To have an item listed, mail to the Gazette-Packet, 1604 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314; fax to 703-917-0991 or e-mail to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Friday at noon for the following week’s paper. Photos and artwork encouraged. If you have any questions, call Elizabeth Orr at 703-917-6449.
Alexandria's Franklin Capital Group recently announced two new hires. Brenda Conway of Alexandria is joining the firm as a controller, while Jonathan Milton of Potomac, Md., is to be an associate. Franklin Capitalis a privately-owned firm involved in real estate investment and development.
Elinor Coleman's Vintage Mirage, a new store selling vintage clothing, jewelry, home accessories and custom costuming, has opened in Suite 201 in the Old Town Market building on North Lee Street.
The shop specializes in vintage clothing from many decades of the 20th century. Included are hard-to-find party dresses from the 1920s, '30s and '40s. Also from that era are gloves, purses and jewelry in mint condition. Coleman's offers custom designing of one of a kind costumes and outfits.
The store will also offer theme party decorations and gifts by party and wedding planner Suzanne Springer. Elinor Coleman's Vintage Mirage will be open from 1-6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday or by appointment. For more information call 703-535-8200.
The general manager of Maid Brigade of the Greater Washington Area, which is headquartered in Alexandria, was honored by the Atlanta-based company as the 2004 National Office Manager of the Year. Leonardo Varela was selected from more than 120 potential candidates and has more than a decade of service behind him. He was presented with the award in Boston, Mass., at Maid Brigade's National Convention July 10. For more information about Maid Brigade cleaning services, visit www.maidbrigade.com or call Maid Brigade at 703-823-1726.
Check Into Cash Inc., recently opened a new center at 8794-J Sacramento Drive, Alexandria. The Cleveland, Tenn.-based company provides cash advance payday loans, and now has more than 930 locations in 26 states.
Board of Director seats are open at the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce. To apply, send a letter of interest outlining experience, background and interest to the Alexandria Chamber president Ken Moore at 801 N. Fairfax, Suite 402, Alexandria, VA 22314, no later than Aug. 27. Letters will be reviewed by the end of summer. For more information, call 703-549-1000, ext. 202
Alexandria Business and Professional Women, working to achieve equity for women in the professional workplace, meets on the second Tuesday of the month from September to May and on the second Monday in June and July, at 7 p.m., at the Eisenhower Ave. Holiday Inn. There is no August meeting, but on Aug. 21 BPW will be going to Hillwood, the Majorie Merriweather Post Estate in Washington, D.C. For more information, call 703-379-1965 or 703-578-3772.
Business Advantage Trade show. Monday, Sept. 20, 5:30- 8 p.m. at Don Beyer Volvo & Subaru, 7416 Richmond Highway, Alexandria. For a registration form or more information, visit www.MtVernon-LeeChamber.org, or call the Chamber office at 703-360-6925