Boar's Head Sports Club's Director of Racquet Sports Named PTR Virginia Member of the Year

Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) presented its annual awards last week during the 2008 PTR International Tennis Symposium.

The event, which included 60-plus on court and classroom presentations, a tennis trade show and $25,000 Championship, was held February 16-21, 2008, at Van der Meer Shipyard Racquet Club on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Ron Manilla, Boar's Head Sports Club's Director of Racquet Sports, was named PTR Member of the Year for Virginia.

PTR selects one member who has displayed the utmost in professionalism on and off the tennis court to be honored as State Member of the Year. Honorees are active in tennis in their communities and show dedication and service to PTR. Not all states have an honoree.

Ron is a PTR certified professional with 30 years coaching and teaching experience. Ron is a board member of the "Charlottesville Tennis Patrons", Director of the "Get Acquainted Tennis Club", and is on Head/ Penn advisory staff.

"Ron has been a major force behind the growth of tennis in the Charlottesville area," said Dennis Van der Meer, world renowned tennis coach and founder and President of the PTR.

PTR is the largest global organization of tennis teaching professionals with 13,000 members in 126 countries. It has the greatest percentage of multicultural and women members of any such organization. PTR is dedicated to educating, certifying and servicing tennis teachers and coaches around the world in order to grow the game.

Boar's Head Inn, a 170-room resort situated on 573 acres in the Virginia countryside, offers Four-Diamond dining, a state-of-the-art sports club with 26 indoor and outdoor tennis courts, championship golf, a luxury spa, children's programs, currently 13,000 square feet of meeting space, and close proximity to attractions such as Monticello, the Blue Ridge Mountains and numerous wineries. Boar's Head Inn is owned and operated by the University of Virginia Foundation.

For more information or to make reservations, please call Boar's Head Inn at 434.972.2232 or 800.476.1988 or visit the resort's web site at www.boarsheadinn.com.

CACVB Director to Leave for Position in Tennessee

Director and CEO, Mark Shore will leave the Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau (CACVB) to serve as Executive Director for the Williamson County Convention & Visitors Bureau in Franklin, TN.

Shore will leave his position on March 31.

"We will miss Mark's leadership, vision, and dedication." said Chairman Bob Stroh. "A true collaborator, he has united the community through strategic partnerships and bringing leaders together."

Shore, wife Amy and four children, have resided in Albemarle County since accepting the position in 2001. During his tenure Shore has made significant impacts in the community, reflecting the increasingly important role of tourism as an economic development stimulus for the local community.

Shore also worked with the Charlottesville Regional Tourism Council and the CVB Management Board in 2003 to create a single unified advisory board and a designated funding mechanism for the CACVB based on lodging tax collections. He was instrumental in bringing the Downtown Visitors Center under the full operation of the CACVB which now leases space from the City to house the administrative offices and visitor center in the new Downtown Transit Station building.

The CACVB Advisory Board will assist the City Manager and City Human Resources department in securing Shore's successor. No timeline has been established yet for a replacement. Shore also served as President of Virginia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus 2004- 2005.

Prior to his work in Charlottesville, Shore held leadership roles at Convention & Visitors Bureaus in North and South Carolina, served as marketing manager for a North Carolina historic site and also worked six years in the hotel industry.

Boar's Head Adds to Sales Staff

The Boar's Head in announced recently that Lori Hicks, a 20-year industry veteran, had joined its sales staff.

In her 20 years of service, Hicks has held various sales and service management positions. At the Boar's Head, she will aid in expanding the corporate market with her center of attention being Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland and all markets to the Northeast.

Prior to joining the Boar's Head staff, Hicks was with The Homestead, nurturing the Midwest states and Colorado markets, both corporate and association. Her passion for southern hospitality will compliment the Inn's everlasting reputation for excellent care and delivery of flawless meetings and events.

Boar's Head Inn, a 170-room resort situated on 573 acres in the Virginia countryside, offers Four-Diamond dining, a state-of-the-art sports club with 26 indoor and outdoor tennis courts, championship golf, a luxury spa, children's programs, currently 13,000 square feet of meeting space, and close proximity to attractions such as Monticello, the Blue Ridge Mountains and numerous wineries. Boar's Head Inn is owned and operated by the University of Virginia Foundation.

For more information or to make reservations, please call Boar's Head Inn at 434.972.2232 or 800.476.1988 or visit the resort's web site at www.boarsheadinn.com.

Alzheimer Association's Helpline Adds New Voice

The Alzheimer's Association of Central and Western Virginia has announced the addition of Lynn Larson as HelpLine Specialist. Lynn Larson, or "Lynnie" as she prefers to be called, joined the Chapter in early February.

"Our HelpLine is a vital link to much needed assistance for so many," says Sue Friedman, President & CEO of the Central and Western Virginia Chapter. "Having someone with Lynnie's depth of experience builds on our commitment to exceptional quality care and service for those with Alzheimer's, their families, friends and care givers."

Certified as both a Personal Care aide and an Administrative aide, Lynnie comes to the Alzheimer's Association from Piedmont Virginia Community College where she was Administrative Assistant to WorkForce Services. Her multifaceted background also includes tenures as marketing director for an architectural firm, community director for Charlottesville March of Dimes, manager of a local vineyard and winery, and flight attendant/supervisor with PanAm Airways. Lynnie holds a BA in Communications from the University of Washington in Seattle.

The mission of the Central and Western Virginia Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association is to eliminate the incurability of Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research, and to enhance the care and support for individuals, their families, and caregivers affected by Alzheimer's disease. Our vision is to create a world where Alzheimer's disease becomes curable and preventable while we continue to optimize the quality of life for those afflicted with the disease, as well as their loved ones and families.

For more information on the Alzheimer's Association, visit www.alz.org, call (800) 272-3900 or e-mail Brett Spitale at brett.spitale@alz.org.

Albemarle Co. Schools Contribute to State's Exceptional AP Exam Results

Virginia recently garnered national attention for its outstanding results on the 2007 Advanced Placement (AP) examinations. According to the College Board's Advanced Placement Report to the Nation, released February 13, 2008, Virginia now ranks third in the nation for high school seniors who passed or excelled on AP tests.

Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS) contributed to the commonwealth's achievement with an 81.2 percent pass rate (i.e., students scoring a 3 or higher) on all AP tests taken in 2007. Albemarle County's results exceeded the state's average pass rate of 60 percent.

Additionally, ACPS high schools surpassed the state's average number of graduating seniors passing the AP exams. In 2007, 31.8 percent of Albemarle County's graduating seniors scored a 3 or better on at least one AP test, compared to only 21.5 percent of Virginia's graduating seniors.

"We are committed to ensuring that our graduates are 'college ready' when they leave high school. The 2007 AP results indicate that most of our high schoolers are more than 'college ready' when they graduate," remarked ACPS Superintendent Pamela Moran. "Over 66 percent of our graduates are completing college-level courses before graduation, the highest percentage ever in the history of Albemarle County Public Schools."

"Just ten years ago, the number of AP courses completed by high school students was less than 400," added Assistant Superintendent Bruce Benson. "In 2007, Albemarle County high school students completed more than 2,000 AP courses, an increase of more than 400 percent. This represents the hard work and focus that occurs in earlier grades to prepare students to participate in college level work. I am proud of our teachers, who are key to our Division's high performing students."

In total, more than 66 percent of graduating seniors in Albemarle County Public Schools have taken at least one college credit course, including 2,042 enrollments in AP courses and 925 enrollments in dual enrollment courses.

"Our students must perform at the high levels demonstrated by their international student peers. This is critical for our graduates to successfully compete for jobs in today's global economy," said Moran. "AP data is one of several ways that we look at our progress towards high performance by our high schoolers."

WHTJ Announces Promotion and Addition to Local Staff

WHTJ Charlottesville PBS is proud to announce the promotion of Rachael Kesler, and the addition of Heather Lutz to the station staff.

Ms. Kesler has worked at WHTJ for almost two years and previously served as the Community Relations Coordinator. Effective Feb. 4, she will manage Corporate and Community Relations, including current and prospective corporate support accounts in the greater Charlottesville area. Ms Kesler will also remain part of the production team for WHTJ's new weekly series, "Charlottesville Inside-Out."

Ms Lutz joined the staff of WHTJ as an administrative assistant and will provide support to the entire office. She will also manage the station's educational outreach initiatives, including the annual Reading Rainbow Young Writers & Illustrators contest and awards celebration, and the First Book literacy program.

For more information, please contact WHTJ at 434- 295-7671. WHTJ Charlottesville PBS, whose studio and offices are located on Charlottesville's Downtown Mall, is the PBS member-station licensed by the FCC to serve Charlottesville and the surrounding counties. WHTJ is Charlottesville's Community Idea Station, using the power of media to educate, entertain and inspire. (www.whtj.org)

Jackson P. Burley Middle School PTO Receives Toolbox for Education Grant

Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation has awarded a $4,550 Toolbox for Education grant to the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) of Jackson P. Burley Middle School.

The Burley Middle School PTO is one of 1,000 schools or parent organizations to be awarded a Lowe's Toolbox for Education grant for parent-initiated school improvement projects benefiting public education K- 12 across the U.S. during the 2007-2008 school year. The $4,550 grant will provide funding for a school sign, a small garden area, and a plaque honoring Jackson P. Burley and his worthy goal of quality education for all.

The Burley PTO intends the sign to be used to post information regarding school events, thereby improving communications with the community. The project also provides an educational opportunity for art and science students at Burley taking leadership roles in planning, design and installation.

Burley art and science teachers, Jenny Dean and Julia Weed, are the teacher leads on this effort.

"We thank Lowe's for generously supporting this important project," said Jim Jansen, president of the Burley PTO.

The project is scheduled to be completed in May 2008.

"Through our Toolbox for Education grant program, Lowe's recognizes parent-initiated efforts to enrich the lives of children in our communities," said Larry D. Stone, chairman of Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation. "By supporting schools like J. P. Burley Middle School, we believe we are contributing to a cause that's important to our customers and employees and helping build a stronger foundation for the children who will be tomorrow's employees, homeowners and community leaders."

Launched in partnership with PTO Today, a leading organization serving parent-teacher groups, the Toolbox for Education program is providing more than 1,000 grants totaling $6.5 million during the 2007-2008 school year. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to public schools in the U.S. and Canada for a wide range of improvement projects. Urban schools or school districts may be eligible to receive Toolbox grants up to $500,000 for school improvement initiatives. All K-12 schools in the U.S. are eligible.

Parent groups may apply by visiting www.toolboxforeducation.com.

Since its inception in 1957, Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation has helped communities nationwide through employee volunteerism and financial contributions. In 2006, the Foundation supported community and education projects across the country through grants totaling more than $15 million.

Lowe's is a proud supporter of Habitat for Humanity International, American Red Cross, United Way of America, and the Home Safety Council, in addition to numerous non-profit organizations and programs that help communities across the country. In 2006, the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation awarded $15 million to diverse organizations across the United States. Lowe's also encourages volunteerism through the Lowe's Heroes program, a company-wide employee volunteer initiative. Lowe's is a FORTUNE® 50 company with fiscal year 2006 sales of $46.9 billion and has more than 1,500 stores in 49 states and three stores in Canada. For more information, visit www.Lowes.com/community.

Hollymead Raises More Than $10,000 for American Heart Association

On Thursday, February 14, 2008, Hollymead Elementary students were jumping rope and shooting hoops to celebrate their fundraising success.

More than 240 students will be participating in the celebration, making this the largest celebration event ever. The participating 245 students have raised more than $10,000 so far, and contributions continue to be donated.

Jacob Walkup, a third-grade student at Hollymead, is a stroke survivor (heart disease) and our special spokesperson this year. Jacob continues to grow and participate in life as a typical third-grade boy, thanks to advances in medicine. Jacob himself raised money towards our fundraising campaign.

The event will include jumping long ropes, short ropes, and Chinese jump ropes, shooting hoops, and eating snacks. More than 50 parent and teacher volunteers will help make this event our best ever.

Prominent Charlottesville Litigator Joins The Allen Law Firm

Allen, Allen, Allen and Allen is pleased to announce that Charlottesville trial attorney Matthew B. Murray has joined the Firm as a shareholder and the managing partner of the new Charlottesville office.

A longtime resident of Charlottesville, Mr. Murray grew up on Panorama Farms and attended Albemarle High School. He comes to Allen and Allen with over 30 years experience in personal injury and medical malpractice law.

Truly committed to his clients, Mr. Murray has tried numerous complex cases in state and federal courts. His 10 million dollar defamation verdict in 2003 was the largest in Virginia history.

Mr. Murray is currently serving as a Vice President of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and is a past President of the Charlottesville-Albermarle Bar Association. Since 1993, he has been recognized in the reference book Best Lawyers in America. The Allen Law Firm welcomes Mr. Murray as a shareholder.

Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen has been representing Virginians in their personal injury legal claims for nearly a century. They have offices located throughout Central Virginia in Richmond, Petersburg, Mechanicsville, Fredericksburg, Chesterfield, and Garrisonville. The new Charlottesville office will open in early 2008 on Rio Hill Center across from Lowes.

Mark J. Nelson and Richard Armstrong Join Lenhart Obenshain

Lenhart Obenshain Attorneys at Law is pleased to announce that Mark J. Nelson and Richard Armstrong have joined the firm in its Charlottesville office.

Mark J. Nelson has served as counsel to businesses at all stages-from deciding which entity to use, forming the entity, and assisting with ownership arrangements to serving as general counsel on issues such as general tax, employment and intellectual property and drafting a broad range of contracts.

Mark regularly represents clients in the sale or purchase of businesses, including stock and asset transactions. He also provides general corporate and LLC maintenance services and has significant experience in franchising. After working for a number of years in both private and public accounting, including three years as an auditor with Arthur Andersen & Co., Mark brings an extensive background in accounting and business.

A licensed CPA, Mark received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia and graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. Mark was recently elected to the Board of Directors of the Charlottesville-Albemarle Bar Association and has served on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Charlottesville Chamber of Commerce, including service as the Chairman of the Board in 2005.

Richard Armstrong has extensive experience litigating complex legal and factual cases in both Virginia and New York. His strong advocacy skills and ability to distill complex legal arguments led to his inclusion as a frequent commentator on Court TV. He has also supervised and trained newer lawyers in trial practice. His practice remains concentrated in the areas of personal injury, wrongful death, and general litigation and he enjoys assisting clients to find justice in the courts and through alternative dispute resolution.

A graduate of Albemarle High School, Richard completed both his undergraduate work and Juris Doctor degree at the University of Virginia. He returned to the law school in 2000 where he taught in the clinical program before returning to private practice.

Richard has achieved significant jury verdicts and appellate success including victories in the Supreme Court of Virginia and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit that not only benefited his clients but also influenced the law in Virginia. A 2006 wrongful death verdict was named by the Virginia Lawyers Weekly as one of the top verdicts in Virginia for that year.

Nancy R. Schlichting, Managing Partner of the firm's Charlottesville office says, "We are very pleased to have such seasoned and accomplished attorneys join in the expansion of our law firm. They know and understand the Charlottesville/Albemarle community and are committed to providing exceptional legal services to its members."

Lenhart Obenshain provides value-added legal services to businesses, their owners and investors, institutional clients and individuals. Neither boutique nor behemoth, Lenhart Obenshain strives to provide sophisticated legal expertise and practical advice in a client-centric, entrepreneurial environment. Lenhart Obenshain serves clients from offices in Harrisonburg and Charlottesville, Virginia.

Sir Speedy Enhances Service, Quality with New Press

In today's fast-paced business climate, it's all about information and the ability to deliver it in a timely manner - and with a quality that expresses the professionalism of the company. In the age of the Internet, clients don't want things in two weeks, they want it yesterday.

Those companies who deliver will inevitably succeed. Those who don't, generally fall by the wayside. More and more, businesses are using newsletters, direct mail and customized brochures to promote their products and services and land new accounts.

Because quick turn-around, high quality and competitive prices are important, Sir Speedy, the nationally affiliated printing shop on Harris Street, owned by Mike and Kim Bellone, recently purchased a state-of-the-art Canon Image Press C7000VP that combines the quality of a traditional four-color press with the speed of a color copier.

"This is the first machine of its type in Virginia and one of the very first on the East Coast," said Mike Bellone. "Quick turn around and high quality set this digital press apart from all others. Instead of days, it's a matter of hours. And the quality is superb, with photos taken directly from your digital files, instead of from plates."

The technology for the new Canon press is cutting edge. There will only be 175 introduced nationally in the first year. Sir Speedy received their press in December and is now generating amazingly sharp prints for their customers in a matter of hours.

For those familiar with printing terms, the Canon press delivers true 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution, meaning finer quality images, higher quality characters, smoother corners and crisp gradient transitions. The quality must be seen to be appreciated.

"With this machine, we are able to do personalized mailings for our clients," Mike explained. "We can personalize and assort individual names on a 1,000 name mailing list, for example."

The machine also does stapling and saddle stitching so that the product is ready to go when it comes off the press.

Mike and Kim opened Sir Speedy in 1991.

"I have worked in the Sir Speedy system since I was in the 6th grade," Mike acknowledged. "I like this business. I like working with people to solve problems and I like the challenge of the business. It changes everyday."

Last year, the Charlottesville's Sir Speedy franchise won the Century Club Award, bestowed upon the top 100 Sir Speedy shops nationwide. The company does banners, printing, posters and now offers mailing services.

"We are a full service printing shop," Mike noted.

The new Canon 7000 gives the clients of Sir Speedy a new tool to help meet the competition. Not only is the turn-around time reduced dramatically and the quality unmatched, the cost is competitive with traditional four- color printing.

"The press allows us to offer great values to our customers," Mike emphasized. "We can do orders as small as one or two sheets when customers need very high quality for even a small order."

But when volume is required, Sir Speedy is more than capable and actually printed 35,000 copies for different customers last week in just three days. As an added convenience, Mike and company can generate instant quotes for preparing brochures and flyers, generated from their sophisticated computer system, Sir Speedy also can pick up and deliver.

Call Mike and his staff at 434-977-1992 or go to www.sirspeedy.com/charlottesville for additional information.

Baker-Butler Sculpture Park to Receive Two Artistic Additions in Spring 2008

Thanks to the efforts of Baker-Butler Elementary School teacher Isabelle Ramsey and a $5000 grant from the Bama Works Fund, two new sculptures will be added to Baker-Butler's Sculpture Park, Echoes of Nature, this spring.

Created by local artists, "Obelisk" and "Azit" were selected from 11 submissions to enhance the park. The four-member committee responsible for choosing "Obelisk" and "Azit" hopes the additions will attract new visitors to the 57-acre park and nature trails.

Committee members include Baker-Butler's own Isabelle Ramsey; Aaron Fein, whose artwork already resides in the park; Jill Trischman-Marks, a landscape architect; and Elizabeth Breeden, director of ArtInPlace.org.

With a base adorned by students' handprints, "Obelisk" is topped by a copper globe. James J. Nemer, creator of the 10-foot sculpture, hopes the piece will encourage students and visitors to take an active role in protecting the earth's beauty and natural resources.

"Azit," which is Russian for "secret meeting place," was created by Su Kyung Park and provides an outdoor environment inviting people to sit and converse. Representing children's growth, bean- shaped seats will be arranged around a garden or fountain.

Established in 2003, the 57-acre sculpture park is a nature-infused outlet for local artwork.

"As educators, we know that an art-enhanced environment inspires students to consider a world beyond their immediate surroundings," said Baker-Butler principal David Cushman. "To have art so prominent in and around the school increases the students' intellectual energy and understanding. The art in the sculpture park makes us all more sensitive to art and nature and stimulates our minds and our hearts."

The sculptural additions are the result of a $5,000 grant from the Bama Works Fund, applied for by Isabelle Ramsey. The fund is sponsored by the Dave Matthews Band and administered by the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation.

American Planning Association Recognizes TJPDC for Accessibility Initiatives

The December, 2007, issue of the American Planning Association's Planning magazine features the TJPDC's Livable for a Lifetime initiative and Transportation and Housing Alliance project as exemplars of planning for people with disabilities.

The article, "The Ultimate in Accessibility" quotes Bill Wanner, TJPDC Senior Planner, "The bottom line is that the data and factors that affect people with disabilities need to be considered from the beginning." With approximately 15% of the population having some disability, it is incumbent on planners to recognize this often overlooked population.

For more information contact Bill Wanner at wwanner@tjpdc.org or (434) 979-7310 Extension 390.

PVCC Receives Federal Earmark for Construction Academy

Piedmont Virginia Community College President Frank Friedman today lauded the efforts of U.S. Rep. Virgil H. Goode Jr., R-Rocky Mount, in securing $95,305 in earmarked federal funds for PVCC's Construction Academy.

"This funding will enable PVCC to expand upon the Construction Academy's programs that provide quality training for entry-level workers and those already employed in the construction industry," Friedman said. "We greatly appreciate Rep. Goode's support as PVCC continues to address that industry's labor shortage in Central Virginia."

The earmark was approved by Congress in the Consolidated Appropriations Act for FY2008 and will be processed through the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). An initial earmark sponsored by Rep. Goode in 2005 helped launch the Academy.

In late 2006, PVCC received a $1.5 million competitive grant from the DOL to continue the Construction Academy's operations and to secure a suitable facility for the Academy within close proximity to PVCC's campus. The College is finalizing the lease arrangements on the facility which is located on Avon Street.

Since the Academy's inception, 137 students - 31 of them female - have enrolled in classes, and 82 students are currently enrolled for the spring semester. Twenty-nine students have completed the full 16-week training program, which prepares students to become helpers in carpentry, masonry, electrical and plumbing.

In addition to hands-on classes, the program includes an introduction to the industry, first aid and CPR, blueprint reading, construction math, tool identification, job readiness and OSHA 10 certification training. Contractor licensing, project management, document technology and business classes also are available through the Academy for individuals currently working in construction. PVCC part-time faculty and professionals in the trades teach the classes.

In May the Academy offered carpentry classes to prisoners at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail (ACRJ) after PVCC determined that construction trades are one of few professions amenable to hiring former prisoners. Seven prisoners at the ACRJ completed the 16-week program. Classes in masonry are planned there this spring.

Demand for employees in all construction occupations in Central Virginia is projected to increase 40 percent through 2015, according to CCbenefits, Inc., which compiles information and projections on industries and occupations in PVCC's service region, which includes the City of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson.

Local Realtor Achieves National Recognition

Betty Thomas with Real Estate III has been awarded the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation by the Seniors Real Estate Specialist Council of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (NAR).

Thomas joins more than 16,000 real estate professionals in North America who have earned the SRES designation. All were required to successfully complete a comprehensive course in understanding the needs, considerations, and goals of real estate buyers and sellers aged 55 and older.

SRES Council, founded in 2007, is the world's largest association of real estate professionals focusing specifically on representing senior clients in real estate transactions. There are more than 16,000 active members of the organization world-wide. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS, "The Voice for Real Estate," is America's largest trade association, representing more than 1.3 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

You may contact the Seniors Real Estate Specialist Council by telephone, (800)500-4564, by e-mail, SRES@realtors.org, or by visiting the SRES Web site, www.sres.org.

TJPDC receives Award from the Transportation Research Board

TJPDC was recently recognized by the Transportation Research Board (TRB) for outstanding work in Communicating Transportation Concepts to the Public.

The award is for the Street Capacity Exercise that was done for the United Jefferson Area Mobility Plan 2025 to demonstrate street capacity. The award was presented at the 87th Annual Meeting of the TRB on January 14. Ryan Pace, TJPDC's Graphic Designer, presented a poster of the exercise during a "Meet-The-Author" Poster Session. The Award was sponsored by TRB's Planning and Environment Group.

For more information on the Street Capacity Exercise, please visit http://www.tjpdc.org/transportation/streetCapacity.asp.