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Delegate Ken Plum’s Virginia E-News – November 15, 2006
Commentary
Boomeranging to Biloxi Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum
Jane and I have completed our second visit to Biloxi, Mississippi, to work with Habitat for Humanity volunteers in rehabilitating homes made uninhabitable by Hurricane Katrina. With the amount of devastation wrought by the hurricane and the slow pace of recovery, volunteers may be needed for the next couple of decades. The awesome power of nature is evident in the thousands of foundations that remain of houses that were totally destroyed by a seawall more than twenty feet tall that washed over the Gulf Coast side of the city. Whether Katrina is one of those fluke storms that comes by every couple of hundred years or is representative of a change in weather patterns is of real concern. We seldom go out to the movies; but when United Christian Parish had a free showing of “An Inconvenient Truth,” we went to see it. Dozens of friends had called the movie a must-see. Thousands of other churches considered its message so important that they also offered free showings. I have always been a supporter and admirer of former Vice President Al Gore, but I was surprised at the number of people who thought that a two-hour stand-up lecture by Gore could be so compelling. The reviews of the movie are outstanding; go to www.climatecrisis.net and click on “reviews.” Of course the movie is not about Al Gore but about the unheeded message about global warming. The myriad of facts and figures that are so engaging and convincing are now available in a book by the same name, and a DVD will come out this month. We continue to ignore at our own future peril that global warming is real. Gore makes it clear that it is caused by human activity. If we do nothing, earth may reach a “tipping point” in about 10 years that could begin a slide toward the destruction of civilization. The erratic pattern of Hurricane Katrina and its increase in power from a Category 3 to a Category 5 hurricane is an example of changing weather patterns. The number of the strongest hurricanes has almost doubled in the last 30 years. And our polar ice caps are melting with unknown consequences. The work in Biloxi is very important. We highly recommend it. Good exercise. Sense of satisfaction in helping others. Meet the most wonderful volunteers from all around the country. But some preventative work must be done as well. We need as a society to take global warming more seriously and start to take the actions that are necessary to reverse the destruction of our planet. “An Inconvenient Truth” presents some harsh realities, but it also provides a positive message. We need not simply clean up after a natural disaster; we need to take governmental action and individual actions to save our planet. Want to plan a trip to Biloxi or talk global warming? Email me at kenplum@aol.com. Tune in to my “Virginia Report” television show on Reston Comcast Channel 28 on Tuesday, November 21, at 7:30 p.m. or on Wednesday, November 22, at 10:30 p.m. for a discussion about climate change.
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Change a Light and Change the World
Fairfax County officials have a bright idea for residents – replace one light bulb at home with an energy-efficient, compact fluorescent bulb. Residents who pledge to take this simple action may receive a coupon from a local retailer for a compact fluorescent bulb. Pledge by November 30 to qualify for this offer.
To pledge, visit www.energystar.gov, and click on the “change a light pledge” banner. Be sure to select “County of Fairfax, Virginia” as the referring organization.
This simple action – changing a single bulb – can change the world. Residents can light up dark winter nights, save money and protect the environment with just one fluorescent bulb. For example, replacing a single 100-watt incandescent light bulb with a fluorescent bulb produces a savings of $30, according to the U.S. environmental Protection Agency. Fluorescent bulbs also last 10 times longer than regular light bulbs.
If every American household used five fluorescent light bulbs, they could prevent greenhouse gas emissions equal to more than 8 million cars, according to the EPA.
Change a Light and Change the World!
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Delegate Ken Plum’s Weekly “Virginia Report” on Reston Comcast Channel 28
Tonight - Wednesday, November 15 at 10:30 p.m. and on Tuesday, November 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, November 22 at 10:30 p.m. – Shannon Heyck-Williams, National Environmental Trust – “The Urgency and Impact of Global Warming”
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Tonight - attend a public meeting on Virginia Outdoors Plan, the Commonwealth’s official conservation, outdoor recreation, and open sector plan, on November 15, 3-7 p.m. at the Northern Virginia Regional Commission Office, 3060 Williams Drive, Suite 510, Fairfax. More information call Doug Pickford at 703-642-4623 or pickford@novaregion.org.
Coming to Fairfax: “Health Care Half Truths: Too Many Myths, Not Enough Reality” will be held this Friday, November 17, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, as part of the University of Virginia statewide community lecture series Engaging the Mind. Dr. Arthur Garson, Jr., Dean of the School of Medicine at UVA, will discuss common myths, explore the facts, and propose solutions. Call 1.866.UVAOUTREACH (1.866.882.6887) for more information.
FISH is seeking Thanksgiving Donations. Herndon-Reston FISH (Friendly Instant Sympathetic Help) needs donations of money and nonperishable food items for Thanksgiving boxes for needy local residents. Volunteers will assemble the boxes through November 16 at the United Christian Parish, 2222 Colts Neck Road, Reston. Last year FISH provided Thanksgiving assistance for 749 people. Non-perishable items such as peanut butter, jelly, pasta or macaroni, rice, tomato sauce, soup, dry cereals, juices, and canned goods can be dropped off at the Untied Christian Parish across from Hunters Woods Center on November 13-16. Your monetary donations can be made payable to Herndon Reston FISH, Inc., and mailed to 336 Victory Drive, Herndon, VA 20170. Volunteers are needed to collect, sort and deliver the food. Contact Robyn Kampf, Holiday Assistance Coordinator at 703.860.8804 or robkamp@aol.com for information or to volunteer.
Attend Mapping Virginia Communities: An Introduction to GIS and Community Analysis Workshop, a one-day workshop, on November 16 or 17, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Community College Workforce Alliance, Featherstone Professional Center at John Tyler Community College, 1807 Huguenot Road, Suite 108, Midlothian, Virginia 23113. Fee is $399 by check, credit card, or purchase order. Choose the date that is most convenient for you. To register online or for more info visit www.newurbanresearch.org or phone 877.241.6576.
Friday, November 24 is a full day of events at Reston Town Center starting early at 7:30 a.m. with the “Race for the Kids” led by Olympian and local hero, Alan Webb. The Reston Holiday Parade begins at 11:00 a.m. Visits and photos with Santa are in the afternoon, the annual Tree Lighting and Sing Along is at 6:00 p.m., and horse-drawn carriage rides will be available through the evening. Holidays Happen at Reston Town Center all through December, with performances of music and dance at Fountain Square and strolling down Market Street, horse-drawn carriage rides from noon to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays, December 2 to December 16, Breakfast with Santa at McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant every weekend, and ice skating every day. See more details at www.restontowncenter.com.
Visit the Holiday Shop beginning November 28 for affordable holiday décor, arts and crafts, housewares, collectibles, toys, jewelry and more. The Holiday Shop is part of The Bargain Loft operated by Herndon-Reston FISH, Inc. at 336 Victory Drive in Herndon (off Spring Street). The Holiday Shop will be open through December 23. Proceeds will help assist local families through short-term emergencies. Call 703.437.0600 for directions or to get or give help.
The Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance is sponsoring a Forum and Reception – “Congestion Costs Us All – Virginia’s Future Can’t Wait” on Tuesday, November 28, 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. at Capital One, 1680 Capital One Drive, McLean. For information or to make a reservation to the event, email info@nvta.org or call 703.883.1830. Visit the Alliance’s website at www.nvta.org.
Attend the Governor’s Housing Conference, November 29 to December 1, 2006, at the Norfolk Marriott Waterside. The Governor’s Housing Conference is presented by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). This is Virginia’s largest and most comprehensive affordable housing conference of the year with nearly 800 participants. To register and find out more, visit the DHCD website at http://dhcd.virginia.gov. Dulles Corridor Rail Association Annual Meeting and Reception, November 30, 6-8 p.m. at Capital One headquarters in Tysons Corner. For more information or to rsvp, email dcra@dullescorridorrail.com or call 703.855.5068.
The 7th Annual Green Living and Energy Expo will be held December 1 & 2 at the Roanoke Civic Center. The Expo is presented by the Association of Energy Conservation Professionals and is a great opportunity to learn about energy conservation and energy efficiency. Browse the exhibits, view the demonstrations, attend seminars, and win door prizes. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.aecp.org.
Are you getting frustrated trying to find that perfect gift for someone who has everything? Find a solution at the Alternative Gift Market, December 2, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Reston. All monies collected from Alternative Gift Market goes directly to support charitable organizations. All donations are tax deductible. For more information or directions, visit www.uureston.org.
Fairfax Releaf is in great need of volunteers for its December 2 “Planting Bee” at Route 28 and the Air & Space Museum Parkway. For more information call 703.324.1409 or send an email to trees@fairfaxreleaf.org.
Reston Historic Trust will hold a Reston Attic Auction on Wednesday, December 6, 5:30 p.m. at Reston Museum, 1639 Washington Plaza at Lake Anne Village Center. A Silent Auction begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by a Live Auction at 6:30 p.m. with Phil Tobey as auctioneer. Light refreshments will be served. Up for bid are posters, art, books and memorabilia that cannot be archived but have priceless nostalgic value. Auction items will be on display for preview at noon on December 6. All auction proceeds will benefit Reston Museum. Reston Museum is still accepting donations of Reston-related items that may be stowed in anyone’s attic, for the auction, or for the archives. Call the Reston Museum at 703.709.7700 for more information.
The Reston Center of Northern Virginia Community College is hosting an Open House, Tour, and Reception on Wednesday, December 6, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Our NVCC campus is located at 1831 Wiehle Avenue.
Get in the holiday spirit by joining the Reston Museum on Sunday, December 10 for an easy holiday stroll around Reston Town Center to take in the lights and decorations and learn the story behind the skating rink. The walk will include a stop at the Embry Rucker Shelter to deliver a few holiday goodies, and sing a few carols under the leadership of Squire Muse. Head back to Panera Bread for a warming finale. Meet at Reston Museum at Lake Anne Village Center at 2:00 p.m. or in front of the Reston Town Center Christmas tree at 2:30 p.m.
***************** Authorized and paid for by Kenneth R. Plum.
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