An award-winning journalist, Jeanne Theismann began her career at WTNH-TV in New Haven, Conn., where she was a news reporter and anchor as well as co-host of the daily “Good Morning, Connecticut” program. She went on to work for Seaway Communications, the first minority-owned U.S. broadcasting company before moving to Tokyo, where she spent several years working as a writer and editor for the Yomiuri Shimbun, the world’s largest daily newspaper.
During her time overseas, Jeanne traveled extensively, covering the third Indochina War between Vietnam and Cambodia as well as the Seoul and Sydney Olympic games. She began several relief projects for children and refugees and has personally delivered more than five tons of medical supplies to orphanages throughout the world. She serves as a visiting professor at the Ukrainian Catholic University, in L’viv, Ukraine.
Jeanne serves on the board of directors for First Night Alexandria, the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and the Alexandria Sportsman’s Club. She is a member of the National Press Club, American Legion Post 24 and Rotary International, and is the media representative for the City of Alexandria’s Local Emergency Planning Commission. She loves travel, technology and trivia and dreams of one day writing headlines for the New York Post.
Recent Stories
Young Proposes $634.8 Million Budget
City Manager Rashad Young submitted his proposal for a $634.8 million General Fund Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2015 before City Council Tuesday, Feb. 25, reflecting an increase of 1.6 percent over last year's budget while maintaining current real estate and personal property tax rates. “Expenditures are growing at a faster rate than revenue,” said Young in detailing his proposed budget during a press briefing earlier in the day. “The challenge always is how to put together this big jigsaw puzzle to meet the needs of the different constituencies and stakeholder groups.”
Obituary: F. William “Bill” Bauers
F. William Bauers Jr. was just 18 years old when he joined the Texas National Guard with plans of getting an appointment to West Point. But he was called to active duty less than a year later, qualified for Officer's Training School and went on to get his pilot's wings before ending up in Europe in January of 1944 flying B-26 Marauders. “It was exhilarating to be a pilot back then, to be in Europe and to be part of a force fighting against what we perceived as the enemy,” Bauers would recall of his service during World War II. “The war created a sense of urgency because we never knew when we said goodbye if it would be our last time.”
Obituary: Peter C. Williams
Peter Carrington Williams, a prominent attorney and director of community service projects for the Alexandria Rotary Club, died suddenly Feb. 13 while helping a neighbor clear snow from a driveway on Collingwood Road. He was 67.
Community Mourns Loss of Ruthanne Giammittorio Lodato
When John and Debbi Kelly decided it was time for their two young children to study music, there was no question that their neighbor on Ridge Road would be the family's piano teacher. What they didn't realize was just how much that teacher would become a part of their lives — and their living room.
Wreathlaying Marks Reagan's Birthday
Passengers traveling through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Feb. 6 joined in singing “Happy Birthday” to commemorate the 103rd birthday of President Ronald W. Reagan during a wreath presentation ceremony at the airport's statue of the former president.
Bittersweet Gathering
Sherry Party pays tribute to founders Vola Lawson and Lois Walker.
More than 150 women from throughout the community gathered together Dec. 15 for the 43rd annual Women's Sherry Party, an evening made bittersweet by the recent passing of two of the event's founders. "It's hard to believe Vola and Lois are not here," said vice Mayor Allison Silberberg of Vola Lawson and Lois Walker. "I can still see Vola sitting in her usual chair and Lois checking everyone in at the door."
First Night Welcomes 2014
Fireworks and Fun Hunt highlight New Year's Eve celebration.
Revelers from as far away as Paris celebrated the New Year in Alexandria as a dazzling display of fireworks lit up the waterfront to signal the arrival of 2014.
Association of Retirees Elects Officers
Dutzman honored for 15 years of service.
More than 70 members and guests joined Police Chief Earl Cook and Fire Chief Adam Thiel in attending the annual Alexandria Retired Police, Fire and Sheriff's Association holiday celebration Dec. 12, where the 2014 officers were sworn in for the coming year.
‘Curtain Up!’
Edelen shines in Signature Theatre production of "Gypsy."
She was always more tease than strip, and ever since she first shared the stage with Tessie the Tassel Twirler in the 1920s, she was determined to be famous for more than feathers and falsies. She was Gypsy Rose Lee, the queen of burlesque, whose 1959 memoirs inspired the award-winning Broadway musical "Gypsy," now playing at Shirlington’s Signature Theatre.
Alexandria's New Book Shelf
DreamDog Foundation creates citywide literacy program.
Passionate about sharing the gift of reading, the DreamDog Foundation intends to get books into the hands of every child in need in the City of Alexandria through its new literacy program called Alexandria's Book Shelf.