STAFFORD — The technology that supports the region’s 911 system is more than 50 years old.
It’s based on copper wire technology, the stuff that for years — just as the telegraph of the 19th century did — has carried telephone calls across wires to old landline phones.
In our last article, we talked about four activities you can enjoy with the senior in your life to increase quality of life. We started off with conversation, sketching, reciting and singing. Here are four more ideas to try.
Stretching – If you have been caring for a senior for a while, chances are you know a little about their physical strengths and challenges. Put this knowledge to good use. Lead a little stretching session. You might be able to do whole body stretches (reach high up over the head, point palms to ceiling and gently wiggle the fingers) or focus on a particular body part, like the foot. Point the toes, flex the ankle, whatever feels good. Be sure to go slowly and ask your senior how each movement feels. The point is to loosen the muscles and to engage in conversation about sensations. Note, it is recommended you ask a physical therapist or doctor what kind of movements they would recommend before you engage in this activity.
From the Prince William police report:
Assault & Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer [LEO] – On March 1 at 12:40AM, an officer conducted a vehicle stop in the area of Lee Highway and the Fairfax County line. When the officer made contact with the driver of the vehicle, he determined the driver was intoxicated. Following the investigation, he was arrested. While being processed at the Adult Detention Center, the accused spit on and struck the officer in the face. The accused was eventually detained without further incident and admitted to the Adult Detention Center. No injuries were reported.
RICHMOND – The Senate joined the House Tuesday in unanimously approving a bill that requires Virginia jails and prisons to provide inmates with free feminine hygiene products such as pads and tampons.
If Gov. Ralph Northam signs it, House Bill 83 would take effect in July.
From police:
Threats on School Grounds – On February 26 at 11:00AM, a School Resource Officer received information of a potential threat of violence against a Prince William County Public School teacher at Patriot High School located at 10504 Kettle Run Rd in Nokesville (20181). The investigation revealed that two students, a 14-year-old male and a 16-year-old male, communicated over the social media app “Snapchat” suggesting violence against a specific teacher at the school. The students also posted a picture of a suspected firearm that was later determined to be a BB gun. The officer subsequently located both students and quickly determined that the threat was not credible. Following the investigation, the officer obtained petitions for both students who were served and released back to the custody of a family member.
On March 24, Prince William County and the City of Manassas will host their annual History Symposium at the Old Manassas Courthouse.
This year’s theme is “Growing Roots” and topics will cover the diverse 300-year history of Prince William County and Manassas.
Stafford Hospital is excited to announce it is celebrating its ninth birthday on Tuesday, February 27.
Since its grand opening, Stafford Hospital has been committed to providing quality healthcare and services to our patients. In nine years, we have delivered over 6,000 babies and cared for over 290,000 people in our Emergency Department as well as 50,000 inpatients.
A public service announcement from the Prince William police:
Chief Barry Barnard of the Prince William County Police Department will host a “Conversation with the Chief” on Thursday, March 8, 2018 at Potomac View Elementary School located at 14601 Lamar Road in Woodbridge beginning at 7:00PM. We would like to extend an invitation to those who live in the community and the surrounding area to come out, meet the Chief, and engage in conversation. Chief Barnard will personally answer questions and discuss any topics of concern from residents. This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to get to know their Police Department and ask questions directly to the Chief and other police staff. Members from the Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit and recruiters will also be on hand to answer questions and provide useful information regarding safety tips, neighborhood watches, and recruitment. The Chief plans to hold additional community engagement conversations at other locations across Prince William County this year. We look forward to seeing you and having a productive discussion.
If you are a caregiver, this might sound familiar. You want to do meaningful activities with the senior in your life, but things get in the way. You get tired, or you don’t know if the senior in your care will like your suggestions. But seniors, like anyone else, sometimes need ideas or encouragement to take part in activities. The key is to get to know your senior and then simplify the process. You can opt for short activities that are meaningful but also support your senior’s cognitive and physical health. Here are some options for 15-minute activities designed to enhance quality of life.
Singing – Not only does song sooth the soul, it’s a great way to exercise the vocal cords, bring back memories of a different time, practice word recall and create a bond. Even if you don’t know all the words, hum along. Or ask the senior in your life to teach you the song. Out of tune? No worries. This is not a concert. It’s fifteen minutes of fun.
