Lynchburg Business

In the News, December 2012

Issue: December 2012 by Lynchburg Business in In the News

CASA SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

CASA of Central Virginia is seeking volunteers who are interested in becoming Court Appointed Special Advocates. Volunteer applications are being accepted now for a six-week blended learning class. One technology orientation class and five, in-person training sessions will be offered, in addition to web-based activities for a total of 30-plus hours.

The next tech orientation training date is February 20 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center at 1701 Thomson Drive in Lynchburg. The five training programs will begin on February 27 and will be held on Wednesdays through March 27 from 5:30 to 8:45 p.m.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Central Virginia is a nonprofit organization that recruits, trains, monitors and supports caring community volunteers to be advocates for the abused and neglected children involved in juvenile court proceedings 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 to be trained as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, please call (434) 528-2552, e-mail laura@cvcasa.org or visit www.cvcasa.org.

LYNCHBURG CITY SCHOOL PROJECT ONE OF TOP 10 IN NATIONAL COMPETITION

The Commonwealth Coal Train, created by a group of Lynchburg City School fourth graders, was selected as one of the top 10 in the 9-12 age category at the 20^th annual National Gingerbread House Competition and Display.

The gingerbread train, created by 10 fourth graders at Dearington Elementary School for Innovation, was one of 68 entries invited in their category. Those 68 were originally narrowed down from more than 200 entry applications. The group of 9-year-olds was among the youngest winners in their category, and the judges said they were impressed with the accuracy of the fit and the use of many different and unusual materials.

With the win, the students received a large ribbon for their school’s trophy case and will continue to have their structure on display for all to see at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina through January.

Teacher Carrie Lewis led the group on this project as a way to show them that “learning is not the enemy.” The students used their math skills to determine measurements and costs, as well as fitting the project to scale. They also used what they learned in their social studies classes to create a display representative of their region, thus ending in the covered bridge with a coal train carrying one of our state’s natural resources from the mountains of Virginia.

The entry had to be totally edible and contain 75 percent gingerbread. Level of difficulty as well as creativity were all weighed in the judging.

UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN UPDATE

The yellow doors, that have had the community talking, are now beginning to open. United Way of Central Virginia is pleased to announce that they are at 40 percent of their $3.5 million goal for the 2012 campaign. Signage has been placed next to each door to indicate the percentage towards the goal. These signs will be updated as the community continues to give to United Way of Central Virginia’s efforts to address education, income and health.

In an effort to engage new donors, Banker Steel, Centra, Liberty University and Southern Air are matching up to $100,000 in new donations. A new donation can also be an increase in a current donor’s gift from the previous year. The 2012 campaign will conclude in March 2013.

TJ MAXX TO OPEN IN RIVER RIDGE MALL

A widely speculated addition to River Ridge Mall in Lynchburg is official: TJ Maxx will join the tenant mix at River Ridge.

“We are thrilled to be able to finally confirm that TJ Maxx will be opening its doors at River Ridge,” Lance Johnson, Senior Leasing Manager for the mall, said. “This is a great addition to the many changes already taking place at River Ridge.”

Construction on the 26,478-square-foot space is currently underway and the store is expected to open early next year. More information about specific dates and grand opening activities will be announced in the coming months.

River Ridge has remodeled and relocated several tenants to make room for TJ Maxx and JoAnn Fabrics, which opened earlier this month. In addition to JoAnn Fabrics, a new GNC, a remodeled Justice and Finish Line, and several other tenants, have opened their doors over the last six months.

Chris Doyle, a representative with CBRE, which manages the Candler’s Station Shopping Center where TJ Maxx currently resides says that the retailer has 14 months left on their lease and has not yet received word of an early termination. He says that even if they do, he is confident that another tenant will soon take its place.

“There are two tenants we have targeted as excellent replacement tenants for the space and would continue the soft good/ home decor offering. I expect others to express interest, since this has become common knowledge,” Doyle said.  “We have several new leases at the center—Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse and Mi Patron. Staples just renewed for five years and we expect the same with our 2013 renewals as there is no other significant space in the immediate market available for relocation.”

Candlers Station is currently at 94 percent occupancy, according to Doyle.

GOODWILL OPENS NEW STORE ON TIMBERLAKE ROAD

Goodwill Industries of the Valleys has opened its newest retail at 22103 Timberlake Road in Lynchburg in front of Braxton Park Townhouses. The Grand Opening was held December 12.

“The community in Lynchburg has been very generous to Goodwill over the past several years,” Jerry Kite, Senior Vice President of Donated Goods, said. “The great location, as well as this support, has led to the decision to open the new store and donation center. We are excited that the new location will make shopping and donating more convenient for the community in Timberlake.”

Goodwill is also expanding its training and employment programs in the Lynchburg area offering services which will now include community based programs like Supported Employment, Community Based Work Adjustment Training, and School to Work.  Additionally, a new Lynchburg service hub will be planned for the future creating another nine new jobs.

“The revenues generated from the sale of donations in Goodwill stores support the training and employment programs to help people in our community get back to work and gain greater independence,” states Bruce Phipps, President and CEO. “Last year, our donated goods operation provided over 650 jobs in the communities served by Goodwill in Virginia. The new store, which is our 33rd store, will add 17 new jobs including supervisory positions.”

Store and donation center hours are Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from Noon to 6 p.m.

CENTRAL VIRGINIA PRIVATE SCHOOLS COLLABORATE TO BRING AWARENESS

Parents of students K-12 in Central Virginia will have an opportunity to learn about multiple private schools in the area during the “It’s Your Choice: Private School Expo” on Saturday, January 12. The Expo will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at River Ridge Mall in Lynchburg. Tour through the various options available as private schools and educational vendors will be on hand to offer information and answer questions about their schools.

“A vibrant community offers numerous positive choices for education K-12: strong public schools as well as varied, accredited private schools. The Expo will showcase the diverse opportunities in the region,” Charlotte G. Morgan, M.Ed., M.F.A., Head of School at New Vistas School in Lynchburg, said. “Families looking for choice should plan to attend. The possibilities are impressive, and most of the schools have options for scholarship or tuition assistance as well.”

Participating schools include: Appomattox Christian Academy, Blue Ridge Montessori School, Clearview Christian School, Cornerstone Christian Academy, Desmond T. Doss Junior Academy, Faith Christian Academy, Holy Cross Regional Catholic School, James River Day School, Liberty Christian Academy, Montessori Children’s House, New Covenant Schools, New Vistas School, Rivermont School, Timberlake Christian Schools, Tree of Life Academy and Virginia Episcopal School. In the case of inclement weather, the event will take place on January 19. For more information, call (434) 846-0301 X17 or email privateschoolexpolynchburg@gmail.com.