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DECEMBER 23, 2016 | NORTHERN VIRGINIA MEDIA SERVICES
Mike’s 610 Diner closes
CHRISTMAS PARADE
TRACY BELL
tbell@insidenova.com
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beloved diner in Stafford County closed its doors Sunday after close to 14 years in business. The staff at Mike’s 610 Diner served its last customer at 2 p.m., ending an era when the business shut down for the day — and for good. Mike’s Diner owner Adolfo Urrutia, longtime employees and fiercely loyal customers were there that last day. The diner, a small homey eatery situated on Garrisonville Road, is closing due to planned widening of the road in 2017, when four lanes will be expanded to six. The county negotiated with multiple businesses along the road, with some agreeing to relocate while others lost some frontage. Several businesses fought the change more than others, including Mike’s Diner, which featured a sign on its property urging: “Save Mike’s Diner From Condemnation.” Rebuilding from scratch and remodeling was not an option for the business, the owner decided, but he’s been open to purchasing a restaurant to start anew. Some talk of a possible location in Manassas is making the social media rounds, but the owner has not publicly confirmed any plans to relocate in Stafford or elsewhere. Staff members first thought that the diner would close in March 2017, and recently learned they had just days until the business would close its doors. On the diner’s Facebook page, customers and staff posted about the last emotional day, noting that they would miss the camaraderie, the homey, small-town feel of the restaurant and the top-notch food.
The weather was a bit more cooperative for the second annual Stafford County Christmas Parade that wound its way from Brooke Point High School to the Stafford Hospital Medical Pavilion on Dec. 17. The cavalcade of floats, musicians, scouts and singers culminated with greetings from Santa and Mrs. Claus. FOR MORE PHOTOS, TURN TO PAGE 7 OR VISIT INSIDENOVA.COM. SUBMITTED
Military dad surprises first-grader Deployed parent shows up at school as Santa Claus TRACY BELL
tbell@insidenova.com
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military father surprised his 6-year-old son at Stafford County’s Widewater Elementary School, dressed conspicuously as Santa Claus. U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. David Rescott returned home after a 10-month deployment to Kuwait and surprised his son, Jackson Rescott, in his first-grade classroom on Dec. 16.
Jenny Taylor teaches the class and invited Santa Claus to read a story to her students, but what was really in the works would bring happy tears to those watching. Jackson’s mother, Ashley Rescott, worked with the school to plan the surprise. Students and staff in the room stood by that day for what would come next. When asked what he wanted for Christmas, Jackson said an Xbox – and to see his dad. After story time, David Rescott, dressed as Santa Claus, slowly revealed his true identity. Jackson watched, not expecting to see his father, but aware that something
was going on, he told a reporter. David Rescott slowly removed his Santa hat, white hair and eyebrows as his son watched. When he realized Santa Claus was really his father, the stunned student smiled in awe, mouth ajar in disbelief. He hugged his father tightly, overjoyed. Jackson said he thought it was “the real Santa” and didn’t suspect it was his dad. When his teacher told the class the mystery reader’s favorite color was red, he knew it wasn’t his dad because, Jackson said, his dad’s favorite color is orange. The family left soon after to spend time together before Christmas.
STAFFORD COUNTY SUN
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