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Delegate Ken Plum's
Virginia e-News
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Commentary
Playing By the Rules
Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum
We teach our children that they have to play by the rules, but sometimes we as adults find ways to bend the rules when it suits our purpose. When governments change their own rules for their convenience, a cynicism sets in as to how serious we were about the rules in the first place. Two examples from Virginia government come to mind.
Under the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB), public schools are required to demonstrate adequate yearly progress of student achievement in order for schools to be accredited. The rule set by NCLB was not an easy one to meet demonstrating that such a standard was needed. Under the old system of evaluating schools, children were being lost in statistics and were being left behind. Under NCLB, more schools were failing to attain accreditation than the educational or political systems were willing to acknowledge or to justify.
A component of the failure of schools to attain adequate yearly progress was the wide differences among ethnic and racial groups. Asians often topped the standards, beating out their white counterparts. Hispanics and blacks lagged behind all other groups in their levels of achievement. Many strategies have been tried and many resources expended to try to close the achievement gap but with limited success.
Virginia and many other states have in recent years resorted to a different tactic to close the achievement gap: change the rules. Virginia was recently granted an exception for which it applied to NCLB allowing it to set different standards for different minority groups. Simply stated under the new standards in Virginia we will expect more from Asian students and less from Hispanic and black students than we do for white students.
The NAACP and other groups have rightly raised objections to the new variable standards. In education, you get what you expect. Expect less of students, and they will not do well. Within all groups of students there are some individuals who do well. Rather than recognize individual differences, the new system tracks students in a way that I do not believe complies with the Fourteenth Amendment Equal Protection Clause.
One of the explanations for the differences among student achievement relates to the programs and services to which they have been exposed. In recent years as monies have become scarcer, all government programs including schools have been reducing programs and services. Too often the school programs that get cut are those for the students who need them most. How does the Virginia General Assembly reduce funding for schools when the state constitution requires it to fund them?
You guessed it. The Assembly changes the rules. Over the last several years the state Standards of Quality (SOQ) by which schools are funded have been reduced. We "fully" fund the SOQs; we simply do not explain that the SOQs have been reduced.
Our children and our future are cheated when we do not play by the rules. We need to return in Virginia to expecting high attainment for all children and to providing funding to meet that goal.
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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, October 3 at 10:30 p.m. -Celeste Peterson, The Erin Peterson Fund - "Erin's Legacy"
Tuesday, October 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, October 10 at 10:30 p.m. - Patty Nicoson, President, Dulles Corridor Rail Association - "Silver Line Update"
"Virginia Report" is also available online at www.rctv28.com/virginiareport.html for viewing on your computer or iPad. |
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"Campaign Re/Form" Delegate Ken Plum with Damian Sinclair, the new Executive Director of the Greater Reston Arts Center. |
The Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) hosts the
"Campaign Re/Form" exhibit through October 27,
featuring 12 artists from
multiple disciplines who have transformed GRACE into an interactive campaign office.
Special gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday,
Noon to 8:00 p.m.
www.restonarts.org/campaignreform
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All About Voting
Last Day for Registering to Vote for the November 6 Presidential Election is October 15!
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
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
Now through 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 residence 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).
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
Virginia's October Sales Tax Holiday is this weekend! If you purchase qualified ENERGY STAR and WaterSense products over the Columbus Day weekend, October 5-8, 2012, the Commonwealth of Virginia will not charge you a sales tax. Products with the ENERGY STAR label use 20-30% less energy than their counterparts. Purchases of non-commerical home items or personal items cannot total more than $2,500 during the tax-free holiday. For more information, visit www.tax.virginia.gov/site.cfm?alias=stholiday. Also visit www.energystar.gov.
Medicare Open Season: Find Out What You Need to Know
Prepare now for Medicare Open Season (the annual election period). This year, open season begins October 15 and ends December 7. Howard Houghton, director of Fairfax County's Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) will make presentations locally on what you need to know about the 2013 Medicare health and drug plans at these locations:
* Tuesday, October 23, 1:30 p.m. at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road. Register by calling 703.476.4500.
* Wednesday, October 24, 1:00 p.m. at Herndon Senior Center, 873 Grace Street, Herndon. Registration not required; participants should check in at front desk.
IN ADDITION - During the Medicare open enrollment season, Fairfax County is offering guidance and enrollment assistance with an expert to meet with you individually. If you would like assistance, you must first call for an appointment and bring the following: a photo ID; copies of your current health plan and drug plan cards; your Medicare card; any letters from Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid; and a list of all of your medications and their dosages. Assistance will be offered at the following sites:
* Chantilly Center, 14150 Parkeast Circle, #200, Chantilly. Call 703.968.4000 for your appointment on Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
* Reston Center, 1850 Cameron Glen Drive, #600, Reston. Call 703.481.4100 for your appointment. Days and times are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m; Tuesday, 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.; and Thursday, Noon to 7:00 p.m. |
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Calendar of Events
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is seeking community feedback on ways to generate revenue to address unfunded transportation mandates (roadway, transit, bike, and pedestrian) needs. This effort will consist of a series of community meetings through mid- October 2012 at which potential revenue sources will be discussed. The public will have the opportunity to provide feedback at the meetings or in an online survey through October 12, 2012. The public meetings will include a presentation, a question-and-answer session, and an opportunity to view materials and talk to county staff. Meeting dates include:
*Today, Wednesday, October 3 at 7:00 p.m.
North County Government Center
12000 Bowman Towne Drive
Reston, VA 20190
* Wednesday, October 10 at 7:00 p.m.
Thoreau Middle School
2505 Cedar Lane
Vienna, VA 22180
Transit: RIBS 1, RIBS 3
*For more information about the Countywide Dialogue on Transportation Funding, the Ask Fairfax! chat, or to take the online survey, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fcdot/cdot/.
The Governor's Conference on Energy will be held October 2-4 at the Richmond Convention Center, Richmond, VA. Delegate Ken Plum is a panelist. 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.
TODAY: The AARP invites you to have your voice heard at the "You've Earned a Say Community Conversation" on October 3, 2012, 10:30 a.m.-Noon at Centreville Regional Library
14200 St. Germain Drive, Centreville, VA 20121-2299
* Seating is limited. Registration is requested. Please call 1-877-926-8300 to register.
Today, you are invited to attend a community forum, Accessibility: A Call to Action, Wednesday, October 3, 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m., Reston Association, 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston.
Delegate Ken Plum will be a presenter at this event to learn how pending proposed accessibility updates to the Virginia building code and a proposed General Assembly bill can improve accessibility for Restonians with disabilities. RSVP to Jan Pohl, Reston Interfaith, jan.pohl@restoninterfaith.org, phone: 571/323-1412, fax: 571/323-9554. For information not related to RSVP, contact Ken Fredgren at fredgren.k@gmail.com.
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.
Be sure to sign up for the Home Energy Efficiency Workshop at Walker Nature Education Center, 11450 Glade Drive, Reston, on Thursday, October 4, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. This green living event is brought to you by Reston Community Center and Reston Association in support of Sustainable Reston. At the workshop, you'll learn about ways to make your home more energy efficient comfortable, and lower those utility bills. Cost is $5/Reston Association members, $8/nonmembers. Email naturecenter@reston.org or call 703.476.9689 and press 5 to register.
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" on Friday, October 5, 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. This is the fourth annual fundraiser to support restoration of Historic Blenheim, a nationally recognized site of the best-preserved Civil War inscriptions. 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.
Reston Environmental Action (REACT) will hold its annual meeting on Wednesday, October 10 at Nature House. Cookies, cider, and socializing from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m.. Meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker Deron Lovaas, Federal Transportation Policy Director at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Check www.restonenvironmentalaction.org for other REACT information. If you would like to participate in a project or join a committee, contact Mary Brown at cernybrown@earthlink.net or 703-620-0151.
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.
Learn strategies to prevent bullying at school and online, by attending "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.
Girls' Day Out, Saturday, October 20 noon to 5:00 p.m. at the Ritz Carlton Tysons Corner. Be healthy, be happy, be dazzling. Mark your calendar to gather your friends, sisters, mothers, and colleagues for Reston Hospital Center's Girls' Day Out. Celebrate the vibrancy of good health with free screenings, superb food, fun with friends, and fabulous swag bags. Cost is $35 to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. For more information on Girls' Day Out and to register visit restonhospital.com/spirit or call 877-689-DOCS (3627).
Tigerlily Foundation's 4th Annual EmPOWER Ball is Saturday, October 20, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. (Black Tie Optional), at the McLean Hilton, 7920 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, Virginia, 6:00 p.m. cocktail reception and Silent Auction, 7:30 p.m. Dinner, Raffles, Presentations, and Entertainment. Visit www.tigerlilyfoundation.org for tickets, tables, and sponsorship information. For more information email empower2012@tigerlilyfoundation.org.
Fairfax County will hold a series of community forums, Working Together to Make a Measurable Difference, for members of the community representing nonprofit and community-based organizations, businesses, faith-based organizations and houses of worship, public schools and higher education institutions, and human services boards, authorities, and commissions. Meeting Locations and Times: *Monday, October 22, 7:00-9:00, Government Center, Government Center Parkway,Fairfax *Monday, October 29, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston *Friday, November 2, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, McLean Comunity Center, 1234 Ingelside Avenue, McLean
Need help understanding Medicare? Howard Houghton of the Fairfax County Area Agency on Aging will lead an enlightening discussion about Medicare 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.
Food Day, October 24, 2012, is a nationwide celebration and a movement for healthy, affordable, and sustainable food. For resources and activities, go to www.foodday.org.
FREE Child Identification and Fingerprinting: The Sheriff's Office provides a FREE photo of your child and a set of his/her fingerprints, Wednesday, October 24, 5:00-7:00 p.m., Vienna Presbyterian Church, 124 Park Street NE, Vienna, VA 22180 http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/sheriff/news/fingerprint.htm 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 are coming to our area on Sunday, October 28, 3:00 p.m., to play a Benefit for the Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna. 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. 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. AARP Driver Safety (50 years and older), Thursday and Friday, November 1 and 2, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. RCC Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. This two-day workshop, conducted by an AARP instructor, teaches defensive driving to adults ages 50 and older. Upon successful completion of the course, participants may be entitled to a discount on their car insurance. A check payable to AARP for $12 (AARP members) or $14 (non-members) is due to the instructor on the first day of class. AARP members must present their membership card to the instructor. November's class is free to military veterans. Participants may bring a lunch or enjoy one of the nearby restaurants during the midday break. Caregiver Options (55 years and older), Thursday, November 8, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., RCC Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. Cost: free but registration is required. This class will provide options available to caregivers; where to find help, the costs, and who is responsible for paying the bills: Medicare, Medicaid and/or Long-Term Care Insurance. Learn about the levels of care and who is there to help, and know in advance what charges will be paid out of pocket. 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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