Bulletin Board
Monday-Thursday/Aug. 5-8 Registration Open. The Alexandria Sheriff’s Office is now accepting applications for its 2013 Youth Academy, a four-day program in August for ages 11 to 17. Participants will learn about the Sheriff’s Office by meeting deputies, observing tactical and K-9 demonstrations, touring the Detention Center and Courthouse, and other related activities. The Youth Academy runs 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Sheriff’s Office, 2003 Mill Road. Registration is free and lunch will be provided. In some cases, transportation may be available. Space is limited and registration is on a first come, first served basis. Call Deputy Valarie Wright at 703-746-5017 or visit www.alexandriava.gov/sheriff.
Oh, What a Night
National Night Out celebrates 30 years.
Thousands of residents turned out across the city Aug. 6 as Alexandria celebrated the 30th anniversary of National Night Out, a program designed to promote neighborhood spirit and law enforcement-community partnerships in the fight against crime.
The Median Has No Message
Political signs banished from roadsides as campaign season heats up.
Some people call them flowers of democracy. Others call them weeds of political pollution. Whatever one thinks of the campaign signs and placards that appear along the roads of Fairfax County, expect to see a lot fewer of them. Last month, county officials launched a new program in which nonviolent inmates at the county jail hit the streets four days a week to remove illegal signs. With apologies to Marshall McLuhan, the message is no longer in the median. Anger and resentment has been rising over the issue of roadside political signs for years, and campaigns frequently go to war with each other to see which side can plant or steal or deface the largest number of placards. Unlike Prince William County, which had an agreement with the Virginia Department of Transportation that allows the local government to collect the signs and fine violators, Fairfax was caught in a bind. Part of the Virginia code made it illegal for the county to remove the signs in Fairfax County until after an election.
Living Legends
Richard Merritt focuses on health issues.
Born in 1943 in Greenville in Texas, Richard E. Merritt grew up in the Bellaire section of Houston and attended Austin College in Sherman, also in Texas, where he earned a B.A. in psychology. He joined the Peace Corps as a volunteer in India. He was assigned to community development as an extension officer helping to improve crop yields.
Letter to the Editor: Too Many Trees Destroyed
No more trees. When the Jefferson Houston School Project was first begun, there were a lot of people who wanted the trees to stay, all the trees. These were people that attended the school and residents of the community. Several months ago during a storm, a tree on West Street fell becoming entangled in the overhead electrical wires. This tree was determined to actually be rotting and hollow from the inside out. Upon inspection by city staff and the school developer, it was determined that most if not all of the trees along West Street were suffering the same problem. The tree that had fallen was replaced by a young tree. Since then as construction began all the trees including the small young tree were removed. We were told that they would be putting the electrical wires underground, therefore they needed to remove all of the trees.
Opinion: Issues That Matter
Mental health services discussion gives insight into real differences between candidates.
It came as somewhat of a relief to have the candidates for governor in Virginia, Ken Cuccinelli (R) and Terry McAuliffe (D), discuss an actual issue that matters to many Virginia families this week at a forum on mental health issues. While press coverage of Cuccinelli and McAuliffe might lead one to believe that they are two similar, ethically challenged candidates, in fact they differ dramatically in their views about key issues affecting Virginia.
Opinion: White House Bound
Commentary
While studying diesel engines at school in Spartanburg, S.C., in 1954, Thomas* received the highest class grade — which came with the promise of getting to serve in the White House. And though the Army’s promise never came to fruition, Thomas and his two best buddies (who happened to receive the next two highest grades) did get to accompany a group of scientists at the North Pole for experimental work.
Military Notes
Navy Seaman Recruit Christopher G. Glenn recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois.
911 Call from Patterson Played in Court as Part of Preliminary Hearing
Off-duty Arlington sheriff's deputy says he shot knife-wielding young man.
Craig Patterson sat stonefaced in a green jumpsuit as his voice boomed from speakers in the courtroom.
Ireton Graduate Khouri To Play Basketball at Catholic U
Khouri helped Bishop Ireton reach the WCAC semifinals for the first time in school history.
Candidates Agree on Amendment for Voting Rights, Disagree on Executive Order
Restoration of civil rights on the agenda for next governor.
Should nonviolent felons have their right to vote automatically restored? What exactly is a nonviolent felony? What kind of process can be considered automatic?
Church Outfits 1,000 Children
11th annual Brother’s Keeper event reaches out to underserved students.
In an effort to give back to the community, the historic Alfred Street Baptist Church distributed new backpacks, school supplies and clothing to hundreds of Alexandria schoolchildren on Saturday, July 27. The church’s 11th annual Brother’s Keeper outreach project welcomed an estimated 500 underserved children and their families who registered in advance for the event. Items also will be delivered to some area schools and shelters for another 500 children.
Alexandria Bulletin
Presentation for Small Business Owners. 8 a.m. at the community room in Landmark Mall, 5801 Duke St., on the second floor near Macy’s. U.S. Rep. Jim Moran will host “Navigating the Affordable Care Act: Make Health Reform Work for Your Company.” A discussion will follow the presentation. In order to attend RSVP is needed. Visit www.moran.house.gov/event/affordable-care-act-forum.
Local History Is in Her Heritage
Susan Hellman begins as new director of Carlyle House.
The Carlyle House on North Fairfax Street has a new director — Susan Hellman. She started on June 1 and settled in immediately. She may be new to this 260-year-old national landmark, but her knowledge of area history has allowed an easy transition.
Launching Their Futures
Apprenticeship program builds career and life skills.
With bright blue skies and sparkling waters of the Potomac as a backdrop, the Alexandria Seaport Foundation celebrated the accomplishments of four apprentices on Friday, July 26.
Video
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