$1M Grant to Grow OAR Diversion Program
The U.S. Department of Justice awarded a $1 million grant to the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney to grow the OAR Diversion Program. The OAR Diversion Program was created in 2022 in partnership with OAR of Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church (OAR) through the Vera Institute for Justice’s Motion for Justice Program (MFJ).
Arlington Program Focuses on Fathers
Silbert Harrison Grant is passionate about fathers. “When you help the father, you are also helping the mother and the kids — the whole family, and that helps the community.” Grant is Coordinator of Fatherhood Enhancement with Child and Family Services for the Arlington County Department of Human Services (DHS).
Former Fairfax County Deputy Sentenced to Over Six Years in Prison
Provided contraband and info to inmates; drugs for cash.
The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office announced on Sept. 19 that former deputy Robert T. Sanford Jr., 37, received a 78-month prison sentence for smuggling drugs and contraband into the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.
Solving the Vehicle-Wildlife Collision Problem
A well-designed over or underpass for wildlife can reduce animal-vehicle collisions by up to 90 percent.
There are over one million vehicle-wildlife collisions in the United States every year, costing over $8 billion and tens of thousands of human injuries, GMU biology professor Dr. David Luther told Green Breakfast attendees in an online Sept. 14 talk titled “Zooming through Nature: the Wildlife Costs of Modern Transportation.”
Green Valley Day: Behind the Scenes
With 1,000 attendees, the details matter.
With 1,000 attendees, the details matter.
The Legacy of Race-based Covenants
3 practices that created housing inequity: racial covenants; zoning; and limited access to mortgages based on race.
Some real estate developers and others selling property in Northern Virginia from 1900 through the 1960s used race-based, restrictive covenants to maintain segregation, and Virginia’s state and local governments were enablers at times, Dr. Krystyn Moon, University of Mary Washington history professor told a packed room of 120 on August 27 at the Sherwood Regional Library.
Prison Reform Takes Long, Tortuous Path
Del. Hope advocates for more humane conditions for incarcerated people.
Del. Patrick Hope (D-47) spearheaded legislation this session that creates a state ombudsman over the Department of Corrections.
Shepherd’s Center Seeks Volunteer Drivers
Shepherd’s Center of McLean-Arlington-Falls Church (SCMAFC), an all-volunteer organization, is seeking additional volunteers to support its mission of providing free transportation to seniors for medical and dental appointments or run errands to grocery stores and pharmacies.
Familiar Face on the Mount Vernon Trail is Moving On Up
GW Parkway Superintendent Charles Cuvelier got a well-deserved promotion.
GW Parkway Superintendent Charles Cuvelier got a well deserved promotion.
Providing Students Opportunities To Register To Vote
FCPS students advocate for the national High School Voter Empowerment Act.
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) highlighted their July 31, 2024, TeacherDirect Bulletin with a reminder of the April 2, 2020, Code of Virginia amendment that added the provision, § 22.1-203.4 Public high schools; mandating that students have access to voter registration.
Reeves Farmhouse to Habitat for Humanity
The Arlington County Board approved an agreement to convey the Reeves Farmhouse to Habitat for Humanity of Washington, DC, and Northern Virginia (Habitat DC-NOVA), concluding a decades-long process.
Neighbors Across Arlington Enjoy National Night Out
Neighbors in communities across Arlington closed their doors and ventured out to celebrate National Night Out on Aug. 6. This nationwide event is held the first Tuesday in August to help people get to know their neighbors and to foster good community relations with the police and other emergency responders.

