Santa's Helpers
BFSPA makes holidays bright for area children.
BFSPA makes holidays bright for area children.
Priorities for ‘14
Elected officials cite accomplishments and challenges.
This is the first in a three-part series on the accomplishments of 2013 and the priorities for 2014 for Mount Vernon by local and state elected officials. Community leaders will share their observations in subsequent parts.
Looking to Hear from Readers in New Year
As local, weekly newspapers, the Gazette Packet’s mission is to deliver news readers need close to home, to help readers enjoy great local places and events, to advocate for community good, to call attention to unmet needs, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record milestones and events in community and people’s lives.
Alexandria Bulletin Board for 1/1/14
Alexandria Bulletin Board for 1/1/14.
Mount Vernon Military Notes for 1/1/14.
Mount Vernon Military Notes for 1/1/14.
Mount Vernon Bulletin Board for 1/1/14
Mount Vernon Bulletin Board for 1/1/14.
Hoping for an Angel
Rising Hope volunteer needs help for his son.
A volunteer with years of service at Rising Hope United Methodist Mission Church which aids the needy along the Route 1 corridor, Abderrahim Lahlou believes people can be angels.
Letter: Targeting Seniors
To the Editor
Letter: Future of Woodlawn
To the Editor
Holiday Cheer Spreads to Homebound Seniors
Senior Services of Alexandria’s elves were spreading holiday cheer to homebound Alexandria’s seniors.
More Challenges For Metro Station
Series of setbacks have delayed Environmental Impact Study of Potomac Yard station.
The future is uncertain for the Potomac Yard Metro station, a long-planned stop on the blue and yellow lines between the Braddock Road station and the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport station.
Looking at the Year Ahead
In looking ahead for what Alexandria will be facing in 2014, a number of issues have carried forward from last year.
Alexandria Calendar for 1/1/14
Alexandria calendar for 1/1/14.
Firefighters and Friends collect more than 3,500 toys for area children.
Christmas came a few days early for more than 100 children from local Head Start programs as they picked out toys during the annual Firefighters and Friends to the Rescue toy drive Dec. 17 at Penn Daw Station 11.
Top Mount Vernon Sports Moments of 2013
Here is a look at the top Mount Vernon sports moments of 2013.
Oakton Survives Host Mount Vernon in Holiday Tournament Semifinal
Potential Cougar blowout turns into a narrow barnburner as Majors’ comeback bid falls short
The Oakton boys' basketball team beat Mount Vernon.
Spiritual Wellness in the New Year
What is it and how does one achieve it?
As we begin a new year, many are focused on their spiritual health and well-being. In fact, the National Wellness Institute names spiritual wellness as one of the seven dimensions of overall wellness. It’s essential in life, say experts.
Cures for Cabin Fever
Creative ideas for housebound parents and children.
Winter brings frigid temperatures, icy roads, snow and often school closures. While sledding and building snowmen are fun, hazardous weather conditions mean much of the time is spent indoors, and soon the novelty of time off can become cabin fever. Local child education experts offer activity suggestions for filling those long winter days. Susan Friedman, executive editor for digital content at the National Association for the Education of Young Children and a Bethesda resident, suggests parents encourage a child’s natural curiosity. "In the same way that school classrooms have activity centers, parents can create boxes that focus on different activities like playing dress up with clothes, hats and neckties," she said. "You can create a box with art supplies and a box with games or puzzles."
In Defense of My Own Mechanism
So much of what I feel as a cancer survivor comes from the feedback I receive from others. Positive, complimentary, flattering characterizations are crucial to my optimistic outlook. Negative descriptions, reactions, etc., are not. Not to discount honesty, but the emotional divide on which a cancer patient’s self-assessment/attitude teeters is delicate indeed and honesty is sometimes (I said "sometimes") not the best policy. If I’m in the right mood, negativity can be deflected, absorbed even; not a problem. If I’m in the wrong mood, however, the negative can push me into a black hole of emotional despair. Regardless of whether the comment/observation is well-intended, accurate or even prudent under the circumstances, its effect can be deeply felt. Getting back to normal is not impossible and mostly within my control, but if it’s all the same to you, I’d rather not have to claw my way out.
Editorial: Looking to Hear from Readers in New Year
As local, weekly newspapers, the Connection’s mission is to deliver news readers need close to home, to help readers enjoy great local places and events, to advocate for community good, to call attention to unmet needs, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record milestones and events in community and people’s lives. To succeed at any of that, we need your help.