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COMSTOCK FOR DELEGATE BLOG

Tuesday, December 11, 2012
The Comstock Connection





In This Issue
McLean Holiday Homes Tour
Military Appreciation Monday
McLean Winterfest Parade
Update: Save Tysons Last Forest Effort
Telework Summit
Reporting Potholes In Your Neighborhood
Winter Preparedness
Loudoun County Government Boards And Commissions
Support SHARE of McLean
Meadowlark Gardens Winter Walk of Lights
Coming Up: Ways To Give Back This Holiday Season
Coming Up: Loudoun County Ballet Performs The Nutcracker
Save the Dates

Contact Me

Richmond Office:
General Assembly Building
#406
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 698-1034

District Office:
PO Box 6156
McLean, VA 22106
(703) 772-7168
Campaign Office:
Friends of
Barbara Comstock
PO Box 6171
McLean, VA 22106

Paid for and authorized by Friends of Barbara Comstock

December 11, 2012
Dear Friends,

The holiday season is upon us with lots of great events around the District as we prepare for our next session in January. I would like to take the opportunity to share information with you about the many events coming up this holiday season as well as highlight some of our community events already held.

As you know, I am always available to you and if you have any questions or concerns, please email or call my office. I can be reached directly at [email protected], or on our district phone at (703) 772-7168.

Have a safe and blessed Christmas and holiday season!

McLean Holiday Homes Tour

We had our ribbon cutting for the McLean Women's Club 46th Annual Holiday Homes Tour on December 6th. I am joined here by (from the left): Diana Simione, a student at McLean's Oakcrest School, Cathy Kelly, McLean Chamber of Commerce Chairman Marcia Twomey, tour co-chairman Rosemarie Lazo, tour homeowner Bushra Sangid, tour chairman Kathlyn Burnell, Woman's Club president Virginia Sandahl, and Roger Kilton.

Thanks again to all who helped put together this event and to all who offered to show their beautiful homes.

Military Appreciation Monday

Yesterday, there was a Military Appreciation Dinner sponsoring The Navy SEAL Foundation at The Old Brogue in Great Falls. The Navy SEAL Foundation stands behind all U.S. Navy SEALs, Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen, Naval Special Warfare support personnel, and their spouses and children to provide family services and command support, educational programs, and legacy activities.

To learn more about this wonderful organization and the help it provides to our injured combat veterans and their families, visit http://www.navysealfoundation.org.

At every Military Appreciation Monday Dinner, co-sponsors, The Brogue, and Mr. Bob Nelson make a ten percent donation based on what guests spend on dinner. Last month, they raised $5,000 for Operation Second Chance. Upcoming dinners will be support the following organizations:

  • CIA Officers Memorial Foundation - January 14th
  • Stop Soldier Suicide - February 11th
  • Yellow Ribbon Fund - March 11th

Please consider stopping by at one of their upcoming events to support our veterans and our servicemen and women!

McLean Winterfest Parade
We enjoyed joining the McLean community for the Annual Winterfest Parade last Sunday. The parade has more participants every year and the mild weather made it a great day for all.

Update: Save Tysons Last Forest Effort
On November 20th, I attended a Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Meeting to once again voice my opposition to "Option 3" that would build a ramp off the Dulles Toll Road through Old Courthouse Spring Branch Stream Valley. I reiterated my concerns as well as hundreds of our fellow neighbors' concerns to Secretary Connaughton of the Virginia Department of Transportation and asked for his support.
On October 30th, along with Delegate Mark Keam, Senator Janet Howell and Senator Chap Petersen, I sent my first letter to Secretary Connaughton voicing our opposition to this proposal. I want to thank Pam Konde, who is heading up the community efforts here, for all of her help with this issue and the efforts of all 15 neighborhood coalitions who have joined Save Tyson Last Forest Initiative.

Click here to learn more about Save Tysons Last Forest effort and to join me in signing the petition: http://www.savetysonslastforest.org/. Also, see a full text copy of our letter here, and my recent op-ed here.

Telework Summit With Delegates Anderson and Ramadan
On November 19th, I joined my colleagues Delegate Rich Anderson (VA-51) and Delegate David Ramadan (VA-87) at the Prince William Chamber of Commerce for the Commonwealth's first-ever Telework Summit.


Together, my colleagues and I demonstrated Telework's potential by using it as the vehicle to conduct this Summit. Participants who were not able to drive out to the Prince William Chamber of Commerce were able to participate and view the conference online. Telework is an innovative solution for some of our most pressing transportation problems in Northern Virginia and I look forward to continuing to promote the growth of Telework as an option for businesses, corporations and government alike.

To see the entire conference online, please click here.

Reporting Potholes In Your Neighborhood

VDOT handles the maintenance of the public roads within the Commonwealth of Virginia. To report potholes in your neighborhood, you may call VDOT at 703-383-8368 or visit their website at http://virginiadot.org/info/faq-potholes.asp.

Also, please don't hesitate to reach out to my office if you need any assistance in this matter. We would be happy to send in these requests on your behalf and follow-up accordingly. I can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at 703-772-7168.

Winter Preparedness Week In Virginia

With the upcoming winter season in mind, Governor Bob McDonnell proclaimed last week, December 2-8th, as Winter Preparedness Week in the Commonwealth and is encouraging all Virginians to take this time to prepare to protect themselves and their families in the event of any major winter storms in the months ahead.

Although last winter was less snowy than the previous two winters in Virginia, the National Weather Service notes that anything could happen this year. "It looks as though there will be a greater number of opportunities for low pressure systems to track nearby compared to last winter," said Bill Sammler, NWS warning coordination meteorologist. "Temperatures are the wildcard in the pattern that is setting up. If we have cold temperatures with these southern low pressure systems, then we could have more snow or messy mixed precipitation events."

What should Virginians do to prepare for winter weather? Please read several important safety tips:

  • Get fireplaces and wood stove chimneys inspected and cleaned. These often build up creosote, which is the residue left behind by burning wood. Creosote is flammable and must be professionally removed.
  • Install smoke detectors in every bedroom and one on every level of your home. Check the batteries every month. If you already have smoke detectors and did not replace the batteries when the time changed recently, replace them now.
  • If you use space heaters, plug them directly into wall sockets; don't use extension cords. Keep space heaters at least three feet from other objects such as furniture, bedding and draperies. Do not leave space heaters unattended. Turn them off when you go to bed or leave the house.
  • Gather emergency supplies. Start with these items: at least three days of food that does not need refrigeration or electricity to prepare, in case the power is out; at least three days of water, which is one gallon of water per day per family member; a battery-powered and/or hand-crank radio and extra batteries; flashlights and extra batteries; a first aid kit and an extra supply of medications in case you can't get out to get prescriptions refilled. Get more details and a checklist atwww.ReadyVirginia.gov.
  • Make an emergency plan. Decide on a meeting place to reunite if your family cannot return home. Choose an out-of-town friend or relative as a point-of-contact and be sure all family members have that person's phone number - it is often easier to call long distance than to call locally during an emergency. Remember family members with special needs and your pets when making your emergency plan. Get a free worksheet at http://www.vaemergency.gov/sites/default/files/Plan_0.pdf
  • Get where you need to go before the weather gets bad. Road condition information is available 24/7 by calling 511 or visiting www.511Virginia.org. Even when roads have been treated with salt and/or sand, drivers should reduce speed and leave a safe driving distance from other vehicles on the road. Driving is most dangerous when the temperature is at or under 32° F. If the road is wet, ice is likely, especially on bridges, ramps and overpasses.
Opportunities Available To Serve On Loudoun County Government Boards and Commissions

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors encourages residents to become actively involved in their county government. There are currently opportunities for people to serve on the following advisory boards, commissions and committees.

  • Advisory Commission on Youth: One community representative
  • Courts Grounds and Facilities Committee: One at-large representative
  • Disability Services Board: Five at-large representatives
  • Facilities Standards Manual Public Review Committee: At-large representatives
  • Family Services Advisory Board: One at-large representative
  • Heritage Commission: Broad Run District representative
  • Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Resident Advisory Board: Two members (Board members must be a resident of a Housing Choice Voucher household). For more information, contact Stuart Shatz, HCV Division Manager, at 703-737-8969
  • Landfill Special Exception Review Committee: Nine representatives
  • Loudoun Health Council: One local physician, one healthcare professional and one at-large physician representative
  • Lyme Disease Commission: Catoctin District representative
  • Other Post-Employment Benefits Investment Committee: At-large representative
  • Towing Advisory Board: One towing industry representative, one law enforcement representative and one citizen representative
  • Zoning Ordinance Action Group: Three at-large representatives

For information about specific vacancies, contact Sarah Adler, Office of the County Administrator, 703-771-5034, or by e-mail at [email protected]. Information about each board, committee and commission, and the Board of Supervisors' appointment process, is available on the Loudoun County Government Website at www.loudoun.gov/advisory.

Support SHARE of McLean
SHARE of McLean is in need of the following items this holiday season. Please consider purchasing these items and/or grocery gift cards the next time you are at the grocery store to donate and support those who are less fortunate in our community.
  • Laundry detergent, cooking oil, disposable diapers, baby wipes, white rice, white sugar, grape or strawberry jelly or jam, ground coffee, black tea, mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, chunky chicken soups, 100% soups, bars of soap, toothpaste, tuna fish and cereal

SHARE is also accepting donations for their Holiday Wishes to fill Baby Boxes and Santa Toys for children.

  • Baby Boxes will be given to children from newborn to age 3 and should include: diapers, pullups, wipes, lotion, shampoo, pajamas, etc. SHARE will provide the age and gender for the specific child that will be helped.
  • Santa Toys for children aged 6 months to 11 years old.
For more information on how you can help grant a child and family's wish this holiday, contact Chris Wilbur at [email protected]. If you would like to donate items to support SHARE, please drop them off at our office and we will deliver them. Our office is located at 6867 Elm Street, Suite 300, McLean, Virginia 22101.
Meadowlark Gardens Winter Walk Of Lights In Vienna

Please be sure to go see the spectacular Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in the 34th District in Vienna. These wonderful sights can be enjoyed before January 6, 2013. Meadowlark Gardens is also hosting regular "Holiday Wreath Making Workshops" beginning at 10:00 a.m.. For additional information, visit their website.

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is a 95 acre complex of large ornamental display gardens and unique native plant collections located at 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, Virginia 22182.

Coming Up: Give Back To The Community This Holiday Season
2012 Christmas Wish List For Wounded Warriors
Please consider participating in the 2012 Christmas Wish List for Wounded Warriors this holiday season. Bob Nelson is joining efforts with "Our Military Kids" to bring some holiday cheer to the children of 40 of our injured and fallen service members. I hope everyone will consider serving as Santa for an individual child or entire family.
All you have to do is call Bob Nelson at (703-999-5812) or e-mail [email protected] to see a list of children/families you may adopt this Christmas. They will give you the contact info for the family so that you can get gift ideas from them, and then you can simply send your gift(s) directly to the family. I would also encourage you to visit www.ourmilitarykids.org to learn more about this wonderful grassroots organization. You can also follow their progress on their website: www.bobnelsonteam.com.
Coming Up: Loudoun County Ballet Performs The Nutcracker

The Loudoun Ballet Company will perform it's 23rd annual production of The Nutcracker set to the music of Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky at Potomac Falls High School, 46400 Algonkian Parkway, Potomac Falls, VA 20165.

This magical ballet production will feature swirling snowflakes and dazzling sugar plums and is a holiday favorite for Loudoun County residents. Tickets are available now on-line at, www.loudounballet.org. Upcoming performances are scheduled for this weekend, December 14th-16th with the following show times:

  • Friday, December 14th at 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, December 15th at 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, December 16th at 4:30 p.m.
Save the Dates
  • Every Friday- McLean Farmer's Market from 8:00 p.m.-12:00 p.m. at Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean Virginia 22101
  • Every Saturday- Great Falls Farmer's Market from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the Great Falls Village Green Day School, 790 Walker Rd., Great Falls, Virginia 22066
  • First Wednesday of Each Month- McLean Citizens Association Meetings at 8:00 p.m. at the McLean Community Center,1234 Ingleside Ave.,McLean, Virginia 22101
  • Second Tuesday of Each Month- Great Falls Citizens Association Meetings at 7:30 p.m. at the Grange, 9818 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, Virginia 22066
  • December 11- Langley High School Orchestra Concert, "An Evening of German Orchestral Music" at 7:00 p.m. in the Langley High School Auditorium with guest conductor, Glenn Quader
  • December 15-16- Loudoun Ballet Performance from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Potomac Falls High School, 46400 Algonkian Parkway Potomac Falls, VA 20165.
  • December 16- Christmas Concert at Vienna Presbyterian Church beginning at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.. Vienna Presbyterian Church is located at Vienna Presbyterian Church, 124 Park Street NE, Vienna.
  • December 20- Dominion High School Band, Orchestra and Chorus Concert at 7:30 p.m. at 21326 Augusta Drive Sterling, VA 20164.
  • December 25- Hands On Hanukkah Event from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax, VA 22031. For questions and more information call Laurie Albert at, 703-537-3064.

I try to be accessible to my constituents in as many ways as possible. For more information, please visit my website, www.delegatecomstock.com, where you can read my blog for up-to-date information on Virginia, click to follow me on Facebook or Twitter. You can also email me at [email protected]. Please don't hesitate to contact me about issues that concern you.

Sincerely,

Signature
Delegate Barbara Comstock

Paid for and authorized by Friends of Barbara Comstock.




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