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Commentary 
The Capitol of Virginia
Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum
Later in the week I will be taking a group of about 65 senior citizens from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at George Mason University on a tour of Virginia's State Capitol. As one of the founders of the Institute along with Lilyan Spero, the late Kathryn Brooks, and others, I continue to enjoy associating with persons who value lifelong learning. Originally called the Learning in Retirement Institute at George Mason University, the program offers noncredit courses on a variety of topics. Through the years I have taught several OLLI courses on Virginia history and government. Field trips are offered as well, such as the trip to the state capitol. Visit www.olli.gmu.edu for more information.
The state capitol in Richmond is of course the meeting place of the General Assembly, the oldest legislative body in the Western Hemisphere tracing its beginnings to 1619 when colonists formed a representative assembly in the church at Jamestown. Visitors to Jamestown Island can see the foundation of the State House that was the largest building in the colonies at the time. The capital moved to Williamsburg in 1698, and a new capitol was completed in Richmond in 1792.
The center section of the capitol was built from a design submitted along with a plaster model by Thomas Jefferson who was in France at the time and who admired the Roman temple remains that he saw there. Mr. Jefferson's "Temple on the Hill" is still considered one of the most outstanding works of American architecture. At the time the capitol housed all three branches of government. Mr. Jefferson's disdain for executive authority can be seen in the very small office he provided for the governor. It is used today only for ceremonial purposes.
In 1906 wings were added on each side of the capitol to house the two branches of the legislature. In the central rotunda is the famous Jean Antoine Houdon statue of George Washington, the only one done from a life pose.
A renovation of the capitol building several years ago returned the building to its luster of the 1906 period. The center section was returned as much as possible to Jefferson's original design.
In order to make necessary structural improvements at the time and to expand the space available in the building, an underground space was created that provides modern meeting rooms and a museum.
You may miss my tour on Friday, but plan to come to Richmond this summer to see the renovated Virginia State Capitol and other sights in the area. If I can be of assistance in planning your trip, please let me know. A Virginia State Capitol Visitor's Guide is available by calling my office at 703.758.9733 or emailing me at kenplum@aol.com. |
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| "Virginia Report"
Reston Comcast Channel 28
Tonight - Wednesday, April 1, at 10:30 p.m. - Linda Burchfiel and Rekha Nadkarni - "Living in a Cool Neighborhood"
Tuesday, April 7 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, April 8 at 10:30 p.m. - Kelly Schrader and Jackie Varacalli, National Multiple Sclerosis Society - "MS and You"
Online
Watch this week's show and other "Virginia Report" programs at:
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| Climate Change Citizen Action
The next Electric Sunday is April 19, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the I-66 Transfer Station located at 4618 West Ox Road, Fairfax. Fairfax County residents may bring their old televisions, computers, and other peripheral electronics to be recycled at no charge.
Don't miss Delegate Ken Plum's weekly television program, "Virginia Report," on Reston Comcast Channel 28 tonight at 10:30 p.m. The program will be a discussion about "Cool Neighborhhoods" and ways we can reduce our own carbon footprint . |
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Announcements
The Metropolitan Washington Ear, Inc. provides free 24/7 reading and information services for people who are blind, have a visual impairment, or physical disability and cannot effectively read print. If you have a touch-tone telephone, you can access the newspaper/magazine service which includes many categories such as daily newspapers and magazines (including Time, Washingtonian, USA Today, People, and selections from the Wall Street Journal, etc.) For information on other Washington Ear services and how to subscribe, visit www.washear.org or call 301.681.6636 to have information sent to you.
A six-week "Informed Consumer Education" course seeks to help participants better manage their money, improve their credit ratings, and gain a better understanding of the process of buying a home. Informed Consumer Education will run every Tuesday from April 14 through May 19 at 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Falls Church Human Services Building, 6245 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. Participants will be charged a one-time fee of $10 to cover administrative costs and materials for the entire course. Financial assistance is available; spaces are limited. for more information and registration call Our Daily Bread at 703.273.8829 or visit www.our-daily-bread.org.
Attend a Lamp Rewiring Clinic, a 2-day workshop offered at The Bargain Loft located at 336 Victory Drive in Herndon on March 30 and April 6, 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. A donation of $38 is requested. The Bargain Loft is a thrift shop supporting Herndon-Reston FISH (Friendly Instant Sympathetic Help), Inc., a non-profit corporation assisting local neighbors in short-term emergencies for rent, utilities, and prescription medications. Call Sherri Longhill at 703.437.0600 or email sherri.longhill@herndonrestonfish.org. |
Calendar of Events
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will host a public meeting tonight, April 1, 6:00 p.m., at Fairfax City Hall, 10455 Armstrong Street, Room 111, Fairfax, to collect public input on a comprehensive plan to address long-term funding reductions. Citizens may also submit comments via e-mail to vdotinfo@vdot.virginia.gov by April 15. For more information about proposed service impacts or changes to VDOT operations, visit www.virginiadot.org/news/blueprint_meetings.asp.
The Closet's 35th anniversary kickoff will be held on Saturday, April 4, 9:00 a.m., in front of their facility at 845 Station Street, Herndon. Tours of the facility will be available for all who would like to see firsthand how The Closet fulfills its mission. Let them know you will attend by emailing lauragreenspan@comcast.net.
The 21st Annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, 9:00 a.m. to noon. For more information please visit www.trashfreepotomac.org or contact Ginny Harris, Potomac River Watershed Cleanup Coordinator, at gharris@fergusonfoundation.org, 301.292.5665.
The Virginia Leadership Institute, Inc. presents "Prepare Yourself to Run for Office and Work on Political Campaigns" for anyone interested in political candidate or campaign training on Saturday, April 4, 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the NRECA Building, 4301 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington. This event features workshops on fundraising, lessons from election 2008, grassroots organizing, candidate experiences, and more. For more information visit www.virginialead.org.
Attend the "Transportation During the War Between the States" symposium on Saturday, April 4, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., at the John Barton Payne Building, 2 Courthouse Square, in Old Town Warrenton. The symposium is free, but seating is limited to 100. Call Paula Johnson at 540.341.7019 for more information.
Attend Reston Association's Annual Members Meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 7 to 9 p.m. at the Sheraton Reston Hotel, 11810 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston. Learn about the services and projects underway. The results of the Board of Directors election will be announced. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP by Monday, April 6, to Luciano@reston.org or 703.673.2035.
Attend the Green Expo on Thursday, April 16, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry Street SE (between Park and Center Streets). The Green Expo will present practical information and demonstrations to help you make green choices. Presentations and discussions for children and adults from local organizations and businesses including efficiency tips, purchasing local organic products, creating green gardens, recycling options, and much more to save you money and help the environment. No advance registration is necessary.
Attend the EMPTY BOWLS Fundraiser for the benefit of Food for Others and hunger relief in Northern Virginia on Friday, April 17, 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 11900 Lawyers Road, Reston. On the night of the event, guests choose a bowl which they use for their meal and get to keep. In exchange, they give a minimum donation which is given directly to a hunger fighting organization.
Reston Founder's Day Celebration will be held on Saturday, April 18. This is a community celebration of Reston's 45th and Reston founder Robert E. Simon's 95th birthdays. Attend the free party from noon until 3:00 at Lake Anne Village Center for folks of all ages and enjoy music and dance groups and other entertainment. From 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., also at Lake Anne, there will be music and dancing plus a champagne toast and a giant birthday cake for Bob Simon. Cost for the evening event is $30 per person, with $20 of that amount being a tax-deductible contribution going to the Reston Historic Trust, and includes a party souvenir. For more information visit www.restonmuseum.org or call 703.709.7700.
Walk with the March for Babies on Sunday, April 19, 10:00 a.m., at the Reston Town Center. This annual event sponsored by the March of Dimes and begun in 1970 is the oldest and one of the best-loved walking events in the United States. Registration for the March begins at 9:00 a.m. Join in this family-friendly, festive event that includes food and children's activities. Money raised at the March for Babies allows the March of Dimes to continue its important work in education, research, support, and advocacy locally. Premature birth is the number one cause of newborn death in the U.S. and is growing at an alarming rate. Register for the March for Babies at www.marchforbabies.org or call 703.824.0111, ext. 21.
The next Electric Sunday will be on April 19, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the I-66 Transfer Station located at 4618 West Ox Road. Fairfax County residents may bring their old televisions, computers, and other peripheral electronics to be recycled at no charge. For more information go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/recycling or call 703.324.5052.
On April 25, the Fairfax County Department of Community and Recreation Services' Community Centers Division will host the First Annual Technology Summit at James Lee Community Center, 2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free. CRS is offering individuals, groups, and corporations the opportunity to set up and display their technology, science, and engineering endeavors for the public. Space and tables are free and will be allotted on a first come, first served basis. You must provide your own equipment and supplies. To reserve your booth, contact Robert O'Quinn at 703.324.5588, TTY 711 or via email at Robert.O'Quinn@fairfaxcounty.gov. Deadline for reserving booths is April 10. Fairfax residents of all ages are invited to this fun event and to participate in everything from a computer building competition, robotics, GIP displays and educational stations, and rocketry displays to gaming booths, a Jeopardy technology game, displays from local companies, and much more.
Fairfax County's Annual Earth Day-Arbor Day Celebration will be held on Saturday, April 25, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Northern Virginia Community College's Annandale Campus, 8333 Little River Turnpike. There is no cost for admission, entertainment, games, and activities. Free parking is available in the student parking lots. For more information go to www.cleanfairfaxcouncil.org or call 703.324.5471, TTY 711.
This year's annual benefit concert by the Reston Community Orchestra, "Family Fun at the Pops," will be held on Sunday, April 25, 5:30 p.m., at the South Lakes Montessori School, corner of South Lakes Drive & Ridge Heights Road. Beverly Cosham, Reston's own chanteuse extraordinaire, will be featured in a cabaret setting. The orchestra will also perform popular light classics and music from the Silver Screen and Broadway. More information, email mmckee101@yahoo.com.
Join with Walk MS on Sunday, April 26 and enjoy a leisurely stroll through a wooded, fully accessible trail around Lake Anne and alongside some of Reston's most charming homes. Walk MS starts at 1930 Isaac Newton Square in front of the Reston Association Building with check-in and staggered starts beginning at 8:00 a.m. through 10:00 a.m. The route will close at 2:00 p.m. More information about Walk MS and the work of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is available at www.MSandYou.org.
The Virginia Guardianship & Elder Rights Conference will be held April 27-28 in Richmond. The Conference will focus on activities of special interest to individuals with disabilities and their family members, caregivers, service providers, advocates, and decision-makers. Limited scholarships are available for individuals with disabilities to attend. For more information visit www.vgavirginia.org/conferences.asp.
Attend the 2009 Best of Reston on Thursday, April 30, at the Hyatt Regency Reston Town Center. Best of Reston, presented by Reston Interfaith and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, is an event honoring individuals, organizations, and businesses that have put forth tremendous effort in their commitment to community service and improving the lives of others. To learn more about the event, sponsorship, and ticket purchase, contact Amy.McDowell@restoninterfaith.org 571.323.9582.
Attend a conference, "Accelerating Social Entrepreneurship: How Technology is Knocking Down Doors and Fueling Social Innovation" on Monday, May 4, George Washington University, Cafritz Conference Center, 800 21st Street, NW, in Washington, DC. For registration and information, visit www.aseconference.org.
Mark your calendar now to join Herndon-Reston FISH for a sparkling evening of dining, dancing, and fun in celebration of 40 years of community service at the annual FISH Fling on Saturday, May 9, in the ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Herndon. Visit www.HerndonRestonFISH.org or call Marcia DiTrapani, president, at 703.758.0346 for more information.
Join hundreds of bicycle commuters to celebrate Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 15, 6:30 to 9:00 a.m. at the Reston Town Center pavilion. Each year since 2002, cyclists have gathered at the Town Center for a free breakfast, raffles of bike-related prizes, and bicycling information handouts. Pre-registered riders also get a free t-shirt. To register visit www.waba.org/events/btwd/ and select the Reston pit stop.
The Reston Community Orchestra presents "All About Youth" on Saturday, June 6, 4:00 p.m., at Hunters Woods Village Center. Featured are Dr. Michael McKee, Narrator; Jamey Turner, Glass Harmonica; and a youth soloist. Selections include Peter and the Wolf by Prokofiev, Haydn's Symphony No. 94 (the "Surprise"), and Overturn & Waltz from Hansel and Gretel by Humperdinck. The concert will also feature an "instrument petting zoo" and other educational elements that will be sure to delight children and youth.
Help with the Reston Lake Cleanup on Saturday, June 13, 9:00 a.m. to noon. The annual lake cleanup provides a chance for residents who care about Reston's lakes to volunteer to pick up litter and other non-natural debris. Join fellow boaters and lake enthusiasts. A sponsor and site leader for each of the lakes is needed. Please contact Ha Brock, RA Volunteer Coordinator, at 703.435.7986 or email habrock@reston.org for information about volunteering or sponsoring.
Celebrate Reston's heritage and its 45th Birthday at the Reston Festival on Saturday and Sunday, July 11 and 12, at the Reston Town Center. To volunteer the days of the event, join the planning committee, be a sponsor, entertainer, food vendor or crafter call the Festival Information Line at 703.435.7989 or check out www.restonfestival.com.
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| Delegate Ken Plum's Virginia E-News.
Authorized by Kenneth R. Plum. Paid for by Friends of Delegate Ken Plum. |
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