The Old Town Parade
Many came to enjoy the Old Town parade. The animal welfare league marched in the parade with adopted pets. Boys Scouts and their leaders proudly marched in the parade. Families, residents, and visitors from Virginia and surrounding areas all gathered for the event.
Treasuring Alexandrians’ Health at the YMCA
Offering an array of activities for every age group, YMCA Alexandria continued in 2013 to serve as a center for wellness in our community and plans another rich program of services for 2014. Activities available to members — from infants to nonagenarians — include personal and group cardiovascular training and weightlifting; aquatics and a youth swim team (the Sea Dragons); aerobics, pilates, zumba, yoga, ballet, and cycling; as well as day care, after-school care, and teen leadership opportunities.
Putting the Spotlight on City’s African American History
Char McCargo Bah has a passion for Alexandria’s African American history and genealogy. Through her research, speaking, and writing on this topic, she has made a lasting contribution to the city. Bah has researched and reported on the background of Alexandria’s African American Community for more than 30 years. She had a pivotal role in the publication of “African Americans of Alexandria Virginia – Beacons of Light in the Twentieth Century” (History Press, 2013), which she co-authored with four other volunteers.
Letter to the Editor: Poetry
Spring is near; Style, fashion, form, Quality and its purpose — A new day; As yesterday was — Knowledge of tomorrow
Obituary: F. William “Bill” Bauers
F. William Bauers Jr. was just 18 years old when he joined the Texas National Guard with plans of getting an appointment to West Point. But he was called to active duty less than a year later, qualified for Officer's Training School and went on to get his pilot's wings before ending up in Europe in January of 1944 flying B-26 Marauders. “It was exhilarating to be a pilot back then, to be in Europe and to be part of a force fighting against what we perceived as the enemy,” Bauers would recall of his service during World War II. “The war created a sense of urgency because we never knew when we said goodbye if it would be our last time.”
Senior Housing Options: Something for Everyone
Senior Services of Alexandria (SSA) and At Home in Alexandria (AHA) cosponsored a speaker series event about Senior Housing: New & Innovative Solutions at Charles Beatley Library last Wednesday.The overflow crowd heard from a panelist of experts on the different types of senior housing options ranging from the “Village” concept, to modifying your existing home, to moving into a senior complex that provides needed amenities. Deciding to make a change in your housing situation can be very stressful, and this session offered straight talk about viable options.
Pioneering through Life’s Obstacles
One of America’s greatest assets is an enduring belief that we can all be more and achieve more. It’s this pioneering spirit and optimism that I find even among those who have little. I was reminded of this recently by a special client of Rebuilding Together Alexandria named Darrin*. He is a life-long Alexandrian with a big frame, big smile, and a big heart to match. Over the years, he worked hard as a landscaper to provide for his six children that range in age from late teens to toddler. The work took its toll on his body especially his knees. Now after several surgeries, he has limited mobility and has been forced to go on disability.
Counting the Days
In real life, murders and other crimes are not unraveled within a 60-minute television show. This is no truer than in Alexandria where the unbelievable is still incomprehensible, astounding and unresolved. Those involved with criminal investigations have difficult tasks; be assured there are no quitting times when shifts are completed.
World Record Set at MidAtlantic Erg Sprints
A new world indoor rowing record was set in Alexandria at the 29th MidAtlantic Erg Sprints, which was held in the Gerry Bertier Gymnasium at T.C. Williams High School on Saturday, Feb. 1. The record was set by Tom Darling of the Cambridge Boat Club in Massachusetts. Competing in the 2000-meter race for veteran men age 55-59, Darling blasted the hinges off the previous world record by covering the distance in a time of 6:12.6, which was over six seconds faster than the previous record of 6:18.6 set by Dick Cashin in 2009.
Making a Difference in Haiti
Haiti is a naturally beautiful paradise nestled amongst the irony of extreme squalor and abject poverty. Much of its natural beauty has been destroyed by self-imposed deforestation that only intensified after the earthquake of 2010.
Assessing Alexandria: City Officials Mail Annual Valentines to Homeowners
Residential properties increase 5 percent; commercial properties increase 2 percent.
Homeowners across Alexandria will be receiving their annual Valentine from City Hall this week, an assessment of their property that will be used to issue a tax bill later this year.
Happyland on Edge: Quiet Suburban Neighborhood Rocked by Unsolved Murders
Residents worried that a serial killer may be on the loose.
The late Ellen Pickering used to call North Ridge "Happyland," a quiet suburban stretch of the city where neighbors knew each other and the most shocking crime that happens is when someone's car is broken into.
Livingood To Keynote Friendship Firehouse Breakfast
Wilson “Bill” Livingood, Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Representatives for 17 years until his retirement in 2011, will deliver the keynote address at the Friendship Veterans Firehouse Association annual breakfast to kick off the citywide series of events celebrating George Washington's birthday on Feb. 17.
Generations of Families To Be Honored at Gala
Senior Services of Alexandria’s Generation to Generation Gala — highlighting families in Alexandria whose dedication and passion for giving back to the community are passed down from generation to generation — will take place on Saturday, March 29 at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center.
From Two Perspectives
The Alexandria Mentoring Partnership (AMP) was created in 2006 to ensure that quality mentors and mentor programs are available for Alexandria's youth and young adults in need.