Author: Potomac Local News

Successful military campaigns depend on a foundation of good, reliable intelligence. This has been true ever since the advent of organized armies. While many of the means by which reliable intelligence is created have changed, the underlying need that commanders have for such information has remained basically constant throughout history.

Two hundred and thirty years ago a concerted intelligence effort was about to reap the ultimate military reward right here in Virginia. The Continental Army and its French allies were just beginning their siege of the British Army encamped at Yorktown. They had marched from Rhode Island and New York, across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland. They traversed innumerable streams and rivers, the Potomac and Occoquan among them, on their way to their final rendezvous with Lord Cornwallis’ Red Coats.

Each fall, Sentara Potomac Hospital, in partnership with the Prince William Health District, offers free flu vaccines to persons 60 and over. Vaccines are given at places of worship and other community locations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that everyone 60 and older get a flu shot each fall.

Last year, especially with PTA, I learned that fundraising is a compulsory part of public education. So, when I decided to home school our kids this year I thought my life would be blissfully devoid of hawking $100 a roll wrapping paper to friends and family.

But then I woke up and realized that as part of a “well-rounded,” “well-educated” child, we’d have to “sell, sell, sell!” for every activity we’re in. With three kids, that means we’re selling things for scouts, sports, dance, and even church fundraisers.