Entries by vaobserver

A Small Piece Of Lead

Story and image by Doug Pifer A young bald eagle, grounded and unable to stand up, was brought to Blue Ridge Wildlife Center in Boyce for treatment. Lab tests revealed high levels of lead in the bird’s blood, and unfortunately, this eagle did not survive.  Blue Ridge Wildlife Center treats many eagles each year. Most […]

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 […]

As Data Centers Continue Spreading Across Virginia, State Lawmakers Propose New Development Rules

Dozens of bills have been introduced by members of both parties by Charlie Paullin As data centers continue to proliferate across Virginia, the General Assembly this winter is poised to take up a host of bills intended to address their impacts, including increased electricity costs and environmental pressures.  Virginia is home to the greatest concentration of […]

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 […]