Thanks to all who came out to my town hall meeting to voice their questions and concerns regarding recent power outages in our community. I also appreciate the representatives from Dominion Power who took the time out of their busy schedules to join us at the Great Falls Library on Monday, September 17th.

I have been working with Dominion over the past few months, and particularly during the Derecho storm on June 29th, to ensure that Dominion knows and responds to all constituents who are having problems with their electricity. I will continue to be a resource for you all and do not hesitate to contact me on these issues.

Dominion representatives agreed to send feedback to all attendees on how their personal service compares to both their immediate neighbors and other residents throughout Northern Virginia. Dominion officials also expressed their willingness to take all constituents' concerns and suggestions back to their teams to discuss ways in which they can improve their service in our community. As a result of their feedback from the Derecho storm, Dominion announced that they are organizing customer focus groups to write a new call back script for when they get in touch with customers over the telephone.

As the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Holocaust Museum approaches, we are reminded of a promise we make: never again.

Over 34 million people from all over the world have visited the Holocaust Museum since its dedication ceremony on April 22, 1993. Now, the Museum is encouraging individuals to share their thoughts through their "20 Actions To Honor 20 Years" initiative. People are invited to write about how they have brought the lessons of the Holocaust into their daily lives in an effort to inspire others to do the same. More information about the Holocaust Museum and its 20th anniversary is available here.

All Virginia high school students are invited to participate in Governor McDonnell's Cyber Challenge this fall. This free competition is geared towards students who have a knack for computers in hopes of increasing their interest in cyber security.

Governor McDonnell mentioned the success of the high-tech and data industry in Northern Virginia as a motivation to start this scholarship competition: "Inspiring Virginia students to pursue interests in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is critical to their futures as well as the future of our nation."

The challenge is hosted by the U.S. Cyber Challenge, the SANS Institute, and George Mason University. The Challenge consists of 2 parts. The first part is a set of online quizzes and the top 40 scoring students will advance to the second part, which are in person finals held March 2, 2013 at George Mason University. Winners of the competition will receive scholarships in the amounts of $5,000 for first place, $3000 for second place, and $1,500 for third place.

For more information, please visit the Governor's website.

The Great Falls Freedom Memorial Foundation, led by Foundation President Ed Heberg, held a lovely 9/11 Memorial Ceremony at the Great Falls Library on September 11th. Boy Scout Troop 55 helped out and thanks to Rev. John Bradford of Christ the King Lutheran Church who was the keynote speaker.

We lit candles for those from Great Falls who we lost on that tragic day. We will always remember and we are forever grateful to our servicemen and women who over the past 11 years and to this day nobly sacrifice for their fellow man. Because of them we are truly the home of the free and the brave.

On Monday, September 24th, Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli announced that Virginia residents who lost their homes between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2011 due to foreclosure may be eligible for payments under the national mortgage foreclosure settlement. According to the Attorney General's office, approximately 46,600 claim forms were mailed to those who may be eligible and who had mortgages through Ally/GMAC, Bank of America, Citi, JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo.

Completed forms must be submitted by January 18, 2013, and please note that borrowers do not give up any legal rights by participating. Click here for more information about the settlement and for answers to some frequently asked questions.

Great news for Virginia undergraduates and their families: Students at public universities and colleges in the Commonwealth will experience the lowest tuition and mandatory fee increase in a decade. On August 8, Governor McDonnell announced that the average tuition increase of 4.1 percent represents a 3.8 percent drop from last year's increase of 7.9 percent. This information was released as part of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV's) annual report on tuition and fees at public higher education institutions.

This year's low tuition and fee increases were possible due in large part to the continued commitment of reinvestment by Governor Bob McDonnell and the 2012 General Assembly's allocation of $230 million in additional general fund support to Virginia's public higher education institutions in the 2012-14 budget. The Governor and General Assembly's reinvestment in higher education will help public institutions meet the goals of the 'Top Jobs' Virginia Education Opportunity Act of 2011, landmark legislation that calls for an additional 100,000 college graduates by the year 2025.

McLean Resident Albert Gordon Wins 2012-2013 Princess Grace Dance Scholarship

Congratulations to rising star, Albert Gordon, who was recently presented with the 2012-2013 Princess Grace Dance Scholarship. Currently, Albert dances at The Washington School of Ballet and was nominated for this award by the director of TWSB, Kee Juan Han. The Princess Grace Foundation is committed to sponsoring emerging talent in theater, dance and film. We look forward to watching Albert's continued success!

On Wednesday, August 15th, I had the pleasure of celebrating the 67th anniversary of the Republic of Korea's Independence with American and Korean military veterans and their families at the Fairfax County Country Club in Fairfax.

There were wonderful performances from Washington Korean Symphony Orchestra, the Men's Choir and Korean Traditional Percussion. Thanks to all who came out and celebrated this special day.