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The Astonishing Motor 8

In less than two weeks, May 20 to be exact, the final segment in the brutal and senseless shooting of an Alexandria police officer gets under way in the city’s Franklin P. Backus Courthouse. Officer Peter Laboy was shot in the head on routine daytime duty, suffering a catastrophic brain injury, on Feb. 27. This story has resonated around the Commonwealth and throughout the nation and generated thousands of prayers on his behalf.

Lake Braddock Girls’ Lax Advances to Patriot District Final

Bruins beat West Springfield in OT in semifinals.

The Lake Braddock girls' lacrosse team will face Woodson in Patriot District championship.

Esten Concert Raises $22,000

A night of songs, jokes and nostalgia in Old Town benefits T.C. Williams grads.

The Durant Arts Center multipurpose room rarely gets as glamorous as it did on Friday night, May 3, when The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria ushered Charles “Chip” Esten onto its brightly lit stage. The “Nashville” star, who plays Deacon Claybourne on the hit series, informed the audience of Alexandrians that though he would be whoever they wanted him to be that night at autograph time — Deacon, Charles or Chip — he was the boy they knew. “It’s Chip not Charles. It’s Puskar,” said the star as he walked on.

Woodson Girls' Lacrosse Returns to Patriot District Championship Game

Dunn, Lightfoot lead Cavaliers past Annandale in district semifinals.

The Woodson girls' lacrosse team will face Lake Braddock in the Patriot District tournament final for the second straight year.

Helping Those Who ‘Can’t Catch a Break’

Community support for Northern Virginia Family Services grows during tough economic times.

“Most of us here lead privileged lives. You can and should make a difference in Northern Virginia.” —Earle Williams

Women Mean Business

In the two months since the much-hyped and dreaded sequester took effect, the daily economic forecast has been almost as painful as the slow grinding of bureaucratic wheels. But here’s some good economic news, especially for aspiring female entrepreneurs: the numbers are in your favor.

eCybermission State Winners Greenbriar West Elementary’s Cyber Pandas won first place in the state for …

Alexandria Bulletin Board May 8

Information on events taking place in Alexandria.

Center To Host Cultural Night

Meet new director at dance and cuisine event.

The Potomac Community Center will be celebrating the multi-ethnicity of the community with an inaugural “Cultural Dance and Cuisine” night from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. on Friday, May 17. The public is invited to an evening of international dance performances representing China, Greece, Russia, India, Latin America and more.

Annual Potomac Spring House Tour Returns

Event to support Congregation Har Shalom’s projects.

Love touring unique homes and looking for ideas of how to enhance your own home? Be certain to mark May 19 or 20 on the calendar for the Potomac Spring House Tour.

‘Blooming’ Opens at The Art Gallery of Potomac

Three perspectives on flowers

The Art Gallery of Potomac is alive with spring flowers and garden landscapes. Its latest show, “Blooming,” features the artwork of three local artists who have chosen their most vibrant pieces for this show.

Advice for Buying Jewelry for Mother’s Day

Experts offer suggestions for choosing the perfect piece for Mom.

Mike Grantham of North Potomac shuffled from one jewelry display case to another. His eyes surveyed each row of sparklers: yellow and white diamonds, deep blue sapphires and blood-red rubies.

Many Happy Returns

Cicadas stage a comeback to Potomac area.

Maturing slowly underground for the past 17 years, the cicada is poised to reappear in Potomac beginning sometime this month. Part of a class of periodic cicadas called Magicicada Brood II, found only on the eastern seaboard, this particular species is unique in its long, prime-numbered life cycle and massive, timed emergence, not to mention its loud chorus, that can sometimes top 90 decibels in a swarm.