(and yes, my house is that dusty with all the pollen and a neighbor doing home renovation)
Saturday, March 24, 2012
365 - Good Use
Good use for an old sock - a dust rag.
(and yes, my house is that dusty with all the pollen and a neighbor doing home renovation)
(and yes, my house is that dusty with all the pollen and a neighbor doing home renovation)
Friday, March 23, 2012
365 - Recycling
What do you use your old yellow recycling bucket for??
I use mine for gardening/weeds!
I use mine for gardening/weeds!
Update on Witter Fields, off Duke St.
A city representative contacted me this afternoon with the following information/link, which gives more information, but not a whole lot more.
http://alexandriava.gov/recreation/info/default.aspx?id=44608
The parking information the city gave me was incorrect, 145 not 40 (although another document reached via the link says 141), which makes more sense.
Also, when I asked if there was going to be anything else besides the fields, I was told nothing but the 3 fields, lighting, and parking. They didn't give any information about restrooms, a walking path, or pavilions.
I'll keep on it......
http://alexandriava.gov/recreation/info/default.aspx?id=44608
The parking information the city gave me was incorrect, 145 not 40 (although another document reached via the link says 141), which makes more sense.
Also, when I asked if there was going to be anything else besides the fields, I was told nothing but the 3 fields, lighting, and parking. They didn't give any information about restrooms, a walking path, or pavilions.
I'll keep on it......
Project Overview
The Witter Fields project site is approximately 13 acres in size. The property was obtained by the City as a result of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Settlement Agreement Record of Decision between the City of Alexandria and the Federal Highway Administration.
The project was approved by the Alexandria Planning Commission and City Council in October, 2007 and includes a lighted diamond field, two lighted synthetic turf rectangular fields, restrooms, park pavilions and parking for 145 vehicles. In addition, the project includes a one-half mile pedestrian loop trail, park pavilions, preservation of an existing cemetery and intersection improvements at Duke Street and Witter Drive.
Field off Duke street
Well, some questions have been answered.... but more questions have been raised.
The construction behind the Land Rover dealership and the Animal Hospital on Duke Street is indeed a field. Three fields in fact. Two soccer fields and one softball field.
All the fields are synthetic turf and have lights.
There will be parking for forty (40) cars.
There will be a traffic signal/new intersection constructed at the entrance of the park at Whitter Rd and Duke Street.
The park is named Whitter Recreational Field and should be opening in June.
So those are the answers.
Here are the questions that this raises:
-How is anyone going to go into or come out of the park from Duke Street during the evening rush hour? That area is already so heavily congested that adding more traffic to the mix is just plain stupid! And adding a traffic light doesn't seem like the best answer. How about another entrance or exit from another street, maybe off Eisenhower Avenue?
-How will this new intersection and traffic light affect the flow of traffic along Duke St., Telegraph Rd., and the side street along Duke St.?
-How will this effect the traffic at the light at Taylor Run and Duke St.. That area already appears to be pretty backed up during the evening rush. At one time this intersection had police direction during the evening rush hour and had a red light camera.
-Where will people park or where will the overflow of parking be? Forty spaces is enough for maybe one teams supporters. Just take a look at how crowded the parking garage AND Chinquapin are for TC games, and how full the parking lot is at Minnie Howard's field for games. Forty spaces doesn't seem like enough for three fields that could be used at the same time.
-Will the fields all be used at the same time, could three games/events be going on simultaneously?
-Who or what teams will be using the fields? Is this for city recreation leagues or Alexandria City Public School use?
-What are the hours of the field use? Will lights be shining late at night during the week and on weekends?
City employees didn't seem to have very much information - I contacted the Department of Parks and Recreation as well as other City Departments. Nothing can be found anywhere on city websites about the park, the traffic light installation, intersection construction or anything besides the basics I've given above.
I'll keep digging and let you know what I find, so stay tuned.......
The construction behind the Land Rover dealership and the Animal Hospital on Duke Street is indeed a field. Three fields in fact. Two soccer fields and one softball field.
All the fields are synthetic turf and have lights.
There will be parking for forty (40) cars.
There will be a traffic signal/new intersection constructed at the entrance of the park at Whitter Rd and Duke Street.
The park is named Whitter Recreational Field and should be opening in June.
So those are the answers.
Here are the questions that this raises:
-How is anyone going to go into or come out of the park from Duke Street during the evening rush hour? That area is already so heavily congested that adding more traffic to the mix is just plain stupid! And adding a traffic light doesn't seem like the best answer. How about another entrance or exit from another street, maybe off Eisenhower Avenue?
-How will this new intersection and traffic light affect the flow of traffic along Duke St., Telegraph Rd., and the side street along Duke St.?
-How will this effect the traffic at the light at Taylor Run and Duke St.. That area already appears to be pretty backed up during the evening rush. At one time this intersection had police direction during the evening rush hour and had a red light camera.
-Where will people park or where will the overflow of parking be? Forty spaces is enough for maybe one teams supporters. Just take a look at how crowded the parking garage AND Chinquapin are for TC games, and how full the parking lot is at Minnie Howard's field for games. Forty spaces doesn't seem like enough for three fields that could be used at the same time.
-Will the fields all be used at the same time, could three games/events be going on simultaneously?
-Who or what teams will be using the fields? Is this for city recreation leagues or Alexandria City Public School use?
-What are the hours of the field use? Will lights be shining late at night during the week and on weekends?
City employees didn't seem to have very much information - I contacted the Department of Parks and Recreation as well as other City Departments. Nothing can be found anywhere on city websites about the park, the traffic light installation, intersection construction or anything besides the basics I've given above.
I'll keep digging and let you know what I find, so stay tuned.......
DWI Checkpoints this Friday Night
FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA:
ALEXANDRIA POLICE DEPARTMENT
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
3600 WHEELER AVENUE
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 22304
703-746-6600
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
3600 WHEELER AVENUE
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 22304
703-746-6600
NEWS RELEASE
MARCH 23, 2012 #12-009
11:30 A.M. DONALDSON
MARCH 23, 2012 #12-009
11:30 A.M. DONALDSON
Alexandria Police to Conduct DWI Checkpoint
On March 23, Alexandria police will conduct a DWI checkpoint to deter and apprehend intoxicated drivers. The DWI crackdown will begin at 10:00 P.M. on Friday, March 23, and will continue until 6:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 24. Motorists will be stopped and drivers will be checked to assure that their abilities to drive have not been impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Chief of Police Earl L. Cook reminds drivers that the maximum penalty in Virginia for the first conviction for driving under the influence is 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine and a 12-month suspension of driving privileges. In addition, there are mandatory jail terms associated with these offenses, depending upon the blood alcohol content of the driver. Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles administrative fees may apply as well.
For further details, please call the Public Information Office at 703.746.6600.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
All Alexandria Reads Hosts Author William Kamkwamba at Kickoff Event on March 23
FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA:
All Alexandria Reads Hosts Author William Kamkwamba at Kickoff Event on March 23
The Alexandria Library and the Alexandria City Public Schools have partnered together to encourage all Alexandria residents to read The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity & Hope, in which William Kamkwamba shares the story of how he achieved his dream of bringing electricity, light, and the promise of a better life to his family and his village. On Friday, March 23, William Kamkwamba will share his inspirational story at 7 p.m. in the T.C. Williams High School auditorium. All are welcome to attend. The event serves as an official kick-off to the annual "All Alexandria Reads" event series facilitated by the Alexandria Library. The series is a community-based cooperative designed to promote shared experiences through reading.
William Kamkwamba grew up in Malawi and routinely went to bed early, right after dark, because kerosene to light lamps was very expensive. As a teenager, he began to explore the miracles of science. First, he developed a bicycle dynamo, which is a pedal-powered wheel that generates light. This taste of electricity (a luxury enjoyed by just two percent of Malawians) filled William with a desire to create his own. Before long, his scientific curiosity sent him on a quest to a build a windmill. Besides dealing with all sorts of financial obstacles and technical difficulties, William had to become a self-taught physicist, overcome local superstitions, and withstand being mocked for his "crazy" ideas. The community is encouraged to come out and hear his story first-hand as he discusses his book at this event. For more information, visit http://www.acps.k12.va.us/Wednesday, March 21, 2012
365 - a frog?
We saw this in a garden on another walk around the neighborhood today. It took us awhile to figure out what is was -- a little covered up by some weeds.
CORRECTION - City of Alexandria Refinances General Obligation Bonds at Historically Low Rate
City of Alexandria Refinances General Obligation Bonds at Historically Low Rate (Note: Corrected information in BOLD)
For Immediate Release: March 21, 2012
News Highlights
- Alexandria refinances $66.5 million in general obligation bonds at historically low interest rates, saving $3.58 million in future debt service costs
- City’s top AAA/Aaa Bond ratings reaffirmed
On March 21, the City of Alexandria competitively bid and refinanced $66.5 million in previously issued City general obligation bonds to lower interest rates. The new bonds were rated AAA/Aaa by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s Investors Service and were sold at a very low overall 1.98% true interest cost, one of the lowest rates ever achieved by the City. Nine underwriters bid on the City’s bonds, with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC submitting the lowest interest rate bid.
This refinancing action will save the City about $3.58 million over the life of the bonds.
“Getting Alexandria’s AAA/Aaa ratings reaffirmed indicates that the Alexandria City Council and City management continue to demonstrate strong financial and budget polices, and our overall long-range strategic direction is solid,” said Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille. “Attaining an interest rate below 2.0% is a very exciting achievement that saves the City over $3.5 million.”
Standard & Poor’s (S&P) and Moody’s Investors Service reaffirmed the City’s bond ratings of AAA and Aaa, respectively. In reaffirming the City’s AAA bond rating, S&P noted that the City’s rating reflects a “deep, diverse, and strongly performing local economy,” and “strong financial performance and management.” Moody’s Investors Service agreed, declaring that the City’s financial strengths include a “strong and vibrant tax base,” “a sound and stable financial condition,” and “conservative budgeting practices.”
ACPS Lottery Information
FROM ACPS:
|
ADC Schedules Debates
FROM THE ALEXANDRIA DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE:
Alexandria Democratic Committee Announces Debate Schedule; Appoints Don Buch as Debate Chair
The Alexandria Democratic Committee (ADC) is pleased to announce it will hold two debates open to the public featuring Alexandria’s Democratic primary candidates. These debates will give Democratic voters, and the Alexandria community, the chance to meet the candidates and hear their views on important issues facing our community. Alexandria Democrats will go to the polls to select six nominees for the Democratic City Council ticket on Tuesday, June 12, 2012.
“The ADC is an organization committed to ensuring that the Democratic voters who go to the polls on June 12 will have an opportunity to hear from their candidates. We are pleased that all Democratic candidates have agreed to participate and we feel these debates will help voters make an informed selection on primary day,” said ADC Chair Dak Hardwick.
The schedule for the ADC debates is as follows:
Wednesday, May 9
Francis C. Hammond Middle School Auditorium
4646 Seminary Road
7:00pm
Monday, June 4
George Washington Middle School Auditorium
1005 Mt. Vernon Avenue
7:00pm
Alexandria community leader Don Buch has been appointed as the ADC Debate Chair.
“I am extremely pleased that Don has agreed to serve as the ADC Debate Chair this year. Don’s leadership and extensive knowledge of the issues makes him an excellent choice to head up our debate program. With Don at the helm, Alexandrians can be assured that our debates will cover the critical issues facing our community.” Hardwick said.
City of Alexandria Refinances General Obligation Bonds at Historically Low Rate
FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA:
City of Alexandria Refinances General Obligation Bonds at Historically Low Rate
For Immediate Release: March 21, 2012
News Highlights
- Alexandria refinances $66.5 million in general obligation bonds at historically low interest rates, saving $3.58 million in future debt service costs
- City’s top AAA/Aaa bond ratings reaffirmed
On March 21, the City of Alexandria competitively bid and refinanced $66.5 million in previously issued City general obligation bonds to lower interest rates. The new bonds were rated AAA/Aaa by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s Investors Service and were sold at a very low overall 1.98% true interest cost, one of the lowest rates ever achieved by the City. Nine underwriters bid on the City’s bonds, with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC submitting the lowest interest rate bid.
This refinancing action will save the City about $3.58 million over the life of the bonds.
“Getting Alexandria’s AAA/Aaa ratings reaffirmed indicates that the Alexandria City Council and City management continue to demonstrate strong financial and budget polices, and our overall long-range strategic direction is solid,” said Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille. “Attaining an interest rate below 2.0% is a very exciting achievement that saves the City over $3.5 million in 2013.”
Standard & Poor’s (S&P) and Moody’s Investors Service reaffirmed the City’s bond ratings of AAA and Aaa, respectively. In reaffirming the City’s AAA bond rating, S&P noted that the City’s rating reflects a “deep, diverse, and strongly performing local economy,” and “strong financial performance and management.” Moody’s Investors Service agreed, declaring that the City’s financial strengths include a “strong and vibrant tax base,” “a sound and stable financial condition,” and “conservative budgeting practices.”
Archaeological Commission Now Accepting Nominations for Brenman Award
FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA:
Archaeological Commission Now Accepting Nominations for Brenman Award
Archaeology Award Honors Legacy of Late Alexandria Preservationist
The Alexandria Archaeological Commission (AAC) is now accepting nominations for the Bernard “Ben” Brenman Archaeology in Alexandria Award. The AAC established this award in 2007 to celebrate the contributions of the late Ben Brenman, who devoted himself to finding, preserving and sharing Alexandria’s rich and diverse heritage. Brenman was a founding member of the AAC, a City of Alexandria commission which was the first of its kind established in the U.S., and served as its chair for 21 years.
The Brenman Award is open to businesses, organizations, families, professional preservationists, volunteers, students and other individuals who have demonstrated work or efforts in archaeological investigation, research, site protection, education, public interpretation, open space design, collections, or conservation. Nomination forms are available at www.alexandriaarchaeology.org
Previous winners of the Brenman Award include Alexandria residents E. Sanders Partee, Joe Reeder and Elizabeth Henry Douglas, community activist Ellen Pickering, developer Eakin/Youngentob Associates, cultural resource management firms John Milner Associates and Louis Berger, grassroots organization Friends of Freedmen’s Cemetery, former Alexandria Archaeological Commission members Vivienne Mitchell and Chan Mohney, historians Wesley Pippenger and T. Michael Miller, youth activist Sarah Borgatti, educator Judy McConville, Historic Alexandria Foundation, a preservation advocacy group, the Fort Ward History Work Group, archaeologist Martha Williams, and Land/Design, a landscape design firm.
Appointed by City Council, the 14-member AAC develops goals and priorities for preserving Alexandria’s archaeological heritage. The commission works closely with citizens, government agencies, developers and teachers to promote archaeology in the City.
For more information, visit www.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Sunday, March 18, 2012
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