The Lynchburg City School Board has appointed Dr. Scott S. Brabrand as the 12^th Superintendent of the Lynchburg City Schools. Brabrand is currently serving as Assistant Superintendent in the Fairfax County Public Schools and will assume office on April 1. Dr. Larry A. Massie will continue to serve as Interim Superintendent through March 31.

“The School Board is honored that Dr. Brabrand will be assuming this critical leadership position for the city of Lynchburg,” School Board Chairman Charlie White said. “Public education in Lynchburg is facing a formidable combination of fiscal, instructional and social challenges. As a strong executive, a strategic thinker and a vigorous advocate of public education, Dr. Brabrand brings the right leadership characteristics to our school system and our city at the right time.”

As Assistant Superintendent for one of the most diverse clusters in the Fairfax County Public Schools (Cluster IV) since 2009, Brabrand has been responsible for providing educational and administrative leadership to 27 schools and approximately 2,500 employees, serving over 22,000 students. During his tenure, the number of schools achieving 90 percent SOL math proficiency increased from five to 12 schools. Additionally, four of the Cluster’s 6 Title 1 schools that were in state sanction for reading and math exited from those sanctions.

Proficient in Spanish, Brabrand earned his bachelor’s degree in Foreign Service from Georgetown University, his master’s degree in education from George Washington University and his doctorate in educational administration from Virginia Tech.

A native of Newport News and a life-long Virginia resident, Brabrand looks forward to his family, consisting of his wife, Debbie, and his twin sons, Bennett and William, joining the Lynchburg family and continuing the “Tradition of Excellence” in Lynchburg City Schools.

REGION 2000 CONTINUES HIGH PERFORMANCE RANKING ON 2011 MILKEN INSTITUTE BEST-PERFORMING CITIES INDEX 

The 2011 Milken Institute Best-Performing Cities Index has once again ranked the Lynchburg Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) in its top 100. At #54, the 2011 ranking is slightly down from 2010′s #35 ranking. However, Region 2000 joined the Northern Virginia MSA (#17) as the only other large Virginia MSA in the top 100. Northern Virginia also dropped from #6 in 2010 to #17 in 2011.

Virginia’s Region 2000 also ranked third nationally in five-year relative high tech gross domestic product growth and ninth nationally in job growth percentage for 2010-2011.

“This is great news to achieve such a ranking in this well-respected report,” Bryan David, Region 2000 Economic Development Council Executive Director, said. “It is a tribute to the hard work and collaboration of our business, local government and higher education leaders. [The 2011] Milken report demonstrates once again that our regional cooperation continues to support the vitality of our economy.”

The index evaluates U.S. metropolitan areas by a number of factors, including job creation and sustenance, economic growth, wage and salary and technology. To read the full report, visit http://goo.gl/B2fGX.

GATHERING OF GODDESSES TO HEAD TO LAS VEGAS BY WAY OF AMAZEMENT SQAURE 

Escape winter by taking a trip to a fabulous Las Vegas hotel and resort without leaving town at Amazement Square’s 11^th Annual Gathering of Goddesses Friday, February 10 from 6 to 11 p.m. (Blizzard Date: February 24).

Each guest will enjoy a catered dinner, a wine and beer bar featuring a specialty Las Vegas drink, relaxing spa and health services donated by local businesses, an exclusive nightclub just for goddesses and other exciting casino entertainment and games.

The Gathering will also recognize this year’s Honorary Goddess, Frances Giles. As Chair of Allocations with the United Way of Central Virginia, Giles is enhancing citizens’ live and empowering them to live up to their full potential. Learn more about Giles in our Leader of the Month section.

Make your tax-deductible reservation for the best Vegas hotel and resort in Lynchburg for $100 ($115 after February 10) by visiting or calling Amazement Square at (434) 845-1888. Proceeds support Amazement Square’s educational mission through the development and maintenance of its exhibitions and programs.

YPCV ANNOUNCES 2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

The Young Professionals of Central Virginia, led by Executive Director Abe Loper, announces its new board of directors for 2012, including many *new members:

Josh Keith, Genworth – President

Tanya Fischoff, Academy of Fine Arts – Secretary

Chris Riddick, Innovative Faith Resources – Treasurer

Heather Baum, Center for Advanced Engineering & Research

*Michael Amendola, Servus Capital Management

*Julie Pfiefer, Sodexo

*Daniel Currie, Century 21

*Daniel Maddox, Wells Fargo

*Kumar Kunal, Hanwah Azdel

*Jasper Hendricks, BRAT-PAC

*Hector Takahashi, Alliance Industrial Corp.

The Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce has re-formulated its previous awards program. The Chamber is currently accepting nominations for its new “Excellence in Business” Awards to be presented during the Annual Business Dinner held on March 22, 2012. The “Excellence in Business” Awards introduce new award categories as well as a new system for nominating and selecting award winners.

“We wanted to recognize innovative business practices and get more participation from the general business community,” Christy Lucy, Director of Marketing and Special Events for the Chamber, said. “We believe this new system will generate a lot of enthusiasm from our membership to accomplish both of those goals.”

The new awards will have criteria pertaining to each category, however, emphasis on innovation, staying power and overall integrity of business practices will be considered when determining award finalists. The new award categories are Home-based Business, Emerging Small Business, Business to Business, Business to Consumer, Agri-Business and Nonprofit.

Anyone can nominate a company and nominees should be a member in good standing with the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce. Self-nominations are welcome, as are nominations for more than one company. Only one nomination per company is required for consideration. The deadline for nominations is January 31, 2012. Nomination forms can be downloaded from the Chamber’s web site at www.bedfordareachamber.com or requested via phone, fax and email to clucy@bedfordareachamber.com.

The new process will also include a selection committee to determine finalists, which will then be announced and offered to the business community for a “popularity” vote. The winning businesses will be announced during the Chamber’s Annual Business Dinner held in March.

THREE CENTRA PROGRAMS EARN NATIONAL RECOGNITION

Centra has once again received national recognition for its quality in health care. Centra’s hip and knee replacement, stroke and acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) treatment programs all received outstanding marks from The Joint Commission during recent on-site visits.

Centra’s hip and knee replacement programs have been recommended for certification without deficiencies by The Joint Commission, the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in healthcare. Centra’s total joint program was praised for its highly qualified surgeons, nursing excellence, patient-centered care, teamwork, well-kept and well-designed physical environment, patient education classes and dedicated resources.

The Joint Commission also recommended two of the orthopaedic programs’ components for recognition as best practices. They are Centra’s bed management system and its use on the orthopaedic floor as well as the consistent utilization for the care boards in each patient room.

After an extensive evaluation of Centra’s processes and ability to evaluate and improve care, The Joint Commission also recently recommended Centra’s Primary Stroke Center for recertification.

The Joint Commission specifically praised Centra’s Primary Stroke Center for its process for the administration of tPA (clot busting drug), dedication to performance improvement and educated staff members. The Joint Commission also encouraged Centra to continue its plan to become a Comprehensive Stroke Center when guidelines are released next year.

Centra Lynchburg General Hospital already holds The Joint Commission National Certificate of Distinction for Primary Stroke Centers. The certification recognizes the center for making exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes for stroke care.

ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS ANNOUNCES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOB OPENING

The Academy of Fine Arts is conducting a search for its next Executive Director.

“The Academy is entering a new phase,” Dave Bowen, Board of Trustees President, said. “We have a growing passion for the arts, for entertaining theatre, intriguing galleries, enlightening classes and exciting social events. We are looking to hire an Executive Director who will communicate this passion and strengthen the Academy’s visibility and brand. We are looking for our star.”

The Academy is also searching for a Director of Development, who will lead the initiative to restore the Historic Academy of Music Theatre.

“We are not skipping a beat,” Bowen said. “We look forward to bringing new energy to the team and are excited about the Academy’s future.”

The Academy encourages candidates with a passion for the arts and non-profit experience to apply. Those interested in applying are encouraged to visit the employment tab on the Academy of Fine Arts’ website, www.AcademyFineArts.com.  Interviews will be extended on a rolling basis.

EIGHTH ANNUAL DOWNTOWN LYNCHBURG LOFT TOUR SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 25

The 8^th annual Downtown Lynchburg Loft Tour, a fundraiser for the Free Clinic of Central Virginia, will take place on February 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tour offers an opportunity to visit 8 to 10 furnished loft apartments in downtown Lynchburg.  Ticket sales benefit the Free Clinic at 1016 Main Street. Tickets will be available after February 1 for $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the tour. For more details, visit www.fccv.net or contact the Free Clinic at (434) 847-5866.

Meg Smith has been selected as the 2012 Virginia Teacher of the Year. The Dunbar Middle School for Innovation English teacher was among eight teachers across the state competing for the title. Those nominees were selected from among candidates nominated by their school divisions. The candidates prepared and submitted portfolios highlighting their professional accomplishments, educational philosophies and community activities.

In mid-September, Smith was named Regional V Teacher of the Year. Region V consists of 20 school divisions. Each division selected a teacher to represent them in the regional competition.

Smith says her key to success is simple—create active learners, keep parents engaged and continue to improve as a professional. She says she leads by example and, as a result, “the specific knowledge and skills the students have learned are often equaled by the student’s growing commitment to success, a commitment we hope will continue throughout their lives.”

Smith will now be the Commonwealth’s nominee in the National Teacher of the Year Program.

LYNCHBURG’S CITY ASSESSOR’S OFFICE RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL AWARD

Lynchburg’s City Assessor’s Office has received the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) Public Information Award for excellence in their customer service and public access to assessments. The City Assessor, Gregory H. Daniels, CAE, accepted the award at the IAAO’s annual conference held in Phoenix, Arizona. The IAAO is the internationally recognized leader and preeminent source for innovation, education, and research in property appraisal, assessment administration, and property tax policy.

“I think my staff does an amazing job providing in the public with information. I’m very proud that our hard work has been recognized by an international community of our peers,” Daniels said.

The award is given to assessment jurisdictions that have developed and implemented an effective system for the dissemination to taxpayers of information regarding the assessment process for the past two years. Lynchburg was recognized for open dialogues regarding property assessments with the community through various mediums including The News & Advance, WSET 13, WLNI 105.FM and others. One unique process prints a brochure on the City’s Rehabilitation and Renovation Program when certain building permits are acquired.

The City’s online GIS Parcel Viewer was the crowning achievement regarding public access to assessments and associated property data. One critical measurement for the award hinged on how the public’s access to information improved the quality of assessments.

“With all that information available to the public, timeliness and accuracy are a must, and it’s that timeliness and accuracy which goes a long way in helping the public understand their assessments,” Daniels said.

Many of the databases associated with assessment have been interlinked allowing for immediate updates. The public can see building permits immediately. Real estate transfers are processed from the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office within one to two business days.

The nomination package noted the improved accuracy and timeliness necessary when making information available for public scrutiny. Local real estate brokers, title companies and attorneys supported the nomination with letters lauding the on-line GIS Parcel Viewer and the Assessor’s Office superior customer service.

FESTIVAL OF TREES EVENTS HOPE TO DRAW GUESTS AND DONORS ALIKE

From November 18-20, the Rotary Club of Forest and United Way of Central Virginia are jointly hosting the 2011 Festival of Trees at the Alan B Pearson Regional Cancer Center in Lynchburg. The Festival of Trees displays decorated Christmas trees, wreaths and other holiday decorative pieces donated by local businesses and individuals to benefit the Forest Rotary Club and United Way of Central Virginia.

Events include Open Houses on Friday, November 18 from 5:30 until 8 p.m. and Sunday, November 20 from Noon until 5 p.m. Admission is $5 per person at the door for all those over the age of 5. A Festival Luncheon and Fashion Show will be held Saturday, November 19 from Noon to 2 p.m. and a Festival of Trees Gala and Silent Auction will take place on Saturday, November 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets for both the Luncheon and the Gala will be available in advance. For general information, call (434) 847-8753.

AMAZEMENT SQUARE WINS AWARD FOR CURRICULUM-BASED CARTOON SERIES

Amazement Square’s work on the Amazing Adventures of Scorpy Bug has been awarded The Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Award for Visitor Experience from the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC). The award is presented in recognition of extraordinary accomplishments that not only enhance the performance of the awarded institution, but that significantly advances the mission of science-technology centers and museums worldwide.

Amazement Square’s President/CEO, Dr. Mort Sajadian, accepted the award at the ASTC annual conference in Baltimore, on October 15. Amazement Square competed against science and technology centers from around the globe for this award.

“As a new member of ASTC, we are honored and delighted to be recognized for this international award and are energized to continue our science and technology related exhibitions and programs at a time in our nation when there is a real need to emphasize science education. This award brings great recognition to Lynchburg and the children of Central Virginia who are benefiting from these educational opportunities available here at Amazement Square,” Sajadian said.

The Amazing Adventures of Scorpy Bug is a curriculum-based cartoon series designed to help educators take an interactive and interdisciplinary approach to teaching challenging concepts. The series has been made available free of charge to teachers and families through publication in the regional newspaper and through a comic book series that addresses specific scientific topics.

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA TO HOLD FOURTH ANNUAL CEREMONY AT OLD CITY CEMETERY

The Blue Ridge and James River Chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) are sponsoring the 4^th Annual Wreaths Across America program and wreath-laying ceremony on Saturday, December 10, in Lynchburg’s Old City Cemetery.

In 2008, the local DAR learned that there are over 2,200 veterans buried in the Old City Cemetery who represent every war from the Revolutionary War through the Vietnam War. With the first local event held that December, the numbers of wreaths placed has steadily grown. The Old City Cemetery WAA event in 2010 placed 717 wreaths, the fourth largest number in Virginia, with Arlington Cemetery being the largest. The DAR Chapter members are working hard to fundraise and purchase 1,000 wreaths for 2011.

The public is invited to this year’s ceremony. Those planning to attend are encouraged to be present by 11:45 a.m. as there will be a flyover by a member of the Civil Air Patrol, followed by the arrival of the seven special military wreaths accompanied by veterans in a motorcycle escort.  Cemetery gates will be closed to through traffic when the ceremony begins promptly at Noon in front of the Chapel. Following a brief ceremony with DAR and community leaders, everyone will be invited to help lay wreaths. For more information, contact Elaine Roy at (434) 384-2347 or ebroy2@aol.com.

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest in Forest have made a significant discovery, identifying two doors as original to Jefferson’s home. The find is important because all Jefferson’s interior woodwork was thought to have been lost in the post-Jefferson 1845 fire, an event that spared the brick structure but consumed wood features.

“These doors are not only important to the restoration, they are also significant as the largest known pieces of woodwork associated with skilled Monticello joinery craftsman, John Hemings,” Travis McDonald, Architectural Restoration Director, said.

Until now, restoration researchers have relied primarily on Jefferson’s written records for information about the interior detailing inside the retreat, as well as the extensive physical clues uncovered from meticulous above-ground archaeology as they examined the interior walls of the house.

“This discovery has been an exciting case of detective work as the research team uncovered clue after clue, starting with identifying the unusual molding made at the Monticello joinery by or under the direction of John Hemings,” Lynn Beebe, Poplar Forest President, said.

Researchers have long been aware of a newspaper account at the time of the 1845 fire which testified that the Hutter family, the post-Jefferson-era residents, had time during the fire to pull much of their furniture out of the house. In the 1990s, as Poplar Forest’s researchers removed the Greek-Revival-era woodwork installed by the Hutters after the fire, they made note of two doors that did not exactly match the others from that remodeling—flagging them for study at an appropriate time after the completion of the exterior restoration. Recently, a close physical examination of the two doors by the staff has now revealed that these are, indeed, original Jefferson-period doors.

“We are now studying the question of exactly how the doors will be displayed—whether they will be restored to their original size and used in the house, or whether they will be displayed in a future visitor center,” Beebe said.

The two doors are currently undergoing conservation at a private studio in Williamsburg, Virginia.

UNITED WAY COLLECTING FOOD THROUGHOUT OCTOBER FOR AREA FOOD BANKS

Throughout the month of October, the United Way of Central Virginia(UWCV) is collecting food for Lyn-CAG, the Salvation Army, D.A.W.N., Bedford Christian Ministries, Piedmont Community Impact and the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.

“We have been in contact with area agencies that distribute food to those in need in the Central Virginia community and have found that their pantries  are experiencing low volume of food compared to needs,” Marie Martin, Executive Director of UWCV, said. “One non-perishable per individual will go a long way to help others. It could be a friend, neighbor or even a relative.”

The UWCV is asking all local businesses, organizations, chambers, schools and citizens of the Central Virginia Community to help by donating non-perishable food items. Items are being collected at the United Way’s office at 1010 Miller Park Square in Lynchburg. Pick-up may also be arranged by calling (434) 455-6900. For more information, visit www.unitedwaycv.org.

LYNCHBURG DEPUTY CITY MANAGER INSTALLED ON ICMA NATIONAL BOARD AS PRESIDENT-ELECT

Bonnie Svrcek, Lynchburg’s deputy city manager has been named as president-elect of ICMA, the International City/County Management Association. Svrcek began serving as ICMA president-elect on September 21 and will complete a one-year term. She will then assume the role of president at the 98^th Annual Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, October 7-10, 2012.

ICMA’s mission is to create excellence in local governance by promoting professional management worldwide and increasing the proficiency of appointed chief administrative officers, assistant administrators, and other employees who serve local governments and regional entities around the world. The organization’s nearly 9,000 members in 36 countries also include educators, students and other local government employees.

Svrcek’s accomplishments include more than three decades of local government experience, primarily in the state of Virginia. She has been a member of ICMA since 1989, serving on several of ICMA’s conference planning and host committees. In 2006, Svrcek was elected to a three-year term on the ICMA Executive Board as Vice President for the Southeast Region. She earned designation in 2002 as a Credentialed Manager though ICMA’s Voluntary Credentialing Program, which defines and recognizes members who are qualified by a combination of education and experience, adherence to high standards of integrity, and an assessed commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.

Svrcek has also been an active member of the Virginia Local Government Management Association, serving as second vice-president, first vice-president, president-elect and president.

The Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) has given $54,000 in grant awards to five local agencies, which deliver programs that promote early childhood literacy in Central Virginia. The WLC, an independent program of United Way of Central Virginia, connects women leaders, philanthropists and volunteers, 54 of whom donated $1,000 each to make a positive difference in their community.

The 2011 WLC grant award recipients include: “Alphabet Soup School Tour Program,” Amazement Square, $10,000; “Growing Minds, Growing Citizens Program,” Campbell County Public Library Foundation, $10,000; “Addressing Reading Deficiencies in the Jubilee Tutorial Program,” Jubilee Family Development Center, $10,000; “Literacy Class for Parents of Pre-School Children,” Lynchburg Literacy Council, Inc., $14,000; and the “Young Children’s Literacy Technology Project,” YMCA of Central Virginia, $10,000.

Now in its second year, the WLC recently received full funding of a $25,000 matching endowment grant from the Greater Lynchburg Community Trust, since the WLC members have raised and invested more than $100,000 in programs that enhance the quality of life in Central Virginia.

LYNCH’S LANDING RECEIVES 2011 NATIONAL TRUST MAIN STREET ACCREDITATION

Lynch’s Landing has been designated as an accredited National Main Street Program for meeting the commercial district revitalization performance standards set by the National Trust Main Street Center®. Each year, the National Trust and its partners announce the list of accredited Main Street® programs that have built strong revitalization organizations and demonstrate their ability in using the Main Street Four-Point Approach® methodology for strengthening their local economy and protecting their historic buildings.

The organization’s performance is annually evaluated by Virginia Main Street, the statewide organization which works in partnership with the National Trust Main Street Center to identify the local programs that meet 10 performance standards. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building comprehensive and sustainable revitalization efforts and include standards such as developing a mission, fostering strong public-private partnerships, securing an operating budget, tracking economic progress and preserving historic buildings.

“Lynchburg’s downtown is the heart of our community and a critical economic agent,” Anna Bentson, Executive Director of Lynch’s Landing, said. “We are proud of this year’s accreditation. The Main Street program provides a systematic approach towards downtown revitalization that has proven itself successful across the country and here in Lynchburg.”

Lynch’s Landing organizes and supports events and activities that bring people to downtown Lynchburg. In 2010, more than 36,000 people attended an event sponsored by Lynch’s Landing. The organization also strives to advance building rehabilitation efforts, improve the physical appearance of downtown and works closely with all downtown businesses, restaurants, retailers and organizations to maximize their success by offering training programs, quarterly forums and creative promotional opportunities.

STATEWIDE CONFERENCE ON LITTER PREVENTION AND RECYCLING TO BE HELD AT WINGATE BY WYNDHAM

Wingate by Wyndham in Lynchburg will host the annual professional conference put on by the Virginia Council for Litter Prevention and Recycling (VCLPR) on October 19 and 20. The theme for this year’s conference is “Tools for Success—Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things” and will be geared toward litter and recycling program managers, solid waste management professionals, nonprofits that provide litter and recycling programs and education to the public and any business, college or university that has a sustainable recycling or Close the Loop mission.

By selecting the Virginia Green certified Wingate by Wyndham-Lynchburg hotel as the conference venue, all attendees will “walk the talk” as the hotel offers a multitude of “green” and “environmentally friendly” best practices. Attendees will leave with a full “toolkit” of proven resources to implement for program success. For more details about the conference agenda, visit www.cvwma.com/education_and_outreach/litter_prevention/litter_summit.wbp.

7TH ANNUAL “PINK AUCTION LUNCHEON” TO BENEFIT BREAST CANCER RESEARCH AND EDUCATION

MDM Networking, Inc., presents the 7^th Annual “Pink Auction Luncheon” on October 16 at the Holiday Inn Select at 601 Main Street in Lynchburg from 2 to 6 p.m. All profits from the auction will be donated to local, regional or national organizations. A preview of auction items begins at 1:30 p.m. on October 16. Tickets are $20 and are available for purchase at Givens Books, Heritage Connections and the Holiday Inn Select. No tickets will be sold at the door.

MDM Networking, Inc., was founded by three local sisters, Kathryn Drayton, Violet Mitchell and Louise Mitchell, a breast cancer survivor, as a nonprofit, service organization with the primary mission to inform, educate and empower women and girls specifically in the areas of health awareness and advocacy. The “Pink Auction” was developed specifically to provide information to women about cancer and is MDM’s primary vehicle to raise funds for cancer research, education and services.

Since it began seven years ago, The Pink Auction has raised and distributed more than $40,000 to recipients such as The American Cancer Society, The Free Clinic of Central Virginia, The Johns Foundation, The Meharry Medical College and The Sister Study for Breast Cancer Research. For information or to purchase tickets to the event, contact Louise E. Mitchell, (434) 384-2858, Kathryn M. Drayton, (434) 385-0532 or Violet O. Mitchell, (434) 239-9209.

VIRGINIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY HONORS LYNCHBURG MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT

Katherine Morse, a sixth grade student at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School in Lynchburg, has been awarded the 2010 Anne R. Worrell Middle School Student Award by the Virginia Historical Society (VHS). The Anne Worrell award is given to a middle school student who exemplifies distinction in historical research and scholarship.

Applicants must submit a paper or classroom project that is creative, uses primary source materials and demonstrates an understanding of some facet of American history. The award is named in honor of Charlottesville resident Anne Worrell, a former member of the board of trustees, current honorary vice chairman and long-time VHS supporter.

When presenting the award, VHS President and CEO, Dr. Paul Levengood, said Morse’s teacher, Keith Bennett, who submitted several of Morse’s school projects, commended her work on an assignment in which students had to turn Standards of Learning (SOL) facts into lyrics for a popular song. Morse wrote a song about geographical regions in Virginia and two songs about the Revolutionary War—one sung to the tune of “Up on the Rooftops” and the other to “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.”

“This award makes me very happy,” Morse said. “I love music and I love history. This project let me do both.”

This is the second year that the VHS has given the Anne R. Worrell Middle School Student Award.

The Babcock & Wilcox Company has selected three local students to receive college scholarships worth $1,500 per year for up to four years of college-level study. The recipients are:

James Hyres, Jr., son of James Hyres, a senior principal engineer for Babcock & Wilcox Technical Services Group, Inc. James graduated from Brookville High School and plans to attend Virginia Tech. He has been accepted to the College of Engineering.

Thomas Sale IV, son of Thomas Sale III, a senior technical specialist at Babcock & Wilcox Nuclear Operations Group, Inc. Thomas graduated from Rustburg High School and plans to attend Duke University to study math and physics.

Kelly Fleischer, daughter of Paul Fleischer, a chemical technologist at Babcock & Wilcox Nuclear Operations Group, Inc. Kelly graduated from Rustburg High School and plans to attend Drexel University to study computer engineering.

More than 100 applications were received and reviewed by a committee of B&W employees. B&W awarded 12 scholarships to students whose parents work in its offices, including sites in Ohio, Virginia, Tennessee and Texas. The scholarships were awarded based on academic achievement, Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT) scores, financial need and the relevance of the student’s course of study to the company’s business.

GRIEFSHARE PROGRAM OFFERED TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

Community members who have experienced the death of a family member or friend are invited to register for the GriefShare program sponsored by Gentle Shepherd Hospice.

Those dealing with grief, recent or not, will find encouragement, comfort and help in grieving the death of a spouse, child, parent, sibling, other family member or friend. GriefShare will present valuable information about facing a new normal in life and renewing hope for the future. This program is Christ-centered with all levels of faith being accepted.

GriefShare is held on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to Noon at Gentle Shepherd Hospice in Lynchburg. Pre-registration is requested by contacting Candice McCann at (434) 846-6270.

MASTER GARDENERS SOUGHT

The Hill City Master Gardener Association (HCMGA) is currently accepting application for the 2012 training classes entitled “Become a Master Gardener.” The HCMGA is a nonprofit providing trained volunteer educators who supplement the educational staff of Virginia Cooperative Extension with programs on horticulture. For more information, contact Joe Pond, Training Committee Chairman at (434) 384-7868 or tjpmg05@verizon.net. Visit www.hcmga.com to view an introductory letter, course overview and application.

The Lynchburg region ranked 49th among the top 200 metros in the nation and ranked second among the regions that made the list from Virginia. Washington, D.C./Northern Virginia came in at 27th place, while Richmond ranked 50th, Roanoke, 81st and Virginia Beach, 126th.

“We were the smallest metro in terms of population to land in the top 50 outside of Washington State and that speaks volumes,” Bryan David, Executive Director of Virginia’s Region 2000 Economic Development Council, said. “This ranking shows once again how competitive our region’s economy stacks up nationally.”

In the past several years, the Lynchburg metro has demonstrated its competitiveness with high rankings in Forbes lists and others such as the Milken Institute’s Best Performing Cities Index. Last month, Virginia was also named the top state in CNBC’s Top State for Business ranking.

CHAMBER ANNOUNCES NEW LOCATION AND LOGO FOR BUSINESS EXPO

The Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce will host the 2011 Bedford Area Business Expo on September 22 at the vacant Taylor Brothers building, located at 1052 Independence Avenue in Bedford.

Organizers say the new location will provide greater visibility, easier access and expanded parking for attendees. It will also allow the Chamber to incorporate some added features for exhibitors including an expansive exhibitor lounge, sponsored by Sam’s Club.

“We appreciate the generosity of Rob Taylor, the building’s owner, in allowing us to use the space and we are excited about the new opportunities it will provide for this event’s exhibitors and attendees,” Christy Lucy, the event director for the Bedford Area Chamber, said.

Held from Noon to 7 p.m., the Expo will feature more than 60 exhibitors displaying their products and services, free lunch available to all attendees, prizes including $500 cash, a job fair and seminars and workshops from Noon to 5 p.m. and the Taste of Bedford evening networking event from 5 to 7 p.m. Attendance is free and open to the public. A $5 cover charge at the door applies to the Taste of Bedford event.

The Chamber is also rolling out its new logo and brand for the event, created by Pickering Creative Group. The new logo will appear on all signage and marketing materials promoting the event.

CENTRA LYNCHBURG GENERAL HOSPITAL NAMED MENDED HEARTS NATIONAL HOSPITAL OF 2011

Centra Lynchburg General Hospital has received the Mended Hearts’ national Hospital Award for 2011 for the support and encouragement it provides to the organization’s local chapter, Blue Ridge Mended Hearts Chapter 16.

Mended Hearts, a 24,000 member volunteer organization that partners with 460 hospitals and rehabilitation clinics in the United States and Canada, provides heart patients with pre-operative and post-operative visits, group support meetings and educational forums. Members of Blue Ridge Mended Hearts Chapter 16 support heart patients and their families at the Centra Stroobants Heart Center.  The chapter was established in 1989 and is considered one of the top chapters in the country.

The hospital was selected from finalists identified by eight volunteer regional directors across the country.  Hospitals are evaluated in seven areas, from providing reasonable access to patients to providing a consistent contact person to recognizing the chapter’s contributions. The Mended Hearts’ national Hospital Award for 2011 was presented at the 59th national Mended Hearts convention in New Orleans.

ALTAVISTA AND APPOMATTOX RECEIVE TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT GRANTS

The Town of Altavista and Appomattox County were two of the eight Transportation Enhancement Grants awarded to localities from VDOT’s Lynchburg District.

Altavista’s $501,000 award is the final piece in a comprehensive downtown revitalization project that has so far included more than $1.2 million in transportation enhancement funds, $1 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and $1.7 million in local private and public matching funds.

Appomattox County received $213,000. This grant represents the third successful Transportation Enhancement Grant awarded to the county with a total of $273,000 having been awarded in previous grant rounds. All of the Transportation Enhancement grant monies, combined with local in-kind and financial contributions, will be utilized to design and build the first phase of the Appomattox Heritage and Recreational Trail. The approximate 1.6 mile trail will create a pedestrian linkage between the Town of Appomattox and the Appomattox County Community Park.

CAER GRAND OPENING SET FOR AUGUST 25TH

The Center for Advanced Engineering & Research (CAER) will hold its Grand Opening Event on Thursday, August 25 at 10 a.m. at its new facility located in Bedford County’s New London Business & Technology Center.

This research and education facility, underwritten through a $7.6 million Tobacco Commission grant, will serve as the region’s source for industry innovation in nuclear and wireless technologies and will result in knowledge creation and economic growth through new patents, business start-ups and breakthrough technologies.

Representatives from the Lynchburg Regional Chamber and Central Virginia Industries (CVI) have announced the creation of a new manufacturing council under the auspices of the Chamber. For more than a year, the Chamber and CVI have been working toward combining the two prominent regional business organizations.

“CVI has a proud and distinguished history of providing training, information and opportunities to this region’s manufacturers that collectively employ more than 15,000 men and women,” CVI Chairman, Gary Hostutler, said. “For 66 years, Central Virginia Industries has served and strengthened its member manufacturers. CVI, and organizations like CVI, are largely responsible for instituting and protecting Virginia’s Right to Work status and for creating one of the most productive employment climates in the country.”

Chamber Chairman, Tulane Patterson, said the new Central Virginia Industries Council (CVIC) would operate as a division of the Chamber.

“This is an exciting time for us. While we are hard at work to add clarity to the mission and objectives of the CVI Council, we are optimistic that the sum of this arrangement will be greater than the sum of its parts. The large number of manufacturers in our region will remain one of our economic pillars. This new arrangement with CVI will allow us to identify current and emerging needs of the manufacturing industry and to design effective programs to better meet the evolving issues of this essential sector of our regional economy,” he said.

CVI’s Board of Directors will be asked to continue their leadership as an advisory board to develop policies, programming and vision to the new Central Virginia Industries Council of the Lynchburg Regional Chamber.

“With this decision to unite our organizations, the proud history of CVI will continue, the needs of our members will be more efficiently served and the Chamber’s programming and ability to serve member needs will be strengthened,” Patterson said. “At a time when our country and our region need more jobs and more innovation, the Lynchburg Regional Chamber and CVIC alliance will be an even stronger business voice and a positive development for all of us.”

SCHOOL BOARD APPOINTS NEW SANDUSKY MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

The Lynchburg City School Board has appointed Maria Jaeger to the position of principal at Sandusky Middle School. Jaeger began her duties as principal on June 1.  Jaeger has been an assistant principal at Heritage High School since 2007. Before her promotion to administrator, she was a math teacher at both Linkhorne Middle School and Heritage High School.

Jaeger joined the school division in 1995. She replaced Jay Sales, who resigned a principal of Sandusky Middle School earlier this school year.

REGION 2000 ECONOMIC STUDY DEMONSTRATES RESILIENCY OF LOCAL ECONOMY

Virginia’s Region 2000 Economic Development Council (EDC) has released a new regional economic study that addresses how the local economy has experienced and recovered from the “Great Recession,” and provides an overall perspective on demographic and employment trends in Region 2000.

Mangum Economic Consulting, LLC conducted the analysis, concluding that the region’s employment trends remained positive for roughly a year longer than in other Virginia Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) or the state as a whole. The report also shows that recent data indicates that the region is rebounding more robustly than other major MSAs in Virginia.

Data for the first four months of 2011 indicate that year-over-year employment in Region 2000 is increasing by 2.6 percent on average, as opposed to -0.5 percent in the Roanoke MSA, -0.2 percent in the Virginia Beach MSA, 1.4 percent in the Harrisonburg MSA, 0.1 percent in the Richmond MSA and 1.0 percent statewide.

“’The Great Recession,’ as it is increasingly being called, provided a crucial real-world test for the Region 2000 Partnership’s economic development policies,” Dr. Fletcher Mangum said. “Those policies have focused on creating a business environment and human capital pipeline that is enabling it to restructure its industrial portfolio away from a near total dependence on the manufacturing sector, and toward a greater emphasis on professional and technical services.”

Bryan David, Executive Director of Virginia’s Region 2000 Partnership—Economic Development Council—is pleased that employment data is rebounding more rapidly than other major MSAs in the state.

“This shows, above all, the resiliency of our region’s economy,” Bryan said. “Our diversified businesses—particularly in high wage, high growth sectors—are strong and are producing positive results for our region.”

To read the full report, visit http://www.region2000.org/media-center.html.

FOUR LYNCHBURG AREA MUSEUMS PARTICIPATING AS “BLUE STAR MUSEUMS” THIS SUMMER

Four area museums are participating in Blue Star Museums, a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families and more than 1,300 museums across America. As a result, Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, The Lynchburg Museum System, the National D-Day Memorial and Old City Cemetery will offer free admission to active military personnel and their families through Labor Day.

“Blue Star Museums may be the program at the NEA of which I am proudest,” said NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman. “Blue Star Museums recognizes and thanks our military families for all they are doing for our country, and simultaneously begins young people on a path to becoming life-long museum goers.”

This year, more than 1,324 museums in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and American Samoa are taking part in the initiative. Museum participants were recruited through the combined efforts of the American Association of Museums, the Association of Art Museum Directors, the Association of Children’s Museums and the American Association of State and Local History. Participants this year include a wide range of art, history and science museums, as well as nature centers and 70 children’s museums.

For the complete list of participating Blue Star Museums, visit www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

VOLUNTEER ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN NEEDED

Applications are now being accepted for volunteers who are interested in becoming Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). The next training program will begin on August 11 and will be held on Thursdays, through October 20, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Pearson Regional Cancer Center, 1701 Thomson Drive, in Lynchburg (one block from Lynchburg General Hospital).

When home is no longer safe for a child, a Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Judge may appoint a specially trained adult volunteer, a CASA volunteer, to the child’s case. The volunteer researches the child’s situation, determines what is in the best interest of the child and reports to the court. The volunteer gives hope to the child and helps in guiding the child to a safe, permanent home. CASA volunteers do not need to have any previous experience or training.

CASA of Central Virginia is a nonprofit organization that recruits, trains and supports volunteers to be advocates for the abused and neglected children in the 24^th Judicial District. This district includes the cities of Lynchburg and Bedford and the counties of Amherst, Bedford, Campbell and Nelson. For more information about CASA of Central Virginia and how you can be trained as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, call (434) 528-2552 or e-mail staff@cvcasa.org. Learn more at www.cvcasa.org.

The Babcock & Wilcox Company (B&W) has received a $5 million grant from the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission (TICRC) for its Integrated System Test (IST) facility in Bedford County. The facility is located at the Center for Advanced Engineering and Research (CAER), currently being constructed at the New London Business & Technology Center.

The grant supports further development of the B&W mPower™ reactor that represents a new generation of smaller, scalable nuclear power plants on track to be deployed by 2020. Babcock & Wilcox Nuclear Energy, Inc. (B&W NE) and Bechtel Power Corporation have formed a joint company, Generation mPower LLC, to design, license and build the next generation of nuclear power plants based on B&W mPower reactor technology.

The test program will collect data to verify the reactor design and safety performance in support of B&W’s licensing activities with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. B&W anticipates the facility will begin testing activities later this summer.

“B&W is pleased to receive continued support from the Virginia Tobacco Commission and CAER as we establish a world-class testing facility in Bedford County,” Christofer Mowry, B&W NE President, said. “This facility will play a vitally important role in testing, licensing activities and demonstrating the maturity of the design for the B&W mPower reactor, while strengthening Central Virginia’s reputation as a premier region for innovation in nuclear technology.”

This is the second grant the Virginia TICRC has awarded for design and construction of B&W’s IST facility. In July 2010, B&W announced a $2.4 million grant from the commission to support construction. The additional $5 million is designated for process equipment to support operation of a scaled prototype of the B&W mPower reactor. All of the technical features of B&W’s mPower reactor are included in the IST, although the source of energy is electricity rather than nuclear.

VIRGINIA’S REGION 2000 PARTNERSHIP RECEIVES 2011 COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AWARD

Virginia’s Region 2000 Partnership accepted a 2011 Community Economic Development Award on Friday, April 8, from the Virginia Economic Development Association (VEDA) in recognition for its innovative approach to regional economic development.

Virginia’s Region 2000 Partnership is a unique collaboration of organizations in the Lynchburg region that build economic growth for businesses, residents, higher education institutions and localities. It was one of the first organizations in the state to take a comprehensive approach to regional economic development and more recently, a concentrated focus on technology-based economic development.

The Community Economic Development Award was presented at VEDA’s Spring Conference in Charlottesville. The winning nominations will be sent to Virginia’s Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC) to compete with other southern states’ winners later in the year.

The VEDA awards are designed to recognize outstanding communities in Virginia for efforts in advancing economic viability through economic and community development programs. For this award, a panel of judges considered Virginia’s Region 2000 Partnership’s accomplishments during recent years and measured the organization’s success in areas such as innovativeness; transferability; community commitment; measured objectives and secondary benefits.

“I believe our region has a cooperative spirit and a shared sense of purpose among the region’s business, local government and higher education leadership that you just don’t find anywhere else,” said Bryan David, Executive Director of the Region 2000 Economic Development Council, who accepted the award on behalf of the Partnership. “To be recognized by professional economic developers from throughout the Commonwealth is a great honor.”

Among the criteria for the award, organizations were to show a successful track record in gaining community commitment for its efforts. Virginia’s Region 2000 Partnership has gained strong community commitment on solving issues that impact the “greater good” in the region. Among these are a regional solid waste authority that was formed in 2009, a regional, industry-led research center (The Center for Advanced Engineering & Research), currently under construction and an overarching ability to bring localities together to overcome economic and quality of life challenges.

JUBILEE CENTER RECEIVES MAJOR GIFT FROM GENWORTH

The Jubilee Family Development Center has received a $25,000 gift from the Genworth Foundation in support of an initiative that focuses on increasing academic performance for students in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The STEM program directly addresses Jubilee’s mission by responding to the urgent need for low-income and disadvantaged youth to be able to meet the “new literacy” standards prevalent in daily life.

The Genworth Foundation, which is funded by Genworth Financial, makes direct investments in communities through charitable grants and matching gifts. It focuses on enhancing the quality of life by supporting educational opportunities for children such as Jubilee’s STEM program, enriching senior’s lives and increasing access to basic needs, especially in underserved communities. In addition, Genworth employees reach out and give back—donating their time, skills and money to strengthen the communities where they live and work. The Jubilee Center has received both the financial support as well as the involvement of Genworth employees in Lynchburg.

Located at 1512 Florida Avenue in Lynchburg, the Jubilee Center offers year-round opportunities for young people that center on educational enrichment and academic assistance, athletics and occupational training. In addition to after school tutoring and mentoring programs, a 10-week summer enrichment camp is designed to provide a disciplined and structured environment where children take part in physical fitness activities, cultivate personal and artistic talents and receive academic instruction to enhance their performance during the school year. Last year, some 7,000 young people and families were served by Jubilee.

THE ALTAVISTA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OFFERS IDENTITY THEFT SEMINAR AND BUSINESS AFTER HOURS EVENTS

The Altavista Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Intersections, Inc., is hosting a seminar on protecting your identity on May 26, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Altavista Train Station at 414 Washington Street in Altavista, Virginia. This seminar is open to the public/ Altavista Area Chamber members attend for free; all non-members are $10. Seating is
limited. Please call the Chamber office at (434) 369-6665 to reserve your seat.

On June 16,  the Altavista Chamber’s Business After Hours will hosted by First
National Bank at Broad & 7th Street in Altavista from 5:30 to 7 p.m. This
networking opportunity for all businesses includes food and door prizes. For more information, contact the Altavista Area Chamber of Commerce.

DUNBAR MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER NAMED LYNCHBURG’S TEACHER OF THE YEAR

On Tuesday, May 3, school administrators surprised the division’s Teacher of The Year in her classroom. Meg Smith was selected by a group of her peers to represent the Lynchburg City School division in the regional Teacher of the Year competition. Smith has been a teacher at Dunbar Middle School for Innovation for 17 years, as well as a leader for aspiring teachers on the collegiate level.

Smith currently teaches English at Dunbar and uses a variety of teaching styles to ensure that she reaches every student.  In his recommendation letter, Dunbar Principal Brian Wray said Smith “establishes a warm classroom climate and yet is able to be firm when appropriate. She is an excellent example of the ‘warm demander’ standard we have at Dunbar.”

Along with her duties as middle school teacher, Smith also serves as a cooperating teacher at area colleges and was selected to be a clinical faculty member at Randolph College. Smith says her key to success is simple: Create active learners, keep parents engaged and continue to improve as a professional.

The U.S. Navy’s elite Blue Angels are confirmed to delight a crowd at the Lynchburg Regional Airshow set for May 21 and 22, at the Lynchburg Regional Airport. The Flying Circus Airshow of Bealton, Virginia, will join the Blue Angels and there will be other highlights such as a vintage fashion show and a vintage car show for the two day air spectacular.

According to Airshow Director, John D. Barksdale, this is the first time in 29 years that Lynchburg is set to host a regional airshow. Similar shows in Virginia locations have drawn more than 50,000 attendees. Barksdale and other promoters say this airshow could provide a $5 million boost to the Lynchburg economy and draw thousands of visitors to the region. 

For tickets or to sponsor the event, go to www.lynchburgairshow.com. Tickets are also available at the Lynchburg Visitor Information Center via cash or check.

AMHERST COUNTY TO CELEBRATE 250 YEARS

Amherst County will kick off its year-long celebration marking its 250 year birthday (1761-2011) on Saturday, April 30, at Amherst County High School from 11 a.m. to dark.

The public is invited to enjoy food and craft vendors, exhibits, live music, games for kids, birthday cake, fireworks and more! For more information or to become a sponsor, please visit www.countyofamherst.com or call (434) 946-9371. 

FREE SPAY/NEUTER SERVICES OFFERED ON APRIL 19

On Tuesday, April 19, the first 40 people who bring their dog or cat to The South Central Spay/Neuter Clinic will have their animal spayed or neutered for free. The Clinic, a nonprofit organization working to help end pet overpopulation, has received a designated grant from the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies and the Humane Society of the United States. Monies must be used for spay/neuter surgeries.

“This is a fun and fast way to use the grant as stipulated, and for us to give back to our community in the process,” Lynda-Sue Napier, Executive Director, said.

The funding provides surgeries for 40 animals. The clinic will accept one animal per household. Owners must call the clinic at (434) 821-4922 for more information and to schedule their pet’s appointment.

THE FRESH AIR FUND AWARDS LOCAL VOLUNTEER AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Barbara Austin of Madison Heights, Virginia, was recently presented with the “Fund Representative of the Year” Award at the 2011 Fresh Air Fund Friendly Town Conference in New York City. Once again this year, the organization highlighted the most outstanding volunteers for their relentless efforts to support the host family program. Austin was recognized for her outstanding management work throughout the greater Lynchburg area.

The Fresh Air Fund has provided free summer experiences to more than 1.7 million underprivileged New York City children since 1877. Each summer, volunteer host families in 13 states and Canada open their homes for up to two weeks or more to a child who might not otherwise have the chance to experience the world outside the city.

Host family registration for summer 2011 is now open. For more information on how you can make this summer special for a Fresh Air child, please contact Barbara Austin at (434) 929-7405 or The Fresh Air Fund at (800) 367-0003 or visit The Fund’s Web site at www.freshair.org.

SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION TO ADDRESS CROWD AT LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL’S ANNUAL DINNER MEETING

Virginia’s Region 2000 Local Government Council will hold its annual dinner and networking event on Thursday, April 21, with a networking reception starting at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. at Sweet Briar College in the Wailes Lounge- Elston Conference Center.

Sean T. Connaughton, Secretary of Transportation for the Commonwealth, will be the guest speaker. As Secretary, he oversees seven state agencies with more than 9,700 employees and combined annual budgets of $4 billion.

Cost is $35 per person. Please RSVP by April 14 to mgilley@region2000.org or (434) 845-3491. 

NEXT WIRED WEDNESDAY TO BE HELD APRIL 27

Virginia’s Region 2000 Technology Council will present “Mobile Computing for Business and Education” at its next Wired Wednesday luncheon on April 27, from Noon to 1:30 p.m. at the City of Lynchburg Information Technology Center at 3150 Young Place in Lynchburg.

Learn how Lynchburg City Schools are integrating mobile technologies in the classroom and learn the pros and cons of handheld devices and phones, the rising use of the tablet PC and how these devices can be integrated into your IT plan or work environment.

Cost is $10 for Tech Council Members, $15 for non-members. Register at www.region2000.org/technology-council.html.