And the Winner Is …
Chamber honors best of local business.
It was the Academy Awards for local businesses as the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce presented its annual Business Awards Oct. 19, with Burke and Herbert Chairman and CEO E. Hunt Burke honored as the 2016 Business Leader of the Year.
Salute to Veterans
Euripides to receive Distinguished Patriot Award Nov. 10.
Charlie Euripides, a Korean War Veteran and longtime owner of the Royal Restaurant, will be presented with the Distinguished Patriot Award.
Keeping Children Warm
Coats, books distributed to local families.
Families from across the city came to Charles Houston Recreation Center Oct. 29 to pick out new coats and books.
Keeping Children Warm
Firefighters distribute coats, books to local charities.
“We believe a new winter coat gives children the freedom and confidence to play more, learn more and do more.” — Firefighters and Friends founder Capt. Will Bailey
The Few. The Proud.
The 41st Marine Corps Marathon.
For Brooke Sydnor Curran, running the 41st Marine Corps Marathon was a milestone: her 100th marathon for charity since founding the nonprofit RunningBrooke Fund. For Grace Episcopal kindergarten teacher Cara Donley, the Oct. 30 race represented a different milestone.
And Then There Was One
Arlington resident last MCM “Groundpounder.”
“I’ve been very, very fortunate to never have a serious injury.” — Arlington’s Al Richmond on completing his 41st Marine Corps Marathon
Remembering the Fallen
Ivy Hill ceremony honors fire and EMS personnel.
Alexandria’s fallen firefighters and EMS personnel were remembered by members of the city’s first responder and law enforcement agencies at a memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony Oct. 14 at Ivy Hill Cemetery as part of the annual National Fire Prevention Week ceremonies.
Alexandria: Helping Hands
Donley, volunteers to be honored Oct. 26.
Former Mayor Kerry Donley will be among those honored for their service to the community at the 22nd annual Volunteers are the Heart of Alexandria awards ceremony Oct. 26 at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Alexandria: Frank Fannon III Dies
Fourth generation Alexandrian dies at 82.
Since 1846, the Fannon name has been virtually synonymous with Alexandria and no one was prouder of that than Frank Fannon III.
Alexandria: Burke Named Business Leader of the Year
Chamber to honor local organizations Oct. 19.
When E. Hunt Burke walks the streets of Old Town, he commands attention sporting the same iconic mustache that was the trademark of his father, the late Taylor Burke Jr. As chairman and CEO of Burke and Herbert Bank, Burke has spent his career in the family business and on Oct. 19 will again follow in his father’s footsteps when he is honored as the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce Business Leader of the Year.
Alexandria: Art on the Avenue 2016
Rainy skies did not deter tens of thousands from flocking to Mount Vernon Avenue Oct. 1 for the 21st annual Art on the Avenue festival in Del Ray.
Alexandria: Remembering H. Stewart Dunn, Jr.
Civil liberties advocate dies at 87.
Stew Dunn was known for many things, primarily his commitment to civil liberties and a passion for the City of Alexandria. But not long ago he made a revelation that took even his son Chris by surprise.
Alexandria: Raise the Roof
$50,000 raised for low-income residents.
More than 160 people turned out Sept. 22 for Rebuilding Together Alexandria’s Raise the Roof fundraiser at Port City Brewery, raising more than $50,000 to help low-income residents in the city.
Alexandria: Fire Department Celebrates 150 Years
Gala to raise funds for antique equipment restoration.
In 1774, the Friendship Fire Company was established as the first volunteer fire company in Alexandria. George Washington was a member of the company and purchased the city its first fire engine in 1775. But it wasn’t until 1866 when Joseph Young, at a rate of $70 per month, became the city’s first paid firefighter thus marking the birth of the Alexandria Fire Department.
Alexandria: Homes Tour Diamond Jubilee
Benefit raises funds for Inova Alexandria hospital.
More than 225 people turned out Sept. 23 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Historic Alexandria Homes Tour at the Diamond Jubilee Party held at Jack Taylor’s Toyota.
Alexandria: Seaport Day 2016
Waterfront event showcases maritime history.
Handmade wooden boats, and an “anything that floats” race on the Potomac River and a 12-foot white skiff that served as a blank canvas for children were all part of the festivities as the Alexandria Seaport Foundation hosted its annual Seaport Day Sept. 17 at Waterfront Park.
Alexandria: Season for Getting Involved in Variety of Activities
Breast cancer walk among things to do this fall.
While Sept. 22 signaled the first official day of autumn, it is the month of October when sweater weather moves in and a canvas of colorful leaves begins to blanket the city.
Alexandria: ‘A Labor of Love’
Historic Homes Tour celebrates 75 years.
The Dr. William Brown House, considered one of Old Town’s most prominent and historic homes, will be one of six homes featured Sept. 24 in the 75th annual Historic Alexandria Homes Tour benefitting the Twig Junior Auxiliary of Inova Alexandria Hospital.
Alexandria: Playground Volunteer Day Spotlights Park Revitalization
RunningBrooke spearheads park cleanup.
The wheels were set in motion back in April, when Brooke Curran solicited 400 donors to participate in Spring2Action to help fund the revitalization of Taney Avenue Park.
Alexandria Snapshot: Protest
Ray Deakins protests Sept. 21 the decision of Alexandria City Council to petition the Virginia General Assembly for permission to remove the Appomattox Statue from the intersection of Prince and Washington streets.
Alexandria: Remembering POWs and MIAs
“Rocky” Versace among six Vietnam veterans still considered MIA.
The strains of “God Bless America” were the last words anyone would hear from Capt. Humbert “Rocky” Versace before he was executed Sept. 26, 1963, while a prisoner of war in Vietnam. Versace, whose remains have never been found, is one of six Alexandrians listed as Missing in Action from the Vietnam War.
Alexandria: Meet the Coaches
Longerbeam, Barger to talk about upcoming season.
As T.C. Williams’ head football coach, Jimmy Longerbeam is the new kid in town and will talk about the upcoming season at the Alexandria Sportsman’s Club annual High School Football Coaches Night Sept. 20 at the Old Dominion Boat Club.
Alexandria/Mount Vernon: Golf Classic Benefits Veterans
Belle Haven tournament raises funds.
The third annual Patriots Day Golf Classic was held Sept. 9 at Belle Haven Country Club, raising funds for local veterans organizations in remembrance of those who perished in the 9-11 terrorist attacks as well as to honor those serving their country and working as first responders and emergency rescue personnel.
Alexandria: ‘We Will Never Forget’
City to mark 15th anniversary of 9-11 attacks.
It was an unimaginable act of terrorism that took the lives of 13 Alexandria residents on Sept. 11, 2001. On Saturday, Sept. 10, the City of Alexandria will hold a ceremony to mark the 15th anniversary of what remains the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history.
Alexandria: Eyewitnesses to History
WWII veterans gather for V-J Day celebration.
At 91-years-old, Air Force Col. Kim Ching (ret.) was the youngster among World War II veterans who gathered Aug. 20 at American Legion Post 24 in Old Town to commemorate Victory Over Japan Day, otherwise known as V-J Day.
Alexandria Snapshot: Catching Scyther
Erik Laughlin, 10, shows mom Amy his capture of the rare Scyther while playing Pokemon Go Aug. 18 near Founders Park. The capture was worth 1,000 CP (combat points) to the duo, who had cycled to Alexandria from Falls Church to seek out new Pokemon Go locations. “We’re having a blast,” said Amy Laughlin. “This is a great way to meet new people.”
Alexandria Obituary: Remembering Roland Branford Gomez
Award-winning theater veteran dies at 86.
It may have been Shakespeare who said “all the world’s a stage” but it was Roland Branford Gomez who lived it. A child actor since his first role on the New York radio program Coast to Coast at the age of 6, Gomez was a tour de force in the Washington theater scene from the minute he arrived in Northern Virginia in 1968.
Alexandria Obituary: Tim Ahern Dies Suddenly at 68
Navy veteran was participating in charity bike ride.
Tim Ahern, chairman of the board of Agenda:Alexandria and a past president of the North Ridge Citizens Association, died suddenly Aug. 6 while participating in a charity bike ride to raise funds for multiple sclerosis. He was 68 years old.
Alexandria Obituary: Tim Ahern Dies Suddenly at 68
Navy veteran was participating in charity bike ride.
Tim Ahern, chairman of the board of Agenda:Alexandria and a past president of the North Ridge Citizens Association, died suddenly Aug. 6 while participating in a charity bike ride to raise funds for multiple sclerosis. He was 68 years old.
Alexandria: Barbara Ross Dies
Former deputy director of Planning and Zoning helped shape city.
Barbara Ross, former deputy director of the Department of Planning and Zoning, died Aug. 9 at her home in Alexandria. She was 70 years old.
Alexandria: Fighting Fire with Fun
Friendship Firehouse events kick off fundraising efforts.
He may not be Willy Wonka, but Dave Borghesani knows his chocolate. As chocolate history research manager at Mars Chocolate North America, Borghesani travels the country telling the story of the role chocolate has played in society for more than 3,500 years.
Alexandria: Takin’ It to the Streets
Del Ray Music Festival moves to The Avenue.
Changes are brewing for this year’s Del Ray Music Festival, including a new location and the debut of pop-up beer gardens, a first for an outdoor street festival in the City of Alexandria.
Alexandria: Beauticians, Barbers and Books
Literacy initiative targets youths on summer break.
Local barber shops and beauty salons across the city have united to promote Beauticians, Barbers and Books, a new literacy initiative to encourage children to continue reading throughout the summer.
Alexandria: Opening Day Fire Engulfs Al’s Steakhouse
Fundraiser to be held at Holy Cow July 14.
Al’s Steakhouse, a favorite in the Del Ray community for decades, suffered extensive damage when a three-alarm fire swept through the restaurant July 6, the grand reopening day for new owners Emily Breeding and the Breeding family.
Alexandria: Chamber Names '40 Under 40'
Chamber to honor city’s rising stars.
Forty of the city’s rising stars will be honored July 28 as the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce celebrates its inaugural 40 Under 40 awards program.
Alexandria: Titan Red Wins 6th Annual Alumni Baseball Game
The team rosters brought together alumni players from as far back as 1968.
The T.C. Williams Baseball Boosters played host to the 6th annual T.C. Williams Alumni Baseball Game June 17 when players from Alexandria public high schools gathered at Simpson Field for the match-up between teams Titan Blue and Titan Red.
Alexandria: SSA Bids Farewell to Retiring Board Members
At its annual luncheon.
Senior Services of Alexandria held its 2016 Annual Meeting at Goodwin House Alexandria June 22, recognizing past and current board members and welcoming new ones to the organization.
Alexandria: Police Chief Earl Cook To Retire in October
Earl Cook to step down Oct. 1.
After a 37-year career in law enforcement, Alexandria Police Chief Earl Cook has announced his retirement from the force effective Oct. 1.
Alexandria: Brunch Raises Funds For Surgical Services
The Board of Lady Managers held its annual Spring brunch June 12 at the Union Street Public House Restaurant.
Alexandria Police Chief Earl Cook Announces Retirement
City’s first African American Chief to step down Oct. 1.
After a 37-year career in law enforcement, Alexandria Police Chief Earl Cook has announced his retirement from the force effective Oct. 1.
Alexandria: WWII Veteran Dies at 95
Bill McNamara survived Normandy invasion.
At 15 years old, Bill McNamara was determined to join the U.S. Cavalry. But when he walked into the local armory one Friday night, he was told he was too young. Not to be dissuaded, he walked around the block, stepped back inside and this time gave his age as 18 to the recruiter. The year was 1936 and McNamara had joined what would become America’s Greatest Generation, one of thousands who left for battlefields half a world away never knowing if they would ever see home again.
Alexandria: Scholar-Athletes Honored
ASC awards $16,000 to high school seniors.
The Alexandria Sportsman’s Club presented $16,000 in scholarships to eight high school seniors at the 61st annual Athletes of the Year banquet May 25 at the Westin Hotel.
Alexandria Snapshot: Dog Days of Summer
Hard Times' Memorial Day Chili Dogs
Hard Times Cafe continued its nearly 25-year tradition of kicking off the Memorial Day holiday.
Alexandria: Remembering D-Day
Caen Sister Cities committee to commemorate 72nd anniversary.
It was 80 years ago when Bill McNamara joined the National Guard in 1936. He was just 15 years old then and by the time he was 23, he was the youngest major in Europe, working for the Stars and Stripes newspaper and leading a six-man detachment across Omaha Beach on D-Day in 1944.
Alexandria: Tribute to Memorial Day
Lyles-Crouch concert salutes veterans.
With a flag-draped City Hall as their backdrop, fifth-grade students from Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy presented A Tribute to Memorial Day concert May 27 in Market Square.
Alexandria: Remembering the Fallen
Memorial Day ceremony honors local veterans.
Arlisa Smith was 13 years old when her older brother Johnny died while serving his country in Vietnam. On Monday, Smith returned to the Del Ray neighborhood they grew up in to see for the first time the memorial where his name is chiseled in stone beneath a gold star.
Alexandria Obituary: Captain Ryan Wojtanowski
Poet Laureate suffers massive heart attack.
Captain Ryan Wojtanowski, longtime head captain of the Dandy Dinner Boats in Alexandria, died suddenly May 26 after suffering a massive heart attack.
Alexandria: Business Leader Roger Machanic Dies at 83
Business leader, philanthropist helped shape city.
His name may not be familiar, but anyone walking the streets of Alexandria has seen the influence of Roger Machanic, the real estate developer behind The Montgomery Center in North Old Town and The Crilley Warehouse Executive Office Suites.
Alexandria: Faces of the Fallen
Vietnam Memorial seeking photos of 13 local veterans.
The name of Capt. Humbert Roque "Rocky" Versace is among the more than 58,000 soldiers memorialized on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.
Alexandria: Student Receives Peter Williams Memorial Scholarship
OTAC award honors its past president.
West Potomac High School senior Jarrod Denham was awarded $500 as the second annual recipient of the Peter Williams Memorial Scholarship during Old Town Alexandria Connections’ May 11 luncheon meeting at Belle Haven Country Club.