Mount Vernon: Local Residents See Cuba Up-Close and Personal
Witnessing the resourcefulness of the “Cuban Spirit.”
Elected American officials have been making news recently on trips to Cuba, with Gov. Terry McAuliffe and District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser leading the way in January and February. And President Barack Obama will gain more attention with his two-day visit, March 21-22.
Mount Vernon Letter: Mainstream or Extreme?
Letter to the Editor
In the Feb. 25, 2016 Gazette, my letter was published concerning Senator Surovell's opposition to a Senate Bill that if enacted into law would allow all State judges whether active or retired to carry a concealed handgun without requiring them to obtain a permit. In the State Senate, only six senators opposed the Bill.
Mount Vernon Letter: Choose Site C for Outdoor Gym
Letter to the Editor
Gum Springs is poised to receive equipment for an outdoor exercise gym/fitness station, that is welcomed and supported by the community. The eight pieces of equipment were obtained through a grant similar to the grant the National Park Authority obtained for the outdoor exercise gym/fitness station in Anacostia Park.
Mount Vernon Letter: Storck Should Identify Wasteful Spending
Letter to the Editor
The newly elected Mount Vernon Supervisor Storck demonstrated at the Board of Supervisor’s (BOS) hearing on March 3 regarding the County Executive’s proposed advertised tax rate of four cents that he is a high tax politician.
Mount Vernon Letter: Not for Virginia
Not for Virginia
As recently as this past week (in South Carolina), Hillary Clinton reasserted her belief that taxpayer dollars should not be used to finance college for “Donald Trump’s daughter.”
Mount Vernon Letter: Advocate For Students
Letter to the Editor
I am a parent of three children and a resident of the Mount Vernon District. I am writing to applaud Supervisor Dan Storck, along with Supervisors Kathy Smith and John Foust, for voting on March 1 to support a robust community dialogue about school funding.
Mount Vernon Letter: Cell Phone Dead Zone
Letter to the Editor
Trivial though this might seem in comparison to the ugly ongoing slugfest over who will next occupy the White House, I’d like to point out that, a full decade and a half into the 21st century, my wife and I are still living in a cell phone dead zone.
Mount Vernon Column: Bills Becoming Law as Session Ends
Commentary
The eighth week of the General Assembly session brought a few vetoes and heated debates as the most contentious bills of the session moved toward final passage.
Mount Vernon Column: Pedaling Toward Finish Line
Commentary
I had the opportunity to support two bills both in committee and on the floor that will make traveling around Mount Vernon a little safer for bicyclists. Senate Bill 117 imposes a penalty for “dooring” bikers, including creating a cause of action for lawsuits and the ability to file an insurance claim.
Mount Vernon: Raising an Assistance Dog Only To Say Goodbye
Volunteers play key role in Canine Companions for Independence.
For 40 years, the nonprofit Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) has been raising and training service dogs for people with a broad spectrum of disabilities. CCI enlists both volunteers and professionals to raise dogs so that they can improve lives all over America — from wounded veterans to people affected by other physical setbacks, the only exception being blindness. And, when all is said and done, CCI ensures that these prepared, caring dogs go to their new owners at no cost.
Column: Governor’s First Vetoes and Ongoing Supreme Court Battle
Commentary
The 2016 General Assembly will be wrapping up its work this week, and of the more than 3,200 bills and resolutions that were introduced, over 1,350 pieces of legislation have passed both chambers.
Mount Vernon: ACCT Stages ‘Little Women’
Classic tale traces lives and loves of four sisters during the Civil War.
Aldersgate Church Community Theatre (ACCT) is putting on "Little Women" from March 4-20. Written by Louisa May Alcott, the story traces the lives and loves of four sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. During the Civil War, their father is away serving in the army, leaving his "little women" in the care of their mother. The family, headed by Marmee, must struggle to make ends meet with the help of their wealthy neighbor, Mr. Lawrence, and his high-spirited grandson, Laurie.
Mount Vernon Letter: Ospreys Up Close
Letter to the Editor
In 2013, I installed a camera in the osprey nest behind my home and established a web page where those interested in these birds could view their activities.
Mount Vernon Letter: Mainstream Representation
Letter to the Editor
I thought the letter [“Wrong Side of the Issues,” Feb. 25] from Jay Spiegel criticizing state Sen. Scott Surovell was markedly offbase.
Mount Vernon Column: The Senate Budget Emerges
Commentary
This week, the seventh of this session of the Virginia General Assembly, both the Senate and House of Delegates are considering the state’s two-year budget. After each house passes a budget, a joint conference committee resolves the differences. The Senate budget has good news and bad news.