Comics

PAGE 16 | JANUARY 13 - 19, 2022

COMMENT

A Penny for Your Thoughts

News of Greater Falls Church

By Supervisor Penny Gross

Last week’s heavy snowfall, and the havoc it created for drivers on I-95 in Virginia, proved, once again, that Mother Nature is in charge. It also proved that the many weather advisories, from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and local emergency agencies about how to prepare for snow emergencies, were serious, and timely. Unfortunately, too many drivers were not prepared for the day-and-night-long traffic jam that stranded thousands of vehicles for nearly 50 miles in freezing temperatures and ice-filled highways.

During normal times, the drive from Northern Virginia to Richmond can be accomplished in slightly less than two hours, depending on traffic volume. Regular users of the roadway know exactly where the service stations, welcome centers, and convenience stores are located and, in normal times, it’s an easy on-and-off-theroadway stop to refuel body and vehicle in an otherwise uneventful trip. I’ve made that trek many times non-stop, with a full tank of gas and a tall diet soda on ice in the cupholder; gladly, not last week.

When a two or three-hour trip morphs into a five or six-hour trip, or 27 hours as Virginia Senator Tim Kaine experienced, that pre-planned emergency kit in the back seat or trunk looks mighty good. One of the first preparatory steps recommended by the Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is an emergency kit for home, office, and vehicle. OEM’s Community Emergency Response Guide (copies available at your local Supervisor’s office or online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergencymanagement/cerg) reminds residents that, depending on the size and complexity of the event, first responders may not be available immediately, so you should have supplies on hand for a minimum of three days (72 hours). At home or in the office, the kit should include non-perishable food, water (one gallon per person per day), first-aid supplies, a change of clothes, personal care supplies, walking shoes, flashlights, local maps, a wrench or pliers for turning off utilities, and a whistle. Essential car kit components include non-perishable food (and something to open it with – a can opener, for instance), water, needed medical supplies, especially prescriptions, a flashlight (with fresh batteries), and a blanket. Don’t forget to plan for your pet’s needs, too.

Many of the stranded drivers who were interviewed mentioned the lack of water, food, and blankets in their vehicles. Any old blanket rolled up and stashed in the car will do; it doesn’t have to be pretty, just provide warmth. This also is one time that bottled water will be fine; just remember to recycle the empties correctly. Tissues, a roll of toilet paper, or paper towels, along with an empty, lidded container might not come to mind immediately, but might make a big difference for your comfort if you are stuck on the highway, with no rest area, for an unexpectedly long time.

Lastly, have an inexpensive device charger stashed in your glove box; a full tank of gas, and fully charge your devices before starting out. Don’t forget to fill the windshield wiper fluid container, too. There may not be another storm of such consequence this winter, but a little time spent preparing an emergency kit may make your life, and your trip, a bit less frustrating as we ease into 2022.

 Penny Gross is the Mason District Supervisor, in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She may be emailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.

City of Falls Church CRIME REPORT

Week of Jan. 3 — 9, 2022

Driving Under the Influence, N Washington St, Jan 6, 1:58 PM, a white male, 38, of no fixed address, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence, Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer and Destruction of Property.

Armed Robbery, W Broad St, Jan 7, 12:45 PM, a business was robbed at gunpoint and items of value were taken. There were no injuries. The two suspects described as: a black male in his 20`s, wearing a black mask, and a red puffy jacket; a black male in his 30`s, wearing a grey sweatshirt, black pants, and a black mask.

Destruction of Property, N Virginia Ave, between 6 PM, Jan 7 and 7:15 PM, Jan 8, a vehicle’s driver side window was egged.

Larceny, Wilson Blvd, Jan 9, 3:10 PM, items of value were taken from an unattended purse. Suspects described as: an Asian male, 5’6”, thin build, approximately 30 YOA, wearing a black shirt and with a high and tight haircut; an Asian female, 5’3”, thin build, approximately 30 YOA and wearing a black shirt. FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Delegate Kaye Korys

Richmond Report

On Wednesday I willI take my oath of office in the Capitol Building, and the 2022 General Assembly Session will formally begin. This session is fraught with uncertainty: uncertainty about the politics at play and uncertainty about the health of the members of the General Assembly and the health of all Virginians.

While our Governor-Elect has announced his opposition to masks and vaccinations, supported by the new Republican House of Delegates majority, I am firmly committed to Richmond office procedures which will protect not only myself and my staff, but all visitors to the Pocahontas Building. Visitors to my office will be required to wear masks (we will provide one if you do not arrive masked). Please call (804) 698-1038 or email DelKKory@house.virginia. gov to schedule an appointment to visit in-person or for a virtual meeting. I urge all visitors to be vaccinated.

I will fight fiercely to protect the progress we have made in the past two years — progress based upon our shared values. The Governor-Elect has joined the new Republican majority in calling for immediate measures to undo that progress: in voting rights, women’s civil rights, gun violence prevention, protections against discrimination for all minorities, animal welfare, educational equity and major steps in iincreasing transparency. I will be working hard to defend our accomplishments and represent the values of my constituents.

I have begun to file legislation on a variety of topics. Many bill subjects were suggested and/or lobbied for by constituents and advocacy groups with which I have worked closely over the years. While my bills range wide in issue areas, the theme of each is the same--solving problems and increasing equity, honesty and transparency in government. My legislative agenda emphasizes our fight against climate change and expanding energy efficiency in building construction and minimizing energy loss in retrofitting. I am taking a stand against fossil fuel investment by the government to protect our already-fouled environment and to decrease the use of fossil fuels by making walking and biking safer alternatives to driving. I am fighting to stop cruelty to animals and to prevent cruelty to humans. I am fighting for access to government by all Virginians. As the former Chair of the Disability Commission, I am sponsoring several bills which will bring our Commonwealth closer to offering “A Life Like Yours” to disabled Virginians. Although I am now the former Chair of the Cities, Counties and Towns Committee, I am still working on strengthening local government to safeguard the positive strides made over the past two years, all the while increasing its accessibility both in-person and virtually.

Finding common ground so as to work effectively across the aisle will be foremost in my actions during this session. But bipartisanship will never be sacrificed for expediency. We are in new territory here in Virginia in 2022. Our challenges will be many. However I am confident that with the support of strong citizen advocates and like-minded legislators that we will make progress. Stay with us— don’t let up the scrutiny of the Democrats and Republicans elected to improve our Commonwealth— and make sure that we do our jobs!

 Delegate Kory represents the 38th District in the Virginia House of Delegates. She may be emailed at DelKKory@house. virginia.gov.