People

Wreaths Across America in Alexandria

For the third year, St. Rita American Heritage Girls Troop VA1381 is participating in Wreaths Across America to honor the nation's veterans and their families on Dec. 13, by laying wreaths on the gravesites in Alexandria National Cemetery for Christmas.

Hope for the Holidays in Alexandria

’Tis the season of giving: of gifts, of parties and of thanks. But what should be a time of hope and happiness too often can be a time of despair for Alexandria’s vulnerable and low income families.

Clarification

Last week’s story, “I Wanted a Better Life,” on the life of Nelson Greene Sr., should have included credit to Sarah Becker for her Living Legends profile of Mr. Greene which was incorporated in the Nov. 20 Gazette Packet article.

Six-Billion Reasons To Persevere in Alexandria

Mentoring

“Can you read me the answer you came up with?” “Six-million …” “Wait … look again.” “Oh yeah! Six-billion…” “Did you ever think you would be able to do a math problem that would have an answer in the billions?”

Commentary: Giving Thanks for Anti-Hunger Programs in Alexandria

Working to keep children fed.

When I was a kid, Thanksgiving meant stuffing myself beyond the point of comfort, flitting gleefully between turkey, casseroles, sweet potatoes, dinner rolls, and of course pie. The object was to eat to the point of needing to loosen the belt, and then wait a few hours until there was room to start all over again with leftovers.

Covert Matters: Alexandrians Can Be Thankful

Here in the Commonwealth of Virginia, just to pick an argument with our northern colleagues, the first Thanksgiving between the Pilgrims, colonists, settlers and Indians was held on Dec. 4, 1621 at Berkeley Plantation in Charles City County, Va.

Holiday Wishes Come True in Great Falls

The Wish List Project sending 325 homeless children holiday gifts.

Because of Ginger Mahon, more than 300 homeless and foster care children and teens will wake up to presents on Christmas. The Wish List Project, which turns 15 this year, will deliver donated personalized gifts to six organizations throughout the county, playing Santa for hundreds of children.

Alexandria Domestic Violence Shelters Offer Relief Year-round

Local nonprofits Bethany House and ALIVE face challenges during holiday season.

“I thought if I loved him enough, he would change.” Jasmine Witcher, interim executive director for the Bethany House domestic violence shelter, says she hears these words all the time.

The Great Gadsby in Alexandria

A weekend at Alexandria’s Gadsby Tavern

Supposedly, The Hunt Ball at the historic Gadsby’s Tavern in Alexandria took place the evening of Nov. 22, 2014. But inside, there was nothing to indicate it was not Nov. 22, 1800.

Mount Vernon: Storck Sets Office Hours

Fairfax County School Board Member Dan Storck will host Saturday Community Office Hours in December and January:

People At Work: Crafting a Floral Centerpiece in Alexandria

The art of flower arrangement

Scott Marchand puts hanging amaryllis in the green foam oasis rings. “See how it is giving it a kind of cascading look. I put my greens in first, “ he says. “This is going to be an open, airy floral arrangement in fall tones as a centerpiece for a table.

Glory Days in Alexandria

ASC celebrates Old Oaken Bucket rivalry.

From George Washington High School’s opening in 1935 until 1968, Thanksgiving mornings were synonymous with the pinnacle matchup of Virginia high school football. Residents and visitors braved plummeting temperatures and postponed culinary preparations to attend the grand spectacle of talent and grit known as the Old Oaken Bucket rivalry between GW and Arlington’s Washington-Lee High School.

Hand & Stone Opens in Chantilly

Spa offers facials, massage, waxings.

A new Chantilly Hand & Stone Spa opened in the Greenbriar Town Center behind the Starbucks along Route 50 on Oct. 12.

Alexandria Letter to the Editor: A Better Life … But Not Today?

I was moved and humbled by the tribute to Nelson Greene Sr. on the front page of the Nov. 20 edition of the Alexandria Gazette Packet. It served as a subtle reminder of the city’s morally corrupt treatment of the African American community even after passage of the Civil Rights Act.

Centreview: Turbo Tutoring Helps Ellie’s Hats

Dan Harris and Gregg Greentree, co-owners of Turbo Tutoring LLC, are conducting a hat drive for Ellie's Hats in conjunction with their SAT prep seminar on Wednesday, Dec. 3 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Stone Bridge High School, Room 303, at 43100 Hay Road, Ashburn, VA 20147.

The Connection