Alexandria: WWII Veteran Dies at 95
Bill McNamara survived Normandy invasion.
At 15 years old, Bill McNamara was determined to join the U.S. Cavalry. But when he walked into the local armory one Friday night, he was told he was too young. Not to be dissuaded, he walked around the block, stepped back inside and this time gave his age as 18 to the recruiter. The year was 1936 and McNamara had joined what would become America’s Greatest Generation, one of thousands who left for battlefields half a world away never knowing if they would ever see home again.
Alexandria: Police Investigate Murder of Pierre Clark
A father reforming his life was killed less than one month after jail release.
The idea was to live big and double the stakes.
Alexandria: A Peace Plan
Confederate Memorials and Street Names Advisory Group completes recommendations.
The Civil War is over. The bitter, year-long argument over what to do about the Confederacy’s legacy in Alexandria seems to have ended with a report from the Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Confederate Memorials and Street Names.
Alexandria Snapshot: Playing Catch
Blue plays Frisbee with Abby Desjardins at the dog park by the Windmill Hill Park area.
Potomac Yard Metro Project Moves Forward
Lingering doubts around parking surround Potomac Yard approval.
After years of planning, Potomac Yard Metro is starting to come together. But for many local residents, the arrival of the new Metro station comes with some remaining hurdles.
Alexandria: Boat Club Hosts Luncheon for Children with Special Needs
The Old Dominion Boat Club held its annual spring cruise and luncheon for children with special needs in the city’s public schools.
City Takes Control of Alexandria’s Torpedo Factory
Temporary measure met with cautious optimism by artists.
On the surface of Alexandria’s arts community, but in the depths of city bureaucracy, major changes are underway at the Torpedo Factory, the arts facility right at the heart of Alexandria’s waterfront.
Alexandria Veterans Honor Fallen Comrades and Retiring Commander
Lost but not forgotten.
There’s some laughter and chatting around the American Legion headquarters under Gatsby’s Tavern, but a heavy mood still weighs over the room.
Alexandria: Kiosk Enhances Four-Mile Run
Eagle Scout-organized effort completes project.
It was 92 degrees and Thomas Pollack stood on the spot where the new Four Mile Run Wetlands Trail and Bike Trail meet in Four Mile Run Park.
Alexandria: Board Decides Last Minute Reversal for Patrick Henry
School Board rejects advisory group’s recommendation and approves controversial design.
A few weeks ago, it seemed almost certain that the controversy over Patrick Henry Elementary School had been settled.
Inside the Alexandria Police Department: Graduation
An occasional series, drawn from the Alexandria Citizen’s Police Academy.
After 10 weeks of education in the role of the Alexandria Citizens’ Police Academy, 16 students graduated from the program.
Alexandria: Ethics Pledge Passes
Limited Code of Conduct and ethics reform.
For now, the Ethics Pledge battle is over. City Council received the Code of Conduct revisions and the proposed Ethics Pledge at its May 18 meeting, to be reviewed and to determine the next steps. But while Mayor Allison Silberberg had struggled for months to get reform pushed through opposition on the council, there was one last surprise: passing it.
Alexandria: GospelFest Seeks To End Hunger with Song
Alexandria-gospelFEST brings people together.
Alexandria inaugurated a two-day gospel fest on May 20-21 at the Dr. Oswald Durant Memorial Center on Cameron Street. Alexandria-gospelFEST showcased Alexandria’s heritage of gospel music.
Alexandria Snapshot: Volunteer Effort
More than 800 Rebuilding Together Alexandria volunteers spread out across the city on April 30 to provide free repairs and upgrades to more than 40 low-income homeowners during National Rebuilding Day, a national day of service with 10,000 volunteers nationwide focused on revitalizing communities.
Alexandria Snapshot: New Deputies
Seven new deputies with the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office were sworn in on Thursday, May 19 at the Alexandria Courthouse.