People

TC HostsTitan Expo

Pies were flying, along with rubbers chickens and baseballs, as the games got underway at the annual T.C. Williams Titan Expo...

The annual festival opened up last month in Ben Brenman Park at 10 a.m. with greetings and a showcase of Alexandria City Public Schools students displaying and performing their ideas on upcycling in the performing arts, literature and fashion.

Bowties & Belles

The Campagna Center hosted its annual Bowties & Belles soiree on Saturday afternoon, May 3, at the Belle Haven Country Club.

Column: Positive Approaches to Difficult Conversations

Senior Living

For many people, there comes a time when we need to become more involved in finding ways to address major obstacles confronted by the older members of our families.

Special-Needs Children Given Wings to Fly

Therapy and recreational center opens in Chantilly.

When Donna Shank’s son Ryan was diagnosed with autism eight yeas ago, she traveled throughout the Washington Metropolitan area to get treatment for him. “Most children with autism, and other children with special needs, require several different types of therapies, such as speech and occupational therapy and additional tutoring,” she said. “But it’s difficult to find all these services in one location. So my dream was to provide an all-in-one, integrated, therapy center.”

Face-to-Face with Arrests, Prison, Death

Parents, students learn substance-abuse dangers.

It’s one thing for people to warn others about the dangers of substance abuse. But it’s more powerful when they share personal stories of how drugs and alcohol affected their own families. And that’s what happened during the recent forum at Madison High. Called “Protecting Against the Realities of Substance Abuse,” it was put on by Parents Reaching Out To Educate Communities Together (PROTECT), a task force of the Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County (UPC).

Working and Rebuilding Together

More than 600 volunteers separated into teams to rehab 38 homes in Alexandria on Saturday morning, April 26, at the First Baptist Church. Katherine Dixon, executive director of Rebuilding Together Alexandria, organized the event to help residents whose income is near the poverty rate — earning near or less than $27,000 a year.

Rooftop Worker

The students at Charles Barrett Elementary School celebrated SCA Spirit Day on Friday, April 25, at the school. The students were asked to dress in their CBES shirts or dress up in attire that reflected a future career choice.

'Spring Sweep' Set for May 2

Alexandria Crew Boosters, ODBC to host annual T.C. fundraiser.

The Alexandria Crew Boosters will host its annual fundraiser to benefit the T.C. Williams High School rowing program May 2 at the Old Dominion Boat Club.

Senior Living: ‘The 5 Senses and Aging’

We all know that as we age, so do our five senses. Knowing what to expect can help us take steps to continue to live independent and productive lives. That was the message from the April Speaker Series event co-sponsored by Senior Services of Alexandria, Inova Alexandria Hospital and Alexandria’s Successful Aging Committee. More than 100 seniors flocked to the Nannie J. Lee Center last Wednesday for a lively morning filled with valuable information and a Health and Fitness Fair. Participants tried their hand at belly dancing and tai chi, sampled delicious healthy recipes, had free blood pressure and hearing tests, and even enjoyed shoulder massages.

Mentor of the Month: Leigh Ann Smith

Leigh Ann Smith has been mentoring with Higher Achievement in Alexandria since spring of 2010. She takes the time each week to prepare a lesson for all of her scholars that will both teach them concrete skills and keep them engaged at the same time. On

Milestone for Arts Festival

The Youth Arts Festival has reached a significant milestone in the impending celebration of its 5th year in existence this June 7. The festival is a testament to the spirit of partnership and collaboration with Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority in partnership with The Alexandria Department of Recreation and Cultural Activities, the Alexandria Commission For the Arts, Alexandria City Public Schools, DASH Bus, Northern Virginia Urban League and The Campagna Center. New partners joining the festival this year are the Torpedo Factory and Joyous Events.

Sharing Stories Across the Globe

Arlington Sister City Association honors 20th anniversary of first partnership and launch of oral history project.

The Arlington Sister City Association is throwing a party to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its first international partnership, with Aachen, Germany, and its subsequent relationships in France, El Salvador, Ukraine and Mexico, and its new oral history project. ASCA's event is by invitation only on Monday, May 5, 7-9 p.m. at the Arlington Arts Council, 3550 Wilson Blvd. Anyone interested in attending and learning more about the organization and getting involved can contact Emily Morrison 202-299-0262 or emorrison@arlingtonsistercity.org.

Weather Doesn't Spoil Easter Egg Fun

The youngsters braved the winter chill at Great Waves Park at Cameron Run in Alexandria on Wednesday, April 16.

Show for Mothers and Others at Epicure Cafe

The Harried Americans - a group of D.C. metro area singer/songwriters and friends - tackle motherhood with the show, "Now About Your Mother...A Variety Show for Mothers & Others" on Saturday, May 10, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Epicure Cafe, 11104 Lee Highway, Fairfax.

The Connection