Military Matters
Allen holds forum to meet with veterans.
Republican Senate candidate George Allen held a Veterans Issues Forum June 14 at American Legion Post 24, where he met with Alexandria veterans to discuss issues affecting military service members and their families.
ACVA Summer Social
City bids farewell to Stephanie Pace Brown.
The Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association celebrated five years of accomplishments June 15 at its annual Summer Social, an event that also served as a farewell to ACVA President and CEO Stephanie Pace Brown.
'A Night at the Races'
Fostering the Future cruise raises $30,000.
More than 200 people donned their finest Derby attire aboard the Cherry Blossom riverboat for the 9th annual Fostering the Future cruise June 8 to benefit the Fund for Alexandria's Child.
Setting Sail for Success
Seaport Foundation receives $50,000 grant.
With financial and philanthropic superstar Warren Buffet in attendance, the Alexandria Seaport Foundation was awarded a $50,000 grant from the Economic Club of Washington D.C. at its 25th anniversary celebration June 5 at the Marriott Wardman Park.
Wood Kicks Off City Council Campaign
Billed as “The Rally to Reset City Hall,” Republican candidate John R. “Bob” Wood formally launched his campaign for City Council June 14 with a kick-off reception for more than 120 supporters in the courtyard of Gadsby's Tavern.
Bubbles and Bluegrass
Annual event raises $25,000 for Give Back Alexandria.
More than 150 young professionals donned their best black-tie and boots attire for the 5th annual Bubbles and Bluegrass fundraiser held June 7 at the Carlyle House.
The Titans Remember
T.C. hosts inaugural alumni baseball game.
The T.C. Williams High School baseball program played host to the inaugural Titans Alumni Baseball Game June 2 when a total of 36 players reunited with old friends and played a seven-inning game before a sellout crowd at Eugene Simpson Field in Alexandria.
Sheriff Lawhorne graduates from NVCC
For Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne, it was a goal 36 years in the making: to complete the college degree he started back in 1976 after graduating from T.C. Williams High School.
Gathering on Memorial Day
Veterans pay tribute to fallen soldiers.
A crowd of more than 75 people gathered May 28 to pay tribute to Alexandria's veterans in a Memorial Day ceremony held at Alexandria National Cemetery.
Alexandria Veteran Featured Speaker at Rolling Thunder Rally
An estimated one million riders roared in procession from the Pentagon to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial May 27 in the 25th anniversary Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom in remembrance of American POWs and service members still missing in action.
WWII Veteran Honors Fellow Comrades on Memorial Day
He moves throughout the cemetery, stopping to pause and remember the men he has come to see before placing a flag at their grave and moving on to the next. For World War II veteran Warden Foley, this Memorial Day ritual began nearly half a century ago as a labor of love and respect for his fellow veterans.
Strike Up the Band!
'Music Man' Dazzles at Arena Stage
Move over Robert Preston. There's a new band leader taking River City by storm in Meredith Willson's “The Music Man,” playing now at Arena Stage.
Rolling Thunder Marks 25th Anniversary
An estimated one million riders roared in procession from the Pentagon to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial May 27 in the 25th anniversary Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom in remembrance of American POWs and service members still missing in action.
'Doing the Most Good'
Salvation Army celebrates William Booth Society.
Donors, representatives and friends of the Salvation Army National Capital Area Command celebrated the inaugural reception of the William Booth Society May 17 at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington.
'Doing the Most Good'
Salvation Army celebrates William Booth Society.
Donors, representatives and friends of the Salvation Army National Capital Area Command celebrated the inaugural reception of the William Booth Society May 17 at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington. “William Booth Society members help make certain that The Salvation Army remains financially strong and ready to meet the challenges of serving the needs of our community,” said National Capital Area Commander Major Steve Morris.
Gathering Highlights Waterfront
Annual Founders Park Community Association meeting attracts crowd.
Residents and concerned citizens gathered May 20 for the annual Founders Park Community association meeting to discuss issues affecting the park and the future of the Alexandria waterfront.
'Xanadu' Is Zany Spoof of the 1980s
Signature's production should not be missed.
Don't bother telling “Xanadu” that's it's based on one of the worst movies of all time. It's already in on the joke, reinventing itself as an outlandishly zany spoof of the 1980 movie about a muse descended on skates from Mount Olympus to inspire the creation of a roller disco in Venice, Calif.
Strike Up the Band!
McLean's Goodson takes to Arena Stage in 'The Music Man.'
For two grueling days, 13-year-old Jamie Goodson joined 120 other young hopefuls in a rare open audition casting call last December for the Arena Stage production of "The Music Man."
LTA Cast Bids Adieu to “Witness for the Prosecution”
More than a few tears were shed as The Little Theatre of Alexandria continued its long tradition of hosting a closing night wrap party following the final performance of “Witness for the Prosecution.”
ACVA Hosts 3rd Annual Tourism and Marketing Summit
In celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week, the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association presented the third annual Alexandria Tourism Marketing Summit May 10 at the George Washington Masonic Memorial.
Designs Sought for Breast Cancer Walk T-Shirts
Calling all artists. The Alexandria Fire Department is seeking submissions for the logo for this year's pink breast cancer walk t-shirts which are worn by fire department personnel during October — the month of the City's Walk to Fight Breast Cancer.
All Aboard
Alexandria now home to historic Skipjack Minnie V.
The distinctive click of digital cameras filled the air as a crowd of onlookers gathered May 12 to capture the historic skipjack Minnie V. departing on its maiden voyage from the Alexandria City Dock.
'Cherish This Moment”
Tim Hightower returns to ASC awards dinner.
Redskins running back and 2004 Episcopal High School graduate Tim Hightower joined the Alexandria Sportsman's Club May 15 in honoring the city's top scholar athletes eight years after he himself was named athlete of the year by the club.
Don't Miss 'Lonely Planet' at MetroStage
Poignant AIDS play never mentions the word.
Like the American city where Steven Dietz's “Lonely Planet” takes place, the disease paralyzing the gay community with fear remains unnamed in the powerful and moving production of the award-winning work now playing at MetroStage in Alexandria.
Landmarks of Legacy
Walking tour celebrates women's history.
Ann McCarthy Ramsay. Hannah Jackson. Vola Lawson. Many women have left their mark on the City of Alexandria, some leaving the legacy of their stories to be remembered in the names of our streets or in our architecture.
Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive set for May 12.
The 20th annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive will take place Saturday, May 12, when postal workers in Alexandria will pick up donations of food items during the regular mail delivery schedule.
Spring2Action and They Did
5th annual initiative increases volunteerism, online giving to local nonprofits.
For four days, thousands of Alexandrians came together for the 5th Annual Spring for Alexandria, a citywide weekend of events that focuses on giving and service throughout the community.
Battle of the Bulge
Cook-Off weekend raises $130,000.
A sold out crowd of more than 500 descended on Alexandria's Birchmere Music Hall April 29 for the 10th anniversary of the 2012 Carpenter's Cook-Off, a friendly culinary competition to raise money for the programs of Carpenter's Shelter.
'Fair Winds and Following Seas'
ODBC holds 132nd flag raising.
The Old Dominion Boat Club welcomed members, guests and dignitaries to the foot of King Street May 6 for the 132nd annual flag raising ceremony, a yearly tradition of hoisting new flags to kick off the official start of a safe boating season.
Banana Tree 'Pops Up' in Del Ray
Former Old Town retailer joins online trend.
For 25 years, Monique Bergin ran the Banana Tree retail shop on King Street in Old Town. But last year, she closed the shop and converted to an online-only business.
2012 Athletes of the Year
Tim Hightower to keynote Sportsman's Club awards dinner May 15.
Washington Redskins running back Tim Hightower will be on hand as 25 of the city's best high school athletes are honored for their academic and athletic excellence at the 56th annual Alexandria Sportsman's Club Awards dinner May 15 at the Westin Carlyle Hotel.
'Who Says I Can't?'
Face of America ride honors disabled veterans.
They came from across the country, gathering before dawn in the shadow of the Pentagon to begin a two-day journey to honor the sacrifices of America's wounded warriors and gain a better understanding of people with disabilities.
Civil War Balloon Corps
Reenactors at Fort Ward Museum and Park portrayed the Union forces’ special military reconnaissance team, the Balloon Corps. The program on April 28 featured a reenactor portraying period aeronaut Thaddeus Lowe, and a partially inflated netted gas balloon.
Rebuilding Together Volunteers Help Homeowners in Need
The noise didn't seem to bother Rudy* as his Alexandria home of 30 years was overtaken by a team of volunteers who proceeded to plant, patch and paint their way through the Edison Street house as part of National Rebuilding Day April 28.
Signature Theatre Shines at Helen Hayes Awards
Signature Theatre was the big winner at the 2012 Helen Hayes Awards, taking home top honors in five categories in Washington's equivalent of Broadway's Tony Award celebration.
Recognizing Valor Award Winners
First responders from across the city were honored at the 26th annual Chamber of Commerce Public Safety Valor Awards ceremony at the Crown Plaza Hotel April 26.
Got Food?
Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive set for May 12.
The nation's largest single-day food drive will take place on Saturday, May 12, when postal workers in Alexandria will join others across the country in the 20th annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.
Face of America Ride Honors Disabled Veterans
They came from across the country, gathering before dawn in the shadow of the Pentagon to begin a two-day journey to honor the sacrifices of America's wounded warriors and gain a better understanding of people with disabilities.
'Witness for the Prosecution' Opens at LTA
It's 1954 and Leonard Vole stands accused of the murder of a rich elderly woman whom he befriended. His wife's testimony could save him until she suddenly becomes a “Witness for the Prosecution” in the Agatha Christie thriller now playing at The Little Theatre of Alexandria.
Miracle Leagues Begins Second Season, Prepares for New Field
The Miracle League of Alexandria began its 2012 season April 22 with a ceremony at the Lee Center field that included the presentation of several checks that will help fund a new Miracle Field.
ACT To Kick Off Spring for Alexandria Events
Gala to honor Ticer, Ariail family.
John Porter thinks big. As this year's group of events collectively referred to as Spring for Alexandria draws near, Porter has set some lofty goals for the May 2 kick-off online giving event Spring2Action.
'God of Carnage' at Signature Theatre
It begins innocently enough: Two New York couples oozing affected politeness meet to discuss a playground scuffle between their sons. Painstakingly attentive to social niceties, they hope to talk things over in a calm, mature and rational way.
And Then there Was One
'Someone Who'll Watch Over Me' opens at Port City Playhouse.
It's been more than a quarter of a century since Irishman Brian Keenan, Englishman John McCarthy and American Terry Anderson were taken hostage in Beirut and held in a series of desolate cells throughout the city. Keenan was released after more than four years in captivity and went on to pen “An Evil Cradling,” a chilling account of his experience.
Applause in the Form of $1,500
First Night donates to school music programs.
First Night Alexandria's board of directors voted unanimously April 19 to make monetary contributions to the music programs at T.C. Williams High School and George Washington and Francis Hammond Middle Schools.
Chamber to Honor First Responders with Valor Awards April 26
There was no time for careful deliberation. The water was swiftly rising as an elderly driver was trapped inside a submerged vehicle at the intersection of Edsall Road and Winter View Drive during the flash flooding that devastated the region on Sept. 8, 2011. Unequipped for swift water rescue, Lt. Patrick Lyon and firefighters Michael Chandler, Louis Simpson and Joseph Porcelli from Ladder Truck 208 quickly assessed the situation.
Baseball Legend Frank Howard Visits Sportsman's Club
He took the field with the likes of Carl Furillo, Gil Hodges, Pee Wee Reese and Ray Campanella. But Frank Howard didn't just play with baseball's finest, he was one of them, winning National League Rookie of the Year honors in 1960 and appearing in four All Star games for the American League from 1968 to 1971. On April 17, the former Washington Senator and Los Angeles Dodger spoke at the Alexandria Sportsman's Club and recounted some of the most memorable moments of his career.
No Butts About It: Ramparts Shifts to “No Smoking” Policy
The gang of regulars at Ramparts had a friendly wager going: How long would it take Butch Shunk to return after his vow to never again set foot in the popular Alexandria watering hole after its sudden shift to a no smoking policy on Easter Sunday? Some said three months but in the end it only took three days for the loyal customer to be back in his customary place at the end of the bar.
“Be Careful! The Sharks Will Eat You”
A riveting saga of survival at MetroStage.
He was just 4 years old when his father hurriedly whisked him away one dark, moonless night into the unknown. For Jay Alvarez, the journey was profound and one he shares in a riveting performance of “Be Careful! The Sharks Will Eat You,” a one-man show written and performed by Alvarez chronicling his family's flight from Fidel Castro's Cuba in 1964.
City Wins Technology Solutions Award
PTI lauds email migration to cloud services.
The City of Alexandria, the first jurisdiction in the state to transition from on-premise enterprise messaging to cloud services, has been awarded the Technology Solutions Award for 2011-2012 by the Public Technology Institute.
Firefighters Honored for Huntington Rescue Efforts
The water was swiftly rising as two women were frantically trying to evacuate the Arlington Terrace neighborhood during the flash flooding that devastated the Huntington area on Sept. 8, 2011. As first responders from Penn Daw Fire Station 11 arrived on the scene, they realized that one of the women was eight months pregnant and the other was clinging to her 2-week-old newborn baby.