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Delegate Ken Plum's
Virginia
e-News
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Happy New Year, 2010
 We have had a blessed year we would like to share with you, in case you don't already know the details from Facebook.
Our children took us on a cruise this summer-a Potomac River sailing cruise-for our twentieth wedding anniversary. Great fun was had by all.
It's a joy to share family events with our children and grandchildren, like the Trail Ride and Ken's Family Picnic where our family came together with his community and political family.
 We were back at South Lakes HS for Mike's graduation-Ken's sixth family grad there! Mike is at Northern Virginia Community College now.
Jane's work at United Christian Parish Preschool is going well even with the challenges of operating a program while a major construction project is underway to expand the building. The budgets, staffing, maintenance, paperwork don't get her down when she sees smiles of the little ones.
We had some great trips this year. In the spring we spent several days in western  North Carolina staying in a neat log cabin, visiting the Biltmore, hiking to waterfalls and eating barbeque. In June we went with legislators to Turkey for days with an intensive, but wonderful tour of the country from Istanbul to Ephesus. The highlight was sharing meals in several families' homes.
In late summer we spent a delightful 10 days in Scotland during the Edinburgh Festival. We went to see the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, walked the old city, and enjoyed the street entertainers that were part of the Festival. We spent five days in scenic areas in the Northern Highlands seeing lochs, castles, mountains and sea coast. 
Jane's mom joined us at our annual political event at the Homestead, as well as spending the Big snowstorm time and Thanksgiving with us.
We spend some time each weekend hiking in or around Reston. We love our community; in a few minutes we can be hiking in the woods or in Town Center with its many activities. The extension of Metrorail to Reston and Dulles on which Ken has worked so long is  about one-fourth complete. The Committee for Dulles gave him the Tower of Dulles Award for his work to bring rail to the area. Ken is Moderator of the Board at UCP and has had to learn about Church politics.
We pray for our children and other friends and family who are in the job market. We thank you for your continued prayers for Conrad's progress-he is doing great!
We thank the Lord every day for our friends and family and for our many blessings. May you have a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year! |
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| "Virginia Report"
Reston Comcast Channel 28
Tonight - Wednesday, December 29 at 10:30 p.m. -- Senator Janet Howell of Reston - "Challenges of the 2011 General Assembly Session"
Online Viewing:
Watch this month's programming and other "Virginia Report" programs at
Senator Janet Howell - "Challenges of the Upcoming General Assembly Session" |
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In the Spirit of Giving...Ways You Can Help!
Thank you for the many wonderful suggestions for "gifts in the spirit of giving" sent to me by my constituents this holiday season. It isn't too late to send a check or make an online contribution to an organization or charity during 2010 -- you have until December 31to make a tax-deductible gift. The needs of those less fortunate, both in our community and globally, extend past the winter months, so consider making a commitment to continue your contributions throughout 2011. Make it a "lifestyle choice for 2011." Your gift will be a blessing to those who would otherwise have a difficult time without your help.
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Delegate Plum to Hold Public Meetings Before the 2011 General Assembly Session Begins in Richmond
Attend one or both of Delegate Ken Plum's pre-session Public Hearings:
Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Fox Mill Elementary School Cafeteria 2601 Viking Drive, Herndon, VA 20171 With Senator Mark Herring
Thursday, January 6, 2011 - 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston, VA 20191 With Senator Janet Howell
Bring your questions and comments about issues of interest or concern. Pre-registration is not required. Come prepared to speak or to listen -- all are welcome! |
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Take Ken's 2011 Pre-Session Survey - Your Views Count, and the Opinions are Rolling In!
The 2011 General Assembly session will convene on January 12 in Richmond. Please take a moment to share your views on issues of interest to us all by clicking on the image below, or go to www.kenplum.com. A paper copy of this survey will also be available to all voter households in a newsletter arriving in mailboxes this month. Either way, paperless or paper, please share your opinions with Ken before session begins on January 12.
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Citizen Environmental Action
The next Electric Sunday TV and Computer Recycling will be held on Sunday, January 23, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the I-66 Transfer Station, 4618 West Ox Road, Fairfax. For updates, cancellations, and notifications of events, call 703.324.5052, TTY 711.
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Announcements
Reston Association offices follow the Fairfax County government inclement weather policy. If Fairfax County Government closes, so does Reston Association. Check RA's notices on Facebook, Twitter, and at ww.reston.org. When snowfall on the 55 miles of Reston Association trails reaches two inches, RA crews plow. The biggest challenge for crews is that often the work is done at night because there are fewer people on the trails at that time. Our Reston trails are the most widely-used amenity in Reston Association!
Donate your gently used medical equipment to help others. The Foundation for Rehabilitation Equipment and Endowment of Northern Virginia (FREE) is accepting donations of gently used medical equipment, including wheelchairs, shower chairs, walkers, and rollators. The equipment will be given to people in need who do not have health insurance or cannot afford to purchase the equipment. FREE is a nonprofit organization that provides mobility-related equipment to enhance independence and improve quality of life. Donations are tax-deductible. Equipment must be brought to FREE's Fairfax location. Contact Jill Clark at jill.clark@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703.324.5874, TTY 711, for more information.
Are you a caregiver who would like to join a support group without having to leave home? Get helpful information, share your experiences, and gain emotional support from others on the telephone. The support group meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. To register or for more information, go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/DFS/OlderAdultsServices/caregiver.htm or call 703.324.5484, TTY 711. Listed below are the dates and topics of upcoming calls:
* January 11 - Finding the Rewards in Caregiving. Share Your Experiences.
* February 8 - When Your Loved One Isn't So Loveable.
* March 8 - Setting Limits and Boundaries in Caregiving. |
Calendar of Events
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.
The House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees will hold a Public Hearing on the 2010-12 State Budget on Thursday, January 6, 2011, 10:00 a.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center in the Board Auditorium. The purpose of the hearing is to receive comments on the Governor's proposed amendments to the 2010-12 biennial state budget. Those persons wishing to speak may register no earlier than one hour prior to the state of the hearing. Speakers will be taken in the order of registration. Each person may register only one speaker at a time. Speakers are asked to limit their comments to three minutes or less. Speakers representing groups and organizations should consolidate remarks to reduce duplication. Persons unable to attend may comment in writing to either: Delegate Lacey E. Putney, P.O. Box 406, General Assembly Building, Richmond, VA 23218; or Senator Charles J. Colgan, 10th Floor General Assembly Building, Richmond, VA 23219. Accommodations for individuals with hearing impairment may be made by calling 804.698.7480. All requests for individuals with hearing impairment must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 30, 2010.
Join your friends and neighbors for a half-day annual bird count throughout Reston's natural areas. Meet local bird experts, learn tips on identification, and have fun while helping obtain important information about our feathered friends on Saturday, January 8, 2011, 7:00 a.m. to noon. Meet at the Walker Nature Education Center, 11450 Glade Drive. After the count, stay for lunch to tally results and swap stories. Sign up by January 5. Call 703.476.9869 and press 5 or email enviroed@reston.org.
Members of the Virginia House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate who represent citizens in Fairfax County will hold their annual Fairfax County Delegation Pre-Session Public Hearing on Saturday, January 8, 2011, at 9:00 a.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center, Board Auditorium. Individuals wishing to speak should call the Office of the Clerk to the Board of Supervisors at 703.324.3151 by noon on Friday, January 7.
Bring your instruments, voices, and friends to a Reston Nature Hosue January 9 Music Jam at the Walker Nature Education Center, 11450 Glade Drive, on Sunday, January 9, 2011, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. There will be lots of playing and singing in the multipurpose room with chairs and refreshments being provided. Share a song -- bring copies of lyrics and chords for 15 participants. Bring a 3-ring binder and start your own Music Jam Collection. Organizers will pass out lyrics and chords to old favorites. Bring a music stand if you have one. To RSVP or for more information, contact Rick and Karen Elliott at klpelliott@verizon.net or 703.476.1191.
IPAR, Reston's own Initiative for Public Art, is pleased to be a cosponsor of a Public Art Talk with Sara Reisman, Director of New York City's Percent for Art Program organized by Arlington County Public Art Program on Monday, January 10, 2011, for a Reception at 6:30 p.m. and talk at 7:30 p.m. This exciting event will be held at Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington. Ms. Reisman will discuss New York City's Percent for ARt Program and her role as its director. Artisphere is located two blocks from the Rosslyn Metro with free parking in the building's garage weekdays after 5:00 p.m. Call 703.875.1100 for more information. The Reston Community Orchestra will present its Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Saturday, January 15, 6:00 p.m., at the Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods. This musical program honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King will feature orchestral music by African American composers in addition to readings, poetry and other spoken words. Go to www.restoncommunityorchestra.org for more information. In celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and the spirit of service this day represents, Volunteer Fairfax invites you to its second annual "Give Together: A Family Volunteer Day" on Monday, January 17, 2011, at George Mason University. Families can enjoy the opportunity to give back to teh community by working on service projects provided by nonprofits from around the region. Nonprofits participating in the 2011 event include: Fairfax 4-H, FACETS, Herndon Senior Center, Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, Operation Military Kids, and Orphan Foundation of America. Projects range from writing cards to deployed military personnel to beading bracelets for hospital patients. The event will be divided into two shifts: shift 1 from 10:30 to 12:30 p.m.; shift 2 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Families with elementary-aged children are encouraged to attend this event. Register or find out more at www.volunteerfairfax.org. 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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