She is a supporter of the arts and of Alexandrias many nonprofit organizations. She served with distinction in the Virginia House of Delegates for 24 years. She is Marian Van Landingham and she is this years Senior Extraordinaire.
Each year, Senior Services of Alexandria selects an individual who epitomizes civic involvement and commitment to the community. When you think of the words generosity, integrity, creativity, humanity and leadership, the name Marian Van Landingham automatically comes to mind. Is she this years Senior Extraordinaire? You bet she is and were thrilled to honor her, said Eileen Longstreet, Senior Services executive director.
Van Landingham has been active in Alexandria affairs for nearly four decades. In 1973, she proposed turning the old torpedo factory into an art center. She served as the Centers first director from 1974 until 1979, when she resigned to run unsuccessfully for City Council. In 1980, she started the Alexandria Volunteer Bureau and served as its executive director for one year until, in 1981, she was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates. During her tenure, she served on three Appropriations Subcommittees, Health and Human Services, Public Education and Transportation. She was the first woman chair of the Privileges and Elections Committee and was a member of the House Education Committee for many years.
Van Landingham did not seek reelection to the General Assembly in 2005 due to poor health. With her cancer now in remission, Van Landingham is devoting more time to her painting and is still active in community affairs. She is a member of the Campagna Centers Board of Directors and chairs the Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria, a group that supports initiatives to improve the physical and mental health of Alexandrians.
Van Landingham will receive the award at the Senior Services Annual Spring Gala and Silent Auction on Friday, March 30, at 6:30 p.m., at the Belle Haven Country Club. Tickets are $90 per person.
For more information, contact Senior Services at 703-836-4414 ext. 11.
