Mount Vernon Snapshot: Compassionate
“What would you do with $100?” When asked this question at his Belle View Elementary School, 7-year-old Steve Guch of Alexandria said he would “give all of the money to charity." His father was so impressed by his answer that he gave his son $100 and offered to match the donation. Steve decided to give the money to United Community Ministries (UCM) for families and children in need. Dropping off their donations at UCM on March 4 are (from left) Ian Guch with son Steve, and Herb Lea, UCM director of Business Operations.
Mount Vernon Snapshot: Clearing English Ivy
Thirteen volunteers, including five teenagers, cut English ivy from the large oak trees in McCutcheon Park on March 19.
Mount Vernon: Good Shepherd Housing To Honor Jackson
Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services will honor Alphonso Jackson, former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), with its inaugural Public Service Award at the annual Transforming Lives Gala on Saturday, April 9. The award honors public officials for outstanding and impactful public service actions that have furthered the mission of Good Shepherd Housing in combating homelessness and improving the lives of people in need.
Mount Vernon Snapshot: Glean Easter Sunday
The Glean girls on Easter Sunday: Lydia, 12; Elizabeth, (10; Sarah Jane, 7; and Hannah Marie, 4.
Mount Vernon: Students Participate in Bank Day
Virginia high school seniors from eight schools across the area spent March 16 at Burke & Herbert Bank as part of Bank Day, a statewide effort sponsored by the Virginia Bankers Association (VBA) Education Foundation and the Virginia Bankers Association Leadership Division.
Mount Vernon Column: Proffer and Firearms Reforms
Commentary
In the past two weeks, I reviewed action on my legislation and the state budget. This column covers some of the major bills to pass the state legislature.
Mount Vernon Column: The Veto Update
Commentary
Rejoice! The season of Governor’s vetoes are upon us. With the Democrats picking up enough seats to sustain Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s vetoes, we are finally able to prevent some poorly-considered legislation from becoming law.
Mount Vernon and Springfield: Detectives Investigate Possible Stabbing Homicide
William G. Martines-Palma, 29, of Alexandria died after sustaining what Fairfax County Police said appeared to be a stabbing wound to his leg.
New decision-making training meant to alter how Fairfax County police officers approach use of force
Making decisions can be instinctual, from the gut. It can also be practical and informed, coming to the best judgement considering all variables. For police officers responding to calls where there might be a threat of violence to civilians and or themselves, their decision whether to use force and which type to neutralize the situation quickly must be a hybrid.
Alexandria/Mount Vernon Weekend Fun: March 25-April 3
Entertainment
Events in Alexandria and Mount Vernon, Va.
Mount Vernon Baseball Team Shows Resiliency
Majors surrender four-run lead, get it right back.
The Mount Vernon baseball team defeated Thomas Jefferson 10-6.
Mount Vernon Snapshot: Silver Award Project Benefits UCM
United Community Ministries (UCM) welcomed Girl Scout Cadette Maryclaire O'Brien (above) from Troop 3520 for a recent visit to complete her Girl Scout Silver Award project at the agency’s main Fordson Road location.
Mount Vernon Brief: Forum Explores Effects of Drugs on the Adolescent Brain
The effects of drugs on the adolescent brain and new Fairfax county and public school initiatives for students with mental health and substance abuse issues will be the topics of the 2016 NEXUS forum for families and professionals Thursday, March 31, at the Fairfax Public Schools Virginia Hills Center, 6500 Diana Lane, Alexandria. The afternoon session is from 1-6 p.m. and the evening session is 6–9 p.m. The public is invited.
Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Springfield: Brain Injury Services honors volunteers and community partners
Maya Simbulan of Fairfax is thankful for being normal. The Lake Braddock Secondary School freshman would like to pursue work with computer graphics and plays electric wheelchair soccer.
Mount Vernon: Mamma’s Kitchen Expands with EVOO at Mamma’s Market
Staying rooted in Mount Vernon.
Marianna Johnnides was raised here in the Mount Vernon area, educated here — from Waynewood Elementary School through West Potomac High School — and for the last seven years, has owned and run Mamma’s Kitchen restaurant here on Fordson Road.