Alexandria: Preparing City for National Spotlight
Visit Alexandria plans for upcoming PBS drama “Mercy Street.”
Forget Lady Mary and the Grantham’s of Downton Abbey. A new PBS drama based in Civil War Alexandria will make its premier in January and Visit Alexandria is preparing the city for its close up in the national spotlight.
Alexandria: Sonoma Cellar Opens in Old Town
“We are passionate about bringing Sonoma County and Virginia wine to the D.C. area."
There is something new to “wine” about in Alexandria: Rick and Elizabeth Myllenbeck welcomed customers to Sonoma Cellar, a wine tasting room and bistro in Old Town, to celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception Sept. 30.
Alexandria Sportsman’s Club Honors Athletes of the Month
The Alexandria Sportsman’s Club continued its decades-long tradition of opening the year with High School Coaches Night Sept. 22 as the organization presented the Athlete of the Month Awards to three high school student-athletes.
Alexandria Celebrates Banned Book Weeks
Athenaeum Read Out celebrates the right to read.
The Athenaeum hosted a Read Out Sept. 29 as part of Banned Books Week 2015, an annual event designed to celebrate the freedom to read.
Raise the Roof: RTA Hosts Fundraiser
RTA hosts annual fundraiser.
A competitive cornhole tournament helped “raise the roof” as Rebuilding Together Alexandria held its annual fundraiser Sept. 24 at Port City Brewing.
Recalling Life of ‘Dr. Bob’ Wineland
WW II veteran Robert Wineland dies at 91.
When 20-year-old U.S. Army Medic Robert Wineland arrived in the village of Laudersfeld, the wooded countryside of far eastern Belgium was relatively peaceful, a quiet buffer zone disrupted only by occasional artillery fire and brief skirmishes between opposing infantry patrols.
Alexandria: Celebrating Constitution Week
DAR, students celebrate Constitution Week.
Students from across Alexandria gathered at City Hall Sept. 21 to participate in the signing of a proclamation to kick off Constitution Week, a week designated to promote the study and appreciation of the document sometimes referred to as “America’s birth certificate.”
Alexandria: Giant Opens in Potomac Yard
New store replaces Monroe Avenue location, which is now closed.
The location is new but be prepared to see many familiar faces at the Potomac Yard Giant grocery store, which opened for business Sept. 4.
Alexandria: 'Young At Art' Senior Exhibit Celebrates 29 Years
When artist Wilda Gadzik finally got around to taking a formal art class as a resident of Goodwin House, it wasn’t her familiar paintbrush she was told to reach for. Instead, the 87-year-old was handed a pencil.
Alexandria: ‘Building Better Futures’
Campagna Center receives $25,000 SunTrust grant.
Dan O’Neill, president and CEO of SunTrust Greater Washington/Maryland Division, presented a check for $25,000 on behalf of the SunTrust Foundation to The Campagna Center’s Building Better Futures program for at-risk teens. “Our partnership with The Campagna Center goes back ma
Alexandria Newcomers & Community Guide: Connect and Contribute
Business, service and civic groups lead community engagement.
It was Martin Luther King Jr. who said “Everybody can be great because anybody can serve.”
Alexandria: There's No Place Like Home
Alexandria: From the waterfront to the West End.
Most visitors to Alexandria know the city as the hometown of such notables as George Washington and Robert E. Lee. With cobblestone streets and a lively waterfront, the city attracts more than three million visitors every year.
'The Eagles': Alexandria F.O.E. 871 Continues to Soar
The sign outside simply reads “F.O.E.” It is easy to miss when traveling along Cameron Street in the middle of Old Town. But for 110 years, members of Aerie 871 of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles have gathered here in friendship, fellowship and to reach out to those in need in the community.
Alexandria Obituary: Friends Remember John K. Severson
Owner of Al’s Steakhouse dies at 73.
His name wasn’t Al. But he would answer to it and even sign autographs with the name so many assumed was his. He was Johnny Severson, and for more than 50 years he was the man behind the legendary cheesesteak sandwiches at Al’s Steakhouse in Del Ray.
Mount Vernon: ‘If You Believe’
Broadway concert to benefit cancer research.
Move over Julius Erving. There’s another “Dr. J” in town: international recording artist Negleatha Johnson, who hopes to slam dunk a benefit concert Aug. 16 following her sister’s diagnosis of a rare and aggressive cancer.
Alexandria: Luck O’ the Irish
Thousands attend Waterfront Park festival.
Thousands of attendees descended on Waterfront Park Aug. 8 for the annual Ballyshaners Irish Festival in Alexandria.
Alexandria: Luck Be a Lady(burg)
Ladyburg bath and body apothecary opens in Old Town.
For Crystal and Fred Wellman, there was never any doubt that Alexandria is where they were meant to be.
Alexandria: Harold John Berman, Local Dermatologist, Dies at 87
Active in the Alexandria Medical Society.
Harold John Berman, a dermatologist who practiced in Alexandria for more than 54 years, died June 28 at Suburban Hospital of respiratory complications. He was 87.
Alexandria: Mourning Loss of Sydney-Chanele Dawkins
Filmmaker, arts advocate dies at 47
Sydney-Chanele Dawkins, an award-winning filmmaker, film festival producer and former chair of the Alexandria Commission for the Arts, died July 8 at her home in Alexandria of complications from breast cancer. She was 47 years old.
Alexandria: City Celebrates 266th Birthday
ASO, fireworks highlight festivities.
The City of Alexandria celebrated its 266th birthday July 11 as more than 15,000 people enjoyed food, music and fireworks at Oronoco Bay Park.
Alexandria: ‘Don’t Judge Me’ Music Video Promotes Tolerance
Kids Empowering Kids debuts music video.
Their voices were timid at first, but one by one students at William Ramsey Elementary School spoke up when asked how they have been judged by their friends and classmates.
Alexandria: Best for Vets
Alexandria tops list of cities for veterans.
The Military Times has named Alexandria as the top mid-size community for veterans in its first Best for Vets: Places to Live feature article.
Alexandria: Helping Veteran-Owned Businesses
The Bunker@DC opens at Capitol Post.
The Bunker@DC, an incubator program for early-stage, veteran-owned businesses and veteran entrepreneurs, is accepting applications through June 30 for its first cohort of companies. Operating out of the Capitol Post’s co-working office space in Old Town, The Bunker@DC will support veterans in launching and growing a business in a peer- to-peer setting.
Alexandria: ‘For God and Country’
American Legion installs new officers.
Vietnam veteran Jim Glassman was sworn in for his third term as commander of American Legion Post 24 in Alexandria during a June 10 ceremony to install the organization's 2015-2016 slate of officers and board members.
Alexandria: Hadeed Marks 60 Years
Alexandria-based company founded in Del Ray.
For Joe Hadeed, it’s the only job he has ever known.
Alexandria: Wood To Run for City Council
Republican cites need for new ideas.
Alexandria native and retired Lt. Gen. John R. (Bob) Wood, filed paperwork June 3 to officially declare his candidacy for a seat on City Council.
Chamber CEO Retires
Search to replace John Long begins.
The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce released a statement June 1 announcing the retirement of President and CEO John Long. Long has been with the Alexandria chamber since March of 2012 and he retires after 25 years as an executive with chambers of commerce around the country.
That’s Amore
Carluccio’s makes U.S. debut in Old Town.
It was love at first sight as more than 175 people turned out for the grand opening celebration of Carluccio’s, an Italian restaurant and market making its U.S. debut in Alexandria.
Alexandria: 2015 Memorial Day in Old Town
Memorial Day ceremonies honor the fallen.
Alexandrians gathered from across the city May 25 to honor the sacrifice of America’s fallen service members in Memorial Day ceremonies held at Alexandria National Cemetery in Old Town.
Business Philanthropy Summit Honors Local Leaders
Nonprofits, businesses recognized for local initiatives.
Community leaders from across the city gathered May 6 for the 17th annual Business Philanthropy Summit to honor the 2015 nonprofit and business philanthropists of the year.
Alexandria: Former AEDP Chief Joins Foundation Board
Hawkins to focus on support for veterans.
Just weeks into his retirement from serving as president and CEO of the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, Val Hawkins has joined the Military Family Initiative board of directors of the Military Officers Association of America.
Alexandria: 'Faces Never Forgotten'
Search continues for photos of Alexandria Vietnam veterans.
The name Humbert R. Versace is inscribed on Panel 01E, Row 033 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington. But in his hometown, “Rocky” Versace’s sacrifice and that of 66 other Alexandrians is memorialized in a statue on Commonwealth Avenue in Del Ray.
Alexandria: Artfully Chocolate is Closing
Artfully Chocolate to close its doors May 27.
When Eric Nelson turned 50 in the summer of 2006, he “jumped off the cliff.”
Obituary: Remembering Civil Rights Activist, Architect Melvin Miller
Architect of affordable housing dies at 83.
For nearly 60 years, Melvin Miller was a fixture in Alexandria, known as a civil rights activist and the architect of affordable housing across the city.
Alexandria: 2015 Athletes of the Year
Angus King to keynote Alexandria Sportsman’s Club banquet.
Alexandria native Angus King, a former governor and current senator representing the state of Maine, will be on hand as the Alexandria Sportsman’s Club honors the city’s top high school athletes at its annual awards banquet May 19 at the Westin Hotel.
Alexandria: Chamber Honors Public Safety Personnel
The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce honored 16 public safety personnel for exceptional performance in the line of duty at the 29th annual Valor Awards.
Mount Vernon: JROTC Cadets Honored
Three JROTC cadets were honored by the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution during a ceremony held April 30 at Mount Vernon High School.
APD Officer Michael Nugent to Receive Gold at Valor Awards
16 officers to be honored at the 29th annual Alexandria Chamber of Commerce Valor Awards.
It was a cold and icy February morning in 2014 when Alexandria police officer Michael Nugent responded to an emergency call on South Patrick Street.
Firefighter McClain's Life of Service
Firefighter McClain retires after 34 years.
One of Alexandria’s longest serving firefighters has stowed his equipment for the last time. As of April 29, Capt. Thurston McClain officially said goodbye to emergency calls and 24-hour shifts when he retired after serving 34 years with the Alexandria Fire Department.
Got Food?
Stamp Out Hunger food drive set for May 9.
The 2015 Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, sponsored by the National Association of Letter Carriers and the U.S. Postal Service, will take place Saturday, May 9 throughout the City of Alexandria.
Alexandria: Philanthropy Summit to Honor Local Leaders
U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-8), for decades known for his charitable works throughout the region, will keynote the 17th annual Business Philanthropy Summit honoring Alexandria’s top leaders for their service to the community. Sponsored by Volunteer Alexandria, the event will be held May 6 at the First Baptist Church of Alexandria.
Vander Zee Reception Offers a Breath of Spring
Art reception celebrates end of winter.
When Nancy Ziegler’s husband died in 2006, a friend gave her a gift certificate to be used at The Art League. It was there that she discovered her artistic talents and has been a flourishing artist ever since.
Wonder Women: Salute to Women Awards Honors 11
Salute to Women Awards honors 11.
T.C. Williams High School principal Suzanne Maxey was one of 11 women, including three from the Alexandria City Public School system, honored March 26 at the 35th annual Salute to Women Awards.
Some Gave All: Police Memorial in Alexandria Dedicated to Fallen Officers
Police memorial dedicated to fallen officers.
Judy Birney was just 12 years old when her father, youth detective Conrad Birney, was killed responding to a bank robbery in 1972. She went on to follow in her father’s footsteps, serving as an Alexandria police officer until 1999. On March 28, she joined more than 350 people for the dedication of the Alexandria Fallen Officers Memorial honoring the sacrifice of her father and 17 others who died in the line of duty.
Obituary: ‘The Original Ballyshaner,’ Judge O'Flaherty
Judge Daniel O’Flaherty dies at 89.
To anyone appearing in his courtroom, his name invoked fear. But those who knew Judge Daniel O’Flaherty, knew him as a kind and quiet man, a proud Irishman devoted to his family and the City of Alexandria.
Helping Hands
Senior Services of Alexandria
Five years ago, Mary Lee Anderson was asked if she could help Senior Services of Alexandria set up an information database. Since that time, what was supposed to be a part-time commitment has turned into a second career for the international telecommunications corporate executive.
Hawkins Steps Down From Alexandria EDP
Landrum named acting CEO.
Val Hawkins, credited with luring the National Science Foundation Headquarters away from its longtime home in Ballston, stepped down effective March 15 as president and CEO of the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership.
There’s No Place Like Home, Alexandria
Carroll takes the helm at Inova Alexandria.
When Susan Turner Carroll, the recently named CEO of Inova Alexandria Hospital, says she is from Alexandria, she means it.
Obituary: Mary Ellen Feeney
Mary Ellen Feeney, a fourth generation Alexandrian, passed away peacefully March 9, 2015, in her home of 64 years on Richmond Lane. She was 89.
Chamber Hosts Legislative Breakfast
Officials discuss top state, local issues.
The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce hosted members of City Council and the Virginia General Assembly at its annual Legislative Breakfast March 10 at the Hotel Monaco.