People

Inside the Alexandria Police Department: Specialists in Action

An occasional series, drawn from the Alexandria Citizen’s Police Academy.

In 1989, a hostage situation was unfolding at 316 Hopkins Court. A man trying to collect on a drug debt had taken hostages at gunpoint inside a house and the Special Operations Team (S.O.T.) was called out to the site in response.

Alexandria: Opposition to Old Colony Inn Proposal Turns Personal

Has it gone too far?

After nearly a full year of back and forth through boards, commissions, and community engagement, the Old Colony Inn is one step away from redevelopment. Hot on the developer’s heels, however, were local neighbors objecting to the zone transition allowances by staff.

Alexandria: Design Supported as Patrick Henry Moves Forward

N. Latham Street controversy resolved; auditorium questions loom.

After a series of back and forths between the School Board, an advisory group, and project staff, Patrick Henry Elementary School is moving forward with a compromise that seems to have satisfied most parties. Questions and concerns remain about the site, including a looming discussion about the exclusion of an auditorium from the design, but at the April 27 meeting of the Patrick Henry Advisory Group, the group agreed to support the Option C.1 design.

Alexandria: Accomplice in Beverley Park Homicide Sentenced

Teen’s attorney details background of abuse.

On April 28, the family of Jose Luis Ferman Perez met the girl who was at least partially responsible for his death. The defendant, 16-year-old Leidi Granados Gutierrez, is one of three MS-13 affiliated suspects connected with last year’s Nov. 9 homicide of Jose Luis Ferman Perez.

Alexandria: Health Coach Writes ‘The Karma Sense Eating Plan’

Alexandrian Dave Hellman focuses on food and wellbeing.

In his new book, “The Karma Sense Eating Plan,” Dave Hellman, an Alexandria tech entrepreneur / health coach, shows readers how to cultivate mindful eating habits through combining food-related activities and performing good deeds.

Alexandria: The Father of Mother’s Day

Fraternal Order of the Eagles leader credited for national holiday.

In the late 1800s, Frank Hering was the University of Notre Dame’s star quarterback, coach and captain of the football team before becoming a history professor and the school’s first athletic director. But even if his name is not familiar, mothers everywhere will be celebrated this weekend with the holiday he championed more than 100 years ago.

Alexandria: Kim Allen Kluge to Conduct Farewell ASO Performance

“It’s very gratifying to look back and see what the ASO has accomplished." — Maestro Kim Allen Kluge

For 28 years, Kim Allen Kluge has held the baton for the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, his energy pulsing before signaling the opening downbeat for each performance. With his charismatic enthusiasm, he brought national acclaim to the fledgling community orchestra he transformed nearly three decades ago.

Alexandria: Speck Named to Top 400

Financial advisor among nation’s best.

David Speck, managing director of Investments for the Speck-Caudron Investment Group of Wells Fargo Advisors in Alexandria, has been named one of the top 400 financial advisors in the country by the Financial Times. This is the second year that the former City Councilman and member of the Virginia House of Delegates has been recognized by the Financial Times.

Letter: Obstacles to Continued Learning

To the Editor

Why does George Mason University, place meaningless but annoying obstacles in the path of Senior Citizens who wish to engage in mentally challenging and potentially rewarding experiences?

Burke Man Awarded President’s Volunteer Service Award

Wayne Chiles was awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award for his efforts in 2015 to assist disaster survivors.

Burke: Civil Air Patrol Cadets Take to the Simulated Air

Civil Air Patrol Cadets Take to the Simulated Air

On Tuesday, April 12, Civil Air Patrol (CAP) cadets from the Burke and Prince William Composite Squadrons enjoyed their first steps toward learning to fly.

Commentary: Restoring Rights

Governor Terry McAuliffe issued an executive order recently restoring civil rights of voting, serving on a jury, running for office, or being a notary public for persons who had been convicted of any and all felonies in the past and who have completed the terms of incarceration and who have completed any period of supervised release of probation and parole.

Stone Middle School: A Quarter Century Later

Current and former staff share their stories.

Just over 25 years ago, then-Fairfax County Public Schools Principal Susan DeCorpo was interviewing potential teachers for what would be the first staff of Ormond Stone Middle School.

Chantilly: Advancing to World Finals

Nysmith Odyssey of the Mind Team wins state title.

The Nysmith School for the Gifted’s 6th Grade Odyssey of the Mind team (the Nysmith Brainy Bunch) triumphed in the Virginia State Odyssey of the Mind Competition in Newport News on April 16.

Centreville High Student Competes in Pageant

Next stop: College and another contest.

Selected as a finalist in the Miss Teen 2016 pageant, Centreville High senior Shaylan Ferguson participated in early April in Southern Virginia. And while she didn’t win, she enjoyed the experience, learned a few things along the way and plans to keep on competing.

The Connection