Chantilly, VA — On July 14, 2012, the Old Dominion Cotillion (“ODC”) held its 21st Anniversary Debutante Ball at Westfields Marriott in Chantilly, Virginia.  Family and friends gathered for a sumptuous multi-course dinner and lively dancing to celebrate the social debut of ten local young women. Dressed in white Cinderella-like ball gowns, the Debutantes each appeared under an arch of sabers impeccably and precisely performed by cadets from the Virginia Military Institute. Each debutante was formally presented by her father, and then escorted for the evening by a designated VMI cadet.

The ODC proudly announces the debut of its 2012 debutantes: Miss Sydney Dominique Backman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Duane Backman of Manassas, Virginia, who is a recent graduate of Osbourn Park High School in Manassas; Miss Erica Lynn Bossert, daughter of Captain and Mrs. David Larry Bossert of Fairfax, Virginia, who is a rising senior at Oakton High School; Miss Ciara Noelle Cooney, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eamonn Anthony Cooney of Oak Hill, Virginia, who is a rising senior at Oakton High School;  Miss Jillian Frances Goulding, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Joseph Goulding, Jr., of Fairfax, Virginia, who is a rising senior at Flint Hill School;  Miss Theresa Christine Hermle, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Matthew Hermle of Oakton, Virginia, who is a rising senior at James Madison High School; Miss Olivia Rose Joseph, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel S Joseph, III, of Centreville, Virginia, who is a rising senior at Westfield High School; Miss Claire Ellen Mahoney, daughter of Dr. David Lucas Mahoney and Dr. Karen Murry Mahoney of Oakton, Virginia , who is a rising senior at Oakton High School; Miss Hannah Marie Nothwehr, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Andrew Nothwehr of Chantilly, Virginia, who is a rising senior at Freedom High School; Miss Gianna Marie Sheffield, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. John Steven Sheffield of Oakton, Virginia, who is a rising senior at Oakton High School; Miss Paolah Urista, daughter of Mr. Alfredo Gutierrez and Ms. Andrea Urista of Centreville, Virginia, who is a rising senior at Westfield High School.           

The program also included the introduction of four Pages (seventh and eighth graders), nine Future Debutantes (ninth and tenth graders), and six Post Debutantes (seniors and college freshmen). Returning alumnae of all classes of the Cotillion were also recognized.

 Established in 1991, the Old Dominion Cotillion is a women’s organization that encourages young women to grow in confidence and poise while educating them in the social graces through cultural enrichment, social events, and philanthropic activities. Each year, the ODC’s social season begins with the Fall Invitational Tea, an informative overview for interested young ladies and their mothers that highlights the year’s upcoming events. As one might expect, throughout the year many opportunities are provided for social development, including an introduction to social graces, tea pouring etiquette, stationery etiquette, party planning, and—of course—dance lessons for the Debutantes.

 The 2011-2012 season was packed with exceptional cultural growth opportunities, including events at national historic landmarks. Early in the season, the ODC was 'treated' to a spooky Halloween event at Oatlands Historic House and Garden—the stately pre-Civil War mansion, gardens, and former plantation—located near Leesburg.  In April, the ODC toured and enjoyed afternoon tea at Georgetown's Tudor Place, Historic House and Garden.  Hidden in the heart of Georgetown, this verdant oasis features a grand mansion overlooking the Potomac that was built in 1805 by Thomas Peter and his wife, Martha Parke Custis Peter. She was the granddaughter of George and Martha Custis Washington and great aunt of Mary Anna Custis Lee, wife of Confederate general Robert E. Lee.  Another unforgettable destination was the National Cathedral, which hosted a Tour and Tea. From top to bottom, we were given a fascinating tour, from the upper levels of the stone towers—and their encompassing view of Washington, D.C. and its surroundings—to the magnificent and breathtaking main cathedral and chapels, as well as the vaulted crypts below.

In addition to numerous enrichment activities, the young women and their families enjoy social affairs throughout the entire social season. Highlights of annual events include the Holiday Tea as well as the Holiday Gala and a father-daughter Valentine’s Day brunch; rotating events include a trunk show, father-daughter bowling, a car care seminar, and Internet etiquette, to name a few, all of which culminate in the Debutante Ball.  Each year, “Ball Week” is filled with activities for the young women and their families as they eagerly anticipate the annual Debutante Ball, including Family Day, a Debutante luncheon, the “Ring Dance” (where the Debutantes are presented with the ODC’s signature ring), and the Rehearsal Party.  While the annual Debutante Ball marks the end of the social season, it also promises the beginning of a new journey for the young women who are making their debuts.

 One of the primary objectives of the ODC is to teach its young women social responsibility and encourage them to engage in the community. In the spring of 2008, the ODC began a philanthropic partnership with the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter in Fairfax, Virginia.  The shelter is run by Shelter House, Inc., a community-based, non-profit organization serving homeless families in Fairfax County, Virginia.  This season ODC members provided more than 200 hours of service, hosting kids-night activities such as games, snacks, and crafts.  In addition, the members also volunteered over 700 hours to other charitable organizations in the community.   In 2009, ODC was awarded the Volunteer Service Award in the category of  “Youth Volunteer Group” by Volunteer Fairfax. In 2011, the Old Dominion Cotillion received the Shelter House 30th Anniversary Champion Award. “This award is in appreciation of your high level of service and commitment to preventing and ending homelessness and to those fleeing domestic violence.”

The 22nd Social Season will commence with the Invitational Tea, Sunday, September 30, at 3pm. For more information about the Old Dominion Cotillion and questions regarding membership, please contact us at info@olddominioncotillion.org or call Mrs. Charles Gallagher, Director, at 703-476-9576.

Leadership Fairfax (LFI) will present the 16^th annual Northern Virginia Leadership Awards (NVLA) at the Leadership Fairfax Award Luncheon on Thursday, November 8th, 2012 at Westwood Country Club in Vienna, VA.  The NVLA Awards is the premier leadership awards forum in Northern Virginia, and celebrates the leaders who make a difference in our community. We invite you to participate by nominating an individual or organization who exemplifies community-wide educational leadership during the 2012 year. Nominations may be made via the Leadership Fairfax website at www.leadershipfairfax.org/nvla and are due by COB Thursday, September 20^th, 2012. Details about each award are below.

Trustee Leadership Award

This award recognizes a person who has demonstrated visionary leadership in the Northern Virginia community. This person will have willingly embraced new opportunities and taken innovative and collaborative approaches in pursuit of better outcomes. Their high-profile initiatives will have offered leadership lessons not only within individual organizations, but across the broader public sector and positively affected the Northern Virginia Community at-large.

Non-Profit Leadership Award
This award recognizes an outstanding nonprofit individual or organization who has demonstrated service and stewardship in the Northern Virginia community. The organization will have exhibited excellence in the areas of innovation, motivation, community building, ethical integrity, and strategic leadership. This organization’s leadership in or with the nonprofit community has been transformative and will have mobilized and unified people, institutions, or causes that improve people’s lives.

Corporate Leadership Award
This award recognizes a private sector company that has demonstrated excellence and a commitment to the community and to Leadership Fairfax’s core values: Lead, Inspire and Connect. The business will also have demonstrated outstanding community leadership in Northern Virginia, not only ethical leadership and corporate stewardship, but will also have made a demonstrative and positive difference in the community.

Educational Leadership Award – Sponsored by Northrup Grumman

This award recognizes an individual teacher or administrator at the primary or secondary school level who has demonstrated a long-term and consistent pattern of excellent leadership in the education field and a commitment to the community and to Leadership Fairfax’s core values: Lead, Inspire and Connect.

About Leadership Fairfax

Leadership Fairfax is a nonprofit corporation that “educates, prepares, inspires and connects leaders to serve and strengthen our community.” Through its three programs, LFI, ELI and now LLP, Leadership Fairfax seeks to find, encourage and build leaders who make a difference not only in their organization or local community but in the whole Northern Virginia area.  Based on an experiential model, each class member learns about community needs and how to address problems and seek solutions.  Our alumni have logged over 300,000 volunteer community service hours serving nonprofits and Fairfax County Advisory Boards and Commissions, providing direct resource development and program services, and becoming elected officials. Leadership Fairfax is celebrating 25 years in leadership in 2012-2013.

September, 2012 – Chantilly-based TRAINING SOLUTIONS, Inc. (TSI) is celebrating its 17th anniversary this month. TRAINING SOLUTIONS, Inc. is co-owned by Michael and Sharon Ferraro.

“Over the past few years, we have seen a refocus by companies to enhance the people skills of their employees and to make better hiring decisions.  Our business remains focused on helping our clients improve their bottom line,” says C. Michael Ferraro, President/CEO of TRAINING SOLUTIONS, Inc. 

Together with their team of consultants, TRAINING SOLUTIONS provides diverse performance development training programs, online job matching and 360 feedback programs, executive coaching and workforce grants consulting for large and small companies across the U.S. and internationally. TSI is also a reseller for five training/HR vendors.

Michael became Chairman of the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce in June 2012. Both Michael and Sharon Ferraro are graduates of Leadership Fairfax. They also formed the Bite Me Cancer Foundation two years ago, along with their teenage daughter who is a thyroid cancer survivor.

TRAINING SOLUTIONS, Inc. is a member of the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce, the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce, Northern Virginia Technology Council, and the American Society of Training and Development (ASTD). Michael is also a member of the Northern Virginia Technology Council TechPAC and the Marymount Board for the School of Business.  (For more information about TRAINING SOLUTIONS, Inc. go to www.trainingsolutions.com.)

• “UnitedHealth HEROES” grants available to schools and youth-focused, community-based walking, running or hiking programs
• Wellness initiative featuring active service projects from UnitedHealthcare and YSA (Youth Service America)

Starting today UnitedHealthcare and YSA are inviting schools and other community-based nonprofit organizations in Virginia to “Step into Service” by applying for UnitedHealth HEROES grants.

UnitedHealth HEROES is a wellness initiative designed to encourage young people, working with educators and youth leaders, to create and implement walking, running or hiking programs aimed at helping fight childhood obesity.

Grants of up to $1,000 will be awarded to youth-led programs in Virginia that include both an activity element, in which kids count their steps, and a service component that increases awareness, provides direct service, enables advocacy on behalf of a cause, or features youth philanthropy around the issue of childhood obesity. UnitedHealth HEROES activities will begin on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service (Jan. 21, 2013) and end on Global Youth Service Day (April 26-28, 2013).

To learn more about the UnitedHealth HEROES program and to apply for a grant, visit www.YSA.org/HEROES. The application deadline is midnight EST on Oct. 15, 2012. Grant recipients will be notified in November. A list of previous grant winners is also available online.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 12 million children in the United States are obese. Healthy habits, including physical activity, can lower the risk of becoming obese and developing diseases related to being overweight.

“The UnitedHealth HEROES program enables young people to take part in positive change and develop healthy habits, which will affect their well-being while allowing them to give back to their communities,” said Sandra B. Nichols, Chief Medical Officer, Northeast Region, UnitedHealthcare Clinical Services. “We are excited to see the creative ideas young people come up with to help fight obesity and encourage healthier lifestyles.”

UnitedHealth Group is partnering with YSA (Youth Service America) to launch the fifth year of the UnitedHealth HEROES program. During the first four years of the program, nearly 1,000 UnitedHealth HEROES grants, totaling almost $500,000, have been awarded to groups across the country. 

“By partnering with UnitedHealthcare, YSA is mobilizing youth to take action and address childhood obesity, one of the toughest challenges facing their generation,” said Steven A. Culbertson, president and CEO of YSA. “At the same time, UnitedHealth HEROES will ‘step into service,’ applying their energy and creativity to improve their communities through service.”

About YSA (Youth Service America)

Celebrating 25 years of youth changing the world, YSA (Youth Service America) improves communities by increasing the number and diversity of young people serving in substantive roles. Through campaigns such as Global Youth Service Day and Semester of Service; YSA Grants and awards programs; and resources and training opportunities, YSA activates millions of young people each year. Working with—and on behalf of—youth, adult mentors, organizations and schools, YSA promotes a global culture of engaged youth committed to a lifetime of community action, learning, leadership, and achievement.

About UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people nationwide live healthier lives by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. The company offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 650,000 physicians and care professionals and 5,000 hospitals nationwide. UnitedHealthcare serves more than 38 million people and is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified Fortune 50 health and well-being company.

Description

Researchers at the University of Connecticut are looking for pregnant mothers and mothers with infants to participate in two research initiatives that will follow the development of infant siblings of children with autism over the first two years of life.

These studies are being conducted by Deborah Fein, a UConn Board of Trustees distinguished professor of psychology and nationally-recognized leader in autism research, and Anjana Bhat, an assistant professor in UConn's Neag School of Education who studies developmental disorders in infants and children.

The UConn IRB has approved these studies, Protocol #'s: H08-234 and H08-111.

Who Can Participate

• Younger siblings of children with autism between 16 and 30 months of age may be eligible to participate in the Early Detection Sibling Study.
• Infant siblings of children with autism between 3 and 12 months of age may be eligible to participate in the Infant Learning Study and may continue to participate in the Early Detection Sibling Study after 16 months of age.

 What the Early Detection Sibling Study Involves

• Professor Fein and her research team are studying the use of a developmental screener to see how well it works with younger siblings of children with an autism spectrum disorder.
• Parents of eligible younger siblings will complete developmental questionnaires for their younger child when he/she is aged 18 months and 24 months.  Parents will also be asked to complete a behavioral questionnaire for their older child.
• Some families will be given a follow-up phone interview and asked to come to the University of Connecticut-Storrs to receive a free developmental and diagnostic evaluation.

 What the Infant Learning Study Involves

• You and your infant will visit Assistant Professor Bhat's lab twice or someone from the lab will visit your home twice when your infant in 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 months for a total of 10 visits.  Each visit lasts 1-1.5 hours.
• You and your infant will participate in a number of play-oriented, structured activities.
• You will receive a few questionnaires to follow-up on your child's development when your child is 18 and 24 months.  A researcher may also conduct a phone interview to confirm your responses.
• If you live far away and we cannot drive to you, you can still participate in our research study via skype videochat sessions and by filling out parent questionnaires.  We will provide you a testing kit to accomplish the web-based assessments at each age.

How You Can Help

You can help by volunteering for the studies.  If you have questions on the Early Detection Sibling Study, please call the study office at (860) 486-5767.

If you have questions on the Infant Learning Study, please call the Infant Development Lab at (860) 486-0019 or email to anjana.bhat@uconn.edu

                     You are cordially invited to the

            Old Dominion Cotillion Invitational Tea

                      September 30, 2012 at 3pm

                The Old Dominion Cotillion is open to

                     all girls grades 6 through 12.

 This year-long program is filled with social and holiday events, etiquette and dance training, and philanthropic activities, as well as historical and professional tours. The 2012—2013 social season culminates in the presentation of 11th and 12th grade girls at the annual Debutante Ball.

                 For more information, contact ODC:                      info@olddominioncotillion.org

Calling All Crafters!
The Chantilly Annual Holiday Craft Show for 2012 has posted its call for craft vendors.

This years’ Celebration of Crafts is scheduled for Saturday, December 8^th
from 9 am to 3 pm at Chantilly High School in Fairfax, VA. 

The EARLY BIRD RATE deadline for Applications is October
15th.   Apply early to secure your space at the best rate.

Sponsored by the Chantilly Athletic Boosters’ this Annual Holiday Craft Show at Chantilly High School provides support to student-athletes on 42 teams participating in 19 sports.  Your participation in this event supports their efforts and brings a broad community audience to support your craft business. 

To receive further Vendor Information contact:  

Mary Ann Ceh at 703-953-6297 or b4dukefan@gmail.com

FOUND - In the parking lot at the "Great Escape: Prison to Park" Festival at Laurel Hill  Park
Saturday - September 15th

Leather Baby booties / shoes -- new - never walked on the ground

Respond with a description of the design and I will contact you to return.

Such a shame to loose both a these beautiful booties.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/laf/3277501968.html

SIMILAR TO THOSE PICTURED BUT DIFFERENT DESIGN.
THIS IS NOT A PICTURE OF THE LOST BOOTIES.

Community members of all ages are preparing to gather to fight hunger and need in the Fairfax County area at Fairfax-based charity Our Daily Bread’s (ODB) 2^nd annual Complete the Circle FOODRaiser and Community Event to be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 21 in a large field at 10515 School Street in Fairfax City.

More than 450 community members, including individuals and families, local congregations, scouts, youth groups and various community organizations have already registered to participate, and people of all ages are invited to join in the fun.  Participants will gather to create a unique “living painting” that will be photographed from 80 feet above by artist Daniel Dancer of Art for the Sky. Participants are asked to purchase in advance a special event T-shirt for $5 ($10 for XXL), which will “color” the image, and to bring at least two food pantry donations. To “complete the circle” of hope and giving, the pantry donations will create the perimeter of the picture and will later be distributed to Our Daily Bread’s Food Program clients.

More than 750 community members participated in Our Daily Bread’s 2011 Complete the Circle event and donated more than 3,000 pounds of food and supplies to help needy families throughout the Fairfax County area. ODB’s goal for Complete the Circle 2012 is to have 1,000 participants, raise 10,000 pounds of food and $10,000 in donations to help the working poor throughout the Fairfax County area.

A celebration with refreshments, children’s games and entertainment, and live music will precede the photo shoot, featuring music by young aspiring musicians from School of Rock in Vienna and the Vienna-based barbershop quartet Unchained Harmony. Individuals and groups are encouraged to participate and sponsorships and in-kind donation opportunities are available.  All proceeds will benefit Our Daily Bread’s efforts to help struggling families across the Fairfax County area. Participants are requested to register at www.ODBFairfax.org by October 19, but everyone will be welcome to register in person at the event as well.

Oakton High School student DylanKalina Staniszewski, 17, created this year’s Complete the Circle design, winning over more than 20 other designs submitted by local artists and community members for ODB’s design contest in March. DylanKalina will participate in Complete the Circle with her family and friends and has also worked with the Oakton H.S. Photo Club and National Art Honor Society to organize a food drive to collect donations for the FOODRaiser.  DylanKalina said, “After becoming involved with ODB, I have learned that you never know who is suffering around you.  Even the people that you think are well off and sailing through life may just be wearing a pretty mask to hide the pain they feel.  I feel this is important to know because it motivates me to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves.” She said she hopes more young people will use their talents and interests to help in the community. “I feel like a lot of teens are hesitant to volunteer for a cause or an organization because they don't think they can make a difference. I think it is important to find a hobby or skill that you enjoy doing and then apply yourself to a cause that you feel strongly about. Complete the Circle was a great opportunity for me to use my passion for art to help others.”

According to Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, 62,000 Fairfax County residents live below the poverty line ($22,000 annual income for a family of four) and 86,000 live just above poverty. During the 2011-2012 school year, Fairfax County Public Schools reported that more than 46,000 children, or 26 percent of the student population, qualified to receive free or reduced-price meals.

Our Daily Bread assists hundreds of Fairfax County area residents every year. In 2011, the organization provided four months of food assistance to 256 families, emergency financial assistance to 207 families, and budget classes and financial mentoring for 500 families. The non-profit also provided Thanksgiving and December holiday assistance to nearly 3,000 families in 2011 and school supply assistance to 738 children this summer. Many of the individuals and families who receive Our Daily Bread’s services are working but are struggling to pay for housing, utilities, gas and food because of unemployment, reduced work hours, or health care or other crises.

“It takes an income of about $60,000 for a family of four to thrive in Fairfax County. Most of the clients we help only make about $20,000,” said Our Daily Bread Executive Director Lisa Whetzel. “Here in one of the wealthiest areas in the nation, it is shocking that tens of thousands of people struggle with hunger and hardship on a daily basis. We hope the community will come out in force on October 21 to help us create a better understanding of the need here in our own backyard.  Together, we will ‘complete the circle’ of hope and giving to improve the lives of our neighbors in need.”

Participating groups include: Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church; Caring Craft Kids from Beech Tree Elementary School; Church of the Holy Comforter; Fairfax United Methodist Youth Group; Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax; Girl Scout Troop 6815; Girl Scout Troop 5416; HABA DABA MOYO; Ladies of Fairfax Walking Group; Mount Vernon Unitarian Church; Teens That Care; and Vienna Presbyterian Church.

Event sponsors include: Friends of Our Daily Bread; The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia; J.O.Y. Charitable Fund; The KohlMark Group; Red Team Consulting; ar-jon Portable Toilets, Inc.; Acumen Solutions; JL Tree Service, Inc.; Apple Federal Credit Union; Crothall Laundry Services – Northern Virginia; “Daisy” the Clown; Freedom Bank of Virginia; Christian Kloc, Juggler; MoveForHunger.com; Paxton Van Lines Springfield; Photography by Hernan Vargas; Salon Khouri; School of Rock; Virginia Commerce Bank; and Virginia Heritage Bank.

Sponsors, in-kind donations and volunteers to help organize and run the event are greatly needed. “We welcome our community’s creative ideas to partner with Our Daily Bread to make the event and celebration a success,” explains Whetzel. “And most important, to be part of the solution to help our neighbors succeed.”  For more information, visit www.ODBFairfax.org or call 703-273-8829.

October 7-13, 2012, Marks Annual Public Awareness Campaign on the Dangers of Fire

The National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA), the longest-tenured fire sprinkler advocacy organization in the U.S., recognizes October 7-13, 2012, as National Fire Prevention Week. National Fire Prevention Week is an annual public awareness campaign to promote fire safety throughout the U.S. This year’s theme is “Have 2 Ways Out!” which focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice. 

Created and sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the goal of National Fire Prevention Week is to educate families on what causes home fires, how to prevent them, and what to do in an emergency situation. NFPA has been the official sponsor of this campaign since 1922, making it the longest running public health and safety observance on record.

“National Fire Prevention Week is critical in educating the public about the dangers of fire and how to protect themselves and their families,” said Russell Fleming, President of NFSA. “Fire sprinklers play a key role in protecting people and firefighters from the tragedies that fire can cause. To date, there has never been a multiple loss-of-life in a home that has a properly installed and maintained fire sprinkler system. I urge the public to learn more about how they can prevent and protect themselves and their families from the dangers of fire.”

In recognition of National Fire Prevention Week, NFSA is hosting a variety of events and training courses to educate the public and fire officials across the country on the benefits of home fire sprinkler systems. Additionally, NFSA provides the following fire safety tips for families:

• Make an escape plan

• Install smoke detectors in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and check the batteries often

• Install fire sprinklers throughout your house
• Once you’re out, stay out! Do not re-enter a burning building
• Practice your home fire escape plan twice a year

For more information on National Fire Prevention Week and local events in your area, visit www.NFPA.org.

About the National Fire Sprinkler Association

Established in 1905, the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) is the voice of the fire sprinkler industry.  NFSA leads the drive to get life-saving fire sprinklers into all buildings; provides support and resources for its members – fire sprinkler contractors, manufacturers and suppliers; and educates authorities having jurisdiction of fire control matters. Headquartered in Patterson, N.Y., NFSA has regional operations offices throughout the country.

Register now for the FREE 6th Annual K-9 Krawl 5K this Saturday, October 13, 2012.  This dog walk is a way to increase awareness between domestic violence and the link to animal cruelty. It is a great way for you and your canine companion to come out and show support for victims and pets of violence during the National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  There will be Goodie bags, Free raffles, Domenstic Violence Resource tables, Pet portraits ($10 donation),and a FCPS K-9 Unit demonstration. Check-in starts at 8:30 AM, and the walk begins at 9:00 AM at the Fairfax County Government Center, Parking Lot C.  To register and for more information go to http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/survey/k9krawl.htm.  Sponsored by the (FCPD) Victime Services Section and Fairfax County Police Department and the Fairfax County Law Enforcement Foundation.

Exciting News! Schroeder Design/Build, Inc. has made Remodeling Magazine’s “2012 Remodeling 550” list. Many thanks to our clients, employees, vendors, suppliers and friends for supporting our passion for remodeling homes in Northern Virginia!

All the best,
Trish Schroeder
Schroeder Design/Build, Inc.
Trish@SchroederDesignBuild.com
703-449-1700

Let's all get together this Saturday, wiggle our tails and celebrate the sheer pugginess of it all at PugFest 2012.

The entry fee for PugFest is a suggested donation of $5. In lieu of this, we also suggest bringing a donated item for our dogs currently in MAPR care. All dogs in attendance are invited to participate in contests. Raffle tickets may also be purchased the day of the event. The pug kissing booth will be $1 donation per pug kiss.

Since this is a fundraiser, we're hoping everyone can contribute $5 to the group to attend the festivities. However, please don't let a lack of $5 or a donated item keep you from coming and enjoying the fun with pugs and pug people. The most important thing is to celebrate the joy our animals bring to our lives, and as long as we gather in thanks of this, good things will surely come of it.

An estimated 200,000 Fairfax County voters may not be able to cast a ballot on Nov. 6, or may go to the wrong poll location, because their registration may not be up-to-date, according to the Fairfax County Office of Elections.

Oct. 15 is the deadline to register to vote or make changes to your registration information for the Nov. 6 election.

Check your registration at the Virginia State Board of Elections Website or call the Fairfax County Office of Elections at 703-222-0776 (TTY 711). 

The Fairfax County Office of Elections is open Saturday, Oct. 13, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at the Government Center, Suite 323.

More: 

• Voter Registration FAQs 
• More Information on Voting and the Nov. 6 Election

Saturday, October 20, from 9AM to 12 noon we need two volunteers willing and able to carry 40-pound boxes of books. Come join the fun as we get ready for our big fall book sale!

Friday, October 26, we need runners to help people carry boxes of books to their cars. Two-hour shifts between 10AM and 6PM, you pick the time. Must be able to carry a 40-pound box of books. Come join the fun at our big fall book sale!

The Inova Breast Care Institute, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, has several events planned in October. 

Free Screening Mammogram Day is Saturday, Oct. 27. It is available to women over the age of 40 who have an order from a physician. You must register for this event. More information and registration is available by calling 571-423-5400.

More events: 

• A seminar titled "Dispelling the Myths About Breast Cancer." 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital.
• Key to the Cure. Saks Fifth Avenue will donate 2 percent of sales to Life With Cancer. Oct. 17- 21 at Saks Fifth Avenue, Tysons Galleria.
• Women’s Health Fair, 10 a.m. - noon Oct. 20 at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital
• A seminar titled "Treatment Options for Breast Cancer." 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital.

For information or to register on any of these events, go to www.inovalinktopink.org.

Eye of the Usher is a hilarious, inspirational blog about the ways of church folk. Written by Sister Minda Galloway, it's an amusing look between the pews of a sanctuary through the eyes of a blunt, but humble church usher. For a laugh and a blessing, check out eyeoftheusher.wordpress.com. On Twitter, follow @sisterminda and on Facebook, "like" Eye of the Usher http://t.co/w3Rtd58 - seeing, serving and sassing the sanctuary!

There are close to 725,000 total voters in Fairfax County, according to September statistics from the Virginia State Board of Elections.

But, an estimated 200,000 Fairfax County voters may not be able to cast a ballot on Nov. 6, or may go to the wrong poll location, because their registration may not be up-to-date, according to the Fairfax County Office of Elections.

Monday, Oct. 15 is the deadline to register to vote or make changes to your Virginia registration information for the Nov. 6 election.

Check your registration at the Virginia State Board of Elections Website or call the Fairfax County Office of Elections at 703-222-0776 (TTY 711). 

You may register to vote through any of these methods by 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15. Voter registrations that are mailed in must be postmarked by Oct. 15.

More: 

• Voter Registration FAQs 
• More Information on Voting and the Nov. 6 Election

Contact:

Jody Keenan, Managing Director

Mason Enterprise Center

703.277.7727

Mason Enterprise Center Poised to Support Business Growth at Fully-Renovated Fairfax Facility

An event to launch the facility will take place on November 14, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. at 4031 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030

Fairfax, VA, October 17, 2012 – After 17 years of service supporting business innovation and growth, the Mason Enterprise Center’s (MEC) Fairfax location, MECFairfax, is pleased to welcome business owners and entrepreneurs to join them as they open the doors to their newly renovated facility. As a small business incubator and accelerator program, MECFairfax offers office space, administrative support, expert consultation and training to help businesses achieve maximum success.

Guests attending the event will have the opportunity to explore the fully-redesigned and expanded facility while sampling dishes from local Fairfax restaurateurs. Attendees will be awarded door prizes throughout the evening as they network and learn about the wide array of services and programs the MECFairfax has to offer, including one-on-one business counseling, training and network development.    

The event will feature guest speakers, including City of Fairfax Mayor, Scott Silverthorne. “I am delighted to be a part of the grand opening because I have witnessed the positive impact the MECFairfax makes on the region. The re-designed Fairfax facility, which is sponsored in part by the City of Fairfax Economic Development Authority, provides business owners with important resources to support their growth and success which in turn strengthens the economy,” Silverthorne said.

Renovations began in May and consisted of the addition of many modern and efficient conveniences to the 29,000+ square foot facility’s 11 conference rooms, 79 offices and multiple café and break areas. Today, shades of Tuscany abound in the Center’s café and reception area giving a warm, inviting feeling to guests. Cappuccino machines adorn break areas while multiple printing/copy stations are found on each level of the four-story facility. Each workspace and office consists of new carpet, paint, lighting and sidelights.  All conference rooms, are equipped with LCD monitors. The main conference room, located on the first floor, doubled in size and now accommodates up to 50 people.

While changes to the facility are vast, the MECFairfax commitment to emerging businesses has not wavered. “Our primary goal is to support the needs of growing companies. We provide the tools, insights and infrastructure businesses need to succeed in the ever-changing and competitive marketplace,” expressed Keith Segerson, Executive Director of the MEC.

To date, more than 300 companies have been supported by the MECFairfax incubation program. The updated facility will provide a new generation with the modern conveniences they covet with a suite of services to meet their growing needs.

About the Mason Enterprise Center Network (MEC)

The Mason Enterprise Center of George Mason University is an integrated network of programs and resources that help clients start, build and grow successful businesses.  Through our University-based expertise and proven marketplace experience, we help thousands of businesses achieve their goals while positively impacting local economies. Specializing in the areas of small business services, government contracting, international business, entrepreneurship, technology ventures, and telework initiatives, the MEC offers a unique combination of programs and services. The MEC has six regional locations including Fairfax, Leesburg, Manassas, Spotsylvania, Springfield and Woodbridge. For more information, visit www.masonenterprisecenter.org.

About MECFairfax

The MECFairfax is a small business incubator and accelerator program offering office space, training, networking and expertise to help businesses launch, innovate and grow. Located in Old Town Fairfax, MECFairfax provides access to business advisors as well as all of the quality support and training programs offered through the Mason Enterprise Center network (MEC). MECFairfax is sponsored by the City of Fairfax Economic Development Authority.

About the City of Fairfax Economic Development Authority (EDA)

The primary purpose of the EDA, in conjunction with the City Council, is to foster and stimulate economic development and redevelopment within the City of Fairfax, Virginia. To carry out this purpose, the EDA will support bond financing for projects within its powers as granted by the Virginia General Assembly and work with the City’s Economic Development Office (EDO) to advance business recruiting and expansion efforts. Further, the EDA and EDO will facilitate small business improvement and incubation, as well as promote an active dialogue within the business community, all in partnership with area business and educational resources.

###