The Arc of Virginia Rally

Published:

Delmarvanow

Fund Community Services, Arc of Virginia Urges

By Laura Peters
Capital News Service

RICHMOND – Virginia should help people with developmental disabilities live in the community – instead of housing them in state institutions.

That was the message that the Arc of Virginia, an advocacy group for developmentally disabled people, sent last week to state officials. More than 100 people attended the group’s rally at the Capitol, warning against proposed state budget cuts for community-based services.

“We’re dealing with significant reductions. There are reductions of support services,” Howard Cullum, president of Arc of Virginia, told the people who gathered around the Bell Tower at Capitol Square.

“This is not looking good. We recognize there are significant money problems, and we accept that, but we don’t like it. We recognize the difficult task the governor and the General Assembly have.”

Attendees at Monday’s rally held signs and pictures of people who would be affected by the budget cuts. The Arc of Virginia is pushing for programs that serve developmentally disabled people in the community instead of putting them in state institutions.
Virginia’s proposed budget would cut state funding for community-based services by more than $270 million.

“The problem is, we’re about to go backwards. We’re about to continue a policy that says people with significant disabilities need to be removed from society,” Cullum said. “We don’t believe that’s the way to go.”

Catherine Olson showed people at the rally the cost difference between state institutions and community services: The average annual cost of operating a Virginia institution is $194,000 per person – but for a community-based service, it is $95,000 per person.

Community-based services are not only cheaper to operate but also cheaper to build, Olson said. It costs $23 million to construct a 70-bed institution but just $8.4 million for a 90-bed community-based service.

“Why in God’s earthly name are they giving money to the people in the institutions when we need it more?” Olson said.

The rally participants marched through Capitol Square to the Civil Rights Memorial and then on to the General Assembly Building. There, they filed onto every floor to hold a vigil for more than 7,300 Virginians who are on waiting lists for services and others who are institutionalized. They stood for 47 minutes for the $47 million needed to rebuild and renovate state institutions.

Linda Trippet of McLean traveled to Richmond on behalf of her daughter, who is 26 years old and living with her. Trippet also cares for her elderly mother, who has Alzheimer’s.
“I’m here to show support,” Trippet said. “It doesn’t make sense to choose an institution. There is a solution.”

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Information for text box

About the Arc of Virginia

The Arc of Virginia’s mission is to advocate for the rights and full participation of all children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The organization speaks out on issues that affect not only people with disabilities but also their families.

The Arc has six core values: people first; democracy; visionary leadership; community
participation; diversity; and integrity and excellence.

“The Arc believes that all people with intellectual and related developmental disabilities have strengths, abilities and inherent value; are equal before the law; and must be treated with dignity and respect,” the group’s Web site says.

For more about the organization, visit the Arc’s:

Web site, http://thearcofva.org/

Twitter feed, http://twitter.com/TheArcofVA

Facebook page, www.facebook.com/TheArcofVA

Petersen's Conservation Bill

The following article is about Chap Petersen's, D-Fairfax, Green Public Buildings Act.

Commonwealth Times

Gainesville Times

Local Kicks

Emporia News

Updated Version

Gainesville Times

The Arc of Virginia

Audio Version

This week on Richmond Independent Radio News, community organization rallies Monday.

Many people associate February with civil rights. It is, after all, Black History Month and a time to reflect on African Americans’ struggle for equality. But another group also celebrates its progress during February. Fifty-five years ago – on February 15th 19-55 -- families of people with developmental disabilities formed the organization called The Arc of Virginia to create a voice in Virginia’s capital. … This created a movement that brought the community together in recognizing Virginians with developmental disabilities. Monday, to continue their movement, The Arc of Virginia is having a March for Rights at the Bell Tower in Capitol Square. Continuing on, the rally will march to the Virginia General Assembly building. There they will hold a vigil for the 6,000 Virginians who are still waiting for community-based services. They will fill every floor of the building and stand in protest of the $47 million being spent on the rebuilding and renovations of segregated state institutions. Each of the nine floors are for specific regions of Virginia, the first floor designated for Richmond. At 1 p.m. the group will meet with their legislators to voice their concerns about what should be done for the intellectual and developmental disabled people of Virginia.

Jamie Liban, executive director of The Arc of Virginia urges people to come out.

Arc’s main 2010 Legislative goal is to restore major cuts that have been imposed and oppose new building of institutions.

The Arc of Virginia is an advocacy group with the mission to advocate the rights and full participation of all children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization speaks out on issues that not only affect the people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities but, their families as well. They seek to help people with disabilities, and urge others to become a part of the movement. They have six core values starting with people first, then creating involvement through democracy. With their leadership they create community participation, and have diversity among their members and conduct their business with integrity and excellence.

The rally starts at 10am at the intersection of 9th and Franklin Streets. To keep up with The Arc of Virginia you can visit their website at TheArcofVA.org or catch them on twitter or facebook at twitter.com/TheArcofVA or facebook.com/TheArcOfVA. You can also sign up for Action Alerts that tell you about budget issues and legislation that may affect you by going to http://capwiz.com/arcofva/mlm/signup.

-Laura Peters

Smoking Ban Follow-Up

Smoking Ban first segment

smoking ban follow up

Places it's been published

delmarvanow.com

wpcva.com

Martinsville Bulletin

Tobacco.org

The Whipple Report for Feb. 11, 2009

Smoke-Free May Be Working for Richmond

By Laura Peters

Capital News Service

RICHMOND – A lot of Virginia’s restaurant and bar owners feared their business would go up in smoke when the state’s smoking ban took effect in Virginia. They thought they’d lose customers who enjoy a cigarette with their drink or meal. But two months later, many eating and drinking establishments seem pleasantly surprised: They say the smoking ban hasn’t had much effect.

Poe’s Pub owner Mike Britt says his business hasn’t been that much affected by the ban in the two months it’s been enforced. He also said when speaking to some law enforcement officials, not one he spoke to has written a ticket for violators.

“There’s nobody to go out and enforce it. It’s basically under the health department. When they come in they’re supposed to tell the owner that they are under violation,” Britt says. “But, they can’t do anything about it. They have to go back to their office and call the police. If the police show up, which I don’t think they are, unless they’re calling 911. Who’s going to call 911 for a cigarette?”

According to James Mercante, part of the Richmond Police Department Public Affairs, the department is working with the Attorney General’s office to develop an enforcement plan.

The Attorney General’s office said they don’t go out and enforce the law; that’s up to the local law officials and the health department.

Chuck James, the Chief Deputy to the Attorney General said there are two ways in enforcing the Smoking Ban. One way, is to fine an individual for no more than $25 if they have violated the ban and refused to refrain from smoking. The second way, James says, is if a proprietor of a restaurant doesn’t comply with the ban, they are noted with the Virginia Department of Health.

Gary Hagy, head of the Food and Environmental Services for the Virginia Department of Health, says his department is in charge of the restaurant inspections that also look for violations of the ban. To comply with the ban, there needs to be either separate rooms or separate ventilation for the smoking rooms and a separate entrance. Restaurants also need to post no smoking signs and remove ash trays.

“The law limits the enforcement quite a bit,” Hagy says. “During regular inspections, we will also evaluate the restaurants compliance with the Clean Air Act.”

The limit that the health department faces is that they cannot issue any fines for violators.

“If we see something, we’ll discuss it with the owner, and try educate them on the requirements of the law, and try to obtain compliance,” Hagy says. “If they don’t comply, then we refer it to the local law enforcement. The code gives the authority for any law enforcement to issue a summons for the violator.”

To James’ knowledge, there hasn’t been any big flag as to smoking ban violators, and most restaurants have been taking it upon themselves to make their restaurant non-smoking.

“A lot of restaurants went smokeless on their own accord without having this legislation being passed,” James says.

Over 4,000 restaurants have been inspected in the commonwealth, according to Hagy, and 95 percent have all complied with the ban. In the past year, the number of smoke-free restaurants has increased from 66 percent to 85 percent.

Poe’s Pub has been smoke-free in their dining room two years prior to the ban being enacted. Britt even enjoys not having smoking in his restaurant.

“I think it’s nice for people to walk in the front door and not have smoke in their face,” Britt says.

The smoking ban was put into effect December 1^st, 2009 after being passed in the Virginia General Assembly under House Bill 1703, the Indoor Clean Air Act. This bill states that smoking is not allowed in restaurants in Virginia, without certain measures, like separate rooms and ventilation. The bill was signed by Governor Tim Kaine in March 2009. As of January 22, 2010, the House introduced House Bill 1351, the Indoor Clean Air Act, which would prohibit smoking in any building owned or leased by the Commonwealth. This bill is awaiting vote in the General Laws Committee. To follow up on this bill, or any other bill in the General Assembly you can go to richmondsunlight.com.

Rail Transit Story

Publish article

Virginia Looks Toward Rail, Transit

By Laura Peters

Capital News Service

RICHMOND – Rail and other public transit services are keys to solving Virginia’s transportation problems, the chairman of the House Transportation Committee says.

“As Virginia becomes an increasingly urban and suburban state, rail and transit increase will become an important part of our transportation solution,” said Delegate Joe May, R-Leesburg. “It’s not a choice; it’s just the way it has to be.”

Virginia doesn’t have the money and other resources to build more roads. So, May said, “The far greater solution is going to have to be rail and transit, and you might as well get used to it.”

He made his comments last week at a House transportation subcommittee meeting attended by officials from the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation.

Thelma Drake, director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation, addressed the subcommittee. She is a former House member from Norfolk.

Drake said public transportation reduces energy consumption and improves air quality.

But public transit faces a funding crisis, she said. “Revenues are declining, as needs continue to increase.”

Virginia has applied for funding under the federal economic stimulus program to extend a high-speed rail line from Washington, D.C., to Richmond. Only time will tell whether the state will get the money, Drake said.

She said the federal stimulus funds would not be used for operating the rail service.

Gregory Whirley Sr., acting commissioner of VDOT, told the subcommittee that his agency is being revamped.

For one thing, VDOT has been trimming its workforce, cutting 450 employees last April, 640 in July and about 680 in January. Also, the agency is focusing on road maintenance, not construction.

“Maintenance is to preserve the existing highway systems, not to increase capacity,” Whirley said.

He said VDOT is working hard to cut costs and redefine its mission.

“We have to keep our eye on the ball, in spite of all these changes,” Whirley said. “Our operations won’t be perfect, and our activities won’t be flawless. But I guarantee you we will get the job done. Hopefully, we will emerge from this a strong and more focused agency.”

City Hall Calendar for the month of February

Week of Feb 1st

Week of Feb 8th

Week of Feb 15th

Week of Feb 22nd

McDonnell Keeps Rest Stop Promise

Here is an article I wrote about McDonnell's plan to reopen the rest stops that were closed last year.

Article

Gov. McDonnell vows to veto tax hike

Here is an article I wrote for Capital News Service about Governor McDonnell's State of the Commonwealth address. It was published on RichmondBizSense.com

Article

Higher Education Advocacy Day

Published in the Virginia Gazette

University Professors Get Lobbying Lesson

By Laura Peters
Capital News Service

RICHMOND – Faculty members from colleges and universities across Virginia converged Thursday on the Capitol to urge legislators to support higher education.

During Higher Education Advocacy Day, hosted by Virginia Commonwealth University, about a dozen of professors visited with lawmakers and urged them to protect higher ed from more state budget cuts.

“A large issue for us is funding in the state,” said Ernie Ackermann, a computer science professor at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg. “Over the past few years, the state funding for higher education has decrease, I think, 24 percent.”

Ackermann said Virginia ranks poorly among the states in higher education funding.

“In the Southern region, we’re dead last,” he said. “We want to see if we can stop that trend.”
The day’s events began with a meeting that included officials from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, which oversees public colleges and universities.

For VCU, key points in legislation this session include funding, financial aid, compensation for faculty and staff. According to the VCU’s Office of Government Relations, SCHEV adopted a resolution marking student financial aid as a top priority for the 2010-2012 budget and are trying to get an increase of $19.9 million for the 2011 year.

Also, according to the website, nearly 70 percent of VCU students use financial assistance in some way.

Brian Turner, a member of the American Association of University Professors, helped prepare the faculty members to meet one-on-one with legislators.

“It is important for the members of the General Assembly to know who we are,” said Turner, a political science professor at Randolph Macon College. “We are not just part of SCHEV; we are individuals.”

Kirsten Nelson, the communication and government relations director for SCHEV, said visiting each legislator’s office is like going trick-or-treating.

“Talk about your successful students,” Nelson said. “Talk about how you’re contributing to Virginia.”

Raymond Jirran has been retired for 12 years from Thomas Nelson Community College has been attending the Higher Education Advocacy Day for eight years. His primary focus this legislative session is the budget.

“They won’t be able to pay our retirement, so that’s my alarm,” Jirran said.

Jirran said he planned to speak with Sens. R. Edward Houck of Spotsylvania and John Miller of Newport News and Delegate Watkins Abbitt of Appomattox. Jirran also shares a close relationship with Delegate Tom Gear of Hampton.

“My closest relationship is to Delegate Gear. He’s part of my Lion’s Club; his chief of staff is a former student of mine,” Jirran said.

Jirran said it’s important that faculty members understand what is happening at the Capitol.

“The real thing that’s happening here,” he said, “is the faculty themselves is grasping what’s going on.”

Dan LaVista, the Executive Director of SCHEV, said the overall budget for education is $85 million for the year. Within that, only $4 million goes to scholarships and financial aid, according to LaVista. The day before Higher Education Advocacy Day, the General Assembly convened for a two-month session to write a state budget. Lawmakers must find $4 billion to balance the budget.

Selected General Assembly Pre-filed Bills Discussed at Meeting

Faculty Related

HB 32: Possession of concealed handguns by faculty members at state institutions of higher education-Allows full-time faculty members of state institutions of higher education who possess a valid Virginia concealed handgun permit to carry a concealed handgun on campus.

Student-Related

HB 146: Child support-Provides that child support may be ordered for a child attending an institution of higher learning until the child obtains an undergraduate degree or reaches the age of 23.

Capital Projects

HB 41, SB 15: Bonds-Authorizes the Treasury Board to issue bonds in an amount up to $206,870,000 plus financing costs to finance revenue-producing capital projects at institutions of higher education.

Sustainability

SB 109: Green Public Buildings Act-Requires executive branch agencies and institutions entering the design phase for construction of a new building with certain requirements to conform to the LEED Silver or Green Globes two globe standard.

Revenue-related

SB 166: Community College Scholarship Match Program-Establishes the Community College Scholarship Match Program to provide matching funds to community college foundations and the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education.

Bob McDonnell Inauguration

Audio Version

This week on Richmond Independent Radio News, Virginia Officially Turns Red with McDonnell.

Saturday marked the inauguration of the 71^st Virginia Governor, Bob McDonnell. With performances by the Colonial Williamsburg Fife and Drum Corps, the 29^th Division Band, and the Hampton University Choir, the inauguration kicked off at noon Saturday. McDonnell’s speech was filled with inspiration, history, and what is still left to overcome in the great state of Virginia.

Governor Tim Kaine, a Democrat, relinquished his title as governor before the Governor-elect Bob McDonnell, along with Attorney General-elect Ken Cuccinelli, and Lieutenant Governor-elect Bill Bolling all took the Oath of Office. Now, all three statewide elected officials are Republican.

The ceremony included the National Anthem sung by McDonnell’s daughter Jeanine, a performance of America the Beautiful by Millie Harris, and the 29^th Division Band. After the swearing in ceremonies, the Virginia Army National Guard did a 19 gun salute, followed by a fighter jet fly over the Capitol.

With his wife by his side, clutching her hand tightly,McDonnell focused his inauguration theme, “A Commonwealth of Opportunity”.

“As Virginians, we believe that government must help foster a society in which all our people can use their God-given talents in liberty to pursue the American Dream. Our Administration will be dedicated to building "A Commonwealth of Opportunity" for all Virginians.”

McDonnell’s address focused on improving the economy, creating jobs and making Virginia the energy capital of the East Coast.

“We will make Virginia the "Energy Capital of the East Coast." By growing the natural gas and coal industries, expanding the use of nuclear power, and promoting new energy technologies like wind, solar and biomass. And we will champion environmentally-safe offshore energy exploration and production, bringing with it thousands of new jobs, hundreds of millions in new state revenue and billions in new investment.”

Scott Clemens of Stafford, who works for the United States Department of Energy, came to the inauguration to see his daughter march in the parade. Clemens said he especially connected with McDonnell’s words about energy.

“Being with the department I was really impressed with his look towards energy confidence of the future,” said Clemens. “Potential expanding our nuclear power generation and especially our coal and coal mining of the state.”

Many people who attended of the inauguration felt they were experiencing a piece of history. Celeste Inglehart of Northern Virginia found the event inspiring.

“The people…how well they responded,” said Inglehart. “The whole build up of the new governor, it was so special, it was so wonderful.”

Carly Tate of Mechanicsville, who is only 13 came out to the inauguration to be a part of history.

“It’s like making history, so I’d like to be there for it,” said Tate.

For the future of Virginia, like Tate, McDonnell’s discussion of education in Saturday’s speech might end up directly affecting them. He focused on funding and making room for more money in the classroom.

“And let us recognize that a high school degree is no longer the finish line in a global economy. We must create affordable new pathways to earning a college degree and make a commitment to confer 100,000 additional degrees over the next 15 years.”

McDonnell’s inaugural address was followed by a parade of 47 different organizations. They ranged from Girl Scouts to the Virginia Military Institutes Cadets (nat sounds parade), along with re-enactors of George Washington, Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson.

Marching bands marched from all of the state from different high schools and universities, making it a grand affair.

As the parade ended, people gathered around the podium where McDonnell stood to shake hands and answer questions, leaving a sense of hope for Virginians.

“It was George Washington who noted, in his first Inaugural Address, "The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected to remain on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained." It is right to help one another. It is right to work together to get results and solve problems. It is right to provide opportunities for all.”

-Laura Peters

Legislative Agenda Presented by Area Officials

Audio Version

Legislative Agenda Presented by Area Officials

By Laura Peters

Capital News Service

Focusing on growth, transportation, and public safety mixed with greetings of old friends, salutations, and acknowledgements marked the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission Legislative Meeting. The meeting took place on Wednesday, January 6^th breakfast provided, with the invitation extended to 22 Senators and Delegates, the office of the Governor-elect Bob McDonnell, county supervisors from seven counties, city council and mayor of Richmond and Ashland and the greater Richmond Chamber business leaders.

The agenda included the discussion of high speed rail, environment, growth, public safety and governing locally along with the future of the Virginia General Assembly in 2010.

Delegate Jennifer McClellan thinks that the big issue that will go through the assembly this year is the budget.

“The big issue is closing the gap of the budget,” said McClellan. “Citizens of Virginia have come to expect a certain service for the state with the current economy, but we need to find a way to do it."

The Richmond Regional Planning District Commission is made up of 33 members who represent the Virginians in the City of Richmond and its surrounding areas. The commission meets monthly to discuss and deliberate regional issues.

Looking over the new agenda for the 2010 Virginia General Assembly the biggest issue that came about was the introduction of the high speed rail. Dan Trout of New Kent talked about an $8 billion federal fund that Virginia has applied for that help with funding the high speed rail.

“Right now the only high speed rail line is the Northeast Corridor which goes from Washington to Boston, the next step is to go from Washington to Richmond,” said Trout. “That will make Richmond a transportation hub, and help business in this area and tourism.”

“We’ve applied for the federal funding and I think the bulk of that will come from that,” said McClellan. “There is a state fund that provides matching funds for private sources and if we can have the federal funds qualify for the matching that will help as well. That’s an existing fund, so there wouldn’t be any new taxes for that.”

Supervisor Joe Walton of Powhatan, thinks that filling vacancies in local government and funding mandates are of big priority for the 2010 agenda. Since last year Powhatan lost a supervisor and the process of obtaining another was difficult.

“We would like to see the general assembly provide some sort of alternative means to have a special election or election for that vacated spot,” said Walton.

John Gordon, the Co-Chair of the Capital Region Collaborative, works directly with the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission. With the collaboration he thinks that this will improve the quality of life for the citizen of Richmond and the surrounding areas.

“We strive with age, government, the business community with a process of identifying, prioritizing, and implementing actions that will enhance the quality of life in the Richmond region,” said Gordon. “I get excited when I start to talk about the collaborative because I believe that this generation that is in this room’s opportunity to make a difference in the Richmond region and move it forward aggressively toward a great future.”

Other things on the agenda for the 2010 session according to Delegate McClellan include domestic violence bills, health care bill, and the city charter. Overall, the legislative meeting created a bond between the returning delegates, senators and other city officials and laid out the agenda for the upcoming session in 2010, over eggs and coffee.

Headlines

Headlines Week of December 20th

Richmond based grocer, Ukrop's, was purchased for $140 million on December 17^th by the Dutch firm Royal Ahold, according to The Richmond Times-Dispatch. A division of that company, Giant-Carlisle, will gain control of the Ukrop's supermarket chain. The company's sources say that the sale of alcohol and Sunday hours could very well be in the future.

Governor-elect, Bob McDonnell stated December 16th that his budget plan may affect state employee's jobs, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch. As revenues of the state continue to decrease, cuts will have to continue to be made according to McDonnell.

Record breaking snowfall hit Central Virginia Friday night dumping 17 inches of snow. State police assisted at least 6,100 vehicles who had crashed or were disabled since snow began on Friday. According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch four died in weather related deaths on Virginia roads. On Saturday, 100 flights were cancelled, according to flyrichmond.com. But, Sunday, things were back on track with 30 cancellations.

No snowfall is forecasted for the week but the highs are in the mid-30s to low-40s. Rain is expected on Thursday, December 24^th.

December 18^th marks the conviction of Antonio Lamont “Tony” Allison for sexual battery and object sexual penetration of a jogger on Belle Isle on July 9, 2008 according to the December 19^th Richmond Times-Dispatch Article. The jury recommended 40 years in prison, 15 more years than the minimum. Allison’s sentence hearing will take place on February 24^th. The victim and her family are satisfied with recommendation and conviction.

Don’t head to Carytown to see the ball drop this New Years. According to Style Weekly, the Carytown Merchants Association lost $54,000 with the event last year. Since October 20^th Mayor Dwight C. Jones was in talks with the Carytown Merchants Association to get the event back. But last stitch efforts proved unfruitful. The city hasn’t agreed to help foot the bill for a similar event, but is considering relocating.

Three local rappers busted on coke charges on December 9^th. The rap group “Get Money Green Brothers” have been sentenced in Federal Court for distributing more than 110 pounds of cocaine. Christopher “Big Get It” Woolridge, Natasha “P Get It” Payne, and Terry “Little Get It” Battle used their proceeds from their drug trafficking ring to continue their music ventures. They were also found guilty of dangerous weapons. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, three local police departments, the Virginia State Police and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Project Winterfood

Project Winterfood

Apples, spinach, and sweet potatoes. That was the theme for the first year of Project Winterfood. A group of VCU Graphic Design students set up this event to create a service for the community, by providing a local food resource, and with this event having an art exhibition, and funraising opportunities and live music on Wednesday, December 2^nd.

Project Winterfood partnered up with local organizations, including the Farm to Family Veggie Bus, Dominion Harvest, Savor Café, Ipanema, Rostov’s Coffee and Tea, Ukrops, and Ellwood Thompson’s. Project Winterfood’s mission is to provide an outlet for the people of Richmond to experience the food culture by making the most of all the local food options assessable to Richmond.

They wish to introduce different options for seasonal winter local produce by creating a unique experience. With their different art events, live music, tasting booths, and coffee and tea provided by Rostov’s Coffee and Tea, Project Winterfood, brought the community together, with fun, food, and art.

Noah Scalin, the teacher of the Design Rebels class at VCU has been teaching the class since 2002. With his class he provides an outlet for all design students to take a glimpse into what he does for a living and describes it as social conscious design.

His class is designed to get his students out of the classroom and work with the community using their design skills to create something practical in the real world.

“What I’m interested in is for them to learn some practical skills and then applying them to community projects and understanding how they can have a positive affect with their art,” said Scalin.

Mim Scalin, a former teacher at VCU, who now produces art, loves the idea of promoting local food. She also said that it’s interesting to see how students are promoting local activity that saw little to no recognition years ago.

“I love the idea of promoting food, I think this is great!” said Mim Scalin. “And winter food, most people think you can’t get food in the winter.”

The concept of Project Winterfood was the brainchild of Christina Gleixner, a senior graphic design student at VCU. She enrolled in Noah Scalin’s Design Rebels class, and the entire class voted on her idea. The problem with the winter months is that most people don’t know what types of local produce can be found, and that was one of the main goals that Gleixner had with her project.

“The project ended up being this Project Winterfood and it came out of something I felt very passionate about and drawn to,” said Gleixner. “Supporting the local economy, supporting endangered family farms, and strengthening the food culture in Richmond.”

Johnny Utterback, a senior graphic design student at VCU is also enrolled in Scalin’s Design Rebel’s class. He says the Project Winterfood is designed to promote local food and show all the benefits that it brings to the community.

“It is important for people to buy locally grown food because it helps support the local economy and farmers,” said Utterback. “It definitely keeps the money in the same areas. It leaves no room for questioning where does my food come from, not many people question that today.”

Although the actual event occurred last week, the art exhibit that was held can be seen still at Gallery 5 from December 4^th- 31^st. All funds that are raised from Project Winterfood will benefit the Central Virginia Food Bank and Gallery 5.

-Laura Peters

Smoking Ban in Virginia

Here is another project I worked on with Mark Craig for WRIR Richmond's Independent Radio. It covers the new smoking ban that will come into effect on December 1st.

Smoking Ban

City Hall Calendar

This is a new spin on my Citizen Involvement Calendar.

November 2nd-6th

November 9th-13th

November 16th-20th

November 23rd-27th

November 30th-December 4th

December 7th-11th

December 14th-18th

January 4th-8th

January 11th-15th

January 18th-22nd

January 25th-29th

HandsOn Greater Richmond

A Step Forward for the Community of Richmond

During hard times many just look to another for a hand. The organization Hands On Greater Richmond does just that. Started in December 2005 as Activate Richmond, HandsOn set out with the mission to “inform, inspire, and engage volunteers through meaningful service and leadership opportunities to create positive change in our community.”

Kirsten Kaplan, cofounder and manager of the Corporate Cares program and the Interim Director, says HandsOn Greater Richmond is a way to link for everyone to join together.

“Our goal is to connect anyone interested in service to opportunities for them to make a positive difference,” said Kaplan. “Regardless of how much time, skills, or interest areas. Whatever the availability and cause, we will find a fit.”

Kaplan and cofounders Vanessa Diamond and Elaine Summerfield started the organization to people who were seeking ways to volunteer with friends and coworkers, according to Kaplan.

“It quickly grew into a web-based volunteer network where any community member interested in contributing time could sign up to volunteer,” said Kaplan.

By February 2007, Activate Richmond joined the nationwide HandsOn Network and became HandsOn Greater Richmond. Six months later, they joined the Partnership for Nonprofit Excellence, which encompasses Connect Richmond and Nonprofit Learning Point, according to Kaplan.

Tiffany Harris, part of AmeriaCorps VISTA and is the Progam Coordinator for HandsOn Greater Richmond, has been with the organization since its inception in 2005.

“When most volunteer opportunities are Monday through Friday, 9 to 5 and young professionals don’t really have the capacity to take off and volunteer,” said Harris. “So, we really wanted to develop these projects that were in a group setting, so it was a good way to meet people and also volunteer in the evenings and the weekends.”

There are two main events that are in the HandsOn Greater Richmond Calendar that serve as big volunteer service days. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and HandsOn Day. On October 17, HandsOn Day will take place all over the city. With up to 1,000 individuals serving at over 20 local projects, according to Kaplan.

“The HandsOn Day participants will provide more than 4,000 volunteer hours this October…an estimated value of $83,000 to the Metro Richmond community!” said Kaplan. “ In addition,

Some sponsors of HandsOn day include Target and Altria, who will also send volunteers for the event that is held city-wide.

“Our big thing literally is just volunteering. If you want to volunteer one time, if you want to sign up for one project, one day out of the year, you can volunteer,” said Harris. “If you’d like to search for an organization that really fits your needs and you want to volunteer with that one organization all year round we also have listings for that.”

Jennifer Miller, the Chair of HandsOn Day describes her experiences with HandsOn Greater Richmond as a “flexible way to give back to the community”.

“I am a Team Leader with HandsOn Day Greater Richmond. That means I can sign up to lead any kind of service project from leading a team at the Foodbank to doing an arts and craft projects with kids at a shelter to painting a mural at a community center,” said Miller. “I can pick the projects that suit my schedule.”

Though for most of the volunteers that work with HandsOn Greater Richmond, it is not their primary job. Miller works as a training communications manager. While when the cofounders first started out Kaplan worked for VCU’s Performance Management Group. Diamond worked for the VCU Division of Community Engagement. Summerfield continues to work for the Community Foundation. Even though the organization is mainly operated by volunteers, there are some staff members according to Miller.

Harris describes the second goal of HandsOn Greater Richmond was to get nonprofit organizations to “rethink the traditional 9 to 5, Monday through Friday volunteer model and get them to see if you reach out to see where volunteers are they’ll reach back and you’ll get more volunteers.”

Miller describes her volunteering experience as reaching that certain “helper high”.

“That feeling you get when you help someone else…hard work that just feels good,” said Miller. “You forget about all of your own problems for a while and you gain some real perspective about those living in less fortunate circumstances…when I found the one that truly touched my heart nothing comes close to that feeling.”

Volunteering is especially important in this economic state, according to Harris.

“It really gives you a chance to step outside yourself no matter how you think your situation is there’s always someone else that needs your help,” said Harris. “It gives you that sort of global perspective even on a local level.”

Profile of Scott Burger

Working to improve a now infested with college kids area, Scott Burger is devoted to Oregon Hill and the Richmond Community. Not only is he President of the Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association, but he also is on the Board of Oregon Hill Home Improvement Council, Vice Chair of the Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club, and Vice Chair of the local Green Party.

Originally from Norfolk, Burger moved to Richmond in 1992.

“When I first moved here I wanted to do stuff with the music scene,” said Burger. “That’s how I learned a lot about the area.”

Burger graduated Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut with a major in Political Science. He took an interest in international events, which now has triggered his interest in the community.

According to Burger, his main goal is to try and stay active in the Oregon Hill Community and keep the neighborhood going. The main problem is getting people to appreciate and understand the neighborhood a little more, said Burger.

His work with the Sierra Club has included getting park plans to go through for the Oregon Hill community. A big thing is to encourage more people to get involved in local politics, said Burger.
Not only is Burger focused on Oregon Hill but also the community of Richmond. College students are a big target to get involved, according to Burger.

“I think there’s a lot of groups that are trying to engage the college kids,” said Burger. “But, I’d like to see more people that are more invested in Richmond take an active part in decision making.”

As for the college influence in the Oregon Hill area, there has been much cause for concern. With the influx of more college students each year, comes higher rent for the area. Also, a certain problem of respecting neighbors, said Burger.

“We’ve been overwhelmed with college students…they’re just there living for fours years and partying,” said Burger. “I understand that, but it’s harder for them to understand the consequences of long term thinking and basic respect for some of the neighbors is a problem.”

Not all the college students have created a problem though, according to Burger.

“There are college students who are more interested in celebrating the neighborhood,” said Burger. “Doing art, things like that, I think that’s good.”

John Zeugner, the Chair of the Falls of the James, part of the Sierra Club which is an environmental group, has worked with Burger for a couple of years. Having many interests in common, and multiple run-ins at meetings and public hearings, Zeugner started to become aware of Burger.

“Scott organized a Regiment Green Party that was based mainly in Oregon Hill,” said Zeugner.

“I’m with the Sierra Club and have been for a long time, and I’ve been interested in the Green Party. I kind of took notice.”

Zeugner also took notice of Burger’s activity in Oregon Hill and the community along with the blogging community. Most of the work the two collaborate on concerns the Sierra Club. Issues like the Storm Water Regulation the city has enforced to the big debate on the stadium in Shockoe Bottom, according to Zeugner.

“Some things are small, you know somebody wants to do something stupid in the city we fight that,” said Zeugner about the issues that are dealt with. “We get involved with the state environmental programs and provide input when they’re doing the right thing and try to fight and sue when they’re doing the wrong thing.”

Barbara Williamson works with Scott on the Executive Committee of the Falls of the James Group, as the Legislative Chair and Political Chair. Williamson said she is aware of his activity in the City of Richmond.

“I know he is very active in his neighborhood with the Oregon Hill Civic Association,” said Williamson. “He is very concerned for how the city of Richmond is run and also with the Richmond Greens group…in addition to his work with the Sierra Club.”

Williamson also thinks of Burger’s activism as a benefit.

“I think it would be great if more Richmonders were as committed to caring for the environment and there community as Scott,” said Williamson.

The biggest impact that Burger, according to Williamson, has on Richmond is “his commitment to the environment and all he does…in addition to being married and having a demanding full-time job”.

With Burger’s numerous activities, he is also an information technician for Springfield Financial Group. Burger also started the Oregon Hill Blog in 2007, where he posts different events and news about the Oregon Hill area.

“He likes to blog and everything,” said Zeugner. “I just tend to think he comes on a little confrontational. I’m all for fighting bad things, but sometimes it backfires.”

Zeugner thinks Burger’s blogging activity has built up a community of bloggers as a big accomplishment. Though thought as somewhat confrontational, Burger is fighting for what he has a strong opinion about, according to Zeugner.

“He tends to really give VCU a hard time,” said Zeugner. “Maybe it’s entirely appropriate for the neighborhood that’s going to be most impacted to fight the hardest against the 900 pound gorilla in the room. But, you need all types in a democracy.”

He may seem a bit controversial with his efforts but, Lora Toothman, an Urban Studies Professor at VCU, has Scott guest speak in her Intro to the City classes. Scott has led tours of Oregon Hill for the past three fall semesters for the students of Toothman.

“Scott's tireless dedication to the causes that are important to him is admirable,” said Toothman. “His service to the community sets an excellent example of an engaged citizen, and it's an example from which everyone could learn.”

William Smith, the Volunteer Chair of the Falls of the James Group, works with Scott on the executive committee.

“He is very active in the Sierra Club and does a lot of work with the group’s website and blog[s],” said Smith.

Baseball is Back

Here is a piece I did on the Richmond Baseball Team's new name.

Baseball in Richmond

Deeds/McDonnell Project

While my internship continues with WRIR, I've become a part of the News Team. In this project I'm working with Mark Craig on the Governor's Race in Virginia. We are both picking specific topics and comparing the two sides. Below are the finished products.

Women's Issues

Environment

With freezing temperatures and wet, days one week, followed by warmer temperatures the next, the environment is something of concern for some Virginia citizens. Global warming is increasing and the efforts to find new energy options has been proposed numerous times, but with no real action.

Both gubernatorial candidates Creigh Deeds and Bob McDonnell, said that global warming is a serious problem. Both favor alternative energy and plan to create more green jobs. The environmental platforms of the candidates focus on energy, revitalizing lands and watersheds, and creating green jobs.

The Democratic candidate, Deeds, focuses on alternative and renewable energy. According to Deeds website, he plans to restore the Chesapeake Bay, pursue smart, green government, reduce carbon emissions and create green jobs.

The Republican candidate, Bob McDonnell, supports the protection and restoration of watersheds. He backs the development of alternative energy, but also suggests drilling off the Virginia coast and establishing a new Dominion Electric Cooperative Coal Plan in Surry County, west of Norfolk.

Crystal Cameron, McDonnell’s press secretary, said that energy is a big topic in McDonnell’s campaigning.

“One of Bob’s top priorities is to make Virginia the energy capital of the east coast,” said Cameron. “He wants to utilize all of its energy resources.”

According to Deeds website, he wants to support research on cleaner coal and enforce rigorous air quality standards for coal-fired plants.

Showing a bipartisan viewpoint, Nathan Lott, the executive director of the Virginia Conservation Network, says that alternative energy options is a big part of what is facing Americans these days. He also mentions that the term “clean coal” is something V.C.N. does not like to use.

“Our focus for a couple years now has been on energy efficiency, an area where Virginia has lagged behind,” said Lott. “I would like to see both candidates showing some leadership and resolve there. We’d like to see what energy is used in Virginia and made in Virginia produced more cleanly.”

J.R. Dolbert, an advocate for the bipartisan environmental group, Environment Virginia, says that Virginia’s future needs to be clean coal free.

“Clean coal doesn’t exist,” said Dolbert. “The fact of the matter is that Virginia has a ton of potential to meet our energy needs with the wind blowing of our shores and the sun shining down on our rooftops.”

According to Lisa Guthrie, the Executive Director of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, backs Deeds in creating new jobs, stimulating the economy and finding ways to create renewable energy.

“Creigh Deeds has come out strong for providing some tax incentives for purchase of energy efficient devices and on renewable energy and is focused on creating new jobs with that,” said Guthrie. “We think that if he’s elected he’ll do a lot toward moving us toward a new energy economy.”

In 1996, Deeds was the chief sponsor of the Agricultural Stewardship Act, which helped farmers address water quality issues. Deeds wrote and then passed Virginia’s land preservation tax credit program in 1999, when Virginia was ranked last in the nation in per capita expenditures for natural resource since its passage, nearly 500,000 acres have been preserved.
When it comes to the Chesapeake Bay, both candidates favor pollution reduction and improving the bay’s water quality.

In 2000, McDonnell signed the Chesapeake Bay Agreement to obtain the outlined goals for nutrient reduction.

Deeds believes the efforts of leadership in federal and multi-state partnerships would actualize the restoration and reduction commitments to the bay.

“The Chesapeake Bay is one of our greatest natural resources and we have to make sure our future generation can enjoy it,” said Cameron.


Tax/Transportation

In the current state of the economy, the subject of taxation is never voter friendly. Candidates Creigh Deeds and Bob McDonnell bolster initiatives in creating tax breaks and boosting the economy. McDonnell’s plan emphasizes lowering taxes, trimming spending while improving free enterprise, and introducing new guidelines to solve transportation woes. While Deeds’s plan acts on solutions for homeowners and small businesses, the creation of jobs through his transportation plan, and simplifying Virginia’s government.

McDonnell wants to reduce business employment requirements for tax credits that create new jobs, back annual income credits for new green-jobs, and create the new role of job czar for the elected Lieutenant Governor to help stimulate Virginia’s economical future. In his plan, businesses will receive $1,000 tax credits for creating 50 new jobs, or 24 new jobs in distressed areas. Qualified energy-business will receive annual income credits for $500 for each new green job. The role of job czar involves coordination of economic development, as well as implementing new jobs for decaying state agencies.

While one the opposition, Deeds plans to offer small business tax breaks According to Deeds’s plan, businesses would be rewarded with a tax credit for the hiring of new workers or facility upgrades.

“My first priority is to create jobs in every corner of the Commonwealth and get the economy moving,” said Deeds. “That’s why I’ve focused on a plan to create jobs in every part of Virginia by awarding a tax credit for every job that’s created.”

McDonnell plans to audit state agencies in order to lower Virginia’s spending. He said tat with the doubling of the budget over the last decade a greater transparency is needed to make this state’s budget manageable.

Deeds plans to create a more efficient government by naming an efficiency improvement director from businesses, creating a state employee workforce plan, and promote energy savings within Virginia’s facilities.

According to Lisa Guthrie, the Executive Director of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, Deeds has a good chance of making government more efficient.

“I think that in terms of job generation the creating of some research efforts will link a lot of these priorities together,” said Guthrie.

By utilizing the surplus revenues from the general fund and identifying efficiencies in the state budget, McDonnell can avoid tax increase.

Crystal Cameron, Bob McDonnell’s press secretary said that there are several other ways to avoid tax increases, and McDonnell plans to see that through.

“It’s called leadership, it’s called accountability, it’s called going in and redoing budgets.” said Cameron. “As attorney general he cut 14% of his budget and took a pay cut. There were several other measures that he took without raising taxes to balance his budget and he will do the same as governor.”

With Deeds’s transportation plan, efforts of reviving Virginia’s roads may need a bit more support. According to Deeds, with regards to transportation, no money will be taken away from education or other amenities involving the general fund.

“Frankly, it’s going to benefit all of Virginia. Transportation is the biggest impediment we have right now,” said Deeds. “A lot of people think of transportation as a Northern Virginia and a Hampton Roads type of issue. But, it’s a statewide issue. We lose opportunity in every part of

McDonnell wants to make road construction in Virginia an immediate four-year priority. McDonnell believes current roadway projects lag in accomplishing the results needed. His strategy contains four pillars. First, projects creating benefits for taxpayers must receive priority. Second, reduce the completion times for these projects. Third, better strategies for operations and maintenance of existing roadways and the fourth pillar calls for a more stable and effective transportation funding model.


Election Night Wrap Up