‘Stamp Out Hunger’ Fills Pantries for the Poor
Letter carriers are heroes at UCM and Rising Hope.
“It’s extra work and time for the letter carriers, but they enjoy doing it, they really do. It’s amazing how a little bag here and a little bag there add up to something big,” said letter carrier Brian McCormick, volunteer coordinator for last Saturday’s “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive in the Alexandria and Mount Vernon area.
Church Robbed Of Cash
Aldersgate UMC at Fort Hunt and Collingwood Road was broken into and robbed of cash Friday night, May 18, according to an email sent out Saturday by Becky Connell, church business administrator.
Huntley Opens with a Flourish
Alexandria mayor built the home in 1825.
A new gem in Fairfax County’s growing collection of restored Colonial and 19th Century homes, Historic Huntley opened Saturday, May 19 with a flourish of welcoming speeches by county notables: Sharon Bulova, chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Lee District Supervisor Jeffrey McKay, Edward Batten Sr. who is Lee District Representative of the Fairfax Park Authority, and Tim Aiken who relayed congratulatory remarks from U.S. Rep. Jim Moran.
‘Smiles for Life’ Supports UCM
Alexandria dentists Dr. James Geren and Dr. Zeyad Mady are participating in the Smiles for Life program, which will allow their patients to whiten their smile and help needy children at the same time. Running until the end of June, the dentists will offer professional teeth whitening services to the community at a reduced rate and donate 100 percent of the proceeds to support children in need. Half of these donations will go to United Community Ministries (UCM) to support the Bryant Early Learning Center, while the other half will go to national children’s charities.
Police Investigate Shooting
Mount Vernon District police officers, initially called for a noise complaint at the intersection of San Leandro Place and Mendocino Place at 11;30 p.m., Wednesday, May 16, found a 47-year-old man sitting in a vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds to the upper body. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Mount Vernon Crime Report May 23
Activities reported by the Mt. Vernon police department through May 18.
Governor Signs Voter ID Bills
McDonnell directs state to send every voter a new voter card before Election Day.
Gov. Robert McDonnell (R) signed watered-down versions of Virginia’s Republican-backed voter identification bills on Friday, adding the Commonwealth to the growing list of states adopting stricter voting standards.
Alert on Housing Discrimination
Officials step up efforts to reach immigrant communities about “fair housing” rights.
Housing discrimination cases have been on the rise in Fairfax County in the past few years. And the Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs (OHREP), the agency that enforces fair housing laws in the county, is shining a spotlight on the problem through seminars for housing providers, Realtors, community groups and other interested parties.
Mount Vernon Yacht Club Launches Season
Mount Vernon Supervisor Gerry Hyland knows where he will likely spend the first Sunday in May each year, and plans to drop by the Mount Vernon Yacht Club at the end of Tarpon Lane to meet and greet members and guests at the launch of the annual boating season gala.
Church Celebrates 50 Years
Heritage Presbyterian Church celebrated its 50th anniversary on April 22. Pastor Emeritus Larry Glassco led the worship service which included a children's skit and a special music program. Several charter members, former pastors and representatives from the National Capital Presbytery and PC(USA) General Assembly were in attendance. Del. Scott Surovell presented the Rev. William C. Teng with a framed copy of a Resolution approved by the Virginia House of Delegates recognizing Heritage's faithful service to its members and the Mount Vernon community. The celebration culminated in a Jubilee banquet luncheon.
Remembering Gilbert S. McCutcheon
Family, friends and neighbors of Gil McCutcheon gathered on the hilltop of Lamond Community Park on Saturday, May 12 for a ceremony to rename the park for the late Gilbert S. McCutcheon. McCutcheon was a key player in negotiations and acquisition of the 18-acre site off Fort Hunt Road. He also ensured that the home on the property would be preserved.
‘Smiles for Life’ Supports UCM
Alexandria dentists Dr. James Geren and Dr. Zeyad Mady are participating in the Smiles for Life program, which will allow their patients to whiten their smile and help needy children at the same time. Running until the end of June, the dentists will offer professional teeth whitening services to the community at a reduced rate and donate 100 percent of the proceeds to support children in need. Half of these donations will go to United Community Ministries (UCM) to support the Bryant Early Learning Center, while the other half will go to national children’s charities.
Boating Safety Patrols Begin Soon
On Saturday, May 26, firefighters from Fire and Rescue Station 20, Gunston, will begin safety patrol duties in Fireboat 420 on the Potomac River and Mason Neck Area. The patrols will continue through the month of September.
‘New Trends in Green Development’
The Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation (SFDC) will present “New Trends in Green Development,” a community event aimed at discussing the environmental aspects of revitalization with the citizens of Mount Vernon and Lee Districts. This event will feature presentations from public and private sector experts in several fields representing a diverse set of perspectives. The summit will focus on how good development can enhance the natural environment.
Mount Vernon Crime Report May 16
Activities reported by the Mt. Vernon police department through May 11.