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Delegate Ken Plum's
Virginia e-News
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Commentary
Training for Legislators
Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum
The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) provides the best in-service training for legislators of which I am aware. I recently spent four days at the NCSL annual conference in Chicago. In contrast to some other associations that are concerned with state legislative matters, NCSL takes a balanced approach in considering policy alternatives. NCSL does not make recommendations to the states on legislation but rather serves as a clearinghouse of information about how various states are dealing with legislative issues and the pros and cons of different actions the states might take. The organization is unanimous in its position that states must maintain their autonomy and prerogatives within our federal structure of government. In contrast, the American Legislative Council (ALEC) actually drafts bills taking the most conservative position on issues. NCSL is funded by the states; ALEC is funded by special interests and corporations.
It is always interesting in meeting legislators from other states who share the same responsibilities as I do to learn of the different ways that state legislatures are organized and do business: length of legislative sessions, number of legislators, terms and term limitations, salary, etc. Yet as different as the states may be, they are for the most part grappling with the same issues: scarce resources with which to balance budgets, crumbling infrastructure that needs investment, more diverse and older populations, responding to federal legislation like the Affordable Care Act, and others. All state legislatures are seeing a public push-back to the size of government and to the level of taxation.
I did not come back from NCSL with all the answers for Virginia's next legislative session. I did come back with some important perspectives and insights that help me prepare for the 2013 General Assembly session. Clearly it is to the advantage of Virginians that the Commonwealth establishes an insurance exchange system rather than abdicate that responsibility to the federal government. Likewise, expansion of Medicaid is a bargain for Virginians who would be served by the new health care program. We are going to fall further behind in our economic growth and development if we do not take seriously our investment in K-12 and higher education. Many states are taking a serious look at reforming their corrections programs as we should do as well.
NCSL conferences also offer sessions on working together, reaching compromise, and meeting legislative goals. I hope that my skills have been sharpened in these areas as well by participating in these sessions over the years. Learning is lifelong for everyone, including state legislators. It's the way we all become better at what we do.
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Virginia Report on Comcast Channel 28
Tune in to Ken's weekly television program, Virginia Report, on Reston Comcast Channel 28 for public service programming. Ken interviews state and local leaders who are making news by making a difference. Watch these upcoming programs:
Tonight, August 22, at 10:30 p.m. - Janet Hyman and Gale Napoliello, Herndon-Reston FISH, Inc. - "Friendly Instant Sympathetic Help - the Need is Always There"
Tuesday, August 28 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, August 29 at 10:30 p.m. - Celeste Peterson, the Erin Peterson Fund - "Erin's Legacy for Today's Youth"
"Virginia Report" is also available online at www.rctv28.com/virginiareport.html for viewing on your computer or iPad. |
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Click Here to RSVP
Free to all Democratic Campaign Volunteers
for information about volunteering, email me at kenplum@aol.com
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All About Voting
Are You Registered to Vote?
You are eligible to register to vote if you satisfy all of the requirements below:
* A citizen of the United States
* At least 18 years of age by the next general election
* A resident of Virginia
You may register to vote year-round except during the 22 days prior to a General or Primary election, 13 days prior to a Special election, or 7 days prior to a Special election called by the Governor.
How do you register to vote?
* In person Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Fairfax Office of Elections, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 323, Fairfax, Virginia 22035-0081.
* By mail. Pick up a Virginia Voter Registration Application at our public libraries, DMV offices, military recruitment offices, public assistance agency offices, our own North County Government Center in Reston, the Citizen Information Desk in the Fairfax County Government Center lobby, the Judicial Center information desk, or
* Call Delegate Ken Plum's office mornings at 703.758.9733 and ask for a Voter Registration Application Form to be mailed to you.
Mail your completed application to:
Fairfax County Office of Elections
P.O. Box 10161
Fairfax, VA 22038-8061
First-time voters in Virginia who register by mail must vote in person (either on Election Day or absentee in person) unless they are:
* Students
* Overseas Citizens
* Citizens with a disability or illness
* Active duty members of the military or their dependents
Absentee Voting in Person
Fairfax County Government Center
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 323
Fairfax, VA 22035
September 21-October 16:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Thursdays: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
October 17 - November 2:
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday Hours:
October 6, 13, 29, 27, November 3: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Office Closed On:
Monday, October 8, 2012 (Columbus Day)
Last Day to Vote Absentee In Person:
Saturday, November 3, 2012
In Person, Satellite Voting Location
North County Human Services Building
1850 Cameron Glen Drive
Reston, VA 20190
October 17 - November 3
Monday - Friday, 2:00 pm. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Absentee Voting by Mail
You may vote absentee, either by mail or in person, if you are unable to go to the polls on Election Day because you: are a student or the spouse of a student attending a school outside Fairfax County; will be away from Fairfax County on business; will be working and commuting for 11 or more hours between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m.; will be away from Fairfax County on personal business or vacation; are unable to go to the polls because of illness or disability; are pregnant; are the primary caretaker of a confined family member; have a religious obligation; are confined awaiting trial; are confined having been convicted of a misdemeanor; are an election official; are on active duty in the military outside Fairfax County; are the spouse or dependent residing with a member of the military outside Fairfax County; are an overseas citizen whose most recent United States residents was in Fairfax County; are a designated representative of a candidate or a party inside the polls; are requesting a ballot for presidential and vice-presidential electors only (Ballot for other offices/issues will not be sent).
Date of First Mail-out: Approximately September 21
Last Day to Register to Vote (if not already registered at current address:
4:30 p.m. on Monday, October 15
Last Date to Apply for an Absentee Ballot by Mail
5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 30, 2012
For inclusion in the election, absentee ballots must be returned by 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 6, 2012.
Use the Fairfax County Electoral Board's Fillable Online Absentee Ballot Application to enter your information on the screen at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/absentee.htm. After you have entered your information, print, sign, and then return. OR print a blank Absentee Ballot Application Form available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/absentee.htm, enter your information by hand, sign, and then return. Mail to:
Office of Elections
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 323
Fairfax, VA 22035
or
Office of Elections
Box 10161
Fairfax, VA 22038
or
Fax it to the Office of Elections at 703.324.3725
or
Email to absenteeballot@fairfaxcounty.gov or voting@fairfaxcounty.gov
If you are not able to get an Absentee Ballot Application online, feel free to call Delegate Ken Plum's office mornings at 703.758.9733 and request that one be mailed to you. |
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Bulletin Board
Mobile Business App Ready For You
A free mobile application for eVA, Virginia's award-winning electronic procurement system, is now available. The eVA Mobile 4 Business app allows anyone with an Internet-enabled mobile device (iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry, etc.) to have real-time access to Virginia government business opportunities - anywhere, any time. Virginia is the first state to launch a mobile app that brings bid opportunities and solicitations literally to the fingertips of its suppliers and the general public, giving them immediate access to the thousands of business opportunities published every year and providing increased visibility into how state government spends the taxpayers' dollars. Getting the app is simple. Find it in the Apple and Android app stores by searching for eVA Mobile 4 Business, or use your mobile browser to access the web version at www.eva.virginia.gov/evamobile.
Volunteer Farms Needs Your Help
Volunteer Farms works with the Blue Ridge Area Food Banks in Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Winchester, and Verona to supplement the canned and boxed goods with fresh, nutritious vegetables that are so vital to the many families in need. The good news is that the farm is on course to have a record year in the amount of vegetables that will be harvested this year. With increased production comes increased costs. Your help in supporting Volunteer Farms by volunteering or contributing is essential. Find out how to volunteer and donate at www.volunteerfarm.org. All gifts are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Download "The Advisor"
The summer edition of The Advisor is now available. The Advisor is a quarterly online newsletter for cluster, condo, and single-family homeowners in Reston. It is created by the Reston Association Neighborhood Outreach Office. Read about the Reston Home Expo, new regulations, and the workshop schedule. Download your copy at www.reston.org/portals/3/General/Advisor%20summer%202012.pdf.
Weed Warriors Needed
Native trees, ferns, and wildflowers are under attack by invasive exotic plants like English ivy, Japanese honeysuckle, and bamboo. "Warriors" are needed to join Reston Association in rescuing Reston's beautiful parklands from these aggressive plants. Please spend a couple of hours protecting Reston's forests every fourth Saturday of each month to help restore Reston's forests to their natural state. All Weed Warriors projects begin at 10:00 a.m. and end at Noon. Wear long sleeves and long pants. Reston Association will provide tools, gloves, snacks, and water. For more information, contact Community Outreach Specialist, Ha Brock, at ha@reston.org or 703.435.7986. |
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Calendar of Events
Take your old files and papers to a Document Shredding Event on Saturday, August 25, 8:00 a.m. to Noon, at Langley High School, 6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean.
Let's Help Kids (LHK) will have its first-ever art auction fundraiser on Saturday, August 25, at the Greater Reston Arts Center Gallery at Reston Town Center. Come have a glass of wine and a munchie provided by Il Fornaio and purchase a piece of art! LHK, a 501(c)(3) organization, was begun by grade-schooler Rachel "so that I could help other kids to be happy. If I fill their buckets then they will, in turn, fill other people's buckets. Pay it forward!" LHK works to meet non-basic needs for children by providing them with special items or experiences they might not otherwise receive. Watch here for more information about this entertaining evening of art, refreshments, and friends!
Plan now to attend an exciting two-day schedule of events at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road, on August 25 and 26 honoring Clara Barton, Founder of the Red Cross, and a 150th Anniversary Civil War Reenactment Commemoration. Outside exhibits and demonstrations are free; museum fee is $5/adult; $1/age 4 to 10; 4 and under are free. Outside activities include exhibits, Union and Confederate Reenactors, and living history demonstrations. Inside the Museum you can see Clara Barton displays, Civil War telegraph and museum exhibitions, and local authors. This exciting two-day event will commemorate the medical evacuation of the Union wounded brought to this train station after the nearby battles of 2nd Manassas and Ox Hill. 3,000 Union wounded were brought by various means to this train station. They were hastily treated as they lay and awaited rail transport back to hospitals in Alexandria and Washington. Civilians were sent out on the trains to aid the wounded. One of those civilians, Clara Barton, would later be called the "Angel of the Battlefield" for her efforts. Experience the lectures, exhibits, historical interpretations, and demonstrations featuring Union Medical Units, Confederate Soldiers, Civil War camp life, Civil War railroad history, Civil War telegraph office, and Clara Barton.
There will be an Electric Sunday TV and Computer Recycling on Sunday, August 26, 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.
Pakistan Festival USA 2012 will be held on Sunday, August 26, Noon to 10:00 p.m., at the scenic and spacious Bull Run Park, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville. This yearly event is a showcase of Pakistani culture and has become a family tradition of Pakistani-Americans for the last 25 years. The festival is attended by thousands of multi-ethnic people. It is free and open to the public, and the parking is also free with space for 10,000 automobiles.
The next Reston Environmental Action (REACT) Board Meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 28 at the Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, Room 1, at 7:30 p.m. Visit www.restonenvironmentalaction.org for information about REACT and its efforts in our community to educate about energy efficiency, recycling, and eco-friendly living.
Walk to save lives by joining the Fairfax NOVA Out of the Darkness Walk. Walk with thousands of other walkers nationwide to raise money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) on Saturday, September 8, at George Mason University's Fairfax Campus. Check-in time is 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. You can register right up until Noon on Friday, September 7. Visit www.afsp.org and click on "Out of the Darkness Walks" at the top of the page. If you can't make the Walk, you can go to www.afsp.org and make a donation. The Out of the Darkness Community Walks are 3-5 mile walks taking place in over 250 communities across the country this year, with the proceeds benefiting AFSP. In the United States, a person dies by suicide every 15 minutes, claiming more than 36,000 lives each year. Walk to raise funds, honor a loved one, or support a friend who has experienced a loss on Saturday, September 8 at GMU.
Prospective members of Useful Services Exchange (USE), a "time bank" or barter organization for residents of Reston and Herndon, are invited to the group's annual family picnic on Saturday, September 8, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the home of Kathy Deligianis and David Niemi, 2615 Penny Royal Lane, Reston. USE, founded in 1975, enables neighbors to help each other by bringing together people with various needs and people who can meet those needs. Members span all ages, from teens to seniors, and accounts are not kept in dollars but in hours of USE credit. For additional information, see www.Restonuse.org or call Marilyn Silvey at 703.860.5141.
Attend Herndon's first family fun festival -- "Grandparent's Day and the Classic Car Show" -- on Sunday, September 9, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Downtown Herndon. The festival is FREE and open to the public. This is also a great opportunity to be a vendor and promote your business all day for only $25, with proceeds going to provide scholarships for the Geriatric Nursing Program at George Mason University. Your $25 gets you an all-day vendor spot to greet everyone, hand out your cards and brochures, run a game, or give away a prize. Activities already signed up for this great event include the Herndon High School Robotics Team, face painting, crafts, horseshoes, story board, ring or beanbag toss, remote cars, music, swing dancers, Children's science Center Rocket Cars, and more! Sign up by August 12 at www.gpday.aarpdulles.org to get a prime site. Last minute signups will be accepted until September 2. Vendor sites are free for nonprofits. If you want to be a sponsor with your name prominently displayed everywhere at the event, visit www.aarpdulles.org.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority will host a public hearing to inform and solicit comments from the community about proposed toll rate increases along the Dulles Toll Road beginning in 2013 to support the construction of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project and Dulles Toll Road improvements. The public hearing will be conducted in an open house format on Wednesday, September 12, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., at South Lakes High School Cafeteria, 11400 South Lakes Drive, Reston. There will be informational exhibits about the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project, the cost and financing of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project, the Dulles Toll Road and potential improvements that may be made to the Toll Road, the revenue anticipated to be raised as a result of the proposed toll rate increases, and how this additional revenue will be spent. Representatives from the Airports Authority will be present to discuss these items. The public comment period on the proposed toll rate increases will run through September 16. An "On-Line Open House" will be available on the Airports Authority website at www.mwaa.com/tollroad throughout the comment period. Comments may also be submitted at the public hearings or mailed during the comment period to: Dulles Toll Road Proposed Toll Rate Increases, 3900 Jermantown Road, Suite 300, Fairfax, VA 22030. For special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, citizens may call 703.934.4639 at least 10 days prior to the hearing.
The local chapter of the Virginia Interfaith Center and the Jewish Community Relations Council invite you to a free screening of Blank Street, a short documentary film about Virginians facing economic hardship, on Wednesday, September 12, 7:00 p.m., at the Northern Virginia Jewish Community Center, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax, VA 22031. Blank Street is a documentary film about economic struggles in Virginia, the people experiencing them, and the idea of becoming involved in your community. Sponsored by the Virginia Interfaith Center and Half in Ten, the piece follows two Virginia Commonwealth University film students as they travel the state hearing firsthand about the economic hardships many families are experiencing. From the homeless to the wealthy, no one is exempt from the possibility of hard times. The overlooked stories of our neighbors are finally told in this short film.
A Design Public Hearing on the Dulles Connector Road (Route 267) will be held on Thursday, September 13, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at McLean High School, 1633 Davidson Road, McLean, VA, with a brief presentation beginning at 6:30 p.m. Find out about plans to construct sound walls on both sides of the Dulles Connector Road/Route 267, between Chain Bridge Road and Interstate 66 in Fairfax County. The sound walls will be built to mitigate noise from the Dulles Connector Road traffic and Dulles Metrorail, which is being constructed at-grade in the median of the Dulles Connector Road. Stop by between 5:00 and 8:00 pm. to view displays and learn about the project. VDOT staff will be available to answer your questions. Review project details at www.virginiadot.org, at the meeting, or during business hours at VDOT's Northern Virginia District Office at 4975 Alliance Drive in Fairfax. Please call ahead at 703.259.1795, 800-367-7623 or TTY/TDD 711 to ensure appropriate personnel are available to answer questions.
The Giving Circle of HOPE presents a panel discussion on caregiving, "Caregiving - Burden or Blessing? Are You Ready?" on Thursday, September 13, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Reston Community Center at Lake Anne, 1609-A Washington Plaza, Reston. Sixty-two million people in the United States provide unpaid caregiving to family and friends which is valued at $450 billion annually. A panel of experts will explore the "burdens and blessings" of this care to individuals and society. This will include a discussion of the changing dynamics of the role of the caregiver, the physical, emotional, and financial costs, and wil identify resources available to the caregiver and the family. This event is free of charge and open to all. For more information, contact info@givingcircleofhope.org or 703.665.9334.
The public is invited to an informational Panel on Costs of Caregiving to be held on Thursday, September 13, 7:00 p.m., at the Reston Community Center at Lake Anne, 1609-A Washington Plaza, Reston. This event is free and is sponsored by The Giving Circle of HOPE. Sixty-two million people in the United States provide unpaid care giving to family and friends that is valued at $450 billion annually. But what are the physical, emotional, and financial costs to individual caregivers? The experts who will explore the "burdens and blessings" of caregiving to individuals and society are Sharon Lynn, Director, Fairfax County Agency on Aging; James L. Brooks, Associate State Director, AARP; and Judy Seiff, a caregiver. Moderator will be Pat Williams, founder and president of Graceful Care, a non-medical home care agency. The Giving Circle of HOPE is a Reston-based organization that promotes volunteerism and effective philanthropy. For more information, contact Rebecca Berntsen at 703.665.9334.
Join Reston Community Center and Reston Association for a 50s-themed Sock Hop Senior Social on Friday, September 14, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m., at the Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road. Enjoy a sampling of treats while you meet new people and catch up with old friends. Learn about upcoming senior trips, classes, and events. For information, call 703.476.4500 or go to www.restoncommunitycenter.com.
On September 17 and 18, Fairfax County welcomes Camara Jones, MD, MPH, PhD, Research Director on Social Determinants of Health and Equity in the Division of Adult and Communiy Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Jones is a family physician and epidemiologist whose work focuses on the impacts of racism on the health and well-being of the nation. Her work on race associated differences in health outcomes goes beyond documenting differences to vigorously investigating the structural causes of the differences. You are invited to a Leadership Challenge session together with colleagues from the community, faith, nonprofit, business, and public sectors - including human services, public safety, schools, and county government. Dr. Jones will present and discuss her framework that gets to the root causes of equity and explores how systems and structures influence health and well-being in communities. A new segment entitled, "When the Bough Breaks" from the Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making Us Sick? video series will also be viewed with discussion to follow. There are three sessions available to best accommodate your calendar. Please select only one and register at this link: http://tiny.cc/ncs-ddpet. Choose your session:
* Monday, September 17, 1:00 to 4:30 p.m., Fairfax County Government Center Board Auditorium
* Monday, September 17, 6:30 to 9:00 p.m., Auditorium, Mount Vernon High School, Alexandria
* Tuesday, September 18, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Fairfax County Government Center Board Auditorium
There is no cost to attend, but registration is required due to limited seating.
Save the date and volunteer in your community at the 2012 Reston Multicultural Festival on Saturday, September 22, at Lake Anne Plaza! Volunteers are needed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, September 21, 22, and 23, for tasks including event set-up and break-down, monitoring parking, collecting surveys, assisting with children's activities, and selling concessions. Visit www.restoncommunitycenter.com/arts_community_MCFvolunteer.shtml for information about volunteering.
On September 22, a celebration to mark the 20th anniversary of the Dulles Day Festival & Plane Pull will be held, Special Olympics Virginia's "heaviest" fundraiser. Since 1993, hundreds of teams have stepped up to the rope, pulled more than 3 million pounds in total and raised more than $1.5 million. Join the Plane Pull this week as this "weighty" milestone is celebrated. The fun begins with gates opening at 10:30 a.m. with activities including the Plane Pull, food, and items for sale from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Gates will close at 3:45. Not yet ready to pull a plane, but still want to help Special Olympics Virginia? Join the Plane Pull Volunteer Group. The Dulles Day Festival and Plane Pull is the perfect volunteer opportunity for individuals, families, and groups. Volunteers are needed to help with event set-up and take down, kids' activities, T-shirt sales, concessions, team check-in, parking, and staffing the VIP tent. Register, donate, sponsor, exhibit, join a team, and more at www.planepull.com.
You are invited to a Community Forum: "Building Justice Beyond Charity," on Thursday, September 27, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., at the United Christian Parish of Reston, 11508 North Lake Shore Drive, Reston. The Forum will focus on building awareness of social needs, causes and solutions; sharing tools for positive change in our community; and finding inspiration and determination together. There will be a panel discussion followed by small group discussions and Q&A with panelists. Refreshments will be served, and organizational tables will be open until 9:30 p.m. For more information, contact Louisa at 703.860.1203, or the UCP office at 703.620.3065.
The Reston-Dulles Section of the National Council of Negro Women will hold its Fall 2012 Smooth Jazz Luncheon on September 30, 1:30 to 4:00 p.m., at the Sheraton Reston Hotel. The Smooth Jazz Luncheon will feature jazz artist Lori Williams and Friends along with hat, jewelry, and cosmetics vendors and a variety of great items on silent and live auctions. Delegate Ken Plum will serve as the "celebrity auctioneer" for the live auction. Ticket price is $65 per person. For tickets, call Ms. Ruby Hamilton at 703.476.5635, or contact Ms. Janine Stegall at 703.608.9739 or restondullesncnw@gmail.com.
Join in the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's on Sunday, September 30, at the Reston Town Center. Check-in is at 5:00 p.m.; Walk begins at 6:00 p.m. followed by a Candlelight Rally at 7:00 p.m. Delegate Ken Plum will be on hand to welcome the walkers for this important event. This is the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support, and research. Register online at www.alz.org/nca. For more information, call 800.272.3900.
The Second Annual "Fore" the Kids Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, October 1, 7:30 a.m., at Hidden Creek Country Club, 1711 Clubhouse Road, Reston. This great tournament benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington. For information, contact Jim Hyland at Jim@pennsylvaniaavenuegroup.com or 703.973.3830.
The Governor's Conference on Energy will be held October 2-4 at the Richmond Convention Center, Richmond, VA. This conference brings together energy innovators and veteran business leaders with educators, researchers, entrepreneurs and policy makers, in the Energy Capital of the East Coast, to talk about implementing an "all of the above" strategy for meeting the future with abundant, reliable and affordable domestic energy. Find out how to sponsor, exhibit, or attend at www.vachamber.com. This event is hosted by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce.
The Fairfax Pets on Wheels will hold its 17th annual Paws for a Cause 3K Walk on Sunday, October 7, at Noon. The doggone fun begins at Weber's Pet Supermarket, 11021 Lee Highway in Fairfax. All preregistered participants will receive a Paws for a Cause T-shirt. There will be human and canine treats at each kilometer, and sponsored walkers are encouraged. Registration is $20 prior to September 18 and $25 after. Register online at www.tiny.cc/walk2012 or go to www.fpow.org. Walk-in registrations are welcome. Potential walkers and businesses interested in providing sponsorship or donating door prizes for participants should call 703.324.5424, email dfspetsonwheels@fairfaxcounty.gov, or go to www.fpow.org. Fairfax Pets on Wheels is an all-volunteer program sponsored by the Fairfax Agency on Aging. The program provides pet therapy with teams of animals and their human companions who regularly visit area long-term care facilities.
You can help prevent bullying! Learn strategies to prevent bullying at school and online, learn about the signs of direct and indirect bullying, why children with special needs are targeted, how teachers can help, and how parents can help. Attend "You Can Prevent Bullying! Tips & Skills for Parents of Children with Special Needs" on Wednesday, October 16, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Dunn Loring Center for Parent Services, 2334 Gallows Road, Dunn Loring, VA (Entrance 1, Room 100). See a map and directions at http://commweb.fcps.edu/directory/map_base.cfm?locid=5101. Get more information by calling the Fairfax County Public Schools Parent Resource Center at 703.324.3941.
Attend a most unique historical marker unveiling with an illumination commemoration honoring the 26 Civil War Veterans Interred at Flint Hill Cemetery, 2845 Chain Bridge Road, Oakton, on Saturday, October 27, at 6:00 p.m. This unveiling will occur near the intersection of Chain Bridge and Courthouse Roads. Enjoy speakers and live period music along with hot cider and cookies. Parking at Oakton Church of the Brethren. Please RSVP to info@flinthillcemetery.org.
Save the date - November 10, 2012! Plan on attending Fairfax County's 8th Annual History Conference, "Courage & Conflict in Fairfax County." This conference will feature Gregg S. Clemmer, award winning author of Valor in Gray, living history presentations, reenactments, and more. The Conference will run from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Your registration fee of $20 includes Continental breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, exhibits, authors, trivia contest prizes, and parking. For further information and to receive a registration form/brochure, send your name, address, and email to lynnegarveyhodge@verizon.net. This event is sponsored by the Fairfax County History Commission, Fairfax County Sesquicentennial Committee, Fairfax County Park Authority, Fairfax Museum & Visitor Center, and Preservation Virginia/Northern Virginia Branch. |
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