To the Editor: Using iPhones, iPods During School Lunch
To the Editor: As part of a Scouting merit badge requirement to write to a local newspaper, I am writing to express my opinion about whether or not electronic devices should be allowed during lunch and other free times between classes at my school, Lake Braddock Secondary School.
Much Remains to Be Done
Commentary
I grew up in my early years in a racially segregated Virginia. The State Constitution had a provision stating, “Mixed schools prohibited. White and colored children shall not be taught in the same school.”
Tom Wilkins— A Reston Special
Not long after I retired from the Foreign Service in 1994, I volunteered for the Democratic Party and found myself working the polls at Dogwood Elementary School on Election Day. That is where I met Dr. Thomas A. Wilkins.
Letter: Let’s Be Open-Minded
To the Editor: It is disappointing and concerning to see some residents of this City, much less our Parks and Recreation Commission (“PRC”), so quickly leap to criticize the sports complex proposed by the St. James Group (“SJG”).
Patches Chases the Ball
Our dog Patches is a member of the Delahunty family of Fairfax which includes mom Celeste, dad Steve, and siblings Celia, Ethan and Liam. Patches loves tennis balls and playing fetch.
Letter to the Editor: Best Use of Hensley Park?
If you care about kids in Alexandra, listen up. The City Council is about to issue a request for proposals (RFP) to a private developer to lease for 40 years 14 acres of Alexandria playing fields at Hensley Park on Eisenhower Avenue. Developers would build an elite sports club there that, according to their own model, could cost the typical Alexandria family of four $4,900 to join and $4,200 a year thereafter just to belong.
Letter to the Editor: Promote Healthy Eating, Not Supplements
I echo Del. Scott Surovell’s call for Governor McDonnell’s resignation in his July 13 Dixie Pig blog http://scottsurovell.blogspot.com/2013/07/its-time-to-move-on-governor-mcdonnell.html#more. However, I come to my conclusion from the perspective as a dietitian and diabetes educator. I practice my trade using research-based evidence and recommend that people eat healthy to manage and prevent disease by choosing and preparing real foods, not by taking supplements.
Letter to the Editor: Complete Easy Solutions
What in the world are our elected representatives doing talking about another $1M study to figure out what to do about Route 1 traffic between the Beltway and Fort Belvoir? During the past 20 years, Senator Puller has sponsored at least two $1M studies about what to do to improve the traffice on Route 1. So far more than $4 million has been spent on studies. There are immediate, much less costly solutions that this money could be used for.
Commentary: Consider Fair Trade Shopping
When we go shopping for tea, chocolate, clothes, or even sports equipment, most of us never pause to consider the conditions under which those products were made.
To the Editor: 86th Omitted
I was pleased to see all the various Virginia candidates that you listed in an article in your last edition (“Virginia Voters Get More Choices in 2013,” July 17-23). Virginia voters certainly have many choices this coming November.
Commentary: Stemming Gun Violence
While President Obama in his statement about the Trayvon Martin case reminded us, “we are a nation of laws, and a jury has spoken,” he went on to say that “we should ask ourselves if we’re doing all we can to stem the tide of gun violence that claims too many lives across this country on a daily basis.”
To the Editor: Facts About Rec Center
The misinformation spilling out concerning a proposed recreation center for Reston is shielding the light that could be shining on the subject. No wonder that confusion is prevalent. I hope that presenting some factual information will help clear up the atmosphere and lead to a reasoned conclusion.
To the Editor: Benefits of an Extra Year in Preschool
The recent move to all-day kindergarten in Fairfax County prompted me to write to encourage parents in our community to consider a pre-kindergarten programs for children who might benefit from an additional year in preschool. If a child is not quite ready for the requirements of a very challenging all-day kindergarten program, then an additional year to develop further and strengthen needed skills might be advisable.
To the Editor: Investigation Not Complete
On July 13, Del. Scott Surovell (D-44th District) posted his views on his blog regarding recent allegations concerning Governor Robert McDonnell. Delegate Surovell called upon the Governor to resign at this time and opined that he didn't want anyone to interpret his previous silence as acquiescence to alleged actions on the part of the Governor. In so doing, he quoted state Sen. Chap Petersen although not revealing that Senator Petersen is his law partner.