Editorial: Library Mission
Further cuts to library budget must be analyzed for impacts on needy families.
The current proposal to “streamline” services at Fairfax County Public Libraries comes on top of disproportionate, and some would say Draconian, cuts since 2009.
Will the Next Attorney General Defend Constitutional Ban on Gay Marriage?
Republican says he will defend amendment; Democrat is not so sure.
Virginia's next attorney general will have to stand in a courtroom and make a decision about whether or not the commonwealth's constitutional ban on marriage should be defended. Republican candidate Sen. Mark Obenshain (R-26) has been clear about his support for the amendment and his intention to provide a vigorous defense of marriage. Democratic candidate Sen. Mark Herring (D-33), on the other hand, has yet to take a position on whether or not he will defend the amendment.
Brotemarkle Named Principal of Terra Centre
As a relationship-builder, he plans to be visible to students and staff.
“He’s a very collaborative leader and he’s a great listener. He always seeks input from staff and parents when he makes decisions.” Dr. Mahri Aste, Ph.D., principal of Mosby Woods
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.
Local Families, Au Pairs Help Support Children in Need
Fairfax County Local Childcare Coordinators (LCCs) Dariece Rau, Kimberly Nelson, Christine Bodziak, Shawna Levins, Cinzia Putzeys and Debora Smith, along with area au pairs and their host families, enjoyed cool refreshing yogurt and other treats at Yolly Molly Café in Fairfax to support Cultural Care’s Kids First Foundation Sunday, Aug. 4. The families and au pairs came from Fairfax, Clifton, Centreville, Fairfax Station and Springfield, all with a mind to support child advocacy groups and other non-profits benefiting children in need worldwide. Currently, Kids First supports: Share Our Strength, one of America’s leading not-for-profit organizations whose mission is to end childhood hunger; Jeevitha Anathashrama, an orphanage in India; and Dom Dietzcka, an orphanage in Poland.
Cops on the Block
Fairfax County Police join hundreds of neighbors at National Night Out events.
“Is that a real gun?” His eyes wide with excitement, 7-year-old Mauro Vargas ran up to Officer Ron Manzo the minute he spotted the blue uniform at the Ravensworth Baptist Church in Springfield on Tuesday, Aug. 6.
Week in Burke
Friends of the Burke Centre Library to Sponsor the Jubilee The Burke Centre Library Friends Group pledged to be the Signature Guardian level sponsor for Fairfax Library Foundation’s upcoming Library Jubilee! Let Loose in the Library! event, planned for Oct. 5 at the Burke Centre Library.
Tangles Salon Raises Honey Bee Awareness With Style
Tangles Hair Salon and Spa of Burke designed a unique beehive hairstyle in honor of upcoming National Honey Bee Day, Aug. 17. The salon plans to host a free, "bee-auty" event to raise awareness about the honey bee crisis.
Woodson Graduate Finnerty to Play Basketball at Stetson
Finnerty led Woodson to its first region tournament appearance since 2010.
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?
“Chemo-Nosabe”
Although I’ve not seen the current “The Lone Ranger” theatrical release, I am of a certain age and generation who grew up watching – on black and white television with no remote control and only three watchable channels – the original “The Lone Ranger” (starring Clayton Moore and Jay Silverheels), along with other weekday-afternoon and Saturday-morning classics like “The Rifleman,” “Roy Rogers,” “Sky King,” “Superman,” “Leave It To Beaver” and “Ozzie and Harriet” – in my house, anyway. And though the “effects” weren’t nearly as “special” as they are in today’s movie/television productions/versions, nevertheless, the effects on me, personally, were far greater. Can you say wholesome goodness? The Golden Rule? Do unto others…
A Delicate Balance – At Home
How appropriate is it to tell a cancer patient something negative (that he likely doesn’t want to hear) – yet needs to know, and which might ultimately quash his fighting spirit and adversely affect his day – and night? Moreover, would withholding certain discouraging observations intermittently along the cancer-treatment way, in order for said patient to feel good and positive about himself – and better prepare him for any and all news/results which might upset his precariously imperfect life and moreover, likely chip away at his emotional wherewithal as well – cause more harm than 100-percent honesty all the time?
Silence of the Court
Justices deny public access to shield personal conversations.
The Virginia Supreme Court operates in silence, denying public access to audio recordings of its oral arguments. Unlike the U.S. Supreme Court, which denies video recordings but allows audio recordings, the commonwealth's top appeals court has a complete blackout on public access to proceedings. In a written response to questions from Connection Newspapers, the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Virginia Supreme Court explained that audio records were once public, but the installation of new equipment in January 2008 created new concerns for justices.
Keeping Pets Safe
Veterinary experts say common household items can harm animals.
Did you know that a bowl of grapes sitting on your counter can be fatal to your dog or that a bouquet of fragrant lilies could be lethal to a cat? Were you aware that a stick of gum might cause a life-threatening canine emergency? Veterinary experts say that while pet hazards are lurking around almost every home, many pet owners are unaware of them. From favorite foods to over-the-counter-pain relievers, a number of common household items are dangerous to family pets.
VA Adopts: Campaign for 1,000
Governor McDonnell promotes adoption, foster care during Fairfax County tour.
The atmosphere was festive as more than 100 people—including adoptive parents, children and state and local officials—gathered in the Fairfax County Government Center atrium Tuesday, July 30 to welcome Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) during the statewide tour to promote his “Virginia Adopts: Campaign for 1,000” initiative.