146 Fairfax County Schools Energy Star-Certified
New Auditor General also appointed at Sept. 24 meeting
In the last year and a half, Fairfax County Public Schools have been able to reduce the energy consumption in their buildings by 15 percent. That cut down resulted in savings of $4.5 million, according to a release Sept. 25 by the school system.
Mount Vernon Brief: Garden Club To Host Annual Fashion Show
The Yacht Haven Garden Club is presenting its 32nd annual Fashion Show and Luncheon, “Rendezvous in Paris”, on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 10 a.m. at the Fort Belvoir Officers Club in Alexandria.
Mount Vernon Snapshot: Gala Honors Hyland
The American Horticultural Society’s 22nd annual gala, “Reflections of River Farm — A Step Back in Time,” included honoring Gerald W. Hyland, retiring Mount Vernon District supervisor (second from left). With him at the Sept. 19 event are Shirley Robson, Helen Walutes and John I. Morton.
Mt. Vernon Unitarian Church at 60
“What’s interesting about Mt. Vernon Unitarian Church is that it was not established from the top down, but rather by a group of Hollin Hills and Tauxemont families who wanted a liberal religious education for their children,” said the Rev. Kate Walker at the celebration of the church’s 60th anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 13.
Mount Vernon: Candidates on ‘Inside Scoop’
The non-partisan Meet and Greet Candidates Forum for certified candidates competing for Clerk of the Court, Commonwealth Attorney, Sheriff, and Director of the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District will be broadcast on Inside Scoop from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 28 on Channel 10.
Mount Vernon: Local Author Pens Second Novel
Stephen D. Hayes writes “Missing Letters.”
Longtime Belle Haven resident Stephen D. Hayes’ latest novel “Missing Letters” involves dealing with loss.
Principal Nardos King Leaves Mount Vernon High School
On her last day, Mount Vernon High School principal Nardos King went into school trying to act like it wasn’t anything different. But as she walked through the halls, she couldn’t help but reminisce over the 20 years of different jobs and professional growth she experienced in the building.
Mount Vernon: Crowd Fills Candidate Forum
Without an incumbent running for Mount Vernon District supervisor, the candidates meet and greet event at the Sherwood Regional Library was understandably crowded. Republican Jane Gandee is running against Democratic primary winner Dan Storck to replace longtime supervisor Gerry Hyland (D-Mount Vernon), who announced he would not seek re-election last year.
Mount Vernon: Local Man Charged in Shooting Death
Freddy A. Bonilla Rodriguez of Alexandria was charged with second-degree murder in a Hybla Valley shooting that occurred Sept. 21.
Fairfax County NAACP hosts 70th Freedom Fund Awards
‘Your Vote, Your Power’
J.E.B. Stuart High School seniors Anna Rowan, Cassie Marcotty, Marley Finley, Abby Conde and Lidia Amanuel were bothered by the Confederate legacy of their school. Inspired by a history class with teacher Keith Bropst on the Massive Resistance anti-segregation policy, the girls set out to change Stuart’s name, mascot and colors.
Fairfax NAACP To Host Rally Seeking ‘Justice for Natasha McKenna’
Fairfax County NCAAP president Shirley Ginwright announced a rally will be held Sept. 27 to demand justice for Natasha McKenna, a 37-year-old woman with mental illness who died in February after she had been held in the Adult Detention Center.
Ending Bullying
Back to School: Local educators offer advice for parents on how to deal with bullying as school resumes.
When Carol Baker cried, no one heard her. She and a classmate were alone in the girls locker room, and as Baker, then an eighth grade student, tried to leave, her classmate grabbed her gym shirt and pushed her into a locker. They weren’t fighting over anything in particular and Baker didn’t sustain any physical injuries.
Fairfax County: ‘Reports and Tears Are Not Enough’
Protesters demonstrate for Natasha McKenna, social justice and improved mental health services at ad hoc police review commission public hearing.
Cayce Utley of Centreville said Natasha McKenna, the 37-year-old African American woman with mental illness who died in the Sheriff’s Office custody in February, must be “more than just a mistake, more than an accident. Black women aren’t your ‘Oops,’ they aren’t your teachable moments.”
Fairfax County School Board Reflects on First Day of Later Start Times
James Madison High School senior Ben Press provided firsthand testimony for the positive effect of new later start times for Fairfax County high school students. “Your investment in our health paid off, as can be seen in the better-rested faces of thousands of high school students across the county,” said Press, addressing the Fairfax County School Board in his new role as student representative at their Sept. 10 meeting.
Mount Vernon: One of the Last of Its Kind
Variety Store sells more than 12,000 items.
“Experience the Nostalgia of an Old Five and Dime Store.” This statement is inscribed on the Variety Store business card, and reflects its commitment to the old school approach to retail store customer service. T