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Delegate Ken Plum's
Virginia
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Ken recently enjoyed a moment with a young constituent and his balloon. |
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Commentary
San Antonio in August
Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum
Every true Virginian knows that America began at Jamestown in 1607 with some people showing up in New England later and then there was the westward Movement. A trip west reminds me that our country's history was a bit more complex than that.
While the English were struggling to get a foothold in Virginia, the Spanish were busy exploring in the Southwest. San Antonio where I am this week was first visited by Spanish explorers and missionaries in 1691. Its most famous mission, the Alamo, was the scene a couple of centuries later of a major conflict between Mexicans and Texans over the region's fate. It took the Mexican-American War to finally bring Texas into the Union. How easy it is for Easterners to forget all that glorious history that I have just glossed over.
My purpose in being in San Antonio is greater than expanding my historic perspective. I am attending the annual meeting of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). NCSL provides the only nonpartisan in-service training and professional continuing education for state legislators and their staff. Sessions cover the gambit of legislative issues. Speakers are nationally known experts and authors in their fields. Panels are often made up of legislators from many different states who share their state's approach to given issues. In some respects, hearing how other states have dealt with issues may be the most valuable information coming out of the conference.
There are more than 150 policy sessions organized around major themes like education, transportation, jobs, health, etc. The expert speakers, panel discussions, and other presentations are intended to be educational. In addition, the Conference membership votes on various policy positions that largely revolve around issues of federalism. In general, NCSL seeks to preserve state authority, eliminate unfunded mandates, ensure state flexibility, and avoid federal preemption. While these are lofty goals, they sometimes are not reachable because there are many instances in which the states have refused to take action and the federal government has had to step in.
The approach of NCSL in providing a broad background of information and different points of view is in sharp contrast to the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) conferences that are funded by businesses and special interests. ALEC provides legislators with drafts of very conservative legislation that they are encouraged to introduce back home. Some of the most conservative special interest legislation showing up in state legislatures is being funneled through ALEC.
Texans are notably proud of their history as they should be. Virginians sometimes need to be less arrogant about our history. The July days of record-breaking temperature in Virginia prepared me for August in San Antonio. I am looking forward to coming back home and using some of the knowledge I gained from NCSL.
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"Virginia Report" on Reston Comcast Channel 28
Tonight - August 10 at 10:30 p.m. - Tim McManus, Chief Executive Officer, Reston Hospital Center - "25 Years of Quality Care"
Tuesday, August 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, August 17 at 10:30 p.m. - Paula Otto, Director of the Virginia Lottery - "The Virginia Lottery: Helping Virginia's Public Schools"
View "Virginia Report" online via video streaming using the following link:
www.rctv28.com/shows/studio/community/virginiareport.html
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The New 36th House District
New legislative districts have been approved, and the new 36th House District is shown below. To view interactive district maps and determine in which district you live, click here Legislative Services.
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Volunteer for Ken's Campaign
Delegate Ken Plum's campaign manager is Allison Dickert, and if you are interested in volunteering for Ken's campaign, please contact her at 571.213.8578 or email kenplum@aol.com. Ken's campaign office is at 11307 Sunset Hills Road, Unit B-3, and is currently staffed part-time. And let us know if you need a yard sign or bumper strip! |
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Delegate Plum Appointed to the Autism Advisory Council
Delegate Ken Plum has been appointed by the Speaker of the House to serve on the Autism Advisory Council. The Council was created by the 2011 General Assembly to promote coordination of services and resources among agencies involved in the delivery of services to Virginians with autism spectrum disorders and to increase public awareness of such services and resources. Delegate Plum has long been an advocate for families affected by autism spectrum disorders and is honored to have been appointed to this important Advisory Council. |
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Announcements
The Remarkable "Works Sunday" Coming Soon
For the 16th consecutive year, the call has gone out for volunteers for "Works Sunday," a cornucopia of charitable projects taking place on or about Sunday, August 21, 2011, aimed at helping the hungry, the handicapped, and the homeless in the Reston/Herndon area. Works Sunday 2011 is sponsored by 20 local congregations - Jewish, Christian, Sikh, and Buddhist - as a celebration of shared ethical values and a demonstration of their strong commitment to community service and social justice. A reflection of that welcoming spirit is that Works Sunday is open to all. Volunteers need not belong to a sponsoring congregation (or any congregation) to participate. Works Sunday is distinctly local in its focus. With one exception near Fairfax Hospital, all 18 work projects this year are located in Reston or Herndon. Works Sunday is low-impact in terms of volunteer time commitment, with most service project shifts lasting only one to two hours. Those projects requesting contributions of clothing or personal items will only require the few minutes needed to drop off donated items. This year's projects include outreach events for residents of local nursing homes, a blood drive, the collection of clothing and personal items for the homeless, a food drive for Reston Interfaith, support for Ronald McDonald House of Northern Virginia, and light yard and maintenance work at Gabriel Homes (local group homes for the intellectually challenged). While most projects are scheduled for Works Sunday itself on August 21, other dates are available as well. For more information about Works Sunday, visit www.workssunday.org or call Christopher Wist at 703.964.6874.
New Traffic Safety Information from AAA
AAA's Digest of Motor Laws is now on-line at www.drivinglaws.aaa.com. The site includes topics such as state graduated driver's licensing laws, titling and registration, safety and emissions inspections, motorcycles and mopeds, auto insurance requirements, passenger car towing, and Department of Motor Vehicle fees and taxes across all 50 states. It also contains valuable charts which compare and contrast laws from across America on the most current and debated issues. It can help you navigate the complex patchwork of state motor vehicle laws, putting a wealth of information about traffic laws, licensing policies, and vehicle regulations just a click away.
Know Someone Who Needs Help?
Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board provides vital services for people of all ages with mental illness, substance use disorders, intellectual disabilities, and for young chilodren with developmental delays. Note this important contact information:
* Emergency numbers, aswered 24/7:
CSB Emergency Serices - 703.573.5679; TTY 703.207.7737
Fairfax Detoxification Center
703.502.7000; TTY 703.322.9080
* Main CSB Phone Number for Acessing Services:
CSB Entry & Referral Services - 703.383.8500; TTY 711
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/csb
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Calendar of Events
Attend a puppet show, "Earl's Lunch," on Saturday, August 13, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., at the Walker Nature Education Center, 11450 Glade Drive, Reston. "Earl the Squirrel" and his nature center friends will talk about what they like to eat while children munch on a morning snack. Kids will create their own animal puppet to take home. Reservations are required by August 10. Fee is $5/child RA members, $8/child non-members. This entertaining program is for children 3 to 5 years of age; children must be accompanied by an adult. For reservations, call 703.476.9689 or e-mail naturecenter@reston.org.
Hear the U.S. Army Band at the Concert on the Town at Reston Town Center on Saturday, August 13, 7:30 to 10:00 p.m. The band will play pop, rhythm and blues, and more. No dance floor at this performance. The concert is free and will be held rain or shine.
Registration continues for the Reston Kids Triathlon on Sunday, August 14. This event is for kids and youth ages 6-14 and is hosted by Reston Association and the YMCA Fairfax County Reston. Registration information is at www.restonkidstri.org. Volunteers and sponsors are needed for the overall event as well as for individual triathletes. To be a volunteer or event sponsor, contact Laura Kowalski, Aquatics Manager, at 703.435.6528 or pools@reston.org. Reston Environmental Action (REACT) will meet for dinner on Saturday, August 20, 5:00, at the Silver Diner in Reston. Join REACT members for dinner and find out all about the energy efficiency projects going on in your neighborhood. Learn how to be a better recycler. Find out about driving less and breathing better. Hear all about eco-friendly yard and garden care. For more information about REACT, go to www.restonenvironmentalaction.org. To participate in a project or join a committee, contact Mary Brown at cernybrown@earthlink.net or 703.620.0151.
The 25th Annual Reston Century Bike Tour will be held on Sunday, August 21, with a 6:00 a.m. registration at Reston Town Center Pavilion. Riders select 30, 63, or 100 mile routes. Post-ride party with food and music for participating cyclists. Friends and family join the festivities for a fee. Rain or shine. Visit www.restonbikeclub.org for more information.
Volunteers are needed for "Works Sunday 2011," an amazing array of charitable projects to help the hungry, the handicapped, and the homeless in the Reston/Herndon area on August 21. Most projects take just 1 to 2 hours, while others may be as simple as dropping off your donation of food and clothing. Visit www.workssunday.org or call Christopher Wist at 703.964.6874 for more information.
Sign up for the INOVA Blood Drive to be held Tuesday, August 23, Noon to 7:30 p.m., beside the Pavilion at Reston Town Center. Schedule your appointment at 1.866.256.6372 or www.inova.org/donateblood. You can also register on site. Meet Me at the Movies, Reston's Senior Movie Day, will be held on Wednesday, August 24, 10:00 a.m., at the Bow Tie Cinema. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. A feature fiolm will be shown. This event is free to those 55 and older.
The next Electric Sunday TV and Computer Recycling opportunity will be on August 28, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the I-66 Transfer Station, 4618 West Ox Road, Fairfax. For updates, cancellations, and notifiction of events, call 703.324.5052, TTY 711.
Attend Delegate Ken Plum's Summer Re-election Reception on Tuesday, August 30, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at The Metropolitan at Reston Town Center, 1855 Saint Francis Street, 22nd Floor. Special Guest will be U.S. Senator Mark Warner. Take this opportunity to talk with Senator Warner while enjoying a panoramic view of the region atop The Metropolitan. E-mail kenplum@aol.com for details about tickets and sponsorship. Mark Warner is appearing at this event only as a special guest. Mark Warner is not asking for funds or donations.
Meet actor-narrator Ralph Cosham, veteran of Arena Stage and Shakespeare productions and feature films, on Tuesday, September 6, 7:00 p.m., at the Reston Regional Library. Cosham has also narrated many audiobooks that are in our public libraries. For reservations, call 703.689.2700 (press 4).
Get on the bus and go to the U.S. Open at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City on Thursday, September 1, 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Meet at Reston Association, 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive, to board the bus. Reservations are required by August 29, 2011. Cost is $140/person RA members, $145/person non-members. Ages 12 years through adult (under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). Make your reservation by calling 703.435.6502 or e-mail tennis@reston.org.
Reston's Community Yard Sale will be held Saturday, September 10 (rain date September 11) from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Reston Association, 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive. Ninety-five families will be selling a variety of items. Sign up to have a booth or stop by to browse for great bargains. Booth space equals two parking spaces; tables are not provided, and space is limited. All sales final. Contact Ashleigh@reston.org for more information.
The Annual Plum Family Picnic, hosted by Delegate Ken and Jane Plum along with their children and grandchildren, will be held on Saturday, September 10, at the North Hills Picnic Pavilion on North Village Road (at Hollow Timber). There will be good food, music, supervised arts and crafts for kids, and a time to visit with your friends and neighbors. This event is free.
Brain Injury Services' 8th Annual Kit Callahan's Miracle Mile 10K Run/Walk and Brain Injury Awareness Fair will be held on Sunday, September 18, at George Mason University in Fairfax. The opening ceremony will begin at 8:30 a.m. followed by the 10K Run/Walk at 9:00 a.m. The mission of the Miracle Mile is to provide an event that rejoices in the triumphs of survivors with brain injuries; provide community outreach and education about brain injuries; promote prevention; and raise funds to continue the efforts of local non-profit community based organizations that assist people with brain injuries and their families. Visit www.braininjurysvcs.org for more about Brain Injury Services' work and this annual event.
This year's Reston Multicultural Festival will be held Saturday, September 24, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., rain or shine, at Lake
Anne Village Center. The Multicultural Festival brings together the people of Reston to celebrate its rich medley of cultures. The Festival opening will include a Naturalization Ceremony where America's newest citizens will take the Oath of Allegiance. Enjoy entertainment, food, arts and crafts, and family fun from around the world for all ages. Visit www.restoncommunitycenter.comfor more information and to find out vendor requirements. The Walk to End Alzheimer's in Northern Virginia will be held on Sunday, September 25, at the Reston Town Center. Registration will begin at 5:00 p.m.; program and walk begin at 6:00 p.m. Join in the fight against Alzheimner's by being a part of this candlelight rally and walk to celebrate and remember all families affected by Alzheimer's. Learn more at www.alz.org/nca or call 703.359.4440.
LifeCircle Alliances will hold its "Kudos for Community Caregivers" Awards Breakfast on Monday, September 26, at Mason Inn, George Mason University, 4352 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax. Registration begins at 7:00 a.m. with a breakfast buffet beginning at 7:15 and the program at 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. This program will honor four outstanding volunteer caregivers or organizations, and ALL caregivers who provide dedicated care, day in and day out, for our older adults or adults 18+ who have disabilities, including our wounded veterans. Keynote speaker is journalist and best-selling author Gail Sheehy, author of Passages in Caregiving, who will share insights into caring for a loved one. Contact chyland@lifecirclealliances.org or call 571.321.2018 for more information or to RSVP. Find out more about the work of LifeCircle Alliances at www.lifecirclealliances.org.
Learn all about Neighborhood Watch at a conference on Saturday, October 15, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Reston Association, 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston. You will learn how to start a Neighborhood Watch, tips on home security and safety, keeping a Neighborhood Watch active, and how to recruit volunteers in your community. This event is sponsored by the Fairfax County Police Department and the REston Association and is free.
The Governor's Conference on Energy will be held October 17-19 at the Richmond Convention Center. The event will be hosted by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and co-hosted by Virginia Alternative & Renewable Energy Association and the Virginia Sustainable Building Network. Private and public sector leaders will join together with entrepreneurs, researchers, and policymakers to talk about what it will take to develop ALL of our domestic energy resources and meet our nation's deand for abundant, reliable, and affordable energy for our future. Find out how to sponsor, exhibit, or attend at www.vachamber.com.
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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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