News

All in the Family for Alexandria

SSA to honor generations of giving.

’Twas the night before Christmas, literally, when a man walked into the Senior Services of Alexandria office and handed an envelope to then-executive director Janet Barnett. The year was 2007 and the man was Ron Bradley. “Ron asked how he could help the seniors of Alexandria,” Barnett said. “When I explained that the city did not provide meals to seniors on holidays, Ron stepped in with $10,000 to fund a holiday meals program. But he had a condition — that they could not be ordinary meals. He wanted our seniors to enjoy a festive meal just like we do at home.”

Play Monopoly and Help Others

Annual tournament raises close to $8,000 for Lorton Community Action Center.

On a cold, snow-approaching Saturday, nearly 100 men, women and children hunkered down to play three rounds at the 8th Annual Ron K.’s Monopoly Tournament hosted at the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton.

Gayle Reuter: Fostering Del Ray’s Small Town Feel

Helping to celebrate Del Ray.

You won't go far in Alexandria's Del Ray neighborhood before seeing signs of Gayle Reuter. If it's a rare quiet day, you might see her on her front porch just off "The Avenue" or at a local restaurant or business — always with a smile and a friendly greeting. More likely you will see her working, always managing to make a difference in the wonderful neighborhood she helped create.

Bird Feed Cafe in Fairfax Station

The night before the snowstorm Terrance Moran of Fairfax Station prefilled his bird feeder. Around 7 a.m. a cardinal perched on the deck rail and noticed that seed was available. After eating a few bites the cardinal took off.

Movement Determined to ‘Save the Park’

Since the beginning of February, the Movement has generated a petition with more than 8,900 signatures and counting to save the Park.

“When the anonymous letter showed up in our neighborhood mailboxes many of us began to wonder and worry. A few of us started talking and soon a meeting was scheduled with Pat Herrity and the Park Authority,” said Leigh Claypool, committee chair of the Save Burke Lake Park movement.

Kana Sushi Opens in Springfield

A newly opened Kana Sushi, located on Old Keene Mill Road in Springfield, strives to offer authentic Japanese food at affordable prices. The establishment opened Dec. 1 and is near Springfield Plaza, and right next to Noodles & Company. The small restaurant is owned by Haeri Kim.

From Veterinarian to Art Photographer

The Art Guild of Clifton hosted its first art show of 2015 by highlighting the photographs of Jamie Netschert. Netschert started taking photographs as an undergraduate student at Weber State University where he received a degree in Zoology.

Mount Vernon's Robert A. Clark: World War II Navy Carrier Ace

Robert A. (Bob) Clark, 91, born Jan. 17, 1922, New York, N.Y., retired U.S. Navy carrier fighter ace and 48-year resident of Mount Vernon, died on Jan. 21, 2015, of pneumonia.

Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce to Install New Chairman

Sean O’Connell looks to expand and increase dialogue among membership.

In his 30 years as a certified public accountant with the firm PBMares, Sean O’Connell has worked in Harrisonburg, Fredericksburg and spent close to the last decade in northern Virginia.

Fairfax County Park Authority Passes on Commercial Proposal for Burke Lake Golf Park

Burke resident Meg Hanrahan likes Topgolf in Alexandria. “To go out on a date with my husband,” she said, “but it’s not some place I want to go when I want to mentally prepare to go out on a course and play 18 holes.”

Oak Knolls Project Makes Big Changes in Fairfax

New proposal swaps apartments for condos.

There’s a plan afoot to redevelop the Oak Knolls Apartments. But the proposal has changed significantly since it was presented last spring to the Fairfax City Council.

Big Changes Planned for Lotte Market in Fairfax

New façade, better parking, less big trucks and traffic.

For many years, the Lotte market in Fairfax has been a popular grocery store, especially with its Asian customers. But its exterior has been an eyesore to the public.

Arlington County Manager Avoids Tax Rate Increase

Homeowners to face rise in property taxes through higher assessments.

Beneath the surface of the County Budget there are several notable changes that could have a sizable impact on the lives of many Arlingtonians.

Collaboration Over Competition for Alexandria Nonprofits

Alexandria non-profit organizations unite for city budgeting.

As Alexandria’s nonprofits prepare for the March 3 release of the County Manager’s proposed budget, things are going a little differently this year.

Alexandrians Of Two Minds

Zoning amendment for memory care center draws crowd of supporters and opponents.

After seven hours of debate in Alexandria’s City Council meeting, the room was still deeply divided between those in favor of rezoning a property on King Street to create a memory care facility and neighbors to the property entrenched against it.

The Connection