All in the Family
Trio rocks Hard Times Café.
After a 20-year absence in Alexandria, the female trio of Huxtable, Christensen and Hood took to the stage Sept. 8, performing to a capacity crowd at Hard Times Café in Old Town. Cheering on the group were Hard Times founders and brothers Jim and Fred Parker, husband of vocalist Carol Christensen, along with their sons Ned and Jonathan Parker. “I think I'm the only Parker without any musical talent,” laughed Ned Parker, whose brother Jonathan is a professional jazz saxophonist. “I guess that's why I'm taking the tickets at the door.”
'Service Above Self'
Peter Knetemann is 86th Rotary Club president.
“Rotary … seems to attract a neat kind of person. Our members are looking beyond themselves and that's what sets us apart.”
The Mane Attraction
Firefighters to hold Cuts for Kids Days.
Students from throughout the region will be treated to free back-to-school haircuts thanks to Alexandria and Fairfax County firefighters who are sponsoring the third Cuts for Kids Days Aug. 26-28 at area recreation centers.
Wickedly Witty
Additional shows added for LTA’s ‘Avenue Q.’
They sing, they dance and — OMG — they even have sex. They’re the potty-mouthed puppets (and their human counterparts) of “Avenue Q,” the Tony Award-winning musical now playing at The Little Theatre of Alexandria.
Oh, What a Night
National Night Out celebrates 30 years.
Thousands of residents turned out across the city Aug. 6 as Alexandria celebrated the 30th anniversary of National Night Out, a program designed to promote neighborhood spirit and law enforcement-community partnerships in the fight against crime.
Obituary: Claude 'Buzzie' Harris
Rotarian, former Little League commissioner dies at 81.
It was 1957 when Claude “Buzzie” Harris first laid eyes on Nancy Cooper at a party at George Washington University.
Puppets for Puppies
LTA musical to benefit local animal charities.
With an abundant use of profanity and episodes of "full puppet nudity," the Tony Award-winning musical “Avenue Q” is not the usual fare from The Little Theatre of Alexandria. But when the storied theater company debuts the Sesame Street-style show July 27, each performance will serve as a fundraiser for several local animal charities.
Piece of Cake
It was a party 264 years in the making as Alexandria celebrated its birthday July 13 with a day of fun and entertainment that culminated with a fireworks display over the Potomac River accompanied by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra's playing of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture.
Bench Warmers
Local judge spearheads Substitute Judges Institute.
Attorneys from across Northern Virginia gathered July 9 at Manassas Regional Airport to participate in the Institute for Substitute Judges, a seminar designed by Alexandria General District Court Chief Judge Becky Moore to provide intensive training to better prepare attorneys to serve on the bench.
City To Host National Road Racing Championships
12 km course to include Del Ray, Old Town.
Elite runners from around the world will take to the streets of Alexandria Nov. 17 when the city hosts the .US National Road Racing Championships, a 12-kilometer race that will serve as the finale to the USA Running Circuit series.
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.
EagleBank Lands in Old Town
Newest branch opens at 277 S. Washington St.
More than 175 people from the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce and local business community joined EagleBank in celebrating the official opening of its latest branch with a ribbon cutting ceremony and reception on June 19 at the bank's facility in Old Town. “It's great to be back in Alexandria,” said EagleBank vice president and branch manager Ed Velarde, who returns to the area following 15 years of commercial banking experience with J.P. Morgan in New York.
And All That Jazz
Fostering the Future cruise benefits Fund for Alexandria's Child.
More than 225 people donned their finest Great Gatsby attire aboard the Cherry Blossom riverboat for the 10th anniversary of the Fostering the Future cruise June 27 to benefit the Fund for Alexandria's Child.
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.
Thousands Attend Food and Wine Fest
2nd annual Food and Wine Festival attracts thousands.
More than 5,000 people attended the second annual Alexandria Food and Wine Festival June 22, which was held in the Carlyle District of 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.
‘Twentieth Century’ a wild ride at LTA
Oscar Jaffe has a problem. Following a string of flops, the theatrical impresario is desperate to find a financial backer, a hot script and a dazzling leading lady. He finds all three aboard the Twentieth Century, a luxury train and the latest comedy farce now playing at The Little Theatre of Alexandria.
Miracle League Ends Season with Festivities
The 2013 Spring Miracle Baseball League completed its season June 1 at the Kelley Cares Miracle Field with Uncle Slam from the Potomac Nationals baseball team on hand for the closing game festivities.
Firefighters Praise Two Jefferson-Houston Students
Jefferson-Houston students receive AFD certificate of appreciation
Firefighters from Stations 208 and 209 paid a visit to Jefferson-Houston Elementary School June 12 to present a certificate of appreciation to a brother and sister for their composed handling of a 911 emergency call during a life-threatening situation.
Uncommon Valor
Chamber to honor first responders; Weissman posthumously receives Gold Medal.
The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce will recognize 21 first responders from the Alexandria Police Department, Fire Department and Office of the Sheriff at the 27th Annual Valor Awards to be held June 13 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Collateral Damage
Several cars damaged by drunk driver.
Four unoccupied vehicles suffered significant damage when they were struck by a drunk driver at the intersection of Payne and Wilkes streets in Old Town on the evening of June 5.
‘Ghost-Writer’ Extended to June 16
Playwright joins cast for Talk Back.
Michael Hollinger, the playwright behind “Ghost-Writer,” paid a visit to Alexandria to see the MetroStage production of his play and participate in a Talk Back following the June 1 performance.
Wine on the Water Fundraiser Benefits ASF Programs
The Alexandria Seaport Foundation held its third annual Wine on the Water fundraiser June 1 to benefit the ASF programs for at-risk and disadvantaged youth. “Through our apprenticeship programs, we change lives,” said ASF board member Kelli Back, who introduced new executive director Mari Lou Livingood to the crowd gathered at the foundation's boat building workshop in Old Town. Attendees enjoyed a wine tasting s
The Sushi Bar opens in Del Ray
Sushi Bard for Adults Only Opens
The Sushi Bar, featuring cuisine by award-winning Master Chef Saran “Peter” Kannasute, officially opened its doors June 4 on Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray. With a lounge-like atmosphere and intimate decor, owners Mike Anderson and Bill Blackburn decided to make the restaurant adults-only, a concept that has drawn some criticism.
Undersheriff Tony Davis Retires
Colleagues praise his service
Following a law enforcement career spanning more than 30 years, Alexandria Undersheriff Tony Davis was feted June 3 at a retirement luncheon in his honor attended by more than 100 friends, family members and colleagues.
Livingood Takes Helm at ASF
Mari Lou Livingood has been named the new executive director of the Alexandria Seaport Foundation, replacing Kent Barnekov, who stepped down earlier this year.
Signature revives classic Sondheim
For Bobby, the word marriage is actually a sentence — a jail sentence. A perpetual bachelor, he is turning 35 and surrounded by five married couples who all have an opinion about his lifestyle in the Stephen Sondheim musical “Company,” now playing at Signature Theatre.
Summer Fun in Alexandria
Summertime and the livin' is easy in Alexandria, where the calendar from Memorial Day to Labor Day is filled with holidays and events that celebrate our city and culture — both American and for the traditions of some of the many ethnic communities that make up the colorful and diverse fabric of the city.
'Fair Winds and Following Seas'
Old Dominion Boat Club holds 133rd flag raising.
Dreary skies and weekend rains cleared as members, dignitaries and guests of the Old Dominion Boat Club gathered at the foot of King Street May 19 for the 133rd annual flag raising ceremony. “These flags symbolize the unity between the city, the state, the United States and the Old Dominion Boat Club,” said Mayor Bill Euille prior to the yearly tradition of hoisting new flags to kick off the official start of a safe boating season. “This ceremony is a tradition that has been passed down for 133 years to the young people of our community.”
2013 Athletes of the Year
Britt McHenry to keynote Sportsman’s Club dinner May 29.
Washington sportscaster Britt McHenry will be on hand as 26 of the city’s best high school athletes are honored for their academic and athletic excellence at the 57th annual Alexandria Sportsman’s Club Awards dinner May 29 at the Westin Carlyle Hotel. A sports reporter for ABC7/WJLA-TV and NewsChannel 8, McHenry is also the host of News Channel 8's High School Sports Final. Her keynote address will be the first given by a female in the history of the Sportsman’s Club.
Opposition Heats Up over City's Plans for Founders Park
Council to be asked to amend current restrictions on special events.
The proposed amendment to allow special events in Founders Park took center stage at the May 10 annual meeting of the Founders Park Community Association. “I can't believe the city is proposing this,” said one attendee who asked to remain anonymous. “There should be more respect for Ellen Pickering, Chuck Hamel and Patricia Golubin for saving this land. The park would not exist at all if it weren't for their efforts back in the '70s.”
Spring for Alexandria 2013
Serving the community.
For three days, thousands of Alexandrians came together for the 6th Annual Spring for Alexandria, a citywide weekend of events that focuses on giving and service throughout the community. Co-sponsored by ACT for Alexandria, Volunteer Alexandria, the Alexandria Jaycees and the City of Alexandria, the series of events kicked off May 2 with the ACT Generations of Giving Gala at the U.S. Patent and Trade Office.
Sengel Honored
SAR presents Law Enforcement award.
The George Washington Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution awarded the Law Enforcement Commendation Medal to Commonwealth's Attorney S. Randolph Sengel for his distinguished career enforcing the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Sengel was presented the award April 27 in a ceremony at Belle Haven Country Club. He has served as a prosecutor in Alexandria since 1979 and was first elected Commonwealth's Attorney in 1997.
Honoring Those Who Serve
Ceremony pays tribute to fallen officers.
Dozens of active duty and retired law enforcement personnel joined Chief of Police Earl Cook and Sheriff Dana Lawhorne as they placed a wreath at the Police Memorial in Waterfront Park May 6 to pay tribute to Alexandria police officers and sheriff's deputies who have died in the line of duty. Cook read each of the 16 names inscribed on the memorial, dating back to Constable Elijah Chenault, who was the first reported officer killed in the city in 1823, and ending with Corporal Charles W. Hill, who was slain in March of 1988.
Changes Under Foot
Old Town Masterpieces closing after 35 years.
They grew up together in Iran, and in 1971, Ahmed Loghmanian and Hossien Garakyaraghi made the move to America to study at George Washington University. But it wasn't long before the pull of the family business back home beckoned them to open Old Town Masterpieces, a landmark Oriental rug store closing its doors after 35 years in business. “I think he met George Washington,” Loghmanian said in jest to Garakyaraghi, his lifelong friend and brother-in-law. “That's how long we've been here.”
Thomas M. Hughes Dies
Avid outdoorsman, devoted family man.
Tom Hughes wasn't going to let cancer rob him of his sense of humor.
33 Variations’
The genius of Beethoven at LTA
Was it genius or obsession? From the pen of Moises Kaufman, author of “The Laramie Project” and “Gross Indecency; The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde,” The Little Theatre of Alexandria debuts “33 Variations,” where eminent musicologist Katherine is determined to discover the reason Beethoven spent so much time writing a series of variations on a second-rate waltz he once described as “a cobbler’s patch.”
Got Food?
Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive set for May 11
The nation's largest single-day food drive will take place on Saturday, May 11, when postal workers in Alexandria will join others across the country in the 21st annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.
‘Six Degrees of Separation’
Kevin Bacon is nowhere to be found. Instead, it’s Sidney Poitier that brings together friends and strangers in “Six Degrees of Separation,” now playing at Port City Playhouse. The popular “six degrees of separation” theory explores the premise that everyone in the world is connected to everyone else by a chain of no more than six acquaintances, and Port City Playhouse brings playwright John Guare’s smart dialogue to life in a thoughtfully-executed production that showcases a stellar ensemble cast.
Residents Spring2Action For Local Charities
Online giving day generates $659,591 for local charities.
For the second year in a row, the afterschool program Casa Chirilagua was the top winner April 17 in Spring2Action, a 24-hour online giving day sponsored by ACT for Alexandria and ACTion Alexandria.
Award-winning Chef To Head Del Ray's Sushi Bar
The tension was palpable. Only two chefs remained in the Hatsume Festival Master Chef competition in Delray Beach, Fla. Like the popular Iron Chef television show it was based on, competitors had one hour to prepare an appetizer, entrée and dessert using one common ingredient, in this case ginger.
Rotary Honors Lee Stewart
Lee Stewart, a senior at Episcopal High School, was presented the Community Service Award by the Rotary Club of Alexandria at the club's weekly luncheon April 16 at Belle Haven Country Club. A life-long Alexandrian, Stewart was recognized for her leadership with Martha's Table as well as her fundraising efforts to support EHS's partner school in Kenya. Additionally, she spearheaded fundraising efforts to build a partner school building in Palto, Haiti.
GW Parkway Classic
Amid heightened security, runners honor Boston, Laboy.
In the wake of the recent terror attacks at the Boston Marathon, security was stepped up April 21 as more than 6,000 runners took to the streets of Alexandria in the 29th annual GW Parkway Classic.
The Lyin' Tamer
ACVA hosts body language expert.
More than 90 people enjoyed a morning of motivation, education and comedy from best-selling author and NBC Today Show body language expert Janine Driver at the 5th annual Breakfast and Blossoms event March 27 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Old Town.
The Power of One
Spring2Action 24-hour online fundraiser set for April 17
Dawnielle Miller wasn’t sure what to expect. As co-founder and executive director of the nonprofit Casa Chirilagua, she was hoping to raise $15,000 during last year’s Spring2Action online giving day. She sent out emails and spread the word among supporters. And then she waited.
On Economic Frontline
McDonnell appoints Wood to Military Commission.
Gov. Bob McDonnell has appointed Alexandria resident Lt. Gen. John R. (Bob) Wood (ret.) to Virginia's newly formed Commission on Military Installations and Defense Activities. “I am most concerned about preserving jobs here in Virginia,” said Wood, a graduate of T.C. Williams High School and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Networking for Good
WEBA Happy Hour raises funds for Laboy family.
The West End Business Association turned its April 4 monthly networking Happy Hour into a fundraiser for Alexandria Police Officer Peter Laboy and presented a check for $500 to Suzanne Laboy to kick off a year-long commitment to raise money for the injured officer and his family. “My family and I are overwhelmed at the generosity of the community,” said Suzanne Laboy after being presented a check from WEBA president Peter Baldwin at the Hawthorn Suites Hotel.
Saluting ‘Allies in Prevention’
Lori Morris honored for child abuse prevention work.
Alexandria's Lori Morris was honored by Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) at the 11th Annual Allies in Prevention Awards luncheon April 2 at Maggiano's at Tysons Galleria. Morris was one of five Northern Virginia individuals recognized by SCAN and its Allies in Prevention Coalition as a local hero for her commitment to prevent child abuse and neglect.
Kids at Play
CFNC hosts Super Science Saturday.
The Child and Family Network Centers hosted a hands-on Super Science Saturday March 14 at the CFNC Birchmere headquarters on Mount Vernon Avenue.