Couple of Bad Weeks for Virginia

Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum

The Commonwealth that has been reeling all year from a spate of bad publicity from the legislative session found itself in the national spotlight again as the president of its nationally premiere university was forced out in a behind-the-scenes maneuver by a couple of members of the Board of Visitors without a formal vote.  More than 2,000 protesters showed up on the historic lawn of the University to protest the ouster of President Teresa Sullivan who was obviously immensely popular with the students, faculty, and community even though she had been in the position for less than two years.  President Sullivan's statement to the Board of Visitors when she was finally allowed to speak demonstrated clearly why she was chosen for the position in the first place and how she brought such practical knowledge and visionary leadership to the position.

As background to the story has started to emerge, documents secured through the Freedom of Information Act reveal that the Rector and Vice Rector, both graduates of the University's McIntyre School of Business, had worked themselves into a swivet over articles they had read about the success that the University of Phoenix and other schools had with on-line education.  They apparently wanted UVA to plunge into on-line courses at a faster pace than did President Sullivan who described herself as an "incrementalist" and who warned of "unintended consequences of jumping into new approaches without appropriate planning.  Both Rector Helen Dragas and Vice Rector Mark T. Kington have created a legacy for themselves at the McIntyre School that is famous for its case study approach for they will be forever used as a case study on how not to apply leadership.  Kington has already resigned.  I and hundreds of others have written to Governor McDonnell asking him to not reappoint Dragas whose term expires at the end of this month.

Interestingly, the McDonnell administration that has become known for its attempts to micromanage Northern Virginia affairs decided it did not want to micromanage one of the Commonwealth's greatest assets in its world-renowned University of Virginia and indirectly its university system.  They have kept their heads down when even one of the University's top professors resigned over the situation and others are thought to be following his example.

It may be that the administration was preoccupied with its own created flap over giving the Washington Redskins four million dollars to keep its offices in Virginia.  Spending four million on the third wealthiest sports franchise in the world at a time when the Commonwealth has been cutting monies for education, health, and other essentials did not set well with the public and with legislators who had indicated their opposition in advance to administration officials.

The year has started off with a bang for the Commonwealth.  Hopefully things will slow down for a while.  Happy Summer, everyone!

Silver Line Stations Officially Named in Fairfax County

Here are the new names of the Phase 1 stations from east to west:

* Currently known as Tysons East, the station along the northwest side of Route 123 at Scotts Crossing near Capital One will now be named McLean.

* Now identified as Tysons Central 123, the station on the northwest side of Route 123 at Tysons Boulevard between Tysons Corner Center and Tysons Galleria will now be called Tysons Corner.

* Currently known as Tysons Central 7, the station in the median of Route 7 near SAIC and Marshalls will be named Greensboro.

* Now labeled Tysons West, this station in the median of Route 7 near Spring Hill Road will be called Spring Hill.

* Now identified as Wiehle Avenue, this station in the median of the Dulles International Airport Access Highway/Dulles Toll Road just west of the Wiehle Avenue overpass will be called Wiehle-Reston East.

All of the Phase 1 stations will open at the same time.

Cooling Assistance and Fan Care

Fairfax County residents who need hep to keep their homes cool this summer and prevent a health emergency resulting from extreme heat may be able to get assistance from two programs locally administered by the county's Department of Family Services (DFS).

* Cooling Assistance, a federally funded program, helps eligible low-income households with the costs of cooling their homes.  Applications for the 2012 Cooling Assistance Program will be accepted through Wednesday, August 15.  For more information or an application form, go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/apply, call 703.787.3100, or pick up an application at Lake Anne Office Building, 11484 Washington Plaza West, 4th Floor.

* Fan Care is another program that can help older adults stay safe in the summer heat.  The electric fan distribution program, sponsored by Dominion Virginia Power in partnership with the Virginia Department for the Aging annually provides about 100 free fans and/or window air conditioners to eligible senior adults in the Fairfax area.  The Fan Care program runs through the end of September.  To qualify for Fan Care, a person must be at least 60 years old, need a fan to prevent heat-related health problems, and meet income eligibility requirements.  Not everyone in the home needs to be an older adult to qualify for a fan, but all incomes must be counted.  There is a limit of one fan per household.  For more information or to request an application, call Fairfax County's Department of Family Services, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, at 703.324.7694. 

Reston Community Orchestra - Come to Play or Listen!

Join members of the Reston Community Orchestra and the McLean Symphony for open summer readings.  Dust off that old instrument -- it's never too late!  The Orchestra is always looking for new members.  The Summer Readings will be on July 23 & 30, August 6 & 13, all 7:30 to 10:00 p.m., at Sunset Hills Montessori School, 11180 Ridge Heights Road, Reston.  Cost is $10 per session, $35 for all four if prepaid.  High school students are welcome, only $5 per person.  RSVP to info@restoncommunityorchestra.org with the dates you are coming and your instrument, or visit www.restoncommunityorchestra.org.

Greetings from The White House

The White House will send greeting cards signed by the President to commemorate special events, accomplishments, or milestones free of charge to U.S. citizens only.  It may take several months for requests to be mailed due to high volume.  It is advisable to send your request as far in advance as possible.  The special occasion greetings are for:

* Anniversaries - Anniversary greetings are sent only to those couples who are celebrating their 50th (and subsequent) wedding anniversary.

* Birthdays - Birthday greetings will be sent only to individuals 80 years of age and above.

* Weddings - Send the request after the event and include the couples married names and current or new address.

* Baby's birth or adoption of a child.

* Retirement after at least 30 years in the same job.

* Eagle Scout Award or Girl Scout Gold Award.

* Bar/Bat mitzvah or equivalent religious occasion.

Required information:  Send a written request to:  The White House, Attn:  Greetings Office, Washington, D.C.  20502-0039.  Include the name and home address of the honoree; form of address (Mr., Ms., Mrs., Dr., Miss, etc.); exact date of occasion (month, day, year); age (birthdays); or number of years of marriage; your (the requestor's) name and daytime phone number, and any specific mailing instructions if other than to honoree's address.

Summer Entertainment Series at County Parks

Enjoy local entertainment this summer at Fairfax County parks.  The shows, concerts, and movies are appropriate for all ages.  Some highlights from this season include:

* Thursday, July 5, 7:30 p.m. - "Seldom Scene" (Bluegrass), Nottoway Park, 9610 Courthouse Road, Vienna.

* Thursday, July 19, 7:30 p.m. - "John McCutcheon (Folk), Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon.

For a complete list of programs or more information, go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances, or call 703.324.SHOW.