Letter to the Editor: Losing Pools
Drip, drip, drip — that’s the sound of Alexandria’s pools going down the drain. Lee — closed. Ewald — closed. Colasanto — closed. Warwick — proposed to close in just over two months. That leaves Old Town and Chinquapin as the only two major public pools in the city — and those will be gone in 5 to 10 years.
Letter to the Editor: Myths about Bikeshare
I am writing in response to recent letters criticizing the Capital Bikeshare (CaBi) program in the Alexandria Gazette Packet. Myths about CaBi seem to be spreading and I'd like to set the record straight.
Letter to the Editor: How City Counts Parking Spaces
As the City Council moves forward with plans for waterfront development and considers other issues that impact resident parking, such as allowing for food trucks, I feel compelled to reiterate the parking concerns residents have in Old Town.
Letter to the Editor: Police Ignore Multiple Calls
All day and night on Sunday April 21, a car on the 300 block of Wythe had its alarm blaring and lights flashing until almost midnight. Hundreds of residents in the north end of Alexandria could not sleep.
Letter to the Editor: Defending Dog Park
A correction to the April 18 Letter to Editor, "Protect the Park" from small special events.
Letter to the Editor: Founders Park Threatened
High-rise development on this waterfront parcel was staved off in 1979 as the result of concerted efforts by nearby residents and Ellen Pickering, among others.
Letter to the Editor: Protect the Protectors
As City Council ponders the budget, and the changes to healthcare and pension plans that will hurt police officers and firefighters, let’s remember Orwell’s words, “We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm.”
Column: SSA’s ‘Friendly Visitors’ Spread Good Cheer to City’s Seniors
Senior Services of Alexandria’s Friendly Visitors Program is in full swing providing companionship to more than 30 Alexandria seniors. The program, which was officially launched, in October 2012 has taken off and the number of matches are increasing daily.
Column: Join Fight Against Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Spring has finally arrived and the school year is entering its last few months. High school seniors around the country are already looking forward to prom and the final summer before starting college or a career.
Column: Calling all Alex Babies
Are you an Alex baby? Were you, your children, or grandchildren born at Inova Alexandria Hospital? If so, we want you to celebrate with us at our first-ever Alex Baby Reunion/Mother’s Day Celebration at Inova Alexandria Hospital on Saturday, May 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Letter to the Editor: Scout Values
Next month, the Boy Scouts of America will consider a resolution to end their policy of discrimination against gay youth.
Letter: Protect The Park
To the Editor: Despite a recent proposal by the city to the contrary, Founders Park should not be used for private events.
Commentary: Congress in Clutches of NRA
Before I criticize the lack of action on the part of the U.S. Senate on modest gun measures last week, I will freely admit that the Virginia General Assembly is clearly in the clutches of the National Rifle Association (NRA). The last several years have seen a steady decline in Virginia’s attempt to reduce gun violence but without my support or vote. Most recently the General Assembly repealed the limitation on handgun purchases. The problem of gun violence is nationwide and appropriately should be addressed by the U.S. Congress. Opinion polls indicate overwhelming support for congressional action, especially as it relates to criminal background checks. At the same time, incidents involving gun violence continue to mount up.
Gun Lobby Over Gun Victims
Last year, I wrote a letter to my senator, Mark Warner. In it, I appealed to him to reconsider his position on gun violence, to support renewal of an assault weapons ban, a ban of mega magazines, and closing the gun show loophole for potential mass murderers. My senator wrote a polite letter back reminding me of his “A” rating by the NRA and his staunch support of the Second Amendment. He noted my concerns and wished me well. Yep, I knew where he stood.
Letter: Social Media Sharing … With Caution
Everybody knows where the verbs “like,” “share,” “friend” and “favorite” belong today: Facebook and Twitter. With a click of a button, pictures that appeal to you are immediately shared to your followers. A couple shares later, that tweet or post becomes viral. And if it’s something false or defamatory, you’re now responsible for spreading an awful rumor.