Officers in Pink Promote Breast Cancer Awareness
Residents and motorists in Fairfax County may notice hot pink collars peeking out of the top of the official uniform as officers respond to calls for service for the next two weeks. For the first time, officers are sanctioned to wear the T-shirts that read “Arrest Breast Cancer; Unlock the Cure” between Oct. 18-31. Hundreds of Police Department employees purchased the shirts at $15 each, with proceeds being donated to local cancer charities. The pink T-shirt campaign is being supported by the Fairfax County Police Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 77 and donations from Tysons Corner Center and Blue Line Motors of Warrenton.
Something's Missing
To the Editor: Here we were in election season again, but something seemed to be missing. Then it occurred to me: Where were all the campaign signs that usually pollute the median strips of our busy streets, distracting drivers and inconveniencing the crews charged with mowing and maintaining these areas? In past years, candidates often became engaged in arms races that resulted in hundreds of signs being plastered on every open space available. I inquired with the Fairfax County Department of Transportation and learned that the county has new authority to enforce the laws against temporary signage on state highway rights-of-way, complete with the ability to levy fines against violators. Hallelujah!
Sheltering Animals & Families Together
Initiative promotes domestic violence shelters that accept pets.
Did you know that approximately 2.3 million people, primarily women, are victims of partner violence? Did you know that over 62 percent of the American households have, at least, one pet? Approximately 48 percent of abused women do not leave an abusive situation because they will not leave their pets behind. Pets are likely to be victimized by the household abuser. The abuser’s animal cruelty is used to force compliance from the victims. “What I do to the dog is what I can do to you” is the message the abuser sends, according to Allie Phillips, founder of Sheltering Animals & Families Together [SAF-T]. “As a prosecutor in Michigan, I saw women who stayed with their abusers to protect their pets,” said Phillips. “If they leave, the abuser will turn his anger on the pet. The pet usually is the primary target used to control the victim. “I created the safety program to help get these women out of their abusive homes.”
On County Libraries: We Should Know Better
To the Editor: I am the assistant branch manager at Patrick Henry Library in Vienna. I also worked at Reston Regional Library for four
Both Sides of Humility
To the Editor: Frank Wolf has been a decent congressman, but his column in last week's Connection shows how easy it is for politicians to (unintentionally?) speak with a forked tongue [It’s Going to Take Humility, Connection, Oct. 16-22, 2013]. At first he tells us, almost lectures us, about the value of humility. I agree, he's on target here. The swelled heads of congressmen leads to hardened opinions and an unmerited sense of self-importance on both sides of the aisle.
Preserving the Lifeline
To the Editor: As a long-time resident of Fairfax County, I am concerned about congressional initiatives that would kick 1.7 million Americans off the Food Stamp Program (SNAP). The program has been a lifeline for millions of Virginians suffering the effects of the economic downturn.
Our Military Kids and Stop Solider Suicide Supported by Fundraiser at Trump National Golf Club
Our Military Kids and Stop Solider Suicide are being supported by the 4th Keller Williams Charity Golf Tournament in October. The tournament will be held Monday, Oct. 28, at Trump National Golf Club Washington in Potomac Falls, Va., with 36 holes on two courses and waterfront vistas of the Potomac River.
Stark Contrast in 34th District
I do not often write letters to the editor, but felt compelled to now. I have been active in this community for over 35 years as the Dranesville School Board member, Dranesville supervisor, chairman of the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, and many other business, school and philanthropic activities. I have known many people who worked hard to make this community better. I have personally known almost all of the people who have run for local and state office from our community over the last 30 years, no matter the party. The contrast in this year's election for delegate in the 34th District could not be more stark.
Homecoming at Langley
Langley students enjoyed a homecoming dinner at Westwood Country Club in Vienna Saturday, Oct. 12.
Shiloh Baptist Church 140th Anniversary Recognized by Board of Supervisors
Supervisor John Foust and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors honored Rev. Dr. Robert Cheeks, Jr. and members of the Shiloh Baptist Church of McLean on their 140th anniversary at the board's Tuesday, Oct. 8 meeting. Shiloh Baptist is one of the oldest African-American churches in Fairfax County. Its history dates back to Cyrus Carter, a prominent member of the Northern Virginia African-American community.
Halloween Schooling Show at Turner Farm
The Turner Farm in Great Falls hosted a Halloween Schooling Show last Sunday, Oct. 20, sponsored by Turner Farm Events.
Benefit for the Great Falls Optimist Youth Fund and Student Scholarship Award
The Great Falls Optimist Club held a Wild West Dance Fest hosted at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8241 in McLean, on 1051 Spring Hill Road. The event had a live band, "Bennie Potter and Western Electric" and barbecued ribs and chicken from Famous Dave’s on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 7 to 11 p.m. This was a ticketed event to raise funds for the Great Falls Optimist Youth Fund and Student Scholarship Award.
Week in Great Falls
Meet Great Falls Photographers Oct. 28
Great Falls Studios (GFS) invites the community to an evening with GFS Photographers, Monday, Oct. 28, 7 p.m. at the Great Falls Library, Large Meeting Room, 9830 Georgetown Pike,Great Falls.
St. Francis Welcomes Music Directors Jeanne and Larry Vote.
St. Francis Episcopal Church in Great Falls has welcomed Jeanne and Larry Vote as new directors of music for the church. Both Jeanne and Larry have extensive backgrounds in music, as performers, conductors, musical directors and educators.
Chipping in to End Domestic Violence
Great Falls Friends and Neighbors women participated in the Chipping in to End Domestic Violence charity golf tournament, hosted by Cooper Ginsberg Gray since the inaugural tee-off in 1999.