(RICHMOND, Va.) — The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) today announced it is expanding eligibility for JYNNEOS, the monkeypox vaccine, to align with the current vaccination criteria laid out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In Virginia, as of Thursday, Aug. 25, there were 295 cases of monkeypox, 183 of those in the Northern Health Region consisting of the counties of Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William.

The expanded criteria for vaccination include Virginia residents who meet one of the following:
●       People, of any sexual orientation or gender, who have had anonymous or multiple (more than one) sexual partners in the past two weeks; or
●       Sex workers of any sexual orientation or gender; or
●       Staff, of any sexual orientation or gender, at establishments where sexual activity occurs.

Virginia has received a limited supply of JYNNEOS vaccine. If you are eligible, visit your local health district website to learn about how you can access the vaccine. You may use this locator tool to determine which local health district you reside in.

As of August 23, VDH had received 15,282 vials of the JYNNEOS vaccine, redistributed 8,899 vials to the state’s 35 health districts and administered 5,875 vials through local health departments and other healthcare providers. JYNNEOS is a 2-dose vaccine. VDH manages the supply to ensure second doses are available.

Monkeypox is a contagious rash illness caused by the monkeypox virus. In most cases it resolves without treatment. It is spread by close contact with an infected person. Close contact includes touching skin lesions, bodily fluids, or clothing or linens that have been in contact with an infected person. Spread can also occur during prolonged, face-to-face contact.

While anyone can catch monkeypox if they have close contact with someone with monekypox, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, many of those affected in the current global outbreak are gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men. While this level of monkeypox activity is unexpected, the risk to the general population is low. People with monkeypox in the current outbreak generally report having close, sustained contact with other people who have monkeypox.

The highest risk activity currently is having sex with multiple or anonymous partners; avoiding these activities greatly reduces one’s risk of catching or spreading monkeypox. Monkeypox does not spread from person to person from walking past someone who is infected or through casual conversation with someone who is infected.

Initial symptoms of the disease often include flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes, followed by skin lesions. However, some people have a rash without other symptoms. Although the majority of cases don’t require hospitalization, it is contagious and can be painful. If you have a rash that resembles monkeypox, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to get tested. Treatment is available for those at risk of severe illness.

For the latest information about monkeypox from VDH, visit our monkeypox information webpage: www.vdh.virginia.gov/monkeypox/.

Retreat and Refresh Stroke Camp is coming up September 23-25, 2022, at the Airfield Conference Center in Wakefield, Virginia.

Stroke camp was started by Marylee Nunley and her husband, John. He suffered a stroke at 55 and could no longer engage in his community like he used to. They developed this camp to re-engage in a new community and develop new relationships. He was able to enjoy his new “normal”.

Since the camp began in 2004 there have been more than 170 camps across the country. There have been four Stroke Camps in Virginia, all sponsored by VCU Health.

“Last year we treated more than 150 people for stroke,” said Stroke Program Coordinator Tonya Wright at VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital. “The changes these people and their families go through takes a toll on their lives. This is a great way for survivors and their friend or family member to heal and experience camaraderie with others in their shoes.”

The mission of Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp is to improve the quality of life for stroke survivors, and their friend or family member. Activities include campfires, hiking, golf cart rides, singing, dancing, music therapy, pampering, karaoke and breakout support groups.

Quotes from past campers:

“It was especially meaningful as a celebration and honor to all caregivers as they were able to get pampered with manicures, facials, and massages, while enjoying a weekend socializing with other caregivers, sharing stories, and merriment the whole time.”

“Little did I know when we signed up how much fun and knowledge I would gain from Stroke Camp.”

The cost is $150 per person. Scholarships are available through Retreat and Refresh. Visit www.strokecamp.org for more information, email info@strokecamp.org or call (309) 688-5450.

On the evening of August 28, 2022, state police received a call from the Pasco County Sheriff's Office in reference to a missing female juvenile who fled from her Florida home on August 25th, 2022.

The PCSO detective advised state police that the juveniles' social media was being used to track her location and was believed to be traveling in a tractor trailer on Interstate 95 northbound in North Carolina, about to enter Virginia. State police immediately issued a BOL (be on the lookout) and prior to 11:00PM, the tractor trailer was spotted and identified at exit 11/Emporia City.

Troopers observed the tractor trailer traveling northbound in the right lane of Interstate 95 at the 14 mile marker and began to coordinate with one another, and a(n) Emporia Police Department Unit, in order to conduct a felony stop.

 Once at the 25 mile marker on Interstate 95, in Sussex County, troopers activated lights and sirens and pulled the driver of the tractor trailer over. A felony stop was conducted and the driver was commanded out of the vehicle, exiting the vehicle and detained without incident. Troopers then began to approach the vehicle when the missing juvenile emerged from the back of the tractor trailer cab. The juvenile was positively identified.

Upon further investigation, the female juvenile admitted to leaving her home in Florida by catching several rides from tractor trailer drivers, in an attempt to get to Tennassee. The juvenile also admitted to lying to the tractor trailer driver, a 41 year old Connecticut resident, of her name and age. She had advised the driver she was just seeking a ride to Tennessee.

Upon further questioning/investigation of the juvenile and driver, the tractor trailer driver was released from the scene and not charged.  The Pasco Sheriffs County Office was also contacted and advised that the juvenile was found safely and would be placed in children protective services until her parental guardian was able to travel to Virginia and assume custody of her.  

With an impressive collaboration and coordination amongst police agencies and dispatchers, a juvenile was found to be safe and returned back to her family in Florida.

~ The mansion will open on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022 with additional availability later in September ~

RICHMOND, VA – Virginia’s Executive Mansion, the oldest purpose-built Governor’s home in the United States, will reopen to the public for tours on Friday, September 2nd after being closed for more than two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On September 2nd, the Executive Mansion will open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Executive Mansion will remain open on Fridays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. for public tours. The Executive Mansion will also launch a refreshed website with further details on the opening schedule next week.

"We are hugely humbled to call Virginia's Historic Executive Mansion home, and we are thrilled to be able to share it with the 8.6 million Virginians we serve," said the First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin.

Governor Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin will appear at the mansion on reopening day to welcome visitors.

The Governor and First Lady have worked closely with the mansion’s Citizen Advisory Council and staff to create a welcoming and healthy environment for reopening. Visitors will also enjoy a curated museum-quality art experience exhibiting artwork from museums across the Commonwealth, honoring Virginia artists and Virginia’s geographical regions and the Spirit of Virginia.

“We have prioritized works by Virginia’s artists, as well as varied and diverse Virginia-centric content, through dynamic art selections and artifacts serving as a living exhibit that will change over time as different parts of Virginia’s story become the focus,” said the First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin.

“The art in the mansion demonstrates the Commonwealth’s past, present and future. It showcases the myriad of cultures influencing Virginia’s history – the good and the bad parts of it. We continue to view the mansion as one of the most revered historic spaces in the Commonwealth,” said Chairman of the Citizens Advisory Council for Interpreting and Furnishing the Mansion Betsy Beamer.

Contributing museum partners include the Library of Virginia, Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and The Valentine in Richmond; Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk; Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke; William King Museum of Art in Abingdon; Fralin Museum of Art in Charlottesville; and more are coming online each month. The Executive Mansion also features works of independent Virginia artists.

No reservations are needed to visit the mansion. Visit the mansion website regularly for updates on tour times throughout the year.

RICHMOND, VA - Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that the Virginia Board for Contractors, a regulatory board under the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), at its most recent meeting on August 2, 2022, took steps to reduce several regulatory barriers in the construction and building related trades.

The Board for Contractors board voted to:

• Reduce the years of experience requirement by 50%, from four to two years, for skilled workers to become licensed as a journey-level tradesman for the most in-demand construction labor fields such as electrical, plumbing, and heating, ventilation & air conditioning, and gas fitting.
• Add additional license qualification pathways allowing entry for skilled workers to become licensed with various combinations of experience and training.
• Eliminate the regulatory mandate for continuing education in the trades.

“This is a major win for all Virginians," said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Increasing opportunities for people to become licensed in high-demand, high-paying jobs while also helping businesses find the talent they desperately need will strengthen our Commonwealth. Since day one my administration has been working to reinvigorate job growth and make Virginia the best place to live, work and raise a family. I'm confident that these actions will move us closer to that goal.”

“Construction firms are struggling to find enough qualified workers to meet consumer needs and contribute to economic growth,” said Secretary of Labor Bryan Slater. “Not enough people are entering training programs for these types of jobs. There isn’t one solution to this problem, we are working to increase awareness and opportunities for apprenticeships and combined with making it easier for these skilled workers to become licensed and start working, we’ll begin to see a turnaround.”

“Our boards are composed of practitioners, business owners, as well as citizens, and as part of Governor Youngkin’s Day One commitment to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses and citizens across the Commonwealth, DPOR boards are evaluating the education and experience requirements of occupations to ensure we are not requiring more than is necessary to protect the public,” said DPOR Director Demetrios Melis.

Throughout the U.S. workforce, with Virginia being among states with the highest demand, there is a shortage of skilled tradespeople. This problem, persisting both before and after the pandemic, inhibits job creation and economic growth. Skilled trades shortages contribute to higher housing prices and decreased housing supply, increased costs for consumers and businesses in a variety of sectors, and other cascading effects across commerce and the economy.

In addition to expanding opportunities to enter these skilled trades, the board voted to eliminate regulatory-mandated continuing education in select trades. Continuing education has not shown to decrease disciplinary actions. Government-mandated continuing education with no clearly identifiable public protection benefit is a burden on businesses and individuals requiring time, money, and energy for compliance.

DPOR is an executive branch agency under the Secretary of Labor, overseeing 18 regulatory boards comprised of practitioners and citizens appointed by the governor. Policy boards determine the minimum standards necessary to enter a profession and the standards of conduct for licensees.

Guests at the VSU College of Agriculture Field Day

ETTRICK, VA —Virginia State University College of Agriculture welcomes the public to its annual Agriculture Field Day on Thursday, Sept. 1, 8 a.m.-noon, at VSU’s Randolph Farm, 4415 River Road, S. Chesterfield, Va. 

This FREE event will showcase the many ways VSU’s agricultural researchers, Extension specialists and professors discover, introduce and integrate innovations that provide greater support for consumers, communities and Virginia’s economy. 

The agriculture and forestry industries are Virginia’s number one private economic driver. These industries have an annual economic impact of more than $70 billion and provide over 334,000 jobs in the Commonwealth, according to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Discover why and how Greater Happens Here in the College of Ag! Hop on and off trollies as they circle throughout Randolph Farm’s 416 acres and learn from the commonwealth’s leading experts about the latest techniques, trends, research and success stories impacting limited-resource farmers and ranchers with small-scale enterprises.

Learn first-hand how VSU’s research, teaching and public programming is enhancing the resiliency of Virginia’s food systems and addressing food safety and insecurity, especially among those who have limited social and economic resources.

Discover how you, your family, your business and your community can benefit from the food and agri-science programs at VSU. 

Explore:

• the production of blueberries, industrial hemp, sheep and goats 
• the benefits of hydroponic and aquaponic grow systems, pond aquaculture, and high tunnels
• a demonstration of livestock grazing
• much more!

“VSU Field Day will challenge your preconceived notions,” said Dr. Robert N. Corley III, interim dean at the College of Agriculture, and VSU vice provost. “As vital as food is to our surviving and thriving, agricultural products provide animal feed, fuel, fiber and much more. From food to fashion—agriculture is woven into the fabric of our lives.”

The event is free, but pre-registration is required at https://www.ext.vsu.edu/events/2022/09/01/vsu-coa-field-day.

For more information, or to arrange for your group to attend, contact Jessica Harris at 804-524-5964 or jbrown@vsu.edu.

If you have a disability and need assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office five days prior to the event at smallfarm@vsu.edu, or call 804-524-3292 / TDD 800-828-1120, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., to discuss accommodations. 

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

By Quentin R. Johnson, Ph.D.

There’s a lot to celebrate in August. Fun days include Ice Cream Sandwich Day (August 2) and National Tooth Fairy Day (August 22). Historically important observances include Women’s Equality Day (August 26), which honors the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment extending the right to vote to women. In addition, month-long observances bring awareness to many important medical and social issues.

I’d like to talk about one of them. August is National Make-a-Will Month.

Estimates vary regarding how much older generations will leave to heirs over the next quarter of a century. One recent report suggested $84 trillion would change hands. Yet, according to statistics, more than half of Americans do not have a will. It’s understandable. Thinking about the end of life and making plans for your legacy can seem a little gloomy. It may even feel frightening. Nevertheless, it is a crucial task because a will ensures that a person’s final wishes are observed.

Irrespective of how much wealth you have (or don’t have), or how long you expect to live (even if it’s a very long time), wills are important. The notion of estate planning may conjure up images of huge bank accounts, but the process refers to making preparations for all the things you care about, big and small. Wills do address monetary assets, but they also do much more. If you have children who are still minors, a will can nominate guardians. Wills can also express your wishes regarding pet care, social media accounts, or funeral arrangements. If you do not have a will, the court system will make these and other important decisions on your behalf through a process that may be slow and expensive.

For people who already have wills, National Make-a-Will Month provides the perfect opportunity to review and update documents if necessary. Make sure your wishes are still accurately reflected and that the designated executor or personal representative is still the best person for the job. Also, make sure beneficiary designations for things such as retirement or investment accounts or life insurance policies are up to date.

If you need help getting started, financial planning organizations offer many suggestions. For example, begin by talking to your heirs. Family meetings can help everyone express their thoughts and learn about what to expect. Decide who will fill important roles in carrying out your wishes. Consider creating a family mission statement to highlight your shared sense of purpose, and talk about charitable giving and other philanthropy goals.

Wills that include planned giving for nonprofit organizations help contribute toward the future sustainability of communities. Organizations working in diverse arenas, such as healthcare, education, arts, science, religion, social justice, and so much more, are better able to focus on their missions when they are fiscally stable. And, it’s actually easy for your family to create a lasting legacy that supports activities aligned with the things you care about the most.

Not having a will means your heirs may have to deal with complicated processes, lengthy court procedures, and legal expenses or taxes that may have been avoidable. In addition, thinking about your family’s legacy can help you focus on living in a way that is aligned with your priorities. This month, demonstrate your loving care for your family by taking steps to write or update your will.

Dr. Quentin R. Johnson is president of Southside Virginia Community College, an institution of higher learning that provides a wide variety of education opportunities to a diverse student population within a service area that spans ten counties and the City of Emporia. He can be reached via email at quentin.johnson@southside.edu.

DINWIDDIE, VA --- Lifelong Virginian and political newcomer Kimberly Pope Adams announced on Monday her candidacy for Virginia’s “new” 82nd House District. The new 82nd House District, following the Supreme Court of Virginia’s approved redistricting map, includes most of her home Dinwiddie County, parts of Prince George County, all of the City of Petersburg, and all of Surry County.
 
“Being born and raised in this community, I share the needs and concerns of the district," Adams stated. "I see how crime and violence devastate our neighborhoods. As the parent of a public school student athlete, I recognize we must adequately fund our K-12 schools—and adequately pay our educators. I am a working single mother, and I know how it feels to have to choose between putting food on the table or gas in the tank.
 
For over 16 years, I have worked tirelessly as a public servant of the Commonwealth of Virginia. While employed as a government auditor, I learned how to identify waste, abuse and misuse of taxpayer dollars. All Virginians deserve a Delegate who is willing to seek transparency and accountability on their behalf, and I am determined to provide for the people of House District 82.”

To learn more about Kimberly Pope Adams, please visit: www.kimadamsforva.com

All Virginians to Honor Military and Veteran Caregivers

RICHMOND, VA - Governor Glenn Youngkin has officially recognized August as Hidden Heroes Month in the Commonwealth of Virginia to honor the millions of military and veteran caregivers in Virginia and throughout the United States who care for those wounded, ill, or injured who have served our nation throughout wars and conflicts.

“Virginia is proud to partner with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and their Hidden Heroes program to support and acknowledge caregivers that receive little support or acknowledgment for their selfless sacrifices,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “In fact, most of these Hidden Heroes simply consider the challenging work they do as unconditional love or carrying out their civic and patriotic duty, without realizing they should be categorized as caregivers. I call on all my fellow Virginians to join me in thanking and supporting them. They deserve nothing less.”
“As a veteran, I have seen the devotion that these caregivers provide every day to their loved ones who sacrificed so much for our Nation,” said Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Craig Crenshaw. “If Virginia is going to remain the best state for veterans and their families to live, work and thrive, we must never forget how important these Hidden Heroes are and provide them with the support they need and deserve. This we pledge to do today and always.”

“I’ve seen first-hand the tremendous impact 5.5 million young spouses, mothers, dads, siblings, and other loved ones make in the lives of wounded warriors every day, in neighborhoods large and small, in states like Virginia and across the country,” said Senator Elizabeth Dole, Founder of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. “Today we are one step closer to ensuring that these caregivers are woven into the fabric of our nation’s appreciation of the military. My heartfelt thanks to Governor Youngkin and his team for their strong support of military caregivers, America's hidden heroes.”
“For those Hidden Heroes throughout Virginia who would like to know what resources are available for them in their community and for others who wish to help these caregivers, all of us at the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) stand ready to assist,” said Daniel Gade, Commissioner of DVS.
In the Certificate of Recognition, Governor Youngkin recognizes that many of these caregivers are the parents, spouses, siblings, and friends of these wounded, ill, or injured men and women. Their daily tasks can include bathing, feeding, dressing, and dressing grievous injuries, administering medications, providing emotional support, caring for the family and home, and working outside the home to earn essential income.

To read Governor Youngkin’s Certificate of Recognition of August 2022 as Hidden Heroes Month in Virginia, click here.

For more information about the Hidden Heroes Program and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, go to www.HiddenHeroes.org or www.elizabethdolefoundation.org.

About the Virginia Department of Veterans Services

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) is a state government agency with more than 40 locations across the Commonwealth of Virginia. VDVS traces its history to 1928 and the establishment of the Virginia War Service Bureau to assist Virginia’s World War I veterans. Today, DVS assists veterans and their families in filing claims for federal veterans benefits; provides veterans and family members with linkages to services including behavioral healthcare, housing, employment, education and other programs. The agency operates long-term care facilities offering in-patient skilled nursing care, Alzheimer’s/memory care, and short-term rehabilitation for veterans; provides an honored final resting place for veterans and their families at three state veterans cemeteries. It operates the Virginia War Memorial, the Commonwealth’s tribute to Virginia’s men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice from World War II to the present. For more information, please visit www.dvs.virginia.gov.

For questions regarding caregiver programs in Virginia, email info@dvs.virginia.gov, or visit your local DVS office.

Doris High Lee, 88, passed away on Monday, August 15, 2022. She was the daughter of the late, Joseph Malcolm High and Bessie Clary High. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Bernard S. Lee, brothers, Warren High, Elton High, Glen High, Atkins High, Lloyd High, Buddy High, sisters, Marie Lumsden, Mesa Ann Phillips, grandson, Christian Lee.

Left to cherish her memory is her daughter, Brenda Daughtrey (Doug) of Emporia, VA son, Larry Lee (Cindy) of Petersburg, VA, brother, Pete High (Edna), grandchildren, Stacey L. Clements of Emporia, VA, Lori Beth Hargrave of Roanoke Rapids, NC, Danielle Reeves of Emporia, VA, great-grandchildren, Layla Clements of Emporia, VA, Jody Allen of Washington DC, Holden Lee of Emporia, VA, Dakota Lee of Emporia, VA, Grayson Hargrave of Roanoke Rapids, NC, Ellasyn Letters of Roanoke Rapids, NC, along with several great-great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 18, 2022 at Forest Hill Baptist Church from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A funeral service will immediately follow the visitation at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Rick Ragan officiating.

Online condolences may be made at www.wrennclarkehagan.com

by Sarah Vogelsong, Virginia Mercury
August 10, 2022

The Virginia Department of Corrections is investigating a rash of potential overdoses and a death at the privately run Lawrenceville Correctional Center in Brunswick County. 

Christopher Ferreira, a spokesperson for The GEO Group, the prison operator, confirmed Wednesday that one inmate died Aug. 6 after prison staff “observed several inmates who appeared to be lethargic and unresponsive.” 

“Medical assistance was immediately called and the affected inmates were administered emergency care to stabilize their condition before being transported to the local hospital as a precautionary measure,” he wrote in an email.

Ferreira said the matter “is currently under investigation by the Virginia Department of Corrections.” 

“GEO considers the health and safety of those entrusted to our care to be our primary mission and we will take any and all necessary steps to ensure that the circumstances surrounding this tragic situation are promptly and thoroughly addressed,” he said.

The apparent overdoses were first publicly flagged Tuesday night by the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, a nonprofit that advocates for racial, social and economic justice. 

King Salim Khalfani, a criminal justice reform organizer with the center, said he was told nearly a dozen inmates suffered overdoses over the last few days.

“This is an ongoing problem throughout the years,” said Khalfani. 

Details of the recent incident have been scarce. Asked about the reports by Virginia Interfaith, Virginia Department of Corrections Director of Communications Benjamin Jarvela referred the Mercury to the GEO Group. 

After the GEO Group confirmed the Department of Corrections was investigating the incident, Jarvela said the agency had “no comment on any active investigations.” 

Neither the GEO Group nor the Department of Corrections answered questions about what kind of drugs may have been involved in any overdoses, how those drugs got into the facility and how many inmates were affected.

The Lawrenceville Correctional Center is Virginia’s only privately run prison and has sparked debate among legislators in recent years. In 2021, Sen. Adam Ebbin, D-Alexandria, proposed legislation to bring the facility under state management, but the bill was defeated in committee.

GEO Group has been fined more than $700,000 by DOC since 2018 for failing to maintain staffing levels required under its contract with the state.

In 2020, the General Assembly ordered the agency to study the costs of the state terminating its contract with GEO and assuming management of Lawrenceville. The current contract was awarded in July 2018 is scheduled to expire July 1, 2023, although there are annual options to renew the contract for an additional 10 years.

That study found that transferring management to the state would increase the facility’s operating costs by $9.3 million above current spending levels, primarily because the Department of Corrections employs more staff and pays those staff more than the private operator. Under GEO Group, the per capita cost per day at Lawrenceville was $51.55, “nearly 49 percent lower than comparable VADOC facilities.” 

However, the study noted, “even at this increased cost, Lawrenceville would still be significantly less expensive to operate than other VADOC Level 3 (medium security) facilities.” 

Virginia Interfaith on Tuesday urged the Virginia Department of Corrections to cancel its contract with GEO and take over management of Lawrenceville, citing “a documented pattern of drug overdoses and deaths” at the facility, as well as other problems. The group said it intends to release a report on violations at the facility at the end of the month. 

Khalfani said he has “been getting complaints for years” about Lawrenceville and contended that many problems are linked to allowing a private operator to run a prison for profit. 

“It just doesn’t seem right,” he said. “Corrections isn’t a for-profit industry.” 

Virginia Mercury is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Virginia Mercury maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Sarah Vogelsong for questions: info@virginiamercury.com. Follow Virginia Mercury on Facebook and Twitter.

From the Crater Community Hospice August/September 2022 Newsletter.

For a teen, a relative’s dementia can turn a close relationship into one that’s now awkward, confusing, and embarrassing. And creates feelings of guilt.

Teens and tweens benefit from learning the basics of grandma or grandpa’s condition, such as “There are diseases of the brain that change memory and thinking. We should expect that [grandparent] will have repetitive questions, emotional outbursts, and may even forget our names.” Reassure your teen that these behaviors are a result of the disease. They are not intentional. Also let your teen know that dementia is not contagious.

Support the relationship with activities focused on what your loved one can still do. Explain to your teen that memories of the distant past are the strongest. This is a great opportunity to learn about family history. Engaging the present also works well, especially activities using all the senses (sight, taste, smell, touch, and hearing). Calm activities are more appropriate than fast-paced stimulation. Steer clear of games involving strategy.

• Music is almost always a hit. Try putting on music from your relative’s teen years. Consider dancing. (Remember the twist?)
• Try a walk in nature. Bring attention to the sights, sounds, and smells. Take time to pause and appreciate each sense. (In Japan it’s called “forest bathing.”)
• Visit with animals. Go to the dog park and watch the antics. Or have your teen bring over a favorite pet. Focusing on the animal together can alleviate awkward silences.
• Bring lotion and nail polish for a manicure. Your teen might really enjoy giving grandma a mani-pedi. Grandpa might like a hand massage.
• Watch old movies together. Is your teen a film aficionado? Perhaps you know some favorite classics from your loved one’s youth they could watch.
• Interview your relative. Consider making a scrapbook or memoir so your relative can pass along family stories. Plus, it’s a great gift to the family.

Share emotions. Acknowledge how sad you are to see your loved one slipping away. Also, that you are sometimes angry or frustrated by things they do. Describe what helps you cope with your feelings. Let your teen know they can be frank with you, including if they are embarrassed or uncomfortable and don’t want to visit. Let them have space if they need it. No judgments. Pushing them could backfire, and your loved one will feel it.

Open to All Middle & High School Students in Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District

Richmond, VA – Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) announced the launch of the 2022 Congressional App Challenge for all middle and high school students in Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District.

The annual competition challenges students to create an original software application. The winner will be eligible to have their app displayed in the U.S. Capitol, featured on the U.S. House of Representatives website, and will be invited to attend the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill reception.

“The Congressional App Challenge is an exciting annual competition that encourages students to strengthen and showcase their skills in coding and computer science,” said Rep. McEachin (VA-04). “STEM fields are burgeoning industries with strong career prospects, so I am thrilled to host this competition and provide a unique opportunity for young minds in our district. I encourage any interested students to participate in this year’s Congressional App Challenge and begin working on their applications now.”

The Congressional App Challenge is an opportunity for students to compete against their peers and test their abilities in coding and computer science. The competition provides students with the chance to hone their skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) disciplines and begin exploring new industries and potential future career paths.

The Congressional App Challenge is open to all students who reside in or attend school in the Fourth Congressional District. Students may begin registering for the event today on the Congressional App Challenge website. The deadline to submit an original app is November 1st, 2022.

For more information, visit Rep. McEachin’s website.

A check presentation was held on the Christanna Campus in Alberta as Dr. Quentin R. Johnson, SVCC President and Dr. Daryl Minus, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success accepted the donation from Rob Propes, Urban Grid Development Manager and Dave Whittington, Urban Grid Consultant.  

Urban Grid recognized Southside Virginia Community College with a $9,000 grant to fund its Career Coaching Program and a scholarship for the entry-level solar worker training program.

The grants are part of "Urban Grid Gives", an ongoing commitment to communities where Urban Grid solar projects are being proposed, developed and constructed. 

“Southside Virginia Community College is committed to building dreams, transforming lives, sustaining communities, and providing instruction for anyone who wants the opportunity to build upon their educational foundation,'' said Dr. Quentin R. Johnson, SVCC President. “By funding programs key to job creation in the clean energy economy, Urban Grid is helping to ensure the relevance of the southside workforce with real-world skills.”

“We believe that all solar development is local and have designed our Urban Grid Gives initiative to partner with organizations making a lasting impact in the communities they serve. Like Southside Virginia Community College, our solar energy projects will bring a lifetime of benefit to the community with the generation of clean, affordable energy,” said Rob Propes, Urban Grid Development Manager.  “Contributing to the economic development of rural counties in Virginia is central to our belief that the transition to clean energy can benefit everyone in the community, beyond those directly involved in our projects, and long after our projects are established.”

Program in Fifth Anniversary Year Helps Develop Virginia’s Future Leaders

RICHMOND, VA — Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced the 2022-24 cohort of the Virginia Management Fellows (VMF) program. A collaboration between the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) and Virginia Tech, the program addresses the Commonwealth’s need for talented, trained, and prepared government leaders.  

“We welcome the 10 members of the Virginia Management Fellows fifth cohort,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “These Fellows come from across the Commonwealth bringing strong educational background and readiness for rigorous technical training and leadership development programs. The distinctive VMF program allows Virginia to bolster our state workforce helping to develop future leaders of the Commonwealth.”

The General Assembly first approved the program in 2017.

“This cohort marks the fifth anniversary of the VMF program, an important milestone for the state. We are demonstrating our commitment to Virginia’s future leaders,” said Secretary of Administration Lyn McDermid.

The Office of the Secretary of Administration oversees the program with program management provided by DHRM and curriculum management by the Virginia Tech School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA). The 10 Fellows are guided by 10 state agency mentors who guide projects as well as offer hands-on agency work and research efforts.

“Our success is evident through the growing interest of state agencies in the Fellows program and in the successful transition of Fellows into roles in state agencies,” said DHRM Director Janet Lawson.

During the two-year leadership and management development certificate program, Virginia Management Fellows learn and practice technical and generalist skills that are important to state agencies.

“As a former Fellow in the inaugural cohort, I know first-hand the depth, knowledge, and experience the VMF program provides to the state and its Fellows. The opportunity to work and learn from some of the Commonwealth’s best and brightest employees is truly like no other,” said Legislative Liaison for the Governor Travis Rickman.

Three 8-month agency rotations give Fellows day-to-day work experience, and they also learn financial management, public budgeting, and other key competencies needed in state government.

Virginia Tech SPIA faculty designed the original program and continually improve learning elements to meet Virginia’s need for high-performance public service. “From data analytics and financial management to leadership habits of practice, Fellows learn critical skills needed now and for the future,” said Leisha LaRiviere, VMF Program Director and Associate Director of Virginia Tech’s School of Public and International Affairs.

The 2022 –2024 Virginia Management Fellows are:

• Negus Assefa, George Washington University and Old Dominion University
• Anna Isler, The College of William and Mary
• Edward Cronin, James Madison University
• Karli Foster, James Madison University and Virginia Tech
• Peter Gregory, Virginia Tech, Brigham Young University and Brigham Young University - Hawaii
• Cole McAndrew, The College of William and Mary
• Anya Pfeiffer, The University of Virginia
• Sean Sukol, Virginia Commonwealth University and The College of William and Mary
• Liam Orr, Christopher Newport University
• Evan Price, George Mason University

After many successful years of leading the Southside Virginia Community College men’s basketball team, Dennis Smith recently announced that he is stepping down as head coach of the Panthers.

Smith departs as the all-time winningest coach in school history with a 284-144 record over 18 seasons. He led the Panthers to four USA National Prep Postgrad titles with the most recent coming in his final game at the helm on March 5, 2022 when SVCC topped Tennessee Prep 65-52 in the West National Collegiate Prep title game in Myrtle Beach, SC.

The other national championships for SVCC came in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

The SVCC Panthers also won Virginia Community College System state titles in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014 under Smith and captured VCCS division titles and finished as the state runner-up in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Smith’s best season in terms of victories came in 2007 when SVCC went 27-5, part of a great run when the local program won 20 or more games in four out of five seasons.

“While I am certainly proud of the tremendous success we have had over the past two decades, I could not have done it without my great assistant coaches - Vincent Brown, who has been with me for the past 14 years, and John Duty, who worked with me during my first four seasons,” Smith said. “I am most proud of the tremendous student-athletes who have played for SVCC over the years that I have watched grow into responsible and compassionate adults now giving back in their communities.”

SVCC won four of the six national title games it played in under Smith, finishing as runner-up in the USA National Postgrad division in 2020 and as runner-up in the 2010 ACIS National Championship at North Carolina State University. SVCC also captured the ACIS Mid-Atlantic Regional title in 2007 at the University of Virginia.

“The young people I have worked with over the years have meant so much to me and I am thankful for so many wonderful memories,” said Smith. “I am forever grateful to Dr. John Cavan for giving me the opportunity to coach at the collegiate level and to Dr. Al Roberts and Dr. Quentin Johnson for allowing me to continue in this role.”

Smith said that while he is stepping away from coaching, he still plans to be actively involved with the athletic programs at SVCC as well as continuing to serve in his primary position as Director of Workforce Development.

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA – On Friday, Governor Glenn Youngkin participated in the official grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Mecklenburg County Middle School and High School, a best-in-class joint school made possible by the community. The Governor also ceremonially signed HB 563 sponsored by Deputy Majority Leader Israel O'Quinn, R-Washington, and SB 473 and SB 471 sponsored by Senator Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond.

“These schools demonstrate how a community can come together not only to build a state-of-the-art facility but to invest in their children and transform their workforce,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “And through the bipartisan coalition that unanimously advanced these bills, we are delivering on our commitment to support vibrant, 21st Century educational environments across the Commonwealth. This is what happens when we put our students first; we’re getting it done together.” 

HB 563 and SB 473, the School Construction Fund and Program, will support $400 million in grants distributed based on student enrollment and local needs. It will also support $450 million in competitive grants for high-need school's new construction, expansion, and modernization projects in partnership with local school boards. SB 471 will provide $400 million in school construction loans and make additional improvements to the administration of the Literary Fund Construction Loan Program.

“This year the Commonwealth was in a position to assist localities with the construction and modernization of their schools,” said House Appropriations Chairman Barry Knight, R-Virginia Beach. “We were able to leverage $1 billion which was set aside to make a school construction and modernization fund of $3 billion. This marks a significant investment in the education and future of Virginia’s children and I believe it is a good deal that we can all get behind.” 

"I am thankful to have Governor Youngkin sign my HB 563 today, and I appreciate everyone who helped to get this bill across the finish line,” said Deputy Majority Leader Israel O’Quinn, R-Washington. “This shift in Virginia’s approach to school construction is a big deal for school divisions all across the Commonwealth, but particularly in Southwest Virginia. Having new schools built across the state ultimately means that the real winners are students.” 

“The new School Construction Fund and enhanced Literary Fund loans will lay the groundwork to fix Virginia’s crumbling school infrastructure,” said Senator Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond. “I’m honored to have worked with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to make bipartisan progress on public school construction. I look forward to working with them in the years to come to continue to make crucial investments in the future. Our children cannot learn in crumbling schools, and Virginia’s investments in school modernization cannot wait.” 

“We are thrilled to host these bill signings as we celebrate our new school and the world-class career pathways students will access here,” said Mecklenburg Superintendent Paul Nichols. “Mecklenburg students will benefit greatly from the historic budget investments in school facilities and lab schools developed in partnership with K-12, postsecondary, and employers.” 

Virginia’s Sales Tax Holiday Returns on Friday, Aug. 5 through Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022

An information session about Southside Virginia Community College's Fast Forward Workforce programs will be held at the Emporia-Greensville Chamber of Commerce (400 Halifax Street) on Tuesday, August 9th at 5:30PM.  

FastForward credential programs are short-term training courses offered through SVCC to help fast track one’s career. 

Eligible students can pay just one-third or less for the cost of tuition for select FastForward Credential Programs.

FastForward programs at SVCC include the following:  Diesel Technician; Truck Driving; Nurse Aide; Medication Assistant; Power Line Worker; Massage Therapy; Phlebotomy; Gas Metal Arc Welding; Solar; Remote Pilot Airman; and HVAC.

For more information about the event, please contact Yolanda Hines at 434-594-9448. 

Refreshments will be provided to attendees as the event is being sponsored by city council members, Yolanda Hines and Jim Saunders.

VCU Health CMH opens Gastrointestinal Services

VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce the opening of VCU Health CMH Gastrointestinal Services. This practice provides evaluation and treatment of a full array of gastrointestinal problems: digestive health illnesses, colon cancer screening, inflammatory bowel disease and liver disease.

Our affiliation with VCU Health in Richmond means easy access to the Hume-Lee Transplant Center for those requiring a higher level of care and the benefits of the newly established Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health for clinical trials, research and education.

Ahmed Hamed, M.D., is the new gastroenterologist at VCU Health CMH Gastrointestinal Services. He comes from a family of physicians. Both his parents are doctors in Egypt, and his two sisters practice pathology and obstetrics/gynecology in the United States. Hamed chose gastroenterology because it is a rewarding discipline that allows him to catch cancer and improve his patients’ quality of life.

Caring comes naturally for Hamed so he treats his patients like family.

“We believe a patient is a person to be cared for, not a medical condition to be treated,” he said.

Hamed earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Alexandria University in Alexandria, Egypt. He completed a residency in internal medicine and a gastroenterology and hepatology fellowship at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. He speaks English, Arabic and German.

In his spare time, Hamed enjoys working out, playing sports and spending time with family. He prefers to keep a low profile, but that is difficult due to his height. He played professional basketball, so his team player mentality overlaps in his practice.

“We value the input and participation of our patients and their families and hope to empower them to improve their health with easily understandable information,” he said.

Make an appointment with Dr. Hamed by calling (434) 584-5539. The new practice is located on the second floor of the C.A.R.E. Building at 1755 N. Mecklenburg Avenue in South Hill.

This month, I am excited to share more on the events I recently attended in Virginia’s Fourth. 

I was honored to welcome First Lady Dr. Jill Biden to Henrico last month to discuss the exciting news that children under 5 can receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

The First Lady and I met with parents & children at the Henrico Health Department East Clinic who were eager to protect themselves by getting vaccinated. As parents, we want to do everything we can to protect our children. Now, parents across the U.S. will have the opportunity to do so.

Vice-President Kamala Harris also came to Henrico last month to talk about the importance of preserving women’s reproductive rights. I was pleased to join the Vice President, and members of the Virginia General Assembly, to talk about the importance of safeguarding the right to choose in the Commonwealth, and federal efforts to codify Roe into federal law.

Lastly, I joined House Committee on Natural Resources Chair Raul Grijalva for a tour of Virginia’s Fourth District and discussed the impacts of our bill, the Environmental Justice for All Act.

In 2018, Chair Grijalva and I launched an inclusive, transparent, community-led and community-driven process to create a comprehensive environmental justice bill: H.R. 2021, the Environmental Justice for All Act. This year, we're looking to improve this legislation by meeting with community stakeholders and others impacted by environmental injustice.

During our bus tour of the district, we were able to see areas of concern in which environmental justice legislation would be most beneficial. On our tour, it was noted that many urban areas in Richmond are lacking significant tree canopies, which contributes to higher temperatures, known as the Urban Heat Island Effect. We also visited African American cemeteries, various sites in Jackson Ward, and Hillside Court, a Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority property, located in a high-risk zip code for lead paint, and, unfortunately, subject to many environmental injustices.

I was glad to not only be joined by experts of the area, but constituents who provided input to make this legislation stronger.

As the new school year is upon us, I want to remind high school students who are interested in attending a service academy that the application for a nomination is now open.

Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

For details and to begin an application, visit https://bit.ly/ServiceAcademyMcEachin. I look forward to nominating deserving students from Virginia's Fourth.

RICHMOND, VA — Governor Glenn Youngkin announced he has chosen additional key administration appointments

"I'm proud to appoint these dedicated individuals," said Governor Glenn Youngkin. "Their work will move our Commonwealth into the future and help create a best-in-class government."

BOARD APPOINTMENTS

ADMINISTRATION

ART AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD

• Lynden Garland of Midlothian, Architect, Baskervill
• Donna Jackson of Aylett
• The Honorable Aimee Jorjani of Falls Church, preservation professional
• Jill Nolt of Richmond, Landscape Architect, Waterstreet Studio

AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY

AQUACULTURE ADVISORY BOARD

• Kimberly Huskey of Yorktown, Vice President of Government Affairs, Cherrystone Aqua Farms
• Dr. Michael Schwarz of Virginia Beach, Director, Virginia Tech – Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center

BOARD OF AGRICULTURAL AND CONSUMER SERVICES

• Allyson Jones-Brimmer of Falls Church, Director of Operations, U.S. Beet Sugar Association

CATTLE INDUSTRY BOARD

• Perry J. Huffman of Lexington, Owner, Hufman Livestock, LLC.
• Julia B. Jones of Chilhowie, Assistant Vice President, The Bank of Marion
• Nick McNeil of Radford
• Cecelia Moyer of Amelia, Oakmulgee Dairy
• Walter H. "Buddy" Shelton, Jr., of Gretna, Owner/Operator, Shelton Angus Farm
• Bob Threewitts of Keezletown, Twin Oaks Farm

HORSE INDUSTRY BOARD

• Ernest M. Oare of Warrenton, Managing Partner, EMO Stables, LLC

MILK COMMISSION

• Dr. Jessica M. Jones of Gladys, Agricultural Education Teacher and FFA Advisor, Pittsylvania County Public Schools
• Dennis J. Sugumele of Chesterfield, President, D.J. Sugumele & Associates, LLC

SHEEP INDUSTRY BOARD

• Lee Wright of Glade Spring, Sheep producer; Superintendent, Virginia Tech Southwest Agricultural Research Center

VIRGINIA AGRICULTURAL COUNCIL

• Keith M. Dunn of Yale, Owner, Oak Hill Farms
• Rosalea Riley Potter of Lexington, Manager, Donald's Meat Processing, Buffalo Creek Beef and Cattlemen's Market
• Sarah Jane Thomsen of Richmond, Manager of Agriculture Education and Strategic Partnerships Program, State Fair of Virginia

VIRGINIA COTTON BOARD

• Joey G. Doyle of Emporia, Owner/Operator, Doyle and Doyle Farms

VIRGINIA EGG BOARD

• Ellen Baber of Cartersville, Owner, Ellen Baber Catering (retired)
• Hobart P. Bauhan of Harrisonburg, President, Virginia Poultry Federation
• Ken Risser of Hartfield, Owner, Risser Farms and Sales Consultant, Val-co
• Dr. Paul L. Ruszler of Blacksburg, Professor Emeritus, Virginia Tech
• W. Keith Sheets of McGaheysville, General Manager, Faraway Farms Inc.
• Rodney Y. Wagner of Abingdon, Owner/Manager of Green Valley Poultry
• W. Lake Wagner of Abingdon, General Manager, Dutt and Wagner of Virginia

VIRGINIA MARINE PRODUCTS BOARD

• Nathan Bussells of White Stone, Quality Control Manager, W. Ellery Kellum, Inc.
• Michael Congrove of Gwynn
• Taylor Deihl of Reedville, Marketing Manager, Omega Protein
• James R. Sowers III of Mathews, Owner, Chapel Creek Oyster Company, LLC

VIRGINIA WINE BOARD

• Stephen Barnard of Charlottesville, Winemaker, Keswick Vineyards
• James King of Crozet, Co-owner, King Family Vineyard
• Luca Paschina of Barboursville, General Manager, Barboursville Vineyards

AUTHORITY

FORT MONROE AUTHORITY

• Dr. Charletta Barringer-Brown of Chesterfield, Tenured Professor, Virginia State University
• Dr. Rex Ellis of Williamsburg, Retired, Associate Director for Curatorial Affairs, National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian Institution
• Brian K. Jackson of Richmond, Partner, Hirschler Law Firm

HAMPTON ROADS SANITATION DISTRICT

• Frederick N. Elofson, CPA, of Newport News
• Vishnu K. Lakdawala, PhD, of Virginia Beach, Associate Professor

COMMERCE AND TRADE

COAL SURFACE MINING RECLAMATION FUND ADVISORY BOARD

• Gregory F. Baker of Wise, Technical Services Manager, Virginia Department of Energy

SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

• Michael Karmis of Blacksburg, Stonie Barker Professor Emeritus of Mining Engineering, Virginia Tech

TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION

• Amanda Cox of Franklin County, External Affairs Manager, Appalachian Power Company
• Watt R. Foster, Jr., of Gladys, President and CEO, Foster Fuels, Inc.
• The Honorable William Pace of Chatham, Mayor of Chatham
• Gary D. Walker of Charlotte Court House, Cornerstone Insurance Agency

VIRGINIA GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY BOARD

• John A. King II of Harrisonburg, President, Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative

VIRGINIA OFFSHORE WIND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

• Ms. Kathleen P. Owens of Virginia Beach, President, Beach Development Group; Flight Operations Representative, Boeing Test and Evaluation
• Howard Shafferman of Richmond, Founder and Principal, The Haswell Group, LLC

VIRGINIA SMALL BUSINESS FINANCING AUTHORITY

• Ron Bew of Chesterfield County, former Associate Deputy Administrator for Capital Access for the U.S. Small Business Administration

COMMONWEALTH

VIRGINIA LGBTQ+ ADVISORY BOARD

• Phil Kazmierczak of Virginia Beach, President of Log Cabin Republicans of Hampton Roads
• Preston Main of Hanover County
• Thomas N. Turner of Suffolk City

EDUCATION

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE JAMESTOWN-YORKTOWN FOUNDATION

• Charles E. James, Sr., of Midlothian
• Gloria Marrero Chambers of McLean, President, Greater McLean Republican Women's Club

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE SCIENCE MUSEUM OF VIRGINIA

• Kathy Lu of Blacksburg, Professor, Virginia Tech
• Denise Walters, PhD, of Henrico, Stability Lead, Haleon

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE SOUTHERN VIRGINIA HIGHER EDUCATION CENTER

• Jeffrey Davis of South Boston, Director of Human Resources, Halifax County Public Schools
• Stanley L. Jeffress, Jr., of South Boston, Funeral Director and President, S. L. Jeffress Company, Inc.
• Grey P. Watson of Halifax, Executive Director, Sentara Healthcare

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE ROANOKE HIGHER EDUCATION AUTHORITY

• George L. Hayth III of Botetourt County, President and CEO, Bank of Botetourt
• Shatenita Horton of Roanoke, Senior Vice President, Freedom First Credit Union
• Tracy Harper Nester of Roanoke County

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA HIGHER EDUCATION CENTER

• Sophie Chafin Vance of Lebanon, Chief Branch Operations Officer/SVP, First Bank and Trust Company
• Dr. Keith Perrigan of Bristol, Division Superintendent, Bristol City Schools

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VIRGINIA MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS

• Rooz Dadabhoy of Richmond, CEO, Data Concepts Inc.; Chair of the Board, Richmond World Affairs Council; President, Rally Virginia
• Melinda Culvahouse Hardy of Richmond
• Ann H. Goettman of McLean
• William A. Keyes IV of McLean, President of the Institute for Responsible Citizenship

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VIRGINIA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

• Thomas R Benzing of Augusta County, Professor, James Madison University
• Nathan T. Sanford of Roanoke, Executive Director, RADAR
• Lauren Woodson of Roanoke, Recreation Coordinator, City of Roanoke Parks and Recreation

BOARD OF VISITORS FOR GUNSTON HALL

• James Burnham of Alexandria, Virginia, Partner, Jones Day
• Charles Hurt of Chatham, Opinion Editor, The Washington Times
• D'Andrea Wooten of Woodbridge, Office Manager, Well Stone Properties

BOARD OF VISITORS OF THE VIRGINIA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AND BLIND

• Carolyn Berry of Charlottesville, Participant Coordinator, Independence Resource Center
• Daphne Cox of Staunton, Retired
• Ronald Lanier of Henrico, Retired
• Vera Wilson of Fincastle, Founder and Director, The Road Less Traveled Homeschool Academy

FINANCE

ADVISORY COUNCIL ON REVENUE ESTIMATES

• Nancy Howell Agee of Salem, President and CEO, Carilion Clinic
• Neil Amin of Henrico, Chief Executive Officer, Shamin Hotels
• Tom Barkin of Richmond, CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
• William G. Crutchfield, Jr., of Albemarle County, Founder and CEO of Crutchfield Corporation
• J. Morgan Davis of Virginia Beach, CEO, TowneBank
• Chad Eisele of Mechanicsville, SVP and CFO, Card at Capital One
• Rob Estes of Richmond, CEO, Estes Express Lines
• Bryan H. Fairbanks of Winchester, President and CEO, Trex Company
• B.K. Fulton of Richmond, Founding Chairman and CEO, Soulidifly Productions
• Mark J. Hourigan of Richmond, CEO and Founder, Hourigan Group
• Howard Kern of Virginia Beach, President and CEO, Sentara Health
• J.W. “Bill” Kirk of Roanoke, Chairman, Associated Asphalt
• Thomas Ransom of Glen Allen, EVP, President, Truist Virginia Region
• Jeff Ricketts of Richmond, Virginia President, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
• Mr. Warren Thompson of Vienna, Chairman and President, Thompson Hospitality Corporation
• Kathy Warden of Falls Church, Chair, CEO, and President, Northrop Grumman

SPECIAL ADVISORS TO THE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON REVENUE ESTIMATES

• Steven C. Smith of Bristol, TN, President and CEO, K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc.
• Holly Sullivan of Rockville, MD, Vice President, Worldwide Economic Development, Amazon Corporate

JOINT ADVISORY BOARD OF ECONOMISTS

• Dr. David Brat of Lynchburg, Dean, School of Business, Liberty University
• Edwin T. Burton of Charlottesville, Professor of Economics, The University of Virginia
• Christine Chmura, PhD, of Hanover, CEO, Chmura Economics & Analytics
• David Kohl of Blacksburg, Professor Emeritus, Department of Agriculture and Applied Economics, Virginia Tech
• Dr. Fletcher Mangum of Henrico County, Founder and CEO, Mangum Economics
• Ryan Price of Alexandria, Chief Economist, Virginia REALTORS®
• Kenneth D. Simonson of Washington, DC, Chief Economist, Associated General Contractors of America
• Michelle Albert Vachris of Virginia Beach, Professor of Management, Business, and Economics Virginia Wesleyan University
• Dr. Justin Vélez-Hagan, PhD, of Alexandria, business owner and economist
• Mark Vitner of Charlotte, North Carolina, Managing Director and Senior Economist, Wells Fargo
• Sonya Ravindranath Waddell of Richmond, Vice President and Economist, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

HEALTH AND HUMAN RESOURCES

ADVISORY BOARD FOR THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT FOR THE DEAF AND HARD–OF-HEARING

• Carl Thomas Cline, Jr., of Roanoke, Vice President/Administrator, Carilion Clinic, Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital
• Kristin Karmon of Richmond, Speech-Language Pathologist, Aveanna Healthcare

BOARD OF COUNSELING

• Benjamin Allison of Forest, Chief Executive Officer, American Association of Christian Counselors
• Matthew Scott of Lynchburg, Marriage and Family Therapist, Light Counseling
• Terry R Tinsley, PhD, LPC, LMFT, NCC, CSOTP, of Gainesville, Vice President of Residential Services, Youth For Tomorrow

BOARD OF DENTISTRY

• William C. Bigelow, DDS, of Staunton
• Emelia H. McLennan of Virginia Beach, CDA, RDH, BSDH, Beach Dental Center

BOARD OF FUNERAL DIRECTORS AND EMBALMERS

• S. Jonathan Hines of Staunton, Assistant Manager/FSL/CCO, Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory

BOARD OF NURSING

• Carol Cartte of Glen Allen, Registered Nurse
• Dr. Helen Parke of Lynchburg, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner, Community Access Network

BOARD OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

• Rebecca Duff of Roanoke, Assistant Professor and Program Director, Radford University Carilion
• Melissa Fox of Charlottesville, Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Virginia Health System

BOARD OF SOCIAL WORK

• Elke Cox of Lynchburg, LCSW, Associate Professor, Liberty University

BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

• Richard Bailey, D.V.M., of Fincastle, Veterinarian, Botetourt Veterinary Hospital

RADIATION ADVISORY BOARD

• Christopher Kondorossy of Richmond, Dentist, Drs. Rossetti, Myers & Kondorossy

VIRGINIA BOARD FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

• Jennifer Greene of Potomac Falls, Disability Advocate
• Karen Wood Grizzard of Richmond, Family/Consumer Representative, Henrico Area Mental Health and Developmental Services Board
• Jennifer Fierro Kelly of Moseley, Senior Manager, Altria Client Services LLC
• Nadia Rauhala of Strasburg
• Gina Ryan of Great Falls
• Nicholas Sladic of Henrico, Vice President, Senior Associate General Counsel, Capital One, Services, LLC
• Mary G. Vought of Arlington, Business Owner, Vought Strategies

INDEPENDENT

VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY HEALTH SYSTEM AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

• Steven DeLuca of Richmond, Vice President, Head of State and Local Government Affairs, Capital One
• Dr. Wally R. Smith of Richmond, Professor of Medicine

LABOR

BOARD FOR BARBERS AND COSMETOLOGY

• Marques Blackmon of Ashburn, Master Barber/Owner, Parlor Twenty-Three
• Oanh "Tina" Dang of Virginia Beach, School Director
• Gregory L. Edwards of Hampton Roads, Licensed Tattoo Instructor and Artist, Greg’s Tattoos LLC.
• Claudia Espinoza of Woodbridge, Owner, My Bellas Beauty Salon

FAIR HOUSING BOARD

• Amanda Buyalos of Botetourt County, Property Manager, The Reserve at Daleville
• Gray Gilchrist of Goochland, President, Parkstone Management LLC
• Morton “Tracy” Marks III of Moseley, CEO of LenderSelect Mortgage a DBA of Blue Ridge Bank NA.

LEGISLATIVE

CAPITOL SQUARE PRESERVATION COUNCIL

• Jamie Bosket of Richmond, President & CEO, Virginia Museum of History & Culture

NATURAL AND HISTORIC RESOURCES

ALEXANDRIA HISTORICAL RESTORATION AND PRESERVATION COMMISSION

• Troy Magee Lyons of Alexandria
• Penny Nance of Alexandria, CEO and President of Concerned Women for America

BOARD OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

• Chief Walt "Red Hawk" Brown of Southampton County, Chief, Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe of Southampton County Virginia
• The Honorable Jim Cheng of Charlottesville, Chief Strategy Officer, Pamunkey Indian Enterprises
• COL Eric A. Hoggard of Fort Leavenworth, KS, Director of Training, Mission Command Center of Excellence
• Hunter H. Ihrman of Herndon, Associate Director of Policy Communications, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
• J. William Inge IV of Roanoke

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VIRGINIA OUTDOORS FOUNDATION

• Elizabeth Copeland of King William County, Senior Director, Juul Labs, Inc.
• V.B. “Tack” Richardson III of Alexandria, Principal, The MITRE Corporation, former staff, Senator John W. Warner

BOARD OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES

• Jon Cooper of Botetourt, Director of Content and Audience, College Sports, XL Media PLC
• George J. Terwilliger III of Delaplane, Partner, McGuireWoods LLP

CAVE BOARD

• Jason Carter of Staunton, Director of External & Member Relations, Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative
• Allen L. Louderback of Luray, former Virginia Delegate and President, Louderback Enterprises

STATE WATER CONTROL BOARD

• The Honorable Jerry Kilgore of Henrico County, Partner, Cozen O'Connor

VIRGINIA SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION BOARD

• Charles Newton of Page County, Director of Shenandoah Valley Soil and Water Conservation
• Adam D. Wilson of Abingdon, Owner and Operator, Wilson Cattle Company

VIRGINIA WASTE MANAGEMENT BOARD

• Dan Ciesla of Chesterfield County, Municipal Sales Manager, Republic Services
• Jennifer Payne Johnson of Richmond, Vice President and Director of Waste & Recycling, LaBella Associates

PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY

ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON JUVENILE JUSTICE AND PREVENTION

• The Honorable Stephanie M. Ayers of Goodview, Judge, 24th Judicial District, Bedford and Lynchburg J&DR Courts
• Erik Conyers of Richmond
• Cecilia Gomez-Brown of Mineral, Probation and Parole Supervisor (Retired), Department of Juvenile Justice
• Julianna Herbek of Bristow, Director of Executive Administration, Youth For Tomorrow
• James E. Laster of Virginia Beach, Realtor, Howard Hanna
• Alex White of Luray, Volunteer, Page One of Page County
• Marie-Clare Matricardi of Culpeper, University of Virginia
• Dr. Brooke Rudis of Chesapeake, Assistant Director of Student Conduct and Support, Chesapeake Public Schools
• Olivia G. Saunders of Hanover

SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE

• Randall Beaty of Austin, Texas, Forensic Toxicologist
• Christopher Bommarito of San Diego, CA, President and Chief Scientist, Forensic Science Consultants
• Dr. Marc A. LeBeau of Fairfax, Senior Forensic Scientist, FBI Laboratory
• Richard P. Meyers of Herndon, Forensic Chemist, USDOJ

STATE CRIME COMMISSION

• Bill Cleveland of Alexandria, former Vice-Mayor, City of Alexandria
• Robert Neira Tracci of Albemarle, Senior Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney, Louisa County
• The Honorable Patricia L. West of Virginia Beach, Judge (ret.)

VIRGINIA CANNABIS CONTROL AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

• John F. Keohane of Chesterfield County, Police Chief, Retired

VIRGINIA SEXUAL AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAM PROFESIONAL STANDARDS COMMITTEE

• Shel Bolyard-Douglas, LCSW, of Fauquier County, Director, Fauquier County Social Services
• Judy Casteele of Buena Vista, Executive Director, Project Horizon, Inc.
• Cori Davis of Amherst, Program Director, Bedford Domestic Violence Services
• Elvira G. De la Cruz Macedo of Colonial Heights, CEO, Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center
• Leonard Hall, Jr., of Floyd, Director, Millstone International Logistics
• Tamy Mann of Giles County, Director, Victim Witness Assistance Program
• Teresa D. McKensie of Radford, Assistant Director of Victim Witness, Radford City/Floyd County
• Jennifer Quitiquit of Hanover County, Director, Chesterfield Victim Witness
• Heather Sellers of Bedford County, Director, Bedford Victim/Witness Assistance Program
• Michelle Strain of Chincoteague
• Ellen Wheeler of Rockbridge County, Assistant Director, Project Horizon

TRANSPORTATION

AEROSPACE ADVISORY COUNCIL

• David Bowles, PhD, of Northampton County, Executive Director, Virginia Institute for Spaceflight and Autonomy at Old Dominion University
• Nicholas Devereux of Alexandria, Policy & Government Affairs, Wing
• Christopher Goyne of Charlottesville, Associate Professor, University of Virginia
• Major General Roosevelt Mercer, Jr., USAF (retired), of Virginia Beach, CEO and Executive Director, Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority
• Tom Michels of Washington, DC, Director, Government Affairs, United Airlines
• Michael A. Stoltzfus of Bridgewater, President & CEO, Dynamic Aviation
• Todd M. Yeatts of Arlington, Senior Manager Government Operations, The Boeing Compan

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE VIRGINIA PORT AUTHORITY

• Shaza Andersen of Great Falls, CEO, Trustar Bank
• James C. Burnett of Newport News, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, W.M. Jordan Company
• Michael W. Coleman, Sr., of Virginia Beach, President and CEO, CV International, Inc.
• J.W. “Bill” Kirk of Roanoke, Chairman, Associated Asphalt

COMMONWEALTH TRANSPORTATION BOARD

• Darrell R. Byers of Fluvanna
• B. Wayne Coleman of Norfolk, Virginia, Chairman and Owner of CV International, Inc.
• H. Randolph Laird of Staunton
• Thomas Moore "Ty" Lawson of Winchester, Attorney, Thomas Moore Lawson, P.C. and Of Counsel, Williams Mullen
• Laura A. Sellers of Stafford County, Counterintelligence Policy, JMark Services

MEDICAL ADVISORY BOARD FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES

• Susan R. DiGiovanni, MD, of Midlothian
• Dr. Mark Sochor of Charlottesville, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, University of Virginia

MOTOR VEHICLES DEALER BOARD

• Charles G. Barker of Virginia Beach, Chairman, Charles Barker Automotive
• Thomas M. Bates of Virginia Beach, CEO and Chairman, RK Chevrolet Inc. & Protecting Children Foundation
• Trevor Coley of Mechanicsville, Dealer Operator & General Manager, Camping World RV Sales
• Dennis Ellmer of Virginia Beach, Owner, Priority Automotive
• Ronald F. Kody of Rockville, President, Richmond Ford
• David Lynn of Richmond, City Wide Auto and Truck Sales
• Chris Maher of Winchester, President, Car Credit Nation
• Roman “R.J.” J Robinson, Jr., of Glen Allen, Managing Partner, Parks Chevrolet Richmond
• Nick Rush of Montgomery County, former Virginia Delegate

VETERANS AND DEFENSE AFFAIRS

BOARD OF VETERANS SERVICES

• Joe Campa of Arlington, 11th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (Retired); CEO, Kent, Campa and Kate Incorporated
• Jamie Inman of Richmond, Global Logistics Director, Afton Chemical Company
• Carlton Kent of Woodbridge, 16th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps (Retired); President, Kent, Campa and Kate Incorporated

JOINT LEADERSHIP COUNCIL ON VETERANS SERVICES ORGANIZATIONS

• Ann L. Crittenden of Stafford, LtCol (Retired)
• Jose R. Ramos of Great Falls, Vice President, Government and Community Relations, Wounded Warrior Project

VETERANS SERVICES FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES

• Brad Williamson of Yorktown, CEO, MVSEA, LLC

Southside Virginia Community College will not increase tuition and fees for this academic year.

Students will have their tuition and fees stay the same for the 2022-2023 academic year after the decision was announced on July 21 by the Virginia State Board for Community Colleges.

“We are grateful for the decision by the State Board to keep tuition and fees flat for the upcoming academic year.  SVCC continues to be a high-quality and affordable higher education option for students and families in Southside Virginia.  As our tuition costs stay the same, this allows for more access to higher education, which is part of the college's mission,” said Dr. Quentin R. Johnson, SVCC President.

This marks the fifth year in a row that the board has voted to hold tuition and fees steady for in-state students who account for more than nine out of every ten students served by Virginia’s Community Colleges.

The State Board’s decision means SVCC’s in-state tuition and mandatory fees will remain at $156.50 per credit hour. The State Board also maintained the existing tuition rate for out-of-state students, which for SVCC is $356.50 per credit hour.  Community college tuition and fees are approximately one-third of the comparable costs of attending Virginia’s public four-year universities.

WASHINGTON – Today, Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice for America’s 33 million small businesses and startups in President Biden’s Cabinet, announced the establishment of two new federal advisory committees, the Invention, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Advisory Committee (IIEAC) and the Investment Capital Advisory Committee (ICAC), to accelerate support for startups driving critical innovation across the U.S. and increase small businesses’ access to patient capital.

“The Biden-Harris Administration recognizes that innovation and entrepreneurship are big driving forces of America’s historic economic boom and will play key roles in our nation’s transition to stable and steady economic growth and prosperity,” said Administrator Guzman. “These new advisory committees will help us gain valuable insights into not only how the SBA can improve programs and policies to strengthen the innovation ecosystem across the nation, but also how the agency can better serve our customers while accelerating the flow of patient private and public capital to innovative startups and small businesses."

The advisory committees will consist of members with a diverse set of perspectives, experiences, and occupational backgrounds to provide advice and recommendations to the SBA on policy and programs. The IIEAC will focus on innovation commercialization, lab-to-market translation, and constructing a more equitable, inclusive federal innovation ecosystem. The ICAC will be geared toward developing a more inclusive investment ecosystem for small businesses and domestic private funds committing capital to small businesses with an emphasis on access to patient investment capital and affordable private long-term loans.

“One of the SBA’s top priorities is to provide American main street small businesses and innovative startups with access to critical patient capital and R&D funds to advance innovation and support the small businesses located across communities in every corner of our country. The foundation of our support for innovation is the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program which, for 40 years, has served as America’s Seed Fund, providing startups with the R&D funding necessary to pursue big ideas. Since 1958, the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) works with private equity and private credit funds to accelerate the flow of patient capital and long-term loans to small businesses old and new across industries and geographies. The new federal advisory committees will foster dialogue and identification of opportunities to accelerate and diversify SBA’s support for innovative startups and small businesses,” said Bailey DeVries, Associate Administrator, SBA Office of Investment and Innovation. “The federal innovation ecosystem is what provides resources to innovators with the big ideas of today that will become the cutting-edge businesses of tomorrow.”

The SBA is seeking nominations from members of the public.

The requirements for nominations to the IIEAC include:

• Former or current small business owner;
• Community leader;
• Official from a small business trade association or academic institution;
• Member of the innovation community.

 The requirements for nominations to the ICAC include:

 Former or current small business owner;

• Community leader;
• Official from a trade association or investment institution;
• Member of the investment community.

Nominees should send a letter of self-nomination or a letter of nomination from a peer, professional organization, society, or member of Congress. The letter should highlight accomplishments and experience working with small businesses in relevant subject matter areas relating to innovation and investment. Along with the Nominee Information Form and resume, nominees should include the following:

 Full name of nominee

• Occupation
• Physical address
• Telephone number
• Email address

For issues or questions with either FAC application, please email IIEAC@sba.gov (for concerns regarding IIEAC) or ICAC@sba.gov (for concerns regarding ICAC).

Washington, D.C. – On Friday, Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) voted to help curb gun violence by passing H.R. 1808, the Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2022, to restore and update the prior assault weapons ban.

“Assault weapons have become the weapon of choice for mass shooters. As a nation, we have seen the devastation these weapons of war can cause in instances like Uvalde, Buffalo, and more,” said Rep. McEachin (VA-04). “We cannot sit idly by and allow these tragedies to continue. These weapons have no place in our communities. I am proud to vote in support of the Assault Weapons Ban to reduce the prevalence of these weapons, protect our communities, and save lives.”

From 1994 to 2004, semiautomatic assault weapons were banned. During this period, researchers found that mass shooting fatalities were 70% less likely to occur. There are currently no federal laws that restrict the sale of semiautomatic assault weapons or large capacity ammunition feeding devices

Among its provisions, H.R. 1808, the Assault Weapons Ban of 2022, would:

• Prohibit the sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession of semiautomatic assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition feeding devices
• Require that semiautomatic assault weapons be securely stored so that they are not accessible to those who are prohibited from possessing them
• Allow states to use Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funds for voluntary buyback programs for semiautomatic assault weapons and large capacity magazines
• Exempt the use of semiautomatic weapons and large capacity ammunition feeding devices for specific uses such as law enforcement, nuclear security, testing authorized by the Attorney General, and temporary transfers without a background check for target shooting at a licensed target facility or established range