Posts
Monday, September 13, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
We sharpen knives and scissors
We sharpen knives and scissors
Tuesdays
3:30pm–6:30pm at the corner of Monument Dr. and Government Center Pkwy.
Wednesdays
Parking lot of the National Realty Building
Corner of Reston Parkway and Sunrise Valley Drive
3:30pm–6:30pm
Also by appointment on location
Tuesdays
3:30pm–6:30pm at the corner of Monument Dr. and Government Center Pkwy.
Wednesdays
Parking lot of the National Realty Building
Corner of Reston Parkway and Sunrise Valley Drive
3:30pm–6:30pm
Also by appointment on location
Monday, April 12, 2010
hours of operation
on Tuesdays at:
11895 Grand Commons Avenue (next to the Lucy store)
Fairfax Corner
11:30am–2:30pm
Year-round
As of April 27 this market will run from 3:30pm–6:30pm and return to its previous outdoor location at the corner of Monument Dr. and Government Center Pkwy.
Wednesdays
Parking lot of the National Realty Building
Corner of Reston Parkway and Sunrise Valley Drive
3:30pm–6:30pm
Opens April 28
and maybe on Thursdays if I can get the Herndon town council to understand the benign nature of sharpening
Herndon Centre (Kmart)
Elden St., Herndon
3:30pm–6:30pm
Opens May 13
I am at Curran Fabrics in Mclean around the corner from Giants the first Wednesday (this) of the month where you can drop them off and pick them up at your leisure.
11895 Grand Commons Avenue (next to the Lucy store)
Fairfax Corner
11:30am–2:30pm
Year-round
As of April 27 this market will run from 3:30pm–6:30pm and return to its previous outdoor location at the corner of Monument Dr. and Government Center Pkwy.
Wednesdays
Parking lot of the National Realty Building
Corner of Reston Parkway and Sunrise Valley Drive
3:30pm–6:30pm
Opens April 28
and maybe on Thursdays if I can get the Herndon town council to understand the benign nature of sharpening
Herndon Centre (Kmart)
Elden St., Herndon
3:30pm–6:30pm
Opens May 13
I am at Curran Fabrics in Mclean around the corner from Giants the first Wednesday (this) of the month where you can drop them off and pick them up at your leisure.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
The ARCH forum -Has the RA Already Picked Out It's New Furniture
What if Reston Citizens had line item veto? Would they veto higher dues at the expense of other high priority items that the RA cherishes? would they be willing to do with less. Maybe but RA would not!
None of this was addressed last night at ARCH as candidates rehashed same old same old same old. It struck me that the candidates and RA live in offices where they produce jargon on a daily basis to justify the continued existence of more of the same as the mainstay of there work.
One RA endorsed candidate got a nervous laugh when he suggested what if the RA had no where to go and were out on the curb? The existence of the RA is invested to the max in bloated organization which they want to get still bigger.
The RA has probably already picked out their new office furniture for the New Headquarters. Milton Mathew can only justify his $180,000 salary as Executive Director if he directs something. He would be against more citizen volunteering to actually do the real work at RA at the expense of the paid organization.
The typical ARCH member lives in a cluster where life is even more restricted then the RA. They are full of minute details and in several cases when allowed questions were alowed asked questions that in many cases could not even be understood and had to be re interpreted by the moderator in order to be addressed.
I wanted to ask the candidates (but was prevented by the ARCH moderator who was horfield that I did not want to participate on the forum) who would be for going over the budget and reducing item after item so as to be able to reduce the dues if it could be proved that this is what citizens want.
Even to ask the citizens is not on the agenda. Candidates spoke about communicate communicate communicate but with these guys it'll be the same old stuff. What are three things the RA dose well? What are ways to engage more citizens Robin asked.
The fact is the average citizen hates the institutional jargon and dose not want go to these things and dose not want more of it. They could care less if the RA had no where to go as long as they did not have to listen to it.
Perhaps such forums could serve as a kind of punishment with those who have conducted some kind of outrage and they would be condemned to sit and listen to it for long hours.
The ability of the RA to control the election is being calmly accepted by Reston Citizens who either don't know about it or have grown used to it. They can always just ignore it unless the RA chooses to do something extremely outrageous which it probally will.
None of this was addressed last night at ARCH as candidates rehashed same old same old same old. It struck me that the candidates and RA live in offices where they produce jargon on a daily basis to justify the continued existence of more of the same as the mainstay of there work.
One RA endorsed candidate got a nervous laugh when he suggested what if the RA had no where to go and were out on the curb? The existence of the RA is invested to the max in bloated organization which they want to get still bigger.
The RA has probably already picked out their new office furniture for the New Headquarters. Milton Mathew can only justify his $180,000 salary as Executive Director if he directs something. He would be against more citizen volunteering to actually do the real work at RA at the expense of the paid organization.
The typical ARCH member lives in a cluster where life is even more restricted then the RA. They are full of minute details and in several cases when allowed questions were alowed asked questions that in many cases could not even be understood and had to be re interpreted by the moderator in order to be addressed.
I wanted to ask the candidates (but was prevented by the ARCH moderator who was horfield that I did not want to participate on the forum) who would be for going over the budget and reducing item after item so as to be able to reduce the dues if it could be proved that this is what citizens want.
Even to ask the citizens is not on the agenda. Candidates spoke about communicate communicate communicate but with these guys it'll be the same old stuff. What are three things the RA dose well? What are ways to engage more citizens Robin asked.
The fact is the average citizen hates the institutional jargon and dose not want go to these things and dose not want more of it. They could care less if the RA had no where to go as long as they did not have to listen to it.
Perhaps such forums could serve as a kind of punishment with those who have conducted some kind of outrage and they would be condemned to sit and listen to it for long hours.
The ability of the RA to control the election is being calmly accepted by Reston Citizens who either don't know about it or have grown used to it. They can always just ignore it unless the RA chooses to do something extremely outrageous which it probally will.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
The ruling elite in RCC and RA do not want democracy. Lila Gordon don't want to put batteries in the boom boxes. don't matter if she looks stupid by insisting power cords are safe. I guarantee you if we could vote: do you want batteries or power cords by the pool 99% of people would vote for batteries.
She don't want suggestion boxes because she says of the environmental impact. There is no environmental impact from suggestion boxes. She don't want no suggestions.
She don't want people to use the shop. It's only open one day and one evening and let me tell you it's full up then. A lot of the rest of the time she's given it to some thespian group. Thespians belong in the theater not in the shop. Most of the time it's just closed. The original plan was to have a wood shop that people could use.
They used to have community pancake breakfasts but not no more.
Lila Gordon meet in secret sessions with the RA when they came up with this plan to build a massive rec center with 500 cars. That place would of been like RCC with no democracy.
The RA don't want no democracy either. They have their email list and they can send out whatever they like for what ever reason they want any time they want and they like it that way. They don't have to answer to no one just like they did in Snow gate.
I went to see them when they advertised for their communication committee. They told me no we can't have no two way communication because there is no mandate. Well then they then went out and started that magazine, which gives them still more power.
Power is infectious with hierarchies, democracy is not.
Vote for whoever you want to vote for. I can't say that I care whether I personally am elected but I do care if I live in a Democracy or not.
I care that people have to swim with live power cords dangling near the swimming pools or can use the wood shop without crowding like the originators of RCC intended.
She don't want suggestion boxes because she says of the environmental impact. There is no environmental impact from suggestion boxes. She don't want no suggestions.
She don't want people to use the shop. It's only open one day and one evening and let me tell you it's full up then. A lot of the rest of the time she's given it to some thespian group. Thespians belong in the theater not in the shop. Most of the time it's just closed. The original plan was to have a wood shop that people could use.
They used to have community pancake breakfasts but not no more.
Lila Gordon meet in secret sessions with the RA when they came up with this plan to build a massive rec center with 500 cars. That place would of been like RCC with no democracy.
The RA don't want no democracy either. They have their email list and they can send out whatever they like for what ever reason they want any time they want and they like it that way. They don't have to answer to no one just like they did in Snow gate.
I went to see them when they advertised for their communication committee. They told me no we can't have no two way communication because there is no mandate. Well then they then went out and started that magazine, which gives them still more power.
Power is infectious with hierarchies, democracy is not.
Vote for whoever you want to vote for. I can't say that I care whether I personally am elected but I do care if I live in a Democracy or not.
I care that people have to swim with live power cords dangling near the swimming pools or can use the wood shop without crowding like the originators of RCC intended.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Unbelievable yet another controversy engulfs the Reston Association Election. First "Snow gate" (google Restonian and scroll down) Now Reston Association alleges candidates disrupt meeting yet is at odds with the two corroborating accused Reston candidates.
Some of the discrepancies: Candidates sit in the third row not the back row, no phone callers are being produced that complained of "lack of respect," Arlene's email is at variance with Mrs Fulkerson's and the two canidates statements, no disruption takes place!
Is this a indication of business as usual at RA or is the RA going out of it's own comfort zone for some particular reason?
--- On Thu, 2/25/10, Rengin Morro wrote:
>
>
>
> 2010 Board
> Candidates –
>
> I would like to
> take this opportunity to clarify the direction I provided to
> some of you when you declared your candidacy for the Board
> earlier this month.
>
> You are free to
> make a statement about your Candidacy during the “Member
> Comment” portion of any of the Association’s Board or
> Committee meetings. Making such statements during
> Reston Association sponsored recreational or educational
> programming is not permissible.
>
> Last night’s
> Homeowner Workshop on Reserves was an education program; not
> a Board or Committee Meeting. We have received
> several calls from individuals that attended the Workshop
> last night indicating their frustration with the lack of
> respect shown by those RA Board Candidates who attended the
> event. Specifically, mention was made that: 1) the
> Candidates “sat in the
> back of the room talking campaign strategy”
> while the speaker(s) were making presentations; and 2) one
> of the Candidates made a “campaign promise
> plug” during the question and answer portion of
> the Workshop.
>
> I respectfully
> request, that you refrain from interrupting future Reston
> Association sponsored recreational and/or education programs
> during your campaign period.
>
> Regards --
> Cate
>
>
>
> -----Original
> Message-----
> From: Arlene Whittick
> Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2010 11:38 PM
> To: Cate Fulkerson; Milton Matthews
> Cc: Brevetta Jordan
> Subject: Candidate Speaking Requests
>
> Cate:
>
> At my workshop tonight I
> was approached by candidates Rod Koozmin and Rengin Morro,
> they wanted to know if they could say a few words to the
> attendees I politely told them no. Then they asked if
> I can acknowledge their presence at the meeting, again I
> politely told them no. However I did tell them that
> they may talk to the attendees individualy but that is
> it.
>
> I just thought you might
> want to be aware of this.
>
> Arlene
>
>
>
> Hotmail:
> Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. Sign
> up now.
>
Mrs Fulkerson, Arlene was inarticulate in her email to you and is incorrect when she writes that I requested to address the meeting. I did approach Arlene when when Rengina Morro was conferring with Arlene in the back of the room before the meeting started and asked it it was possible to mention at the beginning of the meeting that two candidates were in the room and would be available for questions. I was thinking after the meeting although standing there we didn't really say that. This was in subdued tones at the back of the room before the meeting began I would say again for emphasis. She said she wasn't allowed to allow that and we sat down.
My question to you and the election committee would be is there any directives for candidates to talk to Reston employees in hushed tones before a meeting begins? Is there some etiquette that I am not aware of?
It is not true that we discussed campaign strategy during the meeting.Regina Morroa who arrived late and was also sitting in the last row but not the very back where the swivel chairs were asked me where I had gotten my literature and I told her.
I did ask about how the assessments of the properties were made not a campaign plug. I am unaware of any campaign plug as I left after listening to some of the presentation since I had heard much of it before. I am on the neighborhood Advisory Committee and since it was a presentation by the Neighborhood Advisory Committee thought I should see it or see what it was. I didn't approach anyone as a canidate and campaign.
Mrs Fulkerson could you tell me who called you and were frustrated by any lack of respect on my part? I would like to get to the bottom of this.-Rod Koozmim
>
>
>
>
> Hello All,
>
> I am sorry if my presence at last
> night's meeting caused any confusion.
>
>
>
> I attended the meeting after receiving
> an e-notice invitation in which the first sentence was
> "Here is your weekly list of news, events, and
> opportunities to get involved."
> I am an involved member of my cluster.
>
> Because I couldn't leave my work
> early, I arrived late.
> I didn't sit in the last row, I sat
> in the 3rd row.
> I did ask one question in the context of
> how revenues can be best used by a cluster or the RA, and in
> particular generating interest on those revenues.
>
> I am confused and sorry that my question
> was interpreted as political.
> Mine was the 4th question asked and 3
> more people asked questions after me.
> I am confused as to why my question
> would be characterized as an "interruption," since
> the presenter, Mr. Larson, encouraged the audience to ask
> questions.
> When I left at 8:27 pm the
> meeting was on track; I don't know what happened
> after that time.
>
> I am looking forward to the completion of a
> successful campaign.
>
> All the best,
>
> Rengin Morro,
> PhD
>
>
>
> 2010 Board
> Candidates –
>
> I would like to
> take this opportunity to clarify the direction I provided to
> some of you when you declared your candidacy for the Board
> earlier this month.
>
> You are free to
> make a statement about your Candidacy during the “Member
> Comment” portion of any of the Association’s Board or
> Committee meetings. Making such statements during
> Reston Association sponsored recreational or educational
> programming is not permissible.
>
> Last night’s
> Homeowner Workshop on Reserves was an education program; not
> a Board or Committee Meeting. We have received
> several calls from individuals that attended the Workshop
> last night indicating their frustration with the lack of
> respect shown by those RA Board Candidates who attended the
> event. Specifically, mention was made that: 1) the
> Candidates “sat in the
> back of the room talking campaign strategy”
> while the speaker(s) were making presentations; and 2) one
> of the Candidates made a “campaign promise
> plug” during the question and answer portion of
> the Workshop.
>
> I respectfully
> request, that you refrain from interrupting future Reston
> Association sponsored recreational and/or education programs
> during your campaign period.
>
> Regards --
> Cate
>
>
>
> -----Original
> Message-----
> From: Arlene Whittick
> Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2010 11:38 PM
> To: Cate Fulkerson; Milton Matthews
> Cc: Brevetta Jordan
> Subject: Candidate Speaking Requests
>
> Cate:
>
> At my workshop tonight I
> was approached by candidates Rod Koozmin and Rengin Morro,
> they wanted to know if they could say a few words to the
> attendees I politely told them no. Then they asked if
> I can acknowledge their presence at the meeting, again I
> politely told them no. However I did tell them that
> they may talk to the attendees individualy but that is
> it.
>
> I just thought you might
> want to be aware of this.
>
> Arlene
>
>
>
> Hotmail:
> Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. Sign
> up now.
>
Unbelievable yet another contravesery engolfs the Reston Asssociation Election. First "Snow gate" (google Restonian and scroll down) Now Reston Association alledges canidates disrupt meeting yet is at odds with two corroberating accused Reston canidates.
Some of the discrepiencies: Canidates sit in the third row not the back row, no phone callers are being produced that complained of "lack of respect," Arlene's email is at variance with Mrs Fulkerson's and the two canicates statment!
Is this a indication of business as usal or is the RA going out of it's own comfort zone?
>
>
>
>
> Hello All,
>
> I am sorry if my presence at last
> night's meeting caused any confusion.
>
>
>
> I attended the meeting after receiving
> an e-notice invitation in which the first sentence was
> "Here is your weekly list of news, events, and
> opportunities to get involved."
> I am an involved member of my cluster.
>
> Because I couldn't leave my work
> early, I arrived late.
> I didn't sit in the last row, I sat
> in the 3rd row.
> I did ask one question in the context of
> how revenues can be best used by a cluster or the RA, and in
> particular generating interest on those revenues.
>
> I am confused and sorry that my question
> was interpreted as political.
> Mine was the 4th question asked and 3
> more people asked questions after me.
> I am confused as to why my question
> would be characterized as an "interruption," since
> the presenter, Mr. Larson, encouraged the audience to ask
> questions.
> When I left at 8:27 pm the
> meeting was on track; I don't know what happened
> after that time.
>
> I am looking forward to the completion of a
> successful campaign.
>
> All the best,
>
> Rengin Morro,
> PhD
>
>
>
> {}
>
>
>
> 2010 Board
> Candidates –
>
> I would like to
> take this opportunity to clarify the direction I provided to
> some of you when you declared your candidacy for the Board
> earlier this month.
>
> You are free to
> make a statement about your Candidacy during the “Member
> Comment” portion of any of the Association’s Board or
> Committee meetings. Making such statements during
> Reston Association sponsored recreational or educational
> programming is not permissible.
>
> Last night’s
> Homeowner Workshop on Reserves was an education program; not
> a Board or Committee Meeting. We have received
> several calls from individuals that attended the Workshop
> last night indicating their frustration with the lack of
> respect shown by those RA Board Candidates who attended the
> event. Specifically, mention was made that: 1) the
> Candidates “sat in the
> back of the room talking campaign strategy”
> while the speaker(s) were making presentations; and 2) one
> of the Candidates made a “campaign promise
> plug” during the question and answer portion of
> the Workshop.
>
> I respectfully
> request, that you refrain from interrupting future Reston
> Association sponsored recreational and/or education programs
> during your campaign period.
>
> Regards --
> Cate
>
>
>
> -----Original
> Message-----
> From: Arlene Whittick
> Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2010 11:38 PM
> To: Cate Fulkerson; Milton Matthews
> Cc: Brevetta Jordan
> Subject: Candidate Speaking Requests
>
> Cate:
>
> At my workshop tonight I
> was approached by candidates Rod Koozmin and Rengin Morro,
> they wanted to know if they could say a few words to the
> attendees I politely told them no. Then they asked if
> I can acknowledge their presence at the meeting, again I
> politely told them no. However I did tell them that
> they may talk to the attendees individualy but that is
> it.
>
> I just thought you might
> want to be aware of this.
>
> Arlene
>
>
>
> Hotmail:
> Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. Sign
> up now.
>
Mrs Fulkerson, Arlene was inarticulate in her email to you and is incorrect when she writes that I requested to address the meeting. I did approach Arlene when when Rengina Morro was conferring with Arlene in the back of the room before the meeting started and asked it it was possible to mention at the beginning of the meeting that two candidates were in the room and would be available for questions. I was thinking after the meeting although standing there we didn't really say that. This was in subdued tones at the back of the room before the meeting began I would say again for emphasis. She said she wasn't allowed to allow that and we sat down.
My question to you and the election committee would be is there any directives for candidates to talk to Reston employees in hushed tones before a meeting begins? Is there some etiquette that I am not aware of?
It is not true that we discussed campaign strategy during the meeting.Regina Morroa who arrived late and was also sitting in the last row but not the very back where the swivel chairs were asked me where I had gotten my literature and I told her.
I did ask about how the assessments of the properties were made not a campaign plug. I am unaware of any campaign plug as I left after listening to some of the presentation since I had heard much of it before. I am on the neighborhood Advisory Committee and since it was a presentation by the Neighborhood Advisory Committee thought I should see it or see what it was. I didn't approach anyone as a canidate and campaign.
Mrs Fulkerson could you tell me who called you and were frustrated by any lack of respect on my part? I would like to get to the bottom of this.-Rod Koozmim
Some of the discrepancies: Candidates sit in the third row not the back row, no phone callers are being produced that complained of "lack of respect," Arlene's email is at variance with Mrs Fulkerson's and the two canidates statements, no disruption takes place!
Is this a indication of business as usual at RA or is the RA going out of it's own comfort zone for some particular reason?
--- On Thu, 2/25/10, Rengin Morro
>
>
>
> 2010 Board
> Candidates –
>
> I would like to
> take this opportunity to clarify the direction I provided to
> some of you when you declared your candidacy for the Board
> earlier this month.
>
> You are free to
> make a statement about your Candidacy during the “Member
> Comment” portion of any of the Association’s Board or
> Committee meetings. Making such statements during
> Reston Association sponsored recreational or educational
> programming is not permissible.
>
> Last night’s
> Homeowner Workshop on Reserves was an education program; not
> a Board or Committee Meeting. We have received
> several calls from individuals that attended the Workshop
> last night indicating their frustration with the lack of
> respect shown by those RA Board Candidates who attended the
> event. Specifically, mention was made that: 1) the
> Candidates “sat in the
> back of the room talking campaign strategy”
> while the speaker(s) were making presentations; and 2) one
> of the Candidates made a “campaign promise
> plug” during the question and answer portion of
> the Workshop.
>
> I respectfully
> request, that you refrain from interrupting future Reston
> Association sponsored recreational and/or education programs
> during your campaign period.
>
> Regards --
> Cate
>
>
>
> -----Original
> Message-----
> From: Arlene Whittick
> Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2010 11:38 PM
> To: Cate Fulkerson; Milton Matthews
> Cc: Brevetta Jordan
> Subject: Candidate Speaking Requests
>
> Cate:
>
> At my workshop tonight I
> was approached by candidates Rod Koozmin and Rengin Morro,
> they wanted to know if they could say a few words to the
> attendees I politely told them no. Then they asked if
> I can acknowledge their presence at the meeting, again I
> politely told them no. However I did tell them that
> they may talk to the attendees individualy but that is
> it.
>
> I just thought you might
> want to be aware of this.
>
> Arlene
>
>
>
> Hotmail:
> Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. Sign
> up now.
>
Mrs Fulkerson, Arlene was inarticulate in her email to you and is incorrect when she writes that I requested to address the meeting. I did approach Arlene when when Rengina Morro was conferring with Arlene in the back of the room before the meeting started and asked it it was possible to mention at the beginning of the meeting that two candidates were in the room and would be available for questions. I was thinking after the meeting although standing there we didn't really say that. This was in subdued tones at the back of the room before the meeting began I would say again for emphasis. She said she wasn't allowed to allow that and we sat down.
My question to you and the election committee would be is there any directives for candidates to talk to Reston employees in hushed tones before a meeting begins? Is there some etiquette that I am not aware of?
It is not true that we discussed campaign strategy during the meeting.Regina Morroa who arrived late and was also sitting in the last row but not the very back where the swivel chairs were asked me where I had gotten my literature and I told her.
I did ask about how the assessments of the properties were made not a campaign plug. I am unaware of any campaign plug as I left after listening to some of the presentation since I had heard much of it before. I am on the neighborhood Advisory Committee and since it was a presentation by the Neighborhood Advisory Committee thought I should see it or see what it was. I didn't approach anyone as a canidate and campaign.
Mrs Fulkerson could you tell me who called you and were frustrated by any lack of respect on my part? I would like to get to the bottom of this.-Rod Koozmim
>
>
>
>
> Hello All,
>
> I am sorry if my presence at last
> night's meeting caused any confusion.
>
>
>
> I attended the meeting after receiving
> an e-notice invitation in which the first sentence was
> "Here is your weekly list of news, events, and
> opportunities to get involved."
> I am an involved member of my cluster.
>
> Because I couldn't leave my work
> early, I arrived late.
> I didn't sit in the last row, I sat
> in the 3rd row.
> I did ask one question in the context of
> how revenues can be best used by a cluster or the RA, and in
> particular generating interest on those revenues.
>
> I am confused and sorry that my question
> was interpreted as political.
> Mine was the 4th question asked and 3
> more people asked questions after me.
> I am confused as to why my question
> would be characterized as an "interruption," since
> the presenter, Mr. Larson, encouraged the audience to ask
> questions.
> When I left at 8:27 pm the
> meeting was on track; I don't know what happened
> after that time.
>
> I am looking forward to the completion of a
> successful campaign.
>
> All the best,
>
> Rengin Morro,
> PhD
>
>
>
> 2010 Board
> Candidates –
>
> I would like to
> take this opportunity to clarify the direction I provided to
> some of you when you declared your candidacy for the Board
> earlier this month.
>
> You are free to
> make a statement about your Candidacy during the “Member
> Comment” portion of any of the Association’s Board or
> Committee meetings. Making such statements during
> Reston Association sponsored recreational or educational
> programming is not permissible.
>
> Last night’s
> Homeowner Workshop on Reserves was an education program; not
> a Board or Committee Meeting. We have received
> several calls from individuals that attended the Workshop
> last night indicating their frustration with the lack of
> respect shown by those RA Board Candidates who attended the
> event. Specifically, mention was made that: 1) the
> Candidates “sat in the
> back of the room talking campaign strategy”
> while the speaker(s) were making presentations; and 2) one
> of the Candidates made a “campaign promise
> plug” during the question and answer portion of
> the Workshop.
>
> I respectfully
> request, that you refrain from interrupting future Reston
> Association sponsored recreational and/or education programs
> during your campaign period.
>
> Regards --
> Cate
>
>
>
> -----Original
> Message-----
> From: Arlene Whittick
> Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2010 11:38 PM
> To: Cate Fulkerson; Milton Matthews
> Cc: Brevetta Jordan
> Subject: Candidate Speaking Requests
>
> Cate:
>
> At my workshop tonight I
> was approached by candidates Rod Koozmin and Rengin Morro,
> they wanted to know if they could say a few words to the
> attendees I politely told them no. Then they asked if
> I can acknowledge their presence at the meeting, again I
> politely told them no. However I did tell them that
> they may talk to the attendees individualy but that is
> it.
>
> I just thought you might
> want to be aware of this.
>
> Arlene
>
>
>
> Hotmail:
> Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. Sign
> up now.
>
Unbelievable yet another contravesery engolfs the Reston Asssociation Election. First "Snow gate" (google Restonian and scroll down) Now Reston Association alledges canidates disrupt meeting yet is at odds with two corroberating accused Reston canidates.
Some of the discrepiencies: Canidates sit in the third row not the back row, no phone callers are being produced that complained of "lack of respect," Arlene's email is at variance with Mrs Fulkerson's and the two canicates statment!
Is this a indication of business as usal or is the RA going out of it's own comfort zone?
>
>
>
>
> Hello All,
>
> I am sorry if my presence at last
> night's meeting caused any confusion.
>
>
>
> I attended the meeting after receiving
> an e-notice invitation in which the first sentence was
> "Here is your weekly list of news, events, and
> opportunities to get involved."
> I am an involved member of my cluster.
>
> Because I couldn't leave my work
> early, I arrived late.
> I didn't sit in the last row, I sat
> in the 3rd row.
> I did ask one question in the context of
> how revenues can be best used by a cluster or the RA, and in
> particular generating interest on those revenues.
>
> I am confused and sorry that my question
> was interpreted as political.
> Mine was the 4th question asked and 3
> more people asked questions after me.
> I am confused as to why my question
> would be characterized as an "interruption," since
> the presenter, Mr. Larson, encouraged the audience to ask
> questions.
> When I left at 8:27 pm the
> meeting was on track; I don't know what happened
> after that time.
>
> I am looking forward to the completion of a
> successful campaign.
>
> All the best,
>
> Rengin Morro,
> PhD
>
>
>
> {}
>
>
>
> 2010 Board
> Candidates –
>
> I would like to
> take this opportunity to clarify the direction I provided to
> some of you when you declared your candidacy for the Board
> earlier this month.
>
> You are free to
> make a statement about your Candidacy during the “Member
> Comment” portion of any of the Association’s Board or
> Committee meetings. Making such statements during
> Reston Association sponsored recreational or educational
> programming is not permissible.
>
> Last night’s
> Homeowner Workshop on Reserves was an education program; not
> a Board or Committee Meeting. We have received
> several calls from individuals that attended the Workshop
> last night indicating their frustration with the lack of
> respect shown by those RA Board Candidates who attended the
> event. Specifically, mention was made that: 1) the
> Candidates “sat in the
> back of the room talking campaign strategy”
> while the speaker(s) were making presentations; and 2) one
> of the Candidates made a “campaign promise
> plug” during the question and answer portion of
> the Workshop.
>
> I respectfully
> request, that you refrain from interrupting future Reston
> Association sponsored recreational and/or education programs
> during your campaign period.
>
> Regards --
> Cate
>
>
>
> -----Original
> Message-----
> From: Arlene Whittick
> Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2010 11:38 PM
> To: Cate Fulkerson; Milton Matthews
> Cc: Brevetta Jordan
> Subject: Candidate Speaking Requests
>
> Cate:
>
> At my workshop tonight I
> was approached by candidates Rod Koozmin and Rengin Morro,
> they wanted to know if they could say a few words to the
> attendees I politely told them no. Then they asked if
> I can acknowledge their presence at the meeting, again I
> politely told them no. However I did tell them that
> they may talk to the attendees individualy but that is
> it.
>
> I just thought you might
> want to be aware of this.
>
> Arlene
>
>
>
> Hotmail:
> Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. Sign
> up now.
>
Mrs Fulkerson, Arlene was inarticulate in her email to you and is incorrect when she writes that I requested to address the meeting. I did approach Arlene when when Rengina Morro was conferring with Arlene in the back of the room before the meeting started and asked it it was possible to mention at the beginning of the meeting that two candidates were in the room and would be available for questions. I was thinking after the meeting although standing there we didn't really say that. This was in subdued tones at the back of the room before the meeting began I would say again for emphasis. She said she wasn't allowed to allow that and we sat down.
My question to you and the election committee would be is there any directives for candidates to talk to Reston employees in hushed tones before a meeting begins? Is there some etiquette that I am not aware of?
It is not true that we discussed campaign strategy during the meeting.Regina Morroa who arrived late and was also sitting in the last row but not the very back where the swivel chairs were asked me where I had gotten my literature and I told her.
I did ask about how the assessments of the properties were made not a campaign plug. I am unaware of any campaign plug as I left after listening to some of the presentation since I had heard much of it before. I am on the neighborhood Advisory Committee and since it was a presentation by the Neighborhood Advisory Committee thought I should see it or see what it was. I didn't approach anyone as a canidate and campaign.
Mrs Fulkerson could you tell me who called you and were frustrated by any lack of respect on my part? I would like to get to the bottom of this.-Rod Koozmim
correspondance with Lelia about the power cords
To: "Gordon, Leila" "Gordon, Leila"
Cc: "Leary, Joe", CarolAnnBradley@aol.com"Leary, Joe" , CarolAnnBradley@aol.com
Bcc:
Hello Leila, Well the movie alerted me to the possible danger. I guess the film showed what would happen if the assassin who did not have a house equipped with one of these special circuit breakers.
Let me ask you are you so confident of this device that you would be willing to have someone you loved get in the pool and then throw a live wire into the pool?
Wouldn't it be better to ear on the side of caution and use batteries or rechargeable batteries and give the appearance of doing the safe thing?
Hundreds of people are electrocuted every year because of ignoring the basic common sense of not mixing water and electricity.
Will a child see the use of power cords at the pool then go home and do the same thing? Is the difficulty of putting batteries into boom boxes worth setting a bad example for our youth?
Well we may come for a walk there.
I really feel the environmental impact of using written suggestion cards in minimal. Possibly you could use the backs of other printed material and recycle it the way my wife dose for shopping lists. The presence of a suggestion box in the lobby sends the positive message that we care about you and your opinions.-Rod
--- On Thu, 2/25/10, Gordon, Leila wrote:
> From: Gordon, Leila
> Subject: RE: Your Concerns Regarding our Boom box Use for Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center Classes and Lack of Suggestion Boxes at RCC Facilities
> To: "Rod Koozmin"
> Cc: "Leary, Joe", CarolAnnBradley@aol.com
> Date: Thursday, February 25, 2010, 4:37 PM
> Rod--
> Please put your mind at ease; our staff is very vigilant
> regarding safety and no one is at risk of a James Bond-like
> assassination.
> As for the walking circuit, yes, there have been people
> doing it and we appreciated the idea.
> Leila
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Rod Koozmin [mailto:sharpeningman@yahoo.com]
>
> Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2010 4:34 PM
> To: Gordon, Leila
> Subject: Re: Your Concerns Regarding our Boom box Use for
> Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center Classes and Lack of
> Suggestion Boxes at RCC Facilities
>
> Hello Leila, I have been concerned. Perhaps it was the
> movie "From Russia with Love" When James bond kicks the
> electric heater in the bath tub electrocuting the assassin.
> I worried that a Reston citizen might fall prey to the cords
> and similarily be ellectrocuted. It just makes me nervous
> especially the leaving of them out when the class is
> over and the life guard using them as if don't have more
> portable devices. Also seeing a short cord plugged in used
> near a puddle makes me nervous.
>
> I am glad to learn that the walking idea was
> implemented. Are many people using it? I tried it a few
> times when I didn't feel like swimming. My wife is actually
> walking around inside the house for exercise like my mother
> used to do.-Rod
>
> --- On Thu, 2/25/10, Gordon, Leila
> wrote:
>
> > From: Gordon, Leila
> > Subject: Your Concerns Regarding our Boom box Use for
> Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center Classes and Lack of
> Suggestion Boxes at RCC Facilities
> > To: "Rod Koozmin"
> > Cc: "Leary, Joe",
> CarolAnnBradley@aol.com
> > Date: Thursday, February 25, 2010, 4:22 PM
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Hi
> > Rod
> >
> > It has come to
> > my attention that you have expressed a
> > concern regarding the safety of our instructor use of
> boom
> > boxes for RCC
> > Aquatics classes in the online forum provided by a
> local
> > blog. They do use
> > these on deck. All of the outlets, water fountain, and
> even
> > the wall pace
> > clocks are on GFI circuit breakers (more reliable than
> GFI
> > outlets). All of our
> > electrical components are tested annually, by a
> certified
> > electrician, who
> > sends that report to the Health Department as a
> requirement
> > for our annual
> > operating permit. Our operations are conducted within
> the
> > most stringent safety
> > parameters; we take quite seriously the well-being of
> our
> > patrons. I assure you
> > that instructors' using electrically powered
> > equipment on the pool deck
> > do so in a manner that is safe and does not present
> the
> > risk of electrocution
> > to them or our patrons.
> >
> > Regarding your
> > continuing consternation over a lack of
> > suggestion boxes at RCC, I will again point out to you
> that
> > because we have
> > tried to migrate as much as possible to electronic
> > communication, in an effort
> > to be sound environmental stewards, we stopped
> printing
> > suggestion cards for
> > people to put in boxes. Anyone may use the RCC web
> > site to find our input
> > email address, RCCContact@fairfaxcounty.gov
> > from which to make suggestions. If someone wants to
> write a
> > suggestion, we are
> > happy to provide them with the opportunity and means
> at
> > both facilities. We
> > strive to obtain public input and opinion
> regularly.
> > I hope you noticed that
> > your suggestion for a walking circuit was one that we
> > implemented at the RCC
> > Hunters Woods building and advertised in the
> Winter/Spring
> > Program Guide.
> >
> > Have a great
> > day!
> >
> > Leila
> >
> >
> > Leila
> > Gordon
> >
> >
> > Executive
> > Director
> >
> > Reston
> > Community Center
> >
> >
> > 2310 Colts Neck
> > Rd.
> >
> >
> > Reston,
> > Virginia 20191
> >
> >
> > 703-476-4500 x
> > 6142
> >
> > 703-476-2488
> > - fax
> >
> > www.restoncommunitycenter.com
> >
> >
> > So
> > Close to You. So Much
> > to Do. ®
> >
> > P
> > Please
> > consider the environment before printing this
> > e-mail
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
Cc: "Leary, Joe"
Bcc:
Hello Leila, Well the movie alerted me to the possible danger. I guess the film showed what would happen if the assassin who did not have a house equipped with one of these special circuit breakers.
Let me ask you are you so confident of this device that you would be willing to have someone you loved get in the pool and then throw a live wire into the pool?
Wouldn't it be better to ear on the side of caution and use batteries or rechargeable batteries and give the appearance of doing the safe thing?
Hundreds of people are electrocuted every year because of ignoring the basic common sense of not mixing water and electricity.
Will a child see the use of power cords at the pool then go home and do the same thing? Is the difficulty of putting batteries into boom boxes worth setting a bad example for our youth?
Well we may come for a walk there.
I really feel the environmental impact of using written suggestion cards in minimal. Possibly you could use the backs of other printed material and recycle it the way my wife dose for shopping lists. The presence of a suggestion box in the lobby sends the positive message that we care about you and your opinions.-Rod
--- On Thu, 2/25/10, Gordon, Leila
> From: Gordon, Leila
> Subject: RE: Your Concerns Regarding our Boom box Use for Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center Classes and Lack of Suggestion Boxes at RCC Facilities
> To: "Rod Koozmin"
> Cc: "Leary, Joe"
> Date: Thursday, February 25, 2010, 4:37 PM
> Rod--
> Please put your mind at ease; our staff is very vigilant
> regarding safety and no one is at risk of a James Bond-like
> assassination.
> As for the walking circuit, yes, there have been people
> doing it and we appreciated the idea.
> Leila
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Rod Koozmin [mailto:sharpeningman@yahoo.com]
>
> Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2010 4:34 PM
> To: Gordon, Leila
> Subject: Re: Your Concerns Regarding our Boom box Use for
> Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center Classes and Lack of
> Suggestion Boxes at RCC Facilities
>
> Hello Leila, I have been concerned. Perhaps it was the
> movie "From Russia with Love" When James bond kicks the
> electric heater in the bath tub electrocuting the assassin.
> I worried that a Reston citizen might fall prey to the cords
> and similarily be ellectrocuted. It just makes me nervous
> especially the leaving of them out when the class is
> over and the life guard using them as if don't have more
> portable devices. Also seeing a short cord plugged in used
> near a puddle makes me nervous.
>
> I am glad to learn that the walking idea was
> implemented. Are many people using it? I tried it a few
> times when I didn't feel like swimming. My wife is actually
> walking around inside the house for exercise like my mother
> used to do.-Rod
>
> --- On Thu, 2/25/10, Gordon, Leila
> wrote:
>
> > From: Gordon, Leila
> > Subject: Your Concerns Regarding our Boom box Use for
> Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center Classes and Lack of
> Suggestion Boxes at RCC Facilities
> > To: "Rod Koozmin"
> > Cc: "Leary, Joe"
> CarolAnnBradley@aol.com
> > Date: Thursday, February 25, 2010, 4:22 PM
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Hi
> > Rod
> >
> > It has come to
> > my attention that you have expressed a
> > concern regarding the safety of our instructor use of
> boom
> > boxes for RCC
> > Aquatics classes in the online forum provided by a
> local
> > blog. They do use
> > these on deck. All of the outlets, water fountain, and
> even
> > the wall pace
> > clocks are on GFI circuit breakers (more reliable than
> GFI
> > outlets). All of our
> > electrical components are tested annually, by a
> certified
> > electrician, who
> > sends that report to the Health Department as a
> requirement
> > for our annual
> > operating permit. Our operations are conducted within
> the
> > most stringent safety
> > parameters; we take quite seriously the well-being of
> our
> > patrons. I assure you
> > that instructors' using electrically powered
> > equipment on the pool deck
> > do so in a manner that is safe and does not present
> the
> > risk of electrocution
> > to them or our patrons.
> >
> > Regarding your
> > continuing consternation over a lack of
> > suggestion boxes at RCC, I will again point out to you
> that
> > because we have
> > tried to migrate as much as possible to electronic
> > communication, in an effort
> > to be sound environmental stewards, we stopped
> printing
> > suggestion cards for
> > people to put in boxes. Anyone may use the RCC web
> > site to find our input
> > email address, RCCContact@fairfaxcounty.gov
> > from which to make suggestions. If someone wants to
> write a
> > suggestion, we are
> > happy to provide them with the opportunity and means
> at
> > both facilities. We
> > strive to obtain public input and opinion
> regularly.
> > I hope you noticed that
> > your suggestion for a walking circuit was one that we
> > implemented at the RCC
> > Hunters Woods building and advertised in the
> Winter/Spring
> > Program Guide.
> >
> > Have a great
> > day!
> >
> > Leila
> >
> >
> > Leila
> > Gordon
> >
> >
> > Executive
> > Director
> >
> > Reston
> > Community Center
> >
> >
> > 2310 Colts Neck
> > Rd.
> >
> >
> > Reston,
> > Virginia 20191
> >
> >
> > 703-476-4500 x
> > 6142
> >
> > 703-476-2488
> > - fax
> >
> > www.restoncommunitycenter.com
> >
> >
> > So
> > Close to You. So Much
> > to Do. ®
> >
> > P
> > Please
> > consider the environment before printing this
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Volunteering as a Potential Recreation
One of the greatest potentials for recreation and helping the Reston association budjet wise is Citizen volunteering. I participated in the recent Reston shovel out and in the past remember our parents volunteering the Teraset School. The terraset school had become over run with weeds and we parents rolled up our sleeves and cleaned the place up. it gave all of us a great feeling maybe kind of like community barn raisings of old.
I'm not speaking of the pick of volunteering the Reston association usually emphasizes. I think citizens could with training pretty much do everything in Reston and would like to mostly for the fun of it.
You may not like to go cut down a tree or use a front end loader for the fun of it but I believe there are plenty of people who would and it would make Reston a better community.
Once when my dad moved he gave me his old tractor. I brought it over to my little place here in Reston but there just wasn't much to cut though I volunteered to cut the neighbors for a while. I tried to volunteer to mow the Reston property but there was just no way to ask to volunteer and no concept of greater citizen volunteering.
I was intrigued by a citizen volunteering to bring a bob cat to the recent shovel out. How much more potential might there be?
I'm not speaking of the pick of volunteering the Reston association usually emphasizes. I think citizens could with training pretty much do everything in Reston and would like to mostly for the fun of it.
You may not like to go cut down a tree or use a front end loader for the fun of it but I believe there are plenty of people who would and it would make Reston a better community.
Once when my dad moved he gave me his old tractor. I brought it over to my little place here in Reston but there just wasn't much to cut though I volunteered to cut the neighbors for a while. I tried to volunteer to mow the Reston property but there was just no way to ask to volunteer and no concept of greater citizen volunteering.
I was intrigued by a citizen volunteering to bring a bob cat to the recent shovel out. How much more potential might there be?
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
The Varied Rush and Recreation Expansion in Reston ARCH moderators questions
I was fortunate to see this morning a "Varied Rush," a colorful little bird which is very rare in this area that some avid birders had spotted in their back yard (near Reston but not in Reston) and have opened up their house as a kind of morning mecca for fellow birders. Your arrive between 7 and 9 just walking in the door and then looking out their back window. It won't be here long as it's the mating season and will probably fly up to Ohio where there are more of them. Email me if you want the address at Sharpeningman@yahoo.com
ARCH MODERATOR QUESTIONS:
RA CANDIDATE FORUM, MARCH 3, 2010
1. A joint RA-RCC initiative last year proposed building a major new recreational multiplex in Reston. More recently there has been talk of an alternative that would involve covering the Lake Newport tennis courts and pool and possibly putting lights on the Brown's Chapel ball fields. Do you think Reston is in need of additional recreational facilities? If so, which ones and should it be RA or some other organization that is responsible for building the facilities you feel are needed?
1.) I advocate flexible thinking. What do I mean by this? Some have said we need more swim lanes. Yet I often find myself swimming in the RCC pool that is either empty of other swimmers of has very few other swimmers in the pool. Often we double up, have two swimmers in one land. I think the idea of a need for more swim lanes is rooted in a specific time say 3:30 to 6:00. I would before constructing additional indoor swimming try to get people to swim at other times.
The Reston Association had built a water volley ball court. Yet I noticed there is rarely a actual game of volley ball there. I wanted to get a game going and wanted to put up a sign up and suggested it a Reston Association meeting. Though this was viewed positively it actually took two years going through the beauraracy to actually get them to put up an actual sign. But then no one showed up to play water volley ball. So I concluded that no one wants to play water volley ball in Reston, though it might seem like a good idea. (I have written about this so much. Last year I was over at my vegetable patch where I saw to my surprise people actually playing water volley ball, had they I wonder read my many letters to the editor and actually come to play?).
All of this suggests to me that we need communication. We can’t have a few people deciding on some sort of sport complex with a broader understanding. How many know that there was a actual ski slope complete with chair lifts in Reston. It probably looked good on the brochures but was never much used. Maybe a active skier encouraged it’s construction with out a sensible look at our winter temperatures.
We need two way communication in Reston in order to develop good recreation plans.
On the indoor tennis we need to know how many other similar upper middle class communities also subsidize indoor tennis? Is Reston lacking on indoor tennis courts while other upper middle class communities are providing them for their residents. I remember as a boy growing up in Sleep Hollow there were what was called bath and racket clubs. We were a member on one but often snuck in the other one to go visit friends.
How many want to play tennis in the winter? I like to go boating but it just has no appeal to go in the winter. I recently bought some black long underwear from the Cabella catalogue. It’s some kind of high tech and will wick moisture away and actually keeps you very warm even in the winter. What if a tennis player had some of this black underwear? Would that allow them to play tennis longer then is now commutable. How much of the winter would then be unplayable then because it was too cold for people to play in even in this black underwear? Would Reston at large want to raise the dues in order to pay for people to play tennis instead of wearing black long underwear? It’s actually healthier to be outdoors in the sunshine especially in the winter. If it were too cold to play tennis even then would it be cheaper to send everyone who wanted to play tennis to some other facility rather than build and maintain one?
But I would listen to compelling information that indicated that Reston needed to build indoor tennis courts because somehow Reston was behind other communities in their construction. I recently heard from someone who at 72 had just learned to play tennis and said it transferred their life.
2. The RA Board last year was unsuccessful in gaining approval for its headquarters referendum and ultimately withdrew from participating in the proposed RA-RCC rec center initiative. Do you think these were worthwhile initiatives that simply lacked adequate member support or do you think there were broader lessons from these experiences that should influence how RA does business going forward?
3. The RA Board has said that it hopes to convince future residential property owners within the RCIG that they should become part of the Reston Association. Tell us how you would pitch that proposition to those property owners.
4. What do you view as the three most important recommendations that should come out of the ongoing Reston Master Planning exercise and what actions if any would you recommend the RA Board take to advance those recommendations?
5. Some within ARCH believe that the RA Board has recently convened in executive session more than what may have been required (especially during the run-up to the headquarters referendum). What is your view of the use of executive session as a tool and whether or not it has been too frequently employed?
ARCH MODERATOR QUESTIONS:
RA CANDIDATE FORUM, MARCH 3, 2010
1. A joint RA-RCC initiative last year proposed building a major new recreational multiplex in Reston. More recently there has been talk of an alternative that would involve covering the Lake Newport tennis courts and pool and possibly putting lights on the Brown's Chapel ball fields. Do you think Reston is in need of additional recreational facilities? If so, which ones and should it be RA or some other organization that is responsible for building the facilities you feel are needed?
1.) I advocate flexible thinking. What do I mean by this? Some have said we need more swim lanes. Yet I often find myself swimming in the RCC pool that is either empty of other swimmers of has very few other swimmers in the pool. Often we double up, have two swimmers in one land. I think the idea of a need for more swim lanes is rooted in a specific time say 3:30 to 6:00. I would before constructing additional indoor swimming try to get people to swim at other times.
The Reston Association had built a water volley ball court. Yet I noticed there is rarely a actual game of volley ball there. I wanted to get a game going and wanted to put up a sign up and suggested it a Reston Association meeting. Though this was viewed positively it actually took two years going through the beauraracy to actually get them to put up an actual sign. But then no one showed up to play water volley ball. So I concluded that no one wants to play water volley ball in Reston, though it might seem like a good idea. (I have written about this so much. Last year I was over at my vegetable patch where I saw to my surprise people actually playing water volley ball, had they I wonder read my many letters to the editor and actually come to play?).
All of this suggests to me that we need communication. We can’t have a few people deciding on some sort of sport complex with a broader understanding. How many know that there was a actual ski slope complete with chair lifts in Reston. It probably looked good on the brochures but was never much used. Maybe a active skier encouraged it’s construction with out a sensible look at our winter temperatures.
We need two way communication in Reston in order to develop good recreation plans.
On the indoor tennis we need to know how many other similar upper middle class communities also subsidize indoor tennis? Is Reston lacking on indoor tennis courts while other upper middle class communities are providing them for their residents. I remember as a boy growing up in Sleep Hollow there were what was called bath and racket clubs. We were a member on one but often snuck in the other one to go visit friends.
How many want to play tennis in the winter? I like to go boating but it just has no appeal to go in the winter. I recently bought some black long underwear from the Cabella catalogue. It’s some kind of high tech and will wick moisture away and actually keeps you very warm even in the winter. What if a tennis player had some of this black underwear? Would that allow them to play tennis longer then is now commutable. How much of the winter would then be unplayable then because it was too cold for people to play in even in this black underwear? Would Reston at large want to raise the dues in order to pay for people to play tennis instead of wearing black long underwear? It’s actually healthier to be outdoors in the sunshine especially in the winter. If it were too cold to play tennis even then would it be cheaper to send everyone who wanted to play tennis to some other facility rather than build and maintain one?
But I would listen to compelling information that indicated that Reston needed to build indoor tennis courts because somehow Reston was behind other communities in their construction. I recently heard from someone who at 72 had just learned to play tennis and said it transferred their life.
2. The RA Board last year was unsuccessful in gaining approval for its headquarters referendum and ultimately withdrew from participating in the proposed RA-RCC rec center initiative. Do you think these were worthwhile initiatives that simply lacked adequate member support or do you think there were broader lessons from these experiences that should influence how RA does business going forward?
3. The RA Board has said that it hopes to convince future residential property owners within the RCIG that they should become part of the Reston Association. Tell us how you would pitch that proposition to those property owners.
4. What do you view as the three most important recommendations that should come out of the ongoing Reston Master Planning exercise and what actions if any would you recommend the RA Board take to advance those recommendations?
5. Some within ARCH believe that the RA Board has recently convened in executive session more than what may have been required (especially during the run-up to the headquarters referendum). What is your view of the use of executive session as a tool and whether or not it has been too frequently employed?
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Master Plan Talk
I watched last night as the Reston Citizens Association tried to phrase a comprehensive statement about the master plan in there off camera portion of there meeting. The Reston Citizens is a minority in the current climate: Well informed well meaning citizens trying to do something useful about the disaster coming like a freight train in the night.
The components of the disaster are well known:
The poorly designed expensive and accident prone Metro system coming to Reston. It will bring crime, congestion and traffic to Reston on a massive scale.
The numerous properties owned by landowners who will want to develop the properties to there legal limits of there potential.
The County who has a need for more tax income that such properties will generate.
The lack of any central individual or entity to comprehend and effectively plan for all of this. Robert Simon and his planners had it relatively easy in this regard. All they had to do was come up with a plan to turn farm land unto a marketable product. The coming chaos is much more difficult to conceive and transform.
The lack of a needed infrastructure and the lack of the money to pay for it. The RA and the RCC came up with a now defunct plan to build a massive recreation structure at Browns Chapel with fifth tax district income that would hopefully pay for it. Were they to come up with a plan to deal with the needed infrastructure instead it might of been more useful.
The decline of our national and international economies is unmentioned in all of this. Spain, Portugal and Greece are now totally bankrupt. Other countries are rapidly heading in this direction. The bond markets have shattered. The second phase of economic disaster looms on the horizon. How can Reston and the jargon about the master plan reconcile to this broader picture?
How will the Reston Association(which had previously been a stickler for it's profitable covenant administration to residents of Reston) who has recently abandoned covenant administration over the soon to be built (and horribly proposed designed for) Willie Station area be able to contribute some sort of statement to the county?
How will we candidates who hope to be elected to a board seat on the Reston Association come up with some sort of rhetoric that will convince people that we have the solution or the potential to find them and convince people to vote for us. I don't really know but at least there is some therapy in trying to write this.-Rod
The components of the disaster are well known:
The poorly designed expensive and accident prone Metro system coming to Reston. It will bring crime, congestion and traffic to Reston on a massive scale.
The numerous properties owned by landowners who will want to develop the properties to there legal limits of there potential.
The County who has a need for more tax income that such properties will generate.
The lack of any central individual or entity to comprehend and effectively plan for all of this. Robert Simon and his planners had it relatively easy in this regard. All they had to do was come up with a plan to turn farm land unto a marketable product. The coming chaos is much more difficult to conceive and transform.
The lack of a needed infrastructure and the lack of the money to pay for it. The RA and the RCC came up with a now defunct plan to build a massive recreation structure at Browns Chapel with fifth tax district income that would hopefully pay for it. Were they to come up with a plan to deal with the needed infrastructure instead it might of been more useful.
The decline of our national and international economies is unmentioned in all of this. Spain, Portugal and Greece are now totally bankrupt. Other countries are rapidly heading in this direction. The bond markets have shattered. The second phase of economic disaster looms on the horizon. How can Reston and the jargon about the master plan reconcile to this broader picture?
How will the Reston Association(which had previously been a stickler for it's profitable covenant administration to residents of Reston) who has recently abandoned covenant administration over the soon to be built (and horribly proposed designed for) Willie Station area be able to contribute some sort of statement to the county?
How will we candidates who hope to be elected to a board seat on the Reston Association come up with some sort of rhetoric that will convince people that we have the solution or the potential to find them and convince people to vote for us. I don't really know but at least there is some therapy in trying to write this.-Rod
The Desire to Produce Positive Jargon About the Reston Master Plan
I watched last night as the Reston Citizens Association tried to phrase a comprehensive statement regarding the coming disaster about to engulf Reston in there off camera portion of there meeting. The Reston Citizens is a minority in the current climate: Well informed well meaning citizens trying to do something useful about the overwhelming disaster coming like a freight train in the night.
The components of the disaster are well known:
The coming poorly designed expensive and accident prone Metro system coming to Reston. It will bring crime, congestion and traffic to Reston on a massive scale.
The numerous properties owned by landowners who will want to develop the properties to there legal limits of there potential.
The County who has a unlimited need for more tax income that such properties will generate.
The lack of any central individual or entity to effectively comprehend and effectively plan for all of this. Robert Simon and his planners had it relatively easy in this regard. All they had to do was come up with a plan to turn farm land unto a marketable product. The coming chaos is much more difficult to conceive and transform.
The lack of a needed infrastructure plan for infrastructure and the lack of the money to pay for it. The RA and the RCC came up with a now defunct plan to build a massive recreation structure at Browns Chapel with fifth tax income that would hopefully pay for it. Were they to come up with a plan to deal with the needed infrastructure it might of been more helpful
The decline of our national and international economies is unmentioned in all of this. Spain, Portugal and Greece are now totally bankrupt. Other countries are rapidly heading in this direction. The bond markets have shattered. The second phase of economic disaster looms on the horizon. How can Reston and the jargon about the master plan reconcile to this?
How will the Reston Association(which had previously been a stickler for it's profitable covenant administration to residents of Reston) who has recently abandoned covenant administration over the soon to be built (and horribly proposed designed for) Willie Station area be able to contribute some sort of statement to the county?
How will we candidates who hope to be elected to a board seat on the Reston Association come up with some sort of rhetoric that will convince people that we have the solution or the potential to find them and convince people to vote for us. I don't know but at least there is some therapy in trying to write this.-Rod
The components of the disaster are well known:
The coming poorly designed expensive and accident prone Metro system coming to Reston. It will bring crime, congestion and traffic to Reston on a massive scale.
The numerous properties owned by landowners who will want to develop the properties to there legal limits of there potential.
The County who has a unlimited need for more tax income that such properties will generate.
The lack of any central individual or entity to effectively comprehend and effectively plan for all of this. Robert Simon and his planners had it relatively easy in this regard. All they had to do was come up with a plan to turn farm land unto a marketable product. The coming chaos is much more difficult to conceive and transform.
The lack of a needed infrastructure plan for infrastructure and the lack of the money to pay for it. The RA and the RCC came up with a now defunct plan to build a massive recreation structure at Browns Chapel with fifth tax income that would hopefully pay for it. Were they to come up with a plan to deal with the needed infrastructure it might of been more helpful
The decline of our national and international economies is unmentioned in all of this. Spain, Portugal and Greece are now totally bankrupt. Other countries are rapidly heading in this direction. The bond markets have shattered. The second phase of economic disaster looms on the horizon. How can Reston and the jargon about the master plan reconcile to this?
How will the Reston Association(which had previously been a stickler for it's profitable covenant administration to residents of Reston) who has recently abandoned covenant administration over the soon to be built (and horribly proposed designed for) Willie Station area be able to contribute some sort of statement to the county?
How will we candidates who hope to be elected to a board seat on the Reston Association come up with some sort of rhetoric that will convince people that we have the solution or the potential to find them and convince people to vote for us. I don't know but at least there is some therapy in trying to write this.-Rod
Monday, February 22, 2010
The Problem of Validating RA Elections
The RA will not release election results like the US government. A corespondent writes: I would think that in the interest of transparency, that information would be public. It’s certainly public for US elections, which I would think would be the best measure of how to hold a fair election. If they won’t release who voted, what’s to prevent voter fraud? Right now, you could look at the US Presidential election and see who voted and randomly validate that those people voted. With RA, there is no way to check, other than to just hope everything worked out alright. Conceivably, someone could send a team of volunteers out to walk around the area the day the ballots are sent out, pick as many out of the mail boxes as they could, and mail them all in. The auditors would validate and RA would assume they are accurate.
There would be a small chance of someone noticing that they never got a ballot, calling in and identifying the issue, but that would be unlikely.
There would be a small chance of someone noticing that they never got a ballot, calling in and identifying the issue, but that would be unlikely.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
CITIZENS ADVISORY WORK GROUP #1
CITIZENS ADVISORY WORK GROUP #1
Guy L. Rando Kathy Kaplan
Reston, Virginia
February 11, 2010
Fairfax County Planning Commissioners
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
Reston Association Planning and Zoning
Reston Association Board of Directors
Reston Master Plan Special Study Task Force
Re: Comstock Wiehle Reston Station, RZ/FDP 2009-HM-019
Greetings:
The following letter presents our concerns with the Comstock Wiehle Reston Station proposal as submitted in the January 14, 2010 CDP/FDP and Proffer Statement. At the end of this letter you will find 3D views produced from images provided by Comstock.
The lack of public space and open space, the capacity of the current transportation system to absorb the proposed increase in traffic, a lack of connectivity to nearby trails and other pedestrian pathways, and the negative impact on the surrounding community leads us to the conclusion that this development should be rejected as designed.
There is a clear discrepancy between the amount of development proposed in the Comstock Wiehle development plan and that which can be calculated by observation of the CDP/FDP, the illustrative booklet, and exhibits. The CDP/FDP lists nearly1.3 million sq ft of development, yet calculating the footprints and proposed building heights produces an amount of 3.5 million sq ft. While the area of parking structures may not count towards FAR calculation, they should be added into the total development numbers.
The RCIG covenants and restrictions were administered by Reston Association, a clear indication that RA retains property rights. Those property rights belong to the homeowners of Reston. The deed cannot be vacated or nullified without the permission of the homeowners who own those property rights. It also appears that stripping the lands of Town Center from Reston Association was a violation of the deed. Those lands were part of the Deed of Dedication of Reston and Reston homeowners were never allowed to vote to relinquish Town Center as part of Reston Association.
There is essentially no open space in the Comstock proposal. Human beings require open space. Open space is a requirement for development in Fairfax County’s guidelines. In Block 1 of the proposed development there are 1,000 sq ft of open space and most of that is sidewalk. That is unacceptable.
Sandy Stallman, Manager of Fairfax County Park Planning Branch, states that for 444 residential units there must be 0.00148 acres of parkland per person, or 1.43 acres. That parkland must be on site. Reston Association homeowners are not required to provide parkland for residents of new developments in the corridor. Comstock is responsible for providing parkland for new residents.
The vehicular and pedestrian plaza in the center of the development is about the same size as Lake Anne Plaza. Through the center of the plaza two lanes of traffic will circulate constantly. The exhaust fumes will be trapped in between the 17 and 19 story buildings and the connected above-ground parking garages and a carbon monoxide chamber will be created poisoning people in the plaza. In addition, the plaza will be in shade most of the year, creating a wholly dismal, unhealthy, and claustrophobic environment not suitable for any sort of community event.
The land Comstock Wiehle Station will be built upon is public land owned by Fairfax County. However, areas of that land that will be set aside for residential recreation will be private and not open to the public. This is not a reasonable use of public land.
The Proffer Statement dated January 14, 2010, states that Comstock “shall establish” their own community associations. Residential properties in the RCIG need to come under the umbrella of Reston Association and be subject to the Deed of Dedication of Reston with the Design Review Board in control. The residents of Reston want all new development to fall under Reston Association.
The January 14, 2010, Proffer Statement limits the lifetime amount of fines to be paid by Comstock because of failure of the TDM program to $200,000. That is the limit of Comstock’s liability. That means if traffic is not sufficiently mitigated by their TDM measures, we will have to live with the traffic congestion and wait until such time that VDOT can afford to make road improvements. VDOT Chapter 527 TIA reports that there will be unsatisfactory delays of traffic along Wiehle and Sunset Hills Roads from the traffic associated with Comstock Wiehle Station and the area will be gridlocked.
Under the terms of the CDP/FDP Comstock is under no obligation to build anything beyond the below-ground parking garage until the “market dictates.” The residential building will not be built until Phase 5, almost the last phase. In the January 14, 2010 Proffer Statement the residential component has been reduced from 40% to 37.5%. The county’s comprehensive plan calls for transit-oriented development in the station area. There is no TOD without an adequate residential component. Residential units should be increased, not decreased.
Comstock will get all the benefits from this development. The community will get no benefits from this development. Were new TOD buildings placed over the Toll Road using air rights, as proposed in the Reston-Herndon Suburban Center and Transit Station Areas of the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan (page 30), the area of the park and ride could be the site of parks and recreational facilities set over a green roof above the underground parking garage. That would produce a more acceptable living environment for the residents at Comstock Wiehle, a number including density bonus that could be over 1,300 people.
At the current time Comstock Wiehle Station is not subject to review and evaluation by the Reston Master Plan Special Study Task Force which has been charged with planning redevelopment in the Dulles Corridor. Because of its size and density it should be included with the other APR nominations deferred to Special Study by the Task Force.
Comstock Wiehle Station as a template will begin the transformation of the Dulles Corridor into a Great Wall resembling Hong Kong. Comstock Wiehle Station cannot be supported by current infrastructure. It violates the Deed of Dedication of Reston. It does not belong in this internationally renowned planned community.
Comstock Wiehle Station development proposal does not fulfill measurable community criteria for quality of life, open space, and clean air and should be rejected.
Please see the 3D images on the following pages of this letter.
Sincerely,
Guy L. Rando
Urban Designer and Landscape Architect
1512 Inlet Court
Reston, VA 20190
(703) 437-3456
RandoforLakeAnne@aol.com
Kathy Kaplan
Poet and Naturalist
11223 Leatherwood Drive
Reston, VA 20191
(703) 476-0516
kwkaplan@aol.com
Guy L. Rando Kathy Kaplan
Reston, Virginia
February 11, 2010
Fairfax County Planning Commissioners
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
Reston Association Planning and Zoning
Reston Association Board of Directors
Reston Master Plan Special Study Task Force
Re: Comstock Wiehle Reston Station, RZ/FDP 2009-HM-019
Greetings:
The following letter presents our concerns with the Comstock Wiehle Reston Station proposal as submitted in the January 14, 2010 CDP/FDP and Proffer Statement. At the end of this letter you will find 3D views produced from images provided by Comstock.
The lack of public space and open space, the capacity of the current transportation system to absorb the proposed increase in traffic, a lack of connectivity to nearby trails and other pedestrian pathways, and the negative impact on the surrounding community leads us to the conclusion that this development should be rejected as designed.
There is a clear discrepancy between the amount of development proposed in the Comstock Wiehle development plan and that which can be calculated by observation of the CDP/FDP, the illustrative booklet, and exhibits. The CDP/FDP lists nearly1.3 million sq ft of development, yet calculating the footprints and proposed building heights produces an amount of 3.5 million sq ft. While the area of parking structures may not count towards FAR calculation, they should be added into the total development numbers.
The RCIG covenants and restrictions were administered by Reston Association, a clear indication that RA retains property rights. Those property rights belong to the homeowners of Reston. The deed cannot be vacated or nullified without the permission of the homeowners who own those property rights. It also appears that stripping the lands of Town Center from Reston Association was a violation of the deed. Those lands were part of the Deed of Dedication of Reston and Reston homeowners were never allowed to vote to relinquish Town Center as part of Reston Association.
There is essentially no open space in the Comstock proposal. Human beings require open space. Open space is a requirement for development in Fairfax County’s guidelines. In Block 1 of the proposed development there are 1,000 sq ft of open space and most of that is sidewalk. That is unacceptable.
Sandy Stallman, Manager of Fairfax County Park Planning Branch, states that for 444 residential units there must be 0.00148 acres of parkland per person, or 1.43 acres. That parkland must be on site. Reston Association homeowners are not required to provide parkland for residents of new developments in the corridor. Comstock is responsible for providing parkland for new residents.
The vehicular and pedestrian plaza in the center of the development is about the same size as Lake Anne Plaza. Through the center of the plaza two lanes of traffic will circulate constantly. The exhaust fumes will be trapped in between the 17 and 19 story buildings and the connected above-ground parking garages and a carbon monoxide chamber will be created poisoning people in the plaza. In addition, the plaza will be in shade most of the year, creating a wholly dismal, unhealthy, and claustrophobic environment not suitable for any sort of community event.
The land Comstock Wiehle Station will be built upon is public land owned by Fairfax County. However, areas of that land that will be set aside for residential recreation will be private and not open to the public. This is not a reasonable use of public land.
The Proffer Statement dated January 14, 2010, states that Comstock “shall establish” their own community associations. Residential properties in the RCIG need to come under the umbrella of Reston Association and be subject to the Deed of Dedication of Reston with the Design Review Board in control. The residents of Reston want all new development to fall under Reston Association.
The January 14, 2010, Proffer Statement limits the lifetime amount of fines to be paid by Comstock because of failure of the TDM program to $200,000. That is the limit of Comstock’s liability. That means if traffic is not sufficiently mitigated by their TDM measures, we will have to live with the traffic congestion and wait until such time that VDOT can afford to make road improvements. VDOT Chapter 527 TIA reports that there will be unsatisfactory delays of traffic along Wiehle and Sunset Hills Roads from the traffic associated with Comstock Wiehle Station and the area will be gridlocked.
Under the terms of the CDP/FDP Comstock is under no obligation to build anything beyond the below-ground parking garage until the “market dictates.” The residential building will not be built until Phase 5, almost the last phase. In the January 14, 2010 Proffer Statement the residential component has been reduced from 40% to 37.5%. The county’s comprehensive plan calls for transit-oriented development in the station area. There is no TOD without an adequate residential component. Residential units should be increased, not decreased.
Comstock will get all the benefits from this development. The community will get no benefits from this development. Were new TOD buildings placed over the Toll Road using air rights, as proposed in the Reston-Herndon Suburban Center and Transit Station Areas of the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan (page 30), the area of the park and ride could be the site of parks and recreational facilities set over a green roof above the underground parking garage. That would produce a more acceptable living environment for the residents at Comstock Wiehle, a number including density bonus that could be over 1,300 people.
At the current time Comstock Wiehle Station is not subject to review and evaluation by the Reston Master Plan Special Study Task Force which has been charged with planning redevelopment in the Dulles Corridor. Because of its size and density it should be included with the other APR nominations deferred to Special Study by the Task Force.
Comstock Wiehle Station as a template will begin the transformation of the Dulles Corridor into a Great Wall resembling Hong Kong. Comstock Wiehle Station cannot be supported by current infrastructure. It violates the Deed of Dedication of Reston. It does not belong in this internationally renowned planned community.
Comstock Wiehle Station development proposal does not fulfill measurable community criteria for quality of life, open space, and clean air and should be rejected.
Please see the 3D images on the following pages of this letter.
Sincerely,
Guy L. Rando
Urban Designer and Landscape Architect
1512 Inlet Court
Reston, VA 20190
(703) 437-3456
RandoforLakeAnne@aol.com
Kathy Kaplan
Poet and Naturalist
11223 Leatherwood Drive
Reston, VA 20191
(703) 476-0516
kwkaplan@aol.com
Unused Reston trucks sincde the last snow-maybbe as long as a month?
A lot of Reston trucks have not been used since the last snow or longer. I'm often seeing four at a time as if Reston workers never ride two or more in a truck. There is some s-10's I'm often seeing on the trails four at a time. The trails are not built to sustain vehicle traffic and as a result of vehicles are often deteriorated, broken up on the edges.
Is What we need in Reston is more Flexable Thinking!
Is what I'm thinking we need in Reston is more recreational facilities but flexible thinking! If you say to me that well we don't have enough places for the children to swim so we need to build 50 more lanes so they can swim at between 4 and 6 is what I'm thinking is what about them swimming at 7 or 8 o'clock instead? I'm a swimmer and often find myself swimming in a virtually empty pool by scheduling my swimming at NON PEAK times.
If I were a tennis player who was unhappy that there was no place to play tennis between November and March what about indoor table tennis? What id we set up about a dozen tables right inside our great big community center room and started playing indoor table tennis?
The only reason we don't is because the staff would complain. The staff there are virtually taking over the building expanding their offices at a alarming rate until there may be no more room left at RCC.
The problem is RCC has taken all of our money! We pay about five cents on the hundred dollars of real estate value while McLean pays only 2 cents. Fairfax has taken all of our money! There is nowhere else to go as far as community center. We need to all stand up and holler Cathy Hudgins give us back our money! The old elected RCC board (three back) tried to move in this direction but were prevented by Cathy. The RCA tried to get Reatonincorperated but Cathy prevented it. Meanwhild is what we need is flexable thinking! There's a old Russian Proverb that went If you can't eat the Fish eat a creyfish-Rod Koozmin
If I were a tennis player who was unhappy that there was no place to play tennis between November and March what about indoor table tennis? What id we set up about a dozen tables right inside our great big community center room and started playing indoor table tennis?
The only reason we don't is because the staff would complain. The staff there are virtually taking over the building expanding their offices at a alarming rate until there may be no more room left at RCC.
The problem is RCC has taken all of our money! We pay about five cents on the hundred dollars of real estate value while McLean pays only 2 cents. Fairfax has taken all of our money! There is nowhere else to go as far as community center. We need to all stand up and holler Cathy Hudgins give us back our money! The old elected RCC board (three back) tried to move in this direction but were prevented by Cathy. The RCA tried to get Reatonincorperated but Cathy prevented it. Meanwhild is what we need is flexable thinking! There's a old Russian Proverb that went If you can't eat the Fish eat a creyfish-Rod Koozmin
Thinking generallhy about urban planning and the new master plan I'm thinking that we may very much want a viable Master plan but what in the world ma
Thinking generallhy about urban planning and the new master plan I'm thinking that we may very much want a viable Master plan but what in the world makes us think we will ever have a successful Master plan?
Where in the world would we go to look for a successful model where there is urban growth?
In my life and places I have been I can only think of Holland. The Dutch had gone through natural disasters and the ravishes of war and moved from being a agricultural country and increased in population in the fifties and emerged in the late sixties as a very pleasant country very much balanced out in terms of parks, transportation, layout of the old sections with apartments overlooking farmland.
I just don't know where we would look for examples of urban growth in Northern Virginia. Annandale where I had lived back in the fifties is horrible and I think is the worse example of an urban center in Northern Virginia.
Mclean where i had lived in the early sixties has absolutely nothing to show as a model of excellence as far as any sort of planning.
I am left to look at Vienna which seems to have some pleasant areas as I sit in gridlock traffic when going through frequently.
And all I can think of as successful locally is revitalization's of older sections of cities. I think the revitalization of the old part of Charlottesville is pleasant. The revitalization of the inner Harbor of Baltimore is pleasant allowing one to wander and find whatever one likes, if it's the old village of little Italy, the water, the diverse eating places. But they had a lot to work with initially.-Rod
Where in the world would we go to look for a successful model where there is urban growth?
In my life and places I have been I can only think of Holland. The Dutch had gone through natural disasters and the ravishes of war and moved from being a agricultural country and increased in population in the fifties and emerged in the late sixties as a very pleasant country very much balanced out in terms of parks, transportation, layout of the old sections with apartments overlooking farmland.
I just don't know where we would look for examples of urban growth in Northern Virginia. Annandale where I had lived back in the fifties is horrible and I think is the worse example of an urban center in Northern Virginia.
Mclean where i had lived in the early sixties has absolutely nothing to show as a model of excellence as far as any sort of planning.
I am left to look at Vienna which seems to have some pleasant areas as I sit in gridlock traffic when going through frequently.
And all I can think of as successful locally is revitalization's of older sections of cities. I think the revitalization of the old part of Charlottesville is pleasant. The revitalization of the inner Harbor of Baltimore is pleasant allowing one to wander and find whatever one likes, if it's the old village of little Italy, the water, the diverse eating places. But they had a lot to work with initially.-Rod
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Reston Food Drive
Earlier I had posted the email regarding our meeting to collect food. I had then neglected to say the time and place and that would be this Sunday Feb 21 between 12 to 3 at Issac Newton Square. I have no way of knowing if this will be sent by the RA and how many candidates will be there but I at least will be there to collect food and talk about Reston.
So often people have extra items taking up space but not used for one reason or another. They eventually get outdated and have to be discarded. This will be a good way to clean out the cupboard of such items and help someone less fortunate.
Candidates for the current Reston Association will be on hand to help with the donated items and to answer any questions citizens may have regarding their campaigns.
There is an acute need at FACETS for food for the homeless during this sever winter weather we've been having. Particularly in need is :Pop-top soups and pastas- Crackers - single serve packs - Peanut butter & jelly- Canned tuna & chicken Bottled water, Juice boxes, Granola bars/healthy snacks, Cereal, Canned fruits & vegetables, Spaghetti and sauce.
Please do not donate any perishable items or items that have expired their shelf life.
There is also a need for a heavy duty van with which to transport the donated items to FACET headquarters or possibly Reston Interfaith FACET 's sister organization. Please contact Rod Koozmin at 703 945 0171 or any of the candidates regarding this.
So often people have extra items taking up space but not used for one reason or another. They eventually get outdated and have to be discarded. This will be a good way to clean out the cupboard of such items and help someone less fortunate.
Candidates for the current Reston Association will be on hand to help with the donated items and to answer any questions citizens may have regarding their campaigns.
There is an acute need at FACETS for food for the homeless during this sever winter weather we've been having. Particularly in need is :Pop-top soups and pastas- Crackers - single serve packs - Peanut butter & jelly- Canned tuna & chicken Bottled water, Juice boxes, Granola bars/healthy snacks, Cereal, Canned fruits & vegetables, Spaghetti and sauce.
Please do not donate any perishable items or items that have expired their shelf life.
There is also a need for a heavy duty van with which to transport the donated items to FACET headquarters or possibly Reston Interfaith FACET 's sister organization. Please contact Rod Koozmin at 703 945 0171 or any of the candidates regarding this.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Big Dig correspondance with Cate and Milton
Flag this messageRe: FW: RA Dissemination of Information RE: "Big Dig"Wednesday, February 17, 2010 5:17 PMFrom: "Rod Koozmin" View contact detailsTo: djr1622@yahoo.com, "David Robinson 2" , "PeterGreenberg" , "Guy L. Rando" , joe_leighton@comcast.net, "Ken Knueven" , "Kevin Danaher" , "Kevin Danaher 2" , "Michael E. Collins" , "Patrick Shipp" , "Peter Greenberg 2" , "Rengin Morro" , "Cate Fulkerson" ... moreCc: "fairfaxtimes 12th version" , "Observer lwtter to the editor" , reston@connectionnewspapers.com, "Restonian" Cate,
I'm hearing from some Reston citizens who question the propriety of sending the email, representing as it dose the Reston Association in that it tends to endorse three candidates at the expense of the other seven not mentioned. If the three end up winning the election, given that most citizens don't vote as you explained and the list contains more interested citizens, will that no seemt unfair to the other seven candidates not mentioned. Will they not have a valid grievance at not being mentioned as also supporting citizen volunteering. While it might of made stress for the election committee it is highest priority that we want to have fair elections in Reston.
Could you ask Mr. Mathews if he would extend the ability to send emails
to worthy causes to the other seven or who exactly?
Would he be willing to now send a email fairly admitting the error of sending such a email since it duplicated emails already sent by PTA's and the school board and those did not mention the three candidates?
Has he ever sent any similar emails defacto endorsing canidartes or dose he plan to in the future?
I also shoveled snow at bus stops around Reaton and commend Mr Mathews and everyone else who participated in the effort.
It is my hope as a canidate that we can have two way communication in Reston and any citizen can communicate needs of this sort using the communication tools of the Reston Association .
-Rod Koozmin, Canidate for the At large Seat of the Reaton Association
--- On Wed, 2/17/10, Cate Fulkerson wrote:
From: Cate Fulkerson
Subject: FW: RA Dissemination of Information RE: "Big Dig"
To: djr1622@yahoo.com, "David Robinson 2", "Greenberg, Peter" , "Guy L. Rando" , joe_leighton@comcast.net, "Ken Knueven" , "Kevin Danaher" , "Kevin Danaher 2" , "Michael E. Collins" , "Patrick Shipp" , "Peter Greenberg 2" , "Rengin Morro" , "Rod Koozmin"
Date: Wednesday, February 17, 2010, 4:25 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Milton Matthews
Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 4:15 PM
To: GraveyEl@aol.com; daecoassoc@aol.com; tim_donohue_37@hotmail.com; samstalcup@gmail.com; Cate Fulkerson
Cc: Robin Smyers; Kathleen McKee ; ' cherylbeamer@verizon.net '; Timothy McMahon; TomV RstnAsn; frank.lynch1@gmail.com; Richard Chew ; Joe Leighton; 'Paul Thomas'; Higgins, John D.
Subject: RA Dissemination of Information RE: "Big Dig"
Everyone,
As many of you know, there are e-mails and probably other forms of communications circulating which call into question whether it was a wise decision on the part of RA to disseminate information about a community-wide call for volunteers to assist with snow removal on sidewalks, pathways and, in some cases near bus stops, located adjacent to several schools in Reston. The first point I need to make is that the decision to disseminate the information was mine and not that of RA’s Board of Directors. And, given that the members of the Board of Directors are my bosses, I take absolutely no position on whom those individuals will be, with the only exception being the vote I cast as a Member of the Reston Association.
When I was asked if RA would send out the information about the call for volunteers, my first question was whether RA would be the only source attempting to get the word out to the community. I was assured that efforts by many others were already underway to get the word out. Yes, I was very conscious of the fact that the information to be disseminated acknowledged that among the organizers were three candidates for the RA Board of Directors. However, given the nature of the volunteer work and what I believe were many benefits to the community, I do not second guess my decision to disseminate the information via RA’s various communication channels. On a personal note, I actually shoveled snow and ice at Armstrong Elementary School shoulder to shoulder with individuals I was meeting for the first time.
I have repeatedly stated that I want the Reston Association to be a valued and reliable resource to the community, even if there is a matter in which we are not the direct service provider. I believe getting the word out about the call for volunteers was a service to the community, notwithstanding the fact that three of the organizers of the effort are candidates for the RA Board of Directors.
To members of the Election Committee, I apologize if my decision has created a stressful situation for you.
Milton W. Matthews
Chief Executive Officer
Reston Association
703-437-9580
www.reston.org
RA Vision: Leading the model community where all can live, work, and play.
I'm hearing from some Reston citizens who question the propriety of sending the email, representing as it dose the Reston Association in that it tends to endorse three candidates at the expense of the other seven not mentioned. If the three end up winning the election, given that most citizens don't vote as you explained and the list contains more interested citizens, will that no seemt unfair to the other seven candidates not mentioned. Will they not have a valid grievance at not being mentioned as also supporting citizen volunteering. While it might of made stress for the election committee it is highest priority that we want to have fair elections in Reston.
Could you ask Mr. Mathews if he would extend the ability to send emails
to worthy causes to the other seven or who exactly?
Would he be willing to now send a email fairly admitting the error of sending such a email since it duplicated emails already sent by PTA's and the school board and those did not mention the three candidates?
Has he ever sent any similar emails defacto endorsing canidartes or dose he plan to in the future?
I also shoveled snow at bus stops around Reaton and commend Mr Mathews and everyone else who participated in the effort.
It is my hope as a canidate that we can have two way communication in Reston and any citizen can communicate needs of this sort using the communication tools of the Reston Association .
-Rod Koozmin, Canidate for the At large Seat of the Reaton Association
--- On Wed, 2/17/10, Cate Fulkerson
From: Cate Fulkerson
Subject: FW: RA Dissemination of Information RE: "Big Dig"
To: djr1622@yahoo.com, "David Robinson 2"
Date: Wednesday, February 17, 2010, 4:25 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Milton Matthews
Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 4:15 PM
To: GraveyEl@aol.com; daecoassoc@aol.com; tim_donohue_37@hotmail.com; samstalcup@gmail.com; Cate Fulkerson
Cc: Robin Smyers; Kathleen McKee ; ' cherylbeamer@verizon.net '; Timothy McMahon; TomV RstnAsn; frank.lynch1@gmail.com; Richard Chew ; Joe Leighton; 'Paul Thomas'; Higgins, John D.
Subject: RA Dissemination of Information RE: "Big Dig"
Everyone,
As many of you know, there are e-mails and probably other forms of communications circulating which call into question whether it was a wise decision on the part of RA to disseminate information about a community-wide call for volunteers to assist with snow removal on sidewalks, pathways and, in some cases near bus stops, located adjacent to several schools in Reston. The first point I need to make is that the decision to disseminate the information was mine and not that of RA’s Board of Directors. And, given that the members of the Board of Directors are my bosses, I take absolutely no position on whom those individuals will be, with the only exception being the vote I cast as a Member of the Reston Association.
When I was asked if RA would send out the information about the call for volunteers, my first question was whether RA would be the only source attempting to get the word out to the community. I was assured that efforts by many others were already underway to get the word out. Yes, I was very conscious of the fact that the information to be disseminated acknowledged that among the organizers were three candidates for the RA Board of Directors. However, given the nature of the volunteer work and what I believe were many benefits to the community, I do not second guess my decision to disseminate the information via RA’s various communication channels. On a personal note, I actually shoveled snow and ice at Armstrong Elementary School shoulder to shoulder with individuals I was meeting for the first time.
I have repeatedly stated that I want the Reston Association to be a valued and reliable resource to the community, even if there is a matter in which we are not the direct service provider. I believe getting the word out about the call for volunteers was a service to the community, notwithstanding the fact that three of the organizers of the effort are candidates for the RA Board of Directors.
To members of the Election Committee, I apologize if my decision has created a stressful situation for you.
Milton W. Matthews
Chief Executive Officer
Reston Association
703-437-9580
www.reston.org
RA Vision: Leading the model community where all can live, work, and play.
Will it be election fraud and Reston Association cover up? Maybe people who are powerful and devious enough to perpetrate fraud are clever and diaboli
Will it be election fraud and Reston Association cover up? Maybe people who are powerful and devious enough to perpetrate fraud are clever and diabolical enough to avoid detection and shift the blame.
What are you talking about Rod?
The Reston Association sent out emails urging citizens to volunteer to shovel sidewalks and bus stops so that students could return to school under three current candidates board candidates in the current Reston Association Election. They are all in different races.
Notification had already been sent out by the Fairfax County School Board. So the effect of the Reston Association emails though they claimed to be unofficial was to endorse these candidates above all the other to this active voting group.
Well what if they had nothing to do with the email? Is it really their fault?
What if they win the election, won't there then be a lingering doubt that the email campaign was the thing that pushed these candidates over the edge?
Well Rod what if they are just better candidates, more civic minded and the voters just sense that?
Well then why have a election at all? Why not just allow the board to select whomever they deem best. It could save the Reston Association some $20,000 (or is it $40,000)
With these concerns in mind I emailed the Reston Election Committee. The fate of freedom of election in Reston is in their hands. I include the email address so that interested citizens might want to write the committee of their concerns.
the election committee: regarding improprieties regarding the Reston Association sending out possibly unauthorized emails having the effect of endorsing candidates for the current election.
From: Rod Koozmin
To: Sean Bahrami ; daecoassoc@aol.com; graveyel@aol.com; samstalcup@gmail.com; tim donohue 37 ; djr1622@yahoo.com; David Robinson 2 ; Peter Greenberg ; Guy L. Rando ; joe_leighton@comcast.net; Ken Knueven ; Kevin Danaher ; Kevin Danaher 2 ; Michael E. Collins ; Patrick Shipp ; Peter Greenberg 2 ; Rengin Morro
Cc: reston@connectionnewspapers.com; Observer lwtter to the editor ; fairfaxtimes 12th version
Sent: Tue, Feb 16, 2010 11:00 am
Subject: the election committee: regarding improprieties regarding the Reston Association sending out possibly unauthorized emails having the effect of endorsing specific candidates
To The Reston Association Election Committee: If I understand it correctly the Reston Association Email list was used to enlist Reston citizens to shovel snow and imply that it was the brain child of three separate citizens
who also happened to be running for three separate races in the current Reston election.
The notice which I think was great had already gone out to parents of school children by Fairfax county school board so sending it on the RA list had the effect, though it was said to be unofficial, of putting the three in a good light coming as it did from the RA with Reston citizens
I question if Reston resources should be used in this way. Reston candidates are extremely limited by the RA in words for their goals and practicality from contacting citizens. Most citizens do not vote, those on the list probably do.
I would like a investigation on how this could happen. I would also like a explanation of how it happened sent out to the list and all the candidates in the current election. And could the remaining five candidates who are not in effect endorsed also be allowed to use the list for a charity of their choosing or good works so as to balance the effect of this out before the current election is over?
-Rod Koozmin
Candidate for the at Large Seat of the Reston Association
703 945 0171 cell
Posted by Rod's Sharpening Service or Sharpening in Reston at 2:40 PM
Reactions:
What are you talking about Rod?
The Reston Association sent out emails urging citizens to volunteer to shovel sidewalks and bus stops so that students could return to school under three current candidates board candidates in the current Reston Association Election. They are all in different races.
Notification had already been sent out by the Fairfax County School Board. So the effect of the Reston Association emails though they claimed to be unofficial was to endorse these candidates above all the other to this active voting group.
Well what if they had nothing to do with the email? Is it really their fault?
What if they win the election, won't there then be a lingering doubt that the email campaign was the thing that pushed these candidates over the edge?
Well Rod what if they are just better candidates, more civic minded and the voters just sense that?
Well then why have a election at all? Why not just allow the board to select whomever they deem best. It could save the Reston Association some $20,000 (or is it $40,000)
With these concerns in mind I emailed the Reston Election Committee. The fate of freedom of election in Reston is in their hands. I include the email address so that interested citizens might want to write the committee of their concerns.
the election committee: regarding improprieties regarding the Reston Association sending out possibly unauthorized emails having the effect of endorsing candidates for the current election.
From: Rod Koozmin
To: Sean Bahrami ; daecoassoc@aol.com; graveyel@aol.com; samstalcup@gmail.com; tim donohue 37 ; djr1622@yahoo.com; David Robinson 2 ; Peter Greenberg ; Guy L. Rando ; joe_leighton@comcast.net; Ken Knueven ; Kevin Danaher ; Kevin Danaher 2 ; Michael E. Collins ; Patrick Shipp ; Peter Greenberg 2 ; Rengin Morro
Cc: reston@connectionnewspapers.com; Observer lwtter to the editor ; fairfaxtimes 12th version
Sent: Tue, Feb 16, 2010 11:00 am
Subject: the election committee: regarding improprieties regarding the Reston Association sending out possibly unauthorized emails having the effect of endorsing specific candidates
To The Reston Association Election Committee: If I understand it correctly the Reston Association Email list was used to enlist Reston citizens to shovel snow and imply that it was the brain child of three separate citizens
who also happened to be running for three separate races in the current Reston election.
The notice which I think was great had already gone out to parents of school children by Fairfax county school board so sending it on the RA list had the effect, though it was said to be unofficial, of putting the three in a good light coming as it did from the RA with Reston citizens
I question if Reston resources should be used in this way. Reston candidates are extremely limited by the RA in words for their goals and practicality from contacting citizens. Most citizens do not vote, those on the list probably do.
I would like a investigation on how this could happen. I would also like a explanation of how it happened sent out to the list and all the candidates in the current election. And could the remaining five candidates who are not in effect endorsed also be allowed to use the list for a charity of their choosing or good works so as to balance the effect of this out before the current election is over?
-Rod Koozmin
Candidate for the at Large Seat of the Reston Association
703 945 0171 cell
Posted by Rod's Sharpening Service or Sharpening in Reston at 2:40 PM
Reactions:
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
the election committee: regarding improprieties regarding the Reston Association sending out possibly unauthorized emails having the effect of endors
From: Rod Koozmin
To: Sean Bahrami; daecoassoc@aol.com; graveyel@aol.com; samstalcup@gmail.com; tim donohue 37 ; djr1622@yahoo.com; David Robinson 2 ; Peter Greenberg ; Guy L. Rando ; joe_leighton@comcast.net; Ken Knueven ; Kevin Danaher ; Kevin Danaher 2 ; Michael E. Collins ; Patrick Shipp ; Peter Greenberg 2 ; Rengin Morro
Cc: reston@connectionnewspapers.com; Observer lwtter to the editor; fairfaxtimes 12th version
Sent: Tue, Feb 16, 2010 11:00 am
Subject: the election committee: regarding improprieties regarding the Reston Association sending out possibly unauthorized emails having the effect of endorsing specific candidates
Election Committee: If I understand it correctly the Reston Association Email list was used to enlist snow shoveller and imply that it was the brain child of three separate citizens
who also happened to be running for three separate races in the current Reston election. The notice which I think was great had already gone out to parents of school children by Fairfax county so sending it on the RA list had the effect, though it was said to be unofficial of putting the three in a good light coming as it did from the RA with Reston citizens
I question if Reston resources should be used in this way. Also candidates are extremely limited. Reston candidates are extremely limited by the RA and practicality from contacting citizens. Most citizens do not vote, those on the list probably do.
I would like a investigation on how this could happen. I would also like a explanation of how it happened sent out to the list and all the candidates in the current election. And could the remaining five candidates who are not in effect endorsed also be allowed to use the list for a charity of their choosing or good works so as to balance the effect of this out before the current election is over?
-Rod Koozmin
Candidate for the at Large Seat of the Reston Association
703 945 0171 cell
To: Sean Bahrami
Cc: reston@connectionnewspapers.com; Observer lwtter to the editor
Sent: Tue, Feb 16, 2010 11:00 am
Subject: the election committee: regarding improprieties regarding the Reston Association sending out possibly unauthorized emails having the effect of endorsing specific candidates
Election Committee: If I understand it correctly the Reston Association Email list was used to enlist snow shoveller and imply that it was the brain child of three separate citizens
who also happened to be running for three separate races in the current Reston election. The notice which I think was great had already gone out to parents of school children by Fairfax county so sending it on the RA list had the effect, though it was said to be unofficial of putting the three in a good light coming as it did from the RA with Reston citizens
I question if Reston resources should be used in this way. Also candidates are extremely limited. Reston candidates are extremely limited by the RA and practicality from contacting citizens. Most citizens do not vote, those on the list probably do.
I would like a investigation on how this could happen. I would also like a explanation of how it happened sent out to the list and all the candidates in the current election. And could the remaining five candidates who are not in effect endorsed also be allowed to use the list for a charity of their choosing or good works so as to balance the effect of this out before the current election is over?
-Rod Koozmin
Candidate for the at Large Seat of the Reston Association
703 945 0171 cell
Monday, February 15, 2010
Is The Forte of our Institutions is Legaese not community
Milton Mathew the $172,000 a year Reston Executive Director wrote back me some years ago that the reason we cannot have bulletin boards that citizens can post their concerns on a public bulletin board is it will be used by pedophiles and the Reston Association would be legally liable.
Lila Gordon the outspoken Executive Director of the Reston Community Center who has contributed $200 to Cathy Hudgins similarly told me the reason why we cannot have a similar bulletin board at the community center (as well as presumably a suggestion box like the Vienna Community center has) is because their Fairfax County legal council has advised against it.
This makes me wonder is the main product of our Institutions legalese instead of community communication and links?
For about a two year period the Reston Association did provide a citizen accessible bulletin board where citizen could post their concerns. It is a requirement of the state of Virginia that Home Owners Associations be required to provide It was at the Reston Association but has suddenly with out announcement been taken down.
The Lake Ann Plaza features a bulletin board maintained for many years by the Reston Used book store. But that too has gone institutional and citizens can no longer use it to post concerns for which it looks it was originally designed as a central place for the community.
The all nationality grocery store at tall oaks shopping center used to feature two prominent bulletin boards that were widely used but that store went out of business. There are few bulletin boards the first place for our freedom of press in Reston.
I argue we need communication in Reston in order to be a community. We need to hire lawyers that will help us be a community instead of finding legal objections to communication. This should be our focus.
Our Neighborhood advisory committee which I am a member, is currently looking at plans to erect citizen accessible bulletin boards throughout Reston in compliance with the state directives. We found that we have no way to publicize Reston events like the Meeting at the Sheraton for Clusters for example. But when we express this to the board will this too be shot down again for some kind of legal reason?
For hundreds of years this country has allowed public bulletin boards. I see them in use when I travel to other towns through out the nation.
We don't need no suggestion at the Reston Community Center but in Vienna they do. This seems to be what our RCC are saying to us.Originally to have a "Community" Center was a grass roots effort. Somehow it got institutionalized and taken away from the very people that pay for it.
Citizens for example wanted and worked for a wood shop that could be used instead of having to keep large wood shop that could be shared instead of having buy and store workshop tools our small homes. But the RCC maybe doesn't like people trailing in and out with there wood projects and as a result limits it's use to just one day and one night when citizens can actually use it. And it closes it for "periodic maintenance" which no one can learn what is maintained.
I say we need to be a community and we need for our institutions to not oppose citizens wanting to express them selves.
In the current election Candidates are given 150 words by the Reston Association to state our goals. We are also given 20 seconds on their You Tube and Comcast broadcast. The Connection is giving us 100 words. The Reston Citizens Association is giving us 60 words times three. There is more that needs to be expressed as a candidate then just a few words though we are thankful for these and it is more then other citizens have.
Currently we have the Reston master plan which will effect all the citizens who live here. In order to be a community we need some way to communicate. It's the institutions that are telling us that everything is fine. We don't need any way to express ourselves we just can rely on them.
Currently only ten to twenty percent of citizens vote in Reston Association Elections. We did have people serving on the board of the Reston community Center that only had 200 voters electing them. Is it because there are so few places for citizens to learn about the issues and candidates that so few vote?
Lila Gordon the outspoken Executive Director of the Reston Community Center who has contributed $200 to Cathy Hudgins similarly told me the reason why we cannot have a similar bulletin board at the community center (as well as presumably a suggestion box like the Vienna Community center has) is because their Fairfax County legal council has advised against it.
This makes me wonder is the main product of our Institutions legalese instead of community communication and links?
For about a two year period the Reston Association did provide a citizen accessible bulletin board where citizen could post their concerns. It is a requirement of the state of Virginia that Home Owners Associations be required to provide It was at the Reston Association but has suddenly with out announcement been taken down.
The Lake Ann Plaza features a bulletin board maintained for many years by the Reston Used book store. But that too has gone institutional and citizens can no longer use it to post concerns for which it looks it was originally designed as a central place for the community.
The all nationality grocery store at tall oaks shopping center used to feature two prominent bulletin boards that were widely used but that store went out of business. There are few bulletin boards the first place for our freedom of press in Reston.
I argue we need communication in Reston in order to be a community. We need to hire lawyers that will help us be a community instead of finding legal objections to communication. This should be our focus.
Our Neighborhood advisory committee which I am a member, is currently looking at plans to erect citizen accessible bulletin boards throughout Reston in compliance with the state directives. We found that we have no way to publicize Reston events like the Meeting at the Sheraton for Clusters for example. But when we express this to the board will this too be shot down again for some kind of legal reason?
For hundreds of years this country has allowed public bulletin boards. I see them in use when I travel to other towns through out the nation.
We don't need no suggestion at the Reston Community Center but in Vienna they do. This seems to be what our RCC are saying to us.Originally to have a "Community" Center was a grass roots effort. Somehow it got institutionalized and taken away from the very people that pay for it.
Citizens for example wanted and worked for a wood shop that could be used instead of having to keep large wood shop that could be shared instead of having buy and store workshop tools our small homes. But the RCC maybe doesn't like people trailing in and out with there wood projects and as a result limits it's use to just one day and one night when citizens can actually use it. And it closes it for "periodic maintenance" which no one can learn what is maintained.
I say we need to be a community and we need for our institutions to not oppose citizens wanting to express them selves.
In the current election Candidates are given 150 words by the Reston Association to state our goals. We are also given 20 seconds on their You Tube and Comcast broadcast. The Connection is giving us 100 words. The Reston Citizens Association is giving us 60 words times three. There is more that needs to be expressed as a candidate then just a few words though we are thankful for these and it is more then other citizens have.
Currently we have the Reston master plan which will effect all the citizens who live here. In order to be a community we need some way to communicate. It's the institutions that are telling us that everything is fine. We don't need any way to express ourselves we just can rely on them.
Currently only ten to twenty percent of citizens vote in Reston Association Elections. We did have people serving on the board of the Reston community Center that only had 200 voters electing them. Is it because there are so few places for citizens to learn about the issues and candidates that so few vote?
Friday, February 12, 2010
20 seconds of fame and solar pannels in Reston
I was myself broadcasting my 20 seconds of fame on the Reston Association's YouTube and Comcast broadcasts today. Or at least recording it. All ten of us candidates will be bunched together in on kind of great big video collage leaving me to wonder if anyone would really watch despite my brilliant summation of my goals and if there was any other way reach the citizens of Reston.
Arriving early I went in to the Design Review offices to kill some time and to inquirer about if there were any restrictions (a stupid thing I know to wonder about in Reston) on putting solar collectors ( I had been wondering about saving the planet from global warming)on the roof.
Well it turns out there were some(why was I not surprised). Reston citizens are restricted to a system with a maximum size of 96 square feet or three panels maximum. I was informed by Covent Case Manager and given a application and advised to check with my own personnel Covenants Advisor . No matter that as I explained that I was merely looking through my Harbor Freight Catalogue.
But get this: while in the men's room and practicing my 20 second speech(well you don't want to get it wrong) I happened to meet a Solar Installer newly transfering from Florida who told me after noticing my regulations stacked on the paper towel rack told me that Federal Law supersedes local Home Owners Associations! Obviously newly arrived from Florida he had no idea of the scope and power of our Reston Association.
Solar Hot water heaters are cost effective while tank less hot water heaters are not he told me, the same as my heating and air conditioning guy told me.
Will Reston Citizens opt to save the planet in compliance of Federal regulations or wisely decide to comply with local Reston Association regulations? Can we save the planet from global warming? Or will our Home Owners Association be able to prevail in regulating our solar collectors so they conform to our own special regulations* here in Reston or will anyone see any of the candidates in order to vote intelligently? Stay tuned to this network.
*I was recently at a Reston Association meeting as a spectator when special counsel informed the board that special state legislation was (yes, yes, yes) being drafted to allow Home Owners to regulate solar collectors so that Home Owners regulations could have some control over there use!
Arriving early I went in to the Design Review offices to kill some time and to inquirer about if there were any restrictions (a stupid thing I know to wonder about in Reston) on putting solar collectors ( I had been wondering about saving the planet from global warming)on the roof.
Well it turns out there were some(why was I not surprised). Reston citizens are restricted to a system with a maximum size of 96 square feet or three panels maximum. I was informed by Covent Case Manager and given a application and advised to check with my own personnel Covenants Advisor . No matter that as I explained that I was merely looking through my Harbor Freight Catalogue.
But get this: while in the men's room and practicing my 20 second speech(well you don't want to get it wrong) I happened to meet a Solar Installer newly transfering from Florida who told me after noticing my regulations stacked on the paper towel rack told me that Federal Law supersedes local Home Owners Associations! Obviously newly arrived from Florida he had no idea of the scope and power of our Reston Association.
Solar Hot water heaters are cost effective while tank less hot water heaters are not he told me, the same as my heating and air conditioning guy told me.
Will Reston Citizens opt to save the planet in compliance of Federal regulations or wisely decide to comply with local Reston Association regulations? Can we save the planet from global warming? Or will our Home Owners Association be able to prevail in regulating our solar collectors so they conform to our own special regulations* here in Reston or will anyone see any of the candidates in order to vote intelligently? Stay tuned to this network.
*I was recently at a Reston Association meeting as a spectator when special counsel informed the board that special state legislation was (yes, yes, yes) being drafted to allow Home Owners to regulate solar collectors so that Home Owners regulations could have some control over there use!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Time Magazene Article, Organic Church ETC
Discussion BoardTopic ViewStart New TopicTopic: Time Magazene Article
Delete Topic|Reply to Topic
Displaying the only post.
Post #1
You wroteon May 29, 2009 at 5:55am
March 01, 2006
There's No Pulpit Like Home - TIME Magazine
"Some Evangelicals are abandoning megachurches for minichurches--based in their own living rooms." So says the sub-heading an article on simple church in the current issue of TIME magazine. Since I'm one of those people I thought I'd post the entire article from the Mar. 06, 2006 issue of TIME magazine:
There's No Pulpit Like Home
Some Evangelicals are abandoning megachurches for minichurches--based in their own living rooms
By Rita Healy & David Van Biema
On a Sunday at their modest, gray ranch house in the Denver suburb of Englewood, Tim and Jeanine Pynes gather with four other Christians for an evening of fellowship, food and faith. Jeanine's spicy rigatoni precedes a yogurt-and-wafer confection by Ann Moore, none of the food violating the group's solemn commitment to Weight Watchers. The participants, who have pooled resources for baby sitting, discuss a planned missionary trip and sing along with a CD by the Christian crossover group Sixpence None the Richer. One of the lyrics, presumably written in Jesus' voice, runs, "I'm here, I'm closer than your breath/ I've conquered even death." That leads to earnest discussion of a friend's suicide, which flows into an exercise in which each participant brings something to the table--a personal issue, a faith question--and the group offers talk and prayer. Its members read from the New Testament's Epistle to the Hebrews, observe a mindful silence and share a hymn.
The meeting could be a sidebar gathering of almost any church in the country but for a ceramic vessel of red wine on the dinner table--offered in communion. Because the dinner, it turns out, is no mere Bible study, 12-step meeting or other pendant to Sunday service at a Denver megachurch. It is the service. There is no pastor, choir or sermon--just six believers and Jesus among them, closer than their breath. Or so thinks Jeanine, who two years ago abandoned a large congregation for the burgeoning movement known in evangelical circles as "house churching," "home churching" or "simple church." The week she left, she says, "I cried every day." But the home service flourished, grew to 40 people and then divided into five smaller groups. One participant at the Pyneses' house, a retired pastor named John White, also attends a conventional church, where he gives classes on how to found, or plant, the house variety. "Church," he says, "is not just about a meeting." Jeanine is a passionate convert: "I'd never go back to a traditional church. I love what we're doing."
Since the 1990s, the ascendant mode of conservative American faith has been the megachurch. It gathers thousands, or even tens of thousands, for entertaining if sometimes undemanding services amid family-friendly amenities. It is made possible by hundreds of smaller "cell groups" that meet off-nights and provide a humanly scaled framework for scriptural exploration, spiritual mentoring and emotional support. Now, however, some experts look at groups like Jeanine Pynes'--spreading in parts of Colorado, Southern California, Texas and probably elsewhere--and muse, What if the cell groups decided to lose the mother church?
In the 2005 book Revolution, George Barna, Evangelicalism's best-known and perhaps most enthusiastic pollster, named simple church as one of several "mini-movements" vacuuming up "millions of believers [who] have stopped going to [standard] church." In two decades, he wrote, "only about one-third of the population" will rely on conventional congregations. Not everyone buys Barna's numbers--previous estimates set house churchers at a minuscule 50,000--but some serious players are intrigued.
The Maclellan Foundation, a major Christian funder based in Chattanooga, Tenn., is backing a three-year project to track Colorado house churching. The Southern Baptist Convention, with more standard-church pew sitters than any other Protestant group, has commissioned its own poll and experimented in planting hundreds of its own house churches. Allan Karr, a professor at the Rocky Mountain campus of Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary who is involved in the poll, guesses that three out of 10 churches founded today are simple and that their individual odds for survival are better than those of the other seven. House churches are not known for denominational loyalty. That doesn't bother Karr, however. "I want the denomination to prevail," he says, "but I have an agenda that supersedes that: the Kingdom of God at large."
House churches claim the oldest organizational pedigree in Christianity: the book of Acts records that after Jesus' death, his Apostles gathered not at the temple but in an "upper room." House churching has always prospered where resources were scarce or Christianity officially discouraged. In the U.S. its last previous bloom was rooted in the bohemian ethos of the California-bred Jesus People movement of the 1970s. Many of those groups were eventually reabsorbed by larger congregations, and the remnants tend to take a hard line. Frank Viola, a 20-year veteran Florida house churcher and author of Rethinking the Wineskin and other manuals, talks fondly of pilgrims who doctrinairely abjure pastors, sermons or a physical plant; feel that the "modern institutional church does not reflect the early church"; and "don't believe you are going to see the fullness of Jesus Christ expressed just sitting in a pew listening to one other member of the body of Christ talking for 45 minutes while everyone else is passive."
More recent arrangements can seem more ad hoc. Tim and Susie Grade moved to Denver a year ago. They had attended cell groups subsidiary to Sunday services but were delighted to learn that their new neighbors Tim and Michelle Fox longed for a house church like the ones they had seen overseas. Now they and seven other twenty- and thirtysomethings mix a fairly formal weekly communion with a laid-back laying on of hands, semiconfessional "sharing" and a guitar sing-along. Says Tim: "We have some people who come from regular churches, and were a little disenfranchised. And people who joined because of friendships, and people who are kind of hurting, kind of searching. My age group and younger are seeking spiritual things that they have not found elsewhere."
Critics fret that small, pastorless groups can become doctrinally or even socially unmoored. Thom Rainer, a Southern Baptist who has written extensively on church growth, says, "I have no problem with where a church meets, [but] I do think that there are some house churches that, in their desire to move in different directions, have perhaps moved from biblical accountability." In extreme circumstances home churches dominated by magnetic but unorthodox leaders can shade over the line into cults.
Yet the flexibility of simple churches is a huge plus. They can accommodate the demands of a multi-job worker, convene around the bedside of an ailing member and undertake big initiatives with dispatch, as in the case of a group in the Northwest that reportedly yearned to do social outreach but found that every member had heavy credit-card debt. An austerity campaign yielded a balance with which to help the true poor.
Indeed, house churching in itself can be an economically beneficial proposition. Golden Gate Seminary's Karr reckons that building and staff consume 75% of a standard church's budget, with little left for good works. House churches can often dedicate up to 90% of their offerings. Karr notes that traditional church is fine "if you like buildings. But I think the reason house churches are becoming more popular is that their resources are going into something more meaningful."
Evangelical boosters find revival everywhere. Barna says he sees house churching and practices like home schooling and workplace ministries as part of a "seminal transition that may be akin to a third spiritual awakening in the U.S." Jeffrey Mahan, academic vice president of Denver's liberal and institutionally oriented Iliff School of Theology, doesn't go that far, but he does think the trend is significant. American participation in formal church has risen and fallen throughout history, he notes, and after a prolonged post--World War II upswell, big-building Christianity may be exhaling again in favor of informal arrangements.
If so, he suggests, "I don't think the denominations need be anxious. They don't have a franchise on religion. The challenge is for people to talk about what constitutes a full and adequate religious life, to be the church together, not in a denominational sense, but in the broadest sense." Or as Jesus put it, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I."
http://www.time.com/t...
Posted by Jon Dale on March 01, 2006 at 07:36 AM | Permalink
also see:
Please try and listen to this interview with Frank Viola the author of "Pagan Christianity " "Reimagining the Church" to get a understanding of what Frank means by Organic Christianity and the DNA of the Church. Let me know what you think.He is interviewed by a Welshman.-Rod
http://www.organicchu...
http://homechurchhelp...
I have a dream that groups everywhere will begin to flesh out the New Testament reality that the church is a living organism and not an institutional organization.
I have a dream that multitudes of God's people will no longer tolerate those man-made systems that have put them in religious bondage and under a pile of guilt, duty, condemnation, making them slaves to authoritarian systems and leaders.
This group wasn't a Bible study, a prayer group, a healing/soaking prayer session, or a worship service.
Please keep in mind that when I use the term "institutional church" I am not speaking about God's people. I'm speaking about a system. The "institutional church" is a system-a way of doing "church." It's not the people who populate it. This distinction is important.
I will be referring to those churches which people are familiar with as "institutional churches." I could have just as easy called them "establishment churches,"
"basilica churches," "traditional churches," "organized churches," "clergy-dominated churches," "contemporary churches," "audience churches," "spectator churches," auditorium churches,""inherited churches," "legacy churches," or "program based churches."
I was no longer satisfied with watching a performance. In this organic meeting, I began to want to share with my brothers and sisters what I had seen of the Lord. Instead of being passive I now thought it was easy to function and contribute. Every one of our meetings was free to be different. sometimes we sang for hours. Sometimes the believers were bursting at the seams to share what Jesus had done in their lives that week. Sometimes we revered the Lord's awesomeness in silence. No one had to tell us to do these things. The Spirit was moving in these ways and they just spontaneously happened. We often ate together as one family. Sometimes we shared scriptures with each other. Other times we enacted scenes scenes and stories from the Bible that shed light on Christ.
The Organic church focuses on relationships with God and brethren. The institutional Church paradigm is sustained by a clergy system where as the Organic Church paridygn knows nothing of a clergy system.
The institutional church paradigm seeks to energize the laity the organic church paradigm doesn't recognize a separate class called laity.
The institutional church renders the bulk of it's congregant passive in the pews where as the the organic church paradyne allows and encourages all Christians to engage in whatever ministry God has called them
The institutional church limits many functions to the ordained the organic church paradigm makes all members functioning priests
The institutional church paradigm associates church with a building a denomination or a religious service while the organic church paradigm affirms that many people do not GO to church; affirms that they are the church.
The institutional church paradigm builds PROGRAMS to fuel the church; treats people as cogs in the machine where as the organic church paradigm builds PEOPLE together in Christ to provide momentum for the church
The Institutional church paradigm encourages believers to participate institutionally and hierarchically where as the organic church paradigm invites believers to participate relationally and spiritually.
Delete Topic|Reply to Topic
Displaying the only post.
Post #1
You wroteon May 29, 2009 at 5:55am
March 01, 2006
There's No Pulpit Like Home - TIME Magazine
"Some Evangelicals are abandoning megachurches for minichurches--based in their own living rooms." So says the sub-heading an article on simple church in the current issue of TIME magazine. Since I'm one of those people I thought I'd post the entire article from the Mar. 06, 2006 issue of TIME magazine:
There's No Pulpit Like Home
Some Evangelicals are abandoning megachurches for minichurches--based in their own living rooms
By Rita Healy & David Van Biema
On a Sunday at their modest, gray ranch house in the Denver suburb of Englewood, Tim and Jeanine Pynes gather with four other Christians for an evening of fellowship, food and faith. Jeanine's spicy rigatoni precedes a yogurt-and-wafer confection by Ann Moore, none of the food violating the group's solemn commitment to Weight Watchers. The participants, who have pooled resources for baby sitting, discuss a planned missionary trip and sing along with a CD by the Christian crossover group Sixpence None the Richer. One of the lyrics, presumably written in Jesus' voice, runs, "I'm here, I'm closer than your breath/ I've conquered even death." That leads to earnest discussion of a friend's suicide, which flows into an exercise in which each participant brings something to the table--a personal issue, a faith question--and the group offers talk and prayer. Its members read from the New Testament's Epistle to the Hebrews, observe a mindful silence and share a hymn.
The meeting could be a sidebar gathering of almost any church in the country but for a ceramic vessel of red wine on the dinner table--offered in communion. Because the dinner, it turns out, is no mere Bible study, 12-step meeting or other pendant to Sunday service at a Denver megachurch. It is the service. There is no pastor, choir or sermon--just six believers and Jesus among them, closer than their breath. Or so thinks Jeanine, who two years ago abandoned a large congregation for the burgeoning movement known in evangelical circles as "house churching," "home churching" or "simple church." The week she left, she says, "I cried every day." But the home service flourished, grew to 40 people and then divided into five smaller groups. One participant at the Pyneses' house, a retired pastor named John White, also attends a conventional church, where he gives classes on how to found, or plant, the house variety. "Church," he says, "is not just about a meeting." Jeanine is a passionate convert: "I'd never go back to a traditional church. I love what we're doing."
Since the 1990s, the ascendant mode of conservative American faith has been the megachurch. It gathers thousands, or even tens of thousands, for entertaining if sometimes undemanding services amid family-friendly amenities. It is made possible by hundreds of smaller "cell groups" that meet off-nights and provide a humanly scaled framework for scriptural exploration, spiritual mentoring and emotional support. Now, however, some experts look at groups like Jeanine Pynes'--spreading in parts of Colorado, Southern California, Texas and probably elsewhere--and muse, What if the cell groups decided to lose the mother church?
In the 2005 book Revolution, George Barna, Evangelicalism's best-known and perhaps most enthusiastic pollster, named simple church as one of several "mini-movements" vacuuming up "millions of believers [who] have stopped going to [standard] church." In two decades, he wrote, "only about one-third of the population" will rely on conventional congregations. Not everyone buys Barna's numbers--previous estimates set house churchers at a minuscule 50,000--but some serious players are intrigued.
The Maclellan Foundation, a major Christian funder based in Chattanooga, Tenn., is backing a three-year project to track Colorado house churching. The Southern Baptist Convention, with more standard-church pew sitters than any other Protestant group, has commissioned its own poll and experimented in planting hundreds of its own house churches. Allan Karr, a professor at the Rocky Mountain campus of Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary who is involved in the poll, guesses that three out of 10 churches founded today are simple and that their individual odds for survival are better than those of the other seven. House churches are not known for denominational loyalty. That doesn't bother Karr, however. "I want the denomination to prevail," he says, "but I have an agenda that supersedes that: the Kingdom of God at large."
House churches claim the oldest organizational pedigree in Christianity: the book of Acts records that after Jesus' death, his Apostles gathered not at the temple but in an "upper room." House churching has always prospered where resources were scarce or Christianity officially discouraged. In the U.S. its last previous bloom was rooted in the bohemian ethos of the California-bred Jesus People movement of the 1970s. Many of those groups were eventually reabsorbed by larger congregations, and the remnants tend to take a hard line. Frank Viola, a 20-year veteran Florida house churcher and author of Rethinking the Wineskin and other manuals, talks fondly of pilgrims who doctrinairely abjure pastors, sermons or a physical plant; feel that the "modern institutional church does not reflect the early church"; and "don't believe you are going to see the fullness of Jesus Christ expressed just sitting in a pew listening to one other member of the body of Christ talking for 45 minutes while everyone else is passive."
More recent arrangements can seem more ad hoc. Tim and Susie Grade moved to Denver a year ago. They had attended cell groups subsidiary to Sunday services but were delighted to learn that their new neighbors Tim and Michelle Fox longed for a house church like the ones they had seen overseas. Now they and seven other twenty- and thirtysomethings mix a fairly formal weekly communion with a laid-back laying on of hands, semiconfessional "sharing" and a guitar sing-along. Says Tim: "We have some people who come from regular churches, and were a little disenfranchised. And people who joined because of friendships, and people who are kind of hurting, kind of searching. My age group and younger are seeking spiritual things that they have not found elsewhere."
Critics fret that small, pastorless groups can become doctrinally or even socially unmoored. Thom Rainer, a Southern Baptist who has written extensively on church growth, says, "I have no problem with where a church meets, [but] I do think that there are some house churches that, in their desire to move in different directions, have perhaps moved from biblical accountability." In extreme circumstances home churches dominated by magnetic but unorthodox leaders can shade over the line into cults.
Yet the flexibility of simple churches is a huge plus. They can accommodate the demands of a multi-job worker, convene around the bedside of an ailing member and undertake big initiatives with dispatch, as in the case of a group in the Northwest that reportedly yearned to do social outreach but found that every member had heavy credit-card debt. An austerity campaign yielded a balance with which to help the true poor.
Indeed, house churching in itself can be an economically beneficial proposition. Golden Gate Seminary's Karr reckons that building and staff consume 75% of a standard church's budget, with little left for good works. House churches can often dedicate up to 90% of their offerings. Karr notes that traditional church is fine "if you like buildings. But I think the reason house churches are becoming more popular is that their resources are going into something more meaningful."
Evangelical boosters find revival everywhere. Barna says he sees house churching and practices like home schooling and workplace ministries as part of a "seminal transition that may be akin to a third spiritual awakening in the U.S." Jeffrey Mahan, academic vice president of Denver's liberal and institutionally oriented Iliff School of Theology, doesn't go that far, but he does think the trend is significant. American participation in formal church has risen and fallen throughout history, he notes, and after a prolonged post--World War II upswell, big-building Christianity may be exhaling again in favor of informal arrangements.
If so, he suggests, "I don't think the denominations need be anxious. They don't have a franchise on religion. The challenge is for people to talk about what constitutes a full and adequate religious life, to be the church together, not in a denominational sense, but in the broadest sense." Or as Jesus put it, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I."
http://www.time.com/t...
Posted by Jon Dale on March 01, 2006 at 07:36 AM | Permalink
also see:
Please try and listen to this interview with Frank Viola the author of "Pagan Christianity " "Reimagining the Church" to get a understanding of what Frank means by Organic Christianity and the DNA of the Church. Let me know what you think.He is interviewed by a Welshman.-Rod
http://www.organicchu...
http://homechurchhelp...
I have a dream that groups everywhere will begin to flesh out the New Testament reality that the church is a living organism and not an institutional organization.
I have a dream that multitudes of God's people will no longer tolerate those man-made systems that have put them in religious bondage and under a pile of guilt, duty, condemnation, making them slaves to authoritarian systems and leaders.
This group wasn't a Bible study, a prayer group, a healing/soaking prayer session, or a worship service.
Please keep in mind that when I use the term "institutional church" I am not speaking about God's people. I'm speaking about a system. The "institutional church" is a system-a way of doing "church." It's not the people who populate it. This distinction is important.
I will be referring to those churches which people are familiar with as "institutional churches." I could have just as easy called them "establishment churches,"
"basilica churches," "traditional churches," "organized churches," "clergy-dominated churches," "contemporary churches," "audience churches," "spectator churches," auditorium churches,""inherited churches," "legacy churches," or "program based churches."
I was no longer satisfied with watching a performance. In this organic meeting, I began to want to share with my brothers and sisters what I had seen of the Lord. Instead of being passive I now thought it was easy to function and contribute. Every one of our meetings was free to be different. sometimes we sang for hours. Sometimes the believers were bursting at the seams to share what Jesus had done in their lives that week. Sometimes we revered the Lord's awesomeness in silence. No one had to tell us to do these things. The Spirit was moving in these ways and they just spontaneously happened. We often ate together as one family. Sometimes we shared scriptures with each other. Other times we enacted scenes scenes and stories from the Bible that shed light on Christ.
The Organic church focuses on relationships with God and brethren. The institutional Church paradigm is sustained by a clergy system where as the Organic Church paridygn knows nothing of a clergy system.
The institutional church paradigm seeks to energize the laity the organic church paradigm doesn't recognize a separate class called laity.
The institutional church renders the bulk of it's congregant passive in the pews where as the the organic church paradyne allows and encourages all Christians to engage in whatever ministry God has called them
The institutional church limits many functions to the ordained the organic church paradigm makes all members functioning priests
The institutional church paradigm associates church with a building a denomination or a religious service while the organic church paradigm affirms that many people do not GO to church; affirms that they are the church.
The institutional church paradigm builds PROGRAMS to fuel the church; treats people as cogs in the machine where as the organic church paradigm builds PEOPLE together in Christ to provide momentum for the church
The Institutional church paradigm encourages believers to participate institutionally and hierarchically where as the organic church paradigm invites believers to participate relationally and spiritually.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
To try to establish two way communication both between the RA board and citizen to citizen communications.
To try to establish two way communication both between the RA board and citizen to citizen communications. I feel this is essential for Reston community building. I became convinced of this during the Brown’s Chapel Recreation center in which I saw the board proceeding in a certain direction with very few citizens in agreement. We are most of us strangers to each other; this should not be. The Virginia legislature requires home owners associations to provide a means for its members to communicate with each other. We spend 1.5 million providing institutional information but nothing for its members to communicate.
My 20 seconds to try and communicate my message
Hi I hope to try to help encourage lines of communication both between citizens and the Reston Association board and citizen to citizen communications. I feel this is important for Reston to be the community it should be.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
The Koch Sharpening System- gets knives Scary sharp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_l7RqOihLg
The Koch system is fast and accurate. Developed by German wood carvers it uses special abrasives and wheels.
Call Rod's Sharpening Service to get your knives really sharp 703 945 0171
The Koch system is fast and accurate. Developed by German wood carvers it uses special abrasives and wheels.
Call Rod's Sharpening Service to get your knives really sharp 703 945 0171
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
The Unofficial Canidate list for 2010
At-Large Candidates:
1. Rod Koozmin
11571 Embers Court, Reston, VA. 20191
Home: (703) 620-1058 Emails: sharpeningman@yahoo.com ; discount.scissors@gmail.com
2. Joe Leighton
2033 Approach Lane, Reston, VA 20191
Home: (703) 453-0434 Email: joe_leighton@comcast.net
3. David Robinson
1622 Bennington Hollow Lane, Reston, VA 20194
Home: (703) 707-0909 Office: (203) 512-1974 Email: DIR1622@yahoo.com
4. Patrick Shipp
11408 Running Cedar Road, Reston, VA. 20191
Home: 673-6206 Email: Patrick.m.shipp@gmail.com
Lake Anne/Tall Oaks District Candidates:
1. Kevin Danaher
1795 Ivy Oaks Square, Reston, VA. 20190
Home: (703) 709-5283 Office: (703 390-6166 Email: danaherforreston@comcast.net
2. Ken Knueven
11432 Waterview Cluster, Virginia, VA 20190
Home: (703) 467-0407 Office: (703) 203-2727 Email: kenk@microsoft.com
3. Guy L. Rando
1512 Inlet Court, Reston, VA 20190
Home: (703) 437-3456
Reston Association Board of Directors Candidate Filings
February 1, 2010, 5:00 pm
2
North Point District Candidate:
1. Michael E. Collins
11408 Gate Hill Place, Unit Q, Reston, VA 20194
Home: (571) 313-0200 Office: (510) 697-9605 Email: mikecollins11@hotmail.com
2. Peter Greenberg
1451 Waterfront Road, Reston, VA. 20194
Home: (703) 587-8090 Email: northpointrep@gmail.com
3. Rengin Morro
1652 Sierra Woods Drive, Reston, VA 20194
Home: (703) 435-0939 Office: (703) 609-6621 Email: renginmorro@hotmail.com
1. Rod Koozmin
11571 Embers Court, Reston, VA. 20191
Home: (703) 620-1058 Emails: sharpeningman@yahoo.com ; discount.scissors@gmail.com
2. Joe Leighton
2033 Approach Lane, Reston, VA 20191
Home: (703) 453-0434 Email: joe_leighton@comcast.net
3. David Robinson
1622 Bennington Hollow Lane, Reston, VA 20194
Home: (703) 707-0909 Office: (203) 512-1974 Email: DIR1622@yahoo.com
4. Patrick Shipp
11408 Running Cedar Road, Reston, VA. 20191
Home: 673-6206 Email: Patrick.m.shipp@gmail.com
Lake Anne/Tall Oaks District Candidates:
1. Kevin Danaher
1795 Ivy Oaks Square, Reston, VA. 20190
Home: (703) 709-5283 Office: (703 390-6166 Email: danaherforreston@comcast.net
2. Ken Knueven
11432 Waterview Cluster, Virginia, VA 20190
Home: (703) 467-0407 Office: (703) 203-2727 Email: kenk@microsoft.com
3. Guy L. Rando
1512 Inlet Court, Reston, VA 20190
Home: (703) 437-3456
Reston Association Board of Directors Candidate Filings
February 1, 2010, 5:00 pm
2
North Point District Candidate:
1. Michael E. Collins
11408 Gate Hill Place, Unit Q, Reston, VA 20194
Home: (571) 313-0200 Office: (510) 697-9605 Email: mikecollins11@hotmail.com
2. Peter Greenberg
1451 Waterfront Road, Reston, VA. 20194
Home: (703) 587-8090 Email: northpointrep@gmail.com
3. Rengin Morro
1652 Sierra Woods Drive, Reston, VA 20194
Home: (703) 435-0939 Office: (703) 609-6621 Email: renginmorro@hotmail.com
Friday, January 29, 2010
The Reston Association and Future Maintenance Expenses in Reston
The RA meet tonight to review the Criterium study of maintaining Reston. The Criterium are engineers and they analyzed Reston 18 different categories of things that need maintenance among them such things for example as tot lots, foot bridges, pathways, boat docks, Lakes and ponds. Based on their findings we should be able to maintain everything adequately for the next 18 years by our current spending. But then the costs will go up dramatically.
There were three suggestions:
Alternative One-increase the current spending from 2.1 million to 2.7 million a year.
Alternative Two- Increase annual spending by 3% a year.
Alternative 3 Retain current funding levels, but but plan on a special assessment or other infusion of about $20 million in about 18 years.
The thing that I don't like about it is that there seems to be no control on how the Reston Association maintains things. For example I regurally see Reston Asssociation workers driving trucks on the pathways. The pathways are not designed for vehicle travel they don't have the needed base and as a result the shoulders of the roadways crumble. Yet I often see multiple vehicles with Reston workers transporting themselves each carrying a diffrent tool simultaneously deteriorating the pathways while they are also maintaining it. So no wonder it is a constant expense. Could they not instead use wheelbarrows and park nearby I wonder?
There is no one to supervise Reston workers except aparently other Reston workers. Board members do not I was told at candidate orientation night recently.
So if we have a organization with increasing funding to fund increasing maintenance that sometimes is self perpetuating I worry that things will just get more and more expensive which we'll be asked to fund somehow.
There were three suggestions:
Alternative One-increase the current spending from 2.1 million to 2.7 million a year.
Alternative Two- Increase annual spending by 3% a year.
Alternative 3 Retain current funding levels, but but plan on a special assessment or other infusion of about $20 million in about 18 years.
The thing that I don't like about it is that there seems to be no control on how the Reston Association maintains things. For example I regurally see Reston Asssociation workers driving trucks on the pathways. The pathways are not designed for vehicle travel they don't have the needed base and as a result the shoulders of the roadways crumble. Yet I often see multiple vehicles with Reston workers transporting themselves each carrying a diffrent tool simultaneously deteriorating the pathways while they are also maintaining it. So no wonder it is a constant expense. Could they not instead use wheelbarrows and park nearby I wonder?
There is no one to supervise Reston workers except aparently other Reston workers. Board members do not I was told at candidate orientation night recently.
So if we have a organization with increasing funding to fund increasing maintenance that sometimes is self perpetuating I worry that things will just get more and more expensive which we'll be asked to fund somehow.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
I'm a Cold Caller and I Live outside Most Comfort Zone
Part of the requirements to be a candidate for the Reston Association board seat is to assemble 25 signatures. To do so I have to ask people to sign. Most people if they are not distracted are agreeable to being solicited. But some few are highly annoyed and will look at you as if incredible that you are on the same planet.
I do much the same thing in my business of going to beauty salons soliciting stylists to have their scissors sharpened.
I had done the same soliciting when I petitioned Reston Citizens for to sign a petition permitting Reston to be incorporated to be put on the ballot. We'd hang out in front of grocery stores and ...ask citizens to sign. Most did. We got almost 5,000 signatures! A few people were mildly uncomfortable or said they didn't have time.
A lot of my fellow Reston Citizens Association members felt uncomfortable enough about asking for signatures, that they never showed up as volunteers to help in a effort which they were otherwise committed to. Some did, Jane Wong was one who single handedly got most of the 5,000 signatures.
I felt I had a right as a citizen to solicit other citizens for there own good.
It was Marion Stilson a transplanted Englishwoman who taught me to solicit for civic sauses when I first joined the Reston Citizens Association. She is now the President of RCA the but she is a leader in another way. She is a great example in living her life unconstrained by the wheelchair she is presently confined in.
Soliciting is though I think outside of most people's comfort zone. Especially Americans, maybe less so other nationalities. At first thinking about it I was a little uncomfortable but then once you do it it's fun, kind of like jumping into a cool mountain stream.
So I was not at all uncomfortable soliciting my fellow citizens for their signature on my petition to run for the Reston association Board Seat. I got some 48 names among them Joe Leighton (who is also running for the at large seat and I also signed his I don't feel I am reunnig "against" Joe but for Reston) Mark Steppell, Kathleen Driscol McKee, Richard Chew, Mary E. LaValley, Kati Ray, Jane Lee Wong, Colin Mills, Mike Corrigan, Richard Stilson, John Lovas and 40 others. A petition signer dose not obligate themselves to vote for the person running but like my town petition merely to allow it to be on the ballot. But it made me feel good that these fellow 'civic activists' felt comfortable signing my petition. And this time like always there were a few who were horrified
But if you have to cold call, to ask someone, to propose a deal to someone and you are a little bit nervous. Just go ahead and do it. You'll generally be glad you did. The next time will be easier and easier. I was sort of sad to turn in my petition to Cate Fulkerson, ending this part of the campaign.
They say the fastest growing Christian religion is Mormonism. And it's because they ask. Most don't ask so they don't grow. Not that I'm pro Mormon but maybe it demonstrates a point.
If you cold call you put yourself at risk to condemnation. That's why you have to believe in yourself. I urge you to believe in yourself and be all that you can be.
It's my hope that Reston will believe in itself and vote for me and vote to be connected to one another. As we connect and are concerned for one another's views it's my belief that we will enter a new ear and be the kind of society that Robert Simon envisioned. Clap your hands! that will be a great day, we're all going to win!
I do much the same thing in my business of going to beauty salons soliciting stylists to have their scissors sharpened.
I had done the same soliciting when I petitioned Reston Citizens for to sign a petition permitting Reston to be incorporated to be put on the ballot. We'd hang out in front of grocery stores and ...ask citizens to sign. Most did. We got almost 5,000 signatures! A few people were mildly uncomfortable or said they didn't have time.
A lot of my fellow Reston Citizens Association members felt uncomfortable enough about asking for signatures, that they never showed up as volunteers to help in a effort which they were otherwise committed to. Some did, Jane Wong was one who single handedly got most of the 5,000 signatures.
I felt I had a right as a citizen to solicit other citizens for there own good.
It was Marion Stilson a transplanted Englishwoman who taught me to solicit for civic sauses when I first joined the Reston Citizens Association. She is now the President of RCA the but she is a leader in another way. She is a great example in living her life unconstrained by the wheelchair she is presently confined in.
Soliciting is though I think outside of most people's comfort zone. Especially Americans, maybe less so other nationalities. At first thinking about it I was a little uncomfortable but then once you do it it's fun, kind of like jumping into a cool mountain stream.
So I was not at all uncomfortable soliciting my fellow citizens for their signature on my petition to run for the Reston association Board Seat. I got some 48 names among them Joe Leighton (who is also running for the at large seat and I also signed his I don't feel I am reunnig "against" Joe but for Reston) Mark Steppell, Kathleen Driscol McKee, Richard Chew, Mary E. LaValley, Kati Ray, Jane Lee Wong, Colin Mills, Mike Corrigan, Richard Stilson, John Lovas and 40 others. A petition signer dose not obligate themselves to vote for the person running but like my town petition merely to allow it to be on the ballot. But it made me feel good that these fellow 'civic activists' felt comfortable signing my petition. And this time like always there were a few who were horrified
But if you have to cold call, to ask someone, to propose a deal to someone and you are a little bit nervous. Just go ahead and do it. You'll generally be glad you did. The next time will be easier and easier. I was sort of sad to turn in my petition to Cate Fulkerson, ending this part of the campaign.
They say the fastest growing Christian religion is Mormonism. And it's because they ask. Most don't ask so they don't grow. Not that I'm pro Mormon but maybe it demonstrates a point.
If you cold call you put yourself at risk to condemnation. That's why you have to believe in yourself. I urge you to believe in yourself and be all that you can be.
It's my hope that Reston will believe in itself and vote for me and vote to be connected to one another. As we connect and are concerned for one another's views it's my belief that we will enter a new ear and be the kind of society that Robert Simon envisioned. Clap your hands! that will be a great day, we're all going to win!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Winter Famers Market
Well I set up today at 11895 Grand Commons Avenue, Fairfax Corner. The shopping center is at the corner of Monument Dr. and Government Center Parkway (map). The market will be open every Tuesday from 11:30am–2:30pm until May, when it will move back to the parking lot at Fairfax Corner. Come see our selection of products including winter fruits and veggies, meats, dairy products, baked goods, gluten-free products and a wide variety of prepared foods.
It is inside and there is electricity.
I learned we may be setting up in Herndon at the shopping center where the Russian Gourmet is (like Walmarts can't think of the name) but it depends on the vote of the Herndon Town council who are reluctant about the market and are bothered because don't like people on the street it seems. so we don't know how that will go but will find out next week.
But the good news is that we have found a new home in Reston on Wednesdays!
It is inside and there is electricity.
I learned we may be setting up in Herndon at the shopping center where the Russian Gourmet is (like Walmarts can't think of the name) but it depends on the vote of the Herndon Town council who are reluctant about the market and are bothered because don't like people on the street it seems. so we don't know how that will go but will find out next week.
But the good news is that we have found a new home in Reston on Wednesdays!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Mail order Knife Sharpening
From a recent New York Times Article
By NANCY MATSUMOTO
Although a few holdouts remain, the days of the itinerant knife sharpener who cruises the neighborhood in a little truck are waning. To fill the void, a growing number of mail-order knife-sharpening businesses have popped up, easily accessible on the Web.
A good sharpening that extends the life of a beloved knife is one of the best investments of these recessionary times. Norman Weinstein, knife-skills instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, recommends using a reputable professional instead of trying to sharpen your knives at home "because the learning curve for doing it yourself is so high."
We tried five different services across the country and, in general, were impressed with the results. Sharpening techniques differed among the services, ranging from one cutler (as knife sharpeners are called) who uses a motorized grinding wheel and a series of "water" or whetstones, to a sharpener who uses a two-horsepower belt grinder and up to six sharpening and polishing wheels.
http://online. wsj.com/article/ SB10001424052748 7034057045750149 92111661922. html
Interesting comments. I think I have one of the best systems of knife sharpening. If you would be interested in having your knives sharpened by all means wrap them up in newspaper and send them to: Rod's knife sharpening, 11571 Embers CT, Reston VA 20191 welcome to call me at 703 945 0171 or email me at Sharpeningman@yahoo.com
By NANCY MATSUMOTO
Although a few holdouts remain, the days of the itinerant knife sharpener who cruises the neighborhood in a little truck are waning. To fill the void, a growing number of mail-order knife-sharpening businesses have popped up, easily accessible on the Web.
A good sharpening that extends the life of a beloved knife is one of the best investments of these recessionary times. Norman Weinstein, knife-skills instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, recommends using a reputable professional instead of trying to sharpen your knives at home "because the learning curve for doing it yourself is so high."
We tried five different services across the country and, in general, were impressed with the results. Sharpening techniques differed among the services, ranging from one cutler (as knife sharpeners are called) who uses a motorized grinding wheel and a series of "water" or whetstones, to a sharpener who uses a two-horsepower belt grinder and up to six sharpening and polishing wheels.
http://online. wsj.com/article/ SB10001424052748 7034057045750149 92111661922. html
Interesting comments. I think I have one of the best systems of knife sharpening. If you would be interested in having your knives sharpened by all means wrap them up in newspaper and send them to: Rod's knife sharpening, 11571 Embers CT, Reston VA 20191 welcome to call me at 703 945 0171 or email me at Sharpeningman@yahoo.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
