Your Seven Day Forecast

June 2022

McEachin Announces FY2023 CPF Requests for Local Projects & Priorities

McEachin Submits 15 Requests to the House Appropriations Committee

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) announced the Community Project Funding (CPF) requests that he submitted to the House Appropriations Committee for the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY2023) appropriations process.

“Our district experienced great success with last year’s Community Project Funding requests, and I was able to successfully secure over $19 million for Virginia’s Fourth. I am thrilled to announce the next round of submissions for the upcoming appropriations process,” said Rep. McEachin (VA-04). “These projects are important priorities for localities across our district and will make a meaningful, real impact in the lives of Virginians. While there is no guarantee that all the requests will be funded, I will be diligently fighting for these priorities and engaging with the House Appropriations Committee throughout the process. I look forward to advocating for our district in Washington and working to secure much-needed federal funding for these projects.”

Rep. McEachin submitted the following 15 requests to the committee, grouped by geographic location or recipient category:

The Greater Richmond Area

  • City of Richmond’s Help1RVA to help further establish and scale Help1RVA, a one-stop shop for social services in Central Virginia, as the region’s primary social needs navigation service. Funding will support technology and staffing for YMCA to be the backbone of Help1RVA and allow the City of Richmond to hire an Information and Data Integration Consultant to align the program with existing technology.
  • City of Richmond’s First North-South Bus Rapid Transit Line to kickstart Richmond’s efforts to create a North-South line of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), also known as the “Pulse.” This project would fund the planning, outreach, design, and construction of 1.9 miles of Richmond’s North-South line.
  • Henrico County’s Central Gardens Rehabilitation to upgrade the Central Gardens building, a former Henrico County School, to be used as the headquarters for the Henrico Police Athletic League (HPAL), a nonprofit that provides safe and structured activities to the youth of Henrico County. The project would construct a new roof and HVAC system and install solar panels once deemed safe.
  • Capital Region Airport Commission’s Richmond International Airport’s Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Station to replace the existing station at Richmond Airport with a new facility that meets current FAA standards and is based on current and projected operational needs. The new ARFF Station will be in a safer location that will not require crossing taxiways to access it.
  • Charles City County’s Construction of a New Water & Sewer Infrastructure to extend water and sewer infrastructure along Roxbury Road / State Route 106, bringing sewage generated along the Roxbury Corridor to the existing Roxbury Wastewater Plant, which will be expanded to accommodate additional flow.

Virginian Universities

  • Virginia Commonwealth University’s Richmond Talent Pathway to enable VCU, in partnership with the City of Richmond, Richmond Public Schools, and the Central Virginia business community, to launch a new talent pathway to recruit, support, train, and retain diverse student populations in high-need career fields.
  • Virginia Commonwealth University’s Community Health Workforce Continuum to develop a comprehensive workforce development model that leverages existing partnerships with Virginia’s community colleges, including their workforce development divisions, high schools, and regional career and technical education centers. This project will jumpstart initiatives to address the health care workforce shortage and persistent unemployment in communities served by the health system.
  • Virginia Union University’s Center for Technology and Innovation to help connect students with local and national technology companies to improve learning opportunities and outcomes, accelerate economic growth, and strengthen the Commonwealth’s position as a leader in the science and technology industries while providing real-world, job-based training to strengthen the workforce.
  • Virginia State University’s Broadband Improvement Project to help improve broadband access, reliability, and affordability on VSU’s campus by ensuring the university can deliver a stable and robust network.  

The Tri-Cities Area

  • City of Petersburg’s Emergency Public Safety Communications System to upgrade the existing system to support and protect an economically depressed population, logistics, military, transportation, and growing pharmaceutical cluster that is critical to Virginia and the United States.
  • City of Petersburg’s Lock’s Watermain Replacement to construct approximately 7,650 feet of twenty-inch ductile iron water main to replace the existing asbestos cement watermain, which has exceeded its useful life and has experienced substantial breakages. Lock’s Watermain is the sole supply of water to all residents and businesses in the City of Petersburg.
  • City of Hopewell’s Courthouse Road Pedestrian Improvements to support the construction of Courthouse Road Pedestrian Improvements. This project will improve the safety and non-vehicular mobility along Courthouse Road by installing 5-footwide sidewalks, curb and gutter, underground storm drainage, and new ADA-complaint bus shelters to improve pedestrians’ access to bus access along Courthouse Road.
  • Prince George County’s Roundabout at the Intersection of Jefferson Park Road and Middle Road to construct a one-land roundabout at the intersection of Rt. 630 and Rt. 646. This project would address congestion and safety at the intersection and provide an efficient, safe travel route for students, buses, and parents to the new 850 student elementary school near the intersection.

Southern Virginia Area

  • City of Emporia’s Pedestrian Accommodation for US 58 to provide a safe path for pedestrians attempting to across US 58 to Purdy Road. This project would construct sidewalks along both sides of US 58 and install a push button pedestal to stop traffic and allow pedestrians to cross the highway safely.
  • County of Greensville’s Mid-Atlantic Advance Manufacturing Center Collection System to bring sewer service to 1,600 acres of industrial zoned land, improving the marketability of the site and attracting industrial clients. The Mid-Atlantic Advance Manufacturing Center is a regionally developed site, and it is estimated that manufacturers would bring nearly 2,000 new high-wage jobs into Southern Virginia.

Last year, Members were allowed to submit up to ten requests, which Rep. McEachin successfully did, securing $19.1 million dollars in federal funding for Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District.

Updated guidance from the House Appropriations Committee for the FY2023 appropriations process allows Members to submit up to fifteen requests for consideration – although only a handful may be chosen for funding. Projects are restricted to a limited number of federal funding streams, and only state and local governments and eligible non-profit entities are permitted to receive funding

In compliance with House Rules and Committee requirements, Rep. McEachin has certified that he and his immediate family have no financial interest in any of the projects he has requested.

More information on Rep. McEachin's FY2023 Community Project Funding requests are available here.

Tags: 
June 2022
Donald McEachin
2022-6-8

Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces Members of the Commission on Human Trafficking Prevention and Survivor Support

RICHMOND,VA — Today, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the members of the Commission on Human Trafficking Prevention and Survivor Support, a commission formed on his first day in office. This commission will serve as an advisory council to the Governor, and make recommendations to combat human trafficking in Virginia.  

“This Commission is proof that Virginia is committed to ending human trafficking,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “The conviction of human traffickers, empowerment of survivors, and prevention of others from becoming victims are top public safety priorities for the Commonwealth. That is why I signed the executive order for this commission on my first day in office. We must remain vigilant to ensure that those who work tirelessly to combat human trafficking and help survivors are equipped with the tools necessary to win this fight.”

"Human trafficking, especially sex trafficking, is one of the most heinous, violent crimes our communities combat,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Bob Mosier. “I am grateful to have such dedicated people lending their time and expertise to help bring an end to the repeated crimes of commercial exploitation. I am confident this team will make a difference in the lives of survivors and prevent others from becoming victims, making the Commonwealth safer for all. There will be no leniency in Virginia for those who engage in any form of human trafficking."

The Commission will be responsible for coordinating with the Secretary of Public Safety, the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Labor, the Office of Attorney General, as well as the State Trafficking Response Coordinator and any other federal, state, local, or private sector entities to increase law enforcement awareness, empower and support survivors, and enhance trafficking prevention education throughout the Commonwealth.

The new commission consists of the following members:

  • Mike Lamonea, Chair, of Chesapeake, Director at Juniper Networks and Retired DHS/Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent
  • Michael J. Brown of Lynchburg, Virginia, Sheriff (Retired), Bedford County Sheriff's Office
  • Brittany Dunn of Alexandria, COO & Co-Founder, Safe House Project
  • Sarah-Beth Evans of Norfolk
  • Keith Farmer of Roanoke Valley, Director, Straight Street
  • Michael Y. Feinmel of Henrico, Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney, Henrico County
  • Pamela Hock, M.S. of Richmond, Educator, Advocate, Survivor
  • Tyller Holden of Virginia Beach, Junior Board of Directors, EnJewel
  • Michael Miller of Bedford, Sheriff, Bedford County
  • Deepa Patel of Springfield, Virginia, Co-Founder and Clinician, Trauma and Hope
  • Mea Picone of Richmond
  • Susan Young of Fairfax, Executive Director and Founder, Parent Coalition To End Human Trafficking

The new commission consists of the following Ex-officio members:

  • Secretary Robert “Bob” Mosier, Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security 
  • Secretary Aimee Guidera, Secretary of Education
  • Secretary Bryan Slater, Secretary of Labor
  • Angella Alvernaz, State Trafficking Response Coordinator, Department of Criminal Justice Services
  • Major Caren Sterling, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Lead of VSP Human Trafficking Unit, Virginia State Police
  • Tanya Gould, Director, Anti-Human Trafficking Office of Attorney General
Tags: 
June 2022
Governor
Glenn Younkgin
Human Trafficking
2022-6-7

Upcoming virtual talk on dizziness and vertigo

Amanda Green will discuss tips and tricks for dealing with vertigo.

Tips and tricks from a physical therapist.

Dizziness affects 40% of people over age 40. It can be temporary or chronic and quite debilitating. Learn the causes, symptoms and treatment in a virtual discussion hosted by VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital.

This virtual talk will take place Wednesday, June 29, from noon to 12:30 p.m. via Zoom. Visit www.vcuhealth.org/cmh-core for the Zoom link. The seminar also will be recorded and posted on the VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital website and Facebook page.

Amanda Green, D.P.T., has worked at VCU Health CMH in rehabilitation as a physical therapist for seven years. She obtained her bachelor’s in recreational therapy from East Carolina University and doctorate in physical therapy from Winston-Salem State University. She has a certification in vestibular rehabilitation, which refers to balance and the inner ear.

 

Tags: 
June 2022
VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital
2022-6-7

Classic French Vinaigrette

This classic salad dressing could not be easier. Really.

I know people that hear or read the word vinaigrette and panic. They say that they cannot make French food; French cuisine is just too difficult. Yes, some French food is incredibly detailed and time consuming. Some recipes take days to prepare. This recipe is not one of them.

Don’t be tempted to skip the mustard. Dijon Mustard is traditional only partly for flavor. The important role that the mustard plays here is in the emulsification process. Vinegar and Oil do not play well together, the mustard is the playground monitor; without it all you will have is a bowl of oil with some vinegar, shallots and chives floating on top. Be sure to get Dijon Mustard for this, it doesn’t have to be super expensive for this, store brand will usually do. Bright yellow American Mustard will emulsify your dressing, but it will taste awful (trust me, I have done it. It was bad).

Just a quick note on properly dressing a salad: with this dressing (as with all dressings) it is important not to overdress your salad. The typical way to dress a salad with vinaigrette is to make the dressing in the salad bowl and then to cross your salad serving utensils in the bowl, above the dressing; the salad greens are placed on the crossed salad forks. At dinner time, the salad forks are taken out from under the greens, which fall into the dressing and are tossed, leaving any excess dressing in the bottom of the bowl (the host/hostess gets to snack on that excess dressing in the bottom of the bowl with the leftover bread while they are cleaning up).

This recipe makes an amount of dressing that is too large for the traditional method of dressing a salad, unless you are making a very large salad, so unless you are making a salad for 6-8 people, add one or two tablespoons of dressing per serving of greens, depending on your taste. One tablespoon is enough for me, but other folks may like more dressing.

Any of you that enjoy cooking have seen versions of this dressing made on TV, and they all put the salt in the oil. Here’s the thing-salt does not dissolve in oil (that is why Priests used carry anointing oil in little containers of salt; in the oil the salt does not dissolve and in the salt the oil does not leak). Mix the initial salt with the vinegar, you may season again once the dressing is complete if you need to.

Classic French Vinaigrette

2 tbsp red wine or sherry vinegar
¼ tsp salt
1 small shallot, peeled and minced
1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
6 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
6 sprigs chives, minced
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Combine the vinegar and salt in a glass (or other non-reactive) bowl and whisk until the salt has completely dissolved.

Add the shallot and Dijon mustard, whisk to combine. Drizzle in the oil in a slow, steady stream (a squeeze bottle works well for this) while constantly whisking. Continue whisking until combined and the dressing thickens to your desired texture.

Add the black pepper, chive and whisk to combine.

Taste with a piece of the greens you wish to dress. Adjust last and pepper if needed

Transfer into a Mason jar or other glass container with a lid and let sit for 1 hour at room temperature before serving. Store in the refrigerator but bring to room temperature before using.

Tags: 
June 2022
Recipes
Salad Dressings
2022-6-7

McEachin Announces $3.5 Million HHS Grant to VDH for Cancer Prevention

Richmond, VA – Today, Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) announced a grant from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) for $3,564,549 to support cancer prevention research.

“Cancer is a leading cause of death in the Commonwealth and has touched the lives of too many Virginians,” said Rep. McEachin (VA-04). “I am grateful to see this federal funding from the Department of Health and Human Services coming into Virginia to support cancer prevention efforts. This grant money will support important work at the Virginia Department of Health, which could help save thousands of lives and support better health outcomes in our Commonwealth.”

Tags: 
June 2022
Donald McEachin
Virginia Department of Health
2022-6-6

Governor Glenn Youngkin Signs Bipartisan Legislation To Expand Health Care Coverage Options For Small Businesses

RICHMOND, VA – Today, Governor Glenn Youngkin ceremonially signed HB 884, sponsored by Delegate Kathy Byron, R-Bedford, and SB 195, sponsored by Senator Montgomery “Monty” Mason, D-Williamsburg, which will permit the creation of benefits consortiums for small businesses in Virginia. Benefits consortiums allow small businesses to come together as a single large pool to offer their employees comprehensive and affordable group health care coverage. These bills will drastically improve the ability for Virginia’s small businesses to share risk, streamline administration, and reduce costs of coverage.
 
"This bill is a meaningful step forward to removing the barriers for our small businesses across the Commonwealth, by allowing them to come together and provide health care for their employees,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “On day one, I made a commitment to our small business community that when this bill reached my desk, I would sign it. Today, I am honored to stand with small businesses and legislators from both sides of the aisle to deliver on that promise. Virginians sent me here to go to work for them, and that is exactly what we are doing. These bills are an example of what we can accomplish when we come together for the communities we serve."
 
“These bills will make affordable health care coverage available to more Virginians and help to control the costs of businesses offering that benefit,” said Delegate Kathy Byron. “Although the General Assembly approved similar measures over the last decade, the two previous administrations rejected these reforms. They are becoming law now because Governor Youngkin challenged lawmakers to put these bills on his desk – and we met that challenge.”
 
"Supporting small businesses and increasing access to affordable health care are some of the most important things we can be doing to grow our economy,” said Senator Monty Mason. “Small businesses will be able to use SB 195 to help attract and retain talented workforce, while providing workers and their families greater options for health care. Thank you to the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and all of the local chambers of commerce who helped advocate for this important legislation for many years. I look forward to when these plans are available for businesses to enroll in and Virginians can take advantage of this health care option."
 
“Since 2018, the Virginia Chamber, in partnership with Virginia’s Farm Bureau, Virginia’s Realtor community, and more than 100 local and regional chambers across the Commonwealth have advocated relentlessly for this common-sense health care solution,” said Virginia Chamber President and CEO Barry DuVal. “I am thankful for Governor Glenn Youngkin and leaders in the General Assembly, including Delegate Kathy Byron, Senator Monty Mason, Senator Siobhan Dunnavant, Delegate Chris Head, Delegate Tony Wilt, and Deputy Majority Leader Israel O’Quinn, for taking action to expand access and lower the cost of health coverage for small employers. We look forward to working with our small business community to ensure employees have greater access to health care through this valuable health coverage option.”
Tags: 
June 2022
Governor
Glenn Younkgin
2022-6-6

Governor Glenn Youngkin Encourages Virginians to Prepare Now for the 2022 Hurricane Season

Hurricane Season Began June 1

RICHMOND,VA — Governor Glenn Youngkin is urging Virginians to prepare now for this year’s hurricane season, which began today and lasts through November 30. Forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are predicting another above-average hurricane season this year with a likely range of 14 to 21 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 6 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA provided these ranges with a 70% confidence.
 
“I want to encourage Virginians to take the time and prepare now for this coming storm season,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “This includes not only our coastal residents but inland Virginians as well. History has proven that our inland communities are just as susceptible to hurricane impacts like flooding, tornadoes, and high winds.”
 
For comprehensive information on preparedness, response, and recovery activities, please review the Virginia Hurricane Evacuation Guide, which not only includes evacuation information, but also highlights actions to take in the event of tropical weather. 
 
“Virginia should be proud of the work being done by our public safety agencies to ensure a swift and effective response to all hazards, including hurricanes,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Robert Mosier. “We can’t forget that the best form of preparedness is ensuring you and your family also have a plan, make a kit, and stay informed of potential bad weather.”
 
Recent years have proven that hurricanes are also not just a coastal threat. Even storms that start in the lower Atlantic or Gulf States have the potential to come north and cause significant damage. This is why we encourage all Virginians across the Commonwealth to take the time to become prepared. 
 
“Preparedness is all about being ready before a storm or disaster even develops,” said Shawn Talmadge, State Coordinator at the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. “Many of the items we ask Virginians to keep in a kit or plans that should be made are not only applicable to hurricanes but for many other types of hazards as well. Just a little bit of planning goes a long way in ensuring the safety and welfare of you and your family.”
 
Take the time now to review your insurance policy, secure your property, and create a plan that includes arrangements for your pets or those that may need extra assistance. Below are a few critical steps to ensure you and your family’s safety.
 
  Know your zone. Evacuation may become necessary depending on the track and severity of the storm. Review Virginia’s evacuation zones at  KnowYourZoneVA.org. Users can enter their physical address in the search bar of the website to view and confirm their designated evacuation zone.
 
  Complete a family communication plan. Prepare for how you will assemble and communicate with your family and loved ones. Identify meeting locations and anticipate where you will go. Federal Emergency Management Agency guidance on family communications plans is available here.
 
  Check your insurance coverage. Remember, there may be a waiting period (typically 30 days) for a flood insurance policy to become effective, and be aware that not all storm-related losses, such as flooding, are covered under traditional policies. Now is the time to review your coverage and contact your insurance agent for any changes. If you are not insured against floods, talk to your insurance agent or visit floodsmart.gov. If you are a renter, now is the time to ensure you have adequate coverage to protect your belongings.
 
  Make an emergency kit. Assemble an emergency kit that includes nonperishable food, water, medication, sanitary supplies, radios, extra batteries, and important documents. Learn more about building an emergency supply kit  here.
 
  Stay informed. Identify where to go for trusted sources of information during emergencies. Check with your local emergency management office to sign up for alerts that go directly to your phone or email. Be sure to monitor local news for watches and warnings in your area and follow directions of local officials. Power outages are always a concern during weather events—make sure you have a battery-operated radio available so you can still receive life-saving alerts.
 
There are many resources available to assist with hurricane planning efforts. Learn more about preparing your business, your family, and your property against hurricane threats (and other disasters) at vaemergency.gov/prepare and ready.gov/hurricanes.
Tags: 
June 2022
Hurricane Season
Governor
Glenn Younkgin
2022-6-3

Virginia and North Carolina Announce $58 Million Grant to Improve Rail Corridor Between Richmond and Raleigh

RICHMOND, JUNE 2, 2022 - The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) today announced that they have been awarded a $58 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) in support of the states’ Raleigh to Richmond (R2R) Corridor Infrastructure Engineering & Safety Program. 
 
The R2R program is a joint venture between VPRA and NCDOT to improve the rail corridor between Raleigh and Richmond to support additional service frequencies and reduce travel times between the two cities by more than an hour. To do this, portions of the S-line, a railroad section that provides a vital link between the two cities, must be updated through infrastructure rehabilitation and construction. The grant is a vital step in this process.
 
As a part of the Federal Rail Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grants program, the $58 million grant will fund preliminary planning and engineering design for the approximately 162 miles of the S-Line between Raleigh and Richmond. 
 
“This is an exciting and historic collaboration between the Commonwealth of Virginia and North Carolina, solidifying a critical link in the Southeast Rail Corridor. USDOT’s investment is an incredible first step to connecting our capital cities to each other and to the rest of the East Coast,” said Governor of Virginia Glenn Youngkin.
 
“This grant brings us one step closer to providing trains from Richmond to Raleigh that are competitive with the time that it takes to make the drive down I-85 and I-95,” said W. Sheppard Miller III, Virginia Secretary of Transportation. “This is a game-changing project that Virginia has already shown its commitment to through the purchase of 75 miles of the S-line from CSX. The benefits of this project will be felt across other parts of the Commonwealth as well with the improvements creating access for Norfolk trains directly into Main Street Station in Richmond, allowing for one-seat rides from downtown Norfolk to downtown Richmond on three roundtrips a day. This summer, the third Norfolk train will come into service, as well as a second train to Roanoke. The station enhancements at the Ettrick Station in Petersburg will create a more welcoming environment for increased trains and passengers using that station along the R2R corridor. This is big news as we advance the Transforming Rail in Virginia initiatives.”
 
“This historic funding is a critical development in our partnership with Virginia and North Carolina to upgrade infrastructure and expand passenger rail. Establishing an intercity corridor between Raleigh and Richmond will generate opportunities for fast, frequent, reliable, and equitable train service,” Amtrak Vice President Ray Lang said. “We will continue working with our partners to expand passenger rail that will provide more service to more passengers, relieve congestion, protect the environment, and enhance mobility.”
 
“This funding is a vital step in the development of the Southeast Corridor,” said DJ Stadtler, executive director of VPRA. “Providing safe, reliable, and convenient rail service between Richmond and Raleigh, for passengers and freight, will benefit both states through economic development, job growth, and increased transportation alternatives.”
 
In preparation for the service, the Commonwealth of Virginia purchased 75 miles of the S-line between Petersburg, VA, and Ridgeway, NC, from CSX Transportation (CSXT) in 2020 as part of its Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative. Through this initiative, the Commonwealth is investing $3.7 billion to improve and increase rail service throughout the state to provide alternatives for moving people and goods through Virginia. This agreement also gave NCDOT the ability to purchase the section of the S-Line between Raleigh and Ridgeway.
 
VPRA is working throughout the Commonwealth to expand the rail options available to Virginians. Currently the state supports Amtrak service to Richmond, Roanoke, Norfolk, and Newport News. Ridership on these services was up 26.7 percent in April, compared to March with a total of 70,433 passengers traveling. Ridership on the Roanoke and Norfolk routes exceeded April 2019 (pre-pandemic) levels.
Tags: 
June 2022
2022-6-3

EIGHT LIVES LOST IN TRAFFIC CRASHES DURING MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

Lack of Seat Belt Usage Continues to Contribute to Lives Lost

RICHMOND – The 2022 Memorial Day weekend saw a sharp decrease in traffic crash fatalities compared to 2021, while also having traffic volumes that rival pre-pandemic numbers. Preliminary reports indicate eight people lost their lives in six traffic crashes during the four-day, holiday statistical counting period. During the same statistical counting period in 2021, traffic crashes on Virginia highways resulted in 15 deaths.

Of the eight individuals killed this year on Virginia highways, one was operating a motorcycle and five were not wearing a seat belt. The fatal crashes occurred in the cities of Richmond and Harrisonburg, and the counties of Giles, Isle of Wight, Mathews and Stafford. The statistical counting period began at 12:01 a.m. Friday (May 27) and ended at midnight Monday (May 30).

"Virginians took to the roads in numbers we haven’t seen since 2019 and with that came the need for patience and focus on the road,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent. “And I am pleased to see the number of traffic crash fatalities drop by almost half from 2021, but remember, clicking your seatbelt is your first line of defense against someone else’s bad decision on the road. Virginia State Police urge all Virginia drivers to step up and make safe decisions.”

This year, the Memorial Day Operation C.A.R.E. initiative fell within the annual “Click It or Ticket” campaign. During the entire statistical counting period for “Click It or Ticket” and the Memorial Day weekend which ran from 12:01 a.m. May 23 through midnight May 30, Virginia Troopers cited 4,894 speeders and 1,880 reckless drivers and arrested 90 impaired drivers. In addition, 660 individuals were cited for seat belt violations, 118 were cited for child safety restraint violations and 144 felony arrests were made. Virginia State Police also assisted 1,735 disabled motorists.

Funds generated from summonses issued by Virginia State Police go directly to court fees and the state’s Literary Fund, which benefits public school construction, technology funding and teacher retirement.

Tags: 
June 2022
Virginia State Police
Memorial Day
2022-6-3

Coronation Chicken

The last Coronation of a British Monarch took place sixty-nine years ago today. Elizabeth II, though, had been Queen since the death of her father, George VI on February 6, 1952.

Many of us are now familiar with the story thanks to The Crown on NETFLIX.

Constance Spry and Rosemary Hume created this dish for the Coronation Banquet and it can still be found all over Great Britain.

With the exception of the Greek yogurt, this is the original recipe. I have suggested swapping the whipped cream for something else as Greek yogurt or sour cream will hold better; whipped cream has a tendency to weep a bit and deflate.

Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 shallot (or 2 tablespoon white onion), finely chopped
1 bay leaf
2 teaspoon mild curry powder
1 teaspoon tomato paste
1/4 cups red wine
1/4 cups water
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
 1/4 teaspoon brown sugar
1.12 cups mayonnaise
1 cup Greek yogurt  (or sour cream or creme fraiche or unsweetened whipped cream)
1 tablespoon dried apricots, finely chopped
1 rib celery, finely chopped
6 cups skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded or cut into chunks
salt & pepper to taste
3 tablespoon toasted almond flakes, (optional)

Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-low heat.

Add the onion, bay leaf and curry powder and gently cook for 2 minutes.

Add the tomato paste, red wine and water and bring to a gentle boil.

Add the lemon juice and a pinch of sugar, then season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

Simmer for 2 minutes, until the sauce is slightly reduced, then remove from the heat. Strain the sauce through a fine sieve and allow it to cool.

In a large bowl mix together the prepared sauce with the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt and finely chopped apricots.

Add in the cooked chicken breast, and mix gently all the ingredients together. Finally, add in toasted almond flakes if you using.

Serve the coronation chicken with a salad, rice, on crackers or as a filling for sandwiches.

Tags: 
June 2022
Recipes
Main Dish Salads
2022-6-22

SBA Programs and Partners Help Veteran Entrepreneurs

Growth Opportunities Expand Veteran-Owned Business Impact

BY: SBA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator John Fleming

As we enter the Memorial Day weekend, we take pause to honor the ultimate sacrifice far too many brave men and women made for the safety and security of the United States of America and our allies. As a veteran myself, I know that those who do return home, whether in times of war or peace, have also sacrificed a great deal in support of the American Way.

Abraham Lincoln said it best, “Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country's cause. Honor, also, to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves, as he best can, the same cause.”

The Department of Defense cares for our troops while they serve, and the Department of Veterans Affairs leads a whole of government approach to support them after. Some may be surprised to learn the U.S. Small Business Administration is part of this community of support by helping active-duty men and women, veterans, and their spouses succeed as entrepreneurs through special programming and access to capital and markets.

Supporting vetrepreneurs isn’t just good for veterans; it’s good for our economy. There are 2.5 million veteran-owned businesses in the U.S.  Despite the fact the majority of these firms are small (99.9%), they have a huge impact on our economy – nearly 380,000 veteran small business owners are creating jobs by employing 4.2 million people and paying $182 billion in total annual payroll. That’s an average of 11 employees per veteran-owned small employer.

If you are a veteran, or have veterans in your life, check out the SBA’s robust outreach network of Veterans Business Outreach Centers, District Field Offices, and resource partners offering counseling, training, mentorship, and assistance. 

We’re also currently administering the Biden-Harris Administration’s Community Navigator Pilot Program, an American Rescue Plan initiative designed to reduce barriers all small businesses, including those owned by disadvantaged groups such as veterans, women, and those from rural communities and communities of color, face in accessing critical support. The program will provide $100 million in funding to 51 organizations ("hubs") to work with over 400 local community groups ("spokes") to connect America's entrepreneurs to federal, state, and local resources so they can recover and thrive.

Vets may also be interested in our quarterly Interagency Task Force on Veterans Small Business Development and our Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs meetings to be held Jun 1st and 2nd. These meetings are vital for the SBA to gain a greater understanding of the current state of veteran-owned small businesses and how to best serve them. Presentations and minutes will be available after both meetings at www.sba.gov/ovbd under the "Federal Advisory Committees" section. 

Tags: 
June 2022
Small Business Administration
2022-6-2

Asian Citrus Chicken Salad

Pair this salad with crispy sesame breadsticks, sesame crackers or top with sesame croutons.

Ingredients
1/3 c. honey
2 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce, divided
1.3 c. raspberry vinegar
2 tsp. peeled, grated fresh ginger
1 Tbsp. orange zest
1/3 c. fresh orange juice
Cooking spray or neutral oil
4 (4 ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
4 tsp. low sodium soy sauce
8 c. mixed salad greens (4 c. spring mix and 4 c. romaine mix)
3 oranges, peeled and sliced
1 red bell pepper, seeded, cut into thin strips

Add first six ingredients to a medium bowl, wisk well and set aside.

Coat a large non-stick skillet with cooking spray (or brush with a thin layer of neutral oil) and place over medium heat. Add chicken and spoon two tablespoons of the dressing mixture over the chicken. Cook five minutes, turn and add two more tablespoons of the dressing mixture on the second side. Cook until done (165 degrees F). Remove to a platter and cool slightly.

Remove skillet from heat and stir in 4 teaspoons soy sauce into the drippings in the skillet, set aside.

Slice chicken breasts thinly, set aside.

Divide salad greens among 4 plates, Divide orange slices and pepper strips on top of greens. Combine pan drippings with dressing to taste and drizzle 3 tablespoons over each plate of greens. Top each plate with one chicken breast and drizzle with one more table spoon of the dressing.

Tags: 
June 2022
Recipes
Main Dish Salads
2022-6-1

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