Says Mediation in Water Fight Will Save $

Editor,

Neither the City of Falls Church nor Fairfax County is able to fund their schools adequately because of the economic slowdown.

As a former school board member, I find that regrettable, if unavoidable. What is also regrettable, but avoidable, is the City and County hiring lawyers and preparing for a court battle over a disagreement on their water systems. These two jurisdictions work cooperatively on numerous other matters as next-door neighbors should, and yet, at a time of budget shortages, they are lawyering-up to do battle. They should be talking with the help of an experienced mediator who could help them resolve this dispute. I make that suggestion based on my 45 years as mediator. I am not a candidate to mediate this matter since I can’t be neutral or impartial as a city resident.

There are many experienced mediators in this area that could help. Nearby, George Mason’s Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution is a premier source of world-class dispute resolvers.

Jerry Barrett

Falls Church

‘Relay for Life’ Organizers Say ‘Thank You, F.C.’

Editor,

We would like to thank the Falls Church community for its outstanding support of this year’s Relay For Life event held May 30 & 31 at George Mason High School track. Our small community produced HUGE results.

The event planning committee spent countless hours hammering out details, ensuring this year’s event was even more spectacular than last year. 853 Students, staff and community members formed 78 teams and raised over $165,000 (& still counting!).  The local business community opened its doors to various fundraisers as well as donations to the event itself.  Special thanks to Vantage Fitness, Clare and Don’s Beach Shack, El Tio, On The Border and The Original Pancake House for hosting fundraisers. Argia’s, Natalia’s, Sweet Endings, Dogfish Head, Z Pizza, Olive Garden, MetLife, ReMax, Red, White & Bleu and American Nail Salon generously donated prizes and giveaways.

Beyond the community support we really want to applaud the survivors who were able to join us this year.  The Parade of Purple at 6 pm that night will not soon be forgotten. You have fought hard to be with us and we are here for you.  All of you make the event what it is, a celebration of life with and after cancer.

Let’s keep fighting together to end this disease!  Join us next year either on a team or on a committee, to make each year better than the last.

Thank you all!

Katie Clinton & Terry Rollo

Falls Church Relay For Life 2009

Event Co-Chairs