Alexandria

Our life in our city.

SNOW!

February 6, 2010 in Alexandria by melissa | No comments

Until this year, I don’t think I had ever heard the term Thundersnow (which I still haven’t witnessed). I’m also pretty sure that ’snowpacolype’ just recently joined the local lexicon. I know that the amount of snow we’re getting right now happens in a lot of part of the world I’d really rather not live in, and I think it’s pretty, and means there will be plenty of water later one. We’re lucky for that. But the Commonwealth of Virginia (at least some parts of it – I don’t know if us Northerners count), is still part of “The South.” “The South” should not get 30 inches of snow (or whatever it will be when the cold pretty white stuff stops falling from the sky).

And, of course, since it’s a rare and unnatural occurrence, we took some SNOW pictures.

Update! Chad and I walked over to the Masonic memorial on Sunday to watch the people sled, ski and snowboard. There are pictures of that in the snow album too!


Melissa and Chad in the snow!

Another Alexandria Election

May 6, 2009 in Alexandria by melissa | 1 comment

Yesterday morning I once again got up early enough to make it to the Lee Center by 5am. Since the polls open at 6am, we need the hour to set up the electronic voting machines and poll books, and make sure the room is situated the way we want it.

We had a total of 506 voters come by, a whopping 10.7 percent of registered voters came to vote. It’s pretty sad compared to the 91 percent we saw back in November. I definitely agree that we should consolidate into one major election during November – it will definitely help our turn out.

If you’d like some thoughtful analysis of the elections, head over to the Parker-Gray Growl, I’m too tired.

Now for the fun. Here’s the read out from the Lee Center JBC.  I’ve organized it by office, including write-ins:
Mayor
William D. “Bill” Euille – 356

Write Ins (as they were entered, the capitalization’s are mine)

Blaber – 1 Unknown – 1 Rich Williamson – 1 Pat Troy – 1
BillCleveland – 1 Neil Wolfe – 1 Cynthia Hilsinger – 1 Todd Wenning – 1
Bill Cleveland – 1 Julie Buyer – 1 Michael Zarlenga – 3 WilliamDEuille – 1
Peter Glaws – 1 AA – 1 Taj – 1 Anyone But – 1
Frank Fannon – 1 Steven Lastelic – 1 Frank Mann – 1 Christian Adams – 1
Alicia Hughes – 1 Charles Mitchell – 1 Scout Downey – 1 Ross Bell – 1
Chris Campagna – 1 Frank Collins – 1 Lisa Powers – 1 Robert Hill – 1
Gail Schneider – 1 Michal Zarlanger – 1
City Council School Board District A
Alicia R Hughes – 278
K. Rob Krupicka – 267
Kerry J Donley – 253
Redella S. “Del” Pepper – 251  
Frank H. Fannon IV – 250
Paul C Smedberg – 248
Timothy B. Lovain – 230
Justin M. Wilson – 222
D. Philip Cefaratti – 188
Rich C. Williamson – 85		 W. E. “Bill” Campbell – 145
Mary Mein “Mimi” Carter – 172
Sheryl K Gorsuch – 169
Helen F. Morris – 235
Scott A Newsham – 144

 

 
Write-ins
Bill Cleveland – 1
Mac Donald – 1
**Blank** – 1		 Write-ins
Peter Glaws – 1
Alicia Hughes – 1

My Electra Amsterdam Classic 3i, Adelaide

April 20, 2009 in Alexandria, Misc by melissa | 2 comments

Shortly after starting work at Halfaker & Associates, I started biking to our Shirlington office. It was a really easy decision. I could get in a good work out, save on wear, tear and gas for the car, enjoy the beautiful Spring weather (well, once it got here), and get to know some of the great bike paths in the area. However, the bike the Pitchke’s so generously loaned to me wasn’t quite what I wanted to ride for the 14 mile round trip. It was time for a new bike. I wanted a bike built for comfort, not for speed, and I didn’t want to spend the entire commute hunched over the handlebars. A road bike, the “sports car” of bikes, was out. I don’t plan on going out on dirt trails or up and down mountains, so the mountain bike, the SUV of bikes, was also out. I wanted something I could sit up and ride, something that I could ride around town to the store or on the trails, and actually enjoy. The first few rides I did on the free bike were okay, but they weren’t necessarily pleasant. I wanted something cushy: a comfort bike, the town car/sedan of bikes.

That’s what I got with Adelaide. She’s very comfy and reminiscent of a beach cruiser or bikes used as primary transportation in Europe or Asia. The handlebars are nice and high, and are tilted back so I don’t have to lean forward the entire time. She is heavy, and a little slow, but I’ve ridden her to work twice (14 miles each) and on a long bike ride on Saturday (20 miles), and I’m doing fine.  My commute is primarily on Mt. Vernon Trail in Alexandria and Four Mile Run in Arlington.  It’s much flat with a few rolling ups and downs, so I really don’t need/want more than three gears.

I did a lot of research before settling on the Electra Amsterdam and have read a lot of the reviews – negative as well as positive. I think that a big part of why I’m doing so well with Adelaide is that Nick at Big Wheel Bikes in Alexandria did a good job of putting her together for me. The skirt flap is held on by black zip ties (so they don’t clatter around the whole ride), and I’m pretty sure the left handbrake on Adelaide isn’t standard. This model has coaster brakes, which are great for a quick and easy stop, but the handbrake is convenient at stops and while walking her down hill. A few of the other complaints I’ve read seem to have been answered by Electra for the 2009 model. Of course, there’s no more issue with the chain popping off. Also, the chain guard seems to be made of metal now, not plastic. The light, rack, chain guard and skirt flap were all pretty big selling points for me, and I’m really glad I went for the Amsterdam. I know there are sturdier bikes of this style out there, but the price, weight, fit, style and availability of the Electra Amsterdam all lined up against what I was looking for.

I’m looking forward to National Bike to Work Day, but I don’t think I’ll ever enter a race, or bike more than 25 miles in a day. That’s just not what I bought Adelaide for. Adelaide will likely be my only bike, and I’ll probably never buy a real bike jersey. I get passed by other bikers all of the time on my commute and that’s just fine by me because getting to work is not a competition. I just hope that there are more bikers like me out there; bikers who don’t want to be Lance Armstrong, bikers who just want to get from A to B in a pleasant manner. The more there are of us, the more likely bike and trail infrastructure will grow!

Anyway, Chad and I went on a nice long ride with our friend Noelle on Saturday. Noelle works at the State Department and wants to start biking to work as well, so Chad and I went out with her to test her commute. It was a fantastic day, so we took a bunch of pictures. You should definitely take a look! Warning, there are lots and lots of pictures of Adelaide!

19 - Saturday Ride - Adelaide with Tulips

Electronic Poll Books

March 10, 2009 in Alexandria by melissa | No comments

I just got a call from someone at the Alexandria Board of Elections.  I’ll be training for the May 3 Elections (Mayoral, City Council and School Board). Apparently, the bulk of our training will be the use of electronic poll books. I’m so excited! Hopefully, this will seriously cut down on check in time for voters, though I’ll reserve my judgment until I’ve had some hands on time with them. Training is in mid April!

Alexandria Watches the Inauguration

January 20, 2009 in Alexandria by melissa | No comments

Chad and I did not end up going to the National Mall like we thought we might. The pictures of Sunday’s crowd and the below freezing temperatures kept us out of the district. Luckily, the City of Alexandria had other options for us.

We started walking in the cold towards Old Town a little after 9 am. We saw the people waiting at the metro stop and thought: I hope they’re not heading towards the Mall. As we went down King St., we were surprised at how few people there were. We stopped and got a paper on our way to Market Square, which, at barely before 10 am, was practically empty!

01 - 10 am seat stakeout

Then we headed over to the Torpedo Factory to see if it was open yet. No such luck. However, we did walk over the the waterfront to see the little harbor had frozen! In search of warmth, we finally found all of the people. They were in Starbucks. Of course. Chad got a coffee and I had some very very hot tea, and we went back in to the now open Torpedo Factory to see how it was set up.

03 - in the torpedo factory

It was also practically empty. They had a screen setup and a projector was streaming Fox over the Internet. The few people who were there were getting the free cocoa and cider ready. We decided to head back over to market square so we wouldn’t be dependent on a shaky internet connection to watch the event.

We were still early enough to be able to get a good seat on the side of the (empty) fountain. Then we waited with the other people there, watching Katie Couric and the rest of the CBS team try to fill the empty spaces in their coverage with little stories. When the local news came on to announce metro closures, the closing of the 14th Street Bridge and the closing of the Mall, we were very glad we chose to watch the inauguration in Alexandria. There were plenty of people there, enough to make it feel like a celebration.

The people there watching with us were awesome. Especially Sonia from St. Louis. She was awesome. She and her group got Chad to play photographer for them, and unfortunately, one of the ladies was very afraid of dogs. Alexandria is not the city to be in if you’re afraid of dogs. There are just too many of them wandering around (leashed, of course, but definitely given their own right of way). She ended up having to watch just a few feet away from a (thankfully) mellow German Shepard.

There was clapping every time someone from the new administration showed up on the screen, and complete silence whenever anyone spoke. By the time it was over, there were cheers and hugs all around, and everyone was very happy. Especially Sonia from St. Louis.

23 - Sonia from St Louis

At first I was a little disappointed in myself for wimping out about going to the Mall. Then I realized (rationalized, justified) that by staying in Alexandria, I was completing a circle. I helped the people who live in Old Town Alexandria (almost overwhelmingly) vote for President Obama, so it seemed right to celebrate his inauguration with them. Besides, it was also nice to be able to go to Fontaine for crepes when the ceremony was over. =)

Potential Enumerators

January 8, 2009 in Alexandria, Updates, Work by melissa | No comments

I started thinking about the 2010 deciannual US Census back while the presidential election was in full swing. There was plenty of talk about which states would stay blue or red or which might swing in November according to the people there. I kept thinking: “well, we don’t really know who’s where.” We can see trends in demographics, but I think that there will be some surprises once the 2010 census numbers are finally published.

So I was looking for information on the 2010 census and how it would take place, when I discovered that I could be a part time census taker. Interested, and maybe a little bored, I called the number and left a message expressing my interest. Someone called back and scheduled a time for me to come in and take the Census Takers test. I went on Tuesday.

The test was held at the Virginia Employment Commission – the same office where people file for unemployment and look for help finding a new job. The place was packed. I had arrived right on time for the test, and my heart sank a little when I saw the Great Big Line of people waiting for…I don’t know, a number or something. I looked around for the signs my appointment setter told me would be there, pointing the way to the testing place, and I couldn’t find them. I found the end of the line though, and overheard a woman saying something about a test. I asked her if it was the census taker test. She said that if I was there to take a test, then I should just go on through and not wait.

I went to the front of the line and asked the man behind the desk: “Census?”
“Around the corner,” was his reply.

I breathed a sigh of relief and found the testing room. Two recruiters were chatting with the other 5 or so people who were. The room slowly filled to about 15 people, and Sandy and Dustin started the session. The first thing they asked us to do was to find where we lived on a big map, then provide the block number. They primarily want people to work in their own communities. The people in the room covered every age, race, gender and (I think), economic background. There were some immigrants, retirees, and a national park ranger. Sandy said that they had been getting a lot of calls from people wanting to apply.

The explained the position (a census taker is called an enumerator), and the pay (in our area, it’s $15/hour for an office clerk and $20/hour for an enumerator), when we might get a job offer (sometime in the next couple of months), term of employment (usually 10 weeks, but sometimes they hire people permanently), and some restrictions (you can’t just apply for office work, you have to be willing to be an enumerator or they won’t consider you for any position). Sandy went over the applications with us and we filled it out per her instructions.

Then out came the tests. Twenty eight multiple choice questions in five sections that I don’t exactly remember. We had 30 minutes to complete the test – I think I took about 20. There was a section that tested clerical skills (alphabetizing and the like), one that tested reading skills (a bit like the SATs), a section that tested simple math that you didn’t really have to do the math for, since the answer was a little obvious according to where the decimal lay. There was a section that included some map reading and one that tested how well you would be able to follow directions to fill out a form.

Sandy had a thick piece of paper (or thin poster board) that she would place over each test so she could quickly and easily grade the tests and tell people if they passed or not. She whispered congratulations to the test takers and gave them a pamphlet called: “What Happens Next…Now that you’ve applied for a 2010 Census job.”

I missed one question. I started to leave and was out the door and in the hall when I turned around, went back in the room, and waited until everyone had left to ask my question:
“Can you tell me which one I missed?” I asked, “it might drive me crazy otherwise.”
They can’t re-open the test booklets once they’ve been closed, but they could tell me that I missed question 10. I can’t even remember what section that questions was in, but since it hasn’t driven me crazy yet, I think it doesn’t matter.

So now I’m waiting for my call from the US Census Bureau. I know how important the census is, and I think this might be an interesting way to meet my fellow Alexandrians.

91 percent

November 5, 2008 in Alexandria by melissa | 3 comments

According to our rough calculations (readily produced from my Treo’s calculator), when our precinct closed last night, we had helped 91 percent of registered voters assigned to the Lee Center vote. But that was the end, I should start at the beginning.

My alarm went off at 4:15 am, and after a sleepy shower I packed my things and Chad and I left for the Nanny J Lee Community Center. We got there at 5 am and parked. I went for my assignment and Chad joined the line that began its life over an hour earlier.

We were all sworn in as a group, and I was on the meet and greet team. For the first part of the day, I was outside: helping to make sure that people were in the right line and answering questions. Primarily, people wanted to know why the N-Z line was so much shorter than the A-M line. Our five poll books for check in went A-C, D-H, I-M, N-S, and T-Z, so the line was split in half: A-M and N-Z. In retrospect, it should have been split A-H and M-Z, but hindsight is 20/20. The N-Z line was never longer than an hour, whereas the early morning voters in the A-M line waited over two hours at one point. But everyone decided to vote early! I believe the line was at it’s longest between 8-9am, after that it dwindled to a point that brought it out from the back of the rear parking lot and in the building.

As the line died down I moved inside to try and get the inside lines moving a little faster, and by around 11:30, the line was gone and never really came back. The rest of the day was a steady stream of voters who were surprised at the lack of line. I sat at the door to the polling room and directed people to their table for check in. When we finally closed at 7pm, there were only two voters casting their ballot, and the last one to leave was a first time voter.

We watched the machine tally the votes – and I got to keep a copy of the results! Presidential results: 1741 to Obama, 779 to McCain, 7 to Chuck Baldwin, 9 to Bob Barr, 1 to Cynthia McKinney, 7 to Ralph Nader, and a total of 14 write ins. Four voters wrote in Ron Paul, and four people wrote in Hillary Clinton, but they wrote her name 4 different ways. There were also votes for Donald Duck and Keanu Reeves. After getting our results, we put away the voting machines, waited around for some official tallies (using my Treo to double check numbers), signed our oaths and finally left at 8pm. It had been a long, exhausting day, and I am VERY glad I did it.

Chad and I met my fellow election worker Amanda and her co-worker/friend at Murphy’s at around 9pm for some drinks and hung out talking for a little while, before we went home to watch the returns come in.

Thoughts

  • A lot of people brought their kids in to watch them vote. It was fantastic (and cute!).
  • I will definitely work the polls again if I’m needed.
  • Despite some of the early morning grumblings about the lines, people were very excited happy to vote.
  • Getting to keep a copy of the electronic vote tally is really neat!
  • Having over 90% of registered voters in our precinct come out to cast their ballot was really really really amazing, and makes me feel very good about my community.

Finally, I don’t post my political opinions on this website because I believe that no matter what the political situation is in this nation, we are all here together. There are political divisions in my family, in many American families, and across this country; I prefer to not contribute to that divide. Additionally, I aspire to join the US State Department as a Foreign Service Officer, a career that will give me the opportunity to serve the citizens of the United States of America no matter the administration or its policies. So, while I have much more to say on the matter, I’ll just say the following: Watching President-Elect Obama’s acceptance speech at the end of a very long, exciting day brought me to tears. I, like most voters (especially of my generation), am very hopeful for the future of this nation and this world. You may now return to your regular, apolitical, blogcast.

Official Poll Worker

October 29, 2008 in Alexandria by melissa | 1 comment

It’s true! I got a button and a parking pass and a bunch of training. I am now ready to help Alexandrians (at my precinct) vote.

My first impression of training was “wow, I’m not the youngest person here.” I usually think of civic minded retirees when I think of poll workers (because that’s been my experience), but the group was very diverse on age and race.

I learned a bunch of interesting tidbits that I’ll try and relate here. If I mess anything up, I’ll fix it when I get home to my notes.

General Stuff:

  • The City of Alexandria increased it’s staff of election officials by 50% for November 4.
  • If a voter comes to the polls with a shirt/button/hat/sandwich board endorsing a candidate or issue, we are to quietly ask them to remove the item.
  • There will be no topless voting. We will have ponchos to lend to voters in the event that need to cover up a “political” shirt. Man, I hope no one shows up in a “Vote for Pedro” t shirt.
  • We have to bring our own food, and the precinct chief will let us know what facilities are available for breaks (microwaves, etc), before election day.
  • It’s going to be a VERY long day. Polls open at 6am, we need to be there to prepare at 5am. Polls close at 7pm, but that is just when they close the LINE to vote. Depending on how long the wait is, we might not tally the ballots until 9pm or 10pm, and then we have to pack it all up.
  • I might take November 5 off too…

Voting Machines

  • All of the city’s eslate voting machines will be used next Tuesday
  • Over 50,000 emergency paper ballots have been printed, and more can be produced very quickly if deemed necessary
  • In the four years of using the eslate machines, they have never needed the emergency paper ballots
  • Feedback from local handicapped voters is very favorable towards the eslate machines
  • Do NOT hit the “Cast Ballot” button until you have completely finished voting. There are no second chances after hitting that button.
  • The eslate has some definite heft to it…

After the introductions by the members of the Electoral Board, and a short eslate demo, we broke into small groups and practiced giving demos on the machine. We did that for a little bit, then we moved to a different area to learn how to check in voters with the poll books.

Interesting factoids:

  • The stuff they ask you is scripted for the entire Commonwealth. “Please state your full legal name,” “What is your legal address,” and “May I please see your ID,” all come from a script.
  • If any problems arise, we send that person to the precinct chief. He or she will take care of it and escort the voter to the front of the line at the registration table once things are cleared up.
  • Potential issues include: registered address is different from stated address, voter isn’t in our log book, challenges from poll monitors or other poll workers.
  • Poll monitors are NOT allowed to touch the registration desk or interfere in any way.
  • Use your judgment, but get people through the line!

All in all, Tuesday will be a very exciting, very exhausting day, and I’m really looking forward to it. But if can, do me (and yourself) a favor, VOTE EARLY!

Fun with Election Machines

August 9, 2008 in Alexandria by melissa | No comments

So, I just got back from the Alexandria Election Official Open House.  Basically, there were a bunch of election officials at each step of the vote casting process, showing people how to use the machines.  There was a pretty steady stream of people, and while the hosting officals where in the 50+ crowd, some of the new people seemed to be around my age.  I skipped the voter check-in process and went straight to a practice machine. Read the rest of this entry »

Happy Birthday Alexandria!

July 14, 2008 in Alexandria by melissa

The City of Alexandria celebrated its 259th birthday on Saturday with fireworks! The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra performed a free “Big Band” show prior, then the fireworks soundtrack with Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture.” Marines from Quantico even provided cannon support!

But before all of the fireworks, there was cake! Mayor Euille gave me a cupcake and I had a flashback to school elections, where candidates tried to buy your vote with tasty treats.

I’ll have pictures up as soon as I figure out what’s wrong with my gallery…well, I think I know what’s wrong, I’m just low on time to fix it.

edit 08/08/08/: Gallery is fixed!  Look, it’s a picture!

06 - the mayor has us eat cake.jpg
The mayor would like you to have a cupcake

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