Parenting Workshop
<bt>On Wednesday, Nov. 1, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., the Safe Community Coalition will host "The Good Enough Parent: How to Have an Imperfect Family and Be Perfectly Satisfied," a program featuring renowned psychologist Dr. Brad Sachs. Sachs will discuss the challenges of parenting. The event will be held at Temple Rodef Shalom Social Hall at 2100 Westmoreland Street in Falls Church. Tickets are $5 in advance or at the door. To pre-register, or for more information, visit www.safecommunitycoalition.net/events.html.
<sh>Be Alert For Deer
<bt>The Fairfax County Police Department advises citizens to be extra vigilant for deer while driving during October, November and December. To avoid a dangerous and often costly collision with deer this fall, police offer the following driving tips: Always wear a seat belt to reduce the possibility of injury in case of a collision; be alert for deer and drive cautiously — especially near a deer crossing sign; be especially attentive at dusk and dawn during deer breeding season from mid-October to January (peak deer movement in the fall coincides with the time change back to standard time, which subsequently shifts rush hour into darkness hindering a driver's ability to see deer); when spotting a deer near the roadway, slow down and be ready for the animal to dart into the road. Honk a horn to try to scare the deer away. Deer often travel in groups, so if there's one deer near the roadway, be cautious for others; when seeing a deer on a roadway, flash headlights from bright to dim and honk the horn to encourage it to move away from the road. Drive with lights on during overcast days and use high beams at night whenever possible (though headlights can confuse deer, the reflecting light from their eyes will help the driver to see them); warn following drivers of the presence of deer by tapping on the brakes; if a deer runs into the roadway, try to slow down or brake without swerving. Losing control of a car and crashing into another car or a stationary object can be more dangerous than hitting the deer; if one cannot avoid hitting a deer, slow down and grasp the steering wheel firmly with both hands. Take one's foot off the brake at the time of impact so the front end of the vehicle will lift up and enable the deer to go under the car, rather than over it (reducing the danger of it crashing through the windshield or windows). If the animal is injured or killed, report the collision through the non-emergency line at 703-691-2131. In 2005 there were 151 reportable crashes between vehicles and deer in Fairfax County with 13 resulting in injuries to people (including one fatality). However, the actual number of collisions is likely between 3,000 and 5,000. If motorists remain alert and slow down to allow more reaction time, it is possible that some of these crashes could be avoided or result in less damage.
<sh>S.A.F.E. Course at South Lakes High School
<bt>The Fairfax County Police Department will be hosting a Sexual Assault Free and Empowered (S.A.F.E.) class at South Lakes High School, located at 11400 South Lakes Drive in Reston. S.A.F.E is dedicated to empowering women with knowledge to reduce the occurrence of sexual assault crimes. The program provides effective options by teaching women to take an active role in their self defense and psychological well being. S.A.F.E. is a comprehensive course that begins with classroom instruction in risk awareness, risk reduction, crime prevention strategies and defensive concepts followed by hands-on training in physical defense techniques. S.A.F.E. classes consist of four days of training, and students receive a certificate of completion on the last night. The course will run on Oct. 30, Nov. 1, 6 and 8, from 6:15 to 9:30 p.m. To register, call 703-246-7806.
<sh>Stray Cat Tests Positive for Rabies
<bt>On Thursday, Oct. 12 at around 8 a.m., a Fairfax County Animal Control officer was called to the 1200 block of Aldebaran Drive in the McLean area in response to a cat that appeared sick. According to police, the cat had an eye injury and appeared to have difficulty walking. The officer took the cat to a local vet clinic. While there, the cat bit an employee, and a decision was made to euthanize the cat. The cat’s remains were taken to the Fairfax County Health Department where it tested positive for rabies.
Since the cat was found near The Potomac School, the Animal Services Division made appropriate notifications to staff and to residents in the area. An employee of the school reported back that a second victim, a second grader, had possibly been bitten by the same cat. The family was requested to contact the health department and the Animal Control officer will be following up with the family. For more information about rabies in general and rabies statistics in Fairfax County, call the Fairfax County rabies hotline at 703-324-2483.