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Delegate Ken Plum's
Virginia e-News
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Commentary
Virginia's Mixed Holiday Blessings
Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum
Virginians are living through this holiday season with mixed blessings. At least that is the conclusion of the Center for American Progress Action Fund 2012 Annual Report "Tracking Indicators of Poverty and Opportunity in Virginia." (www.americanprogressaction.org) Nationally the report found that after years of getting worse the U.S. poverty rate remained stable last year. In Virginia the poverty rate is lower than the national average at 11.5 percent, the seventh best rate in the country. Virginia's population is the 12th highest among the states meaning that nearly a million people live in poverty in the Commonwealth. The American Progress Action Fund's "Half in Ten" campaign has as a goal cutting the poverty rate in half in a decade.
Virginia fared well on some rankings in the report. Virginia has the second best ranking in the country on the gender gap. Women in Virginia earn 87 percent for every dollar earned by a man doing similar work. While the gap is too wide, it is likely helped by the technology industry in Northern Virginia that is much closer to equal pay for equal work. Virginia has the best ranking nationwide in the foster care system where three children per 1,000 children under age 18 were in the system. Virginia's success in reducing children in foster care came about in part from the excellent work of former First Lady Anne Holton, wife of former Governor and Senator-elect Tim Kaine.
Virginia has some areas where more work needs to be done. The state ranks 44th in the nation on the availability of affordable housing. Only 57 affordable and available housing units exist for every 100 tenants at or below 50 percent of the median income. The General Assembly meeting in January needs to restore funding to the Virginia Housing Trust Fund.
Virginia's high school graduation rate of 78.4 percent is 20th in the nation. That leaves too many people undereducated and qualifying for only minimal employment and low wages. A review of public alternative education programs is needed to ensure that avenues are available for all students to complete high school.
The number of persons uninsured in Virginia is 12.5 percent of the population ranking the state 21st among the other states. The General Assembly can take positive action to lower this figure by establishing a health insurance exchange to ensure that affordable health care is available in the marketplace. It can also expand Medicaid to cover the more than 400,000 people who will otherwise be left out of the system.
To read the "Half in Ten" Annual Report, go to www.halfinten.org. The holidays give us opportunities to count our blessings and to develop the resolve that all should benefit in these blessings. |
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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 28 at 10:30 p.m. - Pat Hynes, Vice Chairman and Hunter Mill District Rep. to the Fairfax County Public Schools, "School Board Update"
Tuesday, December 4 at 7:30 p.m., and Wednesday, December 5 at 10:30 p.m. - Emily Griffey and Kimberly Gutzler, "Voices for Virginia's Children"
"Virginia Report" is also available online at www.rctv28.com/virginiareport.html for viewing on your computer or iPad. |
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Bulletin Board
VDOT's winter resources:
If your real estate tax is not included in your mortgage payment, Wednesday, Dec. 5 is the deadline to make your payment directly to Fairfax County. Payment methods include check, credit card, electronic check and automatic installments. Review your bill or go online for details. Real Estate Tax bills are due in two installments on July 28 and Dec. 5 of each calendar year. If you do not receive future tax bills at least two weeks before the due date, you can confirm the amount due by calling the Department of Tax Administration (DTA) at 703-222-8234 (TTY 703-222-7594) or by email at dtarcd@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Fairfax County Government Emergency Preparedness recommends these Christmas tree fire safety tips:
--Keep tree base immersed in water.
--Do not permit smoking near the tree.
--Use only lights that are Underwriters Laboratories (U.L.) approved.
--Use flame retardent decorations and paper.
--Inspect lights for frayed or cracked wiring, broken plugs, and defective sockets.
--Unplug lights at night and when leaving the home.
--Remove the tree soon after the holidays--before the needles dry out.
Do you need help with your heating bills this winter? The Fairfax County Department of Family Services (DFS) is accepting applications for the Crisis Assistance Program which helps households in emergency situations by providing primary heat security deposits and funding the repair or replacement of heating equipment. To download an application online, go to Energy Assistance or pick one up at the DFS Office Reston--Lake Anne Office Building, 11484 Washington Plaza West, 4th floor, Reston.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program needs volunteers to help working, low-income families prepare their federal and state tax returns. Training will be in December and early January. Volunteers go to one of 22 sites in Northern Virginia from late January to April 15, 2013. Call James Do at 571-749-7838, or email James.Do@fairfaxcounty.gov or email Mary Eure at mary.eure@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University offers registration for over 100 diverse, exam-free daytime courses, plus social and cultural activities for winter term 2013. Classes in Fairfax, Reston, and Loudoun County. Try out the programs with two free classes. If interested, there's a one-term rate of $150, or a year of classes for $360. Call 703-503-3384, email olli@gmu.edu or go to www.olli.gmu.edu. |
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Calendar of Events
VDOT is planning to hold a public information meeting about plans for Route 7 between Reston Avenue and the Dulles Toll Road, TODAY Wednesday, November 28, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., at the Colvin Run Elementary School cafeteria, 1400 Trap Road, Vienna.
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 schools some relief. The addition of more middle school centers may take longer to implement and may happen faster in some parts of the county 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:
·TODAY 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.
Community Update on Stormwater Program: The Fairfax County Stormwater Management Program has identified more than 1,700 structural projects to improve the health of local watersheds. Fairfax County residents are invited to a community update on Thursday, November 29 at 7:00 p.m. in conference rooms 9/10 at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. Staff will present an update on the overall status of the watershed management plans and the stormwater management program. For more information call 703-324-5821, TTY 711 or email SWPDmail@fairfaxcounty.gov. Reservations are not required.
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 Fairfax County Budget.
¡FELIZ NAVIDAD! A festive Christmas concert to highlight the rich variety of Spanish holiday music, with early Meso-American, Southwestern, Basque, Argentinean, Cuban and Puerto Rican carols. The early music will feature a wide variety of unique percussion instruments played by local elementary school students. Join us for this joyous celebration of the season!
--Friday, November 30, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. St. John Neumann Church, 11900 Lawyers Rd., Reston, Virginia
--Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, 432 Van Buren St., Herndon, Virginia. Order tickets online at voce.org/tickets.
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.
Celebrate "The Wonder of the Season" with The Reston Chorale as it presents two holiday concerts on Saturday, December 1, at 4:00 pm and 7:30 pm. Experience the splendor of John Rutter's Gloria, featuring Reston's 90-voice chorus, Amadeus Brass and Percussion, and Organist Tordis Fahringer. Also on the program: excerpts of Handel's Judas Maccabeus, perennial holiday favorites -- including Little Drummer Boy, O Tannenbaum and It's the Holiday Season -- and a special appearance by Santa. Under the direction of Artistic Director David B. Lang, both performances will take place at the Reston Community Center (RCC), Hunters Woods Village Plaza, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. Tickets: $25 Adults; $20 Seniors/Youth (16-18). Children and youth 15 and under will be admitted FREE, but tickets are required. For tickets, visit www.restonchorale.org or contact the RCC Box Office at 703.476.1111.
Solitary Confinement in Virginia, Monday, December 3, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., at Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy 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.
Come and Experience a Touch of Asia at this Inaugural event presented by the Asian American Chamber of Commerce!
Join us as we sample Tasty Asian Cuisine while enjoying a Fashion Show infused with traditional Asian Costumes and beautiful Western Gowns! December 5th, 2012, 7:00-9:00 p.m.,at TriVision Studios, 3856 Dulles South Ct., Chantilly, VA 20151. More information at Asian-American Chamber of Commerce.
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.
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.
Reston Sings! Handel's Messiah. Join Artistic Director David Lang and members of The Reston Chorale in singing Handel's Messiah on Monday, December 10, 7:30 pm. The annual sing-along will take place at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 2320 Colts Neck Road, Hunters Woods Village Plaza, Reston. The Messiah Sing-along will feature Guest Conductor C. J. Capen, Soprano Lindsay Russell, Mezzo Janice Carl, Tenor Giancarlo Baci and Bass Gregory Stuart. Tickets are available online at www.restonchorale.org, or may be purchased at the door.
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.
"Health Justice in Virginia" is the topic of a Community Workshop on Thursday, Dec. 13th at the United Christian Parish of Reston (UCP), 11508 North Lake Shore Drive, sponsored by the UCP Justice Mobilization Taskforce. The workshop will train and encourage folks to advocate for the expansion of Medicaid in Virginia, a state-run insurance exchange as part of the Affordable Health Care Act and state budget justice-urgent matters before Governor McDonnell and the General Assembly in January. For more information, contact Louisa Davis, 703/860-1203.
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. Registerat Register for Bullying Prevention 101.
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. 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
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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