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 This is evidenced by the mobile Civil War museum now installed at NOVA that includes hundreds of historical documents and objects.”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.

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.

Ruth Neaville, who plays Joyce, and Jim Johnson, who plays Detective H.E. Weber, listen to feedback from director Matthew Randall. Photo by Traci Brooks.

Traci J. Brooks

Director of Photography

A small collection of actors gathers in the Waddell Conference room at Loudoun campus, bearing scripts and pencils. As they sit, their specific beverage marks their spot — Arizona Green Tea for one, seltzer water for another.

Despite the dignity of the room, the atmosphere is anything but somber as Taking Flight Theatre’s cast and crew rehearse for their upcoming performance of Earth and Sky, a play by Douglas Post.

Earth and Sky is a play in the style of a film noir, a mystery whose ending the cast and crew are keeping tightly under wraps. The basic plot revolves around Sara, whose boyfriend is murdered and who finds herself delving into the seedy world around her to find out who killed him.

While the majority of a play’s rehearsal time is spent on stage, this step of creating a show is just as essential as standing in front of an audience. “Table-work,” as actors call it, is essential for an actor to understand his character’s role in the play. They practice different vocal inflections, discuss how they’ll stand and where they’ll move. They discuss the characters’ relationships to each other and draw connections between the actors’ lives and those of their characters.

“This is a very character-driven show,” director Matthew Randall explains, noting that he always does approximately a week of table-work in his shows.

“It’s the foundation of the entire show,” Jim Johnson, who plays Detective H.E. Weber, says of table-work. “It’s an opportunity to dig into the characters before we get on stage.”

Questions fly as actors read a line, pause for feedback from Randall and then respond to his probing as to their character’s motivation. The actors don’t even go by their real names, instead responding when Randall addresses each of them using their character’s name.

“I don’t think Sara is at all present,” Randall comments.

“She is so checked out,” agrees Lauren Palmer Kiesling, who plays Sara.

“Then, try a line delivery that shows you’re checked out.”

She thinks for a second and nods.

They work the same two-minute scene again. And again. The speed and volume of the lines change slightly from one run-through to another.

“That was beautiful,” Randall finally says.

He turns to Ruth Neaveill, who plays Joyce, a fellow librarian with Sara, to give feedback on her physical actions during the scene, “You could even drop one book while you’re talking, she picks it up for you, you continue talking, you drop it again.”

After another run-through, Randall compliments Neaveill: “Your vocal quality is perfection for this role.”

It’s a fluid, dynamic way to see a play performed. Without costumes and lights, it’s almost easier to hone in on the most important part of the show: the words. The ear and eye watch every nuance of the actors, picking up on subtleties that might be purposefully hidden when they are on stage — a wink, a hesitation before a word. Here in this room, the actors’ motivations and thoughts are an open book, giving an unparalleled look into the work of building a show.

Earth and Sky runs 100 minutes with no intermission. It will be performed Feb. 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24 and 25 at the Waddell Theatre on Loudoun’s campus.

For more information, visit tftheatre.org.

Lauren Palmer Kiesling, who plays Sara, reads through a scene. Photo by Traci Brooks.

Ruth Neaville, who plays Joyce, performs a monologue, showing that being seated doesn't mean being still. Photo by Traci Brooks.

Rick Johnson, a former golf professional turned massage therapist, chats with Ashley Owusu-Sampah while giving her a massage. Photo by Traci Brooks.

Traci J. Brooks

Director of Photography

Looking for a way to relax during finals? Almost 50 lucky students at Loudoun got a free massage to help relieve stress on Dec. 2.

Rick Johnson, one of the massage therapists, said he got into massage therapy because of his own injuries from being a professional golfer. He noted that massage therapy was “tremendous for circulation and stress relief,” and that it releases endorphins to ease pain.

Valerie Morgan, a former nurse who has been a massage therapist for 11 years, agrees with Johnson, noting that massage therapy is great for students. “They spend a lot of time at the computer hunched over, so they get a lot of tension in their shoulders and neck,” she commented.

And the students? This was Ashley Owusu-Sampah’s first time getting a massage. She said the massage was “awesome and ticklish.” Robert Olson, an engineering student, called the massage relaxing and “definitely rewarding.”

Robert Olson enjoys a massage in between classes. Photo by Traci Brooks.

Ashley Owusu-Sampah receives a complimentary massage to help relieve the stress of finals. Photo by Traci Brooks.

Daquan Paige performs "Swim Good" by Frank Ocean at the Loudoun NOVA Idol auditions. Photo by Carina Thornton.

Ana Guerra
Staff Reporter

It’s back. Northern Virginia Community College’s popular singing competition, NOVA Idol, has returned and the crown is up for grabs yet again. NOVA Idol has gained much popularity throughout the past years through intense competition and even a little controversy.

Last year’s first-place winner, Jasmine Williams, is also the daughter of the vocal coach for NOVA Idol. The first-place achievement by Williams raised eyebrows, leaving people wondering: can the judges cast a sincerely unbiased vote when a colleague’s daughter is competing and a large amount of money is on the line?

That’s right. Students are not just competing for a title or a medal. Four thousand dollars is awarded to the first-place winner. The second-place winner receives $2,500. And $1,000 goes to the third-place winner.

The cash prizes do not have to be used toward schooling; the money can be utilized as the winners see fit.

This year’s auditions ran from Nov. 3 to Nov. 15 at the various campuses.

Those chosen will move on to the semi-finals, judged by previous NOVA Idol winners, to be held Friday, Jan. 20, 2012. Students are invited to attend this performance. The judges will select six contestants to perform at the finale on March 23 in the Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center at the Alexandria campus. The votes of both the audience and judges will be tallied to determine the first, second, and third-place winners.

For more information, visit NOVAIdol.com.

Performing "Chasing Pavements" by Adele, Krista Frost sings for a chance to move on to the semi-finals at NOVA Idol. Photo by Carina Thornton.

Zach Boren sings "Your Song" as performed by Ewan McGregor in the movie, "Moulin Rouge." Photo by Carina Thornton.

Bria Daniels, a student at Potomac Falls High School, performs "Hypothetically" by Lyfe Jennings. Photo by Traci Brooks.

Kristin Deegan, a student at Robinson Secondary School, earns positive feedback from the judges for her rendition of "Who You Are" by Jessie J. Photo by Traci Brooks.

Erik Johnson, a student at Loudoun Campus and employee at the UPS Store, sings "Superstar" by Luther Vandross. Photo by Traci Brooks.

Erika Anderson sings "I'm Going Down" by Mary J. Blige while auditioning at the Alexandria campus. Photo by KJ Mushung.

Robert Duquette auditions for the 2012 NOVA Idol competition by singing "The Christmas Song" by Mel Torme. Photo by Kama Storie.

Jin Shin auditions for the 2012 NOVA Idol competition by singing "Open Arms" by Journey. Photo by Kama Storie.

Alexandra Langley auditions for the 2012 NOVA Idol competition by singing "Hero" by Mariah Carey. Photo by Kama Storie.

A lively performance by Mari Gragne, a ministry student from Woodbridge campus. Photo by Dave Gent.

Vanessa Lopez, an education student, at the NOVA Idol auditions. Photo by Dave Gent.

H. James William Jenkins, an engineering student, impresses the judges panel with his own song. Photo by Dave Gent.

Courtney Quick, a student from Manassas, likes what she hears from the judges. Photo by Dave Gent.

Kyung "Sophia" Lim, a science student from Manassas, performs for the judges at the NOVA Idol auditions. Photo by Dave Gent.

NOVA Alexandria police officer, Lt. John Weinstein, serves food to students Jiyeong Kim and Yejin Hong during a campus barbeque in September. Photo by: KJ Mushung

By Lt. John Weinstein
Commander, District 3

 One of the National Capital Region’s best-kept law enforcement secrets is the high level of capability and professionalism in the NOVA College Police Department. With only 49 sworn officers we may not be large, but we are good. We train extensively, have nationally-recognized subject matter experts in key public service areas, enjoy strong relationships with surrounding jurisdictions and play an active role in training police officers from surrounding jurisdictions.

You might be surprised to know the high level of training a recruit goes through to become a certified Virginia police officer. First, there is the attendance at the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy. During a recruit’s 850 hours at the academy, a number which equates to more than a year in a college program, he or she will study Virginia’s criminal code, become proficient with firearms and emergency vehicle operations, learn defensive tactics, criminal investigation, crime scene management and how to deal with everything from hazardous materials to domestic and sexual abuse, terrorism and various special needs individuals. Additionally, all NOVA officers are certified to provide first aid and to use the Automatic External Defibrillator.

Upon graduating the academy, the recruit still undergoes a field training program where he or she is accompanied for two to four months by an experienced and specially trained officer who evaluates the new officer’s job performance. Only when the field evaluator assesses a recruit to be proficient can he or she become a fully certified Virginia law enforcement officer with all the rights and obligations of other police officers in the Commonwealth. Those rights allow us to do things like make arrests and conduct criminal investigations.

Beyond our extensive entry-level training, NOVA police employs highly trained officers with diverse experience. In addition to our current chief, Daniel Dusseau, who has more than 22 years of experience, we have two former chiefs of police, plus officers who have served at various ranks in large and small departments. We have a New York City officer with 30 years of experience, officers with military experience, former corrections officers and dispatchers. Their skill and experience are consistently demonstrated when the department conducts its annual active shooter training and at other times when we train jointly with agencies such as Fairfax County and Alexandria City police departments.

Our officers are widely recognized as subject-matter experts in numerous fields. We have an officer who has a Ph.D., and is nationally recognized as an expert in weapons of mass destruction and international terrorism. We have state-certified firearms, driving and defensive tactics instructors, a bicycle patrol and gang specialists. We speak a total of more than 10 languages.

Our officers are regularly invited to teach at several area police academies which train officers from more than 30 northern Virginia jurisdictions.     

The college can be proud of its police department. Our officers offer a variety of services, such as escorts to vehicles, self-defense training for women and the full range of normal police services. We take our requirement to protect and serve seriously.

If you would like to know more about us or are interested in working with us, give us a call at our college-wide dispatch number: 703-764-5000.

Photos by: Kama Storie & Carina Thornton

The NOVA Flag Football team practices at Loudoun campus.

NOVA has recently announced that it has joined the National Junior College Athletic Association, effective for the 2011-12 academic year.

With membership among the more than 500 two-year colleges in 43 states in the NJCAA, NOVA student-athletes gain the opportunity to compete at a higher level of competition, for post-season competitions, including national championships, and for prestigious academic and athletic awards. It also includes NOVA with colleges that require uniform eligibility requirements for its student-athletes and give their student-athletes increased visibility with respect for possible recruitment by four-year colleges.

NOVA President Robert G. Templin, Jr. said about the announcement, “We are thrilled to be joining the NJCAA. Club sports teams have been a long tradition at NOVA and the College has fielded numerous athletic teams since it was established in 1965. By joining NJCAA, our athletes will have greater opportunities for winning championships and academic awards.”

NOVA will transition most of its current roster of sports teams to an NJCAA schedule in 2012-13, while continuing with a club sports schedule for this academic year. Teams making the transition include women’s volleyball and basketball, and men’s soccer, basketball and lacrosse. Its co-ed ice hockey team will retain membership in the American Collegiate Hockey Association. An unknown additional women’s sport is slated to be added for the first NJCAA year.

NOVA also announced in an August press release that in response to a spring 2011 student survey strongly supporting increased athletic and recreational programs, extra support will be added for intramural sports programming.

The NJCAA is the primary governing body of two-year college athletics and the second largest national intercollegiate organization in the US. Each year, nearly 60,000 student-athletes compete in 28 sports, and the NJCAA sponsors 48 national championship events.

The upgrades seem appropriate for a college including over 75,000 students on six campuses in the influential northern Virginia region, one of the largest community colleges in the country.

NOVA Fortnightly, is currently looking to hire writers, copy editors, photographers, layout/page designers, cartoonists, newspaper distributors, ad reps and a webmaster. These are PAID positions.

NOVA Fortnightly covers all six campuses of Northern Virginia Community College. Our office is at the Alexandria campus. Depending on the job, you may get to work from home.

To apply, e-mail a resume to apply@novafortnightly.com. Attach any writing, photography, graphic design or layout samples that you have done, depending on the job you seek. (Your name must be a part of the file name of everything you e-mail.)

If you applied before and were not hired, you will need to apply again so that we know you are still enrolled and are still interested in working for the newspaper. We have more applicants than positions, and sometimes people get turned down for a job simply because it has already been filled.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we regret that we cannot respond to everyone who applies.

Detailed instructions on how to apply can be found at NOVAfortnightly.com/contribute.

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