Business Today
Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce member enterprise news log
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Charlottesville Radio Group Awards Grants to Local Charities
The Charlottesville Radio Group, a locally-run broadcasting company, today named four local non- profit organizations as the 2008 recipients of the Charlottesville Radio Group Community Awareness Grants.
The Eure family established the grants in 2002 to give each of four non-profit organizations a yearlong series of sixty radio commercials per week to be broadcast on their, then, three radio stations.
For 2008, each of the four grant recipients will be awarded over $90,000 in advertising on the Charlottesville Radio Group family of five radio stations: NewsRadio 1070 WINA, Lite Rock Z95.1, 97.5 3WV, 106.1 The Corner and Progressive Talk 1450 WVAX.
Grant panel member Senator R. Creigh Deeds has called the program, "A wonderful community service, and a great way to help others reach those who need services." Senator Deeds went on to say, "All of the non-profits are doing great work in the Charlottesville area. The Charlottesville Radio Group Community Awareness Grant provides a voice to these groups. I hope over the next year each of the recipients will continue to grow in service to our community."
More than 200 local non-profit groups and organizations were offered the opportunity to apply for a 2008 Charlottesville Radio Group Community Awareness Grant. From all applications received, seven finalists were chosen by a cross section of Charlottesville Radio Group employees. A panel composed of local legislators selected the four grant recipients.
The organizations receiving the 2008 Charlottesville Radio Group Community Awareness Grants are:
* Camp Holiday Trails
* Charlottesville Free Clinic
* Children, Youth & Family Services
* Piedmont CASA, Inc.
Piedmont CASA Receives Grant from Jewelers
Piedmont Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) was recently awarded a $10,000 grant from Jewelers for Children, the leading charity of the US jewelry industry. The grant will be used to maintain our volunteer-based advocacy services for abused and neglected children in the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County.
"We are honored to be a member of an organization that gives back to the community, " said Mary Loose DeViney, VP of Tuel Jewelers, and past President of the Virginia Jewelers Association.
Tuel Jewelers is a long standing member of Jewelers of America and participates each year in the Jewelers for Children Fund.
"We are excited that our own CASA was a recipient; the support they give to children within the court systems makes a difference in the lives of those children. We are grateful for CASA and their volunteers," DeViney said.
Piedmont CASA's written proposal was chosen to receive these funds from a $1,000,000 national grant by Jewelers for Children, administered by the National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association. Since 2003, JFC has funded advocacy services for abused and neglected children in over 300 communities nationwide.
"We are very grateful to local jewelers who remain committed to helping abused and neglected children." said Ruth Stone, Executive Director of Piedmont CASA.
Jewelers for Children was founded in 1999 by the U.S. jewelry industry with the mission of helping children in need. Since its inception, JFC has donated more than $30 million to programs benefiting children whose lives have been affected by illness, abuse or neglect through charity partners St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and the National CASA Association. JFC also provides support to the Make-A-Wish Foundation International, Autism Speaks, the Santa-America Fund and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
This nationwide success is due to the continuing generosity of jewelry trade organizations, jewelry and watch manufacturing companies, jewelry retail stores, individual jewelry professionals, and jewelry consumers.
The Virginia Jewelers Association, the state affiliate of Jewelers of America, was founded to foster, promote and protect the welfare and interests of those engaged in the retail jewelry business in Virginia. With retail jewelers across the state and supplier associate members, the association offers a range of benefits and services designed to meet their mission.
The National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association, together with its network of state and local CASA programs, supports and promotes the use of highly trained volunteer advocates to change the lives of abused and neglected children and help them to thrive in safe, permanent homes. There are over 900 CASA programs around the country working to create brighter futures for these children.
To learn more about how you can help, visit www.nationalcasa.org.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Commonwealth Council on Aging Recognizes Senior Center
(Richmond) The Commonwealth Council on Aging is pleased to announce the 2008 Best Practices Award winners for organizations serving older Virginians and their families.
As organizations and agencies struggle to meet the challenges of serving a rapidly aging population during a time of budget cuts and growing demand, we need to share our best practices and applaud our successes. This Best Practices Award program does both.
The Legal Aid Justice Center and its project, the Partnership for Improved Long-term Care, was given the Best Practices Award in the Community Partnership Category. The Partnership was launched by the Legal Aid Justice Center in October 2003 in response to residents' family members and others who were frustrated about not being able to secure satisfactory nursing home care for their loved ones.
Legal Aid Justice Center attorney Claire Curry, who is the coordinator of the Partnership effort, sees this award as a recognition of the remarkable coalition of legal, medical, and community volunteers who use advocacy, expertise, and activism to achieve results.
"This Partnership works because we listen to each other, we identify problems and act on them with a belief that we can make a difference. This award is shared by all who have worked to make the Partnership an ongoing, effective organization."
Legal Aid Justice Center will celebrate the Partnership and its award from the Commonwealth Council on the aging with an event this fall. The Commonwealth Council on Aging is composed of 19 citizens from all walks of life who are appointed by the Governor and the General Assembly to represent all geographic areas of Virginia.
The Council helps state government meet the needs of older Virginians in the most efficient and effective manner. The Council wishes to recognize and encourage model aging programs throughout the Commonwealth.
These programs may be sponsored by local governments, municipalities, community organizations, aging services providers, universities, faith organizations, and public private partnerships. Programs will be judged for their innovation, cost- effectiveness, ease of replication, and their impact on the quality of life of older Virginians, their families, and their caregivers. The Council will help to disseminate information about these programs throughout the Commonwealth.
The award categories are designed to include a broad and diverse range of creative community programs. The categories for the 2008 awards are:
· Community Partnerships,
· Education,
· Healthy Aging (Physical/Mental/Nutrition/Wellness/or Prevention),
· Long-Term Care,
· Senior Safety,
· Seniors as Volunteers, and
· Transportation.
The Other 2008 Award winners are:
* Transportation Category
The Mountain Empire Older Citizens Transportation Program
Big Stone Gap, VA
* Long-term Care Category
The Korean Senior Center Personal Care Aides Program
Vienna, VA
* Seniors as Volunteers Category
The Williamsburg Area Faith in Action Program
Williamsburg, VA
* Senior Safety Category
Communities Against Senior Exploitation (CASE) Department of Human Services
Virginia Beach, VA
* Education Category
The Workplace Partners Program
SeniorConnections: the Capital Area Agency on Aging
Richmond, VA
* Healthy Aging Category
The Senior Center of Charlottesville
Charlottesville, VA
* Community Partnerships Category
The Students & Seniors Program
Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging
Front Royal, VA
First Night Virginia Announces its 2009 Board of Directors
First Night Virginia announced Wednesday, June 18, 2008, the completion and expansion of its Board of Directors for the 2008-09 First Night event, including the addition of eight new members.
"We are extremely pleased to welcome to our Board - Ms. Bruce Costabile, Mr. Jay Crawford, Ms. Karen Davis, Ms. Billie Dietz, Mr. Matt Rohdie, Mr. Marc Turner, Mr. Drake Van de Castle and Ms. Patricia Wolfgram," says Joan Horn, 2009 FNV President. "Their experience and knowledge will be an invaluable asset as our Board and the First Night event continues to grow. Joining our existing Board members, these individuals provide a great deal of depth to our abilities and talents, which, in turn, enables us to improve and expand nearly every aspect of the First Night experience - for our thousands of guests, for our hundreds of performers and for our community of volunteers."
Longstanding members include VP Jennifer McCune, Secretary Andrea Bledsoe, Treasurer Mike Griffin, Annick Salomon, Chauncey Hutter, Judy Malone, Bob Mosolgo, and Carrie Taylor. Two part-time staff members include Executive Director Barbara Lundgren and Booking/Production Manager Chris Munson.
First Night Virginia enters its 27th year by celebrating a "Night of Possibility" on the Historic Downtown Mall, and remains a family-friendly, alcohol-free event that is fun for all ages.
Tuel Jewelers Donates American Cut: The First 100 Years to Jefferson Madison Regional Library
(Carlsbad, CA) The Gemological Institute of America graduate Mary Loose DeViney, of Tuel Jewelers in Downtown Charlottesville has announced the recent donation of the book, American Cut: the First 100 Years, to the Jefferson Madison Regional Library in Downtown Charlottesville, Virginia.
This donation is in participation with the GIA Richard T. Liddicoat Library and Information Center that provided 1,000 copies to be made available to libraries across the nation through the local GIA Alumni Chapters.
American Cut: The First 100 Years, written by Al Gilbertson, a well-regarded GIA research associate, and published by GIA, follows the history and chronology of American diamond cutting. It describes the early stages of the European diamond cutting industry, and how American ideas and inventions influenced diamond cutting eventually changing diamond cutting around the world.
"I am pleased to make this book accessible to our local community," said Mary Loose DeViney of Tuel Jewelers "This book is an important resource on diamond cutting that will educate readers on the history."
American Cut: The First 100 Years, is now available at Jefferson Madison Regional Library.
For additional information or to get a copy of the American Cut, visit www.gia.edu and click on "Instruments and Books."
An independent nonprofit organization, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is recognized as the world's foremost authority in gemology. Established in 1931, GIA has translated its expert knowledge into the most respected gemological education available. Early in the 1950s, GIA invented the famous Four Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight.
In 1953, the Institute created the International Diamond Grading System which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world. Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. GIA can be found on the web at www.gia.edu.
CYFS Receives $10,000 from FACT to Support Parenting Classes
Children, Youth & Family Services (CYFS) is pleased to announce a grant of $10,000 from the Family and Children's trust Fund (FACT) of Virginia.
The Family and Children's Trust Fund supports local programs in Virginia that provide support and education services to prevent and treat violence in families. This grant will be used to offer our parenting class series called "Surviving the Teen Years-It Can Be Done," a six-week course that uses the nationally recognized STEP curriculum to help families adapt to living with teenagers.
Both parents and teens participate in these classes where they develop new methods for communicating with each other, resolving conflicts, and managing stress and anger. The program provides help to families at-risk for violence or other problems, and many parents are referred by the court system, social services, counselors and schools. Others learn about the classes in newspapers, newsletters, or through word-of- mouth.
"Surviving the Teen Years" has helped many families find a more positive and effective way to grow together through the teen years. 100% of teen participants have said they have seen their parents trying to apply what they learned in the classes, and 90% of participants say they have seen an improvement in relationships as a result of the classes.
The Family and Children's Trust fund is administered by a Board of Trustees appointed by the Governor to raise and distribute funds to local communities for family violence prevention, treatment and public awareness throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.
CYFS is one of the oldest nonprofits in Charlottesville. For 86 years we have been opening doors to brighter futures for kids.
For more information, visit our website at www.cyfs.org.
Children, Youth & Family Services Receives $5,000 Grant
Children, Youth & Family Services' Play Partners Program received a generous grant of $5,000 from the Community Endowment Fund in the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation.
Play Partners sends pairs of trained volunteers into home-based child care settings and child care centers that serve low-income families to expose children ages 2-5 to early literacy activities. The program increases their enthusiasm for reading and builds skills that will help them succeed in school.
Children who participate in the program greatly increase their school-readiness skills. Every week, more than 150 preschoolers in Charlottesville's low-income neighborhoods get a visit from their Play Partners volunteers. These volunteers read to them, lead hands-on activities relating to the themes in the books, and ultimately, present the children with their own copies of the books to take home and share with their families. By the end of the year, each child has added nine books to his home library.
Charlottesville City Schools have the state's highest achievement gap between low-income students and their peers. The gap in the surrounding counties is also of great concern.
Website for more details: http://www.cyfs.org/pp.shtml.
LiveArts.org Launched
Birch Studio announces the launch of LiveArts.org, a website for one of the most original organizations in our region.
Live Arts Theater is a supreme work in progress - educating, evolving and entertaining thousands of people a year. With a dozen distinct shows per season, numerous classes, behind-the- scenes events and legendary galas, the theater is a community institution.
As a branding firm, Birch Studio looks for ways to more clearly represent a client's identity. When they said their modus operandi is handmade, we took that literally.
LiveArts.org reflects the hand-made and time-honored craft embodied by the theater. Panels of wood, layers of tape and nostalgic iconography were applied in a layered manner. For good measure, we built the site using the least pretentious typeface of them all: Courier.
Our creative and programming team worked with the Live Arts staff to develop a wish list of aesthetics and functions that would both give them an updated identity and as well as a website they could update often. They are able to add shows, classes, sponsors, links of interest, cost for each show, even photos and videos. We built into the site a simple shopping cart and donation option that allowed them to consolidate services pieced together by outside vendors.
Visitors to the site can also comment on events, continuing the experience beyond the theater.
McClung Recognizes Employees of the Quarter
(Waynesboro) John Britt, bindery operator, was recently chosen Employees of the Quarter at McClung Companies.
Established in 1992, the award is based on recommendations from fellow workers and recognizes McClung employees who display extraordinary dedication to their jobs.
"John is patient, versatile and dependable," noted Dave Perkins, McClung Vice President. "He is quite experienced and can operate just about any piece of equipment in the bindery. We particularly appreciate his ability to work through challenging folder setups."
Britt has worked seven years at McClung and lives in Bridgewater with his wife and three sons.
For 60 plus years the award-winning McClung Companies continues to serve the graphic communication needs of central and northern Virginia with the latest technology and with highly skilled and motivated employee owners.
City of Charlottesville Given AAA Bond Rating
The City of Charlottesville announced today that during the Bond sale process Charlottesville again received the highest rating from both Standard & Poor's Rating Services and Moody's Investors Services.
Standard & Poor's issued its highest rating of "AAA" and Moody's also issued its highest rating of "Aaa". Moody's and Standard & Poor's Bond Ratings reflect an independent and unbiased assessment of the credit worthiness of debt obligation in the public financial market. The higher the rating, the stronger the borrowing power and the lower the interest rates available to municipalities.
Four key factors are used by Moody's and Standard & Poor's to rate the cities debt issues which are the Economy which includes demographics; employment base; property values; taxpayer composition. Another major factor is Management which includes policies and procedures; strategic planning; ability to achieve budget targets and management experience and continuity. The third major factor is Financial which includes budgeting practices, investments & fund balances. The final major factor is Debt which includes debt ratios such as debt per capita; debt to real estate values; capital needs planning and legal debt limits.
"The City of Charlottesville continues to be at the forefront of the best managed localities in the Nation. The City's conservative financial practices and its ongoing economic development initiatives have enabled the City to grow and prosper despite a slowing economy," said Kevin Rotty of Morgan Keegan & Company.
The rating agencies in the most recent review noted the following in their reports on Charlottesville's rating:
* Healthy growth in the property tax base.
* Consistently strong financial performance.
* Low debt burden.
* Strong management practices.
Charlottesville City Manager Gary O'Connell noted that a rating such as this is unique and particularly helpful during these harder national economic times.
"The health of our city can be measured in many ways, and our ability to keep this high rating for so many years demonstrates our strong fiscal stability that is so crucial to have in times likes these. Our great fiscal health is truly unique among cities our size nationwide."
With the new rating Moody's has rated Charlottesville Aaa since 1973 and Standard and Poor's has rated AAA since 1964. There are only two Virginia cities rated AAA by both Moody's and Standard & Poor's.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Credit Union Awards $16,500 in Scholarships to Local Seniors
With the enthusiastic support of the members in attendance at their 53rd annual meeting on May 28, UVA Community Credit Union presented a tuition scholarship of $1,500 to an outstanding high school senior from each of the eleven public high schools in the credit union field of membership, which includes Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Nelson, and Orange.
"We consider these scholarships an investment in the future of these young people and in their communities," said Jeffrey Moscicki, the chair of the Credit Union Board of Directors, as he distributed the awards.
UVA Community Credit Union is one of the oldest financial institutions in our area, and its mission is to improve the well-being of our members and to strengthen the communities in which they live.
The credit union's emphasis on education -- through community education seminars and through its high school scholarship program -- is an important way that it accomplishes these goals.
Scholarship winners are Alycia McDonald (Albemarle High School), Michael T. Rafaly (Charlottesville High School), Melanie Suzanne Bianco (Fluvanna County High School), Ian Thomas Wendell (Louisa County High School), Stephanie Jordan O¡¦Connell (Madison County High School), Arthur Malik Conley (Monticello High School), Chessie R. Pardue (Murray High School), Cassidy Sickman (Nelson County High School), Danielle R. Estes (Orange County High School), Holly Albertson (Western Albemarle High School), and Brittaney Shifflett (William Monroe High School).
UVA Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative that provides a wide range of convenient and professionally managed financial services to its more than 50,000 members. Credit union membership is available to those who live or work in the City of Charlottesville or the counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Nelson, and Orange.
Newsplex's Burchett Leaving for Alabama Affiliate
Bob Prather, president and COO of Gray Television, today announced that Roger Burchett has been named vice president and general manager of WTVYTV, the CBS affiliate in Dothan, Alabama.
Burchett most recently has served as vice president and general manager for Gray¡¦s Charlottesville cluster which includes WCAV- TV, WVAW-LP, WAHU-CA and its associated digital sub channels. Burchett has been with the stations since just after their launch in the fall of 2004.
In making this announcement today, Gray President and COO Bob Prather said, "Roger's hard work and community involvement in the Charlottesville area has a direct correlation to the success we have seen for our stations in that market. Roger has laid the foundation for long-term success in both news and new media ventures in Charlottesville and I am confident he will continue to grow the same business for us in Dothan."
Burchett's promotion is effective immediately; however, the transition period may take up to a month.
Gray currently operates 36 television stations serving 30 markets. Each of the stations are affiliated with either CBS (17 stations), NBC (10 stations), ABC (8 stations) or FOX (1 station). In addition, Gray currently operates 40 digital second channels including 1 ABC, 5 Fox, 8 CW and 16 MyNetworkTV affiliates plus 8 local news/weather channels and 2 "independent" channels in certain of its existing markets.
JABA's Charlottesville Center Honors Local Volunteers
JABA's 584 volunteers in Ablemarle County and the city of Charlottesville can usually be found working with seniors in one of JABA's five community centers or tutoring students. On Thursday, May 15, however, they were recognized for the contributions during garden party at JABA's Adult Activity and Health Center on Hillsdale Drive.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of a poster size check representing the monetary value of the volunteers' combined hours by Dick Gibson, Jr. Chair of JABA's Board of Directors and Gordon Walker, JABA's CEO .
"The US Department of Labor puts a cash value of $20.08 on every hour of volunteer work," said Gibson. "Based on that figure, the 44,791 hours of time contributed by our volunteers in Albemarle County is worth $899,093.24."
Accepting the check on behalf of the city and county were County Supervisor Ann Mallek, County Supervisor Sally Thomas, Holly Edwards, City Council Member, Charlottesville City Council member Satyendra Huja, and Delegate David Toscano.
Angell Husted hosted the afternoon's festivities. The Pantops Trio provided the music.
JABA places volunteers of all ages with a wide range of local nonprofits throughout the counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Nelson, and the city of Charlottesville. Volunteers have a variety of choices, with time commitments starting from as little as one hour a week.
Volunteers who are 55 and older are part of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) that JABA sponsors locally. JABA's Friends in School Helping (FISH) intergenerational program matches volunteers of all ages with opportunities in public schools. Trained JABA volunteers with Volunteer Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (VICAP) provide help with insurance issues and claims, while those with JABA's Ombudsman Program act as advocates for resident in Long-Term Care facilities.
Those wishing more information on volunteering with JABA should call (434) 817-5222.
Computers4Kids Wins Two Awards in One Week
Computers4Kids is pleased to announce that it was the recipient of two competitive awards in one week.
On May 22, the Charlottesville Business Innovation Council (CBIC) presented Computers4Kids with the 2008 Community Innovation Award. This award is given to that enterprise that has demonstrated the greatest commitment to improving the quality of life in Central Virginia through community involvement. After the nominating process and a site visit, Computers4Kids was chosen by CBIC for the award from among a number of other nominees, including additional finalists Charlottesville Tomorrow and Dominion Digital.
Computers4Kids is also pleased to announce that it was the winner of the Cvillain.com Space Party contest. After a heated race to be voted Charlottesville's best nonprofit organization, Computers4Kids won enough community votes to beat out other finalists (Boys and Girls Club and Relay for Life-American Cancer Society). Voting was held online at http://cvillain.com throughout May and concluded at their 2nd Annual Space Party, held at the X Lounge on May 25.
These awards clearly demonstrate that Computers4Kids has significant support from the community and they serve as an inspiration to the organization and its many volunteers to keep up the good work.
Established in 1999, Computers4Kids is a Charlottesville non-profit organization whose goal is to improve low income youths' computer and learning skills through caring mentorship, structured training, a vibrant learning environment, and access to a computer at home.
Students are paired with a volunteer mentor and together they creatively explore various aspects of the computer and technology. The mentor/student interaction is as much about friendship and support as it is about education.
For additional information, call Computers4Kids at 817-1121 or visit www.computers4kids.net.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
CATEC Announces First Inductees Into Wall of Fame
Last Friday, the Charlottesville Albemarle Technical Education Center inducted 4 members into the Wall of Fame.
The Wall of Fame is a visual representation of CATEC and shares the untold story of some important individuals in its history. It showcases the legacy of students who enhanced their skills at CATEC, employees who faithfully served CATEC and contributed to the success of the students and the school, and generous supporters of CATEC who gave of their talents and time.
The four new inductees included:
· Joseph Moore-longtime supporter of CATEC, adult instructor and member of Central Virginia Apprenticeship Council
· Allen Miller-Albemarle County and CATEC Special Education instructor who worked at CATEC from 1990-2003.
· Robert Barrett-former Electricity instructor who worked at CATEC from 1975 to 1990. and
· Lance Van de Castle-began teaching adult courses in 1993. Served on CVAC Board and was President of CATEC Foundation Board.
"It's an honor to recognize these four members in our inaugural Wall of Fame induction at CATEC. It's a shame that all four members are not here today to accept the recognition. They all passed away too early. The family members that were present to receive their awards had a chance to hear all of the wonderful things that others had to say about them. Their legacies will certainly live on with all those that they have touched." -Darah Bonham, CATEC Director.
In addition to the four inductees, CATEC recognized Charles Hendricks from the Gaines Group as the 2008 Contributor of the Year for his work on the design and construction of the Hinge House being built at CATEC.
VMDO Architects Receives National Award
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) awarded VMDO Architects the 2008 Educational Facility Design Merit Award today for the design of Averett University's new student center located in Danville, Virginia.
Presented at the 2008 AIA National Convention by the AIA's Committee on Architecture for Education, the Facility Design Merit Awards identify, honor, and disseminate the projects and ideas that exhibit innovation and excellence in institutional design. Selected as one of 11 winners out of a pool of just under 100 nationwide applicants, the Averett Student Center has special meaning to the VMDO Architects higher education team.
"I am humbled by the extraordinary recognition that has been given to Averett University and the project. We have received three national awards: for architectural design (AIA CAE), our peers in higher educational planning (SCUP), and from student center professionals (ACUI). These groups reached the same conclusions about the success of the building from very different perspectives," comments David Oakland, principal-in- charge of the project.
The purpose of the new Student Center building at Averett was to make a place, and a way, for faculty, staff, and students to gather together as a university community. Its goal was to create a welcoming place to draw students in, encourage them to stay, gather, and share experiences.
A fairly bold mark was needed to communicate this hopeful and forward-looking campaign to recast Averett's identity from its days as a conventional teaching college to a dynamic, modern institution. The new Student Center visibly opens outward to welcome students and faculty, to invite them in, and to broadcast the best kinds of campus activity-in a way that was previously not possible.
"The building frames a new campus focal point, creates a campus living room, and connects commuter and residential students with the university community for a complete integration of campus life," says Richard A. Pfau, former Averett University president and champion of the project through the design, construction and first year of the project.
Over the past 30 years, VMDO Architects has focused on customized planning and design for a variety of clients throughout the United States. The firm specializes in design for K-12 public schools and higher education institutions. VMDO designs schools because they recognize the impact that architecture has on education and thus, they approach design from the perspective of the educator.
They strive to create designs that are suited to the needs of the community, offering an inspiring and engaging environment that translates into meaningful buildings of lasting value. VMDO Architects has thus established a reputation for progressive, high-quality, and cost-effective programming, design, renovation, and planning. Averett College, founded in 1859, entered a new chapter in its history in 2001 as Averett University-a liberal arts university with its main campus nestled in a residential neighborhood in Danville with satellite programs across the state of Virginia.
The move to become a comprehensive university sparked a focused and imaginative study of how the university could recast its identity, establish an identifiable and iconographic campus setting, and live up to the new institutional challenges as a university.
Since 1857, the AIA has represented the professional interests of America's architects. As AIA members, over 80,000 licensed architects, emerging professionals, and industry partners express their commitment to excellence in design and livability in our nation's buildings and communities.
The Committee on Architecture for Education (CAE) is a large and active group of architects and allied professionals concerned with the quality and design of all types of educational, cultural, and recreational facilities.
For additional information, please contact Anne Hooff at Payne, Ross & Associates at 434-977-7607 or email at anne@payneross.com.
Seven Albemarle Elementary Schools Recognized for Raising Achievement of Economically Disadvantaged Students
Seven Albemarle County Elementary Schools were recently recognized by the Virginia Board of Education (VDOE) for raising the academic achievement of economically disadvantaged students.
Brownsville, Cale, Red Hill, Scottsville, Stone- Robinson, Stony Point, and Woodbrook Elementary Schools were among 118 Virginia schools in 13 public school divisions to be honored for their levels of student achievement during the 2006-07 school year. Honored schools will receive a certificate to commemorate their academic accomplishments.
"These awards show that all children-regardless of family income-can learn and achieve," said Mark Emblidge, Board of Education President. "With all this success it is easy to forget that there once was a widespread belief that children from economically disadvantaged communities should not be expected to meet high standards."
"The primary objective of Albemarle County Public Schools is to prepare ALL students to succeed, and congruent with that goal is the unshakable belief that every child CAN excel," said Superintendent of Schools Pamela Moran.
Funding for school programs designed to increase the academic achievement levels of "at risk" students is provided through Title I of No Child Left Behind (NCLB). Annual objectives for raising student achievement on statewide assessments in reading/language arts and math are mandated by federal education law.
Jack Jouett Middle School Library Awarded "We the People" Bookshelf Collection
Jack Jouett Middle School Library is one of 3,000 libraries across the country selected by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the American Library Association (ALA) to received free hardcover editions of 17 classic books from the first We the People Bookshelf Collection. The collection has a retail value of over $520.
"Created Equal" is the theme of this year's bookshelf collection. The "Created Equal" We the People Bookshelf Collection contains the following books:
?Grades 4-6: Elijah of Buxton, by Christopher Paul Curtis; Give Me Liberty! The Story of the Declaration of Independence, by Russell Freedman; Lincoln: A Photobiography, by Russell Freedman; Many Thousand Gone: African Americans from Slavery to Freedom, by Virginia Hamilton; and Lyddie, by Katherine Paterson.
?Grades 7-8: Saturnalia, by Paul Fleishman; Freedom Walkers: The Story of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, by Russell Freedman; Abraham Lincoln the Writer: A Treasury of His Greatest Speeches and Letters, edited by Harold Holzer; and Breaking Through, by Francisco Jiménez.
The award is part of the NEH's We the People initiative, which supports projects that strengthen the teaching, study and understanding of American history and culture. Selected public and school libraries in all 50 states will receive a set of the 21 books (including Spanish translations of four of the titles), posters, bookmarks, bookplates from the NEH and the ALA, "History in a Box" resource materials on Abraham Lincoln from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, and access to online planning and promotional materials.
Participating libraries will present programs related to the "Created Equal" theme for their students or library patrons. The Jack Jouett Middle School Library will host a variety of programs for students during the 2008-09 school year. Focusing on the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth in February, students will be able to o participate in a forensics competition featuring oral interpretation of Lincoln's speeches, original oratory about Lincoln's legacy in the United States today, or presentation of original poems or stories about Lincoln. Students will also write book reviews of the Bookshelf's books and publish them as podcasts on the school library's webpage.
For more information about the We the People Bookshelf project, please visit http://publicprograms.ala.org/bookshelf.
JABA Volunteer Receives Governor's Award
JABA volunteer, Sally Mank, has been a familiar face to regular viewers of Senior Moment, which airs Wednesdays at noon on WCAV-TV. However, it was her off-screen efforts with the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) that recently earned her the Governor's 2008 Volunteer Award for national service by an individual.
Sally was among the total of 12 individuals and organizations recognized by Governor Timothy M. Kaine with awards during the 2008 Conference on Volunteerism and Community Service. The event was held Thursday, April 24, 2007 in Virginia Beach and was hosted by Department of Social Services' Office on Volunteerism and Community Service.
According to JABA's CEO, Gordon Walker, the award was well deserved.
"The people JABA serves have benefited significantly from Sally's dedication and professionalism. Sally is a well informed and tireless advocate. She has enabled hundreds of people to make wise choices. Her tactful persistence has resolved insurance claim disputes to the satisfaction of providers, insurers and patients. JABA is most fortunate to be able to count on Sally as a dependable and compassionate performer of good works."
Sally Mank began volunteering for VICAP in 1997 after her father began experiencing frustration and anxiety over his Medicare notices. Sally started volunteering with VICAP in September 1997, motivated by her father's frustration and anxiety over his Medicare notices.
In 1999, Sally assumed a part-time staff position with JABA. During the eight-and-a-half years she served in that position, Sally donated at least ten hours per week beyond her paid work to education and outreach, making beneficiaries and their families aware of the VICAP counseling services.
In September 2006, Sally came full circle and became a volunteer again. Currently, she volunteers throughout the year and serves nearly full-time during open enrollment periods. She conducts community education and outreach for JABA's VICAP program, in addition to one-on-one Medicare counseling.
Sally's innovative approaches have included mobilizing volunteers through RSVP, and building community support by partnering with the HealthWise Program at Martha Jefferson Hospital, the local Senior Center, Inc, as well as conducting training sessions with nurses from UVA Medical Center and TRAID. As a result the number of clients receiving counseling services has increased from about 30 per month to over 100 per month.
Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Awards highlight the efforts of outstanding citizens of the Commonwealth who seek to enhance the lives of others in their communities. The awards are presented to groups, individuals and families whose efforts exemplify extraordinary volunteer service.
"I congratulate the winning volunteers who help us move Virginia forward and improve the quality of life for all Virginians," said Governor Kaine. "When we serve our community as volunteers, our unique skills, perspectives and experience make us a stronger Commonwealth."
For more on the 2008 Conference on Volunteerism and Community Service go to http://www.vaservice.org/go/conference/home/. And for information on the JABA and the VICAP program see www.jabacares.org or call JABA at (434) 817-5222.
McClung Companies Moves into New Pressroom
(Waynesboro) The McClung Companies has moved into its new 10,000 square foot pressroom addition. The expansion allows the full service graphic communication organization to expand its printing, mailing and integrated marketing services.
The jewel of the pressroom is a new, state-of-the-art Heidelberg Speedmaster CD 74 press. Heidelberg, the world's largest press manufacturer, makes this press with five color units and an aqueous coater. With its high levels of automation, it is a real bonus for today's customers who want fast turnaround without sacrificing quality.
The pressroom has high efficiency T8 fluorescent lighting which is an excellent light in which to view color, as well as offering substantial energy savings. The addition also boasts the latest technology in humidity control to reduce static and to keep the paper properly conditioned. This allows the paper to run through the presses more efficiently with less stoppages.
Tom Trevillian, McClung President and CEO, is excited by the project. "This is our second addition in ten years," he noted. "Our need for more room is a confirmation of our great employees, customers and our comprehensive graphics solutions business."
By choosing to build at its current location in Waynesboro, McClung received "Enterprise Zone" tax credits from the commonwealth of Virginia. The credits are a program to help cities improve their underdeveloped sections.
The pressroom has been named the M.E. Huffman Building after long-term employee Woody Huffman. Huffman began working at McClung in 1947 and was plant manager before retiring to part-time work.
With over 60 years of craftsmanship and service, McClung Companies serves the graphic design, printing and communication needs of western, central and northern Virginia.
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