A Whirlwind of Events

The past several months have been a whirlwind of spectacular events all around the Hampton Roads and surrounding areas.  Above is a picture taken Friday evening, June 7th, 2015 of the L'Hermione in Yorktown.  It was the maiden voyage from France to the United States and Yorktown was the first stop.

L Hermione at Yorktown, Virginia 2015 from Chuck Thompson

We scanned in the brochure that was given away at the event as well as a copy of the boarding pass.  Take a look to learn more about the L Hermione.

We spend 4 days in Yorktown taking pictures of all the events and shows going on.  We took over 3,000 pictures and some HD video that we still need to process and get up.  The above is some art we created from the event.

The weekend before that was the Hampton Blackbeard Pirate Festival.  3 days of non stop entertainment.  We only went on Sunday for a few hours but still managed over 700 photos from the event.  We have them up on Google + and Flickr.

If you are a history buff, the events are non stop fun.  Pirates are the most fun to work with when it comes to photography.  Many of them are real hams.  Above is a few of the folks from the Motley Tones.  The female is Ring Tone pictured above and in the background purposely  messing up the photo is Flintz Tone.  I love those names.  They have real character.  You can visit their website at
http://motleytones.com/

The weekend before that was several great events for history buffs.  Civil war reenactments in Yorktown and American Revolution reenactments in Gloucester at the Courthouse Circle.

We managed over 1,500 photos between these two events.  Talking about a lot of shooting.


And a few weeks prior to these was a Pirate invasion in Yorktown.

At this one we only created about 300 photos total.  We were there more for the enjoyment of the event than to shoot anything.  But I just can't resist taking a bunch of pictures anyway.

Virginia is graced with a host of incredible places to visit and events to attend throughout the entire year.  For us, we love history so that is usually where you will find us the most.  We make a lot of friends at these events and share our works as much as possible.

And then there is always the fun of taking pictures where ever you are.  Events or not.

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Second Round of Federal Action Contingency Trust (FACT) Fund Grants

English: US Navy F/A-18C Hornet Fighter Aircraft. Photo by Scott Dunham, April 25, 2009, at Airpower Over Hampton Roads, Langley AFB, Virginia, USA. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced the recipients of the second round of Federal Action Contingency Trust (FACT) Fund grants.

The FACT fund was officially established in the 2012 General Assembly Session, to help Virginia counter actions taken by the federal government that may adversely impact the citizens and economy of Virginia. A first round of FACT Fund grants were announced on December 2, 2013. 

On July 21, 2014, Governor McAuliffe refined the application criteria by announcing that Virginia localities that have had or have pending identifiable or measurable negative impacts caused by encroachment upon military or security installations were eligible to apply for these grant funds.  The amount available for this second round of grants from the FACT Fund totaled $4,361,600.

“Virginia’s military bases and installations are a key asset to our economy, and we have a responsibility to protect them,” said Governor McAuliffe. “I am pleased that we were able to keep this FACT Fund money in the budget, and award it to communities so that they can guard against encroachment and preserve our Commonwealth’s strong relationship with the Department of Defense. As we work to build a new Virginia economy, we must continue to be the most military-friendly state in the nation. These grants will help us achieve that goal.”

In 2012, the General Assembly created the FACT Fund Advisory Commission (the “Commission”), composed of General Assembly members, to assist in the review of the FACT Fund requests.

The current Advisory Commission is composed of five members from the Senate Finance Committee: Chairman Walter A. Stosch, Senators Janet D. Howell, L. Louise Lucas, Frank W. Wagner, and John C. Watkins. The Advisory Commission is also composed of five members of the House Appropriations Committee: Chairman S. Chris Jones, Delegates L. Scott Lingamfelter, Rosalyn R. Dance, Edward T. Scott and Barry D. Knight. 

Secretary of Finance Ric Brown, Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs John Harvey, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones, and Secretary of Health and Human Resources Dr. Bill Hazel serve as FACT Fund advisors to the Governor.  On August 15, 2014, FACT Fund applicants presented to the FACT Fund Commission in Richmond.

Funding for the FACT Fund was made possible by Governor McAuliffe’s veto of language in the Fiscal Year 2015 Budget, which had the effect of restoring the General Assembly’s elimination of the existing balance to the FACT Fund and making it available for this round of grants.

FACT Fund Grant Recipients (Related Military Installation)

Recipient: City of Hampton (Langley AFB)

Award: $1,260,000

Summary: Langley Air Force Base (LAFB) is the only Air Force Base in the Commonwealth of Virginia and serves as a joint base.  The City of Hampton submitted an appropriate application for funds to battle the threat of development encroachment and was recommended for approval by the Commission. The City will use the funds from this grant to purchase both developed and undeveloped properties in designated clear zones.  The purchase of these properties prevents the loss of life and property in the event of aborted takeoffs or landings.  The City of Hampton will match the FACT Fund grant 1:1.

"I want to thank Governor McAuliffe for this grant, which will help Hampton protect the enormous value that Langley Air Force Base," said Hampton Mayor George Wallace. "The Governor fought to keep this FACT Funding in the state budget, and we are grateful that he used some of it to help us make Hampton the best home in the world for Langley and the men and women who serve there."

Recipient: City of Virginia Beach (NAS Oceana)

Award: $1,830,000

Summary: Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana is a master jet base for the U.S. Atlantic Naval Fleet and following a BRAC Order from 2005 has had a long-standing program to combat high density encroachment. Since inception nine years ago, the City indicates the program has invested over $122 million to buy properties or buy down density to assist with the encroachment issues surrounding the two runways.  The City of Virginia Beach submitted an appropriate application for funds to battle the threat of development encroachment and was recommended for approval by the Commission. Funding from this grant will continue to address priority purchases such as vacant land in accident potential zones with residential zoning and any property in clear zones. The City of Virginia Beach will match the FACT Fund grant 1:1.

Will Sessoms, Mayor of Virginia Beach, said, "On behalf of the people of Virginia Beach, I want to thank Governor McAuliffe for investing in our ongoing effort to keep NAS Oceana here in Hampton Roads, and for restoring this critical funding. Virginia Beach’s partnership with the Navy is a national model, and the FACT Fund is a valuable weapon as we continue to fight encroachment and work to create the best possible environment for the bases and installations that are essential to our Commonwealth’s economy.”

Recipient: City of Chesapeake (NALF Fentress)

Award: $1,453,867

Summary: The Navy Auxiliary Landing Field (NALF) Fentress serves as the outlying training facility to (NAS) Oceana.  The City of Chesapeake submitted an appropriate application for funds to battle the threat of development encroachment and was recommended for by approval by the Commission.  Funds from this grant will be used by the City to begin purchasing properties under the recently established Fentress Encroachment Protection Acquisition Program.  Acquisitions are targeted in the highest priority areas of properties in the Fentress Overlay District.  The City of Chesapeake will match the FACT Fund grant 1:1.

Speaking about the award, Chesapeake Mayor Alan Krasnoff said, “This grant will help the City of Chesapeake continue to battle encroachment so that the Navy can operate effectively in our city, and our residents can continue to enjoy the high quality of life we offer. I want to thank Governor McAuliffe for acting to restore this funding in the state budget, and for helping to fund this important work here in Chesapeake.”

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Governor McAuliffe Announces 596 New Jobs at Fort Monroe in the City of Hampton

Fort Monroe, Virginia (also known as Fortress Monroe) is a military installation located at Old Point Comfort on the tip of the Virginia Peninsula at the mouth of Hampton Roads on the Chesapeake Bay in eastern Virginia in the United States. For more info, please see talkpage. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

~ Liberty-Source PBC to invest $1.56 million in customer service operation~ 

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that Liberty-Source PBC, a flexible onshore business process outsourcing model that uniquely harnesses the talent of military spouses, will invest $1.56 million to establish an operation at Fort Monroe in the City of Hampton.  The company will provide finance, accounting, human resources, customer care and additional support services for its clients, creating 596 new jobs.

               Speaking about the announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “Liberty-Source PBC is a tremendous addition to the Hampton Roads region.  The company’s delivery model is centered on employing staff from the U.S. military community, and Fort Monroe and the City of Hampton have a long and storied military history.  In addition to active duty men and women in Virginia, thousands exit the military each year in the Commonwealth, and Liberty-Source will make a great social and economic impact providing opportunities to valuable government assets.”

            “The addition of nearly 600 new jobs is significant news for Fort Monroe and the City of Hampton,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade.  “An operation at a former U.S. Army post is a perfect fit for Liberty-Source PBC’s business model.  The companywill add economic vitality to a location with a centuries-old military tradition while drawing on the prevalent talents of the strong workforce in the region.”

Liberty-Source is a business process outsourcer (BPO) delivering finance and accounting, human resources, customer care and specialized industry solutions for clients seeking a flexible, onshore and cost-effective solution.  The company offers large multinational companies the first viable onshore alternative to a traditional offshore BPO model.  In addition, its compelling, socially conscious mission—providing career and training opportunities to the dedicated, under-employed pool of highly skilled military spouses—benefits both clients and, in this case, the broader Virginia community.

“Our unique operating model provides clients a solution unlike anything else on the market,” said Deborah Kops, Chairman, Liberty-Source.  “As an onshore BPO, Liberty-Source provides clients agile, tailored solutions which can deliver the spectrum of their business process needs.”

By harnessing the power of military spouses and creating strong alliances with leaders in the education, consulting and technology sectors, Liberty-Source is able to rapidly implement powerful solutions that meet the changing needs of its clients.  A Public Benefit Corporation (PBC), Liberty-Source is for-profit, yet designed as a responsible and sustainable enterprise, managed for the benefit of its clients, its shareholders and the broader public interest.

“Virginia is the ideal location to headquarter a BPO operation,” said Steve Hosley, president and CEO of Liberty-Source.  “With over 30,000 active military from all 5 branches in the greater Hampton Roads area, Fort Monroe provides us access to a highly skilled and dedicated workforce.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Hampton, the Fort Monroe Authority, and the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance to secure the project for Virginia.  Governor McAuliffe approved a $300,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Hampton with the project.  Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“In addition to its long and proud history, Hampton has a strong military tradition.  Hampton is a perfect fit for Liberty-Source’s mission to bring jobs back to the U.S. and employ hundreds of military spouses,” said Hampton Mayor George Wallace.  “With our supportive environment, friendly neighborhoods, excellent schools and quality of life, we believe that Liberty-Source is making a great investment in Hampton.”

"We're thrilled to welcome Liberty-Source to Fort Monroe,” said Glenn Oder, Executive Director of the Fort Monroe Authority.  “The company’s hiring of military veterans and family members of our active duty service men and women is admirable.  That makes it even more meaningful that they can call Fort Monroe home."

Governor McAuliffe Announces Administration Appointments

McAuliffe speaking at Frying Pan Park in Herndon, VA. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced additional appointments to his administration. The appointees will join McAuliffe’s administration focused on finding common ground with members of both pa

rties on issues that will grow Virginia’s economy and create more jobs across the Commonwealth.

Office of the Governor

Rachel Levy, Special Assistant in Constituent Services

Rachel Levy interned in the Governor’s Press office this past spring and formerly interned at the White House in the Office of the Press Secretary. She graduated with a B.A. from the University of California, Davis. She holds a degree in Communication with English and Writing minor.

Secretariat of Education

Eric Von Steigleder, Special Assistant to the Secretary of Education

Eric received his B.A. from the University of Mary Washington and his Master’s in Multimedia Journalism from the Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture at VCU. Most recently, he served as the Marketing Manager for an Henrico-based law firm and Editor of the East End Daily, an online news source in Richmond’s East End.

Secretariat of the Commonwealth

Board Appointments

Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel Commission

·       The Honorable Chris Snead of Hampton, Member, Hampton City Council

Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board

·       Samuel T. Bartle, MD of Richmond, Assistant Professor, Departments of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Virginia Commonwealth University/MCV

·       Stephen J. Elliott*, BAS, NREMT-P of Palmyra,  Battalion Chief/Shift Commander, Albemarle County Fire Rescue

·       The Honorable Joan F. Foster of Lynchburg, Member, Lynchburg City Council; Director of Development, Lynchburg Beacon of Hope

·       Kelly G. Southard of Orange, Rescue Chief, Orange County Rescue Squad; Senior Principal/ Partner, Gillum Architects, P.C.

Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Services Organizations

·       Richard J. Rinaldo of Newport News,  Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army Retired

Roanoke Higher Education Authority Board of Trustees

·       Robert A. Archer of Salem, President and CEO, Blue Ridge Beverage Company, Inc.

·       Patricia White-Boyd of Roanoke, President, Star City Management, Inc.

·       Charles A. Price, Jr. of Roanoke, Retired General Contractor

Secure Commonwealth Panel

·       John L. Bell, Jr. of Virginia Beach, Deputy Chief of Police

·       John A. Braun of Falls Church, President and Chairman of the Board, Dynamis, Inc.

·       Patrick E. DeConcini of Hampton, Principal, DeConcini & Associates, LLC

·       Paul T. Diamond, MD of Charlottesville, Associate Professor and Director of Neurorehabilitation, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Virginia Health System

·       Michael Lawrence Hamlar of Roanoke, Founder/President Hamlar Enterprises, LLC, Adjunct Professor, American National University

·       L.V. “Pokey” Harris of Chilhowie, Director of Emergency Management, Washington County

·       Jim Redick* MPA, CEM of Virginia Beach, Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response, City of Norfolk

·       Reuben Korah Varghese, MD, MPH of Arlington, Health Director and Division Chief, Arlington County Public Health Division

·       The Honorable Angelia M. Williams, Vice Mayor, City of Norfolk

Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Board of Trustees

·       Christine P. Kinser of Tazewell, Superintendent, Tazewell County Public Schools

·       Steven C. Cochran of Blacksburg, Director of Human Resources, HHHunt Corporation

State Air Pollution Control Board

·       Samuel A. Bleicher of Arlington, Principal, The Strategic Path LLC

·       Rebecca R. Rubin of Fredericksburg, President & CEO, Marstel-Day Environmental Company, LLC

Virginia-Asian Advisory Board

·       Julia Kim of Vienna, Chief of Staff, Office of Delegate Mark L. Keam, Virginia House of Delegates

Virginia Biotechnology Research Park Authority

·       Kenneth E. Ampy of Chesterfield, Chief Executive Officer, Astyra Corporation

·       Eric S. Edwards, MD, PhD of Powhatan, Co-founder, Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Research and Development, Kaleo, Inc.

Virginia-Israel Advisory Board

·       Irving M. Blank, Esquire, of Richmond, Partner, ParisBlank LLP

·       Marc K. Broklawski of Fredericksburg, Project Management, U.S. Government

·       The Honorable Eileen Filler-Corn of Springfield, Virginia House of Delegates, 41^st District; Director of Government Relations, Albers & Company

·       William R. Frank of Henrico, Public Policy Manager, Virginia Association of Community Services Board

·       Aviva Shapiro Frye of Bristol, Co-Founder & Executive Director, World Prayer Foundation and World Medical Travel, LLC

·       Joyce Slavin Scher of Richmond, Founder and President of Victoria Charles Fine Jewelry

Virginia Small Grains Board

·       Ellen Matthews Davis of West Point, Management Consulting

·       James H. Hundley, III* of Champlain, Owner and Operator, Cloverfield Enterprises

*Denotes reappointment

Governor McAuliffe Announces 75 New Jobs in the City of Hampton

Alcoa (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

~ Alcoa to make $25 million technology investment ~

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced in Hampton today that Alcoa Power and Propulsion, a business unit of Alcoa Inc. (NYSE: AA) and a global leader in superalloy airfoil and titanium and aluminum structural investment castings, will invest $25 million in its operation in the City of Hampton, which will create 75 new jobs. Through the investment, Alcoa will scale-up a breakthrough process technology that cuts the weight of its highest-volume jet engine blades by 20 percent and significantly improves aerodynamic performance.

Speaking at today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “Alcoa has been a solid corporate institution in Hampton for 40 years, and this major investment in new technology will ensure the longevity of its operation for decades to come. Advanced manufacturing is thriving in Virginia, and expansions like this help to diversify our economy and grow jobs of the 21^st century. This project is a great testament to Alcoa’s commitment to Virginia, and the advantages of the Commonwealth’s top-rate business environment that helps valued global companies succeed.”

“Alcoa is a major employer in Hampton, and this tremendous expansion will add at least 75 new jobs paying well above the prevailing average annual wage,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “The company has maintained its operation in Hampton for 40 years, despite economic changes over the decades, and we are proud to boast this significant corporate partner to the Commonwealth on our roster.”

Alcoa Power and Propulsion serves the aerospace, defense, energy and industrial markets, and its products are primarily used in jet engines and industrial gas turbines. Additional value-added products and services include hot isostatic pressing, specialty coatings, research and development, supply chain management, specialty tools, molds, and machinery. With 25 production facilities, Alcoa Power and Propulsion employs approximately 8,500 people worldwide.

A global leader in lightweight metals engineering and manufacturing, Alcoa innovates multi-material solutions that advance our world. Its technologies enhance transportation, from automotive and commercial transport to air and space travel, and improve industrial and consumer electronics products. The company enables smart buildings, sustainable food and beverage packaging, high-performance defense vehicles across air, land and sea, deeper oil and gas drilling and more efficient power generation. Alcoa pioneered the aluminum industry over 125 years ago, and today, its 60,000 people in 30 countries deliver value-add products made of titanium, nickel and aluminum, and produce best-in-class bauxite, alumina and primary aluminum products.

“We are deploying a state-of-the-art technology that will significantly improve the performance of some of the best-selling jet engines in the world,” said Alcoa Chairman and CEO Klaus Kleinfeld. “This technology and investment further demonstrate how Alcoa is executing on our strategy to aggressively capture demand in the fast-growing aerospace market.”

Commenting further on the expansion, Mike Pepper, President of Alcoa Power and Propulsion said, “Alcoa’s investment in Hampton builds on a positive, 40-year track record, and reinforces our on-going, collaborative relationship with both the Commonwealth and the City of Hampton.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Hampton to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $200,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Hampton with the project. The Governor also approved a $450,000 performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Partnership program, an incentive available to existing Virginia companies. The company is eligible to participate in the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity will provide funding and services to support the company’s training and retraining activities

"Alcoa has been a longtime anchor employer in the City of Hampton. I am extremely pleased that Alcoa chose to expand in Hampton by adding a new advanced manufacturing product line that will generate high-paying jobs,” said Hampton Mayor George Wallace. “Hampton is an excellent city for new and expanding businesses. We are proud of our highly skilled workforce, friendly neighborhoods, excellent schools and quality of life that is incomparable."

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58 fugitives arrested in three-day sweep on Peninsula, arrested identified

English: Image is similar, if not identical, to the Virginia State Police patch. Made with Photoshop. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By Tyra M. Vaughn and Andrea CastilloDaily Press

9:21 p.m. EDT, June 26, 2013

Virginia State Police and other law enforcement agencies arrested 58 fugitives last week during a three-day operation on the Peninsula.

Police arrested the fugitives on 21 felonies and 59 misdemeanors June 18-20 during the arrest sweep titled Operation Street Sweeper, said Sgt. Michelle Anaya, a spokeswoman for the Virginia State Police.

There were 17 people arrested in Hampton and 15 in Newport News, in addition to 26 individuals arrested in Williamsburg, York County, Poquoson and James City County, Anaya said. The arrests were made without incident, she said.

Among those arrested in the sweep was Justin A. LaFontaine, of Hampton, who was charged with grand larceny and Sean Christopher Kelsey, of Newport News, on two counts of prescription fraud, according to a Wednesday release from Anaya.

LaFontaine and Kelsey were arrested on June 18 and booked in the Hampton City Jail.

On June 19, police arrested Pleas Yates III of Newport News on grand larceny and conspiracy charges; James Edward Carney ofYork County on probation violation for two felonies; Eric Vince Vannostrand of Newport News on malicious wounding and breaking and entering charges; and Jacquetta Dixon of Newport News on three abduction charges, two firearms charges and one malicious wounding charge. Yates, Carney Vannostrand and Dixon were booked in the Newport News City Jail, Anaya said.

On June 20, police arrested Jenifer Erin Daniels on a grand larceny charge; Matthew James Falls on grand larceny and conspiracy to commit grand larceny charges and Fijiko Langley Hopkins on utter a forged check and obtaining money by false pretenses charges.  The three, of Williamsburg/James City County, were booked in the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail, according to Anaya.

Law enforcement personnel from Hampton, James City County, Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg andYork County assisted in the roundup. The U.S. Marshal's Service, Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation's Chesapeake Field Office also assisted in the operation.

http://www.dailypress.com/news/crime/dp-peninsula-fugitive-sweep-0624,0,6893108.story?obref=obnetwork  Link back to original story at the Daily Press.

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