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| Commentary
Restorative Justice
Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum
The week of November 15-22 has been designated Restorative Justice Week to draw attention to the important work being done to make offenders take responsibility for their actions and try to repair the harm that they have done. The traditional criminal justice model of a crime followed by a court conviction and incarceration leaves out the needs of the victim and the community to be restored. According to an article in the October 25, 2009, issue of Parade magazine, some communities use restorative and punitive justice for serious crimes. In these instances, a burglar may serve a prison term but also be required to make reparations. Some communities use restorative justice instead of the court system for juvenile crime to have juvenile offenders accept responsibility for what they did and to make amends. One community reports that only ten percent of the young people commit another crime under the restorative approach compared to about 70 percent of those who go through the traditional criminal justice system. Visit www.restorativejustice.org for more information.
I attended a conference on restorative justice in Richmond recently. Proponents of the new approach make it clear that restorative justice is not a way for offenders to get a lighter sentence or that it is a substitute for the existing court system. It is victim centered and victim sensitive that allows victims to have a voice outside the courtroom. It provides an opportunity for offenders to learn how to start changing their behavior. There are several community-based and court-based programs in the state (ww.rjav.org). Successful programs report that victims are more satisfied with the outcome of their case, financial restitution is more likely to be paid, and closure is more likely to be felt by the victims and the community. Offender recidivism is reduced, and community safety is increased.
Restorative practices that are a part of restorative justice are used in many school divisions including Fairfax County Public Schools to encourage positive discipline. The approach is to change discipline into an opportunity for an offender to take ownership and be responsible for his or her actions. The practices provide the opportunity to identify the harm that has been done and to repair that harm and heal and restore the community. A series of professional approaches and best practices have been identified to implement restorative practices, and these can be taught to all levels of school personnel for implementation.
At a time when one in 31 Americans is involved in the criminal justice system, it is important that we take a hard look at our system to see how victims might more effectively be considered, anti-social behavior might be changed at an earlier age, and recidivism be reduced. Restorative justice practices should play a greater role in the future. |
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"Virginia Report"
Reston Comcast Channel 28
Tonight - Wednesday, November 18 at 10:30 p.m. - Delegate Ken Plum and Senator Janet Howell - "Front Burner Issues for the 2010 General Assembly Session"
Tuesday, November 24 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, November 25 at 10:30 p.m. - Jim Cleveland, Reston resident and businessman - "A Vision - Reston Town Center at 20"
Online Viewing
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Reston Town Center is 20!
Attend Kickoff Celebration on November 27
Reston Town Center is celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2010. The kickoff celebration will be the annual Holiday Parade at the Town Center on Friday, November 27 - the day after Thanksgiving - at 10:00 a.m. Watch for many other events throughout the year as we mark this very special anniversary in our community. |
Delegate Plum and Senator Howell to Host Public Meeting on Wednesday, January 6
Join Delegate Ken Plum and Senator Janet Howell at their annual pre-session Public Meeting on Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 7:30 p.m., at the Reston Community Center at Lake Anne, 1609-A Washington Plaza (near the intersection of Village Road and North Shore Drive). Come with your comments, questions, and concerns about state government issues. Written testimony is appreciated but not required. This event is open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend. |
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Announcements
Sharon Bulova, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, will hold a Town Meeting tonight, November 18, 7:00 p.m., in Cavalier Hall at W.T. Woodson High School, 9525 Main Street, Fairfax, focusing on "Energizing Fairfax County - Climate Change and Energy Efficiency!" This is an opportunity to learn about what is happening in our region and in Fairfax County to conserve our energy resources. Speakers include Stuart Freudberg of the Metropolitan Wahsington Council of Governments, Mark Gibb of the Northern Virginia Regional Commission, and David Molchany, Deputy County Executive for Fairfax County. Bud Thompson of the Great Falls Citizen Association and Mark Lowham of West*Group will share "What's going on in the Community." Parking is available in the Main Street lot using entrance 1, or in the lot off Pickett Road near the tennis courts, using entrance 7 or 8. Once inside, follow the signs directing you to Cavalier Hall. This meeting will be broadcast on cable channel 16 on November 27, December 1, and December 5, all at 8:00 p.m., and available on-demand through the county's website at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cable/channel16/vod.htm.
November 21 marks Survivors of Suicide Day. When a suicide occurs in a community, countless people are impacted. Family members and loved ones can struggle for years with a grief that is further burdened by other complicated emotions and questions. Other community members may also be impacted by the traumatic loss. CrisisLink can help with immediate on-the-scene support and resources, survivor support groups, and prevention training workshops. Contact CrisisLink at information@crisislink.org or 703.516.6768. |
Calendar of Events
The next Fairfax County Interfaith Community Dialogue - "Sacred Scripture: How do you understand your own? Can I try?" - will be held tonight - Wednesday, November 18 - at Congregation Olam Tikvah, 3800 Glenbrook Road, Fairfax. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; dialogue is form 7:00 to 9:40 p.m. Featured speakers are Father Tuck Grinnell, St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church; Rabbi Benjamin Shalva, Congregation Olam Tikvah; and Imam Zia Makhdoom, Mustafa Islamic Center. The facilitated dialogue offers people of diverse ethnic, cultural, and faith backgrounds an opportunity to share their experiences and viewpoints. Seating is limited; call 703.324.3453 or ciluser@fairfaxcounty.gov to register.
A VDOT Project Update Meeting for the Route 7/Leesburg Pike Widening Project from Rolling Holly Drive to Reston Avenue will be held tonight - Wednesday, November 18 - 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Aldrin Elementary School Cafeteria, 11375 Center Harbor Road, Reston. Interested citizens are invited to attend.
Support Devotion to Children's many programs and initiatives dedicated to helping families with children under the age of six obtain high-quality childcare and preschool services so that parents can seek and maintain gainful employment. Attend Devition to Children's annual "Red, Heart & Soul" Gala on Wednesday, November 18, 6:30 p.m. at the Waterford at Fair Oaks. Enjoy a reception, dinner, and live music. For sponsorshp and ticket information, go to www.devotiontochildren.org.
The Hunter Mill Defense League invites you to a Historic Marker Dedication and Unveiling Ceremony on Saturday, November 21, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the intersection of Hunter Mill Road and the W&OD Trail. Five historic markers will be dedicated: a Civil War Trails marker; a Virginia Historic Marker, "Crossroads to War; and three Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority/W&OD Markers. The five markers commemorate the Hunter Mill Road/W&OD Trail as a key crossroad in the Civil War, with large amounts of troop traffic passing and encamping on the way to and from some of the major battles of the war. One marker notes the many skirmishes which occurred there as well as the great friction among the residents of the corridor whose Union and Confederate loyalties were evenly split. Another marker shares the history of the rail line and Hunter Station, while yet another tells the sad tale of the execution of Reverend Read, a Union spy. The Hunter Mill Defense League has spent years researching the history of the corridor and has a long track record of bringing great history products to the community. The League is pleased to team with the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority to place the markers.
Join Reston Association's "Weed Warriors" project to keep Reston's beautiful parklands free from invasive exotic plants like English ivy, Japanese honeysuckle, and bamboo. Reston's native trees, ferns, and wildflowers can be harmed from fast growing, invasive plants that threaten our local ecosystems, taking away vital food and habitat from already stressed wildlife populations. Meet your fellow volunteers at the Soapstone fire ring down the hill from Glade Drive on Saturday, November 21, 10:00 a.m. to noon. Wear long sleeves and long pants. RA will provide tools, gloves, snacks, and water. Adults and youth ages 10 and up are welcome. This projects also fulfills community service requirements for students. To sign up or for more information, contact Ha Brock, RA Volunteer Specialist, at habrock@reston.org or 703.435.7986.
Reston's New Nature House will have its grand opening on Saturday, November 21, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., at 11450 Glade Drive, Reston. Thanks to the Friends of Reston that made it happen.
Mr. David Ott, composer of several major works performed regionally during the past decade, will lead a master class in music composition geared toward youthful composers on Saturday, November 21, following a rehearsal of the Reston Community Orchestra. The 2-hour master class will begin at approximately noon and will be held at the Sunset HIlls Montessori School, 11180 Ridge Heights Road (at South Lakes Drive), Reston.
The Reston Community Orchestra will perform the World Premiere of Mr. David Ott's "Symphony No. 5 in B-Flat" on Sunday, November 22, 4:00 p.m., at the Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods. RCO's music director, Dingwall Fleary, has been rehearsing the all-volunteer orchestra weekly since September for this excitingly contemporary yet romantically melodic four movement symphony. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
The 19th Annual Reston Holiday Parade will be held at the Reston Town Center on Friday, November 27, 11:00 a.m., rain or shine. This year's parade theme is "Reston Town Center - Defining. Inspiring. 20 Years." The Reston Holiday Parade launches the holiday season every year with huge macy's-style balloons, floats, musical groups, dancers, antique cars, and more, in a festive procession along Market Street, welcoming the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn carriage. It's the perfect family activity for the young and the young at heart. Community groups and businesses of all kinds from around the region are invited to participate and get involved. Neighbors, friends, and families can get creative too by wearing costumes to march along, or by building a float for this one-of-a-kind, one-hour parade. A full day of events is planned including a "Run with Alan Webb" and races for children from toddlers to teens beginning at 7:00 a.m. and the annual Tree Lighting and Sing Along at 6:00 p.m. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride throughout the evening. Visit www.restontowncenter.com/events.html for information about volunteering and events.
The Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council will hold a public hearing to solicit comments on environmental issues of concern and the state of the environment in Fairfax County on Monday, November 30, 7:30 p.m. in the Board Auditorium at the Fairfax County Government Center. To be placed on the speakers list, call 703.324.1380, TTY 711.
The Dulles Corridor Rail Association's Annual Meeting and Reception will be held Wednesday, December 2, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Gannett Company Inc., 7950 Jones Branch Drive, Tysons Corner. The event will honor the progress of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project and the people who are making it happen. For sponsorship information or to RSVP contact dcra@dullescorridorrail.com or 571.296.1552.
"Solar Energy Focus Conference: Fall 2009" will be held December 3-5 at the Hilton Hotel, 620 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg, Maryland. This event will include an exhibit hall, morning plenary speakers, a state and local policy review, and breakout sessions. For more information, contact Marisa Applestein at marisaapplestein@360jmg.com or Peter Lowenthal at director@mdv-seia.org. Additional information may also be found at www.MDV-SEIA.org.
Shop at the Alternative Gift Market on Saturday, December 5, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 1625 Wiehle Avenue, Reston. Choose from 30 booths of socially conscious gift ideas from local and international charitable organizations. Purchase gifts that can save or change a life as you shop for the holidays and other occasions!
Reston Association's annual Winter Bird Count will be held on Saturday, January 2, 7:00 a.m. to noon. Meet at Nature House, 11450 Glade Drive. Learn tips on identification and have fun while helping to obtain important information about birds wintering throughout Reston's natural areas.
Attend the annual pre-session Public Meeting hosted by Delegate Ken Plum and Senator Janet Howell on Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 7:30 p.m., at the Reston Community Center at Lake Anne, 1609-A Washington Plaza, Reston. All are welcome; pre-registration is not required. |
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 Go Green - consider the environment! Please print this newsletter only if necessary. | |
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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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