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.
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.
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.
Alexandria School Notes
Back-to-School Drive. Through Aug. 19. Donate new backpacks and school supplies to any of the donation boxes in the area, send gift cards to the FACE Center, T.C. Williams High School Room A123, 3330 King St. or volunteer to sort supplies on Tuesday, Aug. 20. Visit http://www.acps.k12.va.us/face-centers.
Neighborhood
HAPPY DEMOCRATS Ginny Hines and Will Parry entertained a large number of fellow Democratic voters at a party. Brian Moran told us that there is good news and bad about the upcoming election. There will probably be an extremely low turnout, so we must all work hard to get the voters out. We must concentrate on discussing the economy and education. Our candidate, Terry McAuliffe, has always been a hard worker. He started his own business at the age of 14. Terry understands what the terrible traffic congestion does to all of us in this neighborhood and he has pledged to work on improving public transportation. The Republican candidate, on the other hand, has shown no support for transportation solutions and in fact voted against the Silver Line which will connect the Metro to Dulles.
Alexandria People Notes
Emily Haughton is one of 31 students welcomed by the Kennedy Center to participate in the 21st annual Exploring Ballet with Suzanne Farrell.
City Attorney Determines No Impediment to Hensley Lease, But Record Remains Unclear
State officials are still digging through archive to trace federal funds from 1970s.
The history of Hensley Park has become a battlefield in recent weeks, as city leaders clash with opponents of a proposal to hand over open space to a developer who wants to build a sports complex.