Should Jefferson-Houston Become a Charter School?
Alexandria's failing school is in crossfire of political debate.
Politicians love to talk about failing schools. As an abstract concept, they are an easy target. But when an actual school is identified as a failing school, the reality become a bit more complicated.
Outdoor Elegance Meets Cutting Edge Technology
A design/build team explores fine architecture in weather-resistant materials.
If anything in the summer of 2013 points to still evolving homeowner expectations, it may be the frequency with which locals are integrating screen porches, patios, fire pits, and outdoor kitchens into original landscaping schemes that artfully marry the house to its setting.
Geocaching Diversifies
Urbanites embracing new game.
Geocaching usually has been portrayed as someone with hiking boots and a walking staff gazing afar from a hilltop in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Not so anymore. Substantial numbers of those joining the sport are placing and hunting for caches in urban settings, and that includes Northern Virginia.
Will the Next Attorney General Defend Constitutional Ban on Gay Marriage?
Republican says he will defend amendment; Democrat is not so sure.
Virginia's next attorney general will have to stand in a courtroom and make a decision about whether or not the commonwealth's constitutional ban on marriage should be defended. Republican candidate Sen. Mark Obenshain (R-26) has been clear about his support for the amendment and his intention to provide a vigorous defense of marriage. Democratic candidate Sen. Mark Herring (D-33), on the other hand, has yet to take a position on whether or not he will defend the amendment.
City Attorney Gave Green Light to Hensley Before All Documents Were Reviewed
Federal grant from 1970s provided barrier to private development of public land.
Recently unearthed documents from city and state archives show Joseph Hensley Park is protected by the Land and Water Conservation Act, which financed development of the city-owned property in the late 1970s.
Wickedly Witty
Additional shows added for LTA’s ‘Avenue Q.’
They sing, they dance and — OMG — they even have sex. They’re the potty-mouthed puppets (and their human counterparts) of “Avenue Q,” the Tony Award-winning musical now playing at The Little Theatre of Alexandria.
Bulletin Board
The Fountains at Washington House’s Medicare-certified skilled nursing center, known as The Springs, has earned the highest five-star quality rating and four-star overall rating from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, according to Connie Haworth, executive director of the Alexandria retirement community. The Fountains at Washington House, 5100 Fillmore Avenue, is one of 32 communities operated by Watermark Retirement Communities. For more information, visit www.watermarkcommunities.com or call 703-845-5000.
Bulletin Board
Monday-Thursday/Aug. 5-8 Registration Open. The Alexandria Sheriff’s Office is now accepting applications for its 2013 Youth Academy, a four-day program in August for ages 11 to 17. Participants will learn about the Sheriff’s Office by meeting deputies, observing tactical and K-9 demonstrations, touring the Detention Center and Courthouse, and other related activities. The Youth Academy runs 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Sheriff’s Office, 2003 Mill Road. Registration is free and lunch will be provided. In some cases, transportation may be available. Space is limited and registration is on a first come, first served basis. Call Deputy Valarie Wright at 703-746-5017 or visit www.alexandriava.gov/sheriff.
Oh, What a Night
National Night Out celebrates 30 years.
Thousands of residents turned out across the city Aug. 6 as Alexandria celebrated the 30th anniversary of National Night Out, a program designed to promote neighborhood spirit and law enforcement-community partnerships in the fight against crime.
The Median Has No Message
Political signs banished from roadsides as campaign season heats up.
Some people call them flowers of democracy. Others call them weeds of political pollution. Whatever one thinks of the campaign signs and placards that appear along the roads of Fairfax County, expect to see a lot fewer of them. Last month, county officials launched a new program in which nonviolent inmates at the county jail hit the streets four days a week to remove illegal signs. With apologies to Marshall McLuhan, the message is no longer in the median. Anger and resentment has been rising over the issue of roadside political signs for years, and campaigns frequently go to war with each other to see which side can plant or steal or deface the largest number of placards. Unlike Prince William County, which had an agreement with the Virginia Department of Transportation that allows the local government to collect the signs and fine violators, Fairfax was caught in a bind. Part of the Virginia code made it illegal for the county to remove the signs in Fairfax County until after an election.
Living Legends
Richard Merritt focuses on health issues.
Born in 1943 in Greenville in Texas, Richard E. Merritt grew up in the Bellaire section of Houston and attended Austin College in Sherman, also in Texas, where he earned a B.A. in psychology. He joined the Peace Corps as a volunteer in India. He was assigned to community development as an extension officer helping to improve crop yields.
Military Notes
Navy Seaman Recruit Christopher G. Glenn recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois.
911 Call from Patterson Played in Court as Part of Preliminary Hearing
Off-duty Arlington sheriff's deputy says he shot knife-wielding young man.
Craig Patterson sat stonefaced in a green jumpsuit as his voice boomed from speakers in the courtroom.
Candidates Agree on Amendment for Voting Rights, Disagree on Executive Order
Restoration of civil rights on the agenda for next governor.
Should nonviolent felons have their right to vote automatically restored? What exactly is a nonviolent felony? What kind of process can be considered automatic?
Church Outfits 1,000 Children
11th annual Brother’s Keeper event reaches out to underserved students.
In an effort to give back to the community, the historic Alfred Street Baptist Church distributed new backpacks, school supplies and clothing to hundreds of Alexandria schoolchildren on Saturday, July 27. The church’s 11th annual Brother’s Keeper outreach project welcomed an estimated 500 underserved children and their families who registered in advance for the event. Items also will be delivered to some area schools and shelters for another 500 children.