This Week in Potomac
Budget Forums Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) will hold budget forums in January and February to solicit input from the public about the Fiscal Year 2014 operating budget priorities. Residents can attend the forums and provide input; predicted budget shortfalls are likely to result in cuts to county services.
Steps for Parents To Take on Artificial Turf
1) Go to the coalition website,www.safehealthyplayingfields.org, and synturf.org, where parents can search information about what some health experts are saying regarding toxic chemicals used in artificial turf.
Life on Mars and the Fourth Dimension
A Matter Of Perspective
With all this hype about possible life on Mars, what makes us think we would know it if we saw it? Life may already exist in another dimension that we may not be equipped to see. That “life” may exist in the fourth dimension, a space that lies beyond our visible universe, operating in ways that our human minds cannot understand.
People
2013 Living Legend Nominees Honored
The 2013 Living Legends of Alexandria nominees were honored with a musical tribute at NOVA's Winter Concert at Rachel Schlesinger Hall Dec. 6. Nominees, nominators, board members and members of city council gathered for a pre-concert reception followed by the winter concert and formal introduction of the nominees during intermission.
News Briefs
Budget Forums
News Briefs Budget Forums Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) will hold five budget forums in January and February to solicit input from the public about the Fiscal Year 2014 operating budget priorities. Residents can attend the forums and provide input; predicted budget shortfalls are likely to result in cuts to county services.
Students at Kennedy Center
Roxanne King and Kyra Smith, both 15, of Alexandria, were selected from more than 100 dancers to be part of the Kennedy Center’s tap performance, “JUBA! Masters of American Tap!” at the Eisenhower Theater on Dec. 7.
Women, Art and Shopping
Pottery, handcrafted clothing, scarves, hats, jewelry, purses were just a few of items on display and for sale at the annual Alexandria Commission for Women and the Friends of the Commission annual holiday gift market. Proceeds from the market benefit the Alexandria Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Programs. Toys were also collected for clients of the Alexandria Battered Women’s Shelter.
Multiple Benefits of Mentoring
This article was submitted by Leigh Hoyer and Luisa Reyes from Wright To Read, an educational program that promotes literacy through the tutoring and mentoring of elementary school students and through outreach to the Alexandria community. Mentee Roxana Lara spoke about the value of having a mentor: "Sometimes you can't find the right words to say, or maybe you just can't find the right way to say it. But I want to give thanks to someone who helped me so much in life. I am very grateful for Ms. Kathy's tutoring and mentoring. Now I am reading much better. I see things much differently than before, thanks to her."
Chamber Hosts Newsmaker Business Lunch
Former U.S, Rep. Tom Davis was the guest speaker at the Mount Vernon-Lee Chambers Newsmaker Business lunch pn Thursday, Dec. 6 at the Belle Haven Country Club. Davis spoke of the ongoing political debate on the looming fiscal cliff and repercussions it may have locally. New members to the chamber — Sandy McMaster of Fischer McMaster Homes with McEnearney Real Estate, Tara Ghavam of Patient First, Jube Shiver of the Shiver Management Group and Tricia Mikos with the Mount Vernon Gazette — were introduced.
Volunteer Opportunities for Seniors
Senior Services of Alexandria is teaming with Volunteer Alexandria to spread the word about volunteer opportunities for seniors in our community. Both SSA and Volunteer Alexandria are committed to inspiring and mobilizing people to volunteer and build a better community for all Alexandrians, including our seniors since they are a vibrant part of our city.
ACVA’s 2012 Superstar Awards
Washington introduced as new tourism chief.
The Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association presented the 2012 Superstar Awards at its December Tourism Marketing Forum Dec. 7 at Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, using the occasion to formally introduce Patricia R. Washington as the new president and CEO of the city's tourism agency. “I am excited to be in Alexandria,” Washington said.
Ringing in the Holidays
Fran Vaughan directed the advanced handbell choir at Browne Academy in a holiday concert on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 9, at the Beatley Library in Alexandria. The students performed a variety of holiday classics to a standing room only gathering. Students included Mustafa Beidas, Erika Walton, Hailey Chauncey, Kye Smith, Reese Gayle, BJ Ramkissoon, Danica King, Charles Nygeres, Isabella King, Jayla Muse, Madison Manning, Carson McKenzie and Cate and Ryan McGlynn.
Curtain Up
Everything old is new again at Old Town Theater.
For nearly a century, The Old Town Theater served as a venue for entertainment ranging from vaudevillian stage shows to silent films, puppet shows and contemporary Hollywood blockbusters. But after the marquee dimmed and the doors were boarded up earlier this year, the Alexandria landmark is once again ready for its close up.
On Parade
The holidays began in the Town of Clifton Saturday, Dec. 1, with a parade of horses and riders decorated in Christmas finery. Sponsored by the Clifton Horse Society, it traveled up Main Street, went through town and along Chapel Street to a field where participants and spectators gathered for cookies and the awarding of prizes.
Making Spirits Bright 12/12/2012
FACETS helps children give presents to their siblings.
No matter people’s income levels, their children still want presents at Christmastime. So each year, FACETS holds Sibling Shops, enabling children to peruse a variety of toys, games and other items, select gifts for their brothers and sisters and have them wrapped.
Video
- Understanding FCPS' Budget 393 comments