Stories for September 2012

County Police Chief Tapped for New Position

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday appointed Police Chief Dave Rohrer as deputy county executive for public safety. He’ll begin his new job Oct. 20.

Hendersons Are Winners in Return to West Potomac

Bruins overcome 16-7 halftime deficit to beat Wolverines.

Quarterback Caleb Henderson, linebacker Jon Henderson and defensive coordinator Eric Henderson came out on the winning end during their return to West Potomac.

Alliance Plans Book Fair Fundraiser

The Alliance Theatre is holding a Book Fair Fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 13, all day, at Barnes & Noble, 12193 Fair Lakes Promenade (off West Ox Road) in Fair Oaks.

Quakers Gather at Homecoming

Enjoying perfect weather Sunday, Sept. 23, some pacifists celebrated “homecoming” on their two acres of tranquility surrounded on three sides by the U.S. Army.

18th Century Colonial Market and Fair at Mount Vernon

The lanes of the marketplace echoed the names of the five farms on General George Washington’s estate in Mount Vernon: Muddy Hole Farm, Dogue Run Farm, Union Farm, River Farm and Mansion Farm.

Classified Advertising Sept 26, 2012

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Chamber Honors Police and Firefighters

The Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce honored public safety personnel at its 5th Annual Police and Firefighters Tribute held Friday evening, Sept. 21, at the Belle Haven Country Club.

Changes in Virginia's voter identification rules are causing confusion in many quarters, and some voters might be tempted to stay home rather than deal with a difficult situation. Slow down, there are alternatives, including a current utility bill, bank statement, government check or paycheck indicating the name and address of the voter.

Mount Vernon Bulletin Board: Sept. 26, 2012

Upcoming events and activities

Fall Fun: Beer and Brats

Bands, bratwurst, and brews to celebrate Bavaria

What to do and see this fall

Column: My Team

Not literally, of course. Nor am I the coach or the general manager. But I do feel like an owner, in that there are people that I invest in – again not literally, but definitely emotionally.

Classified Advertising Sept 19, 2012

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Mount Vernon Bulletin Board: Sept. 20, 2012

Upcoming events and activities

Alexandria/Mount Vernon Calendar: Sept. 20, 2012

Upcoming events and activities

Celebrating 225th Anniversary of U.S. Constitution

On the 225th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution, Mount Vernon Estate unveiled George Washington’s annotated copy of the Acts of Congress.

Book Launch at Burgundy Farm

Authors Susan Roth and Karen Leggett Abouraya celebrated their children's book about the Egyptian revolution, “Hands Around the Library,” with the students at Burgundy Farm Country Day School on Thursday, Sept. 13.

As Virginia Loses Federal Money, Debate Emerges About Fairfax County’s Course of Action

County leaders are not willing to go with the flow as feds change the rules.

Across Mount Vernon, large-scale 1960s-era parking lots dominate the landscape and flood the streams.

West Potomac Field Hockey Finishes Sixth at Invitational

Wolverines beat Wakefield; lose to Fairfax, Yorktown, W-L.

The West Potomac field hockey team finished sixth at the two-day Herndon Invitational.

Passport to Aging

Mount Vernon At Home has teamed with six community partners to present daily activities and workshops for Active Aging Week, Sept. 23-29. RSVP at 703-303-4060 or email info@mountvernonathome.org.

Obituary: Mary M. Stanges

Mary M. Stanges, 92, who worked as an executive secretary at the Pentagon, and was a volunteer at Mt. Vernon Hospital, died July 20, 2012 at her home in Hollin Hills, south of Alexandria, after a long illness (non-Hodgkins lymphoma).

Letter: Accurate Or Distorted Polling?

In last week's Gazette, Adrienne G. Cannon's letter was published in which she said, concerning the Westgrove Park off-leash dog area issue: "Repeated letters from one person attacking individuals and offering misleading facts does not help readers understand the public policy issues at stake." This reader would appreciate Ms. Cannon enlightening us as to exactly which facts have been misleading.

Letter: Why ID Law Is Needed

Voter fraud is a great danger that strikes at the very integrity of our election process. Voter identification is one way we can protect all our votes.

Letter: A Pro-Life Victory?

It’s being reported that the Virginia Board of Health, this past Friday, adopted a new slate of abortion center safety standards. This news comes two days following the release of several health inspection reports obtained by the Family Foundation under Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act.

Column: Refillable. Rechargeable. Reusable.

More like replaceable. Obviously, I want to remain positive and believe that today is not a good day to die (Worf from “Star Trek: Next Generation”) and that there will be many more tomorrows to live for and days beyond that to plan for. However, having a terminal disease has a tendency to darken up those rose-colored glasses.

Letter: Dominion Power Must Do More

Virginia is stuck in the past depending almost entirely on dirty, polluting energy sources like coal that make our kids sick, put our communities at risk and cost us millions in health care expenses each year. Dominion Virginia Power, our state’s largest utility, is arguably the biggest culprit by failing to develop a single wind farm or large-scale solar project in our state.

Mount Vernon Real Estate: Top Sales in July 2012

In July 2012, 132 homes sold between $3,500,000-$62,900 in the Mount Vernon area.

Mount Vernon Real Estate: Top Sales in July 2012

West Potomac Football Beats Centreville

The West Potomac football team improved to 2-0 with a victory against Centreville

Mount Vernon Bulletin Board: Sept. 13, 2012

Upcoming events

Alexandria/Mount Vernon Calendar: Sept. 13, 2012

Upcoming events and activities.

West Potomac Girls’ XC Finishes Fourth at Invitational

Wolverines finished 3rd at 2011 states, graduated top 2 harriers.

Katie Genuario led the West Potomac girls' cross country team to a fourth-place finish at the Monroe Parker Invitational.

Dancing In ‘Suds’

West Potomac High School members held a car wash Saturday, Sept. 8, at St. Luke’s Church on Fort Hunt Road.

Jazz at Cedar Knoll Restaurant

A new live concert series to emphasizing jazz music every month at Cedar Knoll Restaurant.

Chamber Welcomes Top It Off

Located at the Hollin Hall Shopping Center, Top It Off held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, Sept. 7, hosted by the Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce. Michael Gailliot, chairman of the Chamber, led the ceremony.

Residents Light Up Meeting on Power Outages

Dominion Power responds to questions on systems, underground lines.

About 85 residents attended a Town Hall meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 11 concerning long delays in restoring power following the Derecho storm which occurred at the end of June.

Community Rallies to Aid Rising Hope

‘Tenth Avenue North’ concert is next hurdle.

With a timely rescue by Mount Vernon area donors, the shelves in the Rising Hope Mission Church food pantry are now full and 377 young people received backpacks filled with school supplies to head back to school for a fresh start.

Brief: National Democratic Convention: An Inspiring Experience

I would like to share with the community some of my reflections on the recent Democratic Convention in Charlotte, N.C. at which delegates nominated President Barack Obama for re-election.

Brief: New President, CEO at Estate

Curtis G. Viebranz has been named president and chief executive officer of George Washington’s historic Mount Vernon estate. He will take the helm at the historic home on Sept. 17.

Briefs: Support Food Drive

A food drive is being held now through Sept. 24 at Stratford Landing Elementary School, 8484 Riverside Road.

Brief: Washington’s Copy Of the Constitution

On the 225th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution, Mount Vernon unveils George Washington’s annotated copy of the Acts of Congress to the public on Monday, Sept. 17 at noon.

Trio of Challengers on the Ballot to Challenge Moran This November

Republican, Independent Green and independent offer a variety of options for voters.

A trio of challengers will oppose longtime U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) this November, although the Northern Virginia district is solidly blue and not considered competitive.

On the Campaign Trail

With six weeks to go before Election Day, it’s starting to look like Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille will not be debating former Vice Mayor Andrew Macdonald — at least not in a debate that doesn’t include all 12 of the City Council candidates.

Supporters of Woodlawn Stables Hold Out Hope That Horses Will Be Able to Stay

Will National Trust strike a deal and approve new lease?

For months, the debate at Woodlawn has been about which option for widening Route 1 is appropriate.

Classified Advertising Sept. 12, 2012

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Letter: No Place Like Home In Mt. Vernon

Most people who read about the superbug that killed six people last year at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) probably reacted with fear and horror. My reaction was anger.

Letter: Focus on Issues

Every week the Gazette invites readers to send "views on any public issue." It is more informative to read letters addressing the issues, not individuals. I hope to see more letters like that from a range of writers in our newspaper.

Column: Trip Without a Fall

Recently, for the first time in nearly two years, I took a trip without having my car. Significant to me in that not “having my car” meant not being able to transport/have all my cancer things.

Letter: Loss of ‘Community’ On Bike Paths

Last week I took a hard fall on the bike path. At 5:45 a.m., as I entered the Mount Vernon bike path on my commute to the Pentagon, I misjudged the location of the ramp entrance and instead slammed into the curb. Though it was dark, I was equipped with proper lighting on front, back and helmet, reflective belt and eye protection to prevent and be prepared for possible mishaps. I had made this trek hundreds of times, so making the entrance should have been easy.

Calendar: Sept. 7, 2012

Upcoming events and activities

No Vets Left Behind

Volunteer drivers needed to transport local veterans to medical appointments.

“I like to garden, and I wish I could still go dancing. Me and my wife, we used to love going to supper clubs like the Dipsy Doodle,” Brown said. But chronic pulmonary problems and degenerative joint disease make most physical activities difficult for the former World War II U.S. Navy pilot.

Enhancing School Spirit

West Potomac High School graduates Waverly McClusky and Lindsay Gallagher were asked by the West Potomac Athletic Booster Club to paint wolverine paws on the stadium and gym entrance and also on the indoor concession stand.

82 Dresses for Haiti Orphans

During the summer, Mount Vernon area Girl Scout Troop 874 initiated a dressmaking project for the girls living and/or going to school at the Haiti Micah Project orphanage.

Chamber Networks at New Candlewood Suites

The Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce’s Sizzling Summer Networking was hosted by the new Candlewood Suites on Richmond Highway on Aug. 23.

SFDC Taking Nominations for 2012 Mary Thonen Awards

The Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation is accepting nominations for the 2012 Mary Thonen Beautification Program Awards.

Letter: Much Still To Be Done

The Rising Hope Mission request for school supplies and backpacks (August 9, 2012) was responded to by a total of 25 different persons, churches and organizations. We ultimately were able to serve 377 children who attend 20 schools in this area, from ages 5 years to 19 years old.

Letter: ID Opposition Demeans People

Everyone's vote when cast should count. If someone who votes is not legitimate, that vote cancels a legitimate vote. Is that appropriate and is that what you want?

Staying Active

Hollin Hall Senior Center offers daily activities ranging from sports to a variety of exercise classes, dance, arts and crafts, games, language, meditation, music and more.

End of Students’ First Day

At the end of the first day of school...

Cooperative Effort Fills Donated Backpacks

More than 2,800 backpacks filled with school supplies were distributed to more than 60 schools, shelters and non-profits in Fairfax County, Alexandria and Washington D.C.

Column: Bury Power Lines in Mount Vernon and Lee?

Meeting on electrical service will be Sept. 11 at Sherwood Library.

Two months ago, my wife and children were out of town so I decided to work at my office in the City of Fairfax until about 9:30 p.m. As I drove home from Fairfax, I was listening to WTOP and didn’t notice anything unusual other than a thunderstorm warning for the far western suburbs.

Brief: New Business To Hold Ribbon Cutting

Top It Off Outlet is hosting a grand opening on Friday, Sept. 7, and Saturday, Sept. 8.

Brief: To Honor Military Service

The pastor and people of Bethlehem Baptist Church wish to show appreciation for the many sacrifices by the men, women and military families in the U.S. armed forces. In their honor the church would like to express gratitude by extending an invitation to military personnel, along with their families for dinner and an evening of worship on Wednesday, Sept. 19.

Brief: Meeting Set on Derecho Power Outage

Next week on Tuesday, Sept. 11, Del. Scott Surovell, Sen. Toddy Puller and Sen. Adam Ebbin will host a Town Hall Meeting at Sherwood Hall Regional Library, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Classified Advertising Sept. 5, 2012

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Letter: The Lincoln Cottage

A seniors’ bus trip took us to the Lincoln cottage on the grounds of the Soldiers’ Home in Washington, D.C. The cottage was recently restored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and was opened to the public.

On the Campaign Trail

Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell may not have received the vice presidential nomination, but he got a great consolation prize this week — a prime-time speaking slot this year at the Republican National Convention in Tampa.

West Potomac Extends Winning Streak Against Mount Vernon

Wolverines win with new head coach, quarterback, offense.

West Potomac beat Mount Vernon, 34-7, on Aug. 30.

Rob Krupicka Wins Special Election In Landslide Victory

Councilman wins every precinct in special election for 45th District of House of Delegates.

Back in 2003, a former AOL executive named Rob Krupicka launched his campaign for Alexandria City Council at Fireflies — a popular Del Ray restaurant a stone’s throw from the Krupicka house on East Nelson Avenue.

Column: Symptoms or just Sometimes

Making the best of a bad situation, that’s how I roll (I’m a Red Sox fan after all). Some days are easier than others, some symptoms/treatments/results are better than others. And some columns make more sense than others. But that’s cancer for you: an equal opportunity “screwer-upper.”