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Delegate Ken Plum's
Virginia e-News
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Commentary
Right Over the Cliff
Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum
Few incidents have resulted in as many comments and communications of concern to me as has Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli's lawsuit against President Barack Obama's health care reform legislation. Coming on the heels of Attorney General Cuccinelli's lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's climate change regulations and his letter to Virginia's colleges and universities saying that the institutions did not have the power to adopt policies prohibiting discrimination against gays and lesbians, the latest lawsuit makes citizens wonder what is going on in the Attorney General's office. Few would profess knowing for certain what the Commonwealth's attorney general does in his official duties, nor would they express with confidence who the state senator, now Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli is, having been elected in a statewide election that always gets overshadowed by the governor's race. To answer the most frequently asked question: No, Virginia does not have a provision for recalling elected officials.
Those who know Mr. Cuccinelli are not surprised by his actions. He is an unabashed and unapologetic ultraconservative who has become a favorite of Fox News. And he has a following that supports and applauds what he is doing. He fits perfectly into the tea party "don't tread on me" mold. He has caught a popular wave of anti-government sentiment and is going to continue to ride it.
The person who might be most adversely affected by the Attorney General's actions is Governor Robert McDonnell who is just as conservative as Cuccinelli but who has worked hard during his campaign and in the opening months of his administration to appear more moderate and more accommodating. With each of the Attorney General's actions, the press has turned to the Governor and asked him what he thinks about what the A.G. is doing. To oppose the Attorney General would be to alienate the conservative base upon which both rely for support. To support him too enthusiastically would be to tarnish the image of moderation that the Governor is trying to maintain. The Governor has supported the Attorney General in each instance but without much fanfare.
National columnists are suggesting that the right wing of the Republican Party is going too far in its opposition to anything Obama-related and in its shrill reaction to passage of the health care reform bill. Over the next several years Republicans will need to determine the image with which they want to be identified. Some speculated that the moderate speaking Governor McDonnell might fit that bill when he delivered the Republican response to the State of the Union. Now Governor McDonnell runs the risk of being eclipsed in his own state by the Attorney General. The sharp turn to the right of the Republican leadership in Virginia might just run the Governor's future plans over the cliff. |
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"Virginia Report"
Reston Comcast Channel 28
Tonight - Wednesday, April 7, at 10:30 p.m. - "March for Babies - The March of Dimes" with David Goldberg, CEO of Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children and Sara Donahue, MSW, MPH.
Tuesday, April 13, at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, April 14, at 10:30 p.m. -"On Track with Metrorail" with Patty Nicoson, Dulles Corridor Rail Association
Online Viewing
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| Climate Change Citizen Action
Long & Foster Reston presents The 2010 Spring Shred-a-Thon to benefit Reston Interfaith Housing Corp. on Saturday, April 17, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm. at the Long & Foster Reston parking lot, 1831 Wiehle Avenue. Free shredding of confidential materials by Incred-a-Shred will be available. You can also drop off household items for Habitat for Humanity. See www.habitatnova.org/restore for a complete list of acceptable items. Your tax deductible donations will be cheerfully accepted. |
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Announcements
Congratulations to the Best of Our Community
The following were selected as this year's "Best of Reston" and will be honored for going above and beyond to imrpove the lives of others at a reception and dinner gala on April 15, 6:00 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency Reston. Visit www.restoninterfaith.org for information about tickets and sponsorship.
Our sincere thanks and appreciation to these individuals and organizations:
Individual Community Members
Imam Mohamed Magid and Rabbi Robert Nosanchuk
Holly Norris
Emily Ward
Civic/Community Organization
Reston Historic Trust
Corporate Business Leader
Reston Heights Hotels: Sheraton Reston and Reston Westin Heights
Small Business Leaders
Virginia Spine Institute
Wetland Studies and Solutions, Inc.
Fairfax County 2009 First Responder Officers of the Year
Eric R. Glueckert, Police Officer
Craig S. Furneisen, Jr., Firefighter
Ronald A. McNew, Firefighter |
Calendar of Events
Learn about home modifications and inexpensive devices that can help your loved one maintain independence at a program, "Making Life Easier: Gadgets, Gizmos and Home Modifications," today, April 7, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Call 703.242.4020 for directions or information.
The 21st Annual Environment Virginia symposium will take place April 7 and 8 in Lexington, Virginia. The theme of this year's symposium is "Optimizing Stewardship in a Challenging Environment." Join over 500 environmental decision-makers from all sectors and from across the Commonwealth to learn the latest about environmental challenges and solutions and to build partnerships to implement solutions to these challenges. For detailed information and registration, visit www.vmi.edu/environmentva.
Come support the team from Software AG, a Reston-based firm, as about 20 volunteers and Reston Association staff make much needed improvements to the pathway at the Golf Course Island Garden plot area, making a safer walkway for 120 gardeners. The project will take place on Friday, April 9, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Rain date is Friday, April 26. Volunteers will meet at the Golf Course Island Recreation Area, 11301 Links Drive.
"Empty Bowls," a benefit supper for hunger relief, will be held on Friday, April 9, 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 11900 Lawyers Road, Reston. Sponsor is the Giving Circle of HOPE, and all proceeds will go directly to Food for Others, the largest distributor of free food to the needy in Northern Virginia. For a minimum donation of $20, guests will choose a handmade pottery bowl and receive a simple supper of soup, bread, beverage and dessert. The bowl is yours to keep to remind that there are "empty bowls" in our community. Tickets are available by contacting givingcircle@hotmail.com.
Mark your calendars for Reston's Founder's Day on Saturday, April 10, in honor of the 96th birthday of Reston founder Robert E. Simon, Jr., presented by Reston Historic Trust, Reston Museum. This celebration will be held on the Plaza at Lake Anne. Call 703.709.7700 for more details.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Northern Virginia announces a free education course for parents and caregivers of children and adolescents with mental health concerns. Class will meet once a week for six consecutive weeks beginning Saturday, April 10, 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon in Arlington. Topics include: it's not your fault; mental illnesses are brain disorders; getting an accurate diagnosis; an overview of treatment options;Impact on family members; navigating the system for your child (school, mental health).
The Alice Ferguson Foundation will again host this year's Potomac River Watershed Cleanup on Saturday, April 10, 9:00 a.m. until noon. Cleanup sites are listed on their website, www.PotomacCleanup.org. Contact Ginny Harris Crake at gharris@fergusonfoundation.org for more information.
Enjoy the Reston Little League Opening Day Parade on Saturday, April 10, 9:30 a.m., on Market Street at the Reston Town Center. A sea of colorful shirts and team hats will parade down Market Street from Mercury Fountain to Reston Town Square Park to hear inspirational talks. Visit www.restonlittleleague.com for more information about our boys of summer.
Don't miss the 2010 Fish Fling Gala and Fundraiser on Saturday, April 10, 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Dulles Airport Hotel, 2200 Centreville Road, Herndon. Proceeds assist Herndon and Reston residents experiencing short-term energencies. The Fish Fling is always an enertaining evening of dinner, dancing, games, raffles, and an exciting auction, with Delegate Ken Plum serving as celebrity auctioneer. Visit www.HerndonRestonFISH.org for tickets and sponsor opportunities.
Reston Association's Annual Members Meeting will be held Tuesday, April 13, 7:00 p.m., at the Sheraton Reston Hotel. Last year over 250 Association Members attended. This is a great opportunity to look back over the past year at accomplishments in the community and to discuss priorities for the year ahead.
Join your friends and neighbors to celebrate the best of our community at the 19th Annual Best of Reston Awards for Community Service on Thursday, April 15 at the Hyatt Regency Reston, Reston Town Center. A 6:00 reception kicks off the evening, with dinner and awards at 7:00. Black tie is optional. The Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce and Reston Interfaith have partnered to present an evening honoring individuals and organizations in our community that have gone above and beyond to improve the lives of others. All proceeds from the event benefit the social serviceprograms of Reston Interfaith. Visit www.restoninterfaith.org for more information, reservations, and sponsorship opportunities.
Save the date - Saturday, April 17, 7:30 p.m. - for the Reston Community Orchestra's annual benefit gala, "Puttin' on the Ritz." Visit www.restoncommunityorchestra.org for more information.
The Medical Care for Children Partnership Foundation will hold its "Dress Up with Grown-Ups Gala" on Saturday, April 17, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Fairview Park Marriott, Falls Church. Ticket prices are: Family Ticket for $300 per family (includes up to 2 adults and 2 children); $100 per extra adult; and $75 per extra child. The cost of one family ticket, $300, is the cost for medical care for an entire year for one child in the MCCP program. Bring your kids or your grandkids, or just come by yourselves. This unique gala will reflect the fact that MCCP Foundation raises funds for the medical care of uninsured children right here in our community. This event includes a silent auction, sit-down dinner, dancing to a DJ, family photo-op, and fun activities for the kids. For more information, contact Margery Leveen Sher at mlsher@mccpfoundation.org.
Join in the annual March for Babies walk sponsored by the March of Dimes on Sunday, April 18, at the Reston Town Center, 11900 Market Street. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. with a 10:00 a.m. start time for the 4.5 mile walk. Enjoy the walk, a picnic, live music, and children's activities. When you walk in March for Babies you give hope to the more than half a million babies born too soon each year. The money raised from the March for Babies is used in our community to help women have healthy, full-term pregnancies. The March also funds research to find answers to the problems that threaten babies. Imagine a day when all babies are born healthy! Visit www.marchforbabies.org or call 703.824.0111 for registration and additional information.
R4 Collection Day - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Reston! - will be held on Wednesday, April 21, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., at the Reston Town Center Pavilion. Bring computers, components, electronics, cell phones, paper for shredding, compact fluorescent bulbs, bicycles ($10/bike donation), bicycle accessories, handtools, portable sewing machines, eye glasses, and hearing aids. A full list is available at www.restontowncenter.com. Only listed items will be accepted. Event partners include: Bikes for the World, Bike Lane, Reston Lions Club, Secured Shred, and Turtle Wings.
In celebration of the inaugural year of Nature House at the Walker Nature Education Center, the Nature House 5K Race will take place on Saturday, April 24, 8:00 a.m. Help celebrate and make sure that this wonderful new facility continues to have the support it needs for a bright future. Registration is at www.active.com/running/reston-va/7th-annual-nature-house-5k-fund-run-2010. Deadline to register online is Thursday, April 22, at 11:59 p.m. Walkup registration at the Nature Cetner: Friday, April 23, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, April 24, 7 a.m. You can also register on race day. Fee is $25 prior to March 31, $30 after March 31.In celebration of the inaugural year of Nature House at the Walker Nature Education Center, the Nature House 5K Race will take place on Saturday, April 24, 8:00 a.m. Help celebrate and make sure that this wonderful new facility continues to have the support it needs for a bright future. Registration is at www.active.com/running/reston-va/7th-annual-nature-house-5k-fund-run-2010. Deadline to register online is Thursday, April 22, at 11:59 p.m. Walkup registration at the Nature Cetner: Friday, April 23, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, April 24, 7 a.m. You can also register on race day. Fee is $25 prior to March 31, $30 after March 31.
Don't miss Sunrise Valley Elementary School's 10th Annual 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, May 1, 8:00 a.m. at 18890 Preston White Drive, Reston. This year's Run/Walk benefits Hopecam, an organization connecting homebound children to life through web cameras, high speed Internet, and laptops distributed free to qualified children and their schools. Register at www.ctive.com, and search for "Sunrise Valley Elementary School's 10th Annual...".
The Fairfax County Department of Community and Recreation Services will host the Second Annual Technology Summit on Saturday, May 1, at the James Lee Community Center, 2855-A Annandale Road, Falls Church, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free. The Technology Summit is an opportunity for individuals, groups, and corporations 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 spplies. To reserve your booth, contct Robert O'Quinn at 703.324.5588, TTY. Deadline for reserving booths is April 16.
"Project Take Back: where young people come together to create positive social change" is the theme of the fifth Northern Virginia Regional Youth Summit to be held Saturday, May 8, 2010, at Liberty Middle School, 6801 Union Mill Road, Clifton, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The free event, sponsored by the Fairfax County Department of Community and Recreation Services' Teen Services Division, will provide training to young people to create change focused on improving health and well-being while also gaining experience and skills to become leaders in their communities. The event is open to Northern Virginia teens in grades 6 through 12. Chris Bowers, an expert in developing youth leadership, will be the keynote speaker and will talk to teens about the power they have to take risks and to have confidence in themselves. He uses humor to build camaraderie with students so he can encourage them to overcome their fear of failure and fear of what others may think of them. The summit will have prizes, food, promotional items, and other activities that appeal to teens. A media presentation from Motivational Media Productions entitled "One Day" will show teens how to make change in their lives one day at a time. Register at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/rec or call 703.324.TEEN, TTY 711 to have a registration form sent to you. Deadline for registration is April 15.
GRACE's 19th Annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival will be held May 15 and 16 at the Reston Town Center. Online forms for volunteers are now available that allow you to learn about activity options, sign up with family or friends, and to choose your own shifts. Don't delay! Sign up now at www.restonartsfestival.org/GRACE/VolunteerForm1.cfm.
Save the date - Celebrate Fairafx Festival 2010 will be held Friday, June 11, beginning at 6:00 p.m. through Sunday, June 13, 6:00 p.m., at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway. All are invited to attend this weekend of fun, games, and special activities for the whole family. More details will be provided in the near future.
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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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