Virginia's Crisis Pregnancy Center's Are Under Attack

A friend recently forwarded this e-mail to me.

Blue Ridge Women's Center rarely mentions political matters, but two bills currently under consideration in Virginia would directly impact our Center, and we'd appreciate your help.

Last week the NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia Foundation announced that, after a year-long undercover investigation into pregnancy centers like ours throughout the commonwealth, legislation is being proposed to further regulate our work (see this report from the Family Foundation: http://www.familyfoundationblog.com/2010/01/20/naral-general-assembly-allies-attack-apolitical-pregnancy-resource-centers/). Would you help keep Virginia centers free from the burdensome regulations of SB 188 and HB 452? Contact your legislators (http://www.familyfoundation.org/legislator.html ) and recommend that they vote against these two bills. And please do so quickly—we just found out that the subcommittee hearing is scheduled for this afternoon.

We are, as always, grateful for your support, your prayers, and your concern for the women and children of our community. Below you'll find our press release responding to the NPCVF report.

Blue Ridge Women's Center today responded to charges by the NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia Foundation that the majority of crisis pregnancy centers in Virginia provide "medically inaccurate information" and therefore represent "a threat to public health" rather than benefiting women who face unplanned pregnancy.

Blue Ridge Women's Center issued the following statement in responseto last week's NPCVF report:

"Women who face unplanned pregnancy need reliable information, practical resources, and emotional support. Blue Ridge Women's Center, which has been a trusted part of the local community service networkfor over 25 years, understands this and stands behind its services to the women of the Roanoke Valley.

"Numerous other local organizations—including physicians, hospitals, clinics, social-service providers, schools, and churches—refer clients to Blue Ridge Women's Center, depending on us to provide them with free pregnancy testing and pregnancy verification, parenting and life skills classes, maternity clothes and baby items. Our peer counseling services have helped thousands of women to navigate the challenges of unplanned pregnancy. We value the trust placed in us by our communityand are committed to providing quality care in a safe, confidential, non-judgmental environment.

"While the NPCVF report cited no specific examples of 'medicalfalsehoods' perpetuated by Blue Ridge Women's Center nor quotes purported to have come from our Center, our name is included on the list of pregnancy centers that they allegedly investigated, and they indicate that they contacted us by phone on four occasions. Due to the undercover nature of NPCVF's actions, we cannot confirm that such telephone contact took place.

"Blue Ridge Women's Center has medical professionals on its paid and volunteer staff, including a Medical Director who is a practicing, board-certified OB/GYN. We conduct regular reviews of our literature and medical services to ensure that any information distributed to our clients is consistent with current research findings and accepted medical protocol.

"In addition to this, Blue Ridge Women's Center and many of the other pregnancy centers in Virginia voluntarily comply with a set of industry standards upholding accuracy and excellence in client care and communications. As an affiliate of CareNet, NIFLA, and Heartbeat International, Blue Ridge Women's Center annually reaffirms a written 'Commitment of Care and Competence,' and requires its client-services staff and volunteers to participate in continuing education to keep their knowledge and skills current. NPCVF has provided no evidence that our Center has either violated this 'Commitment of Care and Competence' or supplied misinformation to our clients.

"Blue Ridge Women's Center provides free support services to hundreds of women annually, and has served more than 14,000 women and families since 1984. We encourage anyone concerned about the quality of our work to consider the testimony of our clients, who indicate a high level of satisfaction with the Center on their exit interviews.

"'I would recommend friends, family, or acquaintances who have unplanned pregnancy to come here for support,' one of our clients writes, and she's not alone in that recommendation. Last year over half of our clients came to us through referrals from family members or friends.

"With the continuing support of its donors and volunteers, Blue Ridge Women's Center remains committed to providing quality care to the women of our community regardless of their age, race, religion, income level, or circumstances.

"Regarding the funds from the Choose Life license plate campaign to which the NPCVF report refers, Blue Ridge Women's Center does not receive any financial support from the federal or commonwealth government, and has neither requested nor received any funds from the sale of Choose Life license plates.

Many thanks,

Rev. Phil Holsinger (Coach), President/CEO

Al Bedrosian Takes on Roanoke Times Endorsed Republican for Board of Supervisors

Al Bedrosian is a long time friend, and a true conservative. If you know anyone in North Roanoke, please encourage them to read this and Vote for Al Bedrosian. Honestly this is similar to the Congressional race in NY-23 this weekend. When the Republicans become liberal, and forsake our party creed and the principles this party is supposed to stand for, it is not only our right, but our duty to challenge them in elections.

____________________________________________

I, Al Bedrosian, am running for Roanoke County Supervisor – Hollins District (North Roanoke County) this Tuesday, November 3rd. I will be running as a conservative write-in candidate – which means I need you to write in my name B-E-D-R-O-S-I-A-N as County Supervisor when you vote this Tuesday

My reasons for running as a write in candidate are as follows:
2 months ago, I was approached to write an article for the Roanoker Magazine about Roanoke County Government. My findings, which were published in the October 2009 issue of The Roanoker Magazine were disheartening to say the least:

- Size of Roanoke County budget nearly doubled in the past 10 years, while the population during that same time only increased by 15%.

- The tax burden per person in the county has nearly doubled to $2100. An average family of 5 has a county tax burden of over $10,000!

- Roanoke County has the second highest Real Estate rate in all of Virginia, second only to Loudon County in Northern Virginia. – that’s REAL MONEY that we pay in our monthly mortgage or mid/end of the year tax bill if you own your house.

- The County bypassed the voters (did not get their approval as they should) and passed an $83 million bond – which included spending $50 million on a new GYM with waterslides in North Roanoke County. Building gyms with our tax dollars, when people are struggling to make ends meet. This is NOT the role of government.

- The current Supervisors voted to accept federal STIMULUS money, with strings attached, to cover up shortfalls in the budget. Federal Stimulus money is money stolen from our children’s future.

The sad thing is that this Fiscal IRRESPONSIBILITY was performed under republican controlled County Supervisors!! Everything listed above is directly opposed to the Republican Creed of Virginia which calls for lower taxes, and government involvement ONLY when it cannot be done by the private sector.

Unfortunately, I uncovered these items after the Primary in June, 2009 so was unable to run in the Republican primary and remove our so-called Republican supervisor in the Hollins district. I did however approach Mr. Flora and ask him politely to step down and let a true Republican/conservative run for office. He refused. I took this issue up with the republican leadership, but they showed little interest. I thought there was really little I could do until the final nail in the coffin occurred this past week, THE ROANOKE TIMES endorsed Mr. Flora, our current Hollins Supervisor.

When a liberal newspaper endorses a Republican over a democrat start getting VERY nervous. The endorsement of the current Hollins County Supervisor by the Roanoke Times has made me say ENOUGH is ENGOUGH. If you vote in the following 6 voting places in North Roanoke County, I am asking for you to write in B-E-D-R-O-S-I-A-N as County Supervisor. PLEASE SEND WITH A personal NOTE TO YOUR FRIENDS….Let me know if you are in the district and would be willing to vote for me. I will be voting for Republicans: McDonnel, Bolling, and Cuccinelli

You can reach me on Facebook.

WE have less than a week to get this message circulated among conservatives in North Roanoke County!

-Roanoke Valley Christian Schools off of Williamson Rd.
-Burlington Elementary School – off of Peterscreek Rd.
-Mountain View Elementary School – off of Plantation Rd.
-Life Church – off of Peterscreek Rd.
-Bonsack Baptist Church off of 220 alternate
-Hollins Library off of Peterscreek Rd.

Thanks

Al

Current List of Republican Victory Centers in Virginia

If you are interested in campaigning for our Republican ticket, please go to your closest victory center. All the statewide and local Republican campaigns are coordinating their activities through the victory centers. While this is the most current list I could find, by the time the general election rolls around, there will be close to 40 victory centers. I'll keep you posted as new ones open up.

Victory Offices and Field Staff

Fairfax

4246 Chain Bridge Road

Fairfax, VA 22030

Adam Zubowsky- Azubowsky@rpv.org, 804.814.1450

Loudoun

44927 George Washington Boulevard, Suite 155

Ashburn, VA 20147

Mary Ann Cannon- Mcannon1@rpv.org, 804.814.0740

Prince William

4431 Prince William Parkway

Prince William, VA 22192

DJ Eckert- deckert@rpv.org, 804.814.7779

Richmond

2819 North Parham Road, Suite 210

Richmond, VA 23294

Julie Coggsdale- jcoggsdale@rpv.org, 804.612.9111

Chesterfield

9507 Hull Street Road, Suite A

Richmond, VA 23236

Tim Rose- trose@rpv.org, 804.363.6801

Virginia Beach

505 South Independence Boulevard

Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Erika Fischer (Hampton Roads)- erika@bobmcdonnell.com, 757.618.9339

Chesapeake

524 Johnstown Road

Chesapeake, VA 23322

and 124 South Battlefield Boulevard

Chesapeake, VA 23322

Christie Craig- ccraig@rpv.org, 757.434.3746

Erika Fischer (Hampton Roads)- erika@bobmcdonnell.com, 757.618.9339

Newport News

12515 Jefferson Avenue

Newport News, VA 24602

Maria Vulaj- mvulaj@rpv.org, 804.814.7913

Erika Fischer (Hampton Roads)- erika@bobmcdonnell.com, 757.618.9339

Fredericksburg

7 Butler Road

Fredericksburg, VA 22408

Josh Daniels- jdaniels@rpv.org, 804.814.1850

Charlottesville

455 Albemarle Square

Charlottesville, VA 22901

Chris Leavitt- cleavitt@rpv.org, 804.814.1351

Harrisonburg

182 Neff Avenue, Suite 13-14

Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Craig Orndorff- corndorff@rpv.org, 804.814.0926

Roanoke

2706 Ogden Avenue

Roanoke, VA 22735

Trixie Averill- gopgirl2@aol.com, 540.612.9111

Brent Perrin- bperrin@rpv.org, 804.814.1720

Blacksburg

215 Draper Road

Blacksburg, VA 24060

Alex Stanley- EStanley@rpv.org, 804.212.6566

Lynchburg

Office opening soon

Rachel Pecor- rpecor@rpv.org, 804.814.1428

Roanoke Library System

Below is a front page article (1/26 Roanoke Times) about our local library system. Most of you won't care, but its a real problem here. The Raliegh Court Library next to Patrick Henry High School is 1/2 a mile from my house. After school 3-4 students will gather around a computer staring at indecent photos, posting and making wierd and vulgar comments. When they are asked to be quiet they cuss the librarians, and they complain that they get strange looks. Whatever happened to being quiet in the library? Anyway... I know y'all won't care, but I'm just happy that the media is finally picking up on this problem. Alot of people in the neighborhood have been trying to solve this problem for over a year.

Students book it to the library

With nowhere else to go, students socialize among the stacks.

By Amanda Codispoti

During geometry class at Patrick Henry High School, a group of friends often joke with one another about what they'll do after school.

"Are you going to the homeless shelter today?" freshman Alex Talin will ask her friends.

Talin and her pals are referring to the Raleigh Court Library Branch, which is adjacent to the school.

The girls go there almost every day because they have nowhere else to go while they wait, sometimes for hours, for their parents to get off work and pick them up.

The girls and a dozen other students congregate in and outside the library, chatting and using the computers. They can get loud, and others in the library are sometimes frustrated that it's not the quiet place they expect it to be.

The Raleigh Court branch is one of many in Roanoke that acts as an after-school day care of sorts. Like all branch libraries in Roanoke, the Raleigh Court branch is next to a school, making it easily accessible to students.

The Salem Public Library, too, is overwhelmed with as many as 40 students after school.

"I feel like it's an ad hoc teen center," said Janis Augustine, director of the Salem library. Because the librarians have to keep an eye on the students, they can't work as efficiently, she said. "It's somewhat frustrating because I know the kids need a place to go and blow off steam. They really don't have any other place to go."

The Salem library is working with the city, schools and police to address the problem.

Last school year, Salem DARE officers began patrolling the library a few days a week, said Lt. Tim Guthrie of the Salem police.

"The biggest thing is the kids just become loud and disruptive for a library setting," Guthrie said.

In Roanoke, school resource officers will assist the library with disruptive students, but it's the library's responsibility to manage the students, said Officer Rodger Hogan, a resource officer at Patrick Henry.

"We're not the Dewey Decimal detectives," he said.

Not all students cause problems.

Some study.

But others make it obvious they're not there for the books.

"I don't even really like to read," said Danikka Laya, a Patrick Henry freshman.

Most students go online, updating their myspace.com pages, playing computer games or checking out the latest cellphone accessories.

They gather around computers, laughing and pointing at pictures. Others loiter outside if the weather's nice, catching up with friends or sneaking a cigarette.

One patron, Mildred Weddle of Roanoke County, said she enjoys being around the children and hearing them laugh. One even helped her when she had car trouble Thursday.

Another patron, though, said she avoids the Raleigh Court branch library during after-school hours because of the students.

"They take up all the computers and there's nothing for the little kids to do," said Sheila Pauley, a mother of two.

Patrons and librarians may voice their displeasure, but the library is a public place.

Librarians or officers can ask a disruptive student to leave, but their only other methods of enforcement are stern looks and verbal scoldings.

"The librarians freak us out because they just kind of stare at us," Talin said. "They are not really polite."

Signs around the library also seem to hint that it's not OK to use the library as a day care.

"No trespassing," read signs mounted on the outside of the Roanoke libraries.

Another sign, this one posted near the checkout counter at Raleigh Court, advises that, "Although we are concerned about the wellbeing and safety of children, Library staff cannot assume responsibility for care or supervision of children ..."

For parents, though, it is a comfort knowing their kids are in a safe place.

"I would prefer her to be here than out running around the block getting into trouble," said Joan Novoa of her 14-year-old daughter, Kelly Considine, who usually goes to the Williamson Road branch after school.

Sheila Umberger, director of Roanoke libraries, said she is thrilled that the students come to the library and wants to do more to accommodate them.

"It's very important for our kids to be respected and given a place to be," she said.

She acknowledged that their presence can create a problem for librarians and patrons, and she said the library is working toward solutions.

The Roanoke library is collaborating with school officials and resource officers to set guidelines for the students.

One solution the Raleigh Court branch and police have recently put into place is a barring program. If a student is disruptive, police are called and give the student a form banning them from the library. If the student returns, he or she could be charged with trespassing.

Hogan said no students at the Raleigh Court branch have been charged in the two or three weeks the program has been in place.

The Roanoke library is also adding a security guard to its staff because Umberger believes it will help patrons feel more comfortable.

"We want to make the location a good one for everyone," Umberger said.

Umberger said she would like to provide the teens with more multimedia activities, such as listening stations and laptop labs.

"We want to make it a cool place," she said.

Some branches have already taken steps to accommodate students.

The Williamson Road branch has rearranged computers to create separate stations for adults and students.

The Gainsboro branch created a teen club, Gainsboro Truth, whose members participate in programs that cover topics such as building character and respecting the library.

The main library is in the process of establishing a teen center, which should be in place by summer.

"We've always encouraged kids to come in," Umberger said. "When I look at it, we're just trying to improve our services."

http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/101753