Burke Local

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.

The New Filmmakers of Fairfax

Clifton Film Fest selections reveal creative class in the county.

The latest short films of independent filmmakers producing and directing in the county drew a crowd to the Clifton Film Fest, held on the Workhouse quad in Lorton Saturday, July 20.

Apple Federal Credit Union Seeks Donations for Back-to-School Supply Drive

Apple Federal Credit Union has kicked off its Collect for Kids Program by joining community-based organizations to help get backpacks and supplies into the hands that need them most. Apple branches are accepting new back packs and monetary donations made at the branches and from Apple’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AppleFederalCreditUnion), and will match donations up to $5,000 until Aug. 15. According to the Fairfax County Public School System, for the 2011-2012 school year, 9.7 percent, or one in 10 children under age 18 live in poverty. The system also reported that 46,117 students, or 26.29 percent of their student enrollment, were eligible for free and reduced lunch.

Richardson to Lead White Oaks Elementary

New principal’s strength is in building new relationships.

At the age of 37, Ryan Richardson was named the new principal of White Oaks Elementary School in Burke on July 1. The school is projected to have 790 students and a staff of 75 in September.

Area Roundups

Motorcyclist Dies in Clifton Crash Thomas V. Bowers, 25, of Burke, died Tuesday, July 2, from injuries he sustained in a June 16 crash. The accident occurred at Clifton Road and Maple Branch Road. Fairfax County police officers were called to the scene that day around 2 p.m.

To the Editor: Using iPhones, iPods During School Lunch

To the Editor: As part of a Scouting merit badge requirement to write to a local newspaper, I am writing to express my opinion about whether or not electronic devices should be allowed during lunch and other free times between classes at my school, Lake Braddock Secondary School.

Quilt Show Displays ‘Sacred Threads’

Some 231 handmade quilts exploring themes of spirituality, joy, inspiration, peace/brotherhood, grief and healing were displayed during the biennial Sacred Threads exhibition, July 10-28, at Floris United Methodist Church in Oak Hill. Linda T. Cooper of Burke had one quilt in the show.

Lack of transparency is explained as effort to shield personal conversations.

The Virginia Supreme Court operates in silence, denying public access to audio recordings of its oral arguments.

Burke Connection