Mount Vernon residents know how to celebrate the holidays — by gathering with friends and family. Last week, the Southeastern Fairfax Development Corporation (SFDC) held its annual holiday gathering. Board members, businessmen and elected representatives came together to share some holiday spirit. Rick Neel, president of SFDC, greeted guests and spoke briefly about the accomplishments made along the Route One corridor during the past year. Ample food and drink provided by members and local businesses kept everybody celebrating for several hours.

On Sunday, St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church hosted a carol sing. Led by conductor Ul James, several alumni members of the Washington Metropolitan Youth Orchestra came together to perform a few individual numbers. Portions of the Corelli Christmas Concerto were performed by Sheyna Burt. He was the Concertmaster last evening; he is also a lawyer and first violinist in Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic. James said that last night's Principal Second Violinist is the current Concertmaster of the Washington Metropolitan Youth Orchestra — Justin Wilkes. He attends Mount Vernon High School. Last night's Principal Cellist was David Bates, who is home from college and last year was the Principal Cellist of Washington Metropolitan Youth Orchestra.

The orchestra also led the packed church in about a dozen Christmas carols. Carolers were treated to hot cider and cookies.

<1b>— Gale Curcio