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Delegate Ken Plum's
Virginia e-News
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Commentary
Voter Fraud at the Highest Levels
Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum
Over the last several years there has been a proliferation of bills introduced in Virginia and in many other states to prevent voter fraud. Conspicuously missing from the debate on these bills has been any specific examples of voter fraud having been committed. In fact, the greater problem with voting has not been that persons have been fraudulently voting; voter participation in Virginia and the nation has been embarrassingly low. The emphasis needs to be on getting more people to vote and not to make the process more cumbersome and bureaucratic that it discourages voters.
The real fraud in the voting process occurs when legislators and others argue that the new laws are needed to clean up voting when the real purpose is to suppress voter participation. Under the guise of preventing voter fraud, legislators are taking fraud-like actions by establishing rules and procedures intended to confuse older and minority voters and to make it more difficult for them to vote.
Laws to discourage or prevent voting are not new to the American democracy. In the period ending Reconstruction after the Civil War, Democrats in Virginia and other southern states enacted voter registration requirements that disenfranchised most newly freed slaves. A blank-sheet registration form was used to register new voters. Whites from the right families could expect some help as to what to write on the sheet. Blacks were left to struggle about what information the state constitution required to be listed and in what order. The $1.50 poll tax had to be paid three years in a row, six months before the election in order for a person to vote. The system of controlling the electorate kept the Byrd Machine in Virginia and others in other states in power.
The current effort clearly aimed to ensure that President Obama is not re-elected is more circumspect. Already the courts have thrown out attempts in several states to suppress the vote. Virginia's new voter requirements are not as bad as those in Pennsylvania and Florida and several other states, but voters do need to be aware to ensure that their vote is counted.
Voters in Virginia on November 6 will be required to show identification. A photo ID is not required, but your valid driver's license may be used for identification as well as your voter registration card, military ID, government issued ID, concealed handgun permit, student ID, utility bill, or bank statement. Without ID, a person will be allowed to vote a provisional ballot that will not be counted unless acceptable identification is provided by noon on Friday of the week of voting. For complete voting information, go to www.sbe.virginia.gov.
We need in the marketplace and in our communities to be aware of fraudulent actions that may take away our lifestyle and our property. In the voting process we need to ensure that we are not misled by fraudulent-like statements by politicians. Exercise and protect your right to vote; our democracy depends on it. |
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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 - Wednesday, September 19 at 10:30 p.m. - Trudy Harsh and Dr. Ted Moriak, The Brain Foundation - "Laura's House"
Tuesday, September 25 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, September 26 at 10:30 p.m. - Janet Hyman and Gale Napoliello, Herndon-Reston FISH, Inc. - "Friendly Instant Sympathetic Help Here at Home"
"Virginia Report" is also available online at www.rctv28.com/virginiareport.html for viewing on your computer or iPad. |
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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
Are Your Windows Safe?
With the arrival of cooler days and cool nights we all look forward to the fall weather. We open our windows to let in fresh air. Along with the open window comes an increased safety risk for young children. A child's fall from a window can be tragic. Sadly, each year several children in our community fall from windows and land in area hospitals. In several cases young children have cimbed onto furniture that is placed too close to an open window and have fallen out. Remember, children are top heavy; they can be looking out an open window one minute and falling through it the next. A screen offers little protection when the weight of a child pushes against it. Some important safety tips to prevent injuries:
* Always supervise young children; life-threatening injuries can happen in seconds to a child left unattended.
* Close and lock windows whenever young children are around. If you need ventilation, open windows that children cannot reach. For example, open double-hung windows from the top only.
* Keep furniture and beds away from windows.
* Keep window treatments (blinds, cords, drapes, etc.) out of children's reach.
First Ladies of Virginia Portrait Project Unveiled and on Public Display
The First Ladies of Virginia Portrait Project which includes all ten portraits of Virginia's recent First Ladies will be displayed in the Mansion now to October 11 and on display for the public to view during scheduled public tours. Tour reservations can be made by calling Audrey Trussell at 804.371.2642 x 2460. The public is invited to stop by during this time to walk through the Mansion and view the portraits. After October 11, a couple of the portraits will remain at the Mansion, and the others will be displayed at various historic locations throughout the Richmond area.
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Calendar of Events
Attend the screening of a new film, Energy Quest USA, on Friday, September 21, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., at the Walker Nature Center, 11450 Glade Drive. The film is free, but they'd appreciate your donation of $5 for adults. Reservations are required by September 18 at naturecenter@reston.org or call 703.476.9689. This environmental film features five diverse communities where people are taking charge of their energy future.
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 Picnic 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 National 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. Bring the family and enjoy the Town Center's many amenities during and after the Walk. Wear the names of those you honor, remember them, and generate HOPE for a future without Alzheimer's. 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.
Join Supervisor Cathy Hudgins and county staff to receive an update on the Crescent Redevelopment Project procurement process, and for an opportunity for you to share your ideas and preferences about the redevelopment of the Lake Anne Village Center in a manner that is consistent with the adopted Comprehensive Plan. This meeting will be held on Monday, October 1, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., at the Reston Community Center at Lake Anne, Jo Ann Rose Gallery, at 1609 Washington Plaza North, Suite A. For information or reasonable ADA accommodations, please contact Bridget Hill with the Fairfax County Office of Community Revitalization at 703.324.9306, TTY 711.
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.
Don't miss Oktoberfest Reston, Northern Virginia's largest fall festival, at Reston Town Center on October 5-6-7. This year's Oktoberfest features the best in autumn brews with delicious traditional Oktoberfest fare from area restaurants. Highlights of this year's event include:
* Food from the best local restaurants, fine wines, and craft beer on tap for the first time;
* Live German entertainment during the days and headliners in the evenings;
* Guns 'n Hoses Chili Cook-Off between the Northern Virginia Police and Fire and Rescue Departments as well as community members;
* Anthem Great Pumpkin 5K, Pumpkin Smash Mile and Kids Pumpkin Dash; and
* Three days of carnival rides for kids.
Tickets go on sale online and at the Chamber office on September 20, so visit www.restonchamber.org to get yours!
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.
Doc Scantlin and His Imperial Palms Orchestra is coming to our area on Sunday, October 28, 3:00 p.m., to play a Benefit for the Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna. Step back in time with this great musical group as they bring their toe-tapping, can't-sit-down kind of music complete with the look and feel of the 20s, 30s, and 40s. This will be a single performance Sunday matinee show at the Vienna Presbyterian Church, 124 Park Street NE, Vienna, VA 22180. For additional details or your ticket order form, visit www.scov.org or call the Shepherd's Center office at 703.281.0538, or email office@scov.org. Tickets are $20.00 per person advance and $25.00 at the door. Get your tickets now -- this performance is sure to sell out quickly!
The Commonwealth Transportation Board will conduct 2012 Fall Multimodal Transportation Public Meetings across the state to give stakeholders the opportunity to review and provide comments on projects and programs to be included in the Fiscal Year 2014-2019 Six-Year Improvement Program, including highway, rail, and public transportation initiatives. The meeting in Northern Virginia will be held on Tuesday, October 30, at the Virginia Department of Transportation District Office, Potomac Conference Center, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax. The meeting will consist of an open house format from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. where attendees can review materials produced by agency staff and discuss specific projects or issues. Written comments may also be submitted during this informal session, or they may be mailed or e-mailed until November 30, 2012. Following the open house, an opportunity will be provided for comments form the public and transportation stakeholders with a formal comment session beginning at 6:30 p.m. You may also send your comments to Diane Mitchell, Virginia Department of Transportation, 1401 E. Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219 or e-mail them to Six-YearProgram@vdot.virginia.gov by November 30, 2012. Comments on rail and public transportation may be sent to the Department of Rail and Public Transportation, Public Information Officer, at 600 East Main Street, Suite 2102, Richmond, VA 23219 or e-mail them to drptpr@drpt.virginia.gov.
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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