To the Editor: Preserving Neighborhoods
Highlighted in Mr. Pope's article [“Extend the Yellow Liine?” The Gazette, July 11] on the transit study for the Route 1 corridor is Jayna Reeder's comment that “... we moved away from the city, so we don't have to have big buildings around our neighborhood.” Ms. Reeder, the big buildings are there: Home Depot, Costco, Aldi, etc. Supervisor McKay, in the article's online version, commented that there are ways to develop transit that “... don't detonate a community and don't turn it into Tysons Corner.” The community has already detonated, Mr. McKay. There is no community to speak of along the corridor itself, because you can't interact very much with your fellow man unless you're out of your car.
To the Editor: Police Oversight Board: When?
The Virginia Citizens Coalition for Police Accountability, Inc. is a statewide pro-police citizens advocacy group with its primary goal being to make Virginia a better and safer place for all its citizens. In Fairfax County, the CCPA has proposed that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors appoint a Citizen Complaint Oversight Board to investigate citizen allegations of police abuse, misconduct, negligence and civil rights violations and report its findings and recommendations to the Chief of Police.
To the Editor: Recall Lessons Of History
Re: “We Need to Talk” (July 3, 2013 editorial) Yes, let’s talk about the importance of July 4 to us as individuals and to our city, state and nation — and remember how our freedoms have been won and protected. This special birthday anniversary of our country needs to be set aside for remembering our relevant history; current problems can to be addressed at other times.
Correction
In "Friday Affair" [The Gazette, July 4], the name in the photograph of the vendor with children’s clothing was incorrect. It should have been Lauren Lyles.
Editorial: Share Wisdom With Newcomers and Others
The Connection's Newcomers and Community Guide publishes in late August.
Our Insider's Edition Newcomers and Community Guides, will publish the last week of August. What tips do you have for someone getting to know your community? We're hoping to share the places, activities, events, organizations and volunteer opportunities your neighbors might not know about. What great places and activities do you want your new neighbors to know about? Events that should not be missed? Organizations that do a great job? Places to volunteer? Tips for navigating your PTA or your school’s front office? We'd love to have your photos to go along with your suggestions.
Q and A: Mount Vernon Grad Loftus to Play Basketball at Hofstra
Loftus helped Mount Vernon win three consecutive National District championships.
Letter: Climate Change
An Existential Threat
To the Editor: It would be difficult to overstate the importance of the president’s bold new plan to cope with climate change, through maximum use of his executive authority to by-pass GOP obstructionism.
Virginia Voters Get More Choices in 2013
Northern Virginia has most two-party races on ballot.
While the Virginia governor’s race is the one getting the most attention, both nationally and in the state, Virginia’s House of Delegates race is shaping up to be the most competitive in a decade.
Students, Teachers Practice Science
There’s something for everyone at GMU’s VISTA science camp.
The thought of spending a summer immersed in science and math assignments is likely to make many students cringe. However, some Northern Virginia children are embracing the idea with a summer camp filled with projects that run the gamut from baking cookies in a solar oven to building a model roller coaster.
Classified Advertising July 17, 2013
Read the lastest ads here!
Mount Vernon School Notes
Nathaniel Chester and Julia Larsen have been named to the dean’s honors list at Connecticut College.
Events Calendar
Alexandria Calendar
Editorial: More Than Disclosure Needed for Virginia
Time for limits on campaign contributions as well.
At least until after November’s election, most candidates in Virginia seem to think that there should be some reform to Virginia’s campaign finance and disclosure rules. At least it seems likely that most will support expanding disclosure rules to require disclosure of gifts to immediate family members as well as candidates/officials.
Mount Vernon Bulletin
The Mount Vernon Genealogical Society will meet in room 112 of the Hollin Hall Senior Center. The meeting, which is free and open to the public, will feature a presentation by Nancy Wing titled "Treating the Sick and Wounded: Civil War Medical Records." Visit www.MVGenealogy.org.
Mount Vernon Military Notes
Marine Corps Pfc. Joshua W. Nickson, son of Master Sgt. Herman Wayne Nickson of Alexandria, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C., designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally.
Mount Vernon Crime Report
PEEPING, 7900 block of Janna Lee Avenue, 6/30/13, 1:10 a.m. A 30-year-old woman reported she saw an unknown man looking into her bedroom window. The suspect was not located.
Dueling Farmers Market Surveys
Latest survey reveals widespread support for a farmers market at Belle View Shopping Center.
The future of the scope, character, number of markets and location of the Mount Vernon Farmers Market continues to be an intensely debated local issue.
Mount Vernon Briefs
Scouts Collecting For Operation Walk Virginia
As part of a Boy Scout Eagle project, Troop 1509 is holding a drive for Operation Walk Virginia, seeking crutches, walkers, bedsheets, disposable gloves and clipboards. Drop off donations at St. Aidan's Episcopal Church. 8531 Riverside Road, between 2 and 5 p.m. this Sunday, July 14. For more information, email djpeagleproject@gmail.com.
Letter to the Editor: Ready For Flight
As of the date of publication, the two osprey chicks in the Little Hunting Creek OspreyCam nest are over 50 days old. As reported by the Georgian Bay Osprey Society (http://www.gbosprey.ca/About.html), osprey chicks typically begin flying at 50-60 days, so we are about to witness their first aerial efforts.
Should the Yellow Line Be Extended South Beyond Huntington to Lorton?
Transit study could determine fate of possible Metro extension along Route 1 corridor.
Should the Yellow Line be expanded beyond the Huntington Metro station?