The Fairfax County Office of Elections needs approximately 2,200 election officers—particularly bilingual ones—for the Nov. 5 general election, and it’s seeking the public’s help. Election officers must be registered voters in Virginia and must complete required training and forms.
Applicants may choose to accept the $175 payment for a full day’s work or volunteer their time. For the application form, go to http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/training/1aaug2013electionofficerappfinal.pdf.
Residents may also apply online through the Virginia State Board of Elections at http://www.sbe.virginia.gov/OnlineForms/OfficerofElection. Information submitted will be forwarded to the Fairfax County Office of Elections.
Woodson High Continues Milk and Cookies Program
Woodson High School’s Milk and Cookies program returns for the 2013-14 school year, which began Wednesday, Sept. 18. All Woodson students and staff members receive a free cookie and a carton of milk (plain or chocolate) after school.
The program is a result of a message from Principal Jeff Yost in which he referred to Robert Fulghum’s classic book, “All I Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.” Yost reminded the school community of the simple lessons one learns in kindergarten, including “Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.” His message inspired families and staff members to start the Milk and Cookies program.
The program runs once a month; cookies are donated by Woodson families and staff members.
Police Concerned about ‘Molly’/Ecstasy Use
Fairfax County Police Organized Crime and Narcotics Unit (OCN) detectives have seen approximately 168 cases involving MDMA—also known as ecstasy or “Molly”—an average of eight per month between January 2012 and August 2013.
MDMA is a semi-synthetic, chemical compound that has been increasing in popularity across the nation, especially among high school and college-aged students. While it is most often seen in pill form, it also comes in powder and capsules.
This drug “Molly” can be a mixture of caffeine and speed and other stimulants; it’s known as a recreational psychoactive. And between January 2012 and August 2013, the OCN Unit seized some 16.67 pounds of MDMA and more than 3,000 pills.
Police remind residents that parents are still the strongest influencers in their children’s lives. They urge parents to help make their children, of all ages, safer by having a discussion about illegal drugs.
The Unified Prevention Coalition and the Partnership for a Drug-Free America suggest that parents “Make time to talk with children; explain the risks of these drugs. Learn the signs of drug use and how to intervene. Go to www.drugfree.org/. Educate family members on the harmful effects of drugs; make it clear you don’t approve of drug use. Be vigilant and don’t panic; help is available. Secure prescription drugs in the home. Get involved; learn more at http://unifiedpreventioncoalition.org/.”