Virginians, especially those around the capitol city, have long believed in Santa Claus. The "Legendary Santa" has been meeting with boys and girls at Miller and Rhoads--first a department store and now a hotel in Richmond--for more than 75 years. There is ample proof that he is the "real" Santa Claus for he is able with assistance from the Snow Queen and some technology to call every child by name. We go with our grandchildren to see him at his latest location at the Children's Museum of Richmond. Read more about this Virginia tradition in Legendary Santa's Stories from the Chair  (Children's Museum of Richmond, 2011, www.c-mor.org/santa/book). On page six is a photograph of young Jane Durham (now Plum) and her brother visiting Santa many years ago.   

 

Throughout the capitol there is a quickened pace of activity during the holiday season in anticipation of the General Assembly convening on January 14. There are wish lists from all the agencies and special interests. And, yes, Virginia, if there is a Santa Claus here is my wish list for the legislative session, essentially requesting my list from last year.   

 

Virginia should extend health insurance to nearly half its uninsured working poor by expanding Medicaid. Not only would more people have access to preventative care as well as treatment, but Virginians would get more of their federal tax dollars back and a boost to the economy with the health care jobs being created.

While I am wishing, I want the General Assembly to expand background checks for all gun purchases to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and violent people. I just this past weekend attended a vigil on the second anniversary of the massacre of 20 children and 6 adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School, the second highest such shooting after Virginia Tech in 2007, and yet commonsense gun safety laws have not been enacted. I also want the legislature to approve my bill to establish an independent redistricting commission that will fairly and objectively draw legislative boundaries. We would on my wish list repeal the marriage amendment and other discrimination based on sexual orientation. And while we are at it, we need to get the state back to the position of being an equal partner in funding public schools.   

 

TONIGHT - Wednesday, December 24 at 10:30 p.m., 

Steve Northup, Virginians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty   

 

Energy/Crisis Assistance Program Fairfax County's Energy/Crisis Assistance Program can help with the following:

Monday, January 5, The Reston Chorale Auditions for all voice parts (by appointment) at the Reston Community Center Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. Join the Chorale in singing music of French composers Duruflé, Faure, Franck, Vierne and Widor (March 22), as well as the annual Pops Concert (May 9) featuring songs that celebrate America and honor those that keep it free. For more information and to schedule an audition, visit www.RestonChorale.org or call 703.834.0079.

Tuesday, January 6, 10:00 p.m., Gunned Down: The Power of the NRA on PBS. FRONTLINE goes inside the politics of America's gun debate. Veteran FRONTLINE filmmaker Michael Kirk investigates the NRA, its political evolution and influence, and how it has consistently succeeded in defeating new gun control legislation. More information is at Gunned Down.

 

Thursday, January 8, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., Town Hall Meeting with Delegate Ken Plum and Senator Janet Howell, Reston Community Center Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. Come hear about issues facing the upcoming General Assembly and share your thoughts. Call 703-758-9733 with questions.

Saturday, January 10, beginning at 9:00 a.m., Fairfax County Delegation to the General Assembly will hold its annual pre-session public hearing at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, in the Board Auditorium. Individuals may sign up in advance to speak at the hearing by contacting the Office of the Clerk to the Board of Supervisors at 703-324-3151, TTY 711, by noon on Friday, January 9.  Speakers also may sign up at the hearing. Only residents of Fairfax County may address the delegation as other localities are hosting public meetings providing additional opportunities.