Refugees from Slavery: Contrabands in Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia
The National Park Service and the Office of Historic Alexandria will co-sponsor a program called Refugees from Slavery: Contrabands in Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012, at the Alexandria Black History Museum from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The program will consist of two parts. Initially, Professor Chandra Manning of Georgetown University will explain the history of the Contrabands, men and women who escaped slavery during the Civil War. Afterward, there will be further discussion about who the Contrabands were and how they can be remembered by a panel consisting of researchers, descendants, rangers, and local historians from across the region.
Calendar
Saturday/Nov.10 Preschool Fall Festival. noon-2 p.m. The Plymouth Haven Baptist Church Preschool Fall Festival will feature a chili and macaroni & cheese cook-off, hot dogs, chips, apple cider, coffee, cold drinks, and dessert for only $6 ($3 for children under 12). There will be raffles and drawings featuring goods and services from local businesses. There will also be an inflatable obstacle course, a hay ride, a bean bag toss, apple bobbing contest, old-fashioned sack race, face painting/tattoos, popcorn, and much more. All proceeds go to Plymouth Haven Preschools Scholarship and Enrichment Programs.
Upheaval at Target
In celebration of Fotoweek DC, the Target Gallery hosts a juried photography exhibition that explores the theme Upheaval, whether in our own lives or throughout the world. Visit on Thursday, Nov. 8, 6-8 p.m. for a reception to meet some of the artists and listen to a gallery talk by juror Brie Castell at 7 p.m. The exhibition will showcase 16 works by nine artists from across the country, including two local artists, Sascha Hughes-Caley (Great Falls) and Angela Kleis (Arlington). Other selected artists are Therese Brown (CA), Lisa
Obituary
Ernest (Ernie) J. Colton
Ernest (Ernie) J. Colton, 96, of Springfield, died on Oct. 25, 2012 at Greensprings Retirement Community’s Renaissance Gardens. He was the husband of Ruth Litten Colton who preceded him in death along with his parents, brother and other aunts and uncles. Survivors include his son David Martin Colton, daughter-in-law Cheryl Anne and granddaughter Alexis FuBao from Alexandria, and daughter Esther Joanna Colton from Berlin, Germany.
Soul Providers 10/31/2012
Meals On Wheels volunteers recognized.
Like most women, Ede Thomas was hesitant to reply when asked her age. “I'm 93,” Thomas whispered. “But don't print that. I still tell everyone I'm 35.” Retired since 1987, Thomas has been a volunteer for the Meals On Wheels program for 25 years. Along with other volunteers, she was honored for her service Oct. 18 at the Senior Services of Alexandria volunteer appreciation luncheon at The Fountains at Washington House. “I thought I needed to do something worthwhile when I retired,” Thomas said. “So I started delivering meals with Westminster Presbyterian Church. I am the coordinator there now but always enjoyed delivering the meals, seeing the people and really getting to know and talk to them.
Weaver Honored
Longtime Campagna Center volunteer Bridget Weaver was honored Oct. 4 with the Elizabeth Anne Campagna Award at a Circle of 1000 reception at the home of Douglas and Grace Marie Turner. “I am completely overwhelmed,” said Weaver, who began her service to the Campagna Center 20 years ago as a member of the Junior Friends. “I am very humbled to receive this award and especially honored that it is named for a woman who continues to be a beacon to all of us.”
Soul Providers
Meals On Wheels volunteers recognized.
Retired since 1987, Thomas has been a volunteer for the Meals On Wheels program for 25 years. Along with other volunteers, she was honored for her service Oct. 18 at the Senior Services of Alexandria volunteer appreciation luncheon at The Fountains at Washington House.
In Campagna’s Name
Weaver honored for 20 years of service.
Longtime Campagna Center volunteer Bridget Weaver was honored Oct. 4 with the Elizabeth Anne Campagna Award at a Circle of 1000 reception at the home of Douglas and Grace Marie Turner.
Week in Alexandria
October Surprise Virginia election officials are asking the attorney general's office to investigate the son of U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) discussing a plan to cast fraudulent ballots and the person who made the recording of the incident.
Sandy Leaves Clean-up Behind
The hybrid hurricane and nor’easter known as Sandy smashed into Alexandria Monday night, packing wind gusts of up to 60 miles an hour.
The Power of Pink
Walk to fight breast cancer raises $90,000.
Still recovering from a double mastectomy in 1995, Lawson founded the city's annual Walk to Fight Breast Cancer, which celebrated its 17th anniversary Oct. 20 and raised more than $90,000 to fund mammograms and other diagnostic screenings for Alexandria women who are not adequately insured to obtain medical care.
Hog Wild
Manley presents ASC Athlete of the Month awards.
Former Washington Redskins defensive end Dexter Manley was on hand Oct. 16 to present the Alexandria Sportsman's Club Athlete of the Month Awards at the Old Dominion Boat Club.
Voters to Determine Fate of Amendment to Limit Use of Eminent Domain
Measure will allow property owners to seek damages for loss of profits and access.
Nowhere is the debate about eminent domain more intense than the foot of King Street in Alexandria, where city officials threatened to take land owned by the Old Dominion Boat Club using the power of eminent domain for flood mitigation.
Council Notebook
Alexandria has become a whistle stop town — in more ways than one. Trains have been a regular feature of life in the city since before the Civil War.
School Board Candidates Offer Perspectives on Failing Scores for Students with Disabilities
Incumbents defend record; challengers call for more action.
The last three years have seen test scores plummet for students with disabilities, a group that constitutes an expensive and vexing challenge for Alexandria City Public Schools.