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November 21, 2012
Join us for the Annual Thanksgiving Eve
Ecumenical-Interfaith Community Service,
Wednesday, November 21, 7:30 p.m.
at United Christian Parish,
11508 North Shore Drive, Reston.
Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!
Ken and Jane Plum
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36th District
Reston, Virginia
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 | | With Kerrie Wilson, Executive Director of Reston Interfaith. Contributions of food and monetary donations are needed by Reston Interfaith throughout the year. Go to www.restoninterfaith.org for information on how you can help. |
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Delegate Ken Plum's
Virginia e-News
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Commentary
Taking a Toll on Virginians
Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum
Governor Bob McDonnell came to Tysons Corner last week to participate in a ceremonial ribbon cutting for the opening for the 495 Express Lanes that took place on November 17. More than 500 people turned out to celebrate the opening of the first in Virginia high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes with demand pricing. The level of the tolls will be indicated on digital signs when you enter the lanes, but the amount of the toll will depend on the number of people on the road that can continue their speed at 55 miles per hour. Persons with three or more in the car will not be assessed a toll as long as they have an EZ-Pass Flex that they can turn off. All users of the road must have an EZ-Pass or EZ-Pass Flex. For more details on how this technology-rich system works, go to 495expresslanes.com.
Waiting for the Governor on his way from the hotel was a small group of demonstrators carrying placards protesting tolls the Governor has proposed to put in place on I95 south of Richmond. The protestors brought a trailer truck that they had parked in the street with a billboard-size message on the trailer protesting the tolls. The realities of Virginia's transportation funding crisis were evident that day. Funding projects like the public-private project improvements to the Beltway are only possible when tolls are collected to pay back the private sector costs with a return on investments. As unpopular as tolls are as the demonstrators expressed, the unfortunate truth is that tolling will increase in the future.
Tolls are not new to the residents of this area. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority that is building the Silver Line extension of Metrorail just voted last week to raise the tolls on the Dulles Toll Road to $2.75 total to help pay for the project. Improvements to traffic-congested I95 in Northern Virginia will be financed through a HOT lanes arrangement just like the Beltway. Tunnel improvements in Hampton Roads as well as roadway expansion are being paid for with tolls. Putting tolls on the interstate that brought out the protestors is viewed as a way to finance highway improvements.
The General Assembly has shown no willingness to raise the gas tax or other sources of revenue to fix highway congestion that in Northern Virginia has been found to be the worst in the Nation. The current gas tax rate is the lowest in the country and continues to produce less revenue as cars become more fuel efficient. Other sources of revenue are ear-marked for other government services. But the problem must be addressed! I am totally open to working with the Governor and other legislators in resolving this issue. Otherwise, the current direction is going to take an increasing toll on Virginians.
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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, November 21 at 10:30 p.m. - Jennifer Aument, Transurban, "495 Express Lanes"
Tuesday, November 27 at 7:30 p.m., and Wednesday, November 28 at 10:30 p.m. - Pat Hynes, Vice Chairman and Hunter Mill District Representative to the Fairfax County Public Schools, "School Board Update"
"Virginia Report" is also available online at www.rctv28.com/virginiareport.html for viewing on your computer or iPad. |
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Don't Get Burned By Thanksgiving
Fire Hazards
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Thanksgiving Day is the busiest day of the year for fire departments. |
More property damage and lives are lost in residential structure fires on Thanksgiving Day than any other day of the year. The increase applies mostly to cooking fires in family homes. An estimated 2,000 Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings are reported to U.S. fire departments each year and cause an estimated average of 5 deaths, 25 injuries, and $121 million in property loss. Over the last several years, turkey fryer fires have contributed significantly to the increase in cooking fires. The use of turkey fryers by consumers can lead to devastating burns, other injuries, and destruction of property. The following safe cooking tips can help to make your holiday safer:
- Always use cooking equipment tested and approved by a recognized testing facility.
- Stay in the kitchen when you are frying or grilling food. If you leave the kitchen, turn off the stove.
- Keep anything that can catch fire-potholders, towels, or curtains away from the stovetop.
- Have a "kid-free zone" of at least three feet around the stove.
- Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.
- Always keep an oven mitt and lid nearby when cooking.
- When placing the turkey into the oven or turkey fryer, be extremely careful.
If having a fried turkey is a must for Thanksgiving, consider purchasing a fried, cooked turkey from a commercial source. Supermarkets and restaurants accept orders for fried turkeys during the holiday season. |
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Bulletin Board
The 495 Express Lanes opened to traffic in the early hours of Saturday morning. As you use the 495 Express Lanes:
- Stay alert - it's more important than ever that Beltway drivers avoid distractions, use caution, and watch out for changing signage and traffic
- Prepare in advance - visit 495ExpressLanes.com to familiarize yourself with new routes and signage before you make your trip
- Get an E-ZPass - all users are required to have an E-ZPass or new E-ZPass Flex for carpools; find information at 495ExpressLanes.com or visit select Giants, Wegmans, or AAA Mid-Atlantic locations.
If you have questions or entered the 495 Express Lanes accidentally, go to 495ExpressLanes.com/customer-care or call 1-855-495-9777.
Mental Health First Aid is a two-day course that teaches a 5-step action plan offering initial help to people with the signs and symptoms of a mental illness or in crisis, and connecting them with the appropriate professional, peer, social, or self-help care. You will learn warning signs and risk factors for depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders and eating disorders. Anyone can take the 12-hour Mental Health First Aid certification course - first responders, students, teachers, leaders of faith communities, human resources professionals, and caring citizens. The course is open to all members of our community and there is a $25 fee for materials. The CSB will be offering Mental Health First Aid courses throughout the year. Check the online registration page for available classes, or contact Erika Gilliam at 703-383-8430(TTY 711) for more information.
2013 Reston Association Board of Directors Election: Three steps to begin your candidacy for a seat representing Lake Anne/Tall Oaks District, North Point District or At-Large Director:
--1.Read the filing instructions and guidelines to see if you qualify.(Instructions can be downloaded in PDF or Word formats.)
--2. Collect the signatures of at least 25 members from different households on the Petition of Candidacy form. (Forms: PDF or Word)
--3.Fill out the 2013 Board of Directors Election Statement of Candidacy form.(Forms: PDF or Word.)
Details, go to Board Elections.
The 2012 Health Care Pricing Report, available online for free at 2012 Health Care Pricing Report, contains pricing information on common procedures ranging from having a mammogram, knee replacement or MRI for the back, to having a baby. In its 19th year, the 2012 Industry Report includes important information on how much hospitals and nursing facilities are paid, their costs, charity care, staffing and profit margins. The report also illustrates the bottom line on efficiency through a Composite Efficiency and Productivity Score-an overall ranking of hospitals based on ten cost, utilization and efficiency measures. Also available online at no cost, hospital comparisons can be made at 2012 Industry Report. This data has been used for almost two decades to help build networks and negotiate provider contracts. VHI publishes reports and consumer guides on health insurance, hospitals, HMOs, nursing facilities, physicians and other topics at www.vhi.org.
The Virginia Department of Social Services has contracted with James Madison University to conduct a statewide assessment of early childhood care and education needs. By filling out the Virginia Early Childhood Needs Assessment Survey parents can help the Virginia Department of Social Services find gaps in preschool and child care services so the state can coordinate resources to best respond to these areas of need. Fairfax County Office for Children and Fairfax County Public Schools are working in partnership with JMU to make sure that the county is well represented in the Virginia Early Childhood Needs Assessment. As part of this effort hard copy surveys will be available through the schools, many county agencies and community groups. The family survey is also available online in English, Spanish and Arabic at Needs Assessment. For more information about the survey, contact JMU professor Susan Barnes at barnessk@jmu.edu.
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Calendar of Events
Residents have the opportunity to provide input on funding priorities and possible reductions for the multi-year budget plan for Fiscal Year 2014 (effective July 1, 2013) and Fiscal Year 2015 (effective July 1, 2014) through an Online Survey open through Friday, November 30. Helpful information to read before answering the three survey questions can be found at Budget Survey. For more information visit Fairfax County Budget.
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!
Fairfax County Public Schools will hold public meetings the week after Thanksgiving to discuss proposals to expand advanced academic programs - programs for students who are ready for challenges beyond grade-level expectations. The purpose of expanding the advanced academic center program is to broaden access to challenging curriculum throughout the county and to alleviate over-crowding at some existing centers. The over-crowding at advanced academic centers at Louise Archer, Haycock, and Hunters Woods must be addressed by the start of the next school year, to give those chools some rlief. The addition of more middle school centers may take loonger to implement and may happen faster in some parts of the county6 than others. Additional public meetings will be held as necessary to ensure meaningful community input. The meetings will run from 7 to 9 p.m. on the following dates at these locations:
·Tuesday, November 27, in the Westfield High School cafeteria for Clusters 6, 7, and 8.
·Wednesday, November 28, in the Lee High School cafeteria for Clusters 4 and 5.
·Thursday, November 29, in the Kilmer Middle School cafeteria for Clusters 1, 2, and 3.
VDOT is planning to hold a public information meeting about plans for Route 7 between Reston Avenue and the Dulles Toll Road, Wednesday, November 28, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., at the Colvin Run Elementary School cafeteria, 1400 Trap Road, Vienna.
Alternative Gift Market, December 1, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Purchase gifts that can save or change a life! Visit over 30 booths of socially conscious gift ideas from local and international charitable organizations. Check out www.uureston.org for a "Shopping List" of gift options, as well as a flyer with more information about the event. Donations are tax deductible and a receipt will be provided. Cash and checks only. The Market will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Reston at 1625 Wiehle Avenue, Reston.
Solitary Confinement in Virginia, Monday, December 3, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., at Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quiincy St., Arlington, VA 22201.
--What is prolonged solitary confinement?
--How does it affect inmates and their families?
--What advocacy is being done around this issue
Learn what you can do.
Superintendent Jack D. Dale of Fairfax County Public Schools will be retiring on June 30, 2013. As a result, the Fairfax County School Board has initiated its search for a new Superintendent and has retained the services of the search firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates to provide counsel in this critical process. Community forums are being held to get public suggestions in the process as listed below:
--December 3 at South County High School cafeteria, 7:00 p.m.
--December 4 at Langley High School cafeteria, 7:00 p.m.
--December 5 at Robinson Secondary School cafeteria, 7:00 p.m.
--December 6 at Annandale High School cafeteria, 7:00 p.m.
Opportunities in Motion: Commonwealth of Virginia Governor's Transportation conference, December 5-7, Sheraton Premier at Tysons Corner, 8661 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182. Registration at www.vatransportationconference.com.
Bully-Free NoVA: A Community of Respectpresents "Bullying Prevention 101 Facilitators Training." 53% of Fairfax youth report that they have been the target of bullying and 51% of Fairfax youth report that they have bullied others. FPY's Bullying Prevention 101 is for youth service providers in northern VA who want to teach youth AND adult members of their organization or faith community how to prevent bullying and intervene in bullying situations. All interested trainees are welcome to register.
When: Fri, Dec 14, 2012, 2:00-5:00pm
Where: Pennino Building - Room #1034, 12011 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, Virginia
This program costs $149 per trainee and SPACE IS LIMITED. Reduced rates may be available for non-profit representatives, on a limited basis. REGISTER at Register for Bullying Prevention 101.
Holiday Luncheon (55 Years and Older), Seniors are invited to attend RCC's annual holiday celebration at the elegant Sheraton Reston hotel. As always, gifts will be awarded and lunch will be accompanied by live musical entertainment and a 45-minute performance by the Harmony Heritage Barbershop Chorus. Thursday, December 6, 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Leaving from Lake Anne Fellowship House, Hunters Woods Fellowship House, and Thoreau Place in Reston. Cost: $20 (Reston residents)/$40 (non-residents). Register here.
Become a CASA volunteer! Nicknamed "the eyes and ears of the Judge," CASA volunteers help protect the fundamental rights of abused and neglected children to be safe, to be treated with dignity, and to learn and grow in a safe and permanent home. Next information session: Saturday, December 8, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Reston Community Center Lake Anne, Reston. To rsvp, email volunteer@casafairfax.org.
Housing Options for Seniors (55 Years and Older) is a class that explores housing options for seniors, from independent living to skilled nursing care. Learn how to "age in place" at home and about the descriptions, costs and coverage of village communities, assisted living, nursing homes and continuing care retirement communities. Thursday, December 13, 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., RCC Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. Cost: Free, Registration required.
Register your business or donate online to help the Fairfax County Office to Prevent and End Homelessness in Putting the ZIP on Homelessness. Jeans Day 2012 is Dec. 14. On Dec. 14, allow your employees to wear jeans to support the 10-Year Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness and the Partnership to Prevent and End homelessness. The cost to an employee to participate is $5. Each participating business will collect the funds raised and, if they choose, can match the funds. Donations will benefit the Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness. You do not need to be affiliated with a business or organization to participate in Jeans Day. Individuals who wish to take part in this initiative may donate online via Apple Federal Credit Union. You may also drop off your donation at any Apple Federal Credit Union branch. Checks will be accepted at any of Apple Federal Credit Union's 21 branch locations. Please make your checks made payable to PEH/CFNCR and mention "Ending Homelessness in Fairfax County" to the teller at the time of deposit. For more information, visit Jeans Day Event or contact Glynda Mayo Hall, Fairfax County Office to Prevent and End Homelessness, at glynda.hall@fairfaxcounty.gov.
2013 Signature Conference The American Civil War at Home, Saturday, April 20, 2013, at the College of William and Mary. This Signature Conference--the fifth in an annual series--brings together noted Civil War historians to consider how the Civil War changed Virginia and the nation 150 years ago in the year of the war's turning point, 1863. For more information on the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission, visit www.VirginiaCivilWar.org.
Let your elected officials know about the state government issues that are most important to you at a Public Meeting hosted by Delegate Ken Plum and Senator Janet Howell on Thursday, January 3, 2013, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. Bring your comments for Ken and Janet. This will be their annual pre-session meeting prior to the General Assembly going into session on January 9, 2013. |
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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
and paid for by Friends of Delegate Ken Plum. |
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