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The British and the Slaves – July 1814

This is the fifth of a series of articles telling how Alexandrians were affected 200 years ago by the War of 1812. For earlier articles in this series, go to alexandriagazette.com.

Two Views on Mentoring at Community Lodgings

In 2011, Community Lodgings decided to set up two mentor groups for the teens participating in the After-School program.

The ‘Divine’ Miss M’s’

Each of the personages I’m recalling deserves individual stories. Their services to Alexandria have meant a great deal to not only the government structure but to each and every citizen.

Foster Care for Animals

Danielle Cook can’t remember the last time she slept uninterrupted through the night. She has lots of mouths to feed — newborn kittens and puppies, depending on her for survival.

Obit: Holly Victoria Burnett

Holly Victoria Burnett, a diabetic who struggled for many years to battle the irregularities of her blood glucose readings, died in her Arlington home on July 19, 2014. She was 49 years old.

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Chess Phenomenon Combines Talent and Hard Work

Greenbriar West Elementary student places second in international chess tournament.

Aasa Dommalapati, 10, of Centreville, a rising fifth grade student at Greenbriar West Elementary School in Fairfax, won the silver medal in the Girls Under 10 category at the 2014 Pan-American Youth Chess Festival held in Mexico.

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The End of an Era

After 33 years, Robinson’s Chip Rome retires.

It’s the end of an era at Robinson Secondary: Legendary Theater Director Chip Rome has retired. In 1981, he became the fourth drama teacher the school hired that year, and he more than provided stability. He spent all 33 years of his FCPS career there.

Week in Fairfax

Weekly happenings in Fairfax.

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Hosting Safetypalooza

Boy Scouts, professionals teach children how to avoid trouble.

Thanks to 15-year-old Boy Scout Alex Battani, several local children know more about bike, bus and fire safety, as well as avoiding strangers. A rising junior at Westfield High, he put on a Safetypalooza at the Sully District Police Station. Also participating was police Crime Prevention Specialist Tara Gerhard, with that station, plus firefighters from the Springfield District Station and members of the Blue Suit Pacers Cycling Team.

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Sunflowers for Wildlife

Sunflowers for Wildlife

The peak bloom of 25 acres of sunflowers off River Road is past, but the fading flowers will leave seeds that attract songbirds and other wildlife for some time to come. Goldfinches and Indigo Buntings are visible by the the dozen as the sunflower seeds mature.

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‘Brothers, Neighbors, Friends’

Chantilly resident installed as officer with The Knights of Columbus.

Eric Latcheran, 27, of Chantilly’s Poplar Tree Estates community, has Down syndrome. Yet his intellectual disabilities don’t stop him from leading a full life.

Double Honors

Leadership Arlington President & CEO Betsy Frantz has been recognized with two major awards for her work at the organization and in the community.

A New Era at Local School

Matthew Gould tapped as head of Norwood School.

When the 2014-2015 school year opens in a few weeks, Norwood School will have a new leader at the helm. The Board of Trustees for the Bethesda school named Matthew A. Gould, Ph.D., as the new head of school earlier this month. Gould replaces Richard T. Ewing Jr., who retired from Norwood after 35 years. “Having grown up in the D.C. area and worked in various schools for the past 25 years, I was well aware of Norwood’s reputation as one of the largest and finest kindergarten-through-eighth grade schools in the country,” said Gould. “I was impressed with Norwood’s deep commitment and passion for educating the whole child in a joyful, nurturing and challenging learning environment. It was important for me to be in a school community that puts children at the center of everything.”

Obituary: Harry Hodges Semmes, Jr.

Harry Hodges Semmes, Jr., 94, died of Alzheimer’s on July 6, 2014 at Buckingham's Choice where he had moved after 50 years of living in Potomac.

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Surfer Bethany Hamilton Shares Her Story

Fourth Presbyterian School welcomed professional surfer Bethany Hamilton to campus in April. Hamilton became well known after she lost her left arm to a shark attack while surfing at the age of 13. Just one month later, she was back in the water pursuing her passion of surfing, and just over a year later won her first national title. In 2007 she turned pro and has since competed in a number of Association of Surfing Professionals and World Tour Events. In March, she won the Surf N Sea Pipeline Women’s Pro held in Oahu, Hawaii.