Showing posts with label Richmond Virginia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Richmond Virginia. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

First Lady Helps Virginians Stay Warm This Winter




~ 2014 Fuel Assistance Application Deadline Is Nov. 14 ~

RICHMOND, Va. – First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe is leading efforts this fall to make sure there is help available for low-income Virginians who have difficulty paying their heating bills.

The First Lady appears in a new Public Service Announcement encouraging individuals and families to apply for fuel assistance through the Energy Assistance Program, which is implemented by the Virginia Department of Social ServicesApplications are being accepted now through Friday, Nov. 14

“No Virginian should have to face the winter months without heat, so I’m encouraging them to submit an application, as soon as possible, to their local department of social services,” said Mrs. McAuliffe.

The program assists with various types of energy sources, including electricity, natural and liquid propane gas, oil, kerosene, coal and wood. Families and individuals must apply through their local department of social services office.

“Last year, Virginia experienced a pretty harsh winter, and we anticipate similar conditions this year. This program is designed to ensure eligible citizens have access to the heating assistance they need,” said Margaret Ross Schultze, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Social Services. 

To qualify for Fuel Assistance, the maximum gross monthly income for a one-person household cannot exceed $1,265.  For a household of four, the maximum gross monthly income is $2,584. Nearly 126,000 households received assistance last year. 

The VDSS Energy Assistance Program is funded by the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) block grant. LIHEAP provides funds to states to assist low-income households in meeting their home energy needs.

“This program is essential to many Virginia families who struggle to pay their winter heating bills,” said Gov. Terry McAuliffe. “We appreciate this federal program, which helps Virginia meet the needs of thousands of Virginians.”

For more information on the EAP, visit http://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/ea/index.cgi, to screen for services, or to apply online, visit https://commonhelp.virginia.gov/access/.



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Friday, October 17, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Formally Unveils 2014 Virginia Energy Plan

English: Clean Energy Bike Français : Vélo Cle...
English: Clean Energy Bike  Clean Energy Planet (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Richmond, Va. Governor Terry McAuliffe today formally unveiled the 2014 Virginia Energy Plan at an event co-sponsored by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the Virginia League of Conservation VotersThe Governor laid out his strategic vision for energy policy in Virginia in front of a mixture of members of the business and conservation communities.

The Governor’s energy plan highlights his commitment to a true “all of the above” energy strategy that will promote the use and development of all available resources.     

In his remarks, Governor McAuliffe said, “If we are going to build the economy Virginia families deserve, we must begin by giving them the energy plan our economy demands. The plan we are rolling out today is focused on growing our energy economy (particularly in the renewable sector), emphasizing energy conservation, strengthening our energy infrastructure and training the workforce we need for the future.

“By working together, I am confident that four years from now we will live in a stronger Commonwealth that is less dependent on external forces and is fueled by cleaner, cheaper and more abundant Virginia energy.”

Barry DuVal, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, and event co-host stated, “We commend Governor McAuliffe’s commitment to an all-of-the above strategy for energy and look forward to working with his administration on strengthening Virginia’s energy infrastructure and growing this important sector of our economy.” 

Michael Town, Executive Director of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, and also a co-host, added, “Governor McAuliffe campaigned on clean energy job creation. The good news is that his Energy Plan recognizes that smart pollution cuts can mean a business opportunity to create clean energy jobs and save consumers and businesses money. Neighboring states have created 290,000 clean energy jobs in recent years while Virginia stood still. He has an opportunity to change that with his response to the Clean Power Plan standards."

Key highlights of the Energy Plan include:

Strategically grow the energy sector by promoting increased development of renewable generation and supporting innovation in nuclear technology.

Reduce energy consumption by aggressively pursuing energy efficiency measures in government, businesses and residences. 

Invest in reliable and resilient energy infrastructure to strengthen Virginia’s already strong business climate.

Prepare Virginia’s workforce to drive the future energy economy.


(With a little bit of luck, one day we may be able to bring ourselves up to the level of Cuba.  If we work hard, maybe we can.  YES WE CAN!)



Friday, September 12, 2014

Governor McAuliffe ‘Day to Serve’ Proclamation

, Senator from Massachusetts.
, Senator from Massachusetts. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
RICHMOND, VA - Governor McAuliffe released the following proclamation to recognize September 11th – 28th, 2014 as a “Day to Serve” in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

 By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

DAY TO SERVE

WHEREAS, Virginians are encouraged to make an intentional and united effort to be of service to their communities; and
WHEREAS, the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, approved by Congress and enacted into law on April 21, 2009, designated September 11 to be observed as an annual “National Day of Service and Remembrance”; and
WHEREAS, “Day to Serve” is an annual event that transcends political and religious differences to unite people of all faiths, races, cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds with a shared goal of helping those in need; and
WHEREAS,  between September 11–28, 2014, Virginians are encouraged to make a concerted effort to feed the hungry, clean up neighborhoods, and improve communities by recognizing and participating in “Day to Serve” activities; and
WHEREAS, the Corporation for National and Community Service is celebrating the 20 year anniversary of AmeriCorps through a “Year of Service” that will culminate on September 12, 2014, when all new AmeriCorps members will begin their service; and
WHEREAS, the Virginia Office on Volunteerism and Community Service will host its annual Volunteerism and Service Conference on September 11–12, 2014; and 
WHEREAS, on September 11, 2014, numerous service projects throughout Richmond will kick-off Virginia’s “Day to Serve” activities; and
WHEREAS, all citizens, faith groups, businesses, and community organizations are invited to support and participate in efforts to collect food, plant trees, clean up neighborhoods and parks, and address critical needs in their own backyards;
NOW THEREFORE, I, Terence R. McAuliffe, do hereby recognize each day duringSeptember 11–28, 2014, as a DAY TO SERVE in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.



Saturday, August 30, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces Administration Appointments, (They keep leaving to fast).

The Senate floor session in the Richmond capit...
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced additional appointments to his administration today. The appointees will join McAuliffe’s administration focused on finding common ground with members of both parties on issues that will build a new Virginia economy and create more jobs across the Commonwealth.


Secretariat of the Commonwealth
Board of Accountancy

·       Matthew P. Bosher of Richmond, Partner, Hunton & Williams LLP

Board of Dentistry

·       Sharon W. Barnes of Mount Vernon, served as Communications/Legislative Assistant to Virginia State Senator Linda T. “Toddy” Puller; Associate Legislative Director, Editor and Director of Public Affairs for the National Association for Uniformed Services/Society of Military Widows

Board of Pharmacy

·       Sheila Kay Wilson Elliott, PharmD, MBA of Portsmouth, Clinical Pharmacist, Hampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Board of the Virginia Public Building Authority

·       Carolyn L. Bishop of Powhatan, Director of Finance and Administrative Services, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

Community Integration Advisory Commission

·       Tameka F. Burroughs of Harrisonburg, Special Educational Consultant, Broadening Horizons Educational Support Services
·       Sandra A. Cook of Petersburg, Transportation Program Assistant, Senior Connections of Richmond
·       Susan A. Elmore, TRS, MBA/HCM, QIDP, CBIS of Colonial Heights, an employee of the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, and entrepreneur with her own health care operations consulting business, SAElmore Consulting, LLC
·       Stephen P. Grammer of Salem, disability advocate and recipient of the Certificate of Achievement, Partners in Policymaking
·       Danny L. Hodges of Hampton, foster parent and advocate for children with special needs
·       Lynnie McCrobie, LCSW, of Irvington Director of Community Options, Middle Peninsula Northern Neck Community Services Board
·       E. Ayn Welleford, MSG, PhD, AGHEF, of Richmond, Gerontologist Chair & Associate Professor Department of Gerontology, School of Allied Health Professions, Virginia Commonwealth University
·       Monica Wiley of Richmond, Office Manager, Democratic Party of Virginia and disability advocate
·       Shareen Young-Chavez of Chesterfield,  Line Unit Supervisor, Social Security Disability Determination Services with 17 years experience in the disability sector

Manufacturing Development Commission

·       Dennis Burnett of Staunton, Executive Director, Shenandoah Valley Partnership
·       Angeline Godwin, Ph.D., J.D. of Stanleytown, President, Patrick Henry Community College
·       B. Scott Tilley* of Virginia Beach, General Counsel, STIHL Incorporated
·       Brett A. Vassey* of Richmond, President & CEO, Virginia Manufacturers Association

New College Institute

·       Gracie Agnew of Fieldale, Adjunct Professor, Patrick Henry Community College

State Board for Community Colleges

·       Carolyn S. Berkowitz of Burke, Managing Vice President, Community Affairs, Capital One Financial Corporation; and President, Capital One Foundation

Virginia Cave Board

·       Janet Tinkham* of Fort Valley, Education Outreach Coordinator, AIDS Response Effort of Winchester

Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority

·       Eleanor Cantrell, MD* of Wise, Director,  Lenowisco Health District, Virginia Department of Health
·       Ralph R. Clark, III, MD* of Richmond, Chief Medical Officer of the VCU Health System and Associate Dean for Clinical Activities in the VCU School of Medicine
·       Nancy E. Dunlap, MD, PHD, MBA of Charlottesville, Dean, School of Medicine, University of Virginia
·       Shirley Rogers Gibson, DNP, MSHA, RN, FACHE* of Richmond, Associate Vice President of Nursing, VCU Health System
·       R. Neal Graham of Richmond, Chief Executive Officer, Virginia Community Healthcare Association
·       Deborah J. Johnston, RN of Richmond, Owner and President, Care Advantage, Inc.
·       Lori A. Rutherford, RN, LNP of Roanoke, Nurse Practitioner, Veterans Health Administration

Virginia Water Resources Research Center Statewide Advisory Board

·       The Honorable David L. Bulova of Fairfax, Member, Virginia House of Delegates and Senior Planner, AMEC Environment & Infrastructure, Inc.  
·        J. Michael Foreman of Palmyra, Director, Virginia Office of Environmental Education of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; a veteran of both the corporate and academic sectors,  currently serves as faculty of the Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute
·       Joseph H. Maroon of Midlothian, Executive Director, Virginia Environmental Endowment; former  Director, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

*Denotes reappointment


Friday, June 27, 2014

Virginia First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe and Virginia Association of Broadcasters Launch ‘Feeding Virginia’

Beans and Bacon
Beans and Bacon (Photo credit: coolmikeol)
RICHMOND, VA- This week, First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe and the Virginia Association of Broadcasters launched Feeding Virginia, a year-long campaign against hunger. This is a first-of-its-kind partnership between a state’s First Family and all members of a state broadcast association.

Feeding Virginia is a year-long hunger awareness campaign benefitting all seven regional food banks across the Commonwealth by raising funds and increasing donations of food. The campaign will begin July 1and will be supported by more than 150 local radio and television stations across Virginia, in collaboration with the Federation of Virginia Food Banks.

The First Lady will serve as the spokesperson for the campaign and she and Governor Terry McAuliffe will work with the VAB to promote Feeding Virginia. Together they will appear in a variety of Public Service Announcements (PSAs) supporting the program in the coming year.

“The Governor and I are passionate about making sure all Virginians have access to healthy meals and are supported in their times of need,” said Mrs. McAuliffe.  “I truly believe that collaborations like this are what it takes to solve challenges facing our communities and our economy and I commend the VAB for taking on this campaign to help end hunger in the Commonwealth.”

The campaign will begin with VAB member stations airing PSAs throughout the summer to raise awareness of the summer meals service. 

The federal summer meals program helps low-income children get the healthy food they need when school is out.  These free, healthy meals are available to children and teens age 18 and under, but in Virginia, only 17.6 percent of children who receive a free or reduced-price lunch during the school year are participating in the summer meals program. 

PSAs being run on local television and radio stations will let families know to text ‘Food’ to 877-877 or dial 1-866-3HUNGRY to locate the closest summer feeding site. 

In the months ahead VAB member radio and television stations will promote and support Feeding Virginia through news coverage, promotion of local food bank events, and the airing of Public Service Announcements designed to generate funds, food, and awareness across the state.

The Lynchburg News and Advance recently ran an article highlighting the federal summer meals service and discussed the importance of children receiving the healthy foods they need in summer months when school is out.  The full text of the article can be read here: