Virginia e-News
 
November 23, 2011
KenJaneHeadshotTgivingIssue
 
 
We are thankful for our wonderful family and friends and a community we love.  We wish you all a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday.
 
Ken and Jane Plum 
The First Thanksgiving
Graham Woodlief and Barbara Ramos
 
On October 13, 2011, Graham Woodlife and Barbara Ramos delivered their lecture entitled The First Thanksgiving.  Because of what they learned in elementary school, most Americans probably associate Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims in Masachusetts in 1621.  Less well known outside Virginia is the fact that more than a year earlier, a hardy band of Englishmen landed at Berkeley Hundred on the James River and held the real first Thanksgiving.  Captain John Woodlief and thirty-seven men sailed from Bristol, England, on the ship Margaret and reached Berkeley Hundred nearly three months later in December, 1619.  They marked their deliverance from the stormy north Atlantic with a simple service of thanks to God.  Graham Woodlief and Barbara Ramos tell the story of this first Thanksgiving in English-speaking America and of the origins of the Virginia Thanksgiving Festival,which led to President Kennedy's mention of Virginia in his Thanksgiving proclamation of 1963.  View this lecture presented by the Virginia Historical Society at www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_woodlief_ramos.htm. 

Commentary

 

The Citizen Legislator

Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum

  

For most of the years I have served in the General Assembly I held a full-time job.  Pay for a legislator is less than $20,000, and unless one is financially independent, another source of income is necessary.  The idea behind the citizen legislator is that you need to live and work in the local community in order to understand the needs and interests of your constituents.  The alternative to living in the capital city and meeting year-round can lead to what we see in some other states and in the nation's capital is a government that gets out of touch and extends itself into more areas than might be necessary or desirable.  Citizen legislators pay a toll as do their families for working what is essentially two full-time jobs.  I have the relative luxury now of being retired and able to devote more than full-time to my legislative duties.  I am not complaining, for I asked voters to give me the job.  I am honored to serve and enjoy the work.

 

A necessary part of the position is standing for office.  That is about campaigning for election.  With the electoral process being organized around political parties there is an involvement in partisan politics.  Political parties are a necessary part of organizing and campaigning for office.  Many times partisanship gets beyond the issues and dominates the election process.  I appreciate the fact that voters in my district clearly ignored the more than a dozen ridiculous post cards that were sent out about me during the campaign.  I know that voters are intelligent enough to know for example that I am not totally responsible for the national debt as one card suggested.

 

Organization by political party is a feature of legislative bodies as well.  There are caucuses of Democrats and Republicans in the House of Delegates, State Senate, and U.S. Congress.  Although the organization of like-thinking persons into a caucus is intended to facilitate the work of the legislature, the experience in too many legislatures has been that political considerations take over too much of the time and energy of the legislature.

 

For nearly three years I have chaired the Democratic Caucus in the House of Delegates.  I chose not to seek the office again in order to have more time to focus on policy alternatives in these challenging times.  As I prepare to return to Richmond for the legislative session that begins on January 11, 2012, I need your ideas and suggestions.  Please e-mail me at kenplum@aol.com or call my legislative office weekday mornings at 703.758.9733.  I hope you will attend a Public Meeting I am hosting with Senator Janet Howell on Thursday, January 5, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston.

 

I do not want the legislature to become full-time.  Legislators need to stay in close touch with their constituency.  I will soon post a survey on issues for your response along with receiving your comments at the Public Meeting.  As your legislator, I need to hear from you, the citizens. 

"Virginia Report" Returns Next Month
KenStudio 

Tune in to Reston Comcast Channel 28 for a 30-minute weekly television program hosted by Delegate Ken Plum.  Ken covers topics of interest to us all as he interviews people from our own community, Fairfax County, and around the Commonwealth to talk about important issues of the day.  Not a Comcast viewer?  Visit www.rctv28.com/VirginiaReport.html and watch Ken's "Virginia Report" on your computer or iPad.
 
Tuesday, December 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, December 14 at 10:30 p.m. - Commissioner Richard Holcomb, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles - "Your DMV - Changing With the Times"
 
Tuesday, December 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, December 21 at 10:30 p.m. - Buckley Anne Kuhn Fricker of Reston, Certified Care Manager with legal background in elder law - "Buckley's for Seniors"
In This Issue
Commentary - "The Citizen Legislator"
"Virginia Report" Returns Soon
Announcements
Calendar of Events - Don't Miss Out!

  
Announcements
 
Saturday, November 26 is Small Business Day
An interesting and important idea was brought to our attention this week in an e-mail from the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce.  American Express CEO Kenneth Chenault was mulling the subject on everyone's mind:  how to create jobs.  One idea, he said, was to support small business.  American Express is promoting something it calls "Small Business Saturday" on November 26.  Chenault says everyone should do their holiday shopping in small community stores that day -- the "mom and pop" shops.  According to Chenault, small businesses create half of the jobs in the private sector and have created 65 percent of the net new jobs over the last 17 years.  If people support independently owned small  businesses in their community, they can make a difference.  Chanault says he hopes Small Business Saturday will become as important as Black Friday, the traditional start of the holiday shopping season.  As you begin your shopping this weekend, "go small" this Saturday, November 26, and keep our local Chamber of Commerce members in mind.
 
Committee Seeks Members
If you are a professional communicator with an interest in heloping to advise the Reston Association Board of Directors on communications outreach efforts, you may be interested in volunteering for the Communications Advisory Committee.  The group meets once a month to work on specific public outreach initiatives for the Reston Association and community.  To be considered, please send an e-mail expressing your interest and outlining specific communications professional experience to Cate Fulkerson at cate@reston.org.
 
Congratulations to Supervisor Hudgins!
Congratulations to Hunter Mill Supervisor Catherine M. Hudgins who has been elected president of the Virginia Associaiton of Counties for 2011-2012.  Supervisor Hudgins succeeds Wise County Supervisor Robert R. Adkins and becomes the eighth president of the association from Fairfax County.
 
Reston Lions Citrus Sale
The Resotn Lions annual citrus sale fundraiser will raise money to support sight, hearing, and volunteering initiatives.  Visit their trailer at the North Point Village Center on Reston Parkway to pick up ordrs or to support the club.  Sale hours are Friday, December 2, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Saturday, December 3, 8:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m.; and Sunday,December 4,10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or until the citrus is sold out.  Visti www.restonlions.org to pre-order and pay online.
 
Winter Coat Closet Open
Supervisor Cathy Hudgins is again sponsoring a Winter Coat Closet to provided children and adults with warm winter coats.  Your donations of gently used or new coats will be greatly appreciated.  Last year, with the assistance of Reston Interfaith, the Supervisor's office distributed over 5,500 coats to individuals and families.  The Coat Closet will be open to receive your donations and to select a winter coat on Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. to Noon; Thursday 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.; and Saturdays 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through March 10.  The Coat Closet is located at the North County Governmental Center, 12000 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston.  For additional informaiton, please contact the Hunter Mill office at 703.478.0283.
 
CollegeLink Now Connecting Student Volunteers
Volunteer Fairfax has announced a new program, CollegeLink, which is aimed at connecting college students with volunteer, service learning, and internship opportunities.  CollegeLink is a tool to help students find an organization where they can acquire new skills for their own personal growth and in turn help the community.  Visit www.volunteerfairfax.org/individuals/collegelink.php.  An agency can participate in the CollegeLink program:
* Post your volunteer and unpaid internship opportunities through VolunteerNow! and be sure to indicate the opportunity as "Great for:  College Students."
* Visit the Guide to Posting Opportunities for College Students at www.volunteerfairfax.org/non-profits/collegelink.php to learn more about recruiting student volunteers.
* Participate in Global Youth Service Day and large days of service throughout the year.
* Table at college volunteer and activity fairs sponsored by Volunteer Fairfax and local institutions.
* Nominate a student volunteer to receive a Fairfax County Volunteer Service Award.
 
Guide Helps Locate Virginia-Grown Christmas Trees
State agricultural officials have released a guide for finding Christmas trees grown in Virginia.  Copies of the guide can be found online at www.virginiagrown.com.  The guide was published by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  It includes information on Christmas tree farms across the state and lists them by city or county.
 
 

 

                                           Autumn Leaves

 

 

 

     Calendar of Events

 

 

 

 

 

 

A community service of Thanksgiving, open to all, wil be held tonight, November 23, 7:30 p.m. at the United Christian Parish, 11508 North Shore Drive, Reston.  Participants will include leaders of the Shoreshim Community, All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS), Community of ALL People United Church of Christ, United Christian Parish, and Reston Interfaith.  Delegate Ken Plum and Hunter Mill Supervisor Cathy Hudgins will also take part.  There will be an offering to benefit Reston Interfaith; a social time will follow the service.  Additional parking will be available at Lake Anne Elementary School ne
xt door to the church.

 

Kids can run like the Gingerbread Man at the Kids Mile Fun Run on Friday, November 25, 8:00 a.m. at Reston Town Center, 11900 Market Street.  The course will cover a 1-mile loop around Reston Town Center.  Once kids finish, they can enjoy delicious gingerbread cookies and take part in the Reston Town Center Holiday Festival with their families and enjoy the parade, tree lighting, and more.  Donations are greatly appreciated, and all wil benefit Neediest Kids.

 

The 21st Annual Holiday Parade will be held on Friday, November 25, 11:00 a.m.  Ringing in the 2011 season with a theme of "Storybook Magic," the 1-hour Reston Holiday Parade features huge, Macy's-style balloons, floats, marching bands, and hundreds of participants welcoming the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn carriage.  This community tradition is part of a full day of fun including ice skating in the Pavilion.  Don't miss the Tree Lighting and Sing-Along at 6:00 p.m.

 

Christmas Trees, Wreaths, and Pine Roping will be for sale beginning Saturday, November 26, at Vale United Methodist Church, corner of Fox Mill & Vale Roads, Oakton.  Sale hours:  Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sundays 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.  Pick out a beautiful, fresh-cut Frasir Fir, Douglas, Canaan, or Blue Spruce tree from a large assortment in all sizes 6 to 13 feet tall.  Delivery is available for an extra charge.  All proceeds from the tree sales benefit Stop Hunger Now (www.stophungernow.org).  Come get your tree, wreath, and roping, and enjoy some free hot cider and cookies!

 

United Christian Parish Preschool's Annual Book Fair will be held at Barnes and Noble in Reston on Wednesday, November 30.  Buy books any time of the day using the code 10516672 in the store or online, and the program will receive a donation from B&N dependent on the amount of sales.  This has been a great way to make wonderful additions to UCP Preschool's library.  Ken the Magician (a.k.a. Delegate Ken Plum) will perform a show of magic and amazement for children at 6:00 p.m. at the store.

 

Check out the Holiday Art Show and Sale at Reston Museum and an Opening Reception on Friday, December 2, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.  Reston Museum is located at 1639 Washington Plaza.  Offerings from local artists, plus Reston wares including Reston Coffee and specially priced, autographed Nature of Reston books, all suitable for gift-giving, will be available for your purchase on this special evening and also through the month of December.  A portion of sales proceeds benefits Reston Museum.  All are welcome!

 

Support the Reston Lions Club's Citrus Sale to benefit sight, hearing, and volunteering initiatives by visiting their trailer at Northpoint Village Center on December 2, 3, and 4.  Buy delicious citrus fruits or make a donation to the club.  Visit www.restonlions.org to preorder and for hours of operation.

 

More than 20 area nonprofit organizations will have booths at the Gifts That Give Hope Alternative Gift Fair to be held on Saturday, December 3, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the Truro Church, 10520 Main Street, Fairfax.  All are invited; admission is free.  Visitors can learn about the groups and make donations to them in honor of friends, then get gift cards for these friends with descriptions of how the money will be used.  Host of the alternative gift fair is the Giving Circle of HOPE of Reston, which gives annual grants to nonprofits that help people in need in Northern Virginia and conducts a variety of ongoing service programs.  For more information, see www.giftsthatgivehope.org.  Online ordering will be available on the website beginning November 28.

 


The Reston Chorale presents "The Wonder of the Season," a holiday concert performed twice on Saturday, December 3, 6:00 p.m. or 8:00 p.m., at the Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods.  This concert is guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit with Haydn's St. Nicolas Mass and many other old and new favorites.  Ticket information is available at www.restonchorale.org. 


 

The Board of Directors of the Dulles Corridor Rail Association invites you to attend a reception honoring the progress of Phase I of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project and the people who have made it happen, and also recognizing TYTRAN, at its Annual Meeting on Monday, December 5, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Sheraton Reston, 11810 Sunrise Valley Drive.  Suggested contribution is $50 individual or $100 corporate.  To RSVP, call 571.296.1552 or e-mail dcra@dullescorridorrail.com.  For more information or to learn about sponsorship opportunities,, contact DCRA President Patty Nicoson at 703.716.5750. 

 

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is hosting a Dulles Toll Road 2011 Update to provide information to the public about the Toll Road's finances, operations, and planned improvements on Tuesday, December 6, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at South Lakes High School Cafeteria, 11400 South Lakes Drive, Reston.  The public session will be conducted in an open house format with informational exhibits.  Representatives from the Airports Authority will be present to discuss Dulles Toll Road revenue raised as a result of the enacted toll increase in 2011 and to provide information on the future approved toll increase for 2012, planned improvements to the Toll Road, and financing a portion of the Dulles Metrorail Project.  See exhibits on-line at www.mwaa.com after December 1.  For special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, please call 703.934.4639 at least five days prior to the meeting.

 

 

The Reston Chorale, with the Reston Community Orchestra, presents "Reston Sings! Messiah" on Tuesday, December 6, at 7:30 p.m. at the Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, and again on Tuesday, December 13, 7:30 p.m., at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1133 Reston Avenue, Herndon.  Don't miss being able to sing Messiah this year!  Visit www.restonchorale.org to buy tickets or pay at the door; $10 participation fee, $3 music rental fee (or bring your own score).

 

Senior citizens are invited to attend the Reston Community Center's annual Reston Senior Holiday Luncheon on Thursday, December 8, 11:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the elegant Sheraton Reston Hotel.  Enjoy a sumptuous brunch, live musical entertainment, and a 45-minute performance by the outstanding Harmony Heritage Barbeshop Chorus.  This event is for citizens ages 55 and older; cost is $16 Reston residents, $32 non-residents.  For more information or to register contact Karen Brutsche, RCC's Senior Adult Program Director, at 703.476.4500 or go to www.restoncommunitycenter.com.

 

Reston Historic Trust will present "The Battle of Dranesville," a free program on Thursday, December 8, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., at the Reston Community Center at Lake Anne, 1609 Washington Plaza.  This is a continuation of Reston Historic Trust's commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War about events that occurred in the Reston area.  This program will focus on the strategic significance of Leesburg Turnpike, the history and description of the Town of Dranesville in 1861, movement of troops through present day Reston, and more.  This event is free; all are welcome.

 

The Closet and Dranesville United Methodist Church will sponsor their annual Christmas Caroling Event at The Closet on Sunday, December 11, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at 845 Station Street, Herndon.  The Closet will have extended hours for your Christmas shopping.  Enjoy Christmas caroling, hot chocolate, and cookies.  Have your picture taken with Santa!  There will also be raffles for great prizes including an American Girl Doll.  Bring a pair of gloves, a hat, socks, or warm scarf to benefit the Embry Rucker Shelter.  Visit www.visitdumc.org or www.theclosetofgreaterherndon.org for more information about this event or and other opportunities to help.

 

If you are senior adult aged 55 or older, help ring in the holidays with Charles Dickens' timeless tale of redemption and charity - "A Christmas Carol" - on Thursday, December 15, 10:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  This is a "Seniors Trip" sponsored by Reston Association; cost is $53/RA Members, $61/Non-members.  Call 703.435.6577 or e-mail Ashleigh@reston.org for more information.  Do it soon before tickets are sold out!

 

Let your elected officials know about the state government issues that are most important to you at a Public Meeting hosted by Delegate Ken Plum and Senator Janet Howell on Thursday, January 5, 2012, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston.  Bring your comments for Ken and Janet.  This will be their annual pre-session meeting prior to the General Assembly going into session on January 11, 2012.

 

 

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