Stories for November 2020

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Justice Delayed for Bijan Ghaisar, Justice Denied

In Letter from Birmingham Jail Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote, "Justice too long delayed is justice denied."

Burke, Fairfax, Lorton, Springfield, Mount Vernon: What Are You Grateful for on Thanksgiving 2020?

Burke, Fairfax, Lorton, Springfield: What Are You Grateful for on Thanksgiving 2020?

Opinion: Column: A Question of Time

Let us presume, for the sake of this column, that I only have papillary thyroid cancer stage IV, and that my years as a non small cell lung cancer patient, also stage IV, are over.

Seniors and the Flu

Getting vaccinated can reduce hospital visits and admissions during anticipated shortage due to COVID-19

While shopping for dinner on a recent Wednesday afternoon, Roger Whitehead spotted a sign near the pharmacy of a grocery store near his home in Alexandria.

Artifacts Tell the Nation’s Story at the New Army Museum

The display cases, first-hand accounts and newsreel footage showcased in the museum.

In 1861, when the Civil War was just starting, Capt. Josiah Sawell was attacked by a pro-secession mob while passing through Baltimore with the 6th Massachusetts Volunteer infantry.

The Potomac River, a Stalling Recovery?

Cleaner than it was in 2011 when it got a D, but “its recovery is plateauing.”

While the Potomac River is clearly not what the Washington Post in 1951 called an “open sewer,” for the first time in a decade, the river’s health has declined, reported the Potomac Conservancy last month, falling from a grade of B to B- and still unsafe for swimming or fishing.

Holiday Celebrations COVID-Style

Dealing with separation from family and friends

The decision to spend holidays away from loved ones can be a necessity during the coronavirus pandemic.

Safety Tips for Thanksgiving in Time of Covid

As the Thanksgiving and winter holidays approach, many residents may be wondering how to celebrate safely this season.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: In-Person Class: More Focused, Engaged

I am writing in response to the article titled “Addressing the Demands of Virtual University Classrooms ” published in your newspaper on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020.

Land Acquired Near Springfield for New Inova Medical Campus

Changes coming to area close to the metro and town center.

Inova Medical Campus

’Be The Good Project’ Ramps Up for The Holidays

Mount Vernon community effort spreads to the schools.

Be The Good Project

Mount Vernon Lee Chamber Restaurant of the Week: La Prima Catering

La Prima Catering is your source for safely prepared fresh food.

Talking Turkey, ‘Respectable’ Birds

Virginia has around 180,000 turkeys, elusive in the woods and fields.

Alan Warburton did a double take when he spotted a wild turkey ambling across his Mount Vernon yard in the Tauxemont community in April.

Options Examined for Mobile Home Parks in Mount Vernon

County officials may look to upgrade these communities.

mobile homes

Opinion: Column: I'm Here to Report

As my brother, Richard, has often said: "If the oncologist is happy, then I'm happy."

Addressing the Demands of Virtual University Classrooms

Marymount psychology professor offers solution to distance learning obstacles

For some students and professors, the loss of in-person contact has disrupted higher education and the experiences that often accompany it.

Jeffrey McKay to Head VACo

Fairfax County board chairman elected president of statewide organization representing interests of Virginia’s 95 counties

Jeffrey McKay, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, was elected to serve as 2021 President of the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo).

In-Person Learning Delayed for Some Fairfax County Public Schools Students

Superintendent and staff update school board on return-to-school plans

A surge in COVID-19 cases in Fairfax County forced Fairfax County Public Schools to delay its planned return of in-person instruction for an additional 6,800 students on Monday, Nov. 16.

People, Parks, and Pandemics

It happened from the very beginning, as shopping centers, gyms and restaurants closed in the last half of March and news spread about the pandemic: people started gathering in parks.

School Building Closed? Try a Park

Families across Northern Virginia are challenged with online education.

Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber Restaurant of the Week: Primo Family Restaurant

Primo Family Restaurant is a family-owned and operated business with a proud history of serving the Belle View Community since 1988.

Business Update on the Coronavirus: Mount Vernon Lee Chamber of Commerce

The coronavirus continues to affect businesses throughout our community and accurate information can help businesses make good decisions.

Army Museum Opens at Fort Belvoir

Virtual opening paves the way for socially-distanced visits, but tickets are required.

Museum virtual opening

Show Biz Author Got His Start in Fairfax

Marshall Terrill has written more than 25 books and he’s not done yet.

Local Author

Opinion: Commentary: One More Step — The Electoral College

The Presidential election is not over yet … I know what you are thinking.

Opinion: Column: As Second Opinions Go...

...it was first rate.

Possible Funding Threat for Fairfax County Public Schools

COVID cases increase, yet leadership hangs their star on families returning and increased enrollment.

Fall membership as of Sept. 30, 2020 at Fairfax County Public Schools declined by 8,859 students, dipping to 180,151 compared to data recorded last year at the same time, according to Assistant Superintendent of Facilities and Transportation Services Jeff Platenberg.

Thanksgiving Decor in the Era of Covid-19

Creating dining elegance at a distance

Naomi Patterson’s Thanksgiving table is usually set with linen dinner napkins, cleaned and starched, and her wedding china, ecru with a platinum border.

Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber Restaurant of the Week: Mamma’s Kitchen

Mamma’s Kitchen, located at 7601 Fordson Road, is the passion of chef/owner Marianna Johnides, where she brings wonderfully flavored Mediterranean cuisine to Alexandria, made from the freshest, most delicious ingredients prepared in simple, accessible ways.

Coats for Kids in Mount Vernon

Firefighters and Friends give away 3,000 new coats

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Chief John Butler joined volunteers at Penn Daw Fire Station 11 Oct. 29 to organize and distribute thousands of new winter coats for children in need as part of the Firefighters and Friends to the Rescue annual coat drive.

Opinion: Commentary: Legislators Revised the Budget to Address Many Needs

Land conservation funds could potentially be used to help purchase and preserve River Farm.

Part 3 of a series.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Why Is Dino Drudi Always the One?

Why am I always the one ending up critiquing Michael Pope's articles.

Opinion: Commentary: Stay Vigilant to Fight COVID

One of the most important and meaningful elections in history has just concluded and I am happy that so many people in our Mount Vernon and Lee community turned out and had their voices heard and votes counted.

Alexandrian Documents the History of U Street

Filmmaker Jane Pittman returns to Alexandria Film Festival.

Alexandria Film Festival

Polls Were Busy in Mount Vernon

Parks, libraries and redistricting were small issues compared to the presidential contest.

election

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Kindness During a Very Difficult Year

The lines to vote early at the Springfield-Franconia Government Center were a 3-4 hour wait every day for two weeks.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: A Generation Capable of Change

What kind of world do you want to live in, a world where you have no problems or issues to fix in your community?

Opinion: Column: Better Late Than Never...

...to get a second opinion about one's first cancer; especially if there's now a second cancer to consider.

Assistance League of Northern Virginia Helps Meet Needs for Local Families

Assistance League of Northern Virginia distributed another 400 $20 grocery gift cards in October to families at the six schools that normally would have received the Weekend Food for Kids food bags.

Decompressing after a Divisive Election

Limit time on social media or watching post-election coverage

The moments that stretched her to her professional limits came immediately after the 2016 presidential election.

The Pandemic Election

Virginia voters support Biden, Warner and a new redistricting commission.

Twenty years ago, Virginia was a red state. Republicans scored Virginia's electoral votes in every presidential election since LBJ was reelected in 1964. Republicans held both U.S. Senate seats. The Grand Old Party had all the statewide offices, a majority of the congressional delegation and both chambers of the General Assembly. That was the environment when Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, both Democrats, ran for governor and lieutenant governor.

Fairfax County Unofficial Election Results

Matrix, Sunlight Discussed at Fairfax County Public Safety Committee

Community, advocacy groups and police give more than 2,500 suggestions on police reform; Governor signs reform bills from special session

Police reform includes improving morale for police officers.

Don’t Get Burned When Buying Firewood This Fall

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) advises consumers to measure deliveries of firewood to ensure they receive the full value of their purchase.

More than Half of Fairfax County’s 700,000 Voters Voted Early

Virginia localities take precautions to protect voters, workers

Virginia localities are taking a number of precautions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at polling places even though masks will not be required.

Scouting for Food Nov. 14

Things have changed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Scouting for Food on Nov. 14