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Dear Friend,
It's been a very busy Fall and it has been great seeing so many of you at events around our community. I wanted to update you on our activities and news, as well as update you on the roads that were damaged by Tropical Storm Lee last month.
As you know, my office is always available to you and if you have a question or concern, please email or call my office if we can assist in any way. I can be reached directly at [email protected], which comes directly to me and my legislative assistant, Elise Marsh. I am only budgeted for one staff member, so if you do not reach us initially, please try again. Our district office phone number is 703-772-7168.
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Georgetown Pike "Dedication Ceremony"
I am looking forward to joining the Great Falls Citizens Association, Garrett Moore, and other local officials to recognize the historic and scenic Georgetown Pike and the successful resolution of the Route 7/Georgetown Pike turn issue which was favorably resolved for the Great Falls community. The event will take place tomorrow, October 29 at 10 AM at the Georgetown Pike/Seneca Rd. stone monument followed by a reception at Brix Restaurant.
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Happy Halloween!
Halloween is right around the corner and I know that many families are participating in Halloween activities this weekend. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has published some useful Halloween Safety Tips online. Enjoy one of the following events:
- Langley Shopping Center's Annual Fall Festival from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Contryside's Boo Fest on Saturday, October 29 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the Parkway Pool House (46020 Algonkian Parkway, Sterling, VA)
- The Annual Great Falls Spooktacular on Monday, October 31 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Great Falls Village Centre.
I hope that everyone has a safe and fun Halloween this year!
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Bridge and Road Updates
VDOT has been working hard to repair the roads and bridges that were damaged during Tropical Storm Lee last month. In the 34th District, VDOT has completed repairs on the following roads:
- Walker Road - completed October 6
- Carper's Farm Way - completed October 6
- Hunter Mill Road - completed and re-opened October 4
VDOT is still working on the Towlston Road bridge over Rocky Run and expect to re-open that by November 7. They are also still working on the Beach Mill Road Bridge, which they plan to re-open by November 14. As always, you can contact my office at 703-772-7168 or [email protected] to let us know about a problem and I'll happily speak to VDOT on your behalf. I will continue to keep you informed of these issues as I receive more information. |
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Telework Tax Credit Webinar
I recently participated in a free webinar to educate businesses and individuals on the Telework Tax Credit legislation, that I introduced and passed earlier this year, aimed at encouraging private sector telework. Applications for the new Telework Tax Credit need to be received by October 31 - this Monday.
Visit www.teleworkva.org to view the presentation from the webinar and learn more about the tax credit and how to apply. To be eligible for the tax credit in 2012 businesses must apply to the Virginia Department of Taxation by this Monday, October 31, 2011.
Virginia Secretary of Transportation, Sean Connaugton, recently participated in Telework Exchange Fall Town Hall Meeting. You can view his keynote speech and download other materials from the event here.
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I encourage businesses large and small to take advantage of this opportunity to promote telework in their workplaces. Teleworking is a 21st century win-win workplace option that can reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, as well as cut gasoline consumption and dependency on foreign oil. It also helps provide a more family friendly workplace that gives Moms and Dads more time at home and less time sitting in traffic. Telework gives employees the flexibility they need to meet daily demands and can be a great recruitment tool for businesses. Employers get the benefit of increased productivity, improved morale, fewer sick leave days used, better worker retention, and reduced costs for office space. I first started working on telework issues in Congressman Frank Wolf's office almost 20 years ago and I am pleased to have the opportunity to continue to work on these issues.
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Real Food for Kids
I was pleased to join parents, students, teachers and administrators from
across Fairfax County for the "Real Food for Kids" event this week at Wolf Trap Elementary. This was an important event to provide "real" and healthy food for students without increasing costs. More and more parents are joining this effort to shake up the system by which we provide food at school. Parents are pushing for more parental and local control for healthy choices.
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McLean Remembers the Civil War
Last weekend we traveled back in time for "McLean Remembers The Civil War,"
sponsored by McLean & Great Falls Celebrate Virginia, Chaired by Carole Herrick. Roger Mudd was the Keynote speaker to a packed house and gave a wonderful history of McLean's experiences in the Civil War including the history of his McLean home during the Civil War. Reenactments, living history, and interpretive displays made for a great event. Congratulations to Carole and the entire Board for a great program.
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Congratulations Jill's House!
Jill's House recently celebrated it's 1st Birthday. Jill's House is a unique non-profit organization providing respite care for children with special needs. This wonderful facility is a true blessing to our community that addresses a major community need. Since opening in October last year, Jill's House has provided 40,899 hours of respite. The mission and commitment of all those involved with Jill's House is an inspiration! To learn more about Jill's House, volunteer, or donate, you can visit their website.
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| October 2010 Ribbon Cutting at Jill's House |
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Save the Dates:
- Every Friday - McLean Farmer's Market 8:00-12:00 at Lewinsville Park
- Every Saturday - Cars and Coffee from 7:00-9:00am at Katie's Coffee in Great Falls
- Every Saturday - Great Falls Farmers Market from 9:00-1:00pm at the Great Falls Village Green Day School
- First Wednesday of Each Month - McLean Citizens Association Meetings at 8pm at the McLean Community Center
- Second Tuesday of Each Month - Great Falls Citizens Association Meetings at 7:30pm at the Grange
- October 29 - Langley Shopping Center Fall Festival
- October 29 - Contryside's Boo Fest from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the Parkway Pool House (46020 Algonkian Parkway, Sterling, VA)
- October 31 - The Annual Great Falls Spooktacular
- November 5 - Joyful Noise Holiday Bazaar and Bakeshop at Dominion High School
- November 6 - Quality of Life Plus Veterans Day BBQ at The Pavilions Turkey Run
- November 11 - Veterans Day Ceremony at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial at 11 a.m.
- November 11 - American Legion Post 270 Veterans Day Ceremony at McLean High School
- November 12-13 - McLean Antiques & Decorative Arts Show at the McLean Community Center
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Sincerely,
Barbara Comstock
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