THUMBS UP to Alicia Hughes for attempting to give Alexandria voters a voice on how and when they will vote for their elected officials in the future. Alexandrians were wary of the political posturing that surrounded last year’s rushed decision on city elections and deserve to have their voices heard.

Matt Danielson

THUMBS UP to Pat Troy, founder of Alexandria’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. After this interminable winter, which included the cancellation of Alexandria’s George Washington Day festivities, we’re all ready for a good parade. And spring!

Denise Dunbar 

THUMBS DOWN to the organizers of this weekend’s planned protest outside of Starbucks. What may be a legitimate concern about handgun safety and Virginia state law is being used as a deliberate attempt to manipulate the media and embarrass local businesses who have no say in crafting state laws. I’m glad you feel strongly about the issue, but take your protest to Richmond where it might make a difference.

Matt Danielson

THUMBS UP to the NOVA Ice Dogs hockey teams. The Ice Dogs peewee AA junior team won a tournament in Pennsylvania over Presidents Day weekend. Benefiting from a burst in hockey’s popularity in this area (after all, we have a Stanley Cup contender in the professional Capitals, plus the excitement of the silver-medal-winning U.S. Olympic men’s and women’s hockey teams), the club has a waiting list for its introductory program.

Denise Dunbar