Entries by vaobserver

The Eyes And Voice of the Shenandoah River

Riverkeeper Mark Frondorf works for a cleaner river for everyone to enjoy By David Lillard A lot of people know their special spot along the Shenandoah River, whether they paddle it, farm it, or own it. Few people — maybe no one — knows the entire river and both its forks as well Mark Frondorf. […]

Is Mediation Better For Your Heart? Evidence Says Yes

Law Matters By Brenda Waugh February marks American Heart Month, a dedicated time to prioritize cardiovascular health. Amidst the advice on diet changes and exercise, the role of how legal conflicts impact our heart health might be overlooked. As a lawyer/mediator, I’ve observed that legal proceedings may be harmful to our health!  They increase our […]

Awareness, Prevention and Resource Fair Shows Community Help Is Available

By Rebecca Maynard If you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction or mental illness, help is available. On January 10, Clarke County Public Schools, in conjunction with the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office and the Northwestern Community Services Board, held an awareness, prevention, and resource fair at the school to let the community […]

Walk With Watts In Winchester To Help The Homeless

Want to go for a walk? The Winchester Area Temporary Transitional Shelter (WATTS) is encouraging Winchester, Frederick County, and Clarke County residents to once again team up, fundraise, and walk in the ‘Coldest Night of the Year’ (CNOY). This family-friendly, “winterrific” fundraising walk will take place on the evening of Saturday, February 24. The money […]

Northern Virginia Becoming A Data Driven Landscape

Over the past several months, I’ve logged a lot miles from the Eastern Shore to the mountains in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. I like to pick up the local monthlies, weeklies, and, where they still exist, the dailies. In nearly every county I visit, there is one issue causing great alarm, concern, and […]

Dry January Offers Seasonal Reset

By David Lillard I first did a dry January several years ago when some friends were doing it. I received most of the promised benefits, plus some added insights. One is that alcohol features prominently in a lot of social settings. Duh. Hadn’t really noticed it before, but it’s everywhere. It must be a drudge […]