Jinks to Keynote Friendship Breakfast in Alexandria

Lawhorne, Pepper to be honored with Rev. Ben Lynt Award.

Former City Manager Mark Jinks will be the keynote speaker Feb. 21 at the Friendship Firehouse Breakfast, the traditional kick-off to the city’s slate of George Washington Birthday celebration events.

Sponsored by the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association, the city's oldest fire company that was established in 1774, the breakfast will take place at the Westin Hotel Alexandria at 400 Courthouse Square beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Former City Councilwoman Del Pepper and recently retired Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne will be presented with the Reverend Ben Lynt Distinguished Service Award. The award is named in honor of Rev. Lynt who served as pastor of Alexandria’s Second Presbyterian Church for 44 years and is presented annually to an Alexandria citizen, business or municipal leader for exemplary service to the community.

In his remarks, Jinks, will tell of ghost stories and other episodes from the city’s history.

The Friendship Firehouse breakfast kicks off the city’s George Washington Birthday events that includes a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary Soldier at 11 a.m. and the Armed Forces Community Covenant Ceremony at noon. The parade through Old Town begins at 1 p.m.

Tickets for the breakfast are $45. For reservations, contact Bill Kehoe at kehoefd@aol.com or call 703-751-6416.