Spring for Alexandria 2013
Serving the community.
For three days, thousands of Alexandrians came together for the 6th Annual Spring for Alexandria, a citywide weekend of events that focuses on giving and service throughout the community. Co-sponsored by ACT for Alexandria, Volunteer Alexandria, the Alexandria Jaycees and the City of Alexandria, the series of events kicked off May 2 with the ACT Generations of Giving Gala at the U.S. Patent and Trade Office.
Sengel Honored
SAR presents Law Enforcement award.
The George Washington Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution awarded the Law Enforcement Commendation Medal to Commonwealth's Attorney S. Randolph Sengel for his distinguished career enforcing the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Sengel was presented the award April 27 in a ceremony at Belle Haven Country Club. He has served as a prosecutor in Alexandria since 1979 and was first elected Commonwealth's Attorney in 1997.
Safety and Bike Rodeo Teaches Healthy Habits
Child-centered activities held on Town Green on May 4.
Those children on Mill Street on Saturday, the ones in the parking lot across from the Town Green surrounded by Vienna police officers, were not being charged with a traffic violation. They were, instead, being guided around a training course by Vienna police in Vienna’s 2nd Annual W&OD Safety and Bike Rodeo sponsored by the Town of Vienna Bicycle Advisory Committee, Friends of the W&OD and local civic groups and businesses.
Honoring Those Who Serve
Ceremony pays tribute to fallen officers.
Dozens of active duty and retired law enforcement personnel joined Chief of Police Earl Cook and Sheriff Dana Lawhorne as they placed a wreath at the Police Memorial in Waterfront Park May 6 to pay tribute to Alexandria police officers and sheriff's deputies who have died in the line of duty. Cook read each of the 16 names inscribed on the memorial, dating back to Constable Elijah Chenault, who was the first reported officer killed in the city in 1823, and ending with Corporal Charles W. Hill, who was slain in March of 1988.
Langley Boat Takes State Championship
angley's novice men's eight-seat boat won the Virginia State High School Crew Championship for their category on Saturday. The Ted Phoenix regatta is the state championship for all novice rowers. The class the men rowed in was one of the most competitive, with the list of contenders including Washington-Lee, Yorktown, Madison, Langley, TC Williams, Woodbridge, Hylton, West Potomac, Mt. Vernon, Oakton, Woodson, Robinson, Lake Braddock, and Wakefield.
Changes Under Foot
Old Town Masterpieces closing after 35 years.
They grew up together in Iran, and in 1971, Ahmed Loghmanian and Hossien Garakyaraghi made the move to America to study at George Washington University. But it wasn't long before the pull of the family business back home beckoned them to open Old Town Masterpieces, a landmark Oriental rug store closing its doors after 35 years in business. “I think he met George Washington,” Loghmanian said in jest to Garakyaraghi, his lifelong friend and brother-in-law. “That's how long we've been here.”
Colored Gemstones Making a Splash on the Red Carpet
Red Carpet choices show non-traditional gemstones are making strides in high fashion. The Grammys 2013 included a “dress code” which propelled most attendees to bring their most glamorous fashions to the limelight. In the past this would mean diamonds, diamonds and more diamonds, but a surprising trend is evolving and Jorge Adeler, of Adeler Jewelers in Great Falls, is right on the mark.
Raising Healthy Children with Healthy Minds
Back in 2011 President Obama announced the creation of a National Prevention Strategy, a comprehensive country-wide plan to increase the number of Americans who are healthy, both mentally and physically at every step of their lives. In the wake of Newtown, a new discussion erupted over mental health and the need to improve services. That was wonderful news to advocates, families and those with mental illnesses themselves. But it soon became obvious that in many circles what political leaders were talking about was not more and better services that would guarantee good mental health for everyone, but putting people away without due process, in other words a return to those past practices that destroyed people’s minds and lives as well as their families.
The Astonishing Motor 8
In less than two weeks, May 20 to be exact, the final segment in the brutal and senseless shooting of an Alexandria police officer gets under way in the city’s Franklin P. Backus Courthouse. Officer Peter Laboy was shot in the head on routine daytime duty, suffering a catastrophic brain injury, on Feb. 27. This story has resonated around the Commonwealth and throughout the nation and generated thousands of prayers on his behalf.
Woman’s Club of Arlington Holds Art Show and Sale
Those braving the rain storm on the evening of April 19 to attend The Woman’s Club’s Art Show and Sale enjoyed some great art, delicious snacks and objects to bid on for the Silent Auction and “Boozy Cake” raffles.
Esten Concert Raises $22,000
A night of songs, jokes and nostalgia in Old Town benefits T.C. Williams grads.
The Durant Arts Center multipurpose room rarely gets as glamorous as it did on Friday night, May 3, when The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria ushered Charles “Chip” Esten onto its brightly lit stage. The “Nashville” star, who plays Deacon Claybourne on the hit series, informed the audience of Alexandrians that though he would be whoever they wanted him to be that night at autograph time — Deacon, Charles or Chip — he was the boy they knew. “It’s Chip not Charles. It’s Puskar,” said the star as he walked on.
Absentee Voting Starts Now for Democratic Primaries
Primaries held for lieutenant governor and attorney general.
The State Board of Elections reported Monday, May 6, that absentee voting began for the June 11, 2013 primary and all localities met the required 45-day deadline for mailing absentee ballots to voters.
Helping Those Who ‘Can’t Catch a Break’
Community support for Northern Virginia Family Services grows during tough economic times.
“Most of us here lead privileged lives. You can and should make a difference in Northern Virginia.” —Earle Williams
Women Mean Business
In the two months since the much-hyped and dreaded sequester took effect, the daily economic forecast has been almost as painful as the slow grinding of bureaucratic wheels. But here’s some good economic news, especially for aspiring female entrepreneurs: the numbers are in your favor.
Alexandria Bulletin Board May 8
Information on events taking place in Alexandria.
Video
- woodcock dancing vert Keith Ramos USFWS
- SFCD Video
- Understanding FCPS' Budget 393 comments
- McLean Family Restaurant 221 comments
- Inova Shooting Aug. 15, 2016 118 comments
- Video Released of 2009 Officer-Involved Shooting 180 comments
- Virginia Charity Event: Freezin' for a Reason 408 comments