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Unexpected Amusement

Probably without intending to do so, your December 5-11 issue provided considerable amusement.
First—after years of mindless support for Gerry Connolly's determination to turn Tysons Corner into God's Own Junkyard through a secret, no-bid contract—Mr. Horrock has discovered that Metro's Silver Line is badly flawed; no parking, restricted access to the tunnel into D.C. and, alas, doubtful ridership [“Silver Line Faces ‘Daunting Issues’”]. But, not to worry, our fearless Board of Supervisors has a solution, for…


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Giving Back on the Road to Eagle Scout

Sudharsan “Suddy” Sriram of Troop 869, supported by Trinity Methodist Church, McLean, completed his Eagle Scout Project earlier this summer at the childcare center that helped raised him, Westgate Child Center.

Touching For Sure, But Not Always

Usually, but not always, when I show for my scheduled post-chemotherapy/post-scan appointment with my oncologist, I am physically examined (touching, feeling). Recently, due to some enhanced computer and facility upgrades, I was shown the actual scans, digitized. However, on more than one occasion over the last 18 months or so, after we discussed the results of my most recent CT Scan – and lab work, no physical exam was performed. Apparently, as I later learned, the good results from my scan sort of trumps any need to feel for physical manifestations.


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How the Powerless Access Power

Immigrants make significant gains in influencing political system.

On Election Night Nov. 6, Keisy Chavez’s nerves were frayed. The Fairfax single mom had been campaigning hard for Democrats since the official launch of Latinos for Obama last April.

Instincts…

Forty-five months later, I am still dealing with feelings – as in still living, for which I am amazingly fortunate. However, those feelings seem to sometimes have a mind of their own, and accordingly tend to take over and rewire one’s brain (figuratively speaking).

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Contractors Call Holidays Ideal Time to Ponder Remodeling Projects

Local contractors say that the holidays offer an opportunity to consider home renovations.

While the holidays can bring glad tidings and cheer, they can also spark an interest in remodeling, say some local contractors.


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Decking the Halls

Local designers share holiday decorating suggestions.

Looking for inspiration for decking the halls this season? Three local home design experts offer doable tips for capturing the magic of the holidays.

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An Alexandria Homecoming at the 9:30 Club

Two bands with T.C. Williams roots to celebrate the world still spinning this weekend.

Two Alexandria-based bands are joining forces for what's bound to be a feel-good show at the 9:30 Club this weekend. Virginia Coalition, a group of guys that have been making the rounds in rock clubs since their high school days at T.C. Williams and better known to their fans as VACO, are hosting Rock-A-Pocalypse on Saturday, Dec. 22.

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Union of Pedestrians: Waterfront Plan Prompts Changes to Union Street

Union Street to become 'shared street.'

The first signs of change from the waterfront plan are about to sweep through Old Town, adding features city officials believe will make the thoroughfare more friendly to pedestrians who will walk along the redeveloped properties.


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City Leaders Approve Plan to Demolish Jefferson-Houston and Construct New Facility

$45 million facility is seen as a way to revitalize long-struggling school.

The name “Jefferson-Houston” presents a paradox — a hyphenated marriage of slave-owner Thomas Jefferson and civil-rights leader Charles Houston.

Avoiding Jet Lag

Medical experts offer suggestions for those traveling across multiple time zones during the holidays.

Every December, Linda McDonald travels from her Oak Hill home to Stockton, Calif., to visit her family for Christmas. She tries to head west a few days before the holiday, but often leaves on Christmas Eve, and arrives feeling hazy and sluggish.

Quick Relief for Holiday Stress

Simple strategies for bringing down anxiety levels in a hurry.

“Listen to your favorite relaxation music on your iPod as you shop. It can help reduce anxiety in overcrowded shops. Reserve time to relax or meditate at peak times of stress.” — Michelle Walters-Edwards, Marymount University


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Cosmetic Dentistry for Children

Whether it’s to replace a tooth that was lost or broken during a hockey game or to create a Hollywood-smile before taking the stage for a school play, pediatric dentists say an increasing number of children are undergoing cosmetic dental procedures.

Present Needing to be Accounted For

As a stage IV non-small cell lung cancer diagnosee/patient/survivor/anomaly, living long--whether prospering or not, is not the simple and presumptive proposition I had anticipated. No more do I anticipate living the same number of years and in the same relative good health that my parents (both deceased), experienced well into their 80s. Now, my life revolves around my oncologist and the CT Scans and lab work that precede our recurring appointments.

A Life Lesson in Giving Back

An immigrant’s son becomes state delegate and introduces the Virginia DREAM Act.

My father was born in a small town in the Andes mountains region of Venezuela. He was one of 22 brothers and sisters from the same parents. At the age of 19 he came to this country with $280 in his pocket and the dream of a better life. He worked as a bus boy and waiter, learned English, and went to school. He graduated from Northern Virginia Community College when I was 5 years old. He then took one class a semester at George Mason University every year, until he graduated from college one month before I graduated from Robinson High School in Fairfax. As a result of his achieving the American Dream, my father was able to change the lives of my entire family in Latin America.


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Children of Inmates Receive Holiday Gifts, Winter Coats

Thanks to the support of Toys for Tots and Operation Warm, the children of more than 50 Alexandria inmates received a holiday gift and, if needed, a new winter coat this season.

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The Way We Were

A look back at 2012.

Dominated by a hard-fought City Council race and the ongoing battle over the waterfront, Alexandria citizens had no shortage of topics to debate over the last year.

Letter to the Editor: Make Difference On Gun Control

As our new voice in Congress, Rep.-elect John Delaney is finding his way around the halls of the Capitol and determining what course his Congressional career will take. I hope he will choose as his signature issue to be a leader on gun control.


Letter to the Editor: Move Ahead On Improving Rink

I am writing in regard to the proposed rink that would be located at the Potomac Community Center.

Letter to the Editor: A Center For Everyone

I live just behind the Potomac Community Center tennis courts and have lived here for the past 21 years.