Column: Expanding Health care Coverage
In Virginia almost one million men and women go without health insurance. That is one million people who cannot afford to get a check-up when they feel sick, who cannot fill prescriptions after injury or emergency treatment, and who are one serious illness away from bankruptcy.
Column: 500 Turn Out for Bryan Porter
Launching campaign for Commonwealth’s Attorney.
In one of the more memorable trials in Alexandria’s Circuit Court, the young lawyer was making his first major murder prosecution. In a blue business suit, power tie and sporting new cufflinks he cut the figure of a veteran trial lawyer.
Column: Listen to the Other Side of the Argument
Last week I had the opportunity to spend two days in Richmond discussing legislation with our local delegation and other members of the General Assembly. Two of the leading topics being discussed were the transportation funding plans and State Senate redistricting.
Column: Sex Trafficking Here in Northern Virginia
A couple of years ago, I became aware that sex trafficking of children was not solely an international issue, but one that was happening in our own backyard.
Column: Creating Youth Master Plan
Students from both campuses of T.C. Williams High School (King Street Campus and Satellite) were present Saturday, Feb. 9 participating in a forum designed to engage youth in discussions about issues that they care about and affect them within the community. Their input, ideas, thoughts and feedback will go into what is called a Youth Master Plan.
Public Still Hot for Ice Skating Rink in Fairfax
Michael Weiss’ former training site hosts the next generation of Olympians.
It’s one of life’s ironies: we love to complain about how cold it is, yet the arctic activity of ice skating continues to be a major recreation destination. Though he’s been a hockey guy all his life, Fairfax Ice Arena Manager Andy Heckmann doesn’t get it either. “I never understand the psychology,” he said, “why people come here when it’s cold.”It’s one of life’s ironies: we love to complain about how cold it is, yet the arctic activity of ice skating continues to be a major recreation destination. Though he’s been a hockey guy all his life, Fairfax Ice Arena Manager Andy Heckmann doesn’t get it either. “I never understand the psychology,” he said, “why people come here when it’s cold.”
Column: A Complicated Answer
And a further explanation and corollary to last week’s column: “A Simple Question,” which attempted to sort through my reactions to being asked an extremely innocent, appropriate, well-intended and always appreciated courtesy: “How are you?” and the problem that it sometimes causes me. That problem being: a question which had it not been asked would then not require an answer. An answer that I’ll always give, but not before I’ve given it some thought, which if I hadn’t thought about, wouldn’t have bothered me in the least
Making the Difference Between Struggle and Success
Carmen Jordan of Reston has been a mentor for Fairfax Families4 Kids for six years. She is considered one of the most experienced mentors in the program. In addition to working full-time as a marquee account manager at Deltek in Herndon, Jordan makes herself available to “trouble-shoot” for the children and families she mentors. In the following column, she details her experiences with the program, and at-risk foster youth.
Column: Maestro’s Musings
It’s hard to believe that it's my 25th anniversary as Music Director of the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra. The centerpiece of my anniversary year will be the world premiere of an epic symphonic piece composed by yours truly and my wife, Kathryn Vassar Kluge.
Letter to the Editor: Hunger's Impact
To the Editor: As Congress returns to Washington and gets back to the important work of balancing our budget, they are going to have to make some difficult decisions.
Column: West Montgomery County Citizens Association
The West Montgomery County Citizens Association will meet at the Potomac Community Center on Wednesday, Feb. 13, at 7:15 p.m. If schools are closed because of inclement weather, the meeting will be cancelled.
Column: Medicaid Expansion, Transportation and Uranium
This week’s General Assembly session included “Crossover” on Tuesday — after which the House and Senate may only work on bills approved by the other body.
Column: Martin’s Artistry Makes Its Mark on Alexandria
From businessman to activist to volunteering.
David M. Martin moved from Delaware to Alexandria in 1981, intrigued by the quality of life along the Potomac. In his bags were the beginnings of an artistic career in jewelry design. He also brought with him a strong interest in helping the people around him.
Commentary: The Politics of Fear
Fear can be a powerful influence in our lives. A healthy fear of something that is harmful may keep us safe. Fear of the unknown can cause helpful caution or limit our perspective. Too often fear can be misused to manipulate the actions of others. In Richmond, as elsewhere, fear is evident and at work in many aspects of the legislative process.
Letter to the Editor: Take Politics Out of Redistricting
Let's face it — Virginia's Delegate and Senatorial district maps are a gerrymandered disgrace.