Stone Mountain Vineyards Earns Gold, Silver and Bronze

Stone Mountain Vineyards' 2005 Petit Verdot earned a Gold medal in the prestigious 2007 Governor's Cup Wine Competition. Stone Mountain's 2006 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay garnered a Silver medal, while the 2004 Cabernet Franc earned a Bronze medal in Virginia's most prestigious wine competition.

The competition, featuring exclusively Virginia wines, evaluated over three hundred fifty wines from around the Old Dominion.

Traditionally a blending grape, Petit Verdot is developing quite a following as an individually selected varietal. Stone Mountain's 2005 vintage features a rich, powerful, dark flavor profile, well structured mid-palate and a climactic memorable finish. The positive impacts of the 2005 growing conditions can be seen the elegant lines of the Gold medal winner. The warm days and cool nights combined with the rocky vineyard soils express themselves in the glass. Maceration in microbins produced a high level of interaction between the skins and the juice resulting in a more complex profile in the glass.

Chris Breiner, Winemaker and Managing Partner of Stone Mountain Vineyards said, "The 2005 Petit Verdot is a powerhouse. Working with Virginia pioneer, Gabriele Rausse, our goal is to grow wines that support Virginia as a leading wine region. I am humbled to receive one of the few Gold medals in this competition and very proud of the volume of high caliber wines currently being produced in Virginia."

Stone Mountain Vineyards is located 1,700 feet above sea level in Dyke, Virginia along the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Greene County winery and tasting room are open for visitors and tastings Friday - Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

For more information visit their website www.stonemountainvineyards.com or call 434-990-WINE.

Center for Nonprofit Excellence Welcomes new Executive Director

The Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNE) is pleased to announce the selection of Ms. Kerry L. Dodson as its new Executive Director, effective October 1.

Wendy Brown, Founder of the CNE, stated: "We are thrilled to have Ms. Dodson join the ranks of exceptional nonprofit leaders in our community. She brings 15 years of leadership experience in all areas of nonprofit management and will use that expertise to further realize the CNE mission of maximizing the potential of the nonprofit sector through education, training, resource-sharing and mentoring."

Dodson, a Virginia native, is excited by the opportunities and challenges posed by a growing, entrepreneurial venture. "The chance to work with the broad spectrum of nonprofits in this region, while further developing this incredible resource center is one that I just couldn't pass up. The Center is at a critical juncture in its own evolution. I look forward to working with the many volunteers and the board to expand the reach of the CNE and its services."

Dodson received her Masters in Public Administration in 1997 from Virginia Tech. She has also held several Managerial and Directorship positions with nonprofits such as Operation Christmas Child in Boone, NC, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International in New York, NY and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Blue Ridge Chapter in Roanoke, VA. Dodson held an Assistant Director position at the United Way of Montgomery, Radford, Floyd and Christiansburg, VA.

The Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNE) is a local resource center designed to bring local, regional, and national resources under a single roof. The CNE is the first local resource center founded to help strengthen the capacity of the nonprofit community through training and technical assistance, information sharing, education, and collaboration. By making these resources more readily available, area nonprofits will save time and money and be able to focus on maximizing their potential.

Located in Charlottesville, the CNE also serves the surrounding counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson. Launched in October, 2006 the CNE currently has more than 150 organizational members from the nonprofit and private sectors. Services offered by the Center for Nonprofit Excellence include: a calendar listing for local nonprofit events, training via a brown bag lunch series, seminars, classes and conferences, full access to available grant and other funding details from a national database, and a job posting service for paid and volunteer nonprofit positions.

For More Information, contact Center for Nonprofit Excellence, 401 E. Market Street, Charlottesville, VA 22903 434.244.3330. www.thecne.org

CB Richard Ellis Welcomes Carolyn Shears, CCIM as Senior Vice President

CB Richard Ellis is pleased to announce that Carolyn Shears, CCIM joins our Charlottesville office as Senior Vice President.

"We feel extremely fortunate to have Carolyn Shears join us at CBRE," said Robert F. Stockhausen, Jr., CCIM, and Managing Director of the CBRE Charlottesville office. "Carolyn has an excellent reputation, not only as a commercial real estate broker, but as a steward for our community."

Shears began her commercial real estate career more than 21 years ago. Most recently she was the President of Summit Realty Company. Her professional affiliations include serving as a past President of the Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors (CAAR), and she is currently on the Board of Directors at the Charlottesville Chamber of Commerce.

Carolyn is a native Californian and graduate of San Jose University. She is a licensed real estate broker in Virginia. Carolyn distinguishes herself as a broker who identifies gaps in the marketplace, helps investors find the product niche, problem-solves difficult issues for successful negotiations, and strategizes action plans for business relocation and acquisition decisions.

CB Richard Ellis/Charlottesville is a CB Richard Ellis partner office serving the Central Virginia Region. The firm assists real estate owners, investors and occupiers by offering strategic advice and execution for property leasing and sales; property, facilities and project management; corporate services; debt and equity financing; investment management; valuation and appraisal; research and investment strategy; and consulting.

For more information about the Charlottesville office, visit our Web site, www.cbre.com/charlottesville.

Airlie Conference Center Adds Barista on Demand to Their Menu

The Airlie Conference Center announced today that the property has selected Barista on Demand to provide complimentary fresh ground organic and rainforest alliance certified espresso coffee and gourmet beverages to guests and staff 24 hours, 7 days per week. Barista on Demand will replace a prominent coffee brand as the property's espresso coffee service.

This switch is part of the Airlie Conference Center's ongoing efforts to partner with local, sustainable vendors throughout their purchasing and operations. Airlie Conference Center seeks to promote sustainable agriculture through its Local Food Project, which hosts a national conference annually.

"Partnering with Barista on Demand makes perfect sense for us," states Kevin Carter, GM of the Airlie Conference Center. "This is a conscious choice to partner with a local company whose products are outstanding, sustainability practices are very compelling, and whose goals fit with our own, both in terms of customer satisfaction while reducing waste and supporting the local community."

Barista on Demand has made sustainability a core part of their business, from their well-established Rainforest Alliance Certified purchasing and Seed to Cup program, which supports coffee farmers and their communities through direct payments to growers. They also recently introduced the ecotainer coffee cup - a compostable to-go cup made of paper with a corn- based plastic lining.

"Being chosen as the espresso coffee of choice for Airlie Conference Center is an honor in addition to a great business partnership," says Dennis Tracz, CEO & Founder of Barista on Demand, LLC. "We have long been aware of Airlie's efforts to promote sustainability and local foods. They also host earth-friendly groups like Nature Conservancy, National Wildlife Federation, U. S. Green Building Council, National Water Research Institute, Angler Environmental, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and the Piedmont Environmental Council. They make business decisions not only on price but also based on local and sustainable values."

Barista on Demand, LLCis a Charlottesville, VA-based organic coffee service company. Since 2006, they have provided coffee and gourmet specialty drinks to public and private businesses and institutions. Their sustainability platform includes their Rainforest Alliance Certified Seed to Cup program, which provides direct payments to coffee growers, and the Metro area's first biodegradable ecotainer®.

For more information, please visit www.baristaondemand.com .

Union Bank & Trust Welcomes Newest Manager to Forest Lakes

Union Bank & Trust announced this week that George M. Fitz-Hugh, Jr. has been named the Forest Lakes Branch Manager.

George's outstanding personal service and 10 years banking experience are an added value to Union Bank & Trust, a UB&T release noted.

Union Bank & Trust offers a variety of consumer and commercial banking products tailored to fit your financial needs. To learn more about Union Bank & Trust, visit www.unionbankandtrust.com.

Fitz-Hugh, the husband of Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce Director of Programs Danielle Fitz-Hugh, may be reached at 434.970.1140.

Charlottesville Fire Department Receives International Recognition

On August 23rd, the Charlottesville Fire Department was awarded the status of Internationally Accredited Fire Service Agency by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI).

CFAI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting fire and emergency service agencies throughout the world in achieving excellence in order to provide continuous quality improvement and enhancement of service delivery to their communities.

The Charlottesville Fire Department is one of only eight departments in the state of Virginia and one of only one hundred and twenty three departments internationally to currently hold the accreditation status. The Charlottesville Fire Department offers fire protection, fire prevention, emergency medical services, and a host of other programs and services to the Charlottesville community.

The comprehensive and detailed analysis of department operations that was a part of the accreditation review process provides an organizational foundation for operational efficiency and effectiveness, provides the community with a detailed evaluation of the department's programs and services, and promotes adherence to sound fiscal and organizational strategies.

For the Charlottesville community this translates to an effective allocation and appropriation of emergency resources resulting in rapid responses to calls for service, low annual fire loss statistics, and contributes to a safe and protected quality of life for all residents and visitors to the community. Because a community's investment in fire mitigation is a proven and reliable predictor of future fire losses insurance companies generally offer lower premiums in communities with better fire protection.

The insurance industry and the international accrediting agency for fire service both recognize the Charlottesville Fire Department for its professional and effective delivery of emergency services.

We appreciate the cooperation and support we receive from our local business community and pledge that we will continue to be a partner in sustaining the economic vitality of Charlottesville by providing fire protection and emergency services responsibly, professionally, and commensurate with maintaining and enhancing the quality of life for all the citizens of our community.

Local Personality on Edison Media Research's "30 Under 30"

Top young radio professionals to receive award at Conclave 007! Edison Media Research announced today the "30 Under 30" -- the culmination of a six month search for 30 talents ages 30 and younger in broadcasting.

The research company based in Somerville, NJ, conducted a nationwide search and received hundreds of nominations. The top 30 will be profiled online starting June 1 at www.edisonresearch.com.

All finalists have also been invited to participate in a special program at the 32nd Annual Conclave Learning Conference, Conclave 007: Radio Under Construction, to be held on June 28 in Minneapolis at the Marriott City Center Hotel. Events include a special luncheon, awards ceremony and a series of sessions for Conclave participants to interact with--and learn from-- these 30 young stars of broadcasting. All winners will receive free tuition to this year's Conclave, and will also receive a special award from Edison.

The following is a list of the most gifted 30 Radio Professionals under 30 Years Old:
· Daniel Anstandig: Vice President/Consultant, McVay Media
· Michael Bryan: Program Director, WXXL, Orlando/WBVD, Melbourne, Florida
· Buck Head: Morning Show Host, KKRZ, Portland, Oregon
· Chase: Operations Manager, Emmis- Austin/Program Director KDHT, Austin, Texas
· Tommy Chuck: Program Director, WFLZ Tampa, Florida and OM Clear Channel Format Lab CHR Channels
· Matt Dubiel: Program Director Nine- FM Chicago, Illinois
· Jon Daniels: Program Director / Afternoons, WMJC, Long Island, New York
· Spero Dedes: Play-by-Play Announcer, Los Angeles Lakers
· Fisher: Program Director, WMXB, Richmond, Virginia
· Rob Garcia: Program Director/Afternoons, WZBZ, Atlantic City, New Jersey
· Scott Herrold: Program Director /Music Director, KCXR, Tulsa, Oklahoma
· Jeremiah 'J.' Hicks: Assistant Program Director/Music Director, WQHH, Lansing, Michigan
· Matt Johnson: Program Director/Afternoons, WXKB, Fort Myers, Florida
· Kane: Mornings, WITH, Washington D.C.
· J Kruz: Program Director / Mornings, X107.1, Cayman Islands
· James Kurdziel: Program Director, WEDG, Buffalo, New York
· Bo Matthews: Program Director, WMMS/WAKS, Cleveland, Ohio
· Dustin Matthews: Program Director, WFXH Savannah, Georgia
· Maynard: Program Director/Mid- days, KQMV, Seattle, Washington
· Jared Mims: Program Director, WZZP/WKFN, Clarksville, Tennessee
· Drew Murrell: Host, Nick and Drew, KTUX, Shreveport, Louisiana and Executive Producer, Envision Murphy, Sam and Jodi morning show.
· Chris Oliviero: Vice President of Programming, CBS Radio
· Chris Pickett: Operations Manager, KVUU/KKLI, Colorado Springs, Colorado
· Jana Rogers: Managing Partner, WMOM, Ludington, Michigan
· Romeo: Music Director/Nights, WHTZ, New York
· Nadine Santos: Music Director. WWPR, New York
· Brad Savage: Program Director, WCNR, Charlottesville, Virginia
· Patrick 'Nick' Thomas: Executive Producer, Premiere Radio Networks "Big D and Bubba Radio Show" and Host, Nick and Drew, KTUX, Shreveport, Louisiana
· Adam Uytman: Programme Director, XFM, London
· Ryan Zimmerman: Program Director, CFBR, Edmonton, Alberta

"Edison is delighted to help support talent development in the radio industry," said Edison Media Research Vice President, Tom Webster. "These 30 individuals, and the hundreds of other highly qualified nominations we received, show that radio is indeed in good hands as we embrace what lies ahead for the industry. We are grateful to The Conclave for helping us support the future of radio."

Proud partners of the 2007 Conclave: Platinum Partner - Radio and Records. Partners - Arbitron, AudioXChange/BitXChange, BMI, Brown College, Edison Media Research, Envision Radio Networks, Jones Radio Networks, Lincoln Financial Media, McNally-Smith College of Music, McVay Media, Media Span, Megatrax, MusicMaster, Nielsen Entertainment/BDS Radio, Premiere Radio Networks, PromoSuite, RCS, Troy Research and Specs Howard School for Communication Arts.

For more than 32 years, the Conclave has been educating the industry in the ways and means to best serve in the public interest. The Conclave is the only radio multi-formatic organization recognized as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit group by the government of the United States.

Edison Media Research conducts survey research and provides strategic information to radio stations, television stations, newspapers, cable networks, record labels, Internet companies and other media organizations. For further information visit www.edisonresearch.com.

Memory U: Education for Family Caregivers Wins 2007 Best Practice Award

(Charlottesville) The Alzheimer's Association is pleased to announce that Memory U, a new program for caregivers, has been selected as the winner of the Commonwealth Council on Aging's Best Practice Award.

The first semester of this comprehensive training and support program for family and professional caregivers and interested family members has just been completed.

A generous grant from an anonymous donor in Charlottesville provided the initial seed funding for the pilot program.

Memory U is dedicated to delivering the latest information and best caregiving practices to those enrolled to assure the highest quality care for persons affected by Alzheimer's disease and dementia More than one hundred people attended Memory U classes to learn from experts about Alzheimer's disease, related dementias, caregiving strategies, legal information, community resources and more.

President & CEO Sue Friedman and Vice President of Programs and Services Ellen Phipps presented a program on MEMORY U at the National Dementia Care Conference in Chicago on August 27, 2007.

Thanks, in part, to a $5,000 grant from the Bama Works Fund in the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, a new Memory U series begins this month.

Anyone interested in registering for Memory U should contact Ellen Phipps, Vice President, Programs and Services - Alzheimer's Association, ellen.phipps@alz.org, 434-973- 4224. Or, visit our website at www.alz.org/cwva . Class space is limited; therefore applicants will be accepted on a first come first serve basis.

VPTC+CVG Names Thompson as New Executive Director

The Virginia Piedmont Technology Council +Charlottesville Venture Group (VPTC+CVG) is pleased to announce the selection of W.D. Tom Thompson as its new executive director. Thompson, who replaces former executive director Jerry MacLean, will officially start in his new role on Monday, September 17.

Dave Keller, chairman of VPTC+CVG's board said, "The selection of Thompson was the result of a search process led by a committee of board members. We sought a candidate possessing knowledge of our organization and the leadership experience to help us execute our vision to make our region renowned for technology innovators and entrepreneurs, enhancing our quality of life."

Thompson brings over 30 years of experience in business, sales management and consulting. He has worked for Boise Cascade, Homecraft, MCI, Adelphia Business Solutions and most recently was on contract to Sperry Marine. Thompson earned his MBA in Management and Marketing and his BA in Business Administration/Accounting from Western State College of Colorado.

"His extensive background in sales management and consulting, coupled with his knowledge of the area as a 27-year resident and his past participation on both the former CVG and VPTC boards makes Thompson an excellent leader for our organization," Keller said. "We are delighted to have him lead our strategic initiatives."

Thompson, who most recently served on the VPTC+CVG board through June of 2007, has served on both VPTC and CVG boards in past years, and served as president of CVG in 2002, said, "I strongly believe that VPTC+CVG is well-positioned to be a consistent, reliable and definitive voice on issues important to entrepreneurs and on issues of emerging and innovative technologies. I share the commitment and passion demonstrated each day by the executive committee and board, and the organization's volunteers and members as they work to pursue VPTC+CVG's mission to cultivate the growth and success of technology businesses and entrepreneurs in our region."

Thompson has lived and raised his family in Charlottesville since 1980 with his wife Polly, a training and development consultant. Their adult daughters, Brooke and Paige, work and reside in Denver, Colorado.

VPTC+CVG is the preeminent private-sector advocate and catalyst for entrepreneurship and technology- based economic development in our region. It serves its members by providing advocacy, educational programming, and by bringing people together through its network of members and contacts. The VPTC+CVG has over 300 individuals, companies and organizations as members representing more than 15,000 people in the work force.

For more information, visit www.vptc-cvg.org.

Mendy St. Ours Named as Artistic Director for 13th Annual Spirit Walk

Locally acclaimed actress and director Mendy St. Ours has agreed to take charge as artistic director for the 13th annual Spirit Walk of the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society.

The Spirit Walk is a guided history tour of historic Old Charlottesville, including popular haunts such as the old City Jail, the County Courthouse, and the Maplewood Cemetery. The fundraiser supports the work of the Society, and has a cast of around 50 local actors and musicians, many of whom also perform regularly in local theatre companies. The actors portray actual historical characters from Charlottesville, Albemarle County and environs, raging from the early 18th Century to the mid-20th Century.

This year's Spirit Walk takes place on the evenings of October 26th, 27th and 28th. Tickets go on sale September 24th at the Society, and are $12 for adults, and $5 for children under 12 for tours before 8:00 p.m. Tours leave from the County Courthouse every 15 minutes.

Mendy St. Ours has a B.A. in Theatre from The University of Virginia and studied the Meisner technique at NYU. Her most recent acting credits include The Angel in Angels in America and Maggie in Cat on A Hot Tin Roof, both at Live Arts. Her most recent directing credits include Amadeus for Live Arts, and the popular A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Barboursville Ruins. She placed fourth in the nation in the National Society of Arts and Letters' Comedic Acting competition in Honolulu, Hawaii. Her husband is Johnny St. Ours, local film-maker and proprietor of Piraeus Picture Company.

"We're thrilled to have Mendy directing the Spirit Walk this year," says Historical Society director Douglas Day. "And we're looking forward to seeing all our friends again this year---deceased and pre-deceased."

For more information email or contact the Historical Society at:
Dr. Douglas Day
Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society
McIntire Library Building
200 Second St., NE
Charlottesville, VA 22902
434-296-1492

Charlottesville Fire Department Receives $144,649 Through FEMA's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program

The City of Charlottesville announced today that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded a $144,649 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to the Charlottesville Fire Department (CFD).

In addition, the City Council approved a matching share to bring the total project grant to $160,721. The grant will be used to implement a firefighter wellness and fitness program for all career members of the Department.

The program represents a collaboration with the University of Virginia Medical Center's UVA-WorkMed, a clinical program specializing in occupational medicine services, to establish and implement a health screening process for candidates and current career firefighters. Additional program elements include the creation of a multi-part health and fitness program and continuation of the Department's existing immunization program.

"We have always put an emphasis on fitness at every level. This grant will go a long way in continuing our efforts in making our Department one of the healthiest in the nation," said Charles Werner, Chief of the Charlottesville Fire Department.

AFG awards aim to enhance response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public with respect to fire and other hazards. The grants enable local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations to purchase or receive training, conduct first responder health and safety programs, and buy equipment and response vehicles.

"The Assistance to Firefighters Grants program has been instrumental in building capacity and providing needed resources for our nation's firefighters," said FEMA Administrator R. David Paulison. "From the purchase of equipment to first responder training, the AFG program has helped improve response capabilities and saved lives and property in communities throughout the United States."

Since 2004, AFG has provided almost $2.3 billion in grants to fire departments and first responder organizations to purchase response equipment, personal protective equipment, vehicles and fire prevention activities. AFG is administered cooperatively by two FEMA components: the National Preparedness Directorate and the United States Fire Administration.

The full list of FY 2006 AFG recipients and other information is posted on the AFG website (www.firegrantsupport.com).

Junior League Awards Children, Youth & Family Services Community Partner Grant

The Junior League of Charlottesville presented a check for $4,400 to Children, Youth & Family Services on August 28th. This gift, one of five Community Partners Grants, will be used by CYFS in its ParentingMobile project to run playgroups for moms and young children twice per week in two low-income neighborhoods.

A Montessori-trained parent educator brings play activities and toys directly to kids and families to encourage healthy development, early learning, and positive parent-child interaction.

In addition to funding the program, Junior League volunteers will also join the playgroups as mentors, supporting young moms as they play with their children and sharing ideas and experiences.

WHTJ Charlottesville PBS Receives Grant for Literacy Program

WHTJ Charlottesville PBS received a $15,000 grant from the Gerald and Paula McNichols Family Foundation to support the station's First Book program. WHTJ's First Book program partners with local mentoring, tutoring and after school programs to provide books at no cost to local children from low- income families. In many cases, these books are the beginning of a home library for local underprivileged children, and the beginning of an empowered life of literacy.

This is the seventh consecutive year that WHTJ Charlottesville PBS has joined with the national First Book organization to offer underprivileged children in the region the chance to own their very own first books, free of charge. Part of WHTJ's mission is to promote education, and by participating in programs like First Book, WHTJ supports literacy and a life-long love of reading among our area's youngsters.

Last year, WHTJ delivered books to children in programs headquartered in Orange County, Charlottesville City, Albemarle County, Nelson County, and Fluvanna County, and throughout Central Virginia. This year, more than 10,000 books will be delivered to children enrolled in mentoring, literacy and educational programs throughout the area.

To request an application or to get involved with First Book-Charlottesville, contact WHTJ's Community Relations Coordinator, Rachael Kesler, at 434.295.7671, or rkesler@whtj.org.

WHTJ Charlottesville PBS, whose studio and offices are located on Charlottesville's Downtown Mall, is the only PBS member-station licensed by the FCC to serve Charlottesville and the surrounding counties. WHTJ uses the power of media to educate, entertain and inspire. (www.whtj.org)