Alexandria/Mount Vernon Snapshot: Top State Honors
The Alexandria-based George Washington Chapter of the National Society, Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) was recognized as the Best Very Large Chapter in Virginia for 2014-2015 during the 126th Annual Meeting of the Virginia Society, SAR (VASSAR), held in Richmond on Feb. 19-21.
Mount Vernon Snapshot: Puller Institute Students
On Feb. 14, six students — Ryan Huck, Audrey Wilson, David Williamson, Margarita Aleixo, Thomas Wetzel, and Krista Worthington — from West Potomac High School and Mountain View High School in Stafford County travelled to Richmond for the first annual Puller Institute and met with Gov. Terry McAuliffe. The Puller Institute, named in honor of retired state Sen. Linda “Toddy” Puller, is designed to give students the opportunity to experience state government on a first hand basis, develop interest in public policy and leadership in their community.
Mount Vernon Snapshot: Day of Dental Service
The dentists and supporting staff at Mt. Vernon Center for Dentistry devoted a day of work on Saturday, Feb. 20 to provide emergency dental services at their office for clients of United Community Ministries (UCM). Services valued at more than $10,000 were donated that day to alleviate the pain of 19 clients suffering with serious dental problems and who lack health insurance. From left are Richard Dobber, UCM Director of Social Services, with Dr. Zeyad Mady who also serves as a UCM board member, Dr. James Geren, Dr. Haley Hausser, and Dr. Jason Marrazzo.
Mount Vernon: Local Residents See Cuba Up-Close and Personal
Witnessing the resourcefulness of the “Cuban Spirit.”
Elected American officials have been making news recently on trips to Cuba, with Gov. Terry McAuliffe and District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser leading the way in January and February. And President Barack Obama will gain more attention with his two-day visit, March 21-22.
Mount Vernon: Raising an Assistance Dog Only To Say Goodbye
Volunteers play key role in Canine Companions for Independence.
For 40 years, the nonprofit Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) has been raising and training service dogs for people with a broad spectrum of disabilities. CCI enlists both volunteers and professionals to raise dogs so that they can improve lives all over America — from wounded veterans to people affected by other physical setbacks, the only exception being blindness. And, when all is said and done, CCI ensures that these prepared, caring dogs go to their new owners at no cost.
Commentary: A Step Backwards for Virginia
Virginia New American leaders respond to the nomination of Ken Cuccinelli for the State Supreme Court.
From immigration to contraception to climate change denial to LGBT rights, Ken Cuccinelli has built a career on extreme conservative positions that are out of step with Virginia today.
Mount Vernon Brief: Jazzercise Aids Women in Need
Mt. Vernon Jazzercise recently raised $500 for Gifts of Hope, an alternative gift-giving program that serves as an intermediary between donors and organizations serving individuals and families in need in the D.C. metro area and internationally.
Fairfax County: Commission Recognizes Outstanding Women in Government Work
Edwyna Wingo of the Chantilly area began her career with Fairfax County as a nurse in the Health Department on Sep. 1, 1965 and worked her last full day Oct. 1, 2011.
Mount Vernon: Local Author Creates ‘Jack Spade’
Second novel reflects influence of film noir.
In “Jack Spade: Dream Detective,” computer programmer James Harper takes on the persona of a 1940s detective, Jack Spade, in his dreams. The story follows Spade and his partner Joe Sawyer as they try to solve a missing person’s case.
Mount Vernon Snapshot: Supporting UCM Progreso Center
Enjoying the Valentine Dance and Dinner on Feb. 6, hosted by Good Shepherd Catholic Church, are UCM Progreso Center volunteers (from left) banker Ruth Esum, her sister attorney Joyce Williams, and attorney Janet Smith.
Mount Vernon: Officer Helps Freezing Child
PFC Chris Mamalis of the Mount Vernon District police station helped rescue a freezing nine-year-old boy from his neighborhood while off-duty on Jan. 21.
Mount Vernon: Skydiver Wins Gold at Championships
West Potomac High School graduate Trevor Woods won a gold medal last month at the 2015 U.S. Parachute Association National Collegiate Parachuting Championships, held at the Florida Skydiving Center in Lake Wales.
Volunteer Fairfax Seeks Nominations, New Deadline Feb. 9
Awards recognize the contributions of volunteers in the community.
Nominations are open for the 2016 Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards.
Mount Vernon Obituary: Memorial Service for Mary Jane Tucker
Mary Jane Tucker of Alexandria died with her family by her side on Saturday, May 23, 2015. She was 81 years old.
Mount Vernon: Advocate Against Opioid Abuse Attends State of the Union
Don Flattery’s son suffered an OxyContin addiction, died at 26 from an overdose.
Kevin Flattery had everything before him. A 2010 graduate of the University of Virginia, he had moved to Los Angeles after college and was starting a career in the film industry. “He was doing everything he wanted,” said Kevin’s father Don Flattery.