Bike to Work Day 2007

Feeling guilty about your carbon footprint? Yeah right. Anyway May 18 is “Bike to Work Day 2007”. This event is organized by the Washington Area Bicyclist Association and it is a celebration of bicycling as a clean, fun and healthy way to get to work. Pre-registering by May 11 gets you a free T-shirt and a raffle for a bike. There are three “pit stops” in Loudoun County:

• AOL Campus, 7:00 to 10:00am (AOL Employees only)
  
• W&OD Trail at Raflo Park, 6:00 to 9:00am
  
• W&OD Trail at Orbital Sciences Corp, 6:30 to 9:00am

Do you think we, as a community, are doing enough to protect the environment?

New Movie Theatre Opening in June

Living in LoCo blog writes that "the Fox Cinema 16 is slated to open mid-June, right about the time the county schools let out for summer". The interior of the theatre looks really sleek... something to look forward to... Living in LoCo has done an exceptional job following the Brambleton movie theatre story...

The movie theatre is owned by Consolidated Theatres, a regional theatre circuit based in Charlotte, NC. Also, sources at AMC Entertainment tell me that the company continues to work on finding a suitable Leesburg location. Hopefully the Initial Public Offering (IPO) planned by AMC would not affect their current plans. I guess we are beginning to see a picture of what the entertainment landscape of the county will look like in 3-5 years.

250th Anniversary of Loudoun County

Two upcoming events to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Loudoun County:

On May 4-5 (Friday/Saturday), 9 am – 2 pm both days, the French and Indian War Encampment will be held at Claude Moore Park in Sterling.

On Saturday, May 19, 10 am – 5 pm, at the historic courthouse in downtown Leesburg. The celebration includes live performances, historical displays, and antique fire engines and tractors. The official ceremony begins at noon with the United States Army Fife and Drum Corps. Congressman Wolf, Governor Kaine, and other state and local officials are expected to attend.

Happy Anniversary to all. Enjoy...

The Uninsured - Which Way Forward?

I happen to know quite a few small business owners, and a major area of concern for most of them is their ability to continue to provide affordable health insurance for their employees. According to the Virginia Health Care Foundation (VHCF), over 1 million people are uninsured in the State of Virginia, which is roughly about 14 percent of the residents of the Commonwealth. I applaud the VHCF, the Virginia Association of Free Clinics, including our very own Loudoun Community Free Clinic for their continued commitment and service to the uninsured residents of this state.

In my opinion, access to good affordable healthcare should be one of the most important priorities for any government, be it Local, State or Federal. As we are getting ready to elect state senators later this year, I decided to check out the websites of the two leading candidates for my senatorial district, the incumbent, Democrat Mike Herring, and Republican John Andrews, I did not see any information on what plans they have to decrease the number of uninsured residents in our district.

At this time, California, Tennessee and Massachusetts are regarded nationally as leaders and innovators when it comes to "concrete plans" to decrease the number of the uninsured. In my humble opinion, I would recommend that our elected leaders consider the Tennessee plan called the CoverTN. CoverTN is designed to provide basic healthcare coverage to those who otherwise could not afford coverage. It is a limited–benefit health insurance plan that provides low-cost coverage for basic medical services. It is by no means perfect, but by all accounts, it is practical and much better than the status quo.

If you agree we need to act, please email our elected representatives and ask what he or she plans to do this year to assist the uninsured. It is our collective responsibility. The number of uninsured is predicted to grow significantly by 2010, as more employers reduce or completely terminate coverage. Please share your thoughts - how do you think we can reduce the increasing number of the uninsured in our community?

Dining Scene - LTC

Not too long ago, I had to drive towards or to Fairfax County to eat out if I wanted something different. There were very few dining options. Then came an avalanche of restaurants and life has indeed changed for the better. I personally enjoy hanging out at Lansdowne Town Center (LTC). It seems the goal was to meet all dining preferences - From The Docks to Emilio's to Not Your Average Joes... I sometimes feel walking on Promenade Drive at LTC makes me hungry, so weighwatchers beware..

By the way, my neighbor told me yesterday night that you get discounts from Not Your Average Joes for your first three take-out orders, not sure why only for take-out but "it is what it is"... and finally for the professional and casual food tasters out there...On Saturday, May 5, between 11am and 3pm, there is an event at LTC - the "Taste of Lansdowne". This event will feature free food tasting, live music - Get out there and have fun, and as usual please come back and share your experience...

Metro - Tysons Tunnel Battle

Though a decision has been made by Governor Kaine that metro would not be tunneled through Tysons, TysonsTunnel.org - a coalition of the McLean Chamber of Commerce, community and business leaders still continues to mobilize interested citizens of the area, with the hope of winning at the very minimum, the battle of public opinion as to what is best for the Tysons area. A tough order by any imagination, my guess is that most people are weary and will just be happy to see the metro come through the Dulles corridor as soon as possible.

This issue concerns us here in Loudoun since the rail from West Falls Church has to pass through Tysons to get to Loudoun, so it would be interesting to see how this plays out. By the way if you don't have any after-work plans for Tuesday, May 8th and you want to hear the latest events on the metro project, possibly with a little pro-tunnel bias, TysonsTunnel.org is hosting a happy hour (6.00pm-9.00pm) at Gordon Biersch, Tysons Corner Center (Tysons 1). Gordon Biersch is located near the movie theaters. If you do go, enjoy and please come back and share your experience with us.

Virginia Gun Laws

In the aftermath of the VA Tech tragedy, there is a lot of discussion going on around the country, indeed around the world about gun control laws in the United States. There have been at least 19 fatal school shootings in the country in the past decade. This is a very sensitive topic, especially in a southern state and I know our politicians would rather not touch this subject, but I believe we need to continue to discuss effective gun control measures in our communities. The stakes are simply too high, silence will not take the problems away.

The Brady Campaign To Prevent Gun Violence website rates states based on how effective they think the state gun laws are. Virginia has a C- grade. Any thoughts on what can be done to make Virginia gun laws more effective? Here are some of my thoughts: Should we have a waiting period on all gun sales? Should registering guns with law enforcement agencies be mandatory? What about making background checks mandatory at gun shows?

Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund

Virginia Tech has established a memorial fund which will cover expenses associated with grief counseling, memorials, communication expenses, comfort expenses, and incidental needs, as a result of the April 16 tragedy. Please visit this Virginia Tech webpage for more information. Let's spread the word about this initiative by forwarding this VT link (above) to our friends and colleagues.

Firefighter Killed in Line of Duty

Just in case you missed this - A major tragedy like what we had yesterday would often eclipse other important news events happening around the same time. In neighboring Prince William County, a firefighter, Kyle Wilson lost his life whilst searching for residents of a home engulfed in flames.

According to NBC4 news reports, this is the first firefighter to die in the line of duty in the 41-year history of the Prince William County Fire Department. I would like to express my heartfelt condolence to the Wilson family, Prince William County firefighters, Loudoun County firefighters and other members of this noble and highly honorable profession around the country. May his soul rest in peace.

Virginia Tech Tragedy

It is with a deep sense of loss that I extend my condolences to the friends and families of the victims of today’s tragedy at Virginia Tech.

When things like this happen, we are at a loss; we are desperately looking for answers that often are not forthcoming. Many Loudoun residents have children, nephews, nieces or cousins at VA Tech, so I cannot imagine what today has been like for many of our neighbors and friends, and indeed for everyone. It is one of those events that you remember for a very long time where you were when it happened

Many questions are flowing through my mind, but today is not the day for questions. Today is a day of prayers to God, for him to grant the families and friends of the victims, the Virginia Tech community and indeed the entire country the strength to bear this loss of innocent lives.

Security Breach at ATM machine

Just in case you missed this – It appears criminals may have devised another way to steal money from our bank accounts. According to NBC4, a surveillance equipment was found attached to a bank ATM in Tysons Corner, quoting Fairfax county authorities.

Apparently the bank manager was performing a routine check when he noticed something unusual. This surveillance equipment can capture both your PIN number and the debit card number. Since this happened in a neighboring county, thought it made sense for all of us to be more vigilant when using ATM machines, and also to report suspicious activities at any ATM machine to the authorities, especially after business hours

Good deeds...

I came across this quote this morning - "It is nice to be important, but more important to be nice". I do not know the original author of this quote, but it gave me some food for thought. Being nice means doing good deeds; our actions must demonstrate fairness, justice and equity. I am sure we would all agree that our lives would be much better if only people with such traits end up in positions of leadership in our community.

Talking about good deeds, I just want to put in a quick plug for Loudoun Community Free Clinic on Cornwall Street in Leesburg. This organization is dedicated to assisting the vulnerable in our community. The clinic is staffed by health professionals and other volunteers from the community who help out at no cost to the clinic.

As you might expect for an organization involved in charitable work, they depend on gifts from the community, so any help you and I can render would go a long way. Every good deed, no matter how small from you and I makes our community a much better place. The county of our dreams is within reach, the journey begins now.

Catoctin County out of Western Loudoun?

I have been seeing Catoctin County bumper stickers on some cars in the county for a little while, so I decided to research this issue - (I know what you are thinking - I need to get a life, right?) Anyway, I spent some time on the website for the movement.

The group behind the stickers is seeking to carve out “Catoctin County" out of Western Loudoun as we know it today. The main driving issue here is the belief that the desires of residents of Western Loudoun cannot be attained within the current political structure of the county. I could not disagree more with that thought, resources that could be used for schools, healthcare, roads etc will now be used to create another bureaucracy.

Also I doubt very much that the proposed Catoctin county will be financial viable. One of the suggestions on the site as to how the proposed county can be financially viable include outsourcing correction centers to other counties - is this really a serious suggestion?

The goals of the group can be attained within the current political structure: A viable and sustainable rural economy, low taxes, protection of the environment etc. What do you think?

Historic Morven Park hosts Polo Match

An International Polo Match to celebrate the birthplace of our nation and America’s 400th Anniversary is scheduled to take place at Morven Park in Leesburg on May 12. The Polo match will be between The Ritz Carlton England Polo team and the Cartier United States Polo Team

Polo is a team sport played on horseback in which the objective is to score goals against an opposing team.

There are also plans for an aerial demonstration by the US Navy F18s & BlackWater USA, additional entertainment by the Loudoun Symphony, No Speed Limit, Urban H.I.P, The Web Sisters, and Ten-time Grammy Award Winner – Claude McKnight of TAKE 6.

This event will benefit the Journey for the Cure, a non profit 501 (c) (3) Charitable Foundation, with net proceeds supporting the MS Society and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Tickets for this event are on sale on the event website

VA signs first phase of Dulles Metrorail extension

In the event you missed this - VA officials have signed a $1.6 billion contract with Dulles Transit partners for the design and construction of the first phase of Metro extension to Dulles airport. Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2008. That's just a year away.

This contract I believe is based on the metro going above ground in the Tysons area rather than through a tunnel. Some residents and business groups (Tysonstunnel.org) in the Tysons area are actively pushing for a change of plans that would allow the metro to be "tunneled" in the Tysons area.

Though I totally understand why it may be better to have metro "tunneled" in Tysons, I do not want this issue to derail the construction schedule. I sincerely hope we can have a resolution very soon. Do you have any thoughts on how this issue can be resolved?

Fair Housing Month

April is Fair Housing Month. Housing is an issue very dear to my heart, because I strongly feel that every person should have equal access to housing of their choice. And I know there are still elements of housing discrimination in our society, though very subtle these days, we as residents of Loudoun county owe it to ourselves and our children to report all instances of housing discrimination to the authorities.


There are several laws and regulations designed to enforce fair housing, the Federal Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity is responsible for enforcing federal laws, whilst the Virginia Fair Housing Office is responsible for enforcing state laws. There are also several other organizations such as the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) is dedicated to eliminating housing discrimination, and educating the public about housing discrimination.

There is a common saying in the corporate world, which is "diversity strengthens a company", it is my view that “diversity also enriches a community”, and we should all embrace diversity and root out elements in our society that encourage covert or overt discrimination in all shapes and forms. Our children are going to live in a more diverse world than we are, exposing them to diversity early in life will help them to become well adjusted citizens.

Also our county benefits financially when we embrace diversity. Diversity makes economic sense.

I would end this post with two famous MLK quotes:

"We may have come on different boats, but we are all in one ship now"

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere"

Salamander Middleburg Saga

It appears that the Salamander Resort and Spa saga is not going to end anytime soon. Recently Salamander Hospitality LLC requested to be allowed to build an additional 48 rooms to the 120 rooms already approved at the Salamander Resort and Spa by the Middleburg Council.

Some council members appear irritated by this additional request. And one probably can understand their irritation considering the intensity and the duration of the negotiations that have already taken place between the council and Salamander Hospitality LLC. It took a long time to get here. In fact, Councilwoman Bundles Murdock has already indicated that she would not consider this additional request.

Salamander Hospitality LLC claims that the additional rooms are necessary to make the project financially viable, citing increased construction costs. Apparently the council wants to know impact of adding 48 rooms on water and sewer systems, and also the impact on traffic.

What I find interesting, is that the Town of Middleburg is currently in the red, the town is struggling to stay afloat financially. Recently the town considered instituting a personal property tax. I do not understand why they are not jumping at Salamander Hospitality LLC. This resort will bring more jobs, broaden the tax base of the town. I have also heard some people complain that the resort will bring the big box retailers to Middleburg, which will destroy small businesses. That concern is unfounded, big box retailers don't follow hotels/spas, they follow homes. Most visitors to the resort will not be spending time looking for big box retailers.

Bottom line, the Middleburg council should ensure that the new water and waste-water treatment plants that Salamander is building is sufficient, work with Salamander to address traffic concerns - once this is done, the request should be approved without further delay. Many towns and cities all over the country would love to have the Salamander Resort in their community. Middleburg is lucky to have Salamander, the council should work with the developers.

Troubling experience with United Airlines

I am in San Diego, California this week on a business trip, and like most of us do when possible, I brought my family with me - Spring break! San Diego is a beautiful city, if you have not been here, make sure you add it to your "must-visit" list. If you have young kids, they will love these popular tourist sites - Sea World, San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Legoland California and the beautiful beaches.

Anyway, I had a very interesting experience with United Airlines staff. Some of the ladies I met appeared very angry, as if they have not been paid for weeks. Any question directed to them that day was met with a rude answer. We were treated as if they were given us a free ride or doing us a big favor.

Granted, the majority of United Airlines personnel I have met are very professional and pleasant. The pilot was very warm when we landed in San Diego, courteously greeting all passengers as we disembarked, that's why it is important to "weed out" the bad eggs. They are an embarrassment to their hardworking and professional colleagues. I was tempted to list the names of the "good" and the "bad" here, but changed my mind. Don't have time to deal with lawyers.

I hope Glenn Tilton, United Airlines CEO will do something about this, especially if it is a morale issue. Give them a raise, Glenn!

Update

On my way back from San Diego, another United Airlines Staff made up for the bad experience, by upgrading my ticket.