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36th District
Reston, Virginia
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Delegate Ken Plum was a team member of Coya's Rangers at the "Out of the Darkness" Walk for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention held last Saturday at George Mason University. Pictured are Delegate David Bulova, team captain Mary Beth Coya of Reston, Ken, and Delegate Vivian Watts. September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Help is always available at www.afsp.org. If you are in crisis, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255), the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. |
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We Remember |
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Delegate Ken Plum's
Virginia e-News
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Commentary
Tolls Must Have Limits
Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum
The notion that the user of a public service should be the one to pay for it makes sense in theory. But when the service is a roadway and the payments are tolls, the system can feel a bit unfair and clearly needs limits. It made sense when I voted to approve an authority in the early 1980s to build a toll road in the Dulles Corridor to provide traffic congestion relief for western Fairfax County and to open the area for economic development. Using the toll method of financing meant that we got the road and expanded it decades before it would have been considered through the usual methods of road financing. It even made some sense that toll collections be used as a percentage of financing for the extension of Metrorail in the corridor, since the mass transit system would help relieve future traffic congestion on the Toll Road. But there has to be limits on the use of tolls, and clearly the level of tolls proposed for the Dulles Toll Road is too high.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) that has responsibility for building the Metrorail extension in the corridor has asked for comments on the toll increases it is considering to finance Phase 2 of the rail project (www.mwaa.com). I wrote to them last week and told them that I thought the tolls being considered were "way beyond any justifiable or reasonable amounts." I encourage you to make your views known on the proposed increases by writing to Dulles Toll Road Proposed Toll Rate Increases, 3900 Jermantown Road, Suite 300, Fairfax, VA 22030. A public meeting will be held on the issue at South Lakes High School on September 12 at 7:00 p.m. and on September 13 at Spring Hill Elementary School in McLean at 7:00 p.m.
Some immediate pressure on toll increases have been relieved by the promise of federal, low-interest loans and by a cash contribution by the Commonwealth of Virginia of $150 million approved in the 2012 session of the General Assembly. My budget amendment for $500 million was not approved, but I will be seeking annual appropriations from the state for the project like the one approved this year.
I will be advocating to members of Virginia's Congressional delegation that we seek direct federal appropriations for the project as well. The federal government paid for 80 percent of Metro in the District of Columbia and almost 50 percent in Phase 1. Aside from low-interest loans, the federal government is not helping with Phase 2. I encourage you to join me in writing to our Congressional delegation to seek federal assistance. Any monies we get from these sources will reduce the need to raise tolls.
Tolls will be on the high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes on the Capital Beltway. In southern Virginia the Governor is proceeding with plans to add tolls to I-95 in the most economically depressed region of the state. Needless to say, his plans have not been met with much favor from local residents. Tolls will be part of our future, but policy makers need to be reminded that tolls do have their limits.
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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:
Wednesdays, September 12 and 19 at 10:30 p.m. and Tuesday, September 18 at 7:30 p.m. - Trudy Harsh and Dr. Ted Moriak, The Brain Foundation - "Laura's House"
"Virginia Report" is also available online at www.rctv28.com/virginiareport.html for viewing on your computer or iPad. |
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Click to RSVP Here
Free for all Democratic Campaign Volunteers
email me at kenplum@aol.com for
campaign volunteer information
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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
Telephone Assistance Helps Low Income Virginians Stay Connected
Access to local emergency services and community resources is vital to all Virginians. Being able to make a local phone call can keep vulnerable Virginians from becoming totally isolated and can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency. Lifeline, a discounted telephone service program is available through designated wireline and wireless telephone companies to low-income Virginians and enables them to stay connected to community resources. The State Corporation Commission (SCC) is partnering with the Federal Communications Cmmissions and others to increase awareness about telephone service assistance to qualified participants. Designated wireline telephone companies in Virginia provide this assistance and will help with enrollment. A number of wireless ocmpanies have also been designated to provide discounted service to qualifying consumers. Contact your wireline or wireless local telephone provider to verify that it has Lifeline support and to see if you or someone you know is eligible.
Infants and Young Children - Preparing for Seasonal Emergencies
In 2011, more than 75,000 infants and young children called Fairfax County home. Our littlest residents have unique needs that must be prepared for at all times Parents should stock up on essential supplies. Try not to run low on medications or diapers, as stores may not be open depending on the incident. If you are not a parent of a young one, you may still be called upon to care for young children for extended periods of time if a parent can't get home due to an incident (i.e., hurricane season or the January 2011 snowstorm when people were stuck on the roads for hours). Make sure you have some supplies on hand, too, if you are part of someone's family emergency plan. You may have only a few minutes to collect your supplies in an emergency, so collect them now and keep them handy. Suggestions include: formula, bottled water to mix with formula and to wash bottles, bottles, blankets, diapers (keep the size current), a heat sources such as a folding stove plus fuel and matches to heat water, hand warmers, ponchos, snow suit, disposable wipes, Latex gloves, a copy of a current immunization record, bath towels and wash cloths, clothing, burp cloths, bibs, suction bulb, binkies and toys, baby lotion and sunscreen, cotton swabs, medications, diaper rash ointment, plastic baggies, dishes, and cups. |
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Calendar of Events
The local chapter of the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy invites you to a free screening of Blank Street, a short documentary film about Virginians facing economic hardship, TONIGHT - Wednesday, September 12, 7:00 p.m., at the Little River United Church of Christ, 8410 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003. (NOTE: This is a different location from what was previously reported.) 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.
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.
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 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.
The McLean branch of the American Association of University Women's Used Book Sale will be held at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean, on: Friday, September 14, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, September 15, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and Sunday, September 16, Noon to 4:00 p.m. This event features 40,000 used books, CDs, and DVDs. Sunday is $7 a bag day. Call Juanita Cullen at 703.759.5112 with questions.
The 10th Annual Korean American Association of Washington Metropolitan Area (KAAW) presents the 10th annual KORUS Festival at Bull Run Park in Centreville for three days: Friday, September 14, 4:00 to 10:00 p.m.; Saturday, September 15, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; and Sunday, September 16, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Visit www.korusfestival.com to learn more about entertainment, activities, and food during this exciting celebration.
Enjoy an evening of music at the Mosaic Harmony Concert on Saturday, September 15, 7:00 p.m. at St. Anne's Episcopal Church, 1700 Wainwright Drive, Reston. This musical event is hosted by Global Camps Africa, Inc. Special guests for the evening will be five visiting counselors from Camp Sizanani in South Africa who will share stories and songs from their experience at camp. Mosaic Harmony, an interfaith, multicultural choir, draws on the rich heritage of African-American inspirational music to demonstrate and encourage unity in the midst of diversity. A reception will follow the concert with opportunity to talk to the counselors and learn more about Camp Sizanani. Visit www.globalcampsafrica.org for tickets to this dynamic evening of music and cultural sharing.
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.
Usher in the first day of autumn with Shenandoah National Park Trust at The Shenandoah Scramble on Saturday, September 22. Hikers of all ability levels are invited to choose one of six guided hikes of varying length and difficulty in the national park. Participants will gather for a light breakfast at 8:00 a.m. at the Big Meadows Pinic Grounds and then head out to hike with their group and hike leader (each hike can accommodate up to 20 hikers). Leaders are CPR/First Aid or Wilderness Safety certified. They know and love Shenandoah National Park and will provide a wonderful experience. Participants reconvene for refreshments after their hikes. Registration is $25 per hiker ($10 for children 13 and under) and hikers agree to raise a minimum of $100 ($200 per family), which will support projects and programs in Shenandoah National Park. For more information, contact Susan Sherman, Executive Director of Shenandoah Natonal Park Trust at ssherman@snptrust.org.
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.
Sign up for the "Rally for a Cause" Tennis Tourney on Saturday and Sunday, September 22 and 23, at Lake Newport Tennis Center, 11452 Baron Cameron Avenue. Matches begin at 9:00 a.m. This tournament will benefit Reston Interfaith, Heart, and Wounded Warrior Foundation. Sign up to play men's or women's singles or doubles. Players are guaranteed to play at least two matches. Trophies will be awarded by Reston Tennis pro staff and representatives from the benefiting organizations immediately following the finals matches. For more information or to register, visit www.restontennis.org or e-mail Rally4acause@restontennis.org.
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.
Avid gardener Joe Belsan will discuss organic gardening, the basics of composting, and different types of gardens on Saturday, September 29, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Walker Nature Center, 11450 Glade Drive. Call 703.476.9689 to register your attendance.
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.
Go on a Civil War Tour of the Hunter Mill Road Corridor on Tuesday, October 2, 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Board a bus at Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods at 8:30 a.m. and return around 1:00 p.m. after enjoying a four-hour narrated excursion that will visit the locations of skirmishes, encampments, graves, and historical structures while traveling from Reston to Vienna, Oakton, and up Hunter Mill Road. The tour will also incorporate relevant history from the 1700s-1900s, bringing to life the rich history of the lcoal citizenry, soldiers, and raiders. Trip fee, which is $15 (Reston residents)/$30 (non-residents) includes the Hunter Mill Road Civil War Self-Guided Tour illustrated booklet and your round-trip transportation. RCC will provide water and snacks. Register at www.restoncommunitycenter.com or 703.476.4500.
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.
Come out to Reston Town Center on Thursday, October 4 at Noon for a Walk to End Homelessness, proudly presented by Mayflowers A Floral Studio at Reston Town Center. The walk will go from Mayflowers on the Promenade to the Embry Rucker Community Shelter, and end back at Mayflowers. Visit www.restoninterfaith.org for more information.
Take a "Taste of the Vine at Historic Blenheim," the fourth annual fundraiser to support restoration of Historic Blenheim, a nationally recognized site of the best-preserved Civil War inscriptions on the walls, on Friday, October 5, 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. Mingle with fellow wine and history enthusiasts, taste delicious hors d'oeuvres provided by Dolce Vita, and bid on some fantastic auction items. All of this takes place at The Blenheim Historic Civil War Interpretive Center, 3610 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA 22030. Cost is $50 per person with proceeds to benefit Historic Fairfax City, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization. A portion of the $50 cost may be tax deductible. To RSVP or for more information, contact Hildie Carney at 703.591.5305 or hilcarn31@aol.com. Checks are payable to Historic Fairfax City, Inc.; mail to Hildie Carney, HFCI, 3512 Old Post Road, Fairfax, VA 22030.
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.
The Alzheimer's Association will present a program on "Healthy Brain Aging" on Tuesday, October 9, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. OR on Wednesday, October 24, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road. The presentation will identify three areas (mind, heart, person) that affect the brain. Strategies for how to keep each of the three areas healthy will be discussed as well as practice exercises to assist in keeping the brain active and fully charged. This event is free, but you must register at www.restoncommunitycenter.com or call 703.476.4500.
Tour six fabulous private homes on October 13 at the Reston Home Tour! See a local artist's collection showcased in a lakewide contemporary -- or enjoy angled walls that frame a customized interior -- or tour an architect's own modern masterpiece. These are just three, and there is so much more. Purchase your ticket before October 6 for $25; October 6-13 and online, $30 each. Groups of 10+, $20 each. For ticket sales and information, visit www.restonmuseum.org or call 703.709.7700. Tickets are also available at Reston Museum, Appalachian Spring, GRACE, Lake Anne Florist, and The Wine Cabinet at North Point. The Tour will also celebrate Reston's new Silver Line at Reston Center and the art of photography at Nature's Best (and Reston's best kept secret!). Reston Home Tour is presented by and benefits Reston Museum.
Sign up to walk on Sunday, October 14 for the 9th Annual Help the Homeless Community Walk at Reston Heights Hotels, 11750 Sunrise Valley Drive. Registration opens at 12:00 Noon, and the Walk begins at 1:30 p.m. After the Walk, enjoy Festival on the Square with live music, food, games for all ages, and more. This year, Reston Interfaith has set the goal of having 4,000 walkers join the Help the Homeless Program, which raises awareness and provides support to prevent and end homelessness in our community. Bring all your favorite people, and make a difference in ending homelessness. Visit www.restoninterfaith.org for more information.
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.
Need help understanding Medicare? Howard Houghton of the Fairfax County Area Agency on Aging will lead an enlightening discussion about Meicare on Tuesday, October 23, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about Medicare from an expert in the field. Cost is free; register by calling 703.476.4500 or go to www.restoncommunitycenter.com.
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.
Plan on attending Fairfax County's 8th Annual History Conference, "Courage & Conflict in Fairfax County," on Saturday, November 10. 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.
Join Ken and Jane at this year's Reston Holiday Parade at Reston Town Center on Friday, November 23. The fun begins at 11:00 a.m. with a 1/2 mile parade route. This year's theme is "Come Out to Play!" This annual tradition draws over 10,000 spectators and has something for everyone. Events include the Gingerbread Man Mile fun run for kids with a 7:30 a.m. registration and the race at 8:00 a.m. This run benefits Neediest Kids; no entry fee. Visit www.prraces.com/gingerbread for details. After the Holiday Parade, there are visits and portraits with Santa! Photos are free; donations benefit a local non-profit organization. Stay for the Holiday Tree Lighting and Sing Along that begins at 6:00 p.m., and watch as Santa and Mrs. Claus magically light up Reston Town Center and the holiday tree. Sing-along with the Reston Chorale and brass quintet. Enjoy Horse Drawn Carriage Rides from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. Cost is $5 per person, riders 5 and under are free, and all proceeds benefit Volunteer Fairfax! |
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Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" PlumDelegate Ken Plum's Virginia E-News
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Delegate Ken Plum's Virginia e-News is authorized by Kenneth R. Plum
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