Commentary

Jane and I recently returned from our fourth trip to the Gulf Coast where we participated in the rebuilding program for housing lost in the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. My son, David, and I are back there this week. In previous trips Jane and I worked in the City of Biloxi, Mississippi, that lost 70 percent of its houses to a mammoth 30-foot wall of water that washed over the City during Katrina. We worked in rehabilitating some of the homes of elderly and handicapped persons whose houses were not washed away but were left uninhabitable by the sea water. This trip we worked on a new house for a single parent in nearby Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. David and I are working in Gulfport this week.
 
The debris of the hurricane three years ago has long since been removed, and commercial buildings have either been torn down or rehabilitated. The casinos were among the first businesses to reopen. Since our trips last year there has been a significant increase in economic activity. Compared with two years ago you could say that the place is really bustling. Behind the cleaned-up streets and the newly reopened businesses there is a much more difficult story of human suffering and perseverance.
 
Those who have not visited communities along the Gulf Coast in the past could be misled to believe they were well-planned with spacious lots. A closer examination of the lots reveals pads and foundations of homes that may never be rebuilt. Some lot owners did not survive; others have chosen not to return. More than 3,700 families continue to live in the small FEMA trailers that have been found to be unhealthy. Most places are still without about a third of the population they had before the storm. Questions remain about the wisdom of rebuilding in some areas like New Orleans' Ninth Ward that has thousands of uninhabitable houses.
 
While the return of economic activity to the area is positive, the drying-up of grants to continue the rebuilding is very disheartening. Even with the private and public monies that have been available, the heart of the rebuilding effort has been the thousands of volunteers who continue to come to the area to do the physical labor of rebuilding.
 
Jane and I contend that a trip to the Gulf Coast is the best vacation you can have. The original idea of working on the Gulf Coast was David's, who is with me this week. You get out of town and go to a lovely part of the country. You meet the most wonderful people in the families for whom you are working and the other volunteers from around the country with whom you work. You get great exercise in working long hours. The mattresses on the floors of the churches where you sleep could not be more comfortable after a long day at work. The volunteer cooks at those same churches cook up their best recipes from back home.
 
If enough of us spend a part of our vacation working on the Gulf Coast, we will truly have a bustlin' Biloxi. Write to me at kenplum@aol.com if you need additional information.

Delegate Ken Plum's Weekly "Virginia Report"
on Reston Comcast Channel 28

Announcements

Herndon-Reston FISH, Inc. recently received a $25,000 grant from the United Way Community Impact Fund to be used for the Family Assistance Program, which provides short-term assistance towards rent, utilities, prescription medications, and gasoline. Additionally, a donation of $1,223 was made to FISH by a Reston neighborhood called "Neighbors of Aintree Association," based on proceeds from a community yard sale. For more information about making contributions to the important work of FISH go to www.herndonrestonfish.org or call 703.391.0105.
 
Congratulations to the Commonwealth of Virginia for receiving one of only four 2008 E Star Awards given by President Bush. The award is the most prestigious export award an organization can receive. More information is at www.YesVirginia.org.
 
"Heroes in the Fight" recognition program celebrates the dignity, courage, hope, and recovery of children and adults with mental illness. Nominate a psychiatrist, health professional, news media professional, treatment team, agency or program leader, or community supporter who you think is a "hero" in the mental health field. A team of mental health advocates and professionals will select exemplary "heroes" to be recognized at an upcoming awards dinner. The deadline for nominations is August 28. For more information go to www.vakids.org. 
 
The American Pharmacists Association recommends steps for safely disposing of pills and liquids in the trash. these steps will help prevent their misuse or accidental ingestion by children or pets:

1. Keep the medicines in their original container. This will help identify the contents if they are accidentally ingested.
2. Cross out your name and prescription number for safety.
3. For pills: add some salt water to start dissolving them. For liquids: add something inedible like cat litter, dirt, or ash.
4. Seal the container and secure with duct or packing tape.
5. Put the container in the trash as close to pickup time as possible. Do not put in the recycle bin.

For more information and updates about medication disposal, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dontflush or call the Fairfax County Health Department at 703.246.2411, TTY 711.

New volunteer tutors are needed to help area adults learn to speak, understand, read, and write English. The Literacy Council of Northern Virginia (LCNV) helps adults learn to read, write, speak, and understand English through one-to-one tutoring programs and English classes. Basic Literacy tutor training workshops will be available on three consecutive Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the James Lee Community Center in Falls Church on September 6, 13, and 20 OR November 8, 15, and 22. Call 703.237.0866 x 111 for more information.

Calendar of Events

Reston Association will thank its volunteers with a poolside cookout on Wednesday, August 13, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Glade Pool, 11550 Glade Drive, Reston. Enjoy carnival style food, music, games, great door prizes and more. RSVP by August 1 to Ha Brock at habrock@reston.org or 703.435.7986. Rain date is August 14.

The 2008 Reston Multicultural Festival - "Discover the World in Reston!" - will be held on Saturday, September 6, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Lake Anne Plaza. The event is free. Get more information at www.restoncommunitycenter.com.
 
Congressman Jim Moran's 17th Annual Women's Issues Conference will be held Saturday, September 13, 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Kenmore Middle School, 200 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington. The Conference is free and open to the public and includes a pizza lunch. Keynote speaker will be Donna Brazile. Visit www.moran.house.gov or call 703.971.4700 for more information.
 
The 2008 International Children's Festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday, September 13 and 14, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (rain or shine) at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. This year's theme, "Connecting Cultures Through the Arts," will feature the Canadian percussionists ScrapArtsMusic, performers from China, Finland, Ghana, and Jordan, hands-on arts activities, and wonderful surprises throughout the park. Visit www.internationalchildrensfestival.org for more information. 

Fairfax County will host a free brown-bag lunch seminar on foreclosures for homeowners and renters who live in the county on Wednesday, August 20, noon to 1:00 p.m. in Room 120-C of the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway. Due to limited seating, register by calling 703.246.5086.

Attend Pioneer Network's 8th National Conference, "A Call to Action," on Thursday, August 21, 2008. This conference will offer concurrent sessions about issues and experiences dealing with long term care. For more information about changing the culture of aging and long term care of elders in America, and to register for the National Conference, visit www.pioneernetwork.net

The annual Commonwealth of Virginia Innovative Technology Symposium (COVITS) takes place at the Williamsburg Marriott September 7-9. COVITS brings together a community of senior-level executives and technology decision makers from state and local government, business, and education to identify, discuss and propose solutions to Virginia's critical technology issues. Visit www.covits.org for event information.
 
Join the Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council for a Conservation Landscaping Tour of sustainable landscapes in Fairfax and Prince William Counties on Friday, September 12, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Registration is required by September 5. The $25 fee includes lunch and transportation. For details and registration, contact Carol Heiser, Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries, at 804.367.6989, TTY 711, or Christin Jolicoeur, Northern Virginia Soil & Water Conservation District, at 703.324.1423, TTY 711.
 
Virginia Voices is joining Every Child Matters in a non-partisan, nationwide event, "Step Up for Kids Day" with a rally in Virginia on September 16, 2008, to draw public attention to issues affecting America's children such as poverty, health care, juvenile incarceration, early care and education, and foster care. Get more details by emailing voices@vakids.org. 

A Restoration Celebration will be held at Montpelier, home of James and Dolley Madison, on Constitution Day, September 17, 2008, beginning at 11:00 a.m. to observe the completion of the architectural restoration of Madison's lifelong home. Festivities will include appearances by U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, Jim Lehrer of The News Hour, a "Living Flag" with 2,500 school children, the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, a special appearance by James and Dolley Madison, and more. Food vendors will be available; admission is free. Visit www.montpelier.org for more information about this and other events at Montpelier.

Attend the Commonwealth of Virginia Energy and Sustainability (COVES) Conference, "Meeting the Climate Challenge," on September 17-19 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, VA. For more information, go to www.vsbn.org/coves2008.

Fairfax County will host the 9th annual Virginia Statewide Neighborhood Conference on September 18-20 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, 7920 Jones Branch Drive, McLean. For more information visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/2008/166.htm. 

The Third Annual Race into Autumn 5K and 1 Mile Run sponsored by the Therapeutic Recreation Department of Northern Virginia Training Center (NVTC) will be held at NVTC on Saturday, September 27, at 8:00 a.m., 9901 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA. This Race will benefit the Northern Virginia Training Center, a state run residential facility for adults with intellectual disabilities. for details and registration go to www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1602665&assetld=d5e316.

The 8th Annual Greater Washington Arts Committee (GWAC) Youth Art Fest will be held Saturday, September 27, at the Pavilion at Reston Town Center, 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. The GWAC Youth Art Fest is a celebration that brings together professional artists, artisans and performers to share their work and talent with children and their families. The goal of the GWAC Youth Art Festival is to expose children to a variety of artistic mediums and to work directly with professional artists in developing their artistic talents. Proceeds from the event will go to benefit Devotion to Children, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to providing high quality educational and childcare programs for children aged six and under from economically disadvantaged families. Visit www.YouthArtFest.com for more information about this year's theme, participants, judging, sponsorship opportunities, and more.

Oktoberfest is returning to the Reston Town Center Pavilion on October 10 and 11, 3:00 to 11:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, the best in fall brews and delicious traditional Oktoberfest faire from area restaurants will be featured. Enjoy live entertainment at the main Pavilion throughout the event. Visit www.restonchamber.org for information about sponsorship and restaurant participation opportunities.

The Virginia Council for Litter Prevention & Recycling will host a conference October 22-24 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fredericksburg. Save the date; more information on registration will be available soon.

Authorized and Paid for by Kenneth R. Plum

Delegate Kenneth R. Plum | 2073 Cobblestone Lane | Reston | VA | 20191