May 8, 2013

36th District

Reston, Virginia

 

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A busy Sunday morning in Reston as walkers raised money for two wonderful causes: Hopecam and the March for Babies.
    
      
     
Delegate Ken Plum's
Virginia e-News  

Commentary   

 

Forging a Future Path

Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum

 

Over the next couple of decades Virginia will have many more job openings for educated professionals and skilled technicians than there are persons in the pipeline to fill them, according to Northern Virginia Community College President Robert Templin speaking at "Blueprint Virginia," an annual economic summit in Northern Virginia last week. Templin is a recognized expert on workforce training and has a broad perspective on the issue from his position as head of the community college with the largest number of degrees granted each year in the nation. He was joined at the podium by Dr. Ángel Cabrera, recently inaugurated president of George Mason University. President Cabrera brings a set of international credentials to his post as head of one of the fastest growing universities--in size and prestige. His point that the economic development success and prosperity of any region of the country is related to the presence of a first-class, research-based university can be illustrated with numerous examples throughout the country.

 

The occasion of the speeches by the two college presidents was a meeting called by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and local chambers to announce a year-long initiative "to bring together the state's regional leaders and industry experts to craft a strategy that will provide a road map for economic competitiveness for the Commonwealth." Key to any such strategy would be workforce training and development in which both presidents are experts. Interesting to note was Dr. Templin's example of training our future workers through a community college program that starts in the elementary schools to interest young children in science, technology, engineering and mathematics--the so-called STEM subjects--and to help students who may be first-generation college attenders. These students are encouraged to attend NVCC and may enroll in college-level courses while they are still in high school. NVCC has a transfer agreement with all the public four-year colleges and universities in the state that says that if you successfully finish your community college work with a high enough grade point average you will be automatically accepted by a four-year institution.

 

But the presidents also expressed concern. While Virginia has been known over the years as a business friendly state, would it lose this distinction with the cutbacks that it has been making to education at all levels for the past several years? New to the area, Cabrera pointed out our dubious distinction of having the worst traffic congestion in the country, and his point was amplified by one of the other speakers who arrived late to the meeting having taken more than two hours to get from Stafford to Dulles. Transportation has clearly suffered from a lack of funding not unlike higher education is experiencing. Beyond education and transportation, there are other issues that need to be addressed as well for the region to maintain its success.

 

Blueprint Virginia is a state-wide plan that is scheduled to produce a document in time for a newly-elected governor who takes office in January next year. Assisting the State Chamber in this very worthwhile endeavor is the Council on Virginia's Future that does wonderful work in identifying performance indicators for any goals that are established (www.future.virginia.gov). I encourage individuals to go to the Chamber website at www.vachamber.com/blueprint to make your views known for Virginia's future direction.

 

With the one-term governor limitations in the Commonwealth it should be useful to come into office with an already produced consensus document that forges a new path.  

 

Virginia Report on Comcast Channel 28

 

Virginia ReportTune 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, May 8 at 10:30 p.m. - Gloria Pan of MomsRising, "Sensible Gun Laws"

   

Tuesday, May 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, May 15 at 10:30 p.m. - Jon Liss, Virginia New Majority, "Comprehensive Immigration Reform"

   

"Virginia Report" is also available online at www.rctv28.com/virginiareport.html for viewing on your computer or iPad.     

 

Bulletin Board     

 

Giving Circle of HOPE to Honor 11 Local Organizations: Recipients of grants from the Giving Circle of HOPE will be honored on Tuesday, May 21 at 7:00 p.m. at a reception at Reston Community Center's Rose Gallery, 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston, which the community is invited to attend. Each of the 11 non-profit area groups that received $5000 will have a representative and a display table. This year's recipients of grants are: Alternative House, Computer Core, Friends of Guest House, Floris/Grace Ministries, Herndon-Reston FISH, Literacy Council of NoVa, Manassas Midwifery, Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding, Packaged with Care (PWC), OAR, and The Stroke Comeback Center. For additional information, visit www.GivingCircleofHOPE.org, email info@givingcircleofhope.org or call 703-665-9334.  

  

Virginia Advance Directives.org: An Advance Healthcare Directive is a vital part of being prepared and advocating on behalf of one's self. Virginia Advance Directives.org is a collaborative effort between Mental Health America of Virginia, The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services, The University of Virginia, Duke University, and many other organizations to be the premier source of accurate, up-to-date information on Advance Healthcare Directives in the State of Virginia. Visit the website at http://www.virginiaadvancedirectives.org/.   

 

Fairfax Forward proposes a new approach to Plan review and community engagement in planning activities. The effort would replace the Area Plans Review process. The Board of Supervisors public hearing has been rescheduled from April 30 to July 9. If you wish to speak at the board's public hearing, call the Clerk to the Board at 703-324-3151, TTY 771, or fill out the online speakers sign-up form. The public hearings will take place in the Board Auditorium, Ground Level, Government Center Building, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. Questions may be directed to the Department of Planning and Zoning, Planning Division at 703- 324-1380.     

 

Governor Bob McDonnell has established the Governor's Teacher Cabinet. The Cabinet, comprised of teachers from across the Commonwealth, will advise the Governor and Secretary of Education on policies related to the status of teaching in Virginia. The Cabinet will focus on strategies for enhancing teacher quality, leadership and professionalism for 21st Century learning. Full-time teachers from across the Commonwealth are encouraged to apply to serve on the Cabinet by visiting the Commonwealth's Online Application System (OASYS). The application can be accessed at this link: https://solutions.virginia.gov/OASYS/. Each applicant must submit two letters of recommendation, one from an administrator, and one from a student or parent. The letters may be attached as one document on the application or submitted by the nominator at this link: https://solutions.virginia.gov/OASYS/Nomination.aspx. When using the online form,  select 'Designated' under the Secretariat Heading and then 'Governor's Teacher Cabinet' under Boards and Commissions. Applications are due by May 15th.  

Calendar of Events  

 

Remember today, Wednesday, May 8, is Bike to School Day. Be part of making our community more healthy and connected by participating in Bike to School Day. This year public schools in Reston--Aldrin, Armstrong, Dogwood, Forest Edge, Hunters Woods, Lake Anne, Sunrise Valley and Terraset Elementary schools, Hughes Middle School and South Lakes High School--are having a friendly competition to see who can get the most bikes on their bike racks.  More information can be found at www.cyclinginreston.weebly.com.     

The Annual Dream Makers Award Gala, hosted by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Cultural Foundation and honoring educators and community leaders for their commitment to community service, will be held on Thursday, May 9, at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, 7920 Jones Branch Road in McLean, VA. For more information about sponsorships and tickets, visit Dream Makers Award Gala.       

  

Taste of Asia, Friday, May 10, 5:00-8:00 p.m., at the Boys & Girls Club, 5901 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. Sponsored by the Asian American Chamber of Commerce for Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Tickets are $25 for members, $35 for non- members. For more information, go to Taste of Asia. 

  

Welcome Back to Dogwood Pool Grand Re-Opening on Saturday, May 11, 10:00 a.m. at Dogwood Pool, 2460 Green Range Drive, Reston. Free, no reservation required. For more information email events@reston.org or call 703-435-6577.  

  

On Sunday, May 12, at 3:30 p.m., the 5th Annual International Language and Cultural Festival is being hosted by the American Turkish Friendship Association (ATFA) and the Mid-Atlantic Federation of Turkic American Associations (MAFTAA). The festival will be held at W.T. Woodson High School in Fairfax. For more information, call ATFA at (703) 267-5751.    

  

Moran to Host Community Forum on Immigration Reform. On Tuesday, May 14 from 7:00-9:00 p.m., Congressman Jim Moran will host a community forum entitled "Building a Stronger Nation: Reforming our Broken Immigration System." The forum will be held at the Kenmore Middle School auditorium, 200 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington. To learn more or RSVP, visit moran.house.gov.    

   

National Bike to Work Day, Friday, May 17, 6:30-9:00 a.m., Reston Town Center Pavilion. Promoting biking as a form of transportation, the Reston Town Center pit stop provides prizes and refreshments. Register at waba.org. 

22nd Annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, May 17-19, Reston Town Center. Friday, May 17, 5:00-8:00 p.m., Saturday, May 18, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Sunday, May 19, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Presented by Greater Reston Arts Center. View, purchase, and experience art directly from 200+ unique and talented artists, plus contemporary performances, artist demonstrations, children's activities, and live music. Opening night party May 17, 6:00-10:00 p.m. in the Pavilion. Tickets required: $75 members, $100 non-members. For more information visit restonarts.org or call 703-471-9242. 

  

Wine Tasting for Adults 55 and Older: Friday, May 17 at Walker Nature Center, 11450 Glade Drive, Reston. Sample red and white wines and tour the Nature Center's gardens and trail. Cost is $9 for Reston Association members, $13 for nonmembers. Reservations required by May 14, email Ashleigh@reston.org or call 703-435-6530.

  

Reston Community Orchestra Concert, Sunday, May 19, 4:00 p.m. at the Reston Community Center, Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. Preceding the concert at 3:00 p.m., there will be a reception recognizing local music educators. As the Orchestra finishes celebration of its 25th year of providing free, quality music to the community, the board and members want to honor those who help nurture new musicians. The concert will feature four accomplished young musicians: Jenny Lee, 17, Jasper DeBoor and Sarah Slate, both 12, and Grace McKay, 10. These four violinists were selected to be the soloists for the world premiere of  "Concertino for Four Violins and Orchestra" by Michael Ream, one of several pieces to be heard at the concert. Dingwall Fleary is the music director.   

  

Delegate Ken Plum kicks off his campaign for re-election at a fundraiser on Tuesday, May 21 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Midtown in Reston Town Center. To contribute or purchase tickets, visit  2013 Campaign Kick-Off. For more information email kenplum@aol.com.     

  

Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance (NVTA) Forum on New Transportation Funding Priorities, Wednesday, May 22 from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at Waterford at Fair Oaks. For more information, email info@nvta.org or call 703-883-1830. 


Sunrise Valley Elementary School World Drumming Club Performance, Wednesday, May 22, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Reston Town Center Pavilion. Enjoy drumming arrangements in the traditional African and Latin-American styles, and a few student compositions. Join in a traditional drum circle during the second half of the program.

  

Celebrate Your Bonus Years, Wednesday, May 22, 11:00 a.m.- 2:30 p.m., Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. Free but registration requested. Email Ashleigh@reston.org or call 703-435-6577 to register.         

 

Reston's Garlic Mustard Challenge, Saturday, May 25, 10:00 a.m. to noon at Lake Anne Elementary School, 11510 North Shore Drive, Reston. For more information contact Ha Brock at habrock@reston.org or 703-435-7986.  

 

INOVA Blood Drive, Tuesday, May 28, 12:00-7:00 p.m., beside Reston Town Center Pavilion. Schedule appointments at 866-256-6372 or inova.org/donateblood or on-site registration.

    

First Northern Virginia Health Summit on Friday, May 31, 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Waterford at Springfield, 6715 Commerce Street, Springfield. Sponsored by the Northern Virginia Health Foundation. To register, visit register now.    

  

Bread for the World's 2013 National Gathering: A Place at the Table will take place June 8-11 in Washington, D.C.  More information is at National Gathering. "A Place at the Table" is the name of both a major new documentary and the 2013 Offering of Letters campaign. For more information go to www.bread.org/go/1000days.  

  

Reston's First Community Energy Fair will be on Sunday, July 14, 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Walker Nature Center. Fair is free, but there will be a small materials fee for some activities. Will include a Green Living workshop on "How to Build a Solar Generator" (requires preregistration and fee). To volunteer or participate, email klpelliott@verizon.net. 

  

On August 11 at 8:00 a.m. the YMCA Fairfax County Reston and Reston Association will be holding the third annual Reston Kid's Triathlon. The event is intended to be a fun opportunity for youngsters to stay active through the summer and learn about the fast growing sport of triathlon. In keeping with the missions of the sponsoring organizations, a number of the participants will be from families who might not be able to afford the entry fee and equipment for the event. Through individual and corporate sponsors their costs will be covered. All net proceeds from this event will be used for the Y and RA youth scholarship programs. For more information, visit www.restonkidstri.org.      
In This Issue
Commentary..."Forging a Future Path"
"Virginia Report" on Comcast Channel 28
Bulletin Board
Check Your Calendar
Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum
Delegate Ken Plum's Virginia E-News
703-758-9733 * kenplum@aol.com * www.kenplum.com 
 
Delegate Ken Plum's Virginia e-News is authorized by Kenneth R. Plum
 and paid for by Friends of Delegate Ken Plum.