Old Town.
The Campagna Center leadership is investigating the possibility of selling its property at 418 S. Washington St. and relocating to a new location in the West End to better suit its mission. The Alexandria-based non-profit focuses on providing educational and social development programs for the city’s underserved populations.
Alexandria: All Eyes on Braddock
Two major housing redevelopments coming to Braddock neighborhood.
Two of the city’s biggest upcoming affordable housing redevelopment projects are located two blocks apart.
Alexandria: Homes Tour Diamond Jubilee
Benefit raises funds for Inova Alexandria hospital.
More than 225 people turned out Sept. 23 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Historic Alexandria Homes Tour at the Diamond Jubilee Party held at Jack Taylor’s Toyota.
Alexandria: Seaport Day 2016
Waterfront event showcases maritime history.
Handmade wooden boats, and an “anything that floats” race on the Potomac River and a 12-foot white skiff that served as a blank canvas for children were all part of the festivities as the Alexandria Seaport Foundation hosted its annual Seaport Day Sept. 17 at Waterfront Park.