Journey of Hope
T.C. grad cycles 4,000 miles for disability awareness.
As the strains of Bruce Springsteen's “Born in the USA” blared out over crowd, more than 50 friends, family members and fellow T.C. Williams graduates gathered on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Aug. 5 to watch Alexandria's Louis Barnett cross the finish line in the 25th Annual Journey of Hope bike ride across America.
On the Campaign Trail
So far, three-term Mayor Bill Euille has yet to agree to a one-on-one debate with independent challenger and former Vice Mayor Andrew Macdonald.
Week in Alexandria
Seven Alexandria businesses got stung last weekend during a regularly scheduled crackdown on businesses that sell alcohol to minors.
Three-Way Race for the House of Delegates Special Election
Voters to choose between Democrat, Republican and Libertarian in lightning-fast campaign.
Voters in the special election for the House of Delegates have a variety of choices, offering candidates on the left and the right and somewhere in between.
Waterfront Politics Unfold in the Courtroom and on the Campaign Trail
Three separate lawsuits still moving forward as mayoral campaign heats up.
For those keeping score in the ongoing war over the Alexandria waterfront, opponents have scored one major victory and supporters have scored one major victory.
Royce Honored
Marie Royce was recognized as the 3rd Annual Legend of International Business and Marketing at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Legends of IBM annually identifies either an outstanding alumnus or professor emeritus who has made a significant contribution to the fields of international business and/or marketing over a sustained period of time.
$1,700 Aids Boys & Girls Clubs
Occasionally Cake of Alexandria donated $1,700 to the Dunbar Alexandria-Olympic Branch of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, collected during its grand opening ceremony. The shop had committed to give away 25 percent of their sales that day and also gave away more than 3,000 free cupcakes to patrons at their Mount Vernon and Alexandria stores. Call 703-780-CAKE or visit www.occasionallycake.com for more information.
Kennedy Named Branch Vice President
Kathleen Kennedy has been named branch vice president of the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Alexandria/Old Town office, located at 301 King Street.
Neighbohood
Seminary Valley
Several of our young neighbors have been “treading the boards” this summer. At the Little Theatre of Alexandria, Zachary Frank, Sam Jones and Ben Ribler are finishing up their run this Saturday, Aug. 18 as members of the “Sweeney Todd” cast. Zach and Ben had featured roles as Pirelli the Barber and as Toby, respectively, while Sam rounded out a top-notch ensemble. You might be able to snag a ticket: go to www.thelittletheatre.org for more information. The day after the show closes, Zach and Sam will head to college, at William and Mary and Christopher Newport University, respectively, and Ben will start his senior year at T.C. Williams High School. Another T.C. Williams student, Charlotte Torres, deserves a shout-out, having just finished performing in “Urinetown”, a production of the Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts in Washington D.C.
Military
Military Notes
Marine Corps Pfc. Michael P. Davis, son of Natasha L. Ayers of Centreville, and Eric K. Woods, of Alexandria, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C. Marine Corps Pvt. Catherine E. Miller, sister of Kevin F. Miller of Alexandria, Va., recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C.
Letters to the Editor
Not Listening Or Not Agreeing?
To the Editor: I read with great interest the thoughtful letter recently co-authored by Gant Redmon about the state of politics and governance in Alexandria. Although it has been over 17 years since I changed parties, I was a beneficiary of his efforts so when I write to offer an alternative perspective to Gant’s concerns about the dominance of the Democratic Party in Alexandria it in no way lessens my respect for him or my genuine friendship with him.
About City’s Financial Future
To the Editor: In his Aug. 2 critique of Macdonald’s letter, Mark Williams asserts the following: rating agencies don’t consider tax hikes when considering a city’s credit rating; that the mayor “has no unilateral role in establishing the city’s taxable base budget or levy rate;” Macdonald’s mischaracterized Alexandria’s fiscal prognosis as being somewhat “negative;” and finally says Macdonald “may not appreciate” how Alexandria’s capital improvements are actually financed.
Important Debates
To the Editor: Mayor Euille has now declined an invitation from a consortium of West End Civic Associations to attend a debate with his opponent, Andrew Macdonald, on any one of three dates suggested by the debate organizers. His campaign manager states in the letter of rejection that “Mayor Euille’s campaign plans to host events and meet with residents of the West End of the City over the next couple of months.” That clearly says that the Mayor has time to campaign only at venues attended by supporters. When the Mayor’s campaign is the host, obviously the attendees will be present at his invitation. Just the fact of being his guests will stifle meaningful discussion.
Ballyshaners’ Irish Festival
The Ballyshaners hosted their annual Irish Festival on Saturday, Aug. 11 at Waterfront Park. Music and dance filled the stage throughout the afternoon and evening as visitors wandered through the numerous vendor stalls offering Celtic treasures. Local politicians also purchased booths in support of candidates in the upcoming elections.
$30,000 to Community Lodgings
Walmart funds after-school programs for teens
No sooner had Community Lodgings Executive Director Bonnie Baxley been presented a check for $30,000 from Walmart store manager William Hunsucker, she asked for more. “Do you have any tents?” she queried as those gathered Aug. 8 at the Community Lodgings Fifer Family Learning Center laughed. “We just found out that we need one more tent for an upcoming event and everyone knows I'm not shy about letting people know what we need.”