Senator Whipple's Richmond Report

I've had an interesting array of experiences this last week. Here's a sampling.

I attended and introduced a speaker at a "Home Modification Seminar and Product Expo". Held at the Arlington Department of Human Services Warren G. Stambaugh Building (named for the late Delegate to the General Assembly who was the patron of the Virginia Disabilities Act, precursor of the ADA), the seminar was cosponsored by the Department, the Commission on Aging, the ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia, and Goodwin House Foundation, among others.

The seminar was designed to help seniors, persons with disabilities, and their families and caregivers to learn about the latest in universal design, assistive technology, payment options for home modifications and accessible building products. The purpose is to help people remain in their homes and help them to live safely and independently.

I also had an opportunity to go to a great political event: seeing John Kerry off on the Inaugural Flight of his new campaign aircraft. He gave a brief speech, shook hands with the assembled crowd, and then headed for the plane. I had been invited, with other elected officials and Veterans for Kerry, to line up by the steps to the airplane, and Senator Kerry spoke to each one of us. I was struck by the warmth he displayed and how I had the full focus of his attention when he spoke to me. And I was delighted when he said he would be working hard to win in Virginia.

I took a day off from work, and my husband and I took our grandson Tyler to see Fallingwater, the house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Tyler has just completed his first year at the University of Colorado, majoring in architecture, and he was enthralled with Fallingwater, pronouncing it to be "awesome". In all these years I had never been to see Fallingwater, although I had always wanted to. This special day reminded me how important it is to set aside some time for family and for new experiences.

Of course, work wasn't left completely behind. When the cell phone rang, it was the Governor's office, calling to let me know that Moody's had confirmed Virginia's Triple AAA bond rating. This was an important motivation for this year's revenue debate and Moody's decision was confirmation of the actions we took in the extended session. Good news indeed!

Then came Memorial Day. As we collectively reflected on the service of our armed forces and the ultimate sacrifice of many, we had a living example of what they fought and died for. In Falls Church on Monday, a community came together for a celebration of life. The booths with handcrafted items for sale, the nonprofit groups offering information, the array of foods, and the parade, complete with bagpipers, Little Leaguers, square dancers and politicians was America at its best - and worth fighting for.