Column: Civic Involvement
Secret weapon for veteran reintegration.
I’m proud to say that my life is centered around helping veterans reconnect to their community. When I retired from the Army just 18 months ago, I had no understanding of civilian life or how my family and I would reintegrate into a civilian community or connect to our chosen home of Alexandria.
Mount Vernon: Public Invited to Next Police Commission Forum
In an effort to open more opportunities for people around the county to participate and share their views, the Fairfax County Ad Hoc Commision on Police Policies and Practices will hold its next public forum in the Mount Vernon area on Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Mount Vernon Snapshot: Snapshot of Summer
Some local girls relax after an evening swim at Belle Haven Marina (from left): Reade Lambeth, Catherine Smeallie, and Ella Turner, all age 13.
Mount Vernon Snapshot: Tag Day This Saturday
West Potomac performing arts students are hoping members of the community will open their doors — and their wallets — when they knock on Tag Day, Saturday, Sept. 12.
Mount Vernon: Quilters Unlimited Help UCM
Members of the Mount Vernon chapter of Quilters Unlimited of Northern Virginia spent their summer crafting blankets and quilts to donate to families and children at United Community Ministries (UCM). On Sept. 2, the chapter delivered more than 40 one-of-a-kind handmade items to UCM.
Burke and Fairfax: Robinson Students Welcomed Back
New and returning students at Robinson Secondary School were welcomed on the first day with a corridor of cheerleaders, blaring music and an inflated ram tunnel leading to the front doors. And the smiling face of their principal, Matthew Eline, who joined the cheerleaders and held a sign saying “May I help you?”
Fairfax County: Garza Tours on the First Day of School
Though she visited several schools on the first day of the new year, Fairfax County Public Schools superintendent only received one welcome banner. That was from the articulate student leaders at Mantua Elementary School, who told her “sense of community” and “great teachers who encourage creativity” were among their favorite things about the school.
Springfield: West Springfield Welcomes Spartans
Unsuspecting underclassmen may have heard rumors of a nonexistent “third floor” at West Springfield High School. Soon enough, principal Michael Mukai pointed out, there will actually be one.
Lorton, Fairfax Station, Clifton: South County Welcomes Stallions
South County High School principal Matt Ragone has been having “a blast” since he got to the school in the middle of last year.
Mount Vernon: No Criminal Charges In McKenna Death
Tasers did not directly cause Natasha McKenna’s death, nor are any of the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office deputies involved with the case being charged with a crime. Those are the positions announced Tuesday, Sept. 8 by Commonwealth’s Attorney Raymond F. Morrogh.
Mount Vernon Engagement: Pitts, Soult Wed
Dr. Alexa Elise Pitts and Dr. Michael Clarkston Soult II were united in marriage on Saturday Sept. 5, 2015 at Freemason Street Baptist Church in Norfolk.
Mount Vernon Brief: MVHS To Host School Budget Information Meeting
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is encouraging the public to help in the development of the FY 2017 budget. Because projected costs for items such as enrollment growth, state mandated retirement, health insurance costs, and employee salary increases are outpacing projected revenues, FCPS anticipates a significant budget shortfall for school year 2016-17 (FY 2017). To balance the budget, FCPS may have to cut, reduce, or redesign current programs.
Fairfax: Helping Abused and Neglected Children
Fairfax CASA seeks volunteers who are willing to work with children and families.
Since 1989, Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocate Volunteers have advocated for over 6,500 abused and neglected children in Fairfax County. Known as Fairfax CASA, the nonprofit organization has been working hard to accomplish their ultimate goal: ensuring that each individual child’s needs are identified and addressed with the goal of living in a “safe and permanent home.”
Mount Vernon Snapshot: Team Effort
Members of West Potomac High School Cross-Country volunteered to organize donated school supplies at United Community Ministries on Aug. 17.
Fairfax: 'ARTS by George!' Gala Features Broadway Superstar Bernadette Peters
“There is nothing like it anywhere else in the region,” said Rick Davis, dean, George Mason University, College of Visual and Performing Arts describing the upcoming ARTS by George! Gala evening.
Mount Vernon Brief: Esther Manns Named Interim Principal at MVHS
Esther Manns, who has served as an assistant principal at Mount Vernon High School since 2004, has agreed to serve as the interim principal for Mount Vernon High School.
Mount Vernon Brief: Help Identify Suspect In Attempted Abduction
Police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a man believed to be responsible for an attempted abduction that occurred on Thursday, Aug. 27.
Clifton Labor Day Car Show a Huge Success
The 16th annual Clifton Labor Day Car Show was a huge success on Monday, Sept. 7, featuring some 310 registered cars and earning approximately $30,000 for two charities: Life with Cancer and the Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program.
Burke: Technology Welcomes Back Students
Nativity Catholic School focuses on advanced technology and innovation.
Located just off Old Keene Mill Road, Nativity Catholic School has been recognized as the Blue Ribbon School of Excellence since 2008.
Alexandria: City’s Democrats Face Civil War
Euille officially announces write-in campaign.
When Mayor William Euille officially announced his pursuit of a write-in campaign for reelection at a Sept. 7 rally, he referred to the Dylan Thomas poem about a man who believes his work is unfulfilled.