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.

Greene County Multimodal Grant Awarded

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has awarded TJPDC a $150,000 grant to conduct a multimodal transportation study for the Route 29 and 33 corridors in Greene County.

Project goals are to improve the existing transportation system along the corridors by creating safe multi-modal transportation options; improving access to and between area businesses; and coordinating land use planning and transportation in the Greene County Comprehensive Plan update.

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

Three New Board Members Join Local Alzheimer's Chapter

The Central and Western Virginia Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association has announced the addition of three new members to its Board of Directors. They are Brain B. Phelps of Harrisonburg, Margie A. Shaver or Roanoke, and William W. Stokes of Charlottesville.

"I am exceptionally pleased to welcome these three individuals to our Board," says Sue Friedman, President and CEO of the chapter. "Their depth of experience and knowledge will be an invaluable asset as our chapter continues to grow. Just as importantly, all three have proven them themselves active advocates for our mission to 'eliminate the incurability of Alzheimer's'."

Brian B. Phelps
Brian Phelps is the one of the owners of Valley Assisted Living, Inc., Valley Therapies, Inc., Valley Care Management, Inc. and BRVCSP, LLC. A past associate member of the Virginia Society of Public Accountants, he holds leading positions with numerous local organizations, including the Massanutten Presbyterian Church, TRIAD SALT, Luray Rotary Club, the Cal Ripkin Little League of Keezletown, and the Alzheimer's Association Regional Advisory Council in Rockingham, Page, Shenandoah, Augusta, Bath and Highland counties.

Margie A. Shaver
Currently an account executive with Cox Media, Margie Shaver has extensive experience in marketing, including tenures as Marketing Director with Visitar Eye Center, and Promotion Director for WDBJ Television. Ms. Shaver also served as Community Relations Director for LifeTrust America, Inc., where her responsibilities included advising families on placement and continued care of loved ones with Alzheimer's, and serving as Alzheimer's support group facilitator. A member of the Alzheimer's Association Advisory Council, she also actively volunteers with Virginia Amateur Sports and Habitat for Humanity.

William W. Stokes
Senior Vice President and Charlottesville Area Executive of Second Bank & Trust since 2003, William Stokes has more than 20 years experience in commercial banking. Mr. Stokes began his career with First Union National Bank in North Carolina, and moved to Virginia 10 years ago with Wachovia Bank. He presently serves on the United Way Board and is a member of the Rotary Club of Blue Ridge Mountains. He is a 2001 graduate of the Leadership Charlottesville program and volunteers as a coach for the Piedmont Family YMCA.

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.

Piedmont Futures Announces Launch of New Website

Piedmont Futures is proud to announce the launch of its new website: www.pvcc.edu/futures, where you can view a growing list of PIEDMONT FUTURES business partners and information about career education programming in area schools.

Featured on the site is the 2008 Virtual Job & Internship Fair, where local businesses are listing job and internship opportunities for high school students and graduating seniors. To post a job or internship, go to www.pvcc.edu/futures/jobs&internships or call 434- 961-6530 for more information.

Ombudsmen Program Wins Elder Rights Award

The Virginia Elder Rights Coalition gave its "2008 Virginia Elder Rights Award" to the Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Included in the honors were Sue Drumm, Long-term Care Ombudsman and Beth Hochstetler, Volunteer Ombudsmen Specialist both with JABA.

The award was announced at the 2008 Joint Conference on Guardianship, Elder Rights, and Disability Services, in Richmond, VA, co-sponsored by the Virginia Guardianship Association (VGA), the Virginia Elder Rights Coalition (VERC), and Virginia Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse Services.

"We're hardly alone in this honor," says Sue. "There are 31 professional Long-Term Care Ombudsmen in Virginia. Some of them are full-time and some are part-time."

And all have full schedules.

"Long-Term Care ombudsmen work to improve the quality of life for residents of nursing homes and Assisted Living Facilities, and for recipients of home health care services." explains Sue. "We serve as advocates for residents and are trained in dispute resolution, communication and observation. We also provide information about public benefits, long-term care options, and community resources. Our program at JABA is fortunate to be aided by a number of trained Volunteer Ombudsmen as well."

JABA cares about all aspects of senior and intergenerational welfare. The nonprofit organization works to promote , establish and preserve sustainable communities for healthy aging that benefit individuals and families.

For more information on JABA call (434) 817-5222 or see JABA's website.

The Engineering Groupe, Inc. Announces New Corporate Headquarters

John (Skip) Groupe, IV, P.E., President of The Engineering Groupe, Inc. of Woodbridge, is pleased to announce the opening of our new corporate headquarters located at Catons Crossing in Woodbridge, Virginia.

This relocation will facilitate our ability to service our public and commercial clients by providing a state-of-the-art environment and convenient location from which to conduct business. New features include a 64 seat conference and training room, both with audio/visual projection equipment and remote video conferencing. The new headquarters, located at 13580 Groupe Drive, Suite 200 is already staffed with professional and support personnel in 27,000 square feet of office and ancillary space.

Mr. Groupe will continue to oversee the daily operations of The Engineering Groupe, Inc. He feels "the office is ideally situated to serve The Engineering Groupe, Inc.'s future." Mr. Ned Marshall, L.S., will continue to serve as the Branch Manager for the corporate office.

The Company was founded in 1990 by John S. Groupe, IV, PE, and provides civil engineering, planning, and surveying services to state, county and municipal agencies, as well as to homebuilders, commercial and residential developers, and public utility companies. The company is headquartered in Woodbridge, Virginia, with additional offices in Fredericksburg, Leesburg, Charlottesville, Richmond, and Alexandria.

The Engineering Groupe, Inc. is ranked among the top 25 Engineering Firms in the Metropolitan area by Washington Business Journal. Our new corporate headquarter office information is: Catons Crossing
The Engineering Groupe, Inc.
13580 Groupe Drive, Suite 200
Woodbridge, VA 22192

State Farm's Gary Albert Announces New Hire

Gary Albert, CPCU CLU ChFC, Agent - State Farm, office located at 1131 C Rio Road East (www.GaryAlbert.com) has recently hired Laura Knox to serve as his Director of Marketing.

Ms. Knox most recently served as Vice President for Legislation with Brown and Company, Inc. in Washington, D.C. She is a graduate of the University of Mississippi where she received her B.A. in English with a minor in History.

United Way-Thomas Jefferson Area Announces Initiative for Effective Nonprofits

One of the many behind-the-scenes ways the United Way-Thomas Jefferson Area helps strengthen our community is by helping local nonprofit organizations enhance or develop good business practices. Well-run organizations are always striving to better themselves and the services they provide to our community.

The Initiative for Effective Nonprofits is a community partnership between the United Way and the Wardle Family Foundation in providing grants to improve organizational governance and business practices in local nonprofit organizations.

Last year, Charlottesville Abundant Life Ministries, OAR/Jefferson Area Corrections, SARA, Children, Youth & Family Services, and MACAA received grants ranging from $2,200 to $5,000 to improve their effectiveness. In addition, OAR/Jefferson Area Community Corrections received $5,000 to improve operations and management through a two day workshop on leadership training and managing organizational change. Management staff from five local agencies benefited from the September training.

"This training was excellent," said Pat Smith, Executive Director of OAR. "It was the perfect time for our management team as we implement change and bring on new managers. It was also a great opportunity to share in the learning experience with some other organizations in town. Thanks so much for giving us at OAR this opportunity for staff and agency growth. "

The Initiative for Effective nonprofits is currently accepting applications for grants from nonprofit organizations that provide services to residents of the City of Charlottesville and the Counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson. As many as five grants of up to $5,000 are expected to be awarded.

The grant application and guidelines may be found at www.UnitedWayTJA.org or email info@initiativeforeffectivenonprofits.info. Applications are due by Thursday, May 15, 2008. Please contact Jon Nafziger, Initiative Director at (434) 972-1701 or email info@initiativeforeffectivenonprofits.info with any questions.