This is certainly not a red or a blue issue, but a green issue as my colleague Mark Keam said. Currently, Option 3 includes plans to construct a highway ramp through the forest. I have signed the "Save Tysons Last Forest" petition and I am committed to working with Fairfax County, state, and federal officials, and most importantly, the neighborhoods impacted, to eliminate Option 3 from the Tysons Corner Redevelopment Plan.

Click here to learn more about Save Tysons Last Forest effort in a recent Washington Post article and to sign the Petition, go to:

http://www.change.org/petitions/fairfax-county-board-of-supervisors-to-save-tysons-corner-s-last-forest-and-stream

I was honored to have the chance to participate in

the awards ceremony at the Annual 5K "Run With The Warriors" event on Saturday, October 6th. The 5K Run was sponsored by Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation and CENTURY 21 Millennium and all the proceeds from this event went to the Wounded Warrior Transitional Housing Project at Vinson Hall in McLean.

I met so many inspirational individuals and was pleased by the turnout from our community showing their support for our servicemen and women. Over 900 runners, walkers, families and veterans alike participated in this event. Thanks to our local elementary school students who sang the National Anthem and the Warrior Spirit Band who played some great American classics. As always, I want to especially thank those who serve our nation and make daily sacrifices to preserve our freedom.

As an Honorary Tour Host for The Woman's Club of McLean Holiday Homes Tour, I cordially invite you all to join me at my home on December 6th to kick off this year's tour. This self-guided tour lasts from 10:00 a.m. until approximately 3:00 p.m. in the secluded River Oaks neighborhood in McLean.

Ticket sales for the McLean Woman's Club annual Holiday Homes Tour are planned to start at three local businesses in early October and continue until Dec. 6 the day of the tour. The tickets will be for sale at Mesmeralda's Gifts of McLean (1339 Chain Bridge Road, McLean), Karin's Florist (527 Maple Ave., E., Vienna) and Great Dogs of Great Falls (9859 Georgetown Pike).

Tickets will also be available on Dec. 6 at the tour houses and at a separate Woman's Club "Marketplace." Tickets before the day of the tour will cost $25, and tickets bought on Dec. 6 will cost $30. All proceeds of the Homes Tour and Marketplace will be donated to local charities and nonprofits, as well as used for scholarships and education. For more information, please contact Virginia Sandahl,(703) 356-9646, or Laura Sheridan, (703) 556-0197.

In addition to the Homes Tour, the Woman's Club is sponsoring a Marketplace in central McLean at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1205 Dolley Madison Blvd., on the same day and during the same hours as the tour. No admission will be charged. It will have over a dozen vendors from local businesses, a lunch and dessert concession and a silent auction of merchandise and services. It will also sell tickets for the tour.

On Sunday, October 7th, I attended Scout Troop 55's Honor Court Ceremony honoring Kevin McCormick of Great Falls. Kevin was presented the Heroism Award commending his efforts as a camp counselor in saving a youth from drowning this past summer.

Last year, the Boy Scouts of America presented only 130 of this award to Eagle Scouts nationwide, compared to the approximate 50,000 youths who achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. Congratulations Kevin; I am proud to have you as one of my constituents!