Chamber Hosts Newsmaker Business Lunch
Former U.S, Rep. Tom Davis was the guest speaker at the Mount Vernon-Lee Chambers Newsmaker Business lunch pn Thursday, Dec. 6 at the Belle Haven Country Club. Davis spoke of the ongoing political debate on the looming fiscal cliff and repercussions it may have locally. New members to the chamber — Sandy McMaster of Fischer McMaster Homes with McEnearney Real Estate, Tara Ghavam of Patient First, Jube Shiver of the Shiver Management Group and Tricia Mikos with the Mount Vernon Gazette — were introduced.
Volunteer Opportunities for Seniors
Senior Services of Alexandria is teaming with Volunteer Alexandria to spread the word about volunteer opportunities for seniors in our community. Both SSA and Volunteer Alexandria are committed to inspiring and mobilizing people to volunteer and build a better community for all Alexandrians, including our seniors since they are a vibrant part of our city.
Holiday Revels with a Safety Net
A serious backup, but seriously, make a plan ahead of time.
There is a little life in the economy this year, and that is quite likely to allow some to be the life of the party. You know the drill, the five-to-seven or six-to-eight drop-in happy hour, you've been invited to five of them, and you could attend an infinite number of these between now and the second day of 2013.
ACVA’s 2012 Superstar Awards
Washington introduced as new tourism chief.
The Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association presented the 2012 Superstar Awards at its December Tourism Marketing Forum Dec. 7 at Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, using the occasion to formally introduce Patricia R. Washington as the new president and CEO of the city's tourism agency. “I am excited to be in Alexandria,” Washington said.
What Labor Center Means to the Workers
Finding safety and security.
More than Centreville Immigration Forum members and local dignitaries participated in the Centreville Labor Resource Center’s one-year anniversary. The workers did, too, and were happy to be there.
Ringing in the Holidays
Fran Vaughan directed the advanced handbell choir at Browne Academy in a holiday concert on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 9, at the Beatley Library in Alexandria. The students performed a variety of holiday classics to a standing room only gathering. Students included Mustafa Beidas, Erika Walton, Hailey Chauncey, Kye Smith, Reese Gayle, BJ Ramkissoon, Danica King, Charles Nygeres, Isabella King, Jayla Muse, Madison Manning, Carson McKenzie and Cate and Ryan McGlynn.
‘We’ve Created a Community Here’
Centreville Labor Resource Center celebrates one-year anniversary.
When the Centreville Labor Resource Center (CLRC) opened a year ago, it was with high hopes that it would become a safe and successful place for local day laborers to meet with employers to obtain jobs. It started slowly, at first. But as people became more familiar with the center and the caliber of its workers, word spread and more employers came there — instead of to the streets — to hire them.
Tree Lighting In Del Ray
Thousands of luminaries lit the walkways up and down Mount Vernon Avenue on Friday evening, Dec. 7. Neighbors and visitors gathered in the Del Ray Farmers Market parking lot at Oxford Avenue to watch Santa light the holiday tree. Kate Moran led those gathered in holiday songs. The tree was donated by Mike Anderson and thanks went out the Cathy Puskar for her help with decorating logistics.
Curtain Up
Everything old is new again at Old Town Theater.
For nearly a century, The Old Town Theater served as a venue for entertainment ranging from vaudevillian stage shows to silent films, puppet shows and contemporary Hollywood blockbusters. But after the marquee dimmed and the doors were boarded up earlier this year, the Alexandria landmark is once again ready for its close up.
Bazaar Benefits Kenyan School
English students at T.C. Williams High School, inspired by a presentation from the former headmaster of the Losengeli School in Kenya, John Isindu, held a fundraiser in the school cafeteria on Thursday afternoon, Dec. 6. The students chose to showcase an international bazaar featuring food, music, costumes and dance from their native countries.
Guilty Plea in Handyman’s Death
Second person convicted in May 2010 Centreville homicide.
Nothing will restore Jose Cardona to life or return him to his family. But his loved ones will at least have a measure of justice now that the second of the three men involved in his death has been convicted. In June, Reynard Prather was sentenced to 30 years in prison. And last Friday, Dec. 7, in federal court, Tasheik Ashanti Champean, 46, of Suitland, Md., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and use of a firearm in a crime of violence causing death.
Chantilly Students Make Honor Choirs
Several Chantilly High choral students were recently selected for two honor choirs.
Christmas in Camp
Fort Ward Museum & Historic Sites held its annual Christmas in Camp on Saturday afternoon, Dec. 8. The camp depicts army life during the winter of 1863. Historian and writer Kevin Rawlings appeared as the patriotic Santa depicted in an engraving by artist Thomas Nast.
‘The Food Was Fabulous’
Chantilly High team wins culinary challenge.
Five stars are given to America’s top restaurants, and at a recent culinary competition, a student team from The Chantilly Academy captured the top prize, the Five Star Award.
Beauregard’s Human Rights Issue?
Upcoming zoning decision on Beauregard pits tenants against council.
As residents of the West End gathered this week to celebrate Human Rights Day, a spirit of defiance was in the air. Even though members of the Alexandria City Council have already approved the controversial Beauregard small-area plan, residents here are hoping that elected officials will hold off on rezoning the land until safeguards can be put into place to ensure low-income residents aren’t displaced by redevelopment.
Business Matters
Blinded by Science
Blinded by Science Two Alexandria landlords are vying for their properties to become the new home of the National Science Foundation, a prize the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership has identified as valuable goal for the city. But AEDP president Val Hawkins acknowledges it will be difficult battle.
Centreville High Spotlights Student Achievement
CVHS Spotlights Student Achievement
Centreville High School is pleased to announce that More than 900 Centreville High School students achieved perfect or near-perfect scores for the first quarter of the 2012-2013 school year.
Council Notebook
Saying Goodbye
Saying Goodbye They fought like cats and dogs. They pounded their fists of the dais at City Hall. On several occasions, they raised their voices at each other.
Rising from the Ashes
Seminary reaches compromise to retain ruins of historic chapel.
When God appears to Moses in the Book of Exodus, a bush is described to be on fire yet not consumed by flames. The same could be said for Immanuel Chapel at the Virginia Theological Seminary.
Letter: Welcoming Place
To the Editor: Bonnie Hobbs did a great job covering the Nov. 12 grand opening of the Bull Run Elementary School Family Center. I hope the community recognizes the great effort and coordination done by Bull Run staff to make the center a warm and welcoming place for families. Mary Shepherd Family and School Partnerships Specialist Fairfax County Public Schools