July 24, 2013

36th District

Reston, Virginia

 

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Delegate Ken Plum's
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Stemming Gun Violence        

Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum

While President Obama in his statement about the Trayvon Martin case reminded us, "we are a nation of laws, and a jury has spoken," he went on to say that "we should ask ourselves if we're doing all we can to stem the tide of gun violence that claims too many lives across this country on a daily basis." Not only are we not doing enough, but we are seeing actions on the part of congressmen and senators and state legislators fearful of the gun lobby that may well result in more gun violence. When handguns used in the commission of crimes were traced to Virginia in such great numbers that the state became known as the "gun-running capital of the east," the state legislature put in place a limitation of one hand gun purchase per month. This year the General Assembly repealed that law. If 12 pistols were too few a year, one can now buy however many are desired!

 

According to a USA Today editorial, in 1981 19 states prohibited people from carrying a hidden weapon in public, "but a powerful gun lobby has turned that system upside down." Four states now allow persons to carry hidden firearms without a permit, and in 35 states including Virginia officials must issue permits to just about anyone who applies unless they have committed a felony. Hidden guns are now allowed in restaurants and bars and public places in many states.

 

Most frightening of all are the changes in state law to allow persons to stand their ground and use deadly force in any location one is legally allowed to be without first attempting to retreat. Florida was the first state to adopt such a law that had been drafted by the National Rifle Association and promoted by the American Legislative Exchange Council to almost two dozen states. The instructions to the jury in the Zimmerman case made it clear that if "he had a right to be where he had a right to be, he had no duty to retreat." Efforts to enact a "stand your ground" law have been made in Virginia and are likely to continue until successful. Not only is there a proliferation of guns, but laws are being rewritten to expand the instances in which they can be used against another.

 

There were the tragedies at Virginia Tech, Columbine, Newtown and thousands of other instances of gun violence. What will be the tragedy that will cause us to wake up and insist that no constitutional right can be argued that reduces the safety of others and enhances the potential for violence? 
 
Fairfax County Cooling Centers Offer Relief from the Heat and High Humidity 

summer heat During extremely hot days, there is plenty that you can do to stay cool, like go to a movie, stroll through a shopping center or visit one of Fairfax County's Cooling Centers: Libraries, Community Centers, and the Fairfax County Government Center. You are encouraged to check the operating hours to ensure the facility is open before arriving. Remember that resting for just two hours in air conditioning can significantly reduce heat-related illnesses. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. 

--Drink two to four glasses of cool fluids each hour. 

--When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. 

--Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. 

--Wear light-colored clothing, which helps reflect sunlight. 

--Never leave children or pets unattended in a car--not even for a few minutes. 

--If you know someone needing special attention, you are encouraged to take a few minutes to check in on them to ensure their well-being.

 

For more information, visit Fairfax County Emergency Information. 

 

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, July 24 at 10:30 p.m. - James Parrish, Equality Virginia - "Supreme Court Decision on the Defense of Marriage Act"    

    

Tuesday, July 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, July 31 at 10:30 p.m. - Mark Emery, Virginia Partnership for Out-of-School Time 

 

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

 

Bulletin Board

Pfizer Helpful Answers--Filling a Need for Prescription Assistance: Assistance through Pfizer Helpful Answers, Pfizer's family of patient assistance programs, provides eligible patients with their Pfizer prescriptions for free or at a savings, as well as offers co-pay assistance and reimbursement support services. Anyone who needs prescription assistance can visit www.PHAHelps.com or call 1-866-706-2400.

National Service Agency Announces $14 Million Funding Opportunity to Engage Volunteers 55+: The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) has announced its RSVP 2014 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) competition to help local nonprofit and public agencies increase their capacity by engaging adults age 55 and older in high impact volunteer service. CNCS expects to fund more than $14 million to local organizations to sponsor RSVP programs. The 2014 RSVP NOFO, FAQs, and additional information are available at www.nationalservice.gov/RSVPCompetition. Eligible organizations include nonprofit groups, faith-based and higher education institutions, Indian tribes and local public agencies, including city and county governments. Letters of intent to apply are due on August 9, 2013. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, September 10, 2013, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Reston Community Center (RCC) is seeking interested candidates to run for seats on its Board of Governors. The Board of Governors is a nine-member body responsible for overseeing the operations of the RCC.  All residents of Small District 5, age 18 or older, are eligible to run for appointment to the RCC Board of Governors. Candidates must complete a Candidacy Statement in order to have their names placed on the Preference Poll ballot. Candidacy Statements will be available at the Center or online at www.restoncommunitycenter.com beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 1. The deadline for candidacy registration is 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 15. This year's preference poll will fill three positions for three-year terms on RCC's Board of Governors. Online and mail-in balloting and walk-in voting will be available from September 13 through October 4 until 5:00 p.m. For more information on the 2013 RCC Preference Poll or Board of Governors, visit www.restoncommunitycenter.com or call (703) 476-4500.

 

Calendar of Events       

 

Tonight: Wednesday, July 24, 5:00-7:00 p.m., Community Cookout at Hunters Woods Pool, 2501 Reston Parkway. For more information contact Kevin Danaher at 703-390-6166 or
kevin.danaher@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Tonight: Wednesday, July 24, 6:00 p.m., Northern Virginia Transportation Authority Open House and Public Hearing at City Hall in the City of Fairfax, 10455 Armstrong Street, Fairfax. More information is at www.thenovaauthority.org/meetings . 
 
Herndon Friends Meeting Used Bike Collection, Sunday, July 28, noon to 3:00 p.m., rain or shine, at the Herndon Friends Meetinghouse, 660 Spring Street. For more information, visit www.bikesfortheworld.org or contact Paul Murphy at 917-716-2841 or murphy005@verizon.net.   

  

Sunday, July 28, 2:30-5:00 p.m., Realizing the Dream: Immigration Reform in 2013. Northern VA Community College, Woodbridge Campus Auditorium, 15200 Neabsco Mills Road, Woodbridge. For more information, contact Sindy Benavides at 202-833-6130. To RSVP email TakeAction@LULAC.org.  

  

Reston Community Orchestra Summer Reading Session, Monday, July 29, 7:30-10:00 p.m., at Sunset Hills Montessori School, 11180 Ridge Heights Road, Reston. Sign up and information at www.restoncommunityorchestra.org.      

  

Fairfax Regional Kick-Off event for the "Virginia Adopts: Campaign for 1,000" will be July 30, 12:00-2:00 p.m. at Fairfax Government Center, 12000 Government Parkway, Fairfax. Register here: Fairfax Regional Kick-Off. 

  

July 30 public hearing on redeveloping the Crescent property in Reston, 4:30 p.m. in the Board Auditorium of the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. More information can be found at: Crescent Interim Development Hearing.    

  

Fairfax County Crime Solvers 5K Run to Fight Crime, Sunday, August 4, 8:00 a.m., Fairfax Corner Shopping Center. Early Bird Registration $30 by July 15; July 16-August 2 registration $35; Packet pick-up & Race Day Registration $40. For details and to sign up, visit Crime Solvers 5K Run. For more information about Fairfax County Crime Solvers, go to Fairfax County Crime Solvers. 

  

Monday, August 5, 8:00 a.m.-8:30 p.m. The Governor's K-12 Education Reform Summit at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles, 14750 Conference Center Drive, Chantilly. For more information about the initiative, visit www.allstudents.virginia.gov. Register at http://govk12summit.eventbrite.com/#.      

  

Reston Community Orchestra Summer Reading Session, Monday, August 5, 7:30-10:00 p.m., at Sunset Hills Montessori School, 11180 Ridge Heights Road, Reston. Sign up and information at www.restoncommunityorchestra.org.

 

Tuesday, August 6, 5:00-7:00 p.m., Community Cookout at Lake Newport Pool, 11601 Lake Newport Road. For more information contact Kevin Danaher at kevin.danaher@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-390-6166.   

  

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.    

       

Sunday, August 11, 2013 at 4:30 p.m., Virginia Ballet Company's summer performance "Precedence" will be held at the Ernst Community Cultural Center on the Northern Virginia Community College Annandale Campus, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale. All seats are reserved; tickets are $20 plus a $3 processing fee for each ticket and may be purchased online at www.virginiaballetcompany.org. Call 703-249-8227 for further information. 

        

Reston Community Orchestra Summer Reading Session, Monday, August 12, 7:30-10:00 p.m., at Sunset Hills Montessori School, 11180 Ridge Heights Road, Reston. Sign up and information at www.restoncommunityorchestra.org.  

      

Secure Document Shredding, Saturday, August 17, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the North County Human Services Center, 1850 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston.   

 

Electric Sunday, August 18. Recycle your old unwanted electronics (televisions, computers, keyboards, speakers, stereos, etc.) along with unbroken fluorescent lights. Event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the I-66 Transfer Station 4618 West Ox Rd., Fairfax.     

Governor's Transportation Conference, December 4-6, 2013, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 North Third Street, Richmond. Visit www.vatranscon.com for further information and to sign up to receive conference updates. 

    
In This Issue
Commentary..."Stemming Gun Violence"
"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.