TV-Turnoff
Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum

While much of the programming on commercial television is itself a turnoff, over 70 national organizations including the American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, National Education Association and the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports are sponsoring a TV-Turnoff Week 2005 from April 25-May 1. They are working through the TV-Turnoff Network to get people to literally turn off their television sets.

Some shocking statistics support the Network in their campaign. They say that on average children in the United States will spend more time in front of the television (1,023 hours) than in school this year (900 hours). According to their information, forty percent of Americans frequently or always watch television during dinner. They quote U.S. Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher as saying at the first TV-Turnoff in 2001, “We are raising the most overweight generation of youngsters in American history…This week is about saving lives.”

As with all modern day campaigns, this one has a website: www.turnoff.org. As a parent you can visit the “Take Action” page for suggestions on limiting television in your home. There are even suggested activities for children other than watching television. A “message board” puts you in touch with others who are trying to live the low-TV lifestyle. To broaden the campaign beyond your own home, get an “Organizer’s Kit” and other materials.

There is no question that the inactivity related to watching too much television contributes to the obesity problem I have addressed in another column. And inactivity can lead to a general decline in physical health and mental sharpness. As with most considerations in life, moderation is the answer. Television is an important information and news source for all of us. We need to be selective in what we watch and how much we watch. While the TV-Turnoff campaign is directed at children, the role models of parents watching too much television would seem duplicitous to children. We need to be selective and sparing in our television watching.

In the spirit of full disclosure I must acknowledge that I use television as a medium to communicate with constituents. Starting about 15 years ago I made weekly videotapes during the General Assembly session to keep my constituents informed of what was happening. Since that time I have expanded my program to be year-round. Through the support of Comcast, my “Virginia Report” is shown on Channel 28 on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. and repeated on Wednesdays at 10:30 p.m.

As with all of life, we have to make choices. The national TV-Turnoff campaign reminds us that there are times we need to choose to turn the television off.

Congratulations to Paula Prettyman and Kelly Schlageter of Equality Fairfax and to Booz Allen Hamilton for their contributions to human rights for all people and for receiving the 2004 Human Rights Awards presented by the Fairfax County Human Rights Commission. The awards will be given at a banquet on Thursday, May 19, 2005, at the Sheraton Premiere at Tysons Corner. Call 703.324.2953 for information about reservations and cost for the dinner.

Congratulations to Debra Peevey, the Student Government Association at South Lakes High School, Kohann Whitney, and Circle of Hope. All were recognized by Volunteer Fairfax for their significant contributions to our community through volunteerism.

Congratulations to Jack and Laurie Corkey of the Great Harvest Bread Company, Dee Cotton, Nancy Davis, Equity Office at Reston Town Center, Kids R First, The Reston Times, and Claudia Thompson-Deahl, honorees of the 14th annual “Best of Reston” awards. The coveted awards are presented to businesses, individuals, and organizations that have gone above and beyond in their service to improving the quality of life in our community. The awards gala and dinner, also one of the largest fundraising events in Reston, will be held Thursday, April 28 at the Hyatt Regency Reston. The proceeds of the event benefit Reston Interfaith’s outreach programs that promote self-sufficiency through support and advocacy for those in need of food, shelter, affordable housing, quality child care, and other services. Go to www.restoninterfaith.org for more information about Reston Interfaith’s outreach programs and the “Best of Reston” honorees and event.

“Celebrating Special Children, a Resource Guide for Families for Children with Special Needs,” has just published its 2005 Northern Virginia edition. For a copy call 703.442.0360.

Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project Reaches Key Milestone – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Record of Decision for the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project – an important milestone on the project’s path to starting construction next year.

The Record of Decision states that the entire 23-mile project is in compliance with all existing environmental and aeronautical regulations. In its review of the project’s final environmental impact statement, the FAA found the proposal “consistent with existing plans of public agencies for the development of the area surrounding the airport.”

Completion of Preliminary Engineering for Phase 1 is scheduled for the end of this year. Phase 1 construction – from the existing East Falls Church station on Metro’s Orange Line through Tysons Corner and into Reston – is expected to begin at the end of 2006. For more information, visit the DCRA website, www.dullescorridorrail.com.

The National Directory of Cell Phone Numbers will soon be published, allowing telemarketers access to your cell phone number (and using your cell minutes). Call 888.382.1222 from your cell phone to get on the national Do Not Call list or go to www.donotcall.gov and register online.

Saturday and Sunday, May 21-22 – American Cancer Society Relay for Life at South Lakes High School. If you would like to join a team, call Delegate Ken Plum at 703.758.9733. No physical activity required in the Relay – just a willingness to help raise money for an important cause.

Thursday, June 2, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. – Anniversary Celebration Honoring Delegate Kenneth R. Plum at the historic Smith-Bowman House. Sponsorships and invitations available. Call 703.391.2978.

Saturday, June 4, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. – Clyde’s Strawberry Festival to benefit Nature House. Schedule and details at www.reston.org.