York, Rees Named District Lord and Lady
Diana York and James Rees have been nominated as Lord and Lady for the Mount Vernon District.
Cell Tower Proposal Rejected
Heritage Presbyterian Church has rejected a proposal from Milestone Communications to erect a tree monopole cell tower on its property in the Waynewood/Fort Hunt neighborhood. Heritage’s Session, its governing body which is comprised of 12 elders, met on May 23 to finalize its deliberations and vote on the issue. The proposal was voted down by a 10-2 margin.
Letter: Potomac River, Chesapeake Bay and Dyke Marsh
To the Editor: Anyone who spends a few minutes examining scientific texts, journals, papers or historical literature on the natural history of the Potomac and the Chesapeake Bay Watershed can recognize that these once great ecosystems are mere remnants of what they once were. The Potomac watershed covers four states and D.C. It is over 400 miles long and is 11 miles wide where it flows into the bay. The Chesapeake Bay watershed (the area of land that drains into the Bay) is 64,000 square miles and has 11,600 miles of tidal shoreline, including tidal wetlands and islands. The watershed encompasses parts of six states: Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, as well as Washington D.C. The problems in the Potomac and the Chesapeake Bay are magnified by their scope which is a reason why they are "most endangered." Unfortunately there will always be those people, who are operating at a very superficial level, who demand that everything scientific be both dumbed-down and rigorously argued to them.
Letter: MVCCA’s Success
To the Editor: Last week, Martin Tillett attacked me for mentioning (without any elaboration) in my prior letter that the MVCCA supports the proposed off-leash dog area (OLDA) at Westgrove Park. Mr. Tillett noted my numerous prior letters that have been critical of the MVCCA. What Mr. Tillett didn't mention that I have consistently supported the principle of the MVCCA and have reserved my criticism for its recent leadership and the way it typically conducts business. My position in these regards is unchanged. In the case of the debate concerning the proposed OLDA, in fact, the MVCCA operated in a manner closer to appropriate than usual.
Letter: Reaffirming American Dream
To the Editor: I recently attended a Patrick Murray event in the Mount Vernon area. Murray is back a second time, running to represent the 8th congressional district in Virginia. With his new campaign comes more emphasis on responsible government spending and job creation.
Letter: Tax-Funded Political Recap?
To the Editor: I recently received a two-page typewritten letter with an attachment on official Virginia seal stationary from Delegate Surovell titled “Delegate Scott A. Surovell’s General Assembly Session Recap.” This letter was paid by taxpayers at a cost of $4,107.75.
Letter: Saluting Fallen Heroes
To the Editor: Memorial Day is about more than summer road trips and mattress sales.
Strike Up the Band!
'Music Man' Dazzles at Arena Stage
Move over Robert Preston. There's a new band leader taking River City by storm in Meredith Willson's “The Music Man,” playing now at Arena Stage.
Horse Stable Could Be Closed to Protect Cemetery and Historic Plantation
Widening debate on Richmond Highway creates dilemma for Federal Highway Administration.
The hill where Woodlawn Baptist Church graveyard is located offers a commanding view of an area in the midst of drastic change.
Maniglia Launches Wolverines into Region Semifinals
West Potomac beats Chantilly in region softball quarterfinals.
Morgan Maniglia launched a two-run home run — her 10th of the season — well over the left-field fence, propelling West Potomac to a 3-1, 11-inning victory at Falls Church High School.
50 Years of Hits
The West Potomac High School Choral Groups will be presenting their annual spring show “Now & Then, 50 Years of Hits! 1962-2012” in Springbank Auditorium at West Potomac High School on May 31, June 1 and June 2. All shows will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Online tickets are available this year at www.westpotomacchoirs.org. The fully choreographed show features all students in the West Potomac choral program, along with special guests — students from the Carl Sandburg Middle School and the theater comedy sports improvisational team, with assistance from Philip Clarke, West Potomac drama director. Above, from left, are Catherine Canary, Haley Narins and Lyndsay Leisher.
At Home At River Farm
Supporters of Mout Vernon At Home gathered Thursday, May 17 at George Washington’s River Farm.
Poetry: Memorial Day
in the shopping center at I Love Nails the window
Must Consider The Source
To the Editor: As a devoted fan of the Mount Vernon Gazette, I was disappointed at the May 17 editorial, “Most Endangered?”. That piece merely parroted unsubstantiated claims by American Rivers, Inc., that the Potomac River has somehow shot to the top of the list of the nation’s most endangered rivers, and urged readers to join that group’s fight to keep Congress from reining in the EPA.
Unfair Advantage?
To the Editor: On May 17, Mr. H. Jay Spiegel goes through his listing of people and organizations supporting the off leash dog park or OLDA at Westgrove Park. “Those in support of the OLDA proposal include the MVCCA.” I find it ironic that Mr. Spiegel has for the past several years devoted much time and attention writing editorials in this paper making claims that the MVCCA does not represent the broad consensus of the majority of the citizens of the district. Just this past March he wrote “the MVCCA does not represent the Mount Vernon community. It only represents the small percentage of residents whose neighborhood associations are MVCCA members. At that, insofar as community association representatives do not vote in accordance with the consensus of their respective communities, the MVCCA doesn't even represent them.