Letter: Wiser Use of Federal Tax Dollars
To the Editor: I'm unhappy to learn that 40 cents of every one of my 2013 federal tax dollars went to fund current and past wars, according to the Quaker advocacy group the Friends Committee on National Legislation. We have some critical needs as a country — how to respond to the effects of climate change, how to repair our crumbling bridges and roadways, how to bridge the growing divide between rich and poor. I want to see more of my tax dollars going to these priorities rather than to the Pentagon.
Letter: Saddened by Anti-Semitic Violence
To the Editor: “... whosoever killed a person ... it shall be as if he had killed all mankind;” Quran 5:33. When I heard of the shooting that took place at the Jewish Community Center in Kansas City, I was saddened by the state of our people.
Letter: Renew Commitment To City’s Seniors
To the Editor: On behalf of the board of directors of Senior Services of Alexandria (SSA), we are writing to express concern about proposed cuts to the Alexandria City budget which will have an unfair and unprecedented negative impact on the most vulnerable seniors in our community.
Letter: Musical Treasure
To the Editor: One one of the most distinguished chamber music series in the Washington, D.C. area is the least well known. The National Chamber Players, an ensemble made up of National Symphony Orchestra members and guests from the region and around the country, perform four superb concerts a year at Episcopal High School.
Letter: Sewage Overflow Requires Collaboration
To the Editor: As cited in last week’s article, “Keeping Sewage Out of River by 2035,” the sewage pipes under the streets of Old Town were laid in 1890 to remove both storm water and human waste. Today, during rainstorms, these 120-year-old pipes overflow rain-diluted sewage into the Potomac. In this day and age, that’s not OK. Solving the problem will require 21st century thinking and collaboration.
Volunteer Alexandria To Honor Community Leaders
Volunteer Alexandria has named the winners of its philanthropy and community awards which will be presented at the 16th annual Alexandria Business Philanthropy Summit.
A Funny, Fast-Paced Screwball Comedy
Chantilly High presents “The Front Page.”
A 1930s newsroom is the setting for Chantilly High’s madcap comedy, “The Front Page.” The school’s Cappies play takes the stage Thursday-Saturday, May 1, 2, 3, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door or $8 via www.chantillyhsdrama.com.
Letter: Value of Tax Money Spent?
To The Editor: I found Mary Kimm’s March 27 editorial on access to income taxes absolutely distressing. Giving our city access to another revenue stream is the political equivalent of giving drugs to an addict.
30 Years in Prison for Three Deaths
One of the victims was a young Fairfax woman.
The man responsible for the heroin deaths of three people in Fairfax County will be spending the next three decades in prison. Eugene Asomani “Shine” Williams, 35, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced last week in federal court for conspiring to distribute heroin and possessing a firearm while doing so. The three victims were Woodson High graduate Kara Schachinger, 22, of Fairfax; Joshua Pearson, 33, of Fairfax County and Timothy Huffman, 23, an active duty soldier who was serving in the Army at Fort Belvoir.
Letter: Dominant Urban Mode
To the Editor: Going by foot is the most natural, energy efficient, safe, and uncongested way to traverse an urban environment. It is overwhelmingly sociable, nonthreatening, accommodating and doesn’t require much by way of an investment to enjoy. Feet were made for walking, and people navigate even the smallest, tightest spaces best as pedestrians. And left to themselves, it is exceedingly rare to find that pedestrians are a hazard.
Centreville Residents Nominated for Service Awards
With the theme “Ordinary People, Extraordinary Impact,” Volunteer Fairfax, along with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, will honor real-life superheroes at the Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards.
‘It’ll Make People Laugh, Feel Good’
Centreville High presents comedy, “Funny Money.”
An aptly named show that’ll have the audience roaring with laughter, “Funny Money” is Centreville High’s upcoming Cappies play.
Little Theatre of Alexandria Celebrates 80 Years
Supporters and company members came out on Saturday, April 12, to celebrate Little Theatre of Alexandria's 80th anniversary extravaganza. The evening began with a champagne reception where patrons had a chance to reminisce about the organization's years of productions and events.
Our Daily Bread Celebrates 30 Years
Fairfax-based nonprofit Our Daily Bread (ODB) invites the public to its 30th anniversary celebration. An evening of art and performances, “Do You See What I See?” will be held Friday, May 2, from 7-10 p.m., at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Old Lee Hwy. in Fairfax.
Emily Louise Tomlinson and Calvin Dean Kennedy Engaged
Roxanne and Larry Tomlinson of Springfield announce the engagement of their daughter, Emily Louise, to Calvin Dean Kennedy, both of Pittsburgh, Pa. Calvin is the son of Sona Kennedy of Wexford, Pa., and Ronald Kennedy of Gibsonia, Pa. The future bride is a 2005 graduate of West Springfield High School. She is a 2009 graduate Robert of Morris University and 2013 graduate of Carlow University, both in Pittsburgh. Emily received a Master of Science in Nursing and is currently a Nurse Practitioner with Solano & Kokales Internal Medicine Associates at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Emergency Response Classes Begin in Springfield
This Saturday, April 26, Fire and Rescue Department is beginning a basic Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class at the LDS Church in Springfield. There is still plenty of room if you'd like to attend. The class will meet on four Saturdays and run each day from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; tentative class dates are April 26, May 3, May 10 and May 24.
Commentary: Celebrating Creativity, Recovery and Mental Health
Alexandria will open its fourth annual Art Uniting People celebration and exhibition on May 7 with several firsts this year. For the first time the opening exhibition and reception will take place at The Gallery@Convergence. Convergence, a faith community that explores the intersection of art, faith and the human experience, is well known for presenting the work of local artists, musicians and dancers.
‘Onward with Erin’
Team seeks to raise funds for National Brain Tumor Society.
Erin Kelly spends her professional life tending to critically ill children as a pediatric nurse on the cardiac intensive care unit at Children’s National Medical Center. What patients and their parents may not know is that she has spent the last three years in her own health battle, one with a stubborn brain tumor. The 26-year-old Arlington resident will be running the National Race for Hope on May 4, a 5K run in Washington D.C. that raises funds the National Brain Tumor Society.
Turbo Tutoring Awards Scholarships
Turbo Tutoring, led by local educators Gregg Greentree and Dan Harris, recently announced winners for its annual scholarship award.
Meadowood Stables Remain Open During Renovation
Rep. Jim Moran, Supervisor Gerry Hyland support decision.
The barn at the Meadowood Special Recreation Area will remain open during renovation, the Bureau of Land Management announced on April 10.