May 25, 2016
 
 
Delegate Ken Plum's 
Virginia E-News

Commentary

Energy Sustainability and Resiliency in VA     
Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum

Those who were concerned that the 2016 Energy, Sustainability and Resiliency conference sponsored by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Foundation would be business as usual were in for a surprise. This recent conference in Richmond was about anything but holding onto the past; it was about seizing opportunities in a dynamic and exciting future whose issues of sustainability and resiliency in our energy future reign supreme.

A not-too-subtle hint that this conference was going to be different came in the exhibit area where a brand-new Tesla auto was on display. While Tesla got the spotlight, it could have as easily been the Nissan LEAF, the Chevrolet Volt or one of the European sports cars that are going electric.

The exhibit area of the conference was filled with dozens of companies whose businesses are built around the sustainability and resiliency of energy. The greatest opportunity for cost savings and a secure future in energy is with greater efficiency. There were several vendors with cost-saving replacements to the old incandescent light bulb. Not only are they brighter; they last for decades. And there are savings and efficiencies to be realized in the way we design and construct our buildings with plenty of consultants to show you how that can be done.

A frequent concern I get from constituents is the lack of evidence we can see in Virginia for the use of alternative methods for generating electricity, specifically by solar and wind power. I get excited when I see the giant wind turbines and solar farms that exist in other places. There are some realities we have to face here, however. Of the two places in Virginia where there is adequate wind to support wind turbines, one is in a jurisdiction that will not allow them. The other is offshore where prototypes are being designed and tested by the federal government that could lead to very big wind farms. Next door in West Virginia, Dominion Power of Virginia is part-owner of a wind farm that makes enough power for an estimated 66,000 households. There continues to be opposition to the use of wind for the harm it may cause to birds, but even this issue is being resolved in some locations.

Solar-generated power is happening in Virginia as it is throughout the country although it may not be at the pace many of us would like. Our incumbent electric company, Dominion, has solar facilities operating in seven states from California to Connecticut. A Dominion facility built in partnership with Amazon on the Eastern Shore of Virginia will at 80 megawatts be the largest solar facility in the mid-Atlantic region. Another solar facility in Fauquier County when approved by state regulators will have 260,000 solar panels on 125 acres of land. Three other projects pending regulatory approval will provide 56 megawatts of solar generated power.

We need a strong economy to help jobs in the Commonwealth and to support our way of life. A reliable, sustainable and resilient energy system is critical to that goal. From what I learned at the conference, we are well on our way in Virginia.
 
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 (Verizon Channel 1981). Ken interviews state and local leaders who are making news by making a difference. 

TONIGHT- Wednesday, May 25 at 10:30 p.m., Delegate Plum talks with Molly Sheets of the Virginia High School League Student Leaders Conference
    
Tuesday, May 31 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, June 1 at 10:30 p.m., Delegate Plum talks with Walt Constantine, Gwyn Whitaker, and Patty Nicoson for a discussion on electric cars

Virginia Report is also available for viewing online at
www.youtube.com/watch. Previous shows can be viewed at https://vimeo.com/album/1650266. 



Bulletin Board

Dulles Corridor Rail Association Spring Meeting

 

Download an invitation and sponsor form here.

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May 29 is 529 College Savings Day

 
A 529 plan is one of the best ways to begin saving for college, with affordable, flexible, tax-advantaged options designed for all families. It's never too late or too soon to get started, but it's important to do your research. Learn more at virginia529.com. Download a program guide here.

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  Metro Closures
Lines and Stations to be Disrupted in the Next Year

 
 
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Be Part of Something Bigger

Held on June 2, 2016,
Do More 24 is a 24-hour fundraiser powered by United Way of the National Capital Area. Donors can contribute to any of the more than 600 participating nonprofits to fund programs and services right here in our own community. Last year, Do More 24 raised more than $1.4 million, which allowed nonprofit organizations to fill holes in their budget, buy desperately needed new equipment, and serve more people in need across our region. Click here to learn more.


Calendar of Events   

Saturday, May 28, 2:00 p.m., Reston Chorale's Star-Spangled Sing-Along and Care Package Drive for the Troops, at Reston Town Center's Pavilion. Free family event to salute the men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Event will include patriotic music, activities for children and a care package drive for troops deployed overseas. For more information, including suggested care package items, visit www.RestonChorale.org. Care package donations will also be accepted on weekdays through May 27 in the lobby of 11951 Freedom Drive, Reston, as well as other Reston Town Center office buildings.

Saturday, May 28, 3:15 p.m., "Thank You for Your Service" film screening, at the Angelika Film Center at Mosaic, 2911 District Avenue, Fairfax. Purchase tickets here.

Friday, June 3, Last day for comments on the Countywide Transit Network Study. Learn more at Transit Study.  
 
Saturday, June 4, 9:00 a.m. to noon, Clean the Bay Day. Clean the Bay Day is a true Virginian tradition and an annual opportunity for the whole family, office, civic or church group--anyone--to give back to local waterways. Learn more about the event at Clean the Bay Day. Register for the Reston event here.

Tuesday, June 7, Deadline for Herndon Town Calendar Photo Competition. Details are at 2016 Herndon Town Calendar Photo Competition.

June 10-12, Celebrate Fairfax!, Northern Virginia's largest community-wide celebration, at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. The annual festival hosts tens of thousands of visitors during the three-day run. For more information on any of the festival's programs, or to become a part of the festival as a volunteer, sponsor, performing artist, or simply to attend, browse the website, or contact the Celebrate Fairfax, Inc. office at 703-324-FAIR (3247).  

June 11-12, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., 2016 Lake Anne Chalk Festival. Join IPAR (Initiative for Public Art-Reston) and let your inner artist paint Lake Anne Plaza red (or green, blue, yellow...) as the plaza turns into a chalk art museum at this two-day street-painting festival right on Lake Anne Plaza in Reston. A fun event for the whole family where everyone can create amazing sidewalk art. Learn more and buy tickets at Chalk on the Water.
 
Saturday June 11, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 2016 Disability Resource Fair hosted by ServiceSource, at Disability Resource Center, 10467 White Granite Drive, Oakton. The Fair brings together the best disability resources in one easily-accessed location and provides personal access to experts in the disability field. Resources, nonprofit partners, and vendors cover a range of disability topics including children, autism, aging, and veterans. If you have questions or require special accommodations, email communications@servicesource.org.

Saturday, June 11, noon to 2:00 p.m., Reduced-Cost Rabies Clinic at the Sully District Government Center, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly. Cost is $15. Dogs, cats and ferrets are eligible for vaccinations. Dogs must be on leashes. Cats and ferrets must be in carriers. All pets will receive a 1-year rabies vaccine. For a full calendar of scheduled clinics and additional information, visit Rabies Clinics. 

Sunday, June 12, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Sunday Afternoon Dance, at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods. Dancers (55 years and older) of all skill levels are welcome to foxtrot, swing, cha-cha, and waltz. Includes three mini-lessons, door prizes and light refreshments; partners are not required. Cost is per session and payable at the door ($5 Reston/$10 Non-Reston). For more information, contact Karen Brutsché, 55+ Program Director at 703-390-6157. See more at Sunday Afternoon Dance. 

Monday, June 13, noon to 2:00 p.m., Lunch N' Life for Seniors, hosted by Shepherd's Center of Oakton Vienna (SCOV), at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 2589 Chain Bridge Road, Vienna. Lunch followed by entertainment provided by the Washington Sangerbund choir, established in 1851, that strives to preserve German song and the German language. Register and prepay the $10 per person cost for lunch before June 6th. Call the SCOV office at 703-281-0538 and send your check, contact information and number of reserved seats you need to SCOV, 541 Marshall Road SW, Vienna, VA 22180. (Sorry, no refunds)

Wednesday, June 15, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., Medicare 101, Training for individuals who will soon be eligible for Medicare and want to learn about their options. The session will provide an overview of the many components of Medicare: Part A (inpatient hospitalization/skilled nursing), Part B (outpatient hospital/ doctors/labs/radiology), Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans), and Part D (prescription drugs), as well as how to cover the gaps in Medicare benefits through Medicare Supplement Plans. Free but registration is required. Register here. 

Saturday, June 18, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., North County Governmental Center Grand Opening and Open House, 1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston. Family-friendly event includes public safety interactive displays, vehicles to explore and tours of the police station. For more information and to RSVP by email contact huntermillRSVP@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-478-0283. 
 

36th District 

Reston, Virginia
 
In This Issue
"Virginia Report"
Bulletin Board
Check Your Calendar
Commentary..."Energy Sustainability and Resiliency in VA"

Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum
Delegate Ken Plum's Virginia E-News


Delegate Ken Plum's Virginia E-News is authorized by Kenneth R. Plum
 and paid for by Friends of Delegate Ken Plum.