Mount Vernon: Las Vegas-themed Friends of UCM Spring Gala raises $185,000.
The sparkling red sequins and crown of spindly feathers moved gracefully with the long-limbed Vegas showgirl around supporters of the Mount Vernon area social services organization United Community Ministries as they play-gambled and silently bid on auction items at the casino-themed Friends of UCM 2016 Spring Gala.
First Responders Honored at 38th Annual Valor Awards
‘Ready for All Emergencies’
Technician Ryland Chapman and Lieutenant Lawrence Mullin with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department were preparing to return home from a deployment with Virginia Task Force 1 to earthquake-rocked Kathmandu, Nepal when another quake sent them back out for duty.
Lawmakers Wrap-up Richmond Legislative Session
Unspent TANF grant money, prisoner rights among social issues discussed.
On average, low income families in Virginia who are eligible and sign up for funds from the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant receive $269 monthly and are cut off after five years. But lawmakers say there’s a lot more unexpended money available in the federal grant that, if it remains unused, could one day be taken back.
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 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.
Sex Trafficking Young Victims in Northern Virginia
Federal funds for gang task force expire April 1.
The first article in an occasional series on human sexual trafficking in Northern Virginia.
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.
Fairfax County Public Schools to Seek FEMA Relief Funds
Winter Storm Jonas, Snowmageddon, Snowpocalypse 2.0 — no matter what it’s called, the county-crippling January 2016 blizzard cost Fairfax County Public Schools $7.2 million to pay for employee overtime compensation, additional contractors and equipment rental.
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.
Aspiring nurses receive scholarships in honor of Harriet H. Fatzinger
Amina Amisi of Falls Church and Ashley French of Great Falls are second-year nursing students at Northern Virginia Community College, each expecting to graduate with completed Associate’s degrees in May this year.
Mount Vernon: Fort Hunt Little League to Begin Challengers Division for Children with Disabilities
As Opening Day for baseball approaches, Fort Hunt Little League is preparing to offer an opportunity for young aspiring baseball players with disabilities the chance to participate in America’s pastime.
Mount Vernon Brief: Scholarships Offered
United Community Ministries (UCM), in partnership with global research and development organization Battelle, has announced the Battelle-UCM Scholarship program for 2016.