Friday, July 29
Mount Vernon Home Sales: June, 2016
In June, 2016, 155 homes sold between $1,650,000-$95,000 in the Mount Vernon area.
Mount Vernon Home Sales: June, 2016
Senior Dogs: Untold Stories
Like many geriatrics, senior dogs in our area are illness survivors and living with a range of conditions including arthritis, hip dysplasia and chronic back pain.
Thursday, July 28
Mount Vernon Snapshot: Remember to ‘Move Over’
On Tuesday, July 19, shortly after 8 p.m., a police officer from the Mount Vernon District made a traffic stop on southbound Interstate 95 near the exit for Route 1.
Mount Vernon: Quander Road Stream Reconstruction Coming
Intention to stop massive sediment runoff flowing into Dyke Marsh
It’s safe to say Dyke Marsh should not be orange. Yet about two years ago, that’s what members of the group Friends of Dyke Marsh who lived in the River Tower condo building observed.
Mount Vernon: Second Embark Richmond Highway Meeting Held
More than 200 attended the session at West Potomac High School
More than 200 community members came out to West Potomac High School Monday night, July 25, for the second Embark Richmond Highway informational meeting.
Fairfax County: Non-profit Our Daily Bread Changes Name To Britepaths
Fairfax-based non-profit Our Daily Bread has changed its name to Britepaths.
Fairfax County: School Board Work Session Draws Transgender Regulation Protesters
The Fairfax County School Board was scheduled to discuss new regulations for addressing daily life at school for students who identify as transgender or gender-nonconforming at July 21 work session held at the school system’s Gatehouse Road headquarters in Falls Church.
Wednesday, July 27
Mount Vernon: Huntley Meadows Park Wins Award
The wetlands restoration project at Huntley Meadows Park will be among the honorees this weekend when the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials (NACPRO) holds its summer meeting in Long Beach, Ca. It has been selected as a winner of a NACPRO Environmental/Conservation Award.
Mount Vernon: Board Approves Financing to Preserve Affordable Housing in Huntington Area
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has approved the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) to make a loan of up to $5.65 million to Christian Relief Services of Virginia (CRSVA) for the acquisition of a 113-unit apartment complex, Huntington Gardens, in the Lee District.
Mount Vernon: Police Investigate Thefts of ATM Machines
Detectives are investigating a series of ATM thefts that have been occurring around the region, including Fairfax County.
Alexandria Appetite: 3 Cool Menus for Hot Days
Here are three restaurants to refresh you as the mercury soars.
There’s no denying it: The dog days of summer have arrived in full force. Local thermometers have flirted with the triple-digit mark all week long, and normally bustling King Street has found its sidewalks nearly empty as residents take shelter from the heat. When you’re looking for some cooler fare, try these restaurants on for size.
Tuesday, July 26
Senator Kaine Hosts Interfaith Forum
Senator Tim Kaine spends last day before VP pick showing why Virginia matters.
No one knew it at the time, but Sen. Timothy M. Kaine’s (D-Va.) public appearances moderating roundtables in Northern Virginia last Thursday, July 21 would be his last day of relative political anonymity before being catapulted to political prominence 24 hours later as Hillary Clinton’s pick for her Vice-Presidential running mate.
Monday, July 25
Mount Vernon: Clerk of Circuit Court Discusses Job with Chamber
Frey is in his fourth eight-year term.
Addressing the July 14 Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce Business Breakfast meeting, John T. Frey, Clerk of the Circuit Court, reviewed the duties and responsibilities of his office and answered questions.
Friday, July 22
Fairfax, Mount Vernon, Springfield: Families host children from underserved New York City communities
At 11, Rickay Martin of Queens has already done Washington, D.C. With her host family, the Thompsons of Springfield, she’s visited The Spy Museum, The White House, George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
Thursday, July 21
Fairfax County: School Transgender Regulations in Limbo
Fairfax County Public Schools are holding off on implementing new regulations regarding transgender and gender nonconforming students.
Fairfax County: Support for Police Auditor, Civilian Review Panel
Supervisors discuss independent oversight recommendations from Ad Hoc Commission.
Details of an independent auditor for Fairfax County police and a civilian panel to review cases of alleged FCPD abuse of authority or misconduct are still being hammered out. However there was general agreement among County Supervisors at the July 19 Public Safety Committee meeting that they are in favor of moving forward with the recommendations from the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission to create both entities for accountability.
Wednesday, July 20
Food Truck Full of Temptations: Ed Hardy
Ed Hardy’s truck has recently been parked in Reston at lunchtimes, but often travels around Fairfax County to feed the hungry.
Mount Vernon Obituary: Joceile Milligan Nordwall
Joceile Nordwall, a lifelong dancer, loving Navy wife, mother of three sons, and grandmother to seven died of brain cancer on May 24, 2016.
Mount Vernon Letter: Save Taxes, Re-think Systems
Letter to the Editor
Every year in Fairfax County, we hear from our Board of Supervisors (BOS) that programs must be cut and taxes must be raised to balance the budget. Perhaps a more appropriate approach would be to closely examine county operations and eliminate wasteful practices.
Mount Vernon Letter: Christian Courage
Letter to the Editor
The Rev. Dr. Keary Kincannon thoughtfully addressed the issues of racial inequality and how race may affect law enforcement encounters in his commentary, “Still Much To Do on Race Relations” [Mount Vernon Gazette, July 14].
Mount Vernon: A Musing
I have a favorite T-shirt that has the following printed across the front: “George Washington For President.”
Editorial: Voting, for Former Felons and Others
In a Democracy, we’re best served by more voter participation.
Today, the Virginia Supreme Court will hear an expedited challenge to Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s (D) restoration of the voting and civil rights of more than 200,000 Virginians who were convicted of felonies, served their time and completed any supervised release, parole or probation requirements. The restoration of voting rights moves Virginia into the mainstream.
Thursday, July 14
Mount Vernon Sports: Juniors Team Advances to State Tournament
The Fort Hunt Little League Baseball Juniors Team defeated Woodbridge 12-0 in the District 9 championship Saturday, July 9 at Red Stevens Field.
Mount Vernon: Working Group Kickoff Thursday
Numerous Fairfax County departments and teams that will be participating in the total redevelopment of the Original Mount Vernon High School property are scheduled to hold an internal kickoff meeting at the Government Center July 14. Mount Vernon School Board representative Karen Corbett Sanders chaired the task force that submitted use recommendations to the county last December. The work group will also look at creating a Request for Proposals for a master planner, similar to the work done for the Liberty Crest at Laurel Hill redevelopment project in Lorton.
Mount Vernon: FCPS Transgender Regulations Head to Work Session
A public forum for Fairfax County Public Schools Board members to discuss how they should review new regulations concerning the treatment of transgender students has been canceled.
Mount Vernon: Girl Scouts Support UCM Families
UCM’s Volunteer Coordinator Emily Griffin (at far right) welcomes members of Girl Scout Daisy Troop 3954, rising second graders at Waynewood Elementary School. The girls delivered a $200 cash donation to purchase fresh food for the UCM Food Pantry.
Mount Vernon Snapshot: ‘Neighbors Helping Neighbors’
At UCM making a delivery of a car load of food donated from the annual Mount Vernon “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” Food Drive is West Potomac High School rising senior Will Shute, drive coordinator.
Mount Vernon Snapshot: WPHS To Host Musical
The Rambunctious Theatre Company is teaming up with Beyond the Page Theatre Company to present "The Last Five Years" starring David Jarzen from West Potomac High School and Robinson Secondary's Madyson Hanton.
Mount Vernon Letter: Greatest Threat to Americans
Letter to the Editor
I believe Ms. Benesh in her letter [“Uninspiring Romper Room”] published in the July 7 Mount Vernon Gazette really misses the point about gun violence. House Resolution 3892 merely states “Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Muslim Brotherhood has met the criteria for designation as a foreign terrorist organization, and (2) the Department of State should so designate it.”
Mount Vernon Letter: County Excluded Civic Association
Letter to the Editor
On June 18, Fairfax County held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to showcase its first outdoor gym that was installed at the Gum Springs Community Center.
Mount Vernon: What To Do with Former School Building?
County studying original Mount Vernon High School’s 10.6 acre building site and 30 acres of athletic fields.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has begun exploring the revitalization of the Original Mount Vernon High School (OMVHS), a 10.6 acre building facility and its 30 acres of athletic fields.
Fairfax County: Four Arrested at Natasha McKenna Protest
Racial justice group calls for Sheriff Kincaid to fire deputies.
Four demonstrators were arrested Monday morning at a protest outside the Fairfax Courthouse for the February 15 in-custody death of Natasha McKenna.
Fairfax County: School Board Receives New Transgender Regulations
Discussion moves to a work session
Friday afternoon, July 1, Fairfax County School Board members each received an email containing new operating regulations regarding transgender and gender nonconforming students.
Wednesday, July 13
Mount Vernon: Ethiopian ‘Political Football’ Lands at MVHS
Protesters attempt to disrupt Ethiopian-American football league game.
It was graduation day at Mount Vernon High School on June 16 and some parents were annoyed. A group of protesters had gathered outside the school. “It’s graduation day for our kids,” the parents complained to the protesters. “Can’t you go somewhere else?” The protesters responded that they were there because children in Ethiopia can’t always get to high school, or graduate, without dying of hunger, or being arrested or killed for their political beliefs.
Mount Vernon Column: Time to Visit State Parks
Commentary
Eighty years ago this month, Virginia created the first state park system in the United States. With 35 miles of Potomac River frontage in the 36th Senate district, our community is lucky to have access to many natural resources, including our state parks.
Mount Vernon Column: Investing in Transportation
Commentary
Governor McAuliffe just unveiled the new “Atlantic Gateway” transportation plan, the most comprehensive transit revitalization plan in Virginia history. The plan will total $1.4 billion, with $165 million in federal FASTLANE grant funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation, over $500 million in private funding from CSX and Transurban, and the rest funded through the state.
Mount Vernon Column: Still Much Work To Do on Race Relations
Commentary – Working on Race Relations
As a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ I am supposed to bring my congregation Good News. But recently I have struggled to do so with all the bad news. Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, Dallas! “Black Lives Matter” demonstrations and subsequent arrests are taking place in cities all across America.
Alexandria Appetite: 3 Restaurants To Help Pack Your Picnic
Running short on time but still want to dine al fresco?
By this point in the year, outdoor movies, jazz concerts, and wine festivals are in full swing. And with the Fourth of July in the rearview mirror, the summer picnic season is well under way.
Tuesday, July 12
Editorial: Be Part of Our Annual Community Guide
Share tips in upcoming Newcomers and Community Guides.
The Connection’s annual Newcomers and Community Guides will publish Aug. 24 with a deadline of Aug. 17.
Thursday, July 7
Fairfax County: School Board Renews Superintendent Garza’s Contract
Fairfax County Public Schools has secured four more years with Dr. Karen Garza at the helm as superintendent. The School Board members voted unanimously to extend her contract through June 30, 2020 at their June 30 meeting.
Wednesday, July 6
Mount Vernon: Update on North Hill Rezoning Plan
Proposal includes multifamily rental and town homes.
After decades of meetings and stalled redevelopment, the most recent plan for making over North Hill’s 33-acre vacant site at the intersection of Route 1 and Dart Drive has gone the furthest.
Mount Vernon Snapshot: District Champions
The Fort Hunt Intermediate Team went undefeated in District Play, advancing to represent District 9 in the Virginia State Tournament starting July 7.
Mount Vernon Local Thrives in Women’s Professional Football
Brownson leads D.C. Divas back to Conference Championship.
Playing the game of football professionally is something not many people get the opportunity to do. However, one player in particular that’s making a push for women’s football, is Mount Vernon local Callie Brownson.
Mount Vernon Snapshot: Grist Mill Park Performance
Saxophonist Art Sherrod Jr, along with his crew, entertained a Grist Mill Park crowd on Friday, July 1. The rain held up as many Mount Vernon residents chose to attend the performance by Sherrod Jr. and the band. A variety of tunes were played as the sun set Friday evening, allowing for a relaxing outing for the entire family.
Mount Vernon Snapshot: Outdoor Classroom
Spearheaded by STEAM teacher Dr. Sofie Hussain, Woodley Hills Elementary School worked this year to win a couple of grants to put together a community garden and outdoor classroom at the school.
Mount Vernon: SLES Students Recognized for Community Service
The sixth grade students of Stratford Landing Elementary joined their teachers and families at Sandburg Middle School on June 22 to celebrate the 2016 Promotion Ceremony. Featured at this year’s ceremony was the announcement of the first annual Stratford Landing Community Service Recognition Certificate.
Mount Vernon: Basdekis Named Outstanding First-Year Principal
Paul Basdekis, who was named principal at Riverside Elementary School in July 2015, has been named the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) 2016 Outstanding First-Year Principal.
Mount Vernon: Hollin Hall Automotive Supports 9/11 Heroes Run
Annual race to be held Sept. 10.
Tom Harvey, owner of Hollin Hall Automotive located at 7926 Fort Hunt Road, presented a check on June 20 to Jim O’Farrell, race director of the 2ndAnnual 9/11 Heroes Run.
Mount Vernon: Local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Patrols River
Volunteer force promotes recreational boat safety.
Since 1939, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary has been supporting the Coast Guard in all its work — from conducting safety patrols to participating in search and rescue missions.
Mount Vernon: During Ramadan, Bringing Community Together
Mosque opens doors to its Christian neighbors.
The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) VA Islamic Center welcomed the surrounding community on June 24 to participate in its traditional iftar meal to celebrate the month of Ramadan.
Mount Vernon Letter: Uninspiring Romper Room6
Letter to the Editor
I would like to respond to U.S. Rep. Don Beyer's column titled "Help Reduce Gun Violence" in the June 30 issue of the Mount Vernon Gazette.
ACCT Presents ‘The Dixie Swim Club’
It's a little "Steel Magnolias" meets "Same Time Next Year" meets "Golden Girls" and "On Golden Pond"
Aldersgate Church Community Theater (ACCT) is presenting "The Dixie Swim Club" from July 8-24.
Tuesday, July 5
Pushups For Charity Challenge Benefits Veterans
Local veteran opens gym, Rebel Fit USA.
Strategies for Preventing Concussions This Summer
Local physician is pioneering traumatic brain injury treatment.
Summer has been dubbed “trauma season” by health care professionals.
Letter: Protect Homeowners, and School Budget
To the Editor
Regarding John Knight's letter ("Seniors Unfairly Tapped for School Budget") in the last week’s Connection: While the sentiment is nice and I would join anyone in complaining about the burden of taxes being put on all the homeowners; in my opinion businesses and developers get away with tax breaks.
Editorial: Hungry in Summer
There are hungry children in Northern Virginia, more so in summertime.
Summer for most children in Northern Virginia is a time of fun and activities, camp and vacation, trips to the pool and possibly to the library.