Virginia e-News
 
November 30, 2011
KenJaneHolidayParade2011 
 
 
 
Ken and Jane enjoyed perfect weather as they walked in the Reston Holiday Parade at Reston Town Center. 

Commentary

 

Personhood Bill Introduced

Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum

 

The very first bill introduced for the 2012 session of the General Assembly may in part set the agenda for the session.  House Bill 1 introduced by Delegate Bob Marshall of Prince William County would write into Virginia law that "the life of each human being begins at conception."  The bill goes on to state that "unborn children have protectable interests in life, health, and well-being...The laws of this Commonwealth shall be interpreted and construed to acknowledge on behalf of the unborn child at every stage of development all the rights, privileges, and immunities available to other persons, citizens, and residents of this Commonwealth.."  A similar measure was defeated by Mississippi voters in a referendum earlier this month.

 

The ramifications of defining a fetus as a person with full rights of citizenship are unclear.  Would all forms of abortion be murder?  Would the doctor performing such procedures on a woman who had been raped be guilty of murder?  Would taking a morning after contraceptive pill become illegal?  Would a legal guardian be appointed to protect the interests of the fetus now described as an unborn child?  Could a miscarriage be considered involuntary manslaughter?  No one knows the answers to these questions.  Such issues arise when legislative bodies attempt to take on subjects about which theologians, moralists, and medical scientists have not been able to reach agreement.

 

You can be sure that Delegate Marshall is sincere in introducing the bill.  He is quite savvy in the legislative process and persistent in his pro-life goals.  Over his twenty years in the House of Delegates he has introduced dozens of bills and floor amendments to limit a woman's right to make reproductive choices and to end stem cell research.  If the committee that receives his bill does not act on it favorably, he will introduce it as an amendment to other bills on the floor.  Given the composition of the membership of the House of Delegates after the November election, he may well get the bill passed in the House.  With the House Republican Party's binding caucus rules, moderate Republicans may find themselves having to vote for the bill or face a primary challenge in the next election or the loss of important committee assignments.  Votes on the bill will not be along straight partisan lines, as some downstate Democrats may vote with the Republican caucus position.

 

The outcome in the Senate is even less certain.  Should there be a tie vote, the Lieutenant Governor would have to cast his vote with the Attorney General peering over his shoulder and the next governorship nomination hanging in the balance.  The bill sent to the Governor would have him weighing it with his vice presidential aspirations.  Maybe House Bill 1 does not simply set the agenda for the legislative session; it may influence political direction for the year!

"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 - "Personhood Bill Introduced"
"Virginia Report" Returns Soon
Announcements
Calendar of Events - Don't Miss Out!

  
Announcements
 
Real Estate Tax Payment Due December 5
If your real estate tax is not included in your mortgage payment, Monday, December 5 is the deadline to make your payment directly to Fairfax County.  Payment methods include check, credit card, electronic check, and automatic installments.  Review your bill or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dta for details.
 
Adult Education Class Offerings for Winter-Spring 
The Fairfax County Public Schools Adult and Community Education Program has recently released its schedule of 1200 classes and services for winter-spring 2012.  For more information, go to www.fcps.edu/is/ace.
 
Medicare Open Enrollment Through December 7
Take the time to compare Medicare's Part D drug plans - and let Medicare help.  You have until December 7.  Call 1-800-486-2048 or go to www.medicare.gov for assistance.  Fairfax County is offering guidance and enrollment assistance throughout the county during Medicare Part D's annual election period (or Open Season).  This period, which ends December 7, is when all Medicare beneficiaries may select or change their drug coverage.  These selections become effective January 1, 2012.  If you would like assistance, you must first call for an appointment, and bring the following:  a photo ID; copies of your current health plan and drug plan cards; your Medicare card; any letters from Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid; and a list of all of your medications and their dosages.  Assistance is available in Reston at 1850 Cameron Glen Drive, #600, Reston.  703.481.4100.  Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, Noon to 7:00 p.m.
 
Join the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Help residents of nursing and assisted living facilities in the Fairfax area advocate for their rights, resolve conflicts, and improve their quality of life.  The Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program needs volunteers to commit a minimum of four hours a week for one year.  Volunteers set their own schedules.  Visits usually occur between 8:00 a.m and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays.  Volunteers receive training and uspport.  Apply now for the spring 2012 training.  Call 703.324.5861 or 703.324.5422; email lisa.callahan@fairfaxcounty.gov, or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/LTCOmbudsman.
 
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.
 
 

 

                                           Autumn Leaves

 

 

 

     Calendar of Events

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Trees, Wreaths, and Pine Roping are on sale 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 TODAY, 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.

 

Visit over 30 booths of socially conscious gift ideas from local and international charitable organizations at the Alternative Gift Market on December 3, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 1625 Wiehle Avenue, Reston.  Check out the "Shopping List" on their website to see the many gift options available at www.uureston.org.  It's an opportunity for one-stop shopping for your holiday needs, birthdays, thank you gifts, and numerous other occasions throughout the year.  Purchasers of gifts receive a greeting card that can be given to the person honored with this alternative gift, explaining how the donation will be used.  Fair trade crafts from Ten Thousand Villages and other international communities will also be available for purchase.  Donations are tax deductible, and a receipt will be provided.  Cash and checks only.  For more information about the Alternative Gift Market or directions to the church, go to www.uureston.org.

 

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 beginningNovember 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 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.

 

The Washington Plaza Baptist Church Choir and featured guest artists will present a Concert of Christmas Music on Saturday, December 4, 4:00 p.m., at the church at 1615 Washington Plaza, Reston, overlooking beautiful Lake Anne.  The concert is free; all are welcome.  Call 707-471-5225 for additional information.

 

If you are age 55 and older, attend the "Sunday Afternoon Dances" on Sunday, December 11, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road.  Dancers of all skill levels are welcome to fox-trot, swing, cha cha, and waltz.  A professional dance instructor incorporates up to three mini dance lessons during the session with music from golden oldies to today's modern music.  Door prizes and refreshments round out the session.  Partners not required; drop in.  Fee is $3/Reston residents, $6/non-residents.  Call 703.476.4500 for more informaiton about the Sunday Afternoon Dances.

 

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. 

 

 

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. 

 

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