Alexandria Snapshot: ‘Installation Celebration’
Parkfairfax Brigade with Mayor-elect Allison Silberberg at her "Installation Celebration” at the George Washington Masonic Temple on Sunday, Jan. 3.
Alexandria People at Work: Helping in Bird Count
It was Saturday, Dec. 19 at Monticello Park on Beverly Street. Tom Albright has just joined the team recording the birds in part of Subsector 4 for the Christmas Bird Count. The Audubon Christmas Bird Count is held nationwide each year from Dec. 14-Jan. 5. It serves as an early census on the winter birds. Albright has been participating in this annual event at Monticello since 2004.
Alexandria Viewpoints: New Year’s Resolutions Aren’t for All
New Year’s Resolutions are a tradition most common in the Western Hemisphere in which a person makes a promise to himself for some kind of self improvement or act of kindness to others in the upcoming year.
Alexandria: SAR Honors Lopez, Reyes
Deputy Chief to retire Dec. 31.
The George Washington Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution presented Law Enforcement Commendation Medals to Alexandria police officer Jonattan Lopez and Deputy Chief Eddie Reyes Dec. 7 at Alexandria Police Headquarters.
Wrap it Up: Last Minute Gift Ideas
The trend is opting for an “experience."
If you are still doing your holiday shopping on Christmas Eve, you are not alone. According to the National Retail Federation, nearly 90 percent of holiday shoppers still have lists to wrap up with many opting for an “experience” rather than a more traditional gift.
Alexandria Brief: Twig Offers New Cookbook
Learn how to make Buzz Bakeshop’s red velvet cupcakes, Clyde’s jumbo lump crab cakes, the Landini Brothers’ carbonara or recipes from 41 Alexandria restaurants in The Twig’s new cookbook, “Alexandria - Favorite Restaurants - Best Recipes.”
Alexandria Murders: Police Chief Addresses Residents
Citizens express appreciation for increased police community engagement.
Chief Earl Cook’s meeting with residents from the area near Four Mile Run, the site of Alexandria’s most recent of four unsolved murders, had a different tone from Cook’s presentation on the same topic to City Council last week.
Alexandria Snapshot: Wreaths Across America
Volunteers gathered at the Alexandria National Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 12, to place wreaths upon 1962 headstones. Scouts from the American Heritage Girls of St. Rita’s Troop VA 1381 obtained sponsorship for 1,168 of the wreaths. This is the fourth year that the Scouts have participated in soliciting sponsorships of the wreaths.
Alexandria: Door Decorating Contest Winners
Members of the Old Town Walled Garden Club completed the judging for the annual door decorating contest last week.
Alexandria: My Grandmother's House to Host Collection Event
If you’re Katherine Keith and it’s not past Dec. 30, stop reading. This is supposed to be a surprise party.
People at Work: Lawton ‘Plays the Kettle’
Emily Lawton pushes down the three piston valves in different combinations on her alto horn, pitched in E-flat and used in British style bands. She is "playing the kettle" as the glass doors automatically swing open but customers stop for a minute to listen before grocery shopping.
Alexandria Snapshot: Holiday Entertaining
“Santa” Steve Czechansky walks up and down the sidewalk at Centre Plaza on Quaker Lane, popping into the small stores on the strip to play Christmas songs on his accordion.
Alexandria Snapshot: Springtime for Christmas
Cherry blossoms bloom at the corner of Duke and Holland Lane, across from the Whole Foods.
Obituary: Helen J. Evans
Helen J. Evans, 88 of Alexandria, died at her home on Dec. 10, 2015. She was born June 13, 1927 to the late William and Margaret Peevely of Speedwell, Tenn.
Column:Let It Snow
Snow Buddies help during winter months.
Are you ready to be jolly? Would you like to help seniors and low-income families during this winter season? If so, consider becoming a Snow Buddy. Volunteer Alexandria, in collaboration with the City of Alexandria, implements Snow Buddies, a program in which volunteers register to help others by shoveling snow when winter decides to throw on its white coat. Last year, 30 Snow Buddy volunteers helped more than 35 families who needed snow removal assistance during the snow season. "Snow Buddies has been great!” said volunteer Eric Dillon. “The best part is the seniors. All of them offer me something warm to drink or say ‘thanks’ in person and it truly shows their gratitude.” If interested in volunteering as a Snow Buddy, register at www.VolunteerAlexandria.org and search Snow Buddies. Once registered, you will be matched with a senior or family that needs assistance. “Snow days for my peers are like holidays where everyone stays warm and drinks wine, but I know these days are anything but little vacations for my seniors,” Dillon added. “These events adversely affect their lives. Hopefully, I'm being a part of the solution for them."