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Putting the Spotlight on City’s African American History

Char McCargo Bah has a passion for Alexandria’s African American history and genealogy. Through her research, speaking, and writing on this topic, she has made a lasting contribution to the city. Bah has researched and reported on the background of Alexandria’s African American Community for more than 30 years. She had a pivotal role in the publication of “African Americans of Alexandria Virginia – Beacons of Light in the Twentieth Century” (History Press, 2013), which she co-authored with four other volunteers.

‘Mouse in House’

Jane Franklin Dance performed “Mouse in House,” adapted from the book “The Mouse of Amherst.”

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Supporting McLean Community Foundation

Color Wheel donates $3,362.

Color Wheel in McLean presented a check for $3,362 to the McLean Community Foundation on Wednesday, Feb. 12.

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Residents Discuss Route 7 Widening, Effects on Neighborhoods

Great Falls and Reston residents discuss how Route 7 construction would impact their neighborhoods.

Great Falls and Reston residents met at The Grange in Great Falls on Tuesday, Feb. 11 to voice their concerns about the 6.9-mile project along Route 7 that will widen the road from four to six lanes. A presentation led by Great Falls Citizens Association board members went into great detail about the impending changes to each intersection along the stretch, extending from Seneca Road at the edge of Reston to Jarrett Valley Drive just before Tysons Corner.

Letter to the Editor: Poetry

Spring is near; Style, fashion, form, Quality and its purpose — A new day; As yesterday was — Knowledge of tomorrow

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Students To Perform at Festival

Theatre students from Yorktown High School and from Fairhaven School in Prince George's County will participate in Swapping Stories, a theatre workshop on Feb. 22 at 3 p.m. at the Atlas Performing Arts Center located at 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC. Swapping Stories is an inter-generational, inter-cultural project that helps people find, develop, and exchange their stories. Led by project creator Judy Thibault Klevins, participants learn to "walk in another's shoes," leading to understanding that one's stories center on universal themes.

Obituary: F. William “Bill” Bauers

F. William Bauers Jr. was just 18 years old when he joined the Texas National Guard with plans of getting an appointment to West Point. But he was called to active duty less than a year later, qualified for Officer's Training School and went on to get his pilot's wings before ending up in Europe in January of 1944 flying B-26 Marauders. “It was exhilarating to be a pilot back then, to be in Europe and to be part of a force fighting against what we perceived as the enemy,” Bauers would recall of his service during World War II. “The war created a sense of urgency because we never knew when we said goodbye if it would be our last time.”

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Envisioning a Launch Pad for Young Adults

Paws4people develops pilot for former foster children, others.

Imagine if in your childhood, it was normal for a social worker to show up unexpectedly, hand you a big black garbage bag and tell you to pack your things.

Senior Housing Options: Something for Everyone

Senior Services of Alexandria (SSA) and At Home in Alexandria (AHA) cosponsored a speaker series event about Senior Housing: New & Innovative Solutions at Charles Beatley Library last Wednesday.The overflow crowd heard from a panelist of experts on the different types of senior housing options ranging from the “Village” concept, to modifying your existing home, to moving into a senior complex that provides needed amenities. Deciding to make a change in your housing situation can be very stressful, and this session offered straight talk about viable options.

Counting the Days

In real life, murders and other crimes are not unraveled within a 60-minute television show. This is no truer than in Alexandria where the unbelievable is still incomprehensible, astounding and unresolved. Those involved with criminal investigations have difficult tasks; be assured there are no quitting times when shifts are completed.

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World Record Set at MidAtlantic Erg Sprints

A new world indoor rowing record was set in Alexandria at the 29th MidAtlantic Erg Sprints, which was held in the Gerry Bertier Gymnasium at T.C. Williams High School on Saturday, Feb. 1. The record was set by Tom Darling of the Cambridge Boat Club in Massachusetts. Competing in the 2000-meter race for veteran men age 55-59, Darling blasted the hinges off the previous world record by covering the distance in a time of 6:12.6, which was over six seconds faster than the previous record of 6:18.6 set by Dick Cashin in 2009.

Animal Welfare League Launches CAT Campaign

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington has launched the Care And Transform capital campaign to secure a $670,000 in funding for a building renovation that will improve the intake and quality of life for feline and small companion animals at the shelter.

Celebrating a Second Lifetime

Local doctor undergoes second bar mitzvah at the age of 83.

When Dr. Scheldon Kress was called to the Torah as a bar mitzvah 70 years ago, some important family members were missing from the coming of age ritual: his parents. Last month, Kress, who never knew his father and whose mother died when he was 8, had a second bar mitzvah. This time, family surrounded him: his wife of 59 years, Rose; his three children; their spouses and his seven grandchildren. The ceremony was held at Har Shalom, a Potomac synagogue. “It was thrilling to see my children and grandchildren contribute and realize that the event was so meaningful for them. [It was] something that they would remember through their lifetimes, and it would inspire them,” said Kress, who is a physician and still practices medicine. Boys become a bar mitzvah when the reach the age of 13. Because Jewish tradition says 70 years is a lifespan, the age of 83 is an opportunity to celebrate another bar mitzvah, though not everyone chooses to do so.

Brief: Board Seeks Student Election Aides

The Montgomery County Board of Elections is seeking school-age students, grades 6-12, to participate in its “Future Vote” program. Future Vote students will serve as Election Day student aides during the 2014 Gubernatorial Primary Election on Tuesday, June 24. There are also opportunities for students to assist the Board of Elections with a variety of activities before Election Day. Students and their guardians must attend mandatory training to participate in the Future Vote Program and, if applicable, students will receive Student Service Learning credits. Most students work in precincts near their home.

News Brief: C&O Canal Park Staff Advise Caution

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (C&O Canal) urges park visitors on the towpath to use caution following the recent winter storms. Weather conditions including ice, heavy snow and high winds may cause trees and branches to become weakened with the potential of falling. Avoid the park if winds are gusting and use caution during or following a storm event. If bicycling, wear a helmet at all times. If caught in a high wind situation, find an open area away from trees and stay there until the winds subside. If encountering a hazardous situation or downed tree, report to park staff. Park maintenance staff will be respond to hazardous conditions and remove downed trees as they are reported. At this time the park will remain open to the general public.