West Potomac’s Thompson Qualifies for States
Senior will compete on vault in Virginia Beach.
West Potomac's Monica Thompson will compete at the state gymnastics meet.
Mount Vernon Home Sales: January, 2014
In January 2014, 61 homes sold between $1,785,000-$95,000 in the Mount Vernon area.
Mount Vernon Home Sales: January, 2014
Money on the Shelves: Jurisdictions Take Variety of Approaches to Funding Libraries
Some have recovered from the recession, others are still struggling.
What is the future of the neighborhood library?
Schools’ Band Director Honored
Jane Morgan, the band director at Stratford Landing Elementary School and Waynewood Elementary School, has been named the 2013-14 Elementary Band Director of the Year by the Fairfax County Band Directors Association. Morgan has been teaching band at Stratford Landing since 1999, and said she has learned a great deal from her students. It is her students that have brought her the most joy in her position, Morgan said. “It’s great to see what the kids accomplish and how far they go,” Morgan said. “They just keep me fresh every day.” Morgan has also taught middle and high school students.
Oratorical Winner: Jacob Atagi
Jacob Atagi, is the winner of this year's American Legion Post 24 Oratorical Contest. A freshman at West Potomac High School, Atagi represented Post 24 at the 17th District American Legion Oratorical Contest Jan. 25 at McLean Post 270.
UCM Marks 45th Anniversary
Organization will increase outreach this year
Many people think of United Community Ministries as just a food bank and a thrift store, executive director Shirley Marshall said. “That is all they know about us. A lot of what we are trying to do this year, on our 45th anniversary, is say, there’s a little more to us than that actually,” Marshall said. As UCM marks its 45th anniversary, Marshall said the organization is increasing outreach efforts to make sure they are known in the community.
MVCCA Lists 2013 Actions
The Mount Vernon Council of Citizens Associations released the following summary of their work in 2013. Standing committees of the council that provided the substantive work on a given issue are shown in italics. Source: mvcca@listserve.com
Thirty Travel to Richmond
VIC Raises Issues of the Poor
Calling for expanded mental health services and greater access to Medicaid for the most vulnerable in the Mount Vernon community, a 30-member delegation from VIC traveled to Richmond, Feb. 6, to speak with area legislators.
Commentary: Session Midpoint: Twelve Bills Marching On
As we approach the midpoint of this session, I have more good news. Twelve of my bills have passed the House, are poised to pass, or are causing changes:
Commentary: Seven Bills To ‘Crossover’
The 2014 Session continues to roll along with new excitement every day — we’ve tackled issues as diverse as ethics reform and hunting on Sundays. I’ve been proud to support my good friends Senators Creigh Deeds and George Barker in their campaign to bring reforms to the mental health system in Virginia and bring much needed help to those suffering without a way to get the help they need.
Mental Health and Budget Items in Richmond
You most likely heard that my colleague, Sen. Creigh Deeds (D-Bath County), underwent a horrible ordeal last fall with his son Gus, who was suffering from severe mental illness. The Deeds family had realized that Gus needed urgent help and were doing everything they could to ensure his well-being, but a psychiatric bed could not be found for him when it was desperately needed. In a horrific turn of events, Gus critically stabbed his father and then took his own life.
Students Honored at Science Fair
The following West Potomac High School students received awards for their projects at the school’s science fair on Saturday, Feb. 9.
Letter to the Editor: Why Not Recycle Sand and Salt?
To the Editor: I was pleased to read Mr. Spiegel’s independent invention of recommended Action C1-2 in Chapter IV of the Little Hunting Creek Watershed Management Plan of 2004.
Commentary: Speak Up for Pollution Restrictions
Virginia is not immune to the dangers of climate change. In recent years, we have seen the damage sea level rise and storm surges have caused in our lowland areas. The science is clear that we must cut carbon to the levels scientists say are safe to address these issues.
Nine Candidates Vying for Attention in 8th Congressional District Democratic Primary
Race to replace Jim Moran is expected to be competitive and expensive.
It's been three weeks since longtime U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) announced that he would not be seeking a 13th term in Congress, opening up an epic primary fight that is now starting to take shape.