New City Manager Visits Del Ray Business Association

Rashad Young’s lunch calendar is already filling up.

Alexandria’s new city manager officially started work on Monday. Just four hours into his first day, he received not one but two invitations to the Del Ray Business Association’s holiday luncheon at .

“I stopped by his office on my way over here and asked him if he wanted to join me,” Mayor Bill Euille said. “He told me the Sheriff [Dana Lawhorne] had already invited him.”

To split up his time, Young received a ride over to the luncheon from Lawhorne and then rode back to City Hall with Euille.

Young, who just arrived from Greensboro, N.C., chatted with members of the Del Ray business community from the bar and sampled some pork barbecue.

“I’m so excited to be here and for my family to join me in January,” Young told the crowd. “When we first arrived in Alexandria and considered taking on this job, one of the first places we went to was Del Ray. We ate dinner here and then played at a park at a school. … I look forward to spending more time here.”

Along with Young, Euille and Lawhorne, U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8th), Vice Mayor Kerry Donley and Councilwoman Del Pepper attended Monday’s luncheon.

The DRBA handed out its annual Star Awards to members of the community who went above and beyond in helping the organization put together events like the Taste of Del Ray, the Halloween Parade, First Thursdays and Art on the Avenue.

Marvin Paz of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities received the city employee award for helping set up the portable stage at different events. Melanie Runion, owner of , received the board award, while Ellyn Ferguson received the citizen award.

Pat Miller, a longtime officer with the DRBA and the Del Ray Citizens Association as well as the chief organizer of the Del Ray Farmers’ Market and the Art on the Avenue, received a lifetime achievement award for her devotion to the neighborhood.

“It’s an honor to be living here,” Miller said.