September 7, 2016
 
 
Delegate Ken Plum's 
Virginia E-News


Jane and I recently hiked with two of our grandchildren in the mountains of Shenandoah National Park.


Commentary
 
States' Rights
Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum
A brief trip to the Shenandoah National Park and the Skyline Drive which Jane and I took recently with two of our grandchildren brought back a flood of memories. Our stay-over was at Skyland Lodge where in the summer of 1959 I was cashier at the dining room and in the summer of 1960 I was room clerk. We spent the night in a unit that was next door to the Canyon unit where my Mother was maid for both those summers. Employees who lived as we did in the Shenandoah Valley stayed in employee housing for our six-day work week since the distance home was too great to commute daily. My second summer there I shared a room in Trout Cabin with the student minister who worked as a regular employee during the week and conducted a worship service on Sunday.

Living atop the Blue Ridge Mountains was a treat for me. For one thing it was a lot cooler, and we did not have air conditioning at home. Being there daily allowed me to appreciate the mountain in all its moods from cloud shrouded to clear views of the Valley below. But my most lasting memory came from my conversations and debates with my roommate.

We were both interested in politics, and at that point we could not have been more different in our views. He was a college graduate, and I was a recent graduate of a Virginia public high school. In one heated conversation he argued for the desegregation of public schools that continued to be segregated under the state official policy of Massive Resistance. I on the other hand argued--much to my continued amazement--for the states' right to choose how they ran their schools.

After all I had just taken a course in government with an approved Virginia textbook that emphasized states' rights. As a student with a strong interest in politics and government I had secured pamphlets from the Virginia Commission on Constitutional Government that emphasized the rights of the states over an ever farther reaching federal government. My roommate poked holes in all the arguments I could offer from what I had been taught. The next day he left for graduate school at Harvard.

That conversation haunted me for days after he left. I realized he was right. The rights of individuals over the state were what was most important. That is what Jefferson had written in the Declaration of Independence. What I had been taught was the view of politicians seeking to hold power. I never used the states' rights argument again. I went on to college and became involved in politics. My early efforts were directed against Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr.'s Massive Resistance movement. I joined the Human Relations Council and worked for desegregation of the schools.

I wish my friend had been at Skyland Lodge last week so that we could have had that conversation again. He would certainly have been surprised at how much I have learned in the meantime. 

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, September 7 at 10:30 p.m., Delegate Plum talks with
Jean White about the Concert Across America to End Gun Violence
  
Tuesday, September 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, September 14 at 10:30 p.m., Delegate Plum talks with Dr. Karen Garza, Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools

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

Make Democracy Count

It's time to make sure you can vote on Tuesday, November 8. Check your voter registration status to confirm it is up to date with a current address and other pertinent information. The deadline for voter registration and updates is October 17.

Consider absentee voting. There are 19 valid reasons to vote absentee before Election Day, either in person or by mail. Reasons include having a disability or being a caregiver. Absentee voting begins September 23. Your most important source of voter information is at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections. You also may call 703-222-0776 (TTY 711) or email voting@fairfaxcounty.gov  for details.  

Election Officers Needed
  • Assist voters and provide customer service
  • Help with voting equipment
  • Must be able to work 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Election Day
  • Will earn $175 for full day
Learn more about applying at Working at the Polls, call 703-324-4735 or email elect@fairfaxcounty.gov.

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Take an Interactive Tour of the National Museum of African American History and Culture


Interactive online tour is at Online Tour.
For more information about the museum and obtaining timed entry passes, visit nmaahc.si.edu. The Museum opens on September 24.

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World Water Monitoring Challenge


In the month of September, join people in over 120 countries and RA staff in protecting water sources around the world. Volunteer to conduct monitoring of your local stream or lake and share the results with the world. You don't have to be an experienced water monitor to participate. An easy-to-use test kit will enable everyone, regardless of age or experience, to sample a core set of water quality parameters. Results can then be shared with participating communities around the globe through the World Water Monitoring Challenge website. To sign up, contact Ha Brock at 703-435-7986 or habrock@reston.org. For more information, contact Nicki Bellezza at 703-435-6560 or Nicki@reston.org.

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Get Ready for Medicare
The Open Enrollment for Medicare Part D Prescription Plans (often referred to as the Annual Election Period) runs from Oct. 15 - Dec. 7, 2016. During this period, beneficiaries should carefully review the plan their provider is offering for the next year and compare it with competing plans. Not doing so can end up costing thousands of extra dollars. 

Check your mail (U.S. Postal, not email) for the 2017 Medicare and You Handbook as well as material from your current Prescription Drug Plan and Social Security. Review and compare the plans by reading the 2017 Medicare and You Handbook and any material mailed to you by your current plan. You can also review plans at www.medicare.gov or call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227. To help determine which Medicare plan best meets your needs, you can find step-by-step instructions in a tip sheet posted at Tip Sheet.


Calendar of Events

Wednesday, September 7 at 7:00 p.m., Zika Town Hall Meeting at City of Fairfax Council Chambers, City Hall Annex, Room 100, 10455 Armstrong Street, Fairfax. 

Thursday, September 8 at 7:00 p.m., Zika Town Hall Meeting at City of Falls Church Community Center, 223 Little Falls Street, Falls Church. 

Thursday, September 8, at 7:00 p.m., Public Safety Forum on Ad Hoc Police Practices Commission Review, at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 1625 Wiehle Ave., Reston. The final report of the commission and the committee reports can be reviewed at Police Commission. For additional information on the forum, contact the Hunter Mill District office at 703-478-0283. 

September 9 and 10, Chalk Fest at Reston Town Center. Friday: noon to 11:00 p.m., Professional Artists and Sponsored Spaces; Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., All Welcome. Sign up here. More information is at Chalk Fest.

Saturday, September 10, 8:30 a.m. to noon (rain date September 11), Reston Community Yard Sale, 12000 Sunrise Valley Drive (across the street from Reston Association). For more information on weather related cancellations contact Ashleigh@reston.org or call 703-435-6577.

Saturday, September 10, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Friends of Green Spring Gardens Fall Garden Day. Includes vendors of favorites for fall planting, a bake sale, flower tasting at the Historic House, and the annual FROGS Silent Auction. Learn more and buy tickets at Fall Garden Day.

Saturday, September 10, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Virginia Indian Festival, at Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls. Admission is $6 per person in advance or $7 at the door. Learn more and register at Virginia Indian Festival.

Saturday, September 10, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., County-wide Town Hall on Police-Community Relations, Centreville Baptist Church, 15100 Lee Highway, Centreville. Organized by the Fairfax County Communities of Trust Committee. Join panelists from the ACLU, FBI, NAACP, and FCPD to discuss issues around racial tension, what we as a community (to include law enforcement) should and could do to help. More is at Town Hall.

Monday, September 12, The Reston Chorale Auditions. Singers from teens to seniors are welcome. In celebration of the Chorale's 50th Season, annual membership fees will be waived for new members during the 2016-17 season. For more information about singing with The Reston Chorale and the upcoming season, visit www.restonchorale.org. To schedule an audition, email RCAuditions@restonchorale.org.
Tuesday, September 13, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., Telephone Support Group for Caregivers of Older Adults. To register or for more information, go to Older Adults or call 703-324-5484. 

Wednesday, September 14, 6:30 to 10:00 p.m., Special Meeting of the RA Board, at Reston Association Conference Center, 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston. The purpose of this meeting is to provide the Reston Association Board of Directors and members with an update and status regarding various land use and zoning matters affecting the Reston community. More information is at RA Special Meeting.

Thursday, September 15, 10:00 a.m. to noon, Open House and Registration for Adventures in Learning (AIL). Open house and the following eight weeks of Thursday classes will be at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, 2709 Hunter Mill Road, Program Building, Oakton. Classes begin September 22nd and run through November 10th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There is a $40 registration fee for the semester. Program administered by Shepherd's Center of Oakton Vienna (SCOV). Full lineup of classes is available at www.scov.org or call 702-281-0538. 

Thursday, September 15, 7:00 p.m., Public Meeting on Proposed FY 2018 Transportation Alternatives Projects, at the Fairfax County Department of Transportation, 4050 Legato Road, Suite 400, Fairfax. At the meeting, county staff will make a presentation about the program, followed by a question-and-answer session. Learn more at Transportation Meeting.

Thursday, September 15, 7:00 p.m., "The Early History of Tysons Corner" lecture at Jo Ann Rose Gallery at the Reston Community Center, Lake Anne. What was Tysons like before the Capital Beltway was constructed? How did Tysons transform from a rural crossroads to one of the largest Edge Cities in the U.S.? More is at The Early History of Tysons Corner.

Friday, September 16, 7:00 p.m., Clips Beer & Film Tour at Reston Town Center, 11900 Market Street, Reston. Free admission. Sample some of New Belgium Brewery's more exotic beers while enjoying short films displayed on a large portable screen at Reston Town Center Pavilion. All proceeds raised at the event go toward helping Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling (FABB) make Fairfax County a better place to bike. Details are at Reston Clips Beer & Film Tour. 

Saturday, September 17, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Pediatric Specialists of Virginia's Stride Forward 5K and Family Health Fair, 11900 Market Street, Reston Town Center. Join family and friends in PSV's single fundraiser to benefit all children under their care--5K race at 8:30 a.m.; Tot Trot at 10:00 a.m. Strollers and pets welcome. Family Health Fair activities throughout the event include giveaways and booths by PSV sponsors with health tips, recreation, kids' activities, food and music. Learn more at psvcare.org/PSVSTRIDEFORWARD5K. 

Sunday, September 18, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Annual Plum Family Picnic and Pre-election Rally, at Temporary Road Picnic Pavilion, at the corner of Temporary Road and North Shore Drive. Email kenplum@aol.com to RSVP if you are a campaign worker--you are invited to attend for free. Register or contribute at Plum Picnic.

Monday, September 19, Lunch N' Life for Seniors, at noon at Our Lady of Good Counsel, DeSales Hall, 8601 Wolftrap Road, Vienna. A healthy lunch with dessert and entertainment provided by the Capital Swing Quartet, a female a cappella group, singing swing and barbershop tunes. Register and prepay the $10 per person cost for lunch before September 14. Call the Shepherd's Center of Oakton Vienna (SCOV) office at 703-281-0538 and send your check, contact info and number of reserved seats you need to SCOV, 541 Marshall Road SW, Vienna, VA 22180. (sorry, no refunds). Call ahead if you need a ride. 
 
Thursday, September 22 through Sunday, September 25, Reston Friends Semi-Annual Book Sale, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston. Thousands upon thousands of great books in great condition-from the latest popular titles and classic favorites to the rare and unexpected fiction and non-fiction, restocked for as long as supplies last. More information is at Reston Friends Book Sale. 

Sunday, September 25, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Trans*Matters: Trans*Inclusivity Is Up to All of Us, a community forum 
presented by the TransGender Education Association and hosted by United Christian Parish though its Justice and Peace Ministry Team (JPMT). At United Christian Parish, 11508 North Shore Drive, Reston. For more information contact James Dean (JPMT Co-Chair) at 571-830-8730 or Pastor Joan Bell-Haynes at 703-620-3065. 

September 23 through October 2, State Fair of Virginia at The Meadow. Full details are at www.statefairva.org.

Saturday, September 24, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Coming of Age transition conference hosted by The disAbility Law Center of Virginia (dLCV), for transition age students and their parents.  Professionals are welcome as well. Register and find out more at Coming of Age.

Saturday, September 24, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Reston Multicultural Festival, at Lake Anne Plaza. Details are at Reston Multicultural Festival.

Sunday, September 25, The Concert Across America to End Gun Violence. A series of live events to remember the tremendous loss of life that gun violence has cost our communities. And while it's primarily a day of awareness, local organizers can choose to fund-raise for a designated local gun violence prevention (GVP) partner or for a local domestic violence shelter as one of its goals. Learn more at concertacrossamerica.org.

Tuesday, September 27, 7:30 p.m., Screenagers documentary at the CenterStage, Reston Community Center Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. The event is free and open to the public. No tickets required. For more information about the film, visit www.screenagersmovie.com. This documentary is part of the monthly Tuesday Night at the Movies series presented by Reston Community Center. For more information visit page 13 of the program guide. 

Saturday, October 1, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Southgate Community Day, at Southgate Community Center, 12125 Pinecrest Road, Reston. Music, game, food vendors...download a flyer here.

Saturday, October 1, noon to 8:00 p.m., Northern Virginia Pride Festival, at Bull Run Park Special Events Center, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville. Details are at NOVA Pride Fest. 

Monday, October 3, Rescue Reston Golf Tournament & Nature Hike. More information, registration, and sponsor opportunities can be found at Reston Rescue Golf Tournament.

36th District 

Reston, Virginia
 
Click here for 4 Simple Driving Rules When Approaching a Stopped School Bus

In This Issue
Commentary..."States' Rights"
"Virginia Report"
Bulletin Board
Check Your Calendar

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


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