History: Founding Father for St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Cemetery
After securing American independence, many of General Washington’s staff from the Continental Army moved to Alexandria to be near their old commander. One of Washington’s closest friends was his Aide de Camp, Col. John Fitzgerald, who served with him throughout the Revolutionary War.
History: George Washington -- Master of Guile and Deceit
The oft told legend is that George Washington could not tell a lie. The reality is that General Washington proved to be a master of guile and deceit. These qualities are among the principle reasons America won the War of Independence.
History: Washington’s Military Credentials
In 1755, amid the French and Indian War, Major General Edward Braddock came to Alexandria as commander in chief of the British forces in North America. His immediate objective was capturing the French stronghold at Ft. Duquesne (now Pittsburgh). He left Alexandria with about 2,000 British regulars, 700 colonial militiamen, and a long train of supplies.
Richmond Report: Ethics Reform Falls Short
An ethics reform package passed the Virginia Senate on Monday. Unfortunately, the bill lacks teeth and is only a small step toward restoring public confidence in state government.
Making a Difference in Haiti
Haiti is a naturally beautiful paradise nestled amongst the irony of extreme squalor and abject poverty. Much of its natural beauty has been destroyed by self-imposed deforestation that only intensified after the earthquake of 2010.
Assessing Alexandria: City Officials Mail Annual Valentines to Homeowners
Residential properties increase 5 percent; commercial properties increase 2 percent.
Homeowners across Alexandria will be receiving their annual Valentine from City Hall this week, an assessment of their property that will be used to issue a tax bill later this year.
UCM Marks 45th Anniversary
Organization will increase outreach this year
Many people think of United Community Ministries as just a food bank and a thrift store, executive director Shirley Marshall said. “That is all they know about us. A lot of what we are trying to do this year, on our 45th anniversary, is say, there’s a little more to us than that actually,” Marshall said. As UCM marks its 45th anniversary, Marshall said the organization is increasing outreach efforts to make sure they are known in the community.
MVCCA Lists 2013 Actions
The Mount Vernon Council of Citizens Associations released the following summary of their work in 2013. Standing committees of the council that provided the substantive work on a given issue are shown in italics. Source: mvcca@listserve.com
Thirty Travel to Richmond
VIC Raises Issues of the Poor
Calling for expanded mental health services and greater access to Medicaid for the most vulnerable in the Mount Vernon community, a 30-member delegation from VIC traveled to Richmond, Feb. 6, to speak with area legislators.
Commentary: Session Midpoint: Twelve Bills Marching On
As we approach the midpoint of this session, I have more good news. Twelve of my bills have passed the House, are poised to pass, or are causing changes:
Synetic Theater Stages ‘Twelfth Night’
Synetic Theater in Arlington is staging a no-dialogue, high-energy and acrobatic production of “Twelfth Night.” Shakespeare’s comedy, set in the silent film era, will run through Feb. 16. With a backdrop of the Roaring ’20s, “Twelfth Night” tells the tale of fraternal twins, Viola and Sebastian, separated in a strange new land.
Commentary: Seven Bills To ‘Crossover’
The 2014 Session continues to roll along with new excitement every day — we’ve tackled issues as diverse as ethics reform and hunting on Sundays. I’ve been proud to support my good friends Senators Creigh Deeds and George Barker in their campaign to bring reforms to the mental health system in Virginia and bring much needed help to those suffering without a way to get the help they need.
Letter to the Editor: ACPS CIP
To the Editor: Alexandrians should be skeptical of the 2015-2024 Capital Improvement Program budget approved by the Alexandria School Board on Feb. 6. The board proposes to spend over $18 million of taxpayer money to fund the school system’s constantly changing capital priorities and the rationale is often questionable.
Letter to the Editor: The Music Plays On
Dedicated to Ruthann Lodato Do not stand and weep at her grave Tho’ tears fall down our cheeks in a hush As come the memories that we save Flowing through us in a rush
Letter to the Editor: Tree Light Fund Reaches Goal
To the Editor: I am very pleased to announce that the tree lights on King Street will remain on this next coming spring as we have matched the contingency Council, led by Del Pepper, set aside to use for this purpose. They set aside $13,500. We had to match 1/2 of that by early in March 2014 to keep the lights on through June 2014. All of the money has been deposited with the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Letter to the Editor: Safer for All Users
To the Editor: I am writing in response to the “Neighborhood” “Taylor Run” item in the Feb. 6 edition of The Alexandria Gazette Packet. I am a resident of Alexandria, living in the affected area — my home is one block off the at-issue stretch of King Street. I use this part of King Street as an automobile driver, a bicycle commuter, and a pedestrian, frequently walking to the King Street Metro Station or to Old Town.
Letter to the Editor: Business As Usual
At City Council's meeting on Saturday, Jan. 25, council voted to uphold the resolutions for "What's Next Alexandria Civic Engagement" process and use these "tools" in order to foster better communication between city hall and Alexandria residents.
Letter to the Editor: Speak Up To Save Park
t appears that few Alexandrians are aware of the drastic changes planned for Chinquapin Park and Recreation Center. There is $17.5M in the city budget for 2014-2018 to build an indoor 50m Olympic size swimming pool at Chinquapin, while keeping the existing pool for recreational use.
Happyland on Edge: Quiet Suburban Neighborhood Rocked by Unsolved Murders
Residents worried that a serial killer may be on the loose.
The late Ellen Pickering used to call North Ridge "Happyland," a quiet suburban stretch of the city where neighbors knew each other and the most shocking crime that happens is when someone's car is broken into.
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.