VDH Safe Swimming | May 31, 2026

VDH Safe Swimming | May 31, 2026

DMV Spotlight on 5-31-26 shines a light on efforts by the Virginia Department of Health's efforts to keep children safe in the water this summer.Guest, Brianna Bill, Environmental Health Coordinator with VDH is urging everyone to take the "Safe Swimming Pledge " to appoint a water watcher to focus solely on children in the pool or body of water, without distractions such as books or cell phones.  Bill noting last summer's six year high of 12 accidental  drownings of infant to five year old in pools. Between 2020 and 2024,  473 Virginians died from drowning with more than half occurring in natural waters.Bill also insists water watchers are needed even if a lifeguard is present. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/blog/2026/05/18/take-the-safe-swimming-pledge/ [https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/blog/2026/05/18/take-the-safe-swimming-pledge/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Memorial Day Events at Arlington National Cemetery | May 24, 2026

DMV Spotlight on May 24, 2026 shines a light on Memorial Day events at Arlington National Cemetery. Guest, Karen Durham- Aguilera, Executive Director, Officer of Army Cemeteries and Army National Military Cemeteries provides an overview of happenings at Arlington including:Flags In, when American flags are placed on the white marble headstones across the green hills and Flowers of Remembrance, the precursor to Memorial Day, with the public allowed to place a flower at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Memorial Day Monday hosts the nation's leaders in the amphitheater and Monday night , in honor of America 250, there will be a special candlelight ceremony at Arlington.Ms. Durham-Aguilera also provides logistics for visiting Arlington National Cemetery over the Memorial Day weekend. https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/ [https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Court Appointed Special Advocate | May 17, 2026

DMV Spotlight shines a light on the Northern Virginia Family Services' Court Appointed Special Advocate program. The court appointed trained volunteers to advocate for the best interest of children in Foster Care  who've experienced abuse and neglect. Guest, Amy Wilker, NVFS Director explains that the "CASA" volunteers are in contact with the child twice a month and prepare a report for the judge based only on what is best for the child. Wilker says the need is great with over 30 children waiting for an advocate who is assigned only to them until final placement. Wilder also explains the volunteer training is extensive and on-going to preclude any attachment to the child. https://www.nvfs.org/child-family-well-being/casa/ [https://www.nvfs.org/child-family-well-being/casa/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

American Battlefield Trust | May 10, 2026

DMV Spotlight on 5-10-26  shines a light on the American Battlefield Trust. Guest David Duncan, President of the Trust explains its mission is to inspire appreciation of America, its history and its promise of liberty through an understanding of the wars fought on its soil ...and to appreciate the sacrifices of earlier generations in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 and the Civil War and its battlegrounds. Duncan also shares wealth of free resources available to educators and parents to help commemorate America's 250th. Duncan also provided an update on the latest legal battle to protect the Manassas National Battlefield from encroaching data center development in Prince William County. https://www.battlefields.org/ [https://www.battlefields.org/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

America 250 at US Botanic Garden | May 3, 2026

DMV Spotlight on 5-3-2026 on America's 250th  at the U.S. Botanic Garden shines a light on the unique celebration for the nation's semi-quincentennial. United States Botanic Garden Communication Specialist, Devin Dotson explains the Botanic Garden near the US Capitol is recognizing each of the 50 states with a display of each state flower. Dotson adds there is also a paper version of each state flower since not all are in bloom at the same time. Dotson also explains the National flower is a rose. The U.S. Botanic Garden is free and no tickets are required. https://www.usbg.gov/ [https://www.usbg.gov/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.