Mount Vernon Awards Teacher Fellowships to Outstanding Educators
George Washington’s Mount Vernon has selected four educators to participate in a residential fellowship program at the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington.
2014 Athletes of the Year
GMU's Hewitt to keynote Sportsman's Club awards dinner May 29.
George Mason Men's Basketball head coach Paul Hewitt will be on hand as 27 of the city's best high school athletes are honored for their academic and athletic excellence at the 58th annual Alexandria Sportsman's Club Awards dinner May 29 at the Westin Carlyle Hotel.
Volunteers Mosey Up for Hoedown
Scores honored for good deeds at Rising Hope.
Home on the range, it was a time for tall boots, cowboy hats and “no discouraging words” at the Rising Hope Hoedown which feted the church’s scores of volunteers from the Mount Vernon community and surrounding churches, Friday, May 2, at the South County Building. In fact, the words were most encouraging.
Cycling on National Bike Day
Students and teachers bike to school.
Walt Whitman Middle School was one of more than 30 Fairfax County public schools participating in National Bike to School Day on Wednesday, May 7. National Bike Day is part of the national program Safe Routes to School.
Back from Atlanta with More Than 25 Awards
At 6 a.m., the morning of April 24, more than 120 students, 19 chaperones, three teachers, and one administrator, arrived at Walt Whitman Middle School to take three buses and head to Atlanta to participate in the 2014 Music Showcase Festival.
Letter: More Study, Less Emotion
To the Editor: John S. Glaser’s letter “Benefits of Medicaid Expansion” in the May 1-7 Mount Vernon Gazette responding to my letter is typical of those who blindly push for something using whatever emotional data that suits their purpose and usually ignoring facts. For example, he uses data from a study report, as I said in my earlier letter, that contains caveats and cautionary language to decision makers to take into account before making any decision about expanding Medicaid. The study most often quoted states on page one “The uncertainties increase after 2019 and that period was not part of the scope of the study.” Under the Executive Summary it states “Given the overarching policy issues with PPAC, the reader should weigh the assumptions and caveats closely with conclusions and findings.” The Virginia Senate Finance Committee also has caveats.
Letter: New Stream Of Revenue
To the Editor: On two visits to Norway we found the meal tax for food served in a restaurant to be 25 percent or more. I can tell you that Norwegians still eat. And so did we.
Letter: Bipartisan Voice
To the Editor: I believe there is always a way to reach common ground with people I don't immediately see eye to eye with. But like many people, I have grown frustrated with politicians who are more interested in partisan talking points and political image than in compromise. Finding common ground in my everyday life is important to me and those around me — and it should be to elected officials as well.
Cappies Review
Mount Vernon Players presented a fascinating production of “Aida” School Edition on April 25. With simple but timely sets and an enthusiastic ensemble the Mount Vernon players created a memorable play. The cast’s energy in numbers and their exuberant facial expressions shine through to create a vivid story and make the musical come alive through the singing, the dancing and the acting.
Marshall to Leave UCM
United Community Ministries Executive Director Shirley Marshall has resigned, according to its board of directors. She will continue to lead and advise the agency for a time to facilitate a smooth transition.
Mount Vernon Home Sales: April, 2014
In April 2014, 105 homes sold between $1,516,000-$81,000 in the Mount Vernon area.
Mount Vernon Home Sales: April, 2014
Keeping Youth Happy and Healthy
NEXUS Conference discusses best strategies.
According to the Fairfax County 2012-2013 Youth Survey, youth with fewer assets were more likely to be depressed. These assets include high integrity, extra-curricular activities, help from parents, and more. This topic, along with ways to promote positive health for children and youth, was discussed at this year’s NEXUS conference at the Virginia Hills Center on May 9. The conference centered on ways to keep youth mentally and physical happy and healthy.
West Potomac Sophomore Sara Experiencing Power Surge
Sara hits 3 home runs against South County on May 9.
The West Potomac baseball team sits in second place in Conference 7.
Alexandria to Host GI Film Festival
Sinise, Arquette set to honor troops.
Gary Sinise, David Arquette and Adam Driver are just three of the celebrities who will be in attendance as the GI Film Festival heads to Alexandria May 19-25.
Commentary: Yellow Line Petition, Hybrid Tax Refunds and I-495 Changes
Last week, I wrote about the status of some transportation projects in our community. Here are a few more important things.