Council Notebook
Alexandria has become a whistle stop town — in more ways than one. Trains have been a regular feature of life in the city since before the Civil War.
School Board Candidates Offer Perspectives on Failing Scores for Students with Disabilities
Incumbents defend record; challengers call for more action.
The last three years have seen test scores plummet for students with disabilities, a group that constitutes an expensive and vexing challenge for Alexandria City Public Schools.
TC Defense Experiencing Late-Season Surge
Titans beat Annandale to keep alive slim playoff hopes.
The T.C. Williams football team defeated Annandale, 52-7, on Oct. 20.
Yorktown Field Hockey Finishes District Runner-Up
Patriots reach championship game despite loss of 12 seniors.
The Yorktown field hockey team lost to Mount Vernon in the National District championship game on Oct. 22.
MVHS Field Hockey Wins 3rd District Title in 4 Years
Majors beat Chantilly in opening round of regionals.
The Mount Vernon field hockey team won its third National District title in the last four years.
Burns’ Big Plays, Defense Lead Westfield to Victory
Oakton’s Downer, Wandey Run Strong in Defeat
The Westfield football team defeated Oakton, 28-14, on Oct. 19.
Fairfax Field Hockey Beats Lake Braddock in Regionals
Sophomore Duke scores lone goal for Rebels.
The Fairfax field hockey team defeated Lake Braddock, 1-0, in the opening round of the Northern Region Tournament on Oct. 23.
Free Carseat Inspections
Certified technicians from the Sully District Police Station will perform free, child safety carseat inspections Thursday, Nov. 1 and 15, from 5-8:30 p.m., at the station, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. No appointment is necessary. But residents should install the child safety seats themselves so technicians may properly inspect and adjust them, as needed.
The Passover Amendment: Should Legislators Meet on Religious Holidays?
Former Del. David Englin (D-45) was behind amendment now before voters.
Every year, the Virginia General Assembly convenes several weeks after the session to react to the governor’s vetoes.
Commentary: Also on the Ballot
With all the buzz about the presidential election, some voters may be surprised to learn that there are other electoral contests and issues on the ballot. At the request of many people, each year I write about the ballot facing voters and share my intentions on how I will be voting. It will come as no surprise to anyone that I will be voting for President Obama for re-election. This campaign as much as any has been about the clear role of government, and President Obama reflects views that I hold that our society must be open to opportunity for all and not to a privileged few. There is no reason to stay home from this vote. It does not get any more fundamental than this one.
Alexandria/Mount Vernon Calendar: Oct. 24, 2012
Upcoming events and activities
Entertainment Brief: Quintango Comes to Carlyle Club
On Sunday, Oct. 28 at 4 p.m., QuinTango brings the sizzle of Argentine tango to Alexandria’s Carlyle Club located at 411 John Carlyle St. with a cabaret show titled titled “Viva Buenos Aires!” featuring singer/actor Chris Vasquez, Argentine bandoneonist Emmanuel Trifilio, dancers Tino Bastidas and Susan Reynolds.
Overcrowding Leads Budget Concerns
At the Alexandria City School Board’s Oct. 11 public hearing on its FY 2014 budget, parents and school staff voiced their concerns over funding for various schools and programs.
Obituary: John P Hightower Jr.
John P Hightower Jr., 79, of Salem died on Friday, Oct. 19, 2012.
Old Town
LET'S TOAST OUR TOWN - 'Towners, this isn't your mother's party do we're touting here today. No siree. The one I have in mind begs you to show up. It promises to please. It sings. It swings. It's sooo 21st century. It's for a noble notable cause and it's coming up just around the corner — Nov. 10 to be precise. Stay tuned.
Letter: New Voice For the City
As an 88-year-old woman and a resident of Alexandria for the past 55 years, I am deeply concerned about the future of Alexandria. I applaud a particular City Council candidate who is focused on maintaining a livable, family-friendly Alexandria. An excellent candidate, Allison Silberberg, is adding a new voice to that effort.
Letter: Sticker Shock To Save Lives
Young people in the City of Alexandria have a number of ways they can obtain alcohol illegally. Sometimes parents purchase beer and other alcohol products for their teens and turn a blind-eye to parties in their homes where alcohol is available. Other times, an older sibling, friend or even a stranger purchases beer, wine coolers or other alcoholic beverages for minors.
Letter: Making a Difference
Alexandria needs Allison Silberberg on our City Council. Please vote for Allison on Nov. 6.
Letter: Long Service To Community
In his opening remarks in the second mayoral debate Andrew MacDonald stated that life in Alexandria had worsened under Mayor Euille's leadership, but it would only be fair to examine his own record.
Letter: Artistic Judgment
I am writing to register my protest at the recent decision by Alexandria’ Public Art Committee to disregard the recommendation, made by the stakeholders group, to award the sculpture commission for the Contraband and Freedmen’s Cemetery to Edward Dwight and to give the commission to Mario Chiodo instead.