Editorial: Enjoy Tax Holiday, Donate School Supplies
Good timing to help those in need.
It is debatable whether recurring tax holidays for different seasonal needs are good policy. But since this weekend is Virginia’s tax holiday on school supplies and clothing, it makes sense to take advantage of the savings, and to spread the wealth around. The savings are more significant this year with the new sales tax increases in effect as of July 1.
“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…
‘Regionality’ of Transportation Projects Questioned
Transportation Authority approves FY2014 Project List.
“Tonight we acted to address one of the greatest threats to our region: Congestion.” So spoke Marty Nohe, chairman of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) and Coles District supervisor for Prince William County. Despite numerous calls to slow down the process by speakers at the public hearing before the Authority, on Wednesday, July 24, the NVTA approved the FY2014 proposed regional multimodal project list as presented and vetted by the NVTA’s Project Implementation Working Group (PIWG) headed by Authority member (and Arlington County Board Member) Christopher Zimmerman.
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.
The Pampered Pooch
Luxury accessories for well-heeled canines.
Marcia Schwartz strolled through the handbag section at a high-end department store at Tysons Galleria in McLean, Va., her eyes taking in the latest offerings from Prada. The companion at her side was not a personal shopper or a credit card-clad husband, however. It was a snow-white fuzzball with a rhinestone-encrusted collar named Cleopatra. Cleo, as she is most often called, is a Bichon Frisé.
For the Love of Animals
From taking orders in a pizza shop to finding homes for thousands of animals, the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation has a great "tail" to tell.
In 2001, there were too many dogs without homes and too few people to help them.
Classified Advertising July 31, 2013
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Roessler Named County Police Chief
New police chief vows focus on diversity.
Edwin C. Roessler, named Fairfax County's police chief at Tuesday's Board of Supervisor's meeting, promised to launch a Diversity Council in an effort to recruit, promote and respond to Fairfax County's increasingly diverse community.
Fairfax County Animal Shelter Temporarily Suspends Intake of Dogs
Canine influenza suspected culprit after dozen dogs become ill.
The Fairfax County Animal Shelter has temporarily suspended its intake of dogs, after one dog died of pneumonia and about a dozen more dogs have exhibited symptoms of an unspecified upper respiratory illness.
Citizens Coalition for Police Accountability Compiles List of Victims
List of organizations supporting Citizens Coalition for Police Accountability, Inc.’s proposal to create a Citizens Police Oversight Board in Fairfax County includes:
Silence of the Court: Virginia Supreme Court Denies Access to Audio Recordings
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.
Classified Advertising July 24, 2013
Read the lastest ads here!
Mount Vernon Bulletin
Fort Hunt High School 50th Anniversary. Celebrate the school’s 50th anniversary with events every day. Register at www.fhhs-alum.org. Gatherings at local restaurants, dinner and dancing, music, a cook-out on Sunday at Fort Hunt Park, vintage car show, live entertainment by local bands including alumni of the school and more. Visit www.fhhs-alum.org.
Focus on Groveton's Founding Families
Author explores history of former farming community.
Longtime Groveton resident Charlotte Brown's book "Groveton" uses both stories and pictures from local residents and business owners to provide readers with a colorful and informative look at the history of the area.
Cliff Hardison, 60, Dies
Principal of West Potomac High School was dedicated to students.
Cliff Hardison, the principal of West Potomac High School since 2009, died from lung cancer on Tuesday, July 23. He was 60 and did not smoke. “It’s really a sad day and really a shock to everyone,” said Del. Scott A. Surovell (D-44). “Cliff was a real gentleman; his first priority was his students. He loved West Potomac High School and his staff respected him.”
Fort Hunt Federals Celebrate ‘Spirit That’s Still Alive’
Recalling and celebrating Fort Hunt High School.
Though Fort Hunt High School has not operated for over 20 years, hundreds of graduates will reunite this weekend at Fort Hunt Park to celebrate the school’s 50th anniversary.
Coalition Renews Call for Justice
Coalition renews call for justice in police-related shooting.
Three years ago the Board of Supervisors rejected a proposal by the Citizens Coalition for Police Accountability to form a citizen police oversight board. Instead they agreed with the recommendations of the county executive and police chief to assign responsibility for investigating citizen complaints of alleged misconduct to the county’s independent auditor.
Pets
Little Orphan Annie No More
On the evening of Feb. 22, 2011 we let our standard poodle, Toby, into the yard for a last potty break before bedtime. We heard a dog bark at Toby. My husband Glenn went into the yard to investigate.