A Penny For Your Thoughts: November 9-15, 2023

Does anyone pay attention to the flashing yellow lights in school zones? By my recent observation, not many drivers slow down; in fact, when I tapped my brakes to slow to 25 mph on Gallows Road, two vehicles behind me moved into the next lane and kept going at regular speed, followed by others who ignored the flashing beacons. The City of Alexandria recently instituted a 15 mph limit in school zones; on Beauregard Street, I noted that most vehicles headed north slowed; the speed camera on the south side flashed repeatedly. Looks like some drivers will receive surprise notices in the mail soon. It shouldn’t be a surprise, though; the Beauregard route has clear warning signage and speed counters in several places.

The return to standard time this past weekend means that darkness will arrive earlier now. A trip home from work, or from after-school activities, may happen in dimmer light, requiring more careful attention to surroundings, whether as a driver or a pedestrian. Drivers should turn on their headlights (not the brights, please) and be aware of pedestrians and cyclists near their travel space. Pedestrians and cyclists should wear clothing that has something reflective, white, or light-color on it, so they can be seen by passing motorists. Pedestrians should walk facing traffic when walking on the shoulder of the road. It is everyone’s responsibility to keep themselves safe; in so doing, you help keep others safe, too. Last fall was deadly for Fairfax County pedestrians. Let’s not let that happen again!

Have you ever considered donating blood? According to INOVA Blood Donor Services, only 38 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood, but less than 10 percent actually do. More than 200 units of blood and blood components are required daily to support the diverse communities in Northern Virginia. There is no substitute for human blood; blood used for transfusions in hospitals only comes from generous volunteer blood donors. If you donate whole blood, you can donate up to six times per year. Donating a pint of blood takes only about an hour, the same time it might take for weekly grocery shopping, a trip to the dentist, quick charging an electric vehicle, or doing a few errands on your “to do” list. A recent INOVA blood donor Wrote “I hope I never need it, but if I ever do, someone donated for me to use. So I do the same.” Blood supplies in the area are low; donating blood is the most life-giving offer you can make. For more information, log onto inovablood.org/donate-blood/

Veterans Day is Saturday, November 11; the federal holiday will be observed on Friday, November 10, and county offices will be closed. My father and grandfather were World War II veterans, and my father also served in the Korean War. Neither spoke much about their wartime experiences, but their service was formative in their later lives. Northern Virginia is home to thousands of veterans and their families; some of them may be readers of the Falls Church News-Press. We all should thank a veteran (and especially their families who make sacrifices, too), fly the flag, and always appreciate that their service reflects the values of our nation and its democratic ideals.

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