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 | | Del. Ken Plum received the "Tower of Dulles" award from Tanya Matthews, President of the Committee for Dulles, at the Committee's annual gala on November 12. Plum was recognized for his meritorious service providing for the betterment of Washington Dulles International Airport and the Dulles Economic Corridor. |
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Commentary
Holiday Gift Giving
Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum
I go to the annual woodworkers' show, and I scour the many tool catalogues I receive in the mail to discover the latest tool or gadget that might make my home repair tasks a little easier. There are many such devices that are not used very often but can make work easier and quicker when they are used. In the end, however, I am basically a tool collector, and I really do not need any more tools.
As the holiday season of giving approaches, there is a tendency to want to add to one's collection, whatever it may be, so family members are told on your "wish list" about suggested gifts. The truth of the matter is that most of us in this affluent community are blessed with more than we need. I am going to make another step forward this year in asking people who give me gifts to give instead for me to those persons who are most in need.
Thanksgiving is coming up, and there are great opportunities to give. Get in the habit of giving to these organizations as people have to eat even when it is not a holiday. Give nonperishable food and/or gift cards for groceries to:
* Reston Interfaith (www.restoninterfaith.org or call 571.323.9555). Drop off your contributions at 11150 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 210, Reston, VA 20190.
* Herndon-Reston FISH, "Friendly Instant Sympathetic Help," (www.hernrestonfish.org or call 703.437.0600). Drop off your contribution at 336 Victory Drive, Herndon, vA 20170.
* Reston Community Center will accept non-perishable food items through November 24 at the Hunters Woods and Lake Anne locations as well as a variety of other drop-off points in the community. Visit www.restoncommunitycenter.org for more information or call Kevin Danaher, Community Events Director, at 703.390.6166. Volunteers are needed on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, from 10:00 a.m. to noon to sort donations for delivery throughout the community.
For Christmas or other holidays of giving, please let me know your favorite alternative gift or charity organization. I will donate my tool allowance to one or more, and I will publicize it here in this newsletter along with contact information for the charity. Let's make this a year when we see how much we can give rather than receive! Jane and I wish you and your family a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!
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| "Virginia Report"
Reston Comcast Channel 28
Tonight - Wednesday, November 10, at 10:30 p.m.; Tuesday, November 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, November 17 at 10:30 p.m. - Jen and Rachel Sterling, mother and daughter founders of Let's Help Kids - "Bringing Joy to Children, One Gift at a Time"
Online Viewing: |
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Climate Change Citizen Action
As colder weather approaches, Washington Gas continues to encourage all customers to prepare their homes for the winter heating season by practicing energy efficiency, including the following low-cost or no-cost tips:
* Change or clean furnace/air filters once a month and schedule an annual furnace or boiler check-up with a licensed professional.
* Caulk and weather strip around doors and windows.
* Install rubber gaskets behind outlet and switch plates.
* Turn the water heater down to warm or low settings, never mroe than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Wash full loads of laundry and dishes. |
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In the Spirit of Giving...Ways You Can Help!
Think of children's medical care for some of your year-end giving, and help the Medical Care for Children Partnership get to its $50,000 goal and beyond! In addition to providing children with their own pediatricians so that they receive regular care, MCCP is also raising money for their dental care and for specialists like orthopedists and cardiologists. There are approximately 12,000 children in Fairfax County who may qualify for MCCP's assistance because although their parents are working their family income is low and they do not have access to medical insurance. These are our own Fairfax County children. Go to www.mccpfoundation.org and click on DONATE. Consider a donation in honor of someone during this holiday season.
The third annual Gifts That Give Hope alternative gift fair of the Giving Circle of Hope will be on Saturday, December 4, Noon to 5:00 p.m. at 10520 Main Street in Fairfax at Truro Church. In addition to making donations in honor of a friend or family member, many fair trade and craft items will be available for purchase, including soaps and bath products, coffee, handbags, jewelry, aprons, ornaments, note cards, baked goods, and more! If you cannot attend the fair but want to buy a gift that gives hope, you can order online at www.giftsthatgivehope.org (select the Fairfax fair). Online ordering will be activated on November 29 (cyber-Monday).
Help brighten up the holidays for people in need by supporting FACETS' holiday drives. FACETS provides comprehensive programs and services - supportive housing, basic needs and assistance, educational programs, eviction provention services, medical outreach, and case management - to men, women, and children who are homeless or otherwise precariously housed in Fairfax County. Each year as the weather turns colder, FACETS relies on the support of generous community members to donate food and gifts to those they serve on Thanksgiving and December holdidays. Give food and/or gifts for these holidays. Give general gift donations for children ages 0-18 that cost under $25 each. These gifts will be given to children in the FACETS programs to pick out and wrap for their siblings at special holiday parties in December. Visit www.facetscares.org and see the many ways you and your family can help FACETS help others here in Fairfax County.
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Announcements
Help fight hunger in the community where we live, work, and serve by participating in the 2010 Reston Community Center's Thanksgiving Food Drive to benefit Reston Interfaith. This event is co-sponsored by Reston Community Center, Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, and Reston Interfaith and runs through November 23. Contact Kevin Danaher at kevin.danaher@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703.390.6166 to find out which of the 20 drop-off points is closest for your convenience in donating non-perishable food items such as canned meat, fruit, vegetables, juice, and beans, condiments, peanut butter, jelly, soups, chili, diapers, boxed dessert mixes and potatoes, ramen noodles, cup-o-noodles, cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix, seasoning packets, and snacks (cookies, crackers, and fruit bars). Reston Interfaith will distribute the food donations during this holiday season and throughout the year.
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Calendar of Events
Attend the "Future of Fairfax" Forum and Fundraiser TODAY, November 17, at the Capital One Auditorium in McLean. Reception is at 5:00 with the program 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. This is a ticketed event - $25 for Government/Nonprofit/Resident attendees and $40 for Corporate/Private Sector attendees. RSVP to Rebecca Perring at Rebecca@smartergrowth.net or 202.244.4408, ext. 122.
Don't miss the Red, Heart & Soul 8th Annual Gala tonight, November 17, 6:30 p.m. at the Waterford at Fair Oaks. Angie Goff of WUSA 9 News Now will be the Mistress of Ceremonies for this year's Gala. Red, Heart & Soul is the culmination of the year's efforts to raise funds and create awareness for Devotion to Chlidren's programs and initiatives.
Celebrate AARP Dulles Chapter's 20th Anniversary by attending an Open House on Thursday, November 18, 7:00 p.m., at their new meeting place, Herndon Senior Center, 873 Grace Street, Herndon. Snacks, soft drinks, and coffee will be provided. Special guest speaker will be Professor Andrew Carle of George Mason University to discuss his much publicized work, "Nana Technology" (technology to allow older Americans to remain in their homes).
Reston Interfaith invites you to join them on Saturday, November 20, for the Fannie Mae 23rd Annual Help the Homeless Walkathon on the National mall. Assist Reston Interfaith in reaching its goal of 1,500 walkers. In return Reston Interfaith will receive additional funds from Fannie Mae. If you can't physically make the event, you can register as a Virtual Walker. Visit www.restoninterfaith.org for registration and more information or call 571.323.9572
A Winter Coat Closet will run from November 20, 2010, through March 12, 2011, at Hunter Mill District Supervisor Cathy Hudgins' office in the North County Government Center in Reston. This closet will provide winter coats, hats, gloves, and scarves to children and adults in our community again this year. Donate new and gently used winter coats, hats, gloves, and scarves. All child and adult sizes are needed, especially XL and XXL. All donations are tax deductible. Drop off your donation beginning November 20 at the Community Room at the Hunter Mill District Supervisor's Office, 12000 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston. If you have 20 coats or fewer, leave them in the drop box located outside the door to the Community Room at any time. If you have more than 20 coats, contact Mandy Guernsey at 571.323.9565. Attend "Creating a 21st Century Main Street: A Seminar in Preparing for Rail in the Dulles Corridor" on Monday, November 22, at the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation, 2201 Cooperative Way, Herndon. Registration and continental breakfast begin at 8:00 a.m.; program is 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Remarks will be given by Delegate Ken Plum and Supervisor Cathy Hudgins. A panel will provide information and updates and will include Patrick Nowakowski, Executive Director, Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project; John McClain, Deputy Director, Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University; Beau Schwickert, Chief Financial Officer of Comstock Partners; and Patricia Nicoson, President, Dulles Corridor Rail Association. Call 571.296.1552 for additional information. RSVP to dcra@dullescorridorrail.com. Fee is $25 per person. Reservation is required; payment by cash, check, or credit card will be accepted at the door.
Give a precious gift - be a blood donor! INOVA will sponsor a Blood Drive on Tuesday, November 23, Noon to 7:30 p.m. beside the Pavilion at Reston Town Center. Schedule your appointment at www.inova.org/donateblood or call 1.866.256.6372. You can also register onsite. Senior Movie Day, "Meet Me at the Movies," will be on Wednesday, November 24, 10:00 a.m. (doors open at 9:30 a.m.) at Rave Cinema at the Reston Town Center. Refreshments and door prizes are provided prior to the movie. Free to those 55+. Call 703.435.6530 for information.
Spend the day after Thanksgiving - Friday, November 26 - at Reston Town Center for a variety of events the whole family will enjoy:
* Begin with the 10th Annual Run with Alan Webb. Races begin at 8:00 a.m. at Fountain Square. toddlers to teens are invited to run with local hero Alan Webb, Olympian and U.S. record-holder for the fastest mile (3:46). Races will be divided by age; $5 donation. Register at www.neediestkids.org.
* Take a spot along Market Street for the 20th Annual Reston Holiday Parade at 11:00 a.m. Watch Macy's-style balloons, marching bands, musical groups, dancers, antique cars, community groups, costume characters, and more welcoming the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn carriage.
* Visits & Portraits with Santa will be available from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Any donation for a 5x7 portrait, with all proceeds to benefit GoodDogz.org.
* Those Funny Little People Performances will be held at 1:00, 2:30, 4:00, and 5:30 p.m. in front of the Pavilion. Enjoy performances of songs and surprises by elves Wally and Victor.
* Attend the Holiday Tree Lighting & Sing Along at 6:00 p.m. on Fountain Square. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive in a horse-drawn carriage to magically light up Reston Town Center and the holiday tree, followed by a chorus of traditional holiday music led by Reston Chorale and a brass quintet.
* Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides will be available from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. with pick-up on Market Street next to Talbots. $5 per person; children 5 and under ride free with an adult. Proceeds will benefit Volunteer Fairfax.
Don't miss Reston: The Opera, on Wednesday, December 1, 8:00 p.m. at Center Stage at Reston Community Center, created and performed by Squonk Opera with the support of many people you know in Reston. This promises to be a great evening! Visit www.squonkopera.com/home.php for information.
The Dulles Corridor Rail Association will hold its Annual Meeting and Reception on Wednesday, December 1, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Courtyard Marriott at Tysons Corner. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at www.dullescorridorrail.com or call 703.716.5750. A German Christkindlmarket, a traditional outdoor Christmas Market for family and friends with arts and crafts, German food and beverages, puppet shows, and childcare, will be held on Thursday, December 2, 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the offices of German Military in Reston, The Campus at Sunrise, 11150 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston. Proceeds will be donated to Reston Interfaith. Call 703.390.3175 for more information. The 2010 Virginia Capitol Tree Lighting and Holiday Open House at the Governor's Mansion in Richmond will be held on Friday, December 3, at 5:00 pm. on the South Portico of the Capitol Building. A Holiday Open House at the Mansion with a meet and greet with the Govenor and First Lady will follow immediately after the tree lighting from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Please bring a canned item to the Mansion Open House to support the food bank. Both events are free and open to the public. Email ExecutiveMansion@governor.virginia.gov with questions. Purchase gifts that can save or change a life at the Alternative Gift Market on December 4, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 1625 Wiehle Avenue, Reston. Visit over 30 booths of socially conscious gift ideas from local and international charitable organizations. Check out the "Shopping List" at www.uureston.org to see the many gift options available. This is an opportunity for one-stop shopping for your holiday needs or to save for birthdays, thank you gifts, and numerous other occasions throughout the year. Purchasers of gifts receive a beautiful card that can be given to the person honored with this alternative gift, explaining how the donation will be used. Donations are tax deductible. Fair trade crafts from Ten Thousand Villages and other international communities will also be available for purchase. The Fairfax County Park Authority's Cultural Resources Management and Protection Section has begun archaeological studies on the Old Colchester Park and Preserve. Join them for an open house on Saturday, December 4, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at 10709 Old Colchester Road, Lorton, for information about the history of the area and to see artifacts already recovered. This is also a chance to volunteer with the project. Go to the field lab located in the back, lower level.
The Governor's Transportation Conference will be held December 8-10, 2010, at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center in Roanoke, VA. Visit www.vatransconf.org for more details and to register.
The Privileges and Elections Redistricting Subcommittee of the Virginia House of Delegates will hold a public hearing on legislative redistricting on Friday, December 17, 10:00 a.m. in the 9th floor Appropriations room of the General Assembly Building in Richmond. Questions regarding the meeting should be directed to Mary Spain in the Division of Legislative Services at 804.786.3591.
Join Delegate Ken Plum at one or both of his annual Pre-Session Public Hearings:
Wednesday, January 5, 2011, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. with Senator Mark Herring at Fox Mill Elementary School, 2601 Viking Drive, Herndon.
Thursday, January 6, 2011, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. with Senator Janet Howell at Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston.
All citizens are welcome; pre-registration is not required.
Let's Help Kids! will celebrate its first annual "Dual" Gala (adults in one room, kids in another!) on Saturday, January 29, 2011, at the Springfield Golf & Country Club. Black tie optional. Visit www.letshelpkids.org to learn more about this wonderful organization. |
| Go Green |
 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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