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.
Sportsman's Club to Host Frank Howard April 17
Washington baseball legend Frank Howard will be the guest speaker at the April 17 meeting of the Alexandria Sportsman's Club.
2012 Living Legends of Alexandria Honored
The 5th Annual Meet the Legends reception was held March 22 at the U.S. Patent and Trade Office where more than 300 people gathered to celebrate the 2012 Living Legends of Alexandria.
The Power of One
Springfield resident stars in 'On the Waterfront.'
It has been hailed as one of the greatest movies of all time, winning eight Academy Awards for an all-star cast that included Marlon Brando, Eva Marie Saint, Lee J. Cobb and Karl Malden. But for playwright Budd Schulberg, himself an Oscar winner for Best Story and Screenplay, the 1954 film version of "On the Waterfront" was never quite the story he wanted told.
Firefighters Honored for Lorton Rescue
The water was swiftly overtaking a Lorton intersection as deadly flash flooding devastated the region on Sept. 8, 2011. By the time first responders from Fire Station 24 arrived on the scene, multiple vehicles had been swept into the intersection by the force of the fast moving floodwaters.
Above and Beyond
Burke firefighters honored for heroism.
The water was swiftly rising, surrounding a police officer trapped on the hood of his vehicle during the deadly flash flooding that devastated the region on Sept. 8, 2011. By the time first responders from Burke Fire Station 14 arrived on the scene in Great Falls, a rescue boat had already tried and failed to reach the stranded officer.
Above and Beyond
Firefighters honored for Reston rescue efforts.
The water was swiftly rising at the intersection of Reston's Stuart Mill Road and Birdfoot Lane as deadly flash flooding surged throughout Fairfax County on Sept. 8, 2011. Two vehicles stranded at the intersection were quickly swept out to a tree line 150 feet into the water with a family of three and a single driver still inside.
Above and Beyond
Herndon firefighters honored for heroism.
The water was swiftly rising as a lone woman was frantically crying for help from the roof of her car during the deadly flash flooding of Sept. 8, 2011.
'The Rock Stars Of Alexandria'
Salute to Women Awards 2012.
The Alexandria Commission for Women held its 32nd annual Salute to Women Awards March 26 in a ceremony that honored 14 individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the community.
Spring Fever! in Alexandria
Record-breaking temperatures made it feel like Spring long before it became official March 21. And just as the blossoms all over town are breaking out of their winter hibernation, so are activities that make Alexandria come alive. From festivals to fairs, Little League games, theater classes and garden tours, Alexandria offers something for every form of Spring Fever.
Midori and Friends Visit T.C. Williams
It was the chance of a lifetime for members of the T.C. Williams High School youth orchestra as world-renown Midori spent March 27 coaching aspiring musicians as part the legendary violinist's week-long Orchestra Residencies Program.
Keepers of the Flame
SSA gala to honor family service legacies.
Pearl S. Buck once said that the test of a civilization is in the way that it cares for its helpless members. For Senior Services of Alexandria Executive Director Janet Barnett, the mission to help Alexandria care for some of the city's most vulnerable citizens is vital and will take center stage as the annual Generation to Generation Gala honors three families for their legacy of service.
'Brother Russia' Comes to Life at Signature Theater
Born in a remote Siberian village, he was raised impoverished and uneducated yet became powerful enough to infiltrate a Russian dynasty. Such was the journey of Grigori Rasputin, whose story is brought to life in the world premier musical of “Brother Russia,” now playing at Signature Theatre.
Rodriguez Wins 2011 Sullivan Award
Bishop Ireton grad named nation’s top amateur athlete
Army standout and 2008 Bishop Ireton graduate Andrew Rodriguez was named the winner of the 2011 James E. Sullivan Award in a ceremony held March 20 at the New York Athletic Club.
Rodriguez Wins 2011 Sullivan Award
Bishop Ireton grad named nation’s top amateur athlete.
Army standout and 2008 Bishop Ireton graduate Andrew Rodriguez was named the winner of the 2011 James E. Sullivan Award in a ceremony held March 20 at the New York Athletic Club.
TAP Honored at WATCH Awards
“The Seagull,” “42nd Street” take home top prizes.
Standout productions of “The Seagull” and “42nd Street” earned The Arlington Players top honors from the Washington Area Theatre Community Honors awards, taking home five trophies during the WATCH Awards ceremony March 11 at the Birchmere Music Hall in Alexandria.
'Hairspray' Leads LTA to 17 WATCH Awards
The Little Theatre of Alexandria was the big winner at this year's Washington Area Community Theatre Honors Awards (WATCH), taking home 17 trophies at the March 11 ceremony at The Birchmere Music Hall in Alexandria.
Salvation Army Wins 'Battle of the Bells'
Red Kettle volunteers win new van for local corps.
It was a hard fought fight but in the end, it was the Alexandria Corps of the Salvation Army that emerged triumphant in the “Battle of the Bells,” a competition among 11 Washington regional corps to log the most volunteer hours during the 2011 Red Kettle Campaign. The prize: A new van for the victor.
Deputy Retires from U.S. Army Reserve
William L. Morgan served for 31 years.
Alexandria Sheriff's Deputy William L. Morgan retired from the U.S. Army Reserve earlier this month following a 31-year career.
Fairfax Honors Del Ray Resident
Willie Bailey recognized for 1,000 volunteer hours.
It was supposed to be a one-time event, a toy drive to help 50 struggling families in the Gum Springs community along the Route 1 corridor. But that was 15 years ago. Today, Capt. Willie Bailey's Firefighters and Friends annual toy drive serves more than 4,000 children in need throughout Northern Virginia.
Captain Honored for Community Service
Fire and Rescue’s Willie Bailey recognized for 1,000 volunteer hours.
It was supposed to be a one-time event, a toy drive to help 50 struggling families in the Gum Springs community along the Route 1 corridor. But that was 15 years ago.
Elden Street Players Win WATCH Awards
The Elden Street Players theatre company took home four top honors as the Washington Area Community Theatre Honors Awards announced the best of community theatre March 11 during the annual WATCH Awards ceremony at The Birchmere Music Hall in Alexandria.
Young Addresses WEBA Gathering
Focus is on West End development, issues.
City Manager and now West End resident Rashad Young was the featured guest at the West End Business Association's monthly Business Over Breakfast meeting March 7 at the Washington Suites Hotel.
George Mason Wins Healthy School Award
Marines make presentation.
A contingent of Marines from Quantico visited George Mason Elementary School March 1 to present the student body with the Marine Corps Marathon Healthy School Award for their record participation in the 2011 Healthy Kids Fun Run.
Rotary Hosts Study Exchange Team
South Korean group visits Alexandria.
The Rotary Club of Alexandria welcomed a Group Study Exchange (GSE) Team from Gwanjiu City, South Korea, to Northern Virginia March 6 as it hosted the five-person delegation at the organization's weekly luncheon prior to a private reception and performance of “Heaven Can Wait” at The Little Theatre of Alexandria.
Purl Jam
“Krunch Bunch” seniors knit hats for preschoolers.
A kaleidoscope of colors filled the room as 36 preschoolers from the Child and Family Network Center tried on hats knitted especially for them by the “Krunch Bunch,” a group of seniors from the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
Spell Check
Navigating the ABC's of Alexandria.
The acronyms run from ACBA to WEBA and represent various business associations from the waterfront to the West End. Whether new to the city or a long-time resident, the following is a primer that explains the ABC's of Alexandria.
Nominees for 2012 Helen Hayes Awards
MetroStage, Signature, Synetic among nominees.
Nominees for the 2012 Helen Hayes Awards were announced Feb. 27 with Signature Theatre, Synetic Theatre and MetroStage among the 25 theatre companies nominated in 26 categories.
'Heaven Can Wait' at LTA
Joe Pendleton is in for the fight of his life — literally. A professional boxer and pilot, his soul is mistakenly “collected” from his body some 60 years too soon after a plane flight gone awry in the comedy “Heaven Can Wait,” now playing at The Little Theatre of Alexandria.
Life's a Beach at 'Dixie Swim Club"
Port City shines with new production.
They met long before the phrase “BFF” was part of the American lexicon, but for five college teammates, the comfort and frustrations of “best friends forever” are rays of sunshine in the Port City Playhouse production of “The Dixie Swim Club,” now playing at Alexandria's Lab Studio Theatre at Convergence.
Birth of the Blues
ASF, Hammond students team up to build guitars.
Twelve Hammond Middle School students stood before their teachers, classmates, School Board members and administrators Feb. 1 as they gave a musical performance using their own hand-crafted cigar box guitars. As a result of an after-school program sponsored by Alexandria City Public Schools and the Alexandria Court Services Unit, several middle school youth proudly displayed the culmination of four months of work building their instruments.
Behind the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter
For 15 years, she served as City Manager and knew in advance the details of every item that was scheduled to come before City Council. So for Vola Lawson, that one City Council meeting back in 1999 took her by surprise.
McCaffrey Addresses Friendship Veterans
Patsy Ticer receives distinguished service award
The Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association held its annual breakfast Feb. 20 at the Holiday Inn and Suites in Old Town in the traditional kick-off to the city's George Washington Birthday Parade celebrations.
And the Winner Is …
Neighborhood Pharmacy wins 2012 “Heart of Del Ray” award.
The Neighborhood Pharmacy owner Stacy Swartz was presented the 2012 Heart of Del Ray Award as representatives from the Del Ray Business Association made a surprise visit to the pharmacy Feb. 13 to reveal the winner of the online poll.
Leading the Charge
McCaffrey to keynote Friendship Veterans Breakfast.
> Intense mortar fire pierced the early morning hours of Oct. 6, 1966, as a young infantry officer barely out of West Point led a search and clear operation near Dong Ha, a village strategically located along the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone. Before the ensuing 12-hour battle ended, the senior American advisor would be killed and First Lieutenant Barry R. McCaffrey severely wounded as he organized a counterattack that successfully repelled the Viet Cong.
Change of Command for Old Dominion Boat Club
Howell takes helm as Boat Club Commodore.
The Old Dominion Boat Club celebrated its 132nd Change of Command Jan. 21 with the formal transfer of the club's Burgee from Dave Beck to incoming Commodore Dave Howell.
"Really Really:" Reasonable Doubt
Spellbinding 'Really Really' debuts at Signature.
Did he or didn't he? It was the college party of the year and ambitious young co-ed Leigh finally gets her man, the All-American rugby captain Davis. But all is not what it seems as events unfold in the spellbinding production of "Really Really," now playing at Signature Theatre.
"Josephine Tonight" Debuts at MetroStage
Long before she sashayed her way to international acclaim, she was simply Freda Josephine McDonald, born to a washerwoman in St. Louis in the early 20th century. But her exotic appeal and sensuous performances propelled her onto the world stage as Josephine Baker, whose early years are the subject of the musical "Josephine Tonight," now playing at MetroStage.
And the Greatest of These Is Love
Celebrating a marriage in the face of Alzheimer's disease
The phone conversation was not going well. It was 1956 and Abe Ashcanase was being questioned by a new personnel relations employee regarding a colleague at his post in Bangkok
Move to the ‘Cloud’ Reaps Digital Cities Award
It appeared without warning, a deadly computer virus that was spreading quickly just as the 2011 Easter holiday weekend was approaching. Named Qakbot, it had already infiltrated the data of state and local agencies across the nation and was aggressively working its way through the City of Alexandria's IT system when it was discovered.
"Vote Early, Vote Often"
Chamber Gala gives back to local nonprofits.
The 2012 Chamber of Commerce Chairman's Gala will for the first time serve as a fundraiser for five local nonprofit organizations through an online voting campaign through the Chamber's website.