People

Hooray for Small Business in Alexandria

Celebrating community role of small businesses.

On 2012’s Small Business Saturday, President Barack Obama visited One More Page Books in Arlington and set a trend for politicians in the Washington area: small Northern Virginia bookstores are the place to be on Nov 29. That tradition continued in Hooray for Books! on this year’s Small Business Saturday when U.S. Small Business Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet , U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, and local politicians converged to emphasize their patronage of the King Street bookstore.

‘Skate with Santa’ at Fairfax Ice Arena

Beginners, experienced skaters enjoy the adventure of ice skating.

For some ice-skating is a challenge, especially for those of us who didn’t grow up in colder climates. Trying to stand on ice skates, stopping, and turning takes some practice. For others ice-skating is part of being in a hockey league or improving one’s skills in competitive skating. And for some it’s a special time to return to the ice and introduce their children to the fun of skating. And so it was for one family this past Sunday at Fairfax Ice Arena.

Working toward English Literacy in Alexandria

Campagna Center program helps immigrants.

"Good morning ladies." Marcia D'Arcangelo stands in the large central room greeting teachers and students as they walk by, headed for their English classes. She is director of the New Neighbor ELL program in Alexandria funded by the Campagna Center. "We have nine different levels here. We recently added a new entry level of literacy when we discovered some people didn't know the basics of the English language, like the alphabet," D'Arcangelo said.

Fairfax Station Girl Plays Clara in Kennedy Center Nutcracker

How many people can say they’ve truly lived out their fantasy? And of those, how many by age 11?

Clifton Home for the Holidays

Christmas Candlelight Homes Tour returns Dec. 6.

Driving through neighborhoods lit by Christmas lights is a time-honored tradition but in historic Clifton, residents take it a bit further. Each year as part of a candlelight homes tour, the public can enter five preserved and restored homes and two churches, done up for the holidays.

National Small Business Saturday shopping promotion in Alexandria

Alexandria City Councilwoman Del Pepper stands with Chamber of Commerce staff Members Shari Simmans-Bolouri and Maria Ciarrocchi at Pork Barrel BBQ in Del Ray Nov. 29 as part of the national Small Business Saturday shopping promotion.

‘Dream Come True’ for Lamb Center

City Council paves way for move to new site and building.

Since 1992, The Lamb Center in Fairfax has served as a place of refuge for the poor and homeless. It’s a daytime, drop-in shelter providing hot meals, showers, laundry services, and recovery and employment counseling.

Fairfax City Council Supports Lamb Center Project

During the Nov. 18 public hearing on The Lamb Center’s request to move to a new building in a different part of Fairfax City, people spoke on both sides of the issue.

Facets New Executive Director Brings Perspective and Experience

Margi Preston started as Executive Director of Facets of Fairfax officially on Nov. 17. But she attended its fall fundraising event, A Taste of Fall, on Nov. 15 and witnessed the dedication of Facets staff and supporters in helping individuals and families experiencing poverty in Fairfax County.

Alexandria Church Holds Prayer Vigil

Hundreds gather at Alfred Street Baptist Church for Michael Brown, Jr.

Alfred Street Baptist Church, an African American Baptist Church founded in 1803, held a special prayer vigil on Nov. 25 for Michael Brown, Jr., the African American 18-year-old male who was fatally-shot in Ferguson, Mo., on Aug. 9, by Police Officer Darren Wilson.

Living Legends of Alexandria: Fifer: Focusing on Key Community Needs

Co-founder of Alexandria Volunteer Bureau, now Volunteer Alexandria.

When you ask Lissette Bishins, executive director of the Carpenter’s Shelter, about Lee Fifer, she will tell you that he “is a lifelong Alexandrian who is a passionate advocate for those in need. His touch is all over Alexandria. He loves this city and the people in it; he is philanthropic and drives others to follow his lead.”

Brightening Start of Holiday Season for Seniors in Alexandria

Senior Services of Alexandria

The holiday season can be a lonely time, especially for seniors who may not have a local support system of family and friends. With this is mind, Senior Services of Alexandria came up with several community projects during Thanksgiving week which were designed to provide a sense of security and well-being.

Alexandria: Raising the Bar on Giving

For the 4th year, Keller Williams Realty has reached out and given back to the community at Thanksgiving.

Alexandria: Annie B. Rose Crafters

Dozens and dozens of brightly colored knitted caps filled the table beside a Christmas tree in the lobby of the Annie B. Rose House on Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 2.

Alexandria: Bows, Baskets and Bikes

The Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association held its third annual Bows, Baskets and Bikes event Nov. 20, bringing together area event planners and hotel partners to help build bicycles for needy families and announcing its new partnership with Volunteer Alexandria.

The Connection