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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.