People

‘Oompa, Loompa, Doompety Doo’

“Willy Wonka Jr.” is at Rocky Run Middle.

Get ready for oompa loompas and chocolate; Rocky Run Middle is presenting “Willy Wonka Jr.” The performance dates are Thursday-Friday, April 18-19, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, April 20, at 2:30 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 at the door and during school lunches.

It’s Official

Telegraph Road Interchange Project completed. Complete with 11 new bridges and flyover ramps, the $265 million Telegraph Road Interchange Project is officially opened. Virginia Secretary of Transportation Sean T. Connaughton along with federal, state and local officials celebrated the completion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, April 4.

What If Everyone Gave on One Day: Imagine the Possibilities

Commentary

Alexandria is fortunate to be one of the most giving communities anywhere in America. In fact, according to Convio, we consistently rank in the top 1 percent for online donations of any community in the country.

Tartan Day in Market Square

A day to recognize the achievements and contributions made by Scottish Americans to the U.S., known as Tartan Day, was celebrated on Saturday, April 6, at Market Square in Alexandria.

Louise Archer Helps Stop Hunger

Louise Archer Elementary School students volunteered on Sunday, April 7, at the Vienna Community Center with Stop Hunger Now.

Caffe Amouri Recognized for Community Service

The Vienna Town/Business Liaison Committee has recognized Caffe Amouri, 107 Church St. N.E., and its owner, Michael Amouri, with the 2013 Carole Wolfand Business Community Service Award during the Vienna Volunteer Recognition Reception on Tuesday, April 9.

New Benches at Cooper Middle

Four new benches, nine azalea shrubs and three dogwood trees have been installed in strategic locations around the Cooper Middle School campus as of Saturday, April 6.

Week in McLean

On Economic Frontline

McDonnell appoints Wood to Military Commission.

Gov. Bob McDonnell has appointed Alexandria resident Lt. Gen. John R. (Bob) Wood (ret.) to Virginia's newly formed Commission on Military Installations and Defense Activities. “I am most concerned about preserving jobs here in Virginia,” said Wood, a graduate of T.C. Williams High School and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Spring Hill Elementary Promotes Reading

To promote reading over Spring Break, the reading teachers at Spring Hill Elementary School encouraged students to "Get Caught Reading" in a unique location and have their picture taken.

Preparations for McLean Kitchen and Garden Tour Nearly Complete

The Woman’s Club of McLean is in the final stages of preparing for the community’s first-ever Kitchen and Garden Tour, planned for Wednesday, May 1 (rain date: May 2), from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A formal “kickoff” will take place at Holyrood Drive and Countryside Court in west McLean at 10 a.m., near the six large homes that will open their kitchens and extensive gardens for the tour.

Making the Best of It

When Hurricane Sandy sent a tree slicing through her Vicar Lane home last October, Donnan Wintermute expected a long rebuilding process. What she didn't expect was her contractor to begin using the tarp over her roof as a canvas in an effort to cheer her up.

Kent Gardens Fundraiser a Success

Community Charity Champions raised $2,160 for the Kent Gardens Elementary School PTA at a fundraiser held on Tuesday, April 9, at Pulcinella Italian Host in McLean.

Madeira Junior Creates Garden at Churchill Road

Girl Scout Aerryn Rees, Madeira School junior, is working toward her Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can receive, by creating a sustainable garden at her alma mater, Churchill Road Elementary School in McLean.

Networking for Good

WEBA Happy Hour raises funds for Laboy family.

The West End Business Association turned its April 4 monthly networking Happy Hour into a fundraiser for Alexandria Police Officer Peter Laboy and presented a check for $500 to Suzanne Laboy to kick off a year-long commitment to raise money for the injured officer and his family. “My family and I are overwhelmed at the generosity of the community,” said Suzanne Laboy after being presented a check from WEBA president Peter Baldwin at the Hawthorn Suites Hotel.

The Connection