TFTJ The Best of.....

Every year TFTJ does a "Best of..." poll. This year I am so excited to have been nominated in the following categories....

Best PLUS Photogenic in 2008

Best PLUS Interview Suits in 2008

Best PLUS Evening Gowns in 2008

Best PLUS Fashion Wear in 2008

So go the these polls and VOTE!! Share with friends! Thanks!

7 Feb--Great time at Chesterfield Cub Scout Pack Derby

On Feb 7, we had a great time down in Chesterfield VA watching the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby. Participating in the Weeblo I race, Alex Arnold's red car went racing down the track. In a dead heat with a 3 way tie (to the hundredth of a second), a raceoff was declared. In a tense and fun 6 race raceoff, Alex came out victorious in a great win for his den. The final "champion of champion race" took place between all of the winners of the dens. Alex came in second in the pack.

On Feb.21, Alex will advance to the District race. Good luck Alex!

Royal Confections Opening Soon

I am so excited to announce my venture to open a chocolate boutique in Occoquan, VA. The new shop will be Royal Confections. We are very excited about this new adventure. On the first weekend in May, Occoquan will be hosting a Riverfest and it will be on this weekend that we will be having our Grand Opening. The first weekend in June is Occoquan's Annual Craft Show, and we will be setting up a tent for dipping strawberries in fudge, as well as autograph signings for queens who may be interested. Watch this space for more information to come as we go down this "sweet" path!

Help Autistic Families Get Insurance for Treatments

Last week, in a moment of bitter irony for many families whose children are simply unable to speak, the members of the Virginia House Commerce and Labor Committee made a conscious decision to not utter a single word. They sat in cold silence instead of having the courage to vote for or against House Bill 1588, which would require insurance companies to provide coverage for treatments like speech, OT and ABA for children with autism. This was a moment of stunning disappointment for families from all over the Commonwealth who have been telling their stories of financial devastation and lack of treatment for their children with autism to these very delegates.

Fortunately there is hope in the Virginia Senate! This Monday, February 9th, the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee will hold a vote regarding the future of Senate Bill 1260, which just like HB 1588, requires insurance comapanies to provide coverage for medically necessary treatments for children with autism.

Now is the time to break the silence and speak on behalf of our kids!

How Can You Help?

1. CALL the members of the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee! Although the list is a long one, please make as many calls as you can with this message: I am speaking up in support Senate Bill 1260 and I hope that you will speak up too. Voting YES on this bill will allow thousands of kids with autism across the Commonwealth to access the treatment they need and deserve. Autism is treatable. Insurance should cover the treatment.

Sen. Richard L. Saslaw (Chair) - (804) 698-7535
Sen. Charles J. Colgan - (804) 698-7529
Sen. Yvonne B. Miller - (804) 698-7505
Sen. William C. Wampler, Jr. - (804) 698-7540
Sen. Thomas K. Norment, Jr. - (804) 698-7503
Sen. Walter A. Stosch - (804) 698-7512
Sen. Kenneth W. Stolle - (804) 698-7508
Sen. John S. Edwards - (804) 698-7521
Sen. John C. Watkins - (804) 698-7510
Sen. Frank W. Wagner - (804) 698-7507
Sen. Stephen D. Newman - (804) 698-7523
Sen. Phillip P. Puckett - (804) 698-7538
Sen. Linda T. Puller - (804) 698-7536
Sen. Mark R. Herring - (804) 698-7533
Sen. A. Donald McEachin - (804) 698-7509

2. ATTEND the Senate Labor and Commerce Hearing this coming Monday, February 9 at 2pm in Hearing Room B of the General Assembly Building in Richmond. Wear red. Pile into minivans and cars. Pack the room. This is the day that we must send a message to Virginia senators. We are waiting and listening for them to speak on behalf of our children.

Autism Speaks--Insurance for treatments

This coming Tuesday, February 3, 2009 at 2pm a subcommittee of the Virginia House Commerce and Labor Committee will be meeting to vote on House Bill 1588, the autism insurance reform bill. This meeting will decide the fate of HB 1588 and whether or not the bill will move forward.

Not only will HB 1588 give thousands of families across the Commonwealth access to the autism therapies their children need by requiring private insurance companies to provide coverage for these services, but according to a recent cost estimate commissioned by Autism Speaks, HB 1588 will only increase the cost of health care policyholders in Virginia by a mere $1.90 per month!

How Can You Help?

1. CALL the members of the Virginia House Commerce and Labor Committee:

Del. Terry Kilgore (Chair)	(804) 698-1001	Del. Jennifer L. McClellan	(804) 698-1071
Del. Frank D. Hargrove (Vice Chair)	(804) 698-1055	Del. Kenneth R. Melvin	(804) 698-1080
Del. Kenneth C. Alexander	(804) 698-1089	Del. Harvy B. Morgan	(804) 698-1098
Del. Kathy J. Byron	(804) 698-1022	Del. Samuel A. Nixon Jr.	(804) 698-1027
Del. Benjamin L. Cline	(804) 698-1024	Del. Kenneth R. Plum	(804) 698-1036
Del. Tim Hugo	(804) 698-1040	Del Harry R. Purkey	(804) 698-1082
Del. William R. Janis	(804) 698-1056	Del. Thomas Rust	(804) 698-1086
Del Johnny S. Joannou	(804) 698-1079	Del. Christopher B. Saxman	(804) 698-1020
Del. Joseph P. Johnson Jr.	(804) 698-1004	Del. Mark D. Sickles	(804) 698-1043
Del Lynwood W. Lewis Jr.	(804) 698-1000	Del. Jeion A. Ward	(804) 698-1092
Del. Daniel W. Marshall III	(804) 698-1014	Del. R. Lee Ware Jr.	(804) 698-1065

I know it looks like a lot of members, so please just make as many calls as you can with this message: I support House Bill 1588, I hope that you will support House Bill 1588. HB 1588 will help thousands of families across the Commonwealth handle the financial burdens of having a child with autism. Autism is treatable! Insurance should cover the treatment!