DMV Spotlight on 4-21-24 shines a light on April as Autism Acceptance Month. Early detection can lead to successful  interventions explains guest, Dr. Craig Newschaffer, founding director of the A.J Drexel Autism Institute and Epidemiologist focused on prenatal autism risk factors with the NIH Austim Center Of Excellence. Newschaffer, explains that early detection has led to successful outcomes. He explains possible prenatal risks including air pollution and urges parents to monitor their child’s development with a pediatrician. To learn more about Dr. Craig J. Newschaffer, click here:https://rockethics.psu.edu/people/craig-j-newschaffer/

DMV Spotlight shines a light on Military Sexual Trauma as part of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. Dr Amy Street, National Director for Military Sexual Trauma, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, states one in three female veterans say they have been victims of sexual trauma and one in fifty men in the military that can range from sexual harassment to sexual assault. Dr. Street says the local V.A. office can provide free treatment and support services alongside care for PTSD and for substance abuse which often accompany MST ( Military Sexual Trauma). Dr. Street explains veterans are often reticent to speak up and ask for help because previous efforts have been ignored or worse. She also notes there is now a self help mobile app designed for those who have experienced MST that is also free and confidential. For more information, please visit:https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome/vha-mst-coordinators.asp

DMV Spotlight shines a light on the City of Alexandria, Virginia as it commemorates its 275th anniversary. Guest, Gretchen Bulova, Director of the Office of Historic Alexandria, shared the various events around the city that will make the celebration from April through September. Bulova explains the founding of the city in 1749 as well as  of Alexandria’s reckoning with it slave-trade past. Bulova also looked at the future of the city that is now a tourist attraction and economic draw. Alexandria also remains etched in US history as the adopted hometown of President George Washington. Link:https://www.alexandriava.gov/ALX275

DMV Spotlight shines a light  (ha-ha ) on the Total Solar Eclipse on 3-31-24. NASA Mission Scientist, Dr. Nicholeen Viall, explains how a solar eclipse works and why this one is so significant. She explains the ‘path of totality’ and urges anyone who wants to watch even the partial solar eclipse here in the DC area to make sure they have the certified special glasses so as not to damage the eyes. Dr. Viall also explains the eclipse provides scientists a short window of opportunity to gather data on the earth’s sun. She also points to resources available at the NASA website: https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/

DMV Spotlight shines a light on Allergy season in the DC Metro area and the link between allergies and asthma which can be deadly. Guest Kenny Mendez, President and CEO of the Allery and Asthma Foundation of America explains the allergy symptoms and explains why more people are experiencing allergy symptoms for longer across the DC area he says due to warmer weather and longer growing season because of the changing climate. Mendez also notes the disparities in the treatment and diagnosis of allergies and asthma and discusses efforts at Children’s National Medical Center that have helped to reduce patient visits to the ER as well as hospitalizations. Mendez offers a wealth of information on treating allergies and support for those battling both diseases. To learn more about the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, click here: https://aafa.org/

DMV Spotlight shines a light on the various impacts of DC’s famous Cherry Blossoms. American University Professor Elicia John who teachers at the Kogod School of business notes the economic impact of the Cherry Blossoms , especially drawing tourists to return to the Nation’s Capitol post pandemic. Professor John also highlights the emotional wellness impact from the famous blossoms for local residents who enjoy the Cherry Blossoms not only along the Tidal Basin but also in Wards 3 and 7 where there are significant numbers of the beloved trees. John insists the flowering trees can draw communities and friends together, especially in a city know for its divisive politics. She also provides some suggestions for the city to consider to extend the economic benefits of springtime in the Nation’s Capitol.

DMV Spotlight shines a light on Safe Teen Driving in Virginia. Virginia State Police note that teen driving crashes and deaths increase during the warm summer months as more young drivers are behind the wheel and attending events from proms to parties. Guest Casey Taylor, Program Development Coordinator for the YOVASO  notes that last year in 2023, over 6 thousand crashes involved teen drivers from May to August with 12 teens killed in the same time frame. The YOVASO program stands for “ Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety “ and includes participation by both Middle and High schools across the Commonwealth, including Northern Virginia. Teens take part in competitions and learn about the two greatest dangers for young drivers says Taylor: speeding and lack of seatbelt use. For more information on YOVASO, and the work they do in in Northern Virginia, please visit: https://www.yovaso.org/

DMV Spotlight on 3-3-24 shines a light on the Loudoun First Responders Foundation. The Foundation recently paid for the funeral of Loudoun County Firefighter Trevor Brown who was killed in a fire and home  explosion on November 16th in Sterling Virginia following a gas leak from a 500 gallon underground propane tank. Foundation President and CEO Tina Johnson says the Foundation is also creating a dedicated fund for the 10 additional firefighters who were injured on November 16th, 2024..including 2 firefighters who remain in the burn unit at MedStar Hospital Center. Johnson says the Foundation is able to provide the immediate funding needed, in emergency care, usually within 12 hours. The Foundation also provides scholarships in Loudoun County to First Responders and their families. To learn more about the Loudoun First Responders, please visit: https://lfrf.org/about-us/news/

Tax season has arrived  and DMV Spotlight shines a light on how to keep more of your hard earned money on 2-25-24. Guest Linda de Marlor, President of Tax-Masters provides insight on how to maximize your returns. She also outlines the latest tax changes in the code and the pitfalls to be aware of. De Marlor shares the red flags that the IRS may be looking for and urges tax payers to file electronically whenever possible. To learn more about Tax-Masters, please visit: https://www.tax-masters.com/

DMV Spotlight shines a light on 2-18-24 on Colon cancer now becoming the leading cause of death of men under the age of 50 according to the American Cancer Society. Guest, Doctor Christina Annunziata, a medical doctor with a PhD in cancer biology who is also on staff at the American Cancer Society as Senior Vice President for Extramural  Discovery Science. Dr. Annunziata also notes that colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death among women. She addresses some of the potential underlying causes including the highly processed American diet. She also discussed some of the newer treatments on the horizon as well as work on a potential blood test to test for colon cancer in the decades to come. To learn more about Doctor Christina Annunziata, please visit: https://www.cancer.org/research/acs-researchers/christina-annunziata-bio.html

DMV Spotlight shines a light on Black History Month on 2-11-24 with a focus on Manumission Tour Company, founded by 4th generation Alexandria resident John Taylor Chapman, who is also an Alexandria Council member. Chapman explains that Alexandria has an abundance of black history of both enslaved and free. Chapman notes that what was believed to be one of  the largest slave traders business, Franklin and Armfield, was located on Duke Street in Alexandria, as well as historic black churches including Alfred Street Baptist Church and Shiloh Baptist. Chapman shares that he had been unaware of the preponderance of African American history despite growing up  in Alexandria and founded the Manumission Tour Company to help educate people. Chapman explains the name, Manumission ‘ referred to a former enslaved person who had been given their ‘freedom papers’. For more information about their tours, please visit: https://www.manumissiontours.com/copy-of-about-us

DMV Spotlight on 2-4-24 shines a light on the American Lung Association and a recent report finding inequities in lung cancers prevention and treatment. Guest Dr. Amit Mahajan, Medical Director for INOVA Interventional Pulmonology and Complex Airway Diseases Program and National Spokesperson for the American Lung Association explains yearly data shows that 350 people in the US die each dead from lung cancer and that despite a 22 percent increase in survival rate, that only 15 percent of Americans are routinely screened for lung cancer. Dr. Mahajan, dubbed, “ Dr. Bobby” also notes a big jump in respiratory infections including: Influenza, Covid and RSV. For more information, please visit: https://www.lung.org/about-us/contact-us/dc

DMV Spotlight on 11-19-23 shines a light on the Make-a-Wish Mid-Atlantic Chapter which grants wishes to children facing critical illnesses. Guest Lesli Creedon, President and CEO of Make a Wish Mid-atlantic says the wishes are not only for children who will not survive but for all children facing critical illness. Creedon herself is a “ Wish-mom” whose son was granted a wish when he was facing a critical illness as a child. Wishes range from sporting events, to beach time , to family trips and more.. Creedon noted many ways for supporters to get involved to volunteer or fundraise. She also highlighted the Wish Ball on Feb 24th, 2024 at the Waldorf Astoria here in DC. https://wish.org/midatlantic

DMV Spotlight shines a light on Casey Cares Foundation, a non profit that provides support and fun events for critically ill children and their families. From the largest Pajama party to providing pizza nights at home , Casey Cares comes alongside families with children in hospitals and when children are treated at home. Guest  Casey Baynes, is the CEO and Founder of Casey Cares and the driving force behind the charity that also provides gift cards and opportunities for fun events. Casey Cares holds several annual fund- raising events and relies on a host of volunteers. There are also opportunities to buy holiday gifts online for families and children in need. For more information about the Casey Cares Foundation, please visit https://www.caseycares.org/about-us/faq

DMV Spotlight shines a light on 10-15-23 on Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Montgomery County State’s Attorney, John McCarthy, describes the warning signs of potential domestic abuse which include control and isolation. He also highlighted the county’s Family Justice Center which houses a wide spectrum of help for victims fleeing domestic abuse, often women and children. The FJC offers legal help, financial aid, housing, food assistance, counseling, immigration as well as issuing protective orders. McCarthy notes it is a model for other states around the mid-Atantic and is open 7 days a week-24 hours a day. https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/fjc/

DMV Spotlight shines a light on October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month and keeping your personal information protected. Guest, Jennifer Montague, President and Chief Operating Officer for Columbia Gas of Virginia offered recommendations on how to protect your password and avoid potential scams. Montague also recommended if customers have any concern about any calls or emails they may receive to instead go directly to the company website. In addition, Montague offered suggestions for customers who may be struggling to pay their energy bills.  Montague also discussed what actions customers should and should not take if they suspect a natural gas leak in their home. Learn more here: https://www.columbiagasva.com/safety/natural-gas-safety/report-gas-leaks

Guest, Stewart McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association gives an overview of this years events and delves into the history of the Egg Roll at the White House, explaining how each occupant left their own mark on the annual gathering. McLaurin also explains that the wooden egg keepsakes used to be real eggs that would be quite smelly a few days after Easter Monday. McLaurin also shared the missing of the Association to keep the White House in its prime and a true representation of the " People's House'.