2010 General Assembly Briefing

Dear Association President:

Each year when I return home at the end of the General Assembly Session I am available to speak to community groups about new legislation and the outcome of the budget.

This year was a particularly challenging time with the significant downturn in state revenues requiring difficult, even painful, reductions in the state budget. For example, K-12 education funding was reduced along with every function of state government. Localities, in turn, are affected by these cuts while also experiencing their own problems.

Nearly 1000 bills were passed by the General Assembly in 60 days – some more significant than others obviously. Most will go into effect on July 1st. Topics include concealed weapons in bars, charter schools and virtual schools, car title lending, changes to the state retirement system, and more.

If you are interested in having me speak at an upcoming meeting of your association, please contact my legislative assistant, Arlene Spinelli, at district31@senate.virginia.gov or call 703-538-4097.

Sincerely,

Mary Margaret Whipple

Senate District 31

Virginia Hospital Center Healthy Aging Lecture Series Spring/Summer 2010

Virginia Hospital Center Healthy Aging Lecture Series Spring/Summer 2010

The free lectures are held at 601 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington, VA.

Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm. Please call 703.558.6859 to RSVP.

April 23 - “Making Your Home Livable” Laurie Crum, RN, MSN

Learn how to make your home adapt to you by reducing the home hazards and implementing senior-friendly design layouts.

May 28 - “Help with Heartburn” Kevin Gillian, M.D.

Heartburn, indigestion and GERD – are they all the same thing? How does indigestion affect the body? What can be done to reduce or eliminate it? Learn about acid reflux disease and the treatment options available.

June 18 - “Shoe Savvy” Adrian & Chris Farley, Owners of Pacers - Arlington

Do you know about shoe health? Can the wrong shoe hurt my body? Learn about the importance of shopping for the right footwear and how shoes are made for different activities.

July 23 - “Vision Health & Services” Jocelyn Hunter & Veronica Hamilton, MSW

Learn about the changes we face with our vision as we age and the services available to the community.

August 20 - “Hearing Loss Options” Marla Dougherty & Leslie Lerner, Au.D.

Understand the changes we face with hearing loss and aging. What are the tests and options available that assist us with maintaining our ability to hear?

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Lifeline Personal Alert System provided by Virginia Hospital Center

VHC Senior Health staff locally manage the personal emergency response system.
Help is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Monthly cost is $42.00.

Call 703.558.6859 for more information.

Free Mall Walking Program for Seniors

Tues. & Thurs. 8:00am-9:00am at Ballston Common Mall.

Call 703.558.6859 for more information.

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group

Meets the 3^rd Wednesday of each month between 10:30am-11:30am at Carlin Springs. Call 703.558.6859 for more information.

RSVP today! 24th Annaul Women of Vision Awards!

The Arlington County Commission on the Status of Women announced the finalists for the 2010 Women of Vision (WOV) Awards. Six leaders in the Arlington community – Lillibeth Boruchow, Angela Fox, Judy Hadden, Linda Dunphy, Andrea Maresca, and Kathleen Sibert – are recognized for their accomplishments and contributions to improving the lives and opportunities for Arlington citizens, especially women. From these finalists, one will receive the WOV award, which will be announced at the ceremony.

These outstanding women will be honored at the 24th Annual Women of Vision and award ceremony and reception on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 6:30p.m., at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, 4301 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia. The event will feature Maureen Bunyan, news anchor for ABC 7 / WJLA-TV, as the keynote speaker.

The public is invited to the March 31st event, and those interested in attending are asked to RSVP to [Dgates@arlingtonva.us] by Wednesday, March 24th. In order to support CSW activities, there is a suggested donation of $10.00 per person at the door. Additional information about the Commission on the Status of Women and Women of Vision sponsorship information is available online at http://www.arlingtonva.us. For questions and further information, please contact Diane Gates, CSW staff liaison, at 703-228-5955 or email cswarlington@gmail.com.