Dreamstime

Press Release

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc., is recalling hard-cooked eggs, as well as prepared foods that contain hard-cooked eggs, sold between Jan. 23 and Feb. 1 because the eggs have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems.

Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

A 37-year-old woman was grabbed by a man as she walked toward her home in the 4100 block of Elmwood Street in Fairfax County. The suspect displayed a weapon, moved the victim a short distance and attempted to sexually assault her. The suspect fled on foot. The victim did not require medical attention.

The suspect was described as being white and tall, with a medium build. He was wearing a dark colored jacket, dark colored pants, and he concealed his face from the victim.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477 or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.

Press Release

Professor Poland

Press Release

Dr. Charles Poland of Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) has received the 2012 Outstanding Faculty Award, administered by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and sponsored by Dominion.

Poland is one of 12 faculty members from Virginia’s public and private colleges and universities who received the award, the highest honor bestowed upon faculty in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The award recognizes excellence in teaching, research, knowledge integration, and public service.

“On behalf of the NOVA community, we would like to express our congratulations to Dr. Poland for being selected as a recipient of this prestigious award,” said NOVA President Robert G. Templin Jr. “Dr. Poland has touched the lives of thousands of students since he began at the College in 1967. Students have embraced and praised his hands-on approach in directly engaging history and its artifacts. This is evidenced by the mobile Civil War museum now installed at NOVA that includes hundreds of historical documents and objects.”

Poland teaches courses in U.S. and local history, Western civilization, and the Civil War at NOVA’s Annandale Campus. His teaching career spans more than five decades. Since 1977, he has conducted celebrated field-trip courses to major and minor battlefields of the Civil War. He has traveled more than 120,000 miles to battlefields from Alexandria to the Ohio River and from Gettysburg to Appomattox, giving hundreds of lectures to students varying in age from teenagers to senior citizens.

He has received awards for teaching excellence including the “Most Outstanding Faculty Member” and the NOVA Alumni Federation Faculty of the Year.

Poland has a deep appreciation for local history, which is due in part to having ancestors that trace back to the colonial period in Loudoun County. His published work on the subject includes “From Frontier to Suburbia: One of America’s Fastest Growing Counties,” “A Loudoun County Story” and “The Lure of Loudoun: Centuries of Changes in Virginia’s Emerald County.”

As a scholar of the Civil War, he has placed special emphasis in his publications on little known military activities and now forgotten heroes who dominated public opinion in 1861. His writing reveals citizen soldiers’ romanticized expectations of glory and their dreams shattered by cruel realities of war.

Poland holds a doctorate in American history from Western Colorado University. He and his wife live in Loudoun County and have two daughters.

Courtesy of VDOT

Press Release

The Virginia Department of Transportation has a new web tool that shows the status of plowing in Northern Virginia neighborhoods.

Once it snows at least two inches, residents can find out the status of plowing in Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William county neighborhoods at novasnowplowing.virginia.gov.

The website activates when two or more inches have accumulated.

VDOT has organized Northern Virginia streets into 600 “snow maps” which are assigned to plow drivers. These are the maps users will view and be able to find out whether crews are plowing, have plowed or have not started a particular snow map. Street-by-street progress is not shown.

Users can enter an address in Northern Virginia to see a color-coded snow map that indicates the plowing status in that area:

· Green indicates a neighborhood has been plowed

· Yellow means plows are in progress in the neighborhood

· Blue indicates plows have not yet started the neighborhood

· Gray means the area is not maintained by VDOT. (Cities, towns and some developments maintain their own roads.)

“This is a test run so we will welcome feedback from the public,” said Northern Virginia VDOT Assistant District Administrator Branco Vlacich. “We will make adjustments as needed to make it as user-friendly and helpful as possible.”

Quick Tips for Users

· Be sure to enter your complete address, e.g. 100 Maple Street, Anytown, Virginia.

· The website tracks VDOT-maintained neighborhoods only.

· The website is active only when two or more inches of snow have fallen.

Residents can view a video on how to use the new site.

How VDOT clears subdivisions in Northern Virginia

Trucks are pre-positioned in subdivisions whenever the forecast calls for two or more inches of snow. Each subdivision has at least one dedicated truck and plowing begins when two inches have accumulated. Main thoroughfares are repeatedly plowed during a storm. Once the storm has stopped and those roads are clear, crews work to make residential streets and cul-de-sacs “passable.”

A neighborhood street is considered passable when a path is drivable (with caution) for an average passenger vehicle. The road will not be cleared curb-to-curb or to bare pavement and may remain snow-packed, uneven and rutted (especially following any refreeze). Chemicals are not typically used in subdivisions, but crews sand hills, curves and intersections as needed to provide traction. For most storms, one snowplow pass, about eight to 10 feet wide, is made.

Once drivers complete a minimum of one pass on the roads in a map, they report back that the route is complete.

VDOT judges subdivisions complete through processed snow maps, resident call volume and feedback from VDOT monitors.

Delegate Tim Hugo

Press Release

Delegate Tim Hugo (R-40th) introduced Virginia HB 1080 in a joint press conference on Jan. 23 in Richmond. Joining him were Elizabeth Schultz, Fairfax County School Board member representing the Springfield District, Steve Stuban, a Fairfax County advocate for parental notification, Delegate Kay Kory (D-38th) and Senator Chap Peterson (D-34th.)

Hugo’s bill is in response to the public outcry surrounding last year’s tragic death of Nick Stuban and the growing concern among Fairfax County parents regarding the Fairfax County School System’s disciplinary process.

This bill requires school systems to notify parents at the school’s earliest opportunity of their student’s alleged misconduct.

Hugo stated, “HB 1080 codifies that parents must be part of the solution in seeking to help school administrators address student disciplinary issues. School systems must begin to view parents as partners, not adversaries.” HB 1080 specifically:

Requires the school principal to take certain procedures, including parental notification and the issuance of due process warnings, prior to questioning a student in the case of a serious violation.

Clarifies that a serious violation is defined as a violation of a school board policy or the compulsory school attendance requirements when such violation could result in the student’s suspension, the notification of law enforcement, or the filing of a court petition, and
Permits authorities to question a student immediately IF exigent circumstances exist, e.g. if another student’s safety is involved.

In stating the need for this bill, Hugo said, “I find it troubling that school administrators have questioned students for hours at a time without parental knowledge regarding issues that could lead to the student’s expulsion or incarceration.”

Hugo expressed his appreciation to School Board Member, Elizabeth Schultz, for working with him in crafting this legislation.

“Her advice and counsel regarding this bill was invaluable. I would also like to express my admiration to Steve Stuban for his unwavering commitment to ensure that no other student will go through the tragic interrogation to which his son, Nick, was subjected.”

Hugo’s bill has been referred to the Students and Early Education Subcommittee of the House Committee on Education.

Hugo currently serves as the Majority Caucus Chairman for the House Republican Caucus. He is the Vice Chairman of the Finance Committee and also serves on the Commerce and Labor, Transportation, and Privileges and Election Committees.

Hugo represents Centreville, Clifton, Fairfax, and Fairfax Station in Fairfax County as well as Catharpin, Gainesville, Haymarket, and Manassas in Prince William County.

In the letter dated Jan. 19, the governors highlighted the region’s existing technical expertise in the defense industry, established UAS facilities and appropriate airspace for this type of testing and development.

“The Mid-Atlantic region represents a significant resource to the federal government as they develop a UAS test range,” said McDonnell. “Virginia and Maryland already host many companies that provide technical expertise, staffing and support to the federal government’s military and technology programs, and our collection of restricted airspace will provide the perfect training area for this type of testing. Furthermore, the existing DoD, NASA industry and academic institutions in our states can provide the FAA with resources to develop the cutting-edge UAS technology at no additional cost to the taxpayer. In these difficult fiscal times, this type of coordination and co-location of activities is vital to ensuring that our government lives within its means while providing our core services of government.”

O’Malley added, “Virginia and Maryland are working together across state and party lines to provide the best solutions for the needs of our nation. Already, industry, academic and federal agencies located in Maryland and Virginia design, test and operate every category of unmanned aircraft systems. We are also home to the largest collection of experience with this technology and integrating it into national airspace of any region. This region can become the UAS center for the nation, and provide the workforce, close strategic proximity to the federal government and the highest concentration of U.S. population, and the technological infrastructure to ensure the success of the national UAS program.”

Further development of the nation’s UAS program will not only serve advanced military operations, but will also provide additional resources for private industry and homeland security efforts that will use this technology.

The Mid-Atlantic region is within a day’s drive of the majority of the U.S. population, and is strategically located near the nation’s capitol and major population centers along the East Coast.

The states have not yet received a response to this letter from Secretary LaHood.

NOVA's ice hockey team plays against Maryland in a Nov. 20 game in Prince William County. Photo: KJ Mushung

By: Arch Scurlock
Sports Columnist

After having suffered some lopsided defeats early in the season, NOVA ice hockey coach, Barrett Haga, finally found some time to smile after the second period of the Nov. 20 Sunday morning game against the University of Maryland at the Prince William Ice Center. Northern Virginia Community College was trailing only 2-0, despite having been outshot by 36-10.

“Our hard work has finally paid off. Our goalie is playing out of his head,” remarked Haga.

The third period saw NOVA take only 14 seconds to score its first goal by James Powers from about five feet out. UMD came back, however, to score the next three goals before James Powers scored at 11:49 from about 10 feet out on a one-on-one shot on the goalie, making it 5-2. Powers twice had one-on-one breakaway opportunities against the goalie during the game but was not able to capitalize on either.

NOVA next took advantage of a power play at 6:59 as Richard Orksider scored on a slap shot from about 25 feet out to cut the deficit to 5-3. NOVA could get no closer as UMD finally prevailed 6-3.

After the game, the coach exulted, “We’ve come a long way. The team is starting to come together, to gel as a team. Towards the end of the year we should make decent showings. We’re missing some key players today, but the guys played the best game they could have played as a team.”

The previous weekend, NOVA had traveled to southwest Virginia to play two games. On the Nov. 12 in Roanoke, NOVA fell hard to Radford, 12-1. However, the following afternoon, NOVA recovered from its late night beating to lead Virginia Military Institute after every period and hung on for a 7-6 win, NOVA’s second of the year.

Kevin Hastings had two goals and two assists and Casey Dunn added two goals.

The weekend following the Maryland game, NOVA traveled up north but did not receive much hospitality, losing 8-1 on Dec. 3 to Rowan University in New Jersey and then the following day 7-1 to Bryn Athyn College near Philadelphia, a team they had played much better against earlier in the season at home.

NOVA’s record stands at 2-11.

Press Release

An 18-year-old died at Inova Fairfax Hospital on Friday, Jan. 6 as a result of injuries he sustained in a traffic crash on Monday, Jan. 2, 2012.

Carlos Hernandez of 2915 John Marshall Drive, Falls Church, was a passenger in the back seat of a 2001 Honda Accord and was ejected during the crash.

The crash occurred around 12:40 a.m., in the 2900 block of Graham Road near Rice Street. The driver lost control of the vehicle, ran off the road and struck a tree. Police have not placed any charges but are continuing to investigate. Crash Reconstruction Unit Detectives believe that speed may be one of the causative factors of the crash.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477 or e-mail at fairfaxcrimesolvers.org.

NOVA Serves: Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
Press Release

Join in for NOVA’s third annual NOVA Serves: MLK Day National Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 16. Over the past two years, NOVA Serves has offered 14 service projects and engaged over 750 students, faculty and staff in service. The projects are located throughout NOVA’s service area, and participant volunteers represent all of NOVA’s campuses.

Option 1: Operation School Supply, Alexandria Campus
3001 N Beauregard Street
Bisdorf AA Building, Room 196
Alexandria, VA 22311
Time Commitment: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Volunteers are needed to donate school supplies and help build school supplies kits for school children in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other countries where US troops are stationed. In cooperation with the Operation International Children organization, these school supply kits will help US troops bring school supplies to needy children.

Option 2: Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Chantilly
4262 Entre Court
Chantilly, VA 20151
Time Commitment: 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations reuse and recycle new and used building materials. The proceeds from the sale of these items support Habitat for Humanity building projects. Volunteers will assist with incoming donations and test donations to make sure they work and clean, assemble or repair as needed. Volunteers will price donations and place them on the sales floor. Volunteers will organize the sales floor and assist customers on the sales floor.

Option 3: Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Alexandria
7770 Richmond Highway
Alexandria, VA 22306
Time Commitment: 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations reuse and recycle new and used building materials. The proceeds from the sale of these items support Habitat for Humanity building projects. Volunteers will assist with incoming donations and test donations to make sure they work and clean, assemble, or repair as needed. Volunteers will price donations and place them on the sales floor. Volunteers will organize the sales floor and assist customers on the sales floor.

Option 4: Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Manassas
9506 Center Street
Manassas, VA 20110
Time Commitment: 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations reuse and recycle new and used building materials. The proceeds from the sale of these items support Habitat for Humanity building projects. Volunteers will be receiving donations, helping customers, hanging light fixtures, etc.

Option 5: Loudoun County Animal Shelter, Sterling
39820 Charles Town Pike
Waterford, VA 20197
Time Commitment: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
The Loudoun County Animal Shelter is an open-access shelter, meaning they take in any and all animals that are surrendered by Loudoun County resident or are found stray in Loudoun County, regardless of reason or circumstance. Volunteers are needed to assist with cleaning and organizing projects for the shelter as well as animal adoption and animal care preparation activities.

To register as a volunteer, visit http://bit.ly/xgjpVI.

Press Release

Governor Bob McDonnell announced on Jan. 9 that Acentia, a premier provider of technology and management solutions to the Federal Government and commercial markets, will invest $3.1 million to move its headquarters to Fairfax County. The project will create 60 new jobs.

Speaking about the announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “With this announcement, Acentia joins the other technology and IT companies that call Fairfax County home to their corporate headquarters. The strong technology-based workforce in the region and access to federal customers and business partners made the Commonwealth the right choice for the company. I am confident in a successful partnership, and warmly welcome Acentia to Virginia.”

“Acentia provides solutions and solves challenges on programs of national significance, and we are proud to now claim the company as one of our own,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “Fairfax County boasts the headquarters of many impressive companies, and I look forward to Acentia’s success in the Commonwealth.”

Acentia is a premier employer and provider of technology and management solutions that help customers meet their mission-critical requirements on programs of national significance. Its professionals build trusted relationships with customers by tackling their most difficult challenges while consistently demonstrating value to customers across the Federal Government and commercial markets.

“Fairfax County gives us access to the highly-skilled technical staff and management consultants we need to continue to provide essential services to our customers,” said Todd Stottlemyer, CEO of Acentia. “As a company with very aggressive growth plans, we are excited about the possibilities that moving our headquarters to Virginia presents to our customers and the entire Acentia team. Our new space should be a springboard to a great 2012 for Acentia.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority to secure the project for Virginia. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the Company’s recruitment and training activities.

“We are honored to have another high-quality employer moving into Fairfax County and delighted to have a former member of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority Commission back working and creating jobs in the county and Commonwealth,” said Gerald L. Gordon, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority.