Delegate Ken Plum's Virginia E-News – September 6, 2006

COMMENTARY

Building for a Sustainable Future

Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum

 

          Parade, the Sunday magazine supplement to many major newspapers, proclaimed in major headlines, “Why You Can’t Ignore the Changing Climate: Global Warming already is affecting your life…and costing you money.” (June 25, 2006) Citing past civilizations that were destroyed by climate changes, the article points out, “Past civilizations had no way to know that climates could change. We do. But if we are to avert disaster, we have to act on our knowledge, and we haven’t done that yet.” For a copy of the article, go to www.parade.com and type “global warming” in the search bar. It is an excellent resource for tips on what individuals can do about climate change.

          One of the things we can do is participate in an environmental movement that is gaining support throughout the country and is catching on in Virginia called “green” building. The United States Green Building Council has developed a rating system for eco-friendly building design called Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED. Buildings certified through the multi-tiered rating system use less energy and have less negative impact on the environs in which they are located. An early example of a building constructed with minimal impact on the environment is the National Wildlife Headquarters near the post office in Reston. Features of LEED buildings include the optimal use of natural lighting through placement on the site, use of natural heat gains or losses to air condition the building, use of insulation of walls and windows, use of green roof gardens, and others. 

          While most of the discussion on LEED certified buildings relates to reducing the environmental effects on climate change, the July issue of Virginia Business magazine (www.VirginiaBusiness.com) offers another important incentive to governments, institutions, builders and developers to build “green.” That incentive is saving money. While environmentally friendly building generally costs more in initial investments, the article cites several experts who build a strong case for the savings over time in energy costs for lighting, heating, and cooling the building. The Langston-Brown School and Community Center in Arlington County, Virginia, was the first LEED certified building in the state. It uses 23 percent less energy than a conventional building of its size.

          I was heartened at a recent conference of the Virginia Sustainable Building Network (VSBN) in Charlottesville to see the number of architects, engineers, and consultants in Virginia who can design and build by LEED standards. I am a member of VSBN and recommend it as a resource to persons interested in the subject (www.vsbn.org). The Southern Legislative Conference and the National Conference of State Legislatures I attended had sessions on climate change and actions that states are taking to respond to it. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments will hold a conference on green building on September 29, 8:30 a.m. at the University of Maryland Conference Center (www.mwcog.org).

          When the popular press picks up a topic that scientific journals have been covering for a long time, it is time to pay attention. Decisions we make as individuals, community leaders and business persons influence our environment. I will be working for government incentives to encourage LEED buildings, and I hope that the voluntary movement toward more environmentally friendly buildings will increase.

 

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Constituent Views Sought on Special Transportation Session

 

Delegate Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum is conducting a survey of constituents on their views about Virginia’s transportation. The General Assembly will meet in Special Session September 27-30 to debate transportation funding needs.

 

“Efforts to fund transportation improvements during the regular session of the General Assembly were not successful,” said Plum. “Since then, we have seen polls suggesting some citizens are not willing to invest in a dedicated revenue stream for transportation improvements.”

 

“Those of us in Northern Virginia know the traffic problem here is serious and deserves immediate attention. I would appreciate hearing from constituents on how they think the General Assembly should deal with it,” requested Delegate Plum.

 

Constituents are requested to go to Delegate Plum’s website, www.kenplum.com, and click on “Special Transportation Survey – 2006” to express their views. Persons without access to the Internet may call 703.758.9733 to request a written copy of the survey.

 

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Delegate Ken Plum’s Weekly “Virginia Report”

 on Reston Comcast Channel 28

 

Tonight - Wednesday, September 6 at 10:30 p.m. – Delegate Kenneth R. Plum – “The State of the Commonwealth – 2006”

 

Tuesday, September 12 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, September 13 at 10:30 p.m. – Senator Janet Howell – “The General Assembly’s Upcoming Special Session on Transportation”

 

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

A public forum on the so-called “marriage amendment” that will be on the Virginia ballot in November will be held on Sunday, September 17, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the United Christian Parish, 11508 North Shore Road, Reston, The forum is sponsored by the Reston Ministerium, a coalition of religious organizations. Child care will be provided.

 

“The purpose of the meeting is to educate people,” said Delegate Ken Plum, who will be one of the panelists. “We need to explain why this amendment is on the ballot and what it will do.”

 

Others on the panel will be State Senator Janet Howell, Laura Robertson of Equality Virginia, Claire Guthrie Gastanaga, former Virginia Assistant Attorney General, and a member of the business community. Rev. James Papile of St. Ann’s Episcopal Church will serve as moderator.

 

This Saturday – Reston Association will be having a HUGE family Yard Sale (100 families!) this Saturday, September 9, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Reston Association parking lot, 1930 Isaac Newton Square. Rain date is Sunday, September 10, same time. 

 

Join your friends of the Reston Museum for a 4-mile hike along a portion of the newly finished Cross-Country Trail on September 10, hiking the woodland trail from Colvin Run Mill to Georgetown Pike along Difficult Run. Biologist Squire Muse will lead the hike. Enjoy stream-side views, a fern-embanked hill trail between bends in the run, a flower-filled meadow, and wildlife. Wear sturdy shoes, and meet at the Reston Museum in Lake Anne Plaza at 1:30 p.m. to carpool to the starting point. A $5 donation to the museum is requested. Call Reston Museum at 703.709.7700 for information and registration.

 

Enjoy “Second Sunday Programs” at the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center, 10209 Main Street, Fairfax, Virginia. The September 10 program will be “African-American Education in Fairfax County” presentation by Phyllis Walker Ford, Chairman, Laurel Grove School Association, and Page Johnson, Fairfax historian and author. All “Second Sunday Programs” begin at 2:00 p.m. and are followed by informal discussion and refreshments in the Visitor Center.

 

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will hold a Remembrance Ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial Grove on Monday, September 11, at 9:00 a.m. They ask that people gather by 8:45 a.m. in the Forum of the Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. For more information, directions, or ADA accommodations, call 703.324.3187, TTY 711.

 

Fairfax County is participating in the 2006 “Change a Light” campaign. Did you know that if the five most used lights in every home in America were changed to an energy-efficient light bulb, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the country would see a $6 billion energy savings – the equivalent to the annual output of more than 21 power plants! With that in mind, Fairfax County is participating in the 2006 “Change a Light” Campaign sponsored by the National Association of Counties and Office Depot. Individual participation is very easy – take 30 seconds to sign up for this pledge online and agree to change the most frequently used light in your home to an energy-efficient one. Visit www.naco.org and click on “Change a Light Pledge.”  This small step to help our energy use and our environment will also save you money. An energy-efficient light bulb uses two-thirds less energy, generates 70 percent less heat and lasts up to 10 times longer. Replacing a 100-watt incandescent light bulb with a 32-watt compact fluorescent (energy-efficient) lamp will give you the same brightness but will save you at least $30 in energy costs over the life of just that one bulb. Help Fairfax County become a top pledge collector and earn national recognition through the first-ever County “Change a Light” Award! After pledging to change a light, you will be prompted to go to Office Depot’s Web site and will receive a $1.50 discount on your energy-efficient light bulb purchase. The deadline for pledges is September 30.

 

Share your commute with a friend or neighbor to save fuel dollars, protect the environment, and help to relieve traffic congestion. Even receive gifts for doing so! Go to the free ride-sharing service at www.NuRide.com for details.

 

 A Rain Garden Workshop for homeowners will be held at Meadowlark Gardens Regional Park, Vienna, on Saturday, September 16, 8:30 to noon. Attendees will receive useful information and observe the construction of a small (home-sized) rain garden.

 

Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia is Building on Faith! Attend a benefit concert - “Make a Joyful Noise!” – on Sunday, September 17, 7:00 p.m. at Vienna Baptist Church, 541 Marshall Road, SW, Vienna, VA. Join Habitat for this truly ecumenical concert featuring special guest artists Work in Progress (Christian rock), the Olam Tikvah Chorale (Jewish liturgical and choral), and Native Deen (Muslim hip hop). Admission is free, and no reservations are needed.

 

Delegate Ken Plum will be teaching a course, “Highlights of Virginia’s History: 1607-2007,” on Tuesdays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., September 19 through November 7, at the Washington Plaza Baptist Church in Reston. You must be a member of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute of George Mason University in order to participate. More information at www.olli.gmu.edu. Plum is one of the founders of the Institute.

 

The State Fair of Virginia will be held in Richmond September 28-October 8, 1006, at the Richmond Raceway Complex. More information, visit www.statefairva.org.

 

Transition to retirement with fun and purpose! Beginning September 28 and running for eight Thursdays through November 16, Fairfax County will host its award-winning Neighborhood College program, with a focus on how to transition from work to retirement with fun and purpose.  Classes will be held at the Herndon Senior Center, 873 Grace Street, Herndon, 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Classes are free, but space is limited; light meals will be provided. Registration deadline is September 21. For more information or to obtain registration forms, call 703.787.4962, TTY 703.803.7914.

 

Attend the “Regional Leadership Conference on Green Building – Best Practices and Policies for Local Government and the Region” on Friday, September 29, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the University of Maryland Conference Center in Adelphi, MD. Call 202.962.3355 for more information or go to www.mwcog.org for a detailed program description and registration form. Click on the Green earth icon on the left side of the COG homepage to reach the conference registration page.

 

Tall Oaks at Reston is hosting a 5K Run/1.5 Mile Walk and Community Extravaganza with all proceeds benefiting the American Diabetes Association. Along with the 5K around Reston’s scenic trails, community members are also welcome to enjoy a live New Orleans style jazz band, food, exhibits, and a silent auction. This exciting event will be held on Saturday, September 30, 8:30 a.m. at the Tall Oaks at Reston Community parking lot. Contact Daria Moore at Tall Oaks at dmoore@talloaksatreston.com or call 703.834.9800 for information on sponsorship, participation, or volunteering.

 

The University of Virginia Breast Care Program and the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation are proud to present “Beyond Breast Cancer: Moving On…Moving Forward” on September 30 at the Doubletree Hotel in Charlottesville. Registration begins at 9:15 with the final plenary session ending at 2:30. This conference is for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer, their families and friends, and healthcare providers. Visit www.vbcf.org for information and registration forms.

 

The Time to Fly Foundation will hold its 5th Annual Fall Fest Gala, “A Place of Refreshing & Rest!” on Saturday, September 30, 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. at 1330 N. Pickett Street, Alexandria. Attire is semi-formal fall colors. The event is for all desiring to strengthen the family unit and to work against domestic abuse. For more details visit www.timetofly.org/fallfest2006.htm.

 

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society invites you to join dozens of local businesses and hundreds of influential Northern Virginians in the fight against blood cancers. Participate in the Light the Night Walk in the Reston Town Center on Saturday, October 7, and help make a difference. Visit www.lightthenight.org/nca for more information.

 

The 55th Virginia Transportation Conference, “Virginia’s Transportation Challenge – Saving Lives, Saving Time, Saving Money,” will be held October 9-11 at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center. Visit www.vatransconf.org or call 804.225.4698 for conference information.

 

Save the Date – October 14, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. – for the 5th Annual Reston at Home Tour presented by Reston Historic Trust.  Five unique, privately owned homes will be open to the public for a self-conducted tour throughout Reston neighborhoods and clusters. This year’s tour will focus on the arts featuring the homes of art collectors, artists, and musicians. Tour passes are $20 in advance, available in September at the Reston Museum at Lake Anne Village Center and at the Greater Reston Arts Center at Reston Town Center. On tour day, tickets are $25. Reston at Home Tour passes include the tour map and information, and beautiful home illustrations by Pat Macintyre. All proceeds from Reston at Home benefit the Reston Museum.

 

Take the “Fish & Chips Challenge” to benefit Nature House at the second Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament on Thursday, October 19, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant, Reston Town Center, 11920 Democracy Drive. The event is sponsored by Friends of Reston. For more information and ticket sales, contact Katie Shaw, kshaw@reston.org, 703.435.6510.

 

The ALS Association-DC/MD/VA Chapter is sponsoring an annual Walk to D’Feet ALS in Washington, DC on October 22. ALS is amyotropic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. For more information call 301.978.9855 or visit www.alsinfo.org.

 

Join Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia at the Second Annual Black Tie & Tool Belt (both optional) Gala Awards Reception on Sunday, October 22, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at The Waterford, 6715 Commerce Street, Springfield. The evening will feature a silent auction with a wonderful array of prizes. All proceeds will support Habitat’s work in Northern Virginia. For sponsorship opportunities and tickets, visit www.habitatnova.org or email info@habitatnova.org.

 

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Authorized and paid for by Kenneth R. Plum.

 

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