The Friends of the McLean Community Center honored longtime community organizer Robert Ames “Bob” Alden with “A Roast and Toast to Bob Alden” in the theatre that was named after him, The Alden, last Monday. The celebration culminated in the unveiling of a portrait of Alden by artist Bradley Stevens.

Alden, who was instrumental in establishing the center and a “village green” in McLean, worked as an editor for The Washington Post for 45 years. Professional colleagues, friends and family members, including Alden’s wife of 54 years, Diane, shared memories and “roasted” Alden while he and his beloved dog, Ginger, were seated on a special throne. The Capitol Steps performed “Lirty Dies” in Alden’s honor and the portrait was unveiled.