WOODBRIDGE, Va. — Leaders at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center in Woodbridge are unclear on how to react to the landmark decision today to uphold President Barack Obama’s healthcare reform law.
The healthcare organization that purchased Woodbridge’s Potomac Hospital in 2009 and changed its name to Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center in April, says advances in technology and their sheer size will best position them adapt to the healthcare mandate that requires every U.S. citizen to purchase medical insurance.
‘It’s difficult to predict the far reaching results of today’s ruling. But what the U.S. Supreme Court decision doesn’t change is our strategic direction. Sentara is well positioned for the ripples of this decision because of our vision and strength as an integrated system,” stated Sentara CEO Dave Bernd in a press release.
It’s not just healthcare professionals who are reacting. Unsurprisingly, local politicians have also chimed on the decision.
“The ruling means more than 837,000 Virginians receiving Medicare – seniors and the disabled – including 56,000 of them in the 11th District, will receive free preventative services including colonoscopies and mammograms. It means nearly 3 million Virginians, more than 330,000 in the 11th District, with cancer or other chronic conditions will never again have to worry about arbitrary annual or lifetime limits on coverage. And it means that young adults will be able to remain on their parents’ health insurance policies until age 26,” stated Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Fairfax, Prince William.
Overall the high court upheld the law, and likened it to others that give Congress the ability to levy taxes on citizens. Many Republicans who denounced the president’s healthcare law say it’s up to voters to elect candidates to Washington who, now through the legislative process, will vote to repeal the law.
“Be careful what you wish for…now the ‘government’ is on a path to tell you what you must and must not do, whether you like it or not. As Justice Kennedy stated, the role between the citizen and the state has now fundamentally changed. The battle is now on to fight for the foundation of our government; the power is derived from the people,” Stafford County Board of Supervisors Chairman Susan Stimpson posted to her Facebook page.
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(AP) — Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow Sunday and predicted six more weeks of wintry weather, his top-hatted handlers announced to a raucus, record-sized crowd at Gobbler’s Knob in Pennsylvania.
Phil was welcomed with chants of “Phil, Phil, Phil,” and pulled from a hatch on his tree stump shortly after sunrise before a member of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club read from a scroll in which he boasted: “Only I know — you can’t trust A.I.”
At approximately 2:45 P.M. on Saturday, February 1st, units with Stafford County Fire and Rescue (SCFR) responded to a reported structure fire in the 100 block of Aquia Creek Road, near Aquia Creek. Callers reported a neighboring residence on fire, and first arriving units marked the scene less than 10 minutes later and confirmed fire and smoke coming from the rear and roof of a single-family residence.
Due to a lack of hydrants in the area, crews had to utilize rural water operations to shuttle water to the scene. Crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire and bring it under control in approximately an hour, despite the roof collapsing.
The residence was not occupied at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. The fire is under routine investigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office. SCFR units were assisted on scene by Quantico Fire and Emergency Services.
(AP) — Preliminary data from the deadliest U.S. aviation accident in nearly 25 years showed conflicting readings about the altitudes of an airliner and Army helicopter when they collided near Reagan National Airport in Washington, killing everyone aboard both aircraft, investigators said Saturday.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
