Column: A Complicated Answer
And a further explanation and corollary to last week’s column: “A Simple Question,” which attempted to sort through my reactions to being asked an extremely innocent, appropriate, well-intended and always appreciated courtesy: “How are you?” and the problem that it sometimes causes me. That problem being: a question which had it not been asked would then not require an answer. An answer that I’ll always give, but not before I’ve given it some thought, which if I hadn’t thought about, wouldn’t have bothered me in the least
Column: Maestro’s Musings
It’s hard to believe that it's my 25th anniversary as Music Director of the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra. The centerpiece of my anniversary year will be the world premiere of an epic symphonic piece composed by yours truly and my wife, Kathryn Vassar Kluge.
Column: Martin’s Artistry Makes Its Mark on Alexandria
From businessman to activist to volunteering.
David M. Martin moved from Delaware to Alexandria in 1981, intrigued by the quality of life along the Potomac. In his bags were the beginnings of an artistic career in jewelry design. He also brought with him a strong interest in helping the people around him.
Letter to the Editor: Raises for Teachers
In the Alexandria Gazette's Packet article titled "Raises for Teachers?" in the Jan. 17, 2013 newspaper, it states that "State Sen. George Barker (D-39) hopes that his Senate colleagues will agree to a 3 percent raise in teachers' salaries this year. Barker said increasing teacher salaries will help close achievement gaps in Virginia." Which one? Student achievement or teacher achievement?
Letter to the Editor: Bicyclists’ Fair Share
Imagine my surprise when an environmentalist policy wonk in D.C. emailed me to note my appearance, along with Justin Wilson, on radio WAMU. The subject was Alexandria’s considering bike registration and fees.
Letter to the Editor: Address Gun Violence
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports 31, 672 firearms deaths during 2012. That is far an away more firearm deaths than in any other western democracy.
Letter to the Editor: Help City’s Young People
It takes a village to raise a child. That’s why I’m urging you to add your voice to an exciting plan to secure the future of our city’s children and youth.
Column: George Washington, Father of the American Mule
George Washington was not only the “father of our country” but also of the American Mule. General Washington was a renowned far and wide as a horseman, but also an innovative farmer. Surprising to many is his special interest in mules.
Column: Washington’s Decision To Mandate Inoculation of Troops
One of the most significant decisions that General Washington made during the Revolutionary War was to inoculate the army against smallpox. Without doing so, it is not likely that Washington could have kept his army in the field.
Building on a Successful Past for a Promising Future
The YMCA Alexandria plans another rich program of activities for 2013 in an ongoing dedication to its overarching cause: caring for community. Although many Alexandrians may think of it as another “swim and gym” facility — and it is a great place to do laps and enhance strength and cardiovascular fitness — our local YMCA offers so much more.
Column: Generations of Parents and Children Making a Difference
An old Chinese proverb says “If you want happiness for a lifetime — help the next generation.” According to that proverb the honorees at this year’s Senior Services of Alexandria (SSA) Gala will all have a full lifetime of happiness to look forward to.
Column: Transportation Requires Regional Approach
Alexandria is not an island. It is a group of communities inside a geographic area in a region in a state in a country. It is necessary to connect these communities from within the city and from without the city. In order to do, this regional cooperation is essential.
Column: Seeing Forward Movement on Variety of Bills
The General Assembly has been as busy as ever this past week as we approach crossover and I wanted to take a moment to send you a brief update on what is going on here in the capital as well as tell you about an upcoming event back in the 45th District.
Column: Governor’s Transportation Plan on Wrong Path
Monday evening in Richmond, we witnessed something that has been in short supply — bipartisanship.
Richmond Report: On Medicaid, Road Funds and Uranium
This week’s General Assembly session included “Crossover” on Tuesday — after which the House and Senate may only work on bills approved by the other body.