Alexandria People Notes
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Students Design Greenovation Lab
James K. Polk’s Greenovation Lab, which reopened on June 13, showcases the school’s sustainable energy heating and cooling systems and explains to children how they work. Children across the school district will be able to tour the Greenovation Lab to learn such concepts as how to use ground air — which remains at a constant temperature of 56 degrees — to heat and cool classrooms, or how to harness solar power to heat water.
Out & About
Summer Bounty at the Farmer’s Market
Plump tomatoes, sweet corn, beets, cucumbers, spring onions overflow the tables at the Three Way Farm’s produce stall in the Del Ray Farmer’s Market. The market also features fresh cut flowers, herbs and flowers to plant, Amish cheeses, gourmet pickles, eggs, fresh baked good, organic meats, Hattie’s Pralines, Beth MacKenzie’s Fluffed Up Desserts and much more. The market is open weekly on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon in the parking lot at Mount Vernon Avenue & Oxford in Del Ray. Additional Farmers Markets are located at Market Square in Old Town on Saturday and Sunday markets at 4109 Mount Vernon Avenue in Arlandria and the West End Farmers Market in the Ben Brenman Park.
ACVA Bids Farewell to Merrie Morris
ACVA, business community bid farewell to Merrie Morris.
The Alexandria business community turned out in force at the Athenaeum June 20 to bid farewell to Merrie Morris, the longtime director of membership and public affairs for the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association.
He Preserved 200-Year-Old Legacy of Citizen Activism
Thomas Y. “Jay” Johnson, Jr. fought for volunteer firefighters.
Thomas Y. “Jay” Young Johnson Jr. hails from a long line of proud volunteer firefighters. His father and uncles were volunteer firefighters in Alexandria, where Jay was born, raised and educated. His early memories include doing his homework at the fire station. Now, 35 years after his father’s generation, he reflects on a distinguished history as president of the Alexandria Volunteer Fire Department. In addition to his family, a major influence in Johnson’s life was Mrs. Rigby, a teacher at T.C. Williams High School who arranged a part-time job for him at the Department of the Navy. He worked this job after school and in the summers, and parlayed it into a life-long career. He is now at the Pentagon as the deputy director of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, Human Resources and Enterprise Support.
Moss Named Rising Star
Jeremy R. Moss, an associate with MercerTrigiani law firm, has been named a 2013 Rising Star by both Virginia Super Lawyers and Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers. Moss was previously honored as a 2010 and 2012 Virginia Super Lawyers Rising Star, however, this is his first-time recognition by Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers
Gerald Mann Becomes Director of Middle Schools
Gerald Mann has been appointed the new director of middle schools. He will begin his new job on July 1. Mann formerly served as principal of George Washington 1 Middle School. Previously he served as an assistant principal at George Washington, where he led the Special Education, English Language Learner and Middle Alternative Program for Students departments, and worked with department chairs to provide instructional support and develop strategies to implement school-wide initiatives.
Chamber Awards Spotlight Acts of Valor
Laboy, Weismann among honorees for heroism.
The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce recognized first responders from the Alexandria Police Department, Fire Department and Office of the Sheriff at the 27th Annual Valor Awards held June 13 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Legion Installs New Officers
Glassman to lead veterans organization.
Vietnam veteran Jim Glassman was sworn in as the new Commander of American Legion Post 24 in Alexandria during a June 12 ceremony to install the organization's 2013-2014 slate of offices and board members.
Soccer Clinic Benefits Shelter
Boys and girls from across Alexandria came out for Virginia's first Kicking4Hunger soccer clinic on June 15 at Ben Brenman Park. In lieu of an admission fee, the children, ages 6-11, were encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for Carpenter’s Shelter in Alexandria.
Let the Music Play
10th anniversary Garden Party cultivates ASO support.
The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra's 10th annual Garden Party drew more than 175 people to the Belle Haven home of Isin and George E. Ludlow June 20 in an event that capped the 25th anniversary celebration of Maestro Kim Allen Kluge.
That ‘Small Town Vibe’
Seventh Annual Del Ray Music Festival draws crowds
Hensley Field is one of the city's most popular recreation sites, with three baseball fields and one multi-purpose field nestled between the Capital Beltway and Eisenhower Avenue just west of Cameron Run. But that may change soon.
Opinon: Covert Matters
Alexandria’s Welcome Mat for Mr. Snowden
Aw shucks. Just when it looked like Alexandria would be “home” to another spy he’s slipped through the grasp of authorities.
Opinion: So Long, Farewell …
Senior Services of Alexandria
After five and half years, I will be leaving my position as executive director of Senior Services of Alexandria at the end of this month. It has been my sincere pleasure and a true honor to serve in this capacity.
Letter to the Editor: J-H Appreciates Community Support
Jefferson-Houston is a school community with great pride and promise. Amid the difficult moments we have faced over the past year, we have felt great support from so many community members who have reached out to us with their time and expertise. They have poured their hearts and minds into teaching and mentoring our children, and for that, the Jefferson-Houston community is truly grateful.