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.
Museum Exhibit Highlights Life of Union Soldier
Artifacts from the Civil War.
The Arlington Historical Museum currently has on display an exhibit about a Union soldier from Massachusetts that was stationed in present-day Arlington County during the Civil War. The exhibit showcases items that belonged to John W. Bates of the 23rd Massachusetts Volunteers, who enlisted in August 1864. The items, which include a cannonball and bullets, were donated by Fairfax County resident M. Wesley Clark, the great-great-great grandson of Bates.
Arlington Orange Line
Ongoing Theatre Performance. Through Saturday, Aug. 17 at American Century Theater, 2700 South Lang Street. “I Do! I Do!” is a story chronicling 50 years of marriage. $17-$40. Call 703-998-4555 or visit www.culturecapital.com. Week-long Summer Classes. Through Friday, Aug. 23, children can take art classes from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 1:30-4 p.m. at Arlington Arts Center, 3550 Wilson Blvd. Visit www.arlingtonartscenter.org for a list of classes and to register. Call 703-248-6800. Classes for Adults. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays, through Aug. 29. 7-9:30 p.m. Arlington Arts Center is located at 3550 Wilson Blvd. Visit www.arlingtonartscenter.org or call 703-248-6800.
Real Estate Notes
Archstone veteran and Alexandria native Rebecca E. Snyder has joined Arlington-based developer Insight Property Group as development manager.
Business Notes
Inova has opened new Urgent and Primary Care offices at 1005 North Glebe Road, in Arlington. The Urgent Care center is open 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday-Friday, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays for minor illness and injury. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointment requests can be made online. The center will also offer on-site x-ray. Inova Medical Group's Primary Care practice provides personalized preventative care from a board-certified internal medicine physician. This practice offers same day appointments as well as online appointment requests. The center also offers orthopedics and sports medicine, behavioral health and OB/GYN services in the future. Visit www.inova.org/ballston.
Opinion: Issues That Matter
Mental health services discussion gives insight into real differences between candidates.
It came as somewhat of a relief to have the candidates for governor in Virginia, Ken Cuccinelli (R) and Terry McAuliffe (D), discuss an actual issue that matters to many Virginia families this week at a forum on mental health issues.
Wakefield Graduate Moore to Play for Virginia Wesleyan
Moore helped Wakefield win the 2012-13 National District title.
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?
Editorial: Protect Children, Animals in Hot Summer Weather
In light of recent incidents around the region, Fairfax County is reminding people of dangers involving children and hot cars. The combination of summer heat and humidity can mean life-threatening conditions for children left in vehicles or other unsuitable environments, even for short time periods. Here’s advice from the Kids and Cars organization:
What Is ‘Dillon's Rule?’
Authority rests with the state.
Every so often, an issue will break out between one of the more liberal local governments in Northern Virginia and the state government in Richmond. The locals say: "We know what is best for our residents." Richmond says "As a local unit of government, you have not been given the authority to act in the way you wish."
Editorial: Identity Tips
Review Credit Reports and Avoid Ripoffs
Fairfax County police offer the following tips regarding identity theft and fraud: * Review credit reports annually; Experian: Fraud/credit history, 888-397-3742; Trans Union: Fraud, 800-680-7289; Credit history, 800-888-4213; Equifax: Fraud, 800-525-6285; Credit report, 800-685-1111. Go to www.annualcreditreport.com. * Opt out of receiving pre-approved, credit-card applications by calling 888-567-8688. * Monitor credit cards and bank accounts online for early fraud detection. * Don’t mail bills from home; use electronic banking, if possible. * Victims of identity theft should get a police report and secure a seven-year fraud alert or a credit freeze. * People 70 and older should contact the credit bureaus and obtain a credit freeze, even if they’re not currently identity-theft victims. * Never wire money to strangers online; these requests are scams.
What Is ‘Dillon's Rule?’
Authority rests with the state.
Every so often, an issue will break out between one of the more liberal local governments in Northern Virginia and the state government in Richmond. The locals say: "We know what is best for our residents." Richmond says "As a local unit of government, you have not been given the authority to act in the way you wish."
Old-Timey Music
Arlington and Falls Church residents comprise New Old-Time String Band.
In the workaday world, Andrew Acosta has been a painting contractor for 30 years. During off times, he "paints" stories using traditional music, most often as leader of the New Old-Time String Band.
“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?