Virginia's Great Outdoors Act
As we hurdle towards crossover day in just two short weeks here in Richmond, I’d like to bring you along on the journey of one of my bills this session. As I have mentioned in previous columns, one bill I introduced this session is the Virginia’s Great Outdoors Act, HB 1297.
Combating Animal Cruelty
During the summer and fall, I heard from constituents who believe that there should be stiffer penalties for those who hurt household pets. We have seen examples of this in our community. Last summer, someone left sausages with fish hooks on Duke Street in Alexandria outside for animals to eat.
Pathway Homes Receives $30K Grant to Support Upkeep on 500+ Homes
Homes and services are key to recovery and resident successPathway Homes received a $30,000 grant from Sentara, one of the nation’s top 20 largest not-for-profit integrated health systems, to help support ongoing maintenance for the over 500 properties that Pathway owns, leases and manages in Northern Virginia.
New President, New Ideas Coming to FABB
Bicycling group continues to grow with biking efforts in Fairfax County.
Over at the Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling, 2024 will start out with a new president, as former president Bruce Wright steps down and newly elected Joy Faunce takes over.
VA Legislators Aim for Assault Weapon Bans
Will new seats mean new votes?
Virginia came close to banning sales of assault weapons in 2020 when the House passed a bill banning them by a narrow 51-yes to 48-no vote. In the Senate Judiciary committee that year however, three Democrats: Senators Creigh Deeds, Chap Petersen, and Scott Surovell, surprised many by voting with Republican committee members to fail to move the bill forward in the Senate.
Herndon Seeks Business Owner to Serve on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee
The Town of Herndon is seeking an energetic, results-oriented business owner to serve an unexpired term on the Herndon Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (HDEIC)
Police Continue Search for Hit & Run Driver
Victim Mary Wong dies more than a month after she was left injured on road.
The victim of the hit-and-run crash on Huntsman Boulevard has succumbed to injuries inflicted on Dec. 23 (see Connection, January 18-24, page 2).
Pedestrian Dies after Hit and Run in December
Police Briefs
Biden, Harris Visit Northern Virginia
Second stop of Vice President Kamala Harris’s Reproductive Freedom Tour
President and VP
MVHS To Perform ‘Tales of Anansi’
The perfect show to help kick off celebration of African-American History Month.
The theater students at Mount Vernon High School will put on the world premiere of the play “Tales of Anansi,” written by Prentiss Matthews III. This children’s play, inspired by African folk tales, follows a tiny spider from Africa who is sneaky and causes mischief, but also has important lessons about friendship and honesty.
Preserve Access to Telehealth for Seniors with Medicare
Current flexibilities will end on Dec. 31 unless the Biden administration and Congress take action.
Senior Living
Arrests Lead to Seizure of Firearms and Methamphetamine
Detectives from our Major Crimes Bureau have charged two suspects in connection to a December robbery in Vienna that led to the seizure of 13 firearms and four pounds of methamphetamine.
Snow Days!
Two snow storms last week each gifted Montgomery County with about 4 inches of snow, and closed school for three days, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
Children's Almanac — Hoover Middle, Mrs. Bryant's Grade 6
Students in Mrs. Bryant’s Grade 6 English class, Hoover Middle School
Children's Almanac — Hoover Middle, Mrs. Bryant's Grade 6
Officer of the Quarter: PFC Jackson Russell
PFC Jackson Russell is the Sully District Police Station’s Officer of the Quarter for October, November and December 2023. He was honored at the Jan. 10 meeting of the station’s Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC).
Circuit Breakers
Titan Robotics begins 10th season.
“We have to design, manufacture, program and test the robot all from scratch on our own.” — Titan Robotics team president Charlie Sokolove
Debra Roepke Appointed Executive Director of Alexandria Seaport Foundation
The Alexandria Seaport Foundation Board of Directors has Debra Roepke as Executive Director. A distinguished nonprofit leader and recognized expert in volunteer engagement and management, Roepke will spearhead a transformative journey for the Foundation, leading initiatives to expand the Foundation’s capacity, enhancing the skills-based Apprentice Program, and aligning efforts with the evolving needs and aspirations of the young adults the foundation serves.
Learning about Police Animal Protection Unit
Officers deal with everything from dogs to bats to snakes.
The Fairfax County Police Department’s Animal Protection Unit has some 30 officers, and Sgt. D.L. Cook, a field supervisor with that unit, recently spoke about its responsibilities.