Letter to the Editor: Moral and Ethical Issue
A Letter to the Editor in the Mount Vernon Gazette (July 18 – “Investigation Not Complete”) strongly criticized Del. Scott Surovell (D-44) for his comments on his blog calling for the resignation of Gov. Bob McDonnell.
Mount Vernon Bulletin
Genealogical Society Meeting. 1 p.m. at Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road. The meeting will take place in room 112 and will feature a presentation by Christine Rose entitled “Bounty Land Records to Help Solve that Problem.” Call 703-866-2478 or visit www.mvgenealogy.org.
Letter: Ideological, Not Dietary
A letter in last week's Gazette from dietitian Hope Warshaw supported Delegate Surovell's recent call for Governor McDonnell's resignation. Ms. Warshaw claimed that her position was solely based upon her opposition to the use of a dietary supplement promoted by the person involved in gift-giving to Governor and Mrs. McDonnell that forms the basis for Delegate Surovell's resignation request.
Letter to the Editor: ‘Induced Demand’
The Gazette published Phillip Boughton's letter on July 24, in which he advocated easy solutions to the congestion on Route 1. In essence, he advocated making Route 1 eight lanes wide from the Beltway to Fort Belvoir.
Letter to the Editor: Missing Hardison
We have lost a real advocate for keeping our youth safe and drug free. Cliff Hardison was a member of the board of directors for the Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County, and he was committed to working with youth and the community in efforts to discourage and prevent underage alcohol and binge drinking, and marijuana and prescription drug abuse. His West Potomac High School was among the first to have students join our UPC Youth Council, and his leadership and support will be greatly missed. Our UPC board will be considering an appropriate way to honor Cliff’s memory.
Letter to the Editor: Reunion’s Success
The Fort Hunt High School Alumni Association is extremely proud of our alumni, former teachers and administrators and parents for their enthusiastic participation in the school's 50th Anniversary Celebration. Two solid years of planning ensured a great event, but luck had something to do with it as well. Our 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. event had a thunderstorm at 5:12 p.m., after most had left. The success of the three-day, 10 location event is the result of dozens of volunteers and their hard work. Special thanks go to Terry Alers, Patti Miller, Harriet Singleton, Lisa McDonald, Tom Harvey, Jocelyn Folsom, Jim Erb, Jim Carmalt, Bob Suggs, John Harris and dozens of other volunteers and sponsors. The Fort Hunt High School Alumni Association
“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.
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.
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.”