History: Founding Father for St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Cemetery
After securing American independence, many of General Washington’s staff from the Continental Army moved to Alexandria to be near their old commander. One of Washington’s closest friends was his Aide de Camp, Col. John Fitzgerald, who served with him throughout the Revolutionary War.
History: George Washington -- Master of Guile and Deceit
The oft told legend is that George Washington could not tell a lie. The reality is that General Washington proved to be a master of guile and deceit. These qualities are among the principle reasons America won the War of Independence.
History: Washington’s Military Credentials
In 1755, amid the French and Indian War, Major General Edward Braddock came to Alexandria as commander in chief of the British forces in North America. His immediate objective was capturing the French stronghold at Ft. Duquesne (now Pittsburgh). He left Alexandria with about 2,000 British regulars, 700 colonial militiamen, and a long train of supplies.
Richmond Report: Ethics Reform Falls Short
An ethics reform package passed the Virginia Senate on Monday. Unfortunately, the bill lacks teeth and is only a small step toward restoring public confidence in state government.
Letter to the Editor: ACPS CIP
To the Editor: Alexandrians should be skeptical of the 2015-2024 Capital Improvement Program budget approved by the Alexandria School Board on Feb. 6. The board proposes to spend over $18 million of taxpayer money to fund the school system’s constantly changing capital priorities and the rationale is often questionable.
Letter to the Editor: The Music Plays On
Dedicated to Ruthann Lodato Do not stand and weep at her grave Tho’ tears fall down our cheeks in a hush As come the memories that we save Flowing through us in a rush
Letter to the Editor: Tree Light Fund Reaches Goal
To the Editor: I am very pleased to announce that the tree lights on King Street will remain on this next coming spring as we have matched the contingency Council, led by Del Pepper, set aside to use for this purpose. They set aside $13,500. We had to match 1/2 of that by early in March 2014 to keep the lights on through June 2014. All of the money has been deposited with the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Letter to the Editor: Safer for All Users
To the Editor: I am writing in response to the “Neighborhood” “Taylor Run” item in the Feb. 6 edition of The Alexandria Gazette Packet. I am a resident of Alexandria, living in the affected area — my home is one block off the at-issue stretch of King Street. I use this part of King Street as an automobile driver, a bicycle commuter, and a pedestrian, frequently walking to the King Street Metro Station or to Old Town.
Letter to the Editor: Business As Usual
At City Council's meeting on Saturday, Jan. 25, council voted to uphold the resolutions for "What's Next Alexandria Civic Engagement" process and use these "tools" in order to foster better communication between city hall and Alexandria residents.
Letter to the Editor: Speak Up To Save Park
t appears that few Alexandrians are aware of the drastic changes planned for Chinquapin Park and Recreation Center. There is $17.5M in the city budget for 2014-2018 to build an indoor 50m Olympic size swimming pool at Chinquapin, while keeping the existing pool for recreational use.
An Unexpected Present
Not that I minded it in the least (in fact, I appreciated it in the most), but I received my first senior discount the other day. I was fast-fooding at my local Roy Rogers restaurant when the unexpected kindness occurred. Considering that I’m not at the age yet when such discounts are typically available, I certainly did not (do not) presume that my appearance somehow reflects an age which I am not. In truth, I don’t believe it does. So even though I didn’t ask for the age-related discount, I was offered/given it nonetheless. As the cashier tallied my bill, she then spoke the price and adjusted it downward 10 percent for my surprise "senior" discount. On hearing the lower price and the reason for it, I immediately responded: "Oh, you’re giving senior discounts to people over 40?" To which she replied, while looking me directly in the eye: "No. Over 30." Laughing at her quick-thinking quip, I thanked her again for the discount and commended her on her excellent answer/customer service.
Commentary: Speak Up for Pollution Restrictions
Virginia is not immune to the dangers of climate change. In recent years, we have seen the damage sea level rise and storm surges have caused in our lowland areas. The science is clear that we must cut carbon to the levels scientists say are safe to address these issues.
Editorial: Pet Photos, Stories for Pet Connection
The Pet Connection, a bi-annual themed edition, will publish Feb. 26. We invite you to send us stories about your pets, photos of you and/or your family with your cats, dogs, hamsters, snakes, lizards, frogs, rabbits, or whatever other creatures share your home or yard with you.
Editorial: For Nonpartisan Redistricting
Virginia is a purple state, gerrymandered to bleed red.
Consider that in statewide elections, Virginia voters have chosen Democrats in the last two presidential elections, for U.S. Senate, for Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General. Almost none of these elections was by a wide margin, but it’s clear that Virginia is a purple state leaning blue.
Editorial: Few Thoughts on General Assembly Action
Yes, allow homeschoolers access to programs in public school.
It’s possible that this is not the right bill exactly, and in general, we favor local control. But it is wrongheaded of public schools to force families into a take-it-or-leave-it position.