July 2004

• Post 180 is in dire need of contributions to the Building Fund. Please make as substantial a contribution as you can, or sign your Pledge Form (below) and write a check for at least $10 to: American Legion Post 180 Building Fund. Remit before the end of the month to: American Legion Post 180, PO Box 495, Vienna, VA 22183.
• Are you eligible to become a member of the Legion? All serving members of the Active and Reserve Components, and any former member of the Active or Reserve components who served at least one day of active duty during any of the following periods, are eligible to join the American Legion NOW. December 7, 1941 - December 31, 1946; June 25, 1950 - January 31, 1955; February 28, 1961 - May 7, 1975; August 24, 1982 - July 31, 1984; December 20, 1989 - January 31, 1990; August 2, 1990 - to a date not yet specified.
• Elections were held at the May Ladies Auxiliary meeting for 2004-2005 positions. Those elected were: President - Martha Hatter, Vice- President - Peggy Reinhardt, Secretary - Diana Amsbaugh, Treasurer - Emilie Larson, Historian - Shirley Martin, and Sergeant-at-Arms - Virginia Casey.
• Meeting times are as follows: Post 180 General Membership on the First Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m., Ladies Auxiliary on Second Wednesday at 11.30 a.m., Post 180 Executive Board on Third Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., and Sons of the American Legion on Fourth Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.
• Club 180 is open Monday-Thursday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., and Sunday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• Kevin D. Albrigo has joined the Bank as Vice President, Commercial Lending for the East Region, serving the Arlington and Alexandria markets.
• Marsha Bradshaw has been appointed Vice President and Sales Manager for the Bank’s Mortgage Lending Department.
• Virginia Commerce Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: VCBI) announced a five-for-four stock split in the form of a 25% stock dividend for shareholders of record on June 15, 2004, payable July 15, 2004.
• Virginia Commerce Bank is a full-service, community bank headquartered in Arlington, Virginia with over $ 1 billion in assets. For further information visit the web site at www.vcbonline.com.

• Magnetize Your Web Site, July 13, 6:00-9:00 p.m., $65 ($50 NWBC members) – Make your web site a “magnet” for attracting clients. This non-technical course is designed for the service business – CPAs, consultants, dog walkers, and more. You will leave knowing exactly what kind of web content will attract visitors and turn visitors into customers, and that an effective web site doesn’t have to be complicated, graphically beautiful, or expensive – it just needs to attract your ideal visitors, establish credibility, and ask for the business. http://www.womensbusinesscenter.org/pandw/courses/magnetizesite.html
• Introduction to Business Ownership, July 14, 2004, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Free – This seminar provides and introductory look at what it takes to establish a sound business. The session combines advice on how to research your business idea with tips for preparing for the multi-faceted demands of business ownership. http://www.womensbusinesscenter.org/pandw/courses/bizown.html
• Subcontracting and Teaming in the Federal Market, July 14, 2:00-5:00 p.m., $150 ($125 NWBC members) – For small firms, the real money in government contracting comes from teaming with other companies. Subcontracting can get you your first government contract and, with experience in the market, joint venturing will help you get bigger projects. This seminar will cover the full range of teaming arrangements and you will sharpen your understanding of current procurement trends and its impact on teaming opportunities. Additionally, the course will cover how to negotiate and draft agreements and contracts, the legal pitfalls and your rights and responsibilities under various teaming arrangements, including aspects of government contracting, specializing in small and small and disadvantaged businesses. http://www.womensbusinesscenter.org/pandw/courses/schedule.html
• Certification: Women’s Best Friend to Crack the Corporate Market, July 21, 3:00-5:00 p.m., $65 ($50 NWBC members) – Get the inside scoop on how women-owned businesses are entering and growing in the corporate market. You’ll learn how to combine three key tools: Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) certification, an understanding of corporate supplier diversity programs and a sound corporate marketing strategy. Reach the more than 500 WBENC corporate members who are interested in doing business with certified women-owned businesses. http://www.womensbusinesscenter.org/pandw/courses/schedule.html
• Getting a Good Deal in Commercial Real Estate, July 21, 6:00-9:00 p.m., $65 ($50 for NWBC members) – It’s a buyers market in commercial real estate and now is a great time to consider your business’s real estate needs. Learn how to plan for and succeed at leasing or buying property including determining your space needs, finding the right location, using a broker and other key issues. ompare leasing versus buying, discuss issues related to purchasing and explore options for construction. Note: information on SBA-guaranteed loans to purchase property for your business will be presented. http://www.womensbusinesscenter.org/pandw/courses/schedule.html
• Understanding the Federal Contracting Process from Start to Finish for Small Firms, July 22, 2004, 8:30 a.m-4:00 p.m., $325 ($295 NWBC members) – Jump start your company’s federal procurement success with this comprehensive all day course. Learn all the angles of the complex federal business environment and jump ahead of less well-prepared competitors. This overview of how to do business with the federal government will give you an insider’s perspective that saves you from the frustration of trial and error experiences. You will gain an overview of the federal acquisition system and what qualifications you need to be a federal contractor. Plus, you will learn about the special entrees for small businesses, the types of federal contracts and most common contracting methods and how to get repeat business. http://www.womensbusinesscenter.org/pandw/courses/schedule.html
• Introduction to Business Ownership, July 22, 12:00-2:00 p.m., Free – This seminar provides and introductory look at what it takes to establish a sound business. The session combines advice on how to research your business idea with tips for preparing for the multi-faceted demands of business ownership. http://www.womensbusinesscenter.org/pandw/courses/bizown.html
• Making a Profit or Just Making Sales? July 26 and 28, 6:00-8:00 p.m., $130 ($100 NWBC members) – Your business is up and running, you are out in the market getting customers and sales are going up, so why aren’t you making any money? As a business owner, you simply can’t be hindered by financial literacy. This two-part seminar will make you “money-smart” by providing you a complete package of tools to manage your finances and turn your business toward profitability and long-term success. http://www.womensbusinesscenter.org/pandw/courses/schedule.html
• Introduction to Business Ownership, July 27, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Free – This seminar provides and introductory look at what it takes to establish a sound business. The session combines advice on how to research your business idea with tips for preparing for the multi-faceted demands of business ownership. http://www.womensbusinesscenter.org/pandw/courses/bizown.html
• To Partner or Not to Partner: How to Choose Wisely & Make it Work, July 27, 6:00-9:00 p.m., $65 ($50 NWBC members) – Deciding to join forces with a partner can be a provocative and wrenching question for entrepreneurs. To begin and manage a working partnership requires exploring questions of compatibility, competencies, viability, and communication. This interactive session will explore the Four Pillars of Partnership, how to evaluate if someone is a good partner for you and how to use three critical relationship skills to make crucial partnership conversations easier. http://www.womensbusinesscenter.org/pandw/courses/partner.html
• Ready, Set, Grow: Washington’s Booming, July 29, 5:00-7:00 p.m., $25 ($15 NWBC members) – The Washington, D.C., region is leading the nation in economic recovery…are you getting in on any new opportunities? Share in new findings that show a robust expansion throughout the region. Gather the information to fuel your business growth. http://www.womensbusinesscenter.org/pandw/courses/schedule.html
• Up & Running – 12-Session, 12-Week Program, September 2, 6:00-9:00 PM, $495 – New or prospective business owners will learn to refine their business ideas to emphasize focus and profitability and avoid the painful pitfalls common to new businesses. Topics include strategic focus, business planning, forms of business organization, marketing public relations, pricing, sales, accounting, bank relations, setting up an office, and business plan review. The class culminates in a business plan presentation to a panel of guest bankers and entrepreneurs. In-person interview required during July. http://www.womensbusinesscenter.org/pandw/courses/unr.html

• The federal government is making a $3 billion upward revision to the total number of prime contract dollars awarded to small businesses in the 2003 fiscal year. The new total of $65.5 billion represents a 23 percent jump over fiscal year 2002 and sets a new record for small business prime contracting. The revised number also confirms that the federal government exceeded its own statutory requirements for small business contracting in 2003. The $65.5 billion that was awarded to small businesses in 2003 represents 23.6 percent of the total number of prime contract dollars awarded by the federal government.
• The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has agreed to work with the Office of Advocacy and more fully consider impacts on small business. This understanding was reached as part of settlement discussions between Advocacy and the FCC regarding the case of United States Telecom Association, et al., v. the Federal Communications Commission, et al. In the settlement, the Office of Advocacy agreed to withdraw its intent to file an amicus curiae brief in the case. In addition to working with Advocacy, the FCC agreed to urge state regulators to consider the concerns of small rural telecom providers that seek waivers to the new portability rules. The FCC will also examine the impact of its policies on small business in upcoming proceedings. The continuing case involves a Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) challenge to an FCC memorandum opinion and order on telephone number portability. The small business plaintiffs contend that the FCC did not fulfill its obligations under the RFA by not considering the impact of its rule on small business and by not considering alternatives to reduce its burden. Advocacy will work closely with the FCC to ensure that the settlement terms are implemented, and that the voice of small business is heard in FCC deliberations. These small business accommodations are in addition to any remedies that may be ordered in the case.
• Veteran-owned firms receive substantially more federal contract dollars than official figures show, according to a study released by the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration. The discrepancy results from inconsistent status coding of contracts across federal agencies and from difficulties in identifying veteran-owned businesses. Official statistics from the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) indicate that veteran-owned businesses were awarded 0.6 percent of total prime contract dollars in Fiscal Year (FY) 2002 and 0.4 percent in FY 2001. However, according to the new analysis veteran-owned businesses received at least 1.7 percent of prime contract dollars in FY 2002 and 1.6 percent in FY 2001.
• For more information about all of the SBA’s programs for small businesses, visit the SBA’s extensive Web site at www.sba.gov.

• The Town’s annual July 4th celebration will be held on Sunday, July 4, beginning at noon on the grounds of the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St., S.E. Admission is free. The rain date for fireworks only is Monday, July 5. Afternoon activities from noon to 5 p.m. will include arts and crafts vendors, food and drink for sale, and all kinds of entertainment. On the main stage, The Fabulous Cruisers will entertain with music from the 1950's to the present. The Children’s Stage will present the Bob Brown Puppets (1:00 p.m.), Magic with Amazing Mauny (2:00 p.m.), Balloon sculpture (2:45 p.m.), Storytelling (3:15 p.m.), and Lawrence the Magician (4:00 p.m.). There will also be an antique & classic car show from Noon-4 p.m., Family games at 2:30 p.m., and a greased pole climb at 4 p.m. The Vienna Community Band will perform at 8 p.m. preceding the fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. For more information, call the Vienna Parks and Recreation Department at 703-255-6360.
• The Vienna Town Hall will be closed on Monday, July 5, in observance of Independence Day. Trash will be collected as usual that day for town residents on the Monday collection route.
• “Caring for Your Newborn" is a free class for new & expectant parents that will be presented on Tuesday, July 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center. Topics will include choosing a pediatrician, preparing the nursery, nutrition, changing and clothing, carrying, bathing, umbilical cord care, car seat use, and when to call your doctor. This program is free of charge, but registration is required. For more information, call the Vienna Parks and Recreation Department at 703-255-6360.
• Dining Skills For Adults will be presented July 7 and 14 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center. Learn about table manners, silverware selection, American and Continental eating styles, duties of hosts and guests, and many other do's and don'ts. The cost for both classes is $40 for Town of Vienna residents and $50 for out-of-town participants plus a $10 materials fee. For more information, call the Vienna Parks and Recreation Department at 703-255-6360.
• Babysitting Fundamentals, for boys and girls age 12 and older, will be held on Saturday, July 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center. Learn how to care for infants and young children, including bathing, games/activities, basic first aid, diapering, and safety practices. The fee of $30 per person includes a manual and certificate upon completion. Bring a bag lunch and a doll.
• For more information on any of these programs, call the Vienna Parks and Recreation Department at 703-255-6360.

• Independence Day is just around the corner and that means that the Fairfax County Park Authority has plans to make your holiday memorable. Mark your calendars for an evening of spectacular fireworks at Lake Fairfax Park, and an extravagant celebration at Lee District Park. Start your day with an aquatic adventure. Bring the family to the Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole at Lake Fairfax. You'll find this facility offers over an acre of slides, flumes, sprays, showers, floatables and interactive play features. The Water Mine is open from 10am-8p.m. At dusk, celebrate freedom and liberty at the Lake Fairfax annual community gathering. From 9-9:30 p.m. enjoy spectacular fireworks in a beautiful park setting. Admission to the park is free. In case of inclement weather, a rain date has been set for July 5th. If it rains on July 4th and 5th then the event will be cancelled. For more information please call 703-471-5415.
• Frying Pan Park Seeks Flea Market Vendors - Clean out the dusty corners of your attic and garage and turn those used goods into cash! A community Flea Market will be held on Saturday, July 31 from 9am - 1pm at Frying Pan Park in Herndon. The vendor fee is only $30 for a 12' x 24' space and proceeds benefit the Park Authority's Volunteer Program and the Friends of Huntley Meadows Park. Call 703-324-8750 for a registration form. Spaces sold out in previous years for this popular event, so early registration is recommended. There is no charge for shoppers.
• The FCPA Board adopted a Green Procurement Policy earlier this month. The action, taken on June 9th, integrates environmental considerations into all aspects of purchasing goods, services and construction while maintaining cost effectiveness. While the policy does not change the Park Authority's compliance with contract awards pursuant to the Fairfax County Purchasing resolution, it does require that purchases meet certain environmentally sound criteria. The Park Authority Purchasing Branch procures a wide variety of goods and services each year valued at approximately $13 million in support of various activities of the Park Authority.
• Lee District Nights is a series of concerts held during the months of June, July and August. All concerts are cancelled in case of rain.
  • The Irish Breakfast Band, July 14, 7:30 p.m.
  • Lox and Vodka (Jewish soul music), July 21, 7:30 p.m.
  • Warner Williams and Jay Summerrou of a Little Bit of Blues, August 4, 7:30 p.m.
  • The American Song (rock, vintage country, pop, gospel, R&B, and jazz music inspired), August 20, at 7.30 p.m.
• The Braddock Nights summer concert series is a series of concerts held at Lake Accotink Park.during the months of June, July and August. All concerts are cancelled in case of rain.
  • Washington Toho Koto Society, July 23, 7:30 p.m.
• For more information, please call 703-922-9841 or visit the website at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances.htm. For cancellation information please call 703-971-6262.